{"id":12163,"date":"2002-06-01T18:44:35","date_gmt":"2002-06-01T22:44:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12163"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:05:50","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:05:50","slug":"heart-of-clay-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12163","title":{"rendered":"Heart of Clay (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong> While being held prisoner by a gang of bank robbers, Joe makes contact with a man from his past.\u00a0 Confused by why this certain person is associated with the bandits, Joe struggles to put the pieces of the puzzle into one.\u00a0 Not until much heartache later is the truth revealed to him, and then it is up to Joe to learn to forgive.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong> G\u00a0 (13,425 words)<\/p>\n

Heart of Clay<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe stopped and leaned against the tree trying hard to fill his lungs with air while wiping the sweat from his brow.\u00a0 Somewhere behind him, he had lost his hat and the hot sun felt as if it were baking his head.\u00a0 Casting an anxious glance over his shoulder he could see in the distance the dust billowing up from the dry ground as the riders rode quickly in his direction and Joe knew it was only a matter of minutes before the four riders caught up with him.\u00a0 Looking out beyond him, Joe could see nothing on the horizon that would offer any type of protection from the outlaws that had been trailing him for the last several hours.\u00a0 The closest rocks that even looked as if they might offer some form of protection looked to be better than a half mile away and Joe knew that as tired as he was, he could never out run the horses that were gaining at an alarming pace on his hideaway.<\/p>\n

Joe had managed to escape earlier that morning and had made good time putting as much distance between himself and the pursuing gang of bandits as possible until his horse had stepped into a hole and fell, breaking his leg as he tumbled to the ground.\u00a0 Joe had had neither pistol nor rifle and had to leave the suffering animal to the fate of the buzzards in order to keep his own life.\u00a0 Joe had been thankful that the horse he had been riding had not been his own, for he knew had the animal been Cochise, Joe would have found it difficult to leave the injured animal behind.\u00a0 As it stood, Joe\u2019s own fate was about to be decided as he pressed his body tightly against the trunk of the tree in hopes that the approaching men might not see him and pass him by instead.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s luck had run out as it had that morning in the bank when he had walked in on the robbery that was in progress and had been taken hostage.\u00a0 Now his luck had ended for the second time today as the four riders pulled their horses to a sudden stop.\u00a0 Joe made a lunge for the first rider as the man jumped from his horse and started in his direction.\u00a0 Joe was able to get in a good left punch before the others grabbed him from behind and spun him around.\u00a0 One man\u2019s fist connected with the end of Joe\u2019s chin and the force of the blow knocked Joe around backward causing him to stumble into the arms of the first man.\u00a0 The man immediately slipped his arms about Joe\u2019s, locking his fingers tightly around the back of Joe\u2019s neck and raising Joe\u2019s arms high over his head leaving him wide opened for the punch he knew was coming at him.\u00a0 As the third man stepped forward in an attempt to deliver a punch to Joe\u2019s mid-section, Joe braced his back against the body of the man who held him and kicked out both of his feet, knocking the advancing assailant to the ground.\u00a0 Joe bent over frontward and the man behind him was thrown over his shoulders but before Joe could recover two men grabbed an arm each and held Joe tightly in their grasp.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll teach you who is boss, you\u2019ll not be crossing me again,\u201d shouted the man who Joe had first encountered.\u00a0 The man began punching Joe first in the face and then in the stomach.\u00a0 Blood spewed from a gash over his right eye then as the man threw a punch to his mid section, Joe doubled up from the pain and Joe\u2019s cries of agony seemed to ignite the man\u2019s wrath causing the man to became relentless in his abuse of his prisoner until Joe\u2019s body at last became limp and was allowed to fall in a heap to the ground, unconscious.<\/p>\n

\u201cTie him up, and make sure he can\u2019t get away this time,\u201d ordered Max dusting the dirt from his hands and replacing his hat on his head.\u00a0 Max looked back over his shoulder to be sure that the others where doing as he had ordered. He was worried; the boss would be fit to be tied when he found out that they had let their prisoner get away.\u00a0 It was just lucky for them that the boy\u2019s horse had stepped into that hole and gone down, better yet that the boy was forced to make his getaway on foot, which made his capture that much easier for the four of them who were on horseback.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I cain\u2019t figure out what\u2019s takin\u2019 Joe so long in getting\u2019 back, he said he\u2019d be back before lunchtime,\u201d worried Hoss as he closed the door for the fourth time and turned to his father who was seated in his favorite red leather chair sipping his coffee.<\/p>\n

Hoss noted the dark scowl that had embedded itself into his father\u2019s brow and knew that Ben Cartwright was angry.\u00a0 Hoss had no need to ask why, Pa had sent Joseph into town early that morning with orders to pick up the payroll from the bank and return immediately so that he might pay the ranch hands.\u00a0 As it were, Ben had had to put the men off and sensing that they were quickly growing impatient wanting their pay so that they might spent Friday night in town, Ben\u2019s anger was quickly growing to match that of his hired help, for young Joe was well passed the time he should have arrived home.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t suppose that somethin\u2019s happened to him do ya?\u00a0 I mean what with carryin\u2019 the payroll\u2026\u201d asked Hoss, pacing in front of the fireplace.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing has happened to him Hoss,\u201d spoke up Adam.\u00a0 \u201cKnowing Joe, he got side tracked, probably either a game of poker or a pretty little lady, more than likely both, you know how he is.\u201d\u00a0 Adam set his book that he had been reading on the table next to his chair and rose from his seat.<\/p>\n

Turning to his father, Adam crossed his arms and stood before the elder Cartwright a look of total disgust on his otherwise handsome face.\u00a0 \u201cWhen are you going to do something about that kid?\u00a0 Seems like all he wants to do lately is goof off.\u00a0 I am tired of picking up his slack and if Hoss would be honest enough to admit it, so is he.\u00a0 If Joe were my son, I\u2019d\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben jumped to his feet, his anger showing in his eyes, \u201cWell, he\u2019s not your son, he\u2019s mine and I will be the one to determine how he should be disciplined.\u00a0 Do I make myself clear?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, calm down, I didn\u2019t mean\u2026.\u201dstarted Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know full well what you meant.\u00a0 Adam, I happen to be just as tired of his slacking off as you are.\u00a0 I know better than anyone how Joseph is; I don\u2019t need you to tell me.\u00a0 I will handle it when he gets home.\u201d\u00a0 Ben\u2019s voice had become calmer, and he took a deep breath before speaking again.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t mean to snap at you son, I\u2019m sorry, it\u2019s just that I am about at my wits end with that boy myself.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been meaning to have a long talk with him, I suppose today is as good as any, if and when he should decide to come home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had no more than finished his sentence when the sound of horse\u2019s hooves could be heard in the yard.\u00a0 Giving each of his older sons a quick glance, Ben hurried to the door, Hoss and Adam following more slowly behind.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope that\u2019s Little Joe,\u201d whispered Hoss to Adam as they made their way out the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe too, though I can\u2019t say I\u2019d want to be in his boots right about now,\u201d replied Adam, shutting the front door behind him and following Hoss to the end of the boarded porch.<\/p>\n

Ben was attempting to grab hold of Cochise\u2019s reins that dangled from his bridle.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss swapped worried looks and rushed to their father\u2019s side.\u00a0 Ben had managed to gather the loose reins into his hands and was making a quick survey of the horse.\u00a0 Quickly he ran his hands over the horse, stopping long enough to look into the anxious eyes of his two sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis horse has been running hard, look at that lather,\u201d said Ben as he swiped his hand through the white foam and showed it to Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe came in without Joe,\u201d Ben told them, worried and suddenly frightened that something awful had happened to his youngest and most impish son.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you see any signs of blood?\u201d questioned Hoss as he moved to the other side of the horse and quickly ran his large beefy hands down the sides of the horse\u2019s legs and thighs searching for a sign that perhaps Joe had been injured.\u00a0 Hoss felt the animal\u2019s body quiver as his hands slid downward.\u00a0 \u201cEasy boy, easy,\u201d Hoss spoke in soft tones to the nervous horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d Ben straightened his back and faced Adam, \u201chave one of the hands give Cochise a thorough rubdown, will you son?\u00a0 Hoss saddle my horse, I\u2019m going into town.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben hurried back to the house to retrieve his hat and sidearm while Adam and Hoss did as their father had asked.\u00a0 Ben was worried, he had checked the saddlebags and there had been no payroll.\u00a0 Now Ben suspected that either Joe had not made it all the way into town or worse, had been robbed, maybe even killed, after he had picked up the money from the bank and had started home.\u00a0 If that were the case, several hours had passed since Joe had made his stop at the bank, giving whoever was at fault, several hours head start.\u00a0 But was Joe with them or lying wounded or dead somewhere on the road between town and his home?<\/p>\n

When Ben returned to the yard, Adam and Hoss had his horse saddled and waiting for him, they were sitting astride their own horses and when Ben approached, Adam handed his father Buck\u2019s reins.<\/p>\n

Ben looked questioningly up at his oldest son.\u00a0 \u201cWhere do the two of you think you are going?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith you,\u201d both said in unison.<\/p>\n

Joe moaned and tried to turn his body to a more comfortable position but the pain in his side forced him to cease moving.\u00a0 He tried to look around and get his bearings but even that slight movement was cause for his temples to throb and the nausea to turn his stomach over in flips.\u00a0 The gag that had been stuffed into his mouth prevented him from crying out for help and Joe knew it was useless to struggle against his restraints so he returned his head to the musty smelling pillow that had cradled his head.\u00a0 He had no idea where he was or how he came to be there.\u00a0 The only thing he could remember was the fight he had had with the four bank robbers when they had caught up to him earlier, which was before they had pounced on him and beat him into unconsciousness.<\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes trying to eliminate some of the pounding in his head, in the other room he could hear voices and it sounded to him as if the persons there were arguing amongst themselves.\u00a0 Try though he might, Joe could not make out what was being said, not that it mattered at this point, he was in no position to do anything other than to listen to the bickering that was taking place on the other side of the door from where he laid immobile upon the small cot.\u00a0 Joe closed his eyes as an unexpected wave of nausea swept over him and minutes later slipped once again into the world of darkness from which he had emerged just moments ago.<\/p>\n

Ben rode hard, his sons by his side.\u00a0 It was well past the noonday hour, closer then to suppertime by the time that the three elder Cartwrights rode into Virginia City.\u00a0 The townspeople milled in the street, men stood with rifles in their hands, women whispered amongst themselves and children could be seen clinging to the skirts of their mothers.<\/p>\n

Ben led the way down the middle of the street and wondered at the strange looks that were cast in his direction.\u00a0 Something deep within his soul told him that something bad was wrong and for just a brief moment, fear that his youngest son might have been found dead pierced his heart.\u00a0 Ben finally pulled Buck to a stop in front of the sheriff\u2019s office and as he dismounted the door to the office was flung opened.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen,\u201d Roy Coffee nearly shouted as he hurried to Ben\u2019s side.\u00a0 \u201cI was just going to send a rider out to get you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Roy, is it Joseph?\u201d Ben knew the answer to his question even before the sheriff answered, he could see the look on his friend\u2019s face, felt the rush of fear seeping into his heart once again and unexpectedly his stomach gurgled filling his mouth with hot tasting bile.\u00a0 Ben swallowed several times, forcing the vile tasting liquid back down.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, Little Joe walked into the bank right in the middle of a robbery.\u00a0 It was Pete Fisher\u2019s gang; they took Joe hostage.\u00a0 We were able to fire off some shots at them but I was more afraid of hitting the boy so I let them ride on out of town.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got the posse ready to go, you and your boys are comin\u2019 along, aren\u2019t you?\u201d asked Roy, knowing that Ben would not refuse.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah we\u2019re comin\u2019 sheriff,\u201d Hoss called out, remounting his horse and anxious to be on his way.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, I figured you would.\u00a0 We leave in ten minutes Ben,\u201d Roy informed them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were just about ready to go look for Joe ourselves when his horse came in without him,\u201d Adam told the sheriff, ready to begin the search for his brother and the gang who had forced him to go with them.<\/p>\n

Ben climbed up on his horse, his expression dark for he knew that his son was in grave danger.\u00a0 Pete Fisher was an old enemy of his from long ago.\u00a0 Ben had testified against the man once before when Fisher had been accused of robbing a stage and with Ben\u2019s testimony against him, Fisher had been sent to prison for ten years.\u00a0 Ben had been unaware that the man had been released and surprised to find that he was in the area and up to no good once again.\u00a0 What worried Ben more than losing his payroll was what the man might do to Joe if he realized that Joseph was his son.\u00a0 Fisher had sworn to him that he would seek revenge if he ever got the chance and now Joseph had unwittingly given the despicable man his golden opportunity to do just that.<\/p>\n

Within minutes twenty men, including the Cartwrights, were mounted and ready to ride out.\u00a0 Roy gave the signal and taking the lead, the men raced from town, leaving in their wake a gray cloud of dust that billowed up behind them.<\/p>\n

The boss and his right hand man stood over the small cot where Joe lay, just now beginning to awaken.\u00a0 The boss jabbed Joe roughly in the ribs, the action causing Joe to moan and draw up into a tight ball, the pain from his ribcage still close to being unbearable.<\/p>\n

\u201cWake up kid,\u201d the boss, none too gently, jabbed him a second time.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy Pete, the kid\u2019s in a bad way,\u201d said the boss\u2019 right hand man as he bent over Joe and gently turned him onto his back.\u00a0 \u201cWake up boy,\u201d the man spoke softly as he gently shook Joe\u2019s shoulder and when Joe opened his eyes at last, the boss shoved the other man aside.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about time you opened your eyes,\u201d snapped Pete glaring angrily down at Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes had fixed on the face of the softer speaking man and though he knew Pete was speaking to him, he could not draw his eyes away from the man who stood behind the man whom Joe presumed to be the leader.\u00a0 Joe squinted his eyes tightly together, trying to focus on the man\u2019s face, his mind not believing who his eyes were seeing for the face was that of\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019s he lookin\u2019 at ya like that, Wade?\u201d\u00a0 Pete turned to face the man who had caught his captive\u2019s attention.\u00a0 \u201cYou know this kid or somethin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wade forced his eyes from Joe\u2019s and turned to face his boss, \u201cYeah, I think I\u2019ve seen him before.\u00a0 I believe his name\u2019s Joe Cartwright,\u201d said Wade, totally unaware that Pete had a long-standing hatred against the boy\u2019s father, Ben Cartwright.<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright!\u201d\u00a0 Pete jerked his head back to Joe.\u00a0 \u201cIs your name Cartwright, kid?\u201d he demanded of Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe hesitated slightly giving Pete the opportunity to jab him in the ribs once more.\u00a0 Joe moaned as the pain pierced his side.<\/p>\n

Quickly Joe glanced at Pete and nodded his head slightly then turned once again to watch the expression on Wade\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhew\u2026\u201d Pete blew the air from his lungs.\u00a0 \u201cBen Cartwright\u2019s kid?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 This time Joe was quick to nod his head yes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhewie\u2026from what I\u2019ve heard, Ben Cartwright prizes his sons.\u201d\u00a0 Pete grinned at Wade, his yellowed teeth showing in the broad smile.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve struck the mother lode, Ben Cartwright!\u201d\u00a0 Pete\u2019s loud evil laugher caused Joe\u2019s attention to rivet to the man\u2019s face and what he saw in the menacing ebony eyes of his captor caused his body to shiver in fear.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis couldn\u2019t have worked out better if\u2019n I\u2019d planned it.\u00a0 Ben Cartwright stole ten years of my life from me, I vowed to pay him back for that,\u201d Pete laughed again.\u00a0 \u201cNow\u2019s my chance, I\u2019ll take something from him that will cause him more sufferin\u2019 than he could ever imagine, a pain so unbearable it\u2019ll last him a lifetime.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you talking about Fisher?\u201d questioned Wade, suddenly aware that his boss\u2019 mood had had taken on a menacing manner, and Wade did not like the glassy look that had suddenly appeared in his boss\u2019 eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gonna give Cartwright a present\u2026his son, only his son ain\u2019t gonna be alive when I do.\u00a0 I plan on killin\u2019 the boy!\u201d\u00a0 Pete gave one last look at Joe and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry kid, I\u2019ll make it quick, ya won\u2019t feel a thing.\u201d Laughing at his good fortune, Pete turned away from Joe, whose eyes followed Pete to the door.<\/p>\n

Pete headed out the door; Wade moved to follow, though going much slower and as he reached the door he cast another glance over his shoulder at the battered young man on the cot giving Joe the slightest of nods with his head.\u00a0 Joe tried to speak but the nasty gag prevented his words from forming, instead, tiny tears welled in his eyes as he watched the retreating back of the man whom Joe knew, slip silently out the door, closing it softly to leave him alone to wonder.<\/p>\n

Jumbled thoughts began shifting about in Joe\u2019s mind, thoughts as to why and when, and what for, thoughts that caused his already aching head to throb that much more.\u00a0 Joe tried to get his bearings but his restraints were so tightly holding his body immobile that he was unable to move very much at all.\u00a0 Looking around with his eyes, Joe concluded that he was in an old shack, but where and for how long had he been there.<\/p>\n

Joe couldn\u2019t help but wonder what his father and brothers were thinking, he had promised Pa that he would hurry into town, pick up the payroll and come straight back home.\u00a0 He knew Ben had been angry at him, as well as his brothers, for Joe was aware that he had been slacking off on his share of the work and just last night he had promised himself that he would do better.\u00a0 Then this morning when he had pleaded with his father to be allowed to be the one to go for the payroll, promising to come straight home, his father had finally relented.\u00a0 Joe had been hoping to make up for some of his failures by bringing the men\u2019s pay home in a timely matter.\u00a0 Joe groaned; not only had he failed to do just that, but also in the process had lost the payroll that the ranch hands were at home waiting for.\u00a0 Joe felt the tears of self-pity and disappointment mix with tears of fear roll slowly down his bruised face as he glanced again at the closed door, wondering why a certain person was involved with such men as the ones who had robbed the bank and beaten him nearly to death.<\/p>\n

Wade picked up from the table the plate of stew he had ready for Joe and started to the back room where Joe could still be heard moaning, but was stopped by Pete\u2019s strong hand on his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere ya think ya goin\u2019 with that?\u201d Pete nodded his head to indicate the plate of stew.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to feed the kid,\u201d Wade replied, pulling his arm free of Pete\u2019s strong grasp.<\/p>\n

Pete jumped quickly to his feet and snatched the plate from Wade.\u00a0 \u201cLike hell ya are.\u00a0 I ain\u2019t wastin\u2019 this grub on the likes of him.\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna kill him anyway, so why bother?\u201d snarled Pete as he picked up the fork and started eating what Wade had dipped into Joe\u2019s plate.<\/p>\n

Fury shone on Wade\u2019s handsome face, his eyes burning black with anger but he forced himself from voicing his resentment at his boss\u2019 neglect of his prisoner for Wade knew that it had been hours since Joe had probably eaten anything.<\/p>\n

Forcing his face into a mask, Wade could only stared back at Pete.\u00a0 \u201cSuit yourself, I\u2019ll just give him a drink, that is if you don\u2019t have a problem with that as well?\u201d\u00a0 Wade headed for the bucket of water; lowering the dipper he filled it to the rim.<\/p>\n

Suddenly the dipper was knocked from his hands; instinctively Wade made a grab for his pistol as water spewed from the dipper and splashed about him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t do that if I were you,\u201d laughed Pete.<\/p>\n

Wade turned; five guns were pointed at him.\u00a0 Slowly, Wade looked around at the faces of each man and slid his pistol back into his holster, the anger now apparent on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t wastin\u2019 water on him either.\u00a0 Now get outside and keep watch, that posse\u2019s liable to be snoopin\u2019 round out there.\u201d\u00a0 Pete ambled back to his chair and sat down as Wade turned his back and went out the door.<\/p>\n

Much later Wade was relieved of his guard duty by Max leaving him free to return to the house.\u00a0 Ross, Kirk and Sam were sleeping scattered about the room tucked into their bedrolls.\u00a0 Wade quickly scanned the room for Pete who was nowhere to be seen.\u00a0 As his eyes adjusted to the darkness of the shadowed room, Wade saw the soft glow of light that filtered from beneath the closed door to the room where Joe was currently being held.<\/p>\n

Panic suddenly swept over him as he jerked the door opened.\u00a0 Pete was bent over his prisoner holding him roughly be the collar.\u00a0 The back handed slap that Pete used across Joe\u2019s face sounded hollow in the smaller room.\u00a0 Blood seeped from Joe\u2019s nose and from the corner of his mouth beneath the gag where Pete had struck him repeatedly.<\/p>\n

Unaware of Wade\u2019s presence behind him, Pete drew back his hand to strike Joe again. Wade grabbed the outlaw\u2019s arm preventing him from hitting the dazed boy.\u00a0 Pete quickly released his hold on Joe\u2019s shirt; Joe\u2019s head fell limp onto the pillow as Pete jumped up to face the angry man who still held his arm in a vise like grip.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the hell are ya doing?\u201d shouted Pete trying to wrench free of the strong fingers.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need to beat him, he\u2019s already unconscious, look,\u201d Wade pointed down at Joe who did not move.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo?\u00a0 I was just havin\u2019 some fun with\u2019em.\u201d\u00a0 Pete pulled away from Wade and without another word, strolled from the room.\u00a0 Pete glanced back over his shoulder at Wade who bent over the bed surveying the damage that his crazed leader had caused to Joe\u2019s already battered face and then pulled the door closed, leaving it opened by just inches.<\/p>\n

For just an instant, Pete had been scared, the look of unrefined fury that he had seen in his partner\u2019s eyes had sent a shiver of fright coursing through his veins.\u00a0 The dark handsome man had startled him by grabbing his arm and Pete had been surprised at the strength that the younger man possessed.\u00a0 The outlaw, puzzled over his partner\u2019s seemingly concern for the prisoner, gave Pete reason to doubt the other man\u2019s trustworthiness.\u00a0 Pete knew that from now on, he would be more cautious in his dealings with his new partner for Pete had just learned a valuable lesson, never turn your back on a man, even if he is your partner.<\/p>\n

Wade dipped the rag into the cool water and washed the blood from Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 The coolness of the water brought Joe back from his dark world and his pain filled eyes sought the other man\u2019s in the soft glow from the light.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy Little Joe,\u201d Wade looked over his shoulder, noticed the partly opened door and not knowing whether Pete listened or not, dropped his voice to a whisper.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry about all of this.\u00a0 Honest Joe, please, just trust me.\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna get you out of here, I just haven\u2019t figured out how yet, but I will,\u201d whispered Wade, dabbing at the blood that oozed from the cut above Joe\u2019s eye.<\/p>\n

Joe tugged at his bounds, his eyes pleading with the other man to loosen them and free his mouth of the gag.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t Joe, I can\u2019t take the risk.\u00a0 Fisher will kill you for sure if I let you go.\u00a0 Just hang in there, I promise, I\u2019ll think of something.\u201d\u00a0 Wade moved from the bed and Joe struggled harder, grunting loudly in frustration as he watched Wade back out the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cTry to rest friend, you\u2019re going to need all your strength.\u201d\u00a0 Wade closed the door, the frightened look on the face of his captive causing his stomach to churn.\u00a0 Wade knew that time was running out, he would have to think of something quickly if he planned on saving the life of that special person in the opposite room.<\/p>\n

The posse had ridden for hours and the men had grown tired and hungry, and it was getting late.\u00a0 Several of the men had started complaining that they needed to get back to their own families and more than half mentioned work that needed tending too. Roy held up his hand, reined in his horse and stopped.<\/p>\n

Hoss had picked up a trail that they had hoped would lead them to the band of outlaws that held his sibling prisoner. Quickly he dismounted and began searching the ground for further clues.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, lookit here, this trail is headin\u2019 back to the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Ya reckon them varmints are ahidin\u2019 out somewheres on the ranch?\u201d asked Hoss as he studied the ground.<\/p>\n

Roy and Ben dismounted and joined Hoss as he studied the tracks.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like they\u2019s aheaded into high country Pa.\u00a0 Their tracks will be harder to follow in the rocks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head in agreement.\u00a0 \u201cRoy, we\u2019re going to need fresh horses.\u00a0 We can ride to the ranch from here, get fresh mounts and pick up the trail just over that rise.\u00a0 Looks to me that they\u2019re headed in that direction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Ben, I\u2019ll tell ya.\u00a0 Some of the boys here are ready to turn back.\u00a0 Cain\u2019t say as I blame them, they have families.\u00a0 I\u2019ll ride back into town with the men; see if I can get a few new volunteers to help us.\u00a0 It\u2019ll be dark soon, we can meet here at daylight and start again in the morning, how\u2019s that?\u201d\u00a0 Roy inquired.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss swapped looks, dark or not, neither one was ready to call it quits.\u00a0 Both were anxious to find their brother, Adam felt the need to ease his conscience and Joe\u2019s absence left him feeling very much put out with himself.\u00a0 Joe was young, he tried hard and when he worked, Adam had to honestly admit to himself that his youngest brother was a go-getter often working circles around him self and Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hoss was just worried about his younger sibling.\u00a0 Joe was his best friend; he had on more than one occasion come to the boy\u2019s defense when Joe had been out numbered or in some odd situation where his added prowess was needed.\u00a0 He enjoyed being with his brother even during those times that the younger boy often had led him into some sort of shenanigans that had more than once gotten him into trouble.\u00a0 Now with Joe\u2019s own safety being threatened, Hoss felt the urge to find and protect the brother he thought so much of.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, I think the boys and I will high tail it back to the ranch and get fresh horses.\u00a0 We might keep looking,\u201d Ben glanced at his sons, reading what he saw in their eyes, and knew that his older boys would not give up so easily.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right Ben, you do what you think is best.\u00a0 The others and I will start from here in the morning.\u00a0 Good luck,\u201d said Roy as he turned and remounted.<\/p>\n

Ben waited until the posse had ridden off before mounting his own horse.\u00a0 \u201cCome on boys, lets get back to the ranch and get fresh mounts, I\u2019d be willing to bet that those outlaws are hiding out in one of our line shacks.\u00a0 We might have better luck with just the three of us.\u00a0 If they are in one of the shacks, we best not going riding in on them with twenty men, they\u2019d kill Joe before we got within a hundred yards of one of those cabins.\u201d\u00a0 Ben kicked his horse\u2019s flanks and headed toward home, Adam and Hoss quickly catching up to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it with you and this kid?\u00a0 Ya got somethin\u2019 goin\u2019 on with him?\u00a0 You\u2019ve been tryin\u2019 to protect that boy since the boys brought\u2019em in here.\u201d demanded Pete, furious with Wade that his right hand man had been so attentive toward their captive.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no Boss, of course not,\u201d stammered Wade, slightly worried, for he knew what was coming.\u00a0 Pete had told all of them the night before that he was planning on killing his prisoner and the little Mexican they had brought along to do their cooking for them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen prove it, shoot him and let\u2019s get outta here,\u201d ordered Pete, watching the fear that suddenly crept into Joe\u2019s eyes and laughing loudly at his prisoner\u2019s fright.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy the time that someone finds his body, we\u2019ll be in California and no one will be the wiser.\u00a0 Besides, he ain\u2019t no use to us now, we already got his papa\u2019s payroll and when Ben Cartwright finds his son\u2019s body, that payroll with be the furthest thing from his mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pete looked down at Joe and smiled, \u201cI think maybe I\u2019ll do it myself. I hate the high and mighty Ben Cartwright, I\u2019d love to be the one to see his heart ripped outta his chest.\u201d\u00a0 Pete pulled his gun and pointed it at Joe, laughing at his victim.<\/p>\n

Joe kept his eyes trained on Wade, waiting for a reaction, fear beginning to steal into his heart as he fought against the ropes that bound his hands and feet. He felt like a trapped animal and he was scared that the angry man might actually shoot him.\u00a0 Joe forced his body to stop the sudden trembling that had started the instant that Pete had pointed his gun at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, alright, I\u2019ll kill him, but not with all of you in here.\u00a0 Get my horse and gear ready, I\u2019ll be out in a minute,\u201d Wade ushered Pete and the others from the room and into the front of the cabin.\u00a0 Pete grabbed his hat and started for the door but stopped and pointed his finger at Wade, his ebony eyes darkening several degrees.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou make sure he\u2019s dead, or I might just have to kill you,\u201d said Pete replacing his gun into his holster and marching out the door, that he slammed shut.\u00a0 Pete laughed to himself, he had planned it well, Cartwright\u2019s son would be dead, and his untrustworthy partner had been suckered into killing the kid, leaving him guiltless of the murder.<\/p>\n

\u201cHa ha\u2026\u201d laughed Pete to himself, \u201cI ain\u2019t finished with you either, Mr. Wade whatever-your-name-is, by tonight, you\u2019ll be buzzard bait as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wade hurried back into the room where Joe still laid tied and gagged.\u00a0 The sight of the boy, his bruised face, the gash over his right eye where Pete had struck him, the terrified look in his troubled eyes, all tore at his heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen Little Joe, I haven\u2019t got much time so I gotta say this fast.\u00a0 No matter what you think, I\u2019m not on the wrong side of the law.\u00a0 I can\u2019t tell you what I\u2019m doing cause it could cost you your life or that of your family\u2019s and no matter what, you can\u2019t tell anyone, not even your father that you saw me.\u00a0 Do you understand?\u201d\u00a0 Wade watched as Joe nodded his head and tried to speak while struggling to free his hands from the ropes that held him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t untie you Joe, I\u2019m sorry, but it has to be this way, I can\u2019t risk Pete coming back.\u00a0 Maybe someday I will get a chance to explain it to you.\u00a0 As it is, you\u2019re just going to have to trust me.\u201d\u00a0 Wade brushed back the stray curl that had fallen down on Joe\u2019s brow, wishing with all of his heart he could remove the gag.\u00a0 But he knew if he did, Joe would bombard him with questions that he did not have the time to answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to have to shoot you Joe, as much as I wish I didn\u2019t, but if Pete should decide to check, he\u2019d not stop until both of us were dead and I can\u2019t risk your life like that pal,\u201d said Wade and saw the look of fear that clouded the hazel eyes that stared wide-eyed at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry kid, I\u2019m not going to kill you, just wound you.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry Joe, honest I am, but if I don\u2019t do it, Pete will come back and he will kill you.\u00a0 Joe, there\u2019s one more thing I want you to know and that\u2019s\u2026I love you Joe, I have from the second I found out that I had a kid brother, I\u2019ve loved you.\u00a0 Please don\u2019t ever forget that.\u201d\u00a0 Wade balled up his fist and punched the side of Joe\u2019s head, forcing Joe into unconsciousness.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Little Brother,\u201d Wade could not stand seeing Joe staring at him, the tears that had welled in his brother\u2019s eyes at his confession of loving him had torn away at his heart, and Wade hated himself for what he was about to do.<\/p>\n

Wade took a step back, taking careful aim, pointed his pistol and fired.\u00a0 The bullet struck Joe in the top of the shoulder and Wade felt his own tears slowly slip from his eyes as Joe\u2019s body bounced and jerked on the bed.\u00a0 Slowly, Wade backed from the room but stopped suddenly.\u00a0 Shoving his hands deeply into his pants, Wade pulled from his pocket the cameo like picture of the mother that he and Joe shared.\u00a0 Taking just a moment for one last look at the photograph, Clay slipped the picture into the pocket on Joe\u2019s jacket, bent over his brother and placed a kiss on Joe\u2019s brow, whispering before he turned and ran from the room. \u201cSomeday little brother, maybe you can give it back to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Outside, Clay sucked in large gulps of air, filling his lungs to capacity in an effort to fight the rising nausea that had suddenly began to boil in the pit of his stomach.\u00a0 Pete and the others were waiting on their horses for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure took ya long enough,\u201d complained Pete as he eyed Clay suspiciously.<\/p>\n

Clay glanced up at the man he had suddenly learned to hate and in a calmer voice than what he actually felt muttered, \u201cI had to be sure the kid was dead, didn\u2019t want to make any mistakes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clay started to mount his horse but stopped suddenly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s the Mexican?\u201d he asked, looking around for the little man.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you might want to kill him too, he\u2019s in the shed\u2026make it quick.\u00a0 We\u2019ll ride ahead, you can catch up with us; your sure the kid is dead?\u201d snapped Pete, giving a glance in the direction of the line shack, anxious to be on his way.<\/p>\n

Clay masked his face so that the leader of the gang would not see his tormented look.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Cartwright\u2019s dead. You want to make sure, that is if you want to take the time?\u201d\u00a0 Clay was bluffing Pete, knowing that Pete was more than anxious to put as much distance between himself and the posse that they knew was looking for him. Pete shook his head no and spun his horse around, smiling, \u201cNo need, by the look on your face, I\u2019d say ya done it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll finish off the Mexican and catch up, you ride on ahead.\u201d\u00a0 Clay pulled his pistol from his holster and headed for the shed, waiting long enough to be sure that Pete and the others had left.\u00a0 Once he was positive, he entered the dimly lit remnants of the old lean-to.\u00a0 Paco was standing in the shadows; ready for what he was sure was coming.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaco, don\u2019t worry, I\u2019m not going to hurt you.\u00a0 Come over here,\u201d said Clay softly as he inched his way toward the scared man.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaco, do you know how to get to the Ponderosa?\u201d inquired Clay; glancing over his shoulder to be sure that one of the men had not returned.<\/p>\n

\u201cSi, Si, I know Ponderosa,\u201d answered Paco, not sure why this man who had been assigned to kill him was talking rather than following orders.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know Ben Cartwright?\u201d Clay had his hand on the shoulder of the smaller man and could feel the trembling of the man\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

\u201cSi, Si, Ben Cartwright old friend,\u201d answered Paco.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, I want you to ride that jackass of yours to the Ponderosa, see Ben Cartwright or one of his sons, Adam or Hoss.\u00a0 Tell them to bring a wagon and tell them that they will find what they are looking for at Oblivion.\u00a0 Do you understand?\u201d said Clay.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaco understand\u2026but I thought\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind what you thought.\u00a0 Just do as I say.\u00a0 Here, there is enough money for you to take your family back to Mexico.\u00a0 Just tell Mr. Cartwright what I told you to tell him and then get your family and get out of here.\u00a0 Do not come back up here to this shack, you got that?\u201d\u00a0 Clay was beginning to become impatient; he was worried that Pete might send one of the men back to see what was taking him so long.\u00a0 He grabbed Paco\u2019s hand and stuffed the rolled up bills into the man\u2019s palm.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe sure to tell the Cartwrights to hurry.\u201d\u00a0 With that Clay fired off a shot just to the left of Paco\u2019s feet sending the dust flying, causing Paco to jump from fear of being shot.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho do you want Paco to tell them sent me to them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Clay stopped on his way out of the shed to consider the question, he hadn\u2019t thought about Joe\u2019s father wanting to know who had sent the little Mexican with the message.\u00a0 Clay glanced back over his shoulder, he also did not want Ben to know he was anywhere in the area, it was just too dangerous for all of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell them a friend of Little Joe\u2019s, nothing more, now get out of here.\u201d\u00a0 Clay shoved Paco out the door and toward his mule as he headed in the other direction and mounted his horse.\u00a0 Giving one more glance at the cabin, Clay tipped his hat, \u201cSo long, Little Brother, good luck.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paco kicked the sides of his mule.\u00a0 The animal was worn out and barely able to place one foot in front of the other by the time that man and beast ambled into the yard of the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Ben who just mounting his horse, turned at the sound of Paco\u2019s cursing of the animal and gave puzzled glances at his older two sons as they also turned to stare at the approaching duo.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Cartwright, Mister Cartwright,\u201d yelled the excited Mexican as he jumped from his mule and stumbled forward stopping in front of Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaco, calm down, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d asked Ben reaching out to prevent Paco from falling to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Cartwright, I have message,\u201d stammered Paco, trying to catch his breath.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss had hurried to their father\u2019s side and as the three anxious Cartwrights waited, Paco began to relay the important message.<\/p>\n

\u201cMan said to tell you, bring wagon\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMan?\u00a0 What man?\u201d interrupted Ben, helping Paco over to a seat where he could sit down.<\/p>\n

\u201cMan, said to tell Mr. Cartwright bring wagon, find what you are looking for at Obl\u2026Olv..\u201d stammered Paco, not sure now what Clay had said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOblivion?\u201d supplied Adam, glancing at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that is the place,\u201d nodded Paco.<\/p>\n

Ben looked questioningly at his sons and then back at Paco.\u00a0 \u201cWhat man, Paco?\u00a0 Who sent you with the message?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFriend of Little Joe\u2019s.\u00a0 He said bring wagon.\u00a0 Mr. Cartwright, I know Little Joe and he is at cabin.\u00a0 But Paco not tell bad men I know little one, too dangerous for boy.\u00a0 I hear gunshot in cabin, Little Joe dead.\u00a0 That\u2019s why man say to bring wagon, to bring son\u2019s body home.\u201d\u00a0 Paco looked up into the face of his long time friend, saw the tears that had suddenly welled in the dark brooding eyes and shook his head sadly.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Joe cain\u2019t be dead\u2026he just cain\u2019t,\u201d moaned Hoss, not wanting to believe that his baby brother was truly gone.\u00a0 \u201cAre ya sure Paco, are ya absolutely sure that Little Joe is dead?\u201d demanded Hoss in a strained voice as he squatted down to be eye level with the smaller man.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaco hear shot, man told to kill Little Joe.\u00a0 He told to kill me, but man sent me to Mr. Cartwright instead of killing,\u201d Paco said and then turned the cup of water up to his lips that Adam had supplied to him.\u00a0 \u201cI not sure if boy dead or alive, Paco not see, only hear and man told boss man that he killed boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, Paco looked up at Hoss, \u201cMan say to hurry, you must go, I must go.\u00a0 Take family back to Mexico, man give Paco money, see,\u201d Paco pulled the wad of bills from his pocket and showed it to Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did you get all of this money?\u201d asked Adam, staring at the handbills.<\/p>\n

Paco turned his attention to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cMan pay Paco for giving message to your father.\u00a0 Please Mr. Adam, friend of Little Joe\u2019s say Cartwrights must hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Pa.\u00a0 Let\u2019s get that wagon loaded and get up there to that cabin,\u201d ordered Adam, taking charge.\u00a0 Adam grabbed his father\u2019s shoulder and shook Ben hard bringing the elder Cartwright out of his stupor.\u00a0 \u201cPa, snap out of it, come on, Joe may just be seriously wounded.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right Adam, Hoss help your brother with the wagon, I\u2019ll get the medical supplies and some food, hurry.\u201d\u00a0 Ben rushed to the house, grabbed the medical supply bag and crammed what little food he could find into a sack he had found in the corner of Hop Sing\u2019s kitchen and hurried back outside.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss had the wagon ready and his horse ready. Quickly the trio headed out of the yard, each lost in their own thoughts as to the welfare of the youngest family member.<\/p>\n

It took Ben and his son\u2019s most of the night to reach the line shack known as Oblivion.\u00a0 The old shack was seldom used and then when it was, it was only when one of them or some ranch hand stayed there during round up.\u00a0 The cabin had earned its name due to the distance and isolation from any of the other line shacks and the main ranch house.\u00a0 It was a place where none of the hands or family members enjoyed having to use. And much to Ben\u2019s distaste, made the perfect hideout for any man on the run.<\/p>\n

Ben heard the moaning as soon as he pushed opened the door.\u00a0 The cabin was pitch black, darkness had stolen every smidgeon of light from the room and Hoss quickly struck a match, found the lantern and put fire to the wick.\u00a0 Holding the lamp up over their heads, Ben was able to find his way to the back room where the piteous sounds were coming from.<\/p>\n

\u201cDear God,\u201d muttered Ben seeing his son in the shadows, gagged and bound, blood seeping from the wound in his shoulder where unknown to him, Clay had winged his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, it\u2019s okay son, Pa\u2019s here now,\u201d Ben said in a soothing voice, all the while helping Adam to remove the ropes that held Joe\u2019s legs and hands bound tightly.\u00a0 Ben pulled the gag from his son\u2019s mouth as he knelt down beside the small cot and examined the bullet wound.<\/p>\n

\u201cBring that lamp over closer, please Hoss.\u00a0 Adam, see if you can find some water and bring the medical supplies.\u00a0 I need to clean this wound and see where the bullet is.\u201d\u00a0 Ben began removing Joe\u2019s jacket and shirt, tossing them aside as he did so.\u00a0 Gently Ben stroked his son\u2019s battered face.<\/p>\n

Joe moaned, tossed his head and mumbled incoherently, things that his father could not understand.\u00a0 \u201cTake it easy son, you\u2019re going to be all right,\u201d Ben softly said as he worked at cleaning the wound with the fresh water that Adam had brought in.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow bad is it, Pa?\u201d asked Adam looking over his father\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t look too bad, just a flesh wound.\u00a0 Whoever shot him must have been a terrible shot, to just wing him at such close range. Look, here\u2019s the bullet in the pillow.\u201d\u00a0 Ben dug the bullet out of the pillow and held it up for his sons to see.\u00a0 After placing the bullet into Adam\u2019s hand, he wet the cloth again in the water and applied it to the area where blood still oozed.<\/p>\n

Adam had moved to the other side of the cot and sat on the very edge, his worry and concern for his younger brother evident on his face.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s burning up with fever,\u201d he told his father, placing the back of his hand to his brother\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, we need to get him home in his own bed.\u00a0 Hoss and I can take Joe in the wagon Adam, I want you to ride into town and have Doc Martin meet us at the ranch.\u00a0 This gunshot wound isn\u2019t that bad, but someone\u2019s beat this boy pretty badly.\u00a0 We\u2019ll stay here for the night and get an early start first thing in the morning.\u201d\u00a0 Ben gently caressed Joe\u2019s cheek when Joe began tossing his head and moaning again.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d cried out Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026Pa\u2019s here son.\u00a0 Everything\u2019s okay now, try to rest Joe,\u201d Ben held Joe\u2019s hand to prevent him from slinging it about in the air as Joe sought his father\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2026shot\u2026me\u2026why Pa?\u00a0 Why?\u201d whimpered Joe, his pain filled eyes filling with tears as he searched for his father\u2019s face in the dim light.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho son?\u00a0 Who shot you?\u201d asked Ben, fighting the anger that filled his heart at the person who could have so callously shot his son while tied and gag and then gone off to leave him to die, alone and frightened.<\/p>\n

Joe momentarily stopped his babbling as something that Clay told him stuck in his befuddled and confused mind, \u2018you cannot tell anyone, not even your father.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe squeezed his eyes, the tears slipping slowly downward from the corners.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t\u2026know\u2026\u201d he lied and turned his head away from the probing eyes of his father.<\/p>\n

Even in the dimly lit room, his body hot with fever, Joe could see enough to spy the doubt that had suddenly shone in his father\u2019s dark eyes and he realized in that instant that his father knew he was lying.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou rest son, we\u2019ll talk later.\u201d\u00a0 Ben laid the cool cloth across Joe\u2019s forehead and pulled a light blanket around Joe\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

Feeling his oldest son\u2019s eyes boring into him, Ben glanced up and locked eyes with Adam.\u00a0 Ben knew that Adam was also aware that Joseph had lied to him.\u00a0 But why, who was he protecting?\u00a0 Surely not the man who left him to die?\u00a0 Joe knew the man who shot him, of that Ben was certain, but the reason for his son\u2019s dishonestly would have to wait, the boy was too sick, too confused and maybe, thought Ben, just maybe, he was mistaken in what he had seen moments ago in his youngest son\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

Ben sat near his son\u2019s bed throughout the long night.\u00a0 Several times, Joe cried out for his father, other times his mumbled speech cried for the brother who had left him tied and wounded but never were his whimpering coherent enough that his father or brothers could make out his jumbled words.<\/p>\n

Joe rolled his head about on the pillow, his cries for Adam bringing the brother quickly to his bedside.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026Adam\u2026\u201d wined Joe; his eyes shut tightly, his head tossing back and forth, tiny beads of sweat popping out on his face and neck, his fever climbing to alarming heights that worried not just the father but both brothers as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here buddy.\u201d\u00a0 Adam took Joe\u2019s hand into his and held it, the moisture from Joe\u2019s sweaty palm making the inside of Adam\u2019s hand damp as well.\u00a0 Adam felt a sudden surge of guilt at having been so angry with his brother earlier and how he had tried to demand his father to be stricter in his discipline of his youngest son.<\/p>\n

Slowly Joe\u2019s eyes opened searching frantically in the dim light for his brother\u2019s face.\u00a0 Gently Adam cupped Joe\u2019s face and brought it around so that Joe might better see him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here, Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Adam cast anxious eyes at his father and then back down at his brother.\u00a0 \u201cWhat is it you need little buddy?\u201d he asked, brushing at the damp hair that had become glued to Joe\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d moaned Joe, \u201cHoss\u2026I\u2026have \u2026to tell\u2026you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss was instantly on his feet and joined his older brother who kneeled at Joe\u2019s bedside.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here too, Punkin, what do ya need to tell us?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss placed his large hand on Joe\u2019s head and tenderly fingered with damp curls.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026love ya\u2026stay\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s voice faded as his eyes closed once again to the unsettled slumber that claimed him.<\/p>\n

Hoss exchanged puzzled looks with his older brother, startled by Joe\u2019s unexpected proclamation of love for his brothers.\u00a0 When Adam and Hoss\u2019 eyes locked with the dark questioning eyes of their father, Ben only raised his eyebrows in wonder at the statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cWonder what brought that on?\u201d asked Adam softly, rising from his spot at Joe\u2019s bedside.<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno but somethin\u2019 strange has been goin\u2019 on here Adam.\u00a0 Somethin\u2019 that\u2019s botherin\u2019 Little Joe and somethin\u2019 that he ain\u2019t atellin\u2019 us,\u201d commented Hoss quietly so as not to disturb Joe who had begun moaning and crying out again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree Hoss.\u00a0 I think Joe knows who shot him and I think it\u2019s tearing him up inside.\u00a0 What I can\u2019t figure out is who and why and why would our little brother want to keep it from us?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had sat down opposite Hoss and was resting his elbows on the table.\u00a0 Pinching the bridge of his nose as he normally did when troubled, Adam raised his head slowly and looked at his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think Joe was lying, no, I know Joe was lying to Pa when he said he didn\u2019t know who it was that shot him.\u00a0 And I\u2019m positive that Pa knew it also.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut why Adam?\u00a0 Why would Joe not tell Pa?\u201d worried Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t say, but you and I are going to find out, one way or another.\u201d\u00a0 Adam leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.<\/p>\n

Joe continued to toss and turn, crying out in his fevered condition.\u00a0 His dreams always centered around the lone man who stood over his bed, gun pointed, trigger pulled back ready to fire.\u00a0 Joe screamed out, jarring his father from his slumber in the chair where he had been sitting keeping vigil over his sick son.<\/p>\n

\u201cNO! NO! Don\u2019t do it, don\u2019t shoot me\u2026.\u201d Joe\u2019s mind\u2019s eyes locked with those whose own eyes was much like his own.\u00a0 Joe could see the tormented way in which they stared at him and he again heard the voice of his brother, \u2018I love you Joe, I love you.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease\u2026please, don\u2019t go\u2026don\u2019t leave me,\u201d wept Joe in his delirium.<\/p>\n

Ben dampened the cloth in cool water and returned it to his son\u2019s fevered brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho Joseph, who are you begging not to leave?\u201d\u00a0 Ben was grasping at straws, Joe was in no condition to answer his questions but something gnawed at Ben\u2019s insides to find the reason for his son\u2019s inner turmoil.<\/p>\n

\u2018You cannot tell anyone, not even your father.\u2019\u00a0 Clay\u2019s face loomed before Joe\u2019s, even in his altered state of mind, his brother\u2019s warning rang clear and finally just before dawn, Joe lapsed into a deep troubled sleep that brought an end to his aimless muttering.<\/p>\n

Early the next morning, Hoss had the wagon ready, Adam left for Virginia City to fetch Doctor Martin and together, Hoss and his father carried Joe outside and gently using care placed the injured boy into the back of the wagon.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a good thing that bullet just grazed him.\u00a0 With these busted ribs, an infected bullet wound would have been more than your brother could bear,\u201d Ben told Hoss as he climbed into the back of the wagon and placed the blanket around Joe\u2019s unconscious body.<\/p>\n

Hoss tied Buck\u2019s reins to the side of the wagon and climbed up into the driver\u2019s seat.\u00a0 \u201cI hope this ride ain\u2019t too much for\u2019em.\u00a0 He\u2019s still burnin\u2019 up with fever Pa,\u201d Hoss gave his Pa a worried look.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust try to avoid as many ruts as you can son.\u00a0 We\u2019ll be fine back here, I\u2019ll take care of your brother, and you just watch the road.\u00a0 Now\u2019s let get going.\u201d\u00a0 Ben settled himself next to Joe, taking care to watch his son\u2019s face for any expressions that might tell him that Joe\u2019s pain had worsened.<\/p>\n

It was late in the day by the time that Hoss pulled the team to a stop, just feet away from the front door.\u00a0 Almost instantly, Adam was beside him, the doctor close on his heels.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t move him yet Ben, let me check him out first,\u201d Paul Martin called out to his long time friend and climbed into the wagon with Ben.<\/p>\n

Paul placed the back of his hand to Joe\u2019s brow.\u00a0 Ben saw the way the physician\u2019s expression changed and noted the worried look that crossed his face.\u00a0 Next, Paul pulled the blanket from around Joe\u2019s chest and lifted the bandage that Ben had placed over the spot where the bullet had creased his son\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell at least that doesn\u2019t look too bad,\u201d Paul muttered more to himself than to the worried father.\u00a0 Carefully Paul ran his hands downward along each side of his patient\u2019s ribcage and frowned when Joe winced in pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like he\u2019s got some busted ribs here, Ben.\u00a0 Help me get him into the house.\u00a0 Be careful, we don\u2019t want to jar him so that one of those broken ribs punctures a lung.\u201d\u00a0 Paul scooted out of the wagon and made room for Hoss and Adam who had volunteered to carry their brother into the house for their father and the doctor.<\/p>\n

The second that his brothers lifted Joe, Joe screamed out in pain.\u00a0 \u201cNo!\u00a0 Don\u2019t\u2026please don\u2019t\u2026it hurts\u2026it hurts\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss gulped forcing himself not to cry.\u00a0 \u201cTake it easy Punkin, ole Hoss\u2019ll have ya in ya own bed in just a couple of minutes.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss gave Adam a weak smile and together they gently carried Joe into the house and up the stairs.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing had the bed ready, covers pulled back, clean water waiting for the doctor\u2019s use and easy as they could, the brothers placed Joe gently down on his bed.\u00a0 Ben hurried to Joe\u2019s side and pulled the covers around his son attempting to tuck them in around his body.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, stop, please,\u201d ordered the doctor.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re going to have to bind those ribs first.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you and your boys go downstairs and get some coffee.\u00a0 Hop Sing and I can take care of Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2026\u201d started Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Doc\u2019s right, come on, let him do his job.\u201d\u00a0 Adam took Ben by the arm and gently pulled him from the room.\u00a0 Hoss followed and closed the door behind him as Adam led their father down the stairs.<\/p>\n

Ben poured himself a brandy and sat wearily down into his favorite chair.\u00a0 A loud rapping at the door brought him quickly to his feet and Hoss hurried to answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Hoss,\u201d said Sheriff Roy Coffee as he eased himself into the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Roy,\u201d replied Hoss taking the sheriff\u2019s hat and placing it on the credenza.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, come on in,\u201d welcomed Ben, extending his hand in greeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Ben.\u00a0 How\u2019s Little Joe?\u00a0 I saw Adam in town and he said you\u2019d found him.\u201d\u00a0 Roy shook his friend\u2019s hand and then made himself comfortable on the settee.\u00a0 Ben offered the sheriff a glass of brandy, but Roy shook his head no.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s busted up pretty badly and he has some broken ribs, bruises that sort of thing.\u00a0 He\u2019s got a bullet wound in the shoulder but whoever shot at him just creased the flesh.\u00a0 He\u2019s hurting some and has a fever but Doc seems to think he\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Ben explained and sat back down, giving a glance toward the staircase, his mind turning to his wounded son upstairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHas he said anything about the men who held him?\u00a0 Did he say who shot him?\u201d Roy pressed his fingers together and waited for an answer to his questions.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not yet Roy, the boy\u2019s too sick to say much right now.\u00a0 Doc\u2019s with him, he should be down shortly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let me know when I can talk to him.\u00a0 We lost the trail up in the rocks just as Hoss predicted.\u00a0 We covered the entire area and couldn\u2019t find a sign as to where they might have been.\u00a0 My guess is they high tailed it to Callyfornia by now.\u00a0 If\u2019n that\u2019s the case, it\u2019s outta my hands, I mean once they cross the border and all.\u00a0 I sent a wire to Wells Fargo and they said they\u2019d get an agent on it right away.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry Ben, I mean about Little Joe and your payroll.\u00a0 Everyone lost big this time, it\u2019s gonna take some of the ranchers a long time to re-coop their losses,\u201d said the sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it won\u2019t be easy for them Roy.\u00a0 I guess I was luckier than most, I\u2019ll see what we can do to help out those that need it most.\u00a0 Right now though, my main concern is my son.\u00a0 I\u2019ll let you know when the doctor says it\u2019s all right for you to talk to him,\u201d replied Ben as he walked to the door with the sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Ben, I know the ranchers will appreciate anything you can do for them.\u201d\u00a0 Roy placed his hat onto his head and mounted up.\u00a0 \u201cTake care of that boy of yours,\u201d he called over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

A week later, Roy rode again into the yard of the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Ben sat with Joe on the side porch; Adam and Hoss busy with the evening chores in the barn joined them as Roy dismounted.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvenin\u2019 Ben,\u201d Roy greeted his friend, \u201cLittle Joe, how ya feelin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine.\u201d\u00a0 It was all Joe said.<\/p>\n

Joe had become sullen and withdrawn over the last few days.\u00a0 Clay was constantly foremost in his mind and the anger Joe felt towards his brother at shooting him and then just leaving him, ate away at him.\u00a0 It prevented him from eating; his nights were constantly filled with nightmares, Clay\u2019s face staring into his eyes as over and over Joe relived the incident that tore at his troubled heart.\u00a0 To make matters worse, Ben had questioned him on more than a few occasions as to the person who had shot him and Joe had been forced to keep up the lie he had first told of not knowing who the man had been.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s anger and hurt feelings at his brother Clay did nothing to erode the trust that Joe held in his heart for the brother who had left him for the second time.\u00a0 Joe wanted more than anything to think that Clay had his reasons for doing what he had done, though try as he might, Joe could not think of any reason good enough to warrant being purposely shot by one\u2019s own brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe caught the robbers Ben.\u00a0 Thought you might like to know, well, that is we caught four of them, Pete was killed in the shoot out.\u00a0 The other four gave up after that, guess they figured without their leader, there was no reason to die.\u00a0 The man the others said was responsible for shooting Little Joe got away.\u00a0 Don\u2019t know how he managed it, but he gave us the slip.\u201d\u00a0 Roy moved to face Joe who had stood to his feet at the news.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry Little Joe, wish we\u2019d of caught all of them.\u00a0 I got a wire from Wells Fargo after I reported to them that we had four of them in custody and that Fisher was dead.\u00a0 They sent a wire back and said they had caught up to that Wade guy themselves and they would take care of him.\u00a0 I wired\u2019em back and told\u2019em you\u2019d be pressing charges against him for attempted murder,\u201d explained Roy.<\/p>\n

Joe jerked his head up, \u201cPressing charges?\u00a0 No, Roy, I\u2019m not pressing charges.\u00a0 You\u2019ll just have to wire them back and tell them that I ain\u2019t going to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

All heads snapped to attention at Joe\u2019s outburst and sudden anger directed at the sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, you\u2019re not pressing charges?\u201d Adam asked, giving Ben a troubling look.\u00a0 \u201cThat man shot you and left you for dead!\u201d Adam shouted at his brother.<\/p>\n

Joe had turned his back to the group, not wanting them to read the turmoil that he was sure now showed on his face.\u00a0 How could he press charges of attempted murder on his own brother, regardless that he still did not know why Clay had done what he had done?\u00a0 Joe recalled only that his brother had begged him to trust him and though Joe was mad at Clay for leaving him a second time and under such conditions, Joe told himself he owed it to his brother to do as he had requested.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard me, I\u2019m not pressing charges and that\u2019s final.\u201d\u00a0 Joe stomped back into the house slamming the door for emphasis.<\/p>\n

Adam was furious at Joe, not understanding his younger brother\u2019s thinking in the matter and he started to the house in order to confront Joe.\u00a0 Ben grabbed Adam\u2019s arm, halting his steps.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s eyes were dark with anger as he glared at his father but the look that was shot back at him told him to keep his thoughts to himself, so Adam squelched his desire to make public his distain of the matter.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave him be Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019ll talk to him later, I\u2019m sure he has his reasons,\u201d Ben told Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben found Joe standing at his bedroom window.\u00a0 The bedroom door was standing ajar and Ben slowly eased it opened and stepped inside.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, could we talk, son?\u201d he asked softly, moving to stand behind his son.<\/p>\n

Joe turned without speaking and moved to sit on the edge of the bed.\u00a0 \u201cIf it\u2019s about pressing charges, forget it Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019m not doing it.\u201d\u00a0 Joe hung his head, unable to meet his father\u2019s probing eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that\u2019s your decision, son.\u00a0 I think I understand why you won\u2019t press charges.\u00a0 And if I\u2019m right, I can\u2019t say that I blame you.\u201d\u00a0 Ben pulled the chair that was in the room up in front of Joe and sat down, Ben\u2019s eyes never leaving his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Joe glanced up at his father and tried to read the expression on Ben\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you mean, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben reached into his pocket and pulled something out, holding the object in his closed hand out of Joe\u2019s sight.\u00a0 Reaching for his son\u2019s hand, Ben gently pried open Joe\u2019s fingers and placed the object into the opened palm before folding the fingers over the unknown object.\u00a0 Ben held Joe\u2019s hand in his, preventing his son from unfolding his fingers and looking at what he had placed into his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI found this in your coat pocket Joseph, a couple of days after we got you home.\u00a0 I dropped your jacket and when I went to pick it up, this fell into the floor.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think it was meant for my eyes, but I couldn\u2019t help but see it.\u00a0 After I found this I realized that the man who shot you never intended to kill you and I believe that he wanted you to have this back.\u00a0 Am I right?\u201d\u00a0 Ben withdrew his hand and slowly Joe opened his fist.\u00a0 There in his hand rested the small photograph of his mother that he had given to his brother Clay two years earlier when he had first found out that Clay was his brother.<\/p>\n

Instant tears formed in his eyes at the memory of the night he had first given the picture to his newfound sibling.\u00a0 Swallowing, Joe looked into his father\u2019s eyes; moments later Ben was holding his weeping son tightly in his arms, allowing him to rid himself of his misery.<\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t tell ya Pa.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t, Clay begged me to trust him.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t betray him, no matter what he did.\u00a0 I just couldn\u2019t do it, Pa.\u00a0 You understand don\u2019t you?\u201d sobbed Joe, hurt by the knowledge that his father had known all along that he had lied to him.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s hand gently caressed the back of Joe\u2019s neck,\u00a0 \u201cOf course I understand Joe.\u00a0 I would probably have made the same decision.\u00a0 I only wish I knew why Clay shot you, that and what that boy was doing riding with a gang like Pete Fisher\u2019s.\u00a0 I have a lot of unanswered questions as I\u2019m sure you do as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do Pa, but I have to believe that Clay had his reasons.\u00a0 He could have killed me if he had wanted to.\u00a0 I know that.\u00a0 What I can\u2019t figure out is how he got tangled up with Fisher and his gang.\u00a0 He told me that he wasn\u2019t on the wrong side of the law, what do you think he meant by that Pa?\u201d\u00a0 Joe wiped his eyes with his shirtsleeves and gave his father a beseeching look.<\/p>\n

Ben only shook his head in thought.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose that only Clay has the answer to that question son.\u00a0 Perhaps one day he\u2019ll get a chance to explain it to you.\u00a0 For now, why don\u2019t you do as he asked and just trust him?\u201d\u00a0 Ben had moved to the side of the bed next to Joe and once again slipped his arm about Joe\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 Joe gave his father a tiny smile and nodded his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose you\u2019re right Pa.\u00a0 It\u2019s the least I can do for him right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben rose to leave but Joe stopped him before he reached the door.\u00a0 \u201cPa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes son?\u201d replied Ben, his hand already on the doorknob.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for understanding,\u201d Joe\u2019s lips made a tight smile that was forced.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry I couldn\u2019t tell you Pa.\u00a0 I wanted too, but I\u2026I guess I was afraid you wouldn\u2019t understand, guess I was wrong, heh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben saw the sadness that reflected back at him and his heart went out to his youngest son.\u00a0 \u201cI guess you were, Joseph.\u00a0 Remember?\u00a0 I told you many years ago that you could come to me with anything.\u00a0 I hope from now on you will remember that son; I\u2019m always here for you.\u00a0 I love you Joseph, we all do.\u201d\u00a0 Ben watched as Joe dropped his head and couldn\u2019t help but smile, the boy looked so young and reminded him so of his mother.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you get to bed son?\u00a0 The extra rest will do you good,\u201d Ben said in a lighter voice.<\/p>\n

Joe met his father\u2019s eyes, saw the love shining within and the smile that Joe gave to his father this time was not forced.\u00a0 \u201cI will Pa.\u00a0 Good night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNight son, God bless.\u201d\u00a0 Ben quietly closed the door, leaving Joe to prepare for bed and hurried to discuss with Adam and Hoss the possibilities of sending a letter to Wells Fargo in an attempt to find out what would happen to Clay should Joe not press charges.<\/p>\n

Adam closed the door softly behind and glanced at his family sitting in the great room surprised that they were so engrossed in what they were doing that they had failed to hear his entrance.\u00a0 His father was reading his paper, Hoss dozed in the blue chair and Joe sat on the wooden table facing the fireplace staring into the blaze that burned there.\u00a0 Adam noticed that every so often Ben would glance over the top of his paper at Joe who seemed lost in his thoughts.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got the mail, Pa,\u201d Adam informed his father after placing his hat and gun on the credenza.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hello son,\u201d Ben acknowledged his son.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t hear you come in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled, \u201cI noticed, here, you got that letter from San Francisco you were expecting,\u201d Adam told his father and handed him the mail, withholding one envelope.<\/p>\n

Ben saw the look that Adam gave him and raised his brows slightly in a silent question.\u00a0 Joe had moved from his spot in front of the fireplace and turned to greet his brother but before he could speak, Adam extended the lone envelope out to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis came for you Joe,\u201d Adam informed the younger man.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d asked Joe, surprised that he had received mail.<\/p>\n

As Joe reached to take the letter from his brother\u2019s hand, Adam spoke again.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s from Clay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes immediately darted from Adam to Joe\u2019s face, as much surprised at the news as his youngest son appeared to be.\u00a0 Ben noticed the troubling look that suddenly crossed Joe\u2019s handsome face; Hoss who had awakened moved to look over Joe\u2019s shoulder at the envelope that Joe now held in his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa gonna open it or just stand there and hold it, little brother?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss gently poked Joe in the back, bringing him back to the present.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026I\u2026yeah, I\u2019m gonna read it,\u201d Joe glanced into the faces of his family, his heart in his throat as he returned to stand in front of the fireplace, his back to his family.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head at Adam and Hoss, signaling them to give Joe his privacy.\u00a0 Adam took the hint.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Hoss, let\u2019s see if Hop Sing has any of that apple pie left from supper.\u201d Adam slung his arm around Hoss\u2019 shoulder and stirred him toward the kitchen.<\/p>\n

Ben moved to his desk and without a word to Joe, who still stared at the unopened envelope, sat down and busied himself with his ledgers.<\/p>\n

Joe slowly tore open the envelope and withdrew the letter, taking his time in unfolding the neatly creased paper.\u00a0 Swallowing the lump that had risen in his throat, and tossing an anxious glance in his father\u2019s direction, Joe allowed his eyes to return to the message on the paper.<\/p>\n

Dear Joe,<\/p>\n

By now I hope you have recovered from all that you have been through.\u00a0 I want to tell you little brother, how very sorry I am for my part in what happened to you.\u00a0 I hated myself for having to hurt you, to see you lying wounded and tied as you were has haunted my dreams since that awful day.\u00a0 I know you had questions, Joe.\u00a0 I wish I could have explained myself to you right then, I wish I could have told you face to face what was going on, but I couldn\u2019t.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t take the chance, for if Pete had known that we were brothers, he would have killed both of us.\u00a0 As it were, he already suspected something and I could not take the gamble of him finding out.\u00a0 I had to protect you the best way that I could, that is why I had to be the one to shoot you, Joe.\u00a0 Pete hated your father; he would have taken pleasure in killing you, just to hurt Ben.\u00a0 I could not let that happen, not to you, my own brother.<\/p>\n

Joe, I hope someday you can forgive me, I would have never left you as I did had the circumstances been different, I hope you believe that, for it is the truth.\u00a0 Joe, the reason why I could not tell you why I was involved with scum like Pete and his gang was because I was working undercover for Wells Fargo.\u00a0 I went to work with them after I left you that night you gave me the picture of our mother.\u00a0 I knew that having once met you, loving you as my brother as I do, I knew Joe, that it was time for me to get my life together and make our mother proud of both of her sons, not just one.\u00a0 I wish I had known her Joe; it might have made a big difference in how I lived my life.\u00a0 You were lucky that you had her for as long as you did, I envy you that.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m still working for Wells Fargo.\u00a0 I\u2019m headed up to Montana in a couple of days, seems they are having the same problems there as were taking place in your part of the country.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know when, if ever I will get back to the Ponderosa, but I just wanted to clear things with you and to tell you again how sorry I am for what happened.\u00a0 Remember Little Joe what I told you before, I love you.\u00a0 I honestly do Joe, and I wanted you to know what was really in my heart, and how I truly feel about you.\u00a0 I never meant it when I told you that I didn\u2019t need you or your family, I only said that cause I knew I had to say something to make you see that your rightful place was there on the Ponderosa with Adam and Hoss and your father, not tagging along with me.\u00a0 I told you before, trouble always seems to follow me and I didn\u2019t want to see you following in my footsteps.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss are much better role models for you little brother than I could ever be.\u00a0 Listen to them Joe, they love you and they\u2019ll always be there for you, I can\u2019t even promise you that I\u2019ll ever see you again, I can only tell you that I\u2019ll try.\u00a0 Please Joe, accept my apology and I hope that someday we\u2019ll meet again.<\/p>\n

Take care pal; stay outta trouble and every once in a while say a little prayer for me, will you?<\/p>\n

Your Loving brother,
\nClay Stafford<\/p>\n

Joe slowly folded the letter along the same lines that the paper had been folded and replaced it into the envelope.\u00a0 He glanced up at his father as Ben approached him and sat down next to him on the wooden table.<\/p>\n

Ben noted the tears that had welled in his son\u2019s eyes and couldn\u2019t help from slipping his arm around Joe\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 The minute that his father touched him, Ben could feel the tremors that shook his son\u2019s body and Ben pulled Joe close and held him tightly.\u00a0 Tears slipped slowly down Joe\u2019s face, relief in knowing that his brother had indeed been on the right side of the law and relief in knowing that Clay had cared enough for him to protect him the best he had known how, caused Joe\u2019s anger at his half brother to melt away.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was working undercover for Wells Fargo, Pa.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t tell me cause he was afraid Pete would kill me, that\u2019s why he told them he would be the one to shoot me, he meant to wing me and make them think I was dead, that\u2019s all.\u201d\u00a0 Joe sniffed his nose and pulled away from his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe really did care about me,\u201d Joe smiled at his father, the new knowledge giving him cause.\u00a0 \u201cHe even said that he\u2019d try to come back someday, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben noted the shine that returned to the hazel eyes that watched him and the sight made his heart leap with joy and he returned his son\u2019s happy smile.\u00a0 \u201cI wouldn\u2019t doubt it one bit, Joseph, not with the love he has in his heart for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s smile broadened as he slipped his letter into his shirt pocket next to his heart.\u00a0 \u201cDo you think mama knows Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKnows what son?\u201d Ben asked, puzzled.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think that she knows about me and Clay, that we\u2019ve found each other?\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes had begun to mist.<\/p>\n

Ben rested his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder and smiled, \u201cI\u2019m sure of it son, and I think she\u2019s about as proud of Clay as she was of you.\u00a0 She has two fine sons in my opinion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean four Pa.\u00a0 We can\u2019t forget Adam and Hoss,\u201d smiled Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour right\u2026\u201d started Ben when the two sons in question stepped from the kitchen into the dining room.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight?\u00a0 Right about what?\u00a0 Joe ain\u2019t never been right about nuthin\u2019,\u201d teased Hoss grabbing Joe around the shoulders tightly and squeezing him in a bear hug.<\/p>\n

Joe squirmed, trying to break free from Hoss\u2019 embrace while his family laughed at his futile efforts.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re wrong boys, this time your younger brother is right, trust me.\u00a0 Shall we explain it to them son?\u201d Ben asked Joe and then laughed as he helped Joe free himself from the tangle of arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, let\u2019s just keep\u2019em wondering Pa, we wouldn\u2019t want their heads to swell,\u201d laughed Little Joe darting out of reach of Adam who made a grab for him.<\/p>\n

Hoss circled the wooden table on one side; Adam on the other as Joe inched backward and quickly darted behind his father as his brothers moved in on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp me Pa, help me Pa\u2026\u201d giggled Joe mock fear on his face.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam had Ben wedged between them as they playfully grabbed for their youngest sibling, all were shouting pretend threats at Joe as they tangled themselves together laughing and teasing one another and anyone who might have been watching could have felt the joy that had once again returned to dwell within the walls of the Cartwright home.<\/p>\n

THE END
\nJune 2002<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Adam Cartwright, Ben Cartwright, Clay Stafford, Hoss Cartwright, hostage, Joe Cartwright<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: While being held prisoner by a gang of bank robbers, Joe makes contact with a man from his past.\u00a0 Confused by why this certain person is associated with the bandits, Joe struggles to put the pieces of the puzzle into one.\u00a0 Not until much heartache later is the truth revealed to him, and then it is up to Joe to learn to forgive.<\/p>\n

Rated: G\u00a0 (13,425 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":2430,"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_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,1007],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12163","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-joe-cartwright","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1007-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1717,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/PDVD_1807.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1634,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1634","url_meta":{"origin":12163,"position":0},"title":"Clay (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"August 10, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A sequel to the episode First Born. \u00a0 A chance meeting in an hotel reunites Joe with his brother Clay. But is Clay's past about to catch up with him again? 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