{"id":12169,"date":"2004-06-01T19:24:41","date_gmt":"2004-06-01T23:24:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12169"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:35","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:35","slug":"in-the-name-of-love-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12169","title":{"rendered":"In the Name of Love (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 After taking a beating, Joe wakes up to find that his favorite girl has been murdered and he’s being held accountable.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 <\/strong>PG: For murder and rape.\u00a0 No details (10,900 words)<\/p>\n

In the Name of Love<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Little Joe, you are such a kidder,\u201d giggled the girl who peeped out from behind the tree that separated her from the youngest Cartwright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t kidding,\u201d smiled the seventeen-year old young man as he made to reach for the girl\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Grace watched as Joe\u2019s hand moved slowly toward her own hand and waited until the boy was just about to place his over hers when she quickly moved away, giggling softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAh\u2026come on, Gracie,\u201d pouted Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Cartwright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGracie\u2026I meant what I said, you are beautiful, any man would have to be blind not to see for himself,\u201d smiled Joe who had moved around the opposite side of the tree and had managed to take hold of Grace\u2019s small, petite hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think you are the prettiest girl in these parts\u2026\u201d he whispered, lowering his head slightly, hoping to get a kiss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared into the shining eyes that mocked him, losing himself in the essence of her beauty. He lowered his head a bit closer, closing his eyes slightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs that why you fought with Lou Perkins the other day, because he tried to steal a kiss from me?\u201d the girl gently taunted Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes popped open as unbridled anger of the incident suddenly washed over him. The desire to kiss his girl vanished and he was forced to swallow, looking in another direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI punched Lou Perkins because he put his filthy hands on you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Joe Cartwright, I do believe you\u2019re jealous!\u201d Grace said, lowering her head to hide the pleased expression she was trying to keep her beau from seeing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The fact that Joe Cartwright liked her enough that he became jealous of the other boys attention they gave her, pleased her, for in truth, she like Joe best; but she wasn\u2019t about to admit it to him, not yet any way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe let go of the young woman\u2019s hands and moved away. He too was trying to hide his emotions from the beautiful young woman whom had so unexpectedly captured his heart. When he could control his emotions, he turned back to face the girl.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you why I fought with Lou, he\u2019s mean, Gracie\u2026he could hurt you\u2026not just physically, but\u2026but\u2026your feelings, stay away from him, he\u2019s trouble!\u201d cautioned Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT?\u201d Gracie practically shouted, quickly forgetting how fond she had become of the youngest and most handsome, in her opinion, Cartwright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her expression darkened as the smile she\u2019d been wearing moments ago changed to a scowl.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow dare you tell me whom I can see and whom I may not!\u201d she rattled. \u201cYou don\u2019t own me!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, taken back by Gracie\u2019s sudden outburst, rushed forward, trying to calm the girl. His hands gripped her shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGrace\u2026please, I wasn\u2019t trying to tell you whom you could or couldn\u2019t see\u2026honest\u2026I was just\u2026\u201d stammered Joe until he was interrupted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gracie stomped her foot in a childish manner. \u201cTake your hands off me, you\u2019re hurting me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She turned her back to Joe the instant she felt him release her shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know what you were trying to do,\u201d she muttered, turning to face the startled Joe. \u201cDon\u2019t even try denying it, either\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She turned to go, but Joe grabbed her arm and spun Gracie around. His expression was a mixture of fear and hurt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was just trying to warn you, Gracie. I\u2026I\u2026like you a lot, and I don\u2019t want to see you hurt, that\u2019s all,\u201d Joe murmured in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lowered his lips to hers and kissed the young woman. Gracie pushed Joe away and slapped his face, stunning Little Joe into complete silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow dare you!\u201d she stormed at him again and made to slap his face for a second time,<\/p>\n

but this time, Joe grabbed her arm seconds before her palm made contact with his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGracie\u2026I\u2019m sorry\u2026I didn\u2019t mean to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sound of an approaching horse stopped all further arguing between the two as they turned to see who it was that approached them. Joe\u2019s body stiffened and he cautiously placed himself between the girl and the unexpected visitor as he watched the rider come nearer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Grace,\u201d the handsome young man on the horse said when he\u2019d pulled his horse to an abrupt halt in front of Joe and the pretty girl.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The young man was a bit older than Joe, taller and thicker built. He dismounted, wearing a lopsided grin on his face when he turned to Joe. He noticed the girl give Joe a look of warning as she moved from behind her would-be protector to smile up at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy hello, Lou,\u201d Gracie said in a voice that dripped with honey.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou smiled and touched his hand to his hat. He grinned at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Cartwright,\u201d Lou Perkins sneered, noting the red handprint on Joe\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both Lou and Gracie heard Joe sigh deeply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello yourself, Perkins,\u201d Joe answered with a disgusted look at the unbidden intruder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He moved to Gracie\u2019s side, as if to shield her from harm, but Gracie, still aggravated with Joe for his seemingly possessiveness moved away, closer to Lou. Lou looked down at the girl with a questioning look in his sky blue eyes. He smiled, sensing the tension between the young couple.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs something the matter, Grace?\u201d Lou asked, glancing sideways at Little Joe. \u201cIs Cartwright here, giving you trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTrouble?\u201d Gracie said with a look that was as close to a pout as she could muster. \u201cNot exactly, he\u2019s just being a bit too possessive of me, that\u2019s all,\u201d she said as the pout turned to a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh really?\u201d Lou said as he turned to look at Joe. \u201cAnd why is that?\u201d he questioned Gracie, though his eyes still watched the anger that quickly began to show on Joe\u2019s young face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou also noted the faint pink tint of Joe\u2019s cheeks and he stifled a laugh. He realized then that he had interrupted a lover\u2019s squabble and he couldn\u2019t help but wonder what or who, it was about.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe thinks I\u2019m his girl and he thinks that gives him the right to tell me who to see and who not to see,\u201d explained Gracie with a smug look on her face as she watched Joe\u2019s reaction to her proclamation. \u201cWould you mind taking me home, Lou?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face drained of color and for a brief moment, he was at a loss for words. He quickly glanced away to hide the hurt that Gracie\u2019s words caused him. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he turned back to the pair, quickly noticing that Lou Perkins had taken Gracie\u2019s hand in his. Joe also noticed the strange look that came over Lou\u2019s face when the boy\u2019s eyes swept Gracie\u2019s body in a swift motion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou looked down at Joe, smiling in a wicked way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Little <\/em>Joe,\u201d sneered Lou, \u201cI take it that this pretty little thing has stolen your heart but does not return the sentiment, am I right?\u201d laughed Lou.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced toward Gracie, watching as she ran her hand up and down Lou\u2019s muscular arm. He felt his heart begin to flutter, his anger soared and without hesitation, he swung out, clipping the end of the other boy\u2019s chin and sending Lou Perkins stumbling backwards into the dirt until he landed on his backside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOE CARTWRIGHT!\u201d shouted Gracie in shock as she hurried to Lou\u2019s side, where she squatted on the ground next to the fallen boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe could hardly believe his eyes. Gracie had taken Lou\u2019s arm and was helping him to his feet. Lou wiped his lips, noticed the blood that seeped from the split that Joe\u2019s punch had caused and with a brush of his arm to push Gracie out of the way, Lou charged at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was ready and met the charging man as Lou plowed into Joe\u2019s mid-section. Both boys staggered backwards, their arms locked about one another. One pushed the other until both fell to the ground. Joe managed to swing out in an attempt to hit Lou, but Lou grabbed Joe\u2019s arms and pinned Joe to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lou somehow had gotten a tight hold on Joe\u2019s wrist and forced both arms over his head. His fingers locked about both of the slimmer wrists in a vise like grip that Joe could not break, and with his free hand, Lou folded his fingers into a tight fist and began hammering away at the handsome, young face beneath him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blow after blow smashed into Joe\u2019s face. Blood spurted from Joe\u2019s nose. He tasted blood where he had bitten the inside of his jaw caused from the steady rain of punches that Lou delivered to his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His head began to swim, his senses dulled to the pain and Joe felt himself sinking into a world of oblivion knowing that at any second his world would turn black. The blows to the side of his face ended after what seemed like a lifetime to the befuddled young man. His head spun as he fought to raise it. His swollen eyes searched for the girl. Joe\u2019s blurred vision conjured up an image of Gracie, her dress hanging in shreds. Lou\u2019s back was facing him, and the other boy\u2019s hands were about the girl\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe struggled to make sense of what he was seeing, but his mind remained cloudy as if a dense fog had settled over his thoughts, and blinding his eyes to actuality.\u00a0\u00a0 From somewhere far, far away, he heard Gracie\u2019s screams and just before he succumbed to total blackness, he saw Gracie fall to the ground into a heap of dress and petticoats.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBEN! BEN CARTWRIGHT!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised his head from the newspaper he\u2019d been reading and quickly glanced from Hoss to Adam, a look of surprise on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder who in the world\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBEN CARTWRIGHT\u2026GET OUT HERE, QUICK!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hearing the urgency in the caller\u2019s voice, Ben tossed down his paper and rose to his feet, hurrying toward the door. Adam laid aside the book he had been reading and Hoss dropped the bridle he had brought in from the barn and had been repairing. The two followed their father out into the early evening light.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was just in time to see his neighbor, Jim Claiborne, removing Joe from his pinto. Ben needed no prompting to know that his youngest son was hurt and unresponsive. He was immediately at the boy\u2019s side, a look of shock and horror on his face as he gazed down into the battered and bruised face of his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDear God,\u201d proclaimed Ben, taking the unconscious body into his own arms. He glanced up at his friend. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d he demanded to know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Ben, I found him like this, about four miles out, on the road from the Hawkins place,\u201d explained the neighbor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben swallowed hard; it was difficult to look into his son\u2019s face. He felt his heart begin to pound, deep within his chest, and suddenly his knees felt weak.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, help me take him inside,\u201d he said in a trembling voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss rushed to take his brother from his father\u2019s arms and once he held the boy securely, hurried to the house. Adam moved ahead so that he could open the door for Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for bringing him home, Jim, I owe you,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou owe me nothing, Ben. Look, I\u2019m on my way into town so I\u2019ll stop by Doc Martin\u2019s and tell him he\u2019s needed here. It will save your boys a trip.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pinched his lips tightly and placed a heavy hand down on the other man\u2019s hand, giving him a stiff handshake. Jim could see the worry in his friend\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how to thank you,\u201d stammered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks needed, just get inside and take care of that boy. I\u2019ll tell the doctor to hurry, the boy\u2019s in a bad way, Ben,\u201d Jim offered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026I can\u2019t imagine who would want to hurt him in such a way\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d shouted Adam from the window.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned in the direction from which he\u2019d heard his name called out. He could see Adam\u2019s head sticking out from Joe\u2019s bedroom window.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026Joe\u2019s asking for you,\u201d Adam informed his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cComing!\u201d shouted Ben as he turned toward the house. He paused midway, seeing his neighbor mounting up. \u201cYou will tell Paul to hurry?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ben, I\u2019ll tell him,\u201d Jim confirmed as he rode off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raced up the stairs, taking them two at a time. At the top, he nearly collided with Hop Sing, who was running to the kitchen for clean cloths and fresh water.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Inside, Hoss and Adam had already removed the boy\u2019s soiled clothing and were bending over the bed, examining their brother\u2019s wounds. Joe had opened his eyes, though the swelling made it difficult for the boy to make out anything but blurred forms standing over him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d whimpered Joe in a tiny voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben elbowed his way between his older sons and sat down on the side of the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, son,\u201d he said in a comforting voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched, with a sick feeling in his stomach, as Joe\u2019s swollen eyes sought his face. When Joe reached out his hand in search of a familiar touch, Ben was quick to respond to the unspoken request.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s got you, son,\u201d Ben whispered, glancing quickly at his two older sons who had remained close by.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, can you tell me who beat you like this?\u201d Ben questioned. \u201cWho was it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a touch of insistence in his voice that did not go unnoticed by Adam or Hoss. They exchanged looks, both knowing what the other was thinking, that once they had a name, they would look the perpetrator up and take action of their own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head lolled from side to side; his expression spoke loudly of the pain he had to endure. When his eyes closed and his movements ceased, Ben released the boy\u2019s hand, laying it gently down on the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s fainted. Hand me the medical supplies and let\u2019s see if we can get him cleaned up some before the doctor arrives,\u201d Ben said in a strained voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was nearly two hours later before Paul Martin put in an appearance at the Ponderosa ranch house. Hoss hurried down the stairs to open the door for the physician and usher the doctor to Joe\u2019s bedroom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was sitting next to the bed, Adam had found another chair and was reading a book, which he laid aside as soon as Doc Martin entered the room. Standing to shake hands with his old friend, Ben nodded toward the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been in and out of consciousness ever since he was brought in,\u201d explained Ben, stepping aside to allow the doctor to examine his patient.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul Martin felt Joe\u2019s brow for fever and sighed slightly in relief when he found none. After checking his patient\u2019s pulse and carefully laying Joe\u2019s hand aside, Paul turned to Ben and the boys.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t mind, Ben, you and the boys wait for me downstairs, this shouldn\u2019t take too long. When I\u2019m finished, I\u2019ll be down and talk with you,\u201d Paul suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had a reluctant look on his face and for a moment, the doctor thought that the worried father might protest. But then Ben took a deep breath, and let it out slowly as he turned and without a word, walked from the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam moved to follow, but paused to speak with the physician.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou will call him, if Joe should happen to ask for him, won\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul glanced up from his work and gave Adam a small smile. \u201cNeed you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026I\u2019m sorry, I should have known better. It\u2019s just that Pa\u2019s so worried about the kid,\u201d Adam said, explaining himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know\u2026it\u2019s his nature to worry about his son\u2026all of his sons,\u201d smiled Paul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Time seemed to have stopped for the fretting father as Ben paced back and forth in front of the massive fireplace. Hoss glanced over at Adam and noted that his older sibling was watching his father, as he was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026can I get ya somethin\u2019 to eat? Ya ain\u2019t even had ya supper\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank you, Hoss\u2026I\u2019m fine,\u201d Ben said, finally calling a halt to his pacing. He looked up toward the top of the stairs, a longing in his dark eyes. \u201cI wonder what\u2019s taking so long?\u201d he said, more to himself than to his sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood to his feet and moved to his father\u2019s side where he placed a hand on the older man\u2019s shoulder. He wasn\u2019t surprised to feel the tension beneath his fingers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPaul\u2019s just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before he could finish, the sound of an upstairs door being closed caused the three senior Cartwrights to turn their attention to the staircase. Moments later, Paul Martin appeared at the top and began his downward descent. He smiled at the three who had quickly gathered about the last step, each anxious to hear what he had to say about their loved one.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s battered and bruised\u2026the boy has one cracked rib that I could tell, a few stitches over his eye, but he\u2019ll be fine, Ben, just fine,\u201d Paul explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sighs of relief filled the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe needs bed rest for a few days, and then when he feels up to it, he can get up, but I don\u2019t want him doing anything too strenuous until that rib heals properly. And certainly no fighting,\u201d grinned the doctor. \u201cHe woke up just before I was finished and asked for you, Ben\u2026he\u2019s waiting. Best hurry before the pain medicine I gave him puts him to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Paul, for everything,\u201d Ben said with relief. \u201cI\u2019ll go up now, Adam, please settle up with the doctor and Hoss, get his horse and buggy, please,\u201d instructed Ben as he made his way upstairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the door to his youngest son\u2019s room, Ben paused, taking a deep breath to steady himself before seeing the boy. As he entered, he noted that the lamp had been turned down and that Joe had been fully covered. It appeared that the boy had fallen to sleep, so Ben quietly pulled the chair along side the bed and sat down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d he called in a whispered voice, just in case Joe was already asleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyelids fluttered and then he opened the less swollen of the two. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here,\u201d Ben said, making a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurts,\u201d muttered the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but the doctor says you\u2019re going to be fine in a few days\u2026and he\u2019s given you something for the pain, it should be working very soon,\u201d assured Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGracie\u2026is\u2026she\u2026alright?\u201d murmured Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGracie? Son, what does the girl have to do with this?\u201d Ben asked, puzzled by his son\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He moved to sit on the side of the bed. It was obvious that Joe was getting drowsy and that in minutes he would be sleeping.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerkins\u2026Lou Perkins\u2026he\u2026hurt her,\u201d whispered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurt her? How son\u2026how did he hurt her?\u201d prompted Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know\u2026heard her screaming\u2026just before I\u2026blacked out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was too late to find out more, Joe\u2019s voice had faded and he slipped into the drug-induced sleep that the doctor had said he would. Ben, his lips pinched tightly in worry, straightened the covers about the boy\u2019s body and quietly slipped from the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, has the doctor left?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir,\u201d answered Hoss. He stood to meet his father. \u201cWhy, somethin\u2019 wrong? I\u2019ll fetch him back\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben placed his hand on Hoss\u2019 shoulder and shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026no, Joe\u2019s sleeping.\u201d He turned to Adam. \u201cI wonder if you\u2019d do something for me, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa, what\u2019s up?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I need you to ride over to George Hawkins\u2019 place for me, and find out if Gracie is alright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe girl? Pa\u2026\u201d began Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held his hand up for silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe and she have been\u2026well\u2026seeing one another. He was supposed to be with her tonight. I don\u2019t have the entire story, but something must have happened because Joe said that just before he blacked out, he heard the girl screaming; and he mentioned Lou Perkins\u2019 name,\u201d Ben explained, running his fingers through his silver hair. \u201cI have no idea how this Perkins kid is mixed up in all of this but right now I\u2019m more concerned about the girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026didn\u2019t Joe have a fight with that kid just last week?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026that\u2019s another reason this entire thing has me worried. Joe told me that Lou was trying to cause problems between he and Gracie and when things got out of hand, he and this Perkins fella started fighting. I\u2019m wondering if perhaps the same thing happened, only this time, Joe got the worst end of it.\u201d Ben looked bothered by the thought. \u201cPlease son, hurry a bit, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was already grabbing his hat and gun holster. \u201cI\u2019ll get right to it, Pa. Don\u2019t you think someone ought to have a word with Lou Perkins?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do it, Pa,\u201d offered Hoss. \u201cAnd if\u2019n he had anythin\u2019 to do with Joe being hurt, I\u2019ll take care of that too,\u201d Hoss affirmed in a threatening voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO HOSS! You just find Roy and tell him what has happened and that I need to speak with him as soon as possible,\u201d ordered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Pa,\u201d Hoss conceded as he moved to grab his hat. \u201cBut if\u2019n that kid hurt my baby brother\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll let the sheriff handle it, won\u2019t you?\u201d Ben said with stern tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss drew his lips tight and lowered his head. \u201cUmm\u2026that\u2019s what I was just fixin\u2019 to say,\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben couldn\u2019t help but smile at the look on his middle son\u2019s face. Hoss was as easy to read as an open book and he knew that the love that was between his middle and youngest sons was a love that was boundless. All of his sons shared a special type of relationship with one another, far different than from most brothers, and Ben was acutely aware that if need be, one would die for the others or vice-versa. There was no limit as to what they would do for each other and sometimes that notion worried Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Hoss\u2026let\u2019s get a move on,\u201d Adam said, breaking the silence that had suddenly fallen upon the three.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two brothers marched out the door, leaving Ben standing in the doorway watching. When the pair entered the barn to saddle their horses, and was lost to their father\u2019s sight, Ben closed the door and returned to sit by Joe\u2019s bedside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, that cain\u2019t be\u2026it\u2019s impossible!\u201d Hoss shouted. \u201cI\u2019ll not ever believe such a thing, Joe was crazy about that girl!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell it\u2019s true, Hoss. I was just afixin\u2019 to ride out and see ya Pa and Little Joe,\u201d Roy said as he pushed open the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Roy, Joe\u2019s ailin\u2019, bad too, from the beatin\u2019\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe so, and that\u2019s too bad, but that Perkins boy done come in here and told me the whole story. I couldn\u2019t hardly believe my ears, him sayin\u2019 that he happened upon Joe and the Hawkins girl and sayin\u2019 that Joe and she was afightin\u2019 and that the poor girl\u2019s clothes was practically ripped off her body\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw Roy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow Hoss\u2026let me finish. The Perkins boy told me he had to fight Joe offen that girl and then practically had to fight for his own life. He said Joe was like a mad man. He said when he finally knocked Joe out, he tried to help the girl, but she was already dead\u2026her neck was broken. The Perkins kid was so shaken up that I sent him over so that Doc could have a look at him\u2026Joe did a pretty good job of bustin\u2019 up the kid\u2019s face.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa don\u2019t really believe that Joe killed that girl, do ya, Roy?\u201d Hoss asked as he stood face to face with the sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss\u2026I\u2019d never dreamed that Joe could be capable of such a thing, but when a young man is\u2026well\u2026you know\u2026wantin\u2019 something from a girl that she ain\u2019t willin\u2019 to give\u2026sometimes a man can get overly\u2026Hoss\u2026I don\u2019t know\u2026I just don\u2019t know. All I have is what Lou Perkins told me, and if what he says is the truth\u2026well, it ain\u2019t gonna go too good for your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy turned away from Hoss, unable to bear looking at the hurt that flickered in the young man\u2019s blue eyes. He\u2019d rather take a beating right now, as to have to do what he was obliged by law to do. Ben Cartwright would be outraged to say the least, once he learned that his youngest son was going to be arrested and charged with assault and murder. He had an eyewitness; that left little hope for the youngest Cartwright to be found innocent, should this mess come to trial. Nope, his best friend would be beside himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet out of here, Cartwright. Hasn\u2019t your family done enough as it is?\u201d stormed George Hawkins.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had just ridden into the yard, surprised by the number of buggies and rider-less horses in the front yard. He had just been about to dismount, when Hawkins\u2019 oldest son, Todd emerged from the house and pointed a long barrel shotgun up at him. Moments later, the senior Hawkins appeared and began shouting at him to leave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Hawkins, sir, I have no idea what you\u2019re talking about. I just came to ask about your daughter, Gracie, she and my kid brother\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKid brother, don\u2019t you mean killer? He killed my little Gracie\u2026now get the hell out of here before I let my son blow you to kingdom come!\u201d screamed the Hawkins man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Todd lifted the rifle and sighted Adam down the long barrel. Adam was stunned, he had no idea what the ranting man was meaning, but as soon as he heard the cocking of the trigger, he turned Sport around and headed home. He needed to talk with his father, something bad had happened and apparently Joe was being held to blame.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy\u2026the boy\u2019s knocked out. The doctor gave him something to make him sleep, you can\u2019t talk to him now\u2026\u201d growled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was having trouble trying to sort everything. The fact that he was worn to a frazzle, worried sick and now this\u2026his son being accused of murdering a girl he was suppose to be in love with\u2026was more than the distraught father could comprehend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Ben, just calm down. I\u2019ll come back tomorrow, but mind ya\u2026I need to talk to the boy just as soon as he wakes up. I want this mess cleared up just as quickly as ya do,\u201d Roy assured his friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had known Ben would be upset, but seeing the haggard look on the tired face, told him that Ben was more troubled than he had first suspected. He looked as if he might drop at any moment, and Roy had no notion of adding to his friend\u2019s stress.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa just go back upstairs and take care of that young\u2019n, Ben\u2026try not to worry, we\u2019ll get this mess straightened out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy glanced at Hoss who had stood in silence since coming inside. He noted that Hoss had seen Ben\u2019s deteriorated state as well and watched how slowly Ben moved up the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTry to get him to rest, Hoss, he looks about ready to drop,\u201d cautioned the sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir, I will,\u201d promised Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam burst into the house, his face flushed with mixed emotions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy!\u201d he said, not very surprised at finding the sheriff in his home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d greeted Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Pa?\u201d Adam demanded, looking over at Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUpstairs with Joe, why?\u201d Hoss responded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam flung his hat onto the credenza and spun around facing the sheriff who was just about ready to leave. His eyes were dark with anger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve just come from the Hawkins place, was just about shot by that hot-headed boy of his, and then yelled at for being kin to a killer. George was ranting and raving about Joe having killed his daughter\u2026would someone mind tell me what in blazes is going on?\u201d demanded Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell ya, brother. Roy is here to question Little Joe about his involvement in Gracie Hawkins\u2019 murder and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMurder? Then she is dead? How for heaven\u2019s sake?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could hardly believe his ears. Realizing how drastic the situation had become, and how the outcome could affect his younger brother and his entire family, he felt as if he\u2019d been hit in the face with a cast iron skillet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe was with the girl earlier this evening, Adam,\u201d began Roy. \u201cFrom what the eye-witness says, Joe must have been tryin\u2019 to force himself on the girl and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh for Pete\u2019s sake Roy\u2026you know Little Joe better than that!\u201d scowled Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought so, but I do have an eye-witness and he swears that Joe and the girl were arguing and that Joe appeared to be fighting with her. He stopped when Lou Perkins rode up\u2026but Lou said the girl fell to the ground and when he went to see about her, Joe attack him. They fought; he knocked Joe out and went back to the girl. She was dead, her neck had been broken,\u201d finished Roy. \u201cSo\u2019s I got no other choice than to take Little Joe back into town with me and lock him up, until the judge can set a trial date.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not taking my son anywhere, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone turned to see Ben standing at the top of the stairs. They watched in silence as the elder Cartwright made his way down and stopped in front of them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe boy is battered, nearly beaten senseless and until the doctor says you can speak with you, you will just have to wait. Do I make myself clear?\u201d Ben said in a gruff voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure Ben, I understand that, but it\u2019s my duty and I\u2019m only doing what I\u2019m obliged by law to do,\u201d Roy said in a calm tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Roy, of course you are. Joe\u2019s sleeping, can\u2019t you come back in the morning, perhaps by then\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course\u2026if you all will excuse me, I\u2019d better get back into town. Tempers are running a might high tonight, Ben.\u201d Roy glanced at Adam and Hoss. \u201cYou two boys, stay out of town, just in case there\u2019s trouble, ya hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe will,\u201d agreed Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe won\u2019t be leavin\u2019 Pa or Joe, but Roy, remember this,\u201d Hoss said with a look of warning on his rotund face. \u201cThat Perkins kid is lyin\u2019, and once Little Joe comes around enough to tell his side of the story, Lou Perkins will have some tall explainin\u2019 to do, and I\u2019m just the one to help him do it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough, Hoss. Please, would you go sit with Joe for bit, while I show Roy out?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The knock at the front door drew everyone\u2019s attention away from the their breakfast. Hop Sing paused what he was doing and set the dish he was holding down on the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI get door, you eat,\u201d he instructed the three oldest Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing padded along, his soft-soled shoes barely making a sound on the hard wooden floor as he hurried to see who the early morning visitor might be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026good morning, Mis\u2019ter Sheriff\u2026come in, family having breakfast,\u201d greeted Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Hop Sing,\u201d returned Roy as he entered and removed his hat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had wiped his mouth and was now moving to greet the sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019 Ben, Hoss, Adam,\u201d Roy acknowledged each of them. He turned back to Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCoffee, Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks, Ben. How\u2019s Little Joe?\u201d he inquired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe managed to sleep through the night. He should wake soon,\u201d explained Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen he hasn\u2019t been able to tell ya anything?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing that amounts to anything, Roy. I haven\u2019t even had the chance to tell him about the girl\u2019s death\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI would think he\u2019d already know about that?\u201d Roy said with a doubtful look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by that?\u201d Adam questioned, rising from his seat and joining his father and the sheriff. \u201cJust how would Joe know the girl was dead\u2026unless he knew he\u2019d\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKilled her?\u201d snapped Roy, forgetting for a moment to whom he was speaking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t kill her!\u201d growled Ben. \u201cHow dare you Roy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam placed his hand on his father\u2019s shoulder and felt the tightened muscles beneath his fingertips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother knows nothing of the murder, or Gracie\u2019s death. When he wakes up and Pa tells him, I want you there to see the boy\u2019s reaction\u2026that should remove any doubts you might have,\u201d Adam said in an unnatural tone. \u201cHe\u2019s innocent, isn\u2019t he, until proven guilty?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy took in a deep breath, filling his lungs and then let it out slowly in a long sigh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes he is Adam. I\u2019m sorry, I know that all of you want to believe the boy\u2019s not guilty, and so do I, for your sakes. But the fact remains, I have an eye-witness and he says\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLies\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All heads turned upward surprised to see Joe standing at the top of the stairs. He looked every bit as bad as he felt and he staggered slightly while clinging to the railing. Ben snapped into action and raced up the stairs to wrap his arms gently about the boy\u2019s body in an effort to keep Joe from falling and doing further damage to an already battered body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t be out of bed,\u201d Ben whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI heard shouting\u2026\u201d Joe muttered as he leaned heavily against Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe paused and looked up at his father. Crystal clear tears formed in his eyes and one lone tear streamed down his battered and bruised face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGracie\u2019s dead\u2026isn\u2019t that what the sheriff just said?\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gulped. \u201cYes, son. She was murdered.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben forced Joe to turn back toward his room. \u201cLet\u2019s get you back to bed and then we can talk about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took only minutes to get Joe situated back in the bed. The short excursion cost Joe in the way of strength and endurance and the affect showed on his face. Joe could not stifle his moans of discomfort when Ben helped him into bed, nor could he stop the tears from collecting in his blackened eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow Pa\u2026how\u2019d she die?\u201d wept Joe, his head resting back against the pillows that had been piled behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you know, son?\u201d Ben asked quietly, glancing at the others who had followed him into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026no\u2026\u201d cried Joe, covering his face with one hand. \u201cThe last thing I remembered was\u2026\u201d he paused and looked up at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat Joe\u2026what do you remember?\u201d Ben said in a near pleading voice. \u201cTell us what you remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe were having a nice time\u2026and then I said something\u2026it made her angry and then\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you say? Did you fight with her; did you strike her? Is that how her dress got torn?\u201d Roy blurted out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cROY!\u201d shouted Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026what\u2019s he talking about? I\u2019d never hit a girl, and no we didn\u2019t fight, we had an argument\u2026but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbout what?\u201d Roy ventured, though his tone had softened some.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026don\u2019t know, exactly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, his eyes full of unshed tears, looked to his father for comfort.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026why can\u2019t I remember?\u201d he sobbed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat down on the bed and took his son in his arms, holding him close.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright son. You try to rest, perhaps after you\u2019ve rested you can remember\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe raised his head. \u201cHow did she die, Pa\u2026please, I have to know,\u201d begged Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took Ben a moment to collect his thoughts, unsure as to how much he should tell the boy about what happened. He realized that it would be better for his son to remember what he could on his own without any prompting from him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHer neck was broken,\u201d explained Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBrok\u2026en?\u201d stammered Joe in disbelief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He leaned his head back into the pillows and shut his eyes. When he did, Ben and the others noted the tears that seeped from beneath the lowered lashes and rolled freely down the sides of the young man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026\u201d Ben cooed softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d said Joe, opening his eyes and looking up, \u201cdid I kill her?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know?\u201d Adam moved closer to the bed. \u201cJoe\u2026try to remember\u2026it\u2019s important.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa can do it, little buddy, I know ya can,\u201d Hoss said, adding his support.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am, Hoss\u2026I am trying, Adam,\u201d stammered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pinched his eyes tightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI warned her about\u2026Lou Perkins,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He opened his eyes as wide as possible and looked at the group. \u201cLou was always trying to butt into our\u2026business. Gracie liked to tease me about him, liked to try and make me jealous\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened then, after you warned her?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at the sheriff. \u201cShe got mad and said that I didn\u2019t own her\u2026and then I tried to explain that I was just worried about her when he was around cause he\u2026he\u2019s trouble. And then the next thing I remember is\u2026Lou showing up\u2026and\u2026and\u2026hitting me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe paused, thoughtful for several long moments.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe said you attack him, Little Joe, is that the truth?\u201d questioned Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe remained thoughtful for a moment longer and then, looking up at the sheriff, he nodded his head yes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose I did,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, son?\u201d Ben wanted to know. \u201cIt\u2019s not like you to strike first, unless provoked.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This time, Joe lowered his head. When he looked up at his father, Ben saw his son swallow hard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hit him because\u2026I\u2026was\u2026\u201d Joe gulped, \u201cjealous.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Silence filled the room for a moment before anyone spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was wrong of me, I know that,\u201d whispered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened after you hit him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026suppose we fought, I can\u2019t remember much.\u201d Joe said, closing his eyes once more. \u201cI\u2019m tired,\u201d he murmured, \u201cand my head is starting to hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben quickly arranged the blankets about Joe and stood to his feet, facing the others. Joe\u2019s eyes remained closed as Ben ushered the small gathering out of the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet him sleep some, Roy. I give you my word, Joe will answer all your questions when he\u2019s able,\u201d assured the protective father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know he will. Thanks, for now. I\u2019ll be back later this afternoon. The Hawkins girl\u2019s funeral is after lunch\u2026ya goin\u2019?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to pay my condolences, but I don\u2019t think any of us would be welcomed, and I\u2019d rather not stir up any more hard feelings than what there already are,\u201d Ben explained as he walked with his friend down the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI understand, Ben. Well, take care, I\u2019ll be back after the buryin\u2019,\u201d Roy said, donning his hat and walking toward the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben returned to the sickroom to sit with Joe while he slept. A fear that had settled in the pit of his stomach made it hard for him to believe that this nasty matter would be settled quickly. As it stood, things didn\u2019t look too good for his son and Ben feared that it might get worse if Joe\u2019s innocence was not proven beyond a shadow of a doubt. It was with a heavy heart and aching stomach that he lowered himself into the chair and rested his head against the back of it. Soon, Ben was sleeping.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Joe cried in a strangled voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Painfully he raised his head and searched the room for his father. He could see Ben in the chair dozing, and had the vision he had just seen not been so real; he would have let his father continue dozing. But the vision had shaken him from his sleep and even now, Little Joe could feel his body trembling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPA! Please, wake up\u2026I remember,\u201d Joe called out in a louder voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This time, Joe\u2019s voice broke through the deep ravine of sleep that Ben had fallen into and Ben woke with a start. At first he thought he had just imagined that his son had called out to him, but once the thin layer of fog cleared from his eyes, he could see Joe trying to crawl from his bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben said instantly, seeing the blankets being tossed aside, \u201cyou stay in that bed, young man,\u201d he ordered as he hurried to ease Joe back down against the soft bedding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe allowed his father to press into his shoulders and lower him, but he grabbed Ben\u2019s arm and with weak fingers, gently squeezed the flesh beneath his fingertips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could feel the trembling in his son\u2019s body, and his eyes filled with worry for the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, what\u2019s wrong, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI remember, Pa\u2026I remember!\u201d Joe cried excitedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, that\u2019s wonderful\u2026can you tell me what happened?\u201d Ben said, taking Joe\u2019s hand in his and sitting on the edge of the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLou and I were fighting, and I caught a glimpse of Gracie rushing forward. I remember she grabbed Lou\u2019s arm, trying to drag him off me, but he punched me again. That\u2019s when I felt like I was about to black out. He let me go and turned on Gracie; I saw him grab her and pull her to him, like he was trying to hug her, but she fought him off just long enough to slap him. That\u2019s when he turned on her and grabbed her throat. I heard her scream and then the last thing I remember seeing was her falling to the ground. I tried to get to her, but I blacked out. The next thing I remember was waking up here\u2026with you,\u201d explained Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The depths of his hazel eyes filled with tears and as he blinked, the tears overflowed and washed down his cheeks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLou killed her, Pa\u2026I saw it\u2026he killed her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s voice trailed off softly and he lowered his head, shielding his grief from his father. When Ben heard him sniff his nose, he tenderly pulled Joe upright and wrapped his arms about the quivering body and held his son close, as he ran his fingers through the mass of thick curls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so sorry, son. I wish I could say something to ease your pain,\u201d whispered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Pa? She was such a sweet girl, why would anyone want to kill her?\u201d whimpered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Joseph, I just don\u2019t know,\u201d replied Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I do,\u201d a deep voice from behind them said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both turned and watched as the sheriff and the local doctor entered the room. Ben allowed Joe to lie back against the pillows and then rose from the bed to greet the pair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, Paul\u2026what do you mean?\u201d inquired Ben, standing between the pair, shielding his son in a protective manner, from their view.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI mean\u2026someone had good reason to kill the girl,\u201d the sheriff commented.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand,\u201d Joe stated, trying to see around his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNeither do I, Roy\u2026what are you talking about?\u201d Ben asked as he stepped aside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They all heard Roy sigh. The sheriff moved to the side of the bed to speak with Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, how well did you know Gracie Hawkins?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure I understand,\u201d Joe told them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI mean\u2026how\u2026well, did you know her? What did you know about her? Had you and she ever\u2026you know?\u201d Roy\u2019s face turned a faint shade of pink and he braved a quick glance at Ben Cartwright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d snapped Joe, who also looked at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could see the shocked expression on his son\u2019s face and returned to the bed. Joe looked up at his father, with a look of desperation in his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHonest, Pa\u2026Gracie and I\u2026we never\u2026honest, she wasn\u2019t that type of girl\u2026she was\u2026\u201d stammered Joe, close to returning to tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright Joe, I believe you,\u201d Ben assured his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy\u2026Paul\u2026what\u2019s the meaning of this, can\u2019t you see the boy\u2019s been through enough?\u201d blared Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down, Ben and let me explain,\u201d began Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I\u2019d better do the explaining, if you don\u2019t mind Roy,\u201d offered the physician.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy nodded his head as Paul eased over to the opposite side of the bed and sat down, facing Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026this isn\u2019t going to be easy to say, and it certainly isn\u2019t going to be easy for you to understand right away, but Gracie\u2026was\u2026\u201d his voice faltered slightly but the kind doctor forced himself to go on. \u201cGracie was\u2026raped,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT!\u201d shouted Joe, his chest swelled as he inhaled a deep breath. His face paled and for a moment everyone in the room thought that the boy in bed, might faint.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul quickly took Joe\u2019s hand and felt for a pulse. It was no surprise to the doctor, to find his patient\u2019s heart racing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt can\u2019t be\u2026who\u2026why\u2026WHEN!\u201d Joe blurted out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you need to lay still, please,\u201d Paul said. \u201cI don\u2019t want to be forced to give you something to calm you down,\u201d advised the physician.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut it can\u2019t be,\u201d Joe exclaimed, \u201cshe was fine until Lou Perkins showed up and then\u2026why that sorry low down dog!\u201d shouted Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked first at his father and then the others. Surprising the men in the room with him, Joe tossed back the blankets and attempted to crawl from the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe raped her,\u201d snarled Joe, \u201cI\u2019ll bash his head in!\u201d he cried, pushing his father aside with what little strength he could muster.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In his attempt to vacate the bed, Joe stumbled and had it not been for his father\u2019s quick reaction, he would have fallen, face down onto the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held the boy firmly in his arms as Joe\u2019s reserve shattered and he began to weep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me go, Pa\u2026please\u2026oh God, Pa\u2026why\u2026why?\u201d he sobbed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, glancing at the doctor and the sheriff, nodded his head toward the door, silently asking that he be left alone with his distraught son. His friends complied with his unspoken wish and immediately left the pair alone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026\u201d soothed Ben as he helped Joe back to bed. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be alright now son. I think Roy sees that you had no part in hurting the girl. I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll have this matter cleared up soon,\u201d Ben tried assuring his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t hurt her\u2026I\u2026loved her, Pa. I don\u2019t understand Lou Perkins, why\u2026why would he want to hurt her\u2026kill her?\u201d Joe babbled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause some men are just vicious, son. Because there are those that when they cannot get what they want, they take it\u2026\u201d began Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut rape? That\u2019s brutal, Pa\u2026it\u2019s savage\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe buried his face into his father\u2019s breast and cried softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know son\u2026I know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held Joe within the folds of his arms until the younger Cartwright had fallen to sleep. After carefully making Joe comfortable, Ben slipped from the room and joined the others downstairs. He was surprised to see that the sheriff had left and that Paul Martin was the only one waiting for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy went back to town, Ben,\u201d Paul explained. \u201cSaid he had some unfinished business. How\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSleeping, for now. Where\u2019s Adam and Hoss?\u201d Ben said, moving to his chair and flopping down within the soft fold of the leather cushions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey went out to do the chores.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood\u2026they should keep busy. I\u2019m afraid one of them might go off half-cocked if they didn\u2019t have something to keep their minds off what\u2019s happened,\u201d Ben said, expressing his fear to his friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re sensible young men, Ben, I don\u2019t really think you should worry,\u201d Paul stated. \u201cRoy has gone to have a talk with Lou Perkins\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen he believes Joe?\u201d Ben asked, raising his head and looking at the doctor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe always has, Ben. He\u2019s known from the start that Little Joe isn\u2019t capable of murder and rape, but he has to do his job\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose you\u2019re right,\u201d Ben said wearily. \u201cGuess we\u2019ll just have to wait until he comes back to find out what he learned.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy did come back, several hours later. When the rapping on the door was answered, by the worried father, Roy greeted his old friend with a wide grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, come in,\u201d offered Ben, stepping aside to admit the sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy removed his hat and stood twisting it in his hands. \u201cGot some good news, for ya, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood, I need to hear something encouraging, won\u2019t you have a seat? Hop Sing! Bring some coffee, please,\u201d Ben ordered as Roy took a seat on the settee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, please\u2026what did you find out?\u201d begged Ben, anxious to find out the news.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI went to have a word with Lou Perkins. I told him that Little Joe told a totally different story and that he remembered seeing Lou trying to choke Gracie. Lou suddenly got the urge to run, but he didn’t get far,\u201d Roy smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUnbeknown to me, and to you, your two boys had ventured into town themselves and when Lou took off, Hoss managed to catch the kid. After Hoss threatened to beat the hound out of him, Lou started babbling and told everything.\u201d Roy smiled again. \u201cLittle Joe was tellin\u2019 the truth all along, Ben\u2026Lou confessed to killing\u2026and then raping the girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDear God,\u201d murmured Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gonna be sent away for this, Ben, most likely for the rest of his life. There\u2019ll be a trial first, but it shouldn\u2019t be a long one, not with his confession and all, and Adam and Hoss were there to hear every word of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy swallowed the last drop of coffee from his cup and stood to his feet. \u201cReckon I best be on my way,\u201d he said, placing his hat in the proper place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa tell Little Joe that I\u2019m sorry for doggin\u2019em, Ben, won\u2019t ya?\u201d asked Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure Roy, he\u2019ll understand that you were only doing your job,\u201d Ben assured the sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAfternoon, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy had just left and Ben was half way up the stairs when the door opened and Hoss and Adam filed in. Ben paused and turned around, returning to the main room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The pair had guilty expressions on their faces and neither spoke, until Ben spoke first. It was with a happy smile that the father addressed his two older sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t the two of you have chores to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The solemn expressions changed instantly and they returned the smile their father gave them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen ya ain\u2019t mad at us?\u201d Hoss asked timidly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor helping your brother?\u201d smiled Ben, \u201cnever.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben slapped both hands down on their shoulders and laughed out loud. \u201cGo do your chores!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Several days passed before Roy returned to the Ponderosa, but when he arrived, Joe was sitting outside on the side porch with his father. Ben stood to greet his friend, gently patting Joe on the shoulder as he moved into the yard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019 Ben, Little Joe,\u201d called Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff,\u201d Joe called, rising slowly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCare for lemonade, Roy?\u201d Ben asked as he and the sheriff returned to the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks, I can\u2019t stay. I just wanted to ride out and tell ya that Lou Perkins is on his way to the territorial prison. He\u2019s gonna spend the rest of his life there, the judge decided on life rather than hangin\u2019, cause of the boy\u2019s age, Judge Hancock decided on leniency\u2026beats me,\u201d Roy explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned to face Joe. \u201cYour name\u2019s been cleared, Little Joe,\u201d Roy said. \u201cAin\u2019t no one in town or hereabouts blames ya for none of this,\u201d he offered, hoping to ease the boy\u2019s apparent worry that others might still consider him as the reason that the beautiful young girl was murdered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head, unable to speak. He glanced at his father and then turned to go into the house as Roy and Ben watched silently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought he\u2019d be pleased,\u201d Roy said to Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m sure he\u2019s relieved, Roy, it\u2019s just that he\u2019s still grieving over the girl\u2019s death. He holds himself somewhat responsible for being unable to help her\u2026and the fact that she was raped, after she was killed, has haunted the boy\u2019s sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa mean he\u2019s havin\u2019 nightmares?\u201d inquired Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, almost nightly, and it is beginning to affect him deeply, I\u2019m afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to sit back down in his chair. He poured himself another glass of lemonade, holding the pitcher up to Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks, Ben,\u201d refused Roy, taking the chair that Joe had vacated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I knew what to say to him, or how to help him. But I\u2019ve been at a complete loss for words. Oh, I tried to make him see that none of this was his fault, but he\u2019s so stubborn, he blames himself,\u201d Ben explained with a deep sigh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGive him time, he\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the end of the next week, it was obvious to all that looked into the young man\u2019s face, that murder, rape and the beating he\u2019d taken, the lack of sleep and the guilt he carried, had begun to show in the boy\u2019s deteriorated state of well being. Joe had dark circles under his eyes that had quickly replaced the bruises that had formed and hence vanished. He rarely ate and when he did, it was only a bite or two at a time, which worried his father to no end. The aftermath of what he suffered showed not only in his physical being but in his temperament and personality as well. He was short tempered, snapping at his family when they asked the simplest of questions; his tongue was sharp and his tone biting as the others walked around him as if they were stepping on eggshells.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On this particular day, Joe had taken about all he could stand, and with a huff, he stormed from the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll be darn,\u201d Hoss mused, staring at the door that had just been slammed shut.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWant me to go after him?\u201d Adam volunteered, rising from the blue chair and looking directly at his father. \u201cI could try to reason with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, who had remained seated, only shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026leave him be\u2026for now. He needs time alone, time to try to come to terms with what happened. I\u2019ve talked until I\u2019m blue in the face but nothing I say to him, seems to help. He\u2019ll just have to find a way to work through this himself,\u201d Ben explained, picking up his pipe and filling it with his fine Virginia blend tobacco.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWonder where he\u2019s headed?\u201d Hoss said, returning from the door where he had gone and peeked out, watching as Joe had ridden from the yard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho knows, but where ever it is, perhaps the ride will help clear his head,\u201d commented Ben, taking a long puff on the pipe he held tightly between his teeth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf he isn\u2019t home by dark, you may go look for him, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have an idea he\u2019ll ride up to the lake, he usually does when he\u2019s troubled with something,\u201d Adam advised.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re probably right,\u201d Ben told him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had taken a ride up to the lake to visit his mother\u2019s grave. It always seemed to help to raise his spirits and give him new hope when he was troubled and in need of a silent comfort. It was something that he had done since he had been old enough to be allowed to venture that far from the main house by himself. It was something that even now, had brought him a measure of relief from the grief and self-abomination that he was feeling. The troubled youth had no doubts now as to what he should do, and he set about doing it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe could feel his heart, pounding deep within his chest as he slid slowly from his mount and moved to stand before the newly formed grave. He felt the sting of tears that clouded his eyes as he kneeled down on one knee and carefully placed the small bouquet of wild flowers that he had stopped to pick along the way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he whispered in a thick, emotion filled voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A sob caught in his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I could have stopped him, Gracie\u2026this should never have happened to you,\u201d he continued. \u201cYou were so young\u2026and sweet, so\u2026so\u2026innocent,\u201d Joe cried, lowering his head into his hands as he wept softly. \u201cForgive\u2026me\u2026please!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The grief-stricken lad was unaware of the man and woman who stood behind him, listening to his shattered heart beseeching the dead young woman for forgiveness. He still had not become aware of their presence until he stood, wiped his dampened face and turned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A mixture of shock and fear covered his expression. Joe, being at a lost for words and not fully sure of what he should do, stood as if he had become a pillar of salt. He felt his body tremble, his heart fluttered wildly and he found it difficult to breathe. It was the first time since the girl\u2019s death that he had come face to face with Gracie\u2019s parents, and the doubts suddenly became larger than life to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe,\u201d Mr. Hawkins said in his deep baritone voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSir,\u201d Joe managed to say. \u201cI\u2026I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt his eyes brimming with tears and he willed himself not to cry, not in front of this man and woman whose lives had suddenly been changed, because of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lowered his head, attempting to hide the tears from the pair, unable to bear seeing the hatred that he knew they surely must have been feeling towards him. He couldn\u2019t blame them for their hate; didn\u2019t he hate himself?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was startled when he felt the gentle pressure of the big hands that gripped his shoulders. His head raised quickly as his eyes sought the other man\u2019s face. Joe was amazed that the expression of hate was not to be found in the man\u2019s deep-set eyes. Instead, Mr. Hawkins\u2019 own eyes had filled with tears and the look he gave to the younger man, told Joe that he had been forgiven.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Hawkins,\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026boy\u2026no need for words. We know the truth now, and Inez and I need to tell you that we\u2019re the ones to say we\u2019re sorry,\u201d the gentle man stated. \u201cWe were wrong to hold you to blame. I, of all people, knowing your father as I have for so many years, should have known that no son of his would do to another human being, what was done to our little girl. We said bad things about you, Little Joe, mean, nasty things for which we are so very sorry. We hurt you, when you were already hurt, and that was wrong. Joe, we should have sought you out to help you, not hurt you. Can you ever forgive us?\u201d Mr. Hawkins begged, still gripping Joe\u2019s shoulders in a firm handhold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Little Joe\u2026can you find it in your heart?\u201d Mrs. Hawkins had stepped up to them, joining her husband who stood before Joe. \u201cIf you can\u2019t, we understand\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u2026I mean, yes\u2026I mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mrs. Hawkins smiled faintly and placed her hand tenderly on Joe\u2019s cheek. \u201cI know what you mean, son\u2026and we thank you. We know that you did everything you could to help our daughter, you almost died from your efforts\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I could have done more, ma\u2019am,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou did enough,\u201d assured the man. \u201cNow\u2026it\u2019s getting late, boy, and I\u2019m almost certain that your father is probably worried about you. You best be getting\u2019 home, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled, a real smile, for the first time in weeks. His spirit left like soaring and the guilt that he\u2019d been carrying around was suddenly gone. He turned to mount his horse but stopped when Gracie\u2019s mother called out to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou will stop by now and then, won\u2019t you, please?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, sure\u2026if you really want me too,\u201d Joe smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright then\u2026I\u2019ll ask my Pa about it\u2026bye,\u201d Joe called as he mounted Cochise and rode off, through the woods.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins smiled softly at one another and then turned to the grave that was a stark reminder of what they had so recently lost.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow could we have been so wrong about that boy?\u201d Inez questioned her husband.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hawkins looked sadly at his wife and shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think rather, we should ask ourselves, how could we have been so wrong about Lou Perkins?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, my dear husband, I only hope that Joe Cartwright was being honest when he said that he forgave us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Joe burst through the door, all three family members stopped whatever they were doing to stare in wonder at the change that had come over the youngest member of the clan. Joe tossed his hat on the credenza and walked, smiling towards his father. Ben glanced at Adam and Hoss to check their reactions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d Ben questioned, placing his hands on Joe\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He could feel that the tension had disappeared. When Joe looked up at him and smiled, Ben felt himself relax somewhat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s happened to you, boy?\u201d he said softly. Ben noted that the shine had returned to the hazel eyes that looked into his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI went up to Ma\u2019s grave, just to sit and think. I realized that I had to go see Gracie, so I rode over to the Hawkins place and put some flowers on her grave. While I was there, her folks showed up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed and glanced at his brothers before continuing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t sure what Mr. Hawkins would do to me, I was afraid he might\u2026make good his threat to kill me when he got his hands on me,\u201d Joe said with a touch of fear that lingered. \u201cBut\u2026he apologized to me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe what?\u201d Adam spoke up to ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to his brother. \u201cYeah\u2026he said that he and his wife were sorry for all the nasty things they said about me and\u2026asked me to forgive them!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll be,\u201d muttered Hoss. \u201cWhat\u2019cha reckon came over\u2019em, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe truth most likely.\u201d Ben smiled and slipped an arm about Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey realized that you weren\u2019t to blame for their daughter\u2019s death and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, Pa. That\u2019s what they said\u2026that they didn\u2019t hold any blame towards me\u2026\u201d Joe smiled. \u201cSure made me feel better about things\u2026I just wish\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gently turned his son around until Joe was facing him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, don\u2019t try wishing for what could, or might have been. Things worked out as they did, for a reason. Oh, we might not understand the reasoning right away, but for now, be satisfied that your name has been cleared and that if Gracie\u2019s parents have been able to accept things as such, so should you,\u201d advised Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s right, you know Joe, it takes a big man to say I\u2019m sorry and to admit that he was wrong. And under the circumstances, with his daughter gone it must have taken a great deal for a man like George Hawkins to say those words. His daughter is dead, he\u2019s lost someone whom he loved dearly, yet he was humble enough to ask forgiveness for misjudging you,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know\u2026Adam. I told them I was sorry too, for not being able to do more to protect Gracie, but they said that they knew I did all I could, but\u2026\u201d stammered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, answer a question for me, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, Pa?\u201d Joe said meekly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you\u2026do everything within your power to protect Gracie from harm\u2019s way?\u201d Ben asked softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen, no buts\u2026you\u2019ve answered your own question. You need not feel as if you could have done more. Destiny, that day was fulfilled, whether what happened suited our liking or not\u2026do you understand, son? That you played your part by doing what you could and that, in the end, what would have been, was,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon I understand, some of it\u2026what\u2019s meant to be, will be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, son. We can change the course of our lives, but eventually, our destinies will catch up to us. What you did for that girl, you did in the name of love, because you cared for her. What happened to her was done by someone who had no meaning to what love really is; and now, he must pay for what he\u2019s done. It won\u2019t bring Gracie back, but she didn\u2019t die for naught, either,\u201d Ben went on to say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026but maybe knowing that her killer is being punished for the rest of his natural life, will ease her folks suffering some. I sure hope so,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what about your suffering, Little Joe?\u201d Adam inquired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe raised his head and gave them each a smile. \u201cI\u2019ll never forget her, she was\u2026special to me. And I know that I have\u2026each one of you\u2026to help me when I get down. Thanks, Pa\u2026Adam, Hoss\u2026I\u2026love you,\u201d smiled Joe as he gave each one a hug.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll always remember that it\u2019s important to tell those that you love, that you love them\u2026I told Gracie several times, I hope she believed me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026Little Joe\u2026sure she did,\u201d grinned Hoss, \u201cotherwise, she\u2019d never have nuthin\u2019 to do with ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor once, Hoss is right little buddy, if a girl don\u2019t like you, she\u2019s not going to be wasting her time with you, and from what I saw, Gracie was plenty willing to spent time with you\u2026\u201d Adam squeezed his brother\u2019s shoulder, \u201cnever doubt it, Joe, she knew.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

June 2004<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0\u00a0 After taking a beating, Joe wakes up to find that his favorite girl has been murdered and he’s being held accountable.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 PG: For murder and rape.\u00a0 No details (10,900 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":9860,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-12169","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1776,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/feature-4.jpg?fit=387%2C387&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":14374,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14374","url_meta":{"origin":12169,"position":0},"title":"The Tiger Puzzle (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"January 1, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 The Cartwright brothers come to the aid of sisters; however, will they be able to help the damsels in distress? \u00a0If you know the brothers, you know where this is going -- risque'. 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