{"id":12674,"date":"2007-07-13T21:18:48","date_gmt":"2007-07-14T01:18:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12674"},"modified":"2026-03-11T13:22:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T17:22:19","slug":"a-moment-feared-by-calim11","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12674","title":{"rendered":"A Moment Feared (by Calim11)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>What Happened Next for the episode \u201cVengeance\u201d<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (6,200 words)<\/p>\n

*Vengeance, written by Marion Parsonett. The storyline of this episode is used within this fictional piece.<\/em><\/p>\n

Author\u2019s Note:\u00a0 The idea for this story was based on reviews I received by Patina, Melissa, Iziemba and Laurie on my previous story \u2018A Moment Later (WHN Vengeance\u2019). Thanks!<\/em><\/p>\n

A Moment Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Moment<\/a>
\nA Moment Lost<\/a>
\nA Moment Later<\/a>
\nA Moment Feared<\/a>
\nA Moment Given<\/a>
\nA Moment Revisited<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Moment Feared<\/strong><\/p>\n

The sun was just beginning to shed its remaining heat as it made its way slowly toward the mountains, its last rays shining on the citizens of Virginia City who piled out of the courthouse. Their voices were muffled and their shifting eyes averted from the Cartwrights within their ranks whose faces spoke volumes about what had transpired this stifling day in a room stuffed with people and a twelve man jury.<\/p>\n

Yes, today began Red Twilight\u2019s trial and it had begun well enough until thoughts of a speedy decision soon evaporated when his attorney, one Mr. Harold Pinsett, opined on the sanctity of truth and justice in his opening remarks, drawing the jury toward him like a bee to honey for the better part of two hours. It took everything prosecutor Brian Yancy had to get their attention away from Pinsett\u2019s loud tone and long words and return them to the present and more important issue at hand: was Red Twilight guilty of murder and attempted murder?<\/p>\n

The day lingered and the heat rose as witnesses took the stand, as stories were retold again and again, as sweat rolled off everyone like they were standing in the rain. It wasn\u2019t good. Ben Cartwright tried not to notice the closing eyes of one or more of the jurors while others swatted at the flies that crowded the room, all making him believe that the truths being told today were no more than the buzzing of those flies to these twelve men. He\u2019d harrumphed aloud and drew a disapproving head shake from Adam, instantly regretting it. If Pinsett caught him making that particular sound, no telling what he could do with that.<\/p>\n

They\u2019d sat through all sorts of testimony this day, including Paul Martin\u2019s about Willie Twilight\u2019s heart condition, then Adam and Joe\u2019s of Red\u2019s entry into the house, and finally Hoss\u2019. Brian Yancy desperately tried to keep his questions short and to the point, focusing on the time Red came into the house and not on Willie\u2019s demise, but Pinsett wasn\u2019t so kind and dredged up that whole business on the street for Hoss to relive. By the time they were all done, the declining sun was streaming in through the opened windows showcasing a fidgety jury. Judge Jeremiah Walstrom raised his gavel to call it a day when Pinsett flew to his feet with great noise. There was one more witness that needed to be heard; one more to shed some light on what actually occurred – Mary Wickham1<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

As she walked to the stand, Hoss remembered telling Adam that Mary\u2019s testimony would spell the end for Red Twilight. He remembered feeling it in his bones, in his heart, that no one would be able to discount her story.<\/p>\n

But no one had bargained on Harold Pinsett.<\/p>\n

Hoss followed his father out into the late afternoon sun, feeling Adam so close to him he thought they were connected at the hip. Joe took up the same position opposite, and he smiled. It was like they were creating an invisible net of security about him, daring the world to do or say anything or risk being blown away. And he knew why they were protecting him. Pinsett practically accused him of hunting down Willie Twilight and killing him in the street, and his heart cringed at the words. Just yesterday Adam tried to convince him that he\u2019d not killed Willie, that he\u2019d been at the wrong place at the wrong time, and, for a moment, he thought he might believe him. But now, in front of God and everyone, Pinsett brought it up, pointed it out, mashed it in his face and made him wonder all over again.<\/p>\n

Adam had met his brother\u2019s anguished gaze as they sat in the courtroom and gently grabbed his hand. \u201dCan hold a newborn kitten,\u201d he\u2019d whispered, his belief written across his face. Hoss gave him a half-hearted grin then let himself release Pinsett\u2019s words, knowing that above all else, his brother would always tell him the truth.<\/p>\n

And now the family stood shoulder to shoulder as the citizens began to clear, leaving them standing in the fading sun, spying Paul Martin moving past Mary as she made her way through the remaining crowd, head bent. Someone stepped in front of her and she looked up, catching sight of the Cartwrights standing sullenly to her left. Offering Hoss a simpering smile, she turned and hurried away, eyes glistening with tears.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s jaw clenched. He had nothing against Mary. She\u2019d been a great help with Adam and Hoss when they\u2019d needed it. But today . . . today was different. Today may have proved disastrous for his family, and it hadn\u2019t been Adam or Joe\u2019s testimony but Mary\u2019s. Her testimony had thrown something into the mix that is never welcomed at a trial, something that could turn a murderer loose – doubt. Now they had to wait, wait for twelve men to decide whether or not Red Twilight was guilty. They had to wait!<\/p>\n

It burned in Ben\u2019s craw that these twelve men — twelve men he\u2019d known for years — didn\u2019t seem to believe his sons and were making him wait! Couldn\u2019t they see what Pinsett was doing? Couldn\u2019t they hear what Mary said? Red Twilight admitted to ambushing Hoss; Adam was an eyewitness to his own shooting, had heard Red tell him he was going to \u2018finish the job\u2019, and yet they still made him wait.<\/p>\n

Normally, he held the law as close to his heart as the Bible; he was not one to take it into his own hands. But today, today when he\u2019d heard Pinsett pull apart Mary\u2019s testimony, he\u2019d wanted to draw his gun and blow Red Twilight away before another moment passed. Even now he fought the urge as movement by the courthouse door pulled his eyes from Mary\u2019s retreating form to see Roy Coffee, hand on Red\u2019s shoulder, asking folks to make way while he led the prisoner back to jail.<\/p>\n

It would be so easy.<\/em><\/p>\n

The brothers followed their father\u2019s gaze and Joe\u2019s breath caught as he watched the man who\u2019d nearly killed both his brothers come onto the courthouse steps, arms cuffed behind his back, Roy waiting patiently for people to clear a path. Suddenly, he was back in the barn, hands wrapped in Red\u2019s hair, gun buried in his cheek and it all would\u2019ve been so simple to just pull the trigger. Adam\u2019s words harkened back, reminding him that he shouldn\u2019t stoop to his level and, right now, he didn\u2019t care.<\/p>\n

It would be so easy.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoss grabbed Joe\u2019s sleeve hoping to move his thoughts, so evident upon his face, away from what he was thinking, to keep him steady. It wouldn\u2019t do to have him complete what he\u2019d started in the barn out on the street for all to see. He wouldn\u2019t let his brother ruin his life just for a sidetracked version of revenge. He was alive and well and Joe\u2019s promise was no longer valid.<\/p>\n

Adam watched the interplay between his brothers and knew Hoss had everything in hand with Joe. But, even so, his own hand inched closer to his gun as Roy walked Red past them, the man casting out a look so different from the one of pure panic in the barn three weeks before. This look was something akin to triumph, of a great secret known only to him flashed upon that wide grin thrown their way. Adam\u2019s own heart worked double-time as anger flirted with common sense. Wrestling it back into place, he knew it wouldn\u2019t do to commit cold-blooded murder in front of the entire town. No, the dark of night in the middle of nowhere proved much more enticing.<\/p>\n

It would be so easy.<\/em><\/p>\n

A slight movement broke Adam\u2019s concentration and moved it toward his father. Brows rose as he watched Ben\u2019s hand flex toward his gun, the intent quite clear, prompting Adam to touch his father\u2019s wrist ever so slightly, stopping him mid-motion. There was no telling what twelve men would come up with when much was expected from them, but laying it wide open with a massacre in the street wouldn\u2019t help. Doubt was ugly but blood on their hands was worse.<\/p>\n

It would be so easy but not very bright.<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam cleared his throat. \u201cWhat say we get something to eat while we wait for the verdict,\u201d came his suggestion, his deep voice permeating the silence as none could take their eyes from Roy as he dragged Red across the street to the jail. \u201cI\u2019m buying.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll be the day,\u201d came Joe\u2019s response without humor as Hoss finally felt comfortable letting go of his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess we should,\u201d Ben said exhaling loudly. \u201cThe jury may not be back for awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

Decision made, they remained stock-still, waiting until Roy closed the jail door, waiting until only they stood on the street. A passing wagon\u2019s jingling harness sprung them from their trance and, not looking at each other, they made their way slowly down the street and away from the jail, telling themselves that the bigger the distance, the easier it would be to lose themselves in a well-made meal. Yeah right.<\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

Roy Coffee pulled open the door of the International and stepped toward the restaurant, his eyes scanning the full room and falling on his intended targets. Watching them for a moment, he hesitated. The news he had wasn\u2019t good but it had to be delivered. He didn\u2019t much like his role as Sheriff at the moment. Rubbing his chin, he stepped forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Ben, boys,\u201d he said with a nod, each Cartwright fixing him with a hopeful look as he approached.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs the verdict in?\u201d Adam asked, apprehension settling in when Roy shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, son, not today. Seems they\u2019ve tabled their talkin\u2019 for the evenin\u2019 and won\u2019t resume until 9:00 am tomorrow. Might as well ride on home and come back in the mornin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s their problem?\u201d Joe began, anger surfacing. \u201cThe evidence is there, our testimony was there. What is there to deliberate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Joe,\u201d Roy began, \u201cthese men are decidin\u2019 on a man\u2019s life \u2013 whether to end it or send him to prison. That\u2019s somethin\u2019 that shouldn\u2019t be taken lightly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he confessed!\u201d Joe blurted.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben began as his youngest turned back to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t help it, Pa. I was there. So was Adam. Red Twilight killed Tandy2<\/sup> then came into our house to kill Hoss, and went after Adam while he was there. What\u2019s there to deliberate?!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, keep your voice down,\u201d Ben admonished, glaring at him and ignoring everyone else\u2019s looks. Aggravated, he merely grabbed the side of the table and turned toward the Sheriff. \u201cThanks for the information, Roy. Maybe we\u2019ll stay the night in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSuit yerself. Evenin\u2019,\u201d the sheriff said, touching his hat and leaving thinking that went better than he expected.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at each of them. \u201cWell, shall we stay in town or go home?\u201d he asked, tossing his napkin onto his plate with a little more heat than necessary.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we should go home,\u201d Adam spoke up, wiping his mouth and taking a sip of water, casting a sidelong glance at Hoss. \u201cWe could all use a good night\u2019s sleep and I\u2019d rather do it in my own bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, maybe that\u2019s a good idea,\u201d Joe added sullenly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d Ben asked, noting how quiet his boy had been since they\u2019d left the courthouse.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever ya\u2019ll want\u2019s fine with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam peered at Hoss and squeezed his shoulder. The testimony today had been difficult for him, especially when Harold Pinsett had singled him out as the reason Red Twilight was in town.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, brother,\u201d Adam pronounced as he moved to his feet. \u201cThe sooner we get home, the sooner we can have some of that apple pie Hop Sing was making this morning. I could sure use some of that right about now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss gave him a slight nod and rose slowly to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s leave these two to pay the bill,\u201d Adam whispered conspiratorially.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey . . . hey, wait just a minute!\u201d Joe called, Adam\u2019s words catching up with him. \u201cYou were gonna pay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam flung a smile and a wink over his shoulder toward Joe as he pushed Hoss out the door.<\/p>\n

Ben conjured up a small grin of his own as he pulled out his wallet. \u201cGo on, Joe, and get the horses. I believe we\u2019ll have to hurry to catch up with those two if we want any pie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m on it,\u201d Joe answered hurrying out the door.<\/p>\n

Laying money on the table, Ben donned his hat and walked out, trying to push aside any worry that still lingered. Let them all have a good night\u2019s sleep to face whatever came their way in the morning. They\u2019d need it if things went cockeyed.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

\u201cSo he confessed to you that he\u2019d shot Hoss Cartwright and was planning on killing him?\u201d asked Harold Pinsett, looking cool and collected.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d answered Mary Wickham confidently smiling at Hoss who returned the gesture from his seat between Adam and Ben in the front row of the courtroom.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd did you go to the Sheriff with this information?\u201d Harold asked wiping off some imaginary lint from his lapel.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

She began to answer then stopped, her eyes shifting back to Pinsett. \u201cWell\u2026 no\u2026 I\u2026.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd why didn\u2019t you go to the Sheriff, Miss Wickham?\u201d Pinsett interrupted. \u201cAccording to your statement, Red confessed that he\u2019d tried to murder a man and was going to complete the job. Why didn\u2019t you go to the Sheriff?\u201d\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Her gaze shifted back to Hoss then to Ben. She would never forget the expressions on their faces. \u201cI hurried as fast I could to the Ponderosa to warn Hoss that Red was going to kill him.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHurried, you say?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, yes.\u201d She watched him pull a piece of paper from his briefcase and straighten it out with a grand sweep of his hand.<\/em><\/p>\n

3<\/sup><\/em>\u201cDidn\u2019t you wait until the next day?\u201d Pinsett asked pinning her with a look.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Nervous, she fumbled then continued. \u201cNo, no . . . it was the same day.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThen why does Mr. Lyle Bellows show you renting a buggy and horse from his livery on Wednesday instead of Tuesday?\u201d he asked holding up the paper.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026\u201d She closed her mouth, seeing her signature written there.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if what you say is true, Miss Wickham, my client could\u2019ve killed Mr. Cartwright that evening and there you were with vital information. So now, not only have you not informed the Sheriff but you haven\u2019t informed the Cartwright\u2019s either.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI just thought\u2026.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m guessing you weren\u2019t thinking, Miss Wickham. I\u2019m thinking it was all a story.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m thinking that my client didn\u2019t confess to you at all.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBut he did\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI think you made it all up.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cObjection!\u201d called Brian Yancy as he leapt to his feet. \u201cIt\u2019s already been established that Red Twilight was at the Ponderosa later the next day.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBut that doesn\u2019t mean he was there to kill Hoss Cartwright?\u201d Pinsett countered.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThen what reason would he have for going to the Ponderosa,\u201d Yancy continued, \u201cthe place Hoss Cartwright lived, the man Red thought killed his brother?\u201d\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Mary cast a glance toward Hoss, seeing him wince at the words, his father comforting him. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cEnough, gentlemen,\u201d Judge Walstrom spoke then looked toward Mary. \u201cMiss Wickham, why didn\u2019t you get Sheriff Coffee or his deputy?\u201d\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

She eyed him nervously and looked down at her hands fidgeting in her lap. She really had no answer except she hadn\u2019t even thought about it. She cast an apologetic eye toward him then toward the Judge. \u201cMr. Pinsett is correct. I wasn\u2019t thinking. I never thought about going to Sheriff Coffee. It never entered my mind. It hadn\u2019t actually occurred to me to warn the Cartwrights until much later that evening, and, as early as I could, I hired a buggy and drove out to the Ponderosa. I tried calling out to Joe Cartwright when he rode past but he didn\u2019t hear me.\u201d She looked toward Joe, who gave her a confused look. \u201cMy timing may have been delayed but I know what Red told me,\u201d she added, a new strength to her voice. \u201cHe told me flat-out he\u2019d bushwhacked Hoss. He\u2019d found out Hoss was still alive and was planning on finishing the job before he left town. He wanted to kill the man who murdered Willie.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Mr. Cartwright wasn\u2019t accused of murdering Willie Twilight,\u201d Pinsett said to her.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThose were <\/em>his<\/u> words not mine.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBut didn\u2019t you tell Mr. Cartwright, as you held Willie\u2019s cold body in your arms, that he\u2019d killed him?\u201d Mary hesitated looking toward Hoss.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026 but I realized later that that wasn\u2019t true.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you ever tell Mr. Cartwright that?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026 no, not until I rode out to the ranch.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you wait so long, Miss Wickham? You knew Mr. Cartwright had been shot and wasn\u2019t doing well. Why didn\u2019t you at least tell his father?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how many times I have to tell you I wasn\u2019t thinking!\u201d she spat, feeling her body quake. It was bad enough she\u2019d waited but now the whole town knew her shortcomings.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you did think that at one time? That Mr. Cartwright killed Willie?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cObjection,\u201d Yancy called shooting back to his feet, getting a relieved look from Mary. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNeither Miss Wickham nor Hoss Cartwright are on trail here. Please ask Mr. Pinsett to keep his questions case related.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Pinsett,\u201d Walstrom said, eyeing the defense attorney who gave the Judge an appeasing smile.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Your Honor. Please forgive me. Continue with your story, Miss Wickham. You were <\/em>finally<\/u> on your way to the Ponderosa . . .\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

A series of loud barks startled Mary out of her distressing dreams and she opened frightened eyes onto the gloom of her dark bedroom, the tree outside her window shifting slightly in the evening breeze to send eerie shadows onto the far wall.<\/p>\n

Today had been wicked. She shuddered as Pinsett\u2019s words flowed over her again, those over eager, piercing words that twisted everything she\u2019d said to turn her world upside down. She\u2019d embarrassed herself up there in front of the town, proved herself to be a worthless saloon girl with nothing on her mind but . . . well, nothing, as he\u2019d pointed out over and over again. So certain of her testimony, her words became poison in Harold Pinsett\u2019s mouth and she half believed she was guilty of pulling the trigger herself.<\/p>\n

Why hadn\u2019t she gone for the Sheriff? Why hadn\u2019t she thought of going to the Cartwrights sooner as in right when Red confessed? She\u2019d nearly caused the death of two young men because her brain apparently left on vacation.<\/p>\n

Dropping her head into her hands, she let the tears fall, those tears that had threatened all day. Her memory flashed on Red standing in the great room of the Ponderosa, seeing her with a gun in her hand and then hitting the ground as he struck her, unable to get up. It would be her fault if those twelve men let him go. How could she live with herself then? How could she face the Cartwrights if Red walked free? Tossing herself onto her pillow, she gave in to her fears and let emotions overtake her.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

Adam rubbed gritty eyes as he tiptoed toward the stairs, intent upon getting himself some warm milk. It used to help him sleep when he was younger . . . why not now?<\/p>\n

His foot barely touched the first step when he felt someone had beaten him to it. Even in the dark, it didn\u2019t take long to figure out who it was. Pulling closed his robe, he continued down, changing direction from the kitchen to the glass decanter on the small table opposite his father\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrandy?\u201d he asked into the dark.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm? Ah, no . . . no, thank you,\u201d came Ben\u2019s tired distracted voice.<\/p>\n

Deciding he didn\u2019t want one either, Adam returned the glass to its holder and headed for the blue chair. Easing down and running a hand through his disheveled hair, he peered into the darkness as his eyes adjusted, seeing his father staring into the darkened hearth, chin resting on his hand. Both sat silently contemplating what was to come.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t sleep?\u201d Ben finally broke the quiet, both appreciating the foolishness of the question.<\/p>\n

Adam answered anyway. \u201cNope. I keep going over my testimony, keep running it over and over wondering if I failed to impart the seriousness of the situation or the truth or . . . something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why are those twelve men still debating what should be an obvious outcome?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll find it. Just give them time,\u201d Ben stated with a sigh, wondering exactly the same thing.<\/p>\n

\u201cHarold Pinsett had them all turned around. You saw what he did to Mary. He\u2019s a good lawyer, good at pulling the wool over people\u2019s eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a snake!\u201d Ben cursed drawing a raised brow from Adam. \u201cWhat difference does it make whether or not Mary went to the Sheriff? She told me<\/u><\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam paused a moment. \u201cWell . . . I thought that was kinda odd myself, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cIf Joe and I hadn\u2019t been following Red, there wouldn\u2019t have been anyone here. You were gone and Mary was alone. Hoss wasn\u2019t in any shape to protect himself. If Mary had brought the Sheriff\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if Pa had just killed Red when he sat next to him in the saloon, we wouldn\u2019t be having this conversation,\u201d Joe stated bitterly as he came down the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe,\u201d Adam began before his father could chime in, \u201cwe\u2019d be having another conversation like when Pa\u2019s neck-tie party would be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys,\u201d Ben interrupted, glaring at his youngest who, even though it was dark, could feel the burning gaze directed at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said running a hand over his face. \u201cBut it shouldn\u2019t matter who told whom or who didn\u2019t tell someone. What\u2019s past is past and that moment is gone and forgotten.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut can twelve men forget what was said today in that courtroom?\u201d Adam asked of his brother. \u201cIt\u2019s all a question of her word against Red\u2019s. No one heard his confession to her; no one heard his confession to me. You couldn\u2019t hear him in Hoss\u2019 room. That\u2019s where doubt comes from, Joe, and it can be damaging.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd don\u2019t forget how he accused me as well,\u201d Hoss said as he, too, made his way into the great room.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026\u201d Adam began.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Adam. I know,\u201d he said with wave of his hand toward his brother as he sat next to Joe on the settee. \u201cI\u2019ve had time ta think on it and I know it\u2019ll always be a little somethin\u2019 tucked away in my head that I\u2019ll never be able ta shake, but I reckon I can put it into some sorta perspective now. What you said ta me, well, sunk in finally and I\u2019ll always be grateful for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Inwardly, Adam grinned, pleased he\u2019d been there for his brother after all and helped him find a place to put his worries. At least he\u2019d fulfilled part of his promise to Inger. \u201cYou\u2019re welcome, little brother,\u201d he answered pushing aside feelings that suddenly welled up in him.<\/p>\n

Ben and Joe looked at them then each other as the darkness began to give way to pre-dawn gray.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook\u2026 we<\/u><\/em> know what happened,\u201d Joe started, trying to keep his emotions at bay. \u201cWe know what Red is and what he did. We told them what happened. That should be enough for the jury.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut will it be enough for us if Red\u2019s set free?\u201d Ben asked, looking at each of them. None would look back. \u201cI had a moment outside the courthouse when I forgot that laws are in place for a reason. It keeps people, or most people, in line and I almost crossed that line. My hand was reaching for my gun as Red passed. It would\u2019ve been so easy to rid the world of that madman.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t want to know what I was thinking,\u201d Adam confessed with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cNor me,\u201d Joe added as he traded looks with Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt won\u2019t be enough for me if they decide to let him go,\u201d Ben stated. \u201cI can\u2019t imagine\u2026\u201d His voice trailed off and he leaned forward placing elbows on his knees.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe those twelve men will do what should be done, Pa,\u201d Hoss added, looking toward his father. \u201cI\u2019m thinkin\u2019 someone like that Harold Pinsett can talk purty and twist what people say, but that folks generally know the truth when they hear it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve more faith in them than I have,\u201d Joe answered as he rubbed his neck and yawned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, here\u2019s the thing. I havta have faith \u2018cause if ya ain\u2019t got faith in somethin\u2019, what is there? You believe in the law, well, so do I. It\u2019s just gotta work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019ve seen when it hasn\u2019t, Hoss,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have but then I\u2019ve seen other times when it does and I\u2019m proud ta be a law-abidin\u2019 citizen. That\u2019s the only way I\u2019ll be able ta get through this and get my head around what\u2019s happened. So I believe the more people believin\u2019 may just turn the tide.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can you, of all people, not be bothered by what\u2019s going on?\u201d Joe asked looking hard at his big brother. \u201cRed bushwhacked you and shot Adam then came after you again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, don\u2019t think just because I\u2019ve faith in people don\u2019t mean I\u2019m not bothered, Little Joe,\u201d Hoss confessed. \u201cI\u2019m worried what\u2019ll become of this family if Red walks free. I\u2019m worried that you\u2019ll finish what Adam stopped you from doin\u2019 and I\u2019m worried I might toss everything ta the wind and shoot \u2018im myself. But I ain\u2019t gonna dwell on it like older brother here.\u201d He threw Adam a grin, getting one in return. \u201cAnd I ain\u2019t gonna jump up and down and waste precious energy like you. I\u2019m just gonna ride it out and hope for the best. Those twelve men will make the right decision. I can almost guarantee it.\u201d<\/p>\n

His long speech done, Hoss looked to each family member, seeing Adam nodding his head and Joe fiddling with his pants while Ben gave him a smile of pride.<\/p>\n

\u201cBreakfast ready five minutes,\u201d came Hop Sing\u2019s voice, startling them all.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow does he do that?\u201d Joe whispered to Adam, who merely shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Hop Sing,\u201d Ben piped up. \u201cA good substantial breakfast might do us some good.\u201d Rising stiffly from his chair, he made his way to the stair, stopping near Hoss to place a firm hand on his shoulder, then continued on. \u201cI\u2019m going to clean up. Might I suggest the same of you boys?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mumbled \u2018yes, Pa\u2019s\u2019 found him and they all followed him up the stairs just as a distant clap of thunder made itself known. They all stopped, each harboring thoughts that ventured far from it just being a rainstorm. With the rain rushed in the doubt Hoss had so successfully washed away and they slowly continued to their rooms and their own private thoughts.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

The rain fell fast and furious, driving against the windows of the courthouse, its echo resonating throughout the short hallways that, moments before, had been empty but now crawled with the citizens of Virginia City. Muffled voices and grumbles about the weather followed as they stepped out onto the street making their way home. The trial was over; the jury had made a decision and now life could move on.<\/p>\n

Harold Pinsett slipped on his hat and coat and shook Brian Yancy\u2019s hand, both sharing a laugh and promise to do breakfast next week; Paul Martin hurried toward his buggy with young Tad Gary pulling him onward to see about his mother; Mary Wickham\u2019s face was just now beginning to regain some of its color. She\u2019d hidden herself in the back of the courtroom near the door, the first to flee if everyone turned on her and accused her of letting a murderer go. She thought she\u2019d faint when the twelve men came into the room, her blood rushing soundly through her veins enough to deafen her to the verdict, having to ask what they\u2019d said.<\/p>\n

And, to the side of the room, stood the Cartwrights, their faces impassive as they watched Roy Coffee move to stand silently in front of Red. Lounging in his chair throughout the trial and the five minutes prior to this morning\u2019s verdict, Red now sat upright, tense and surprised, staring after the judge as he left the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa gonna sit there all day or stand up and let me take ya back ta jail?\u201d Roy asked as he tired of waiting. Red looked at Roy, bravado replaced with fear. Roy leaned close. \u201cAt least they ain\u2019t gonna hang ya. Now, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not fighting Roy\u2019s iron hand on his arm, Red stood, the rattling of his cuffs setting his teeth on edge, and he let himself be hauled toward the exit. It was then he spied the Cartwrights standing at the side of the room, their eyes boring in on him like a heavy weight.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatcha lookin\u2019 at?!\u201d he yelled, sweat rolling down his face.<\/p>\n

Ben pushed away from the wall and slowly approached, seeing Roy\u2019s free hand hovering near his gun. Looking at this mouse of a man who reeked of fear, Ben pulled himself to his full height and narrowed darkening eyes. \u201cI\u2019m looking at an animal masquerading as a human being,\u201d he began in a menacing tone. \u201cI\u2019m sorry they aren\u2019t going to hang you, Red, \u2018cause I\u2019d be willing to come to that and make a day of it. Instead, I\u2019ll have to live with the fact that you\u2019ll still breathe the same air as my sons, something you don\u2019t deserve. I hope you enjoy prison and all that goes with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

For some unknown reason, the sounds of vehemence in those well-chosen words lessened Red\u2019s fear. Cartwright was expecting this to be last time he\u2019d see him. It almost made him laugh. He had other plans. Swiftly, his face changed and he stood a bit straighter as he returned the look. \u201cOh, I\u2019ll get you, Cartwright,\u201d he began in an even voice. \u201cAin\u2019t no one gonna keep me from killin\u2019 all of you. No one. Not this Sheriff or a prison warden. I\u2019ll get you if it\u2019s the last thing I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen may you not last very long in your new surroundings,\u201d Ben added with a malicious grin, \u201cbecause if you come within spitting distance of my family, I\u2019ll kill you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Red\u2019s eyes widened a bit and he turned toward Roy. \u201cYou heard him, Sheriff. He threatened me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard him; now let\u2019s go. I ain\u2019t got time ta stand here all day. Move!\u201d Roy shoved his prisoner away from Ben, trying like the devil to keep him facing the door as he tossed curses back toward Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get you!\u201d Red yelled, his previous calm slipping. \u201cI\u2019ll get you, Cartwright! You can count on it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben watched Red struggle in Roy\u2019s grasp and followed their progression out the door, visibly relaxing as they disappeared from sight, finding his sons suddenly around him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know,\u201d Adam said, placing his hat on his head and turning up the collar on his yellow coat, \u201cit might not have been wise to threaten him like that. There\u2019s always that little thing called parole.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben chuckled. \u201cYou think whether or not I threatened him would make a difference? Besides, the Judge gave him fifty years. I\u2019ll be gone by then and won\u2019t have to worry about it,\u201d he finished as he buttoned his coat and started for the exit.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Joe exclaimed, following after his father and catching Adam\u2019s smile out of the corner of his eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks a lot, Pa, leavin\u2019 him ta us,\u201d Hoss grumbled as he followed behind. \u201cJust like ya to up and die on us so\u2019s ya wouldn\u2019t have to deal with this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it seems like a plan,\u201d Ben answered with a short laugh, surprised that he could find something funny in all this chaos.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, stop talking like that,\u201d Joe complained.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m thinking I don\u2019t like your plan,\u201d Adam added, noticing it\u2019d stopped raining as they stepped out into the fresh air.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe either,\u201d Joe added, standing with hands on his hips.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Ben asked pulling Buck\u2019s reins from the hitching post.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Red doesn\u2019t have it in for you,\u201d Adam said wiping off his saddle. \u201cHe\u2019s after Hoss and me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd me,\u201d Joe added leaping aboard Cochise. \u201cDon\u2019t forget me. I beat the tar outta him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Joe. You, ah, don\u2019t seem to be on his list,\u201d Adam finished, easing into the saddle and giving his father the eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then, maybe I\u2019ll just stick around to see how you handle it. That might be a better idea at that.\u201d Hiding his smile, Ben stuck a foot in the stirrup and lifted himself up. \u201cWell, boys, shall we go for an early lunch or head home and do our chores.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s eat!\u201d Hoss eagerly supplied, the idea of doing chores not to his liking right at the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not even offering to buy this time,\u201d Adam stated holding up a hand. \u201cI don\u2019t have enough for me, let alone the rest of you carnivorous bunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think he just insulted us,\u201d Joe whispered to Hoss who gave him a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy treat,\u201d Ben added when they gave him a look. \u201cWell, being that I\u2019m not on Red\u2019s list, I should be magnanimous and help you boys out as much as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGee, thanks, Pa,\u201d Adam quipped with a raised brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cLast one there\u2019s a rotten egg!\u201d Hoss called, urging Chubb down the street, Cochise following close behind. Adam was surprised when Buck sailed past him and he hurried Sport along.<\/p>\n

The meal was grand and their stomachs were full as they made their way home a few hours later. Spirits were high now that the torment known as Red Twilight was gone and their lives could move on. Hoss could finally forgive himself and Adam and Joe could feel comfortable giving him some space without constantly looking over his shoulder. Life was returning to normal, at least as normal as it ever was on the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

Red Twilight rubbed his wrists, jumping slightly at the clang of the closing cell door behind him. Glancing as he did every day at his current home, he sat himself down and pulled at his gray wool shirt, wondering briefly who came up with the idea of using wool in the first place.<\/p>\n

It was a gray existence he currently found himself in \u2013 gray walls, gray clothes, gray food. It matched the gray clouds that had ranged above these last three months, dropping rain like sheets to pound against the leaking cells. He stretched out on the squeaky bed and placed hands behind his head and let his thoughts wander.<\/p>\n

His anger raged daily at the injustice of his brother\u2019s murderer walking free while he was incarcerated for attempting to make good on a promise. But that rage got him nowhere. No, he had to think on other things, other ideas that soon brought a smile to his lips and a chuckle to his throat, easing the nervous tension that resided within.<\/p>\n

Oh, he\u2019d pictured it many times in many gruesome ways but it always ended the same – Cartwrights stretched out in pine boxes with that old man grieving over his lost boys.<\/p>\n

A short bark of laughter escaped him as he held onto that vision, that vision that would keep him sane as he waited, waited for his chance.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get you, Cartwright. I\u2019ll get you if it\u2019s the last thing I do. You can count on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

*****End*****<\/p>\n

1<\/sup> Mary wasn\u2019t given a last name in the episode so, for now, she\u2019s Mary Wickham.<\/em><\/p>\n

2<\/sup><\/em> Tandy \u2013 the hand that was killed by Red in the yard prior to Adam being shot in the original episode.<\/em><\/p>\n

3<\/sup><\/em> In viewing the episode, I was surprised at Mary\u2019s lack of interest in saving the Cartwrights. Let me explain. The scenes air as follows:\u00a0 Red confesses to Mary at the Salem House; Adam\/Joe\/Ben are in the great room when Joe accuses Ben of not doing anything to Red as he sat next to him; a lantern is then taken to Hoss\u2019 room by Joe \u2013 it\u2019s obviously night at this point and the end of the day that Red confessed to Mary. Where is that girl? Daylight comes and Joe has vamoosed, riding past Mary as she FINALLY comes out to the ranch. (She\u2019s in the same outfit as the day before.) Mary makes it to the ranch as Joe\/Adam are chasing after Red. She walks into the house and up to Hoss\u2019 room. That woman waited a day to tell anyone Red was coming. Someone needs to shoot her!<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Next Story in the A Moment Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Moment Given<\/a>
\nA Moment Revisited<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 What Happened Next for the episode \u201cVengeance\u201d<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (6,200 words)<\/p>\n

A Moment Series, links to all the stories within the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":125,"featured_media":15107,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1008,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12674","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-whn","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-13-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/Vengeance.png?fit=743%2C488&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12674","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\/125"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12674"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12674\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/15107"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12674"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12674"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12674"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}