{"id":12675,"date":"2007-08-13T21:22:03","date_gmt":"2007-08-14T01:22:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12675"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:11:21","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:11:21","slug":"a-moment-given-by-calim11","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12675","title":{"rendered":"A Moment Given (by Calim11)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Part of the \u201cA Moment\u201d series and What Happened Next for the episode \u201cVengeance\u201d<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (6,500 words)<\/p>\n

Author\u2019s Note: Thank you\u2019s to all who requested another part and there were many of you. Hope you like this one.<\/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

\u00a0A Moment Given<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Sheriff Roy Coffee had to blink twice, then twice more. He whipped off his glasses, rubbed his tired eyes, and looked again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll be,\u201d he muttered, a smile creasing his mustached lip. Quickly scratching out a short note, he stood and reached for his hat and gunbelt. This type of information needed to be delivered in person. \u201cDooley!\u201d he called, seeing his young deputy stick his face around the door. \u201cI\u2019m goin\u2019 ta the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Sheriff?\u201d Roy\u2019s smile grew wider.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot a dang thing. I need ya ta send this here telegram. Tell Percy it\u2019s mighty important.\u201d Doffing his hat, he attached his gunbelt as he headed for the door. \u201cHold down the fort while I\u2019m gone and don\u2019t go shootin\u2019 nobody neither lessen ya ain\u2019t got no choice.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

With that, Roy was gone. Dooley Phelps moving toward the front window to watch his boss hotfoot it down the street toward the livery. \u201cI ain\u2019t seen him that lively since the Hoad1<\/sup> family was near abouts,\u201d he whispered to himself, propping his broom against the wall and hightailing it to the telegraph office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hear tell that someone saw Red Twilight over Genoa way,\u201d Hoss Cartwright stated, leaning on the rope that held a large log ready to be laid on the waiting wagon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His brother, Joe, snickered at him as he dug hooks into the wood and eased it into its proper location. \u201cWhere\u2019d you hear that?\u201d he asked wiping his sweaty brow with the back of his arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHenry Gardner\u2019s General Store,\u201d Hoss answered tossing up a canteen to his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBest place to hear gossip,\u201d his older brother, Adam, interjected as he walked past headed for the lean-to a few paces away. Tossing his hat onto the table and laying down the clipboard he\u2019d been using, he reached for a rolled up map.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all it is \u2013 gossip,\u201d Joe called out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t be too sure, Joe,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cI heard many things from Henry Gardner\u2019s store that was true.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I heard the boys in the bunkhouse saying they thought they saw Red last month riding through the hills,\u201d Joe came back. \u201cDon\u2019t mean it\u2019s true.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do ya know it ain\u2019t?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c \u2019Cause I also heard that Tom Bell2<\/sup> is still robbing stagecoaches and someone spotted Robin Hood in the trees outside of town.\u201d Hoss looked at his brother as Joe shook his head. \u201cDon\u2019t mean it\u2019s true,\u201d he finished with a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess,\u201d Hoss finally acquiesced not sounding sure at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019re you worried about that anyway?\u201d asked Joe looking at his brother with concern.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt just kinda got ta me when I heard that. I don\u2019t know why.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s because it\u2019s too close to home, Joe,\u201d Adam piped up. \u201cJust because Red\u2019s in jail doesn\u2019t mean he\u2019s out of here.\u201d He poked at his own head then returned to jotting down numbers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s it,\u201d Hoss said with a nod. \u201cAnd it still rankles me that the jury took so long ta decide. Adam, what\u2019s them two words again?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCircumstantial evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it. Our word agin his.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd there was Harold Pinsett,\u201d Adam added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat snake!\u201d came their father\u2019s voice from out of nowhere. \u201cWhy are you talking about him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss heard that someone spotted Red Twilight in Genoa,\u201d Adam explained as he handed the clipboard to his father. Browsing through the figures, he nodded and handed it back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I heard Tom Bell was still robbing stagecoaches,\u201d Ben smiled as he looked at his boys.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Pa,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you worry on it, son,\u201d Ben started casting a glance toward Hoss. \u201cRed\u2019s in jail and that\u2019s where he\u2019s going to stay. Now, I want to talk about something much more appealing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike letting us off early?\u201d Joe suggested as Ben ignored him taking them all in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve all been working awful hard these past few months, getting everything in order and ready for the coming winter. I think we need a vacation.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA vacation?\u201d Adam said surprise all over his face. \u201cFor as long as I\u2019ve known you, Pa, that word\u2019s never come out of your mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa, what\u2019s up?\u201d Hoss asked pushing his hat back on his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it occurred to me that we might need a change of scenery. Sometimes a man just needs to see other things, experience what other people have. It makes what we have better somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you talking about going to Denver, Pa?\u201d Joe asked, a touch of excitement to his voice. He\u2019d just read about the new high class saloons they\u2019d just opened with girls, girls, girls!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOr San Francisco?\u201d Adam added. \u201cThat new opera house is opening in a few weeks and . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no,\u201d Ben said holding up his hands to stave off any other suggestions. \u201cI\u2019m thinking a bit closer to home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, where, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked curiosity getting the best of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBud Turley\u2019s,\u201d came the answer. Adam blanched.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBud Turley\u2019s?\u201d Hoss repeated a smile coming to his face. \u201cI ain\u2019t been out ta Bud\u2019s in a coon\u2019s age.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBud Turley\u2019s,\u201d came from Adam as he backed up a step, his own excitement over a possible trip to San Francisco crashing into little mounds of dust.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBud has the best horseflesh this side of the Rockies,\u201d Joe said his eyes beginning to flash with eagerness. \u201cDo you suppose he\u2019d let us buy some of his stock, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see why not. Bud is, after all, a business man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen do we leave?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I was thinking the end of the month.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEnd of the month?\u201d Adam chimed in, a pleading sound to his words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with that, Adam?\u201d Joe asked wondering why his brother seemed to have lost some color in his normally tanned face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just . . . just around the corner,\u201d Adam finished lamely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExactly,\u201d Ben said slapping his oldest on the arm. \u201cI figured it would only take us about three to four days to get there, we could stay a few weeks or as long as Bud can stand us, and three to four days to get home. We should beat the snow by a month.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA few weeks,\u201d Adam mumbled as he sat down rubbing his forehead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe said. \u201cWe should be done with the timber contracts by then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Charlie can move the cattle ta the winter pasture if\u2019n the weather turns afore we get back,\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I was thinking. Hop Sing can have the run of the ranch or he can come with us. Between us, I\u2019m thinking he\u2019ll probably want to stay home alone for a change.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bet,\u201d Hoss grinned. They were all excited. So excited they hadn\u2019t even noticed Adam hadn\u2019t said a word but sat mutely at the makeshift table fidgeting with a ruler.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam finally cleared his throat. \u201cAh, I think I\u2019ll stay home with Hop Sing, Pa. There\u2019s still lots to do before winter sets in and I don\u2019t mind staying home and working the books and taking care of moving the cattle.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no,\u201d Ben answered leaning over to look his oldest in the eye. \u201cYou\u2019re coming with us. No use going off to have fun unless all of us are there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFun,\u201d Adam said without enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou always said you had fun at Bud\u2019s,\u201d Joe began. \u201cWhy I remember . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam began cutting Joe off at the pass. \u201cPa<\/u><\/em> always said I had fun. I\u2019ve never had fun at Bud\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut last time . . .\u201d Joe tried again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLast time that madman nearly killed me!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe did not,\u201d Ben said sounding a bit perturbed at the thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned on him. \u201cYes he did, Pa. Bud loves to see how much pain I can take.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at his eldest and raised a brow. \u201cIf I remember correctly it was you<\/u><\/em> who boasted you could chop down ten trees in an hour,\u201d he confronted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell . . . that may be but I was coerced,\u201d Adam declared pointing a finger at his father. \u201cI was coerced by you and Bud. I damn near had a tree knock me clear to China and all I heard as they pried me out from under it was Bud laughing and asking you to pay up. No thanks, Pa. I\u2019M-NOT-GOING!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s voice was firm and hard, each word expressed with determination as he tossed the ruler down on the table for show. He could still remember walking funny for a couple of weeks after the tree incident, as it became known, and he wasn\u2019t planning on walking funny again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss noted the stern looks shared between father and brother and decided to ease the situation. \u201cAh, Pa,\u201d he began, fully remembering how stove up his brother was for weeks after the tree incident. \u201cAdam don\u2019t havta go if\u2019n he don\u2019t want too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held up a hand never taking his eyes from his oldest. \u201cAdam, please don\u2019t make me remind you of your promise to me that you would always go with me to Bud\u2019s . . . until the sun refused to shine.\u201d He smiled then, a sickening smirk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s lips pursed and his eyes narrowed, followed by an inward groan. Damn!<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam knew those words would come back to haunt him as he\u2019d suffered through his first visit to Bud Turley\u2019s that last year before he left for school. How could his father do that to him? Pa had warped the meaning of those words. He\u2019d meant that it was good to spend precious time with his father before he had to leave. Obviously his command of the English language at that point in his life left a lot to be desired. He picked up the ruler again and began tapping it against the table.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

And how could he remember word for word?!<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you really say that, Adam?\u201d Joe asked trying, but not very hard, to keep the laughter out of his voice as Adam shot him a warning glare.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was our first trip up there,\u201d Ben corroborated looking from Hoss to Joe, folding his arms across his chest, \u201cright before Adam went away to college. I knew he was getting worried about leaving and I thought the trip would do him good; something to hold onto when he was in Boston. After a few days of silence on the trail, I suggested we go home and spend time with the whole family instead but he shook his head no and made that statement.\u201d He turned back to his oldest not trying to hide the amusement at his son\u2019s current predicament. \u201cI never thought I\u2019d have to bring it up again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs it true, Adam?\u201d Hoss asked his brows lifted up high. \u201cCome on, \u2018fess up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy should I?\u201d Adam finally said scowling at Ben. \u201cPa seems to remember everything. He\u2019s like an elephant.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Moving hands to his hips, Ben tried again. \u201cDid you or did you not say that?\u201d His deep voice held a light but commanding tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam cast a glance at his brothers then back to his father, running a hand along his neck. There was no getting out of this one unless he up and died right there and he didn\u2019t plan on doing that just yet. He sighed. \u201cYessssss,\u201d finally came out as a hiss through clenched teeth, the muscles along his jaw working double time as his brothers started to giggle. He raked Ben with a hard glare. \u201cYou<\/u><\/em> are a conniving old coot.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuilty as charged. So what do you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben waited then, waited until the dark receded from his eldest\u2019s eyes and some of the hazel returned, waited until the millions of reasons rushing through his son\u2019s head were all sorted and discarded, waited until the pent-up heavy breath slowly escaped through pursed lips, and he knew he had him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Giving his father one last look, Adam turned away and nodded, a disgusted look on his face. He hated getting caught in the tangle of his own words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s smile lit up the world and he slapped Adam on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is gonna be fun,\u201d Hoss said practically jumping for joy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, about as fun as stepping into a hornet\u2019s nest,\u201d Adam mumbled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that?\u201d Ben asked, catching Adam as he smacked down the ruler again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Startled, Adam reached for his hat. \u201cAh, I said I\u2019ve gotta go give Charlie the okay to start on the south ridge or we won\u2019t be ready to leave on our wonderful trip. See you at dinner.\u201d With that, he pulled Sport\u2019s reins from the post, mounted and rode off without a backward glance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYer just plain bad, Pa,\u201d Hoss said with a shake of his head as he watched his brother depart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Me?\u201d Ben innocently asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa know Bud does him in each time he goes up there. One a these days . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, don\u2019t let Adam fool you. He\u2019s like a little boy when he goes up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA little boy with bumps and bruises.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI love it when Adam bites off more than he can chew,\u201d Joe said with a giggle. \u201cIt makes him more like the rest of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you might be disappointed, Joe,\u201d Ben said, sitting down at the rickety table and picking up a pencil. \u201cAdam gives as good as he gets.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI cain\u2019t wait. I ain\u2019t been up ta Bud\u2019s since . . . well, it was that pig race five summers ago. Do you remember that, Joe?\u201d Hoss asked watching as Joe\u2019s smile slowly faded. \u201cYa know, I\u2019m bettin\u2019 ol\u2019 Bessie Turley will be lookin\u2019 fer someone ta race pigs with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, now hold on,\u201d Joe spoke up holding out his hands. \u201cWhen Bessie was ten, she was bigger than I am now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Joe, she\u2019s just big-boned. Nice gal. Can rope and ride like the rest of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen you<\/u><\/em> take her on. Not me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, ya gotta give her a chance. Who\u2019s she gonna meet way out there at Barrett\u2019s Pass?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot me! When a girl can pick me up, toss me over her shoulder and carry me off to some cave somewhere, I ain\u2019t interested.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Joe . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen!\u201d came Roy Coffee\u2019s voice from the edge of camp drawing their attention, stopping Hoss and Joe in mid-discussion, seeing their friend hurrying into camp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy?\u201d Ben called rising from the table. \u201cWhat\u2019re you doing up here? Nothing wrong I hope.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNaw. Got some good news,\u201d he said reining in his horse and dismounting. \u201cYou\u2019ll never guess what\u2019s happened. Never in a thousand years.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his friend as he approached. \u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa sure ya don\u2019t wanna guess?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy!\u201d came Ben\u2019s exasperated tone as Roy shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, yer no fun,\u201d the sheriff mumbled, making Hoss and Joe grin. \u201cWell one of the things I get each month are dispatches from the various prisons, telling me what\u2019s happened with the men sent there from my jail \u2013 whether they\u2019ve been released or transferred or the like. It\u2019s up ta me ta inform the relatives or victims.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s smile dimmed a bit and his brows drew together. \u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, just this mornin\u2019 I was goin\u2019 through the names on the latest list and who should I find? Red Twilight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about him?\u201d Ben asked, his smile all but gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy\u2019s smiled widened. \u201cIt ain\u2019t what ya think, Ben. He was on a list all right. He was on the death list.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?!\u201d came from all three.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. Written there plain as day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d it happen, Roy?\u201d Joe asked as Hoss seemed to have lost his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was killed when a landslide destroyed the prison wagon he was in little over a month ago. It seems Mother Nature did us a favor.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou see, Hoss,\u201d Joe said. \u201cThey couldn\u2019t\u2019ve seen Red in Genoa. He\u2019s been dead for a month.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess so,\u201d Hoss softly answered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s smile bloomed again and he clasped Roy\u2019s arm. \u201cThis is the best news, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI knew you\u2019d be pleased. Had ta come out and tell ya myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m glad you did,\u201d said Ben. \u201c We should celebrate. Roy, come to supper tonight. The bearer of such good news should sit down to a fine dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAs much as I\u2019d like ta, \u2019fraid I can\u2019t, Ben. Ol\u2019 Judge Waltham is coming into town tomorrow and I gotta get all my ducks in a row for his cases. Raincheck?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cRaincheck then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood. Well, gotta get back ta town. No tellin\u2019 what Dooley\u2019s doin\u2019 in my absence. See ya around.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his hand and watched him head to his horse. \u201cThanks again, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff waved, then mounted and headed out as Ben clapped his hands together and turned to his boys. \u201cWell, don\u2019t just stand there. One of you go find Adam and give him the good news.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go,\u201d Joe quickly offered, sprinting toward Cochise and leaping aboard to hightail it out of camp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t seen that boy move that fast in a week,\u201d Hoss noted, grabbing the canteen hanging from a peg on the lean-to.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what do you think?\u201d Ben asked his middle son, a big smile wreathing his face as he draped an arm over his shoulder. \u201cLooks like all that gossip was wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What did he think? Hoss didn\u2019t really know. This was news he\u2019d secretly been pinning for and now that it was true, well, it didn\u2019t seem to make him feel any better. It didn\u2019t seem right either to be excited over someone\u2019s death, even someone like Red Twilight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess it ain\u2019t sunk in yet,\u201d Hoss managed, trying not to dampen Ben\u2019s spirits. \u201cI\u2019m sure it will sometime in the middle of the night and I\u2019ll hoot and holler and scare the lot of ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoller all you want, son. It\u2019s finally over,\u201d Ben answered clapping Hoss on the shoulder as he made his way back to the makeshift table, picking up the clipboard as he sat. He never noticed that Hoss\u2019 smile hadn\u2019t quite reached his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess it is,\u201d Hoss said replacing the canteen on the peg and slowly returned to work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean he\u2019s dead?\u201d came from Adam before he could stop himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From out of nowhere, Joe had come rocketing toward him and, for an instant, he thought something was wrong. But then he\u2019d seen the large smile on his brother\u2019s face and relaxed. The news delivered, however, slapped him across the face and the first thing out of his mouth had been a question. He couldn\u2019t miss the deflation that followed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all Roy told us,\u201d Joe answered, his previous good mood falling about his ears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, did anyone see the body? How was he identified?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell this is just damn peculiar,\u201d came out as Adam rubbed his chin, a thousand more questions circling his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s peculiar about it?\u201d Joe began hotly, catching Adam\u2019s attention. \u201cRed Twilight is dead. Can\u2019t you just take it for what it is – a good thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at Joe, wanting so to believe the news, but something just didn\u2019t feel right.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe leaned forward in his saddle. \u201cLook,\u201d he started, \u201cRed is dead and Hoss is free from having to think about him getting out. You heard him today, worried about some gossip. Don\u2019t screw this up for him. I mean it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam narrowed his eyes, ready to retort unkindly to his younger brother, but then stopped himself. Hoss was<\/u><\/em> free of that ever-present worry . . . if<\/u><\/em> the report was true. He sighed.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Sometimes I wish I didn\u2019t need proof!<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re impossible,\u201d Joe said with disgust, turning Cochise\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, okay,\u201d Adam quickly said, holding up his hands in defeat, trying his best to put aside the niggling feeling that was about to overtake him and force a happy look on his face. It must\u2019ve worked because Joe stopped. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. It\u2019s just that it seems so convenient.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe so, but Hoss needs to know that you believe this, whether you do or don\u2019t. He\u2019s had a tough time of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then act like it!\u201d Joe nearly shouted. \u201cNo matter what he says, he still thinks he killed Willie. With Red gone, there\u2019s nothing to remind him. Maybe now he\u2019ll forget.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam knew there was little chance of that but he also knew that if he played along until he could get his own doubts in check, it might help Hoss. And that\u2019s all he\u2019d ever wanted to do in the first place. He finally nodded. \u201cAll right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe seemed to accept that. \u201cThat\u2019s more like it. Now, you comin\u2019 back with me? Pa was pretty keyed up to have a big dinner and all to celebrate.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAh, no,\u201d Adam said, still wrestling with all those unanswered questions. Bringing himself back to the present, he gave his brother the eye. \u201cI\u2019ve still got work to do . . . as do you. I believe you\u2019re supposed to be helping brother Hoss load the lumber wagons.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStickler,\u201d Joe muttered, then turned Cochise\u2019s head and took off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI heard that!\u201d Adam shouted after the disappearing form of his younger brother, his quick smile slowly fading.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Holding tightly to Sport\u2019s reins as he fidgeted, Adam couldn\u2019t help going back over the news. Had anyone checked thoroughly? How were they sure? Did they just guess?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cursing his inability to just let things go, Adam leaned back and took a good long look at a wisp of clouds moving across the blue sky. That it was only about noon suddenly came to him. His eyes narrowed as his mind worked out the details, then he gave out a real smile.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

No one will be the wiser.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Giving Sport his head, they galloped toward their first stop of the afternoon \u2013 the lumber camp. He\u2019d make quick work of that, then head out to his second destination.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Adam,\u201d Roy called, waving him down as he rode toward him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy,\u201d Adam answered as he dismounted, tying Sport to the hitching rail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust on my way ta have a late lunch. Interested?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMay I have a word instead?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy eyed him then nodded, pretty much knowing what this conversation was going to be about. \u201cOf course, son. Come on in.\u201d Opening the door, Roy led the way into his office; Adam closed the door behind them, watching Roy toss his hat onto the hat rack behind his desk. Roy caught Adam\u2019s smile and chuckled. \u201cGot it down to a near science now. Hardly ever miss. Want some coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen sit down and take a load off.\u201d Roy sat first, watching as Adam hesitated then finally sat, nervously bouncing his hat off his knee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Well, Roy had known this young man for a long time and it didn\u2019t take someone with much smarts to know there was a problem. He supposed he could just let him sit here \u2018til he was good and ready to speak up but Roy had business about town and Adam could wait until the cows came home before he\u2019d say anything. He\u2019d have to push the issue. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, son?\u201d he finally asked watching him brush dust from his hat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Adam began, clearing his throat, \u201cit\u2019s this whole Red Twilight thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t yer Pa tell ya? He\u2019s dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know. It just seems . . . well, it seems too . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cConvenient?\u201d Roy finished for him as Adam nodded. \u201cDon\u2019t I know it. That\u2019s why I telegraphed the warden and asked him for all the details, \u2018cause I knew either you or yer Pa would want ta know.\u201d Reaching into his desk, he withdrew a three page telegram and handed it to Adam, who hastily grabbed it. \u201cRed was on a chain gang o\u2019 sorts. Seems this warden likes to put the prisoners ta work and was sendin\u2019 em out ta the local salt quarry for a couple o\u2019 days work. Well, it\u2019s been rainin\u2019 over there nigh on three months now and, according ta this telegram, there was a landslide that took out the prison wagon and killed everyone there \u2013 three guards and four prisoners. One of them prisoners was Red Twilight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd they\u2019re positive it was him?\u201d Adam asked, not looking up from the telegram.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure as they can ever be, I reckon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stiffened and looked up. \u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell it seems that all the bodies was so mangled and bloated by the time they was found even their own relatives couldn\u2019t identify them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was getting antsy now. If relatives couldn\u2019t identify them, then who could? <\/em>\u201cThen how do they know one of them was Red?\u201d he said, his tone harsh and accusatory.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow hold onto yer britches,\u201d Roy said, understanding Adam was upset but not willing to let him get away with anything yet. \u201cAll them prisoners have some identifying marks along with the number on their workshirts. All the men were accounted for.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShirts can be changed, Roy. Numbers can be altered.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor what reason?\u201d Roy asked. \u201cThere was three guards and four prisoners. That\u2019s what was found. End of story.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam remained silent for a moment, not wanting to take his worries out on Roy, and rubbed his forehead. Sighing, he tapped the telegram against his leg a few times then dropped it onto the desk. \u201cDo you believe this warden, Roy?\u201d he finally asked looking his friend in the eye. \u201cDo you know him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow I ask ya – why would he lie?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know!\u201d Adam nearly shouted, quickly looking away. \u201cRed could\u2019ve paid him off or something.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam . . .\u201d Roy stopped as his friend pushed himself to his feet and dropped his hat on the desk, beginning to pace the small office, stuffing his hands in his back pockets. \u201cAdam, Red Twilight is dead. What more do ya need?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI need to see the body myself. That\u2019s the only way to know for sure that he\u2019s really dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat ain\u2019t possible. They\u2019re already buried.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen how do we know . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s dead, Adam!\u201d came out harsher than he\u2019d wanted but Roy continued. \u201cI don\u2019t know how else ta tell ya, son.\u201d He picked up the telegram. \u201cThis here\u2019s from the warden hisself. He\u2019s claimin\u2019 Red\u2019s dead. Ain\u2019t got nothin\u2019 else ta go on.\u201d Adam sighed again. \u201cBoy, ya need to relax about this. Red Twilight is dead. Plain and simple. Don\u2019t fret about him no more. Hoss is safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded as he ran a hand down his face angry at himself more than anything. \u201cHave you told Mary?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI sent her a telegram.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTelegram?\u201d he said, looking back toward Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe left town about a week ago. Couldn\u2019t take the stares and comments no more and left for Genoa. Changed her name, too. Can\u2019t rightly remember what it is now but she just wanted ta put behind her all that happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo loss,\u201d Adam muttered as he returned to the desk to retrieve his hat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Adam . . ,\u201d Roy began but was cut off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe lady waited a whole day, Roy, before telling us what Red was planning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe done helped ya when ya needed it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but who put us in that position in the first place? She did. Things might\u2019ve come out differently if she\u2019d just followed through.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s in the past and cain\u2019t be changed. She\u2019s gone along with Red and moved on. It\u2019s about time ya did the same thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked away, that niggling feeling still present but a bit more subdued than before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy rose and slowly approached him, clasping his shoulder. \u201cGo on home and enjoy the news, son. Ya ain\u2019t got nothin\u2019 ta worry from him no more.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Adam asked as Roy smiled. The sheriff hadn\u2019t seen Adam like this in a long time \u2013 like a little boy wanting to be reassured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave the Sheriff a nod then held out his hand; Roy eagerly took it. \u201cThanks, Roy. I guess . . . I guess I just needed to hear that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019m here for. Come in anytime.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Plopping his hat on his head, Adam quietly left, pulling the brim down against the afternoon sun. Maybe Roy was right. Maybe he just needed to move on and quit worrying so much. He stepped toward Sport and thought about how a brisk ride home might help clear his brain. It didn\u2019t. In fact, he was more concerned than before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chiding himself for being too ornery to let something go, he threw himself into his work for the rest of the day, trying to take his mind off all the things it kept conjuring up, like Red spying on them from the distant hills or skulking around the house just waiting for a good shot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried talking to him once or twice then gave up. He\u2019d never understand his oldest brother. They\u2019d just gotten some of the greatest news and it made his brother more worried than before. He just didn\u2019t get it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The gun barrel was all he could see and he didn\u2019t dare blink.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

This was it. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

This was the end of everything he knew.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I didn\u2019t do a hundred percent job on your brother the first time,\u201d came the familiar words, \u201cbut I guess it\u2019s better this way \u2013 two for one. First I get you then I finish him. Now drop the gun.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

He began to sweat; could feel it running down his face and neck and soaking his shirt, and thought how he\u2019d been here before, many times before, and why couldn\u2019t he change it just this once?! He\u2019d seen that bullet so many times speed towards him, heard that awful sound of splitting air as it careened toward its final destination, and not once had he been able to close his eyes.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

On cue, his heart began to beat faster and his breath came in great gulps; he knew without thinking that he wouldn\u2019t be able to move this time anymore than he could move all the times before. For an instant his eyes shifted to the man on the stair, to that devil smile that seemed to spread from ear-to-ear and to the laugh that echoed in his brain.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

It was here that that man\u2019s face usually began to melt, leaving behind a shock of red hair and nothing else except a finger to squeeze the trigger, to let loose the bullet that raced down the barrel; that sent that deadly piece of lead toward him ready to end his days upon the earth. And here it came once more speeding across a second. He felt the impact and heard himself screaming . . . <\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shot up in bed, the bunched up sheets dropping from him to pool in his lap, his breath coming in quick startled gasps as he balanced himself on shaky arms. Pushing himself against the headboard, he dropped his head into his hands to rub away the remnants of that awful dream, that dream that was finding its way back into his subconscious after all these months.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not bothering to light the lamp, he swung legs over the side and focused on getting his breathing in order. After a few moments, he stood and made his way to the washbasin to splash cold water on his sweaty face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDamn,\u201d came a mutter as he lowered his head and closed his eyes, quick to reopen them when a shock of red hair filled his vision.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shivering, he dried himself off and wrapped himself in his robe, then headed downstairs. Making a beeline for the brandy decanter, he downed one drink in a gulp but took more time with the second, swishing it around the glass a few moments before finishing it off and moving toward the dining room. Curiosity sparked when he spied a low light coming from the kitchen, soon to be followed by surprise when he saw who was sitting at the small table by the stove.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, big brother,\u201d was all Hoss said, not looking up as he fingered his glass of milk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, yourself,\u201d Adam answered, rinsing out his own glass before making his way toward the little table. \u201cWhat\u2019cha doing up?\u201d he asked sitting across from his brother noting the sad look on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHad a nightmare,\u201d came the quiet answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cMe, too,\u201d he admitted as Hoss glanced at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReally? What was yours about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll give you one guess,\u201d Adam said with a smirk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss returned a frown. \u201cRed Twilight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBingo.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s with us, Adam?\u201d Hoss asked with a shake of his head. \u201cWe done heard the best news today \u2013 Red is dead and neither one of us can believe it.\u201d Hoss looked up when Adam remained silent and he gave him a slight grin. \u201cYa don\u2019t havta say nothin\u2019 fer me ta know yer thinkin\u2019 that same thing so don\u2019t try ta deny it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled sheepishly at that. His brother knew him well. \u201cI wasn\u2019t supposed to say anything out of respect for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and took a sip of milk. \u201cHe means well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Silence followed for a bit, each man lost in thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo ya think he\u2019s really dead?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cI mean really?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ah, there was the question and Adam hesitated. The truth sounded so harsh and unrelenting and he really didn\u2019t want to worry his brother, but he knew it would be all that Hoss would believe. And he deserved the truth above all else. \u201cNo,\u201d finally came in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss sighed. \u201cMe neither.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam felt for his brother. This had all started because Willie Twilight decided to use Hoss to kill himself. Now the both of them were embroiled in bad memories and worry and the sad part was they figured, deep down, it might never end.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo what\u2019re we going do about it?\u201d Adam finally asked as Hoss shrugged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBe watchful until one day that little feelin\u2019 ya get along yer spine goes away. It\u2019s all we can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd not let Joe and Pa see that it\u2019s worrying us,\u201d Adam added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThink we can get away with that?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll just have too. There isn\u2019t any other way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m game,\u201d Hoss answered determination in his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe, too, brother,\u201d Adam answered back, both realizing a contract had been born that would never be broken.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know about you but I feel a little better about this,\u201d Hoss said as Adam nodded. In truth that little niggling feeling had<\/u><\/em> settled a bit. \u201cIt feels better ta know that someone else understands.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe power of two is always better than just one,\u201d Adam stated. \u201cBut don\u2019t think too hard on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNaw. That\u2019s yer job.\u201d Hoss smiled at his brother who returned it both satisfied for the moment. \u201cWell, we best get back ta bed. We got a lot of work ta do over the next few weeks if Pa wants ta drag us out ta Bud\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, joy,\u201d Adam said as they rose from the table and headed toward the great room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Adam,\u201d Hoss began wrapping an arm about his shoulders. \u201cI\u2019m gonna be there this time and I\u2019ll do my best ta see ya don\u2019t get roped into anythin\u2019 stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour best? I\u2019m depending on you, little brother. You have to stop me when Bud gets my goat and I decide I can cut a tunnel through a solid rock face in five minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss laughed. \u201cWell, maybe I\u2019ll havta re-think this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss . . . \u201c<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOlder brother, ain\u2019t no one can stop<\/u><\/em> ya once ya get yer dander up and you know it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded then laughed and clapped his brother on the back. \u201cWell, you can try.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss smiled warmly at him. \u201cThat I\u2019ll do, big brother. That I\u2019ll do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam returned the look, both brothers holding the gaze for a moment before heading toward the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They shared a silent trust born of years of relying on each other as they\u2019d traveled to their new home. It could get them through most anything and it would get them through this as nothing else could. Brothers they might be but they were friends to the end and understood each other more than they could say . . . or had a need to say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slowly they made their way back to bed and, hopefully, to a dreamless rest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me. Is there a Mary Wickham staying here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Edna Forbrush, proprietor of the Battle Boarding House in Genoa, looked this man up one side and down the other, her eyes moving slowly back to his clean shaven smiling face in one long stare. He seemed innocent enough. She cleared her throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a Mary Bradley but no Mary Wickham,\u201d she responded curtly, wondering if this man knew Mary from her line of work. She may not approve of a boarder who worked in a saloon, but money was money. \u201cShe\u2019s not here right now. Would you like to leave a message?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoes she work in town?\u201d he asked, successfully ignoring her question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAt the Delta Queen saloon on the north side of town.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMuch obliged,\u201d the man said, settling his hat on his head as he opened the door and stepped through.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Curiosity getting the best of her, Edna followed after him into the bright afternoon sun. \u201cAre you a relative or friend?\u201d she called after him, catching a slightly twisted smile on his face as he turned toward her. She shivered at the look and involuntarily stepped back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI knew her fianc\u00e9,\u201d he answered as he pulled the brim of his hat down low, shielding his eyes. \u201cHe was like a brother to me. Afternoon, ma’am.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Edna\u2019s eyes never left the man\u2019s back as he strolled down the street, down the street in the opposite direction of the Delta Queen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow very odd,\u201d she whispered then shrugged and stepped back inside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No matter how odd, she\u2019d have to leave a note for Mary. Wouldn\u2019t have it said that she didn\u2019t pass along messages to her boarders. Closing the door, she reached into her desk to pull out a piece of paper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

1<\/sup><\/em>The Hoad family appeared in the second season episode \u201cThe Spitfire\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

2<\/sup><\/em>Dr. Thomas J. Hodges, aka Tom Bell, was a well educated young man who decided that robbing stagecoaches made quicker money. His most famous hold-up attempt was in August 1856 when he and his gang attempted to rob $100,000 in gold. A firefight ensued \u2013 a woman passenger was killed, the driver was shot in the arm and another passenger was shot in the leg. The Shotgun\u2019s quick action saved the gold. It took several months of hunting before Tom Bell was captured. The posse gave him a few hours to write some last letters then quickly hung him. There\u2019s frontier justice for you \u2013 Stagecoach Days by Vickie Hunter\/Elizabeth Hamma (1963)<\/em><\/p>\n

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

A Moment Revisited<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Part of the \u201cA Moment\u201d series and What Happened Next for the episode \u201cVengeance\u201d<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (6,500 words)<\/p>\n

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Rating: K\u00a0 \u00a0Word Count: 519 Scenes From Our Next Life Series, links to stories of this series included.","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\/2017\/09\/IMG_2442.jpg?fit=766%2C639&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/IMG_2442.jpg?fit=766%2C639&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/IMG_2442.jpg?fit=766%2C639&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/IMG_2442.jpg?fit=766%2C639&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12672,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12672","url_meta":{"origin":12675,"position":4},"title":"A Moment Lost (by Calim11)","author":"Calim11","date":"May 13, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 What Happened Next for the episode \u201cVengeance\u201d Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (4,250 words) A Moment Series, links to all the stories within the series included.","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":46652,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46652","url_meta":{"origin":12675,"position":5},"title":"We Are Merry (by PSW)","author":"PSW","date":"December 24, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 An explanation and WHL for the episode The Iron Butterfly Rating: G Words:\u00a0 420 Written for the Bonanza Brand 2023 Advent Calendar","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\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&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\/12675","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=12675"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12675\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/40380"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12675"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12675"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12675"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}