{"id":2049,"date":"2009-09-08T14:39:07","date_gmt":"2009-09-08T18:39:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2049"},"modified":"2026-03-11T13:21:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T17:21:32","slug":"obsession","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2049","title":{"rendered":"Obsession (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>A strange ranch hand develops an obsession with Joe<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> T (12,825 words)<\/p>\n

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Obsession<\/strong><\/p>\n

The cowboy reined in his horse and looked at the imposing wooden house in front of him.\u00a0 It was even larger than he\u2019d been led to believe and he figured that this Ben Cartwright must have as much money as everyone said he did. The yard of the house was full of activity and Chuck dismounted and looked around him, wondering who might be the best one to direct him.\u00a0 Suddenly a large man with a broad gap-toothed grin approached him. \u2018Howdy,\u2019 the man said. \u2018Can I help ya?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck tipped his hat to the man. \u2018Looking for the boss,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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The large man looked him up and down. \u2018Looking for work huh?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Maybe,\u2019 said Chuck in a noncommittal tone. \u2018Depends on how much they\u2019re paying.\u2019<\/p>\n

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The large man slapped him on the back and gave a loud laugh. \u2018I reckon you\u2019ll find the pay\u2019s right,\u2019 he said. \u2018Depends on if ya can do the work though.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I can measure up to anything,\u2019 said Chuck defensively as he drew himself up to his full height. \u2018I\u2019ve done ranching before.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Have ya?\u2019 said the large man casually. \u2018Don\u2019t look like it.\u2019\u00a0 He held out his hand. \u2018Hoss Cartwright\u2019s the name.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck blinked a couple of times before shaking his hand. \u2018One of the<\/em> Cartwrights?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Sure enough,\u2019 said Hoss, giving the man another gap-toothed smile. \u2018You\u2019d better store ya gear in the bunk house over there and pick out a horse if ya\u2019re gonna ride with us today Chuck.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Just like that?\u2019 asked Chuck.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Just like that,\u2019 said Hoss with another slap on the man\u2019s back that almost knocked him off his feet. \u2018Bert!\u00a0 Show this new guy where ta go, will ya?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Over here,\u2019 said Bert, sauntering over. \u2018You can pick out a bunk later. That your horse?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck nodded. \u2018Yep,\u2019 he said, watching as Hoss walked away. \u2018Is he always so easy-going?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Bert sniffed and then grinned. \u2018Yep,\u2019 he said. \u2018The most easy-going one of the bunch is Hoss.\u00a0 You\u2019re lucky it weren\u2019t the older brother over there that ya talked to first.\u00a0 He woulda quizzed ya until ya head spun from all his questions.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck looked over in the direction that Bert was pointing to where a man dressed in black was standing in the middle of a group of men.\u00a0 He seemed to giving directions, talking a lot and gesturing with his hands.\u00a0 Several of the men nodded and then mounted up and rode off.<\/p>\n

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\u2018What\u2019s his name?\u2019 asked Chuck.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Who?\u00a0 Oh \u2026 Adam. He\u2019s the one ya gotta watch most round here.\u00a0 Eyes like a hawk that one.\u00a0 Keeps ya on ya toes all right.\u2019\u00a0 Bert spat on the ground. \u2018Now let\u2019s get ya a horse picked out and get ya started.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019ve got a horse,\u2019 said Chuck.<\/p>\n

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Bert snorted. \u2018Don\u2019t look like that old nag\u2019ll take ya far,\u2019 he said. \u2018Where ya get it anyways?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Won it in a poker game,\u2019 said Chuck defensively. \u2018He gets me where I want to go.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Mustn\u2019t wanna get very far then,\u2019 said Bert with a chuckle. \u2018I think we can do better than that fer ya.\u2019\u00a0 He looked Chuck up and down. \u2018Can ya ride? Don\u2019t look like ya\u2019ve done much in them clothes.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I can ride fine,\u2019 said Chuck, drawing himself up to his full height again. \u2018If it\u2019s any of your business.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Bert raised an eyebrow. \u2018Come on then,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll help ya find a horse.\u2019<\/p>\n

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From the look that Bert gave Chuck, he figured that the man had worked out that he didn\u2019t really fit in here. He really didn\u2019t why that would be, considering that he\u2019d done his best to get the right kind of clothes and taken great pains to develop the slow drawl that he\u2019d heard around town that most of the cowhands here seemed to talk with.\u00a0 It was always like this though.\u00a0 No matter how much he tried to fit in to the places he ended up in, he always felt apart from others and ended up showing it.\u00a0 Chuck prayed silently that this wouldn\u2019t be one of those times.<\/p>\n

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He was so sick and tired of moving on all the time \u2026 shifting his life from one place to another every time things got out of control. This time he was determined that it would all work out.\u00a0 This time he wouldn\u2019t let it happen again. Even changing his name to fit in around here \u2026 he shuddered at the bastardisation of his name every time he heard himself being referred to as Chuck instead of Charles \u2026 was designed to help him look and sound like a true cowboy.\u00a0 As he followed Bert towards the corral, Chuck hoped with all his might that it would work out this time.<\/p>\n

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By the time he rode back into the front yard that evening, Chuck wasn\u2019t so sure that he going to make it.\u00a0 His body ached with the supreme effort of keeping in the saddle all day and he practically groaned aloud as he slid down from his horse. \u2018You\u2019ll get used to it,\u2019 said a jovial voice beside him and he turned to see Hoss grinning at him.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019m OK,\u2019 said Chuck haughtily.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Sure ya are,\u2019 replied Hoss with a chuckle. \u2018Look after him will ya Bert?\u2019\u00a0 He chuckled again as he walked towards the house.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Come on,\u2019 said Bert. \u2018I\u2019ll show ya where ya bunk is.\u2019\u00a0 He led the way towards the bunkhouse and Chuck followed him.<\/p>\n

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\u2018What about my horse?\u2019 he asked, dreading the thought of going back and tending to the animal, yet knowing that everyone was responsible for their own mount.<\/p>\n

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Bert grinned at him over his shoulder. \u2018Reckon you\u2019d fall over him if ya had ta tend to him now,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll do it fer ya just this once.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Thanks,\u2019 said Chuck, not knowing what else to say.<\/p>\n

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\u2018This here\u2019s the new man Chuck,\u2019 said Bert as they entered the bunkhouse. \u2018That\u2019s your bunk over there,\u2019 he said, indicating a bottom bunk where someone had already put Chuck\u2019s gear. \u2018Reckon you\u2019ll be needing it right away, huh? Get a bit of shut eye before supper if ya like.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck didn\u2019t bother to argue, but simply eased his aching body down on the bunk and let out a sigh of relief.\u00a0 The other men laughed in amusement at the look on his face and he grinned back at them. \u2018Guess I\u2019m not quite as used to it as I thought,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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Chuck closed his eyes and allowed himself to sink down into the pillow, his body crying out as the weariness washed over him.\u00a0 He lay there for several minutes, wallowing in the sheer luxury of doing nothing before he opened his eyes again and observed the activity around him. There were several ranch hands sitting by the open doorway playing a game of cards and a younger man was shaving in front of a small mirror while he sang a lilting tune softly under his breath. He had taken off his shirt and his bronzed torso was finely muscled and lithe in the lamplight.<\/p>\n

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Chuck\u2019s eyes became riveted on the young cowboy as he shaved, his thoughts a jumble of past experiences and regrets.\u00a0 Suddenly the young man turned and looked at him. \u2018What you looking at?\u2019 he demanded.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Nothing,\u2019 replied Chuck, closing his eyes again. \u2018Sorry.\u2019\u00a0 He drew a blanket up around his waist, draping it across himself in what he hoped was a casual manner as he turned his face to the wall.<\/p>\n

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It wasn\u2019t for another two days that Chuck finally met the owner of The Ponderosa. Two days of hard work and rough riding that were beginning to take their toll on him as he became used to the rigours of ranch life.<\/p>\n

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\u2018So how\u2019s it going young man?\u2019 asked Ben Cartwright. \u2018You\u2019re the new hand around here I believe?\u2019 He eyed the pale man up and down curiously. \u2018You haven\u2019t done much ranch work I take it?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck wondered who had been talking to the boss for him to know that. Ben Cartwright certainly looked like a man to be reckoned with and Chuck figured that he would have made it his business to find out about every hand on the ranch. \u2018I\u2019m doing OK,\u2019 he said with a shrug.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Glad to hear it,\u2019 said Ben, patting the man on the shoulder. \u2018It\u2019ll get easier you know.\u2019\u00a0 He gave Chuck a grin and then walked away to talk to his son Adam. Chuck watched the two men for a moment and then mounted up again. That Adam sure was a strange one, he thought as he rode out of the yard. Never seemed too keen on talking much, he observed.\u00a0 Chuck was good at observing people and things.\u00a0 He always had to be given his situation.\u00a0 Never could be too careful what people made you out to be \u2026 he\u2019d learned that from bitter experience \u2026 and he\u2019d learned to sit back and watch rather than become involved in relationships if he could help it.\u00a0 Apart from \u2026 he brushed those thoughts to the back of his mind. That wasn\u2019t an option here \u2026. not if he wanted this place to work out for him.<\/p>\n

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Chuck was confident now that it would work out here.\u00a0 The Cartwrights seemed good bosses \u2026 even if that Adam did seem a bit distant. Mr Cartwright and Hoss were friendly enough and the men would be fine as long as he remembered to be careful with them. As long as he kept his distance, Chuck was confident that he would be able to handle things.<\/p>\n

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He heard a rider gallop into the yard and looked over his shoulder to see a boy of about sixteen on a pinto horse pull to a stop and dismount before the animal had even properly pulled up.\u00a0 He was young and lithe and his green eyes sparkled with a vitality that made Chuck swallow as he observed him.\u00a0 His hat fell backwards from his head and he pushed it back again … but not before Chuck had seen a curly head of chestnut locks that framed the delicate features of his face.<\/p>\n

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Chuck dragged his eyes from the fascinating youngster and turned to Bert who was riding beside him. \u2018Who is that?\u2019 he whispered.<\/p>\n

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Bert looked over his shoulder. \u2018Youngest Cartwright,\u2019 he said. \u2018Goes by the name of Joe \u2026 most folks around here call him Little Joe but.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck swallowed again as he stared at the boy, knowing in an instant that things could never work out for him here now.<\/p>\n

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The next day was Sunday and Chuck welcomed it for the simple reason that he didn\u2019t have to ride out again and stay all day in the saddle. He relished the sleep-in and didn\u2019t even rise when everyone else did well after sunup.\u00a0 Instead he lay in bed, his tired mind mulling over things as he had done for most of the night. Sleep had not come easily to him and he revelled in the thought that he could take an afternoon sleep without being ridiculed. From what he\u2019d heard, most of the men either slept the day away on a Sunday or spent it in town drinking, playing cards and visiting certain women who frequented the saloons there.<\/p>\n

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He\u2019d forced himself to look interested when they\u2019d invited him along, extolling the physical virtues of certain of these women and convinced himself that he\u2019d done a fairly good job of it too.\u00a0 None of them would ever suspect that the reason he didn\u2019t want to go in was because of his aching muscles and nothing more.\u00a0 He\u2019d become good at looking interested when men talked in this way and prided himself on his deception.<\/p>\n

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By the time he finally made it outside, the sun was quite high in the sky and he figured that it was probably close to the noonday mealtime. He stroked his chin as he sat down on an upturned barrel and listened to a few of the men talking about this and that while he drank in the sunshine. \u2018Where are the Cartwrights?\u2019 he asked when there was a lull in the conversation. \u2018They don\u2019t seem to be around.\u00a0 Do they go into town with the men on a Sunday?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yep,\u2019 said Bert. \u2018Only not fer what the others do.\u2019 He stretched lazily. \u2018Mr Cartwright insists them boys of his goes ta church every week.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018You don\u2019t say?\u2019 murmured Chuck. Somehow it didn\u2019t surprise him that Mr Cartwright was a God-fearing man.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t surprise him, but it worried him somewhat. People who went to church disturbed him.<\/p>\n

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At that moment a buggy came around the corner of the barn. \u2018Talk of the devil,\u2019 said Bert, chuckling at his own pun on words. Chuck watched with interest as first Hoss and then Adam got down from the buggy, followed by Mr Cartwright.\u00a0 His eyes fixated on the youngest Cartwright as Little Joe jumped down from the vehicle with the exuberance that only youth can bring and grinned at his father. \u2018Can I Pa?\u2019 he asked, obviously continuing a conversation they\u2019d been having in the buggy.<\/p>\n

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Chuck took the opportunity to take a long appraising look at the boy.\u00a0 He was dressed in a blue suit which accentuated his slim hips and his small waist, while showing off his shoulders which were beginning to show the muscles that continual hard work develops. He was, to Chuck\u2019s eyes, perfection itself with his startling green eyes, curly hair and fine features.\u00a0 Chuck shifted a little on his seat as he listened to Mr Cartwright\u2019s reply to the boy\u2019s query.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Not until you\u2019ve had some dinner young man.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yeah, but after then?\u2019 cajoled Little Joe. \u2018Please?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018All right,\u2019 said his father as the boy grinned at him and then bounded towards the house. \u2018But get changed first!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018You\u2019re not going fishing in those clothes Joseph!\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018That youngun can talk his Pa into anything,\u2019 said Bert with a chuckle. \u2018Got charm that\u2019s for sure.\u2019\u00a0 Chuck thought about how true the man\u2019s words were \u2026 although if he had know what sort of charm Chuck was thinking of, Bert would probably have been horrified.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Where do people usually fish around here?\u2019 asked Chuck, trying to sound casual.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Down at the lake,\u2019 replied Bert. \u2018Just follow the trail down there.\u2019\u00a0 He pointed to a trail that led away from the house on the other side of the yard. \u2018You a fisherman?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Sure am,\u2019 replied Chuck. \u2018Anyone got a line I can borrow?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018In the tack room \u2026. Help yaself,\u2019 said Bert lazily and shut his eyes to sleep. \u2018Have a good time.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck took one look at the house before standing up and going into the tack room.<\/p>\n

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Chuck looked at the fishhook in his hand and wondered what on earth he was supposed to put on it. Of course he knew that people usually hooked on worms to entice the fish to bite, but the very thought of it appalled him and he simply stared at the small metal hook as he considered what to do.\u00a0 Suddenly he heard a movement behind him and he quickly dropped his line into the water and sat back against the tree.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Oh,\u2019 said a voice behind him. \u2018I\u2019m sorry \u2026 I didn\u2019t know that anyone else was here.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck turned with exaggerated slowness and smiled slowly as Joe emerged from the bushes. \u2018Hello,\u2019 he said, noting that the boy had changed into an old pair of tan pants and a checked shirt that clung to his body just as much as the blue suit had. \u2018That\u2019s OK.\u00a0 I don\u2019t mind sharing my fishing spot with you.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Actually it\u2019s my spot,\u2019 said Joe with a grin. \u2018But I don\u2019t mind sharing either.\u2019 To Chuck\u2019s delight he sat down close beside him and stared at the fishing line in the water. \u2018You\u2019ve lost your bait,\u2019 he said. \u2018Want some more?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well how about that!\u2019 exclaimed Chuck. \u2018I hadn\u2019t noticed.\u00a0 Darn fish must have taken it without me even knowing.\u2019\u00a0 He pulled in his line and watched as Joe pulled out a juicy worm out of a can he had placed by his side and baited his own hook without hesitation.<\/p>\n

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Joe motioned to the can. \u2018Help yourself,\u2019 he said in a friendly tone. Chuck hesitated, taken aback both by the close proximity of the boy and his revulsion of the wriggling worms in the can. He tentatively picked one up, his face showing his distaste of the squashy worm. Joe grinned at him as he reached over and took the worm, baiting the hook for him expertly. \u2018You ain\u2019t done much fishing huh?\u2019 he asked with a grin as he held it out for Chuck.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Not a lot,\u2019 admitted Chuck as he took the line and threw it quickly into the water. \u2018Maybe you could teach me a thing or two?\u2019\u00a0 He thought about what he\u2019d like to teach the youngster and his body reacted immediately to his brain.\u00a0 He shifted quickly so that he was sitting upright again.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Sure,\u2019 said Joe with another grin at him.\u00a0 Chuck noted how the boy\u2019s eyes lit up when he smiled and he smiled back at him. The youngster was truly delightful \u2026 it had been a long time since Chuck had seen anyone who intrigued him so much. \u2018I do a lot of fishing,\u2019 continued Joe. He gave Chuck an appraising stare. \u2018You\u2019re the new hand, aren\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Chuck.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Joe Cartwright\u2019s the name,\u2019 said Joe in a friendly tone and held out his hand to Chuck.\u00a0 Chuck shook it and a thrill went through him as their palms met skin-to-skin.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Chuck Higgins,\u2019 he said as he reluctantly withdrew his hand. \u2018Please to meet you Joe Cartwright. Your Pa owns this place don\u2019t he?\u2019\u00a0 He winced as he listened to the bad grammar that he forced himself to use.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yep,\u2019 said Joe in a casual fashion. \u2018Where you from Chuck?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck hesitated. Where was he from?\u00a0 How could he possibly explain to this youngster where he was from?\u00a0 He was from so many places \u2026 so many different worlds \u2026 how could he choose just one? \u2018I was born in Boston,\u2019 he said finally, latching onto the one place that he identified with the most.<\/p>\n

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Joe\u2019s eyes lit up. \u2018Yeah?\u2019 he said. \u2018You have something in common with my brother Adam then.\u00a0 He was born there too. Spent a while at College there as well.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck instantly looked wary and had to force himself to maintain the casual tone in his voice. \u2018Oh yes?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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Joe grinned at him happily. \u2018I\u2019ll tell him.\u00a0 He\u2019ll probably be interested in talking to you about it.\u00a0 Adam likes all that city talk.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018You don\u2019t, I take it?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Who me?\u00a0 Heck no!\u2019 Joe assured him. \u2018I ain\u2019t one for city life myself.\u2019\u00a0 He giggled \u2026 a sound that thrilled Chuck … as he added, \u2018Not that I don\u2019t appreciate some of them ladies you know.\u2019\u00a0 Joe looked at Chuck anxiously to see what his reaction to his statement was. \u2018I mean \u2026 not that I \u2026 I just like the sound of em,\u2019 he said quickly.<\/p>\n

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Chuck tried to restrain himself from laughing aloud at the boy\u2019s statement. It was obvious from what he\u2019d seen of this family that old man Cartwright wasn\u2019t about to let this youngster off the leash in a big city and the boy was obviously far too young and na\u00efve to live up to anything he might imagine himself capable of being or doing in a city. Still, the very thought of the boy being interested in women created a hollow feeling in Chuck and he stared at the water morosely as Joe chattered on.<\/p>\n

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\u2018You OK Chuck?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018Something wrong?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018No, nothing\u2019s wrong,\u2019 said Chuck. \u2018Just tired I guess.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe grinned at him again. \u2018Sundays are great for catching up, ain\u2019t they?\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s my favourite day of the week cause we don\u2019t have to work.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck nodded and was silent as he observed the boy beside him.\u00a0 He really was a very handsome young lad, he decided. Really too handsome for his own good probably. It disturbed him that some woman would probably get her hooks into him some day and \u2026. Chuck sidled closer to Joe and smiled at him. \u2018Show me how you do that,\u2019 he said in a low voice as Joe began to bait his hook again. He leant forward so that their heads were nearly touching and drank in the fragrance of the youngster beside him. Joe concentrated on the fishhook in his hand as he speared the wriggling worm onto it and Chuck concentrated on Joe\u2019s close proximity to himself.\u00a0 He leant forward even further until his face was almost resting in the boy\u2019s curls \u2026<\/p>\n

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\u2018So this is where you got to!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck turned reluctantly to face Adam Cartwright who was emerging from the bushes behind them. He drew back quickly from Joe and met the man\u2019s dark appraising stare with one of his own, determined to hold the gaze to show that he wasn\u2019t intimidated at all.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Oh, hi Adam,\u2019 said Joe, unaware of the intensity of the stare between both men. \u2018We was just talking bout you.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Were you?\u2019 said Adam in the dry way he had of talking.\u00a0 He sat down next to his brother and gave Chuck a hard stare. \u2018Why?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Chuck here comes from Boston,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I was telling him that you do too.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Really?\u2019 said Adam, raising an eyebrow as he continued to stare at the man. \u2018Isn\u2019t that a co-incidence?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck forced a smile on his face, in spite of the feeling of intimidation that was creeping over him.\u00a0 There was something about Adam Cartwright that certainly made him feel uneasy … the penetrating look that the man gave him made him wither inside \u2026 and he tried desperately not to show his true feelings as he returned the stare with an open one of his own. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said pleasantly. \u2018It is, isn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018You gonna fish Adam?\u2019 asked Joe from in between them as he threw his own line once again into the water. \u2018You ain\u2019t got your line.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018No,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I\u2019m not.\u2019\u00a0 He continued to stare at Chuck over the top of Joe\u2019s head. \u2018But I might just stay and take it easy while you do,\u2019 he added.<\/p>\n

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Chuck smiled at the man, hating the smug look that came over Adam\u2019s face.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t miss the quick glance that the man gave him and reluctantly he edged away from Joe and stared once again morosely into the water.<\/p>\n

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Chuck smiled at Joe as they both tightened the cinches on their horses side by side. \u2018Where are you off to today then?\u2019 Chuck asked, willing the boy to say that he was riding with the men up to the North Section where he himself was headed.<\/p>\n

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\u2018South,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I\u2019m checking fence lines with Hoss all day.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Oh,\u2019 said Chuck, his heart sinking at the thought of another wasted day when he wouldn\u2019t be able to watch the boy.\u00a0 Joe was fascinating to observe on horseback \u2026 he moved in such a fashion that Chuck could watch him all day. He reached over and placed his hand on top of Joe\u2019s. \u2018Let me help you with that,\u2019 he said in a low voice as he took the cinch strap and tightened it.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Thanks,\u2019 said Joe, grinning at him.<\/p>\n

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Chuck\u2019s heart began to race as they stood there and he spoke despite his best intentions not to. \u2018No trouble,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Nothing\u2019s too much trouble for you Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe\u2019s grin became wider and he looked at Chuck in a friendly fashion before stepping away and pulling on his horse\u2019s reins. He swung up into the saddle with a graceful style that made Chuck\u2019s heart beat even faster and grinned down at him. \u2018See ya later Chuck,\u2019 he said as he turned away.<\/p>\n

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Chuck stood staring long after Joe had disappeared around the side of the barn, his mind racing. \u2018Something wrong?\u2019\u00a0 He turned quickly to see Adam watching him intently.<\/p>\n

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\u2018No,\u2019 he said, forcing a smile onto his face. \u2018Just getting ready to ride out to work. Bye.\u2019 He mounted up and rode off as well.<\/p>\n

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Adam continued to stare after the man for a moment and then turned towards the barn where his father was standing. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said. \u2018What do we know about that new man Chuck?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018What is there to know?\u2019 asked Ben. \u2018He just appeared one day and Hoss hired him.\u00a0 Doesn\u2019t look to have done much ranch work, but he\u2019s handling it OK.\u00a0 Why do you ask?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam fingered his chin thoughtfully. \u2018I\u2019m not sure,\u2019 he said. \u2018He just seems \u2026. unusual.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Unusual?\u00a0 In what way?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I can\u2019t really put my finger on it,\u2019 mused Adam thoughtfully. \u2018I just get an uneasy feeling when I\u2019m around him.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Oh Adam!\u2019 chuckled Ben. \u2018You\u2019re always too suspicious for your own good. The man hasn\u2019t done anything wrong, has he?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018No,\u2019 said Adam slowly. \u2018He hasn\u2019t actually done anything. It\u2019s more \u2026. his demeanour I suppose.\u00a0 Have you noticed how he seems to slink around everywhere like a cat? And he\u2019s always hanging around Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Maybe Joe\u2019s always hanging around him?\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You know how that boy loves to talk to people.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Mmm \u2026 true.\u00a0 But \u2026\u2019 Adam stopped. \u2018You\u2019re probably right \u2026 it\u2019s just my imagination. Still \u2026 I\u2019m going to keep an eye on him.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018If you want,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Now are you going to work or are you going to stand here all day jawing?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam smiled at his father. \u2018Yes sir,\u2019 he said with a mock salute. \u2018I\u2019ll be on my way sir.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Don\u2019t you give me any cheek,\u2019 said Ben with a laugh. \u2018Off you go!\u2019 He watched as Adam mounted up and then turned back towards the house to face the dreaded books again.<\/p>\n

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Chuck stood beside the corral and watched Joe on the other side watching the activity inside the fence-line.\u00a0 The boy was extremely animated and Chuck was revelling in a chance to just observe him as he cheered on the riders. He couldn\u2019t help but watch the youngster, mesmerised by the sight of him \u2026 yet even as he did was he was aware of not being obvious about it to anyone who was nearby.\u00a0 He\u2019d been accused of watching like this far too often for his own good and he had no intention of it happening again.\u00a0 Instead, he pretended to watch the riders when in fact his mind and his eyes were full of the vivacious boy across the corral from him.<\/p>\n

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He needed moments like this, he\u2019d decided.\u00a0 They were the food for his nightly dreams about Joe. The little snippets that he caught from him during the day satisfied him while he lay in bed at night and thought about the youngster. For now \u2026. he thought mournfully. He knew that there would come a time when it wasn\u2019t going to be enough \u2026. when thoughts of the youngster wouldn\u2019t satisfy him anymore and reluctantly he decided that when that happened it would be time to move on.\u00a0 He swallowed as the very thought of leaving this fascinating creature behind when he did go overwhelmed him and he knew at once that he wouldn\u2019t have the strength to do it.<\/p>\n

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He walked around to the other side of the corral and looked up at Joe who was sitting on the top rung of the fence. \u2018Good ride, wasn\u2019t it?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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Joe looked down at him absently. \u2018Huh?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I said that it was a good ride,\u2019 said Chuck.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Oh \u2026. Yeah,\u2019 said Joe, turning his attention towards the corral again.<\/p>\n

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Chuck tried again. \u2018You\u2019ll be riding in there some day,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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Joe looked down again. \u2018You think so?\u2019 he asked, delightedly.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019m sure of it,\u2019 said Chuck, placing his hand on Joe\u2019s leg. \u2018You\u2019re a wonderful rider Joe.\u00a0 The way you move with a horse \u2026\u2019 he licked his lips. \u2018Well sometimes it takes my breath away.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe grinned at him. \u2018Thanks,\u2019 he said happily and then turned towards the corral again.<\/p>\n

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Chuck waited for a few moments in silence with his hand still on Joe\u2019s leg.\u00a0 The youngster seemed to have forgotten that he was even there, so mesmerised was he with the activity inside the corral and Chuck stared at him as he stared at the horses. Suddenly he felt a movement next to him and he withdrew his hand quickly.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Haven\u2019t you got work to do?\u2019 asked Adam in a gruff voice.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019m just watching the horses for a bit, replied Joe defensively. \u2018Ain\u2019t no harm in that is there?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Not at all.\u00a0 As long as your chores are done,\u2019 said Adam pointedly.<\/p>\n

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Joe sighed and scrambled down from the fence before sauntering off towards the barn.\u00a0 Chuck turned to go as well, but stopped when he felt the pressure of Adam\u2019s hand on his shoulder. \u2018I want a word with you,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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Chuck forced a smile onto his face. \u2018Yes?\u2019 he asked politely.<\/p>\n

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\u2018What exactly are you up to?\u2019 asked Adam, giving the man a penetrating look.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Just watching as well,\u2019 said Chuck innocently.<\/p>\n

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\u2018That\u2019s not what I meant and you know it,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018Why are you always hanging around my brother the way you are?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck\u2019s eyes widened with apparent surprise. \u2018Not sure what you mean,\u2019 he said. \u2018The boy and I just happened to be watching together.\u00a0 No law against that, is there?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018No,\u2019 replied Adam in a measured tone. \u2018No law against it of course. Just that you seem to be wherever Joe is lately.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck raised his hands in supposed indignation. \u2018So what?\u2019 he asked in a defensive tone.<\/p>\n

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Adam took a step towards him. \u2018So I want you to leave the boy alone,\u2019 he said. \u2018Or else you might find yourself packing your bags to leave.\u00a0 Do I make myself clear?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Vividly,\u2019 said Chuck tersely. \u2018Will there be anything else?\u2019\u00a0 Adam shook his head and Chuck sauntered away, taking care to go in the opposite direction to Joe. So it had begun again! He knew that it wouldn\u2019t take long now that someone had noticed once again that his behaviour wasn\u2019t quite \u2026 Chuck searched his brain for a word to describe the way people viewed him, but couldn\u2019t come up with anything.\u00a0 All he knew was that others viewed him differently and that was always when the trouble started. Unfortunate that it had to be Adam Cartwright who noticed it first though.\u00a0 Unfortunate because he had power here to make Chuck\u2019s life difficult \u2026 or even worse, to force him to go.<\/p>\n

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Chuck\u2019s mind flitted back to Joe again.\u00a0 No, he knew that he couldn\u2019t give up his obsession with the youngster and he couldn\u2019t leave this place where he had the opportunity to watch him every day.\u00a0 He\u2019d have to get the boy away from under the watchful eye of his older brother, and he\u2019d have to do it quickly before things became too difficult to handle.<\/p>\n

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\u2018You sent them together?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018I told you that the man spends too much time with Joe as it is!\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Adam don\u2019t be ridiculous,\u2019 replied his father calmly. \u2018The supplies needed to be fetched and Chuck was the obvious one to get them.\u00a0 You know that he\u2019s not much use to us out there in the North Section.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Then sack him!\u2019 said Adam angrily. \u2018Why send him to town with Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I just told you.\u00a0 He was the obvious choice and Joseph needed a haircut, so I thought I\u2019d kill two birds so to speak.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018That kid will never get a haircut without one of us in there making sure that he does,\u2019 muttered Adam.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019ve threatened to haul him back in there if he doesn\u2019t,\u2019 said Ben sternly. \u2018He\u2019ll get one all right.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I still think that you shouldn\u2019t have sent them together,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I might ride in and see \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018You\u2019ll do nothing of the kind,\u2019 said Ben sternly. \u2018You have work to do.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam thumped his fist on his father\u2019s desk and marched outside, anger pounding in his brain. He really didn\u2019t know why, but that Chuck Higgins made his blood boil and he just wished that he could convince his father that his fears weren\u2019t unfounded.\u00a0 The problem was, of course, that he really didn\u2019t have any reason to think of the man badly \u2026 apart from his apparent obsession with Joe. He wondered why a man of Chuck\u2019s age would be bothered hanging around with a kid like Joe.\u00a0 Something niggled at the back of his brain, but it refused to come to the surface and he shook his head slowly as he reluctantly turned towards his horse and began to mount up.<\/p>\n

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Chuck couldn\u2019t believe his luck that morning when Mr Cartwright had told him to accompany Joe to town.\u00a0 Here he had been searching his brain for an excuse to be alone with the boy and his own father had made it so easy for him. Joe had wanted to ride his horse in, but luckily his father had convinced him to go on the buckboard with Chuck and the man had spent a good hour revelling in the closeness of the two of them as they sat on the small seat together.<\/p>\n

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He\u2019d never had so much of an opportunity to listen to Joe before and what he heard he liked.\u00a0 The youngster had a quick wit and wasn\u2019t at all backward in using it, much to Chuck\u2019s delight. Soon, Joe began moaning about the haircut that he was being forced to have. \u2018Don\u2019t see why I need ta have it cut anyways,\u2019 he whined. \u2018I like it long.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018It suits you long,\u2019 said Chuck.\u00a0 He reached up and fingered a couple of the small curls that nestled around the nape of Joe\u2019s neck and an involuntary shiver ran down his spine at the touch.\u00a0 Joe shrugged the man\u2019s hand off impatiently.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I think so,\u2019 he said, oblivious to Chuck\u2019s demeanour. \u2018But Pa always makes me have it short.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018It\u2019s beautiful hair,\u2019 said Chuck in a low voice. He reached over and touched it again, running his hand through the curls at the back.<\/p>\n

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Joe gave him a puzzled look before pulling away from him. \u2018Yeah \u2026\u2019 he mumbled. \u2018Thanks.\u2019\u00a0 He looked into the distance, shielding his eyes from the sun as the town came into view in the distance. \u2018We\u2019ll be there soon,\u2019 he said. \u2018If we don\u2019t take too long with the supplies we could get a drink.\u2019\u00a0 He shot the man a sideways glance. \u2018I wouldn\u2019t tell my Pa if you didn\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018It\u2019s a deal,\u2019 said Chuck with a laugh.<\/p>\n

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Joe grinned at him. \u2018Great!\u2019 he said. \u2018And if we\u2019re lucky we might be able to steal a kiss or two from Rosie.\u00a0 She\u2019ll be in the saloon today and she\u2019s right good kisser. I\u2019ll introduce you if ya like.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck\u2019s expression turned to a frown. \u2018That won\u2019t be necessary,\u2019 he said shortly. \u2018On second thoughts I don\u2019t think we\u2019ll have time to visit the saloon after all.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe\u2019s face fell. \u2018How come?\u2019 he said. \u2018You just said that we would.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I changed my mind,\u2019 said Chuck firmly. \u2018It\u2019s not good for you to go around kissing \u2026 women \u2026 anyway.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Ain\u2019t no harm in it,\u2019 declared Joe.<\/p>\n

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\u2018There are other pleasurable things in life besides kissing women,\u2019 said Chuck, giving the boy a long look.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yeah?\u2019 said Joe, really interested now. \u2018Like what?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Like the touch of a silken thigh against your own,\u2019 said Chuck suggestively.<\/p>\n

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Joe swallowed and blushed. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said, obviously embarrassed. \u2018I guess so.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck smiled at him. \u2018And the delicious feel of naked flesh against naked flesh.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe\u2019s eyes popped open as he looked at the man in surprise. \u2018I \u2026 reckon \u2026 so,\u2019 he said feebly. There was silence for a moment. \u2018I \u2026 um \u2026.\u2019 Joe blushed again and looked away.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I hope I didn\u2019t embarrass you Joe,\u2019 said Chuck.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Oh no,\u2019 said Joe, a trifle too casual to be genuine. \u2018I know all bout that stuff.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I see,\u2019 said Chuck. \u2018Well then maybe \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019ll get out here,\u2019 interrupted Joe as they came around into Main Street. \u2018I\u2019ll meet ya down at the Mercantile when I\u2019ve had my haircut. OK?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Fine,\u2019 said Chuck, pulling to a stop and watching the youngster as he bounded off. The boy just didn\u2019t get it, he decided.\u00a0 He\u2019d have to make it easier for them both.\u00a0 With a determined look on his face he turned the buckboard towards the saloon.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019ve got something for us to enjoy on the way home,\u2019 said Chuck as Joe climbed up into the buckboard again.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yeah? What?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck pulled a bottle of whiskey out of the brown paper bag and held it up. \u2018This,\u2019 he said. \u2018I thought you sounded a bit disappointed when I said that we weren\u2019t going to the saloon, so I got this for us to enjoy on the way home.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe looked uncertain. \u2018Oh,\u2019 he said. \u2018Well I was really talking bout a beer Chuck. I don\u2019t usually drink \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

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Now don\u2019t tell me that you don\u2019t like whiskey,\u2019 said Chuck, taking the cork out of the bottle with his teeth. \u2018I thought you were grown up.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I am grown up,\u2019 said Joe defensively. \u2018I just don\u2019t \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Good,\u2019 said Chuck, handing him the bottle. \u2018You go first then.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe took a swig of the whiskey, trying not to show his distaste of the liquid as it burned his throat. Chuck watched carefully and shook his head as Joe offered the bottle to him. \u2018I\u2019ll have some when we get well out of town,\u2019 he said. \u2018You take your time with it.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at the boy with a calculating stare, wondering how long it would be before the effects of the alcohol combined with the drug that he\u2019d mixed in with it worked. He found out soon enough as Joe\u2019s eyes began to glaze over and he began to talk rapidly.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Don\u2019t know \u2026 I don\u2019t know \u2026 why \u2026.\u2019 He said as he ran his fingers through his newly shorn hair. \u2018Don\u2019t know.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Don\u2019t know what?\u2019 asked Chuck with a small smile. \u2018Have some more whiskey.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe took another swig and smiled. \u2018It kinda \u2026 grows on ya don\u2019t it?\u2019 he giggled. \u2018Don\u2019t know \u2026 know why I hadta \u2026\u2019 he ran his fingers through his hair again. \u2018It was fine \u2026. before \u2026\u2019\u00a0 he made a snipping movement with his fingers, giggled again and then slumped sideways on the seat.<\/p>\n

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Chuck pulled the horses to a halt and took the bottle of whiskey before it toppled over the edge of the seat and propped Joe up beside him. \u2018Here,\u2019 he said, holding the bottle to the boy\u2019s lips. \u2018Have a bit more.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe looked at him with a dazed expression and opened his lips to do as he was told. \u2018Don\u2019t know\u2026.\u2019 he murmured.<\/p>\n

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Chuck put down the bottle and held the youngster close to him as Joe drank.\u00a0 He took a quick drink himself and then put the bottle on the seat next to them both before tightening his grip on the boy.\u00a0 Beside him, Joe giggled and closed his eyes as he relaxed back against Chuck.<\/p>\n

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Chuck pulled Joe towards him and slid him down from the buckboard seat.\u00a0 The youngster\u2019s head lolled to one side and he gave Chuck a lopsided grin. \u2018Didn\u2019t want \u2026 no haircut,\u2019 he whispered into the man\u2019s ear as Chuck tried to stand him on his feet.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I know,\u2019 said Chuck soothingly as the youngster swayed against him.\u00a0 He looked over to the house where Ben Cartwright was standing with his hands on his hips and beckoned to him. \u2018Mr Cartwright!\u2019 he called. \u2018I need your help.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben strode towards them his eyes fixed on the young man propped up against Chuck\u2019s side. \u2018What on earth has gone on here?\u2019 he demanded, catching Joe as he was about to fall.<\/p>\n

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Chuck shrugged. \u2018I found him like this in town,\u2019 he said. \u2018When he didn\u2019t meet me as planned I went looking for him and found him in the alleyway beside the saloon.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben sniffed his son. \u2018Whiskey,\u2019 he said and then shook Joe slightly. \u2018What do you have to say for yourself Joseph?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe looked at his father miserably. \u2018I \u2026 I\u2019m gonna be sick Pa,\u2019 he said and promptly threw up on his father\u2019s boots.<\/p>\n

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Ben shook his head as he put his arm around his son\u2019s waist and turned towards the house. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said to Chuck over his shoulder. \u2018I\u2019m sorry he was so much trouble for you.\u2019\u00a0 He shook Joe again. \u2018We\u2019ll talk once you\u2019re sober young man,\u2019 he said sternly. \u2018And I don\u2019t think you\u2019re going to enjoy our discussion.\u2019\u00a0 He led his son into the house, while Chuck stared after them. After a few moments he turned and began to unload the supplies.<\/p>\n

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Chuck watched as Joe walked slowly to the barn and sat down on an upturned barrel next to the water trough. \u2018You get it from your Pa yesterday?\u2019 he asked as he sidled towards the young man.<\/p>\n

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Joe nodded miserably. \u2018Sure did,\u2019 he said. \u2018Funny thing is that I never even drink whiskey.\u00a0 Don\u2019t know why I started all of a sudden.\u2019\u00a0 He rubbed his temples. \u2018I\u2019ve got a whopper of a headache,\u2019 he said mournfully.<\/p>\n

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Chuck nodded sympathetically. \u2018I suppose you have,\u2019 he said, sitting down beside him and put his hand on his shoulder. \u2018It\u2019ll get better in a while \u2026 take my word for it.\u2019\u00a0 He put his arm around Joe\u2019s shoulder and the youngster shrugged it off causing Chuck to frown. \u2018How about you and me take off and do some fishing?\u2019 he suggested.<\/p>\n

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\u2018No,\u2019 said Joe, easing himself across to the other side of the barrel away from Chuck. For some reason that he couldn\u2019t quite put his finger on, he felt uncomfortable with the man so close. \u2018I\u2019d better not.\u00a0 Pa has grounded me to the front yard and he\u2019d be real angry if I took off.\u00a0 After yesterday I don\u2019t dare.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck lifted an eyebrow. \u2018Well if you\u2019re scared of your Pa \u2026\u2019 he shrugged his shoulders.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I ain\u2019t scared of my Pa!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018I just think I shouldn\u2019t go is all.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck laughed. \u2018You\u2019re handsome boy when you\u2019re angry Joe,\u2019 he said, leaning towards him.<\/p>\n

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Joe stood up and took a step backwards. \u2018I gotta go now,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve got chores to do.\u2019 He walked swiftly into the barn, nearing knocking into Adam in the process. \u2018Sorry,\u2019 he said abruptly.<\/p>\n

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Adam held onto his young brother by the shoulders. \u2018Hold on there,\u2019 he said. \u2018Slow down Joe.\u2019\u00a0 He gave the boy a puzzled look, noting his flushed face. \u2018What\u2019s the matter?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

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Joe shook his head. \u2018Nuthin,\u2019 he replied evasively.<\/p>\n

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Adam glanced over his brother\u2019s shoulder at the man who was still sitting on the barrel outside. \u2018Is he annoying you?\u2019 he said. \u2018Did he do anything?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe shrugged off his brother\u2019s hands. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s just \u2026 I dunno \u2026. strange. I feel kinda sorry for him Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Why on earth would you feel sorry for him?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

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Joe scrunched up his nose and looked thoughtful. \u2018I dunno,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018I just do. He\u2019s kinda sad in a way.\u00a0 Keeps to himself so much and seems like he don\u2019t know how to talk to people.\u00a0 He\u2019s \u2026 I dunno \u2026. different.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I know what you mean, but you seem to get on OK with him,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n

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Joe shook his head. \u2018He just seems to hang around me a lot that\u2019s all.\u00a0 I dunno why.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam thought for a moment. \u2018Does that worry you?\u2019\u00a0 Joe shrugged. \u2018I can get rid of him if you want me to.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t wanna make him lose his job over it. Just leave it alone Adam.\u2019\u00a0 He walked over to one of the stalls and picked up a pitchfork. Adam continued to stare thoughtfully at the man outside in silence.<\/p>\n

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Chuck looked over at Joe who had bent down to pick up another log and place it on the chopping block before lifting his axe yet again.\u00a0 His eyes widened as he watched the youngster\u2019s back, his shirt sticking to his torso with the sweat that came from his exertions. He swallowed twice and traced a line around the edge of his mouth before glancing at the house uneasily.\u00a0 He had seen old man Cartwright ride out this afternoon to join Adam and Hoss in the North Pasture, but even knowing that there were no other Cartwrights around didn\u2019t allay the uneasiness that descended upon him as he approached the boy. He\u2019d been through this too many times before not to have some reservations about what he was doing, but even as his mind told him to stop his emotions took over and he kept walking.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Hot day, ain\u2019t it?\u2019 he drawled, hating himself for the way in which he was talking.<\/p>\n

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Joe looked over his shoulder, momentarily stopping his chopping. \u2018Oh hi,\u2019 he said. \u2018Yeah \u2026 sure is.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck sat down on the edge of the porch and watched as Joe continued to chop. The boy really was well developed, even if he was on the thin side.\u00a0 His shoulders were already broad and his torso \u2026. Chuck shook his head slightly and the movement made Joe glance over to him. \u2018Ain\u2019t you got any work to do?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Pa and Adam ain\u2019t ever pleased if someone ain\u2019t pulling their weight round here.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019ve finished,\u2019 lied Chuck. \u2018Need to wait until Bert brings back that wire before we can get going again.\u2019 Joe shrugged and continued to work, wishing that the man would go away.\u00a0 There was something about the way he looked at him that made him feel uncomfortable, although he couldn\u2019t put his finger on why. \u2018You want a drink?\u2019 asked Chuck. \u2018I\u2019ll get you some water \u2026 you sure look like you could use some.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Thanks,\u2019 said Joe as he continued to work. \u2018But I can \u2026\u2019 He stopped as Chuck held out a canteen towards him. \u2018OK \u2026 thanks.\u2019\u00a0 He took a swig of the water and wrinkled his nose at the taste of it. \u2018Tastes like you could do with some fresh in there,\u2019 he said as he wiped his mouth. \u2018It tastes off.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck put the canteen to his own lips and pretended to take a mouthful. \u2018Tastes all right to me,\u2019 he said. \u2018Here \u2026 try again.\u2019\u00a0 He held it out to Joe and watched with great satisfaction as the youngster took a deep swallow.<\/p>\n

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Joe made another face. \u2018I reckon it\u2019s off,\u2019 he said as he handed the canteen back. \u2018If I were you I\u2019d \u2026\u2019\u00a0 He stopped put a hand on his forehead as a dizzy spell over came him.<\/p>\n

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\u2018You all right?\u2019 asked Chuck, replacing the stopped on the canteen firmly.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Mmm,\u2019 Joe put down his axe and swayed slightly. \u2018I just feel a bit funny is all.\u2019\u00a0 He took a deep breath as the world began to swirl around him. \u2018Maybe I\u2019d better \u2026.\u2019 He reached out to steady himself and Chuck stepped forward and grabbed hold of him.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Steady on there,\u2019 he said in a concerned tone. \u2018Just lean on me.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe did as he was told and Chuck thrilled to the touch of the youngster. \u2018You must have overdone it in the hot sun,\u2019 he said as he slung Joe\u2019s arm over his shoulder. \u2018Come on over here near the barn and sit down.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018No,\u2019 said Joe feebly. \u2018I\u2019m OK.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018You don\u2019t look OK,\u2019 said Chuck firmly. \u2018Just come with me.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe shook his head as they walked over to the barn together. \u2018I\u2019ll \u2026 go into the house,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Just sit down here,\u2019 replied Chuck, ignoring him. He sat Joe down on an upturned barrel just inside the door of the barn and reached down to pull out a bottle which was placed near it. He pulled the stopped off the top and held it to Joe\u2019s lips, forcing him to drink.<\/p>\n

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Joe spluttered as he pushed the bottle away from his mouth. \u2018What \u2026\u2019 he said groggily. \u2018That\u2019s \u2026 whiskey \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018It\u2019ll do you good,\u2019 said Chuck in a low voice and pulled the boy closer to him. \u2018Just relax and it\u2019ll do you good.\u2019\u00a0 He grinned at Joe who slumped against his chest with a sigh.<\/p>\n

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\u2018What do you have to say for yourself?\u2019 asked Ben angrily as he glared at the boy in front of him. \u2018This is twice in one week that you\u2019ve been the worse for drink Joseph and I won\u2019t stand for it!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe gave his father a puzzled look. \u2018Gee I dunno Pa,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018You don\u2019t know!\u2019 thundered Ben, pointing his finger at the youngster. \u2018Where did you get the whiskey from?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe shrugged his shoulders. \u2018I dunno,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t remember what happened.\u2019\u00a0 He massaged his temples slowly.<\/p>\n

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Ben gave his son an intense look. \u2018You don\u2019t remember?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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Joe shook his head mournfully. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018I honestly don\u2019t Pa.\u00a0 One minute I was chopping wood and the next \u2026 the next I remember I was sitting outside the barn.\u2019 He gave his father a puzzled look. \u2018Maybe I blacked out or something.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well if you blacked out, then how did you get to the barn?\u2019\u00a0 asked Ben.<\/p>\n

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Joe shrugged again. \u2018I dunno,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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Ben shook his head. \u2018Joseph this has got to stop.\u00a0 Do you understand me?\u2019\u00a0 Joe nodded his head, still massaging his temples. \u2018Have you got a headache?\u2019 asked his father in a quieter tone.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yeah \u2026 something awful Pa,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well you\u2019d better go upstairs and lie down then, but you\u2019re restricted to the front yard again when you come down.\u00a0 Understand?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes sir,\u2019 Joe sighed.<\/p>\n

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Ben watched thoughtfully as his son climbed the stairs slowly.<\/p>\n

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Joe looked up uneasily as Chuck entered the barn. \u2018I thought you were with the others?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I was,\u2019 said Chuck easily. \u2018Only I had to come back for some fencing wire. Funny how we forgot it.\u2019 He chuckled to himself happily. Funny how it was the one thing that Chuck himself had forgotten to put in the buckboard and how he had volunteered to be the one to go back and get it. He couldn\u2019t resist when he had realised this morning that Joe would be back at the ranch by himself again.\u00a0 It seemed that fate was with him \u2026 or against him depending on the way he wanted to look at it \u2026 keeping the boy available to him all these times.<\/p>\n

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\u2018It\u2019ll be in the tack room I guess,\u2019 said Joe, stepping away from the man. He had no intention of being near him, as lately he\u2019d been decidedly agitated around him for no apparent reason. \u2018You\u2019d better hurry up and get back there before Adam gets angry.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck put his hands on his hips as he stared at Joe, showing no intention of getting the wire. \u2018It sounds to me like you\u2019re scared of that brother of yours,\u2019 he said in a mocking tone.<\/p>\n

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Joe gave Chuck a startled look. \u2018That\u2019s stupid,\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018I am not scared of my brother.\u00a0 Why would I be?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Oh I don\u2019t know,\u2019 said Chuck leaning against the wall of the stall which Joe was raking out. \u2018Just seems to me that every time he says to do something everyone around here jumps that\u2019s all.\u00a0 Especially you.\u2019\u00a0 He cocked his head sideways, the defensive look on Joe\u2019s face irritating him as he studied the boy.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Everyone does what Adam tells em too cause he\u2019s one of the bosses round here,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

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\u2018And you\u2019re not?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe frowned. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018Not yet.\u00a0 I reckon I\u2019ll be in charge of something when I get older and know \u2026. well \u2026. more things I guess.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018So in the meantime you let your brother boss you around?\u2019 said Chuck.<\/p>\n

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Joe shook his head. \u2018Why don\u2019t you just get back to work?\u2019 he said irritably. He didn\u2019t know where this conversation was leading to and he didn\u2019t really care \u2026. The man was annoying him with his funny looks and strange words. He tried to walk past him out of the stall, but Chuck grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back again. \u2018Let me go,\u2019 he said, shaking the man\u2019s grasp off him. \u2018Get back to work.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I thought you weren\u2019t the boss?\u2019 asked Chuck with an amused expression on his face. \u2018Besides \u2026 you and I have things to talk about Joe.\u2019\u00a0 He gave the boy a gentle smile, but Joe only continued to frown at him.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I ain\u2019t got nothing to talk about with you,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m getting back to work even if you\u2019re not.\u2019\u00a0 He tried to push past Chuck again, but the man pushed him back again and he fell against the wooden stall and hit his head. \u2018Ow!\u2019 he said as he slid down to the hay-covered floor. \u2018What did ya do that for?\u2019\u00a0 He looked up at Chuck, dazed for a moment and Chuck swallowed at the look of the unfocussed green eyes below him.<\/p>\n

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He bent down to help Joe to his feet, but instead of pulling him up suddenly pushed him back again and hit his head several times on the wooden stall behind them until Joe\u2019s eyes shut. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Joe,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018But you make it so hard for me you know.\u2019\u00a0 He stroked the boy\u2019s face gently as he stared at his perfect features. \u2018You\u2019re so much nicer when you don\u2019t know I\u2019m here,\u2019 he murmured as he slid down next to the boy and began to pat his face.<\/p>\n

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\u2018What the hell do you think you\u2019re doing?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck looked over his shoulder to see Adam standing behind him, his hands on his hips and his eyes blazing with fury. He drew back from the unconscious youngster on the ground and tried to shield Adam\u2019s view of him with his own body. \u2018I found him like this,\u2019 he said. \u2018I \u2026 was trying to help him.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Liar!\u2019 Adam spat the word out like a bullet.\u00a0 He pushed Chuck to one side and gazed down at his younger brother before bending over him to straighten up his clothing.\u00a0 He slapped Joe several times on the cheek. \u2018Joe! Joe!\u00a0 Can you hear me?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe murmured softly under his breath and half-opened his eyes to look up at Adam with a disconnected look before closing them again. Adam straightened up and glared at Chuck again. \u2018I asked you what the hell you were doing?\u2019 he shouted.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I told you \u2026 I was helping the boy,\u2019 replied Chuck, taking a step back from the blazing eyes that were fixated upon him. \u2018I came along only \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Shut up!\u2019 shouted Adam. \u2018You shut up before I shut you up permanently!\u2019\u00a0 He took a step towards Chuck, his fists clenching and unclenching. \u2018You \u2026 get your things from the bunkhouse now,\u2019 he said in a more controlled tone. \u2018By the time I get back to the house you\u2019d better be gone \u2026 or I\u2019ll have you charged!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck glared back at him. \u2018Charged?\u2019 he said in a mocking tone. \u2018Charged with what?\u00a0 I was just helping the boy.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Get out of here!\u2019 Adam shouted, taking a step towards the other man. He stared at Chuck for a full minute before Chuck averted his gaze and began to walk away. Adam waited until he was on his horse before turning back towards Joe and pulling him up by the shoulders. \u2018Let\u2019s get you into the house buddy,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018But what exactly was he doing?\u2019 asked Ben as he wiped Joe\u2019s forehead with a wet cloth.<\/p>\n

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\u2018That\u2019s the problem Pa, I don\u2019t really know.\u00a0 All I know is that he must have knocked Joe out with something. Look at him.\u2019 Ben looked. Joe was obviously still out of it, mumbling something under his breath and rolling his head from side to side. His eyes were half-open and unfocussed. \u2018Do you think that this is what happened the last two times?\u2019 asked Adam anxiously.<\/p>\n

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\u2018The last two times?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018When he came home \u2026 you know \u2026. We thought he was drunk, but maybe it was more.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 said Ben, continuing to wipe Joe\u2019s face. \u2018I don\u2019t know what to think. Joe? Can you hear me son?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe gave his father another unfocussed look. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Pa?\u2019\u00a0 His eyes fluttered shut again and he gave a small sigh.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well one thing\u2019s for sure,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You did the right thing getting rid of that man.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry I didn\u2019t listen to you sooner Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019ve checked the bunk house,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018He\u2019s cleaned out his things and he\u2019s gone. What are you going to tell Joe when he wakes up?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben shook his head. \u2018I\u2019m not sure,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll wait and see what he remembers first.\u00a0 If it\u2019s like the last two times though, it won\u2019t be much.\u2019\u00a0 He gave his youngest son a worried look.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I don\u2019t remember Pa,\u2019 said Joe as he massaged his temples. \u2018I dunno what\u2019s going on with me lately.\u2019 He gave his father a worried look. \u2018Was I drinking again?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018No,\u2019 replied Ben as he propped another pillow behind Joe\u2019s head. \u2018Not this time.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe sighed. \u2018I guess I\u2019m grounded again,\u2019 he said mournfully. \u2018Seems like I\u2019ll never get out of that front yard.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben hid his smile from his son as he replied. \u2018No you\u2019re not grounded,\u2019 he said. \u2018It wasn\u2019t your fault.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe looked confused. \u2018Then whose fault was it?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

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Ben hesitated. \u2018Do you remember Chuck being there with you?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018No. What was he doing there?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben looked over at Adam. \u2018I\u2019m not \u2026 that is \u2026 I think he was knocked you out Joe. Maybe he\u2019s been drugging you at times as well \u2026 we\u2019re not sure.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe sat up straight and looked directly at his father. \u2018Drugging me? Then I wasn\u2019t drinking them other times?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben shook his head. \u2018I\u2019m not sure about that.\u00a0 Probably a combination of the drug and alcohol.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018But I don\u2019t understand \u2026 why? Why would he do something like that?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019m … not exactly sure son. He\u2019s a strange man. That\u2019s all I know.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe made a face. \u2018Sure is,\u2019 he agreed. \u2018I reckon he was gonna hold me as a hostage or something huh?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam shot a look at his father. \u2018Well \u2026 maybe,\u2019 said Ben evasively. \u2018But you don\u2019t have to worry about that any more.\u00a0 He\u2019s packed his bags and gone \u2026 and you, young man, have to get some sleep, all right?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018OK,\u2019 said Joe, lying down again. \u2018Seems a shame that Chuck turned out like that though.\u00a0 I feel sorry for him.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben said nothing, but raised an eyebrow at Adam, who returned the look with one of his own.<\/p>\n

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Chuck sat by the side of the trail and glared at his reflection in the creek. Why had he allowed this to happen?\u00a0 Why had it all fallen apart again?\u00a0 It seemed like every time his life was getting on track again, something like this happened and it all fell apart again. He supposed that he only had himself to blame \u2026. Why had he gone after the boy when he knew that it would all fall apart like this? It always did.<\/p>\n

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He sighed as he thought about the fact that now he\u2019d have to go on and find somewhere else to earn his keep.\u00a0 Somewhere far away from here.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t trust that Adam Cartwright to keep things to himself, for Chuck could tell that the man was one determined character and would do anything to keep him away from his brother now. He sighed again as a vision of Joe\u2019s face came into his mind. How could he bear going away from that fascinating creature? Something inside him told him that he just had to see Joe one last time.<\/p>\n

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Joe looked up at the slight sound behind him.\u00a0 He turned quickly, scanning the barn for anything that might have made the noise, but saw nothing.\u00a0 He shook his head as he went back to raking the hay again, cursing himself inwardly for feeling as he did.\u00a0 Why was it that he was so jumpy lately?\u00a0 Pa said that it was to be expected after what he\u2019d been through \u2026 but that was the problem.\u00a0 What exactly was it that he had been through?\u00a0 No one seemed to know \u2026 or if they did they certainly weren\u2019t telling him.\u00a0 It was very frustrating not being able to know exactly what had gone on \u2026 Pa had said that Chuck had been drugging him.\u00a0 Why? Joe didn\u2019t have the slightest memory of it, so how did Pa even know? Every time he\u2019d asked him, his father had said not to worry about it, but Joe did. Why had Chuck drugged him and why hadn\u2019t he kept him a prisoner if he was going to be a hostage?\u00a0 It just didn\u2019t make sense to him at all.<\/p>\n

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One thing was certain though \u2026. He was very glad that Adam had finally told the man to pack his bags and leave.\u00a0 He\u2019d been feeling very uncomfortable with him around here lately and not having to wonder where he was and put up with his endless staring was a huge relief. It wasn\u2019t that he hadn\u2019t liked him \u2026. More pitied him than anything he supposed \u2026 but it was nice not to have to have him around anymore.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Hello Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe turned quickly at the sound of the soft voice behind him.\u00a0 He swallowed as he saw Chuck standing there leaning on the wooden stall watching him in that certain way that he had. He frowned. \u2018My brother Adam told you to get off our ranch,\u2019 he said. \u2018Why are you here?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck took a step forward. \u2018I came to see you,\u2019 he said in a low voice. \u2018I thought you might be missing me.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018No,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well I\u2019ve been missing you,\u2019 continued Chuck with a smile. \u2018I\u2019ve been missing you a lot.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018You\u2019d better get out of here,\u2019 said Joe firmly. \u2018Before I get someone here to throw you out!\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Now you know very well that there\u2019s no one around,\u2019 said Chuck with a smile. \u2018I watched everyone ride out this morning and leave you here by yourself. There\u2019s no one around except that Chinese cook \u2026 and I don\u2019t think that he\u2019ll disturb us, do you?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe held the rake in front of him as he backed towards the side of the stall.\u00a0 For some reason he felt very uneasy with this man and he wanted nothing more than to get rid of him. \u2018Well I\u2019m telling you to get off The Ponderosa,\u2019 he said firmly.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Now don\u2019t be like that,\u2019 said Chuck, taking another step forward. \u2018You used to be so friendly to me. Think back to all the good times we had together.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe was silent for a moment before replying.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about,\u2019 he said. \u2018We only worked together a few times \u2026 and then there was that day we was fishing down by the lake.\u00a0 It was nothing special.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Oh but it was special for me,\u2019 said Chuck, taking another step forward. \u2018You\u2019re very special Joe. So special that I had to make sure that you and I had some good times together.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled at the boy. \u2018I remember them even if you don\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe took a step towards the barn door. \u2018I don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now you\u2019d better get going before I have you thrown out of here.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck put his hands on Joe\u2019s shoulders to stop him. \u2018There\u2019s no one to throw me out,\u2019 he said, looking into the youngster\u2019s eyes. \u2018Besides \u2026. I thought that you and I could have some time together. Wouldn\u2019t you like that?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018No I wouldn\u2019t!\u2019 said Joe angrily, shaking off the man\u2019s touch. \u2018Leave me alone!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck stared at Joe. \u2018You\u2019re a very handsome boy Joe,\u2019 he said in a low voice. \u2018Very handsome.\u2019 Joe stared at him, with an appalled expression on his face. \u2018You\u2019re so very \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 Chuck bent his head so that his face was close to Joe\u2019s and Joe slapped him back again.\u00a0 Chuck put his hand to his reddening cheek and glared at the youngster angrily. \u2018What did you do that for?\u2019 he spat.<\/p>\n

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\u2018You get out of here and leave me alone!\u2019 shouted Joe. \u2018Just leave me alone!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck grabbed hold of Joe\u2019s shoulders again and pushed him back against the wall of the barn. \u2018What is the matter with you?\u2019 he shouted. \u2018You liked it before!\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about!\u2019 shouted Joe, trying to wriggle out of the man\u2019s grasp. \u2018Get out of here!\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018You don\u2019t know what I\u2019m talking about?\u2019 yelled Chuck, his face going red. \u2018I\u2019ll show you what I\u2019m talking about!\u2019\u00a0 He puled Joe towards him and stroked his face tenderly with one hand while tracing a line down the youngster\u2019s side towards his hip with the other.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Let me go!\u2019 shouted Joe, beginning to panic. \u2018Get your hands off me!\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Get your hands off my brother!\u2019 shouted a voice behind them and Chuck turned quickly to see Adam standing behind them, his gun pointed in his direction. \u2018I said get them off him!\u2019 Adam shouted again.<\/p>\n

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Chuck\u2019s eyes widened and he hesitated long enough for Joe to pull himself out of his grasp and step away from him. \u2018Joe,\u2019 said Chuck, with a smile as he turned back towards the boy who was cowering away from him. \u2018Don\u2019t be like this. Don\u2019t listen to your brother. \u00a0Come back over here and I\u2019ll show you \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018You shut up!\u2019 shouted Joe, putting his hands over his ears and closing his eyes. \u2018Just shut up!\u00a0 I hate you!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck\u2019s eyes widened at the boy\u2019s words and his face crumpled in dismay. \u2018You don\u2019t mean that,\u2019 he said in a miserable voice. \u2018You can\u2019t hate me.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes I do,\u2019 said Joe, opening his eyes again. \u2018I hate you!\u00a0 Stay away from me!\u2019\u00a0 He took a step towards his brother, but hesitated as Chuck pulled out his gun and held it up.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Put that down!\u2019 ordered Adam sternly. \u2018Drop it!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Chuck gave Joe a sad smile. \u2018I would have done anything for you Joe,\u2019 he whispered. \u2018Anything.\u2019\u00a0 He turned the barrel of the gun so that it was pointing into his own mouth and then with eyes transfixed upon Joe\u2019s appalled green ones, he pulled the trigger and fell backwards, his blood spurting onto Joe\u2019s boots and splattering onto the walls around them.<\/p>\n

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There was silence for a full minute while both Adam and Joe looked at the man at their feet. Slowly, Joe\u2019s eyes travelled from him to his brother standing across from him. \u2018Adam,\u2019 he said softly, tears springing to his eyes.<\/p>\n

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Adam took two steps forwards and pulled his brother towards him. \u2018It\u2019s all right now buddy,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018It\u2019s over \u2026 It\u2019s all over.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018He\u2019s not going to like it Ben, but it has to be done,\u2019 said Doctor Paul Martin firmly. \u2018Perhaps you should talk to him about it first and try to calm him down?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben looked across at Joe who was staring blankly at the ceiling as he lay in bed. \u2018I\u2019ll try,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 He walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge of it, taking Joe\u2019s hand in his and stroking it lightly.\u00a0 He noticed that his son tried to withdraw his hand immediately, but he held onto it firmly. \u2018Joe?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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Joe looked over at his father with a blank expression on his face. \u2018Yeah?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Joe the doctor needs to look you over now.\u2019\u00a0 Ben noticed the wary look that came over his son\u2019s face as soon as the words were spoken.<\/p>\n

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\u2018No,\u2019 Joe replied, turning away his face. \u2018He don\u2019t need to.\u00a0 I\u2019m fine.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes he does need to son.\u00a0 You\u2019re not fine \u2026 at least we don\u2019t that for sure yet.\u00a0 Just relax and let the doctor check you out.\u2019\u00a0 Ben took hold of Joe\u2019s shoulders and pushed him back onto the pillow, but Joe struggled to sit up again.<\/p>\n

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\u2018No!\u2019 he said firmly. \u2018Leave me alone!\u00a0 Don\u2019t touch me!\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Joseph, it\u2019s only me,\u2019 said Ben gently. \u2018The doctor \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018You tell him to stay away from me1\u2019 shouted Joe. \u2018He ain\u2019t gonna touch me like \u2026 like he did!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben looked over at Paul. \u2018Paul,\u2019 he said. \u2018Perhaps it might be better if we waited.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Paul shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said firmly. \u2018This has to be done Ben \u2026 and the sooner the better.\u00a0 You hold onto him for me.\u2019\u00a0 He approached the bed, rolling up his sleeves as he did so.<\/p>\n

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Ben struggled to hold Joe down, murmuring to him all the time. \u2018Joe, just relax son.\u00a0 The doctor is trying to help you.\u00a0 Just relax.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018No!\u2019 Joe screamed out his protest over and over again, while Ben and the doctor struggled to contain him. Downstairs, Hoss and Adam looked at each over morosely as they sat together in front of the fireplace.<\/p>\n

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Ben watched Joe out of the corner of his eye as he placed the tray down on the dresser next to the bed, noting the sullen expression on his son\u2019s face. \u2018Well,\u2019 he said, trying to sound jovial as he sat down on the edge of the bed and looked at Joe. \u2018I hope you\u2019re hungry.\u00a0 Hop Sing insisted on a sandwich as well as soup.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe ignored his father\u2019s comment. \u2018Why did you let him touch me like that?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Who?\u00a0 Doc Martin?\u2019 replied Ben, knowing full well what his son\u2019s response would be.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes Doc Martin,\u2019 said Joe angrily. \u2018I wasn\u2019t hurt.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t need to touch me like that.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben put his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder, but Joe pushed it away angrily. \u2018Son we weren\u2019t sure exactly what Chuck did to you,\u2019 Ben explained patiently. \u2018He had you under his influence three times to my knowledge and Paul needed to make sure that you were \u2026 well, that he hadn\u2019t hurt you.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I told you he didn\u2019t!\u2019 declared Joe.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Joseph, you don\u2019t remember what happened those times.\u00a0 You said so yourself.\u2019 Joe folded his arms and said nothing as he stared angrily in front of him. \u2018Son, I\u2019m only trying to help you,\u2019 continued Ben.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Then tell that Doctor not to come back here,\u2019 said Joe angrily. \u2018I don\u2019t need him. Chuck \u2026\u2019 his voice trailed away.<\/p>\n

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Ben looked at Joe anxiously. \u2018What?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

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Joe lay back and rolled over in the bed so that he was facing the wall. \u2018Nuthin,\u2019 he murmured. \u2018Can I get out of bed now? I don\u2019t see why I have to stay here.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018You can get up in the morning for breakfast,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018A bit of a rest will do you good.\u2019\u00a0 He hesitated and then put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder again, only to have it shrugged off again. \u2018Do you want to talk about what happened?\u2019\u00a0 There was silence. \u2018Joseph?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018No.\u2019 Ben turned to leave the room, but stopped as he heard Joe roll over in the bed again. \u2018Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned. \u2018Yes son?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He kept saying how good looking I was.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat down n the edge of the bed. \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And \u2026\u2019 Joe swallowed. \u2018It wasn\u2019t my fault \u2026 don\u2019t know why he kept liking me so much \u2026 and \u2026 you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head. \u2018You are a very good looking young man Joe.\u2019 He frowned as Joe shuddered slightly under the covers. \u2018What is it?\u2019 he asked. Ben knew how proud his youngest son was of his appearance.\u00a0 In fact, there had been times when he\u2019d been worried that Joe would develop into quite a dandy.\u00a0 To see his son shrink away from a compliment like this worried him immensely. \u2018You should be proud of who you are,\u2019 he added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned away. \u2018Not if it makes people like him carry on like that!\u2019 he spat out. \u2018Why couldn\u2019t I be ugly?\u00a0 Then it would never have happened!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In other circumstances Ben would have seen a funny side to the youngster\u2019s remark, but looking at Joe\u2019s face as the words came tumbling out only served to make him more anxious than ever. \u2018Joseph I want you to listen to me,\u2019 he said firmly. \u2018You are a very good-looking young man and that\u2019s all there is to it.\u00a0 Just because \u2026 that man \u2026 decided to use that fact against you has nothing to do with you at all.\u00a0 Don\u2019t let it affect how you are with other people now.\u2019 Joe was silent and after a minute Ben patted him on the shoulder. \u2018Well you think about what I\u2019ve said son,\u2019 he said as he stood up. \u2018I\u2019ll be up to see you later.\u2019 Joe continued to frown at the wall as his father left the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

xxxxxxxxxx<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nice to see you up and around again,\u2019 said Adam pleasantly as Joe appeared on the front porch beside him the next morning. \u2018How do you feel?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 said Joe in an irritated tone. \u2018I wish everyone would stop looking at me like I was sick or something.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you did take a nasty blow on the head there,\u2019 said Adam, unruffled. \u2018You didn\u2019t look too good when I found you and you were out for quite some time.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked slightly embarrassed. \u2018Yeah. Well thanks,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Thanks?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018For \u2026. you know \u2026 coming in when you did.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I guess we were both just lucky that I came back,\u2019 said Adam in measured tones.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know how much Joe remembered of what had happened and he and his father had decided that any conversations about the event should be led by Joe.\u00a0 Adam didn\u2019t want to say the wrong thing and let onto the youngster anything that he mightn\u2019t be able to handle. \u2018Anyway,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s gone for good now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked distressed. \u2018It was horrible,\u2019 he said with a shudder. \u2018I never want to see anything like that again.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam put his hand on his younger brother\u2019s shoulder. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s not the sort of thing that you ever want to remember seeing.\u00a0 Just try to put it out of your mind \u2026 that\u2019s the best way.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018I still don\u2019t understand,\u2019 he said. \u2018He was \u2026. well \u2026 real strange.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Adam carefully. He waited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018I guess we\u2019ll never know why,\u2019 he said thoughtfully. \u2018I guess you\u2019re right Adam.\u00a0 It\u2019s best to just try and forget it.\u2019\u00a0 He shuddered again. \u2018Where did \u2026 I mean \u2026 did someone get rid of him?\u00a0 I mean \u2026 his .. body?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss took it into town yesterday,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018He\u2019ll be buried today.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good.\u2019\u00a0 There was silence between the brothers for a few moments. \u2018Well I guess I\u2019d better get to work,\u2019 said Joe finally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You take it easy this morning,\u2019 said Adam as they walked over to the barn together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Sure,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 He walked into the barn and left his brother standing by himself in the front yard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Boss?\u2019 said a voice behind Adam and he turned to see Bert standing there. \u2018What you want done with these things?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at the saddlebags which the man was holding out. \u2018What are they?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Chuck\u2019s things,\u2019 said Bert. \u2018What you want me to do with them?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave an involuntary shudder. \u2018Get rid of them,\u2019 he said. \u2018Burn them.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bert looked surprised. \u2018Burn em?\u2019 he asked. \u2018But they\u2019s mighty fine saddlebags.\u00a0\u00a0 He\u2019s got some good shirts and stuff in there too.\u00a0 Some of the boys might \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I said to burn them!\u2019 said Adam firmly. \u2018No one is to have any of that \u2026 any of his things.\u00a0 Understand?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bert scratched his head. \u2018If you say so boss,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll burn em all right. Seems a shame though.\u2019\u00a0 He walked away, muttering to himself and shaking his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched him go with anger in his heart. \u2018Burn them,\u2019 he said half to himself and then turned towards the barn and followed Joe inside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0A strange ranch hand develops an obsession with Joe<\/p>\n

Rated: T (12,825 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":15648,"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_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,1007,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2049","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-joe-cartwright","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1007-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":3312,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Joecourage.png?fit=424%2C352&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5098,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5098","url_meta":{"origin":2049,"position":0},"title":"Alone (by Krystyna)","author":"Krystyna","date":"August 9, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: while trying to help some friends Adam becomes trapped in a mine, no one knows he's there, he faces death ..alone. Rating K+ (15,575 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/WoF-37Edengirl.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/WoF-37Edengirl.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/WoF-37Edengirl.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/WoF-37Edengirl.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10705,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10705","url_meta":{"origin":2049,"position":1},"title":"The Triple Cord (by Krystyna)","author":"Krystyna","date":"March 12, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe insists on accompanying Ben to Boston to attend the funeral of a long-time friend; only to become separated shortly thereafter.\u00a0 This is story of fate, perseverance, and a family's love. Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (15,950 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/When-dawn.jpg?fit=635%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/When-dawn.jpg?fit=635%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/When-dawn.jpg?fit=635%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":11849,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11849","url_meta":{"origin":2049,"position":2},"title":"A Little Less, Next Time … (by Krystyna)","author":"Krystyna","date":"September 3, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe discovers that his liking for raspshberriesh ..I mean...raspberry cordial has repercussions... Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (1,760 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/brothers.jpg?fit=399%2C299&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13291,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13291","url_meta":{"origin":2049,"position":3},"title":"Tears of Growing Up #3 – Learning to Trust, One Last Time (by BluewindFarm)","author":"BluewindFarm","date":"September 9, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It's never easy seeing your youngest taking another step towards manhood.\u00a0 Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (715 words) Tears of Growing Up Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1015"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13851,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13851","url_meta":{"origin":2049,"position":4},"title":"Belonging (by Camera Chic)","author":"Camera Chic","date":"February 28, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: It's 1859, and Joe has received a letter that sends him on a journey to discover where he truly belongs. Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (9,750 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":50507,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=50507","url_meta":{"origin":2049,"position":5},"title":"Trials and Tribulations (by LillianMontane)","author":"LillianMontane","date":"February 7, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Joe has a hard go of it with some ranch hands. 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