{"id":1529,"date":"2003-12-31T14:30:03","date_gmt":"2003-12-31T19:30:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1529"},"modified":"2026-02-11T10:30:38","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T15:30:38","slug":"envy-hatred-and-malice-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1529","title":{"rendered":"Envy, Hatred and Malice – Part 1 (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Joe\u2019s friend Georgia is now a famous singing star. But her return home throws up problems for Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0T \u00a0 (13,920 words)<\/span><\/p>\n

Envy, Hatred and Malice Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Part 1<\/a>
\nPart 2<\/a><\/p>\n

Envy, Hatred and Malice<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Rona<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGeorgie!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d The vivacious brunette threw herself across the stage to run lightly down the steps into the auditorium and into Joe Cartwright\u2019s arms. She landed a smacking kiss somewhere beneath his right ear as he caught her easily and swung her around in a circle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou look terrific!\u201d Joe exclaimed, setting Georgia back on her feet. He held her arms out from her side to look at her more closely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling, Georgia waved her left hand under Joe\u2019s nose and he took note of the ring sparkling on her ring finger. \u201cYou\u2019re engaged?\u201d Joe squeaked. \u201cThat\u2019s wonderful! Congratulation! Who\u2019s the lucky guy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Giggling, Georgia kept hold of Joe\u2019s hand and tugged him across the room. A man detached himself from a group of people and came over to meet them. \u201cJoe, this is Edward Duras, my manager.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPleased to meet you,\u201d Joe said, shaking hands with the other man. Georgia\u2019s manager was about the same height as Joe, but a good bit older. He was plump, balding, bespectacled and wore a smart three-piece suit with a gold watch chain gleaming against his stomach.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEdward, this is Joe Cartwright, my friend that I\u2019ve told you about,\u201d Georgia went on. \u201cJoe, this is my fianc\u00e9.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Shock rampaged through Joe. How could the vivacious, lively Georgia that Joe had known all their lives be engaged to a man old enough to be her father? However, his social graces were still active, even if his brain seemed to be frozen. \u201cYou\u2019re a lucky man,\u201d Joe heard himself saying and felt a smile on his face. \u201cGeorgie\u2019s a lovely girl.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Edward replied. \u201cGeorgia certainly is.\u201d He smiled at his fianc\u00e9e, having carefully emphasized her name.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe had caught the emphasis as well. \u201cI\u2019ve always called her Georgie,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cOld habits die hard.\u201d He grinned at Georgia.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m quite used to it,\u201d she agreed. \u201cThat\u2019s how I know I\u2019ve come home; Joe\u2019s here calling me Georgie!\u201d She smiled at Edward. \u201cDarling, is it all right if I go and talk to Joe while the set is put up? You don\u2019t need me right now, do you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead,\u201d Edward smiled. He watched as the two young people walked towards the door. He had heard about Joe Cartwright a lot of times from Georgia when she was feeling homesick, but what Georgia hadn\u2019t told him was that Joe was probably the handsomest man Edward had ever seen. He felt a pang of envy as he saw the ease that was between them and wondered if Georgia would still love him after spending time with Joe. A rush of hatred for the young cowboy swept over Edward, and he turned away as someone called his name. He would keep an eye on Joe. Georgia was his.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Holding the chair for Georgia, Joe smiled at her, then sat down opposite her. \u201cCoffee?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, please,\u201d Georgia agreed and watched as Joe ordered them. When his attention was on her once more, she smiled. \u201cYou haven\u2019t changed a bit, Joe Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have,\u201d Joe told her. \u201cYou\u2019re even more beautiful than you used to be.\u201d As Georgia blushed at the compliment, Joe took her hand across the table. \u201cSo, does the singing still satisfy you? You\u2019ve certainly been making headlines with it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe, it\u2019s wonderful,\u201d Georgia sighed. \u201cI love it so much! I never thought I would become famous. It\u2019s so unreal. But the best bit has been meeting Edward.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long have you known him?\u201d Joe asked. He was still surprised at their attachment, although he had never had any ambitions in that direction himself. He and Georgia had grown up together and were like brother and sister. Georgia had been a tomboy of a girl and had willingly followed Joe into all kinds of mischief. As she reached her teens and grew into a breath-takingly beautiful girl, everyone in Virginia City had waited for Joe to begin courting her, and for the inevitable wedding.<\/span><\/p>\n

But they were to wait in vain. Georgia had been singing for years \u2013 all her life in fact \u2013 and decided to seek her fame and fortune on the stage in San Francisco. At 17, she left town alone, and within a year, was making her presence felt on the concert circuit. Then, she got her big break in opera and suddenly the tomboy from Virginia City was the leading lady in San Francisco opera. She hadn\u2019t stopped there. She performed in New York, New Orleans, Washington, anywhere there was a theatre.<\/span><\/p>\n

And now she was home. It had been five amazing years for Georgia, and here she was, about to make her first performance in her home town. There was a new sophistication to Georgia, but Joe could still see his old friend under the surface glamour.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve known Edward about three years,\u201d Georgia replied. \u201cI\u2019ve done so well since I met him and falling in love was just the icing on the cake. We just got engaged last month.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m pleased for you,\u201d Joe told her, honestly. \u201cHe seems like a very nice man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe is,\u201d Georgia replied. \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll like each other!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Privately, Joe doubted that they would ever become friends; they were just too different for that. But he didn\u2019t want to say anything to upset Georgia. \u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d he agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The next hour flew by as they exchanged small details of their lives that they hadn\u2019t committed to the letters they sent to each other regularly. They were laughing together when Edward arrived by their side. \u201cGeorgia,\u201d he said, with a mildly reproving tone in his voice. \u201cIts time to get back to work, darling.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The possessiveness of the last endearment wasn\u2019t lost on Joe, who smiled as inoffensively as he knew how and tried to look as interesting as wallpaper. Unfortunately, it didn\u2019t succeed, as Joe had much more natural charm than he realized and he couldn\u2019t be in a room without everyone being aware of him, such was the magnetism of his personality. It was what had made him seem such an obvious match for Georgia, who also attracted attention wherever she went. Again, Edward felt the pang of envy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Georgia replied. She rose, as did Joe. Leaning over, she kissed his cheek. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you come to the theatre tomorrow morning, Joe? We can talk then, before rehearsal. How does that fit in with your duties on the ranch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make it fit,\u201d Joe assured her. \u201cAbout 10?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good to me,\u201d Georgia assured him. She gave him a kiss as she left, taking Edward\u2019s hand in hers. She paused at the door to wave gaily to Joe, who smiled in return. Edward held the door open for Georgia and as he went through, he gave Joe a look that the youngest Cartwright read all too easily;\u00a0this woman is mine. Keep your hands off!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Sighing, Joe paid for the coffee and went home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHi, Pa, I\u2019m home,\u201d Joe called as he entered the house. Resounding silence was his only answer, so Joe correctly assumed that Ben wasn\u2019t home. He took off his hat and gun belt and dropped them on the credenza.<\/span><\/p>\n

In actual fact, the house was completely deserted, and Joe wondered where Hop Sing, the family housekeeper had gone. Probably into town to collect supplies and visit his myriad of cousins while he was at it. Joe put the letters he had collected in town onto Ben\u2019s desk and got himself a cold drink. The summer had taken a while to get going, but now it was truly here, it was proving to be a hot one.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he put his empty glass into the kitchen sink, he heard the buckboard pull into the yard and so went out to help Hop Sing unload the supplies. As ever, the Chinaman was full of news about his family\u2019s doings and Joe was content to listen, without having to pay too much attention. He still couldn\u2019t get over Georgia\u2019s engagement to Edward. It just seemed all wrong to Joe. Why, Edward was older than Adam, Joe\u2019s oldest brother, and Joe estimated that put Edward over 40.<\/span><\/p>\n

The unloading complete, Joe went back inside and sat down opposite the empty fireplace. He knew that there were no rules regarding love. If there were, he and Georgia would have been married years ago. And it wasn\u2019t the first time Joe had heard of a younger woman marrying a man old enough to be her father. With a pang, he though of Caitlin, whom he had loved devotedly, and who had been married to a much older man.<\/span><\/p>\n

With a big sigh, Joe shook his head, throwing the thoughts away. If there was ever a girl who knew her own mind, Georgia was it, Joe knew. But he was troubled by the look Edward had sent his way. How could he convince the man that he wasn\u2019t in love with Georgia? The only way that crossed Joe\u2019s mind was the only way he couldn\u2019t take; he wasn\u2019t prepared to not see Georgia, unless that was what Georgia herself wanted.<\/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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\u201cSo how is Georgia?\u201d Ben asked, as they ate supper that night.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe looks great,\u201d Joe replied, enthusiastically. \u201cHasn\u2019t changed a bit! Well,\u201d the vivid smile on Joe\u2019s face dimmed slightly, \u201cthere is one difference. She\u2019s engaged to be married.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEngaged?\u201d Hoss echoed, looking at Joe\u2019s face for a clue as to how he felt about this new development. Hoss hadn\u2019t been too sure that Joe wasn\u2019t in love with Georgia himself, despite all the denials. \u201cWhen did that happen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s she engaged to?\u201d Adam asked. \u201cAnyone we know?\u201d He winked at his father and Hoss. \u201cYou\u2019ve been keeping this quiet, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it\u2019s not me,\u201d Joe retorted. \u201cShe got engaged to her manager, Edward something.\u201d Joe frowned as he tried to bring the unusual name to mind. His brow relaxed as he remembered. \u201cDuras, that\u2019s it! Edward Duras.\u201d The frown returned. \u201cHe\u2019s older than you, Adam,\u201d Joe went on, oblivious to the unintended insult he had just dealt his brother. \u201cI\u2019d guess he was about 40 \u2013 old enough to be her father, pretty near.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that rankles, does it?\u201d Adam asked, rankling a bit himself. Ben hid a smile behind his napkin. \u201cWere you planning on marrying her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re friends,\u201d Joe replied, impatiently. \u201cBut if you met him, you\u2019d see what I mean. He\u2019s a bit fat and balding and just doesn\u2019t seem like Georgie\u2019s type at all!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Beauty is in the eye of the beholder\u2019, Joe,\u201d Ben reminded him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Handsome is as handsome does\u2019,\u201d Adam quoted, completing the quotations from the Book of Proverbs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeauty is only skin deep,\u201d Hoss pointed out. He was delighted to have made a contribution to the quotations, since usually Adam won that hands down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know all that,\u201d Joe replied, nettled. \u201cI just said that he doesn\u2019t seem like Georgie\u2019s type!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re not jealous,\u201d Adam stated, although it sounded rather like a question.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m not!\u201d Joe sighed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI gather you\u2019ve met this man?\u201d Ben enquired. He shot a glance at Adam that told his older son to back off. Joe was beginning to chase his food around his plate and not eat it; a sure sign he was getting upset.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and he didn\u2019t seem too pleased to meet me, either,\u201d Joe replied, despondently. \u201cWhen he came to collect Georgie for rehearsal, he all but told me to stay away.\u201d He shrugged. \u201cNot in words, but the meaning was plain enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you going to do?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMeet Georgie at the theatre in the morning at 10,\u201d Joe replied, blithely. \u201cShe asked me, and we\u2019ll have more time to talk before she has to start rehearsing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019d like the morning off, is that it?\u201d Ben smiled. \u201cAll right, son. You see your friend. But remember, you might have to be a bit more discreet around her fianc\u00e9.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll remember, Pa,\u201d Joe assured him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you ask Georgia and Edward out here for supper?\u201d Ben suggested. \u201cWhenever it suits them. How many performances does Georgia have?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFive,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cShe\u2019s due to start in three days, on Monday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what about tomorrow night?\u201d Ben suggested. \u201cOr Sunday. Whichever is suitable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa, I\u2019ll ask them,\u201d Joe replied. He returned to attacking his food with gusto and Ben heaved a silent sigh of relief. He could see Adam looking at him down the table and assumed that his oldest son would have something to say about Joe taking time off, but at least he had the sense not to say anything when Joe was around to get upset.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMorning, Joe,\u201d Mr. Mason, the manager of the theatre, said as Joe let himself in the next morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMorning,\u201d Joe replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe tickets are almost sold out for all of Georgia\u2019s concerts,\u201d Mason went on. \u201cI hope you and your family have got your tickets already.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLong ago,\u201d Joe assured him. \u201cAs soon as Georgie confirmed her dates!\u201d He smiled at the manager and went into the theatre.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe expected, Georgie was sitting at the piano on the stage, picking out a note here and there. It seemed to Joe that he couldn\u2019t remember a time when his friend wasn\u2019t singing, and they had spent many happy hours at the piano when they were children. \u201cJoe!\u201d Georgie waved when she saw him. \u201cCome and join me.\u201d She slid over the piano stool to make room for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was quite like old times. They talked and laughed and played silly little duets together on the piano. Joe couldn\u2019t play a note otherwise, but the old routines from childhood drifted back as though he had last played them yesterday. After a time, Georgie coaxed Joe into singing some of the songs they had known and loved as children, and Joe willingly sang with her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a better singer than you realize,\u201d Georgie told Joe, as the notes died away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s the singer in our family,\u201d Joe protested. \u201cAnd Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re just saying that because that\u2019s what you\u2019ve been told all your life,\u201d Georgia corrected him. \u201cSure, you sing differently from Adam, but he\u2019s had singing lessons and your voice is natural. And you don\u2019t sing enough, Joe! You ought to come onto the stage and do a duet with me this week! That would show Adam!\u201d Georgia\u2019s eyes sparkled. She had often felt the weight of Adam\u2019s anger when he had come across her and Joe in mischief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so!\u201d Joe looked alarmed. \u201cIts one thing singing here with you, but quite another getting up in front of everyone!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChicken!\u201d Georgia teased.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll chicken you!\u201d Joe retorted and tickled her.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they broke apart, both laughing and out of breath, Joe suddenly became aware of how intimately he had been touching Georgia. The thought had never occurred to him before, but he could easily see how their intimacy could be misconstrued by a jealous lover. But he didn\u2019t want anything to change between them, not yet. It would be different when she was married, but now, Joe didn\u2019t even want to think about that.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cListen to this,\u201d Georgie said, and picked up some music that was lying on the piano. \u201cI\u2019m going to be singing this when I go back to San Francisco. It\u2019s not the right season; it should be sung at Easter, but it\u2019s so lovely, I couldn\u2019t resist.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Quietly, she began to sing \u2018God so Loved The World.\u2019 It was clearly meant for a choir to sing, but even with just one voice and the piano accompaniment, it was beautiful. Remembering back to the previous Easter, Joe could associate with the words completely, as he had found a new understanding through the ordeal he had endured. Tears were standing in his eyes when Georgia had finished singing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat was beautiful,\u201d he whispered, after a few seconds of silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Georgia replied, for Joe had given her the biggest compliment he could \u2013 enraptured silence when she had stopped singing. \u201cIt\u2019s by a man called John Stainer from a piece called The Crucifixion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJohn 3:16,\u201d Joe murmured. \u201cIt means a lot to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt means a lot to me, too,\u201d Georgia told him. \u201cBecause of what happened to you. That\u2019s why I want to sing it, Joe. Because of what it means to us both.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Moved beyond speech, Joe threw his arms round Georgia, who hugged him back. They both had tears in their eyes. They were still sitting like that when Edward entered the auditorium a few minutes later.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once more, envy shot through him. How he wished they had never come to Virginia City! How he wished he had never set eyes on Joe Cartwright! \u201cGeorgia!\u201d he called, a hint of imperiousness in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEdward!\u201d Georgie disentangled herself from Joe and wiped her eyes unselfconsciously. \u201cI was just letting Joe hear that anthem from the new work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning,\u201d Joe offered, civilly, although he thought Edward\u2019s timing was deplorable. \u201cHow are you today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine, thank you,\u201d Edward replied. \u201cGeorgia, rehearsal will start in a few minutes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was not stupid, and he could take a hint as well as the next man, but he hated to be chased away. Standing his ground, despite the unfriendly look Edward sent him when Georgia wasn\u2019t looking, Joe remembered the invitation to supper. \u201cPa wonders if you could both come to supper either tomorrow night, or Sunday, which ever suits you best. He\u2019s looking forward to meeting you, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh that would be wonderful!\u201d Georgia cried and whirled round to grab Edward\u2019s arm. \u201cWe could, Edward, couldn\u2019t we? Tomorrow night? Oh please say yes. You haven\u2019t got anything arranged for tomorrow, have you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling fondly at his bride-to-be, Edward capitulated. \u201cOf course, dear, if that\u2019s what you\u2019d like. Thank you, Joe.\u201d He patted her arm. \u201cRun along, Georgia, and get ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee you later,\u201d Georgia smiled and kissed Joe soundly on the cheek before whirling and racing off into the wings. Joe watched her go with a bemused smile on his face. He could never remember a time when Georgia had gone anywhere at anything slower than a run.<\/span><\/p>\n

When she was out of sight, Joe turned to go, but Edward put his hand out to catch Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cWait a moment, Cartwright.\u201d His tone was peremptory.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked down at the hand on his arm, but Edward didn\u2019t take the hint and withdraw it. If anything, he tightened his grip. \u201cLet\u2019s get one thing quite clear here,\u201d he hissed. \u201cGeorgia is my fianc\u00e9e and you are not going to take her from me, do you understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Coldly, Joe shook Edward\u2019s hand from his arm. \u201cGeorgia doesn\u2019t love me the way she loves you,\u201d Joe retorted. \u201cAnd if you don\u2019t know that, then you\u2019re a fool! See you tomorrow.\u201d Joe started to walk away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning, Joe looked back at Edward. The older man was puce with rage. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t leave Georgia alone, I\u2019ll kill you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It was all too clear that Edward meant those words. Joe didn\u2019t know if the other man had the knowledge or skills to put his threat into practice. \u201cThe choice is Georgia\u2019s,\u201d Joe replied, evenly. \u201cIf she doesn\u2019t want to see me any more, that\u2019s fine. But until she tells me \u2013 of her own free will, Edward \u2013 that she doesn\u2019t want to see me any more, I\u2019ll continue to see her. Supper is at 6.30.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning on his heel, Joe walked calmly out of the theatre, even managing to smile goodbye to the manager without showing that anything was wrong. Pausing by Cochise, Joe took a deep breath before mounting, but he couldn\u2019t contain his anger. By the time he reached the outskirts of the town, Joe had his horse at a gallop as he tried to ride out his rage.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

By the time he got home, Joe had almost mastered his rage. He cooled Cochise out on the last part of the journey, not wanting his horse to return to the barn lathered. That would be a sure giveaway that there was something wrong, and Joe wanted desperately to pretend that nothing was wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n

Luckily, he was able to attend to his horse and go into the house via the kitchen, which allowed him a little more time to school his face to neutrality.\u00a0 He told Hop Sing that they were having guests for supper the next night, and went into the great room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finding it thankfully empty, for the second day in a row, Joe slumped down on the settee to gather his thoughts. He had known from almost the first moment he met Edward the day before that the older man was jealous of him. Was it just that he feared the old childhood bond between Georgia and Joe? Or was it more than that? Joe didn\u2019t know the answer, but he was disquieted by the thought that he had made an enemy out of the man. Assuming that all went to plan and Georgia married Edward, how could Joe then have any kind of relationship with her?<\/span><\/p>\n

He remembered Susie, the saloon girl he had befriended and loved many years ago. Although he stood as godfather to Susie\u2019s baby and he had patched up a friendship with Susie\u2019s husband, the friendship had withered and died, although not for lack of trying on Joe\u2019s part. Susie had just suddenly stopped writing, and when Joe had next been in San Francisco, he had gone to her house, only to find that she had moved on. She had left no forwarding address and her husband\u2019s business was gone. Joe didn\u2019t want that to happen with Georgia.<\/span><\/p>\n

But the thing that concerned Joe most was the forthcoming supper. How was he going to be able to pretend that he was friendly with Edward? Being polite was almost beyond Joe at that moment. He couldn\u2019t allow Georgia to see that he and Edward didn\u2019t get on and if Pa ever found out\u2026! Joe heaved a sigh. Well, he would just have to dissemble the best he could. He didn\u2019t want to give Adam any more ammunition for teasing comments about jealousy, either.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing hooves in the yard, Joe rose and went upstairs to wash. He didn\u2019t want to face his family right then. He needed more time to gear himself up for the part he had to play.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was going to be a long evening.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As the buggy drew to a halt in the yard, Joe went forward to help Georgia down from it. \u201cHello,\u201d he smiled and Georgia smiled broadly in return. \u201cWelcome to the Ponderosa,\u201d Joe added to Edward, feeling the muscles in his shoulders tense up as he looked at the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Edward, replied, neutrally.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Ben!\u201d Georgia threw herself across the yard into Ben\u2019s waiting arms. \u201cAdam! Hoss!\u201d She kissed each of them with the same abandon as she had greeted Joe. \u201cYou look great!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t look so bad yourself,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cNot quite the hoyden I remember, though.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSurface gloss,\u201d Georgia assured him, laughing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Joe made the necessary introductions and was grateful to be able to step back and allow Ben to carry the conversation, which he did gracefully, not being aware of Joe\u2019s churning feelings. Adam shot Joe a quick look, but Joe just gave him a bland smile back, while fielding teasing comments from Georgia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thanks to the presence of the rest of his family, supper wasn\u2019t the ordeal Joe had expected, although he frequently found Edward\u2019s eyes on him. Georgia sat with Edward, opposite Joe and it was plain to them all that she was besotted with her unlikely bridegroom. Joe did his best to avoid making eye contact with Edward, but it was impossible to avoid it completely without seeming rude. And the last thing Joe wanted was to seem to be rude to Edward. He didn\u2019t want his family thinking that there was anything wrong between them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen is the wedding to be?\u201d Ben asked, as they sat down to coffee in front of the fire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll get an invitation, Uncle Ben, don\u2019t worry,\u201d Georgia laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t hinting, young lady,\u201d laughed Ben in response. \u201cI just wanted to know.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cNow I remember why I used to want to turn you over my knee when you were younger!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t changed,\u201d Georgia agreed. \u201cThe wedding will take place after my next engagement in San Francisco,\u201d she went on. \u201cIn about a month\u2019s time.\u201d She took Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cYou will come to see that performance, won\u2019t you, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll come,\u201d Joe promised. \u201cAfter the preview I got this morning, I wouldn\u2019t miss it for the world!\u201d Their eyes met and they shared again the moment when Georgia had stopped singing and they both understood how much the music had meant to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould I persuade you to join me in a duet tonight?\u201d Adam asked, and Joe rolled his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the memory of the emotion she and Joe had felt that morning fresh in her mind, Georgia knew she wasn\u2019t in the mood to sing with Adam. \u201cNot tonight, Adam, if you don\u2019t mind,\u201d she replied. \u201cBut another time, I\u2019d love to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mind,\u201d Adam assured her. \u201cWe\u2019ll see you in concert at the end of the week anyway.\u201d He smiled. \u201cWe all thought you were crazy to go off to seek your fame and fortune,\u201d he confided. \u201cJust goes to show what we know, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot everyone thought I was crazy,\u201d Georgia replied. She grinned at Joe, who had supported her whole-heartedly, against everyone\u2019s opposition.<\/span><\/p>\n

From his position next to Georgia on the settee, Edward wished with all his heart that the evening was over. He hated being among these people who had a prior claim on Georgia\u2019s affections. Joe was bad enough, but all the Cartwrights together were overwhelming. He liked Adam and Ben; they seemed to be well educated and interesting, but he found Hoss to be completely boring, not being able to see beyond Hoss\u2019 size and shyness. And with every minute that passed and every glance and memory that Joe and Georgia shared, Edward found himself hating Joe even more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, Edward put down his brandy glass and said, \u201cWell, Georgia, its getting late and I think we should be heading back to town.\u201d He rose and everyone rose with him. \u201cThank you so much for this evening, Mr. Cartwright. It\u2019s been a pleasure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe pleasure has been all ours,\u201d Ben told him, warmly. \u201cIt\u2019s been so lovely to meet you, and I wish you all the very best in your marriage to Georgia. You must come back again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Edward replied. He couldn\u2019t think of anything worse.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe helped Georgia into the buggy, she took his hand. \u201cJoe, you will be there on opening night, won\u2019t you?\u201d she whispered, anxiously. The only other person who heard her was Edward.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I will,\u201d Joe assured her, in a low voice. \u201cI promised you that all those years ago, Georgie, and I haven\u2019t forgotten. I won\u2019t let you down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI knew you wouldn\u2019t,\u201d she exulted and gave him a hug.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood bye,\u201d Edward said, and shook up the horses. He shot Joe a venomous glance that he hoped no one else noticed and they drove back towards town.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

With a feeling of relief, the Cartwrights all untied their string ties and opened the top buttons of their shirts. Joe stretched, feeling the tension draining from his muscles and leaving him suddenly tired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEdward seems very pleasant,\u201d Ben commented as they strolled back inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he does,\u201d agreed Adam. \u201cAnd what a beauty Georgia\u2019s grown into! Joe, you missed your chance there, good and proper! Fancy letting a gorgeous girl like that slip through your fingers. D\u2019you think he\u2019s losing his touch, Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon so,\u201d Hoss agreed. He hadn\u2019t been as keen on Edward as the others, but didn\u2019t want to say anything to spoil the evening.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGive it a rest,\u201d Joe sighed. \u201cGeorgia\u2019s always been beautiful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think he\u2019s regretting what might have been,\u201d Adam went on teasing, not seeing the warning glint in Joe\u2019s green eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh grow up!\u201d Joe snapped. \u201cThose jokes wore out years ago, Adam! I think the person who\u2019s jealous here is you!\u201d He stalked off into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Adam called, taken aback by his brother\u2019s sudden show of temper. \u201cI was just joking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sighing, Ben went into the house, but Joe had already mounted the stairs and all Ben heard was the slamming of Joe\u2019s bedroom door. He did wish Adam could time his teasing better. Anyone with eyes could see that there was tension between Joe and Edward. It was only natural, Ben knew. There was an ease and intimacy between Joe and Georgia that would disquiet any man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was teasing,\u201d Adam protested to Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cBut Joe don\u2019t like that fellar, Adam, an\u2019 he weren\u2019t in the mood fer teasin\u2019 after spendin\u2019 an\u2019 evenin\u2019 with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Adam sighed. \u201cI hoped that I might be able to cheer him up a bit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think,\u201d Hoss replied, wisely, \u201cthat we should jist leave Joe alone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess you\u2019re right,\u201d Adam sighed. \u201cBut I\u2019ll go and apologize to him. I don\u2019t want him mad at me tomorrow morning.\u201d A moment or two later, he knocked on Joe\u2019s door before poking his head around it. \u201cCan I come in?\u201d he asked, warily.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was sitting on the bed, his shirt off. \u201cSure,\u201d he agreed, listlessly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI came to apologize,\u201d Adam told him. \u201cI was just joking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe responded. \u201cI\u2019m sorry for sounding off like that. Don\u2019t worry about it, Adam.\u201d He rose and began to unbutton his pants. \u201cGoodnight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNight,\u201d Adam replied. He left the room feeling frustrated. He\u2019d hoped that Joe might unburden himself to him, but it was clear that Joe didn\u2019t want to talk about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The next day, Sunday, the Cartwrights headed into church as usual. Joe had not slept well the night before and consequently, they were cutting it rather fine with their arrival. As they slid into their pew, Joe spotted Georgia and Edward sitting further down the church, in the pew where Georgia\u2019s family had always sat. It had been a couple of years now since Georgia\u2019s parents had gone back east to visit a relative and the train they had been traveling on had crashed. Although Joe knew that Georgia had come to terms with the loss of her parents, there must be a poignancy for her being back here for the first time.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they began singing the first hymn, Georgia glanced over her shoulder as she heard Adam\u2019s voice and winked at Joe. Instantly he felt his spirits lift, but only until Edward looked to see what Georgia was looking at. He nodded politely to the family, but Joe felt deflated. The service seemed to drag for him, and he wasn\u2019t able to snatch any time to talk to Georgia afterwards.<\/span><\/p>\n

But over the course of the afternoon, he began to brighten up as he looked forward to the opening night of Georgia\u2019s concert the next night. By the next morning, he was back to his usual blithe self, much to the relief of his family. Joe might think he was keeping his woes to himself, but it was seldom the case.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dressed and ready, Joe bid his family goodbye as they sat down to supper. He had grabbed something to eat earlier and had hopes of taking Georgia out for a late supper, provided Edward hadn\u2019t made plans already.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking Cochise to the livery stable on his arrival in town, Joe went to collect the flowers he had ordered. With those in hand, he went round to the stage door and dropped in the single red rose. He didn\u2019t try to see Georgia, knowing that she would be getting ready and didn\u2019t need the distraction of seeing him.\u00a0 Carefully holding the other red rose he planned to throw onto the stage, Joe started up the alley towards the front of the theatre.<\/span><\/p>\n

He never knew what hit him. There was sudden movement in the corner of his eye and as Joe turned towards it, something hard crashed down on his head and Joe fell to the ground, not quite out. A dark shadow moved about him and there was a second blow to his head. This time, Joe tumbled helplessly into the darkness.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Looking at the crowds of smartly dress people making their way to the theatre, Roy Coffee smiled. Like almost everyone else in the town, he had a soft spot for Georgia and it was good to see one of their own do well. Nodding greetings to a number of people, Roy continued on back towards his office. As he passed the alley that ran up the side of the theatre, he glanced, out of habit, up it. Frowning, he paused while he peered more closely into the gloom. Realizing that he could see a body lying there, Roy hurried over.<\/span><\/p>\n

The blue suit wasn\u2019t very familiar, but the tan hat and the bloodstained curly chestnut hair were. \u201cJoe!\u201d he cried, kneeling beside the youth and shaking his shoulder. \u201cJoe, can you hear me, boy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There was no response. Worriedly, Roy glanced around, wondering what would be best to do. He didn\u2019t want a crowd rubber-necking at Joe, but he didn\u2019t want to leave him alone, either, while he went for the doctor. Still undecided, Roy thought he would have one last try at rousing Joe and this time was rewarded with a groan. A few minutes later, Joe finally opened his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to ya, Joe?\u201d Roy asked anxiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe replied. He sat up slowly, his hand going up to his head. He touched the bloody lump there and winced. \u201cWhere am I?\u201d He glanced around, trying to orient himself. \u201cOh, yes, I was handing in flowers to Georgie.\u201d Joe saw the other red rose lying on the ground, crushed by his body weight. \u201cGeorgie! I\u2019ll be late!\u201d Joe tried to scramble to his feet, but his body wasn\u2019t yet ready for him to rise and he would have sprawled flat on his face if Roy hadn\u2019t caught him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSlow down there, boy!\u201d Roy ordered. \u201cYa ain\u2019t goin\u2019 anywhere \u2018ceptin\u2019 the doc\u2019s. Ya\u2019ve had a nasty blow to the head.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do that!\u201d Joe protested. \u201cI promised Georgie that I\u2019d be there for the first night.\u201d He shrugged off Roy\u2019s hands and made his feet. Sighing in exasperation, Roy picked up Joe\u2019s hat and handed it to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, ya\u2019d better wash the blood off yer neck afore ya go in,\u201d he suggested. \u201cCome on, I\u2019ll help ya ta the door.\u201d He slid his hand under Joe\u2019s elbow and Joe gratefully leant on the older man. His head throbbed painfully and he felt sick and dizzy. As they stopped by the main door, Roy looked at Joe again. He wasn\u2019t happy with what he saw. \u201cJoe\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine, Roy,\u201d Joe insisted. \u201cThanks.\u201d Joe staggered inside and went to the men\u2019s room to wash the blood off his neck. Then, taking a deep breath, he made his way to the box at the side of the stage. He flopped gratefully into the seat just as the curtain went up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sure enough, Georgie looked straight to him first, as he had known she would. From somewhere, he found a brilliant smile for her and Georgie looked back at her audience and the first notes of the music sounded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Relieved that he had kept his promise, Joe leaned back. The music washed over him without leaving much impression, but he kept his eyes on Georgie, even when he could barely focus because of the pain in his head, and he kept the smile on his face. And at the end of the night, he rose to his feet to join the rest of the audience in a standing ovation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When Georgia left the stage for the final time, Joe slumped back in his seat. He could barely hold his head up any more and the headache he had was getting worse. He had no idea how he was going to get to the livery stable to collect his horse, never mind ride home. Everything seemed to be such an effort.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vaguely, Joe heard the door to his box opening and he turned his head slowly and gaped with astonishment as his father came in. \u201cPa? he gasped. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRoy sent Clem out to the ranch to say that you\u2019d been hurt. He was concerned about you, son, and I\u2019m not surprised.\u201d Ben took in Joe\u2019s pale face and thanked Roy in absentia. \u201cCome on, Joe, let\u2019s get you over to the doc. You don\u2019t look too good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t feel too good, either,\u201d Joe admitted as he gained his feet. He swayed for a moment and Ben took his arm. \u201cSomeone hit me, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo Roy said,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cDid you see who it was, Joe?\u201d He kept his hand under Joe\u2019s arm as his son stumbled negotiating the steps to the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cJust movement.\u201d Joe could feel sweat breaking out on his face. \u201cPa, I need to stop for a moment.\u201d Joe leant against his father and drew in great draughts of air. Ben slid an arm round Joe\u2019s waist, too. \u201cAll right, I\u2019m ready,\u201d Joe told him, sensing that his father wanted to get him to the doctor as soon as possible. Joe wasn\u2019t in the least ready to move on, but for once, he wanted to get to the doctor\u2019s as well, so he could lie down and go to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been expecting you,\u201d said a familiar voice and Joe glanced up to find that they had arrived at the surgery. He stumbled once more going up the steps, and then he was allowed to lie down. His eyes began to drift shut almost at once. \u201cNot so fast, young man,\u201d the voice insisted and Joe forced his eyes open to look at Doctor Paul Martin. \u201cI want to look into your eyes and ask a few questions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After a while, satisfied that Joe was going to be all right, Paul allowed him to drift off to sleep. \u201cHe\u2019s got a mild concussion, Ben, but he did the right thing staying awake, even if his reasoning wasn\u2019t all it ought to be! Why don\u2019t you leave him here and come and collect him in the morning?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking down on his sleeping son, Ben\u2019s hand drifted out to stroke Joe\u2019s hair. \u201cI\u2019ll get a room in the hotel,\u201d he replied. \u201cIf he needs me\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be the first to know,\u201d Paul assured him. \u201cGo on, Ben. He\u2019ll be just fine.\u201d Paul ushered Ben out of the door before he went and tucked a blanket around Joe. Joe didn\u2019t stir. Paul smiled at him, and wondered who had attacked him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Come morning, Joe felt a bit better and managed to keep down some food. Roy came over with Ben to question him once more about what had happened the previous evening, but Joe wasn\u2019t able to shed any more light on the matter. He hadn\u2019t seen anyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I take him home now?\u201d Ben asked Paul after Roy left.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but keep him quiet for a couple of days,\u201d Paul suggested. \u201cPlenty of fluids and regular meals. In a few days, if there are no further complications, he can go back to work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Joe,\u201d Ben smiled, and helped his son to his feet, for Joe was still shaky.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they left the doctor\u2019s office, and Ben helped Joe down the steps, they heard a voice crying, \u201cJoe!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGeorgie!\u201d Joe exclaimed and squinted up the street. Sure enough, there was Georgia and Edward hurrying towards them. Well, Georgia was hurrying. Edward wasn\u2019t hurrying his steps at all. \u201cYou were great last night,\u201d Joe praised her, although he honestly couldn\u2019t remember much about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just met Sheriff Coffee,\u201d Georgia informed him, ignoring Joe\u2019s praise. \u201cHe told me you were attacked last night before the concert.\u201d She took in Ben\u2019s supporting hand under Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cOh, Joe, are you badly hurt?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe assured her. He felt Ben\u2019s hand stir on his arm in silent protest, but ignored it. \u201cJust a bump on the head. You know me, Georgie; I\u2019ve got a hard head.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The problem was, Joe reflected as Georgia looked at him doubtfully, she did indeed know him too well. \u201cTruly?\u201d she asked, and Joe nodded, biting back the wince that the movement evoked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTruly,\u201d he echoed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Exchanging a glance with Ben, Georgia sighed. \u201cYou be careful!\u201d she chided Joe. \u201cWhat would I do without you and Edward?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea,\u201d Joe replied, truthfully, and with a touch of his usual cheek.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, go home, Joe,\u201d Georgia scolded. She tucked her hand through Edward\u2019s arm. He had spoken not a word throughout the whole exchange. \u201cI\u2019ll come out and see you tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll look forward to it,\u201d Joe assured her and found a polite smile for Edward. It was returned, although the look in Edward\u2019s eye sent a shiver down Joe\u2019s spine.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The journey back to the ranch tired Joe and he went willingly to rest when they arrived home. Ben sat down at his desk, but he didn\u2019t open any ledgers or read any letters. He was trying to figure out who had attacked Joe the night before.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was a mystery. Joe hadn\u2019t been carrying all that much money, and it was all still in his wallet. His gun had not been taken from his gun belt. Unless someone had been hiding in the alley for some reason and had thought Joe had seen them, Ben couldn\u2019t think of a single motive for the attack. Except one. Again the disquieting thought came to haunt Ben, as it had during the long watches of the night. Did someone have a grudge against Joe? Enough of a grudge to take the risk of killing him? If so, who and why? Ben couldn\u2019t begin to hazard a guess.<\/span><\/p>\n

Later Adam and Hoss came in for lunch, anxious to hear the news about Joe. Ben assured them that their brother was all right. He wasn\u2019t going to mention his worries, but they had occurred to Adam and Hoss, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho would do this?\u201d Adam asked. They had talked all around it, but had found no answers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben repeated for the umpteenth time.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was a noise from the stairs and Ben glanced up to see Joe coming down. His shirt was untucked and buttoned only by one button. His bare feet poked out from under his pants and his hair was tousled. \u201cHi, brothers,\u201d he said, cheerfully enough. Ben could see that Joe looked better; he had more color in his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Joe replied, shrugging. He grinned at Hoss across the table. \u201cYou left me any lunch, Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNah,\u201d Hoss responded, dismissively. \u201cI reckoned ya weren\u2019t up ta eatin\u2019 after last night. So I ate your share for ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGee, thanks,\u201d Joe muttered. \u201cSuch concern for me.\u201d He struggled to keep a straight face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019 want it ta go off,\u201d Hoss explained, earnestly.<\/span><\/p>\n

They were never to know how long this little scenario would have lasted before either Joe or Hoss lost it and laughed, because Hop Sing came through at that moment and put a plate down on the table in front of Joe without a word.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, there it is,\u201d Joe said, sounding slightly surprised. \u201cSeems Hop Sing managed to keep this from you, Hoss. You must be slipping.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Impatient with the teasing, Adam asked, \u201cJoe, can you remember anything more about what happened last night?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe replied, picking up his cutlery. \u201cI just remember the movement and being hit on the head.\u201d Forking some pork chop into his mouth, Joe chewed meditatively. He suddenly looked at Ben, his eyes going wide. \u201cI was hit twice!\u201d he exclaimed, through his food. Seeing Ben\u2019s frown, he swallowed hastily and repeated his statement. \u201cI was hit again when I was on the ground.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSure,\u201d agreed Joe. He thought back, but the images were blurred. \u201cI still didn\u2019t see anyone, though.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I want you to promise me you\u2019ll be very careful,\u201d Ben begged his son, deeply troubled by this latest revelation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI promise, Pa,\u201d Joe agreed, without hesitation. He had no desire for a repeat of the previous night. His head was still throbbing, although not as badly as when he had arrived home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Glancing at his older sons, Ben collected slight nods from them both. They would keep a sharp eye on Joe for the next while, until they found out who had attacked Joe, and \u2013 more importantly \u2013\u00a0why<\/em>\u00a0they had attacked him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When Georgia arrived the next afternoon, Joe was feeling much better. He went to greet Georgia and saw with dismay that Edward had come with her. Still Joe smiled in greeting and pretended that he was as pleased to see Edward as he was to see Georgia.<\/span><\/p>\n

They passed a few minutes in offering and refusing refreshment, and then Georgia asked to see the horses. Always willing to look at his beloved horses, Joe led them down to the corral where he had the latest batch of horses that he was going to sell. Ben was there already, talking to the hands, and came over.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a few minutes, Georgia maneuvered things so that Ben took Edward off to show him some of the herd which was grazing near by, leaving Joe alone with Georgia. It was obvious that she wanted to speak to Joe alone, but the only person who suspected her motives was Edward. He was consumed with hatred for Joe and fervently wished him ill. It was quite an effort to speak politely to Ben, but such was his public mask that Ben didn\u2019t suspect a thing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow we\u2019re alone, you can tell me how you really feel,\u201d Georgia told Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling, Joe replied, \u201cA lot better than yesterday. I\u2019ve got a bit of a headache, but apart from that I\u2019m fine, honestly. Now, why did you want to see me alone?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to give Edward a horse as a wedding gift,\u201d Georgia explained. \u201cAnd who else would I go to apart from you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Joe agreed, although he didn\u2019t want one of his horses in Edward\u2019s hands. However, he thought he had just the mount, as it happened. One of the horses was a smart black cob, up to carrying weight, but forward going and with a deceptive turn of speed. \u201cWhat about this one?\u201d He led Georgia around the corral until they were standing opposite the horse in question. Joe slid into the corral and caught the horse, leading it over so Georgia could have a closer look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerfect!\u201d Georgia declared. \u201cIs there any way you can get him delivered to San Francisco? I don\u2019t want Edward to know about this yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI would think so,\u201d agreed Joe. \u201cWe can work it out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want a horse for myself, too,\u201d Georgia added with a smile. \u201cI\u2019m not letting Edward ride around town on such a good-looking horse without me there, too! I don\u2019t want some woman taking a fancy to him!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sound utterly besotted,\u201d Joe teased her, although he couldn\u2019t understand her attachment to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am,\u201d Georgia agreed softly, her eyes glowing. \u201cI love him very much, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a lucky man,\u201d Joe told her, equally softly. \u201cRight,\u201d he went on briskly. \u201cA horse for you. Let me see.\u201d Joe vanished in among the horses before coming back with a palomino gelding that he had bred from his father\u2019s stallion. One look at Georgia\u2019s face told him he\u2019d made the right choice.<\/span><\/p>\n

They bickered good-naturedly over the price, and finally came to an agreement, although Georgia protested that the price was too low and Joe insisted it was too high. They walked down to meet Ben and Edward, who were returning and Joe saw, with growing dismay that Edward at once perceived that Georgia had a secret from him, and judging by the looks he sent Joe whenever he thought no one else was looking, he thought that Joe was trying to steal Georgia away from him.<\/span><\/p>\n

After coffee, Edward rose. \u201cThank you for a pleasant afternoon, Mr. Cartwright, but we must get back to town. Georgia has a concert to give.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get your buggy,\u201d Joe told them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll help you,\u201d Edward suggested, with a false smile. He put one hand onto Joe\u2019s shoulder in a gesture of friendship. Joe was hard put not to shrug it off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Outside in the yard, as Joe hitched the horse, Edward leant in close to him. \u201cLet\u2019s get one thing straight, Cartwright,\u201d he hissed. \u201cGeorgia is mine, and I\u2019ll kill you before I allow you to steal her from me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know Georgia is yours,\u201d Joe retorted. \u201cAny fool can see she loves you. But she\u2019s my friend \u2013 and I\u2019m not going to stop seeing her unless that\u2019s what she wants! Now, back off!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMonday night was just a reminder,\u201d Edward warned. \u201cI\u2019ll kill you!\u201d He straightened as Georgia and Ben came into the yard.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe fastened the last buckles on auto-pilot and schooled his face to a pleasant expression. But he wasn\u2019t entirely successful, as when Edward and Georgia had driven out of sight, Ben put his arm around Joe\u2019s shoulders and gave him a squeeze. \u201cYou look tired, Joe,\u201d he commented.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cAnd Georgia has bought two horses from us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it might be something like that she was up to,\u201d Ben laughed. \u201cEdward was fretting about it a bit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you say?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told him you two had always been as thick as thieves, and he would have to get used to it!\u201d Ben laughed. \u201cAnd its true, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Joe nodded, but Ben had just made everything worse, as far as Joe was concerned. Edward would never now believe that there was nothing more than friendship between him and Georgia. \u201cSo, which horses did she buy? That palomino, by chance?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Glad he\u2019d diverted his father away from questions about his health, and a need to lie any more, Joe answered the questions eagerly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The next day, Joe went down to the corral and separated the two horses Georgia had bought and began to do some more work with them. Both horses were well broken, but Joe wanted to school them a bit more before he sent them off to California. With that in mind, he spent the morning putting them through their paces. Satisfied with what he had done, he went off to join Adam and Hoss in moving the herd to fresh pasture.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you feeling all right, Joe?\u201d Adam asked, as they surveyed the cattle settling into the new meadow. \u201cYou\u2019re very quiet. You haven\u2019t been over doing it, have you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s jist got Georgia on his mind,\u201d Hoss offered. \u201cHe\u2019s thinkin\u2019 that it\u2019s good we\u2019ve got tickets fer Friday\u2019s performance, seein\u2019 as how he didn\u2019 really hear much o\u2019 Monday\u2019s!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling, Joe let his brothers\u2019 teasing comments pass over his head without listening. Georgia was indeed on his mind, but no way could he tell his brothers about the threats Edward had made to him. He couldn\u2019t tell anyone without hurting Georgia completely. Did Edward\u2019s remark about the attack on Monday mean that he had done it? Or was he just making use of it. It was common knowledge that Joe had been knocked out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing that they weren\u2019t going to get a rise out of Joe that afternoon, Adam and Hoss stopped teasing him, but Joe didn\u2019t notice. His pre-occupied silence lasted well into supper, where Ben finally asked him what was wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI was just thinking of the best route to get those horses to San Francisco before Georgie and Edward get there. I guess I was riding the different routes in my mind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, stop riding them and tell me if you are finished with the horses. I\u2019ve asked you twice,\u201d Ben told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, sir,\u201d Joe replied, dragging his mind back to the table. \u201cI\u2019ll ride them both out tomorrow, but I\u2019m sure I don\u2019t need to do any more work with them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, you can do that after lunch,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cI\u2019d like you to go into town for supplies in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Pa,\u201d Joe agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIts warm today, Joe,\u201d commented, Cameron, the storekeeper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure is,\u201d Joe agreed. He was loading sacks of flour into the buckboard. \u201cLooks like summer\u2019s finally here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you up to today?\u201d Cameron asked. He passed Joe another sack. \u201cLazy day, is it? Picnic by the lake with Georgia?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wish!\u201d Joe retorted, good-humouredly. \u201cI\u2019ve got a couple of horses to work this afternoon. It\u2019s a bit hot for running them too much, but I might be able to catch a breeze while I\u2019m out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you will be going down by the lake, then?\u201d persisted Cameron, knowing that the one place you could guarantee a breeze was near Lake Tahoe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d Joe nodded. \u201cThere\u2019s a lovely flat meadow there that\u2019s just right for running the horses on. We used to have races there when I was a kid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave fun,\u201d Cameron told him, as he turned to go back into the shop. \u201cOh, good morning, Mr. Duras. How are you today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starting, Joe turned and saw Edward standing there. His heart gave a disquieting leap. \u201cEdward,\u201d he nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Edward repeated, in exactly the same tone. He didn\u2019t stop, just walked into the store. Joe watched him go and repressed a shudder that wanted to run down his spine. Getting onto the seat, Joe snapped the reins and got the team moving.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Saddling the big black cob, Joe wiped away the sweat forming on his head again. The temperature was climbing with a vengeance, and he wished it was a bit cooler, since he would be unable to run the horses as much as he would have liked. However, there was nothing he could do about the weather, so he mounted up and rode off at a walk.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the first time for a few days, Joe was able to get his thoughts away from Georgia and Edward. He allowed the horse to walk on a loose rein, until they neared the meadow where Joe planned to run it. He shortened his reins, warning the horse to pay attention and touched it with his heel. The well-trained animal moved smoothly into a trot. Joe smiled unconsciously. The horse had a gait like silk. Again, he touched it with his heel and the horse moved into a lope.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pain suddenly exploded through Joe\u2019s thigh and he heard the shot a moment later. The bullet gouged a deep groove along Joe\u2019s thigh and carried on, straight into the jugular vein of the horse. Within a few seconds, the horse bled to death. It toppled forward onto its nose before somersaulting to crash land on its back before finally coming to rest on its side. Joe, already reeling from the injury he had sustained, was catapulted into the air over the horse\u2019s head and the bulk of the horse barely missed him as it landed on the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t notice. He was already unconscious.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Straightening from his position amongst the trees, Edward calmly unloaded his rife. He smiled maliciously as he saw Joe\u2019s still form on the grass. \u201cI warned you, Cartwright,\u201d he reminded his fallen rival. \u201cGeorgia is mine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning, he made his way back to his rented buggy and went back to town.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe didn\u2019t know how much time had passed before he roused. Lifting his head, he peered blearily around at the meadow, bathed in golden sunshine. Birds sang in the nearby trees and he could hear a bee buzzing away somewhere close at hand. It was a perfect afternoon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yet something was very wrong. Why was he lying face down in the grass? Why was his horse on its side a few feet away? Why was the grass under the horse a funny color? Joe tried to move and pain shot through his body, forcing him to lie still. He couldn\u2019t contain a groan.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a time, when the pain had died back a bit, Joe decided to try each part of his body to see what hurt. Both his arms seemed to be working, even if his left hand fingers were tingling from having the weight of his body lying on them for some time. Joe\u2019s head throbbed even more than it had done at the start of the week.<\/span><\/p>\n

But it was when he moved his right leg that the world lost color as pain exploded in his thigh, causing him to cry out. For a time, he hovered between waking and unconsciousness, not aware of his surroundings at all. Finally, the world settled down, and Joe cautiously turned his head and looked at his leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

His pants were soaked in blood. Joe reached down tentative fingers and felt the torn fabric, bracing himself to feel the torn flesh beneath. At his first, feather-light touch, the pain threatened to overwhelm him, but he drew in deep draughts of air, fighting to keep from regurgitating the contents of his stomach. At last, he was able to feel along the furrow that ran diagonally across his thigh. The wound was straight and deep and still bleeding.<\/span><\/p>\n

Desperately nauseated, and light-headed, Joe knew that he hadn\u2019t severed the femoral artery or else he would already be dead. But he also knew that if he didn\u2019t stop the bleeding soon, he could still bleed to death. It was obvious that his horse was dead; Joe knew there was no easy way out of this situation for him. There was no one coming to help him for hours yet. He had to help himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, he struggled out of his shirt \u2013 he wore no jacket because of the heat \u2013 ripped the sleeve out of it and bound it around his leg. Then he draped the rest of his shirt over his back, knowing all too well the dangers of heatstroke and sunburn.<\/span><\/p>\n

After that, there was nothing Joe could do but lie there, suffer, and wait for help to arrive.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It was late in the evening before Ben became really worried about Joe\u2019s continued absence. Joe had left the house immediately after lunch, and it was now several hours after supper. Making a decision, Ben rose to his feet and went purposefully towards the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGetting some air?\u201d Adam enquired over the top of his book.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to find what\u2019s keeping your youngest brother down at the horse pens!\u201d Ben replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEh, Pa, Joe\u2019s been a bit out of sorts lately,\u201d Adam noted. \u201cPerhaps we should give him some time alone to think?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s had time alone to think,\u201d Ben retorted. \u201cAnd frankly, I\u2019m worried. He was attacked a couple of nights ago, or had you forgotten? I\u2019m going to look for him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen we\u2019re comin\u2019, too,\u201d Hoss insisted. He had been eyeing both Adam and Ben all evening, trying to decide when would be the best time to voice his worry. Like Adam, he thought Joe needed time alone to think, but like Ben, he knew that Joe had had that time, and should be home.\u00a0Middle child<\/em>, he mused,\u00a0an\u2019 I\u2019m still stuck in the middle, seein\u2019 both points o\u2019 view!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam tossed his book onto the table. He had been turning pages regularly, but had no idea what he\u2019d read. \u201cWe\u2019ll get the wagon, just in case,\u201d he offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

They were ready to go in a very short time. The evening light lingered, turning the shadows purple and the still air was heavy with the smell of night-scented stock and lavender from Hop Sing\u2019s garden. Quite where he found the energy or time to tend to the small garden of flowers no one knew, but on evenings like this, everyone enjoyed the benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n

Down at the corral, they found Cochise and the palomino still in the stalls. There was no sign of Joe or the black cob. Without speaking, the Cartwrights headed towards the lake. They all knew where Joe preferred to run his horses, and there was always the chance he had gone to his mother\u2019s grave, which was also beside the lake.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dusk was falling softly across the land as they reached the meadow by the lake. This was their first choice, and they all hoped they would find Joe there, miraculously unharmed, although none of them could imagine what he could have been doing for all those hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

There were two dark shapes on the grass and as Ben spurred Buck towards them, his heart rose to choke him. Disaster had struck his youngest son again, and he had waited hours before heeding that small voice in his mind that told him Joe needed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ignoring the obviously dead horse, Ben slid from Buck\u2019s back to kneel by Joe. His son was feverish and unconscious. Ben saw, without seeing, the blood-stained sleeves from his son\u2019s shirt tied around his leg. \u201cJoe,\u201d he begged his son. \u201cWake up, Joe, please!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There was no movement, no answering groan. Joe was deeply unconscious, his color poor even in the dim light. \u201cOh, Pa,\u201d Hoss whispered, and it was only then that Ben came out of his stupor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet the doctor, Hoss!\u201d he cried. \u201cAdam, help me get Joe in the wagon. Mind his leg!\u201d Dimly, Ben heard hoof beats as Hoss galloped off to fetch Paul Martin.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The journey back to the ranch was never more than a jumble of images for Ben in later times. Joe remained deeply unconscious throughout, and Ben did not attempt to undo the make-shift bandages on Joe\u2019s leg. He managed to get a little water into Joe, but not nearly enough. Despite Joe\u2019s best efforts with the tattered remains of his shirt, he had been badly sunburned and his temperature continued to climb.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was almost midnight before they reached the ranch. Paul Martin had reached there just a short time before, but thanks to the efficiency of Hop Sing, he had everything he needed ready and waiting for him. His face was grim as he watched Ben and Adam carry Joe up to his bedroom. There was so much blood on Joe\u2019s pants leg that it looked as though their original color might have been red. Moving quickly, Paul removed the make-shift bandages and cut away Joe\u2019s pants so he could see the injury clearly.<\/span><\/p>\n

The wound was deep and long and was seeping blood again as Paul removed the bandages. Glimmers of bone showed here and there and the muscles were in a bit of a mess. Reaching for his bag, Paul dropped his suturing equipment into the boiling water Hop Sing brought him and prepared to stitch Joe\u2019s leg back together.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a nasty head injury he has, Ben,\u201d Paul commented, as he put the last stitch in Joe\u2019s leg. \u201cHave you any idea what happened? I know he was shot, but apart from that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben replied, his voice hollow. \u201cThe horse he\u2019d been riding was dead. It had been shot in the neck. I\u2019d guess, from their relative positions, that Joe was riding the horse when it happened. He must have been thrown clear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was lucky, then,\u201d Paul commented, having held death vigils over too many people who had had horses fall on them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill he be all right?\u201d Ben demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I just don\u2019t know,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cHe\u2019s lost a lot of blood and he\u2019s very weak. The fever isn\u2019t helping and that\u2019s a nasty case of sunburn he\u2019s got on his back. If we can keep him quiet, give him lots of fluids, and provided infection doesn\u2019t set in, he might make it. I\u2019m sorry, I just don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tears filled Ben\u2019s eyes and his hand went once more to Joe\u2019s head. Paul rose and bandaged the gash that ran along Joe\u2019s hairline. \u201cPlease, Lord, let him live,\u201d Ben pleaded. He didn\u2019t care that his friend heard him begging the Almighty for Joe\u2019s life. He would do whatever was necessary for Joe to live.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

And so the vigil began. Joe remained unconscious while his family bathed him with cool cloths and lifted his head every few minutes to trickle a little sugar water down his throat. Paul Martin was staying to keep an eye on Joe. His leg had swollen to twice its usual size, and Paul was keeping an eye on the stitches he had put in. There was no sign of infection, and Paul put the amount of swelling down to the trauma Joe\u2019s leg had suffered.<\/span><\/p>\n

The sunburn on Joe\u2019s back had formed into blisters, and they had to prop him on his side so he could rest semi-comfortably. Hop Sing had appeared with some green pulpy substance that he insisted would help ease the sunburn. It smelt good, and reluctantly, Paul agreed. Joe lay still while it was gently patted onto his back. \u201cWhat did you say this was called?\u201d Paul asked, rubbing some of it between his fingers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAloe vera,\u201d Hop Sing replied. \u201cVery good.\u201d He left the room, offering nothing more. Paul shrugged. He had seen some of Hop Sing\u2019s medicines do more than his more modern drugs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gradually, Joe\u2019s temperature came down, thanks to the cool compresses and the quinine Paul administered. And as he cooled, he came nearer to consciousness until he was groaning steadily as the dawn broke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you give him something for the pain now?\u201d Ben pleaded. \u201cHe\u2019s hurting, Paul.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Paul replied, quietly. Adam and Hoss had long gone to bed at Ben\u2019s urging, but Paul was sure they would be up again very soon. \u201cBut I\u2019m not willing to give him anything until he\u2019s awake, Ben. He\u2019s been unconscious a long time, and with that head injury and the blood loss, I could easily give him too much, and kill him.\u201d Paul wasn\u2019t usually as blunt as that, but he knew anything less wouldn\u2019t convince Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

At long last, about an hour after dawn, Joe opened his eyes. He had no idea why he felt so awful, but he couldn\u2019t remember ever feeling worse. He was lying on his left side, and was desperately uncomfortable. But when he tried to move, a wave of pain swept through his body, making him cry out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instantly, Ben was by his side. \u201cEasy, Joe,\u201d he soothed. \u201cDon\u2019t try to move.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d Joe protested, weakly. \u201cPa\u2026 hurts.\u201d Tears sprang to his eyes. He couldn\u2019t articulate his misery.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll give you something for the pain in a minute, Joe,\u201d Paul assured him. \u201cJust let me look at you.\u201d He shone a light in Joe\u2019s eyes, relieved to see that the pupils were equal and reactive. He asked Joe several questions, and Joe was able to assure him that he knew who he was, and where he was. By then, he could remember what had happened to him, but Paul didn\u2019t let him go into details. He helped Joe to drink a glass of water, then offered him a very weak painkiller, which was the most he could dare give the severely injured young man. \u201cYou have to stay awake for a while, Joe,\u201d Paul told him. \u201cBen, talk to him. But don\u2019t press him, all right? There\u2019s time enough for questions later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sitting down on the bed, Ben smiled at his son. Joe smiled back, but it was more of a grimace. \u201cWhat time is it?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, about seven, I\u2019d think,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cSeven in the morning that is. We brought you home about midnight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, Joe tried to ease his position and winced miserably. \u201cI want to lie down,\u201d he whispered, his voice thin and frail.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour back is sunburned,\u201d Ben told him. \u201cIt would hurt you, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Again the tears welled in Joe\u2019s eyes. He was exhausted and sore and he just wanted to sleep. \u201cPlease!\u201d he begged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet him,\u201d Paul advised. \u201cHe\u2019s too weak to waste energy fretting. We can always turn him again if we need to.\u201d Together, the men worked to move the pillows they had used to prop Joe up. Then they gently eased him down, and after the first moment of initial agony, Joe relaxed as the aloe vera soothed his skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I sleep now?\u201d Joe asked, plaintively. His eyes were already drooping closed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet!\u201d Paul cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d Joe whined, not caring that he sounded like a child.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you have to say hello to your brothers and assure them that you\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cI\u2019ll go and get them and you talk to your Pa.\u201d He left the room, having heard Adam and Hoss heading downstairs a few minutes earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe horse is dead, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Joe asked, dully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid so,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cBut don\u2019t worry about that right now. We have to get you feeling better so that when Roy comes out to talk to you later, you can answer his questions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t see anyone,\u201d Joe whispered. \u201cI just remember the pain. And falling\u2026\u201d He closed his eyes briefly. Ben took his hand to offer his support.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it now,\u201d Ben soothed. \u201cJoe, open your eyes. You mustn\u2019t sleep yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dragging open his eyes, Joe focused with difficulty on his father. \u201cWhy not?\u201d he asked. \u201cI\u2019m so tired, Pa.\u201d The hopelessness of Joe\u2019s voice pierced Ben\u2019s heart with remorse, but he knew he couldn\u2019t afford to let Joe sleep yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou were unconscious for a long, long, time, Joe,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cYou banged your head badly. Paul has to be careful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed. \u201cAll right,\u201d he agreed, almost inaudibly. Ben smothered a matching sigh of his own. Joe\u2019s green eyes were dulled with pain and fever and Ben hated to see him like this.<\/span><\/p>\n

The bedroom door opened at that point and Adam and Hoss hurried in. Joe looked round at them and summoned a small smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Shortshanks, its good ta see ya awake,\u201d Hoss beamed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou gave us quite a scare,\u201d Adam told him, smiling warmly. There were many times that he and Joe didn\u2019t see eye to eye, but Adam hated when his brother was ill.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d Joe replied, and Adam cursed himself for saying the wrong thing. He hadn\u2019t meant Joe to feel guilty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to be sorry,\u201d he told his brother. \u201cYou did nothing wrong. It wasn\u2019t your fault that you were shot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Lifting his eyes, Joe met Adam\u2019s dark brown gaze and Adam had the sudden, disquieting feeling that Joe knew who had shot him and why, and that he felt it was indeed his fault. Frowning, Adam opened his mouth to question Joe further, but Paul Martin intervened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough for now. I think we can let Joe go back to sleep.\u201d He felt Joe\u2019s head in a professional manner and nodded. \u201cThe fever is coming down nicely. You should feel a lot better when you wake, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Joe muttered, his voice slurring. His eyes were already closed and a few moments later, his even breathing indicated to them that he was sleeping.<\/span><\/p>\n

Guiding the family away from the bed so that Joe wasn\u2019t disturbed \u2013 although Paul privately thought Joe would sleep through anything right then \u2013 Paul suggested, \u201cBen, you need to get some sleep. Joe\u2019s going to be fine, given time. There\u2019s no sign of infection, so I\u2019m going to go home and try and get some sleep myself. Have something to eat, Ben. The boys can sit with Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing that Ben was about to protest, Adam quickly took charge. \u201cHoss, you sit with Joe while I make sure Pa eats something,\u201d he suggested. \u201cCome on, Pa. We\u2019ll wake you if Joe needs you, you know that.\u201d He ushered Ben downstairs and Paul Martin took his leave.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Ben ate, Adam sat beside him and nursed a cup of coffee. \u201cCome on, Adam, out with it, whatever it is,\u201d Ben said, as he put down his knife and fork.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure I know what it is myself, Pa,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cBut up there, I got the feeling that Joe knows who shot him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut he told me he didn\u2019t see anyone,\u201d Ben replied, frowning. \u201cAnd I\u2019m sure he wasn\u2019t lying.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJudging by the angle of the wound, and the fact that the same bullet appears to have killed the horse, too, I\u2019d say he is telling the truth,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cBut, Pa, I\u2019m still sure he knows and feels that it\u2019s somehow his fault.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut how could it be Joe\u2019s fault?\u201d Ben argued. \u201cAdam, that doesn\u2019t make sense. Who would want to shoot Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cBut it was just a feeling I got.\u201d He sighed. \u201cLook, Pa, I\u2019m going to ride into town and talk to Georgia. We won\u2019t be going to the concert tonight, and I\u2019d like to tell her why.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cBut tell her gently.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Adam responded. \u201cAnd you get some sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBelieve me,\u201d Ben replied as he got to his feet, \u201cI\u2019m going to, son!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The first person Adam met when he arrived in town was Roy Coffee, the sheriff. \u201cAdam! How\u2019s little Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be all right, Roy,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cHe\u2019s pretty weak, and Paul says it\u2019ll take some time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGlad ta hear it,\u201d Roy replied, his relief genuine. \u201cI\u2019ll be out later ta talk ta him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Adam went over to the theatre. Georgia was there, with Edward as they listened to the pianist playing a piece. Georgia was singing along quietly. Her voice had a richness and depth that Adam had seldom heard before. He stood listening, not willing to interrupt.<\/span><\/p>\n

When she had finished singing, Adam went forward. Edward was the first person to see him. \u201cHello, Adam,\u201d he declared. \u201cWhat a surprise! I didn\u2019t expect to see you until this evening.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cNo, I didn\u2019t expect to either, but something\u2019s happened and I needed to talk to you both about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Georgia asked, her eyes wide. \u201cIs it Joe? He\u2019s all right, isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s sit down,\u201d Adam suggested. He sat down next to Georgia and took her hand. With her other hand, Georgia reached for Edward. \u201cJoe was shot yesterday afternoon. He\u2019s going to be all right, given time, but he\u2019s quite ill at the moment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh no!\u201d Georgia cried. \u201cWhere was he hit? Adam, tell me the truth! He will be all right?\u201d Tears began to run down her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was hit in the thigh,\u201d Adam told her, marking the path of the bullet along his own leg. \u201cHe lay there for a long time before we found him, and he\u2019s lost a lot of blood. But Dr Martin tells us he\u2019ll be fine, in time.\u201d Glancing past Georgia to see Edward\u2019s reaction, Adam surprised an odd look on the man\u2019s face. He would almost have said it was \u2013 satisfaction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Realizing that Adam had seen it, Edward made no effort to change his expression. \u201cDo you know who did it?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam replied, slowly, trying to make sense of this. Perhaps Edward was just unsure of what to say, he reasoned, although some instinct was telling him this wasn\u2019t the case. \u201cJoe didn\u2019t see anyone. It seems the shot came from behind him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I come and see him?\u201d Georgia asked. She freed her hand from Adam\u2019s, Edward noticed with a rush of pleasure. She wiped away the tears.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot today,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cHe\u2019s too weak, but maybe a short visit tomorrow. And I\u2019m sorry, but we\u2019re not going to make the concert tonight. And I\u2019m even more disappointed after hearing you singing when I came in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was going to sing that one just for Joe,\u201d Georgia told him. \u201cBut Adam, we\u2019re leaving town on the noon stage tomorrow. There won\u2019t be time for us to come out to the ranch before that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I didn\u2019t realize,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cWell, in that case, you may come this afternoon. Or even come back with me now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEdward, could you get a buggy?\u201d Georgia asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, my dear,\u201d Edward assured her. \u201cWait here and I\u2019ll come for you.\u201d He gave her a hug.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Edward, I don\u2019t know what I\u2019d do without you,\u201d Georgia sighed. Edward smiled and went off, leaving Adam and Georgia alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe horse that Joe was riding was killed, too, Georgia,\u201d Adam told her. \u201cIt was the horse you\u2019d bought for Edward. If you trust me to, I\u2019ll choose another horse for him and send them on as Joe intended.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, thank you, that would be fine, Adam,\u201d Georgia nodded. Adam would have taken bets that she didn\u2019t really hear what he had said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

To say Ben was surprised by Georgia and Edward\u2019s arrival was an understatement. He wasn\u2019t long up and had looked in on Joe, who was still deeply asleep. He did his best to make them welcome, but it wasn\u2019t until Adam explained that they had to leave the next day that he realized why Adam had brought them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing Georgia\u2019s white face, Ben insisted that she have something warm to drink first and he went up to see if Joe was awake. He was, and his face was a picture of misery. However, Ben relieved Hoss of his duties and assisted Joe in using the chamber pot before settling him comfortably again. Because of the sunburn on Joe\u2019s back, which seemed to be a bit less hot, he wasn\u2019t wearing a nightshirt, and Ben wondered about the suitability of a young woman visiting his son\u2019s sick room. But since the visit would do them both good, and they would be chaperoned, Ben decided it would do no harm. He removed the chamber pot and went to fetch Georgia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite the warnings she had received, Georgia wasn\u2019t prepared to see Joe so pale and ill. He smiled brilliantly at her, but it wasn\u2019t his usual smile and the little scar near his mouth seemed to be more visible than it normally was. \u201cHi,\u201d he offered, weakly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe,\u201d Georgia moaned and sat down beside him, looking like she might burst into tears any moment. Ben fervently hoped she wouldn\u2019t as Joe was liable to join her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be all right,\u201d Joe insisted. \u201cDid Adam tell you about the horse?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ve sorted it out. You just concentrate on getting better.\u201d Georgia glanced round as the door opened again and Adam showed Edward in. Georgia colored prettily, but didn\u2019t rise from her seat on the bed. \u201cI know it\u2019s not lady-like, but I don\u2019t care,\u201d she said, defiantly, although no one had said a word.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam had been looking at his brother as he showed Edward in, looking for signs of improvement. He knew it was too soon for Joe to look better, but that didn\u2019t stop Adam hoping. And so he saw Joe\u2019s face when Edward appeared and the unmistakable look of fear. And suddenly Adam was convinced that Edward had been the cause of Joe\u2019s accident.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Because of Joe\u2019s obvious exhaustion, the visit was kept to a few minutes, and then Joe was glad to receive his painkiller and slip back into sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Roy Coffee arrived, Ben took some broth up to Joe as he went to rouse him, and Adam entertained Roy to coffee while they waited for Ben to tell them Joe was ready to see him. \u201cRoy, I don\u2019t have any proof, but I think that perhaps Edward Duras shot Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes ya say that?\u201d Roy asked, giving Adam a keen look.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, Adam explained, knowing all the while that it sounded weak. He concluded with the look on Joe\u2019s face, and waited for the lawman to speak.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll look inta it, Adam,\u201d Roy promised. \u201cBut since Joe already told ya he didn\u2019 see who done it, there ain\u2019t much I can do ta prove it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I thought,\u201d Adam replied, frustrated.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was no surprise that Joe couldn\u2019t identify his attacker, as Roy had already viewed the dead horse, and the scene of the crime. There was nothing really to see. Roy promised that he would ask around, but there was little more he could do.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt is very sad,\u201d Edward agreed with Roy Coffee as they chatted before the evening performance. Roy had made the excuse of finding out how Georgia was, which allowed him to talk to Edward. \u201cWhat kind of gun was it, do you know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA rifle,\u201d Roy replied. \u201cHad ta be from that distance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take your word for it,\u201d Edward replied. \u201cI know nothing about guns.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Sheriff Coffee,\u201d Georgia said, coming out of her dressing room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Georgia,\u201d Roy replied and bussed her cheek. \u201cI came ta see how ya were, an\u2019 ta say goodbye. I might not see ya in the mornin\u2019 afore ya leave.\u201d He hugged her, wished her luck for the performance and left.<\/span><\/p>\n

Standing by the stage door, Roy thought about Edward. He had sent out enquiries about him, but everything that had come back assured Roy that Edward was a fine, upstanding citizen. Yet Adam\u2019s suspicions stayed in his mind, and Roy knew why. There was something about Edward that made Roy uncomfortable. He wasn\u2019t sure what it was, but his instinct for people up to no good was coming to the fore and something told him that Edward wasn\u2019t as innocent as he appeared. But there was nothing he could do.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The next morning, Georgia and Edward left for San Francisco. A month later, their wedding pictures graced many of the papers. Joe, still on crutches, looked at it solemnly. He knew that nothing would ever be the same again between he and Georgia. She had married the man who had tried to kill him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nothing had been said to Joe in so many words, but Adam had let Joe know that he, too, shared his brother\u2019s suspicions. Adam had told Ben and Hoss what he and Joe thought and all they could do was offer Joe their belief. Roy had regretfully reported to Ben that he could find no one with a grudge against Joe, and no further clues ever appeared.<\/span><\/p>\n

But Joe knew, and he wondered how long it would be before there was another confrontation between he and Edward.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Next Story in the Envy, Hatred and Malice Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Part 2<\/a><\/p>\n

Disclaimer:\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0Joe\u2019s friend Georgia is now a famous singing star. But her return home throws up problems for Joe.<\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0T \u00a0 (13,920 words)<\/p>\n

Envy, Hatred and Malice Series, links to all the stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":21331,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1007],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1529","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-joe-cartwright","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1007-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/joec.jpg?fit=505%2C572&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1529","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1529"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1529\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/21331"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1529"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1529"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1529"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}