{"id":13761,"date":"2017-02-10T01:24:49","date_gmt":"2017-02-10T06:24:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13761"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:41:17","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:41:17","slug":"the-company-we-keep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13761","title":{"rendered":"The Company We Keep (by JulieS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong> An old friend of Ben\u2019s comes to visit. (16th<\/sup> story in the series)<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong> PG (7023 words)<\/p>\n

The Way Things Are Series<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Way Things Are<\/a>
\nHistory has a Habit<\/a>
\nWhen you Least Expect It<\/a>
\nThere\u2019s Always Something<\/a>
\nThe Choices we Make<\/a>
\nLooks Can be Deceiving<\/a>
\nOne Thing or Another<\/a>
\nJust One of Those Days<\/a>
\nNothing is What it Seems<\/a>
\nYou Can\u2019t Keep an Old Lawman Down<\/a>
\nTimes Like These<\/a>
\nThe Nature of Life
\n<\/a>Unexpected Changes
\n<\/a>Out on a Limb
\n<\/a>A Time to Decide<\/a>
\nThe Company We Keep<\/a>
\nWhen Opportunity Knocks<\/a>
\nA Moment in Time<\/a>
\nTo Live in Society<\/a><\/p>\n

The Company We Keep<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThere you go Cooch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled as he patted his horse on the behind.\u00a0 It had been a long day and he was glad to be home.\u00a0 As he walked out of the barn, he stretched his arms up into the air.\u00a0 It was only late June, yet today felt like a hot day in August.\u00a0 If this was a sign of how the rest of the summer was going to be, then he\u2019d rather go north and spend it in Canada.<\/p>\n

After getting a drink from the nearby water trough, Joe glanced over to the front porch.\u00a0 Adam was there and he noted that there was no sign of the buggy.\u00a0 Joe shrugged his shoulders slightly and went to join his brother.<\/p>\n

Adam casually watched Joe approach him.\u00a0 He greeted him with a single nod.\u00a0 \u201cJoe.\u201d<\/p>\n

“Pa not back yet?\u201d\u00a0 Joe knew that he had asked the obvious but at this point, in time he didn\u2019t care.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled a little.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re just lucky you got back when you did.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think Pa would have appreciated it if you weren\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCouldn\u2019t be helped.\u00a0 I ran into some trouble with a couple of strays.\u201d\u00a0 Joe grinned and sat down in the rocker.\u00a0 \u201cWhere\u2019s everybody?\u00a0 I kind of expected that Pa would\u2019ve organised a bigger welcoming party than this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss sent word that he and Annie would be over for dinner tomorrow night.\u00a0 They didn\u2019t want to overwhelm our guest on his first night here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, I think it\u2019s best that he doesn\u2019t meet us all at once.\u00a0 It\u2019ll be daunting just meeting you older brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmmm.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Adam leant against the post and folded his arms.\u00a0 \u201cI think I\u2019ll choose not answer that one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWise move.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 After a few moments of silence, Joe leant forward.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you know about this Matthias Kendall?\u00a0 I don\u2019t remember Pa mentioning him before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot much.\u00a0 I think Pa might have told me something about him years ago but I can\u2019t remember what it was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKind of odd – him turning up all of a sudden after all these years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was clear to Joe that Adam had also contemplated the reason for this unexpected visit from this old friend of their father\u2019s.\u00a0 There was no reason for them both to be wary of the man but they were.\u00a0 Maybe it was the fact that it had been over forty years since Pa had seen the man.\u00a0 They had obviously kept in touch or else Pa wouldn\u2019t have invited him.\u00a0 He decided that he would hold off any further judgement on Kendall until after he met the man.<\/p>\n

Getting up out of the rocker, Joe stretched again.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I think I better go in and wash up.\u201d\u00a0 He took a step and then stopped.\u00a0 \u201cBy the way where\u2019s Tom?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s in the kitchen with Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing letting him lick the bowl again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah but don\u2019t forget it’s supposed to be a secret.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to see that Tom\u2019s finally started to relax a bit more.\u00a0 It\u2019s a shame that he only has us and Hop Sing to keep company with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u00a0 He spends most of his time here.\u201d\u00a0 Adam stood up straight.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve decided to take him into town when I go later in the week.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe placed his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cWant me to go with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got to do it at some point if I want him to go to school in the fall.\u201d\u00a0 Adam patted Joe on his arm.\u00a0 \u201cThanks for offering.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnytime, older brother.\u201d\u00a0 Joe smiled warmly and then went inside to get ready to meet the mysterious Matthias Kendall.<\/p>\n

\n

Adam closed the door quietly behind him and took a few steps forward.\u00a0 After a quick look around, he spotted Joe seated at the far end of the porch.\u00a0 As he made his way towards his brother, Adam began to think about what he had seen tonight.\u00a0 If there was something going on, even with all of his skills and knowledge, he would be hard-pressed to find it.\u00a0 Upon reaching Joe, he took a seat on the porch next to him.<\/p>\n

Joe turned his head and briefly nodded.\u00a0 \u201cThey still at it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, they are.\u00a0 I think Pa\u2019s winning, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

After a brief snort in acknowledgement, Joe turned his head to face straight ahead.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019d you think of him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStill too early to tell.\u00a0 He looks to be on the level.\u201d\u00a0 Adam paused for a moment before he continued.\u00a0 \u201cPa seems to be pleased that Kendall is here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI got that impression too.\u00a0 I guess we\u2019ll have to wait and see what happens \u2013 if anything does.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s brows briefly knitted before they returned back to normal.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe we are seeing more than there is.\u00a0 The man\u2019s just retired from a life at sea and wanted to look up Pa for old time\u2019s sake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose so.\u201d\u00a0 Joe smiled.\u00a0 After a few minutes silence, he decided it was time to test the waters in regards to a certain ongoing problem.\u00a0 \u201cCandy should be in San Francisco by now no doubt enjoying himself to the full.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo doubt.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Candy was the last person Adam wanted to talk about.\u00a0 They were still at loggerheads with each other.\u00a0 The only good thing to happen was that they had both come separately to the same conclusion \u2013 to keep it between themselves and leave the rest of the family out of it.<\/p>\n

Immediately seeing that Adam had no interest in talking about Candy, Joe decided to change the subject.\u00a0 \u201cDid Tom get to bed alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

A short laugh came from Adam, \u201cYeah he did.\u00a0 It took a little time to settle him down but as soon as he did he fell asleep pretty quick.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did enjoy those stories Pa and Kendall told him.\u00a0 Reckon it\u2019s the first time I\u2019ve seen him laugh like that since he\u2019s been here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cSame here.\u00a0 He and Pa are getting along fine now.\u00a0 Even you\u2019re making some progress with Tom.\u201d\u00a0 He took a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201dBut as for me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe placed his arm around Adam\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cHey don\u2019t worry about it.\u00a0 From what I\u2019ve seen, Tom has softened towards you.\u00a0 In fact, I\u2019ve seen him watch you a few times when you haven\u2019t been looking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss and Pa have told me much the same thing.\u00a0 Whatever Mavis Langton did to him is still having an effect on how he reacts to me.\u201d\u00a0 Adam cupped his hands around his chin and leant forward resting his elbows on his thighs.\u00a0 The regret he felt for not taking a more active part in Tom\u2019s life years ago still haunted him.<\/p>\n

After he gave Adam a quick pat on the back, Joe stood up.\u00a0 \u201cYou know I think I\u2019ll go back inside.\u00a0 There\u2019s still a lot of things that I\u2019d like to know about Kendall.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, Adam contemplated staying outside.\u00a0 Part of him wanted to mull over his problem with Tom but the other part of him knew that it would do no good.\u00a0 He tilted his head to look up at Joe.\u00a0 \u201cI think I\u2019ll join you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood!\u00a0 If you had decided to stay out here, I would\u2019ve had to take you inside myself.\u00a0 If there\u2019s one thing I didn\u2019t feel like doing, it was to drag a morbid old man inside against his will.\u201d\u00a0 Joe winked and then smiled.<\/p>\n

Adam stood up.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I wouldn\u2019t have liked being dragged inside by an insolent pup.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both brothers laughed and made their way back inside the house.<\/p>\n

\n

As he took a look over at the counter, Adam could see that Tom was still having a hard time deciding between the liquorice and jawbreakers.\u00a0 He gave a short chuckle and went back to taking a casual look around Baxter\u2019s General Store.\u00a0 This was the last stop they had to make today and he was glad for it.<\/p>\n

For most of the day they had been here in town.\u00a0 It was Tom\u2019s first real visit to Virginia City and the boy seemed to enjoy it.\u00a0 Adam was grateful that his son was still too young to understand most things and so probably had missed some of the looks of disdain that had come their way that day.\u00a0 Adam knew that he would have to put up with it as he couldn\u2019t keep his son hidden forever at the Ponderosa.\u00a0 The boy needed to get out and it was better that he did it now.\u00a0 Hopefully by the time school started again in a few months, most of the talk of Adam\u2019s Cartwright\u2019s illegitimate son would have died down.<\/p>\n

After he took another quick look to make sure Tom was alright, Adam made his way to the front of the store.\u00a0 He stood at the entrance and gazed across the street.\u00a0 Since it was late afternoon, there were still a lot of people around. \u00a0Across the road, over near the International House, Adam could see Clem Foster talking to the mayor and another man.\u00a0 He watched for a few minutes and then moved his eyes to the right where he could see two men in what seemed to be a heated argument.\u00a0 One man had his back turned and thus was unrecognisable.\u00a0 This man also obscured Adam\u2019s view of the man he was arguing with.\u00a0 When the two men realised that they had started to gain an audience they made their way back to the hotel.\u00a0 It was then Adam saw who they were.<\/p>\n

The man, whose back had faced him, was one who Adam knew to be involved in some dubious activities around town.\u00a0 Adam had made a mental note to keep an eye on Caleb Walker when he had first encountered the man a few months ago.\u00a0 He had just visited one of his contacts in an area of town where most of the respectable citizens of Virginia City wouldn\u2019t dare go \u2013 a thought he found a bit ironic considering that some of the town\u2019s more notable dignitaries were known to frequent the area.<\/p>\n

As he passed by one of the bordellos located in that section, Walker had bumped into him.\u00a0 It was plain to see that Walker was in a hurry as he failed to acknowledge him and just kept on going.\u00a0 He had thought about finding out why Walker had left the bordello quickly but he knew that if found anything, he would be duty-bound to report it to the Sheriff.\u00a0 Clem would want an explanation as to why he was in that part of town in the first place and it was something he was not willing to divulge.\u00a0 On this occasion, however, it was the second man that gave him cause for concern.<\/p>\n

The first thought that had entered his mind was what on earth would Matthias Kendall want with a man like Walker?\u00a0 All he knew of Kendall was the few bits of information that the man himself had told him and his family.\u00a0 Kendall had seemed pretty harmless.\u00a0 But as he watched the two men rapidly walk back inside in the International House, he came to the conclusion that it was time to know more about Kendall and why he was really here.\u00a0 He had begun to contemplate some of the possible reasons of how the two men could come to be associated with each other when he felt a tug on his shirt sleeve.<\/p>\n

Adam turned around slowly and gazed down at his son.\u00a0 A smile slowly crept on his face.\u00a0 \u201cI take it that you\u2019ve made your mind up?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tom nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes, father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good.\u201d\u00a0 Adam touched his son briefly on the shoulder and made his way over to the counter.\u00a0 He was glad that Tom was slowly getting used to his touch.\u00a0 The boy had stopped flinching but it was still too early to do much more than he already was.\u00a0 After he had paid for the goods they had procured, Adam made arrangements for them to be loaded into the waggon parked out in the front.\u00a0 He made his way back to Tom.\u00a0 \u201cHow would like to come with me to the Sheriff\u2019s office?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s question was met with an eager nod, which surprised him.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

Joe gave his boot one last shine with the brush.\u00a0 Satisfied with what he saw he put it down on the large table in front of the fireplace.\u00a0 He glanced over towards the clock and noted that it was nearly time to leave for the Social being held in the town hall.\u00a0 As he glanced around the room he gave a casual shrug of his shoulders and wondered for a moment how much longer the others would be.\u00a0 A noise from up above alerted him to the fact that someone had finally decided to come down.<\/p>\n

He smirked as he saw who it was.\u00a0 \u201c\u2019Bout time, big brother.\u00a0 I was just thinking of sending up a search party.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam half-smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI was ready a while ago.\u00a0 I was just checking on Tom to make that he was settled for the night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFair enough,\u201c Joe replied warmly.\u00a0 A slight frown appeared on his face.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s really strange is that Pa\u2019s not down yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not?\u201d\u00a0 Adam looked puzzled for a moment.\u00a0 \u201cUsually he\u2019s the one who\u2019s waiting for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah and that\u2019s not the only strange thing I\u2019ve seen today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam went over to the settee and sat down.\u00a0 \u201cAnd what did you see?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe propped up one foot on the table and leant over.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not what I saw exactly, it\u2019s what I heard \u2013 Pa was whistling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t seem strange to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAah\u2026but it was what he was whistling that got my attention.\u00a0 It was \u2018Beautiful Dreamer\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyebrow slowly rose up.\u00a0 \u2018Beautiful Dreamer\u2019 was considered to be a love song of sorts.\u00a0 It was odd that his father had chosen that particular song.\u00a0 Something definitely was going on.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you think it is?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s only one idea that keeps coming up and that is there\u2019s a woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Adam could answer, the sound of another door closing, followed closely by a second one, told him that his father and Kendall were on their way down.\u00a0 When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Adam got up and noted that his father had gone to extra lengths tonight.\u00a0 His father even wore the silver brocade vest which he usually wore only on special occasions.\u00a0 Joe was right – there was definitely a woman in the picture.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled at the thought that his initial suspicions were right.\u00a0 His mind began to go over the numerous possibilities of whom his father had decided to keep company with.\u00a0 No doubt she would be a beauty \u2013 all of the Cartwrights had immaculate taste where women were concerned.<\/p>\n

A polite cough brought Joe out his reverie.\u00a0 He looked at the person who had delivered it.\u00a0 \u201cSorry, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s okay son I could see that you were pre-occupied with a matter of great importance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled at Joe\u2019s slightly chagrin expression.\u00a0 Pa was in a really good mood.\u00a0 Whoever the woman was, he had to admire her for at least the way she made his father feel.\u00a0 He went over to the sideboard and picked up his hat.\u00a0 \u201cI guess it\u2019s time we were leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is.\u201d\u00a0 Ben smiled as he made his way over to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t want to be any later than necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they watched their father and Kendall take their hats, Joe and Adam gave each other a knowing look.\u00a0 They had both come to the same conclusion – that it was going to be one heck of a night.<\/p>\n

\n

Ben took a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cLook, Adam, it\u2019s my choice and if you don\u2019t like it then that\u2019s your problem.\u00a0 I don\u2019t need to get my son\u2019s approval as to whom I wish to court.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut why her?\u201d\u00a0 Adam flung his hat onto the sideboard and made his way over to the sofa.\u00a0 \u201cThere are other women in town who would be just as flattered to be seen on the arm of Ben Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe closed the front door behind him.\u00a0 There was no way he was going to get into this one.\u00a0 Adam had been in a foul mood for most of the night and it didn\u2019t show any signs of letting up.\u00a0 As he looked at the man who stood next to him, Joe could see that Kendall was uncomfortable.\u00a0 It was obvious that he didn\u2019t want to be here either.\u00a0 He tapped the man on the shoulder and cocked his head towards the kitchen.\u00a0 Kendall nodded and the two of them made their way out of the room.<\/p>\n

Adam rubbed the bridge of his nose, more in frustration than anything else.\u00a0 Of all the women, his father had to be sweet on Leslie Whitaker.\u00a0 This turn of events had made things more complicated then they were already.\u00a0 \u201cPa, under any other circumstances I would be happy for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you have against Leslie?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing that you should be concerned about.\u00a0 All I ask is that you end this now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no intention of ending it unless I have good reason to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s not for you Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what gives you the right to say who is for me and who isn\u2019t?\u201d\u00a0 Ben glared at his oldest son.<\/p>\n

After a few minutes of silence, Adam decided that he should answer but he had no idea of what to say.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t tell his father the complete truth \u2013 it was too early and too dangerous to do that.\u00a0 \u201cAll I\u2019m saying is that maybe you should reconsider.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do that.\u00a0 I like Leslie a lot.\u00a0 In fact, I haven\u2019t felt this way about a woman in a long time.\u00a0 Whatever your differences are, I\u2019m sure you can sort them out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not as simple as that. \u00a0It\u2019s best that you have nothing to do with her.\u201d\u00a0 Adam sighed heavily.\u00a0 He had to make his father understand that Leslie wasn\u2019t the one for him.\u00a0 \u201cI know I have no right to tell you this but it\u2019s better to end it now before you get hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBefore I get hurt?\u201d\u00a0 A look of confusion spread across Ben\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 Leslie is not what she seems to be and that\u2019s all I wish to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, have you ever thought that whatever happened between the both of you all those years ago has clouded your judgement?\u201d\u00a0 Ben paused for a moment.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t seem to mind Hoss being associated with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo I don\u2019t \u2013 but it\u2019s only business between them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben raised his eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201cI see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not what you\u2019re thinking.\u00a0 If I felt anything like that it died a long time ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo other than whatever you have against her, you have no real objections.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gazed at his father for a few moments.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t tell him about the real reason why courting Leslie was out of the question.\u00a0 There was only one way to go about this.\u00a0 \u201cNo I don\u2019t have any real objections,\u201d he replied in a slightly defeated tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen this conversation is at an end.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d\u00a0 Adam sat down in the nearest chair.\u00a0 The frustration that had built up inside of him was still there and it wasn\u2019t likely to go away anytime soon.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t like the fact that he had been so blunt but this thing between his father and Leslie had to be put to an end.\u00a0 Since it looked like his father had no intentions of doing so, there was only one person who could and he knew that there would be no objections from her.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHow much longer do you think you\u2019ll be?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Bout another five minutes.\u00a0 Hop Sing makes the best apple pie and I darn near forgot how good it can be.\u201d<\/p>\n

A puzzled look appeared on Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cYou can\u2019t have forgotten already.\u00a0 You\u2019ve only been married a month.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd a month is a long time,\u201d Hoss said as he waved a fork at Joe.\u00a0 \u201cAnnie\u2019s a good cook but there\u2019s still some things Hop Sing can do better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell don\u2019t let Annie hear you say that.\u00a0 You know how women can be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned.\u00a0 \u201cShe knows already and in fact, she agrees with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe does?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYup.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss took another mouthful of pie.\u00a0 When he had finished he smiled.\u00a0 \u201cYou know little brother, for someone who claims to be an expert on women you\u2019ve got a lot to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have you know that,\u201d Joe abruptly stopped – there was someone at the door.\u00a0 For a moment he was at a loss.\u00a0 As he got up and went to the door, he silently went through the possibilities of who it could be.\u00a0 When he opened the door he was mildly surprised to see that the person who stood there was someone he hadn\u2019t thought of.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cClem.\u201d\u00a0 Joe opened the door wider to let the sheriff inside.<\/p>\n

Hoss had, by now, gotten up and made his way over.\u00a0 He held out his hand.\u00a0 \u201cNice to see you, Clem.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he took the offered hand, Clem nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYou too Hoss.\u00a0 How\u2019s married life been treating you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine and dandy.\u00a0 What brings you to this neck of the woods?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got some business that concerns your Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe went over to Clem and his brother.\u00a0 \u201cPa\u2019s not here.\u00a0 He and his friend Kendall left early this morning to go over to Placerville.\u00a0 They won\u2019t be back for a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

A worried look appeared on Clem\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cI hate to tell you this but your father\u2019s in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Fraid so, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 Clem pulled a piece of paper from his vest pocket.\u00a0 \u201cA few days ago Adam came to see me and asked if I could do some checking into this Kendall\u2019s background.\u00a0 I received this telegram this morning.\u201d\u00a0 He handed it over to Joe.<\/p>\n

After he had read what was in the telegram, Joe handed it over to Hoss.\u00a0 Hoss frowned as he read it.\u00a0 \u201cDagnammit!\u00a0 Ain\u2019t it just like Adam to keep somethin\u2019 like this to himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam wasn\u2019t the only one who was suspicious of Kendall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss raised an eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201cYou too, Joe?\u00a0 And when were you plannin\u2019 to let me know what was goin\u2019 on?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Hoss, we can go into this later but I think we should go and find Pa before it\u2019s too late.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree.\u201d\u00a0 Clem made his way to the front door.\u00a0 \u201cBy the way, where\u2019s Adam?\u00a0 I think he\u2019ll want to be in on this,\u201d he asked matter-of-factly as he opened the door.<\/p>\n

Joe grabbed his hat off the peg near the door and followed Clem out.\u00a0 \u201cI have no idea where Adam is.\u00a0 He took off a few hours ago.\u201d\u00a0 He felt a bit put out by the fact that Adam had neglected to tell him that he had asked Clem to check into Kendall\u2019s background.\u00a0 Adam must have seen something to make him take a step like this.\u00a0 However, now was not the time to speculate why his brother had chosen to keep whatever it was a secret, Pa was in trouble and it was up to Hoss and him to take control of the situation.<\/p>\n

After the three men had mounted their horses, they nodded to each other.\u00a0 They then spurred their horses into action.\u00a0 Time was of the essence now and they hoped it wasn\u2019t too late.<\/p>\n

\n

Adam yawned and shifted his position.\u00a0 The log he was seated on was beginning to get really uncomfortable.\u00a0 He would give her another twenty minutes to show up.\u00a0 As he looked around, he once again affirmed to himself that the meeting place he had chosen was a good one.\u00a0 The densely packed trees provided the cover he needed to conduct the delicate business that he felt compelled to do.<\/p>\n

The sound of his makeshift alarm system of a bunch of twigs that he had strategically placed signalled the fact that she had finally arrived.\u00a0 He got up and stretched as he waited for her for her to approach.<\/p>\n

When she appeared in the small clearing, she had an apologetic look her face.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry I\u2019m late.\u00a0 The Quilting Bee took longer than I had expected.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re here now.\u00a0 Let\u2019s get this over as soon as possible.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want it to take any longer than necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her brows knitted together.\u00a0 \u201cOkay.\u00a0 What\u2019s so important that it couldn\u2019t wait until our scheduled meeting?\u00a0 He\u2019s not coming earlier than we expected him to?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he\u2019s not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that is a relief.\u00a0 I\u2019d hate to see all this planning go up in smoke just because we got our information wrong.\u201d\u00a0 She paused for a moment.\u00a0 \u201cYou said in your note that it was something that could jeopardise our assignment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a way it does.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor heaven\u2019s sake Adam, stop beating around the bush and just tell me what the problem is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled slightly.\u00a0 \u201cYou were always the impatient one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHumph.\u201d\u00a0 She folded her arms and an understanding look came upon her face.\u00a0 \u201cOh I see – we\u2019re back to playing games.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe only person who I ever recalled playing games was you, Leslie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright then, have it your own way.\u201d\u00a0 She started to turn around.<\/p>\n

As she turned, Adam grabbed her by the arm and pulled her up close to him.\u00a0 He had forgotten how she felt against him and for a brief moment he remembered how it had been between them.\u00a0 The memory of what she was, however, soon took over.\u00a0 His grip relaxed and he let her step away.\u00a0 \u201cBefore you go rushing off in a tantrum, I\u2019ll tell why I wanted to meet you here today.\u00a0 First of all, I want to know what\u2019s going on between you and my father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour father?\u201d\u00a0 A look of confusion spread across her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, my father.\u00a0 That little exhibition you put on at the dance the other night only served to encourage him more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat exhibition?\u00a0 I only danced two dances with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou also talked to him a few times.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes I did but it I don\u2019t see what that has to do with anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t?\u00a0 It looks like it\u2019s up to me to inform you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leslie gazed intently at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI have no doubt that you\u2019ll take great pleasure in doing so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ignoring her remark and all that it entailed, Adam took a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cMy father has developed certain feelings towards you that aren\u2019t fatherly in nature.\u201d<\/p>\n

After waiting for a few moments, Adam noted that she was at a loss for words.\u00a0 \u201cI tried to talk my father but he wishes to continue his pursuit of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had no idea,\u201d Leslie replied in a tone that held a hint of sadness.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can see why this couldn\u2019t wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded slowly.\u00a0 \u201cYes, it would complicate things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know I can trust you to do what needs to be done.\u201d<\/p>\n

A cynical smile crept onto Leslie\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cYou trust me?\u00a0 Now\u2019s there\u2019s something I thought would never hear again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know as well as I do the importance of this mission.\u00a0 I have to trust you to a certain extent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have no need to worry Adam.\u00a0 I know what I have to do.\u201d\u00a0 She turned abruptly and left without another word.<\/p>\n

For a few minutes after she left, Adam waited.\u00a0 His thoughts went back to the time when he had first met Leslie.\u00a0 Her family had been in trouble and they needed help.\u00a0 The first impressions of her were that she was a quiet and unassuming girl.\u00a0 Later on, he had found out that she was not what she had seemed.<\/p>\n

One day, a few months before he had left, she had approached him with the offer to join the Secret Service.\u00a0 He had been very surprised to find out that she was a member of the organisation.\u00a0 It seemed that there was more to her than met the eye and he had been intrigued.\u00a0 Over the next few years, they had met up regularly and even worked together on a few assignments.\u00a0 However, all that changed two years ago when he found out that the woman had once again been playing a role.<\/p>\n

As he made his way to his horse, he remembered how easily he had been taken in by her positive outlook and seemingly genuine good nature.\u00a0 When he received that letter on that fateful day from a source that he knew to be impeccable, he knew that he had been fooled again.\u00a0 Disgust and contempt had taken the place of what he had felt for her.\u00a0 That day he left without giving her the chance to explain her actions.\u00a0 He had barely given her a conscious thought since then until the day he was told that he would have to work with her again.<\/p>\n

John Wells had listened to his protests and then reminded him that he was enough of a professional to put aside his personal feelings.\u00a0 He had conceded that man had a point and so had accepted the assignment.\u00a0 This business with his father was an unfortunate turn of events.\u00a0 It seemed Pa had been easily fooled as he had been.\u00a0 As he shook his head, Adam hoped that once this was over, Leslie would be out of his and his family\u2019s life for good.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWill you hold still for a minute.\u00a0 I can\u2019t check it if you keep movin\u2019 around.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stopped his efforts to get up.\u00a0 \u201cAlright, Hoss – but just for a minute.\u00a0 I want to see how Pa is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s doin\u2019 fine.\u00a0 Clem\u2019s with him right now.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss then proceeded to check the base of Joe\u2019s head.\u00a0 \u201cHmm, looks like you\u2019ll have a headache for a couple of days.\u00a0 Lump\u2019s already formin\u2019.\u00a0 Best let Doc Martin check it when we get home.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he tentatively reached around to touch the back of his head for himself, Joe could feel the last of the fog in his head finally lift.\u00a0 One of Kendall\u2019s men had knocked him out during the fight and all he knew was that they had been successful in the rescue of Pa.<\/p>\n

Hoss stood up and then bent down slightly to help Joe to his feet.\u00a0 As he helped Joe to steady himself, he chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cYou know it\u2019s been a while since I\u2019ve been in a fight like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t tell me you miss it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHeck no.\u00a0 Just that it\u2019s been a while.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss stepped away from Joe and nodded with satisfaction as he watched his brother regain his balance.<\/p>\n

Once he was sure of his footing, Joe decided to have a look around.\u00a0 The room they stood in was a shambles.\u00a0 Furniture was strewn everywhere, either upturned or completely destroyed.\u00a0 He frowned slightly as he noticed that there were no other people in the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re all outside.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss smiled reassuringly.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve got Kendall and his two men tied up.\u00a0 Pa decided that he wanted to go outside and talk to Kendall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a might shook up.\u00a0 Don\u2019t blame him.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss replied as he made his way to the front door.\u00a0 He opened it and waited as Joe went out first.<\/p>\n

Upon reaching the outside, Joe\u2019s eyes took a moment to adjust to the late afternoon sun.\u00a0 He looked to his right and was glad to see his father seated on a bench.\u00a0 \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m fine son. \u00a0Nothing that a good night\u2019s rest wouldn\u2019t cure.\u00a0 How\u2019s your head?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe walked over and sat down next to his father.\u00a0 \u201cA bit sore but I\u2019ll survive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Joe could say any more, Clem approached them.\u00a0 \u201cGlad to see that you\u2019re okay Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Clem.\u201d\u00a0 Joe pointed to the three men tied up over near a large tree that was situated a few feet away from the front of the building.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you plan to do with them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell right now, I plan to take them back to Virginia City.\u00a0 They\u2019ll need to stand trial. \u00a0So when you\u2019re ready Ben I\u2019ll be needing to get a statement from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be in tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clem\u2019s face showed the concern that he evidently felt.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s no rush.\u00a0 Just whenever you\u2019re ready to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss approached the three of them.\u00a0 \u201cI guess it\u2019s time we were goin\u2019.\u00a0 By the way, I\u2019ll send Doc Martin out as soon as I get into town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need for Doc Martin to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure there is Pa.\u00a0 Joe needs his head wound checked.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t that right little brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

Fully aware of what Hoss was getting at, Joe nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYep want to be sure that there isn\u2019t any long term damage.\u00a0 Besides, it may be the excuse I need to take a few days off.\u201d<\/p>\n

A slight chuckle escaped from Ben.\u00a0 \u201cAlright then tell the good doctor to come out.\u201d<\/p>\n

After Clem and Hoss had left with the three prisoners, Joe waited patiently for his father to speak.\u00a0 When he realised that the man wasn\u2019t going to, he knew that he should.\u00a0 He placed his hand on his father\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing to be sorry for, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid there is.\u00a0 Adam and I were suspicious of Kendall right from the start.\u00a0 We decided to wait until we had some more to go on before we came to you.\u00a0 I think Adam did find out something more.\u00a0 He asked Clem to check into Kendall\u2019s background.\u00a0 That\u2019s how we knew you were in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben lowered his head.\u00a0 After a few minutes, he lifted his head and turned to face Joe.\u00a0 \u201cI think that it\u2019s best we went home now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not quite sure what to make of the way his father was acting, Joe agreed.\u00a0 The two of them made their way to their horses and proceeded to start the journey home.<\/p>\n

\n

Adam stood up again in frustration and checked the clock.\u00a0 It nearly six and there was still no news.\u00a0 By the time he had gotten home from his rendezvous with Leslie it was already too late to go and help his father.\u00a0 For all, he knew he could meet them on the way back or missed them completely.\u00a0 So reluctantly he had decided to stay put and wait it out.<\/p>\n

For the umpteenth time, he picked up the telegram.\u00a0 If he hadn\u2019t of been so pre-occupied with the problem of his father\u2019s growing attraction to Leslie he would\u2019ve never forgotten all about Kendall.\u00a0 He threw the telegram back onto the coffee table and collapsed back down into the chair he had been sitting in.<\/p>\n

A noise from upstairs warned him that Tom was on his way down for dinner.\u00a0 The boy knew that all was not well.\u00a0 Over the last couple of months, Adam had found out his son was very perceptive – no doubt from all those years of living with his grandmother.<\/p>\n

Another noise from behind the chair he was seated in made him get up once again.\u00a0 Hop Sing had decided to continue with preparations for dinner.\u00a0 From past experience, Adam knew that it was his way of dealing with things.\u00a0 Even though Hop Sing never did or say anything to show it, all the family was aware that Hop Sing cared deeply for each one of them.<\/p>\n

So lost in watching Hop Sing set the table that Adam didn\u2019t notice that his son had come down until he felt the familiar tug on his shirt.\u00a0 Ever since that day at Baxter\u2019s, Tom had been using it as a way to let him know that he was there.\u00a0 Adam looked down and smiled affectionately.\u00a0 It was an interesting habit the boy had developed and he didn\u2019t mind it one single bit.\u00a0 He then gently put his hand on Tom\u2019s back and propelled him towards the table.<\/p>\n

They had just sat down when they heard the sound of horses approaching.\u00a0 Adam immediately stood up and told Tom to wait at the table.\u00a0 He quickly made his way outside just in time to see Joe and Ben stop at the hitching rail.\u00a0 Relief washed over Adam as he saw that his father was not injured.\u00a0 He immediately went over to the two men.<\/p>\n

As soon as his father had dismounted, Adam lightly grabbed his father\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cPa.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 I should\u2019ve told you about Kendall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben placed his hand on Adam\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s okay.\u00a0 I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you don\u2019t Pa.\u00a0 I made a mistake.\u00a0 I wanted to wait to see what Clem found out before I came to you.\u201d\u00a0 Adam took a step away from his father.\u00a0 The stress that he had felt came out as he spoke, \u201cI got distracted by other things and forgot all about Kendall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe studied Adam for a minute.\u00a0 He could see that his brother had taken this hard and no doubt had already berated himself many times for not being there when his father needed him.\u00a0 The truth of the matter was that they both had been wrong.\u00a0 All three of them needed time to talk about what had occurred and now was not it.\u00a0 \u201cLook why don\u2019t we go inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 He could see that his father was worn out.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re right.\u00a0 Hop Sing was just about to serve dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDinner sounds good to me, son.\u201d\u00a0 Ben placed his arms around both of his sons\u2019 shoulders.\u00a0 Joe and Adam each placed an arm around their father.\u00a0 The three of them then slowly made their way inside.<\/p>\n

\n

Joe looked up at the staircase as he watched Adam make his way back down.\u00a0 He had been up there for a while \u2013 first to put Tom to bed and then to talk with Pa.\u00a0 Doc Martin had already been and gone.\u00a0 As he tentatively touched the lump on the back of his head, he grinned.\u00a0 The Doc had recommended that he\u2019d be given the day off just in case and who was he to argue.<\/p>\n

Once Adam had made it downstairs he took the nearest available seat and sat down.\u00a0 He leant back and closed his eyes for a moment.\u00a0 The talk he just had with Pa had relieved some of the tension he had felt.\u00a0 The stress of not being able to help his father, coupled with the other things that had weighed upon his mind had finally gotten to him.\u00a0 The result was that he and Pa were able to have a real heartfelt talk with each other which ended with a lot of things being resolved.\u00a0 Now it was time to open up a little to Joe.<\/p>\n

He sighed as he leant forward and casually looked over to Joe.\u00a0 \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine.\u201d\u00a0 Joe took a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cYou know it was a good thing that you got Clem to check into Kendall\u2019s background.\u00a0 I hate to think what would\u2019ve happened if you hadn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm but that doesn\u2019t excuse the fact that I kept my suspicions from Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know.\u00a0 I feel the same way.\u00a0 Told Pa as much when I was up there earlier with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKendall had gotten himself into a lot of trouble.\u00a0 No wonder he had decided to try to get his hands on the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d\u00a0 Joe sighed.\u00a0 \u201cPa took it real hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure did.\u201d\u00a0 Adam paused.\u00a0 \u201cIt makes you wonder how much more he can stand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know that it\u2019s his faith in God that helps to pull him through.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u00a0 It\u2019s a shame we all don\u2019t feel that way.\u201d\u00a0 Adam leant back in his chair.\u00a0 Now that his father was out of harm\u2019s way, it was time to deal with another matter.\u00a0 \u201cToday did make me realise that I should make some of my family more aware of what I\u2019m doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at Adam questionably.\u00a0 \u201cDoes this have something to do with where you were this morning?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a way it does.\u201d\u00a0 Adam stood up and went over to the fireplace.\u00a0 \u201cI have no doubt that you\u2019ve noticed that I\u2019ve been a bit quiet lately in regards to my other activities.\u201d<\/p>\n

A smirk appeared on Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cI kinda did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t been exactly all that quiet.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been laying the groundwork for something big that\u2019s coming up.\u00a0 I can\u2019t go into all the details but there will be a time in the future when I\u2019ll need your help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know you have it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know but I have to ask.\u00a0 It\u2019s going to be dangerous and I know that \u201d Adam shifted uncomfortably as he tried to find the right words to say.\u00a0 \u201cI need someone who will know what to do when the time comes and I want it to be someone I can trust with my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s brows knitted.\u00a0 Whatever it was that Adam was preparing for, he could see that it was very important.\u00a0 There was no doubt that any of them could depend on the others when they needed them to but this request held more.\u00a0 Even though he wanted to know what it was, Joe knew that he would have to be patient.\u00a0 He would be told what he needed to know when the time came.<\/p>\n

Adam watched as Joe got up and walked over to him.\u00a0 A look of understanding passed between them and Adam knew that he had made the right decision to let Joe into this part of his life.\u00a0 He had always known that his brothers and father would back him up no matter what the cost.\u00a0 They had done so many times in the past but this time around it felt different.\u00a0 Why it felt different he didn\u2019t exactly know why it just did.<\/p>\n

When Joe reached him, they patted each other on the back and Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cThanks, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnytime big brother.\u201d\u00a0 Joe stepped away from his brother.\u00a0 \u201cYou know it\u2019s been a while since we\u2019ve worked together like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt sure has.\u00a0 Do you feel up to it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhenever you\u2019re ready old man you just let me know.\u201d\u00a0 Joe winked.\u00a0 Yep, it certainly was going to be interesting and he was ready for it.\u00a0 He gazed knowingly at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cYou know I have the feeling that this is going to be one heck of a ride.”<\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

Summary: An old friend of Ben\u2019s comes to visit. <\/p>\n

Rated: PG (7023 words)<\/p>\n

The Way Things Are series, links to all the stories in the series included.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":60,"featured_media":14676,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13761","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-drama","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2693,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/IMG_2234.jpg?fit=840%2C639&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12132,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12132","url_meta":{"origin":13761,"position":0},"title":"Chinese Molasses (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"January 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12147,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12147","url_meta":{"origin":13761,"position":1},"title":"He Said Not To Tell (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"May 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"The author requests those who wish to read this series contact her via eMail: DLB1234@aol.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/1-joe.jpg?fit=238%2C226&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13630,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13630","url_meta":{"origin":13761,"position":2},"title":"A Cry for Freedom (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 7, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It started with Ben giving Little Joe more responsibility for the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Little did the family realize the course Ben was setting in motion. 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