{"id":13842,"date":"2004-08-27T08:33:58","date_gmt":"2004-08-27T12:33:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13842"},"modified":"2026-02-16T14:17:21","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T19:17:21","slug":"the-murder-of-callie-shaw-by-helenb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13842","title":{"rendered":"The Murder of Callie Shaw (by HelenB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 <\/b>Adam and Joe arrange to meet.\u00a0When Adam fails to arrive, Joe sets out in search of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 (8,350 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\n

The Murder of Callie Shaw<\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

The trapdoor released. \u201cAdam!\u201d Joe screamed at the realization that he was too late. Joe turned away, the bile rising in his throat. The people who had gathered to watch turned at the sound of approaching horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss Cartwright, along with the marshal that rode beside them, pulled their horses to a stop as they saw with horror, the body hanging from a rope. Ben\u2019s eyes turned to his youngest son and Joe took a step shakily towards him. \u201cPa,\u201d Joe whispered, as his knees buckled and he collapsed, unconscious before he hit the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Two days ago<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe rode into the town of <\/span>Preston<\/span> Falls. He\u2019d been searching for his older brother Adam, for days now. Joe had been waiting in the town of <\/span>Silver Water<\/span> while Adam attended to some business in <\/span>San Francisco<\/span>. It had been arranged that Adam would meet Joe in Silver Water where Joe had purchased five horses. The brothers were then intending to ride home to the Ponderosa together. When Adam had failed to arrive, Joe left the horses in Silver Water and started riding towards <\/span>San Francisco<\/span>, knowing that something had happened to his brother between <\/span>San Francisco<\/span> and Silver Water.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As he rode, Joe\u2019s eyes searched the streets for any sign of his brother. When Joe saw the sheriff\u2019s office at the end of the street, he headed there. He had just dismounted when he heard someone call, \u201cLooking for me?\u201d Turning, Joe saw a man walking across the road towards him, a sheriff\u2019s star pinned on his shirt. \u201cI\u2019m Sheriff Carlson.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe waited until the sheriff reached him and said, \u201cActually, I\u2019m looking for someone,\u201d Joe described both Adam and his horse and was disappointed when the sheriff shook his head. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sorry. Haven\u2019t seen him and I know whenever there is a stranger in town even if he\u2019s just passing through.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess he never reached here then,\u201d Joe said, disappointed. Joe was so tired he felt like he could sleep standing up. He\u2019d been riding as hard as he could, pushing both himself and his horse to their limit. As much as he wanted to push on, he knew he needed to get some sleep and his horse Cochise, needed a beak.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are ya<\/span> looking for this fella?\u201d The sheriff\u2019s words interrupted Joe\u2019s thoughts. \u201cHe\u2019s my brother,\u201d Joe replied as he looked around, seeing the saloon he said, \u201cExcuse me Sheriff. I want to get a room for the night and ask around a bit more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe started to walk away and the sheriff said, sharply, \u201cI already told you. He\u2019s not here. He hasn\u2019t been here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe frowned at the man\u2019s attitude, just giving the man a nod as he walked away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When Joe stepped up to the bar, the bartender asked, \u201cWhat can I get you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA beer and a room for the night, please.\u201d Joe looked around. It wasn\u2019t very busy, only six men were seated around the room, Joe wasn\u2019t surprised though, it was a small town. He guessed there would be about eighty people living there. \u201cI\u2019m looking for someone,\u201d Joe said, \u201cHis names Adam Cartwright,\u201d Joe was sure he saw a couple of the men shoot glances at each other and he made sure he made eye contact with each man as he described Adam and his horse. Once again, Joe felt a pang of disappointment when everyone shook their heads negatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe drank his beer and after telling the bartender that he\u2019d be back for the room, he took Cochise over to the livery.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long do you want to stable him, mister?\u201d the livery owner, Sam Tompkins asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust the night,\u201d Joe replied, as he started to unsaddle Cochise, intending to see to his horse himself before leaving. As he worked, Joe said, \u201cI\u2019m looking for someone. My brother. He might have come through here recently. He\u2026.\u201d Joe stopped as the man shook his head and then said, \u201cI haven\u2019t even told you what he looked like.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo need, mister. I ain\u2019t seen \u2018im<\/span>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe clenched the brush tightly in his hand, resisting the urge to throw it as the man turned and walked away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After seeing to Cochise, Joe walked around town and spoke to everyone he saw but the reply was always the same. No. Finally, as it grew dark, he returned to the saloon and went to his room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe lay down on the bed his mind continued to whirl as he wondered what he should do next. He\u2019d already wired his father and Hoss that Adam was missing. They had wired back that they would head for San Francisco and start searching from that end. It wasn\u2019t long before exhaustion got the better of him and Joe fell into a deep sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe awoke the next morning and blinked at the strong sunlight coming in the window. He felt a lot better for the sleep but he was angry with himself for sleeping so long when he\u2019d wanted to get an early start. \u201cI should have been on the trail a couple of hours ago,\u201d Joe mumbled to himself, as he got dressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe approached the stable, he heard a voice, raised in anger. \u201cYou fool. Get it out of here. He hasn\u2019t left yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe reached the doorway and stood there in shock as he saw his brother\u2019s horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning his head, one of the men saw Joe. Before the man could say anything, Joe stepped forward and ran his hand over the horse, glaring at the men, he said, \u201cThis is my brother\u2019s horse. I thought you said he hadn\u2019t been here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026.\u201d The second man started and Joe could almost see the wheels turning in his head as he tried to think of something to say, \u201cI didn\u2019t know who owned him. Found him wandering around outside of town and I brought him here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLiar,\u201d Joe spat the word out. He pulled his gun from its holster and pointed it at the two men. \u201cI want to know where he is. Now!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Facing the angry young man with the gun held so steady in his hand the livery owner lost what little courage he had. \u201cHe\u2019s in the jail,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Joe asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s he accused of?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The two men looked at each other. \u201cNot just accused, Mister,\u201d the second man said, \u201cHe\u2019s been found guilty,\u201d Joe frowned as he waited for the man to continue, \u201cof murder. He\u2019s going to be hung at dawn tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The color<\/span> drained from Joe\u2019s face but he held his hand steady. Slowly Joe backed out of the stable. Once outside he drew in a deep breath to try and settle his nerves and then all but ran over to the jail. Thrusting open the door, he burst inside. The sheriff, sitting at his desk, looked up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s my brother?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing the young man obviously knew his brother was there and that there was no point in trying to lie, the sheriff nodded towards the back room where the cells were. Joe immediately started to walk to the door but the sheriff called out, \u201cStop!\u201d Joe stopped and slowly turned back to face the man. The sheriff stood to his feet and said, \u201cYou can go back there but you leave your gun here.\u201d Without saying a word, Joe walked to the desk and lay his gun upon it, then turned and hurried to see his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At the click of the door, Adam looked over, expecting to see the sheriff. Seeing his younger brother, Adam jumped to his feet. \u201cJoe!\u201d he walked over to the bars and wrapped his hands around them. \u201cWhen did you get here? How did you find me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head, for the moment ignoring the questions. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d his hands gripped the bars beside Adam\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing the anxiety clearly displayed on the young mans face, the elder brother tried for a reassurance he didn\u2019t feel. \u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d he said, reaching through the bars and laying his hand on his brother\u2019s arm, \u201cNow,\u201d Adam said, as he squeezed Joe\u2019s arm, \u201chow did you find me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just back tracked you from Silver Water when you didn\u2019t show up. Kept asking at every town I went though. I got here yesterday but everyone I asked said you hadn\u2019t been though here. I would have left town believing that except I just saw your horse at the livery. Adam,\u201d Joe paused and then said quietly, \u201cThey say you\u2019re to be hung for murder,\u201d Joe shook his head and his voice started to rise as he continued, \u201cAdam, what happened? How do I get you out of here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked into his brother\u2019s eyes. \u201cListen to me, Joe. I need you to calm down for me first all right,\u201d Adam watched as his brother nodded and struggled to get his emotions under control.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe could hardly force the words past his lips but he knew he had to ask. \u201cAdam,\u201d Joe swallowed, \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t tell you much, Joe. I don\u2019t know what\u2019s going on. I got into town Friday afternoon. I got a room above the saloon and went to get something to eat. After that I had a couple of beers and then went up to bed,\u201d Joe was silent as he listened intently, \u201cNext thing I know, my door is kicked in and I was dragged over here,\u201d Adam looked into Joe\u2019s eyes, \u201cJoe, they say I\u2026. They say I assaulted a woman, Callie Shaw, had my way with her and then killed her. Joe, I\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to tell me that\u2019s not true,\u201d Joe broke in quickly, \u201cI know beyond a doubt it\u2019s a lie, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite the seriousness of the situation he was in, Adam smiled at his young brother\u2019s implicit trust in him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are they blaming you?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cI guess they want to believe it was a stranger rather than one of them and I\u2019m the only stranger in town,\u201d Adam stopped as he realized he wasn\u2019t the only stranger in town now, concerned now that Joe might be pulled into the trouble. \u201cJoe, I want you to get out of this town. Go somewhere else, wire Pa and Hoss to come.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know exactly where they are, Adam. They\u2019re looking for you, too. And I can\u2019t leave you here alone. I won\u2019t leave you. I\u2019ll get you out some how.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t do it alone, Little Joe. And I don\u2019t know if there\u2019s anyone in this town you can trust.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked around to make sure the sheriff wasn\u2019t within earshot. \u201cHow did they have the trial so fast?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t call it a trail,\u201d Adam said bitterly, \u201cthey just declared I was guilty and passed sentence. Guess I\u2019m lucky they didn\u2019t hang me then and there. That\u2019s what a lot of them wanted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s, they?\u201d Joe asked, \u201cWho are the ring leaders?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe sheriff,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cYou can\u2019t rely on him, Joe. And a man named Barnes. Tom Barnes. From what little I\u2019ve been able to pick up, Barnes practically runs this town. Everyone else is either in his hip pocket or too scared to go against him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf I can get a wire to Sheriff Coffee to find Pa, they could get a marshal or someone to come here,\u201d Joe was filled with uncertainty about the best way to help his brother. There was so little time. \u201cI wish Pa was here now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI know. So do I but even if you find out where they are, they\u2019d be days away from getting here. They\u2019d never make it in time, Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and turned his face away. \u201cDon\u2019t say that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam had seen the tears in his young brother\u2019s eyes before he\u2019d turned away, he put his hand on his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u201cLook at me, Joe,\u201d Joe refused to turn towards him, \u201cI know you\u2019ll do your best. Whatever happens, don\u2019t blame yourself. Promise me, Joe,\u201d Adam reached up and putting his hand on the side of his young brother\u2019s face, forced Joe to look at him, \u201cPromise me.\u201d Joe reluctantly nodded and the brothers embraced, as much as the bars between them would allow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTimes up,\u201d a voice called from the door and Joe reluctantly pulled away, turning to face the sheriff. \u201cWhy can\u2019t I stay longer?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I said times up. Be grateful that I let you talk to him at all,\u201d the sheriff replied. \u201cCome on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo on, Joe. I\u2019ll be all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded sadly, unable to force any words out past the lump in his throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe started to leave, Adam reached out to him. \u201cJoe,\u201d Adam said quietly, squeezing his brother\u2019s arm, \u201cBe careful. The girl who was killed, she was the fianc\u00e9e of Zack Barnes. He\u2019s Tom Barnes\u2019 son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll get you out, Adam. I promise.\u201d Before his brother could reply Joe hurried from the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Going over to the telegraph office, Joe wrote out the message he wanted to send. The telegrapher looked at the message and then up at Joe. \u201cSorry mister. The wires are down. Won\u2019t be back up for at least a couple of days.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe glared at the man, knowing he was lying but unable to prove it. Snatching the paper out of the man\u2019s hand, Joe walked angrily outside. Looking around he debated what he should do. Ducking into some shadows near a building across from the telegraph office, Joe waited.<\/span><\/p>\n

Three hours later, Joe was becoming impatient. He felt like he was wasting time but he knew he had to get word to his father. Joe tensed as he saw the door open and the telegrapher made his way over to a caf\u00e9. Joe looked around to make sure no one was watching and then quickly ran across the street and stepped into the telegraph office.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sitting down at the desk, Joe started to tap out a message to Virginia City.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

SHERIFF COFFEE STOP IN TOWN OF PRESTON FALLS STOP NEED HELP STOP ADAM\u2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked up at the sound of someone bursting into the room. \u201cDon\u2019t move!\u201d the sheriff said as Joe\u2019s hand paused on the telegraph key. Keeping his gun pointed at Joe, Sheriff Carlson walked over to him and pulled the wire from the control. Joe watched in dismay knowing the line was now dead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStand up,\u201d the sheriff ordered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The telegrapher came back into the room and looked at the scene before him. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCaught him trying to send a message,\u201d Sheriff Carlson said, \u201cI don\u2019t think he got much through. I saw Mr Barnes in town earlier, I\u2019ll find him and see what he wants to do with him,\u201d he nodded towards Joe. Carlson reached out and pulled Joe\u2019s gun from its holster. \u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d he said, as he roughly pushed Joe towards the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe knew that if he allowed himself to be taken away by the sheriff, not only would his own life be at risk but there would be no one who could help Adam. As Joe started to step out of the door, he pushed hard back against the sheriff and then ran as fast as he could around the building and down some alleys. By the time Carlson had regained his balance, Joe was nowhere in sight. Furious, the sheriff set off in pursuit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe ran through alleys and around buildings. He found himself ducking behind a small white house with a white picket fence. As he leaned against the back wall of the house, trying to catch his breath, he was startled when the door next to him opened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The young woman who stood in the doorway was about Joe\u2019s age, she had long blonde hair that was tied in a bun at the back of her head. \u201cDon\u2019t be frightened,\u201d Joe said, \u201cI\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She shook her head, cutting him off. \u201cQuickly,\u201d she said, \u201cCome inside.\u201d Not sure if he could trust her, Joe hesitated but knowing the sheriff could come upon him, he realized he had no other option. Once inside, Joe shut the door behind them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you. My names Joe Cartwright,\u201d Joe said, introducing himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re in trouble, aren\u2019t you?\u201d the woman asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cYes, I am. But I promise, I didn\u2019t do anything wrong. I\u2019m just trying to help my brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman smiled and Joe was struck by her beauty. \u201cI know you\u2019re telling the truth,\u201d she said softly, moving to stand next to Joe, he could smell the scent of rose water on her. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you helping me?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you need it. There\u2019s no one else in this town who will help you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey can\u2019t all have been bought by Tom Barnes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they haven\u2019t,\u201d the girl replied, \u201cbut the one\u2019s that haven\u2019t are too scared of him to be of any help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe glanced out the window and saw the sheriff walking up the street, he moved to stand next to the window, out of sight but where he was still able to watch. He saw Sheriff Carlson approach two men and they stood talking.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Zack Barnes and his father,\u201d the girl said, \u201cThat\u2019s the man who should be in jail for murder instead of your brother. The<\/span> neighbors must have heard the argument when he came to the house that night and he parked his buggy outside. He wasn\u2019t trying to hide that he was calling.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Zack!\u2019 Joe thought to himself, \u2018Maybe a lovers argument got out of hand?\u2019 He cursed that he hadn\u2019t thought to suspect Zack earlier. \u201cDid you see him at Callie\u2019s that night?\u201d Joe asked the young woman, knowing that he needed evidence. \u201cDid you hear them argue?\u201d Glancing out the window, Joe saw the three men split up and begin to knock on doors, going into the houses to search. Sheriff Carlson headed towards the house where Joe was.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to go,\u201d the young woman said, \u201cQuickly, before he finds you here. Go out that way,\u201d she pointed to a door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for your help,\u201d Joe said, heading towards the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful,\u201d the young woman said as Joe heard the front door open. He wondered at the audacity of the sheriff to not even knock before entering the lady\u2019s home. He left the house, quietly closing the door behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe lay on his stomach, hidden in some bushes, watching the Barnes house. He\u2019d waited until Tom and Zack had left town and he\u2019d followed them, now he waited for an opportunity to get Zack alone. Joe hadn\u2019t thought about what he was going to do next, he was short on time and he knew he had to work quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe watched as the man he knew to be Zack Barnes came out of the house. He was a few years older than Joe, with a bigger build. Walking over to a horse, the man mounted and rode away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe quickly made his way to his own horse which he had been able to sneak out of the livery, and followed Zack. Joe rode off the track and circled out, he rode quickly to get in front of the man and cut him off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Coming around a bend, Zack Barnes was confronted by Joe who was holding a gun steady in his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStop!\u201d Joe called.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zack Barnes\u2019 hand moved toward his gun and Joe shouted, \u201cDon\u2019t try it!\u201d Noting Barnes was right handed, Joe said, \u201cUse your left hand to get your gun out and throw it on the ground. The man glared but did as he was told.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded and then motioned with his gun. \u201cGet down.\u201d Zack Barnes slowly complied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe also dismounted and Zack eyed him warily as Joe tied his hands behind his back and said, \u201cMy name\u2019s Joe Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zack nodded. \u201cI should have guessed,\u201d Sheriff Carlson had told him about Joe, \u201cCartwright,\u201d he spat the word out like it left a sour taste in his mouth, \u201cI don\u2019t know what you think you can do. That filthy murderer you call a brother is going to hang and he deserves to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shoved the man, knocking him off his feet. \u201cShut your mouth,\u201d Joe pointed his gun at Zack, his eyes flashed and he fought to control the anger that was building in him. \u201cI want you to tell me the truth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat truth!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou killed Callie Shaw.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zack\u2019s eyes widened in surprise and shock. \u201cYou\u2019re insane. You can\u2019t make me say that. I loved Callie. I\u2019d never have hurt her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know you\u2019re lying,\u201d Joe spoke angrily, \u201cYou murdered her!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zack struggled against the ropes that bound his hands. \u201cYou\u2019re the liar,\u201d he said furiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stood watching Zack and wondered if he could be telling the truth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou were at her house that night,\u201d Joe said, \u201cYou argued.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zack shook his head. \u201dI wasn\u2019t there. I didn\u2019t see Callie at all the night she died.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou were seen,\u201d Joe replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBy who?\u201d Zack snapped, \u201cYour brother? He\u2019s trying to save his own skin. He\u2019d say anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe shook his head, \u201cSomeone else. They saw your buggy and heard you arguing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey saw the buggy,\u201d Zack said thoughtfully, \u201cnot me. I\u2019m telling you I wasn\u2019t there. I was playing cards that night with friends. Believe me or not, that\u2019s the truth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat down beside Zack. \u201cMy brother didn\u2019t kill her either.\u201d Both young men looked at each other and each believed the other was telling the truth about what they\u2019d said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want the person who killed Callie to pay for what they did. If it wasn\u2019t your brother, I want to help you find who it was.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do I know I can trust you?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho else do you know who can help you? I don\u2019t see that you have much of a choice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe went to his saddlebag and retrieved his knife. Going back over to Zack, he cut him loose then picked up Zack\u2019s gun and handed it to him. Joe knew it was a risk but in his mind, it was a risk he had to take if he was to have any chance of saving Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zack holstered his gun. \u201cWhere do we start?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho was driving your buggy that night?\u201d Joe said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zack shrugged. \u201cNo one should have been driving it except for my father or myself but any one of the hands could have taken it, I guess.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think whoever used the buggy that night killed Callie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ask some of the hands, see if anyone knows who took it out. I\u2019ll meet you back here in two hours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cBe careful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Zack replied as he mounted and rode back towards the ranch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nervously paced up and down waiting for Zack to return. Joe was starting to think that Zack wasn\u2019t coming when he saw the young man riding up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you find out?\u201d Joe asked as soon as Zack reached him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u2019 the young man shook his head, \u201cA couple of men said my father used the buggy that night. No one saw anyone else. Whoever it was must have taken it after father returned home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour father,\u201d Joe said in thought, \u201cWhere did he go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Zack replied, and then catching the meaning behind the words he snapped, \u201cDon\u2019t be ridiculous. My father would never have laid a hand on Callie. Never!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even as he said the words of denial, thoughts and memories were colliding in Zack\u2019s head. He remembered the times Callie had seemed afraid when he\u2019d taken her to his parent\u2019s house. Zack had just put it down to nerves. He and his family were very well off. Callie had been alone in the world, having lost both her parents, she\u2019d had little money. Zack had thought the excuses she had made not to visit his home had been because she\u2019d felt inadequate and out of place. Now he wondered if it was something more. In his heart, he now knew it was but he didn\u2019t want to accept it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy father would never have laid a hand on her,\u201d Zack repeated, but this time Joe heard the doubt and hesitation in Zack\u2019s voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know he did.\u201d Joe was determined to make Zack face the truth because if Tom Barnes got away with murder an innocent man would hang in his place, his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes narrowed in thought, a suspicion creeping into his mind. He frowned as he remembered the conversation he\u2019d had with the young woman who had told him that Zack had been at Callie\u2019s house the night she\u2019d been killed. Suddenly he realized he might have jumped to the wrong conclusion. \u2018Had she meant that it was Tom Barnes at the house that night,\u2019 Joe wondered. \u201cI\u2019ll have to talk to her again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Joe asked, not realizing he had spoken aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou just said that you\u2019d have to talk to her again. Who did you mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe woman who told me you were at Callie\u2019s the night she was killed. I think I misunderstood and she meant your father.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s her name?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know. She didn\u2019t tell me but I know where she lives. I can find her house again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zack\u2019s knees suddenly buckled and he sat heavily on the ground. \u201cWhat do we do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zack had a troubled relationship with his father. They weren\u2019t close. Tom Barnes was a hard man, showing no affection for his wife or son. To Tom Barnes, they were his possessions and they did whatever he told them to do. But for all the harshness of the man, Zack found the thought of turning his father in almost unbearable to face but as the image of the woman he\u2019d loved so much swam before his eyes, the rage built inside him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zack stood up, looking at Joe, he said, \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo talk to my father.\u201d Zack walked over to his horse and mounted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWait,\u201d Joe called, \u201cWe have to go to the sheriff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been bought and paid for by my father. We can\u2019t go to him.\u201d As Zack rode off, Joe mounted and followed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riding up to the ranch house with Zack, Joe looked around at the house again. It was obvious that Tom Barnes was a wealthy man and he liked people to know it. Zack pulled his horse to a stop and dismounted, walking angrily towards the house. Joe looked around, unsure of what he should do. Deciding there was little else he could do, he followed Zack.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zack flung the door open, the door hitting loudly against the wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFather!\u201d Zack shouted, \u201cFather!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom Barnes came to the head of the stairs and looked down. \u201cWhat is it? It had better be important. You know better than to raise your voice to me, boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do more than raise my voice to you!\u201d Zack\u2019s eyes flashed angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s hand was reaching for his gun, unsure what would happen next, he wanted to be ready. Before he could pull it from its holster though, he felt a gun pressed into his back. \u201cDon\u2019t move,\u201d a voice said as a hand removed his gun. Glancing over at Zack, Joe saw the same thing had just happened to him. Looking around the room, Joe saw another two armed men in the room. Obviously Tom Barnes\u2019 hired henchmen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zack\u2019s heart sunk, he\u2019d let his anger over rule common sense. He should have thought about the men his father always had guarding the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom Barnes came down the stairs and stood in front of his son. \u201cNow, as I said, what is this about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou murdered Callie,\u201d Zack replied, looking his father in the eye. Tom Barnes just stood there and looked back without saying a word. \u201cAren\u2019t you even going to try to deny it?\u201d Zack asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy should I? She got what she deserved.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Without thinking, Zack struck out at his father, hitting the man squarely on the jaw and drawing blood from a split lip.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom Barnes drew back his fist and punched Zack in the stomach, the force of the blow knocking the young man to the floor. \u201cNever raise your hand to me again,\u201d he said angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning to Joe, Tom Barnes looked him over. \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe held the man\u2019s gaze as he replied, \u201cJoe Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom Barnes nodded and turned to the other men in the room. \u201cLock him in the back room. I\u2019ll deal with him later. By tomorrow they\u2019ll be two dead Cartwright\u2019s\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the men reached for Joe\u2019s arm but Joe pulled away. \u201cMy brother is innocent!\u201d he shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s of no concern to me,\u201d Tom Barnes replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you kill her?\u201d Zack asked, needing to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe wouldn\u2019t give me what I wanted. She fought me. She had to pay for that. She wouldn\u2019t shut up. She wouldn\u2019t have kept her mouth shut. I couldn\u2019t let her live,\u201d his eyes locked with Zack\u2019s, \u201cWhat about you? Surely I\u2019ve taught you well enough that you know the value of keeping your mouth shut.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding at Zack he said, \u201cLock him up with Cartwright until we know where his<\/span> loyalties lie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As the men started to drag Joe out of the room, he struggled with everything he had in him, dreading what the morrow would bring for Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s own life was now in danger but he wasn\u2019t thinking about that. He\u2019d promised his brother he\u2019d get him out and now in Joe\u2019s mind, he\u2019d let him down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The two young men were thrown into a dark windowless room and Joe heard the sound of a bolt sliding into a lock.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe immediately started to feel his way around the room. Zack heard him and said, \u201cThere\u2019s no way out of here, Joe. I\u2019m sorry. I really messed up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not your fault,\u201d Joe replied, \u201cWe can\u2019t just sit here. There must be something we can do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe felt around the entire room but could find nothing that would aid their escape. They had no way of knowing how much time had passed before they heard someone at the door. Joe guessed it must have been at least a few hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right. It\u2019s me,\u201d a quiet voice said as the door opened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMa,\u201d Zack whispered, \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d he was worried about her having to face his father\u2019s anger when the man found out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Both young men blinked at the light coming in from the lamp in the hallway. Mrs Barnes grabbed her son\u2019s hand. \u201cYour father\u2019s furious with you. I\u2019m so afraid of what he might do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know what he\u2019s already done?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman nodded. \u201cI heard the argument you both had with him. I should have stood up to him years ago, before it came to this. You both need to get away from here as quickly as you can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to come with us,\u201d Zack replied urgently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she replied, \u201cDon\u2019t worry about me. I\u2019ll be all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMa,\u201d Zack shook his head, \u201cI can\u2019t\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mrs Barnes pushed her son towards the door. \u201cGo,\u201d she said firmly, \u201cGo now before we all get caught.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Zack said again, holding his mother\u2019s hand, he pulled her along as they made their way towards the back door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe, Zack and Amelia Barnes stopped suddenly as Tom Barnes stepped out of a room to stand in front of them, blocking their path to the door. \u201cGoing somewhere?\u201d he said, coldly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Zack replied with false confidence, \u201cWe\u2019re leaving.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you\u2019re not,\u201d Tom Barnes replied, the click of his gun being cocked sounding loudly in the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re mad!\u201d Joe snapped, anger getting the better of him, \u201cYou\u2019ll never get away with this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom Barnes\u2019 eyes glinted as he said, \u201cIn my town I can get away with anything, boy. Including murder.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou truly are mad,\u201d Zack said, staring at his father in horror.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Worried about what her husband would do to Zack, Amelia Barnes rushed forward and grabbed her husband\u2019s arm. As he went to push her away, Amelia grabbed the gun and it went off, she slumped to the floor as the three men stared at her in shock.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zack quickly dropped to his knees to kneel beside his mother. Amelia drew a breath in and looking into her son\u2019s eyes she said, \u201cRun. Go now, Zack. Run.\u201d Zack watched as his mother closed her eyes and he knew she was dead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe heard the shouting coming from outside the house and he knew it was Tom Barnes\u2019 henchmen. He and Zack were unarmed, Joe knew if they didn\u2019t get out of the house now they didn\u2019t stand a chance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zack had also heard the voices and like Joe, realized their only chance of surviving was to make a run for it before his father\u2019s men got inside. Zack knew he had to escape. He had to tell someone the truth about his father. He couldn\u2019t let the man get away with what he had done.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Zack traded glances and their eyes locked on each other in silent communication. Zack sprung up from the floor. Taking his father by surprise, he knocked the man off balance. Joe grabbed the gun from Barnes\u2019 hand and Zack shoved the man towards the door. \u201cMove!\u201d Before they reached the door and what they hoped was safety, four of Tom Barnes\u2019 men ran into the room where Joe and Zack were.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe held Tom Barnes in front of him with the gun held at the man\u2019s head, pressing hard into the flesh, \u201cMake a move towards us and I\u2019ll blow his head off.\u201d Joe felt he had nothing to loose. If he was going to die there, then he would take Tom Barnes with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom Barnes was as frightened as he had ever been of anything in his life. He knew the young man was serious and would do as he had threatened. \u201cStay back,\u201d Barnes told his men<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zack opened the door and waited until Joe had pulled the other man through it and then he slammed it shut.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Their horses were still where they\u2019d left them. Joe quickly tied Tom Barnes hands and threw him up onto Zacks horse. Quickly Joe and Zack mounted. As they urged the horses on, Zack flinched when a shot rang out from one of the men who had been unable to resist trying to stop the two men from fleeing with his boss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zack\u2019s relief that the bullet had missed him was short lived as he saw Joe slump forward. \u201cHang on, Joe,\u201d he called, \u201cI know a place we can hide out. It\u2019s not far.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cWe have to go to town. They\u2019ll hang Adam if we don\u2019t get there in time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zack nodded and agreed, \u201cAll right.\u201d Zack didn\u2019t care about his own life anymore. With Callie and his mother dead he felt he was alone now and he wanted the man responsible to pay for it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was a few hours before dawn when Zack led the way into town. Joe was barely conscious when he felt his horse come to a stop, he felt hands on him and Zack said, \u201cCome on. Let me help you down.\u201d Zack helped Joe to lie down and set about doing what he could to stop the flow of blood. \u201cJoe, we\u2019re in an old stable. No one will find us here.\u201d Joe was unaware of anything more though, his body had reached its limit of endurance and unconsciousness claimed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe slowly opened his eyes and blinked, trying to remember where he was. Turning his head he saw faint sunlight peaking in the cracks of the walls and his heart nearly stopped as he realized the sun was rising.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat up and despite the pain that erupted in his side, struggled to his feet. He looked around frantically but could see no sign of Zack or Zack\u2019s father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stubbled to the door and pushed it open. Staggering he made his way in the direction of the jail. Joe\u2019s vision swam, the images waving around in front of him, he found it hard to even see where he was going but he knew he couldn\u2019t stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe rounded a corner and saw a crowd gathered. He heard them gasp.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The trapdoor released. \u201cAdam!\u201d Joe screamed at the realization that he was too late. Joe turned away, the bile rising in his throat. The people who had gathered to watch turned at the sound of approaching horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss Cartwright, along with the marshal that rode beside them, pulled their horses to a stop as they saw with horror, the body hanging from a rope. Ben\u2019s eyes turned to his youngest son and Joe took a step shakily towards him. \u201cPa,\u201d Joe whispered, as his knees buckled and he collapsed, unconscious before he hit the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tossed restlessly, consumed by fever. A doctor had removed the bullet that had been lodged in his side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe\u2019s temperature climbed, he cried out for Adam. Joe fought to push away the hands that tried to still him. Not realizing in his<\/span> delirium that they were the hands of his family. In Joe\u2019s dreams, the hands held him back from reaching his brother before the trapdoor was released and Adam fell to his death.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe screamed, the dream so real to him. Ben felt like a knife was being driven into his heart. His child was suffering and he could do so little to ease it. Ben saw the white bandage wrapped around Joe\u2019s stomach was now stained with red. \u201cHe\u2019s broken open the wound again,\u201d Ben turned to the doctor, \u201cHe can\u2019t go on like this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s fighting hard Mr Cartwright,\u201d the doctor replied, \u201cWe just have to help him keep fighting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded and once again began to wipe the cold cloth over Joe while the doctor repaired the pulled stitches.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sat beside his youngest son. Joe lay so still in the bed, the worried father feared the boy would never awaken. It had been two days since Ben and Hoss had arrived in town. Joe\u2019s fever had broken a few hours previously but Joe still showed no sign of waking up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben slowly stroked the hair back form his young son\u2019s forehead. \u201cWhy hasn\u2019t he woken yet?\u201d he asked unconsciously for what was probably the hundredth time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The doctor shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know. The bullet wound went untreated for hours but we have the infection under control now. He\u2019s still suffering from shock and extreme blood loss though. We just have to wait.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Later that afternoon, Ben watched anxiously as Joe began to move restlessly. Leaning forward, he said, \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joseph. Lie still. I\u2019m with you now and it\u2019s going to be all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes, blinking at the light and then stared up into the face of his father. Ben smiled and patted his son\u2019s arm. \u201cYou\u2019re going to be all right. Don\u2019t worry about anything. How do you feel?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben watched as tears pooled in Joe\u2019s eyes and slowly slid down his cheeks. Alarmed, he asked, \u201cJoseph, what is it, son? Are you in pain?\u201d Ben held Joe\u2019s left hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Joe choked the name out over the lump in his throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe felt someone gently squeeze his right hand. \u201cI\u2019m here, buddy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment Joe just lay still, not daring to believe it could be true. Slowly his head turned until he looked at the face of his oldest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you were dead,\u201d Joe whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Joe. Everything\u2019s just fine, thanks to you,\u201d Adam swallowed thickly, feeling the emotion swell in him. \u201cOh, Joe. I didn\u2019t expect you to almost give your life to save mine.\u201d Standing beside Adam, Hoss wiped away the tears that gathered in his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d do anything for you, Adam. But I thought I was too late. I saw you hang. How are you here?\u201d Joe asked, staring at his brother in wonder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben lifted Joe\u2019s head and held a glass to his lips. \u201cThat\u2019s enough talking, young man. You need to rest. We\u2019ll tell you all about it later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes stayed locked on Adam\u2019s face until slowly, they finally closed. Adam sat watching him sleep, his young brother\u2019s hand held tightly within his own.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was two days later before Joe\u2019s family thought he was well enough to hear the story about what had happened. He already knew Cochise was safely stabled with the other Cartwright horses. Adam and Hoss had gone to the old stable to get him when they found out he was there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat propped up by pillows. \u201cBut I saw you hang,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cNo, buddy. You did see someone get hung but it wasn\u2019t me,\u201d at Joe\u2019s look of confusion, Adam continued, \u201cIt was Tom Barnes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stared at his family in shock for a moment. \u201cReally?\u201d he struggled to take the news in. \u201cHow? And where\u2019s Zack?\u201d Joe had told his family about Zack and how Zack had helped him. Joe didn\u2019t know what had happened to him though or why he\u2019d left Joe alone in the stable.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben said gently, knowing there was no easy way to break the news, he reached to hold his sons hand, \u201cZack\u2019s dead.\u201d Joe shook his head, not wanting to believe it. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe, but it\u2019s true. Just before dawn Zack must have taken his father to the gallows. When the sun started to come up, people saw him just standing on the platform next to his father. He\u2019d put the rope around his father\u2019s neck. Zack made him tell the truth about what had happened; that he\u2019d killed Callie and his own wife. And then before anyone had a chance to do anything, Zack released the trapdoor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe arrived in town just after it happened,\u201d Hoss continued the story. \u201cRoy Coffee had sent some wires to different towns for us and we thought that Adam had to have made it to somewhere around here so we were coming to meet up with you. Roy had heard they\u2019d been a lot of things happening in this town that pointed to a crooked sheriff so we brought a marshal along with us. He\u2019s still sorting the town out. Roy got a message to us about the wire you sent to Virginia City. We knew you were in trouble. We came as fast as we could.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was released from jail straight away, \u201d Adam said, \u201cYou saved my life, Joe. You and Zack. The sheriff had been about to take me to the gallows when we heard the commotion going on out in the street. He locked me back up and went to find out what was going on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut what happened to Zack?\u201d Joe asked, \u201cHow did he die?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben found himself struggling to find the right words to tell his son what had happened, \u201cZack ran to Callie Shaw\u2019s house. Before anyone could get in to talk to him, there was a shot. He killed himself, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shuddered, shocked at the news. \u201cI feel like it\u2019s my fault,\u201d Joe whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben quickly gathered Joe into his arms, holding his son close to him, Ben said, \u201cIt\u2019s not your fault, Joseph. You did nothing wrong. You found out the truth and that truth saved your brother\u2019s life. Tom Barnes is responsible for all that happened. Not you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe said quietly, \u201cbut I still feel sorry for Zack. I knew him for such a short time but I felt like he had become a friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben rubbed Joe\u2019s back soothingly. \u201cI\u2019m sure he felt the same way, son. As he ran to Callie\u2019s house, he told people where to go to find you. He didn\u2019t know that you\u2019d already left the stable. He wanted to make sure you got help. It\u2019s a terrible thing that happened, Little Joe, but it\u2019s over now, and Zack\u2019s at peace. Try and take comfort from that.\u201d Ben continued to rub Joe\u2019s back until he fell asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Four days later the Cartwright\u2019s slowly walked towards the graveyard. Ben kept his arm wrapped around his youngest son\u2019s waist. He hadn\u2019t wanted the young man to make this trip, feeling that he wasn\u2019t up to it but Joe was<\/span> insistent. Adam and Hoss walked on either side of their father and Joe, also keeping a close eye on their little brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe suddenly stopped and looked at the house they were about to walk past. \u201cThe woman who lives there helped me the day I ran from Sheriff Carlson. Can we see if she\u2019s home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben frowned and shook his head. \u201cJoe, you must be mistaken. This can\u2019t be the house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure this is it. I know it is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry but that\u2019s impossible, son. This is Callie Shaw\u2019s house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben tightened his grip on Joe when his son paled alarmingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Hoss said quickly, \u201cWhat is it, boy? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHelp me with him,\u201d Ben said urgently, afraid Joe was about to collapse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mrs Miller who lived next door to Callie\u2019s was standing on her porch and called to the Cartwright\u2019s, \u201cCome and sit him down over here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded his thanks and between them, the older Cartwrights got Joe seated in a chair on the porch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s family hovered anxiously over him. \u201cI knew it was too soon. I should never have let you talk me into letting you even get up,\u201d Ben said, worry creasing his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe replied, taking deep breaths and his family shook their heads at his statement, knowing the boy was far from fine.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mrs Miller had gone inside and came out with a glass of water which she handed to Joe. \u201cHere you go,\u201d she said kindly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Joe said, reaching out to take the glass. Adam\u2019s hand immediately wrapped around Joe\u2019s to help still the shaking hand. Keeping his hand wrapped around his young brother\u2019s, Adam helped Joe drink the water and then took the glass from him. \u201cBetter?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded and managed a slight smile. \u201cSorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo sorry needed, short shanks,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cWe\u2019re just worried \u2018bout ya<\/span>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben lay his hand on Joe\u2019s forehead, feeling for a fever. He was worried that Joe was feeling ill. \u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa,\u201d Joe tried to reassure his family, \u201cHonest.\u201d He looked at Mrs Miller. \u201cWhat did Callie look like?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe was such a lovely girl,\u201d Mrs Miller said sadly, \u201cI have a likeness of her. I\u2019ll just get it.\u201d Mrs Miller returned quickly with the picture and held it out for Joe to see.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stared at the picture wondering how it could be. The young woman in the picture was the woman who had helped him when he had been running from Sheriff Carlson. Callie had let him into her home.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Joe starred at the picture, unable to draw his eyes away from it, his family shot concerned glances at each other. Ben gently shook him, trying to get his attention. \u201cJoseph. Joseph, Look at me.\u201d He was relieved when Joe finally turned his head to look at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right now,\u201d Joe said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going back to our room. Come on, let me help you,\u201d Ben helped Joe to stand up and once again put his arm around Joe to steady him. After thanking Mrs Miller the family started back to their rooms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stopped and said, \u201cPlease, Pa. I really want to see Zack\u2019s grave. Please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Against his better judgement, Ben nodded, knowing Joe wouldn\u2019t rest until he\u2019d gotten his way.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Callie and Zack where buried side by side. With his family standing close to him, Joe looked at the two graves. \u201cThey\u2019re together again now,\u201d Joe said quietly. The air seemed to carry the faint smell of roses and he could have sworn he heard the wind whisper thank you as he felt a light kiss on his cheek.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 **********<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That night, Ben was reading in his bed and he looked across at Joe who he was sharing a room with. The young man was staring up at the ceiling. \u201cI thought you\u2019d be asleep by now. Do you need anything?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and sat up. \u201cPa,\u201d he asked hesitantly, \u201cCan I talk to you about something?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Ben put down his book, getting up, he went and sat on the edge of Joe\u2019s bed. \u201cYou can talk to me about anything, you know that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just,\u201d Joe bit his lip worriedly, \u201cIt\u2019s just I don\u2019t know if it will sound crazy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Feeling Joe\u2019s anxiety, Ben sought to relax the boy, he moved so that he was lying next to Joe on the bed with his back against the headboard. Ben put his arm around his son\u2019s shoulders and Joe rested against his father. Slowly, haltingly, Joe told his story, after he\u2019d finished, he said, \u201cDo you think I\u2019m crazy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe, of course not. You\u2019ve been through so much. It\u2019s understandable that everything\u2019s all mixed up in your mind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben felt Joe tense and gently squeezed his shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m not saying I don\u2019t believe you. I\u2019m just saying there\u2019s a possibility that you\u2019re mixed up about things but I do know that sometimes things happen that there are no explanations for. Maybe we just have to accept this as one of those times.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded and slowly closed his eyes in sleep, comforted by his father\u2019s arms around him and the knowledge that tomorrow the family were starting their journey home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The End<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

August 2004
\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Adam and Joe arrange to meet.\u00a0When Adam fails to arrive, Joe sets out in search of him.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 (8,350 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10321,"featured_media":27532,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1091,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13842","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-joe","category-drama","wpcat-1091-id","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1239,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Adam-Joe-at-odds.jpg?fit=236%2C189&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":48065,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48065","url_meta":{"origin":13842,"position":0},"title":"All’s Fair in Love and Snow (by AH83)","author":"BZTrailRiders","date":"February 14, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Is it true that a snowball fight was just what the doctor ordered?\u00a0\u00a0 Rating: K, Word Count: 943","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"Preserving Their Legacy","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTR.png?fit=442%2C255&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13832,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13832","url_meta":{"origin":13842,"position":1},"title":"A Life Lived (by HelenB)","author":"HelenB","date":"November 27, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Adam and Joe run into trouble while away from the ranch. Will help arrive in time? Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (11,540 words) A Life Lived Series, links to all stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/AdamJoeHP7.jpg?fit=399%2C299&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":48263,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48263","url_meta":{"origin":13842,"position":2},"title":"BTR Sourdough Starters #26 – June 2020 (by BZTrailriders)","author":"BZTrailRiders","date":"June 30, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Ride Like the Wind - Use this photo (Adam and Joe racing in The Hayburner) for inspiration for your scene or story.\u00a0 Rating: G, Word Count: 1676","rel":"","context":"In "Sourdough Starter"","block_context":{"text":"Sourdough Starter","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1323"},"img":{"alt_text":"Preserving Their Legacy","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTR.png?fit=442%2C255&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13864,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13864","url_meta":{"origin":13842,"position":3},"title":"The Hostage (by Camera Chic)","author":"Camera Chic","date":"March 1, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Just a very short story about what one brother would do for the other one. 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