{"id":12157,"date":"2004-09-28T18:09:02","date_gmt":"2004-09-28T22:09:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12157"},"modified":"2026-07-31T08:43:05","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T12:43:05","slug":"gun-for-hire-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12157","title":{"rendered":"Gun for Hire (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Caught in a web of deception, Joe faces more than murder charges, how about a guilty conscience?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 <\/strong>PG (14, 750 words)
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gun for Hire<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to go straight to the bank and pick up the payroll, and then come straight home, understand?\u201d Ben said in a deep voice that bordered on angry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m not ten years old anymore, I\u2019m twenty\u2026and yes sir, I understand,\u201d Joe said as he turned and swung gracefully up into the saddle. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll guard your money with my life,\u201d he added with a smirk that softened when his lips curled slightly into a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s annoyed look softened as well, but his voice remained firm as he pointed his finger at his youngest son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, don\u2019t take that tone with me, young man\u2026and as for guarding the money with your life\u2026don\u2019t even think it. I\u2019d rather have you and your snappy tongue arguing with me all the time as to have all the money in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at last and placed his hand on Joe\u2019s knee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou watch yourself, Joseph and come home safely\u2026that\u2019s all I care about.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave his father a cheeky grin as he tipped his hand to his hat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will Pa, don\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll be back before supper, I promise,\u201d he smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nudged Cochise with his knees, forcing Ben to take a step backwards. His father tossed his hand in the air and watched as Joe rode from the yard. For a long moment, Ben stood, staring at nothing, until Adam\u2019s voice beckoned him from his pondering back to the business at hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnything wrong, Pa?\u201d Adam said, pausing on his way to the barn to speak with his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up, his face was serious but he shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026I reckon not,\u201d he said to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell something sure has you looking down, could it be your youngest offspring?\u201d he teased lightly, hoping to make his father smile and forget whatever dark thought that seemed caught in Ben\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Adam\u2026not really, I just have this\u2026sick feeling in my gut,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not feeling well?\u201d Adam asked with a show of surprise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had seen his father picking at his breakfast and had wondered then if perhaps Ben might be getting sick, for his father always ate a hearty breakfast. It was, in Ben\u2019s words, \u2018the most important meal of the day\u2019.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned and looked at Adam and shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, nothing like that, son\u2026it\u2019s just like\u2026well, I\u2019m not at all sure what it\u2019s like,\u201d Ben stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe a forewarning? Like what\u2026want to talk about it?\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and blew it out quickly. \u201cI just have a gut feeling that today isn\u2019t going to go well, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben made a clicking sound with his tongue and walked away, leaving Adam following his father\u2019s retreat with his eyes until Ben opened the door to the house and disappeared inside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that all about?\u201d Hoss said, coming from the barn and having heard just the last few words of the conversation between his father and older brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing I suppose. Pa\u2019s just got a feeling that today is not going to be his day,\u201d Adam explained with a grin. \u201cWhatever that\u2019s supposed to mean. Come on, we\u2019ve got fences to mend.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rode into town, going straight to the bank. As he dismounted and laced the reins across the hitching post, a voice called out to him from across the street. Turning, Joe saw his two friends, Mitch Devlin and Seth Pruett standing outside the swinging doors of the Silver Dollar Saloon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Joe,\u201d Seth called, waving one hand in the air and motioning for Joe to come over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s have a beer,\u201d Mitch shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe paused on the boardwalk, contemplating the invitation. He was hot and thirsty from the long, dusty ride into town and the thoughts of a tall frothy mug of beer appealed to him. His promise to his father that he\u2019d go straight to the bank and then straight home, suddenly bore down on his conscience and stopped him in his tracks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t,\u201d he called to his two life-long friends. \u201cI have some business inside here,\u201d he said, tossing a thumb in the air, pointing to the bank. \u201cMaybe next time,\u201d Joe called out, disappointed that he\u2019d have to miss a chance to share a beer with his two best friends.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026come on Little Joe, just one\u2026then you can take care of business,\u201d Seth called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was harder than Joe thought it might be, but he stood firm on his promise to his father and shook his head again at Seth and Mitch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry fellas, I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t give the pair time to make an argument; he turned quickly and entered the bank. His mind was still on the beer he\u2019d miss and was totally taken by surprise when he suddenly felt a sharp pang to the back of his head and across the tops of his shoulders. Gasping in pain, as his world spun black and his eyes rolled back in his head, Joe crumbled to the floor in a heap at the stranger\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright now, don\u2019t anyone move,\u201d shouted the man who had knocked Joe out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He used his pistol and pointed toward the teller\u2019s window. \u201cYou there,\u201d he called, \u201cfill up those saddlebags and if you know what\u2019s good for you, you\u2019ll make it fast,\u201d the tall stranger ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His cohort tossed the teller the saddlebags in question, and jabbed his gun into the man\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard the boss, hurry up,\u201d he growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The teller picked up the saddlebag and quickly turned to the bank vault and began stuffing money into them. When he finished with one, he fastened the buckle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man at the door moved deeper into the room, forgetting the intruder whom he had bonked on the head. He glanced nervously around the room at the frightened customers and then waved his gun at the teller.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t you finished yet? Make it fast before I blow you in half,\u201d he snarled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the door, Joe slowly came back to his senses. He eased up his head, seeing the bank robber with his back to him and paying him no mind at all. Joe quietly rose to his feet. A young woman opposite him, who stood at the counter watching, trembled with fear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The robber behind the counter turned just then and seeing Joe getting to his feet, called out to his crony.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDutch, behind you!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dutch, his pistol still firmly held in his hand, spun around and pointed his weapon at Joe. Joe, seeing what was happening, drew his gun in a flash and dropped to the floor. Dutch\u2019s pistol blasted off two shots, both missing Joe but Joe\u2019s aim was more accurate and with two shots of his own, both Dutch and his accomplice lay sprawled in the floor, both men dead. Joe, his head spinning from the blow to the back of his head and then all the exertion he used in his befuddled state, collapsed along side the dead man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The shots had barely been fired when the front door burst opened and Roy Coffee, the local sheriff, and several other men came crashing into the bank\u2019s lobby, all with guns drawn and ready to do battle if need be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat in blazes is goin\u2019 on here?\u201d Roy shouted after a quick survey of the lobby.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch and Seth were among the group and the minute they spied Little Joe lying on the floor, they both rushed to their friend\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe,\u201d Mitch said in a fearful voice as he gently turned Joe over, afraid that he\u2019d find his friend in the same condition as the two men who had foolishly tried to rob the bank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Mitch muttered again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seth quickly made an examination of his unconscious friend and then looked up at Mitch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not been shot\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said the young woman, coming forward and squatting down beside Mitch and Seth. \u201cHe was hit on the back of the head, he came to, just in time to stop those\u2026awful men from stealing everyone\u2019s money,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSome of you men get these bodies outta here and down to the undertakers,\u201d Roy ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He hurried to Joe\u2019 side and make his own examination. He looked at the bump that was slowly growing at the base of Joe\u2019s head and deemed that to be the boy\u2019s only injury.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSeth, you and Mitch take Joe over to Doc Martin\u2019s office and have Doc take a look at this goose egg on the back of his head,\u201d Roy issued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, Sheriff,\u201d Mitch said as he and Seth gathered Joe up and carried him from the bank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone else hurt?\u201d Roy inquired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone in the lobby shook their head no. The young woman stepped forward to speak to the sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, my name is Lila Gibbons, I\u2019m new here in Virginia City,\u201d she said softly. \u201cThat young man, I think his friends called him, Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am, that\u2019s right, Joe Cartwright\u2019s the boy\u2019s name. What about him?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2026he saved our lives\u2026and our money,\u201d she explained. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anyone perform such a feat\u2026why the young man is the fastest draw I\u2019ve ever seen,\u201d Lila said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am, he\u2019s fast\u2026probably too fast for his own good. But today, I\u2019m glad he was.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy turned his attention back to the others. \u201cCharlie,\u201d he said to the teller. \u201cIf it\u2019s all the same to you, I think ya should close up now while I send these folks home. They can come back tomorrow to finish their business after you count everything and we get this place back in order.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think one of you should ride out and tell Ben what\u2019s happened. Ask him to drive the buggy into town, I don\u2019t want Little Joe back on a horse right now, not with this lump on his head,\u201d Doc Martin told Seth and Mitch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go,\u201d Mitch offered. \u201cDoc, Mr. Cartwright will ask, what should I tell him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust explain what happened and be sure to tell him, Joe\u2019s going to be fine, I just don\u2019t want him riding home on horseback, Joe can tell him all the details when he\u2019s feeling better. Right now he\u2019s resting and I want him quiet until his father arrives, now please, get going, son,\u201d the doctor said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ride along with you, Mitch,\u201d Seth said, \u201cseeing how Joe\u2019s still out and all. See ya, Doc,\u201d Seth called as he followed Mitch from the doctor\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was standing in the yard talking to Adam and Hoss, who had just returned from mending a downed fence, when Seth and Mitch rode into the yard. Ben turned toward the two young men, smiling in a welcoming way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSeth, Mitch, how you boys doing?\u201d he said as the pair slid down from their horses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine, sir,\u201d Mitch said to Ben. \u201cHowdy Adam, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two younger men exchanged pleasantries with the Cartwrights and then Mitch started to explain why they had dropped by.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, Doc Martin asked us to ride out here and get you,\u201d Mitch said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet me? What on earth for?\u201d Ben asked, looking puzzled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere was some trouble at the bank this morning,\u201d Seth hurried to explain. \u201cAnd Joe\u2026was there\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Ben muttered, the sick feeling that had been in the pit of his stomach earlier, returned in a rush.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere was a hold up, sir,\u201d Mitch said, gulping.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He knew how Ben Cartwright was always worrying about his youngest son, and it was hard for him to stand in front of the elder Cartwright and tell him that his boy had been hurt trying to foil a bank robbery.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs Joe hurt? Is that why Paul sent you out here?\u201d Ben asked in a rush of words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe ain\u2019t shot or nothing bad, he just got bonked on the head, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Seth explained. \u201cDoc wants you to bring the buggy to fetch him home, that\u2019s all\u2026he\u2019s gonna be fine\u2026once that goose egg on the back of his head is gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben let the wind blow from his lungs in a rush. \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPositive,\u201d one of the boys said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll hitch up the team for ya, Pa,\u201d offered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll put a couple of blankets in the buggy and then saddle our horses,\u201d Adam stated as he followed after his middle brother. \u201cWe\u2019re riding in with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just a bump on the head, Pa\u2026honest\u2026I\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had awakened from his unconscious state soon after his friends had ridden out to the Ponderosa to fetch back his father. Joe, in the meantime, had been resting quietly, his head pounding as if someone were beating on a drum. Opening his eyes, Joe saw that Ben was seated in a chair, close to the bed. His father smiled at him as he looked up to see his father\u2019s worried face looming just above his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSilly boy, attempting to foil a bank robbery all by yourself,\u201d Ben teased lightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d Joe muttered weakly. \u201cI\u2026killed\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026Joseph, don\u2019t think about that right now, you just rest,\u201d Ben soothed, when he saw the saddened expression come into Joe\u2019s eyes. \u201cWe\u2019ll talk about it later,\u201d he whispered, brushing back a fallen strand of hair from Joe\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes, but Ben could still see the furrows in Joe\u2019s brow made by the frown he was wearing and wondered if they were caused by the pain his son was experiencing or by the stress of the day, including the two men that he knew Joe had killed earlier in the morning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHead\u2026hurts,\u201d Joe muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey didn\u2019t get\u2026the money,\u201d Joe whispered. \u201cThey didn\u2019t even get\u2026out alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s voice trailed into a slur as he closed his eyes a second time and moaned softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced up at Hoss who was standing at the head of the bed on the opposite side. Ben could see the concern in his middle son\u2019s eyes that Hoss held for his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get the buggy ready Joe, and then we\u2019ll take ya home,\u201d Hoss said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without looking at Hoss, Joe nodded his head once. \u201cHome\u2026that\u2019ll be nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s pretty heavily drugged, Ben,\u201d Paul explained when Ben asked about Joe\u2019s drowsiness. \u201cAnd considering he has a concussion, he\u2019s apt to be that way for a day or so. And, he\u2019ll probably have headaches, Ben, so here are some powders if he does. They\u2019ll help some, but the best thing for him right now is rest. Take him home and make him stay in the bed until I get out there in a day or so and check on him. If you need me, send word and I\u2019ll come as soon as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door to the front office opened, and the three men in the back room with Joe heard the tinkling of the little bell on the door that signaled someone\u2019s arrival. Before the doctor could get to the door separating the office from the examining room, Adam burst through the door and entered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took one look at his ailing and saw Joe turn to look his way. He could see the misery in the young face that Joe was unable to hide.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, I thought Joe was awake. The buggy\u2019s ready whenever you and Joe are,\u201d Adam said to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood, I\u2019ll rest better once I have this boy of mine, home and in his own bed. Adam, give us a hand and we\u2019ll get Joe loaded in the buggy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For two days, Joe remained obedient to his father\u2019s demands that he remain in bed. By the third day, that came to an end. Joe was feeling more pert and felt more than ready to be up and about. He pushed back the blankets that Ben had arranged so neatly and swung slowly around to the side of the bed and placed his feet on the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe closed his eyes, allowing his head to stop spinning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhew,\u201d he whispered softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Moving more slowly, Joe stood up straight and took a moment to steady himself. Just as he reached for his trousers, the bedroom door swung opened and Ben appeared in the doorway carrying a tray. He had a stunned expression on his face at seeing his son out of bed. Quickly he sat the tray on the table and rushed over to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust where do you think you are going?\u201d he demanded, grabbing the trousers from Joe\u2019s hand and tossing them on the chair, out of his son\u2019s reach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know!\u201d snapped Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly feeling quite weak, Joe allowed Ben to gently force him back down on the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t want to be up here\u2026I\u2019m tired of being in the bed, I\u2019m tired of being alone and I\u2019m just\u2026plain tired!\u201d Joe fussed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Still he gave in to his father as Ben helped him to lie back and pull the blankets over his lower body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll excuse your rudeness and blame it on the fact that you are ill, young man,\u201d Ben scolded firmly. \u201cYou know what the doctor said this morning, two more days at least\u2026and if you did not stay put, he would give you something to make sure you did. Now, young man, what\u2019s it to be?\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sat down on the side of the bed next to Joe and studied the boy\u2019s face. Joe still looked pale and his face still bore signs of fatigue, which Doctor Martin had said would be likely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe leaned his head against the pillows and sighed deeply. He closed his eyes and yawned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, you win. I\u2019m just too tired to fight it out with you,\u201d Joe conceded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled to himself and patted Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cThat\u2019s better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes opened and he gave his father a small smile. \u201cMy head hurts\u2026all the time. When\u2019s it gonna stop, Pa?\u201d he asked weakly. \u201cRight back here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rubbed the back of his head to show his father where he was feeling the persistent throbbing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, the doctor said you might suffer from headaches for several more days, until the lump was completely gone. That\u2019s why he wanted you to stay in bed and rest. He meant for you to stay quiet, he meant\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s punishing me, that\u2019s what he meant to do,\u201d Joe said with a soft giggle. \u201cBut he\u2019s right, the less I move around, the less my head hurts\u2026so once more\u2026I lose, he wins.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood to his feet and reached for the tray he had carried into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood boy, now here\u2019s your lunch. I want you to eat all of it, and then take a nap,\u201d Ben issued as he set the tray across Joe\u2019s lap and uncovered the dishes. \u201cHmm\u2026smells good.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWant some?\u201d Joe offered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Pa\u2026could you hand me that spoon, it\u2019s impossible to eat soup with a knife and fork,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat down to keep his son company while Joe ate, but Joe knew that his father stayed mainly to be certain that he would eat everything on his tray. After several bites, Joe pushed the bowl of steaming soup away and looked over at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t eat anything else,\u201d Joe complained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben peeked into the bowl, seeing that it was hardly touched and frowned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t even eat half of what\u2019s in the bowl, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026I can\u2019t, I\u2019m just not hungry,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cPlease\u2026take it away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d sighed Ben, \u201cbut you close your eyes and try to rest. Perhaps you\u2019ll do better later. I\u2019ll take the tray down to the kitchen and help your brothers with the chores while you take a nap, like a good boy,\u201d Ben said with a soft laugh and a twinkle in his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took the tray and left Joe alone to take a nap. Joe giggled softly at his father\u2019s words and then, when Ben was gone, nuzzled his head down into the soft pillows, closing his eyes. The soft laughter died as imagines of the faces of the two men he had been forced to kill stood out in true-to-life fashion before his eyes. Joe felt his throat constrict, making swallowing near impossible as he brushed his hands over his closed eyelids in hopes of wiping the distorted images from his mind. The horrified look that had been on the man\u2019s face nearest to him, refused to leave him alone and lingered, even after Joe had fallen into a troubled sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the end of the week, Joe was back on his feet and his health seemed much improved. Not so with his disposition, thought his father. For Joe was irritable and short-tempered with all of them. He seemed restless and his constant pacing was wearing on the nerves of his family, though they tried their hardest to ignore it and too, tried to put reasons behind the youngest Cartwright\u2019s agitated state of being.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook Shortshanks, why don\u2019t we play a game of checkers, might take ya mind of whatever\u2019s been eatin\u2019 at ya?\u201d Hoss offered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, who had been poking at the fire, turned to glare at his middle brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing is eating at me\u2026and no, I don\u2019t want to play checkers, I\u2019ve already told you that!\u201d he snapped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe jabbed at the fire once more and then in a huff, placed the poker back into the holding rack. He turned to see three sets of dark eyes watching him. Joe, suddenly overcome with emotion, lowered his head and sank down to sit on the hearth. Using his opened hands, he covered his face, propping his elbows on his knees.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben moved to his son\u2019s side, slipping his arm about the trembling shoulders. He was amazed to feel the drawn and tight muscles in his son\u2019s upper body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould it help to talk?\u201d Ben offered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wiped his hands across the front of his face and looked up at Ben. Ben could see the unhappiness that clouded Joe\u2019s emerald eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe said to his father and then turned to say the same to his brothers. \u201cIt\u2019s\u2026just that\u2026\u201d Joe swallowed hard. \u201cI can\u2019t seem to forget that regardless of the reasons, I killed two men,\u201d muttered Joe. \u201cI wish\u2026I could have stopped them some other way\u2026but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben said softly, \u201cthere was no other way. Everyone in the bank explained it to us. Those men were holding loaded guns and they aimed to use them, if need be. If you hadn\u2019t killed them, they would have killed you and maybe some of the others. You not only prevented them from doing so, you saved their lives, and son you had no other way of doing things. It was either kill or be killed,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He squeezed Joe\u2019s shoulders and tried to smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s right, Joe,\u201d Adam added. \u201cThose men were determined to steal that money, our money included, and they cared not at all about whom they had to kill to get it. I would have done exactly as you, had I been in your place.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe too, Punkin,\u201d Hoss agreed. \u201cYa were right in what ya did, everyone is town knows that and they all have the highest praise for ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPraise,\u201d Joe said in a huff, \u201cfor killing two men? I don\u2019t want or need their praise for that,\u201d he added. \u201cI\u2019m not proud of the fact that I killed two men!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood to his feet and walked toward the door. He paused and turned back around, facing his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSomeday, and soon I hope, it won\u2019t be necessary to settle things with a gun and having to kill another man just to stay alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grabbed his hat from the peg behind the door, turning once more to his father who had moved and was now standing at the entrance with Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you going?\u201d Ben questioned in a concerned voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor a ride. I have to think things out, Pa, please. And I might ride into town and have a beer, I won\u2019t be late, I promise,\u201d Joe said, opening the door and going.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood, hand on the door, and watched Joe as he walked through the fading light and into the barn. When he could no longer see the boy, Ben closed the door and returned to his chair and the newspaper he had been reading, or trying to read.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe dismounted and tied Cooch\u2019s reins around the hitching post. For a long moment, he stood still glancing around him and then with a shrug of his shoulders, headed for the Silver Dollar. The hour was late when he entered the saloon. Few patrons were left, it being a week day, the normal crowd that was usually there on Friday and Saturday nights had long since gone home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe eased up to the bar and ordered a beer. Cozmo placed the beer down in front of Joe and then watched as the young man downed a long drag of the frothy ale.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s been a young lady coming in asking for ya, Little Joe,\u201d Cozmo said as he wiped the counter with his damp cloth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at the bartender, a puzzled expression on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA lady?\u201d he asked, glancing around at the small group of men who still hung around. Joe turned back to Cozmo. \u201cWho is she? Did she say what she wanted?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cozmo shook his head. \u201cNo, didn\u2019t say what she wanted, but I\u2019ll tell you this much Little Joe, she sure is a looker,\u201d the bartender grinned. \u201cSaid she was staying over at the International House and that you could find her there, anytime,\u201d he laughed softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe International House,\u201d Joe repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned the mug of beer upward and downed the remnants of his drink. \u201cWhat\u2019s her name?\u201d Joe asked, clunking the empty beer glass down on the counter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLila Gibbons,\u201d Cozmo said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe reached into his pocket and dropped some money on the counter in front of the barkeeper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Cozmo,\u201d he smiled as he turned to leave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe walked out into the cool night air, glancing down the street at the entrance to the hotel. He wondered briefly what the strange young woman Cozmo had told him about, wanted with him. Shrugging his shoulders, Joe decided that there was only one way to find out; he\u2019d go ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was amazed that there were more people milling around the lobby of the International than there had been in the saloon. He nodded his head at a couple that waited at the door for him to stand clear so that they could leave. After closing the door, Joe moved to the counter to speak with the clerk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEvenin\u2019 Little Joe,\u201d the clerk said in greeting. \u201cWhat brings you in?\u201d the man smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was looking for someone, a young woman, by the name of Lila Gibbons,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cI was told she was staying here and wanted to speak to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard correctly,\u201d answered a young sweet sounding voice from behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned around to find himself staring into the bluest eyes he had ever seen. For a moment, he was at a loss for words, so lost he was, in the deep sea of blue that he saw reflecting back at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The young woman smiled and offered her hand to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d she said, awaking Joe from his stance. \u201cMy name is Lila Gibbons,\u201d she smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard and smiled in return, taking the tiny, finely manicured fingers into his hand. \u201cMiss Gibbons,\u201d Joe said in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He leaned his head down and gently kissed the lady\u2019s hand. His eyes never left her face, for she was beautiful and he seemed lost, as ship at sea, as he took in her delicately chiseled features.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lila\u2019s smile broadened as she looked into Joe\u2019s equally handsome face. \u201cIt\u2019s nice to meet, again,\u201d she said, her voice soft and alluring.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s hand lingered on hers. His expression held a bit of confusion. \u201cAgain?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lila withdrew her hand from Joe\u2019s and turned, pointing to the settee in the lobby. \u201cCould we sit down, please?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Joe said, stepping aside so that the young woman could do as requested. He removed his hat and waited until Lila was comfortable before sitting down next to her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave we met before?\u201d Joe questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust once\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head in disbelief. \u201cI\u2019m sure I\u2019d remember you, Ma\u2019am, if we had, but I can\u2019t recall ever seeing you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just the other day, in the bank,\u201d she said. \u201cI was there when you came in and disrupted the holdup\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow I remember. I caught of glimpse of you, right before\u2026the shoot-out,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His voice faltered slightly as the memory came back to haunt him. Joe swallowed and willed away the unpleasant image from his mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry you were forced into having to watch something so horrible,\u201d he said apologetically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was horrible,\u201d Lila said, lowering her head, \u201cbut it was something that could not be avoided,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lila looked up at Joe and saw the sadness that showed on his face and in his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI certainly hope you don\u2019t blame yourself for what happened?\u201d she stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe heaved a sigh, the death of the two men still haunted him and he could not help feeling as if he were responsible for the lives he had taken.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI try not to,\u201d he said, \u201cbut\u2026I can\u2019t help it. It\u2019s not my nature to\u2026kill\u2026\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Lila mumbled. \u201cBut sometimes, a man is forced into killing. Just be grateful you were so\u2026fast. I\u2019ve never seen anyone faster.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose being a fast draw has its advantages, at times, and I reckon disrupting that holdup was one of them. But enough about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took in a deep breath to fill his lungs and then smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was told you wanted to see me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lila smiled and nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I do. Do you mind if we could go someplace where we could talk in private?\u201d she suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t mind,\u201d answered Joe, offering the young lady his arm as he stood up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe could go to my room?\u201d Lila suggested, seeing the slight rise of the dark brows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d love to go to your room,\u201d Joe said with a snicker, \u201cbut I think we\u2019d best go to the dining room. I\u2019m not the best at avoiding such sweet temptation,\u201d he added with a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He leaned down and kissed the back of Lila\u2019s hand, his eyes consuming her lovely face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBesides, the dining room is almost empty.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lila saw the mischievous gleam in the hazel eyes that studied her face and she giggled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hadn\u2019t counted on gallantry,\u201d she laughed. \u201cBut thank you,\u201d Lila said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She led the way into the dining room, pausing at the entrance to scan the room. Joe\u2019s eyes swept the room as well. Off to one side sat a man that Joe knew only briefly but wanted nothing to do with. The man was a wanderer who had come to the ranch weeks ago begging for a handout. When Ben had offered the man a job instead, the man had refused and left. Joe had run into the man only once more, in the Bucket of Blood Saloon, where the man, obviously in a drunken state of mind, had started an argument with Joe and when the man had taken a misguided swing at the young Cartwright, Joe had stepped aside. The drunk had fallen on his face and the entire crowd in the saloon that night had started to laugh. The man, rising slowly to his feet, had glared at Joe, swearing to get even with him for having been humiliated in front of all the patrons who were present that night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy Coffee had entered the saloon just in time to witness the exchange and had taken the drunken man into custody, allowing the vagrant to sleep it off in his jail. By the next afternoon, Carl Simpson, had begun spreading it around town about what he would do to the youngest Cartwright, once he got the opportunity. Most of the townsfolk, as well as Joe, paid the man little or mind and just ignored his idle threats.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pointed to a table in the far back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think over here is good. We should have all the privacy you need.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled the chair out and waited for Lila to sit down. Taking the chair opposite Lila, Joe waited for the beautiful lady to open the conversation. Lila glanced around to be sure they could not be heard and then, taking a deep breath began explaining to Joe what she needed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a man, Alex Jennings, and he\u2019s been following me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFollowing you? Why?\u201d Joe interrupted to ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a long story,\u201d explained Lila.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned. \u201cAll I have is time,\u201d he chuckled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lila returned the smile. She lowered her head, hiding her eyes from the man\u2019s face. Had she misjudged this young man, would he actually do for her, what she was preparing to ask of him? Slowly, Lila raised her head and looked into Joe\u2019s eyes, seeing the youthful expression on his young face and the gleam in his eyes when he smiled at her. She knew he had recently killed two men, but would he kill again, for her, she thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lila glanced around once more. The dining room was almost empty except for the one man who sat two tables over from them. She had seen him look up briefly at them when they had entered, but turned away almost instantly. The man had his back to them, and appeared to be busy sipping on a drink, ignoring them. Joe seemed unaffected by the man\u2019s presence and had sat with his back to the gent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlex Jennings thinks he owns me, Little Joe. He\u2019s a very wealthy man; he inherited his money from his father, who inherited it from his father, Governor Matthew T. Jennings, of New York.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhew,\u201d expressed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlex\u2019s father, Tyron, was an extremely intelligent businessman back east. Alex and I were once engaged to be married, a very long time ago; but I changed my mind\u2026and now he won\u2019t stop dogging me. I\u2019ve tried to explain to him that I didn\u2019t love him, that I didn\u2019t want to be married to him, but he is the type of man who won\u2019t take no for an answer. He\u2019s gone as far as threatening my parents\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lila\u2019s voice cracked and she fought back the tears that had suddenly sprung into her eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe reached across the table and laid his hand on Lila\u2019s. She looked up and forced a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does that have to do with me?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cI don\u2019t understand how I can help you. Why doesn\u2019t your father have a talk with him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, Alex swore he\u2019d kill my father if I didn\u2019t marry him. My father is a very sick man, in poor health. He\u2019s in no condition to speak up for me. I have no brothers, no one\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the law? Can\u2019t they do something to make this man stop harassing you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lila dabbed at her eyes with the dainty handkerchief that she pulled from her purse. She shook her head back and forth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo. The Jennings\u2019 are too rich and much too powerful. The law will not touch them,\u201d sobbed Lila. \u201cAnd Alex said the only way I\u2019d get out of marrying him, was to\u2026kill him, or\u2026have him killed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened slightly at Lila\u2019s statement. She dabbed her eyes again and saw the man sitting behind Joe, straighten slightly in his seat. Lila lowered her head and spoke in a near whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlex will arrive in town, the day after tomorrow. He\u2019s coming in on the noon stage. Joe, I want you to\u2026kill him for me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT!\u201d proclaimed Joe in a loud voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He instantly lowered his head and leaned across the table, speaking in a low tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be joking\u2026do you have any idea what you just asked me to do?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI do\u2026I shall pay you well, Joe\u2026you just name the price\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Joe said, sitting back in his chair. \u201cMy gun is not for hire\u2026at any price!\u201d he stated firmly, not now caring that listening ears might pick up on their conversation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFive thousand dollars?\u201d Lila said, hoping to tempt the young man whose expression had suddenly taken on a look of distaste.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gritted his teeth, his jaw twitched tightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d he declared again in a loud whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lila looked as if she were ready to cry, and somehow, the tears appeared as if right on cue.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTen thousand\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Miss Gibbons, but what you are asking is out of the question.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026please\u2026I\u2019m terrified of this man. He\u2019s mean, he\u2019s powerful and he\u2019ll kill my father\u2026perhaps even my mother and if I still refuse to do as he wishes, he\u2019ll kill me\u2026he\u2019s sworn that if he can\u2019t have me\u2026no man can.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf he\u2019s as powerful and wealthy and is as important as you say, it isn\u2019t likely that he would dirty his hands doing to you and your family, what you claim he will do,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pushed back his chair and slowly stood to his feet. \u201cThis conversation is over, Miss Gibbons. I\u2019ll walk you to your room, Ma\u2019am,\u201d he said, offering Lila his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anger replaced Lila\u2019s fringed meekness as she shoved back her own chair. She stuffed the hankie back into her purse and tilted her chin upward in a superior manner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank you,\u201d she said with disgust. \u201cI can find my own way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath and leaned down, his hands resting on the table. His face was very near to hers and he caught the faint scent of her perfume. His eyes devoured her face, her lips, even her eyes. She was beautiful and so\u2026so\u2026at risk, determined Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will go talk to our sheriff, Roy Coffee, I\u2019m sure he can come up with something\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Lila ordered sternly. \u201cLeave the law out of this\u2026I\u2019ll not end up in jail on account of Alex Jennings\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t\u2026\u201d Joe started to say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t I? What do you think will happen when you tell your sheriff I tried to hire you to kill a man for me? And what more do you think will happen when your sheriff finds out who it is I asked you to kill?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lila saw just a flicker of doubt in Joe\u2019s eyes and she changed tactics. She voice softened and became thick with emotion. She was used to getting what she wanted from the men in her life, and this handsome young man standing before her would be no different she determined. Lila batted her eyes as if trying to stop the surge of tears that billowed so easily into her eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026please, Little Joe\u2026just forget all about this. Pretend that we never had this conversation,\u201d Lila begged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She had risen to her feet and rounded the table to stand close to Joe. The young woman looked up, tears shining in her eyes. Her downcast, dejected expression tugged at Joe\u2019s heart and his anger at her suggestion dissipated immediately.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, walk me to my room and promise me that you\u2019ll only pretend that we\u2019ve just spent a quiet evening together, alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From over Joe\u2019s shoulder, Lila saw the stranger rise and walk out of the dining room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her body language spoke volumes as Joe tried to still the rapid beating of his heart. He was lost in her very essence and sure that he wasn\u2019t thinking clearly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d Joe said in a voice thick with fervor as he took Lila\u2019s arm and led her from the dining room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe walked the lady to her door and paused while Lila fumbled in her purse for the key. Her hand trembled as she tried to turn the key to unlock the door and Joe gently pushed her hand away and unlocked the door himself. With an easy push, he swung wide the door and followed Lila just inside the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t tell the sheriff, Lila,\u201d Joe said in a low voice. \u201cBut I will talk to my father, he\u2019s somewhat powerful himself,\u201d Joe said with grin, \u201cmaybe he\u2019ll have some idea what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was anxious to leave; something about the girl\u2019s persona had sent his thoughts veering off into all the wrong directions. For a fraction of a second, Joe found himself believing he would do anything for this young woman, perhaps even kill for her. He had to get away, quickly, before he lost all control over his own actions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lila\u2019s sigh of relief was loud as she turned and threw herself against Joe. Caught unaware, Joe found himself holding the beautiful woman within the folds of his arms, a position which stirred his desires more than he\u2019d thought possible. The fragrance he had enjoyed moments before, sent his senses reeling as he lowered his face to hers, lost in the scent of her passion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Little Joe,\u201d murmured Lila.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lila brazenly entwined her arms about Joe\u2019s neck, tenderly pulling his body close against hers. Her lips brushed lightly against his as she whispered his name in a seductive tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026kiss me\u2026please,\u201d she taunted in a mumbled whisper. Lilia tilted her head upward, inviting without having to ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Giving in to growing desires and with little thought to his own actions Joe lowered his face to Lila\u2019s and sealed their lips together in a heated kiss. He felt Lila press her body tightly against his as she returned the kiss with more ardor than Joe thought possible. For several moments, they stood, locked in an embrace with their lips hungrily devouring the others. Using his foot, Joe pushed the door closed and without having to remove his lips from Lila\u2019s, reached behind him and turned the key in the lock. They were alone, in the dark, as Lila slowly inched backward, pulling Joe along with her, her kisses growing more demanding, until she had found the bed. Lila released Joe long enough to lay down and then reached for his hands, pulling him down on top of her\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In a darkened corner of the hallway, Carl Simpson had watched the young couple disappear into the room. For several moments he remained where he was, plotting his revenge. His soft laughter went unnoticed, for the door had shut and the turning of the key mixed with the soft sounds of lovemaking, had drowned out his iniquitous snickering.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sun was just cresting the ridge by the time that Joe rode into the yard of the Ponderosa. Hoss and Ben were coming out the door as Joe dismounted and came around the backside of his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019 Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss greeted his younger brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t bother to stop and chat, chores were waiting and Hoss knew that his father was not one bit happy over the absence of his youngest son at the breakfast table this morning. The big man wanted nothing more than to put as much distance between himself and the ranting and raving that he knew was fixin\u2019 to take place, as he could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood with his arms folded across his chest and his face bore an expression of intense anger. Ben saw his youngest son gulp and slowly make his way forward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe forced a smile and greeted his father in his usual cheery manner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Pa,\u201d he said as he walked passed the elder Cartwright as if nothing was amiss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben spun around. \u201cHold it right there, young man!\u201d he growled in his deep baritone voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s steps faltered only slightly, but he stopped and turned, the smile more sickly in appearance than what it had been seconds ago.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSomething wrong, Pa?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust where have you been?\u201d his father demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBeen\u2026me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it is you I\u2019m speaking to\u2026YES YOU!\u201d Ben growled. \u201cYou were only going for a ride\u2026to think things through\u2026and maybe have one beer\u2026that was LAST NIGHT!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026yeah\u2026well, you see, Pa\u2026I\u2026met someone in town\u2026and I sorta lost track of time,\u201d stammered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam, who had just come from the house, paused on his way to the barn and grinned first at Joe and then at his father. He tilted his head slightly, sniffing softly at the air, recognizing the sickly scent of stale perfume. When he pulled aside Joe\u2019s neckerchief, which was tied overly snug and saw the tiny dark blotches on his brother\u2019s neck, which served as telltale signs, Adam burst out laughing. He could only hope that his kid brother would one day learn what to permit a lady do to him and what not to do, and leaving passion marks on one\u2019s neck was a strict no-no.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just what is so funny?\u201d Ben demanded, turning his dark eyes on his eldest son and seeing for himself, the same evidence that Adam had seen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tossed his thumb into the air, pointing at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHim\u2026he spent the night with a girl,\u201d laughed Adam, continuing on to the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI DID NOT!\u201d shouted Joe to his brother\u2019s back, trying desperately to deny the fact.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His dark hazel eyes turned quickly to search his father\u2019s face. \u201cReally, Pa\u2026it\u2019s not like Adam made it sound\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, seeing the crimson glow to his son\u2019s cheeks, and being suddenly disgusted with the matter, decided to forego the sermon, for what was done, was done. He shook his head and made his way to the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cClean up, young man, and eat some breakfast, then get to work. Staying out all night\u2026for whatever reasons is no excuse to shun your responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe let out a long sigh of relief. \u201cYes sir,\u201d he called just as Ben slammed the front door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWill someone answer the door?\u201d Ben said, looking up from his paper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was early evening and the family had finished dinner and had gathered around the fire. Joe and Hoss were playing their third game of checkers while Adam read from his book of sonnets. Ben had been reading his paper, brought home that day from Carson City where he had gone to meet with some men on business. His pipe was gently smoking and sending the pleasant aroma of Virginia Blend tobacco throughout the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get it,\u201d Joe offered, using his last checker to jump four of Hoss\u2019 playing pieces.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDadburnit,\u201d grumbled Hoss good-naturedly as Joe rose to go to the door. He heard Joe giggle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy!\u201d Joe proclaimed in surprise when he pulled opened the door and saw the sheriff standing in front of him. \u201cCome on in.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Little Joe,\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff stepped into the room and removed his hat. Ben had laid aside his paper and pipe and moved to greet his friend. Both Adam and Hoss stood to their feet waiting their turn to greet their unexpected company.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, come in,\u201d offered Ben. \u201cCare for coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy shook hands with Ben and greeted Adam and Hoss with a nod of his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoys,\u201d he said. \u201cI ain\u2019t got time for coffee, Ben, but thank ya just the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat brings you out here this time of night?\u201d questioned Ben, sensing his friend\u2019s quiet demur, which was unusual for Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBusiness, Ben,\u201d Roy explained, glancing at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes followed the same path as Roy\u2019s. They lingered on his son for just a moment before turning back to Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of business?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had a sudden sick feeling in the pit of his stomach that he had no explanation for.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen, Joe, I hate to do this, but it\u2019s my duty. I gotta take ya in, boy,\u201d Roy said, turning to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss moved closer, exchanging anxious glances with their father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cI didn\u2019t do anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are the charges, Sheriff?\u201d Adam inquired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSuspicion of murder\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMURDER!\u201d roared Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked as if he had seen a ghost and he turned suddenly to his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t murder anyone, Pa\u2026Roy\u2026honest,\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, not according to my witness\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWitness? What witness?\u201d Ben demanded. \u201cAnd just who is it that Joe was suppose to have murdered?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, a witness, in part,\u201d Roy explained. \u201cAnd as to whom, Alex Jennings, Governor Matthew T. Jennings\u2019 grandson,\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJennings\u2026of New York?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGovernor Jennings, of New York,\u201d Roy corrected.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned worried eyes around to look at Joe, who seemed in shock. Before Ben could speak, Joe spoke up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlex Jennings\u2026is dead?\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, Joe, shot in the back as he got off the stage this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, do you know this\u2026Alex Jennings?\u201d Ben asked, moving to place his hand on Joe\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never met him,\u201d Joe said, looking his father, eye to eye. \u201cI\u2019ve heard of him, that\u2019s all,\u201d he explained. \u201cBut I didn\u2019t kill him\u2026honest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course ya didn\u2019t,\u201d Hoss said, placing his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow son, how do you know about this man\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2026ya can talk to Joe about this later. Right now, I gotta take him in,\u201d Roy said with a worried look around at the family of men who had been his friends for the last several years, ever since he had arrived in Virginia City.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026do I have too?\u201d Joe said in a worried voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could see the apprehensive look in his son\u2019s eyes and knew by the boy\u2019s expression that Joe was holding something back from him. His son\u2019s fearful expression, added to his own mounting uneasiness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tightened his hold on Joe\u2019s arm and nodded his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, for now son; it would be the best thing to do, just until we get this matter cleared up,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cHoss, you and Adam saddle our horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir, Pa. Come on big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to the sheriff. \u201cWe\u2019ll all ride into town with you,\u201d he said, leaving no doubt for the sheriff but to expect all the Cartwrights to go along.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe walked reluctantly into the cell and turned to face his father. He watched the sheriff close the door, which clanged shut, and then turn the key in the lock. It was a sickening sound that caused his stomach to churn with both fear and worry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa can stay as long as ya like, Ben,\u201d Roy said, leaving the family to discuss matters without his having to be a part.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Roy,\u201d Ben said as Roy closed the door that separated the iron cells from the front office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As soon as the door closed, Ben turned to his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Joseph, would you please explain to me, how you managed to get yourself into this mess?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe let the wind expel from his lungs. He removed his hat, tossing it over onto the narrow cot that served as a bed and then ran his fingers through his thick curls. His young features distorted themselves into a frown.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean you don\u2019t know? I thought you said you\u2019ve heard of this\u2026this\u2026Alex Jennings?\u201d Ben said in a tone bordering on exasperation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have heard of him, but I\u2019ve never laid eyes on him\u2026honest, Pa,\u201d Joe proclaimed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen just explain how you\u2019ve heard of him,\u201d Adam prompted. \u201cIn case you don\u2019t realize it, little brother, you\u2019re in heap of trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned his back to his family and walked to the barred windows. He lowered his head, thinking how he should go about explaining everything to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you think I know that?\u201d he said at last, facing the trio.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe crossed the tiny cell, coming back to stand in front of his father. He placed both hands on the bars and leaned his head against them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI met a woman, Lila Gibbons,\u201d he began. \u201cWe\u2026became friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced up, taking in the three vexed faces.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo on,\u201d his father prompted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe was in the bank the day of the robbery. Three days ago, the day I went for a ride\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI remember,\u201d said Ben, \u201cyou stayed out all night. Were you with this woman?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd? What happened after that?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath and went on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe told me about this man who was harassing her, he wanted her to marry him, but she wanted no part of him. She was afraid of him and what he threatened to do to her family if she didn\u2019t do as he wanted her to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd this man, was it Alex Jennings?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir. Pa,\u201d Joe said, hesitating slightly. \u201cShe offered me\u2026money to\u2026to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo what, son?\u201d Ben said as the fear in his gut began to grow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLila offered me ten thousand dollars to\u2026kill him\u2026\u201d Joe stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fresh fear washed over the three as the stood in shock, staring in disbelief at the young man behind bars.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDear Lord,\u201d whispered Ben in a voice that trembled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glanced at the horrified faces of his two oldest sons and then turned wide, dark eyes back to look deeply into the hazel eyes that glistened with deep pools of crystal clear water.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, please tell me, you didn\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not!\u201d Joe snapped angrily. \u201cWhat do you take me for?\u201d he stormed, moving again to the window.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss exchanged looks, both watching their brother trying to maintain his self-control.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

He waited until his brother turned around and looked at him. Adam motioned with his finger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome over here, please,\u201d he said, using as steady of a voice as he could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe walked slowly back to his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou came into town this afternoon, why, who were you with?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat difference does it make?\u201d Joe asked as he gripped the cold bars with on hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could see that his brother\u2019s knuckles had turned white, so tightly did he cling to the iron.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat difference does it make?\u201d Ben repeated with a deep scowl. \u201cThe difference could mean life or death\u2026for you!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you come into town?\u201d Adam persisted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face twisted into a frown and he glared at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot for the reason you\u2019re thinking,\u201d he snapped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam made a disgusted looking scowl and shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that suppose to mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think? You believe I murdered that man, don\u2019t you!\u201d Joe practically shouted, jerking his body around and moving to the cot where he dropped down onto it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not! For you information, Joe, we have more faith in you than that\u2026give us a little credit,\u201d Adam growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026what were you doing when you came to town? We have to know, son, we have to find out who really killed this Jennings fellow. We don\u2019t think for one second that you did, but someone had to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was with Miss Gibbons, alright?\u201d Joe barked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stood and paced the cell. \u201cWe went for a drive, okay? She knew that Jennings was arriving on the stage this afternoon and she didn\u2019t want to be in town, so I rented a buggy and took her up to the lake.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced at his father, seeing the disconcerted look in his eyes he as moved closer to the cell door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHonest, Pa\u2026I didn\u2019t kill that man\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached his arm through the bars and grasped Joe\u2019s arm, giving his son a tender squeeze.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe believe you, boy,\u201d he said in his reassuring voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s for sure someone killed that man,\u201d Hoss said, voicing his own thoughts aloud. \u201cWe just gotta figure out who done it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door, dividing the cells from the office, opened and Roy joined the group. His lips were drawn tightly together and his face bore a look of regret.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry fellas, time\u2019s up. You\u2019ll have to leave now,\u201d the sheriff instructed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Roy. Just give us another minute and we\u2019ll go,\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure \u2018nough,\u201d Roy said as he left them alone again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTry not to worry, Joe, we\u2019ll pay Miss Gibbons a visit and I promise, we\u2019ll have this matter straightened out in no time,\u201d Ben said, trying to give his son some lingering hope.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d Joe muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSee ya, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss called as he turned to go.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Joe, we\u2019ll get to the bottom of this,\u201d Adam promised, following after Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben lingered another moment, his hand on Joe\u2019s who gripped the cold iron bars tightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it don\u2019t look too good for me, does it?\u201d Joe asked in a small voice, laced with a mixture of chilling dread and near panic.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThink positive son\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJennings father and grandfather are powerful men\u2026what chance do I have if they believe that I killed their\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough, Joseph\u2026don\u2019t even think like that. I care little about how powerful they might be. I\u2019ll get to the bottom of this, one way or another, I promise you that much!\u201d declared Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try not to worry\u2026but they\u2019ll hang me for sure, if you can\u2019t find out who killed that man\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes turned black as he gripped the bars separating him from his youngest son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou will not hang\u2026that I can assure you\u2026regardless of what the courts deem!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, his anger consuming him, pivoted on his heels and stomped from the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s gone, Pa\u2026ain\u2019t nobody seen her since late this afternoon,\u201d Hoss said as he stood in the doorway of the Silver Dollar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you check the hotel?\u201d Ben said in a gruff voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, they done told me, she checked out this evening\u2026so\u2019s I went to the stage depot. I thought maybe the little lady might of decided to leave town\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNope, they ain\u2019t seen hide or hair of her either.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWonder where she could have gotten off to?\u201d Adam pondered aloud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked somewhat perturbed about things and decided that he best go have a talk with the sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going back to the sheriff\u2019s office and talk to Roy. Maybe he\u2019ll let me talk to your brother again. No\u2026wait, on second thought, Adam, you go to Roy\u2019s and see if you can speak with Joe. He was pretty upset earlier and now that he\u2019s had time to calm down and think, perhaps he\u2019s remembered something,\u201d Ben issued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, but what are you going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to see Hiram Wood. Joe\u2019s going to need a good lawyer and Hiram\u2019s about the best around,\u201d explained Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019cha want me to do, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben thought for a moment and then smiled at his middle son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you mosey down to the livery and ask a few questions. If Joe took the young lady for a buggy ride this afternoon, then he most likely stabled his horse there for the afternoon,\u201d Ben suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026that\u2019s a good ideay, Pa. Maybe ole Pete saw somethin\u2019 goin\u2019 on what shouldn\u2019t been goin\u2019 on,\u201d grinned Hoss, always ready with an easy smile and a set determination to be of help to his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Adam walked up the boardwalk toward the sheriff\u2019s office, he saw Roy standing next to Joe\u2019s pinto. The sheriff looked as if he were looking for something.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, what\u2019s going on?\u201d Adam asked as Roy pulled Joe\u2019s rifle from the scarab on the side of the saddle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy checked the rifle to see if it had been fired before he turned to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust checkin\u2019 Little Joe\u2019s rifle. It\u2019s been fired recently, Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe probably took a shot at some game, maybe a snake. He took a young lady for a drive this afternoon, he could have used it for anything\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure he could,\u201d the sheriff interrupted, \u201ceven murder,\u201d Roy said as he turned and marched back into his office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026you don\u2019t really believe that Joe could do such a thing, do you Roy? You know my brother better than that,\u201d Adam debated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He followed Roy back into the office and watched as Roy sat the rifle across his desk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis could be the murder weapon, Adam. I have to consider everything, ya know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI understand that, but Roy\u2026what was the motive? Joe said he\u2019d never even met this Alex Jennings\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMoney,\u201d Roy said sternly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked confused. \u201cMoney? That doesn\u2019t make any sense and you know it Roy. Joe doesn\u2019t need any money, and if he did, Pa would give it to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy had sat down in his chair and was leaning back, his arms folded across his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYep, I know that\u2026but there was another reason why Little Joe could have killed that man,\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He spoke as a man who had inside information and his depth of assurance only served to heightened Adam\u2019s growing concern.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSuch as?\u201d he hinted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Roy said as he stood up and came around the corner of his desk to stand face to face with his friend\u2019s oldest son. \u201cLittle Joe told me about that woman offering him money to kill Jennings.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen he must have told you that he refused the offer?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNaturally, but what he didn\u2019t do that he should have, was come straight to me with the information,\u201d Roy explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI agree, but he didn\u2019t, but that doesn\u2019t mean he killed the man. It only means that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was possible Joe could have\u2026let\u2019s say, fallen under that woman\u2019s charms and done exactly what she asked him to do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes grew dark with anger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh for heaven\u2019s sake, Roy. Joe would never hire out his gun. My God, he\u2019s been sick about having to kill those two holdup men, he\u2019d never kill for no good reason!\u201d barked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I have a witness that overheard that woman offer Joe $10,000 to kill Alex Jennings. He was in the dining room on the night that Miss Gibbons was supposed to have made the plans. And this same witness says he heard your brother agree to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe that for one minute!\u201d Adam declared. \u201cAnd you shouldn\u2019t either!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy shook his head from side to side. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam, but under the circumstances\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stomped across the room and back to stand in front of Roy. His dark eyes were angry darts of black fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCircumstances,\u201d he shouted. \u201cIf this man heard this supposed conversation, just why didn\u2019t he come straight to you and tell you about it? What was his responsibility? And why haven\u2019t you arrested the woman\u2026isn\u2019t she guilty of soliciting and masterminding a murder?\u201d he growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFirst off, ya need to calm down, Adam, I don\u2019t like ya tone of voice. Secondly, I haven\u2019t arrested her cause I can\u2019t find her; she\u2019s disappeared. And thirdly, yes, she is guilty of soliciting to hire someone to commit murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy picked up the rifle again and began moving toward the door that led to the cells. He paused and turned back to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf ya can find the young lady, I\u2019m sure we could clear this matter up. As it stands, I have a dead man over at the undertaker\u2019s, I have a witness that will swear under oath that he heard Joe agree to commit murder, and I have a prisoner who admits to havin\u2019 a conversation with a woman who wanted someone killed. What I don\u2019t have is the murder weapon, and what your brother don\u2019t have is someone who can back up his alibi.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy pushed opened the door and walked over to the cell where Joe was locked up. The boy was lying on the cot, his arm stretched across his eyes. Adam followed the sheriff into the inner room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Roy called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moved his arm and looked up to see the sheriff and his brother standing by the cell door. He grinned at Adam as he got up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou here to bail me out?\u201d Joe asked with a slight grin on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid not, kid,\u201d Adam returned the smile. \u201cNot yet, anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I wanna know, is this your rifle?\u201d Roy asked, holding the gun up so that Joe could get a good look at it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy,\u201d said Joe with a twisted grin. \u201cYou know it is, I saw you, from the window, take it off my saddle.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanted to be sure. It\u2019s been fired recently, wanna tell me what ya was shooting at?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d Joe said as the smile on his face faded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glanced at Adam as if asking what was going on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothin\u2019?\u201d Roy repeated the word. \u201cI\u2019d think again about lyin\u2019 to me, boy; it won\u2019t go so well for ya if\u2019n the judge\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes grew wide and Adam could see the doubt that shone brightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t used my rifle\u2026honest,\u201d he stammered. \u201cAdam, last week, when you and I were up at the logging camp and I shot that rattler, that was the last time I\u2019ve fired my gun\u2026and it\u2019s been cleaned since then,\u201d Joe explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMay I see it, Roy?\u201d Adam asked, holding out his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see why not,\u201d the sheriff answered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy checked the gun again, removing the shells and then placed the gun into Adam\u2019s out stretched hand. Adam examined the rifle thoroughly and then with a deep sigh, turned to his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been used, Joe, I can still smell the gun powder. Are you positive\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am positive, Adam, absolutely\u2026\u201d Joe said in a shaky voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, somebody used it,\u201d Adam stated. \u201cJoe could someone have taken your gun and you not know it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Adam\u2026I don\u2019t leave it anywhere, it goes where I go and where Cooch goes\u2026wait a minute,\u201d Joe said as if an idea had just popped into his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had seen the strange look wash over his brother\u2019s face and he moved closer to the bars that separated them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is Joe?\u201d he asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe raised his head as his lips curled into a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d he said excitedly, \u201cthis morning, when Lila and I went for that drive, I left Cooch at the livery\u2026and I didn\u2019t take my rifle along with me!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned to Roy, an expectant look on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere you go, Roy. Anyone could have slipped into the livery, taken Joe\u2019s rifle and used it to kill Jennings, and sneak back, put the rifle back where he got it and walk away, just as if nothing had happened!\u201d exclaimed Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure they could have\u2026but who? And why? Jennings wasn\u2019t known around these parts, at least as far as I can tell. The only one havin\u2019 any connection with the man, was\u2026Miss Gibbons,\u201d he stated. \u201cAnd we already know that she wanted him dead, and<\/em> from what Little Joe says, the two of them were together, on a buggy ride\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere you go\u2026that should clear Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt should, Adam, but we still have one little problem,\u201d Roy said as he took the rifle from Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that is?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe only person who can clear Joe of the murder, is Miss Gibbons, and she\u2019s missing!\u201d announced Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMissing? What does he mean, Adam?\u201d Joe asked as he pressed against the bars.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben appeared in the doorway before Adam had a chance to explain the sheriff\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt means, son, that your lady friend is nowhere to be found. It\u2019s as if she\u2019s drop off the face of the earth,\u201d he told the trio.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd without her testimony to back up what you\u2019ve already told us\u2026ya could\u2026hang, if proven guilty,\u201d Roy added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard and turned to his father. Ben could see the intense fear that clouded his son\u2019s eyes and reached through the bars to rest his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRemember what I told you, son,\u201d Ben said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m trying to, Pa,\u201d Joe whispered back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Ben had moved into the office with Roy where they could talk in private. The door between the two rooms had been shut, leaving Joe alone in his cell to wonder what was being said that he was unable to hear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy\u2026we have to find that woman!\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was fuming mad about the fact that the woman his son swore he spent time with, was nowhere to be found.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe couldn\u2019t have gotten far, not without a horse and it\u2019s for sure that she didn\u2019t leave on the evening stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy,\u201d Adam said before giving the sheriff time to comment on his father\u2019s statement. \u201cWho is this person that says he heard Joe accept the offer made by Miss Gibbons?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA drifter, Adam. He was in the dining room the night that Joe claims he talked to the lady,\u201d Roy said. \u201cHis name is Carl Simpson, why?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust wondering,\u201d Adam said. \u201cHmm\u2026a drifter you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s he staying?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? What are you going to do, Ben?\u201d Roy questioned, suddenly suspicious of his friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s brows moved upward as he looked at the sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to talk to him,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cWhere can I find him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The front door to the office burst opened and Hoss shoved a man into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight here he is!\u201d Hoss said angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the meaning of this?\u201d Roy demanded when he saw stranger\u2019s battered face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wanna press charges, sheriff,\u201d the stranger whined. \u201cThis big ox tried to kill me!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMore like ya tried to kill me!\u201d Hoss said as he shoved the man down into the chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss reached into the man\u2019s pocket and snatched a roll of bills from the man\u2019s vest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLookit what I found on\u2019em!\u201d he said as he tossed the roll onto Roy\u2019s desk. \u201cThere\u2019s five thousand dollars there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff, Ben and Adam gathered around the desk to see for themselves the roll of bills. Ben picked it up and thumbed through the stack of currency.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhew,\u201d he sighed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy turned to the man in the chair, a dark expression on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019d you get this?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The stranger sat motionless, refusing to speak.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t got no ideay where he got it, but I found it on\u2019em when me and Pete searched him,\u201d Hoss explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The stranger still refused to say anything. He kept his eyes focused on the wall in front of him and only once glanced up when Ben moved to stand in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s your name?\u201d Ben asked the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man\u2019s eyes moved slightly until he looked Ben in the eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNone of your dang business,\u201d he snarled at the senior Cartwright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell ya who he is, Carl Simpson, that\u2019s who!\u201d announced Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t that the name of your \u2018witness\u2019?\u201d Adam said, surprised enough that he moved closer for a better look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Roy declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHaven\u2019t we met before?\u201d Ben asked the man as he studied the other\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Carl Simpson refused to acknowledge the question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure we have, you came by the ranch, about two, maybe three weeks ago, begging for a handout. I offered you a job and you refused. You left without so much as\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo what? I still heard your brat tell that lady he\u2019d kill her husband for her\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHUSBAND!\u201d everyone in the room shouted at once.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, that lady what said her name was Lila Gibbons, well\u2026that ain\u2019t her real name\u2026it\u2019s Lila Jennings\u2026and the man your kid killed for her was her husband!\u201d laughed Carl.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Silence filled the room as all parties tried to let the man\u2019s words sink into their brains. Ben looked stunned, but Adam looked more so, for he quickly recalled that Joe had spent the night with the Gibbons woman, or Jennings, whatever her name might be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026don\u2019t you think Joe should know?\u201d Adam said after a short silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had a haggard expression on his face. It was obvious that the senior Cartwright was tired, both from the stress and the events of the last several days.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, Adam. I\u2019ll go have a talk with him,\u201d Ben agreed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Hoss said, placing his hand on his father\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned around, seeing the look of dread on his middle son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe girl? Lila Gibbons or Jennings\u2026me and the stable boy found her body out behind the livery. She was murdered as well\u2026her head was smashed in,\u201d Hoss explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT?\u201d roared Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam lowered his head into his opened hand and wondered just how much worse this situation was going to get before it was finished.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe heard a commotion out back, and then a woman screamed, we ran out back, that\u2019s when I seen this man runnin\u2019 down the back alley. I chased\u2019em while Pete looked after the woman. When I caught up to this dude and dragged him back to the livery, the lady, Miss Gibbons, was already dead,\u201d Hoss explained sadly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI saw this stranger drop the shovel, just as me and Pete opened the door.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll be danged,\u201d mumbled Roy as he grabbed Carl by the arm and yanked him up from the chair in which he was sitting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, you lowlife scoundrel, I\u2019m lockin\u2019 ya up,\u201d ordered Roy as he practically dragged the man into the cellblock.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was standing against the bars, having heard bits and pieces of the conversation, he was anxious to find out what was going on. He had heard his name mentioned several times and his growing curiosity was steadily mounting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe called when he caught a glimpse of his father standing in the main office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned at the sound of his name and hurried to his son\u2019s cell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on, Pa? I heard shouting and arguing\u2026and my name and Lila\u2019s being said\u2026say\u2026\u201d Joe paused to look at the man that Roy was locking up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s\u2026the man in the dining room,\u201d he said more to himself than to his father and Roy who now had the key turned, thus locking Carl\u2019s cell door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn the dining room?\u201d Ben repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026he was in the dining room the night Lila\u2026asked me to kill that Jennings fella,\u201d Joe rushed to explain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm\u2026\u201d Ben thought aloud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026that\u2019s it\u2026\u201d Joe said with a new excitement growing in his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis man tried to pick a fight with me one night at the saloon. It was after you offered him a job, he was all liquored up and when I wouldn\u2019t fight him, he got mad and swore that he\u2019d get even with me!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEven for what?\u201d Ben questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He could see that Joe was getting himself all worked up, but as of yet, Ben could not make heads or tails out of what Joe was trying to tell him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe took a swing at me and I ducked. He fell down and everyone in the saloon started laughing at him; it infuriated him and he blamed me\u2026that\u2019s when he swore to get even. Pa, don\u2019t you see, he must have overheard Lila offering me money to kill Alex Jennings. He must have done it and tried to pass the blame onto me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh that\u2019s a lie, you little bastard!\u201d snarled Carl from his cell next to Joe\u2019s. \u201cI heard alright, but I heard you promise the little lady you\u2019d do her dirty work for her if she\u2019d\u2026\u201d Carl laughed, \u201clet you\u2026spend some time with her\u2026hahahhaa\u2026.alone!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you filthy mouthed\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe! Joe!\u201d shouted Ben as he reached through the bars and grabbed his son\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy\u2026can we open this door, there are things that I need to discuss with Joe, and certainly not in here,\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Ben. Joe, come into my office, ya can talk to ya pa in there,\u201d answered the sheriff as he unlocked Joe\u2019s cell and led the way back into the office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss turned to greet their brother. Adam shook Joe\u2019s hand and Hoss grabbed Joe and pulled him into a bear hug.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSit down, son,\u201d Ben ordered. \u201cThere\u2019s something I have to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe did as his father asked and took one of the seats in front of Roy\u2019s desk. Ben sat down on the corner of the desk and faced his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s bad news, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cI can always tell by the look on your face,\u201d he said, forcing a smile. \u201cWhat did I do now?\u201d he attempted to tease.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, Lila\u2019s dead,\u201d Ben said bluntly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He watched the easy grin disappear from Joe\u2019s face and for a moment thought that the boy might cry. Ben saw Joe swallow the shock and then turn his head away. Joe rose and walked across the room, keeping his back to the others.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlex Jennings was her husband, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned around, his emerald eyes dancing with sadness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHusband?\u201d he muttered in a wee voice. \u201cMy God\u2026what have I done?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His eyes spoke volumes of what he was feeling as Ben hurried to his son\u2019s side. Joe looked up at his father, his emerald eyes pleading for understanding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou had no way of knowing, son\u2026she led you to believe he was just a man who desired her for his wife\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s breath was coming in little gulps as he struggled with the news that his father had just given to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa,\u201d Joe murmured in a low voice, \u201cwe\u2026\u201d Joe gulped. \u201cI mean\u2026I\u2026dear God,\u201d cried Joe, turning his back on his father and hanging his head. \u201cI\u2019m so\u2026ashamed,\u201d he whispered lowly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was the only one who heard and he pressed his opened hand down hard on Joe\u2019s shoulder, reassuring his son that he understood the mixture of emotions that was surging through out his son\u2019s veins.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door opened and Clem Foster, Roy\u2019s deputy, rushed into the office. Behind him, walking rather slowly was Bert Taylor, the town drunk. Clem spun around and grabbed Bert\u2019s shirt and ushered him into the room filled with men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All heads turned to watch the pair, so mismatched in appearance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, ole Bert here has something he says is important. He wouldn\u2019t tell me, he said it was meant for the sheriff\u2019s ears only,\u201d Clem explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlrighty, Bert, why don\u2019t ya sit down?\u201d Roy offered, pulling a chair over so that the wobbly man might sit before he fell over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had turned around as well, standing with his father\u2019s arm about his shoulders. The entire group stared in puzzled wonderment at Bert, each anxiously waiting to hear what the drunk deemed so important.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell speak up man,\u201d Roy ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bert looked all the way around the room at each one of them. His eyes lingered on Joe\u2019s face so long that Joe began to squirm. Bert finally raised one shaky hand and pointed his long, calloused finger in Joe\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cT\u2019weren\u2019t him,\u201d he said in a slurred speech.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone turned Joe\u2019s way to see the surprise on the young, tired face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cT\u2019weren\u2019t him what killed that man when he got offa the stage,\u201d Bert said, shaking his head from side to side. \u201cNope, t\u2019was the new man in town\u2026Carl something or other.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes widened as he stepped forward and squatted down in front of Bert.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know this?\u201d Ben asked in a gentle manner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bert\u2019s cloudy eyes focused in on Ben\u2019s face and after a spell, he smiled at Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCause I see\u2019d\u2019em do it. I was lyin\u2019 in the alleyway beside the stage stop, behind some crates. That new fella didn\u2019t see me when he dun snuck up to the side of the buildin\u2019 and awaited until the man got offa the stage. He shot that poor ole soul with no warnin\u2019 and then took off runnin. I follow\u2019d\u2019em to the livery stable and hid behind the door. He put that rifle into a holder on ya boy\u2019s saddle. I knowed that was ya boy\u2019s pinto, cause I see\u2019d ya boy ridin\u2019em plenty of times.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Bert smiled, his yellowed teeth and stale whiskey breath caused Ben\u2019s stomach to do a flip-flop, but he remained where he was, resting his hand on Bert\u2019s knee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t come forward before now?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWas gonna\u2026honest\u2026but\u2026well, I found a bottle.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bert grinned. \u201cGuess I had\u2019ta drink up some courage first,\u201d he said with a light, nervous laugh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled back and patted the bony knee. \u201cWell, Mr. Taylor, I want to thank you for coming now and telling us. You\u2019ve just taken a load off our shoulders, hasn\u2019t he Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to see his son smile as Joe stepped forward and offered his hand to the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you certainly have, Mr. Taylor. I can\u2019t thank you enough,\u201d Joe said, pumping Bert\u2019s arm up and down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss moved forward and while they spoke to Bert and Clem, Ben turned to the sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, will it hold up in a court of law?\u201d he asked Roy in low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon so, Ben. He just cleared Little Joe of all charges as far as I\u2019m concerned. It\u2019ll be up to a jury to determine Carl Simpson\u2019s fate, and with Bert\u2019s testimony swearin\u2019 he saw Carl kill Jennings and with Hoss\u2019 testimony seein\u2019 him standin\u2019 over the woman, Carl Simpson will no doubt hang.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCarl killed Lila? But why?\u201d Joe asked, having just then learned how the beautiful young woman had been killed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHaven\u2019t gotten that figured out just yet, Little Joe,\u201d Roy explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bert pushed his way through the men who gathered about him and tapped Joe on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know why,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All eyes turned once again to the sodden man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe went to the lady\u2019s room, at the hotel, the mornin\u2019 ya left,\u201d Bert said to Joe. \u201cHe knocked on the door and when the lady opened up, he forced his way into her room. I listened at the door while that Carl fella said he\u2019d kill Jennings for her; she offered him $5,000. At first, he wanted more, but he finally agreed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bert wiped his hand across his mouth and smiled up at the group.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMouth sure gets dry when I have\u2019ta talk so much,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cClem, get that bottle outta the top drawer,\u201d Roy ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clem handed the bottle to the sheriff and Roy popped the cork from the top.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere ya go, maybe this will help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bert grinned broadly and took a long swig from the bottle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAh\u2026that sure is good whiskey, Sheriff,\u201d Bert grinned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo on,\u201d urged Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bert wiped his mouth on the sleeve of his soiled shirt and continued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen it was done, the killin\u2019 I mean, I followed that man in thar,\u201d Bert pointed to the back room, \u201cover to the livery, that\u2019s when he put ya boy\u2019s gun back. After that I saw the lady goin\u2019 into the stables, she was carryin\u2019 a bag. I watched her go through and out the back door. That\u2019s where she met him. They got into an argument and that stranger picked up a shovel and started hittin\u2019 the lady with it. I was just about to call for help when the back door opened and that big fella over thar\u2026him,\u201d Bert said, pointing to Hoss. \u201cWell, that big fella chased that murderin\u2019 good for nothin\u2019 down the alley. I knew he\u2019d catch\u2019em, just like I knowed ya younger boy here couldn\u2019t of killed anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled his thanks at the man and turned back to his father and the sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan I go home now, please?\u201d he said in a boyish tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see why not,\u201d Roy said, gently slapping Joe on the back. \u201cGo home and get some rest, ya gonna need it when Simpson\u2019s trial starts,\u201d Roy warned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhew\u2026well, I can\u2019t say I\u2019m looking forward to that, but I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed. Come on, Pa, let\u2019s ride,\u201d giggled Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the case came to trial, it was over and done with in less than two hours. Carl Simpson was found guilty of two murders, Alex Jennings and Lila Gibbons. Joe was relieved that it was over and that he could get on with his life. It had been a hard month, what with the bank robbery, the murders and the last lingering regrets about his one night affair with the beautiful young woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood at the corral fence, his arms folded across the top rail, his chin resting on his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA penny for your thoughts,\u201d Adam said as he stood slightly behind his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had seen the faraway look in his brother\u2019s eyes when they had sat down to supper, and had watched as Joe toyed with the food on his plate. Minutes after Joe asked to be excused and went outside, Adam had glanced at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think I know what\u2019s eating at him. Mind if I try talking to him?\u201d he had asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, please, be my guest,\u201d Ben smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had excused himself and wandered out and across the yard where he found his brother lost in his own personal thoughts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to give Adam a half smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould take more than a penny\u2019s worth to straighten out everything that\u2019s running wild in my head tonight, big brother,\u201d Joe said lightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam moseyed up to the fence and leaned against it, much as Joe was doing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026not to be presumptuous, but I think I know what\u2019s bothering you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without raising his head, Joe turned and looked over at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou do? How?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you\u2019re not the first man to be drawn into the web\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe web?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that might not be a good word. How about\u2026beguiled or better, bewitched?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe raised his head, turned slightly and propped his elbow on the fence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you\u2019re not making sense. I have no clue what you\u2019re talking about.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, beguiled\u2026taken in, by a beautiful woman\u2019s charms. Such as your friend, Lila. It happens all the time to us\u2026gullible men, little brother. You certainly weren\u2019t the first, and I promise, you won\u2019t be the last\u2026it\u2019s happened to all of us, at some time or another,\u201d smiled Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEven you?\u201d Joe taunted gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEven me,\u201d laughed Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The brothers returned to the chin-on-arm position and for several moments enjoyed the silence that lingered between them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced again at his brother. His eyes were dark and the pupils, Adam could see from the moonbeam that they stood in, were enlarged. A vision of a much younger Joe flashed in front of his mind\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026do you think I\u2019ll go to hell when I die?\u201d he asked unexpectedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT?\u201d Adam said in a loud whispering voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The look on his little brother\u2019s face was priceless and it reminded him of all the times that Joe had come to him as a small boy, so full of the wonder of things and asking so many questions, unexplainable questions that were hard, at times, to answer. Adam could do nothing to stop the grin that tugged at his lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would you think that, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe was married, Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you didn\u2019t know that\u2026did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, think about this for just a moment. If you had known\u2026would you have stayed?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not\u2026Pa raised me\u2026us\u2026better than that, why that\u2019s\u2026adultery!\u201d Joe said in a impassioned voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen by not knowing, don\u2019t you think that frees you from that sin of\u2026as you said\u2026adultery? She didn\u2019t tell you, little brother; she might have been beautiful, Joe, but she misled you, she deceived you into believing that she was something other than what she really was\u2026and she used all her captivating charms to have her way with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Joe said in a wee voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There remained between them, another long silence. It was Adam\u2019s deep voice that broke the stillness this time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust be more careful next time, Joe. Be sure before you give your heart away. Love is a gift, to be earned, not something that springs forth in a matter of hours and then used for self satisfaction, only to be tossed to the way side once the need has been filled,\u201d Adam advised gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned to go, but stopped when Joe called out to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Adam,\u201d he said, as he fell into step beside his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam slipped his arm about the slender shoulders and together the pair walked to the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnytime, kid, anytime. Just feel free to ask me anything you need to know about women\u2026I can tell\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh brother,\u201d groaned Joe softly, causing Adam to burst into laughter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

September 2004<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Caught in a web of deception, Joe faces more than murder charges, how about a guilty conscience?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 PG (14, 750 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":11583,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1008],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12157","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12157","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/9052"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12157"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12157\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11583"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12157"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12157"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12157"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}