{"id":12327,"date":"2004-08-01T17:42:55","date_gmt":"2004-08-01T21:42:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12327"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:31","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:31","slug":"tempted-to-steal-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12327","title":{"rendered":"Tempted to Steal (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>When Adam falls in love with a married woman, it sets off a chain of events that eventually leads to pandemonium for all the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 <\/strong>PG13 for spousal abuse\u00a0 (15,020 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tempted to Steal<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cFRANK! Please\u2026oh please, don\u2019t hit him again!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSHUT-UP WOMAN! I\u2019ll stop when I think he\u2019s had enough!\u201d<\/p>\n

Blow after blow was delivered to the other man\u2019s mid-section. The man\u2019s body folded in half, an unconscious move made by sheer willpower to protect himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cHOLD HIM UP!\u201d Frank screamed at his two cohorts.<\/p>\n

Fingers entwined themselves amid the raven hair and Adam found himself hauled upright as another round of assaults were administered to his middle and about his face. The body sagged heavily against the two men who struggled to keep the big man upright.<\/p>\n

\u201cNO! STOP!\u201d the young woman screamed as she grabbed Adam\u2019s assailant\u2019s arm and tried to stop the punch already in progress.<\/p>\n

The man delivering the punishment stared in anger at the woman and then, jerking free his arm from her grasp, swung back his hand, striking the woman across her finely chiseled features. The woman screamed in horror as she stumbled backwards and fell to the ground, afraid to get up or say another word to the mad man who deemed it his right to punish her by beating to death the only real friend she had ever had.<\/p>\n

\u201cDON\u2019T YOU EVER DO THAT AGAIN!\u201d he stormed.<\/p>\n

\u201cBastard,\u201d mumbled Adam through lips that bled.<\/p>\n

The beating he had just been made to endure marred his handsome face. His eyelids were swollen, obscuring his vision. Blood dripped from his nose; his jaw line was tight with anger and bruises showed themselves in radiant blends of blue and purple. His mid-section was sore and hurting nearly beyond his endurance and around his side, bruises that matched in color to those on his face accented the golden tan of his otherwise, muscular and powerful body.<\/p>\n

The remark earned him another and then another fierce blow to his face and mid-section. Adam\u2019s knees could no longer hold the weight of his body upright and he slumped forward, his senses no longer able to focus on anything other than the misery that clutched every portion of his battered and abused body.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet him go,\u201d the abuser said with a grin. \u201cHe\u2019s had enough,\u201d Frank said, turning to the woman. \u201cGet in the house, whore,\u201d he snapped, pointing his finger toward the dwelling. \u201cI\u2019ll see to you in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank turned back to the two men who stood over Adam. \u201cGet him on his horse and get him outta here. And you two disappear for awhile,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about her?\u201d one man asked as he used his chin and pointed to the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take care of her, she\u2019s my wife and she\u2019ll do as I say. If this man comes around here again trying to steal my woman, I\u2019ll kill him the next time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank jabbed his toe into Adam\u2019s side, causing Adam to moan softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you understand that, Cartwright? You stay away from my wife. No law in the country will hang a man for protecting what\u2019s his, especially if he catches some man trying to steal his wife. You just remember that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank turned back to the others. \u201cMake sure he gets home. I want old man Cartwright to see what happens when one of his sons are tempted to steal.\u201d<\/p>\n

The irate husband turned toward the house. The two men in the yard each grabbed Adam by his arms and hauled him to his feet. They watched Frank making his way slowly toward the porch and when Adam saw his attacker pull his belt from around his waist and double it up, he tried to pull free of the strong hands that were bent on hoisting him up into his saddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t do it, Frank,\u201d Adam muttered. \u201cI\u2019ll kill you if you hurt her\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The two men dragged Adam backward toward his horse. Adam saw Frank enter his home and almost immediately he heard Jolene\u2019s screams echoing loudly over her husband\u2019s angry shouts. Adam closed his eyes to the sounds, willing himself not to hear the anguished cries for mercy.<\/p>\n

Ungraciously, Adam was hoisted unto his horse\u2019s back and then one of the men tied Adam\u2019s hands tightly to the saddle horn to keep him from falling from Sport\u2019s broad back. Barely able to understand any more of what was happening, his body slumped forward over the horse\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n

The man, who had tied Adam\u2019s hands, took the reins and after mounting his own horse, led Sport and his rider away from Frank\u2019s house.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll take him halfway home and then leave him. His horse can find the way without us having to be seen by Cartwright. Come on.\u201d
\nInside the house, havoc was being reined upon the woman. Frank used his belt to beat his wife nearly senseless and when she still refused to admit that anything had been going on between Adam Cartwright and herself, Frank resorted to using his fists. By the time he\u2019d finished, Jolene lay crumpled on the thick, lush carpet that covered the wooden floors of their modest home.<\/p>\n

\u201cLiar\u2026trollop\u2026you good for nothing tramp!\u201d yelled Frank in a rage of anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll teach you to go traipsing about the countryside with some man. You seem to have forgotten that you\u2019re a married woman\u2026or didn\u2019t your marriage vows mean anything to you!\u201d he ranted as he grabbed his wife by the arm and dragged her into the small room off to one side of the kitchen.<\/p>\n

The room was void of widows and there was only one way out, the doorway in which Frank stood. Frank released Jolene\u2019s arm and the woman curled her battered body into a tight ball in the center of the floor. From under her arm, blackened and swollen, tear filled eyes sought her husband\u2019s face. Her body trembled both in fear and in pain of her mishandling.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo or three days in here and maybe you\u2019ll be able to remember that you\u2019re a married woman\u2026instead of the town slut!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026Frank please,\u201d she pleaded, but her husband turned a deaf ear to her sobs.<\/p>\n

Frank jerked the door closed and turned the key in the lock. With a smile of satisfaction, he tucked the key into his vest pocket and went into the living room where he removed a bottle of whiskey from the cabinet and sat down to drown his sorrows.
\nAdam\u2019s horse moved slowly into the yard and stopped at the hitching post that was his normal stop-off. Adam, unconscious, remained tethered to the saddle horn. His prone body lay slumped over the animal\u2019s long neck in a lopsided position. Sport snorted loudly and stomped his hoof against the hard packed earth.<\/p>\n

Inside and unaware they were needed, Ben, Hoss and Joe sat around the fire, wondering what it was that was detaining Adam and keeping them from sitting down together at the table for the evening meal.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not waiting any longer,\u201d Ben announced as he stood to his feet and moved into the dining room.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, let\u2019s eat,\u201d he said in an angry tone. \u201cI\u2019m hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe gave Hoss a quick glance as they stood and moved along with their father to the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take a one more quick look out the door,\u201d Joe said, already reaching for the latch.<\/p>\n

He pulled the door opened wide just as Ben took his seat. Hoss had stopped behind Joe and peeked over the smaller man\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026looky there,\u201d Hoss said, squinting his eyes as he peered into the darkness.<\/p>\n

Hoss pointed to the shadowy form of a horse standing in the yard.<\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH! HOSS! Come to the table, now!\u201d shouted Ben. \u201cI said we\u2019re not waiting any longer, supper is getting cold and you know how I feel about cold\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, come over here and take a look,\u201d Hoss said, following Joe out into the darkness.<\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u201d Joe shouted when he realized who sat the horse. \u201cPA! HOSS!\u201d he bellowed, running toward his brother\u2019s mount.<\/p>\n

Hoss was quick to follow. Ben came from the table as quickly as he could run and joined Joe and Hoss out in the yard. His anger suddenly vanished as the sight before him unfolded. Joe was already untying his brother\u2019s hands from the pommel and with the help of his middle brother and their father, the trio lowered Adam gently to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood God,\u201d muttered Ben when he saw the condition that his eldest son was in.<\/p>\n

Adam moaned softly and tried to open his swollen eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d he cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here son, you\u2019re home now.\u201d Ben brushed carefully at the dark strains of sweat-coated hair that had fallen across Adam\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, help me get him to bed, Joe, ride for the doctor, and hurry, son, hurry,\u201d Ben urged as he and Hoss gathered Adam up and carried him toward the house.<\/p>\n

Joe started toward the barn to saddle his horse, but seeing Sport standing idle, decided to ride Adam\u2019s horse into town instead.
\nBen and Hoss gently placed Adam on his bed and began to strip away the soiled clothing. Ben turned to Hop Sing who had missed the family at the table and gone in search of his employer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI get fresh water and soap for bath, bring medical supplies,\u201d he said, hurrying from the room where he had found them. One look at Adam\u2019s face and Hop Sing had snapped into action.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Hop Sing,\u201d Ben called over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d Adam whined.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy son, I\u2019m here\u2026can you tell me boy, who did this to you\u2026and why?\u201d Ben asked as he sat beside Adam on the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cJolene\u2026she\u2026needs help\u2026Pa\u2026\u201d Adam tried to force the words up from the back of his throat, but they came out garbled and neither Ben nor Hoss could make out exactly what Adam was trying to tell them.<\/p>\n

Hoss made a face and glanced at his father. \u201cDid ya understand what he was sayin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026nothing other than Jolene\u2026\u201d Ben looked puzzled for a moment. \u201cIsn\u2019t that the lady\u2019s name who moved into the old Hogan place about six months ago?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026I think ya right, Pa. Wonder what Adam has to do with her\u2026I thought she was married,\u201d puzzled Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is. I saw her and her husband last Saturday when I went into town. He\u2019s a strange one, that husband of hers,\u201d Ben said as he worked.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing returned minutes later with the fresh water and Ben began sponging the dirt and grim from Adam\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow so, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked while he helped his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cLarson, that was his name, Frank Larson. Joe and I were going into the mercantile when they were coming out. Joe spoke to the young woman and her husband seemed angry with his wife for acknowledging Joe\u2019s greeting. I don\u2019t know, I thought it rather odd,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

Adam tossed his head from side to side. He mumbled words that made no sense to either Ben or Hoss and nothing that Ben said to his wounded son seemed to have an affect on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJolene\u2026Jolene,\u201d he continued to murmur.
\nIt was well after dark before Joe returned with Doc Martin in tow. They entered the house and hurried straight for Adam\u2019s room. Joe pushed the door opened and found his father had pulled a chair along side the bed where he could keep a close eye on his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc\u2019s here, Pa. How\u2019s Adam, has he been able to tell you who beat him?\u201d Joe asked, all in one long breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he\u2019s tried to tell me something, but his words are so jumbled, I haven\u2019t been able to understand what he\u2019s trying to say,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

They moved back from the bed to give the physician more room to examine his patient. Ben watched with worried eyes how Paul Martin used his skilled fingers to slide along his son\u2019s ribcage, counting the fractured and cracked ribs and how the doctor used his eyes to study each bruise and each cut to determine exactly what method of treatment was probable for each wound. It took several minutes for the doctor to make his determination and when he\u2019d finished, he moved away from the bed, motioning for the others to join him out in the hallway.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been beaten very badly, Ben,\u201d Paul began. \u201cI\u2019ve not seen anything like this in quite sometime. Do you have any idea who might have caused this and why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m afraid not. All I can understand of his mumbling, is \u2018Jolene\u2019,\u201d answered Ben.<\/p>\n

The doctor\u2019s expression showed surprise. \u201cJolene?\u201d he repeated the name. \u201cJolene Larson?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would suppose, Paul. I\u2019m not aware of anyone else by that name, why?\u201d Ben asked, his concern showing in the deep lines furrowed into his brow. \u201cDo you know her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI only know of her. She and her husband bought a small ranch on the other side of Virginia City, the old Hogan place I believe. She came into the office one day to see me. She had some bruises on the side of her face and a small cut that required some stitches. Mr. Larson was with her. He struck me as being a strange sort of man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow so?\u201d Ben inquired.<\/p>\n

The doctor shook his head from side to side. \u201cI can\u2019t put my finger on it, Ben, but he acted as if he were afraid that his wife might say too much. When I asked her how she got the bruises, he jumped in to explain. He wouldn\u2019t let her talk for herself and he said she fell down the stairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid she?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe agreed with her husband, that\u2019s all I can assume, that she fell.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Adam going to be alright, doc?\u201d Joe asked, getting back to the subject at hand.<\/p>\n

He kept glancing into the bedroom, watching Adam\u2019s lips moving and knew that his brother was once more trying to make himself understood.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn time, Joe. He\u2019s going to have to stay in bed for a while; he has a couple cracked ribs and that cut over his eye is going to need stitching. I\u2019d best get back to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul turned to Ben and placed a comforting hand on his friend\u2019s arm. \u201cTry not to worry, Ben. He\u2019s strong and healthy\u2026he\u2019ll be fine in time. I\u2019ll stitch that cut but remember, just keep him in bed and I\u2019ll be back in a day or so to check on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, doctor,\u201d Ben said. He turned to Joe and Hoss. \u201cYou boys best get to the table and eat. Hop Sing will be fit to be tied if his supper is ruined, and then, please, do the chores. I\u2019ll sit with Adam when the doctor is finished and then one of you can relieve me later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir, Pa. Come on Little Joe,\u201d Hoss said, taking Joe by the arm and literally pulling his younger brother away from the opened door.<\/p>\n

Once downstairs, Joe pulled his arm free of Hoss\u2019 strong fingers and gave him a dirty look.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think you\u2019re doing, dragging me downstairs like that?\u201d Joe snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Shortshanks, it\u2019s just that I wanna talk to ya without Pa hearin\u2019. Come on, let\u2019s go out to the barn,\u201d Hoss suggested, opening the door and leading the way.<\/p>\n

Joe stood where he was. Hoss paused and glanced back over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, ya comin\u2019 or ain\u2019t ya?\u201d he barked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026alright\u2026but Pa told us to eat first\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is important, forget about eatin\u2019, it\u2019s done cold anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe tossed his hands up in the air and rolled his eyes. If it was important enough for Hoss to miss a meal, he must have something serious on his mind, Joe decided.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, out with it Hoss,\u201d Joe said, following Hoss out to the barn.<\/p>\n

Hoss gently pushed Joe into the barn and glancing around, Hoss pulled the door closed. He took Joe by the arm and led him over to a corner.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019cha make of what doc said, Little Joe?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would think he knows what he\u2019s doing, Hoss, he did say that Adam would be fine\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026not about Adam, about that woman\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWoman\u2026oh, you mean Mrs. Larson?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026her\u2026what did Adam call her\u2026Jolene?\u201d Hoss said with a thoughtful look on his rotund face.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it, Jolene\u2026but I don\u2019t get it, Hoss. What about her?\u201d Joe said, sitting on a crate.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, don\u2019t ya find it strange that our big brother comes home beaten to a pulp and the only thing he says is some married woman\u2019s name?\u201d Hoss said, wrinkling up his nose.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Joe muttered, \u201cnow that you mention it\u2026what would Adam be doing calling out for a married woman?\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Joe and Hoss looked thoughtful and then Joe\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d he said, clutching his brother\u2019s arm. \u201cYou don\u2019t suppose\u2026naw\u2026he wouldn\u2019t\u2026would he?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked puzzled, his brow fashioned a deep scowl and he turned to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t what, Little Joe\u2026Adam wouldn\u2019t what?\u201d he insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t reckon our big brother has been sneaking around\u2026with\u2026this Jolene woman, do you?\u201d Joe said, almost timidly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026you want someone to hear us?\u201d scolded Joe. \u201cThink about it, Hoss. Adam comes home, battered and broken, and the only word he says is \u2018Jolene, Jolene\u2019. Ya gotta wonder why?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss stood silent, pondering the idea.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I\u2019ve seen the lady, she\u2019s a knock-out\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Joe, Adam would never\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook Hoss, Adam\u2019s only human\u2026and I\u2019ve heard around town that the lady is very nice\u2026unlike her husband. Maybe\u2026and I mean, maybe\u2026our older brother was tempted and perhaps\u2026hmm\u2026he got caught. That would explain both the beating and the reason he was calling for her\u2026don\u2019 t you think?\u201d Joe said, eyeing his brother with wide eyes that had grown dark by the doubt and worry that troubled him.<\/p>\n

Hoss scratched his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know, Joe\u2026I can\u2019t see Adam tryin\u2019 to steal another man\u2019s wife\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe either Hoss, but anything is possible. I think tomorrow morning we oughta ride over and just have a word with Mrs. Larson, and find out what she will tell us. What do you say, Pa, won\u2019t have to know\u2026it\u2019ll be our little secret\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, ya can\u2019t be serious\u2026ya reckon if the lady is havin\u2019 an affair with Adam, she\u2019d own up to it?\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe might, if she knows that her husband beat the tar outta Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Little Joe, ya ain\u2019t got no proof that Larson had anythin\u2019 atall to do with Adam gettin\u2019 beat up\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stood to his feet and moved to pick up a rake. \u201cNo, but we haven\u2019t gotten any proof he wasn\u2019t responsible either. And it was Frank Larson\u2019s wife\u2019s name our big brother was calling out for\u2026\u201d Joe said as he began mucking out the stall nearest to him.<\/p>\n

Behind him, Joe heard Hoss sigh deeply. He glanced over his shoulder at his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Joe, I say we go have a word with Mrs. Larson, but if Pa finds out what we\u2019re doin\u2019, I\u2019m tellin\u2019 him it was your ideay!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe won\u2019t find out, Hoss\u2026I promise,\u201d Joe grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWonder where I\u2019ve heard that before?\u201d mumbled Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe giggled. \u201cI heard that!\u201d
\n\u201cPlease\u2026please, let me out, Frank,\u201d sobbed Jolene.<\/p>\n

The young woman\u2019s fists were raw where she had beaten them against the door. It had been hours since her irate husband had locked her in the closet and the tight space and dark had begun to take its toil on the battered wife.<\/p>\n

Again and again Jolene beat on the door, her cries had risen in volume, but still Frank ignored his wife. He was lying with his head on the table, lost from sobriety into a drunken world of bliss where his senses had lost reason of time.
\nBy morning, Jolene was found lying, semi-conscious on the floor. Frank had managed to awaken enough to remember that his wife was locked away in the closet. He stumbled into the kitchen, taking the tiny key from his pocket and unlocked the door.<\/p>\n

Jolene was lying crumbled in the floor, her motionless body curled into a ball.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet up woman!\u201d Frank growled.<\/p>\n

When Jolene failed to respond, her husband jabbed at her with the toe of his boot.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said, GET UP!\u201d Frank screamed at her.<\/p>\n

Jolene moaned softly and raised her head. Her face was covered in dark bruises and one eye was swollen shut. The cut above the right brow had stopped seeping, leaving a small amount of congealed blood showing on her forehead and acting as a glue to leave the loose strands of golden hair plastered to her brow.<\/p>\n

Disgusted with what he saw, Frank grabbed Jolene by the arm and hauled her to her feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Frank,\u201d sobbed the woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up, tramp,\u201d he snarled at her. \u201cGet up the stairs,\u201d he ordered, shoving his wife.<\/p>\n

Jolene took a flattering step and stopped, looking back at her husband.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrank, I swear\u2026nothing happened\u2026Adam Cartwright is only a friend, he\u2026AWW!\u201d she screamed, covering her face with her hands in an attempt to ward off the vicious slaps to her face, handed out by her husband.<\/p>\n

\u201cDON\u2019T YOU EVER MENTION THAT MAN\u2019S NAME AGAIN, EVER\u2026DO YOU UNDERSTAND?\u201d he roared loudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet moving\u2026go to the attic,\u201d Frank ordered.<\/p>\n

Jolene, sobbing, did as her man instructed and slowly climbed the narrow curved staircase.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you going to do?\u201d she inquired of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think? I\u2019m going to lock you away until you learn your lesson, now move it!\u201d he said and shoved her again.<\/p>\n

By the time they reached the attic, Jolene was beyond crying. She waited at the top of the stairs for Frank to unlock the door and then, giving in to her fate, walked on her own accord into the musty, hot attic.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s ya something to sleep on, over there,\u201d Frank said, pointing to a dark corner where an old mattress lay. \u201cI\u2019ll bring ya some food in a little while. Now, behave yourself, and I just might let you outta here, in a week or so!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jolene stood in the middle of the room looking about. The door behind her slammed and she barely heard the turning of the key. For several long moments she stood, shrouded by the darkness that engulfed her. When her eyes became accustomed to the dim light, she moved to the corner where the worn mattress was and pulled it out, into the center of the room. Jolene lay down, exhausted and hurting and buried her face in the old blanket she had found and sobbed out her heartache and disappointment she had with both her husband and her life.
\nMid-morning of the next afternoon, Joe and Hoss rode into the yard of the Larson homestead. They stopped at the hitching post, sitting silently and just staring at the house. All was quiet and the strange stillness was unsettling to both young men. Hoss turned to Joe with a worried frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019cha gonna say to\u2019em, Joe?\u201d he said in a whispered voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t rightly know\u2026\u201d began Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, ya gotta have somethin\u2019 to say, otherwise, he\u2019ll think we\u2019re just plain dumb, droppin\u2019 by for no good reason,\u201d fussed Hoss. \u201c\u2019specially if\u2019n he believes Adam and his wife are\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026here he comes,\u201d Joe said in a low voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, neighbor,\u201d Frank Larson called as he approached the Cartwrights from the barn where he had been working. He gave no clue to his drunken state of the night before or that anything out of the ordinary had taken place the day before.<\/p>\n

Joe gave Hoss a quick glance and then dismounted to shake hands with the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy,\u201d greeted Joe. \u201cHmm\u2026I\u2019m Joe Cartwright, and this is my brother, Hoss,\u201d he began.<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright?\u201d Frank said, his smile suddenly vanishing.<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cOur pa is Ben Cartwright, we own\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know what you own, boy. What are the two of you doing over here? I\u2019ve already warned that brother of yours to stay away from me and my wife!\u201d he barked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026you must mean, Adam?\u201d Joe said, regretting what they were doing. \u201cWell\u2026I\u2019m sorry to hear that, Mr. Larson. But\u2026but\u2026\u201d he glanced at Hoss for help.<\/p>\n

Hoss took the clue and supplied the needed excuse.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm\u2026 our pa sent us over here, sir,\u201d he babbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa Pa? What for?\u201d Frank said, looking at the two younger men with angry eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir\u2026he\u2026he\u2026Joe, what did Pa send us over here for?\u201d Hoss stammered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Hmm\u2026oh yeah,\u201d Joe laughed in a sickly manner. \u201cPa wanted to\u2026to\u2026hmm\u2026invite you and your wife over for Sunday dinner\u2026isn\u2019t that right, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSunday dinner? Joe\u2026are ya sure that\u2019s why Pa sent us over here\u2026I mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I\u2019m sure\u2026Mr. Larson, don\u2019t pay any mind to my brother, he\u2019s\u2026he\u2019s\u2026been working a lot lately and hasn\u2019t exactly been himself,\u201d Joe said, giving Hoss a warning look.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa sayin\u2019 ya pa wants me and my wife to come to Sunday dinner?\u201d Frank repeated the suggestion. \u201cWhy?\u201d Frank asked, surprising and frustrating the pair of brothers that much more.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Cause\u2026hmm\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCause why?\u201d Frank demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, sir, Pa hasn\u2019t had a chance to really make your acquaintance and he said it was the neighborly thing to do\u2026get to know your neighbors, that is. So\u2026he wanted to have you and your wife over for supper. How about it?\u201d Joe said meekly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026now get off my property,\u201d Frank growled in a wicked tone.<\/p>\n

He turned to go back to the barn, leaving Joe gapping at Hoss in shock. Frank paused and turned around, seeing the boys still standing there.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said get off my property,\u201d he informed the brothers.<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir, we\u2019re leavin\u2019 right now. Get on your pony, Joe,\u201d Hoss commanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on a minute, Hoss. Mr. Larson,\u201d Joe said, calling out to the man. \u201cMind if I ask why you can\u2019t come to supper?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe took a few cautious steps toward the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cPsst\u2026Joe,\u201d Hoss whispered in a hushed voice.<\/p>\n

Joe waved his arm back at Hoss and proceeded with his questioning.<\/p>\n

\u201cSir\u2026our Pa will be greatly disappointed if you refuse,\u201d suggested Joe, knowing full well that if the man happened to show up at their door on Sunday afternoon, his butt was likely to get a good swatting.<\/p>\n

Frank took a deep breath to calm himself. No need to let these two young bulls suspect him of anything. It was obvious what the pair was up too, thought Frank, and again obvious that their older brother had yet to name him as his attacker.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook boys, I don\u2019t mean to be rude, but I\u2019ve work to do. You see my wife, Jolene, is out of town for a few weeks\u2026she\u2019s\u2026gone to visit her mother in San Francisco. So\u2026I just don\u2019t do no socializing without her. Perhaps when she returns?\u201d suggested Frank.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour wife ain\u2019t here? But I thought\u2026\u201d Hoss realized he was thinking out loud again and quickly shut up.<\/p>\n

The blundered statement did not go unnoticed by Frank Larson, but the man let it pass for now. Perhaps the boys were brighter than he first suspected and knew something more than first thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps another time?\u201d Frank said. \u201cNow, if you will excuse me?\u201d He turned then and disappeared into the barn.<\/p>\n

Joe frowned and turned back to Hoss. He swung gracefully into the saddle and sat for a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s lying\u2026she\u2019s here, Hoss\u2026\u201d he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d Hoss said, looking puzzled.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Larson. She\u2019s here and she\u2019s watching us\u2026but I don\u2019t know from where,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s get home,\u201d he said, looking around once again in an attempt to locate the eyes he could feel baring down on them.<\/p>\n

Hoss turned Chubb around as well, but glanced over his shoulder. \u201cI can feel them eyes on me, too, Joe,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

From her locked room in the attic, Jolene peered through the crack in the wall, watching as the two young men rode away. Blinding tears filled her eyes and once the brothers were gone from her sight Jolene laid down on her mattress and cried herself to sleep.
\n\u201cWhere in blazes have the two of you been?\u201d Ben ranted.<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss had tried slipping into the house unnoticed, but just as Hoss closed the front door with a bang, earning a disgusted glare from his younger brother, Ben appeared on the top step.<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked you a question!\u201d he stormed, marching down the steps.<\/p>\n

His hands were emphatically placed on his hips, his brow was drawn downward and the usual joyful glitter to his dancing eyes had turned a strikingly dark hue.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm\u2026we\u2026were\u2026\u201d stammered Joe, swallowing hard.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust out for a ride\u2026yeah\u2026that\u2019s it, we just went for a ride,\u201d Hoss quickly added and then smiled broadly.<\/p>\n

Joe made a disgusted look and rolled his eyes upward.<\/p>\n

\u201cA ride! Lolli-gagging would be more like it!\u201d stormed Ben. \u201cAnd by any chance, did either one of you do what I asked you to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked a bit sickly when he glanced at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa asked us to do somethin\u2019?\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

Ben pinched his eyes shut and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly through his flaring nostrils.<\/p>\n

\u201cOH!\u201d Joe nearly shouted. He turned to Hoss. \u201cDon\u2019t ya remember, Hoss, Pa asked us to\u2026to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh for heaven\u2019s sake\u2026did you at least get the mail?\u201d Ben groaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cMail?\u201d Hoss stammered again. \u201cUg\u2026ya gotta go into town to get the mail,\u201d he said lamely.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes rounded. He noticed that Joe had lowered his head, a sure sign that the younger boy had something to hide.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two \u2018boys\u2019, didn\u2019t even get to town, did you?\u201d Ben roared.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir,\u201d Joe said meekly. \u201cWe\u2026had an errand to do, but\u2026don\u2019t worry, Pa,\u201d he said, grinning like a little boy. \u201cWe\u2019ll do that right now\u2026come on Hoss, let\u2019s go,\u201d Joe said, quickly turning and opening the door.<\/p>\n

Hoss all but tripped over himself as he rushed to follow his younger brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH!\u201d shouted Ben, stopping both boys in their tracks. \u201cPlease remember to tell Roy Coffee I\u2019d like to speak to him\u2026and make it fast!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, Pa\u2026we\u2019ll go straight there and then come right back, I promise,\u201d Joe called.<\/p>\n

He sprung into the saddle and waited another half second for Hoss to mount up and then together, the boys spurred their mounts into a run.
\nIt was later in the afternoon when Adam began to stir. The medication that Doctor Martin had given him the night before for pain, had kept the wounded man sleeping soundly with little to no pain to disturb him. It was what the doctor had explained to Adam\u2019s anxious father, what the body needed most to begin the healing process.<\/p>\n

Ben was at his son\u2019s side when the heavy eyelids finally pushed themselves up and opened.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d Adam murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here, son,\u201d Ben assured the young man. \u201cHow do you feel?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike half the trees on the Ponderosa has fallen on me. What happened?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

Ben pulled a chair along side the bed and sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you remember, son?\u201d he questioned, surprised that Adam seemed confused about his previous day\u2019s activity.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s hand moved to his forehead where he rubbed gently. He appeared to be thinking. After a moment of silence, he moved his hand away and looked over at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure, Pa. I hurt like blazes, everywhere,\u201d he complained softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, someone nearly beat you to death\u2026don\u2019t you remember who it was, or why?\u201d Ben questioned.<\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes, and when several minutes had gone by, Ben stood to his feet and arranged the coverlet over his son, sure that Adam had gone back to sleep. Just as Ben moved from the bed, Adam muttered softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cJolene.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben spun around, staring down at his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you say, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJolene\u2026he hurt her\u2026he accused her of\u2026\u201d a tightness in his throat prevented Adam from finishing the sentence. Surprising his father by his sudden burst of energy, Adam tossed back the blanket and tried to rise from the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa\u2026just where do you think you are going, young man?\u201d Ben demanded, gently forcing the moaning Adam back down into the bed.<\/p>\n

Adam was gasping for breath, attempting to ignore the waves of nausea that washed over him. Tiny beads of moisture dotted his brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, lay down, now!\u201d ordered Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026have to get\u2026to her\u2026please\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026you are going to stay in that bed!\u201d Ben grabbed the blanket and pulled it back up, around Adam\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2026needs\u2026me, Pa,\u201d Adam proclaimed.<\/p>\n

He looked up at his father. Ben noted that the hazel eyes had clouded and when Adam shut his eyes, a lone tear dripped from the corner of one.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I don\u2019t understand what you\u2019re trying to tell me, son. Who is hurt? Surely you don\u2019t mean Mrs. Larson, son, she\u2019s a\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA married woman\u2026I\u2026already know\u2026that,\u201d Adam said, turning his head to the side to avoid looking into his father\u2019s dark and probing eyes. The unasked questions shown in the chocolate depths and Adam feared an inquisition by his father.<\/p>\n

It would be best to wait, wait until he was more able to get along on his own without any help from his father before going to Jolene and seeing for himself if she were hurt or not. Jolene had finally confessed to him that her husband had on several occasions slapped and shoved her around. He had never beaten her, but Adam knew that the beautiful young woman was afraid of the man she married and feared that one day the man might snap while in a fit of jealousy and do her bodily harm.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t going to say that, son. I was just going to say, that if she needs anything, she has her husband\u2026why do you think she needs you?\u201d Ben asked softly as he sat back in the chair.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, a picture was beginning to form in his mind and what Ben saw distressed him and he willed the picture to be gone.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2026don\u2019t\u2026never mind\u2026forget I said\u2026anything,\u201d mumbled Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben saw his oldest son swallow deeply and then close his eyes. He noted the firm set to the battered and bruised jaw line that flinched every time his son moved ever so slightly. Ben had seen the action before and knew it to mean only one thing, that Adam was angry about something. Deciding that now was not the appropriate time for a confrontation, Ben leaned over and gently patted his son\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou try to rest, son. I\u2019ll have Hop Sing fix you something light, perhaps a broth\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Pa\u2026you\u2026do that,\u201d Adam whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t be long\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake\u2026your time\u2026tell Hop Sing\u2026not to rush. I\u2019m not\u2026hungry anyway,\u201d Adam said as he turned to one side, his back to his father.<\/p>\n

Ben stood in the doorway for only a moment before turning and making his way down the stairs. A new fear about what had happened to his son and why still plagued his thoughts as he made his way to the kitchen.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s about time you boys got back. Is Roy with you?\u201d Ben asked, as he strained to see over Hoss\u2019 shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be here in after supper, Pa\u2026he had someone in the office with him,\u201d Hoss answered.<\/p>\n

He hung his big hat on the peg behind the door and removed his gun belt.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, here\u2019s the mail,\u201d he said, handing it to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hoss. Where\u2019s Joe?\u201d Ben asked while scanning the return addresses of the envelopes he held in his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Hoss said with a swallow.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joe\u2026you remember him\u2026don\u2019t you? He\u2019s your younger brother,\u201d Ben said sarcastically.<\/p>\n

He paused what he was doing and watched his middle son. Hoss seemed nervous about something and his actions screamed of guilt.<\/p>\n

\u201cOut with it young man,\u201d Ben said in a stern voice. \u201cI want to know where your brother is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm\u2026he had an errand to do, Pa. He won\u2019t be long honest\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cErrand\u2026what kind of errand?\u201d Ben demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026shucks Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cERIC!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe took a ride over to the Larson\u2019s place\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT!\u201d Ben bellowed. \u201cWhat on earth for?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, ya see, Pa\u2026me and Joe rode over there this mornin\u2019. We heard Adam callin\u2019 for that woman, Jolene, and we thought maybe Adam was\u2026well\u2026hm\u2026was\u2026shucks, ya know what I mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no clue what you mean!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe thought ole Adam might be seein\u2019\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben made a disgusted face and shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh for heaven\u2019s sake, Hoss\u2026surely you don\u2019t think your brother is so low as to take up with a married woman!\u201d roared Ben.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked as if he could drop off the face of the earth and inside, he wished he could.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot when ya put it thata way,\u201d the big man said apologetically.<\/p>\n

Ben spun around, his hands firmly planted on his hips.<\/p>\n

\u201cI certainly hope not. Now, would you explain to me why Joseph has taken it upon himself to visit the Larson\u2019s?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss moved to the settee and sat down. He still wore the guilty look on his face. Ben sat down on the wide table in front of the settee and faced his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m waiting!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir. Well, ya see, Pa\u2026Joe and me got to thinkin\u2019, if\u2026and I say if\u2026Adam was\u2026ya know\u2026maybe Mr. Larson somehow found out and he\u2019s the one what beat Adam up\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Hoss! What ever am I going to do with you two? And right at this minute, your younger brother is\u2026what\u2026asking the lady if she was having an affair with his older brother? I can\u2019t believe that he\u2019d have the gall to do such a thing!\u201d stormed Ben, rising and moving to the fireplace where he stood facing the flames.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, on second thought, considering Joseph\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa\u2026that ain\u2019t it atall, Joe ain\u2019t gonna ask Mrs. Larson\u2026why, she ain\u2019t even home\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know that?\u201d Ben shouted, turning to glare at Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hoss swallowed again, his lips twisted into a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike I said, we stopped off this morning and spoke with Mr. Larson\u2026and he told us that his wife was out of town. She\u2019s visiting relatives,\u201d Hoss said, finally smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is, is she? Then why on earth did Joe go over there?\u201d insisted Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo see for himself,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

Another deep breath and Ben\u2019s anger was evident to his middle son.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo see what, for himself?\u201d he said in a low, controlled voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo see if Mrs. Larson really has gone away,\u201d Hoss explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you said her husband told you she was away?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did, Pa. But Joe and me\u2026we didn\u2019t believe him, so Joe thought that one of us should sneak by and see for ourselves\u2026and since I\u2019m easier to spot than Little Joe, he was the most logical choice\u2026\u2019sides,\u201d beamed Hoss, \u201cit was his ideay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it was\u2026now I\u2019m beginning to see the light. The two of you are spying on our neighbors because you don\u2019t believe that the man\u2019s wife actually is away visiting relatives,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly,\u201d Hoss grinned. \u201cWell\u2026almost exactly,\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost?\u201d Ben said, repeating the word.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee Pa, Joe said, this morning, that he didn\u2019t believe Mr. Larson\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd why not? What reason would the man have to lie about his wife being gone?\u201d Ben questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cCause\u2026don\u2019t ya see, Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo I don\u2019t\u2026tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf Adam was\u2026and I\u2019m not sayin\u2019 he was, but if he was seein\u2019 Mrs. Larson, then that would give Mr. Larson cause to want to beat Adam up and to send his wife away\u2026or at least that\u2019s the way Little Joe figures it. And \u2018sides, when we left there this mornin\u2019 Joe said that he could feel Mrs. Larson watchin\u2019 us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben almost laughed outright, though what his son was tellin\u2019 him did, in fact, make good sense. His anger vanished and he offered Hoss a reassuring smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cSon, I hate to admit it, but you\u2019re actually making sense, except for two things,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 eyes widened in surprise and he beamed happily at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah\u2026what two things?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne, Adam isn\u2019t carrying on with a married woman, and two, I doubt seriously that under those circumstances, Mr. Larson would have any reason to beat your brother to a pulp. No, Hoss, someone else, or two someones did battle with your brother. I know Mr. Larson is a big man, but I doubt seriously if he could do the damage that was done to Adam, all alone. There had to be more than one man,\u201d concluded Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cMis\u2019tr Cartlite,\u201d Hop Sing said from the landing on the staircase. \u201cMis\u2019tr Adam
\nwish to speak to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Hop Sing, tell him I\u2019ll be right there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned to Hoss, his anger having left him.<\/p>\n

\u201cEat some supper son, I know you must be hungry, you and that scamp of a brother of your\u2019s missed supper entirely last night. Hop Sing left you a plate in the warming oven,\u201d Ben said as he turned to go. \u201cOh, see that Little Joe gets something to eat as well, when he gets home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir, Pa,\u201d responded Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hoss waited until Ben had gone upstairs and then went into the kitchen, muttering to himself.
\nJoe watched from his hideout behind the thick bushes until he saw Frank Larson enter the house. When he was sure he wouldn\u2019t be seen, he crept silently up to the porch and peeked in the window. For several minutes he watched, seeing nothing. As he turned to go, Frank suddenly appeared from what Joe believed to be the kitchen. In one hand he carried a tray and in the other a small lamp. Joe watched as Frank opened a door, revealing a dark staircase and then closing the door behind him.<\/p>\n

Joe could only wonder where the steps led. Quickly he stepped off the porch and into the yard, watching for the soft glow of Frank\u2019s lamp to tell him where the man had disappeared.<\/p>\n

He was taken by surprise when he saw the light cast its gentle glow from the uppermost section of the house. It was almost impossible to make out; there was no window, only tiny cracks in the boards that allowed slivers of light to shine through. Puzzled by what he could not understand, Joe moved further back trying to figure out just where in the house Frank might be.<\/p>\n

In the darkness that shrouded him, Joe unknowingly backed up into the chicken coop, setting the hens to squawking loudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026\u201d Joe whispered, trying to hush the frightened chickens.<\/p>\n

He glanced up at the house, but the light was no longer distinguishable. Joe scurried toward his horse, hoping and praying to be gone before Mr. Larson could spot him and then having to make an excuse as to what he was doing nosing around outside in the dark and at such a late hour.<\/p>\n

Joe had just swung into his saddle and turned Cochise toward home, when he heard the shot and suddenly a blast of pain ripped through his shoulder. The force of the bullet sent Joe tumbling from the saddle, landing with a loud groan on the hard ground. Trying to gather his sense, Joe scooted into the bushes, but was unsuccessful in getting away.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold it right there!\u201d an angry voice called through the darkness.<\/p>\n

Joe froze; the pain in his shoulder stung like blazes and blood dripped freely down the front of his shirt. He lay, dazed, looking up into the fiery eyes of Frank Larson.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the\u2026ain\u2019t you that Cartwright kid, what was here this morning?\u201d Frank asked.<\/p>\n

He kept his rifle pointed down at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Joe said in a weak voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019cha doin\u2019 nosing around here?\u201d Frank demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026\u201d Joe closed his eyes to the ripple of pain that stung his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know what you were doing,\u201d Frank said in a strange voice.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes sought to see the man\u2019s expression but in the dark, it was next to impossible.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour just like that older brother of yours, ain\u2019t ya? Sneaking around here, trying to see my wife\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026I wasn\u2019t, just\u2026\u201d stammered Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t lie to me boy, I know your kind. Come on, get on ya feet!\u201d Frank ordered.<\/p>\n

When Joe failed to move fast enough to suit the other man, Frank jabbed at Joe\u2019s shoulder with the barrel of his rifle. The move caused Joe excruciating pain and he cried out.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet up!\u201d shouted Frank.<\/p>\n

This time, Joe forced his body to obey his brain\u2019s command and painfully, Joe managed to get to his feet. With his left hand, he clutched his shoulder. His breathing was coming in rapid little gasps and Joe wondered how he\u2019d ever be able to stay on his feet long enough to go wherever it was Mr. Larson was taking him.<\/p>\n

\u201cInto the house, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank opened the door, allowing Joe to enter first. Joe felt another jab of the rifle, this time to the middle of his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver there, open that door,\u201d his captor demanded.<\/p>\n

Joe moved slowly to the door that he had seen Frank open just a short time ago. Once the door was opened, he glanced upward at the dark stairwell. Frank grabbed his pistol, set his rifle on the table and picked up the small lamp.<\/p>\n

\u201cMove,\u201d he ordered, forcing Joe to climb the stairs ahead of him.<\/p>\n

By the time that the pair reached the top, Joe was weakening. The blood continued to drip, the pain had seemed to intensify and when Frank unlocked the door and shoved Joe inside, Joe took one step and collapsed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s ya someone to keep ya company,\u201d he snarled at Jolene.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is he?\u201d cried the frightened woman. \u201cDear God, he\u2019s bleeding,\u201d she sobbed, moving to Joe\u2019s side and making a quick examination of the bullet wound.<\/p>\n

Jolene glanced up at her husband with dark eyes. \u201cHe\u2019s only a boy, Frank. My God\u2026you\u2019ve shot him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s his own fault, nosing around where he ain\u2019t got no business. Likely he\u2019ll die,\u201d Frank laughed when he saw the frightened expression on Jolene\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make no difference to me\u2026he\u2019s brother to that Adam Cartwright\u2026and from what I\u2019ve seen of them, only good Cartwright\u2019s a dead Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank slammed the door, leaving Jolene in the dark with the unconscious man. Trembling with fear, Jolene stood to her feet, staring down at the silent and still body of the young man at her feet. Quickly feeling her way around the small attic room, Jolene made her way over to the dusty old table where Frank had left her a small pitcher of water. She ripped her petticoat and dipped the scrap of material into the cool liquid and returned to the spot where Joe lay.<\/p>\n

The dampness of the cloth brought Joe back from his darkened world. He said nothing, but lay still, basking in the refreshing coolness of the water and the gentle hands that tended to his wound.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d he muttered at long last.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026you\u2019re awake,\u201d Jolene said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026but I wish I wasn\u2019t,\u201d Joe said between clenched teeth. \u201cMy shoulder feels like it\u2019s on fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust lie still, Little Joe\u2026and try not to move around,\u201d Jolene advised.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know my name?\u201d he whispered. \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother told me about you\u2026about all of you. I knew you weren\u2019t big enough to be Hoss, and not old enough to be Adam\u2019s father, so you\u2019re Little Joe,\u201d the soft voice whispered through the darkness.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, you know who I am, but who are you? And why are you locked up here in this attic?\u201d Joe\u2019s voice was low and laden with the pain that burned through his right shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Jolene\u2026Jolene Larson\u2026Frank\u2019s my husband\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHusband? Then why\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrank\u2019s a very jealous man, Little Joe. He listened to some men talking the other day in the saloon. They told him that Adam and I were\u2026were\u2026sneaking behind his back and\u2026seeing one another. One of the men even went so far as to suggest to my husband that Adam and I were planning on running away together\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe raised his head slightly to try to get a better look at the woman. Jolene sat in just the right spot where a beam of moonlight hit her face. Joe was outraged by what he saw.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he do that to your face?\u201d Joe asked as his fingers gently brushed against the darken bruise that covered her cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Was it because of my brother? Was your husband the man who practically beat Adam to death?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPoor Adam, how is he\u2026was he hurt badly?\u201d Jolene begged to know.<\/p>\n

\u201cBad enough,\u201d Joe said, resting his head down on the rolled up blanket that Jolene had fashioned for a pillow.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrank had some help; two other men, in fact. I begged him to stop, but he was like a crazy person. The other two men held Adam while Frank beat him\u2026and yes\u2026it was because of me, but not for the reasons Frank believed. Adam and I are just friends, Little Joe, honest. He\u2019s the kindest, gentlest man I have ever met. But Frank is a very insanely jealous man, and when he found out that Adam and I had become acquainted, well\u2026he went berserk. I swear to you, there is nothing going on between your brother and I and\u2026Joe? Joe?\u201d Jolene suddenly became aware that Joe had stopped speaking and had slipped into unconsciousness.<\/p>\n

There was nothing she could do for the boy other than to dig through an old trunk until she found another blanket in which to cover him. She managed to ease the wounded boy over to the mattress without causing him too much pain and when she was able to make Joe comfortable, she lay down on the floor next to the mattress and fell asleep.
\nBen paced the floor, going to the window to peer out into the darkness. Joe still had not returned; the hour was growing late and his patience was wearing thin.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam called from the bed.<\/p>\n

He had awaken once again from the affects of the pain medicine that the physician had prescribed and had for the last several moments watched his father pacing the floor in his room.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Pa?\u201d Adam said in a drowsy voice.<\/p>\n

Ben turned from the window and forced himself to smile as he came near the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing son, I was just looking out\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026I may still be suffering from the affects of that drug Doc gave me, but not so much so that I can\u2019t tell when something\u2019s bothering you. What is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Ben could respond, Hoss appeared in the doorway. He glanced first at his brother and smiled and then at his father, replacing the smile with a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy Adam, how ya feelin?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSore\u2026but a little better. My ribs hurt like crazy,\u201d Adam made a sound that resembled a chuckle. \u201cI understand now why Joe hates to have his ribs bound\u2026say\u2026where is the little scamp?\u201d Adam said, suddenly realizing that his little brother had not stopped in as of yet to say hello to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s\u2026um\u2026not here right now, Adam. Pa,\u201d Hoss called, motioning for his father to join him in the hallway.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back in a minute, son, you try to rest,\u201d Ben instructed Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben quickly joined Hoss in the hall and closed the door to Adam\u2019s room so that Adam could not hear what was being said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Hoss?\u201d Ben questioned.<\/p>\n

The expression on Hoss\u2019 face forewarned Ben that something was not as it should be.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026ya ain\u2019t gonna like this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it Joe?\u201d Ben said, suddenly more fearful that his younger son had not yet returned from his little escapade.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore like it isn\u2019t Joe. Pa, Joe\u2019s horse just came home\u2026alone,\u201d Hoss said in a whispered voice. \u201cI checked him over\u2026and I found blood on the saddle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, dear God,\u201d Ben muttered. \u201cWhat now? I should have made you go after the little fool,\u201d Ben said angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026Pa\u2026Joe was only tryin\u2019 to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStick his nose into something that was none of his business in the first place. Now listen to me Hoss. You get our horses ready, I\u2019ll have Hop Sing come sit with Adam while you and I go look for Joe, heaven only knows how badly he\u2019s hurt\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir Pa\u2026but Pa, we don\u2019t know for sure that the blood was Joe\u2019s, could have been\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter Hoss\u2026we still have to find him. He\u2019s on foot and if that Frank Larson believes that Adam and his wife were having\u2026well\u2026if he\u2019s the man responsible for beating Adam, and now he finds Little Joe snooping around his place\u2026Lord only knows what he\u2019ll do to the boy. Now hurry, I\u2019ll join you in a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned back to the bedroom and opened the door. Adam was still awake and waiting for his father. He could tell instantly that whatever Hoss had told his father it had upset the elder Cartwright a great deal.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Hoss and I are going to take a little ride, Hop Sing will be up shortly to sit with you. He\u2019ll get you whatever you need. I want you to stay in this bed\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRide\u2026at this hour? What\u2019s wrong, Pa\u2026is it Joe?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

He knew it had to be; Hoss was here\u2026it couldn\u2019t be anyone or anything else.<\/p>\n

Ben moved to the bed and sat down. His expression was serious, causing Adam to wonder.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I have to ask this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, Pa? You look disturbed about something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want the truth\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s battered face formed a scowl and his eyes were dark.<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t lied to you since I was a kid,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Ben let the air expel from his lungs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that. I\u2019m sorry, I didn\u2019t mean to imply that you would,\u201d Ben said apologetically.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright then, what do you want to know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Frank Larson the man who beat you?\u201d Ben said as his eyes focused directly on his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Ben saw Adam swallow and then turn his head away, avoiding him. Ben waited for several moments before speaking again.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I have to know because if he was, your younger brother could be in danger\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned back to Ben, the surprise showed in his painful expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe? What in God\u2019s name does Joe have to do with any of this?\u201d he beseeched of his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems that late yesterday, Joe got it in his head that you and\u2026Mrs. Larson\u2026were having a\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not true!\u201d Adam said adamantly. \u201cJolene is a good, decent woman\u2026a married woman, I might add,\u201d he growled. \u201cJoe had no right to assume such a thing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026when you were delirious, you mumbled only one word, \u2018Jolene, Jolene.\u2019 What was the boy to think, you know how Joe gets?\u201d Ben said softly.<\/p>\n

He could see the hurt in his son\u2019s eyes and knew without Adam having to say the words that his son was in love with Jolene Larson.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me about it, please?\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

Adam took a deep breath, and looked away again. \u201cWe were just friends, Pa, honest, nothing more,\u201d Adam said, glancing at Ben. \u201cWe met at church just after she and her husband moved here. I liked her immediately; she was warm and gentle. She liked to laugh and we talked about several different things. Come to find out, we had a lot in common.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stopped for a moment, as if thinking back. His lips curved into a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI kept bumping into her, every time I\u2019d go into town, she\u2019d be there. After a while, I started making excuses to go to town, just hoping I\u2019d run into her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes sought his father\u2019s face and the silent plea for understanding showed in the dark depths.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it was wrong of me\u2026and when I realized what was happening\u2026I tried to stay away from her. But I couldn\u2019t help myself, Pa\u2026I was\u2026I am in love with her. I didn\u2019t mean for it to happen, it just did. But we never\u2026I\u2019ve never even been alone with her\u2026there have always been people, wherever we were. Honest, Pa\u2026I\u2019d never compromise her in any way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me finish, please\u2026I\u2019ve been wanting to talk to you about this\u2026I have to get it off my chest. That day\u2026the day I got beat, I went over to the Larson place. I was going to tell Jolene that I was going away for awhile\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that why you wanted to go to San Francisco?\u201d Ben asked, realizing how the pieces were fitting together. He had wondered why his son had been so insistent that he be the one to go meet with the logging company in San Francisco instead of himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026I had to get away from her before I let something happen. I had found out that her husband was a vicious man; he was prone to striking her, slapping and pushing her around. She was afraid of him. Before they came here, Frank killed a man\u2026oh, it was self-defense, but he accused another man of having an affair with his wife.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he found out about the meetings in town, between you and Mrs. Larson?\u201d Ben persisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe came home that day, he and two other men. Frank wanted to know what I was doing there\u2026I made up some lame excuse. It was the only time that we were ever alone. But he knew I was making it up and he started accusing Jolene and calling her vile, nasty names. I hit him\u2026the rest is history.\u201d Adam said, lowering his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a bastard, Pa,\u201d Adam looked into his father\u2019s face and Ben could see the deep emotion his son was suffering.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe slapped her to the ground. I tried to fight them off, but I was no match for three grown men. When the other fellows put me on my horse, Frank went into the house after Jolene, I could hear her screaming\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gritted his teeth together and tossed back the covers. \u201cI\u2019m going with you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben jumped to his feet and forced Adam back into the bed. \u201cOh no you\u2019re not!\u201d he ordered sternly. \u201cYou\u2019re going to remain right here, Hoss and I will find Joe\u2026Mrs. Larson is out of town visiting relatives\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo she\u2019s not, Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss said that\u2019s what Larson told him and Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s a lie\u2026she was there, he beat her. For all I know, he may have killed her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam tried rising from the bed, but stopped as a wave of pain took his breath away.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you can\u2019t be moving around like that, now please, stay in the bed. With what you are telling me, and with what Joe suspects, then Joe\u2019s in trouble and probably needs us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stood to his feet and quickly arranged the blankets.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay in the bed,\u201d he said, pointing his finger at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, the horses are ready,\u201d Hoss called from the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful, Pa\u2026that Frank Larson\u2019s a mean one,\u201d Adam called after his father.
\nFrank grabbed the bottle from the cabinet and moved with faltering steps into the sitting room where he found a seat in one of Jolene\u2019s satin upholstered wing back chairs. He pulled the cork from the top and turned the whiskey bottle up to his lips and took a long swallow. When he finished, Frank used the back of his hand to wipe away the droplets that lingered on his lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cLiar,\u201d he muttered to himself.<\/p>\n

The bottle was returned to his lips and Frank guzzled another long swig.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrollop\u2026that\u2019s what you are woman!\u201d he swore softly to himself.<\/p>\n

His eyes sought the door that hid the stairs to the attic. His expression was dark and he downed another long drink. For several long minutes, Frank sat in silence and stewed about his wife and the affair he believed she was having with Adam Cartwright, the man he had come to hate with a passion.<\/p>\n

When the bottle was empty, and Frank so deeply inebriated that he could barely walk, Frank picked up the small cat-of-nine tails that lay on the table next to his chair, and opened the door to the staircase.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll teach you both a lesson,\u201d he grumbled. \u201cMy loving wife and her lover\u2019s brother!\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank stumbled several times before reaching the top of the steps. He dropped the key twice before being able to place it in the keyhole and unlock the door. When he pushed opened the door, and set the lantern down on a crate, all he could see was his wife, bending over the young man on the old mattress. When he moved closer and looked, it was Adam\u2019s face that glared with angry eyes into his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cBastard!\u201d Frank screamed, raising his hand and striking Joe across the chest with the miniature whip.<\/p>\n

Joe had his eyes closed to the pain and heat that penetrated his body. The bullet was still lodged in his shoulder but the bleeding had finally stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cFRANK!\u201d screamed Jolene, \u201cNO!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe snapped from his dazed condition. The whip ripped his shirt, baring his chest, now covered in red welts that threatened to start bleeding. Again Frank raised the whip and directed it at Joe. Joe had seen the movement and managed to curl his body into a protective ball to ward off the blow.<\/p>\n

Jolene screamed again and as Frank prepared to strike the third time, Jolene threw her body across Joe\u2019s in a protective fashion.<\/p>\n

Her movement angered her husband. Frank\u2019s nostrils flared and he staggered forward, grabbing at his wife. His long thick fingers entwined them selves amid her hair and when he yanked the poor woman to her feet and shoved her into a corner, she began screaming at the top of her lungs.<\/p>\n

\u201cNO! NO! YOU CAN\u2019T DO THIS\u2026FRANK, PLEASE\u2026HE\u2019S BEEN SHOT\u2026NO! NO!\u201d<\/p>\n

With his fury quickly rising and his wife\u2019s shrill screaming that caused his head to begin pounding, Frank turned his wrath on the hysterical woman. Time and time again he hit her with the cat-of-nine-tails. Her screaming rattled the walls and caused the hateful man\u2019s head to throb viciously with every beat of his heart.<\/p>\n

Joe struggled to his feet, and threw himself at the man. Frank, too drunk to realize what was happening, fell to the floor, bringing his attacker down with him. Joe groaned as his fevered body hit the hard wooden floor and he lay dazed. Frank took advantage of his prisoner\u2019s disability and lashed out. With the whip still clutched tightly in his hand, Frank began to scourge the wounded boy. Joe\u2019s screams of agony matched the high-pitched screams of the woman who stood paralyzed with fear in the far corner of the attic.<\/p>\n

Jolene\u2019s hands covered her face, unable to watch the beating. After what seemed like forever to the terrorized young woman, everything within the slanted walls of her prison suddenly took on an eerie stillness and dulled silence. Jolene moved her fingers from her face and looked around. Her eyes sought the boy lying motionless in the floor. She quickly looked about; Frank was nowhere to been seen. Gasping, Jolene knelt at Joe\u2019s side and slowly turned him over. Shocked by what she saw, Jolene screamed again. The boy was dead.<\/p>\n

Jolene\u2019s breath came in gulps as she rose to her feet, trembling in fear. Giving one last glance down at Joe, Jolene bolted from the room, fearing that at any moment, her crazed husband would find her and kill her as well. Running wildly down the narrow steps, Jolene raced from the house and into the yard where she stopped momentarily to check her surrounds. There was no sign of her husband. Jolene took off running, not caring which direction she went. Her only thoughts were to run for her life, as far away from her murdering husband as she could get.<\/p>\n

Jolene had only run a few yards when she felt herself being hauled to the ground by rough hands. She tried to scream, but the hands covered her mouth and nose. The frightened woman fought against the handhold in an effort to remove them from her face. The breath that she struggled for was denied her and after putting up a valiant fight for her life, Jolene slipped down to the ground, unconscious.<\/p>\n

Frank stood over his wife\u2019s body, staring blankly at the limp form. Suddenly he tossed back his head and laughed. The sound was ghostly and strange, sounding as if it came from the supernatural. It sent chills racing up and down the spines of the two men, who had ridden, unobserved up to the front of the Larson\u2019s barn.<\/p>\n

Ben reached out and grabbed Hoss by the arm, preventing him from dismounting.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the blazes?\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt sounds creepy, Pa\u2026whatever it is!\u201d Hoss said in a hoarse whisper.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d Ben said, dismounting and drawing his gun.<\/p>\n

Hoss did the same and together they crept along in the shadows toward the house. It was dark and only the soft glow of a lantern near the door lit their path. A movement off to one side caused Ben to hold out his hand, warning Hoss to stop and remain silent.<\/p>\n

From the darkness, Frank emerged, carrying the body of his wife as tenderly as if she were a small child, in his arms. The pair watched as Frank entered the house before proceeding any nearer.<\/p>\n

When Ben and Hoss stood on the porch, watching from the door, they saw Frank place the body onto the couch. It was when the man disappeared into the back room and then emerged carrying a can that he began emptying the contents all about the door, did Ben suddenly realize what the man was about to do. He recognized the smell; it was crude oil, used to start fires.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold it right there,\u201d Ben ordered, his pistol pointed at the man\u2019s mid-section.<\/p>\n

Ben stepped into the house, Hoss followed behind. Frank teetered slightly and then dropped the oil can. He stood in total surprise of the two men who had entered his house.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d he said drunkenly. \u201cAnd what are you doing in my house?\u201d Frank demanded. \u201cGet out\u2026leave me alone,\u201d he shouted, his voice rising.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Ben Cartwright, and this is my son, Hoss. Hoss check on the woman,\u201d Ben ordered. \u201cYou, back up against that wall,\u201d Ben said to Frank.<\/p>\n

Frank scowled deeply, his eyes were dark with hate, but he did as Ben ordered and backed up slowly, close to the fireplace. Hoss bent over the woman to check on Jolene\u2019s condition.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s been roughed up some, Pa, she\u2019s out cold,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

Hoss hurried into the kitchen to fetch water. As he did so, Jolene moaned softly, causing Ben to turn his head. When he did, Frank took advantage and quickly pulled a burning stick from the fire and tossed it toward the puddle made by the crude oil he had poured throughout the room. Instantly the oil ignited into flames.<\/p>\n

Taken totally by surprise by Frank\u2019s action, Ben holstered his gun, shouting for Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHOSS\u2026THE HOUSE\u2019S ON FIRE!\u201d he bellowed, grabbing a throw blanket from the back of the couch and using it to stamp out the fire.<\/p>\n

Frank began to laugh uncontrollably. He seemed as if in a trance as Ben stopped momentarily and grabbed Frank\u2019s arm and shoved him against the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s my son?\u201d he roared.<\/p>\n

Frank continued to laugh, undaunted by Ben\u2019s ferocious voice.<\/p>\n

Ben grabbed Frank by the front of the shirt and shook the man hard.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnswer me!\u201d he demanded. \u201cWhere\u2019s my son\u2026Joseph!\u201d<\/p>\n

Still Frank continued to laugh, angering Ben further. He shoved the man toward the door. It was obvious that the man had lost his senses and would be of no help to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet out!\u201d shouted Ben.<\/p>\n

Hoss rushed from the kitchen to help, but the flames were already running along the puddle line and leapt onto the drapes. The material burst into flames and within minutes the house was an inferno.<\/p>\n

Coughing, Ben grabbed Hoss\u2019 arm and pointed to Jolene who was coming around. She began to cough, panic filled her as she took in the scene and loudly began to scream. Hoss scooped the hysterical woman into his arms and followed Ben from the house and out into the yard where he carefully held the woman in his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright, son?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded his head. The young woman pointed to the house. Her eyes were watery from the smoke as she coughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s in there\u2026he\u2019s in there\u2026\u201d she sobbed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026your husband\u2019s out,\u201d Ben tried to explain, but Jolene insisted by shaking her head from side to side.<\/p>\n

Ben glanced around, looking for Frank. He was standing to one side, watching the blazing house as it burned.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I have to find out where Joe is,\u201d he said as he turned to walk toward Frank.<\/p>\n

Jolene began to struggle against Hoss until the big man was forced to stand the woman on her feet. She brushed her hair from her eyes and looked into Hoss\u2019 face. Tears streamed from her eyes. Jolene inhaled deeply and ran after Ben, grabbing him by the arm and spinning him around until Ben was facing her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t understand\u2026Mr. Cartwright\u2026listen to me\u2026Little Joe\u2019s in the attic!\u201d sobbed Jolene. \u201cHe\u2019s dead\u2026Frank killed him,\u201d the woman cried as she collapsed against Ben. \u201cHe\u2019s dead,\u201d she muttered again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT!\u201d Ben said, stunned. \u201cAre you sure\u2026are you positive?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes\u2026he came here tonight and Frank shot him in the shoulder and then locked him in the attic with me. Just a while ago, Frank came upstairs and began beating him\u2026he\u2019s dead\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned frightened eyes up at Hoss, who\u2019s own eyes blazed with tears.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m goin\u2019 in after\u2019em,\u201d Hoss shouted as he turned to run.<\/p>\n

Ben grabbed his arm, stopping Hoss from going any further.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go, you stay here with the woman. If what she says is true, I\u2019ll not lose two sons this night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Hoss could put up an argument, Ben was gone. Hoss saw his father enter the house and disappear behind a wall of flames. Hoss was so intent on watching the front of the house and praying that his father would emerge with his younger brother that he failed to see Frank slip up behind him. In his hand, Frank carried a club, which he was intent on using to hit Hoss. When Jolene screamed, Hoss twirled around, just as Frank lowered his arm. Hoss reacted quickly and grabbed the other man\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

Driven by his hate for the Cartwrights, Frank stood his ground as Hoss tried to free the man\u2019s hand of his weapon. Somehow, Frank forced Hoss backwards until he stumbled and tripped. Frank raised the club another time and moved in for the kill. Just has he swung his arm back and began the downward descent toward Hoss\u2019 head a shot rang out. For a fraction of a second, Frank froze, giving Hoss just enough time to scoot away. Frank tumbled forward, face down onto the ground.<\/p>\n

Hoss hurried to his feet, staring through the darkness at the lone rider who slumped over his mount\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u201d Hoss shouted, running toward his brother, leaving Frank behind.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat in tarnation are you doing out of bed?\u201d Hoss fumed as he helped Adam down from his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t stand it anymore, brother\u2026I had to know what was happening,\u201d Adam said weakly.<\/p>\n

Jolene stood over her dead husband. Her eyes were no longer filled with tears, she had none left to cry over the man who had used and abused her and her friends in such a savage way.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Jolene,\u201d Adam said softly as he came up behind the woman.<\/p>\n

Jolene turned, her anguish showed on her face. The unhappiness had robbed the crystal blue from her eyes and replaced them sorrow.<\/p>\n

Adam slipped his arm about the trembling shoulders and pulled Jolene to his breast and held her. He turned to Hoss, keeping his arm about the young woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Pa\u2026and Joe?\u201d Adam asked and then felt the lady\u2019s body stiffen.<\/p>\n

Hoss said nothing, but turned toward the now nearly destroyed house.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026you can\u2019t be serious\u2026they can\u2019t be in there!\u201d Adam said as panic filled every fiber of his being.<\/p>\n

He lowered his arm from around Jolene\u2019s shoulders and moved stiffly toward the burning house. Adam could feel the heat of the blaze stinging his face, his knees suddenly felt weak and had it not been for his brother and the young woman taking him by the arms and forcing him back, Adam might have charged forward into the inferno.<\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d Adam screeched into the night. \u201cIT\u2019S MY FAULT\u2026NOT PA, NOT JOE!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam continued to shout until overcome with grief and despair he sank to his knees and buried his face in both hands.<\/p>\n

Hoss choked back his tears and knelt down next to his brother. He wrapped his massive, strong arms about the trembling shoulders and clung to his older brother. His words were broken by the empathy in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHush talkin\u2019 like that Adam\u2026it ain\u2019t no body\u2019s fault but that varmint\u2019s,\u201d he said, glancing at Frank\u2019s dead body.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d<\/p>\n

The cry came from the thick smoke billowing from the burning house. Hoss turned to see his father stumbling from the ruins, coughing and gagging.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA! JOE!\u201d shouted Hoss. \u201cAdam, looky\u2026there they are!\u201d he squealed delightedly.<\/p>\n

Hoss ran forward to meet his father. Ben carried Joe across his shoulders; his arms were wrapped tightly about Joe\u2019s legs in an effort to keep from dropping the boy. As soon as he cleared the house, and was a safe distance from the flames, Ben placed Joe carefully onto the ground. He quickly began pulling off the charred remains of clothing that clung to his son\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet me some water! Hurry,\u201d he issued.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he alive?\u201d Adam asked, kneeling down opposite his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I told you to stay in bed?\u201d Ben snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026I had to come\u2026is he alive?\u201d Adam repeated the question.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, barely!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s the water, Pa,\u201d Hoss said, handing Ben the canteen from Adam\u2019s horse.<\/p>\n

Ben popped the cork from the top and turned the cool water up to Joe\u2019s lips. The boy swallowed hungrily and then began coughing.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy son, easy,\u201d Ben warned. \u201cHe\u2019s been shot and beaten,\u201d Ben told Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n

Ben looked up and saw Jolene standing behind Adam. \u201cWhere\u2019s your husband?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

Jolene lowered her head shaking it from side to side. \u201cDead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Ben asked as he helped Joe take another drink from the canteen.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe tried to kill me, Pa. Adam was forced to shoot him. Reckon it was him or me,\u201d Hoss explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe said weakly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was right\u2026she was here\u2026\u201d Joe muttered as he closed his eyes. \u201cMy shoulder\u2026hurts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know son, we\u2019re all going home, and I\u2019ll have one of the men fetch the doctor\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do it, Pa\u2026you and Mrs. Larson take Joe and Adam back to the Ponderosa and I\u2019ll ride into town and bring the doctor back. Hey, look,\u201d Hoss said, pointing to a group of men who were riding into the yard.<\/p>\n

Charlie Devlin quickly dismounted and hurried over to Ben. The other men began grabbing anything that would hold water and began tossing it onto the flames.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen,\u201d Charlie proclaimed. \u201cWe saw the glow from the flames off in the distance and figured something must be on fire. What happened here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you later, Charlie. I have to get Joe to the doctor\u2019s, he\u2019s been shot and Adam needs to be in bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Ben, you take care of the boys, I\u2019ll help my men get this fire out and I\u2019ll come by later,\u201d Charlie promised.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I promise, both boys will be fine\u2026if you can keep them in bed,\u201d Paul Martin, the family physician and old friend of the Cartwrights, laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s shoulder will take a while to heal, but the bruises and the welts will fade in a few days. Adam\u2019s biggest problem right now besides the ribs is worrying about his family and about the young lady. Keep him in bed\u2026that\u2019s a must for a full week, understand?\u201d Paul said, donning his hat and coat.<\/p>\n

Ben walked with the doctor to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do my best, Paul, but you know those boys of mine\u2026they have minds of their own,\u201d Ben chuckled softly. \u201cThank you for coming out, Paul,\u201d Ben added seriously.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnytime Ben\u2026just remember what I said\u2026oh\u2026and Mrs. Larson should be fine in a day or so,\u201d the physician added.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry about her husband\u2026I suppose one never really knows about people. Frank Larson was a strange man, Paul,\u201d Ben said thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I could tell her what happened to her husband, what caused him to snap as he did, but\u2026I just don\u2019t have any answers for her. Perhaps someday Ben medical science will discover more about the human mind and how it works. I suppose until then, we\u2019ll just have to wait for our answers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had walked to the doctor\u2019s buggy with him and waited until Paul had settled himself on the seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be by to check on everyone in a couple of days, Ben. If you need me, just send word.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you again, Paul\u2026\u201d Ben tossed his hand up in the air, waving good-bye.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Hoss called from behind.<\/p>\n

Ben turned, smiling at his middle son. \u201cIt\u2019s been quite a day, hasn\u2019t it, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure \u2018nough has\u2026I reckon I\u2019d better get started on the chores\u2026I gots plenty to do what with Adam and Little Joe both laid up,\u201d he snickered as he headed for the barn.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, say, Pa\u2026I meant to tell ya, Joe\u2019s sleepin\u2019 and Adam asked me to tell ya, he wanted to talk with ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright son, I\u2019ll see what he needs and then I\u2019ll give you a hand with the chores,\u201d Ben called, heading for the house.<\/p>\n

As Ben entered the great room, Jolene was just coming down the steps. She paused as Ben went over to her and smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou really shouldn\u2019t be out of bed, Mrs. Larson,\u201d Ben said cordially.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, don\u2019t worry about me, Mr. Cartwright, I\u2019m fine really,\u201d Jolene said.<\/p>\n

She had a hint of a smile on her face that was over-powered by the unhappiness she carried deep in her heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, I\u2019ve arranged for one of your men to take me into town in the morning\u2026no, please, don\u2019t say anything,\u201d she said, putting her fingers to Ben\u2019s lips and silencing the words that lingered on the tip of his tongue.<\/p>\n

\u201cI really want to go\u2026I mean, I\u2019ve caused so much trouble, so much unhappiness\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Larson,\u201d Ben began, placing his gentle hands tenderly on the woman\u2019s shoulders. \u201cNone of this is your fault\u2026why even Adam said that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam is blinded by what he believes to be love, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Jolene said sadly.<\/p>\n

Her tear filled eyes lingered on Ben\u2019s face and then she slowly turned away, unable to face him any longer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she said, looking back at Ben. \u201cI wanted Adam to love me\u2026oh, I know it was wrong, but\u2026from the very moment I bumped into him at church that day\u2026and I looked into his eyes, I saw something right then that I\u2019d never seen in Frank\u2019s eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jolene paced around the room, stopping in front of Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI always wanted Frank to look at me like your son looked at me. I wanted Frank to be the kind of man that Adam is\u2026but instead Frank was a jealous and bitter man. Every time that a man smiled at me, or spoke to me, or even looked at me, Frank would go crazy, screaming and yelling at me, blaming me for \u2018encouraging\u2019 them\u2026but it wasn\u2019t so, honest. That is until I met Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jolene moved to the blue chair and sat down. Her dainty hands were folded in her lap and Ben could see how tightly she clenched them, for her knuckles were already turning white.<\/p>\n

\u201cI begged Adam to take me away. I promised him if he would, I\u2019d divorce Frank and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

A sob cut short her next words as she broke down and began to weep.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so ashamed, Mr. Cartwright\u2026I played the tempest and look what it got me! My husband\u2019s dead, I\u2019m left all alone, and I\u2019ve brought shame to the only man whom I know loved me. Oh yes, Mr. Cartwright, Frank loved me\u2026in his own sick way. But he wasn\u2019t always like that, when we first married, he was the kindest, most gentle man I had ever known\u2026until one night, he came home and found his brother and I alone in the house. He\u2019d been drinking that night and though Nick and I both tried to tell Frank that nothing was going on, he didn\u2019t believe us. Frank attacked his brother and beat him to death.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jolene got up and crossed the room, standing behind the settee.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve already said good-bye to Adam,\u201d Jolene made a mockery of the smile that played at her lips. \u201cHe didn\u2019t beg me to stay,\u201d she said quietly. \u201cI don\u2019t blame him\u2026I\u2019ve hurt him, I\u2019ve hurt his family\u2026I nearly got his brother and his father killed\u2026no, I wouldn\u2019t have stayed even if he had begged me to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n

The tears ran slowly down the woman\u2019s face as she turned to go to the downstairs guest room. She paused at the door, her hand already on the doorknob.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam told me that for the first time in his life, he had been tempted to steal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jolene\u2019s pretty face wrinkled in a frown and she glanced sadly up at Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe said that he loved me\u2026but not enough to steal another man\u2019s wife and to bring shame to his father\u2019s name.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jolene made a sniffing sound. \u201cYou\u2019re a lucky man Mr. Cartwright, to have raised such a son, such a gentleman\u2026I hope someday my own son will be as fine as yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSon\u2026I wasn\u2019t aware that you had a son,\u201d Ben said, coming to stand next to the young woman.<\/p>\n

Ben watched as Jolene lovingly placed her hand on to her abdomen.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t,\u201d she muttered, \u201cat least not yet\u2026but maybe in six or seven months I will,\u201d she said, glancing up at Ben. \u201cFrank didn\u2019t know, but Adam did. That\u2019s what I wanted to tell him, about the baby I mean and ask him again to take me away\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Larson\u2026the baby\u2026it\u2019s not\u2026Adam\u2019s\u2026is it?\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

He had a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.<\/p>\n

Jolene laughed softly. \u201cNo\u2026I told you, Mr. Cartwright, Adam was always the gentleman\u2026the baby\u2019s Frank\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jolene saw the look of relief that the senior Cartwright tried to hide and she reached out and touched his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish it were Adam\u2019s baby. I wish I had a family like yours, I wish Frank had been more like Adam\u2026I wish a lot of things, Mr. Cartwright\u2026 thank you for what you\u2019ve done. I\u2019m sorry for\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026you don\u2019t have to say anything Mrs. Larson. It\u2019s over and in time perhaps you\u2019ll be able to find whatever it is you are looking for,\u201d Ben said in a fatherly manner.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so. Good night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jolene closed the door behind her, leaving Ben pondering the things that the young lady had told him. He had been right in his assumption, Adam had been in love with her.<\/p>\n

\u201cMisser Cartlite,\u201d Hop Sing said as he approached Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Hop Sing\u2026do you need something?\u201d Ben said, pulling his thoughts back to the present.<\/p>\n

\u201cMisser Adam, he wish a word with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI almost forgot\u2026thank you Hop Sing,\u201d Ben said as he hurried toward the stairs.<\/p>\n

Ben stopped at Joe\u2019s room and pushed the door open enough so that he could peek in. Joe was sleeping, just as Hoss had said. Quietly, Ben entered the room and moved to the bed. After checking Joe\u2019s brow for fever, he arranged the covers and slipped out, leaving Joe to sleep in peace.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s opened,\u201d Adam called after Ben tapped softly on the door.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled as he entered the room and pulled a chair close to the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wanted to see me?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, I did\u2026I wanted to talk to you,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, son. What\u2019s on your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had turned his head away and seemed to be studying the picture on the wall. There was a long lapse in the conversation before he spoke again.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Joe alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head. \u201cHe\u2019s sleeping right now. The doctor said that he\u2019ll be sore for a few days, but that he should be up and around by the end of the week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Adam said, pausing to take a deep breath. \u201cI\u2019m glad he wasn\u2019t hurt any worse\u2026I\u2019m glad you\u2019re alright too, Pa. You and Joe both might have died in that fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026but we didn\u2019t, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would have been my fault, too,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

He seemed not to have heard what his father had said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think I would have been able to forgive myself if anything had happened to you and Joe\u2026I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Ben said, leaning closer and placing his hand on his son\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe and I are both fine; a little hoarse, but fine nonetheless. Don\u2019t worry yourself about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d Adam interrupted his father. \u201cWhatever possessed Joe to go over to Larson\u2019s in the first place?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you know as well as I do that once Little Joe gets something in his head, it\u2019s impossible to get out. Joe was angry\u2026with Larson. He heard you calling Jolene\u2019s name and I guess between he and Hoss, they put two and two together. They figured out that Frank Larson was the one who beat you, or had you beaten. Those two went over there to have a talk with the man, and ended up inviting both Mr. and Mrs. Larson to Sunday dinner\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what Hoss said. Anyway, Frank told the boys that his wife was away visiting with relatives. Joe didn\u2019t believe him, so they cooked up this plan of sneaking back and seeing what was really going on. Joe left Hoss here to cover for him\u2026and you know Hoss, Joe hadn\u2019t been gone more than an hour and Hoss had already spilled the beans. Well, when Joe didn\u2019t come home, Hoss got to worrying and so\u2026we went looking for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a good thing you did. How\u2019d he get in the attic?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed deeply.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess from what Mrs. Larson said, Joe was nosing around and Frank clobbered him, and then locked him in the attic with her. At some point there must have been a struggle, that\u2019s when Joe got shot,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

Adam turned away for the second time, but Ben saw the sadness in the dark eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m in love with her, you know.\u201d Adam turned back to face Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026I know you are, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was tempted to steal her away from her husband, I could have too. I was ready to take her to San Francisco with me and\u2026but I couldn\u2019t go through with it,\u201d Adam said in a thick voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat stopped you, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged his shoulders and gave Ben a small smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2026Hoss\u2026Joe. You raised me too well, Pa. I realized that I couldn\u2019t turn my back on everything that you taught me\u2026not for stolen love. I couldn\u2019t walk away from my family, leaving my brothers to believe I\u2019d become\u2026\u201d Adam sighed again and lowered his head, unable to face his father any longer.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe loves you, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but even so, it can never be, Pa. I killed her husband; she\u2019s having his child. How would she or I for that matter, ever be able to tell that child that I killed their father? No\u2026it\u2019s better this way, better for Jolene and her baby at least.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about for you? Is it better this way, for you as well?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has to be. I\u2019ll get over her in time\u2026time heals all wounds, isn\u2019t that what you\u2019ve always told us?\u201d Adam said with a tiny smile.<\/p>\n

Ben laughed lightly. \u201cYes, time and love\u2026and you will love again, son. Oh, you may find that hard to believe right now, but trust me, I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment their eyes locked and an understanding passed between the father and his son. Adam smiled at last.<\/p>\n

\u201cLove hurts, doesn\u2019t it, Pa\u2026even when it\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, son, it does. But it\u2019s better to love and be hurt than to never have known love before. I\u2019ve experienced both sides of love and hurt. It\u2019s something that stays with you for a very long time, Adam. But God always gives us grace to move ahead with our lives, to look for that perfect love\u2026and someday you\u2019ll find her son, I did\u2026three times.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stood to his feet and gave his son\u2019s arm a gentle squeeze. \u201cYou rest, I need to go help Hoss with the chores. We\u2019ll talk some more later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam returned the smile and snuggled down against the soft bedding.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Pa\u2026and\u2026thanks for understanding,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, please remember that with everything there comes a price, nothing is never really free, even love, especially love. When you love someone, you give them your heart, it\u2019s the core of who we are, so that means we give the one we love, all of ourselves. Love is a two way street, not just a 50-50 arrangement, which is why your love for Jolene would never be what you wanted it to be. Love between a man and a woman should be 100-100 per cent of themselves. Think about it, why would you only put half of yourself into something so important and so sacred as loving someone and being loved in return?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled as he pulled the door closed, leaving his son to ponder his words.<\/p>\n

Adam lay back against the pillows and closed his eyes. \u201cI will, Pa\u2026I will give it some thought, I swear. And I promise never to be tempted to steal again.\u201d<\/p>\n

THE END
\nAugust 2004<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0\u00a0When Adam falls in love with a married woman, it sets off a chain of events that eventually leads to pandemonium for all the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 PG13 for spousal abuse\u00a0 (15,020 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":11583,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-12327","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":1641,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12102,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12102","url_meta":{"origin":12327,"position":0},"title":"The Final Score (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"May 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0 Five years after having been sent to prison, Lucas Tatum returns to seek his own revenge on Joe Cartwright.\u00a0 What he does this time is far worse than a wallop on the head; he wants to make Joe suffer for what he believes was Joe's fault.\u00a0 Joe learns\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/feature-2.jpg?fit=338%2C338&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":15348,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15348","url_meta":{"origin":12327,"position":1},"title":"Joe Cartwright – Magician! (by Questfan)","author":"Questfan","date":"October 26, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"SUMMARY: A Bonanza story celebrating that fun side of Michael in his role as Joe Cartwright. Make it scary, funny, or dramatic . . . or all three! Rating: K Word Count: 660","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1C673A90-35E7-41AC-8BB3-F8707550AF36.jpeg?fit=700%2C525&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1C673A90-35E7-41AC-8BB3-F8707550AF36.jpeg?fit=700%2C525&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1C673A90-35E7-41AC-8BB3-F8707550AF36.jpeg?fit=700%2C525&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1C673A90-35E7-41AC-8BB3-F8707550AF36.jpeg?fit=700%2C525&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12146,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12146","url_meta":{"origin":12327,"position":2},"title":"Fight for Life (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"March 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe becomes the target for revenge when he is forced to participate in a human cockfight in order to save his father's life. Rating: \u00a0PG Contains violence (16,700 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/feature-4.jpg?fit=387%2C387&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6204,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6204","url_meta":{"origin":12327,"position":3},"title":"Scars on the Inside (by Annie K Cowgirl)","author":"Annie K Cowgirl","date":"September 3, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0In memory of the beloved episode My Brother's Keeper. It's been five years since the accident and Adam still hasn't forgiven himself for shooting Joe. Rated:\u00a0K+ (935 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Pdvd_007.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Pdvd_007.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Pdvd_007.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Pdvd_007.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1114,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1114","url_meta":{"origin":12327,"position":4},"title":"Another Kind of Ending (by DBird)","author":"DBird","date":"July 16, 2008","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0WHN for \"The Magnificent Adah.\" Adam tries to understand his father's words: there are many kinds of love. Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC 2700","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12132,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12132","url_meta":{"origin":12327,"position":5},"title":"Chinese Molasses (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"January 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12327","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/9052"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12327"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12327\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11583"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12327"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12327"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12327"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}