{"id":13834,"date":"2003-05-27T07:50:15","date_gmt":"2003-05-27T11:50:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13834"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:56","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:56","slug":"decisions-made-by-helenb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13834","title":{"rendered":"Decisions Made (by HelenB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> A ranch hand and decisions made could change the lives of the Cartwrights forever.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (6,725 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DECISIONS MADE<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m telling you Pa, his drinking\u2019s getting worse. At least before he was just hung over in the mornings. Now he\u2019s started drinking during the day. We can\u2019t allow it to go on. You wouldn\u2019t have tolerated it for this long if it had been one of the other men.\u201d Adam tried to keep the anger out of his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a moment Adam thought his father was going to refuse to discuss the problem, the same way he had been doing for the last three months but Ben nodded his head in agreement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know Adam,\u201d Ben said, \u201cbut I just don\u2019t know what to do about him. He\u2019s worked for us for a lot of years. We owe him for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere has to be a limit to it Pa. The other men don\u2019t want to work with him anymore. They don\u2019t trust his judgment and frankly, neither do I.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe both know what it\u2019s like to lose someone, Adam. He just needs some time. You boys are taking those supplies to Scott\u2019s Crossing in a couple of days. I\u2019ll send him with you. Some time away from here might be good for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded reluctantly. \u201cAlright Pa. Whatever you thinks best. I\u2019d better get going, I\u2019ll see you tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded as Adam left. He sat down and his thoughts turned to the day that had changed everything in the life of Nathan Turner. Nathan, his wife Sarah and their son Jake had lived in a small house on the Ponderosa that Ben had given to them. Nat had now worked for the Cartwright\u2019s for fifteen years. One day, three months ago, Nat had been driving his family into town in his buckboard when the team had suddenly bolted. Nat had been trying to pull the team to a stop when a wheel broke and the buckboard over turned killing Sarah instantly. Sixteen year old Jake had been pinned under the wagon and had died before his father could lift it off him. Nat had been trying to escape the memories by drinking himself into a stupor every night. Everyone felt sorry for him but Ben knew Adam was right. The men wouldn\u2019t put up with someone who wasn\u2019t pulling his weight for long.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The buckboards were packed, the Cartwright brothers and Nathan Turner were ready to leave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou boys look after yourselves,\u201d Ben said. He\u2019d seen them off on trips away many times before, he knew they were grown men who could look after themselves but try as he might, Ben could never stop the worry that seemed to seep into his very core.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled and quickly hugged his father, saying, \u201cWe will Pa, you do the same.\u201d He jumped up into the seat beside his brother Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBye Pa,\u201d Adam called as he gave the team he was driving the signal to move out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSee you in about a week Pa,\u201d Hoss said as he pulled his team out behind Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Out of the corner of his eye Adam looked at Nathan. He was going to have to keep a close eye on him. He didn\u2019t want Nathan\u2019s drinking causing any problems for them. Like his father, he felt sorry for Nathan but he also thought it was time the man pulled himself together. Once friends, he now found the man hard to tolerate and wished his father hadn\u2019t told him to take Nathan along.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The end of that first day couldn\u2019t come fast enough for Adam. Nathan had been solemn and moody for the entire day. Any attempt to draw him into a conversation was met with stony silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could hear parts of the conversation between his two brothers in the buckboard behind and he found himself wishing that he was riding with one of them. Both were always good company. Adam heard Joe laugh and the sound of it brought a smile to his own lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the sun started to set Adam pulled the buckboard to stop, turning to his brothers when they pulled up beside him. \u201cLet\u2019s camp here for the night.\u201d Hoss and Joe nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They quickly got everything set up for the night. Nathan did what was required of him but nothing more. The brothers sat around the fire talking and eating. Nathan sat away from them not wanting anyone\u2019s company.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Early the following morning at about 3 a.m. Adam woke. He lay still for a moment listening again for the sound that had woken him. Glancing to his left he saw that Joe was still asleep next to him and he could make out Hoss on the other side of Joe. Adam sat up and looked to his right, he saw Nathan sitting a little way away from them, propped up against a tree, a whisky bottle in his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Furious, Adam got up and stormed over to the man, knocking the bottle from his hand he shouted, \u201cI told you not to bring that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s shouts woke his brothers and they were quickly by his side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t tell me what to do, boy,\u201d Nathan reached for the bottle intending to save as much of it as he could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grabbed the bottle first and poured the contents out. Nathan stumbled to his feet but was in no condition to do anything. Adam easily pushed him away. \u201cSleep it off,\u201d he said disgustedly. Nathan slid down to the ground and the brothers walked away leaving him there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later that morning just before dawn, Adam walked over and roughly shook Nathan Turner awake. \u201cThere\u2019s work to be done,\u201d Adam said, \u201cwe\u2019re not going to do it while you sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss approached and said, \u201cLooks like we\u2019re in for a storm.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up at the sky and nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s all we need,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nathan got to his feet and Adam said, \u201cGo and check the ropes and covers, make sure the loads are secure.\u201d While that was being done the brother\u2019s gathered up their gear deciding that they would miss breakfast. There was a river to cross about five hours away, they wanted to get across that before the storm hit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Walking over to the buckboards, Adam saw that the teams hadn\u2019t been harnessed up. \u201cYou could have harnessed them,\u201d Adam told Nathan angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou told me to check the loads.\u201d Nathan replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled a face. \u201cDo you have to be told to do everything?\u201d Adam asked. Nathan didn\u2019t reply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam silently shook his head as he and his brothers went about their work. This was so unlike Nathan Turner, Adam thought to himself. Well, it was unlike the Nathan Turner of three months ago. Up until then he\u2019d been one of the best workers around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had about enough of him as I can stand,\u201d Adam grumbled quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ride with him,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had been two when Nathan Turner first came to work on the ranch. Nathan had always been nice to him. Joe had spent a lot of time playing with Nathan\u2019s son. He wanted to help the man if he could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and Adam smiled, slapping his youngest brother on his back. \u201cThanks Joe. We can trade back again in a few hours if you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the buckboards pulled out Joe and Nathan were in the lead with Nathan driving. Once it started raining it wasn\u2019t long before Joe started to regret offering to change places with Adam. Secretly, Joe had hoped that he\u2019d be able to get Nathan to open up and talk to him but the man hadn\u2019t said a word despite several attempts at conversation by Joe. The weather only added to the gloomy atmosphere.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the river came into sight Joe saw how fast it was flowing and it seemed to be fairly high. He knew they\u2019d have to test the depth of it, he didn\u2019t think Adam would risk the buckboards, better to wait for it to go down. It didn\u2019t usually take long and it would be safer. Joe was shocked when Nathan drove the team on into the river seeming to not even slow down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing, stop!\u201d Joe shouted, reaching over for the reins.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nathan knocked Joe\u2019s hands away. \u201cI know what I\u2019m doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t,\u201d Joe shouted, \u201cwe don\u2019t know how deep it is.\u201d But Nathan continued on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled his team to a stop, watching in astonishment as Nathan drove on. \u201cWhat the\u2026.what does that fool think he\u2019s doing?\u201d Adam watched as Joe attempted to grab the reins out of Nathan\u2019s hands and was pushed away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPull it up now!\u201d Adam shouted as loudly as he could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss hit the side of the buckboard in anger and turned to his older brother. \u201cWhat should we do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam ran to the back of the buckboard and grabbed a rope, tying it around his waist he handed the other end to Hoss. \u201cTie it off, best to be prepared in case it\u2019s needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The words were no sooner out of his mouth when they saw the buckboard in the river lurch to one side, the horses broke free and it flipped over on to it\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Adam shouted as he quickly threw off his rain slicker, pulled off his boots and ran forward to enter the rushing water. Hoss finished tying the rope to the buckboard and stood watching Adam, wishing there was something more he could do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam made his way through the current as quickly as he could. As he neared the over turned wagon he could see Nathan Turner holding on to the side of it, the man looked alright but Adam didn\u2019t waste time asking him if he was hurt, right at that moment Adam couldn\u2019t have cared less how Nathan Turner was. \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d Adam shouted above the roar of the water.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. I don\u2019t think he\u2019s come up.\u201d Nathan shouted back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam immediately dove under the water looking for Joe. With horror he saw that his brother was conscious and struggling to free himself from under the wagon where he was pinned by his left arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam realized Nathan was beside him and together they tried to lift the wagon, they couldn\u2019t get it to budge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nathan pulled a knife out of his boot and suggested to Adam, pointing at Joe\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Even in his panic Joe realised what Nathan was going to do and he kicked out in terror, his frantic struggles making the situation worse as he used up the last of his air.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nathan grabbed Adam\u2019s arm pulling him up, knowing they both needed air. Adam hated to leave Joe but he knew he couldn\u2019t help his brother if he didn\u2019t go up for a breath of air.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they gasped to pull the air in to their lungs Nathan held the knife up and said, \u201cWe have to, it\u2019s the only way to free him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Adam shouted as he shoved Nathan away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nathan grabbed the wagon to stop the current from pushing him away. \u201cI\u2019m going to do whatever it takes to get Jake free, I\u2019m not going to let him down this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was about to yell for Hoss to come out before diving under again when he realised the big man was beside him, having just made his way out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s trapped,\u201d Adam said and no more words were needed as they both dived under. Nathan followed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was unconscious now and everyone knew that soon there would be no hope of saving him. Adam and Hoss both pushed with every ounce of strength they had cursing the fact that the buckboard was so heavy due to the supplies they had been carrying. With a burst of relief the older brothers finally felt it shift and were able to lift it up high enough for Nathan to pull Joe free. Once they saw that Joe was completely clear, Adam and Hoss dropped the buckboard. Hoss reached for Joe and pulled him up with him to the surface.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss quickly got Joe to shore. As soon as they were on the bank Adam lay Joe down and turned him on to his stomach and pushed on his back, hoping to force some of the water Joe had swallowed out of him, Adam didn\u2019t know what else they could do. Once the water started to come out, it poured out in a rush but Joe lay still.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gently turned his brother over and placed a hand on his neck, feeling for a pulse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss felt as if his own heart had stopped beating. \u201cAdam?\u201d he asked quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s alive,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook Joe and tried to wake him up. \u201cLittle Joe, come on,\u201d he repeated but after a few attempts he shook his head at Hoss. \u201cWe\u2019ll have to let him do it in his own time.\u201d Looking up at the sky and the rain that was still coming down Adam said, \u201cThere\u2019s no where close by that we can take him to get out of this rain, we\u2019ll just have to head for home and hope it stops soon.\u201d Adam brushed the wet hair back from Joe\u2019s forehead as he said, \u201cWe need to get a doctor for him as quick as we can anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss turned a furious face towards Nathan Turner. \u201cWhy did you try to cross there,\u201d he yelled, \u201cwhat were you thinking?\u201d Adam could see Hoss clenching his hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Adam said, \u201cwe don\u2019t have time to argue about it now, we have to help Joe,\u201d he too threw an angry look Nathan\u2019s way and continued, \u201cwe\u2019ll get some answers later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded to some trees away from the bank of the river and said, \u201cUnload the buckboard, we\u2019ll leave everything here.\u201d He leaned over Joe, protecting him as much as he could from the rain and set about cleaning him up and setting his arm while Hoss and Nathan unloaded everything.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once Hoss had everything ready he walked over to Adam and said, \u201cHas he woken up yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re ready to go,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked over at the buckboard and saw that it was empty and Hoss had spread their rain slickers over part of it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss reached down and lifted Joe up, taking him over to the buckboard and placing him inside under the little cover that was provided.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded toward the buckboard and goods that were still in the river. \u201cWhat about that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll leave it,\u201d Adam said, \u201cwe\u2019ll send someone back to salvage what they can.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss climbed into the back of the backboard with Joe and Adam climbed up onto the seat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Nathan, we need to get going,\u201d Adam said. Nathan climbed up on the seat next to Adam and they started on the journey home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss undressed Joe and wrapped him in a blanket, knowing it wasn\u2019t much better but at least he would be a little dryer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam drove the team carefully, preying that they wouldn\u2019t bog. He heaved a sigh of relief when the rain started to slow and finally stopped. Hoss pulled the slickers down, just leaving one up to protect Joe\u2019s face from the sun. He hoped that now that the clouds were clearing they might start to dry out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nathan sat in silence. Adam noticed that the man kept looking back towards the men in the back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As night approached Adam and Hoss discussed what they should do. Both were frightened by how still Joe was, they feared there was something seriously wrong as he was showing no signs of waking up. They felt it was imperative that they get him home as soon as possible but they also knew the horses needed a rest and with the coming of the night, the temperature was starting to drop and the blankets that covered Joe were still damp. They decided to make camp for the night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quickly they got a fire started, placing Joe as close to it as they could while making sure he was far enough away not to get burnt. Adam sat with Joe while Hoss saw to the horses and then started making them something to eat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up at Nathan Turner who was staring at Joe with a blank look on his face. Suddenly Nathan dropped to his knees, reaching out his hand to touch Joe he said,\u201d I\u2019m sorry Jake, I didn\u2019t mean to hurt you. I\u2019ll take care of you. Don\u2019t worry. I\u2019ll look after you, Jake.\u201d Nathan tried to push Adam out of his way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam knocked Nathan\u2019s hands away. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with you? What are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s my son,\u201d Nathan said. \u201cI know you want to help Adam but I can see to Jake by myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss looked at each other in confusion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJake\u2019s dead,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nathan shook his head, \u201cNo! Stop lying to me. I can see he\u2019s still alive.\u201d This time he attempted to pull Joe from his brother\u2019s arms. Adam held Joe tighter to himself and shouldered Nathan away. \u201cDon\u2019t touch him,\u201d Adam snapped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once more Nathan reached for Joe and this time Hoss grabbed him, pulled him up and shook him, shoving him forcefully away. \u201cStop it! It\u2019s Joe. I don\u2019t know what\u2019s gotten into you but that\u2019s Joe not Jake. Jake\u2019s dead!\u201d Hoss hoped he had finally gotten through to the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nathan stared at them all for a moment and then he turned and walked away, he stood and watched them from a distance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Cartwright\u2019s let him go, preferring the distance from him. \u201cWhat do you thinks wrong with him? What are we going to do?\u201d Hoss asked nodding over towards Nathan Turner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know. I think his mind’s snapped. We\u2019ll have to keep an eye on him. There\u2019s no telling what he might do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They turned their attention back to Joe, they had been able to get some water into him but knew it would be pointless to try and get him to eat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Adam sat eating with Joe\u2019s head pillowed in his lap he couldn\u2019t help but reflect on how different this night was to so many others that he had spent camping out with his brothers. Mostly they spent hours talking and laughing but tonight the older two were too worried about the third.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As soon as Adam and Hoss finished eating, Hoss said, \u201cYou get some sleep, I\u2019ll take the first watch and wake you in a few hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded and wrapped an arm over Joe to pull his younger brother to him incase Joe should roll towards the fire while he slept.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam felt himself being shaken awake. \u201cAdam,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cwake up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? Is it my turn for watch?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNathan went off into the trees a little while ago. Thought he was just going to relieve himself, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, \u201cWhat about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe ain\u2019t come back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow longs he been gone?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBout an hour. Do you reckon somethin\u2019s happened to him?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know but there\u2019s no use looking in the dark. We\u2019ll have to wait for morning.\u201d Adam checked on Joe and said, \u201cYou get some sleep. I\u2019ll watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Hoss replied as he lay down next to his young brother, draping an arm protectively over him the same way Adam had.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The next morning it was still dark when Adam and Hoss worked by the light given off by the fire to get everything together and Joe comfortable in the buckboard for the trip home. They searched around for Nathan Turner but found no sign of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have time to look anymore. We need to get Joe home. We\u2019ll send someone back to look for Nathan.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReckon it\u2019s the only thing we can do,\u201d Hoss agreed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben was saddling Buck in the barn when he heard the buckboard pull into the yard. Going to the door he was surprised to see Hoss driving. Surprise turned to worry in the blink of an eye when he saw that Adam was seated in the back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rushed over to the buckboard. Looking down into the back of it he saw his youngest son wrapped in blankets, his head in Adam\u2019s lap, his face shockingly pale.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Ben asked as he reached to stroke Joe\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get him inside Pa and I\u2019ll tell you,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go for the doc,\u201d Hoss said as he jumped down and ran for the barn to saddle a horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Adam got Joe out of the buckboard and carried him into the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Upstairs as Ben and Adam made Joe as comfortable as they could, Ben looked to Adam for an explanation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNathan tried to cross the river when it was raining. He didn\u2019t check the depth, it was too high and the buckboard tipped. Joe was riding with him, he\u2019d tried to stop Nathan but Nat wouldn\u2019t listen. When it tipped Joe\u2019s arm was caught. He was pinned under it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWas he under the water?\u201d Ben asked, not taking his eyes off Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes he was. We couldn\u2019t lift the wagon. We couldn\u2019t get him free. Nathan was going to\u2026..\u201d Adam stopped, not sure if he should tell his father the full story.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up sharply, knowing his son was keeping something from him. \u201cNathan was going to what?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a deep breath. \u201cHe was going to cut Joe\u2019s arm off.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDear God,\u201d Ben uttered as his legs gave out and he sat on the edge of the bed, looking down at his son who was lying so still.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence in the room as Ben fought the nausea that rose up within him, he stroked back the hair on Joe\u2019s forehead, his eyes stayed glued on Joe. \u201cHow long was he under the water?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHas he been conscious at all?\u201d Ben asked. Fear that even those few minutes had been too long tugging at his heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam swallowed the lump in his throat. \u201cHe was conscious at first, Pa. He was trying to pull his arm free,\u201d Adam squeezed his father\u2019s arm. \u201cJoe panicked when he saw the knife. He knew what Nathan was going to do and he fought against him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben’s face visibly paled and then he nodded for Adam to go on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam told his father how Hoss had come out and they\u2019d gotten Joe free. \u201cJoe was unconscious before we pulled him up. He hasn\u2019t come around at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe has a broken arm but there might be worse damage that we can\u2019t see,\u201d tears came to Ben’s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know that, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was gently stroking Joe\u2019s head when he suddenly stopped. \u201cHe\u2019s got a lump on the side of his head.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI felt that too, it hasn\u2019t bled though. He must have hit his head when the buckboard went over.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt might be why he\u2019s still unconscious. Maybe it\u2019s not because he was under the water too long.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Pa. We\u2019ll just have to wait and see what Paul thinks when he gets here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben realised he hadn\u2019t seen Nathan Turner in the yard, \u201cWhere is Nathan?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam explained to his father what had happened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was shocked. \u201cI had no idea the man was so unstable. Why did I send him with you boys?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam heard the incrimination in his fathers voice, he knew his father was feeling responsible. \u201cPa, Nat had a drinking problem but none of us had any idea that his mind was going. I think he just snapped when he saw Joe pinned like that. It must have brought all the memories of Jake back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Right at that moment Ben didn\u2019t care what happened to Nathan, he hated the man. He turned his attention back to Joe, wanting only to focus on him. Ben and Adam continued to sit with Joe. Hop Sing continually came in to find out if there was anything they needed or wanted him to do but there was little anyone could do except wait. It was with relief that they heard a buggy enter the yard, knowing that finally the doctor had arrived. It wasn\u2019t long before Hoss rushed into the room with the doctor in tow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss immediately went over to the bed and gently touched Joe\u2019s face, assuring himself that his little brother was still alive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul Martin approached the bed and Hoss reluctantly stepped aside. \u201cBen, Adam,\u201d Doctor Martin said as he approached the bed, \u201cHoss told me what happened, has he woken at all?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben said, \u201cwe found a lump on his head though.\u201d He gently touched it to show Paul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, let\u2019s have a look at him,\u201d Paul tried to wake the young man but got no response. After carefully examining him, Paul said, \u201cI\u2019ll splint his arm. That\u2019s about all I can do. We\u2019ll just have to wait and see how he goes. I know this is hard but it\u2019s impossible to tell if it\u2019s the knock on Joe\u2019s head that\u2019s keeping him out this long or if it might be something even more serious.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried to talk Adam and Hoss in to going to their rooms to try and get some sleep but they refused to leave their brothers side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Adam stared down at the young brother that he\u2019d protected and looked after all his life, he felt like he was being crushed by guilt; had he let Joe down when he needed him most? Looking over at Hoss, Adam knew he was suffering with the same feelings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we should have done it. We might have gotten him free sooner,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With tears in his eyes Hoss shook his head, \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben swallowed the lump in his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDone what?\u201d Paul Martin asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a deep breath and said, \u201cNathan wanted to cut Joe\u2019s arm off. He thought it was the only way we\u2019d get him free in time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Paul said, \u201cI know how you all must be feeling right now. There\u2019s no point in my lying to you, you know Joe may have suffered some brain injuries from the length of time he was under the water.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam got up and went to stare out of the window, trying to get control of his emotions. Hoss didn\u2019t bother to try and hide his tears. Ben\u2019s heart was heavy with sorrow and pain for all of his sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut,\u201d Paul continued, \u201cI think you did the right thing. If you had amputated Joe\u2019s arm, yes, you would have freed him but I don\u2019t think he would still be alive. Blood loss, shock, pain, then infection would have sent in, I just don\u2019t think Joe would have survived it. At least now you\u2019ve given him a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned and looked at the still form in the bed and prayed his brother would be okay so that he would be freed from the awful uncertainty that he\u2019d made the wrong decision.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam returned to his chair. Ben stroked the hair back from Joe\u2019s forehead and then looked at his other two sons. \u201cWhatever happens I want you to know I don\u2019t blame you. This isn\u2019t your fault, it\u2019s mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cwhy do you think that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben wiped a tear away and looking at his oldest son he said, \u201cAdam warned me about Nathan but I wouldn\u2019t listen. Oh no,\u201d Ben said bitterly, \u201cI knew better, I had to keep Nat on. Worse yet, I sent him on that trip with you and because of that it nearly cost Joe his life,\u201d Ben took a deep breath, \u201cit still might.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t say that, Pa,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cJoe\u2019s gonna be okay, you\u2019ll see. It\u2019s not your fault Pa, you couldn\u2019t have known this would happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam put his hand on his fathers shoulder, \u201cHoss is right. You felt loyalty to a man who\u2019s worked for us for years, a friend. Don\u2019t you think we know that you would have fired him without a moments hesitation if you thought he would cause something like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI should have fired him,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss knew there was nothing they could say to relieve their father\u2019s feelings of guilt because in truth, there was nothing anyone could say to relieve their own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The family and Doctor Martin stayed with Joe, talking to him and repeatedly trying to wake him. Joe finally began to stir.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben who was sitting in a chair beside the bed, held his sons hand and urged him to open his eyes. Joe\u2019s eyes flickered open and he stared at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, it\u2019s alright. Just lie still,\u201d Ben was startled when he saw a look of panic cross the young man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As remembrance came flooding back to Joe, he pulled his right hand free from his father\u2019s grasp and moved his hand across to feel for his left arm. Joe\u2019s thinking wasn\u2019t clear and he began to get upset when he couldn\u2019t feel it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grabbed Joe\u2019s hand again and moved to sit on the bed. \u201cIt\u2019s alright Joseph. Son, listen to me. Everything\u2019s fine your arm\u2019s just broken.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe thrashed his head away and Ben pulled his son\u2019s face back towards him. \u201cListen to me, Joseph.\u201d He moved Joe\u2019s hand so he could feel his arm strapped to his chest. \u201cSee, it\u2019s still there. You\u2019ve broken it, that\u2019s all. You\u2019re going to be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes filled with tears, \u201cOh, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gently pulled Joe into an embrace. Paul let Ben hold his son until he had calmed down and then he said, \u201cBen, I need to check him over.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded, reluctantly lying Joe back down, he immediately reached to hold his sons hand again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDrink,\u201d Joe asked<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam quickly poured a glass of water and handed it to his father, glad to be able to do something, he then lifted Joe\u2019s head up. Once Ben had helped Joe drink all he wanted, Adam moved out of the way so Paul could examine his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul Martin gave Joe such a thorough examination that by the end of it Joe was sick of being poked, prodded and questioned. Joe\u2019s family though had become happier with each new test Paul carried out. It became clear that Joe had suffered no brain damage. He felt very tired and he was sick and sore but everyone knew that was normal after all Joe had been though.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

A week later Joe was on the road to recovery though the family had been woken every night as he relived the events in nightmares. Ben hoped that given time the memories would fade and the nightmares would stop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy Coffee and a search party had looked for Nathan Turner but had found no sign of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On this day, Ben, Adam and Hoss had all left for work. It was the first day that Ben had left Joe since the accident. He left Hop Sing in charge with strict instructions that Joe was to do nothing but rest. They returned to the house at about midday. Ben had decided to return to spend the rest of the day with Joe. Adam and Hoss were going to eat with them and then return to work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Going inside, Ben was surprised that Joe wasn\u2019t on the settee where he had been when they\u2019d left.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe must be upstairs,\u201d Ben said as he headed up to check.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened Joe\u2019s door quietly, expecting to see him asleep but he found the bed empty and Adam\u2019s call from downstairs almost stopped Ben\u2019s heart for he knew something was wrong.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, come down here quick,\u201d Adam shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took the stairs at a run. As he reached the landing he saw Hop Sing standing in the room with his two older sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing,\u201d Ben shouted, \u201cwhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing not know,\u201d Hop Sing said, clearly upset.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe found Hop Sing tied up and gagged in the kitchen, Pa,\u201d Hoss explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Ben shouted, \u201cwho was it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNathan Turner,\u201d Hop Sing said, \u201che come to house. All sudden he grab me, put gag in mouth, no time to warn Little Joe. He tie me up and leave. Not know what happen after that. Not know where he take Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll check the barn,\u201d Hoss said as he ran for the door. The others quickly followed him. They were coming across the yard as Hoss ran out of the barn. \u201cTwo horses are missing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s tracks every where here. Where do we start looking?\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing,\u201d Ben said, \u201cgo into town and tell Roy Coffee what\u2019s happened, that we need help to search for Joe. Tell him we\u2019ll start looking at Nathan Turner\u2019s cabin.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the Cartwright\u2019s rode toward Nathan\u2019s cabin, Adam said, \u201cDo you really think he might have taken Joe to his house, Pa. Surely he knows we\u2019d look there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know Adam. I don\u2019t know where he might have taken him but we have to start somewhere and it\u2019s as logical as any.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Nathan had indeed taken Joe to his home. In Nathan Turner\u2019s mind he had no reason to hide, he\u2019d done nothing wrong, he\u2019d brought his son home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had been dozing on the settee when he\u2019d been surprised by someone shaking him awake. Realising who it was, there had been nothing he could do. He\u2019d tried to fight Nathan off but had been easily over powered. Joe was still suffering the effects of his head injury as well as being hampered by having the use of only one arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they rode up to the house, Nathan dismounted and went over to Joe\u2019s horse, untying the rope that had bound Joe\u2019s right hand to the saddle horn. \u201cI don\u2019t know why you are fighting me like this Jake. I just wanted to bring you home where you belong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not Jake! How many times do I have to tell you that,\u201d Joe shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Nathan reached up to help Joe down, Joe kicked out at him and slid from the horse, taking off at a run.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe ran down the side of the house and headed for the trees. Nathan Turner picked himself up off the ground and took off in pursuit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thinking nothing of Joe\u2019s injuries, he caught the young man and pulled him to the ground. Joe cried out as his injured body hit the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Twisting free and turning over, Joe realised where he was. He was lying next to the graves of Sarah and Jake Turner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook Nathan, there\u2019s your son!\u201d Joe shouted, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, but he\u2019s dead!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nathan starred at the two graves in front of him. Dropping to his knees he looked over at Joe. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe.\u201d Then he collapsed to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat for a moment, too shaken to do anything, then he reached for Nathan and turned him over, seeing the man was dead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt himself start to tremble and he couldn\u2019t have stood if his life depended on it. Hearing horses he looked up and saw his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Joe shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking towards the direction the shout had come from, the three men were off their horses and to him in a matter of moments.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grabbed Joe and pulled him into his arms. Glaring at the body of Nathan Turner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could see Joe was shaking and took off his jacket, wrapping it around his little brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright?\u201d Ben asked, rubbing his hand down Joe\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt Joe nod. The family sat together with Ben holding his youngest son until he felt the tremors in the young mans body cease.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss were kneeling down next to their father and young brother. Adam put his hand on Joe\u2019s back, then looked up at their father. \u201cPa, you and Hoss take Joe home. I\u2019ll take Nathan in to Doc Martin\u2019s. We better get him to look at the body. I\u2019ll probably meet up with Roy on the way into town so I\u2019ll tell him what\u2019s happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you son,\u201d Ben said, \u201cDo you think you can ride, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. Ben pulled him away from him a little so Adam and Hoss could put Adam\u2019s jacket on him properly. Helping him to his feet, Ben and Hoss slowly supported Joe over to their horses, helping him on to their father\u2019s horse. Ben climbed up behind his son and they started home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The following day the Cartwright family sat in the great room talking. They had just returned from Nathan Turner\u2019s funeral. Ben hadn\u2019t been sure it was a good idea for Joe to attend but Joe had felt it was something he had to do so his family had gone with him. Paul Martin had ruled that Nathan had died from a heat attack.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you feel, Joe? Do you want to go upstairs and lie down? Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa. I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re very quiet,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust thinking,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to talk about it?\u201d Ben asked, moving from his chair to sit on the armrest of the settee next to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t understand why he was like that, Pa. I know he was upset about Sarah and Jake and I can understand that. Even the way he started drinking the way he did. But he wasn\u2019t acting crazy until we had the accident. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s so much we don\u2019t know about the mind, Joe. I can only guess at what was going on with Nathan. I think the shock of the accident, happening the way it did just did something to his mind. I don\u2019t think he was able to distinguish between the two accidents. They became one in his mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam moved to sit on the table in front of Joe. \u201cYou know Joe, remember when Sarah and Jake were killed, that first day after the accident, before Nat started drinking. He told us how Jake was still alive and every time he tried to lift the wagon, Jake cried out because it hurt so much. It made Nathan hesitate because he thought he was hurting Jake worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded, \u201cI remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I think Jake regretted that he didn\u2019t just get the wagon straight off Jake. I think he felt that if he had, Jake would still be alive. When you were trapped under the water\u2026\u2026\u201d Adam stopped as he saw Joe\u2019s body tense at the memory.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave Joe\u2019s shoulders a squeeze, \u201cIt\u2019s okay Joseph, you\u2019re safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss, who was sitting beside his brother, patted his knee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben motioned for Adam to continue.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou alright buddy?\u201d at Joe\u2019s nod Adam continued, \u201cWell, it was really strange, I didn\u2019t have time to think about it then but the first time Nathan called you Jake was when we came up for air just after he\u2019d pulled his knife and he kept calling you Jake from then on. Thinking about it now, what he said, it all fits.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did he say,\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe said that he wasn\u2019t going to let Jake down this time, that he\u2019d free him no matter what,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shuddered and looked at his brothers. \u201cI\u2019m glad you stopped him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe weren\u2019t sure we\u2019d done the right thing when you took so long to wake up,\u201d Hoss said, still shaken by the events of that day. \u201cWe\u2019d never have forgiven ourselves if you\u2019d died little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t say that,\u201d Joe said urgently, \u201cthere would have been nothing to blame yourselves for. You can only do what you think is right at the time and I know that all of you would do what you thought was best for me just like I would for you. You can\u2019t blame yourself for that. Look what feeling guilty did to Nathan.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, \u201cAs terrible as the situation was at the time at least we can look back now and know we did the right thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pulled Joe to him, \u201cThank God,\u201d he whispered as he held his son tightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

May 2003<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0\u00a0 A ranch hand and decisions made could change the lives of the Cartwrights forever.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (6,725 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10321,"featured_media":13074,"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":[23],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-13834","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2108,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Family-3.jpg?fit=272%2C320&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":13834,"position":0},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7582,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7582","url_meta":{"origin":13834,"position":1},"title":"Doctor’s Orders (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Ben and Adam face off over the doctor\u2019s orders. Rated:\u00a0K+\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0887","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7580,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7580","url_meta":{"origin":13834,"position":2},"title":"The Wheelchair (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Years later Adam\u2019s wheelchair from \u201cThe Triangle\u201d comes out of the attic. Rated:\u00a0K+\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0667 The Wheelchair Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Bird.jpg?fit=323%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13682,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13682","url_meta":{"origin":13834,"position":3},"title":"The Black Gloves (by Milesky1)","author":"Milesky1","date":"January 23, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Answering the burning question, \"Why did Joe suddenly start wearing those black gloves?\" Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (850 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":49490,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49490","url_meta":{"origin":13834,"position":4},"title":"Finish the Story (by TinaO)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"July 23, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis:\u00a0Revenge drives a man bent on revenge for the past eighteen years. Will Ben be able to bring his son back from the brink??? 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