{"id":12141,"date":"2005-04-01T14:47:13","date_gmt":"2005-04-01T19:47:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12141"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:04","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:04","slug":"death-rides-a-black-horse-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12141","title":{"rendered":"Death Rides a Black Horse (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 A serial killer is wreaking havoc in the surrounding area. When a dying woman, a victim of such an attack, gives Adam Cartwright\u2019s name as her killer, there\u2019s only one person alive that can dispute her claim. But Joe Cartwright knows the woman isn’t lying because he\u2019s a victim too and he was present when the crime took place. Should he believe what his eyes tell his mind he witnessed, or should he follow his heart?<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong>\u00a0 PG13 for violence\u00a0 (13,700 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Death Rides a Black Horse<\/strong><\/p>\n

The night was dark and dreary; not a creature stirred. The pines and oaks were motionless, as if fear had gripped its fingers around their mighty trunks, refusing to let them voice their fright. Even the moon hid behind the dark clouds, refusing to light the path that led up to the front of the whitewashed, clapboarded farmhouse, making the unknown fathom pick and choose his way carefully.<\/p>\n

High on a perch amid the branches of a tall Ponderosa pine, an old hoot owl watched the night stocker moving like a ghost through the shadow less gloom and round the corners of the outbuildings until he stood at the bottom step of the front porch.<\/p>\n

The face was covered with a hood that obscured his distorted features; a cloak covered his body and hid from prying eyes, the black shirt and pants he wore. Nothing of his features could be seen, even in the darkness, it was impossible to tell the color of his eyes. His eerie like presence would have made the bravest of men shiver with fear so dismal was his appearance.<\/p>\n

The black-gloved hand reached for the door and slowly, silently slid the thin bladed knife under the latch until it rose enough that the door was pushed gently opened. Inside, Carl and Martha Langley had just blown out the lamps and had begun to make their way up the narrow steps that led to their bedroom on the second floor of the house.<\/p>\n

The stairs creaked, resounding in the hollow of the winding staircase and adding to the suspense that was quickly building within the house. Martha led the way, holding tightly to the lone candle where the soft glow of light was barely enough to light their way. Carl followed behind, until he suddenly stopped, feeling the fine hairs on the back of his neck bristle, filling him with an unknown dread. Turning abruptly, he was shocked to find the hooded figure behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Before he could shout out a warning to his wife of thirty years, Carl was grabbed by the front of his shirt and sent hurdling down the narrow stair well. Cries of agony rose to a screeching high pitch as he bounced downward, hitting each of the hard wooden steps with a resounding thud. At the bottom of the stairs, Carl laid dead, his body lying in a twisted and mangled position that spoke of his doom.<\/p>\n

Martha screamed hysterically, momentarily stunning the intruder. Fearing for her life, the frantic woman darted quickly up the remainder of the steps and into the first room, slamming and locking the door behind her.<\/p>\n

The cloaked figured said nothing, but his deep, evil laughter rang with venom as he took his time climbing the stairs. Once he reached the locked door, he paused, grinning wickedly. The dimple in his cheek deepened, momentarily softening his otherwise wicked appearance.<\/p>\n

One fierce kick with his booted foot shattered the lock making the door swing open. Martha saw the dark silhouette shaped like a man enter the room and stop, obviously searching the dense blackness for his next victim. She held her breath, daring not to breathe or move and thus giving herself away.<\/p>\n

The shrouded form moved deeper into the room, twisting and turning his head, desperately seeking the woman. Martha had practically stopped breathing. The man was inches from where she huddled behind a chair.<\/p>\n

The intruder sniffed the air and then Martha heard his heinous laughter for the second time. Fear seemed to have an odor all it\u2019s own and a keen nose could easily pick up its scent. Unexpectedly, hands grabbed her from behind. The terrified woman had only a split second to scream before one hand moved to cover her mouth, halting any further sound from spewing forth.<\/p>\n

Martha struggled, but in vain. She felt the hands guiding her, the overpowering body of her tormentor pushing and then shoving her forward, onto the bed. Another second and the sound of ripping material and wicked, evil laughter rang loudly in her ears. Flaring nostrils picked up his scent\u2026the scent of death! Martha\u2019s body began to convulse as the stabbing pain of the intruder\u2019s attack began its assault. One final, piteous plea for help and it was over. The fruitless cries died on death\u2019s uncaring ears; life slipped quickly from its housing as Martha\u2019s soul joined her husband\u2019s in life hereafter.
\n\u201cDear God, Roy,\u201d stammered Ben Cartwright. \u201cAny idea who might have committed such an atrocious crime?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope, not a clue,\u201d answered the town\u2019s sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothin\u2019 atall?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

The sheriff shook his head back and forth.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis here murder has got the whole town riled up, Ben. I got more\u2019n twenty men out looking for\u2026anything\u2026that might give me a clue to who might have killed that old man and woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

The disgusted look on Ben\u2019s face showed his repulsion. \u201cAnything Hoss and I can do to help you, Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might keep an eye opened for anything out of the ordinary\u2026and report any strangers you see hanging around. You hired any new hands lately?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cI haven\u2019t\u2026Hoss, do you know if Adam\u2019s done any hiring?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked thoughtful and then nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome to think of it, he did hire two men\u2026but that\u2019s been more\u2019n two maybe three weeks ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t say?\u201d muttered the sheriff. \u201cThey here abouts?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNaw\u2026they\u2019re both working up at the number one lumber camp, Roy\u2026that\u2019s where Adam sent them,\u201d explained Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey got names?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026let\u2019s see\u2026Jessie Wells and\u2026hmm\u2026Davie\u2026something or other,\u201d stammered Hoss with a thoughtful look.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s alright, Hoss\u2026I might just have to ride up there and talk to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSay, Roy, you needn\u2019t bother, Adam said that Sam Harrington over at Carson City said that they were friends of his and that they would be good workers, that\u2019s why Adam hired them, they came highly recommended,\u201d explained Hoss. \u201cOld Sam would have known if\u2019n they\u2019d ever been in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s good to know, I\u2019ll take old Sam\u2019s word for it, he\u2019s an old friend of mine, too\u2026say, Ben\u2026is Adam around?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he and Joe left this morning. They went over to Gold City to pick up a couple of horses he was planning on buying from some fellow. They won\u2019t be back until suppertime,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cDo you want me to tell him you\u2019d like to talk to him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy mounted his horse as he prepared to leave. \u201cDon\u2019t bother, Ben, I\u2019ll ride back out this way tomorrow. I just want to find out more about those men he hired. See ya\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben tossed up his hand, waving goodbye at his friend as Roy rode off.<\/p>\n

\u201cGolly, Pa\u2026I wonder why on earth someone would want to murder that nice old man and woman?\u201d Hoss questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, son\u2026I just don\u2019t know. But we\u2019d best keep our eyes opened\u2026the murderer could be anyone, and until Roy finds some lead\u2026no one hereabouts is safe,\u201d Ben cautioned.
\nThree nights later a howling wind rattled the windows of nearly every house in the district. A pounding rain, driven by the fierce winds, beat down crops, broke limbs from treetops and pelted the roofs of each house and barn that was made to suffer under the torrential rains.<\/p>\n

From the dark shadows a lone figure, clad in a long, hooded robe-like coat watched as the farmer hurried into the barn to tend to his stock. Unaware that he was being stalked, Lester Gamble went about his business. When the barn door creaked, he paid no heed to the sound, blaming the banging of the door on the harsh winds and driving rain. The big roan gelding in the stall with Lester, snorted loudly, it\u2019s ears twitched nervously. The farmer ran his hand gently down the long smooth neck as he whispered soft words in an effort to calm the animal. Lester dumped some oats and grain into the feeding trough and waited until the horse began to munch on its supper. Satisfied that the animal had calmed down, Lester moved from the stall and put away the feed sacks.<\/p>\n

Picking up his lantern and blowing out the flame, the tired farmer headed toward the door, ready to settle in with his wife and prepared to read the nightly passages from his worn out Bible.<\/p>\n

As Lester\u2019s hand grabbed the latch on the barn door, hands from out of the darkness suddenly covered his mouth and nose. The startled man began to struggle as he felt his body being dragged deeper and deeper into the darkened barn. A sharp, stabbing pain pierced his side. Lester\u2019s muted cries went unheeded as he slipped slowly to the ground. Death had claimed another victim. Minutes later a forth soul would wing its way to heaven\u2026Anna, would be among the dying.
\n\u201cWonder what\u2019s going on?\u201d Joe Cartwright asked his father as they rode into town together.<\/p>\n

\u201cCouldn\u2019t say, son. Maybe Roy found out who killed the Langleys. Come on, let\u2019s go talk to Roy,\u201d Ben said as he nudged his horse into a quicker gait.<\/p>\n

Ben and his son dismounted in front of the sheriff\u2019s office. The crowd of bystanders was thick and the Cartwrights were forced to elbow their way to the door. Pushing the door opened and practically being shoved inside, Ben and Joe faced the local sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Ben\u2026Joe. Say Joe, what happened to ya arm?\u201d Roy asked, noticing for the first time the sling that held Joe\u2019s right arm.<\/p>\n

Joe laughed in a mocking way.<\/p>\n

\u201cI fell off my horse\u2026don\u2019t ask, Roy\u2026it\u2019s a long story,\u201d the young man snickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy\u2026what on earth is going on?\u201d Ben asked in a demanding tone. He nodded his head toward the door and the crowd that had gathered.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you find out who killed the Langleys?\u201d Joe blurted out before Roy had time to answer the first question.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026No\u2026it\u2019s much worse\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Ben quizzed, glancing at Joe with a worried look on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s been another murder, Ben\u2026two in fact,\u201d Roy groaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat! Who was it this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy sighed deeply before responding.<\/p>\n

\u201cLester and Anna Gamble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026dear God\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow Roy\u2026how were they murdered?\u201d Joe demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cLester was killed while out in the barn\u2026he was\u2026knifed. Ben,\u201d Roy said with such a downcast expression that Ben was forced to place a calming hand on the lawman\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t pretty\u2026the way that Lester was carved up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes, pushing a mental image from his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the woman?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

Roy shook his head slowly. Ben could see the remorse that shrouded his friend\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cSame as Martha Langley, butchered,\u201d he muttered in a low tone. \u201cThe entire town\u2019s out for blood, Ben\u2026they\u2019re like wild animals, ready to hang the first stranger that rides into town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re scared,\u201d explained Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that\u2026and they\u2019re angry\u2026and that anger is beginning to direct itself at me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019s that?\u201d Joe inquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cCause boy, I ain\u2019t got the first clue as to who is going around killing our neighbors, that\u2019s why!\u201d exclaimed Roy in exasperation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, they can\u2019t blame you for that\u2026you\u2019re doing all you can\u2026aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think? Of course I\u2019m doing all I can\u2026but without a witness\u2026there\u2019s just no way of knowing who is doing all the killing, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCouldn\u2019t you find anything? No tracks, no\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing\u2026whomever is doing this, is smart\u2026and sly\u2026he knows his way around and he moves quickly and quietly. From what I can tell\u2026there\u2019s no forewarning that this madman is any where around until he strikes\u2026it\u2019s a puzzle to me, Ben. And I need help with this\u2026before it gets any more out of hand!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll help,\u201d declared Joe. \u201cJust tell us what you want us to do\u2026oh\u2026and Hoss and Adam will want to help as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood\u2026that\u2019s what I need right now\u2026men I can trust,\u201d Roy proclaimed with a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n

For two nights and two days, nearly fifty men combed the county for clues to the murders. On those nights, nothing out of the ordinary happened. Among the group were the four Cartwrights, the Devlin\u2019s, and Cass from the mercantile, Roy Coffee, Clem Foster, the Pruett\u2019s\u2026and still no clues were discovered. Discouraged, Roy ordered the men home, instructing each one to keep a close eye on what was going on around them. Better yet, Roy informed them, was to post a guard around their places, just in case.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the widow Thompson?\u201d Joe asked after everyone had departed and gone their separate ways.<\/p>\n

Ben and his sons were grouped together, riding slowly back toward the ranch when the subject of the elderly woman was brought up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose one of us could ride over to her place\u2026maybe stay the night, you know, keep watch,\u201d suggested Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do it,\u201d Joe volunteered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026dadburnit,\u201d grumbled Hoss.<\/p>\n

Adam snickered. \u201cYou\u2019re just pouting because you know the widow makes the best apple pies around,\u201d teased Adam.<\/p>\n

Joe laughed as well. \u201cI\u2019ll save you a piece\u2026what about the rest of you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got a horse to finish breaking to saddle,\u201d Adam admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and that\u2019s some horse, too,\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is a beauty, isn\u2019t he? The man had a matching pair, but said that before I got there some other fellow made him an offer on one that he could not refuse. So, I had to settle for just one of them\u2026but he sure is something isn\u2019t he?\u201d Adam said with a touch of pride.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure \u2018nough is. I don\u2019t reckon I\u2019ve ever seen a horse that black,\u201d Hoss stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you guys later,\u201d Joe said as he turned Cochise off the main road toward the Widow Thompson\u2019s place.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou be careful, Joseph,\u201d Ben warned.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about me, Pa\u2026I can take care of myself,\u201d Joe called with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure you can,\u201d muttered Adam under his breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard that!\u201d Joe called and then giggled.<\/p>\n

Ben watched as his youngest son headed off in the opposite direction and then hurried to join Hoss and Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019ll ride over to the Willard\u2019s\u2026just to check and make sure everything\u2019s alright there,\u201d Ben informed the duo.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good idea\u2026seems like this mysterious murder picks the older couples for his victims,\u201d Adam commented.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026old and practically helpless. Mr. Langley was crippled in one leg, and Mr. Gamble had a bad arm\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pulled his horse to a quick stop, staring opened mouth at his middle son.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, hold up,\u201d he ordered, bringing both Hoss and Adam to a stand still.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Pa?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat Hoss just said\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d I say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout Lester and Carl\u2026each man had a handicap of some type\u2026the murderer seems to be singling out the near helpless\u2026\u201d Ben said in a thoughtful manner.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026you might be on to something,\u201d Adam was quick to comment. \u201cWe need to think about who else hereabouts might be handicapped in some fashion\u2026they could be our next victim!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re absolutely right, son. Hoss\u2026why don\u2019t you ride back into town and tell Roy what we were considering, in the mean time, Adam, you ride back to the ranch and keep an eye out on things,\u201d ordered Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019ll ride over to Hank Marshall\u2019s place, he fell and broke both legs last week\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou thinkin\u2019 ole Hank might be the murderer\u2019s next victim?\u201d Hoss asked, alarmed at the thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s possible, Hoss, it\u2019s possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell Roy I\u2019ll be into town to talk to him later, as soon as I make sure Hank\u2019s alright. I think I\u2019ll try to talk him into staying out at the ranch with us for a spell,\u201d Ben said as he nudged his mount.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful, Pa,\u201d Hoss called out after his father.<\/p>\n

Ben tossed his hand up into the air as he rode out of sight.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026guess I\u2019d best get into town,\u201d Hoss said to Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll meet you back at the ranch. I think I\u2019ll take the black out for a run,\u201d Adam explained. \u201cHe needs some exercise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlrighty big brother, but remember what Pa said, keep your eyes opened,\u201d Hoss cautioned his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will, you do the same.\u201d
\n\u201cThat\u2019s about the best apple pie I\u2019ve ever had, Mrs. Thompson,\u201d Joe mumbled as he swallowed the last bite and wiped his mouth with the red checked napkin that the kindly old woman had set next to his plate.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy Little Joe Cartwright, I do declare\u2026you are a flatterer!\u201d Mrs. Thompson snickered.<\/p>\n

Joe blushed pink but returned her smile with one of his own. Slowly he pushed back his chair and faced the woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the truth, ma\u2019am. Even Hop Sing, our cook, would be jealous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh really, Joseph, you\u2019re as bad as my Ernest used to be. He was such a charmer\u2026why, he could charm the hat right off\u2019n a man\u2019s head if\u2019n he had the notion. And I suspect, ya could do the same, if\u2019n ya a mind too,\u201d she laughed as she began to clear the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know about that\u2026but\u2026shh\u2026\u201d Joe suddenly cautioned, frightening the woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d she whispered in a trembling voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone\u2019s on the porch,\u201d replied Joe moving with caution toward the sound.<\/p>\n

Joe put his finger to his lips, motioning for the woman to remain still. His eyes scanned the room, finding his gun belt hanging from a peg behind the door. Leaning over, Joe blew out the flame in the lamp and signaled for the lady to move to the far corner of the room.<\/p>\n

The creaky sound of the latch on the door being raised caused the fine hairs on Joe\u2019s neck to rise suddenly as he quickly moved to reach for his pistol. A loud clap of thunder rattled the windows in the cozy little house and it\u2019s rumbling lingered on a bit longer. Joe pressed his hand to the latch and yanked the door opened.<\/p>\n

In the doorway stood a dark figure, looking as if he had no face. The hooded villain\u2019s form was outlined only by the remnants of light that lingered from the fading of day. His long, flowing cloak waved gently by the slight breeze that struggled to make it\u2019s way into the cabin but was blocked by the intruder in the doorway. The sound of heavy raindrops beat against the tin roof, but Joe was barely aware of the dinging sound, his eyes were fixed on the image of the man standing before him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Joe breathed in a long sigh of relief, \u201cyou just scared the life out of us,\u201d he said as he holstered his pistol and turned to light the lamp.<\/p>\n

From across the room, Mrs. Thompson stepped into the soft glow of the lamplight. Her face was a mixture of fear and relief and then suddenly she screamed at the top of her voice, sending cold chills surging down Joe\u2019s spine. The woman extended her arm, pointing at the man standing directly behind the young Cartwright.<\/p>\n

Joe spun around, startled at what he was seeing. Before Joe could collect his muddled senses, he felt the butt of the man\u2019s pistol slam down hard across his shoulder blade, sending him screaming in pain to the floor. A swift movement from the man\u2019s boot sent another agonizing jolt of pain into his mid-section. Joe groaned painfully as he tried to get up. Halfway to his feet and another hard wallop to the side of his head caused the younger man to slump forward, hitting the hard floor. For only a second, everything in his world spun and then it all disappeared into nothingness as Joe lay unconscious in the middle of the room.<\/p>\n

The intruder moved forward, grabbing for the woman as she tried to retreat.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026no\u2026no\u2026please,\u201d she begged. \u201cWhat\u2019s gotten into you\u2026why are you doing this\u2026NO\u2026NO\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman fought against the hands that pawed at her body. She tried to pull away, but the man was too strong, she too feeble to ward him off. Her body was slammed down across the bed. Screams filled the night.<\/p>\n

In the deep recesses of his mind, Joe could hear the piteous cries for help. The sound awakened in him, a keen sense of self-preservation that called him back from the ebony hole in which he had sank. As his world began to take shape, the cries became more urgent, giving him the power over the pounding pain that riddled his body, to rise to his feet.<\/p>\n

His brother, with his back to the younger man, was savagely beating the woman. Joe moved with sluggish steps toward the bed, where he grabbed the shoulders of the man and wrenched him from the woman.<\/p>\n

The heavy dark hood had fallen away, giving Joe a distorted perception of the man\u2019s facial appearance. Though his mind was still in a fog, the finely chiseled features were somewhat familiar, yet there remained a nagging doubt in the back of Joe\u2019s mind. Something wasn\u2019t right\u2026it couldn\u2019t be his brother\u2026but\u2026there he seemed to be, larger than life.<\/p>\n

With his movements hindered by the beating he\u2019d taken, Joe tried to push his brother away. He doubled up his fist and swung.. His aim totally missed the man\u2019s chin and Joe was off balanced just enough that it caused him to stagger forward, directly into the arms of the one standing before him.<\/p>\n

Blow after blow was hammered into his face, his stomach, his sides, until he could take no more. Joe\u2019s body crumbled to the floor. The man turned to go; Joe inched his hand toward his pistol. His fingers brushed the cool metal as Joe drew his gun and aimed. His brother had become an animal, he had to stop Adam before he could kill again.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026\u201d Joe cried in a weak voice.<\/p>\n

Adam paused at the door, turned, his pistol drawn. As he pointed it directly at the younger man, Joe\u2019s fingers squeezed the trigger at the same instance that the other man\u2019s firearm discharged. Joe saw Adam stagger backward, bright red blood flowed from the wound in his brother\u2019s left shoulder.<\/p>\n

Joe tried to push himself upward, but the burning sensation he now felt in his lower side, caused him to hesitate slightly. The last thing he would recall much later was the sight of the wounded man as he turned to flee into the darkness of night, disappearing into the shadows.
\nBen stood before the old grandfather clock. It was the forth time in less than twenty minutes that he had checked on the time. Hoss, who sat in the blue chair cast anxious eyes over at his father, concerned that Ben seemed so worried that Adam had not yet gotten back from his ride on the new black horse he had purchased in Gold City just a few days ago. Finally, Ben opened the door and gazed out into the darkness. It was several long moments before he closed the door and walked back to his chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder what on earth is keeping that boy?\u201d Ben muttered, more to himself than to Hoss and Hank Marshall, who had agreed to be their houseguest for a few days.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw..he\u2019ll be alright, Pa. Adam can take care of himself,\u201d Hoss said, trying to reassure his father.<\/p>\n

Ben lit his pipe, taking a long drag before making any response.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, Hoss\u2026it\u2019s just that\u2026well, with this storm brewing and everything that\u2019s happened, I don\u2019t like him being so late.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he stopped off at the Widow Thompson\u2019s and decided to ride out the storm there, with Joe,\u201d Hoss suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s possible, but not likely. Adam knows enough not to make me worry when things are such as they are. No, he\u2019ll be home later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben took another long drag on the pipe and blew the smoke out of his lungs. He was getting impatient. Too many strange things had been going on over the last several weeks and with things as they were, Ben was prone to worrying.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, saddle our horses, please,\u201d stated Ben in a matter of fact tone.<\/p>\n

Hoss glanced up at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are we goin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo find your brother, and then over to the Widow Thompson\u2019s place\u2026I want to make sure that she and Little Joe are alright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCourse they\u2019re alright\u2026Pa, what on earth is wrong with you tonight? You\u2019re as jumpy as frog in hot water\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Not finding his son\u2019s remark the least bit comical, Ben glared at his middle son.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething\u2019s wrong, Hoss\u2026I feel it in my bones\u2026and I aim to find out what it is, now are you coming or not?\u201d growled Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026I didn\u2019t mean to rile ya. Sure, I\u2019m comin\u2019, but what about Hank?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026never ya mind about me, Hoss\u2026I\u2019ll be fine right where I\u2019m at. Besides, Hop Sing and I have to finish off that chocolate cake he baked earlier,\u201d laughed the old timer.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd ya pa said himself, Adam should be back any minute\u2026you two run along and check on the widow and the boy\u2026I\u2019ll be alright,\u201d Hank explained to the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure, Hank? I could go myself and leave Hoss here with you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026no\u2026you take your son with you\u2026can\u2019t never tell, ya just might need him,\u201d assured Hank.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright then, we won\u2019t be long. If you need anything, Hank, just ask Hop Sing, he\u2019ll get it for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Ben\u2026don\u2019t ya fret none about me\u2026now get goin\u2019!\u201d
\n\u201cPa\u2026slow down,\u201d Hoss called as Ben finally pulled back on his mount\u2019s reins.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, son,\u201d Ben apologized.<\/p>\n

He waited until Hoss caught up with him. \u201cI\u2019m just worried\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Pa\u2026I know things are bad, but I really don\u2019t think we have anything to be worried about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t understand, son, there\u2019s something that\u2019s been bothering me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Hoss asked as he pulled up next to his father.<\/p>\n

It was hard for the younger man to see the worry etched into his father\u2019s expression in the dark, but he knew the fine lines were there. The unease caused his father\u2019s voice to tremble slightly when he spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember Hoss, we were talking about this murderer attacking and killing only the elderly and the handicapped?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure\u2026but Joe\u2019s with the Widow Thompson and he ain\u2019t handicapped,\u201d Hoss stated.<\/p>\n

The rain had stopped for the present, and in the gentle rays of moonlight, Hoss saw his father shake his head back and forth.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink again, son\u2026Joe\u2019s arm is in a sling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026but that don\u2019t mean he\u2019s\u2026Pa\u2026what are you thinking\u2026that this monster might attempt a killin\u2019 at the Widow\u2019s place?\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s possible, Hoss. Another thing that\u2019s been on my mind\u2026besides being older and handicapped\u2026what else do these people have in common?\u201d Ben asked, putting voice to his inner fears.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026what?\u201d Hoss replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just it, son\u2026I don\u2019t know either, but my gut tells me that these murders all have something in common\u2026I just don\u2019t know what that common factor might be,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, let\u2019s ride.\u201d
\nHalf an hour later, Ben suddenly jerked back on the reins, causing Buck to rear up slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa!\u201d demanded Ben of the animal.<\/p>\n

He pointed straight ahead.<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t that Adam\u2019s new black horse?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure looks like it!\u201d answered Hoss, nudging his mount on up ahead of his father.<\/p>\n

Hoss quickly and easily slid down from the saddle, easing his way toward his brother\u2019s black horse, which eyed him nervously.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy now, big boy,\u201d Hoss cooed.<\/p>\n

He moved slowly toward the animal until he was able to grab the reins that dangled down. Ben had spotted a man lying face down on the ground. His stomach churned with dread, for deep within he knew the lifeless figure was his eldest son, Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben gently turned the young man over, moving aside the hooded poncho that shielded his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Ben said lowly, his heart beating rapidly. \u201cCan you hear me, boy? What\u2019s happened to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss tied the black horse to the same branch where Chubb and Buck were tied and hurried to join his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened\u2026is he alright?\u201d he said in a rush of words.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been shot\u2026in the shoulder,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

Adam made a groaning sound and forced his eyes opened. He was surprised to see his father\u2019s face looming above him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d he muttered weakly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, son\u2026what on earth happened\u2026who shot you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss watched as Adam swallowed and struggled with his words. Slowly and with great effort, Adam raised one arm and pointed into the darkness.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss scrunched up his face and glanced worriedly at his father. He could see the same disbelieving, confused look on Ben\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he say, Joe, shot him?\u201d stammered Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I thought he said\u2026but I don\u2019t understand\u2026why? I mean\u2026why would Joe shoot his own brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glanced down at Adam.<\/p>\n

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

But Adam had passed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, do you think you can manage to get your brother home? His shoulder seems to have stopped bleeding\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to find Little Joe and see if he can explain\u2026this to me,\u201d he stated, glancing down at his son. \u201cYou take Adam home and send Hop Sing into town for the doctor, I\u2019m going to ride over to the Thompson place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, don\u2019t ya worry none, Pa, I\u2019ll see that Adam\u2019s taken care of\u2026help me get him on my horse\u2026\u201d
\nThe instant that Ben rode into the yard, he knew things were not as they should be. The house was dark, there was no lamp burning and for the time of evening that it was, he knew the house\u2019s occupants had not yet retired for the night. Quietly, he tossed the reins around the hitching post and approached the house. Ben could see that the front door was standing wide opened, which caused a sense of foreboding to wash over his being. Slowly, he pulled his gun from the holster strapped to his right hip and inched toward the door. For several long seconds he stood still, letting his eyes adjust to the interior darkness of the small house.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d he called out in a muted whisper.<\/p>\n

Anxiously Ben waited for a response. When none was forth coming, he stepped side ways into the main room, his body tense and ready for action, should there be any thing or any one lurking in the darkness. His heart thumped loudly in his chest and Ben was certain that the pounding sound would give away his presence.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Thompson?\u201d whispered Ben.<\/p>\n

Still, there was no answer; but Ben did pick up the sound of soft moaning. Being sure that no one was in the house that might be a threat to him, Ben found the lamp on one of the corner tables and striking a match, set the wick to burning. Carefully, Ben picked up the lamp, holding it over his head as he took in the ransacked condition of the room. It was obvious that a fight had taken place within the close quarters. Chairs were missing legs, the table was overturned and dishes lay broken in the floor. As Ben turned the opposite direction, he saw what he had feared he might find. Lying face down in the far corner of the room was the crumbled body of his son.<\/p>\n

Instantly, Ben righted the table nearest to the body lying in the floor and set the lamp down.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d he cried, carefully turning his son onto his back. \u201cJoe\u2026can you hear me, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d whimpered the battered young man.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, son, I\u2019m here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe\u2026woman,\u201d cried Joe, weakly pointing toward the door that separated the rooms. \u201cDead\u2026he\u2026killed her\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glanced toward the partly opened door and then down at his son who was his first concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho killed her\u2026who\u2026did this to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

He watched the expression harden on the battered face and was taken back by the tears that flooded the hazel eyes. In the pit of his stomach, Ben could feel the churning picking up momentum and he suddenly felt nauseous.<\/p>\n

Joe squeezed his eyes tight, dreading having to tell his father who had beaten him so horribly and who had killed the Widow Thompson. In his heart of hearts, he still refused to believe who he had seen commit such atrocious acts.<\/p>\n

Before Joe could make his confession to his father, another moaning sound that came from the other room drew Ben\u2019s attention momentarily away from his injured son.<\/p>\n

Helping Joe into a sitting position, he leaned down, whispering.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay put\u2026\u201d he cautioned.<\/p>\n

Ben drew his pistol from the holster and crept silently to the door of the room. When he peeked inside, his heart felt as if it leapt into his throat. On the bed, lay the Widow Thompson, battered and broken, whimpering softly.<\/p>\n

Holstering his gun, Ben rushed to the bed. The woman was covered in blood, her clothes tattered and torn lay tossed about the room. Quickly, Ben grabbed the blanket from the foot of the bed and covered the unsightly scene that shook him to the very core of his being.<\/p>\n

\u201cSarah?\u201d Ben said, gently taking the woman\u2019s head in his hands and lifting her slightly.<\/p>\n

Old, frightened and blackened eyes searched for the soft, deep voice. The elderly woman tried to stifle a cry.<\/p>\n

\u201cSarah\u2026please, can you tell me who did this to you?\u201d pleaded Ben.<\/p>\n

The woman\u2019s eyes finally found what they were looking for. She stared up into Ben\u2019s face, recognizing him as her long time friend. Like Joe\u2019s, her eyes filled with tears. She forced herself to speak.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2026so\u2026sorry\u2026Ben,\u201d she muttered weakly.<\/p>\n

Ben knew that the woman\u2019s life was ebbing fast. But he had to know\u2026he had to have a name\u2026the name of a serial killer, so that he could put an end to the senseless murders.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know the name of the person responsible?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarah Thompson nodded her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho, Sarah\u2026who was it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarah\u2019s eyes locked with Ben\u2019s. Tears streamed slowly down from the corners as she spoke the name.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026Adam Cartwright\u2026your\u2026son\u2026\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n

The wind rushed from Ben\u2019s lungs. Surely the woman was mistaken; there was no way that he\u2019d believe his oldest son capable of doing what this woman claimed he had. Ben left sick to his stomach, so sick that he was forced to swallow repeatedly to keep down the rising bile that threatened to spew forth.<\/p>\n

\u201cSarah\u2026you must be mistaken\u2026Adam could never do this\u2026think again, please, please tell me that you are wrong!\u201d Ben pleaded with the dying woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2026sorry\u2026Ben\u2026but it was\u2026your\u2026Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarah drew a deep breath and when it expelled from her lungs, life slipped away. The Widow Thompson died in Ben\u2019s arms, her deathbed confession naming his son as her murderer.<\/p>\n

A movement at the door caused Ben to look up. The glow from the lamp on the table in the other room highlighted the tears that glistened in his dark eyes. Joe leaned heavily against the doorframe; minuet droplets of water lingered on his bruised cheeks. Behind him stood Roy Coffee. Tenderly, Ben rested the widow\u2019s head on the pillow and covered her face with the blanket used to cover her body.<\/p>\n

As if he were toting a ton of weight on his shoulders, Ben moved slowly to the door where Joe and the sheriff waited. His expression clearly showed his distress.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026you need a doctor, son,\u201d he said as he slipped his arm about his son\u2019s slender waist.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be alright, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy\u2026what are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was on my way out to see you, when the storm struck. I was closer to here than the Ponderosa so I figured I\u2019d just stop and pass the time with Little Joe here,\u201d Roy explained. \u201cSeems like my services are needed, I\u2026heard what the Widow Thompson said, Ben\u2026that it was Adam\u2026what done the\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was mistaken!\u201d growled Ben.<\/p>\n

He refused to accept the confession of the woman who targeted his son as a murderer.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no way that Adam could do something like this\u2026no way, you\u2019ll never make me believe it\u2026never\u2026besides, Joe was here\u2026tell him son\u2026Adam had nothing to do with this, or with beating you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s knees were getting weak and he begun to lean heavier and heavier against his father. His senses were still somewhat muddled, refusing to acknowledge what his eyes had seen, what had registered in his mind but had yet to convince his heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get you to a chair. You can rest while I look at this wound and then we\u2019ll get you home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben led Joe to the nearest chair that had not been broken and eased the young man down gently. While he ripped open Joe\u2019s shirt, Roy fetched some water from the pump at the sink so that Ben could cleanse the wound.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just a graze, son, you should be fine in a few days, and after a long rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked up at Joe, noting the pain that creased his handsome face. The boy had become quiet, almost sudden. Ben glanced around for the sheriff, but Roy had gone to saddle Joe\u2019s horse and prepare a wagon in which to transport the body of the dead woman, back to town.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard a noise\u2026so I blew out the light\u2026and then the door started to open\u2026\u201d Joe paused and looked down.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on boy\u2026what happened after that?\u201d Roy, who had just returned, stood in the doorway.<\/p>\n

Joe hesitated slightly, looking at his father with such pain in his eyes that Ben knew the answer without even waiting for Joe to respond to the sheriff\u2019s question.<\/p>\n

\u201cWas it\u2026Adam, son?\u201d Ben asked quietly.<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed again, shrugging his shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not\u2026sure\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, you\u2019re not sure?\u201d Roy asked. \u201cThe Widow saw him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026I mean\u2026\u201d Joe sighed deeply. \u201cI\u2026don\u2019t know\u2026what I mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, this is important, son\u2026very important. Did you see the man\u2019s face?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head up and down. Ben waited with baited breath, but Joe said nothing more.<\/p>\n

\u201cWas it\u2026your brother?\u201d Ben asked again.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026I can\u2019t be sure\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t be sure\u2026you know your own brother, boy,\u201d Roy stated with a bit of anger. \u201cDon\u2019t try coverin\u2019 for him, son\u2026you\u2019ll only get yourself into trouble\u2026now think, was it Adam what done all this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben saw his son\u2019s chin begin to quiver and the sad, pleading eyes that stared at him. Ben was forced to swallow as Joe had done moments before. The rumbling in his gut sounded loud to his own ears and he briefly wondered if the others could hear it too.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026just tell the truth, son. Whatever happened, we\u2019ll get through this\u2026together\u2026all of us,\u201d Ben said as he placed a gentle hand on his son\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI jerked the door opened\u2026there he was\u2026\u201d Joe sniffled. \u201cI was shocked to see him there again, but relieved at the same time\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen it was Adam?\u201d Roy demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026and\u2026no\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d puzzled Roy. \u201cWas it or was it not your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes overflowed. He lowered his head, unable to meet his father\u2019s questioning eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026I\u2026mean\u2026it\u2026looked like Adam\u2026but\u2026Pa\u2026\u201d sobbed Joe, \u201cit couldn\u2019t have\u2026been. Adam wouldn\u2019t\u2026do this\u2026I\u2026just\u2026can\u2019t be sure\u2026I\u2019m sorry\u2026I\u2019m sorry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pressed his fingers deeper into Joe\u2019s shoulder. His own head was bowed, his heart heavy with grief with all that had been happening and now with this\u2026this possibility that his own son, his flesh and blood could be a suspect\u2026and that\u2019s all Adam was at that point, a suspect.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright, Joe\u2026we\u2019ll figure it all out later. Right now I need to get you home while Doc Martin is still there\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Martin\u2019s at your place?\u201d Roy asked, surprised at the information.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026Hoss and I were on our way over here\u2026just to check on things and we found\u2026Adam\u2026he\u2019d been waylaid by someone\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, son?\u201d Ben asked, turning his attention to tying the bandage he\u2019d wrapped around Joe\u2019s middle to protect his side where he\u2019d been grazed by a bullet.<\/p>\n

\u201cWas Adam hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, son\u2026should he have been?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026I\u2026was forced to\u2026shoot at him\u2026when he\u2026ere\u2026the intruder was leaving\u2026I knew I had to\u2026stop him. That\u2019s how I got hit\u2026I\u2019m almost positive\u2026I hit him in the\u2026left shoulder.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy stepped forward to help Ben ease Joe from the chair. He studied his friend\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Ben\u2026was Adam hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, Ben nodded his head. The sick feeling that had gnawed at his gut for hours, was reaching a climax.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019d been shot,\u201d muttered Ben.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes grew wide with fresh fear.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere?\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath\u2026everything seemed to be pointing at his son, yet in his heart, he knew it was impossible. He looked first at Roy and then at Little Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the left shoulder.\u201d<\/p>\n

He felt Joe\u2019s body sag to the floor, instantly becoming dead weight.<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp me get him into the wagon, Roy, he\u2019s fainted.\u201d<\/p>\n

Minutes later, both Joe and the Widow Thompson were settled in the bed of the wagon and on their way to the Ponderosa.
\n\u201cThere you go, Adam,\u201d Doc Martin said, smiling. \u201cYou should be fine in a couple of days\u2026just stay in bed and rest until I tell you otherwise,\u201d he said as he went about gathering up his things.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Doc, I\u2019ll make sure he don\u2019t go no where,\u201d laughed Hoss, relieved to see his brother sitting up in the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust make sure that you do, Hoss\u2026and tell your father\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The sounds of an approaching wagon drew the doctor and Hoss\u2019 attention to the window.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that Pa?\u201d Adam called from the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026and he\u2019s got someone with him\u2026Joe\u2019s horse is tied to the back of someone\u2019s wagon. I\u2019d best go see what\u2019s up,\u201d Hoss called over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

He was already on his way out. Paul Martin remained at the window a moment longer.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh my,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Adam wanted to know.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss and your father are carrying Little Joe inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul turned from the window and pointed his finger at Adam who was already trying to get out of bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou stay put young man\u2026and that\u2019s an order. Hop Sing,\u201d Paul called to the small servant who lingered behind. \u201cMake sure he doesn\u2019t get out that bed, I don\u2019t want that wound to break open and start bleeding again, he\u2019s already lost too much blood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir Doctor\u2026I make sure Mis\u2019ter Adam stay put.\u201d
\nHoss helped his father put Joe in his bed and then stepped back, appalled by what he saw.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to him, Pa? Who done this to the boy?\u201d the big man demanded as he fought to control his anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not sure,\u201d Ben said, eyeing the sheriff with a stern, silent warning.<\/p>\n

Immediately, the physician was at the bedside, tending to the young man\u2019s wounds. His first concern was Joe\u2019s side where the bullet had grazed him. He focused his attention there.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, if Adam\u2019s awake, I\u2019d like to question him,\u201d Roy stated in a matter-of-fact tone.<\/p>\n

Ben glanced over his shoulder at the sheriff and then at the doctor for his approval.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s awake, Roy,\u201d stated Paul. \u201cBut he\u2019s lost a lot of blood, don\u2019t talk to long, he needs to rest,\u201d the doctor cautioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis won\u2019t take but a minute and then I\u2019ll have to take the body into town.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 eyes widened and Paul momentarily paused working to turn and stare at the sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cBody?\u201d both Hoss and Paul cried at the same time.<\/p>\n

Roy nodded his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot Widow Thompson?\u201d stammered Hoss as he quickly glanced over at this father.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m \u2018fraid so, Hoss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen whomever is responsible for all these killin\u2019s, killed the Widow and beat up Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks that way,\u201d Roy affirmed Hoss\u2019 assumption.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut who\u2026who would do such a thing?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

He just couldn\u2019t fathom one man going about the countryside killing and attacking elderly, helpless ladies. He wanted nothing more than to get his hands on the person or persons responsible.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom what Sarah Thompson said right before she died\u2026and what Joe claims to have seen\u2026I\u2019m afraid your brother is responsible\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d Hoss inquired.<\/p>\n

The shock was evident in his tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Hoss\u2026Roy seems to think that Adam is responsible\u2026\u201d Ben answered in a gruff, somewhat disgusting tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT!\u201d shouted Hoss, instantly anger showed in his blue eyes that had suddenly turned dark and dangerous. \u201cYa gotta be outta ya mind, Roy\u2026there ain\u2019t no way that Adam could do these things,\u201d snarled Hoss, taking a threatening step toward the sheriff.<\/p>\n

Ben moved to his son\u2019s side, placing a strong handhold down on Hoss\u2019 arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course it wasn\u2019t Adam\u2026we both know that\u2026but Hoss\u2026things don\u2019t look to good for your brother. Come on, let\u2019s go talk to him, see what he has to say about this,\u201d Ben suggested, releasing his hand from Hoss\u2019 arm and leading the way down the hall to his oldest son\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

When the trio entered, Adam was leaning his head back against the soft stack of pillows. His eyes were closed and at first glance one might think that the handsome young man was sleeping.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s sleeping,\u201d whispered Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo I\u2019m not, Pa\u2026it\u2019s alright, come on in,\u201d Adam called as he opened his eyes and watched the men move about his bed in a semi-circle. \u201cI was just resting my eyes, trying to think. What\u2019s going on? How\u2019s Joe\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you tell us what\u2019s going on?\u201d Roy asked, his tone dark.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s brow furrowed slightly as he studied the long faces.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what you mean, Roy,\u201d Adam said, eyeing the sheriff. \u201cAnd I\u2019m not sure I like your tone\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Ben said quickly as he moved to the head of the bed and leaned down closer to his son. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you tell us how you got shot\u2026and who did it\u2026and\u2026why? Where were you heading\u2026where had you been\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026please, one question at a time,\u201d Adam said in a pleading voice.<\/p>\n

He touched his fingers to the bridge of his nose, a sure sign that he was stressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI took the new black horse out for a run\u2026just like I told you I was going to. I wasn\u2019t going anywhere in particular\u2026just letting him run, that\u2019s all. I was going to stop by to check on Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you were there?\u201d Roy quizzed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026I mean\u2026I think so\u2026I told you, I wanted to make sure he and Widow Thompson was alright,\u201d Adam explained, glancing around at the worried faces.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd were they?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026the best I can remember\u2026why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll explain in a minute, son, go on, what happened after you saw your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard the thunder rumbling so I pulled my slicker on so\u2019s not to get wet. I was headed back home when I heard what sounded like gunfire\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere you close to the Thompson\u2019s place, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026I hadn\u2019t ridden far. It sounded as if the gunfire might have come from there, I thought Joe might be in trouble, so I headed back that way\u2026I think\u2026but I got stopped\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, you think? And who stopped you?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026don\u2019t know\u2026I couldn\u2019t see the man\u2019s face\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s expression was beginning to show signs of stress. His father knew that his son was trying to sort the facts, to put the events in correct order, but was having a hard time doing so.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened then, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure, Pa\u2026everything happened so fast. One minute I was stopped and the next minute I was shot and lying on the ground\u2026I don\u2019t remember anything else\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam scrunched up his face, as if in pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sayin\u2019, boy\u2026that you did or you didn\u2019t make it over to the Thompson place?\u201d Roy questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m saying, I don\u2019t remember\u2026I only remember heading that way\u2026I want to say I got there, that I saw Joe and that everything was alright\u2026but\u2026I\u2019m just not sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam glanced at his father. \u201cI don\u2019t know if I was actually heading over there\u2026or coming back\u2026I can\u2019t remember\u2026everything is all jumbled up in my head.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled and placed his hand on Adam\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright, son. You rest, we\u2019ll worry with all of this later,\u201d Ben assured his son as he stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026what\u2019s going on\u2026what happened that you\u2019re not telling me?\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t lie, Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed deeply, there was no reason to withhold the truth from his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cWidow Thompson was murdered tonight\u2026and your brother was badly beaten\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDear God,\u201d cried Adam. \u201cHow is Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you know?\u201d Roy snapped.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes, though weak, glowed with anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cShould I?\u201d he snarled.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, there\u2019s been some mistake\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Widow Thompson didn\u2019t die easy, not instantly,\u201d Roy explained. \u201cShe gave your father the name of the man who beat her and who she knew would be her murderer\u2026and who nearly beat your brother to death\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes, if possible, grew darker.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho was he?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a long, uncomfortable silence that filled the room. No one wanted to tell the injured young man that he had been named as the one responsible for beating and killing the widow and who, most likely, had killed the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam demanded when the silence grew unbearable.<\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cSon\u2026as I told you, there\u2019s been a horrible mistake\u2026but Sarah Thompson\u2026and Little Joe, both said that\u2026you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cME!\u201d shouted Adam. \u201cThat\u2019s impossible\u2026Pa, you know better than that\u2026.I could never\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Adam, I know\u2026I don\u2019t think for one second that you could have done those things\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why did Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was mistaken, Adam. He was nearly beaten to a pulp\u2026he wasn\u2019t thinking coherently\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The look on Adam\u2019s face was almost more than his father could bear.<\/p>\n

\u201cSon,\u201d he began.<\/p>\n

Adam held his hand up, silencing his father\u2019s words.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe that Joe would honestly think I could do such things,\u201d he stammered, leaning his head back and closing his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t \u2018think\u2019, Adam\u2026but he claims you were there\u2026yet he says he isn\u2019t sure\u2026he\u2019s very confused,\u201d Ben tried to explain.<\/p>\n

Adam opened his eyes and looked at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cConfused or not, it\u2019s what he should know in his heart\u2026and if he doubts me\u2026I could hang for what he and that woman claimed they thought they saw.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned his face away from the prying eyes. His heart pounded heavily in his chest, his emotions had suddenly drained him. He wanted to be alone\u2026to\u2026think and to try and remember. His mind raced, trying to fill the void where lapses in memory suddenly haunted him, faces flashed before his weary, pain filled eyes. Fear seized his soul and caused him to moan softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, I\u2019m tired\u2026leave me alone\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pressed his lips firmly together.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright son\u2026we\u2019ll talk later.\u201d
\nBen saw the sheriff to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2026I\u2019ll have to take him in, you know that\u2026as soon as he\u2019s well enough,\u201d Roy said with remorse. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Roy\u2026I understand you\u2019re only doing your job\u2026but you don\u2019t really think Adam could do this, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not, Ben\u2026but with the Widow Thompson\u2019s deathbed confession, and Little Joe seeing Adam there\u2026believing that it was his brother that beat him\u2026what can I do\u2026I\u2019m duty bound.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand Roy\u2026and I appreciate the fact that you believe in my son. We\u2019ll get to the bottom of this somehow\u2026we just have too,\u201d Ben added as an anxious after thought.
\nThe next couple of days proved to be about the most stressful that Ben could remember. Joe\u2019s condition worsened. His injuries had proved to be more serious than first thought. Not only did Joe have some broken rips, he complained constantly of severe headaches from the blows he\u2019d received during the beating. The pain in his head was so intense at times that the young man was barely able to open his eyes or say but a few words at a time. Ben constantly was going back and forth from Joe\u2019s room to Adam\u2019s. By the end of the week, Adam was in much better shape than his younger brother. Before Roy could escort him back to town, Adam insisted that he be allowed to see and perhaps talk with his younger brother.<\/p>\n

He entered the room quietly. Joe was resting his head against a stack of pillows, halfway propping his battered body in an upright position. His eyes, darkened by the bruises that circled them, were closed. Adam pulled up a chair, close to the bed and sat down. Joe\u2019s hand was on top of the covers, and seeing it, Adam could not refuse the urge to reach out and place his own hand atop his brother\u2019s. Almost instantly, Joe\u2019s eyes opened. Looking first at the hand that covered his and then the man sitting at his side, Joe pulled his hand away from under his brother\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s lips tightened. The hurt and disappointment was hardened into his expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor whatever you think happened, Joe\u2026I\u2019m sorry,\u201d he muttered softly.<\/p>\n

Joe turned his head, unable to meet the probing eyes that looked so intently at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026please\u2026look at me\u2026look at my face,\u201d Adam begged.<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Joe slowly turned his head and looked at his brother, he had yet to utter a word.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t do it, little buddy\u2026I couldn\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw you,\u201d Joe whispered in a low voice.<\/p>\n

Adam lowered his head, squeezing his eyes tightly, forcing the memory to return, but he was denied yet again.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think you saw me\u2026I wasn\u2019t there\u2026I swear\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I saw you!\u201d Joe said with more force, for he was still in a weakened condition and his head was pounding something fierce.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright\u2026I admit, I might have been there\u2026but I didn\u2019t do what you think I did, Joe\u2026I couldn\u2019t have,\u201d he sighed.<\/p>\n

Adam raised his head slowly, studying his brother\u2019s face intently. Joe seemed so sure\u2026had he been there\u2026twice? No, screamed his brain\u2026once perhaps, to check on things\u2026but not for\u2026murdering!<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026\u201d Adam said in a strained whisper, \u201cdo you really think I could kill a woman and beat my own brother half to death?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe pushed his head into the pillows, closing his eyes. A tiny tear was squeezed from the well of one eye and rolled unceremoniously down the front of his face. With great pain, he shook his head from side to side.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank God,\u201d murmured Adam.<\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes. More tears streamed down his face as he finally looked deeply into his brother\u2019s troubled eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2026\u201d whimpered Joe. \u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026who\u2026or why\u2026or what happened, Adam\u2026all I can remember is\u2026seeing your\u2026face\u2026when I opened\u2026the door\u2026and then again\u2026when you tried to\u2026leave. I\u2026I\u2026shot\u2026you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe\u2026you didn\u2019t shoot me\u2026that\u2019s just it\u2026someone else shot me. It was a man in a hooded cloak that stopped me on the trail\u2026He\u2019s the one that shot me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen\u2026who did I\u2026shoot?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Buddy\u2026but it wasn\u2019t me!\u201d Adam declared. \u201cYou have to try to remember, Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

This time, Joe squeezed his eyes tightly shut, trying to remember, forcing himself to put the missing pieces together, but nothing seemed to work.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t, Adam\u2026I can\u2019t seem to get passed the door\u2026when I jerked it opened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, it\u2019s time, son,\u201d Ben said as he stuck his head into the room, interrupting the conversation. \u201cRoy\u2019s waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave his brother a tight smile as he stood up. Joe reached his hand out, allowing Adam to clasp it in his own.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry about all of this, Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright, Joe\u2026we\u2019ll get through it. I\u2019m just glad to know you believe in me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam squeezed his brother\u2019s hand a little tighter and smiled a little broader.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just get better, I\u2019m going to be needing you soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe returned the gesture and with a forced laugh, he told his brother, \u201cBoy, that\u2019s a switch, you needing me\u2026usually it\u2019s the other way around!\u201d
\nThe crowd that had gathered around the porch of the sheriff\u2019s office was unbelievable. Ben had ridden into town with Roy and Adam, just to be sure that nothing went wrong and seeing the angry gatherers that waited to catch a view of the mass murderer, Ben was glad that he had accompanied his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cNews sure does travel fast,\u201d Adam muttered as they slowed their pace upon seeing the by-standers.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, especially bad news,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cAnd these folks are mad\u2026I hope this doesn\u2019t turn ugly.\u201d<\/p>\n

The words were barely out of his mouth when the crowd spotted the trio moving up the street. Several men turned and began shouting out threats; talk of a lynching could be heard between the vile names that were slung at Adam. Ben moved his mount closer to his son\u2019s. His hand had already moved to his gun and as Ben\u2019s fingers brushed the cool metal, he felt rather than saw the tightness in his son\u2019s body as they came nearer to the angry mob.<\/p>\n

Roy pulled his horse slightly ahead of Ben and Adam\u2019s and pointed his long barreled rifle at the crowd.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone stop right where ya are!\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n

The two men at the front of the group halted their advance as the others circled around the three men still on horseback.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe was wonderin\u2019 when ya was goin\u2019 to bring the murdering scum in, Sheriff,\u201d one man shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026it\u2019s about time\u2026I say we hang the bastard right here and now!\u201d someone else yelled.<\/p>\n

The mob began to inch forward. Ben\u2019s pistol was in his hand. Roy moved his horse forward, placing himself between the group of on-lookers and his prisoner.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019ll be no lynchin\u2019!\u201d he shouted. \u201cAdam Cartwright will get a fair trial\u2026now I want all of you to go home\u2026there ain\u2019t nothing for you to do here\u2026now go on\u2026get!\u201d he said, pointing his rifle in their direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe ain\u2019t gonna get away with them murders, Sheriff\u2026his own brother will have to testify against him\u2026the Langleys and the Gambles and the Widow Thompson were all our friends, they was good people\u2026and that murdering scum killed them all\u2026I say we hang\u2019em!\u201d<\/p>\n

Cheers went up from within the crowd. Things looked as if they might get out of hand. Roy fired a shot into the air to silence the group. He then pointed his gun at the man who seemed to be the leader.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m warnin\u2019 all of you\u2026get off the street. Go home before there\u2019s more trouble, more killin\u2019. This here man\u2019s gonna stay in my jail\u2026Ben, you take Adam on inside,\u201d Roy ordered as he slowly slid from his horse, his rifle still aimed at the men.<\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben led his son inside to the sheriff\u2019s office, where he stood guard at the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa ain\u2019t gonna let him get away with it, are ya sheriff?\u201d some one called.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s gonna stand trial\u2026if\u2019n he\u2019s found guilty, he\u2019ll pay\u2026just like anyone else\u2026I give you my word,\u201d Roy promised. \u201cNow go home, sober up\u2026tomorrow, you\u2019ll see things differently.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on men\u2026ain\u2019t no use all of us standing around here. But be warned Ben Cartwright\u2026ya boy\u2019s gonna pay for what he done to those fine folks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d a voice called out. \u201cAt least with the murderer locked up in the jail, the rest of us can get a good night\u2019s sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s all go over to the saloon and have a beer!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good to us, Sheriff, ya take real good care of that prisoner, ya hear? We wanna see him hang for what he\u2019s done!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat crowd is only going to get worse, Roy,\u201d Ben complained after seeing that Adam was safely locked in a cell, protected from the angry towns people who seemed to have already tried and found him guilty.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve a good mind to stay in town tonight, Roy,\u201d Ben said as he stood at the window in the sheriff\u2019s office and watched the angry mob.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d appreciate that, Ben, but what about Little Joe and Hank?\u201d Roy inquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is with them, and Hop Sing\u2026they\u2019ll be alright, I\u2019m more concerned for Adam\u2019s safety right now,\u201d Ben said, turning from the window.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou rest now, Shortshanks, I got chores to do and then I\u2019ll come back and sit with ya for a spell; how\u2019s that?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t look like I have a choice, Hoss,\u201d Joe said solemnly. \u201cI just wish\u2026\u201d he paused, as if thinking.<\/p>\n

Hoss understood how his younger brother felt. Joe was feeling guilty about Adam having to go to jail. He\u2019d worried all evening about not being able to unscramble the pieces about what had happened several nights ago. It was causing the youngster to have nightmares and Joe\u2019s eating had slacked off, not to mention the fact that he was as cross as a mama bear.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Joe\u2026Adam don\u2019t blame ya none\u2026so don\u2019t go blaming ya self,\u201d Hoss said, trying to reassure his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Hoss, it\u2019s just that\u2026well\u2026I just wish I could remember. I know Adam couldn\u2019t kill those people\u2026my God\u2026what reason would he have? None\u2026but someone had reason\u2026reason enough to kill five people\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, me and Pa was wondering what those people might have in common\u2026other than being a bit older and all being handicapped in some way\u2026strange, ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you got that right\u2026but Hoss\u2026I could have sworn that it was Adam at the door\u2026my brain says it was\u2026because my eyes believed they saw him, but my heart won\u2019t\u2026don\u2019t believe it. It\u2019s impossible\u2026but I saw him\u2026with my own eyes and I shot him\u2026and Adam did have a bullet wound in his left shoulder\u2026still\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Joe\u2026the Widow said it was him\u2026you say you saw him, you said he beat you\u2026don\u2019t none of it make no sense to me,\u201d Hoss sighed unhappily.<\/p>\n

Joe pressed his head back against the pillows.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa said he might stay in town tonight, didn\u2019t he?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, in case there was trouble. Roy said the folks were really riled up about all of this. He said there\u2019s been talk of lynching Adam\u2026people everywhere think he\u2019s guilty\u2026and he hasn\u2019t even been tried yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked with sad eyes at his brother, his chin quivered.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably because they know I\u2019m the star witness for the prosecution!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026and that\u2019s a bummer, Little Joe\u2026makin\u2019 you testify against your own brother\u2026say, I gotta get to the barn, the stock probably thinks I\u2019ve forgotten them. You stay put, ya hear? I won\u2019t be long\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPromise, Hoss? I\u2026I\u2026really don\u2019t feel like\u2026being\u2026alone,\u201d muttered Joe.<\/p>\n

Hoss gave his brother a small smile, nodded his head and turned to go.<\/p>\n

\u201cPromise,\u201d he called as he pulled the door closed.<\/p>\n

Hoss hurried down the stairs, pausing to say explain to Hank that he had to feed and bed down the stock.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be in the barn, Hank.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hank looked up from where he sat in his wheel chair and smiled warmly at his host.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry ya self none about me, Hoss\u2026I\u2019m waitin\u2019 for Hop Sing to finish up the dishes, then him and me are goin\u2019 to play some checkers. Say\u2026how\u2019s the boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe? Aw\u2026he\u2019s feelin\u2019 a bit down\u2026about what he knows he\u2019s gonna have\u2019ta do\u2026I mean testify against Adam and all\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cT\u2019ain\u2019t right\u2026makin\u2019 one\u2019s kin testify again their own like that\u2026just t\u2019ain\u2019t right,\u201d muttered old Hank.<\/p>\n

\u201cReckon not,\u201d Hoss said as he put on his hat and opened the door.
\nIn the barn, Hoss groomed the horses, taking special care with his brother\u2019s new black stallion. He made sure that each animal was well fed, adding a bit more to their feeding trough than usual. His mind was on his brothers, thoughts of what might happen to them and to his family caused him to fail to hear the creaking of the barn door; nor did he see the lone figure that slipped through unobserved to hide and wait in the shadows.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere ya go, Chubb\u2026don\u2019t ya feel better now?\u201d Hoss muttered as he petted the long silky neck of his big gelding.<\/p>\n

Hoss backed slowly out of the stall and turned. He was caught totally unprepared for the club that cracked down across his collarbone, rendering him helpless as his massive frame slid to the dirt floor.<\/p>\n

Groaning and numb with pain, Hoss tried to push himself to his feet. Once he was on his knees, he looked up at the shrouded silhouette standing over him. The pain in his shoulder raced to his brain, making him weak; he swayed gently as he tried to focus through the fog that seemed to have settled over him. The form moved, raising his hands and the club, high over his hooded head. Only a sliver of light from the soft glow of the lantern that dangled from a peg on one side of the barn, allowed Hoss the only glimpse of the interloper\u2019 face. His eyes widened in total disbelief.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat in tarnation\u2026Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss breathed quietly. The big man pushed himself up on one foot; one knee still supported his frame. Once more he glanced up, disbelieving what his mind was trying to tell him. He rubbed one eye with a balled fist, fighting the wave of nausea that boiled in the pit of his stomach. Again tried to stand up, but the villain, the man responsible for all the killings, was not about to let this giant of a man stand in his way, he had one more man to kill, the only witness that could point a finger in his direction, Joe Cartwright!<\/p>\n

The club came crashing down across the same shoulder. Hoss screamed in agony, his body trembled from the force of the blow and then slumped forward, everything whirled before him and then the gentle giant lay motionless and quiet, face down in the muck that had collected on the barn floor.<\/p>\n

The man with the long black cloak stood over the still form, debating where or not to kill the big man. Before he could decide, he heard voices coming from the front of the house. Quickly he blew out the lamp and stole silently to the barn door and peered out. The Chinese servant, who he had seen before, had just wheeled Hank Marshall out onto the porch; the older man\u2019s legs were covered with a light blanket. From his hiding place, the stranger watched as Hank lit a cigarette and slowly took a puff.<\/p>\n

\u201cI go make coffee, then we play checkers, yes?\u201d Hop Sing said to Hank.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d laughed Hank, \u201cYou go ahead, Hop Sing, I\u2019ll finish my smoke and then wheel myself in, Hoss should be joinin\u2019 us soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlrighty, Mis\u2019ta. Hank\u2026\u201d Hop Sing said, turning and entering the house through the side door that led directly into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

Hank took another long drag on his cigarette. Leaning his head back and closing his eyes, he blew the smoke from his lungs, totally unsuspecting of the darkly clad scoundrel who had managed to approach him from behind and now stood only inches from him. As Hank tossed down his cigarette, placing both hands on the wheels of the chair, he turned toward the door.<\/p>\n

From out of the dark, strong fingers encased his neck, squeezing tightly. Hank reached for the fingers about his neck, struggling with more strength than he had ever been known to have. But the long fingers that had wrapped themselves about his throat were younger, stronger, more powerful fingers. His were old and drawn and no match for the ones desiring to choke the life out of him.<\/p>\n

After several long moments, Hank felt life begin to slip slowly from him. His arms fell carelessly to his sides, his body slumped forward. When the murderer released his hands, Hank\u2019s body slipped downward, out of the chair and onto the hard boarded porch in front of the door, used by so many welcomed friends. This night, death stood in the doorway, by no means a welcomed visitor.<\/p>\n

The shrouded figured snickered softly and then suddenly stopped, placing his fingers to the bridge of his nose, as if he were hurting. For a fraction of a second, the assassin staggered forward, groaning as he cupped his face in both hands. He drew in several deep breaths and then turned suddenly, hearing a noise coming from within. Pushing back his own discomfort, the dark figure stepped over Hank\u2019s motionless body and opened the side door leading into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

Silently, he shut the door. In the corner, the Chinese cook had just sat a pot of coffee onto the stove. The man moved forward, quiet as a mouse. When he was standing directly behind Hop Sing, the man hit the cook over the head with the butt of his pistol. Hop Sing groaned as he slipped to the floor.<\/p>\n

As if he knew the lay out of the house, the stalker moved through the kitchen and into the dining area where he paused to scan the room, making sure he was alone. With a twitch of his lips that almost resembled a smile, the man, his hood still covering his head and shielding his face, worked his way around the furniture, his destination, the upstairs bedroom where he knew his next victim lay sleeping.<\/p>\n

He appeared smug, sure of himself and his endeavor. The interloper was on a mission, a mission to kill, to remove from personal harm, the one person he believed able to identify him. Once at the top of the staircase and facing the long hall, he paused, seemingly confused by the darkness that swallowed up the hallway, for no lamp had been left burning, there had been no need. Patiently, the observer waited until his eyes became adjusted to the darkness and then he saw what he had hoped to find. The soft warmth of a lamp shone from beneath the door. Sure that his victim occupied the room, the villainous fiend crept cautiously forward, suddenly running into a table that he had failed to notice. A vase, placed on the table was knocked to the floor, making a loud crashing sound in the quiet house. The man froze.<\/p>\n

The door was suddenly yanked opened and Joe Cartwright appeared in the hallway. Not giving his prey time to react to his intrusion, the hooded form bolted forward, catching his victim unaware as he slammed his heavy body into Joe\u2019s, sending the younger man toppling over backwards. Before Joe could get to his feet, his attacker charged him again, hammering his upper body with forceful blows that left him badly over powered.<\/p>\n

Determined not to give in to his already weakened state, Joe tried to ward off the blows being delivered to his battered body. After the first assault, Joe knew it was worthless, he felt his draining strength begin to ebb away. His assailant continued with such brutality that Joe was barely able to defend himself, and totally unable to retaliate against the man\u2019s viciousness.<\/p>\n

Without warning, the attack stopped as abruptly as it had begun. Joe lay on his back, his breath coming in rapid little gulps. His head pounded, his senses dulled by the beating, could barely distinguish between what was real and what appeared to be surreal. He could hear voices, and then shouting\u2026and then there was a ruckus, someone was fighting. Joe heard a table being knocked over and then a cry of agony\u2026a plea\u2026<\/p>\n

It was a struggle to do so, but with sheer determination, he pushed himself up on one elbow, shaking his head gently from side to side in an attempt to clear the fog. When hands reached out through the darkness at him, Joe drew back, sucking air into his lungs, ready for the blows to begin pelting his body once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d he screamed in a weakened voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026Joe\u2026it\u2019s alright\u2026it\u2019s only me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026Oh God\u2026thank goodness,\u201d Joe sobbed.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Shortshanks\u2026you\u2019re hurt\u2026\u201d Hoss said as he helped Joe into a sitting position.<\/p>\n

He eased his brother gently back until Joe rested against the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m alright\u2026\u201d Joe said, looking into his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me light the lamp\u2026I wanna see that man\u2019s face,\u201d Hoss declared, striking a match to the wick of the lamp that sat on another table, just down the hall.<\/p>\n

Both could see the man\u2019s body lying face down. The long black cloak obscured the man\u2019s face and prevented the brothers from seeing it.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe jumped me while I was in the barn,\u201d Hoss explained, squatting down next to Joe. \u201cI caught a glimpse of his face, Joe\u2026and I swear\u2026I mean\u2026I thought\u2026Adam had broke jail\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d stammered Joe, moving along the floor toward the man\u2019s body. \u201cHoss\u2026it\u2019s probably the same man that\u2026look,\u201d he uttered, moving the cape from the man\u2019s face, Joe helped Hoss turn the man onto his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cDadgum! Will ya look at that?\u201d stammered Hoss as he turned to look at Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes met his brother\u2019s; both wore stunned expressions on their faces.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d whispered Hoss, \u201cI ain\u2019t never seen anything like it\u2026this could be our big brother\u2019s twin\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026\u201d Joe said slowly, \u201cexcept for the hair\u2026this man\u2019s is lighter\u2026look, he\u2019s coming around, better tie him up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d said Hoss, racing into the bedroom and grabbing the tiebacks from the drapes.<\/p>\n

He returned and pushed the man into a sitting position, pulling his arms behind his back, Hoss tied the man\u2019s wrists tightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat should hold\u2019em,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He hauled the man to his feet with one hand and with the other he helped Joe get up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d Hoss demanded, but the man refused to answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, have it your way, but you\u2019re going to jail\u2026Joe, you get back in bed and stay there, I gots work to do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Hank\u2026and say, where\u2019s Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI found Hank on the front porch, this here scoundrel broke his neck\u2026he\u2019s\u2026dead, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard, he had liked the old man and so had everyone else. It galled him that the crippled man had been so ruthlessly murdered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI found him in the kitchen. He\u2019d been slugged, but he\u2019ll be alright\u2026he\u2019s takin\u2019 care of Hank. I\u2019m goin\u2019 to take his body into town and this dude to Roy Coffee\u2019s jail,\u201d explained Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019m going with you,\u201d Joe stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you ain\u2019t\u2026you\u2019re going back to bed\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Hoss\u2026I\u2019m fine, really, just sore. I gotta be there\u2026when Adam is set free\u2026please?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe wore such a forlorn look on his face that his brother hadn\u2019t the heart to refuse him. He knew what it meant to his kid brother, to be present when the serial killer was turned over to the sheriff and their brother turned loose.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, but get dressed, we\u2019ll be down stairs,\u201d Hoss said, finally grinning at his younger brother.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face, battered and bruised, his eye blackened from the previous beating and his side bandaged from the bullet wound, returned the smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, big guy,\u201d he said as he disappeared into his room to dress.
\nHoss shoved the stranger into the office. Ben and Roy sat at the desk, chatting. Adam, Hoss knew, was locked away behind closed doors, safe for now from the mob that had begun to gather and follow them down the street.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026Joe! What on earth are you doing out of bed and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had stood up the instant that his sons had entered. His dark, worried eyes now rested on the stranger\u2019s face. Slowly, Ben moved around the man, eyeing the man curiously. He glanced at his son\u2019s faces, both showing signs of being in a fight, and then glanced at Roy, noting the sheriff\u2019s startled expression.<\/p>\n

Roy nodded, with his head, toward the man. He directed his question to the Cartwright boys.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa wanna explain this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t nothin\u2019 to explain\u2026\u2019ceptin\u2019 this here fella bonked me on the head, killed old Hank\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT?\u201d shouted Ben; his eyes glowed with anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa\u2026sneaked up behind the old gent and broke his neck\u2026he then commenced to knock Hop Sing out cold\u2026but don\u2019t fret\u2026he\u2019s fine\u2026and then this varmint snuck upstairs to\u2026well, I suppose he was gonna kill Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes darted to Joe\u2019s face. He reached out a hand and gently touched the bruised cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m alright, Pa\u2026don\u2019t worry,\u201d Joe assured his father.<\/p>\n

Ben turned back to Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I came to\u2026ran to the house, that\u2019s where I found Hank, on the porch. The kitchen door was standin\u2019 opened, Hop Sing was layin\u2019 on the floor\u2026I heard a ruckus upstairs, so\u2019s I rushed up there\u2026Joe was fightin\u2019 a losin\u2019 battle with this here fella\u2026so I put a stop to it\u2026and\u2026here we are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, well, well\u2026what do you have to say for yourself, Mister?\u201d demanded the sheriff.<\/p>\n

The man stood rigid, saying nothing, just staring off into space.<\/p>\n

\u201cSuit yourself, stranger, but you\u2019ll talk\u2026sooner or later\u2026now come on\u2026I gotta lock ya up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy linked his fingers about the man\u2019s arm and led him into the cellblock. As soon as the door was opened, Adam stood to his feet. His face wore the same stunned expression as the other\u2019s had when they had first laid eyes on the man who had resembled Adam Cartwright so much so, that his likeness was enough to send Ben\u2019s eldest son to the gallows for six ghastly murders.<\/p>\n

Once his new prisoner was safely locked in a cell, Roy handed the key to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t ya do the honors, boy\u2026\u201d the sheriff smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t mind if I do,\u201d laughed Joe as he turned the key in the lock, making his brother a free man.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess ya free to go Adam\u2026thanks to Little Joe\u2026and Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded his head, taking another look at the prisoner. He turned his attention to his younger brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026is your mind clear now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026finally\u2026but Adam\u2026I want you to know something,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy mind might have been confused\u2026my eyes might have lied to me\u2026but in my heart\u2026\u201d Joe swallowed down his rising emotion and continued. \u201cIn my heart\u2026I always knew the truth\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam, his hand gently behind his brother\u2019s neck, pulled the younger man to him, clasping his warmly in a brotherly hug.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, buddy\u2026I\u2019m glad you listened to your heart\u2026\u201d
\nDays later, the trail of Lennie Newel was over. The young man had been found guilty, by his own admission, to the murders of Hank Marshall, the Widow Thompson, Carl and Martha Langley and Lester and Anna Gamble.<\/p>\n

When asked why\u2026why had he killed six of Virginia City\u2019s finest citizens, Lennie Newel only laughed and screamed at the court that revenge was sweet. Revenge for what the judge had demanded.<\/p>\n

The name, Newel, had suddenly sprung from the past. Twenty years ago, when Lennie had been only a boy, his father, Charles Newel had killed a man. It had been a drunken fight, but Charles had gunned down a young man in cold blood. Half the town had been witness to the killing; Hank Marshall had been the star witness. Carl Langely and Lester Gamble had sat on the jury that convicted Charles Newel.<\/p>\n

Why kill the women folk the prosecution had demanded.<\/p>\n

Lennie\u2019s expression drew dark; his eyes seemed wild as he fired his answer back at the attorney.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat old widow woman poked fun at my mama. You know, she died of a broken heart. All those do-gooders\u2026those high and mighty women\u2026they turned their noses up at my ma\u2026she couldn\u2019t even walk down the street after my pa was hung, lessen them fancy women turned their heads, or moved to the other side of the street.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lennie made a snarling sound.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose bitches got what they deserved!\u201d<\/p>\n

And Joe Cartwright?<\/p>\n

\u201cSimple\u2026he was the only one who knew my true identity\u2026I had to kill him, with him out of the way, his brother would hang\u2026for my crimes\u2026and I\u2019d be a free man\u2026what I didn\u2019t foresee\u2026was that big galoot\u2026Hoss Cartwright. If he\u2019d minded his own business that night, Joe Cartwright would have been a dead man, Adam would have hung and I\u2019d be on my way to Mexico\u201d
\n\u201cIt\u2019s unbelievable, the grief that one man can cause,\u201d muttered Ben as he and his sons stood outside the courthouse. \u201cSuch a waste, too\u2026from what I\u2019ve learned about Lennie, when he left here to go back east and live with his grandfather, he became a very well educated man\u2026practically a genius from what Judge Whitaker tells me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess you can never tell about some men,\u201d Adam commented.<\/p>\n

\u201cReckon not\u2026say, Adam\u2026what\u2019s gonna happen to that black horse that matches yours?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was told that it was being sent to the auction over in Carson City next week. I might just go over and put in a bid, being as how Lennie Newel was the one who bought him out from under me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA pair of matching blacks\u2026I\u2019d think twice about that, Adam,\u201d smirked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026why\u2019s that?\u201d quizzed Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaven\u2019t you heard what folks are saying? \u2018Death rides a black horse\u2019, just what you need to get you into twice as much trouble,\u201d laughed Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026that black horse is as innocent as\u2026I was. He didn\u2019t do anything. But speaking of matching blacks, have you looked in the mirror lately?\u201d Adam said with a touch of sarcasm.<\/p>\n

He winked at his father, making Ben smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, this morning, why?\u201d Joe asked, puzzled at what his brother was getting at.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have a matching pair of blacks, yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe scrunched up his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep\u2026a pair of matching\u2026black eyes!\u201d laughed Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss joined the laughter. Hoss clamped his beefy hand down on his younger brother\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat makes two of us!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe laughed, turning to study the face of his brother; it was true, Hoss had two black eyes as well!<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright boys, there\u2019s work to do, we\u2019d best be getting on home\u2026besides, Hop Sing said he was making a special supper just for the two of you,\u201d Ben laughed as he mounted up.<\/p>\n

\u201cA special supper\u2026just for me and Joe\u2026what\u2019s he fixin\u2019?\u201d Hoss, anxious to know, demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe mentioned something about blacken fish, black eyed peas, black berry pie\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026dadburnitall, Pa\u2026ya joshin\u2019 again, ain\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

April 2005<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 A serial killer is wreaking havoc in the surrounding area. When a dying woman, a victim of such an attack, gives Adam Cartwright\u2019s name as her killer, there\u2019s only one person alive that can dispute her claim. But Joe Cartwright knows the woman isn’t lying because he\u2019s a victim too and he was present when the crime took place. Should he believe what his eyes tell his mind he witnessed, or should he follow his heart?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 PG13 for violence\u00a0 (13,700 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":13918,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-12141","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1528,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Black-Stallion.jpg?fit=400%2C300&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":14374,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14374","url_meta":{"origin":12141,"position":0},"title":"The Tiger Puzzle (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"January 1, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 The Cartwright brothers come to the aid of sisters; however, will they be able to help the damsels in distress? \u00a0If you know the brothers, you know where this is going -- risque'. 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Rated K+\u00a0 (13,545 words) The Only Series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/MyFriendMyEnemy1.png?fit=486%2C296&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1984,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1984","url_meta":{"origin":12141,"position":3},"title":"Rattlesnake — aka After the Gunfight (by BluewindFarm)","author":"BluewindFarm","date":"November 12, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A gunfight and the resulting collateral damage.\u00a0 Rating:\u00a0 T \u00a0(1,845 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":9748,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=9748","url_meta":{"origin":12141,"position":4},"title":"Shadow Enemy (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"September 20, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 After leaving the Ponderosa, Adam has an enlightening \u00a0encounter with someone from the past. rating:\u00a0PG\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 word\u00a0 count: 1,999\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0warning: mention of corporal punishment","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1091"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/Untitled5.jpg?fit=275%2C342&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7623,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7623","url_meta":{"origin":12141,"position":5},"title":"Seeing An Angel (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A girl from Marie\u2019s past has something for Little Joe. 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