{"id":2316,"date":"2010-03-30T08:27:52","date_gmt":"2010-03-30T12:27:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2316"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:23:57","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:23:57","slug":"the-hunch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2316","title":{"rendered":"The Hunch (by Dodo)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Written as a Birthday challenge for one of our most devout fanfic readers.<\/p>\n

SJS for Devonshire:\u00a0 Sometimes a father’s intuition is worth its weight in gold.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> K+\u00a0 Word Count:\u00a0 4632<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The Hunch<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Pa, I’ll be fine.”<\/em><\/p>\n

It was the last thing Joe had said to him, his voice edged with irritation as he’d hurriedly fastened his gun belt and plucked his hat from the sideboard. He’d been eager to leave; even more so than usual thanks to the hovering attention of\u00a0a concerned father.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yet Ben couldn’t shake the nagging feeling in his gut he’d felt\u00a0from the moment he had awakened that morning. A feeling that something was off, or wrong, or something\u00a0was going to happen, and that it would surely involve his youngest.<\/p>\n

The morning passed without incident, and soon logic reared its head and\u00a0effectively stifled the nervousness to a mere hum, easily ignored as Ben busied himself with his daily tasks. There was nothing to worry about,\u00a0after all.\u00a0Joe was just going into town for the mail; something he’d done a hundred times before. Nothing to worry about.<\/p>\n

Yet a\u00a0father’s instinct is a stubborn thing, and Ben found himself surrendering to\u00a0<\/em>the feeling of unease as the day\u00a0progressed. Adam\u00a0later came upon\u00a0him pacing the floor and glancing anxiously at the clock. He didn’t need to be told why his father was so agitated.<\/em><\/p>\n

“How late is he?” Adam asked quietly.<\/p>\n

“Late,” Ben replied. “He should have been back two, three\u00a0hours ago.”<\/p>\n

“Pa, he’ll be fine,” Adam admonished. “Joe’s not a little kid anymore. You’ve got to stop doing this to yourself.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben forced a\u00a0smile. “I know. Old habits die hard, don’t they?”<\/p>\n

Adam sighed. “I think I’ll head out and see if Hoss needs any help in the barn,” he said, clearly\u00a0in a hurry\u00a0to rid himself of the company of an over-anxious parent.<\/p>\n

Ben picked up the newspaper and tried to concentrate on the words in front of him.\u00a0Adam was right, of course he was right. It was\u00a0perfectly fine for\u00a0a parent to worry, but not so fine to be consumed by\u00a0it. Ben knew he could go on and on listing the numerous perils that could befall his son – both real and imagined – and he\u00a0couldn’t help but chuckle\u00a0at the absurd direction of his thoughts. He’d have to tell Joe later how silly he’d been.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

His amusement, however,\u00a0was abruptly extinguished at the sound of the slamming door, and Adam’s urgent voice on its heels.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

“Pa! PA! <\/em>Come quick!”<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The sound of panic in his voice sent Ben\u2019s heart racing with trepidation and throwing down his paper he quickly followed Adam back outside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Immediately Ben\u2019s stomach knotted as he halted on the veranda in mid stride and focused his eyes on Hoss who was stood in the yard holding the reins of an obviously distressed and highly agitated pinto; its eyes rolling white with fear and flecks of foam running from its mouth. \u00a0Ben recognised the rider-less horse immediately.\u00a0 \u201cHoss what\u2019s going on?\u00a0 Where\u2019s your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked over quickly as he noted the urgency in his father\u2019s voice.\u00a0 \u201cAin\u2019t no sign of Joe Pa,\u201d he replied, returning to run a gentle soothing hand down the black and white neck which served to quieten the nervous animal.\u00a0 \u201cBut Cochise came running in like the devil himself was on his tail, and by the look of the sweat on him I\u2019d say he\u2019d been galloping hard for miles.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hurriedly made towards him.\u00a0 \u201cDo you reckon he\u2019s been thrown?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pursing his lips hard Hoss gave an emphatic nod of the head.\u00a0 \u201cI ain\u2019t never seen a horse spooked so bad Pa.\u00a0 Joe wouldn\u2019t have stood a chance when Cooch took off.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stepped forward and checked the saddlebags. \u201cWell it looks like he managed to pick up the mail without any problem,\u201d he confirmed, visibly perplexed as he pulled out a large bundle of letters still neatly tied together. \u00a0\u201cSo whatever took place must have happened when he was returning home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded in agreement and transferred his gaze towards a blood red sun slowly sinking low in the western sky.\u00a0 \u201cIf Joe was on his way back to the Ponderosa we need to start looking for him now while there\u2019s still enough daylight left,\u201d he instructed, his face now etched with worry. \u00a0\u201cHe could be anywhere from here to Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Realising his father\u2019s intuitive fear for Joe\u2019s safety may have been well placed after all Adam exchanged a quick glance with his brother. \u00a0\u201cHoss you take the track down by the lake and I\u2019ll follow the high road into town and make sure Doc Martin\u2019s aware of the situation\u2026just in case he\u2019s needed,\u201d he added without elaborating and quickly headed into the barn to saddle the horses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ignorant of his father\u2019s earlier worried concerns Hoss looked over with a bemused expression; always the optimist.\u00a0 \u201cIn case Doc\u2019s needed?\u00a0 What\u2019s Adam goin\u2019 on about Pa?\u00a0 This ain\u2019t the first time Joe and his horse have parted company, and knowin\u2019 little brother he\u2019s probably walkin\u2019 his way back home at this very minute, the only thing hurtin\u2019 his feet and his pride!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben forced over the briefest of reassuring smiles in spite of his feeling of apprehension.\u00a0 \u201cI sure would like to think that son \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As his voice trailed to nothing, uncertainty crept into Hoss\u2019 eyes as he searched his father\u2019s face with an uneasy frown.\u00a0 \u201cYou think somethin\u2019 real serious has happened this time to Joe Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben heaved a vast, inward sigh and knew there was no point trying to hide his inward fears any longer. \u00a0\u201cYes I\u2019m afraid I do Hoss,\u201d he replied quietly as he recalled the sense of foreboding that had gnawed at him since early morning.\u00a0 \u201cIn fact I\u2019m certain of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once Adam and Hoss disappeared to search along their designated routes, Ben decided to go in a different direction on a hunch and follow a fast flowing tributary of the Truckee River as it sped its way along the bottom of a high sided ravine; the trail running parallel with it and offering just enough room for a single horse and rider to travel the path in safety.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was not the quickest or the most well used track back and forth to the Ponderosa, but had a quiet sort of beauty and was know to be Joe\u2019s favourite when he had things on his mind or speed and haste was not a major factor on the young man\u2019s agenda.\u00a0 And as he set off at a slow canter, Ben could well imagine the last thing the seventeen year old would have wanted to do after their morning\u2019s bad tempered altercation was to rush home from town knowing there was a good chance he\u2019d be subjected to further mollycoddling from an over protective father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ignoring the low cast of the evening shadows as his horse ate up the miles, Ben felt himself growing desperate; just hoping his search would be rewarded before darkness obscured his path altogether and any glimmer from the moon would be his sole source of light.\u00a0 But even then he had no intention of stopping in his endeavours until Joe was found; no matter how long it took.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Occasionally reining Buck to a stop and sitting motionless in the saddle, Ben\u2019s senses primed for any signs of movement or unusual noise within the forest of soaring pine and spruce which hugged the steep slopes and then disappeared over the crest of a ridge on either side.\u00a0 But apart from a startled deer he came upon which turned and crashed away in terror through the undergrowth, to Ben\u2019s immense disappointment all seemed still and for the most part silent and there was never sight nor sound of his missing son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eventually he arrived at a slow turning bend and the parting of the ways for the trail which now curved gently upwards for a couple of miles towards the Virginia City road, leaving the fast flowing stream to meander its way alone in the opposite direction to where green grassed meadows filled with herds of top prime cattle awaited its clear mountain waters.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pulling Buck to a halt, Ben allowed his horse to drink its fill for a few moments while he again narrowed his gaze and scanned his eyes hopefully back and forth over the darkened landscape. \u00a0But with still no sign of Joe a spectre of doubt slowly raised its head.\u00a0 What if his fatherly intuition had been wrong for once and he\u2019d been on a wild goose chase for all these hours?\u00a0 What if his son hadn\u2019t come this way?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben heaved a heavy sigh at his seemingly futile search and was about to turn in the direction of the road when abruptly out the corner of his eye he caught sight of a familiar looking object laying several yards away by the edge of the water.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

During his days before the mast, he\u2019d always had the kind of eyesight that could pick up the smallest of details at long range, and thankful of it once again Ben urged the buckskin forwards and then stared down with consternation and a feeling of foreboding as he instantly recognised a black Stetson which seemed to have been discarded in a great hurry on the mud-covered ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben remained motionless, his gaze unblinking.\u00a0 He\u2019d been right after all\u2026.Joe had come this way.\u00a0 But the worried father didn\u2019t feel any sense of triumph or elation\u2026.only fear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With his heart hammering hard within his chest Ben dismounted then squatted down; running his trembling fingers across the smooth leather brim of the hat.\u00a0 Unable to stop himself just touching it was enough to swing his mind back speedily a few hours; recalling as Joe placed it on his head the edge of suppressed anger in his snappy response to what he considered was his father\u2019s unwarranted concern for his wellbeing.\u00a0 \u201cPa, I\u2019ll be fine!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The words were repeated soundlessly on Ben\u2019s lips; the trickle of inevitability now becoming a torrent as it was more than apparent something serious must have happened and Joe most certainly was not fine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A distant coyote barked stirring Ben from his anxious musings.\u00a0 Slowly rising he automatically pulled out his Colt from its holster and rapidly fired three times into the air; the well known signal from one Cartwright to another that help and assistance was needed.\u00a0 And knowing if either Adam or Hoss heard the gunfire they would make their way in his direction without delay to help with the search, Ben decided to lead Buck on a long rein and walk for a while; his stomach churning with trepidation at what he might soon find ahead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He moved on and it wasn\u2019t long before his worst fears were confirmed when to Ben\u2019s shocked surprise his keen eyed gaze made out the shadowy outline of a man in the distance who looked to have struggled to heave himself up the slippery muddy bank, but having lost the battle now just lay motionless in a crumpled heap, half in and half out of the rapid flowing torrent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With clouds unhelpfully obscuring the rising moon, even in the gloom of twilight Ben recognised the grey-jacketed figure and immediately dropped the hat; rushing to Joe\u2019s side and dragging his seemingly lifeless body onto dry land.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Unsure if he was alive or dead Ben\u2019s mouth went dry as he sank down by his son\u2019s side and fearfully felt for a pulse; unconsciously holding his breath until eventually he found one.\u00a0 However as he expelled the air Ben\u2019s relief was short lived as he realised the beat was far too faint and irregular to be considered healthy; a clear indication Joe\u2019s survival prospects were less than low and he was probably as near to death as anyone would be after laying for any length of time in the ice cold waters.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From his years of experience at sea Ben knew the only chance he had of saving Joe\u2019s life was to find some way of warming and raising his body temperature as quickly as possible before he literally froze to death in front of his eyes.\u00a0 \u00a0He thought of building a fire to create instant heat, but immediately dismissed the idea, knowing it would take too long.\u00a0 \u00a0So instead Ben rushed towards Buck who was standing obediently nearby; hurriedly unfastening a bedroll secured to the saddle then returning to tear off Joe\u2019s soaking wet jacket and replace it with his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wrapping the thickly woven blanket tight around his son\u2019s body Ben then eased down by his side and rested his back on an old gnarled tree stump.\u00a0\u00a0 Pulling Joe gently towards him and settling him face down on his broad chest he then imparted his own bodily warmth instantly in a bear-hugging embrace, all the while stroking Joe\u2019s back and urging, imploring, insisting he wake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But with only the sound of the gurgling water for company as it rushed unceasingly by, Ben\u2019s voice echoed plaintively within the otherwise silent forest, and as the minutes past to his immense disappointment and alarm Joe remained still and unresponsive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben swallowed hard while unconsciously blinking back a tear.\u00a0 Had he found Joe too late to save him?\u00a0 And with his moistened eyes stricken and feeling impotent, his sense of possible loss compacted as images of his youngest son over the years flashed into his mind.\u00a0 Was he never to hear Joe\u2019s laughter again?\u00a0 See his smile?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nearly choking on the tightness in his throat Ben stubbornly refused to contemplate such a nightmarish scenario and as a last resort he readily sought higher counsel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease God. \u00a0Let him be all right.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

More time passed then Ben\u2019s silent prayer was suddenly answered when not a moment too soon Joe began to shake uncontrollably in his arms; in fact so hard Ben had to tighten his grip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To the untrained eye the frenzied shaking would have been a frightening sight to behold; probably thought of as the final death throes of the young man.\u00a0\u00a0 But to Ben it was the blessed sign there was a good chance The Grim Reaper had been cheated of another victim once again as Joe\u2019s natural defences instinctively kicked into gear and his body took over to heat his hypothermic frame.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An uplifting surge of hope filled Ben\u2019s heart as he hugged even tighter than before; continuing to pass over his life-saving warmth for what seemed an age until Joe\u2019s uncontrollable trembling turned into an occasional shudder and the crisis was finally over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tears of joy now replaced tears of despair as Ben wiped his face dry on the sleeve of his shirt. \u00a0\u00a0He took a deep calming breath to pull himself together then tenderly patted Joe\u2019s back in an attempt to bring him round as quickly as possible after his traumatic experience.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d he whispered softly in his ear. \u00a0\u00a0There was no immediate response so Ben decided on a different tack to hasten the process\u2026louder and more insistent.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cJoseph!\u00a0 It\u2019s time to get up!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Responding to his father\u2019s command the young man slowly stirred, obediently mumbling a well-used reply as he answered in his semi-comatose state.\u00a0 \u201cYeah Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019m awake.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled and felt himself shudder with relief then way in the distance came the unmistakable echo of three quickly fired shots.\u00a0 Taking out his gun Ben emptied the barrel into the dark sky; answering its call.\u00a0 \u201cYou hear that Joe?\u00a0 Sounds like one or both of your brothers are only a few miles away now.\u00a0\u00a0 We\u2019ll soon have you home and warmed up and then you\u2019ll feel a whole lot better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Although still slightly disorientated Joe showed more awareness of his surroundings as he gave out a faint murmur of understanding. \u00a0Ben continued to hold him in his arms, but knowing Joe was clearly on the road to recovery allowed his mind to wander as he considered for the first time if Hoss had been correct in his assumption and Joe\u2019s horse had thrown him. \u00a0But if so for what reason?\u00a0\u00a0 And with no obvious sign of broken bones to hinder him, why had Joe been unable to escape from the potentially deadly freezing mountain waters?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Absently Ben rubbed a hand across his son\u2019s bare neck, noting how unusually warm his skin now felt as he pondered his silent questions, when suddenly out of the blue the now conscious Joe let out an unexpected cry of pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Flinching at the sound as it broke into his silent reverie Ben gently propped Joe into a sitting position then reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a match.\u00a0 Striking it on his boot he pulled back and took a moment to study Joe\u2019s features more intently for the first time; letting out a short gasp of dismay at what he now saw in the soft muted glow of the flickering flame.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He\u2019d expected Joe\u2019s complexion to be back to a normal colour again, but instead the youthfully handsome face was reddened and swollen in an unnaturally grotesque fashion; in fact every inch of visible skin on Joe\u2019s neck, arms and chest was bloated and strangely discoloured.\u00a0 Stunned at the sight Ben was left confused and shocked as to what could be the cause but as he absently flicked away a few dead insects lying within the folds of Joe\u2019s dampened shirt and in his hair he suddenly realised the exact reason for his son\u2019s desperate condition.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then the flame went out and with no more matches available Ben leaned over close in the darkness.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like you managed to have one heck of an argument with quite a few angry wasps today son,\u201d he said with a sympathetic sigh.\u00a0 \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe let out another moan as he felt the burning sensation of the potent venom that he\u2019d been blessedly oblivious to in his unconscious state.\u00a0 Unable to open his eyes fully due to the puffiness of his eyelids he sought out his father\u2019s hand for reassurance, grasping it with all the strength he could muster. \u00a0\u201cWish I could say I was fine Pa,\u201d he croaked.\u00a0 \u201cBut truth is I\u2019ve never felt so much pain before in my whole life.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gently stroked the inflamed fingers swollen with stings in an attempt to comfort and help him through his suffering.\u00a0 \u201cI can see you\u2019re hurting son but once we get you home I\u2019ll make sure Paul gives you some laudanum and that\u2019ll help straightaway.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gritting his teeth against his discomfort Joe nodded as Ben rose and located the canteen on his horses\u2019 saddle in the darkness.\u00a0 Taking off his bandana he soaked it with some of the water before returning to his son\u2019s side.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll say this for you Joseph, when it comes to finding trouble you\u2019re in a class of your own,\u201d he admitted with the faintest hint of amusement as he tenderly bathed Joe\u2019s heated skin.\u00a0 \u201cDo you feel like telling me what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Although he hurt like hell Joe willingly recalled his ordeal.\u00a0 \u201cThe largest swarm of yellow jackets I\u2019ve ever seen suddenly appeared out of nowhere and attacked me and Cooch Pa,\u201d he informed with a shudder.\u00a0 \u201cI got thrown then those wasps came after me.\u00a0 Couldn\u2019t get away from them; they just kept buzzing round my head, stinging me over and over.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The slight edge of fear in his voice was unmistakable as Ben nodded with understanding. It was hardly surprising Cochise had dislodged his rider then fled the scene in such a panic he reasoned as he tried to imagine Joe flailing around in an attempt to fight off the unprovoked assault; wondered at the feeling of terror he must have experienced as the swarm darted him from all directions on every exposed inch of flesh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He\u2019d heard of other victims over the years; men, women and children who\u2019d been subjected to similar life-threatening frenzied attacks from thousands of the fiercely aggressive and territorial insects as they sought to protect their disturbed colony.<\/p>\n

But thankfully at least Joe was young and strong and had lived to tell the tale; others hadn\u2019t been so lucky Ben mused as his son croakily continued with his story.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t see where I was going and so when I fell into the stream I took a chance and just held my breath under the water as long as I could to try and escape the swarm.\u00a0 But every time I surfaced they were still there so by the time they decided to call it a day and disappeared I was so cold I couldn\u2019t even find the strength to climb up onto the bank.\u00a0 Thought I was gonna drown for sure \u2018cause I just kept sliding back into that freezing water again and again. Everything else is fuzzy after that so I guess I must have passed out as I don\u2019t remember much about anything until I heard you yelling at me to get up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded with a concerned smile.\u00a0 \u201cI needed you to wake up quickly and it was the only way I could think of to get your attention,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh I\u2019m not complaining,\u201d Joe replied hoarsely then tentatively touched his burning forehead and cheeks with a fingertip and drew in a sharp intake of breath.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with my face Pa?\u201d he asked in a panicky whisper.\u00a0 \u201cWhy is it all swelled up so much?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gently soothed.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cShush son\u2026.take it easy.\u00a0 It\u2019s just the effect from the wasps\u2019 stings,\u201d he told him gently in an attempt to pacify.\u00a0 \u201cBut I know an old remedy using vinegar and onions that\u2019ll soon bring down all the swelling and after a few days you\u2019ll be as good as new. I guarantee it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This reassurance seemed to do the trick and Joe visibly relaxed. \u00a0\u201cJust make sure Hoss don\u2019t mistake me for a snack when he takes a whiff of me,\u201d he huskily joked through his misery.\u00a0 \u201cKnowing his appetite he might think me an extra meal.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got my word,\u201d Ben chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cWould you like a drink?\u00a0 Your throat sounded mighty dry and sore.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Although finding it painful to speak Joe shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo thanks Pa.\u00a0 Had more than my fill of water today,\u201d he murmured with a grimace of disgust and then his tone changed slightly.\u00a0 \u201cBut I wouldn\u2019t mind a glass or two of your best brandy later, purely for medicinal purposes of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave an amused grin just as the clouds above cleared away to leave a full moon shining down on the land.\u00a0 He focused his eyes again on Joe\u2019s face; the sight leaving an unsettling feeling of nausea churning his stomach.\u00a0 But careful not to unduly alarm Ben said nothing and he continued to press the wetted bandana gently on the reddened flesh again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Appreciating the coolness of the cloth as the heat on his skin started to ebb away Joe remained motionless and quiet for several minutes. \u00a0Ben thought he\u2019d fallen asleep but then Joe gave out a heartfelt apologetic sigh, breaking the spell of stillness between them.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSorry about sounding off at you this morning Pa, I\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 Joe paused uncomfortably.\u00a0 \u201cTruth is I was out of line and had no right\u2026.no right at all considering the mess I\u2019ve got myself into today.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s face softened.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s okay son.\u00a0 It\u2019s forgotten. I\u2019m just relieved you\u2019re all right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Recalling again the horror of his ordeal hours before, a chill ran up along Joe\u2019s spine. \u00a0\u201cDon\u2019t suppose I\u2019d have stood a chance if I\u2019d stayed in those freezing waters much longer,\u201d he said and gave an involuntary shiver.\u00a0 \u201cGuess I was real lucky you just happened to be riding by and found me when you did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLuck had nothing to do with it,\u201d Ben admitted as the corners of his eyes crinkled into a knowing smile.\u00a0 \u201cWhen your horse arrived home alone I came this way purposefully to search for you.\u00a0 And just thank God I was able to find you in time and before it was too late.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t argue with that,\u201d Joe replied through his swollen lips, then sucked in a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cBut without meaning any disrespect Pa, I don\u2019t reckon The Lord is the only one I should be grateful to for helping to save my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s inference was clear and he tried to smile his heartfelt thanks, though wasn\u2019t sure if he was successful through his bloated features. \u00a0\u00a0But his gesture was understood and appreciated as Ben felt his eyes mist.\u00a0 \u201cIt was a life worth saving,\u201d he said simply as he gave Joe\u2019s hand a gentle squeeze.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly the pain from the stings intensified and Joe began to shift uneasily within his father\u2019s hold.\u00a0 \u201cHow much longer before we get out of here Pa?\u201d he asked fretfully, plainly feeling an urgent need to get home. \u00a0\u201cI sure could do with some of Doc Martin\u2019s formula as my whole body\u2019s burning up like it\u2019s on fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Knowing patience was not one of his son\u2019s virtues Ben nodded encouragingly. \u00a0\u201cShouldn\u2019t be long now,\u201d he answered, aware of Joe\u2019s discomfort as he tenderly wrapped the loosened blanket tighter around his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cJust take it easy and try to rest till your brothers arrive.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Letting out a sigh of exasperation Joe sank back wearily when suddenly a thought came to him. \u00a0He raised his head slightly and through his swollen lids stared up into his father\u2019s face with a quizzical look.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cHow did you know to come looking for me along this trail Pa?\u201d he asked in a husky whisper.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t often use it and only decided to at the last minute when I was leaving town.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben returned his gaze.\u00a0 \u201cOh just call it a niggling hunch that I\u2019d find you if I came this way,\u201d he said with a certainty that took Joe by surprise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a few moments, frowning with concentration, Joe pondered thoughtfully as his mind slipped back over time. \u00a0\u201cWas it a niggling hunch that made you go out in that snow storm a few years back when you thought Adam was in trouble and you eventually found him lying up to his neck in a snowdrift, half frozen with a broken arm?\u201d he asked eventually.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd remember the time Hoss went off hunting alone and he got caught in that bear trap?\u00a0 The only reason he survived to tell the tale was because you found him not long after he\u2019d been snared.\u201d\u00a0 Joe paused and took a deep breath as the vision of his big brother returning home pale faced, badly injured but very much alive rose before him. \u00a0\u201cYou never did say why you suddenly decided to follow his trail Pa.\u00a0 Was that due to a niggling hunch something was going to happen to him as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben swallowed hard at the memory then nodded again without comment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo I\u2019m guessing its the same niggling hunch that made you think something was going to happen to me this morning even though I kept telling you I\u2019d be fine,\u201d Joe stated wonderingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled softly and rested his chin on the mass of curly brown hair.\u00a0 \u201cYes son.\u00a0 The exact same.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grew silent for a moment.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cWell in that case,\u201d he responded at last. \u00a0\u201cI reckon there ain\u2019t no better thing for a father to possess than a niggling hunch sometimes,\u201d he murmured as he snuggled down again into the protective embrace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben thought on the times he\u2019d so nearly lost one of his sons his face darkened soberly, unconsciously tightening his grip as he listened to the reassuring sound of his youngest\u2019s deep, easy breathing. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cNo Joseph\u2026I don\u2019t reckon there is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

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

SJS for Devonshire:\u00a0 Sometimes a father’s intuition is worth its weight in gold.<\/p>\n

Rated: K+\u00a0 Word Count:\u00a0 4632<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":8766,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,41,40],"tags":[438],"class_list":["post-2316","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","category-challenges","tag-devonshire","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id","wpcat-40-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Julia-Bulette1.jpg?fit=432%2C441&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2316","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2316"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2316\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8766"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2316"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2316"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}