{"id":24360,"date":"2019-10-04T12:18:32","date_gmt":"2019-10-04T16:18:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=24360"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:39:37","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:39:37","slug":"the-lovelee-sisters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=24360","title":{"rendered":"The Lovelee Sisters (by MissJudy)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong> How can two lovely women showing up in Virginia City, a meeting to award a lucrative timber contract for the Transcontinental Railroad and the Cartwrights fit together? Find out in this mystery.<\/p>\n

Rating:<\/strong> K\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Word Count:<\/strong> 50488<\/p>\n

The Lovelee Sisters<\/strong><\/p>\n

One<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ralph Bertrand heard the shrill whistle of the driver and the pounding hooves of the four-horse team slowing as the stage neared the Overland office. It was nearly 8 AM, making this twice-weekly arrival of the San Francisco\/Virginia City\/Sacramento route over an hour late. But with the boggy roads produced by recent rain, Ralph was impressed it was this timely. \u201cCaleb, come in here,\u201d he hollered towards the back room. A sturdy teen-aged boy appeared in the doorway and leaned against the jamb. \u201cThe stage is here, Son. Go help the passengers and I\u2019ll be out as soon as I finish the manifest for these last-minute packages going to Sacramento.\u201d<\/p>\n

Caleb trotted outside just as the Overland coach slid to a stop, and placed the debarking step. His jaw dropped to an open-mouthed gape as he looked up and took the gloved hand of the first passenger; a woman he thought the prettiest he\u2019d ever seen. His changing voice betrayed him, when his, \u201cCareful, miss. It\u2019s a long drop down,\u201d squeaked and crackled instead of carrying the manly intonation he\u2019d intended. A heat he\u2019d never experienced rippled through his lower abdomen when her skirt caught on the door hinge causing her to lean heavily against him while the passenger behind her freed the fabric. His head nearly spun as he drew a deep breath of her perfume while lifting her to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy, you\u2019re strong,\u201d she cooed, before placing light kiss on his cheek. \u201cThank you for rescuing me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was blushing deeply as he mumbled, \u201cTwern\u2019t nothin\u2019,\u201d and then reached up to help the next person. This is my lucky day<\/em>, he thought when the next passenger was just as pretty as the first. He was still staring open-mouthed at the women when his father came up behind him and pulled him toward the luggage boot.<\/p>\n

\u201cWomen like those two bring nothin\u2019 but trouble, Son,\u201d he said directly into the boy\u2019s ear. \u201cGet their bags.\u201d<\/p>\n

Caleb deposited two satchels at the feet of the beauties. \u201cI\u2019ll carry these if you\u2019d like,\u201d he offered with the eager look of a puppy.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d the first woman said in a voice as smooth as fresh butter. \u201cMy sister and I can manage.\u201d She nodded towards the man who\u2019d crawled to the top of the stage. \u201cBesides, your boss won\u2019t be happy if you abandon him.\u201d She chuckled as he blushed again. \u201cCould you direct us to the International House?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s four blocks that way, on the corner.\u201d He pointed and then looked down at his feet. \u201cYou two must be visiting since I ain\u2019t never seen you before. I work here for my pa, so maybe I\u2019ll see you when you head for home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re observant. We are<\/em> visiting for the first time,\u201d the younger woman told Caleb before kissing his cheek as her sister had. \u201cYou\u2019d best go back to work before you get in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ralph Bertrand recognized his son\u2019s smitten, ear-to-ear smile when the boy came back to help. \u201cGet your mind on what you\u2019re doing, Caleb, or one of these heavy boxes will land on your head.\u201d Still, the older man cast one last look at the two women moving down the boardwalk\u2014his smile matching his son\u2019s\u2014as he tossed down the first parcel.<\/p>\n

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

The two fair-skinned, dark-haired beauties giggled about the effect they\u2019d had on the young man as they headed towards the hotel. They received with the same wide-eyed stares from other men they passed on the boardwalk. Men on horseback whistled their appreciation as they rode by, and even older men tipped their hats, offering wistful smiles.<\/p>\n

A middle-aged man exiting the telegraph office bowed and addressed the women. \u201cIt\u2019s a fine morning, made finer still with you two gracing the streets.\u201d Following a tip of his hat, he turned and made his way ahead of them toward the International house. He waved to the desk clerk after entering, and walked directly to two men having coffee in the restaurant, issuing a boisterous, \u201cHoss\u2026Joe,\u201d as he neared the table. \u201cI sent my telegram, and wonder if there\u2019s still time to go to my room before we leave?<\/p>\n

\u201cTake your time,\u201d Little Joe replied. \u201cThat railroad meeting at the Ponderosa can\u2019t start until we get you and the other four men out there, and the livery is late delivering the big carriage we rented.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss added, \u201cI\u2019ll leave as soon the lady who\u2019s helping us out gets here, but everyone else is comin\u2019 with Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat makes sense. No one can claim favoritism if we arrive simultaneously.\u201d The man realized neither Cartwright had heard a word he\u2019d said. Both of them were staring at two young women by the desk. He nudged Hoss\u2019s shoulder. \u201cThere\u2019s something you don\u2019t see every day: two perfect roses in a wasteland of miners and cowboys. I spoke to them on the street and would have accompanied them had I known they were coming here.\u201d He smiled at the brothers. \u201cSadly, I\u2019m too old to win their favor, so I\u2019ll go to my room.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two<\/strong><\/p>\n

The first woman looked toward the dining room as she made her way to the far end of the check-in desk, and made eye-contact with Hoss. The smile she sent his way lingered as she turned her attention to the young man across the desk. Picking up the brass nameplate with \u201cJake Williams\u201d written boldly on the heavy paper fit into its frame, she said, \u201cJake, this town is blessed with handsome young men, but you\u2019re the pick of the litter.\u201d She allowed him to blush while she set her valise down and fanned her face daintily with her white-gloved hand. \u201cThat trip was long and hard! I thought the stage would never get here, but now we need a room to rest and freshen up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jake\u2019s blush faded as he focused on business. \u201cWhat\u2019s your name, Miss?\u201d He pulled out a stack of telegrams and spread them across the counter.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Sylvia Lovelee, and this is my younger sister, Desiree.\u201d She indicated the silent young woman standing next to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re expecting a rush of people today.\u201d Jake\u2019s face took a puzzled turn as he set aside the last telegram without matching one to the name she\u2019d given. \u201cMight your reservation be under another name?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia\u2019s smile retreated as her eyebrows rose. \u201cWe didn\u2019t make a reservation. The trip came up suddenly when we received word from a dressmaker in Virginia City, stating she had an unexpected opening for a consultation and fittings tomorrow. We confirmed the appointment by wire and caught the next stage.\u201d A serious frown formed as her voice took on a concerned tone. \u201cSurely we don\u2019t need a reservation in this<\/em> town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2026ah\u2026well.\u201d Jake frowned while he looked over the telegrams, comparing them to the remaining keys. \u201cNormally you wouldn\u2019t, but we have bankers in town for a conference; a railroad meeting starts today, and others are coming in for a mining meeting tomorrow. Those events, added to our normal business, have us booked to the rafters\u2014at least today.\u201d He coughed nervously. \u201cIn fact, I don\u2019t think there a hotel in town that isn\u2019t full. If it isn\u2019t, you wouldn\u2019t want to stay there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Desiree moved behind her sister to be fully visible to those in the restaurant, bracing herself against the last remnant of counter. \u201cAre you saying there isn\u2019t a room for us?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jake\u2019s frown turned into a smile as he considered the predicament. \u201cNot for tonight, but there are a couple of nice boarding houses in town that take overflow from the hotels. I could \u2026\u201d He stopped when the younger woman buried her head in her hands and began to sway and moan.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t stay at a boarding house, Sylvie! You know I can\u2019t!\u201d The sobbing was loud enough to alert the dining patrons of her plight.<\/p>\n

Sylvia embraced her sister, patting her back. \u201cDon\u2019t cry, Des. We\u2019ll take the next stage home. I\u2019m sure Jake will let us stay safely in the lobby until then.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman continued to sob as Jake asked, \u201cWhere is home for you ladies?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStockton,\u201d Sylvia said loudly to be heard over her sister\u2019s tears.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s southeast of San Francisco?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Sylvia answered, tilting her head. \u201cDoes that make a difference?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeveral coaches come to town every day, but from different routes. A stage won\u2019t come through for the San Francisco route until tomorrow \u2026 and \u00a0…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what?\u201d Sylvia\u2019s gloved fingers played a muted rhythm on the counter.<\/p>\n

\u201cRalph, from Overland, told me that larger coaches are coming for the next couple of days, because of the big meetings here. But every seat is sold both coming and going, with a couple of the men needing to ride up with the driver. I\u2019m surprised Overland didn\u2019t warn you about that when you bought your tickets.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe planned on staying until our dresses were ready for a fitting, so we never asked about a return stage.\u201d She smiled disarmingly at the man across the counter. \u201cThis seamstress is in demand, and we had to come now or wait months for another opening.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jake nodded and screwed his mouth into a pucker. \u201cYou must mean Mary Rodgers.\u201d He thought a moment. \u201cI\u2019d suggest making do at a boarding house tonight. The bankers leave tomorrow; I\u2019ll hold a room for you, and then you can stay as long as you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia\u2019s concerned look deepened to despair as the volume of Desiree\u2019s sobbing increased. \u201cAre either of those places exclusively female?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jake shook his head. There were all-woman boarding house in town \u2026 occupied by saloon girls. \u201cThe two best houses are run by women who keep a close watch, and the rooms have locks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt really doesn\u2019t matter.\u201d Sylvia pouted. \u201cWe promised Father we\u2019d only stay here. He\u2019s been to Virginia City, and said only this hotel was safe enough for young women.\u201d She sighed softly into an angelic smile and batted her eyes flirtily. \u201cIsn\u2019t there something you can do? Don\u2019t hotels keep a room for unexpected dignitaries, or \u2026\u201d She winked at Jake and jabbed her finger onto the pile of telegrams. \u201cYou could tell one of these men that their wire was lost, and direct them<\/em> to a boarding house for the night. We can pay well for the \u2026 mix-up.\u201d<\/p>\n

These sisters were pretty, but Jake was tiring of the histrionics from the one and the wheedling of the other. \u201cWe are full, and I don\u2019t give rooms to the highest bidder. The International House has a good reputation precisely because we don\u2019t do things like that.\u201d Jake stabbed the telegram stack just as Sylvia had done. \u201cThese people thought ahead to reserve a room, and they will have one.\u201d He pulled a piece of paper from under the counter and began drawing a grid of the city streets. \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019re tired, so I\u2019ll show you where to find the two places I mentioned. Let me know which one you\u2019re at, I\u2019ll send word should a room here open unexpectedly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Desiree snatched the hand-drawn map from the desk and ripped it in two. \u201cPlease, Sylvie,\u201d she cried loudly. \u201cI cannot stay at a boarding house.\u201d Her sobs ended when she moaned plaintively and slumped down to the floor in a faint.<\/p>\n

Sylvia let out a high-pitched yelp of her own before kneeling to gather the unconscious sister into her arms, pleading with her to wake up. Hoss was up and running so fast that his chair flew backwards, knocking the cup out of the hand of the patron at the next table. He scooped the woman from the floor and carried her to a couch at the side of the lobby.<\/p>\n

Little Joe followed \u2026 after righting the chair, uttering a quick apology, and handing the dripping customer a couple of bills to assuage his outrage.<\/p>\n

Remaining behind the counter, Jake shook his head and sighed. He knew the whole scene was orchestrated to elicit sympathy and reaction, because he\u2019d witnessed the \u201cfaint\u201d close up. The younger woman reached out to grip the edge of the counter as she supposedly lost consciousness. Only when she was low enough to avoid hurting herself, did she let go and drop to the floor. He went so far as to allow that it \u201cmight\u201d have been an instinctual grab as she fell, except that when he looked over the desk, he saw the supposedly unconscious woman wink at her older sister before closing her eyes. Jake gave the two a silent \u201cBrava\u201d for the performance. He\u2019d worked the front desk since he was 17, and he\u2019d seen the same tactics used by those who either needed a room or were trying to get out of paying for the one they\u2019d used. No one had done a better job than these two.<\/p>\n

Looking across the lobby as Hoss and Little Joe hovered and fussed over the damsels, Jake began to wonder whether the drama had been about getting a room, or to encourage the participation of the two prominent male citizens having coffee. He smiled with respect for how quickly the beauties had gone fishing, and how easily they\u2019d made a catch. It all made sense. The Lovelees hadn\u2019t stopped to check in where the register book was located. They\u2019d moved to the far end of the desk where they\u2019d be easily seen and heard by those in the restaurant. With further thought, he realized that Sylvia had looked at him only when she needed to; directing her voice toward her sister and<\/em> their audience the remainder of the time.<\/p>\n

This possibility wasn\u2019t unprecedented either. The International House was considered the nicest hotel in town, and it was known for hosting affluent visitors and locals. This wasn\u2019t the first time Jake had seen fair-looking women swoop down on the hotel\u2019s unknowing patrons in hopes of finding a husband of means. If the Lovelee sisters had done their homework, they\u2019d know the names of the moneyed patrons attending the meetings, as well as those of the better-heeled citizenry. Hoss and Joe Cartwright were a pair easily identified by their physical characteristics, and would be good targets based on their vast holdings, and their willingness to help a pretty woman in need. \u201cI think those Cartwright boys just got themselves hooked deep in the gills,\u201d he whispered in a chuckle as he matched up keys with the telegrams along the back counter for easy access.<\/p>\n

Jake glanced up again, noting that the nearly-dead woman had returned to life and was sobbing in a most heart-wrenching manner while describing her previous monstrous experience at a boarding house. Part of his job was ensuring that hotel guests didn\u2019t become dupes. He considered pulling Hoss and Joe aside, yet their looks of concerned adoration as they hung on every word being said, proved that such warnings would be futile. He whistled quietly, picturing what Ben and Adam would say when the younger brothers showed up at home with these two \u2026 and their fishing line still dangling from their mouths.<\/p>\n

Three<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam set a stack of plates on the table he\u2019d pushed against the wall to hold the lunch buffet. The weather was comfortably warm, yet his face was beet red and his exertion was evidenced in the growing patches of sweat-soaked fabric under each arm and down his back. He would wash up and change soon, but with the guests arriving for the first day of the railroad contract meeting within the hour, he had to keep moving.<\/p>\n

His responsibilities for this important gathering had gone from being host and participant, to scullery maid, after he\u2019d found Hop Sing still in bed when he\u2019d come down for breakfast. The small powerhouse didn\u2019t want to abandon his duties, but his pallor, accompanied by miserable groans as he grabbed at his abdomen, made Adam order him to stay put.<\/p>\n

There were two things keeping Adam from panicking. Hop Sing had prepared most of the food the previous day, and since there was far too much work for one person with the number of people attending the meeting, he\u2019d hired Maggie Lewis, a young widow known for her hostess skills, to help. But she lived in Virginia City and wouldn\u2019t arrive until his brothers returned with the other guests.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t Adam\u2019s nature to think much about the physical details of party preparations. But he\u2019d helped Hop Sing when he\u2019d needed a hand with other events at the Ponderosa, and he had some idea of how things were set in order to accommodate a crowd. Thanks to Hop Sing\u2019s peerless organization, he\u2019d already rearranged the furniture and located the linens, and the sets of plates and silverware they used for large gatherings. Maggie Lewis was a formidable woman, and not easily shaken by changes. Yet even with what he\u2019d accomplished, she\u2019d be hard pressed to have everything ready by noon. There was only one solution. His brothers would balk at being drafted into domestic service when they returned, but there was a storm of responsibility hitting the Ponderosa today, and it called for all hands-on-deck.<\/p>\n

Imagining Hoss\u2019 longing expression as he was forced to \u201cserve\u201d food he\u2019d rather be eating, made Adam grin, while a visual sweep of the room confirmed that the setting was perfect. He\u2019d arranged chairs in a half-circle by Ben\u2019s desk, where the contract updates would be presented in detail. The seating by the hearth remained as usual to provide a gathering place to relax and talk. With the dining table being used to serve the meal, he\u2019d swept the front porch and added a cloth and flowers to the outdoor table so guests could eat in the fresh air.<\/p>\n

The satisfaction in his accomplishments dimmed when he remembered one major thing that was missing. His father was in Carson City testifying in a boundary dispute between two neighbors. As the first to settle in the territory, Ben had witnessed many of the handshake deals setting property lines. As often happened, those friendly agreements turned contentious when valuable resources were discovered near those boundaries. His father\u2019s recollections in such matters were highly respected in determining true ownership. It also helped that his father\u2019s \u201cword\u201d was backed up by notations he\u2019d make about such agreements in his daily journals\u2014a habit he\u2019d retained from keeping ship logs.<\/p>\n

Adam shot a request heavenward for a quick settlement, allowing for his father\u2019s return to participate in some of the events occurring over the next 48 hours. This meeting was historic, since it would ensure the future of commerce in the West. The growing need for a coast-to-coast railway system had prompted the Pacific Railroad Survey Plans. Although completed six years ago, nothing had come from it until The Pacific Railroad Act of 1862 funded the east-bound route from the West Coast to Utah.<\/p>\n

The Central Pacific Railroad Company\u2014or CPRC, as it was known\u2014was given the responsibility for the construction, and the Cartwrights had been one of several operations to express interest in providing ties and cut-to-order trestle lumber for the miles of track. The six bidders invited to this meeting had been thoroughly scrutinized and deemed reliable and competitive enough to compete for the final contract. It also helped that Cartwright Enterprises had provided lumber for a CPRC trestle in the past. But since the Cartwrights planned to harvest only their timber for this new, huge project, CPRC officials had come around last fall to assess the ampleness of their resources.<\/p>\n

The representatives who\u2019d toured the Ponderosa told the meeting organizers of the peaceful surroundings at the ranch, and the Cartwrights had been approached about using their home for the initial meeting. To keep accusations of special favors from surfacing, the railroad had made the arrangements through a third party, and the CPRC men who were overseeing the meeting would avoid prior contact with the family by coming to the house at the same time as the bidders.<\/p>\n

Adam musings on the magnitude of this event ended when the ticking of the clock in the silent room made him glance at the time. The early morning had flown by, and the arrival of guests was imminent.\u00a0 He exited the house and scanned the horizon for dust clouds indicating an approaching vehicle. A shiver of unease rippled across his damp back as he thought about his brothers bearing the responsibility for safe transport. \u201cWhat could possibly go wrong?\u201d he said aloud with a certainty that faded quickly as he imagined Hoss and Joe collaborating on any task.<\/p>\n

He dabbed at the sweat trickling down his temples with a corner of the large white apron he\u2019d donned to keep his slacks clean, and let his mind drift to the figures he\u2019d written on the papers stowed away in the safe. Their bid would come down to one final number, just as the others did, but the Cartwright\u2019s number reflected a completely different way of accomplishing the terms of the contract.<\/p>\n

The other bidders were brokers who\u2019d made secondary contracts with growers, transporters and mills. But Adam and Ben had to establish the costs for harvesting their product. They\u2019d come up with a viable and profitable plan, but there were now rumors circulating that might blow those figures to bits. Recent articles in the San Francisco and Sacramento papers had reported the CPRC\u2019s intent to have the entire length of these tracks under construction within a year. That had not<\/em> been reflected in the contract specifications they\u2019d used. The rumors of the new specs seemed borne out in the letter they\u2019d received prior to the meeting, including a caveat that they should be prepared for a number of changes to the final contract up for bid.<\/p>\n

The rumors had made their way to Ben and Adam\u2019s ear soon enough that they\u2019d had time to rethink their methods. They\u2019d had a small mill for some time, but it couldn\u2019t accommodate the amount of lumber needed.\u00a0 To keep up with a schedule as tight as the specs indicated, Ben and Adam had looked towards enlarging the mill to do a good portion of the finish work, thus reducing time needed to transport lumber to other milling operations. Adam had already done a blueprint for a simple addition, and written up an order for the mechanical needs. But \u2026 without this contract, they didn\u2019t need a mill of that size, so they had to delay construction until they knew whether they won the contract.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s stomach clenched into a ball, as it was prone to do when he didn\u2019t know something for sure. Revisions in the timetable, especially a shorter lead-time before product was due at construction sites would eliminate any possibility of enlarging the mill. There was more to consider though. They\u2019d figured one large harvesting crew into their bid, and there was enough cash available to absorb those costs until payments came in. But if what they\u2019d heard was true, it would require multiple harvesting sites to supply ready lumber to multiple construction locations. This translated to far greater upfront costs in hiring and supplying crews, and it would require a loan. If anything went wrong, it would leave the ranch financially vulnerable.<\/p>\n

Neither father nor son liked reacting to \u201cpossibilities,\u201d but in this case, the rumors were sound enough that they\u2019d had to address them. \u00a0With the almost certain need to redo everything in their bid after hearing the new details today, there was one thing Adam knew for sure: once he removed the apron he was wearing, he would need to set his attention on the presentation and nothing else.<\/p>\n

The rumbling of wheels at the far end of the yard made him mentally kick himself for spending time in thought rather than getting cleaned up. He whistled a relieved breath when Hoss pulled the surrey around the corner of the barn \u2026 and no other vehicles followed.<\/p>\n

Four<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hoss brought the fringe-topped carriage with its three passengers to a stop a good distance from the house, and looked over his shoulder at the two young women. \u201cMiss Maggie and me\u2019ll go first so\u2019s I can explain about you ladies. I\u2019ll give you a wave when you should come over.\u201d<\/p>\n

The big man jumped down and hurried to help Maggie, before lifting out the box of homemade pies she\u2019d brought. The two laughed when they got close enough to observe Adam\u2019s rumpled state.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m judging from the way you look that Hop Sing\u2019s still feelin\u2019 poorly,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d judge rightly. I\u2019ve never seen him this sick.\u201d Adam extended his hand to Maggie. \u201cYou, my lady, are going to be busy, and I\u2019ve never been happier to see anyone. Things are set up as best I could, but you\u2019ll be relieved to know that I stayed out of the kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ve given me a good head start. Knowing Hop Sing, he has most things ready to heat up or put out. Is he able to give me a few pointers?<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s sleeping, but before he would rest, he told me everything he\u2019s already made; where he has it stashed, and how he planned to serve it. Some things need to be warmed. I left a written set of his orders on the kitchen table.\u201d He squinted as he looked past Maggie and Hoss towards the surrey. A smile lifted his sweat-streaked cheeks. \u201cWhat a good idea to hire some extra help! I don\u2019t know how you managed that, but let\u2019s get them inside and go through what they should do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maggie Lewis patted Adam\u2019s arm, and rolled her eyes as she moved past him to take her pies from Hoss. \u201cI wish that was true, but I\u2019ll go get started while your brother tells the sad story of the Lovelee sisters.\u201d She was chuckling as she walked to the door, and let out a mighty laugh once she got inside.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s smile changed into a glare directed at Hoss. \u201cWhat\u2019d she mean by that?\u201d His tight jaw and tone of voice indicated he had little patience for what he was about to hear.<\/p>\n

Hoss drew circles in the dust with his boot heel, as he stuttered, \u201cAh, well \u2026 you see \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOut with it!\u201d Adam commanded, making his brother cringe.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe and me was havin\u2019 breakfast at the hotel while waitin\u2019 for Maggie and the rig to get there, when these two purdy gals came in. We could see somethin\u2019 was wrong right off.\u201d He looked up at his brother, and smiled dreamily, \u201cTheir names are Sylvia and Desiree Lovelee. That\u2019s Love-lee with two e\u2019s at the end instead of a Y. Ain\u2019t it interestin\u2019 how they fit their name?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah; interesting,\u201d Adam snarled. \u201cHow\u2019d they get from the hotel lobby to our house?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s nervousness switched from his feet to turning his hat in his hands. \u201cThey came to town to see Miss Rogers about some dresses, and they didn\u2019t send ahead for a room at the International House. What with all the meetings goin\u2019 on, there isn\u2019t a room left at any decent hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s left eye twitched as he bit his upper lip. \u201cWhat about Clementine\u2019s or Mrs. Whipple\u2019s boarding houses?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat poor Desire; the one in the blue dress.\u201d Hoss nodded toward the women in the surrey. \u201cShe had a bad experience at a boardin\u2019 house when a couple drunks stayin\u2019 there broke into her room, wanting to force, ah, you know, ah, their affections on her.\u201d Hoss shuddered and frowned. \u201cShe was so upset just thinkin\u2019 of it that she fainted right there in the lobby.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you two came to her rescue.\u201d Adam shook his head as he blew out a long breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had to, Adam! When she came to, she got to cryin\u2019 so hard that we knew we had to do somethin\u2019 more\u2019n pat their hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that somethin\u2019 was to bring them here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d a done the same thing if you\u2019d a seen her. She\u2019s just a sprig of a gal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pinched the bridge of his nose as his earlier question of what could possibly go wrong, came back to haunt him. \u201cLet\u2019s go through this so you see why I wouldn\u2019t<\/em> have done the same thing. You said they came to town to \u2026 shop for dresses?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cSylvia, the older one, said they\u2019d been waitin\u2019 to see Mary Rogers for some time, and got a wire saying she had an appointment open. Their pa\u2019s been here before and said they could come but they had to stay at the International house. Jake couldn\u2019t squeeze them in and Sylvia would\u2019a caught the stage home, but the stages are booked full the next few days too.\u201d He smiled triumphantly. \u201cWe couldn\u2019t let them sit in the lobby all that time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grabbed his brother\u2019s sleeve and tugged him closer to the house where they wouldn\u2019t be overheard. His voice was pitched low and stern. \u201cDoesn\u2019t this story sound a little off? If they could only stay at one hotel in a town far away from their home, and this girl was previously traumatized to the point where the mere thought of staying at a different location caused her to faint, then why leave such a vital detail to chance?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019s gals, Adam. They got excited and didn\u2019t think about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven if you overlook their<\/em> lack of foresight, there\u2019s the matter of their father. If I had beautiful daughters who\u2019d already had a bad experience, I\u2019d have ensured their lodging before allowing them to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s face reddened while his hands balled into fists at his side. \u201cYou\u2019re always suspicious of anything Joe and I do. I\u2019ve known you to take a stranger into your care with no more information than we got about these girls.\u201d His eyes narrowed. \u201cI also recall that you almost got yerself killed a couple of times because of it. Maybe that was different because it was you <\/em>instead of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

A grin tugged up one corner of Adam\u2019s mouth, \u201cYou make a valid point. The Cartwrights always lend a hand, and you had every right to invite these people out here \u2026 except \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcept what?\u201d Hoss\u2019 question was prompted by curiosity rather than anger. His hands relaxed as he waited for an answer, and his cheeks lost their flush.<\/p>\n

\u201cI worry about things that seem unrelated and yet feel connected. Dramatic situations calling for action without enough time to consider the inconsistencies and complications, also leave me uneasy. We are hosting a major event in the development of this country today, and suddenly you and Joe were presented with a scene that prompted you to include two strangers. It seems innocent, and yet far too staged.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI s\u2019pose there are few details that don\u2019t hold up when you think it over. Should I take them back to town?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sighed and considered Hoss\u2019 offer. \u201cThere\u2019s no time. With all the meal preparations falling on Maggie, I\u2019ll need you and Joe to help her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s cheeks puckered into a question mark. \u201cDo you really think them sisters are up to somethin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

The older brother shrugged. \u201cThink about this, Hoss. The young one fainted at the thought of a boarding house, yet she came with you, knowing nothing of where you were taking her, or even who you were.\u00a0 Did she ask whether there were other women living here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d The blush crept back up Hoss\u2019 cheeks as he realized how his offer of help hadn\u2019t been well thought out. \u201cWe might\u2019a said Maggie was comin\u2019 out with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven so, they easily accepted an unknown living arrangement. Did they resist the invitation at first or might someone have vouched for you two?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head, and mumbled, \u201cNot so\u2019s I recall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid Jake assure them that the Cartwrights often took in strangers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019d gone upstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a lot<\/em> of unwarranted trust, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought they just knew we meant them no harm.\u201d Hoss looked towards his feet. \u201cWhat might they have in mind to do, if they ain\u2019t what they seem to be?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey knew how to garner sympathy and provoke your natural tendency to offer help. They may have capitalized on those qualities to be in a position to make later accusations about staying here\u2014just as they did about those boarding houses. Or in a completely different realm, they might relay information about our valuables and habits to cohorts and set up a robbery later.\u201d Adam pursed his lips tightly. My biggest concern is them showing up out here on the day of this meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s lucky then that Maggie\u2019s staying all night. She\u2019ll see what goes on, and I\u2019ll sleep in the bunkhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll make the upstairs off-limits to all of\u2014\u201d He stopped when he saw the two women approaching.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Sylvia Lovelee.\u201d The woman Hoss had identified as the older of the two, extended her hand to Adam. She nodded toward her companion. \u201cThis is my sister, Desiree. We couldn\u2019t hear you, but I presume that since it\u2019s taking so long for Hoss to explain our presence, you are unhappy about two unexpected guests. Your brothers told us about the meeting you\u2019re hosting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mean to be unwelcoming. But the meeting is foremost in my mind.\u201d Adam breathed deeply, and smiled. \u201cYou are welcome to stay, but I\u2019d ask that you avoid the main floor during the event, except to join us for lunch. Once the meeting concludes, you\u2019ll have free range of the house and yard, and we\u2019ll extend our hospitality more graciously\u201d His smile continued even as his fingers beat a worried rhythm against his legs.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can do better than that.\u201d Sylvia pulled her shoulders back before offering Adam a wink and one-sided grin. \u201cHoss said your cook is ill and Mrs. Lewis will have her hands full. Our mother was of fragile health, so we became experts at helping with parties and organizing our father\u2019s business gatherings. Please allow us to welcome your guests, assist Mrs. Lewis with the food, and help clean up, as a way to repay your kindness.\u201d<\/p>\n

His sense that the arrival of these sisters and their much-needed skills was a bad omen, made Adam\u2019s neck tingle as though brushed by an unseen hand. Yet Maggie did need help. They were already here, and their looks and experience would lend a spirit of gentility. His need finally trumped his misgivings. \u201cThank you. Your assistance will be appreciated.\u201d He looked over at Hoss who seemed to be holding in his stomach while displaying a nearly pained smile from the effort. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you show Sylvia and Desiree to the upstairs guest room. I\u2019ll tell Maggie what\u2019s going on and then get cleaned up.\u201d He turned back to the women, offering his hand, and thanks, to each of them. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be a busy day, ladies, so let\u2019s meet by the fireplace in a few minutes to go over the schedule.\u201d<\/p>\n

Five<\/strong><\/p>\n

Maggie continued slicing bread while listening to Adam\u2019s explanation of how she came to have assistants. \u201cSo, they disarmed you too.\u201d She grinned wryly, and then laughed. \u201cI thought you\u2019d send them back to town.\u201d<\/p>\n

His cheek colored to a peachy golden. \u201cI would, but there isn\u2019t time.\u201d He shook his head and grinned back. \u201cAnd it was either them\u2026or enlisting my brothers.\u201d His brows neared in thought. \u201cYou were pretty sure I wouldn\u2019t be pleased with Hoss\u2019 surprise. Care to tell me why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThose women told me their woeful tale as we left town, but then I became invisible. The younger one dozed, and the older one doted on Hoss; repeatedly proclaiming him the sweetest, most understanding, take-charge kind of man; an angel in their time of need.\u201d She slapped Adam\u2019s arm playfully. \u201cIf I hadn\u2019t been there, he might have proposed before they got to the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed loudly, and then checked to make sure the other three were still upstairs. \u201cWhat do you<\/em> think they\u2019re up to?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst off, doesn\u2019t their story about not checking ahead for a room at the one<\/em> hotel they could stay at, smell fishy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike bullheads left on a river bank in August.\u201d Adam leaned towards Maggie as she motioned him closer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe they knew what was going on in town, and who might be here because of it. Jake, from the hotel, pulled me aside while your brothers took the girls out to the surrey, and told me those two performed a well-rehearsed bit of tearful, swooning theater for Hoss and Joe.\u201d Maggie\u2019s eyes grew round as she shook her head. \u201cJake said this happen on a regular basis for varying reasons. At first, he really thought their aim was to get a room. But then he noticed their true audience, and it wasn\u2019t him. By the end he\u2019d become sure that had he actually offered them a room; they would have found some panic-inducing reason they couldn\u2019t stay in it. His estimation was that the forlorn drift to the floor was the predetermined finale.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam mulled over this latest information. \u201cJake thinks they targeted my brothers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe wasn\u2019t sure. Another guest walked in ahead of the women, and he called Hoss and Joe by name. Jake admitted he\u2019s become jaded, and suspects the ladies quickly matched the Cartwright brothers to the Cartwright bank account.\u201d She laughed softly. \u201cI think the Lovelee sisters came here to have dresses made, all right\u2014wedding dresses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head bobbed. \u201cHoss says I\u2019m too suspicious, and I\u2019ve got so much on my shoulders right now, I\u2019ll have to assume their intentions are pure, and every inconsistency can be explained.\u201d He wrapped his arm around Maggie\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYou\u2019re a good judge of people, Maggie. Keep an eye out for clues about their intentions, and we\u2019ll compare notes this evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

Six<\/strong><\/p>\n

The sisters were already helping Maggie in the kitchen by the time Adam returned in a fresh shirt, smelling of soap. He checked that Maggie was set for a few minutes, and then reviewed one of his biggest concerns with the Lovelee sisters as he walked them into the dining area.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease offer coffee or punch to start,\u201d he said solemnly. \u201cThese men believe they are better for a little alcohol, but I\u2019ve attended events where participants were pie-eyed before the meeting was called to order.\u201d He pointed to the array of bottles on the credenza. \u201cIt\u2019s here if they insist, but I\u2019d like to keep them sober as long as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maggie joined the others for a run-through of the meeting schedule, and they\u2019d just finished when Adam shushed them, straining forward to listen.\u00a0 The sound of voices and the sturdy footfalls of large carriage horses drifted in through the open windows. \u00a0After a final preemptive thanks for their assistance, he said, \u201cTo your battle stations!\u201d before hurrying outside.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Little Joe brought the large carriage to a stop, and hopped down to assist the passengers; introducing each of the five to Adam as they stepped to the ground.<\/p>\n

After the last man was properly welcomed, Adam sent them to the door where Sylvia was waiting. He nudged Joe and smiled. \u201cYou did a fine job with their names. Thank you.\u201d He moved closer and lowered his voice, \u201cI recognized three of them from other projects, but Roger Taggert and Al Munson are new. Did you hear anything on the way that I might find helpful?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cThey got impatient when the rig was late in getting there, but no one got upset. The conversations on the way here were about where they\u2019d gone to dinner last night and the brawls they\u2019d seen in the saloons.\u201d He nodded toward the last man entering the house. \u201cDid you notice Munson\u2019s hand when you shook it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean the syndactyly?\u201d He clarified his response to, \u201cWebbed fingers,\u201d when Joe looked confused.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder what causes that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u201cI only know what it\u2019s called because I had a college friend with the condition. He told me it was a common trait in some Boston families.\u201d He chuckled softly. \u201cIf this was a century ago, Munson would be shunned for bearing the mark of Satan.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe poked his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI guess you\u2019ll find out if he\u2019s got the devil in him once you fellas make your bids.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s smile at the comment turned into a frown when Joe asked what he thought of Hoss\u2019 surprise. His stern, \u201cI have serious concerns about them,\u201d softened as he added, \u201cbut they offered to help and I accepted.\u201d Adam grabbed his brother\u2019s arm as he tried to climb back on the carriage. \u201cWe will discuss the decision to bring them out here later. There\u2019s a year\u2019s worth of work and plans in this bid, and Pa will tar and feather us if two people who shouldn\u2019t be here, jeopardize the outcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUs? Don\u2019t you mean me and Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean us. You two invited them, but I let them stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe was still chuckling as he climbed to the driver\u2019s seat and pulled his team ahead to make room for another wagon entering the yard. Adam replaced his frown with a welcoming smile and moved forward to greet the railroad representatives who\u2019d driven out on their own.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Adam,\u201d Nels Nelson called as he pulled the double-seated buckboard to a stop. \u201cWe had to stay well behind your brother. That rig kicked up a lot of dust.\u201d The young man in charge of this event had Scandinavian good looks to complement his lumberjack build. Nels had been one of the people to view the timber previously, and he gave the horizon a sweeping glance while taking a deep breath. \u201cI\u2019m still amazed at the natural beauty of this ranch. I can smell the pine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled. \u201cYou\u2019d better get your nose checked. With the wind coming out of the southeast, you\u2019re smelling livestock, not pine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels jumped from the wagon and pointed toward the empty carriage in front of him. \u201cI assume the others are inside?\u201d he asked while removing boxes from the buckboard, and handing them to the men with him. Receiving Adam\u2019s nod, he began the introductions, finishing with, \u201cThank you again for hosting this. I am sorry to hear that your father is away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe hopes to join us tomorrow. Pa always laments that weeks can go by with no engagements, and then several things overlap.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI look forward to seeing him again.\u201d Nels went silent as he thought about the importance of this meeting. He\u2019d joined the CPRC when the first talks of connecting the continent had commenced. His skill in organizing people and materials, along with a background in engineering, had soon singled him out to spearhead this final step to getting the eastbound railway under construction.<\/p>\n

Adam watched with interest as a myriad of expressions played across Nels\u2019 face. The one that lingered, was concern. The emotion was contagious, and Adam felt the icy chill across his shoulders again. When Nels said nothing more, Adam executed a sweeping gesture towards the door. \u201cWe\u2019d better get in there before they decide to dispense with the meeting and spend the day relaxing in the country.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seven<\/strong><\/p>\n

The atmosphere in the house \u201clooked\u201d like any other social gathering at the Ponderosa. The bidders and railroad men were talking in small groups, with an occasional laugh rising above the murmurs. But this wasn\u2019t a party. It was an arena where each man was sizing up the competition. These impressions would be interesting and informative, but the person who\u2019d win the contract would listen carefully, figure their costs, and make a reasoned offer \u2026 or at least the best guess.<\/p>\n

The art of the deal took his thoughts back to his father. Adam\u2019s decisive and organized method of figuring a bid had incubated at his father\u2019s side. Ben Cartwright was a born negotiator whose external performance reminded his son of Lake Tahoe in October. The massive expanse of water appeared mirror-like and undisturbed. But as the cooler air dropped the surface temperature of the lake, that layer of water became heavy and sank in a powerful process known as turnover. Ben Cartwright might experience equal upheaval beneath the surface during negotiations, but no one<\/em> witnessed this at the bargaining table.<\/p>\n

Through his years of learning the ranch business, Adam had developed his own style, but he always displayed this same undisturbed\u2014occasionally icy\u2014composure. With so many decisions to make about this<\/em> bid, uncertainty was churning beneath his calm exterior like an eggbeater.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Sylvia approached Adam; her right arm draped with suitcoats while she skillfully handled an assortment of hats with her left hand. \u201cShould I put these in a bedroom upstairs?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam heard her question, but his eyes narrowed to slits as he focused on the credenza where some guests were already adding alcohol to their coffee cups, while a couple were filling water glasses with their spirit of choice. He detoured Sylvia around the logjam of men, slipping between the settee and coffee table, into the dining area. \u201cLet\u2019s put them in here,\u201d he said, opening the door to their downstairs guest room. Inside, he took the hats, placing them along the dresser, and helped her lay the coats neatly on the bed.\u00a0 Their return to the party was accompanied by Adam\u2019s glare and nod towards the assembly by the liquor. Leaning closer, he said, \u201cI asked you to control that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re your<\/em> guests, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d She tipped her head and smiled knowingly. \u201cYour earlier warning revealed that you suspected they\u2019d behave exactly as they are. But if you were truly concerned about the ill effects, you would have kept the alcohol secured until later.\u201d<\/p>\n

His cheeks flushed. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I scolded you. They would be very unhappy if it wasn\u2019t out, and I wasn\u2019t fair in putting you in the position of libation monitor. I\u2019d hoped for better judgment on their part.\u201d His eyebrows rose. \u201cI prefer to keep my wits about me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you do.\u201d She squared her shoulders and took a deep breath. \u201cI will<\/em> keep an eye on the situation. Or\u2014” She grinned, \u201cI can water down the booze when their backs are turned.\u201d She waited for Adam\u2019s scowl to ease into a grin. \u201cLet us do our job, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d He indicated the tall man setting up easels and maps by the desk. \u201cThat\u2019s Nels; he\u2019s in charge today. You can come to either of us if there\u2019s any trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Maggie came to ask for Sylvia\u2019s help in the kitchen, he took a moment to consider that his brief interlude with the older sister showed her to be organized, intuitive and unafraid to speak her mind: traits which didn\u2019t support her claim of flightiness in leaving important things like reserving a room in a strange town to chance. But he was already wearing too many hats at this meeting, so he set this mystery aside for now, lest it bring his stack of figurative headwear tumbling to his feet.<\/p>\n

Eight<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam tucked his hands in his pockets; drew in a long, deep breath, and released it slowly. As he\u2019d expected \u2026 and feared \u2026 the final contract presented by the railroad during the morning meeting, left the bid he and his father had drawn up, worthless as anything except tinder for the fire. His head swam as he flipped through the notes he\u2019d made, and he grimaced with the realization that he would be up a good portion of the night comparing the new specs to the various options they\u2019d set up to help recalculate, should their worst fears be realized today. The rumors were proven true: multiple sites now needed to be supplied with product simultaneously, with first deliveries of tie lumber due two months from the contract signing. Adam\u2019s job tonight, was to refigure risk to profit in deciding whether this project was worth the financial exposure required.<\/p>\n

Despite the prospect of a sleepless night, Adam\u2019s engineering background allowed for his immense respect of those who\u2019d solved the mathematical nightmare that would allow all these short sections of construction to meet perfectly, forming one long ribbon of track. And further, one day the same piecemeal process would join the tracks heading east with those heading west.<\/p>\n

A quick glance around the room verified that the others were still involved in quiet conversations. The lull spurred him to pull a sheet of paper from the desk and make a hasty drawing of the slightly different route; adding in the names of the towns where the lumber deliveries were to be made, and the number of miles between them. Once he had what he needed, he slipped the notes and drawings into the desk and went to check on lunch.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Eying the emptying liquor bottles as he passed by on his way to the kitchen, made him wish for something that might settle his mind and stomach.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2019s everything going in here?\u201d he asked Maggie. \u201cSomething sure smells good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the beef.\u201d She used her hand as a fan to cool her red cheeks, and nodded toward the doorway. \u201cThose two women have done a good job out there, allowing me to get the food ready.\u201d Her face wrinkled in thought before she laughed. \u201cI remember what I wanted to tell you. Hop Sing wobbled through about an hour ago, saying it was too noisy so he was going to the bunkhouse. He looked around, but didn\u2019t issue a single order. He must be very sick.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe wouldn\u2019t abandon his kitchen if he didn\u2019t trust you, and I\u2019m thankful our unexpected houseguests have been helpful.\u201d He grabbed a glass from the cupboard and filled it with water from the pump.<\/p>\n

Maggie\u2019s lips turned upward in a curious smile. \u201cWe have punch, coffee, and liquor, and you\u2019re drinking water?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had too much coffee; the punch is too sweet, and I\u2019m staying clear of the other option.\u201d He drained the contents of his glass and refilled it. \u201cHow soon will you be ready for lunch? I saw the men eyeing what\u2019s already on the table like wolves watching a herd of limping sheep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA few minutes should do it.\u201d She swatted his shoulder playfully as she passed by. \u201cThe buffet isn\u2019t the only thing those men are watching. They\u2019re staring at our young ladies like kids looking over the candy jars in Wilson\u2019s Mercantile.\u201d They both laughed before she gave him a shove towards the doorway. \u201cGet back out there and keep the wolves at bay. And please ask those two sweet confections to come in here and we\u2019ll get the rest on the table.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Maggie.\u201d He smiled as he took her hand. \u201cI don\u2019t know what I would have done today without you.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Lunch was served within minutes, and its success was evident in the loaded plates and return trips for \u201cjust a taste more.\u201d Adam mingled a bit and then took up his post again near the door. He chuckled inwardly as he considered how the frequently refilled glasses of bourbon and brandy, along with the sedative effects of the meal, would have most of his guests feeling loose-tongued and downright drowsy soon. On the other hand, he\u2019d eaten only enough to satisfy his hunger, and he\u2019d stuck with water, so his powers of reason remained unaffected.<\/p>\n

With the Lovelee\u2019s assistance secured, Hoss and Joe had left to check on a few steers their foreman had reported getting torn up after wandering into a section thorny brush.\u00a0 But the two had gotten back for lunch and were now entertaining the others with their stories of life on the Ponderosa. Hoss\u2019s easy charm, Little Joe\u2019s infectious laugh, and the Lovelee sisters\u2019 ministrations, had the entire group in fine fettle.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe meeting is going very well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had been so deep in thought that he jumped at hearing a voice next to him. \u201cThank you, Nels.\u201d<\/p>\n

The railroad man smiled. \u201cI notice you\u2019re staying away from certain beverages too. I\u2019ll never understand how these men think they\u2019re at top form when they\u2019re half-in\u2013the-bag.\u201d<\/p>\n

A deep chuckle accompanied Adam\u2019s nod. \u201cI suspect they\u2019re used to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels pursed his lips, and took a deep breath. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I couldn\u2019t warn you about all the changes to the specs and timeframe. They will impact you the most.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t apologize. I would never ask for that consideration, and I would trust you less if you had given it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels raised his coffee cup for a sip, and eyed Adam over the lip as he blew away the curling steam. \u201cSo, are the Cartwrights ready to become timber barons instead of cattlemen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Cartwrights will always be cattlemen.\u201d Adam matched Nels\u2019 smile. \u201cBut that doesn\u2019t mean we can\u2019t harvest a few<\/em> trees for the railroad.\u201d He nodded toward the group listening to Little Joe. \u201cI know Frank Fillmore, Lester Sloan, and Rick Spindler. Taggert and Munson are new.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoger Taggert was Gus Obermeyer\u2019s deal-maker at West Coast Timber. But Gus is a hard man to work for, and Roger got fed up. He started his own business, doing exactly what he did for the old-man. Roger is smart enough not to bid against West Coast, so the suppliers and mills that Gus used are willing to work with him. He got up-and-running quickly and profitably.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d heard about a \u2018defection\u2019 at West Coast, but they work in southern California, so we haven\u2019t bid against them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMunson\u2019s a different story,\u201d Nels continued. \u201cNo one\u2019s really heard much about him before. His office is in San Francisco, and he possessed the right credentials to make him a viable candidate. I checked his references, and he\u2019s done enough work north of the Bay area in the last few years to prove he can deliver his contracts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been quiet today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels nodded vigorously. \u201cThat\u2019s not like him. He usually talks big. Then again, all these men act like they\u2019re hiding an ace up their sleeve. You know, Adam, I have a bad feeling in my gut. There\u2019s so much money at stake, and there\u2019s been trouble at these bidding meeting in the Eastern states. It makes me feel like\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething\u2019s not right?\u201d Adam supplied, garnering another nod from his companion. His earlier misgivings over Hop Sing\u2019s illness and the Lovelees showing up to fill the need, poked at his own concern. \u201cI\u2019ve had a few misgivings too.\u201d He saw the questioning look, and added, \u201cI won\u2019t advance theories without more proof.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think there\u2019s a connection between our uncertainties?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be the first to know if I find one.\u201d Adam sighed and stood up straighter. \u201cRight now, I best get back to the others.\u201d<\/p>\n

The laughter at one of Joe\u2019s stories ended and Roger Taggert locked his gaze on Adam as he moved toward the group. \u201cWord is you Cartwrights have enough timber to supply the entire west side of this country.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled. \u201cThat\u2019s an exaggeration, but we are blessed with an abundance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taggert stood as he continued to address his host. \u201cWe rode an hour to get here, and all I saw were a few stands of gnarled pine and scraggly oak; hardly enough to build a house, much less a railroad. I\u2019ve heard that the Ponderosa is a big ranch, but you\u2019d think that even with a few thousand acres we\u2019d see some forestation from here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s loud guffaw filled the room. \u201cI think you done heard wrong about a few things. The Ponderosa ain\u2019t a few<\/em> thousand acres; its\u2019\u2026\u201d He was silenced by his older brother\u2019s hand coming to rest on his shoulder: the Cartwright family\u2019s signal to stop talking.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou came from town, so you saw the foothills of Mount Davidson, and then some grazing land as you rose towards our house,\u201d Adam explained. Our timber is west of here around Lake Tahoe. You can see some of the alpine lake and trees from the window in the dining room.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another guest asked, \u201cWhat do you mean by an alpine lake?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe spoke up. \u201cIt formed high, inside peaks of the Sierra Nevada range.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPrettiest lake you ever seen,\u201d Hoss added. \u201cIt\u2019s surrounded by hillsides of Jeffrey, Lodgepole, and Ponderosa pine, and the lake is so blue and clear, it acts like a mirror to reflect everything at its edge. You can see a ways down into it, but it\u2019s deep and cold.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taggert took up his questioning as Hoss finished. \u201cIs it wise to harvest as much as this project needs?\u00a0 Eventually those hillsides will become bare.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNah,\u201d Hoss snorted. \u201cYou\u2019d have to know our pa to understand that he never lets us cut a tree without plantin\u2019 one. Before we harvest, we dig out the trees tryin\u2019 to spring up in the shadows of their big brothers. That way we don\u2019t mess them up while getting at the full-grown ones. Then we stick them little guys back in the ground where they started and let \u2018em grow tall and strong too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t clear-cut either,\u201d Joe added. \u201cPa and Adam mark what we can take in an area. It\u2019s important to leave good roots in the ground to prevent soil from running off during rain and spring melts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa says we\u2019re building a legacy here, and that means we don\u2019t take without givin\u2019 back.\u201d Hoss grinned widely. \u201cWe own a deed to our land; protect what we got with everything we got, and make a good livin\u2019, but we see ourselves as caretakers.\u201d He indicated their property with a sweep of his arm. \u201cWhen we\u2019re gone from this earth, we want to make sure this land\u2019s in as good a shape as it was when we got here.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the railroad men cleared his throat. \u201cI wish others felt as your family does. It seems that there\u2019s enough timber out here to build an empire and still have plenty left over, but I\u2019m already seeing lumber firms leave areas barren. I suppose nature will take care of that and seeds will sprout into trees again, but it takes time, and during the process that soil is<\/em> prone to erosion that can change the landscape dramatically.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank Fillmore had moved to the credenza to refill his glass with brandy. \u201cStill, we can\u2019t worry about how our suppliers get the wood.\u201d Heads turned toward him as he continued. \u201cWe need lumber, and there are only so many firms with crews and equipment to do that on a large scale. The Cartwrights have high ideals and I applaud them, but progress demands that we turn a blind eye to the methods for the time being. The same thing happened back East when cities began growing. Now you can\u2019t even tell where all that lumber came from.\u201d<\/p>\n

A loud, dry laugh brought the group\u2019s attention to Lester Sloan. He clapped loudly as the laugh continued. \u201cThere, I\u2019ve given the Cartwrights their bravo. But that\u2019s all they\u2019ll get for their efforts.\u201d He looked pointedly at Nels, and continued. \u201cThe railroad doesn\u2019t allow for resupplying the forests in our bids. They want it cheap and on time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels blushed as he choked on the sip of coffee he\u2019d just swallowed. When he could breathe without coughing, he replied, \u201cWe don\u2019t put any stipulations on how the wood is obtained, and that may prove a mistake. But for now, we need to build a railroad and it\u2019s moving ahead quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sloan stared at Adam with a superior smile, and snorted. \u201cThat puts the rest of us in a good position. It must be costly for the Cartwrights to do that extra work\u2026and it will probably make their bid too high.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll each bid as you see fit.\u201d Nels said as the laughter over Sloan\u2019s conclusion ended. He walked to the front of the group and set his cup on the ledge of the hearth. \u201cAs long as the subject has come up, we might as well go over that process now. My engineers and foremen went over the specifications of the contract this morning, and now I\u2019ll discuss the penalties for delays, and tell you about the bid process.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels nodded towards one of his men who brought a cloth bag forward. \u201cYou\u2019ll each have a private hour with us tomorrow so you can ask questions. We\u2019ll see the first person in our suite at nine o\u2019clock, with the rest following at hour intervals. All bids are due by 5 P.M.\u201d He held the bag up. \u201cThere are six slips in here with meeting times. You will each draw one.\u201d<\/p>\n

The bag was passed around until each man had picked. \u201cYou must come to see us whether you have questions or not, because it\u2019s when you\u2019ll receive your official bid forms. Once the bidding is closed, I\u2019ll wire the CPRC offices in San Francisco and ask for confirmation that we can award the contract the next morning at our final gathering. Should your bid be lowest, we\u2019ll ask for your supporting documents and worksheets to prove you have the proper backing to complete the job.\u201d<\/p>\n

Al Munson raised his hand. \u201cWhy must we use your<\/em> form?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood question.\u201d Nels motioned another of his men forward. \u201cNathaniel will explain it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man cleared his throat. \u201cThe CPRC\u2019s wants to ensure the integrity of this process. Our form is printed on watermarked paper and embossed with the CPRC seal, so it can\u2019t be duplicated. In the case of an error or damage, the original can be returned for a replacement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Nate.\u201d Nels said over the murmuring.<\/p>\n

This news didn\u2019t bother Adam. Similar authentication methods were used when bidding with the Cavalry. The only thing that mattered about using this special form, was the amount of work still required to find a reasonable number to write on it.<\/p>\n

Nels completed the day\u2019s agenda by revealing the contractual penalties. They were stiffer than usual, but also as usual, they were given upfront so they could be absorbed a bit in the bids.<\/p>\n

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

Attendees didn\u2019t seem anxious to leave even when the meeting adjourned. Hoss and Joe had remained for the afternoon, and they were pressed into telling more stories about the perils of ranching. Lester Sloan was the first to succumb to the sedation effects of good food and liquor, and was sleeping soundly, hunkered into one of the comfortable red leather chairs.<\/p>\n

Conversation continued as the afternoon reached an hour that Maggie pronounced was \u201cPonderosa tea time,\u201d when she and her helpers reset the table with plates of small sandwiches and a variety of sweets. Sylvia encouraged everyone to indulge in some sustenance to prepare them for their \u201carduous journey\u201d back to town. Although there\u2019d been laughter and protestations that they were still full from lunch, the table was nearly cleared of its offerings an hour later when they prepared to leave.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam pulled his brothers to the side as the guests yawned, stretched, and finally began talking about heading out. \u201cYou\u2019re going to ride Cochise and trail Chubby for Hoss to ride home?\u201d he asked Little Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYup. And we\u2019ll hightail it back,\u201d he replied with a pronounced sigh and eye-roll.<\/p>\n

The oldest brother\u2019s eyes were drawn to the Lovelee sisters who were talking with the guests and accepting their thanks for their fine service. He puffed his cheeks, and blew out a whistling breath. \u201cYou\u2019re sure there\u2019re no rooms at the hotel?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Adam, let them be, will ya!\u201d Hoss seldom argued with his older brother, but his face was set in a determined scowl as his cheeks blazed to a red that matched the geraniums outside. \u201cThey helped out real good, and we\u2019ll be takin\u2019 them with us in the mornin\u2019 cuz they got that dress appointment. We\u2019ll check at the hotel when we drop these guys off and make sure they hold a room if one comes open fer tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s outburst confirmed Maggie\u2019s earlier assessment that Sylvia\u2019s fawning over his middle brother had solidified his role as her champion. Adam tread more gently. \u201cThey were extremely helpful, Hoss, and did a wonderful job. But you and Joe weren\u2019t here this morning, so you don\u2019t understand how long it will take to review all the changes to the contract. That\u2019s my only job tonight.\u201d He nudged Hoss\u2019s arm. \u201cAnd I thought the ladies might enjoy accompanying you to town for a nice dinner, and maybe take in the revue that\u2019s touring, instead of tiptoeing around here while I do paperwork.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would\u2019a been nice if there was a chance at staying in town afterwards.\u201d Hoss smiled as he watched the sisters laughing at something the men from the railroad had said. \u201cAin\u2019t they pretty though,\u201d came out in an absentminded sigh. When he shook free of his thoughts, he found Adam grinning at him. \u201cThe only problem is that they\u2019s pretty much spent from the long day, so I wouldn\u2019t ask them to come along only to have ta head back here again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded absentmindedly as his thoughts returned to his earlier theory that this arithmetic problem of unexpected illness and miraculous assistance didn\u2019t add up to the right answer.<\/p>\n

Little Joe had listened to his brothers and finally offered, \u201cWe\u2019ll be back before eight if we get going, and they told Maggie they\u2019ll help clean up while we\u2019re gone. And \u2026 we\u2019ll warn them to stay clear of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss added, \u201cI\u2019ll tell \u2018em about what you\u2019re like when you got somethin\u2019 to get done.\u201d<\/p>\n

The oldest brother laughed. \u201cI\u2019d appreciate that.\u201d Their conversation ended as Nels approached.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll leave first to get ahead of that dust machine.\u201d He looked back to where the sisters were distributing the suit jackets they\u2019d retrieved from the spare room. \u201cMy sincere thanks to all of you. The day went well. The truth is, I\u2019d love to stay behind to hear more about the Cartwright way of doing business and enjoy the ranch a while longer. But,\u201d he grimaced, \u201cThat might be looked at as favoritism.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was suggesting that Nels and his men come for dinner the evening after the contract was awarded, when they were interrupted by a commotion at the center of the room.<\/p>\n

Frank Fillmore tucked his hands into the pockets of his coat, after Sylvia helped slip it up his arms. \u201cMy wallet is missing,\u201d he called after the young woman who was trying to assist the sleepy Lester Sloan with his jacket. \u201cIt must have fallen out in the other room.\u201d<\/p>\n

With Frank\u2019s announcement, the others began checking their pockets too. Sloan was suddenly wide awake as his pat-down produced a similar loss.<\/p>\n

Rick Spindler\u2019s face took on an edge as hard as any railroad tie when he examined the inner pocket of his coat. \u201cMy wallet is missing too.\u201d He glared at Adam. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on here, Cartwright? Surely you didn\u2019t have to pilfer our pockets to pay for this soir\u00e9e!\u201d<\/p>\n

All his earlier fears exploded in Adam\u2019s mind while he fought to understand what was happening. \u201cI\u2019m sure there\u2019s a simple explanation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t looked in my pockets yet,\u201d Al Munson snarled as he grabbed for the remaining coat in Sylvia\u2019s arms. She tried holding it out for him, but as she did, it slipped from her grasp and fell to the floor. Both parties bent to retrieve it, bumping heads in the process. When they stood, each of them was holding a section of the bottom hem while the coat stretched upside-down between them.<\/p>\n

The room grew silent except for the plopping sound made as five wallets slid from front pockets of the suspended garment and struck the wooden floor. Sylvia and Munson stared down at the pile. The young woman gave a sharp cry; dropped her edge of the coat, and ran to her sister.<\/p>\n

Sloan\u2019s glare moved from his host to his fellow bidder. He sneered, \u201cI guess Cartwright<\/em> didn\u2019t need money after all.\u201d He shook his head and spoke in a derisive tone. \u201cBut now we know who did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s ridiculous!\u201d Munson sputtered. \u201cIf I wanted your cash, I\u2019d have removed it rather than take the entire wallet! Even if they hadn\u2019t fallen out, the bulges in my pockets would have been visible once I donned my jacket.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you didn\u2019t have time to go through them, and figured we wouldn\u2019t realize they were missing until later,\u201d Sloan spat back at him. \u201cWe wouldn\u2019t have noticed if you\u2019d have carried your coat rather than putting it on. The theft was only exposed because the girl dropped it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Munson straightened his shoulders and glared back at Sloan. \u201cYour accusations are uncalled for, Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe it wasn\u2019t about money,\u201d Roger Taggert broke in. \u201cNone of us ever heard of you before this meeting, Munson. Perhaps you thought there\u2019d be something more valuable in those wallets.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d Munson shouted.<\/p>\n

Frank spoke up. \u201cI understand what Roger\u2019s implying. You might have thought we\u2019d have information about our bids in them. I don\u2019t leave important papers in my hotel room while I\u2019m away. In fact, I mentioned during lunch today that I always keep my figures with me. It would have been easy enough for you to slip into that room during the day, and remove our things, hoping to see our costs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels retrieved the wallets from the floor, and went around the room returning them to their owners. \u201cPlease make sure there\u2019s nothing missing. I\u2019ll caution all of you to withhold judgement of what just happened. As Adam suggested, there\u2019s probably a simple explanation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Munson raised his arm, curling his webbed finger to his palm and aimed a shaking fist at Adam. \u201cIf there\u2019s a \u2018simple explanation\u2019 then he\u2019d better tell us what it is! I think I\u2019m being set up\u2014if not by all of you, then by our host.\u201d He turned his fist toward Taggert. \u201cAs you said, none of you know me. That makes me the newcomer\u2014the outsider\u2014and the unknown factor in this bid. It would help all of you to discredit me, and get me disqualified.\u201d He turned again until he could see the two young women huddled together near the credenza. \u201cHow do I know that Cartwright isn\u2019t the one who had these young women seed my coat with evidence showing that I\u2019m a \u2018thief?\u2019\u201d He took a step toward Sylvia and Desiree, making them cower. \u201cHow much were you paid to impeach me?\u201d Munson\u2019s anger continued to build as he turned toward the group again. \u201cBe careful Taggert! You\u2019ll be next on the chopping block if you\u2019re not careful. You\u2019re the other person these men don\u2019t know as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels hollered for order, while Hoss stepped between the Lovelee sisters and Munson.<\/p>\n

The middle Cartwright\u2019s voice boomed, silencing everyone. \u201cI got to stop you all before any more gets said. It was me who caused this mess, and I would have owned up to it right away if y\u2019all didn\u2019t get to shoutin\u2019.\u201d He nodded toward Adam. \u201cThere is<\/em> an easy answer.\u00a0 Little Joe and me came in through the outside doors in that spare room when we came in for lunch, so\u2019s not to disturb the meetin\u2019. With my size I can be a bull in a china shop, and I was talkin\u2019 to Joe instead a watchin\u2019 where I was walkin\u2019, and I knocked into the bed where yer coats were piled. Them jackets slid off that slippery spread, and I got tangled in \u2018em. Joe and I started in grabbin\u2019 them up, but stuff fell outta them pockets just like now. We should have paid more attention when we tried to put things right, but it was just bad luck that we each stuck wallets into the same coat. No one\u2019s tryin\u2019 to do nothin\u2019 to nobody.\u201d His eyes met Little Joe\u2019s as he sought agreement. \u201cAin\u2019t that how it happened, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes flew open as he heard Hoss\u2019s request to back him up. Yet he knew that if he gave any other indication that the \u201cincident\u201d his brother had just described was as new to him as it was to everyone else in the room, there would be mayhem. His mind raced as he walked over and clapped his brother on the back. \u201cWe just spent a couple hours telling you how the things Hoss and I do together often go wrong, so this shouldn\u2019t surprise you. You saw how much Hoss ate, so it also shouldn\u2019t surprise you that he rushed through cleaning up that mess of coats standing between him and his lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

The tension in the room broke as the men laughed. Munson laughed too, and when he spoke, his voice bore the repentance that his red cheeks confirmed. \u201cI shot a little long and wide with my accusations.\u201d The apologetic tone vanished. \u201cOn the other hand, I am owed an apology for being accused without proof.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taggert walked over with his hand extended. \u201cI am sorry. There\u2019s so much at stake it makes good men a little jittery.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sloan and the others were offering their apologies as Adam ushered Nels and his men outside. \u201cI\u2019m going to see you off and get these men back to town before anything else goes wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you make of that?\u201d Nels asked with a suspicious tone when his men went ahead to the buckboard. \u201cDid your brothers really do what they said?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember them coming through the front door.\u201d Adam grinned. \u201cI suspect their confession stemmed from a desire to protect those two handsome women, who probably did pretty much the same as he described when they<\/em> went to grab the coats. In truth, I was about to make a similar confession, just to end the finger pointing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think really happened?\u201d Nels\u2019 complexion turned decidedly gray as his forehead furrowed. \u201cI can\u2019t believe anyone would be foolish enough to take those wallets, even if they contained valuable information. So \u2026 is <\/em>\u00a0it possible that someone would go that far to discredit a fellow bidder?\u201d Nels chewed his lip. \u201cYour brother mentioned outside doors in that room. Could someone have slipped in that way?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes narrowed as he drew a long breath. \u201cI ensured they were locked before anyone arrived, and again during the lunch break. They can only be unlatched from the inside, and since it\u2019s a direct entry into the house, we have a secondary lock in place to prevent jimmying from the outside. The extra lock is behind the curtain and isn\u2019t easily disengaged. Those doors were never opened today.\u201d He paused to let this information settle. \u201cThat mess was created by someone who entered from inside. I don\u2019t think this was about theft. It was meant as a diversion\u2026a distraction from the good feelings developed during the meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels began walking to the wagon, but stopped to look squarely at Adam. \u201cFor what purpose?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI expected gamesmanship and some nasty digs at each other, disguised as humor. Now I wonder if winning is so important to one of these men that they\u2019d attempt to steal the process.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI still don\u2019t understand.\u201d Nels\u2019 look remained puzzled.<\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes as he thought. \u201cThose men laughed off what happened, agreeing it was a mistake. But for a few minutes they each believed there was a fox in the henhouse. My sense is that this was meant to raise tensions and suspicion that will set the stage for a bigger accusation to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels nodded. \u201cDo you have any idea what that would be?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shivered. \u201cIf this was only about winning, there\u2019d be a simple attempt to get at the bids, and then alter theirs to win. Getting the contract might be the goal, but it feels personal.\u201d\u00a0 Adam leaned in to speak to more quietly. \u201cBut to err on the safe side; tampering with the bids can be easily foiled. I have a suggestion\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Nine<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam waved as the buckboard left the yard, and then took his brothers aside as the rest of the group exited the house. \u201cI know you both lied about that wallet fiasco, and I\u2019m glad you did. Things could get tense if it\u2019s mentioned on the trip.\u201d He looked directly at Hoss. \u201cWith the amount of liquor and food they\u2019ve consumed, they might all doze off. He gave Hoss a gentle shove towards the carriage. \u201cKeep talking until they get drowsy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019ll I say to them?\u201d Hoss asked as he frowned deeply.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell them what it was like when we first moved here, and how it changed when silver was found. Or explain how we pasture the steers; point out the miles of fences we maintain\u2026even where our timber is, but nothing else about it.\u201d A good-natured smile appeared. \u201cYou\u2019re good at this, Hoss. People enjoy listening to your stories.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

After sending his fellow bidders on their way, Adam returned to the house through the kitchen door. He whistled when he saw stacks of dirty dishes occupying every surface in the room. \u201cIf the amount of cleanup needed attests to the success of a party, then this one was monumental. Looks like you\u2019ll be washing dishes till bedtime, Maggie!\u201d<\/p>\n

The flushed woman used her shoulder to push back the stray hair dangling in her face. \u201cI don\u2019t know how the meeting went, but those men certainly enjoyed the food. My two helpers have gone upstairs to change, but they\u2019re coming back to tackle the leaning towers of china.\u201d Maggie moved to the stove and stirred a steaming pot. \u201cI made soup from the beef broth. If you get Hop Sing back in now, he can eat some of it and relax in his own bed.\u201d She peeked around the corner into the main rooms. \u201cLooks like we\u2019ve got the tables cleared. You can give me a hand moving the furniture back into place, and once that\u2019s done, you\u2019ll be free to work in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can do the furniture alone. The first thing I\u2019ll do is stow the liquor to avoid temptation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maggie laughed. \u201cI might give in to that temptation myself, but then I\u2019d be too woozy to put Ben\u2019s china away without breaking it.\u201d A devilish grin played on her lips as she lowered her voice. \u201cWhat do you<\/em> think happened with those coats? I listened from the kitchen when I heard the commotion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam adopted an innocent expression. \u201cYou didn\u2019t believe Hoss\u2019s confession?\u201d<\/p>\n

Maggie prefaced her answer with an unladylike snort. \u201cI was putting things on the table when your brothers came in \u2026 through the front door, and right past you.\u201d She winked at Adam. \u201cI also slipped in to check that door after Hoss confessed. Both locks were engaged, and those drapes hadn\u2019t been disturbed enough for someone to have worked that special contraption.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI checked too, and saw the same thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo why did Hoss lie?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo protect the ladies, I\u2019d gather. He saw their discomfort, and must have figured they\u2019d done it\u2014even though he assumed it was accidental.\u201d He dropped his voice to little more than a whisper. \u201cYou could see that door more than anyone else while going to and from the kitchen. Did you<\/em> notice any of the guests going in there?\u201d She shook her head. \u201cThen we both know who did it. The question is whether it was an innocent mix-up, or a well-planned, perfectly executed distraction.\u201d He sighed and gave Maggie a sour smile. \u201cWe\u2019ll still keep our ears and eyes open. But for now, I\u2019ll get Hop Sing.\u201d He rested his hands on her shoulders. \u201cYou did a remarkable job today.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Hop Sing was sitting on the edge of the bunk, looking more like himself when Adam entered. \u201cEveryone is gone,\u201d Adam told him. \u201cMaggie has soup for you, and you can rest in your own room.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the two walked towards the house, Adam slipped his arm around the small man\u2019s shoulders. \u201cIt\u2019s a shame you felt so miserable and didn\u2019t get to see how much your cooking was appreciated. Whatever you had, sure came on fast and hit you hard.\u201d A thought swam through his head as he pictured the other things that had \u201ccome on fast\u201d in the last 24-hours. He had no reason to suspect foul-play, yet he asked, \u201cDid anything unusual happen yesterday?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing stopped walking and squinted up at Adam. \u201cOnly one thing different. Man who bring supplies from store not Reggie. Nice man. Carry boxes inside for me. He say he at store when Wilson find out Reggie not come. Man offer to drive out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWilson allowed a stranger to deliver our supplies?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t remember name, but he say he new here, and want to be nice to neighbors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas your order complete?\u201d Adam asked evenly.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing gave a sturdy nod.\u00a0 \u201cWilson even send new tea to try and say if I like.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stopped their progress at the back door. \u201cRest tonight. Maggie and other two ladies who are staying here, will clean up. You can take over in the morning if you\u2019re well enough.\u201d He touched Hop Sing\u2019s arm. \u201cDid you try that tea?\u201d<\/p>\n

A quick nod brought along a wrinkled nose. \u201cToo bitter; taste like medicine. Put rest in garbage.\u201d<\/p>\n

After sending Hop Sing inside, he walked around to the front, and checked the French doors from the outside again before heading in. He set the furniture back in order before pulling his maps and notes from the desk drawer and arranging them on the flat surface. He was so engrossed in reading his notes that he was startled to hear someone clear their throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was wondering how long it would take you to notice me.\u201d Maggie laughed and leaned forward on the front edge of the desk. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t bother you except that you didn\u2019t eat much for lunch, and I wondered if you\u2019d like some soup before I put it away.\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyebrows rose as his stomach growled. \u201cThat\u2019s exactly what I\u2019d like. I\u2019ll come and get it. You\u2019ve done enough running.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Maggie had an empty plate with the bowl of steaming soup on a tray in the kitchen. \u201cThere\u2019s bread and meat if you\u2019d like a sandwich, and plenty of sweets left to pick from.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added a slice of crusty bread with butter, and a piece of his favorite cake to the plate and headed back out, stopping short when he saw Sylvia looking over the papers he\u2019d left on the desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I help you?\u201d he asked, moving forward again.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she laughed. \u201cI have no idea what I\u2019m looking at. I wish I did though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

She picked up the hand-drawn map. \u201cI know men think I\u2019m pretty, but I\u2019d rather they thought of me as smart.\u201d<\/p>\n

He set his tray down and slipped the map from her hand, returning it to its proper pile. \u201cBeing lovely doesn\u2019t disqualify you from being intelligent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMen are not interested in what I know.\u201d Sylvia watched Adam\u2019s brows nearly meet as he frowned, and she laughed wryly. \u201cI don\u2019t think I meant what you might be imagining. It\u2019s just that I\u2019ve been told to not worry my pretty head when I\u2019ve offered a suggestion or idea. And the men who\u2019ve taken me to dinner or parties wanted me to turn heads \u2026 and keep my thoughts and opinions to myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry you\u2019ve experienced that, but there are<\/em> men who value intelligence as much as beauty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike you?\u201d She asked while moving behind the green leather chair where he\u2019d taken a seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike all of the Cartwrights, and far more men than you seem to realize.\u201d He turned the chair to face her. \u201cOne of the strongest women I know is Euphemia Hill. She was a young woman when her husband was killed, leaving her with a big ranch and three children.* Euphemia is a lovely woman, yet people take notice of her strength of character and fair business practices.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe sounds wonderful. Does she live near here?\u201d<\/p>\n

His left brow dipped as his lips twitched into a one-sided smile. Euphemia Hill owned the biggest business in Stockton: the place Hoss said the Lovelee sisters called home. It seemed unlikely that anyone living there wouldn\u2019t have heard of the woman who employed a good number of Stockton residents in her chrysanthemum fields and factory, turning the flowers into the insecticide, buhach.\u00a0 Adam wouldn\u2019t label Sylvia a fraud based solely on this lapse, but it was certainly one more oddity in the series. \u201cI can recommend a few fine schools that accept women. What would you be interested in learning?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no hesitation. \u201cBusiness. I\u2019d like to know what you\u2019re doing with all these notes to make a bid on the project they talked about today.\u201d<\/p>\n

He chuckled. \u201cTo learn about business, I\u2019d suggest working with someone who runs one successfully. I have a college degree and my education plays an important part in how I approach all this information. But being able to discern numbers and trends is only the start. The bids we make are complicated, and use predictable factors gleaned from many sources. But my father taught me to never discount what we sense about people either.\u201d<\/p>\n

He thought a moment. \u201cYou mentioned that your father is in business. Perhaps he would take you under his wing if he knew of your interest.\u201d<\/p>\n

She walked toward the window; inordinately interested in the flowers on the outside sill. Her sad sigh was audible. \u201cMy father does use what he thinks I have to offer: as distraction.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes widened for an instant. Had he just heard a confirmation that the wallet exchange was a \u201cdistraction?\u201d His question then became whether the sisters were working with<\/em> one of the bidders or for<\/em> an outside party? He considered those who\u2019d been there earlier, looking for a familial resemblance. There was nothing obvious, and he\u2019d seen no visible interaction pointing towards familiarity.<\/p>\n

One thing was sure; It was time to move on. Sylvia wasn\u2019t about to dissolve into a teary confession, and the evening was slipping by. \u201cI do hope you\u2019ll pursue your ambition.\u201d<\/p>\n

As she moved from the window, he tried to pull the tray with his rapidly-cooling soup towards his side of the desk, setting the glass of water into motion. Sylvia was near enough to grab it before it tipped.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you!\u201d He took the glass from her hand and placed it safely to the side. \u201cYou saved me from a disaster.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGlad to be of service.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve stepped in to help a few times already today.\u201d They exchanged smiles. \u201cIs that a new dress style out of San Francisco?\u201d he asked as he sat back in the chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure what you mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve worn two dresses today, both with matching fabric attachments that covers your hands. I haven\u2019t been to San Francisco lately, and wondered if it might be a fashion detail that\u2019s popular over there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia looked down at her hands where only the tips of her fingers were visible below the addition Adam mentioned. \u201cThis would hardly be a fashion trend.\u201d She crossed her arms, tucking her hands out of sight. \u201cI have an unsightly skin condition. Fortunately, it affects my limbs and not my face, so I can keep it hidden.\u201d Her chin rose as her shoulders squared. \u201cIt\u2019s the worst on my hands. I always wear gloves when I\u2019m out, and I\u2019ve added these removeable hand covers to wear when others are around. They leave my fingertips exposed so I can handle things better. One reason I want to see that seamstress is to get her suggestion for a better fit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to hide anything here,\u201d Adam said sincerely. \u201cPlease be comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her back stiffened further. \u201cI\u2019ve experienced people who claim to be open-minded, and then back away when they see the rash, acting like I have leprosy.\u201d She looked directly at him for an instant and gave him a sad smile. \u201cI should get in the kitchen. Desiree must have dishes ready to dry.\u201d<\/p>\n

A twinge of regret poked at him for asking about the dress, yet he\u2019d asked only because he assumed it was fashion, rather than concealment. He shook off his guilt by reminding himself that Sylvia Lovelee was hiding more than a rash. He enjoyed a good mystery, but now he had a more important enigma to solve: what to ask for their timber.<\/p>\n

Ten<\/strong><\/p>\n

Desiree looked up from the dishpan when Sylvia entered the kitchen, and motioned her over with a soapy hand. \u201cMaggie is with that little Chinese guy, talking about the party, so hurry and tell me<\/em> about that older brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s smart and perceptive, just as we were warned he\u2019d be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t expect him to be so handsome.\u201d Desiree inhaled deeply and sighed. \u201cI like Little Joe. He\u2019s cute and funny. But I bet you\u2019d rather be flirting with the one out there instead of Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI actually prefer Hoss,\u201d Sylvia stated with conviction. \u201cHe\u2019s sweeter and kinder than any man I\u2019ve ever known, and maybe not being as handsome as his brothers makes him more understanding of others who aren\u2019t perfect either.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe does have a \u2018happy puppy\u2019 expression every time he looks at you.\u201d Desiree nudged her sister and grinned. \u201cHe\u2019s the sort of man who would adore you forever\u2014not that it matters.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia grabbed a towel and began to dry a plate. \u201cForever could matter, if we weren\u2019t neck deep in this mess with Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeaking of that, does Adam suspect anything?\u201d Desiree asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course he does,\u201d Sylvia hissed; immediately regretting her response when she saw her sister\u2019s fearful expression. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Des. I\u2019m on edge. Everything went so well with Little Joe and Hoss, but Adam suspected something as soon as he saw us.\u00a0 And he\u2019s not the only one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Desiree dried her hands on her apron and rested them on her hips. \u201cWhat do you mean by that?\u201d<\/p>\n

The older sister walked over to make sure Maggie was still talking in the other room and motioned Desiree to a far corner of the kitchen. \u201cMaggie rolled her eyes after we told our story on the way here. Then when I was helping her clear the table, she talked about how the Cartwrights watch out for one another, and then explained in detail how that has thwarted several attempts by women trying to trick one of them into marriage. She knows we\u2019re up to something.\u201d She paused a moment and crossed her arms in an instinctual movement, as she had in the other room. \u201cAdam\u2019s suspicions are different.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow so?\u201d Desiree asked breathlessly.<\/p>\n

That talk he had with Hoss when we got here went on for some time, and he looked annoyed.\u201d She chewed her lower lip. \u201cAnd just now, I swear he was putting every word I said to some test. He\u2019s polished about it, so you don\u2019t even realize it\u2019s all a trap until you step in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Desiree\u2019s eyes rounded. \u201cPapa isn\u2019t going to be happy if you gave anything away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t that <\/em>bad. Adam caught me looking over his papers, so I said I\u2019d like to learn how to run a business. He said I could learn, and encouraged me with a story about a young widow he knows who runs a successful one. It lowered my guard, and I spoke before considering that he chose her<\/em> for a reason. His expression never wavered when I asked if she lived nearby, but I saw his eyes register the jaw trap closing around my ankle.\u201d She twisted the towel in her hands. \u201cHe knows we orchestrated that mess with the wallets too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he say that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI watched him<\/em> when Hoss came to our rescue. Adam knew it was a lie, but he kept quiet. I saw him check the lock on those fancy bedroom doors right afterwards, so he knows no one snuck in. And if he thought one of the guests had done it, he\u2019d have questioned us <\/em>\u00a0once they\u2019d gone.\u00a0 That eliminates everyone but us. He can\u2019t prove it though, and if he had any inkling of what we\u2019re up to, he\u2019d have tossed a rope around us and dragged us back to town. He\u2019s watching every move now, so we need to be more careful.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

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

Eleven (Day 2)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam walked into the house and headed back to the table for another cup of coffee. He\u2019d just sent his brothers, Maggie, and the Lovelee sisters on their way to Virginia City, but since his appointment with Nels wasn\u2019t until two o\u2019clock, he didn\u2019t have to rush.<\/p>\n

He\u2019 been relieved when Hoss and Joe had returned quickly last evening, bringing the good news that Sylvia and Desiree would have a room today. But they\u2019d also brought a telegram from their father saying the court case would conclude by early afternoon, after which he would to ride directly to Virginia City and join them for dinner. Adam was happy his father would make it back for some of the event, but his arrival after the bids were due had led to a wee-hours decision.<\/p>\n

The reworking of the new contract had gelled into a useable multiplier shortly after midnight. The numbers he\u2019d reached were accurate and probably competitive, yet they indicated a decision he wanted his father to know about. After condensing all the changes he\u2019d accommodated into a few paragraphs, and copying the figures he\u2019d used to support their bid, he\u2019d outlined the pros and cons \u2026 along with his conclusion.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d then stuffed these pages into an envelope and made a trip to the bunkhouse around 1 A.M., where he\u2019d quietly awakened the best horseman on their crew, luring him from his warm bed with a sizeable financial incentive for a moonlit ride to Carson City.<\/p>\n

With that on its way, Adam had tossed-and-turned in an attempt to rest on the settee, until noise from the kitchen had given him an excuse to get up and check on the obviously recovered cook.\u00a0 He\u2019d found Hop Sing getting things ready for breakfast, and claiming to have no ill-effects from his previous day\u2019s illness.<\/p>\n

His thoughts had just returned to his present circumstances and what he might still do before leaving for town, when he heard Hop Sing talking loudly to himself in the kitchen. Adam understood just enough of their cook\u2019s Chinese-English mix to know he was frustrated that his meticulous organization had been blown to bits by his stand-ins during the party. Hop Sing had<\/em> \u00a0graciously offered the three women his sincere thanks when they\u2019d come down for breakfast \u2026\u00a0 just before asking them to leave the kitchen. And while he sounded<\/em> upset now, Adam suspected he was enjoying the search, recovery, and reset of each displaced item as he restored order.<\/p>\n

The idea of a quick nap was quickly dispelled when he realized he wouldn\u2019t be able to quiet his mind enough to sleep anyway, and his eyes drifted to the remaining fresh biscuit on the serving plate. \u201cHop Sing will be unhappy if anything is left,\u201d he said softly as he reached for it, and slathered it with butter and honey. He\u2019d taken his first bite when a solid knock on the front door made him chew faster and wash it down with a gulp of coffee.<\/p>\n

The man waiting outside the door handed over the same envelope he left with earlier. \u201cSorry it took so long to get back, Mr. Cartwright, but your pa took some time getting this ready,\u201d he said before yawning loudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did fine, Wes. Thank you.\u201d Adam smiled at the man who\u2019d been out all night. \u201cWas he surprised to see you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot so much as I thought,\u201d the young cowhand answered. \u201cFact is, he said he weren\u2019t able to sleep anyway, and acted happy to see what was in that envelope. He gave me money and sent me to a restaurant by the stage office what stays open all night, saying I should fill up for the ride back.\u201d The tall, lanky man\u2019s cheeks blazed pink. \u201cI said you gave me plenty already. But he told me to buy biggest steak they had.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled. \u201cI appreciate your honesty. Stay at the ranch today. Once everyone\u2019s out working, you can slip into the bunkhouse for a nap.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam opened the envelope while waiting for the young rider to clear the porch. He shut the door with his foot, and leaned back against it while reading the reply. His satisfied grin spread into a wide smile when he finished. He knew his father would have supported any conclusion he made, yet this confirmed his next step. A separate note penned by his father contained more news that brought one of Ben Cartwright\u2019s favorite novels to Adam\u2019s mind. \u201cWell, Pa,\u201d he said softly. \u201cAs Don Quixote told Sancho, \u2018Where one door shuts, another opens.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Twelve<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back mid-afternoon tomorrow,\u201d Adam told Angus as he handed over Sport\u2019s reins at the livery in town.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s when yer brothers want the wagon too.\u201d Angus was a wiry young man who tended the stable in exchange for sleeping in the loft. \u201cI saw them two women Hoss and Little Joe had with them this morning. They\u2019re sure some lookers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat seems to be the consensus.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angus\u2019s upper lip curled as he squinted at Adam. \u201cWhat\u2019s con-sen-sus mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt means most people agree that they\u2019re good looking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYa\u2019d have to be blind not to,\u201d the young man snorted. \u201cYa want oats for Sport?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHay is fine. He\u2019d appreciate a wash and brush if you\u2019ve got time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI always got time for the Cartwright horses. You might\u2019a noticed yer wagon team is looking pretty fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grabbed his satchel from the saddle horn, and walked over to the stalls with the Ponderosa horses. \u201cYou did a good job, Angus. They\u2019re looking just as pretty as those two ladies with my brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, shucks, Mr. Cartwright. Now yer just funning with me.\u201d Angus\u2019s looked down at his feet and kicked a pile of straw.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not teasing you. I respect a person who cares for animals as well as you do. That\u2019s a quality to be praised far more than the good fortune of being born with a pretty face.\u201d Adam tossed the teenager a silver dollar. \u201cThat\u2019s for you. My father will be coming in towards evening; give Buck the same treatment. We\u2019ll pay the full bill tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Adam swore there were sunbeams glinting off Hoss\u2019s teeth when he spotted his brothers at a table in the hotel restaurant. Accompanying the toothy smile was the same doe-eyed, dreamy look he\u2019d noticed when Hoss arrived with the Lovelee sisters the previous day. Sylvia seemed to hang on each word his middle brother spoke, making Adam hope with all his whole heart that this wasn\u2019t another case of Hoss being used by an attractive woman with unattractive motives.<\/p>\n

He headed towards the table when Hoss waved him over. \u201cDid you make it in time for your dress appointment?\u201d he asked the sisters as he pulled a chair over from a nearby table.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe sure did,\u201d Desiree chirped as she leaned closer to Joe. \u201cYour brother controlled that wagon so well I swore those horses had sprouted wings.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia laughed and shook her head. \u201cThe trip was accomplished quickly, although I\u2019m quite sure there were no horse-feathers involved.\u201d She moved a stray hair aside before returning her gloved hands to her lap. \u201cIt would seem that Mary Rogers\u2019 reputation is warranted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould she provide the guidance you wanted?\u201d Adam asked without explaining further.<\/p>\n

Her chin jutted forward. \u201cYou don\u2019t need to speak in code, Adam. I\u2019ve told Hoss and Little Joe about my condition too. Miss Rogers was most kind and helpful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen your trip is going well, even though it got off to a rocky start.\u201d Adam looked towards Hoss and Little Joe. \u201cIf it hasn\u2019t already been offered, the Cartwright family would be honored to purchase your dresses in gratitude for your assistance. Your serendipitous arrival saved Maggie from having Hoss and Joe as her helpers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re the ones who owe gratitude,\u201d Sylvia responded quickly. \u201cHelping out was more fun than work, and Papa would be upset if we allowed you to pay our bills.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Adam. You hungry?\u201d Hoss asked as the waitress cleared their plates. We was gonna take the ladies on a tour of the town, but we\u2019ll hang back and talk a might longer while you eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam patted his stomach. \u201cHop Sing brought out more biscuits after you left and I couldn\u2019t disappoint him by not finishing them.\u201d He grinned at the group. \u201cI\u2019m fine until supper. Pa should be here then, so let\u2019s all go out together. I\u2019ll get a table at the Cattlemen\u2019s Club. The food\u2019s excellent, and it won\u2019t be as crowded and noisy as a restaurant.\u201d He rose and assisted Sylvia and Desiree with their chairs. \u201cYou four have fun. I\u2019ll drop my things in our suite and then head over to make a reservation and talk steers until it\u2019s time to meet with Nels.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam hadn\u2019t lied to his brothers, exactly. He did go to the club to reserve a private room for dinner, and another one for a business lunch next week, as his father\u2019s note had asked him to do. He\u2019d stuck around long enough to join a table of ranchers who were finishing lunch, and a bottle of good bourbon.\u00a0 He held a cup of coffee aloft instead, to toast the birth of a new bull at the Circle 8. He even offered a few vague answers to their queries about the railroad meeting. These ranchers had no stake in the timber business. But they were interested in how the railroad might change how cattle was moved in the future.<\/p>\n

There was another, slightly less noble reason for their curiosity. Adam knew these \u201cfriends\u201d would view his family winning a large railroad deal to their advantage, since it might reduce the Cartwrights\u2019 ability to bid cattle contracts for a time.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d excused himself as soon as the shots of bourbon, and his gulp of coffee were downed, and exited the back door. Familiarity with the town\u2019s layout allowed him to dart through the alleys and back streets, emerging next to Mary Rogers\u2019 dress shop. He stayed in the shadows while checking the street, and spotted his brothers and the sisters walking the opposite direction.<\/p>\n

Mary Rogers\u2019 head popped up from behind the counter when she heard the doorbell jingle. \u201cAdam Cartwright! It\u2019s been some time since I\u2019ve seen any of your family, and now I\u2019ve seen three of you in one day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid my brothers introduce the young ladies who came to see you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The middle-aged seamstress\u2019 head moved side-to-side. \u201cI said I saw<\/em> them. I didn\u2019t talk to them. They stopped out front mid-morning, but the two women stood in the door and told them to go on their way, and they\u2019d meet for lunch at the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s brows drew close. \u201cI\u2019d have thought they would appreciate an introduction, but then again Hoss and Joe were probably happy to stay outside.\u201d He cleared his throat, and his eyes widened as he looked around at the hats, combs, undergarments and various doodads sitting on the counters. \u201cI understand their discomfort in being surrounded by things we have no idea about. But I\u2019m on a secret mission. Sylvia and Desiree helped us out yesterday, but refused our offer to pay for the dresses you\u2019re making for them. I\u2019ll respect that, but I\u2019d like you to choose a nice item or two to complement their ensembles, and include it with their order as our gift.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary\u2019s eyes nearly disappeared as she scowled at him. \u201cWho are Sylvia and Desiree?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThose women with my brothers.\u201d When Mary\u2019s confused look persisted, Adam groaned. \u201cThey said they had an appointment with you today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey lingered a long while looking at everything. The older one purchased gloves in several colors, but that was the extent of their visit.\u201d<\/p>\n

He scrubbed his face and sighed loudly. \u201cThey arrived by stage yesterday, claiming you had a last-minute appointment open up for today. In their rush to keep it, the poor damsels set out without wiring ahead for a hotel room. When no rooms were available, it prompted such a teary performance at the International House that Hoss and Joe brought them home for the night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary\u2019s scowl reappeared. \u201cWhy would they have an appointment with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey say you are well-known for fitting things perfectly and adapting special features.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary nodded. \u201cWhat they say is true, but I doubt I\u2019m known much beyond here and Carson. I did remark about the matching glove thing in that one woman\u2019s sleeves, and she pulled the cuff back to show me how it buttoned in. She asked if I could suggest a better way of doing it\u2014something less bulky.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid she say why she had them?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething about a skin condition.\u201d Mary stopped talking abruptly, waiting until a woman looking through her window moved along rather than coming inside. \u201cOnce I walked away, she did slip one of the cover-things off to try on gloves.\u201d She pointed upwards indicating mirrors attached near the ceiling at varying angles around the store. \u201cI hung those so I can see what\u2019s going on from the doorway when I work in back. I\u2019ve actually caught a number of people slipping small accessories into their purses when they thought they were alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould you see her hands?\u201d<\/p>\n

A nod. \u201cThey were bright red and the skin looked thick and sore. Even a beautiful face like hers wouldn\u2019t deter people from staring at them.\u201d She paused, hoping Adam would explain why he\u2019d asked about this. She finally sighed. \u201cYou aren\u2019t going to tell me what\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

This newest information about the Lovelee sisters compounded his concern. Yet it gave no information as to their intentions. He checked his pocket watch, finding he had enough time to follow another suspicion. \u201cI\u2019m not sure about anything yet, but it\u2019s imperative for you to be discreet. I\u2019ll use your back door to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary chuckled. \u201cI won\u2019t say anything, but I like mysteries too, so you better tell me what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise.\u201d He raised his hand to signal his oath. \u201cThis is probably an innocent misunderstanding, but be on the alert if a stranger comes in, especially a young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t fret about me, Adam. I may own a woman\u2019s apparel shop, but I protect it like a man. There\u2019s a Deringer tucked in my dress pocket. It probably won\u2019t kill anyone, but it\u2019d give me time to grab a shotgun from behind the counter or the one in my workroom.\u201d Mary laughed when noting Adam\u2019s shocked, yet admiring expression. \u201cVirginia City is a tough mining and cattle town. Not every man is like the Cartwrights.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

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

Adam reentered the shadowed alleys and backstreets, and exited near Wilson\u2019s Mercantile. Larry Wilson had purchased the store from Will Cass after the incident with Ed Payson had left the shopkeeper a broken man. The outcome had caused a rift between Cass and his daughter that couldn\u2019t be healed, and Will\u2019s underhanded method of pushing his daughter\u2019s suitor into killing Payson, had alienated enough people in Virginia City that he\u2019d had to sell and move somewhere his memories weren\u2019t as potent.<\/p>\n

Larry waved when Adam walked in, and joined him once he finished with his customer. \u201cHow\u2019d the party go yesterday?\u201d he asked good-naturedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cGreat. Thank you for delivering those supplies. It allowed Hop Sing to get a head start on preparations, and that was a blessing since he took ill.\u201d Adam walked over to the shelves with bags of tea and coffee. \u201cI heard that your regular delivery man was ill too, and a customer volunteered to help. I\u2019d appreciate his name so I can thank him personally.\u201d<\/p>\n

The left side of Larry\u2019s cheek rose. \u201cThat was the strangest thing. I\u2019ve had Reggie doing deliveries since I bought the store. He doesn\u2019t want a regular job, but he earns drinking money for deliveries and sweeping the boardwalk and storeroom each day. But that day, a kid brought a note from Reggie saying he was sick. Someone must have done it for him since Reggie can\u2019t read or write. He hasn\u2019t been back since.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you worried about him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wilson\u2019s bushy brows formed a solid line as he scowled. \u201cI am. Reggie drinks too much, but never so much he can\u2019t sober up by morning. I checked at his favorite saloons on my way in today, and he hasn\u2019t been in. I went to the old shack he sleeps in on the outskirts of town, and he wasn\u2019t there either. Cosmo, at the Bucket, said Reggie was celebrating there a couple of days back. He had cash in his pockets and bought a round for everyone, before leaving with his old pal Chester. They each had their arms and pockets stuffed with bottles of the cheap whiskey.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re probably sleeping off a couple-day bender on a river bank,\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n

Larry nodded. \u201cI was glad that customer was here when Reggie\u2019s note came. He could see I was upset and I explained that I\u2019d have to shut down to deliver your order. Then he said he was going to look at some land for sale out that way, and would be glad to stop by your ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019d been in a couple of times recently, but I don\u2019t know much about him. Seemed nice enough.\u201d His forehead puckered. \u201cWhat land is for sale out by you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not aware of any.\u201d Adam let that information linger a moment. \u201cWhat\u2019s his name?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLinc Barlow. Says he\u2019s staying at a hotel while he looks around.\u201d Larry scratched his head. \u201cHe didn\u2019t say which hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sighed inwardly. His intuition told him there\u2019d be no Linc Barlow registered at any hotel in Virginia City. The same intuition prodded him to say, \u201cHop Sing wanted me to tell you that the tea you sent with that order was bitter, and not something he\u2019d purchase.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young shopkeeper stood up straighter as he gave Adam a wary look. \u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBarlow told Hop Sing you\u2019d sent tea for him to try, and that he should let you what he thought of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The wary look persisted. \u201cVirginia City is a coffee drinking town, Adam. I like Hop Sing, and while I might ask him to try a new blend, I didn\u2019t send anything with that order.\u201d He walked nearer Adam and lowered his voice as a customer came into the store. \u201cWhy would Barlow add something to the order and lie about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s heart beat heavily, but he kept his uneasiness in check, forcing a soft chuckle.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s probably a salesman who added a sample of something he sells, hoping we\u2019d like it enough to ask for it. He\u2019ll probably come back now offering a new line of tea for you to carry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d have helped him if he\u2019d have been up front, but I don\u2019t abide games.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded, and looked again at his watch. \u201cNo one appreciates underhanded tactics. I have to run; thanks again.\u201d The rancher and shopkeeper shook hands before Adam headed towards the door. Another piece of this confusing drama had been set in place, yet the plot remained obscure. There was still time before his meeting, so he took to the alleys again and entered the back door of the Overland office.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi Caleb.\u201d Adam greeted the surprised young man sweeping the storage room. \u201cI took a shortcut instead of going all the way around to the front,\u201d he explained. \u201cIs you father here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, sure.\u201d He nodded towards the front office. \u201cNice to see you, Mr. Cartwright …\u201d Caleb started to giggle. \u201cEven if you nearly made me wet my pants by comin\u2019 out of nowhere like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Ralph Bertrand opened the door between the two rooms of the stage office. \u201cI thought I heard Caleb talking to someone, but I sure didn\u2019t expect to find you back here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I speak with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ralph noted Adam\u2019s concerned look and his slight nod towards the boy. \u201cIt looks good in here, Son. Stack those empty boxes out back, and then head home to help your mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ralph led his unexpected visitor up front. \u201cWhat\u2019s bothering you, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need information, and I can\u2019t explain why.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSince you\u2019re the one asking, I know it\u2019s important. I won\u2019t pry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you recall two young, pretty women arriving on the morning stage yesterday?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ralph laughed loudly. \u201cCaleb nearly tripped over his jaw when he was helping them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned at his companion. \u201cThey do have that effect on men. I need to know where they boarded that stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s simple.\u201d Ralph walked behind the counter and pulled a stack of papers from his desk, shuffling through it until he found what he needed. \u201cBill, the driver of that stage, couldn\u2019t help but comment on the passengers he picked up in Reno.\u201d He pointed to the sheet in his hand. \u201cHis paperwork confirms taking on two passengers there in the early hours. He did mention that they seemed mighty determined that he arrive on time, so he pushed the team hard. Bill had the feeling they\u2019d been in Reno a couple of days already, and it made him wonder why they hadn\u2019t caught an earlier stage rather than taking a chance on being late.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did their trip originate?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ralph pursed his lips. \u201cI\u2019d have to wire the Reno station and ask. It won\u2019t be any trouble. I\u2019ll go next door to Western Union and have Clancy send a wire.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d appreciate that! Please have Clancy ask where those women first boarded; where, and how long they stayed in Reno, and whether anyone else was with them there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGot it! Where should Clancy bring the reply?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be at the International House all afternoon, but have Clancy hand it to me directly rather than leaving it at the desk. I\u2019ll make sure Jake knows where I\u2019ll be. Thanks for the help, and for not asking questions.\u201d Adam was headed toward the back room when he retraced his steps. \u201cYou and Clancy are used to handling sensitive information, and I\u2019d ask you treat this as such.\u00a0 I\u2019m following a suspicion, and those involved would be most unhappy to discover I\u2019m collecting information about them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thirteen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam made a final stop and still got back to the International House with time before his meeting with Nels. He nodded to Jake as he entered, but stopped abruptly when he saw his brothers with the sisters at a table adjoining the lobby, involved in an animated conversation. Since none of them looked up when he walked in, Adam quickly exited and made his way around the corner to the saloon\u2019s entrance. He silenced the whispering in his ear saying it was unseemly to eavesdrop, by reasserting his need to gather information. The bar had few patrons\u2014none of them familiar\u2014allowing him to hurry through. He slipped into a chair near his brothers\u2019 table, yet concealed from view by a heavy drape, and a pedestal holding a massive fern with wide-spreading fronds. He missed Joe\u2019s comment, but clearly heard the laughter following it. Satisfied with his vantage point, he grabbed a newspaper from the table next to him, and used its opened pages to complete his camouflage.<\/p>\n

Unlike the Cartwrights, who each had a distinctive voice, Desiree and Sylvia had a similar pitch and cadence when they spoke naturally. The one noticeable difference could be heard in the exaggerated lilt Desiree used when performing in her role of ing\u00e9nue. It was this voice Adam heard taking up the conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve run into all the men who were at that meeting yesterday, and they were in good moods. Except Adam, who seemed so stern \u2026 nearly grumpy, when he came by!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s laugh exploded in a loud burst, but he pulled it back to a giggle. \u201cTry facing that somber face your whole life. You should see the look he gives us when he finds out we\u2019ve done something wrong. His standards are set so high he gets a nose bleed when he looks down at us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sighed quietly behind his paper. He understood that this was all part of Joe\u2019s comedic repertoire regarding his oldest brother, but that didn\u2019t make it easier to hear.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems to me Adam has a lot of responsibility in your family, and maybe that accounts for his seriousness,\u201d Sylvia countered, bringing the laughter to an end. \u201cHe was in charge yesterday, and then he had to refigure your family\u2019s bid. I think he looks more tired than grumpy. And while he\u2019s quiet and observant, I don\u2019t think he feels superior to others. I spoke with him while you took the guests back to town yesterday. He paid full attention, and his words were thoughtful, encouraging and kind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou described our older brother pretty straight on,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cThere\u2019s a 12 year span between Adam and Joe, so he always had a lot of responsibility\u2014running things and lookin\u2019 after us when Pa was away\u2014when he was still just a kid himself. And Joe and me were a handful. If we saw Adam\u2019s stern face a lot, it was because we deserved it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, I admit it. Adam\u2019s a good guy.\u201d Joe chuckled. \u201cMaybe he wouldn\u2019t be so serious now if I hadn\u2019t been such a problem kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI admire your brotherly loyalty,\u201d Desiree offered. \u201cBut Adam didn\u2019t have to do any more than the rest of those men, and they\u2019re all enjoying their day off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat ain\u2019t quite true.\u201d Hoss paused. \u201cI don\u2019t bid jobs our jobs, but I help sort out what goes into them. The other men you see relaxin\u2019, are brokers: middlemen. The people supplyin\u2019 the timber and processin\u2019 are the ones who set the price. Last night, those men just had to readjust their bids for the changes they heard about. They\u2019ll just push them off on them other folks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut isn\u2019t that what Adam did?\u201d Desiree asked in a pouty tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard the talk yesterday about how we\u2019re gonna use our own trees,\u201d Hoss explained. \u201cWhen he heard that them ties are needed faster and in larger amounts right from the get-go, it meant he had to refigure the cost from before a saw ever hits the bark, until that finished piece of lumber gets dropped off at the railbed.\u201d Hoss leaned in to speak more quietly. \u201cIt\u2019s even more\u2019n that. Pa and Adam were hopin\u2019 to build a big mill so we can \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eye flew open, and he quickly deposited the paper and headed around the fern. The middle Cartwright nearly jumped out of his chair when he heard his older brother\u2019s voice behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Adam said with a tight smile toward the group. \u201cMay I speak with you before I go upstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam led a pink-faced Hoss to a table in an unoccupied corner of the saloon.<\/p>\n

Hoss said sheepishly, \u201cYou came up kind\u2019a fast like, and must\u2019a heard what I was tellin\u2019 about, so I know you\u2019re gonna say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat it\u2019s never a good to talk business with people you don\u2019t know very well?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you<\/em> don\u2019t know them, Adam, but I\u2019m gettin\u2019 to know them real fine.\u201d Hoss\u2019s eye rounded into two blue pools in a sea of white, as he smiled angelically. \u201cI\u2019m sort of thinking of them as family, and they\u2019ll be that officially as soon as I ask for Sylvia\u2019s hand. All I gotta do is to I run over to Stockton and meet her pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shut his eyes and sighed inwardly. He hated knowing that his trusting, hopeful bother would soon face some startling truths about the woman he hoped to marry. There\u2019d already been two times when he\u2019d had to intervene after Hoss had proposed to women with questionable intentions. He considered whether to confide his findings now, but he knew Hoss wouldn\u2019t believe it was a scheme, and he\u2019d go to Sylvia about the \u201cmisunderstanding.\u201d<\/p>\n

Whenever it finally came out, he expected that exposing the lies would create another rift between them.\u00a0 He and Hoss knew each other so well they could feel the unspoken pain the other was experiencing. Yet Hoss\u2019 tendency to make ill-advised decisions regarding women, and Adam\u2019s tendency to protect him, had split them apart like kindling from a dried log during those previous episodes. The wounds had healed with time and thoughtful consideration of the facts. This time was different, and Adam prayed this wouldn\u2019t cause a split that couldn\u2019t be repaired.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s lips twitched into an angry frown when his news brought no response. \u201cI know what you\u2019re thinkin\u2019, Adam: what does a beautiful woman like Sylvia want with a big-ol\u2019 ugly bear like me.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know, but I\u2019m plumb happy she does. Maybe them hands of hers make other men shy off, but she\u2019s perfect, and she won\u2019t never have to hide anything from me.\u201d<\/p>\n

A smile eased Adam\u2019s worn look, even as he considered all that was<\/em> being hidden. \u201cSylvia is fortunate for your affection.\u201d He waited as Hoss relaxed and sat back in his chair. \u201cI\u2019ve just one caution. While you\u2019re certain of your feelings, women like to be courted. This period of getting to know each other and growing fonder, can be a special time \u2026 or so I\u2019ve been told.\u201d Adam grinned lopsidedly. \u201cDon\u2019t rush her through this.\u201d<\/p>\n

A deep blush crept up Hoss\u2019s neck and into his cheeks. \u201cYer right. I expect Pa will say the same when I talk to him about it later. But I do want her to know I think highly of her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded, and gave his brother\u2019s arm a solid nudge. \u201cIs Joe as taken with Desiree as you are with Sylvia?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe likes the jealous looks he gets when he\u2019s with her, but nothin\u2019 more.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another nod. \u201cIt\u2019s about time for my meeting with Nels. What do you four have planned for the afternoon?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re gonna see a matinee of that revue you mentioned. It ends around 5.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa should be here by then. I hope to sneak in a nap after the meeting or I\u2019ll fall asleep over dinner. Our reservation is at 7:00, so plan enough time back here for the ladies to get ready.\u201d He stood suddenly and waved over a man standing in the lobby doorway.<\/p>\n

Hoss rose to shake the hand of the newcomer, while giving Adam a questioning side-glance.<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked Judge Harris to accompany me upstairs to pose a few legal questions about the contract,\u201d Adam explained to Hoss as he ushered the judge forward. \u201cTell the others I\u2019ll see them later, and have a nice time at the revue,\u201d he called back before disappearing through the swinging doors.<\/p>\n

Fourteen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s actual reason for inviting the judge to the meeting had nothing to do with the contract. The information he\u2019d gleaned in the last couple of hours had prompted a final stop to ask the well-respected adjudicator to join him as a discerning ear.<\/p>\n

Judge Harris had served the territory in the federal circuit court since Virginia City had sent its first shoots into the silver-laden hillsides. But when traveling had proved physically straining for the aging judge, Ben Cartwright had pressed the city to hire him to hear mining disputes. Early disagreements over claims had been handled by respected, fair-minded citizens like Ben. But as the value of the Comstock lode became known, corporations bought out local miners and the disputes grew complicated and contentious. Hiring the judge had proved an investment in civility, as he\u2019d lawfully settled many arbitrations that might otherwise have led to bloodshed.<\/p>\n

Adam admired the judge\u2019s ability to drill to the roots of truth in the cases presented, and he hoped for the same insight after he presented his suspicions and findings.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Once in the CPRC\u2019s suite, Adam made introductions, and withdrew a white envelope from the inside pocket of his jacket, laying it next to him on the table where he\u2019d perched. \u201cMy bid is ready to go, so if you provide the form, I\u2019ll complete that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels\u2019 questioning look formed and persisted as he handed over the sheet bearing the railroad\u2019s logo, and Adam quickly turned away to pen a figure. \u201cThat seemed painless,\u201d the Swede commented while slipping the folded bid into an envelope, and then into a leather pouch.<\/p>\n

Adam handed Nels the white envelope next. \u201cPlease keep this safe, but separate from the entries until tomorrow. You\u2019ll need to read it aloud once all the bids are known. But hold off until you\u2019re sure no one makes a claim of foul play.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Nels said as his eyebrows rose a good inch. \u201cAre you expecting a someone to complain?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe information in there must be made known, but I believe its contents will provide some leverage in solving such a complaint.\u201d He smiled in response to the wide-eyed stares being sent his way. \u201cThat\u2019s all I can say for now.\u201d He turned towards the other men from the railroad. \u201cI\u2019d appreciate your support by allowing Judge Harris and me to speak privately with Nels for the remainder of my hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy can\u2019t we hear what you have to say?\u201d one of the foremen asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou all witnessed the scene at our house yesterday, and I\u2019m sure you wondered about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The same man spoke: his tone interested now, rather than peevish. \u201cHave you figured out why it happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cBut there is new information I\u2019d like to run past your boss. It\u2019s confusing and doesn\u2019t point to anyone or thing. Nels will share any conclusions or plans that come from our discussion.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Nels shook his head and blew out a long, noisy breath after Adam shared what he\u2019d discovered about the two women who\u2019d inserted themselves into the meeting. \u201cI\u2019m at a loss as to what their actions and lies have to with the contract.\u201d He allowed a grin. \u201cBut I did take your suggestion to heart and marked the bid forms last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad to hear that. Judge Harris can verify that only you and your men know how you\u2019ve marked them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m the only<\/em> one who knows what I did,\u201d Nels pointed out. \u201cI trust my men, but they could let something slip. There is one other person who knows, and he\u2019ll come forward tomorrow if there\u2019s trouble.<\/p>\n

Judge Harris nodded. \u201cThat was good thinking, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

A sharp knock on the door brought Adam to his feet. \u201cThat might be for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Adam,\u201d Clancy said as the door opened. \u201cRalph said I should hand this wire to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour timing is perfect.\u201d He dug a bill from his pocket and exchanged it for the hand-written note. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that from Reno?\u201d the judge asked.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded as he scanned the information. \u201cIt seems the young women who were too traumatized <\/em>\u00a0to stay at a boarding house here, resided at one in Reno for nearly a week before catching the stage to Virginia City. Their ticket originated in San Francisco, and they arrived in Reno with a young man. He bought a wagon and team there, and left the next day.\u201d He handed the telegram to Nels. \u201cI\u2019m betting it\u2019s Linc Barlow, the convenient stranger I mentioned, who delivered our supplies. The Western Union operator in Reno, reports taking several telegrams from Virginia City to the women during their stay, but he can\u2019t divulge the contents.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels sighed again. \u201cThe information is interesting but sheds no further light. I\u2019d heard that Gus Obermeyer was enraged when Roger Taggert left his firm. But this plan is too elaborate for that old coot. Gus would have simply pressured suppliers to pull their support from Roger.\u201d<\/p>\n

Judge Harris rubbed his chin as he nodded towards Nels, and then focused on Adam. \u201cYou asked me to draw from my experience to see what you two are missing. The contract is the focus of this gathering, but I believe this external conniving is a separate issue. It reminds me of a case I helped on a few years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease tell us more, Judge.\u201d Adam encouraged.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s lay some groundwork first. If this was about the contract, an accomplice could have easily searched the hotel rooms for information while the participants were away yesterday. Or, as Nels mentioned, if this was aimed at a particular person, lies and coercion could have forced suppliers to withdraw, leaving the bidder unable to proceed. Instead, we have a drama being driven by two women adhering to a tight schedule. Their intent was getting to Virginia City at an exact time, with a convincing story that would soften the hearts of your brothers, and secure an invitation to the Ponderosa. Once there, Hop Sing\u2019s illness allowed them to step into a situation where they were able to run that bit of drama with the coats. And finally, instead of dismissing Hoss and Joe and going on with their intended business today, they\u2019ve wandered around town in a most visible manner in the company the Cartwrights.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Nels and Adam nodded, while remaining silent.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe young man must have come ahead to set things up. Since only participants knew of the meeting schedule, it points to someone in this group of bidders feeding these three the information about when to arrive, where to go, and whom to target.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree, but why<\/em> are they doing this,\u201d Nels nearly groaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe case I mentioned involved two men who had been business competitors for years without animosity. But a poorly phrased comment from one, created ill-will in the other, who then grew it into something far bigger. While he gave no clue to his change of attitude, his anger led him to hire someone to infiltrate the other man\u2019s business and create havoc. Once the planted employee had the client lists, he sent out letters \u2018alerting\u2019 them of what he perceived were underhanded practices going on at the company, and then he \u2018fixed the books\u2019 and turned them in to the federal agency that oversee money transactions. The man whose business was under fire, came to my friend to fight these claims, and I was asked to help. Our investigation led quickly to the originator, and while we managed to get all charges dropped and even send out new letters explaining the subterfuge; the damage was done. His clients still wondered if there\u2019d been at least some truth in the accusations, and they stayed with their current suppliers rather than returning. There wasn\u2019t much left to sell off, but this innocent man got what he could, and moved back East.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam considered the take-away from the story before speaking. \u201cYou think one of the bidders is being set up to scratch a personal itch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThink carefully, Adam\u201d the judge said sadly. \u201cWhy does the story I just told sound so familiar?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam blanched. \u201cIt sounds similar to what\u2019s happening to us. There are people who have insinuated themselves into our life, and we welcomed them in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly! The person they\u2019re working for wants a lot more than a contract. Your family should be prepared to face some scathing accusations tomorrow. Talk this out with your father when he arrives. He might recall some instance where he dealt with one of these men in a matter that didn\u2019t go well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam rose and began to pace. \u201cI doubt there\u2019s anything so striking as to provoke someone to ruin us. We\u2019ve lost bids many times, and we always played fair when we won them.\u201d<\/p>\n

The judge met Adam\u2019s worried look with one of his own. \u201cStop thinking just business. This is personal. What set the man off in my story, was an innocent comment said in jest at a party both men attended. Unfortunately, it provoked embarrassment that led to anger, then spite, and finally the need for revenge. Whoever\u2019s behind this, they\u2019re going through those same steps, and are at the point of getting even.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels glanced at the clock. \u201cHopefully Ben will recall something or someone, but our time is nearly up, so let\u2019s discuss how to proceed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe could withdraw from the competition now, and take away their forum,\u201d Adam suggested without conviction. \u201cBut if Judge Harris is right, that would pour kerosene on the flames rather than put out a fire. Then we\u2019d have to wonder whether the same thing would happen each time we looked at a job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree,\u201d Nels said. \u201cI still have a gut feeling that the bids will play a role in this theatrical performance. I usually keep this portfolio in my room.\u201d Nels indicated the leather sleeve holding the bids already submitted. \u201cBut I\u2019ll make a public show of stowing it in the hotel safe before we leave for dinner. That should increase the difficulty of getting at them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Judge Harris shook Nels\u2019 hand. \u201cYou seem wise beyond your years, young man. A less astute representative might have dismissed Adam\u2019s concerns, thinking he was over-zealous about a couple of pretty women.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels escorted his guests to the door. \u201cWould you please attend the breakfast, Judge? Sit with me, and poke me if anything seems amiss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Judge Harris grinned. \u201cI was hoping you\u2019d ask. Let me give you some quick advice. I\u2019d expect that whatever happens will be swift and shocking, and those women are going to be witnesses to whatever is alleged. Your inclination will be to settle things immediately by checking the bids for your marks. Don\u2019t. You need to let this play out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what should I do?\u201d Nels asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cRecess the meeting; send for Sheriff Coffee, and gather the players. While that happens, check the bid markings privately, and let me know what you find. When you reconvene, ask questions rather than letting the witnesses prattle. Take away their ability to play to the audience by interrupting and clarifying. And finally, if your markings prove conclusive lies; use it. I\u2019ll help any way I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a couple more things,\u201d Adam told the other two. \u201cI haven\u2019t shared any of this information with my brothers. Pa needs to know, but the fewer aware that we suspect anything, the better.\u201d Adam paused before opening the door. \u201cStart the meeting on time tomorrow, even if I\u2019m not there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels frowned deeply. \u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t you be there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCall it a hunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fifteen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Judge Harris took the back stairway from the hotel, while Adam headed to the lobby, and straight into the saloon, where he purchased a bottle of good whiskey.<\/p>\n

With bottle in hand, he made his way up to his family\u2019s empty suite and released his pent-up stress in a long sigh. His rapidly undone tie was flung across the back of a chair, and he made quick work of loosening the top buttons of his shirt before opening the bottle he\u2019d brought up. The water glass he carried to the sofa contained two-fingers of the aged liquor, which he downed in a single long swallow before kicking off his boots and reclining.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t a heavy drinker, but he did appreciate the instant warmth a straight shot of whiskey created along the back of his throat, before spreading rapidly to his fingertips. As tired as he was, one shot was all he needed to shut down his racing thoughts and relax.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Ben heard the soft, nasal breathing of his oldest as soon as he stepped into their suite. He moved quietly to stow his gear in the bedroom bearing no signs of occupancy, and washed the trail dust from his cheeks before donning a clean shirt and draping a tie around his neck for later.<\/p>\n

When he reentered the parlor, the late afternoon sun was creating a prism as it passed through the golden liquid in the whiskey bottle. The effect was so alluring that Ben grabbed a clean glass from the tray on the mantle and poured a bracer.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes flew open when he heard the clink of the bottle against the glass. He smiled sleepily after a long yawn. \u201cI sure am glad to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw Sport and our rig at the livery and thought your brothers would be here too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026about that, Pa.\u201d He inhaled deeply and blew out a long breath. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Condensing the long story to its most significant points allowed Adam to relate it in a matter of minutes.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s face took on a near-accusatory edge as he sought confirmation on the part that most bothered him. \u201cYour brothers are out with those \u2026 liars \u2026 unaware of what you\u2019ve discovered?\u201d When Adam nodded, Ben asked. \u201cIs there a good reason you haven\u2019t told them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is besotted with Sylvia, the older one, and he\u2019ll\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDefend her, and say it\u2019s all a mistake,\u201d Ben interjected with a nod of understanding.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven the hint that something\u2019s wrong would show in his reactions, and she\u2019d know her ruse was over.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed and sat further back in his chair. \u201cYour brother will be deeply hurt … again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry for that. But he\u2019s known my concern from the moment he got home with them. He accused me of being too suspicious and judgmental, and he\u2019s already lied to keep them out of trouble. To him, they are innocent of anything, except bad planning.\u201d Adam thought back to the previous evening. \u201cI spoke with Sylvia after everyone was gone yesterday. She\u2019s likeable despite her many secrets, and I don\u2019t think she\u2019s happy about what they\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYet not unhappy enough to change her course of action?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u201cThere must be a powerful reason to continue.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get a feeling for them at dinner tonight.\u201d Ben sighed heavily. \u201cAnd if I suspect that anything they\u2019re doing will impugn your brothers\u2019 characters, I will<\/em>\u00a0 intervene.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree, Pa.\u201d Adam wrote out the names of the other five bidders and handed the list to his father. \u201cDo any of these names bring to mind some old deal or conversation that went sour?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI recognize them, but nothing more.\u201d He reread the list. \u201cYou suspect one of these men are behind this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI\u2019d hoped you\u2019d see a name that stood out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben crossed his arms and harrumphed. \u201cI remember when the Central Pacific began building its own tracks a few years back. Barney Fuller and I always ended up head-to-head for the contracts. He was a smart competitor\u2014sneaky too\u2014in a likeable way. His death ended an era where men put their sweat into fulfilling a contract. Now our competitors are all contractors who know nothing of the work required to build something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBarney was a character,\u201d Adam said warmly. \u201cI know how much you miss him.\u201d\u00a0 He stood and stretched before walking to the window. \u201cThe prodigal sons are on their way back with the Lovelee sisters.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben joined him. \u201cThey do live up to their name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go down to meet them,\u201d Adam suggested as he adjusted the ends of his tie until they were even. \u201cWe\u2019ll wait downstairs while the girls change. The other bidders will pass through the lobby on their way to dinner. Maybe seeing their faces will prompt a memory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBefore we go, I\u2019d like to know how you feel about our decision.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was relieved that you agreed with me, and the rest was \u2026 unexpected \u2026 and gratifying. Let\u2019s get through tomorrow morning, and then we\u2019ll celebrate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sixteen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dinner at the Cattlemen\u2019s Club was pleasant. Hoss continued his pie-eyed stare at Sylvia, and completely missed the subtle eyebrow lifts exchanged between his father and older brother. Little Joe enjoyed the lavish attention of the younger sister, while parrying her romantic swoons with humor: a clear indication he had no long-term interest.<\/p>\n

Ben and Adam\u2019s ability to play poker well came in handy as they feigned interest in the sisters\u2019 embellishments about meeting with Mary Rogers, including details about selecting fabric and taking measurements: a process they deemed a torture worthy of a mediaeval novel. There were a few instances when the lies became so outrageous that Adam came near to laughing, requiring a raised napkin to cover his grin. Sylvia did catch him rolling his eyes, but he quickly explained it by relating his similar torment at the hands of an over-zealous tailor.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Unwilling to end the evening, Hoss suggested they have a nightcap at the hotel. Being attached to the nicest hotel in town, the saloon inside the International House was called a \u2018drinking establishment,\u2019 and the higher prices they charged for that designation ensured a nighttime clientele sans miners, ranch-hands and \u201cregulars.\u201d The fancier name didn\u2019t mean there weren\u2019t drunken disagreements or accusations of cheating at cards, but it was usually quiet enough for women guests to join their escorts for a light drink at a table away from the bar.<\/p>\n

Adam stopped as he entered the lobby. \u201cI\u2019m dead on my feet,\u201d he told the others. He kissed the gloved hand of each sister. \u201cThank you for joining us. The Cartwrights were most fortunate to have your company.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Ben issued a similar excuse, Hoss pulled Adam aside. \u201cCould you give me a minute alone with Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

His poker face came in handy again as he cringed inwardly. He \u201cthought\u201d he\u2019d procured his brother\u2019s agreement to slow his courtship when they\u2019d spoken earlier. But he\u2019d also seen Hoss\u2019 obvious adoration of the young woman throughout the evening, and realized his father would need to provide another tamping of those growing flames. \u201cGo ahead,\u201d he said with more generosity than he felt. \u201cJoe and I will keep the ladies entertained.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seventeen<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYou were right about Hoss being smitten,\u201d Ben told Adam when he entered the suite.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did he say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe wants to accompany Sylvia to Stockton and meet her father.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cWhat did you tell him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI said she was lovely and he has every right to enjoy this time of getting to know her.\u201d He yawned loudly. \u201cBut then I reminded him that we all agreed to be available should we win the contract, so plans for all of us are on hold until we know our next step. This still holds true, even if it\u2019s not this<\/em> contract.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d he handle that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was disappointed. But he perked up when I reminded him that the sisters haven\u2019t even set a date for going home, so things might change by then.\u201d Ben paced in front of the fireplace. \u201cI don\u2019t feel right not telling him what we suspect. Are you absolutely sure \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat she\u2019s a conniving liar?\u201d The tired son supplied, as he dropped into an overstuffed chair. \u201cYou heard her during dinner. None of that was true! What I find odd is that they didn\u2019t bother covering their background story by ordering a couple of dresses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s simple. They didn\u2019t expect anyone to check. They have your brothers harnessed on a short lead, and you went by Mary to arrange for a gift, not to check up on them. It was an accident that allowed you to pick up a loose thread and unravel all their lies.\u201d Ben sat across from his son, and rubbed the top of his head as he yawned again. \u201cI am beat son. There\u2019s nothing more to do about this tonight; I\u2019m going to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The two couples lingered over their nightcap until the conversation stalled, and Hoss pulled his younger brother along up to the bar to settle their tab. Hoss tugged Little Joe closer while they waited, and leaned in so as not to be overheard. \u201cWhen we get the ladies to their room, I want you to say goodnight real quick and mosey on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe punched Hoss\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYou old dog! You wanna kiss Sylvia, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The big man looked down at his boots. \u201cI sure hope ta.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere ya go, Les,\u201d Joe said loudly as he held up a couple of silver coins and then slid them down the highly waxed surface to the bartender. \u201cThis should cover whatever we owe.\u201d He took Hoss by the arm, and leaned in close again so only his brother could hear. \u201cC\u2019mon. Let\u2019s get outa here so you can do a little smoochin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Joe was good to his word. He issued a quick thanks to both ladies, kissed Desiree\u2019s cheek, and then nearly pushed her into the room and shut the door, before making his exit. He sighed when he glanced back before heading up the stairs, and saw Hoss with his hands in his pockets looking up at the ceiling. The poor guy had always been shy with women, and Joe knew that Hoss\u2019 discouraging romances with Regan and Helen had left him even more unsure.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Hoss waited until he heard Joe bound up the steps. \u201cI\u2019ve been happier the last two days than in a long while,\u201d he told Sylvia. \u201cI\u2019d like to keep callin\u2019 on you while you\u2019re in town, and \u2026\u201d He stopped when he remembered his father\u2019s request to hold back on future plans. \u201cAnd it\u2019s been a long day, so I imagine you\u2019d like ta turn in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve enjoyed your company too, Hoss. Thank you for rescuing us yesterday and showing us a good time today. Your family is wonderful, but you\u2019re the pick-of-the-litter.\u201d<\/p>\n

His fair complexion glowed pinker as he drew into himself and grinned. His next movements weren\u2019t smooth or artful, but he did manage to get his arms around Sylvia, and he pulled her a little closer. \u201cI was wonderin\u2019 if I might give you a kiss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia pulled away, planted her hands on her hips, and stared at him. \u201cHoss Cartwright. I like that you\u2019re gentle and kind. I appreciate that you have good manners and don\u2019t get overly affectionate without my consent. But \u2026 when a day has gone well, and a man feels strongly about a woman, that man shouldn\u2019t seek permission for a kiss. He should just take charge.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Hoss whistled under-his-breath on the way to his family\u2019s suite. He stopped when he entered the short alcove leading to their door, and recalled the sensations that had excited every inch of him as he\u2019d kissed Sylvia, hard and deep, and the near ecstasy in feeling the warmth of her lips as she\u2019d returned his affection. He\u2019d kissed women before, but never like this. His body began to react with the memory of her leaning into him and wrapping her arms around his waist. The surge of emotion accompanied by his growing physical need hit with such force that he gripped the door jamb on both sides and allowed it to wash over him for the first time in so long.\u00a0 He shivered as the flood of feelings subsided and his body and mind settled back to normal.<\/p>\n

Placing his ear to the door, he hoped the absence of voices meant that everyone was in bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa there, Adam! It\u2019s just me gettin\u2019 in a little late,\u201d he said soothingly when the squeak of the door hinge woke his brother, sending him upright with a pistol pointed in Hoss\u2019 direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry about that,\u201d Adam apologized. \u201cI dozed off and thought someone was breaking in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo harm. Why aren\u2019t you in bed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa was exhausted, and I didn\u2019t want to disturb him.\u201d Adam squinted at his brother. \u201cWas I dreaming a while ago when I thought I heard the door?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat must\u2019a been Joe. I stayed on a little longer, talkin\u2019 to Sylvia.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam eyed his brother curiously. \u201cYou\u2019re flushed and sweaty. Are you feeling all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust tired.\u201d He rotated the brim of the hat he was holding at waist level as he was prone to do when uneasy. \u201cI reckon none of us got much sleep last night. Them bunks are too danged short.\u201d As he spoke he sidestepped toward the room where he and Joe were staying, and paused at the door to say, \u201cGoodnight, Adam. See you in the morning.\u201d He gave thanks when he heard Joe snoring and realized he\u2019d get to bed without questions or teasing.<\/p>\n

Eighteen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sylvia gave a small yip as she closed the door to her room, and saw the man standing behind it. \u201cPapa! You scared me half-to-death!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI assumed you\u2019d be expecting me. I only hid because I was afraid that big oaf might try to follow you in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe wouldn\u2019t do that, Papa. Hoss is a decent man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Desiree was sitting on the bed, and shot her sister a puzzled look. \u201cYou look tired, Sylvia. Come sit down so Papa can give us his news.\u201d<\/p>\n

The middle-aged man stuck his hands in his jacket pockets and smiled. \u201cThis is going better than I ever expected. They even moved the bids to the safe, as we hoped they would.\u201d He scratched his head. \u201cHow\u2019s it going from your point of view, girls?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were seen all over town with Little Joe and Hoss today, Desiree told him. \u201cAnd the oldest brother stayed away except for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd your thoughts, Sylvie?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam suspected something at first, but he appreciated our help. And we had fun with the whole family at dinner tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

The father nodded. \u201cCreating that mess with the coats yesterday, and that big one taking the blame for it, was perfect! The tearful confessions tomorrow by the innocent young women who were forced <\/em>to assist the Cartwrights in trying to discredit a bidder, and then being kept captive today so you couldn\u2019t tell anyone of their plot, should prove that Ben and his boys are rabid wolves.\u201d He sighed and smacked his lips. \u201cSoon Ben Cartwright will suffer as much as I have.\u201d He listened at the door and cracked it enough to make sure no one was in the hall.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre there any changes for tonight, Papa?\u201d Sylvia asked before he opened the door any wider.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll go as we rehearsed at home. Come to my room if there are problems. Liam is in there already, and he\u2019ll come down the back stairs to keep a lookout when Sylvia opens the safe.\u201d His voice turned nearly giddy. \u201cI can\u2019t wait for tomorrow!\u201d<\/p>\n

After a final check of the hallway, he ducked out.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

With their father gone, Desiree took her sister\u2019s hands. \u201cPapa got so red I thought he\u2019d explode when he heard what you said to Hoss outside the door. But then he mumbled how you played your part well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia pulled her hands free and turned away as her complexion colored as scarlet as her father\u2019s must have been. \u201cGive me a hand with these back buttons, Des. I have to change out of this dress.\u201d She forced a chuckle. \u201cThe satin makes too much noise for a stealthy operation.\u201d<\/p>\n

The younger woman wasn\u2019t going to allow a subject change. \u201cSo\u2026did you actually kiss him?\u201d she asked while prying the clear bead buttons through the tight holes.<\/p>\n

Sylvia nodded and faced Desiree again. \u201cHoss is \u2026 wonderful. He\u2019s always concerned about making me happy and comfortable. His formidable size gives the false impression of fierceness, but he\u2019s patient, shy and accepting. I feel completely safe with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Desiree\u2019s mouth puckered sourly. \u201cBut Hoss is so unrefined compared to Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI watched Adam during dinner tonight. He never stopped analyzing what we said. But Hoss was happy just being there. A touch of my hand would make him look at me with such tenderness. I pushed him to kiss me as a man, not some shy schoolboy. And when he did, I felt completely adored. He loves me, Des, and I wish I could love him too. What we\u2019re about to do to him and his family breaks my heart.\u201d She caught her breath in a near sob and grabbed Desiree\u2019s shoulders. \u201cI want to walk away from this.\u201d Sylvia looked directly into her sister\u2019s eyes. \u201cCome with me, and we\u2019ll confess everything to the Cartwrights before it\u2019s too late.\u201d<\/p>\n

Desiree squirmed from Sylvia\u2019s grasp. \u201cIf you tell them<\/em>, you betray Papa. You know the pain he\u2019s been in. He\u2019ll never have peace if we don\u2019t finish this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it occur to you that the Cartwrights are innocent? Papa couldn\u2019t hurt the person responsible, so he decided to destroy the object of Mother\u2019s insanity. Revenge never brings the intended results, and we\u2019re doing the same thing to this family that Mother did to ours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBy noon tomorrow, we\u2019ll both be free of our obligation, and in a wagon on the way to our new lives. The Cartwrights will sort things out eventually. Their pain will be momentary compared to what we\u2019ve endured.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you think Hoss wont\u2019 come after us?\u201d Sylvia said sadly. \u201cHe\u2019ll want answers, and he isn\u2019t going to care that I considered<\/em> not doing it because of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Desiree huffed and tapped her foot impatiently. \u201cYou weren\u2019t supposed become attached to him!\u201d The rate of the foot-tapping increased as she thought. \u201cWe need to deal with Hoss first thing tomorrow. I\u2019ll find him before that meeting starts, and tell him a story about why you can\u2019t see him again.\u00a0 He might rush up to our room, so you\u2019ll need to hide in Papa\u2019s.\u201d She bit her cheek and huffed again. \u201cIt\u2019ll be best if you just stay out of sight tomorrow, and I\u2019ll give another excuse for why you can\u2019t be at the meeting.\u201d She gave her sister a look of veiled disgust. \u201cWe had this so well planned!\u201d\u00a0 Her tone softened. \u201cI\u2019ll sneak over to Papa\u2019s room now and alert him to the change.\u201d\u00a0 Desiree stopped at the door and looked back. \u201cYou made a big mistake and now I have to fix it, so don\u2019t you dare say a thing about how<\/em> I do it. Besides, when I get done with the Cartwrights tomorrow, Hoss will know he was a fool. No man would make a bigger<\/em> fool of himself by following after you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Nineteen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Figuring nothing would happen until the hotel quieted for the night, Adam had arranged for the bartender to knock on their door before he went home. Other saloons stayed open all night, but the International House shooed its patrons out by 1:00 A.M. on weeknights. This was late enough for hotel patrons to feel satisfied, and early enough to move those bent on an all-nighter to other establishments before getting sick or belligerent.<\/p>\n

His eyes felt weighted as Adam shook off the stupor of his abbreviated rest. He\u2019d heard the sturdy pound on their door, and had risen to don his shirt, boots and gun belt. He\u2019d asked Les to leave the door to the kitchen unlocked as well.<\/p>\n

Since the Cartwrights had supported the International house since it first opened, with its guest room in the basement, and the bar and restaurant on ground level; his request to access a late-night snack hadn\u2019t even raised the bartender\u2019s eyebrows.<\/p>\n

Adam slipped down the back stairs, entered the bar and stealthily made his way to the door connecting to the kitchen. The dark room smelled of yeast from the mounds of dough left rising for bread and sweet rolls. The lingering aroma of braised meat made his stomach growl, and he considered appropriating something to make his vigil a little more palatable. Unable to find anything without being heard, he cracked open the door to the dining room and checked for a good place to hide. With the restaurant and bar closed and most guests in for the night, the first floor was deserted. Since subterfuge required privacy, Adam reasoned that if something was going to happen, it would be now.<\/p>\n

Seeing no one, he quickly made his way along the dark back wall to a set of heavy curtains that gave a visual boundary between the dining room and lobby. He quietly tucked a chair in one of the large velvet folds, using the abundant fabric as camouflage, and took his post. From his vantage point, he could see everything except the doorway to the bar.<\/p>\n

The solitary employee for the deep-night hours, Theo Sparks, was a conscientious young man who\u2019d held the position since the hotel had opened. The completion of a three-story addition to the original hotel, had tripled the number of rooms \u2026 and chores for this sole employee to accomplish during the early morning hours.\u00a0 Theo wasn\u2019t at the desk, but he soon entered the front door carrying a broom and dustpan. Adam froze like a body in rigor when Theo walked past him into the bar, and returned with a watering can to tend the fern just beyond the drapery where he was concealed. He breathed again when the young man moved to the fern in the center of the lobby, but he chanced a look towards the stairs when he heard soft footfalls.<\/p>\n

Desiree Lovelee stretched and yawned as she completed her descent, and then flashed a charming smile at the clerk. \u201cHello there,\u201d she purred. \u201cI knew someone stayed on duty all night, but I never expected such a young, handsome man to be in charge.\u201d<\/p>\n

Theo absorbed the exaggerated compliment with a shy smile. \u201cCan I help you, miss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m having trouble sleeping.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s not much I can do much about that,\u201d Theo replied, while enlarging his smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might be able to help, if you can you open the safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor what purpose?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam heard the tone of Theo\u2019s voice change from playful to wary. He wondered if the young man could see beyond the pretty face, to the fact that the hem of a dress was hanging below her flouncy robe, and that she wore shoes and stockings rather than slippers. He tried to get more comfortable to watch the resumption of the ongoing drama. This time, he<\/em> had the front-row seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy sister forgot to bring our necklaces down to the safe when we got back from dinner. I worry every time I hear voices or footsteps outside our door, but I\u2019ll relax if I get them stored.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have the necklaces with you?\u201d Theo asked as he made his way behind the check-in desk.<\/p>\n

Desiree pulled one sparkling bauble from each pocket and held them up to catch the light from the chandelier above her. \u201cOne is emerald, the other rubies, and they both have diamonds.\u201d she proclaimed proudly. \u201cThey were gifts from our father on our eighteenth birthdays.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam bit his lips to keep from laughing. There were a few things Adam knew by sight: A good horse, good cattle, good land, and real jewelry. These necklaces\u2014the same ones they\u2019d worn to dinner\u2014were fashionable and attractive, with their elements highly-polished to catch the light. But they were colored glass and gilded metal\u2014as fake as everything else about these two women.<\/p>\n

She continued to dangle the jewelry in front of her as she made her way behind the desk. \u201cBy the way, my name is Desiree. What should I call you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTheo, Miss. Short for Theodore.\u201d When she continued towards him, he said, \u201cUm, you can\u2019t be back here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The warning had no effect, as Desiree moved so close, she had to look up at him. \u201cI would call you Teddy if you were my beau,\u201d she said with a soft laugh. \u201cTheo sounds old and dour.\u201d She made a final step, coming within inches of the blushing young man. \u201cAre you married, Teddy, or keeping the company of a young lady?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Theo continued moving backwards, with Desiree following, step-for-step.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell then,\u201d Desiree said coyly, \u201cyou can take me to supper on your day off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Theo\u2019s face bunched into a snarl of confusion. \u201cI saw you on Little Joe Cartwright\u2019s arm when you came in tonight. I would never horn in on Joe\u2019s girl. He packs a punch and his family\u2019s too rich to fool with.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam choked back a laugh. Her disarming of Theo was giving him insight into how his brothers had been so easily swayed. Both women were competent actors who used their physical attributes to keep their target\u2019s mind off the bigger concerns.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe is only a friend, Teddy.\u201d She ran her finger down his cheek and smiled. \u201cLet\u2019s get these necklaces put away so I can get my beauty sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young clerk moved around her and crouched in front of the substantial floor safe. Desiree again followed, stopping behind him. \u201cI don\u2019t know how people remember combinations,\u201d she said, using a tone reminiscent of a petulant schoolgirl. \u201cI\u2019d get flustered just trying to remember which way that nob had to be turned.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Desiree, you have to move to the other side of the counter while I do the combination.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Teddy, I\u2019ll turn away and promise not to peek.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam saw that while Desiree did move to the left and faced away, she positioned herself to cast a shadow over the dial, requiring Theo to grab a lamp from the back counter.<\/p>\n

The young man did stand up to make sure his companion was still facing away, but when the clicking of the dial began, Desiree removed a small mirror from her pocket and held it at an angle to see what Theo was doing behind her. It didn\u2019t seem possible that she\u2019d be able to see the numbers from that distance and in reverse, but its value became clear. She watched to see when Theo stopped turning the knob, and then immediately began chatting; asking questions to make him pause and remove his hand until she looked away again. The process repeated at the next two stops. Adam\u2019s leaned back in his chair, awed by what he\u2019d just witnessed. A bit of flattery had lowered Theo\u2019s guard. Then her creative positioning had made him illuminate the dial, and her questions had allowed a quick look at the number. It had taken mere minutes for her to dupe a conscientious employee into revealing the combination.<\/p>\n

Adam issued a silent, \u201cBrava.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once the heavy door stood open, she bent down to hand Theo her jewels \u2026 and take a quick look inside, and concluded the scene with her breathy thanks, and a peck to Theo\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n

Theo whistled a peppy melody as he returned to his chores, making Adam grin. The odd music suited this intr\u2019acte period perfectly. He crossed his arms, considering the proficiency of the performance, leading him to consider that those involved must have trained for various scenarios. The bids were to have been kept in the CPRC suite, yet Desiree had been flawless in gaining access to the safe instead.<\/p>\n

The thought, that hidden in the small group of bidders, was the director who\u2019d meticulously prepared these women in advance, made him shiver. If Judge Harris was right, and this was an act of retribution, then the hatred pushing this person was colossal.<\/p>\n

Remaining still and craning forward had left his back aching. In the midst of an intense stretch, his stomach rumbled softly, making him wish he\u2019d tried a little harder to find a snack. He glanced towards the kitchen door and considered a quick expedition, but such plans ended abruptly at hearing hurried footsteps on the stairs, and he resumed his uncomfortable position for the next scene.<\/p>\n

Desiree\u2019s descent was accompanied by a call for, \u201cTeddy\u201d to come quickly. She fanned her face, creating a waft of air that carried the scent of her newly applied perfume across the lobby. Adam had always appreciated how a dab of good cologne at a woman\u2019s neck and wrist would come to life when her pulse quickened while they kissed, but strong fragrances made him sneeze. He pinched his nose as Desiree\u2019s flowery scent began tickling his nasal passages.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was barely in bed when I smelled smoke,\u201d She told Theo. \u201cI cracked our door, wondering if someone was puffing a cigar on the way to their room, but no one was out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas the odor stronger in the hall?\u201d The young man\u2019s voice held a tremor, as he continued, \u201cDid you see any smoke?\u201d<\/p>\n

It struck Adam again how well-rehearsed this was. Her wide-eyed concern over smoke had spurred Theo to instant and complete attention. Nothing was more frightening than fire in a wooden building housing guests spread out over multiple rooms and floors.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t notice it down here,\u201d she told him in a calmer tone while snuggling up and laying her head on his chest for a moment. Stepping back, she took his hand and tugged him up the first step. \u201cI\u2019m sure everything is fine, but we should make sure there isn\u2019t something smoldering upstairs!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam now wondered if Sylvia would run ahead of the newly formed inspection team carrying a smoldering pot of embers. He took a deep breath hoping to distinguish any hint of smoke. It was fruitless. The only thing he smelled was Desiree\u2019s perfume. The left corner of his lips twitched into a grudging smile as he realized the heavy dose of perfume was a prop for this scene. Theo\u2019s sense of smell would be so hampered by it, he\u2019d be forced to rely on Desiree\u2019s word for the presence of smoke.<\/p>\n

Sylvia\u2019s role was soon revealed as far more important.\u00a0 She hurried down the steps as soon as Desiree and Theo were out of sight, and flew across the lobby to duck behind the check-in counter. Adam chuckled silently when he saw her hand extend upwards to reach for the same lamp Theo had used.<\/p>\n

His grudging respect was activated again when Sylvia stood within seconds, holding the pouch Nels had stowed in the safe. The smile became one of satisfaction after she set the lamp on the desk to inspect the folder. Not expecting an audience, Sylvia had dropped her guard, and was working bare-handed. Even in the low light, Adam could see the proof of her connection to one of the bidders. Each finger on her right hand bore thick red scars. It was similar on her left hand, except the separation of those fingers was not as complete\u2014showing the deformity she shared with her father.<\/p>\n

He felt no need to continue this to a finale\u2019. The motive still eluded him, but he no longer cared. He stepped from the folds of the curtains and approached Sylvia as she rounded the end of the check-in desk. She stopped short and gave a high-pitched cry when she saw him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose you saw everything, so I won\u2019t bother lying.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy stop lying now, Miss Munson. You\u2019re so good at it\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long have you known who we really are?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI always suspected you were connected to a bidder. There was one coincidence I found odd: the likelihood of two complete strangers showing up at the same place: both with hand issues. I had to see your \u2018rash\u2019 to make the absolute connection. It must be disheartening that your attempt to correct the inherited defect, turned out even more noticeable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her upper lip curled as she snarled, \u201cMy father warned us to be careful around you, but you seemed preoccupied. I assumed you weren\u2019t thinking about us, and that was a mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n

A satisfied grin grew as he withdrew the CPRC folder from her hands. \u201cPeople often mistake my being quiet for being disinterested. It\u2019s quite the opposite. Others, like my brothers, can discard inconsistency and coincidence if it interferes with what they want to believe. That usually ends with the truth crashing down on their heads when they least expect it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean \u2026 like this\u2014\u201d she said, tipping her head and flashing him a toothy smile.<\/p>\n

Adam stared back, not understanding her reply until he heard the loud crack echoing through his head from the point of impact. A bolt of pain shot through his skull, and he felt the warmth of his blood oozing from the wound. His head was suddenly ablaze with so much pain, the insignificant pressure of that blood moving along his scalp, caused agony. He thought he was screaming; his mouth was open and he was pushing air from his lungs, yet he heard no sound. The pain, accompanied by the assault of nausea, vertigo and the cacophony of the huge bells peeling inside his skull, led him to him believe that his head had stopped a bullet rather than an implement. It doesn\u2019t matter<\/em>; I\u2019 dead either way<\/em>, zigzagged through his rapidly muddling thoughts as he dropped to the floor.<\/p>\n

Twenty<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben strode into the parlor of their suite, shouting that it was time to head downstairs. \u201cAdam must have gone down already,\u201d he said when Hoss and Little Joe rushed from their bedroom still tucking in their shirts. \u201cDid either of you see him this morning? His bed wasn\u2019t slept in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was sleepin\u2019 on the couch when I came in last night,\u201d Hoss told him. \u201cHe said he was gonna stay there so as not to disturb you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben released the breath he\u2019d been holding since noting Adam\u2019s absence, and grinned as he gave the two a looking over. \u201cYou both need to look in the mirror. You forgot to comb your hair, Joe, and, Hoss, your shirt is buttoned wrong.\u201d The grin deepened. \u201cJust how late were you out last night?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI came in an hour after you left, Pa.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s devilish smile appeared as he punched Hoss in the arm. \u201cBut my older brother stuck around a little longer for a goodnight kiss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAww, Joe,\u201d Hoss lamented. \u201cYou didn\u2019t have to say nothin\u2019 about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s shook his head and laughed. \u201cFinish pulling yourselves together, and come down.\u201d He paused at the door. \u201cAnd don\u2019t dawdle!\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s worry returned full-force when he didn\u2019t spot his missing son in the restaurant, and he walked directly to Nels. \u201cHave you seen Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young Swede\u2019s face puckered in thought. \u201cI don\u2019t think I have. Is there a problem, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. He told me about his detective work yesterday. It would be like him to go back to chasing down information and forget the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Recalling the last thing Adam had told him, produced a look of worry that matched Ben\u2019s. \u201cHe brought up the possibility of not being here when we talked yesterday. Maybe he is<\/em> still following a lead.\u201d He looked around the room and saw that the other five bidders were present. \u201cAdam said to start on time, so I\u2019ll get thing going in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree.\u201d The anxious look remained firmly fixed on Ben\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Nels leaned in, lowering his voice. \u201cDo you recognize anyone that might want to get back at you?<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head slowly. \u201cI wish I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Hoss?\u201d Ben demanded when Joe came to the table alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cDesiree was waiting in the lobby with a message from Sylvia.\u201d Joe looked towards where he\u2019d last seen his brother and then wrinkled his nose when he saw the big man standing alone with his head down. He nudged his father and pointed in Hoss\u2019s direction. \u201cWhat\u2019da\u2019ya make of that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo get him, Joseph. Unless he\u2019s ill, he needs to be here \u2026 now!\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Joe waited for Hoss to look up when he reached him, but finally poked his arm. \u201cPa wants us at the table.\u201d<\/p>\n

Normally, their father\u2019s wish would get Hoss moving, but he remained immobile, making Joe lean in closer to his ear. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Hoss? You look like you had the wind kicked out of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s about right,\u201d the big man muttered, finally looking at his brother. \u201cSylvia sent word she don\u2019t want to see me again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Joe\u2019s pitch rose a good octave. \u201cYou two were getting along fine last night.\u201d He eyed Hoss suspiciously. \u201cWhat\u2019d you do after I left?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI kissed her. She even told me to.\u201d Hoss looked around to make sure no one was listening. \u201cIt weren\u2019t no peck on the cheek neither, and she was fine with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s cheek rose. \u201cDid Desiree say what was wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought she was kidding at first, but she said Sylvia\u2019s been courtin\u2019 a guy back home, and they plan on marryin\u2019 soon after they get back. Desiree told me straight, that Sylvia was just bein\u2019 nice to be nice to me for takin\u2019 them in, and she would never pick a guy like me for anything serious.\u201d Hoss sniffed loudly and hung his head again. \u201cI guess I got fooled again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe offered a half-hearted smile. \u201cI thought she liked you, but you might have let your heart get a little ahead of things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cI weren\u2019t about to pop the question, but I was thinkin\u2019 I\u2019d go meet her pa.\u201d Pain rolled across his face like a wave. \u201cI\u2019m gonna go up to see her. She might just be scared of what she\u2019s feeling. The way I see it, nobody who\u2019s engaged should\u2019a kissed me like that \u2026 unless they ain\u2019t entirely sure about things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s mind was racing like a thoroughbred towards the finish line. He needed the right words to settle Hoss enough to listen. \u201cYou can\u2019t push at her now, Hoss, or you\u2019ll ruin any chance with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what should <\/em>I do?\u201d Hoss moaned miserably.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou attend the meeting with Pa and me like we planned. Afterwards, you\u2019ll send flowers to her room along with a note asking her to meet you in the lobby for a few minutes\u2014just to talk\u2014in a public place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss bit his cheek as he considered Joe\u2019s idea. \u201cThat sounds good.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sharp rap of the gavel echoed from the dining room. \u201cC\u2019mon, Hoss,\u201d Joe said while tugging at his sleeve. \u201cThe meeting\u2019s starting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Twenty-One<\/strong><\/p>\n

With the meeting formally opened, Nels had the staff serve breakfast while he went to retrieve the bids from the safe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere ya go,\u201d Jake said cheerfully as he handed over the pouch.<\/p>\n

Nels thanked him, and returned to his table, where he placed the six bid envelopes on the table. He\u2019d kept Adam\u2019s letter in the suite for fear that if someone did tamper with the bids, they\u2019d read that too. He pulled it from his pocket now and placed it under the Cartwright bid.<\/p>\n

Whereas there\u2019d been camaraderie at the opening meeting, today participants ate hurriedly, anxious to know the outcome. The tables were soon being cleared, prompting Nels to rise and hold a telegram aloft for everyone to see. \u201cEarly this morning, I received a wire from the director of the CPRC, giving his go-ahead to award this contract.\u201d While the attendees applauded, he picked up the first beige envelope. \u201cI\u2019ll open these randomly to read aloud.\u201d Nel slipped the tip of his pocket knife in the corner of the flap and slit the top fold of the top envelope. The bid from Frank Fillmore brought a groan from Lester Sloan, but silence from the rest of the competition.<\/p>\n

The results after four envelopes were opened put Roger Taggert and Rick Spindler in contention with bids that were only a few dollars apart. \u201cThere are two submissions remaining, gentlemen,\u201d Nels told the group. \u201cThe first of those is from the Cartwrights.\u201d The figure read aloud brought a full round of groans.<\/p>\n

Roger Taggert slapped his hand on the table and laughed. \u201cIt\u2019s as we figured, men. Those tree-covered hillsides gave the Cartwrights an advantage.\u201d He amended his thought to, \u201cA really big advantage.\u201d He looked over at Al Munson, sending him a good-natured smile. \u201cYou\u2019re a middle man like us, Al, so unless you have an ace up your sleeve, this contract is staying in Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels took a moment to observe the competitors who\u2019d just had their expectations shattered. He saw disappointment, but no malice. It made him wonder whether the sisters at the center of their concerns, were simply immature young women looking for some excitement. Nels assumed Al Munson\u2019s bid would be on the high end for the same reason Taggert had mentioned, and he\u2019d soon award the contract to the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

Every hope for an easy conclusion ended after opening Munson\u2019s bid. His heart pounded in his chest, while he inhaled deeply to be able to speak in an unwavering voice. \u201cWould Al please rise.\u201d The number Nels read aloud was significantly lower than Adam\u2019s. Continuing the performance of his life, Nels said, \u201cAllowing that your paperwork is in order, you\u2019re our winner, Al. Congratulations!\u201d<\/p>\n

The look on Al Munson\u2019s face reflected no joy at the declaration of victory. His cheeks flushed purple, and his fist was shaking as he aimed it at Nels. \u201cThis is an outrage!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Nels asked innocently. \u201cYou won.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone has changed my bid! The one I submitted was a few dollars higher<\/em> than Cartwright\u2019s. That number you just read is ridiculously low, and everyone knows it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels feigned a puzzled look. \u201cAre you alleging that someone broke into the hotel safe to replace your bid with one that would win?\u201d He did a quick visual sweep of the room, noting the incredulous looks being sent Munson\u2019s way. His eyes locked on Ben, the only person who didn\u2019t look surprised, and gave him a slight nod before addressing Munson again. \u201cWhy would anyone commit theft and fraud to benefit you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is an attempt to discredit me, not help me! And it\u2019s coming from the Cartwrights!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019ve just won a lucrative contract,\u201d Nels stated firmly. \u201cHow does this discredit you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you see,\u201d Munson wailed. \u201cI haven\u2019t won it. My worksheets can\u2019t possibly support that figure, so my bid will be discarded, and the contract will go to the Cartwrights.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels\u2019 voice held a tight edge while concealing the fact that he\u2019d expected this trouble. \u201cYou\u2019re saying that even though the Cartwrights had the lowest bid, they\u2019d risk doing this just to make you<\/em> look \u2026 foolish?\u201d He checked to see that his comments were being understood by everyone else. \u201cHad you spoken to me privately, Al, we could have gone through your concerns with no one the wiser. And if you have evidence of Cartwright tampering, along with documentation showing conclusively what you would have bid, I could still have awarded the contract to you, and disqualified the Cartwrights. That would have discredited them, not you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow would you react if someone was out to ruin you?\u201d Munson shouted. \u201cI\u2019m accusing the Cartwrights of fraud, and I have to do it publicly. It\u2019s a sure bet that even if I\u2019d have done as you suggested, they\u2019d have spread rumors afterwards, saying I\u2019d lied to cover my inability to correctly bid a job. People would believe the Cartwrights over me. I had to stick up for myself now!\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels called for silence, and when Ben rose, looking like a bull working up to a charge, he issued a stern, \u201cSit down, Ben. You\u2019ll have a chance to speak, but not now.\u201d Nels refocused on Munson. \u201cFor the record, you are accusing Ben of altering your bid\u2014actually changing out the form that was in your envelope?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would the Cartwrights risk their future in this business to cause a momentary embarrassment to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben rose again and this time Nels didn\u2019t stop him. \u201cI\u2019ll ask the same question. I have no reason to harm you, Munson. I don\u2019t even know you. And this theory is preposterous. It is more likely that you <\/em>orchestrated this in an effort to discredit us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s comment caught Munson off guard, and looking out at the group, is was obvious that he was losing his advantage. He slammed his hand on the table for effect. \u201cYou\u2019re even more devious than I gave you credit for, Ben, and your plan is working perfectly. It will be your word against mine, and the person who undoubtedly did the actual dirty work for you, is conveniently absent.\u201d Munson bowed his head and sighed before looking up, wearing a forlorn look. \u201cI wish you had come to me and faced me like a man instead of stooping to these theatrics.\u201d<\/p>\n

A look of confusion swept across Ben\u2019s face. \u201cWhat have I ever done to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Al Munson stood straighter and made eye contact with each of the others staring at him. \u201cYou are all enamored with the Cartwrights. During this gathering you ate their fine food, drank their liquor and praised their business practices. You believe they\u2019re beyond reproach and would never let anything stick in their craw so long that they\u2019d go to these lengths to crush someone who bested them in the past. But you\u2019re wrong.\u201d He dropped into his chair as though too fatigued to stand a moment longer. His voice cracked with emotion. \u201cI\u2019ve known Ben Cartwright since we both courted the same woman back in Boston. He never got over the fact that she chose and married me. He went so far as to beg her to leave me after his own wife died, leaving him with a child he didn\u2019t care to raise alone.\u201d Munson withdrew his handkerchief, dabbing at his eyes and nose.<\/p>\n

Judge Harris could see Ben\u2019s anger fomenting, and tried to convey the necessity of remaining patient with a raised brow and wink.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce Ben left Boston,\u201d Munson began again, \u201cmy poor dear slowly regained her confidence after the abuse he laid on her for not doing as he demanded. We thought no more of him, until we moved to San Francisco. He must have read of our coming in the paper, and he began harassing her again. When she denied his advances once more, he threatened her and our family. She went to meet him a final time, hoping to convince him to forget her, but he caused such a scene that she had to be rescued by the hotel staff. My wife despaired of ever being free of him and took her own life to escape him and protect us.\u201d<\/p>\n

The collective hiss at this information, made Munson raise his handkerchief again\u2014this time to hide his satisfied grin. Receiving sympathetic glances from the others, Munson pointed at Ben; his webbed fingers forming an arrow. \u201cBen Cartwright had no remorse over her death, and in fact continued to hold a grudge. He must have seen his chance to ruin me when he discovered I was bidding on this contract.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are insane.\u201d Ben\u2019s tone was solid steel as he stared Munson down. \u201cI\u2019m sorry for the loss of your wife. But I don\u2019t even know who she was, and I had no part in it.\u00a0 Your grief is corrupting your thoughts.\u201d Ben struggled to maintain his composure. \u201cI also deny that I did anything to the interfere with your bid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Munson smiled eerily. \u201cThen it is fortunate I can produce a witness to verify what you, or rather your sons have done for<\/em> you. Once they are heard, there will be no doubt about your true character.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben thundered, \u201cBring this evidence forward. In fact, get Sheriff Coffee here before we go any further, so he can arrest me if any of this is true.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels remembered Judge Harris\u2019 admonition to call for a delay. \u201cBoth of you be seated!\u201d he shouted above the din of speculation. \u201cI\u2019ll send a man for the sheriff, and for this witness. Everyone <\/em>else remain here until we reconvene.\u201d\u00a0 With order restored, he moved to Munson\u2019s table. \u201cI\u2019ll need the name of that person, and one of my men will accompany you to your room to retrieve the paperwork you claim supports your original bid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Twenty-Two<\/strong><\/p>\n

The rancid odors of sweat, urine, vomit and dried blood assaulted his nose. He considered that either he hadn\u2019t died after all or hell had the stench of a mattress at one of the flea-ridden flops at the edge of town where he\u2019d retrieved Ponderosa drovers sleeping off a paralyzing drunk. At the moment, Adam envied Sport\u2019s accommodations at the livery. Remaining unconscious would have been preferable to this nauseating stew of nasal assault, but he abandoned the darkness, clawing his way back to mindfulness. Returning auditory awareness proved less assailing, except for the clang of a sledgehammer reverberating inside his skull with each heartbeat.<\/p>\n

Taking a deeper breath, he noted one pleasant smell amid the garbage pile. It was Sylvia\u2019s scent: light and fresh, unlike her sister\u2019s potent fragrance. He\u2019d have to open his eyes to know if it was her, but he wasn\u2019t sure he could. With his hands tied behind his back, there was no way to scrub away the crustiness that currently glued his eyelids together. Applying force in opposite directions accomplished nothing, but reversing the maneuver to squeeze his eyes tightly, created enough moisture to dissolve the adhesion.<\/p>\n

He was relieved that he had full recall of events leading to skull-cracking blow he\u2019d received during the night. Not sure of the time, he reasoned the force of the strike had guaranteed a long \u201crest.\u201d\u00a0 The world beyond his closed eyelids was bright enough to indicate daylight, and the angle of the sun\u2019s warmth on his cheek made it mid-morning. He swallowed a groan when he moved his head, causing pain to shoot from the throbbing wound on the back of his head, through his skull to his temples.<\/p>\n

A rustling of fabric accompanied by another waft of scent made him open his eyes enough to scan his immediate surroundings. Sylvia was there as he predicted; her back towards him while staring out the filthy window. He was on his side with ropes securing his wrists and ankles. Every long muscle in his back ached with the need to stretch and relax, and his entire scalp was extremely sensitive. Each time Sylvia moved; she created a waft of air that stung like a swarm of wasps attacking his head.<\/p>\n

There seemed no evidence of anyone else in the room, but continued to listen a bit longer. Convinced that he and Sylvia were alone, he said, \u201cYou have me at a disadvantage.\u201d His scratchy voice made Sylvia jump and turn. \u201cIs there water in here? I could use a swallow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes your head hurt?\u201d She witnessed his painful grimace. \u201cNever mind; I see that it does.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything hurts.\u201d The dryness in his throat caused a cough that ended in a pained moan. \u201cAbout that water?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s none here, and I\u2019m not going anywhere in this<\/em> place.\u201d She shrugged and attempted a grin. \u201cYou\u2019ll make more saliva now that you\u2019re awake.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam forced himself to inch onto over his other side when a door behind him opened. He gave the tall young man a head-to-toe perusal. \u201cAh, the missing Linc, I presume. You must be the willing volunteer who took supplies to our house after arranging Reggie\u2019s disappearance \u2026 and the one who put the dent in my head. Are you Munson\u2019s son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name\u2019s Liam, but I\u2019m not related \u2026 yet. I\u2019m engaged to Desiree.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even in his current situation, Adam continued to observe small details, like the way Sylvia moved from the window to position herself between the two men before addressing her future brother-in-law. \u201cHow\u2019s it going at the meeting?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam interrupted before Liam could answer. \u201cI\u2019ve told others about the lies Sylvia and Desiree have told, as well as my theories about their male accomplice. Nels and my father expect an uproar so anything Munson says will be met with skepticism. Since I\u2019m missing, they know I\u2019m in trouble and they\u2019re already out looking for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Liam laughed. \u201cI\u2019m pretty sure no one cared that you\u2019re weren\u2019t there. Your family was sitting together looking smug and unworried, until Al spoke up, that is. He even capitalized on your absence, saying you rigged the bids to make him look like a fool, and are staying away so no one can question you. Your father was backed against the ropes with Al delivering punch after punch that your old man couldn\u2019t defend. That guy in charge had to stop things and send his men for the sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam began sweating as he fought against the ropes; willing the knots to dissolve, thereby allowing him to pin this vile man to the wall and punch that snide grin off his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll like this part.\u201d Liam looked at Adam and laughed again. \u201cIt\u2019s almost showtime for Desiree. She\u2019s Munson\u2019s witness and she going to reveal how you and your brothers forced them out to your house, and made them work at that meeting. Then you threatened to spread lies about them if they didn\u2019t help with your plans to embarrass Al. The saddest part will come when she\u2019ll say that her sister can\u2019t speak for herself because she\u2019s too afraid. Seems your big horse of a brother tried to take advantage of her last night, and then became outraged when she got away. When Desiree is done, those men at the meeting won\u2019t even be able to look at your family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia\u2019s gaze rested on Adam as Liam spoke, and she saw the mix of pain, confusion, and building rage reflecting back at her. She\u2019d assisted her father in his plans to take down the Cartwrights, believing that this family was of questionable character. He\u2019d professed that no man could amass land and fortune if he wasn\u2019t underhanded.<\/p>\n

It had taken little time with the Cartwrights before she knew her father had been wrong. Her chest began to hurt as she heard Liam continue to bait Adam with his story of the damage the Munsons meant to inflict. She couldn\u2019t let this continue, and moved towards Liam, wrapping her arm around his back, and ushering him towards the door. \u201cThanks for checking on me, but Papa is going to need you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Liam glared at Adam. \u201cI have to go, but I\u2019ll be back to take care<\/em> of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam returned his menacing stare. \u201cWon\u2019t it raise suspicions about my guilt in this story, if I\u2019m found dead with my head bashed in?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere won\u2019t be enough left of your head to raise suspicions,\u201d the young man said with a wide, eerie grin. \u201cPlagued by guilt, Adam Cartwright will blow his brains out, leaving behind a note to explain his attempt at atonement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve read a couple of dime novels, and their plots were more believable,\u201d Adam spat back. \u201cThe sheriff, the railroad, and especially my father will figure out what you\u2019re all doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Liam\u2019s snakelike smile reappeared during Adam\u2019s response. \u201cYour family will deny it, and they\u2019ll even disprove it\u2014eventually. But not before those men at that meeting head home and spread the story far and wide. Isn\u2019t there a saying about closing the barn door after the animals are already out? Those rumors will always linger, and make anyone considering a deal with your family scrutinize every word you say. The old biddies in this town will have a wonderful time spreading the gossip\u2014each adding their own nasty tidbits about anything they ever heard about your father, until the nice folks who once valued Ben Cartwright\u2019s business and sought his opinion, will look away and whisper when he walks past.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The young man\u2019s unnerving laughter lingered in the room after Liam left, making Adam close his eyes, to limit the whirl of thoughts clamoring for attention in his throbbing head. With his emotions in check and his next step planned, he opened them to find Sylvia staring at him. Noticing how pale and drawn she looked, he said, \u201cYou and Desiree are skilled actresses and manipulators, but I never thought you capable of murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sighed as pulled a chair near the bed and dropped onto it. \u201cLiam\u2019s all talk.\u201d A shy grin made a brief appearance. \u201cHe nearly soiled his pants when he thought he\u2019d killed you last night. He\u2019s an actor who\u2019s overplaying his role. There were no plans to harm anyone physically, until you interfered. Liam wanted to knock you out, but he swung so hard, I actually thought he\u2019d cracked your skull. We didn\u2019t know what to do, but Liam took this room so we could stash you somewhere. He paid for two nights. They\u2019ll find you tomorrow, well after we\u2019re gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure you\u2019re right about him. I suspect he murdered the delivery man, so he could take supplies to our house. No one\u2019s seen Reggie in days. And he probably gave Hop Sing a poisoned tea.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia\u2019s frown was accompanied by a tightening jaw. \u201cI don\u2019t know anything about that, but it doesn\u2019t sound like him. Desiree met him at a local playhouse, and she suggested we bring him in on our plan. We needed a young man to do legwork.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen did he first come to Virginia City?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA month ago. He spent his time in the saloon buying drinks for anyone who\u2019d share stories about the Cartwrights. He stayed at the International House. That\u2019s how he found out the hotel was full this week, and he observed how many people worked at night, and tried to judge Jake\u2019s ability to withstand being corrupted by a pretty face or cash. He passed inspection, and once Papa got the meeting agenda, we finalized our plans.\u201d She pulled her shoulders back and added swagger to her tone. \u201cYou may not think much of what we came up with, but it has worked perfectly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot quite. I knew something was wrong from the moment you showed up at our house. But Hoss vouched for you and\u2014\u201d The mention of his brother\u2019s name produced a tight frown. He inched himself to the edge of the bed, swung his legs down while pulling his torso upwards to sit. \u201cI\u2019m sure Liam found out that Hoss has a tender heart, and he\u2019d be easy to manipulate. Joe would be easily swayed too if a pretty girl was involved.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou say Liam got carried away by his role, but didn\u2019t you do that too with Hoss? You could have been sweet towards him without encouraging his affection.\u00a0 He never expects ulterior motives and accepts people at face value. He believes you care deeply for him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI meant to enlist his sympathy and then his cooperation, but he was so different that I grew genuinely fond of him. Hurting him is my greatest regret.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gave her a wry smile. \u201cWell-done Sylvia. I nearly believed that.\u201d<\/p>\n

She wiped her bare hand against her cheeks to dry the tears that had escaped. \u201cThat\u2019s the one thing you can believe.\u201d A heavy sigh. \u201cI wish I knew how to end this without anyone else getting hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUntie me and we\u2019ll go to the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her nod was half-hearted. \u201cI would, except we\u2019ll all be arrested.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll speak for you, Sylvia. You lied to us, but that\u2019s not a crime. It only becomes defamation if you lie publicly about <\/em>us. The more serious crime is interfering with the bids. I don\u2019t know what you did, but we can stop this before it comes out!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStop!\u201d Her lips formed a thin, hard line. \u201cWe\u2019ll be done and gone in an hour. Desiree plans to walk out as soon as she tells her story. Liam will leave to check on her, and Papa will talk until he\u2019s sure the others believe what they\u2019re hearing about your family. Then he\u2019ll storm out, claiming he\u2019s so upset that he wants nothing more to do with any of it. Things will be in such an uproar that we\u2019ll be gone before anyone asks questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy does your father hate us?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia walked to the window, assuring herself that Liam was moving down the street. \u201cPapa\u2019s telling those men that your father had feelings for my mother back in Boston, and then chased after her and tormented her for staying with my father. She eventually killed herself to be free of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed loudly and rocked forward, nearly tumbling to the floor before he managed to set his tied ankles far enough apart to balance. \u201cAnyone who knows Pa would find that ridiculous.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stood straighter and raised her chin regally. \u201cMy mother is dead; my father\u2019s grief is real, and there\u2019s only your father\u2019s denial to offset that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut the denial of a good<\/em> man\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMay get a tad more consideration,\u201d she asserted. \u201cBut in the end, a good accusation leaves a stain that sets. People love to believe the worst, especially<\/em> about a good man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no time for philosophical debate. You said this is what your father is telling<\/em> people. What\u2019s the real story.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia paced as she considered whether to reveal the sordid truth. \u201cMy father was mortally wounded by my mother, and somewhere in his never-ceasing pain, he concluded that destroying your father was the only treatment to heal him.<\/p>\n

He stretched his arms back to ease the pressure in his shoulders. \u201cWhat did she do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe betrayed him, but not in the usual manner. Papa never denied that our mother was a dreamer\u2014a most sensitive and enigmatic soul\u2014who could be joyous at breakfast, and drowning in melancholy by dinner. But he loved her fiercely, and spent years trying to understand and encourage her. It was after she died that Papa found out the actual cause of the upheavals in her spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grew impatient. If the accusations against his father had already been made, then the truth had to come out before the lies began growing roots. Yet shouting at Sylvia to hurry would be fruitless. Concentrating had kept his pain at bay \u2026 at first \u2026 but his head wound must have reopened when he turned over, and he could feel a trickle of sticky warmth tracing down his neck. Sitting up wasn\u2019t helpful either, and he was becoming more nauseated with each movement of his head. He struggled for calm as he reassured her. \u201cI promise to keep an open mind; please finish the story.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded curtly and wrapped her arms around herself protectively. \u201cTo those observing, we had the perfect family in Boston. Papa provided a good income and lovely things, but my mother ignored all of us. She spent hours in her room, and only ventured out to the harbor, where she\u2019d sit across from a particular house, pub or store. She took me along once when I was little, and I can remember her approaching a man who came out of that store.\u201d Her laugh was dry. \u201cI remember he had the strangest beard. A large \u2018goatee,\u2019 mother called it, and it did look a bit like a Billie-goat\u2019s beard.\u201d<\/p>\n

One eyebrow arched at the description.<\/p>\n

\u201cEight years ago, Mother decided we should move to San Francisco. Papa was shocked, but Desiree and I were young women already, so we came. Things seemed better out here. Mother started paying more attention to her looks again, and she walked downtown to the hotels for tea, and read the newspaper. She was still distant, but she was focused \u2026 or so we thought. One day the police delivered Mother to the house. They told us they\u2019d been summoned to a hotel where she\u2019d been harassing a guest. This man hadn\u2019t pressed charges and the hotel had simply sent her home with the police escort, and a warning not to return.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow does my father fit into any of this,\u201d Adam broke in, impatiently.\u00a0 \u201cI do recall an incident with a woman weeping over Pa in a hotel lobby some years back, but he said he had no idea who she was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was her.\u201d Silvia signed before continuing the story. \u201cWe called the doctor who declared Mother to be experiencing a mental collapse, and in need of rest. He left a bottle of sleeping elixir, and Mother swallowed the entire thing that night. We found her dead in the morning, clutching journals she\u2019d written over 30 years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas it the content of those journals that hurt your father?\u201d Adam encouraged.<\/p>\n

She nodded. \u201cThose personal books told the story about her and your father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow could it be about him if he didn\u2019t know her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey met one day at the Boston docks. Mother tripped, Ben Cartwright helped her up, and he stayed until he was sure she was able to move on. Those 10 minutes began a lifelong obsession. He sailed with a merchant ship the next day, and Mother\u2019s writing revealed that she was sure he\u2019d come back, see her waiting on the dock, and drop to his knee to propose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s disbelief came out in a loud snort, followed by a groan of pain. \u201cMy father was in love with my mother by then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t have mattered, Adam. No one knew how insane she was. She didn\u2019t even realize those ships were gone for months, so she\u2019d check at the docks every week, asking if he was back. Some old sailors finally told her the ship had been lost at sea. She believed them, and married my father shortly after that. Al Munson was no Ben Cartwright, she wrote in an early journal, but he was rich, and she was getting too old to be single.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure it hurt your father to find he\u2019d run a distant second to a dead-man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf that was the extent, he might have laughed it off. But Mother went to the harbor on the second anniversary of meeting Ben, and saw that not only was he was alive, but he had a wife who was expecting. Mother was also expecting, but she miscarried right after that. Father assumed that her dispirited state was due to that loss. He was wrong.\u201d She stopped and reared back a bit. \u201cI guess that\u2019s where you enter this story!\u201d<\/p>\n

He would have rolled his eyes, but it hurt too much.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer next entry revealed that she was relieved to have lost the child, because Ben\u2019s wife had died in childbirth. This was her sign that she was to become your mother, and your father\u2019s new wife.\u00a0 She went to Ben and offered herself, but he spurned the offer. Rather than hating Ben, she blamed my father for ruining everything. After your father left Boston, she wrote that she\u2019d as soon die as stay married to Papa, but why leave when you can feign grief over a lost child and have no expectations placed on her other than to accept the gifts of a wealthy spouse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s stomach turned in a mixture of vertigo and horror. \u201cShe left all this for him to read when she died?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia nodded. \u201cShe even told of going through that bearded man\u2019s mail, hoping to find letters from your father.\u201d She stopped and squinted. \u201cWas that man your grandfather?\u201d<\/p>\n

A nod. \u201cAbel Stoddard. Did she find what she wanted?\u201d<\/p>\n

This time her head moved side-to-side. \u201cWith no results, Mother began \u2018bumping into\u2019 him \u2026 Abel, on the street, claiming she was a friend of Ben and his wife. Her writings said he offered no information as to Ben\u2019s whereabouts, and that made her furious.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt he knew where we were. Pa wanted to head straight west, but revised that to let me grow a bit. We stayed wherever Pa could find a job and learn some new skill. By the time a letter got to Abel, we were probably somewhere else. It took even longer to get mail to its destination once we settled out here.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded. \u201cWith no actual news about your father, Mother filled her journals with fantasies about him. There were stories about how he\u2019d return each year on the day they\u2019d originally met, and in those few hours together, he\u2019d vow his love and desire for her. She remained certain they would be together one day.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy mother spent those years pining and sleep-walking through her actual life. She was distant, but Des and I believed she loved us. Even that was torn away from us in her journal when she wished she\u2019d had no children, as they obviously deterred Ben from seeing her as a youthful and available partner.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam remained very still to keep the dizziness at bay, but he did allow a slack-jawed grunt. \u201cShe reduced your father to an open wallet, and you girls to a regret. I am sorry this happened, but again, my father had no part in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was the last entries that hit Father the hardest. Moving out here was only a ploy. After seeing an article about Ben in a newspaper back in Boston, she decided she had one last chance with him, and suggested the move. This was to be her finest hour when everything she\u2019d dreamed of would come true.\u00a0 But after the fiasco at the hotel, she wrote a final love note to Ben, forgiving him, and citing her husband\u2019s evil in keeping them apart too long. She saved her anger for Papa, writing of her absolute hatred of him, and telling him that she could only get through the years of their marriage by imagining he was Ben any time he sought her affection. Picturing your father was the only thing that allowed her not to kill him in his sleep along with the children she\u2019d never wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was obviously ill. So why continue the insanity and hurt others?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019d given 30 years to Mother: satisfied every whim, and loved her through every deep pit. After Papa found those journals, he studied them like unholy scripture, committing each ugly verse to memory. At first, he only set out to find Ben Cartwright, and take stock of the man who\u2019d been Mother\u2019s measuring stick. He\u2019d hoped to find a pitiable man, but it was quite the opposite. Then he worked hard to be in a position to go up against the Ponderosa in business. But that took time, and Mother\u2019s evil epistles began to fester like Job\u2019s boils. To keep going, he made your father the potshard he used to scratch at those wounds. The ruination of Ben Cartwright was the only balm for his tortured soul.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam risked a stomach upheaval to look over at her. \u201cBut you\u2019re having second thoughts about helping him. I know you want more from life, and you\u2019ve figured something out\u2014something conclusive that refutes your father\u2019s entire premise.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded while drawing a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cDesiree is the image of my mother. I reminded Papa of this when he first proposed this scheme. If Ben Cartwright was as enamored with Mother as Papa believed, he would surely be reminded of her as soon as he saw Desiree. Papa said not to worry, and now I know why. I watched your father when he met my sister, expecting to see some hint of recognition; perhaps cautious glances that would reveal a returning memory. There was nothing. Papa demonized your father. But the man I met and dined with last night; the man who raised the sons I\u2019ve gotten to know, is a good, kind and highly respected man. His sons are as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019ll still participate in this? Your father is crossing a line of insanity and the law, and if you step over with him, you\u2019ll pay the same price.\u201d Adam drew a long breath as he visualized the last few minutes. He was sitting on the bed, while Sylvia sat next to him in a confessional pose. Yet she stopped short of asking for absolution.<\/p>\n

She suddenly held up both hands, spreading her fingers to expose the scars. \u201cPerhaps one reason I continue to help Papa, is that I\u2019m eternally joined to him by these. My mother didn\u2019t spare either of our conditions in her hateful rants. She called Papa, Satan, and me the spawn of Satan. You think I tried to rid myself of the stigma with surgery.\u201d A loud laugh rocked the tiny room. \u201cMother had been haunting the harbors alone for years. But I was a cute little girl, and she came up with a new scheme, thinking your grandfather would be more likely to reveal information if she had me along to disarm him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia scrubbed at the scars between her fingers. \u201cHe did respond as she\u2019d predicted. He was kind, and he took my hand in greeting. But in mother\u2019s mind, he paused an instant too long looking at my fingers. She was horrified, and assumed he saw me as a deformed freak. When we got home, Mother pinned me on the kitchen table, and performed surgery on me with a butcher knife, severing the skin between my fingers. I screamed in absolute terror as she hacked, so she stuck a towel in my mouth, and smiled as she explained that she had to do it because, \u2018he\u2019 would never love her if her daughter wasn\u2019t normal.\u00a0 My father lied to the doctor, saying I\u2019d gotten hold of the knife. The poor man did what he could to repair the mess, but he had no idea how to \u2018fix\u2019 it. After it healed so horribly, Mother insisted I cover my hands so she didn\u2019t have to view \u2018such ugliness.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Adams sigh was anguished. \u201cYou<\/em> must see that your father is using you just as your mother did. He wants restitution for his grief. Yet he wants payment from someone who owes him nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPapa doesn\u2019t see it that way. One person drove Mother\u2019s fantasies, and to him, that man is responsible. The only happiness he\u2019s known since finding the journals, has come while working on this plan.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do admit that you were well prepared. You adapted flawlessly when Nels put the bids in the safe instead of keeping them in his room.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia chuckled as her dour look melted for a moment. \u201cThat wasn\u2019t a change of plans, Adam. We wanted the bids in the safe. Getting a combination from that clueless young man was infinitely simpler than clearing the railroad men from their suite long enough for Papa to check the other bids and then finish his. The reason we arrived here when we did was to get to your house and do something that raised enough suspicion that the railroad would want those bids secured, and to create the first suspicions about your family.\u201d<\/p>\n

One eye dropped to a squint as Adam\u2019s lips formed a begrudging smile. \u201cWell played,\u201d he said, even as something she\u2019d said pushed for recognition. \u201cYou said your father \u2018finished\u2019 his bid? I assume the one he turned in was blank, and the figure he added was absurdly low so he could claim someone was attempting to make him look foolish? How\u2019d you manage that without damaging the other bids?\u201d<\/p>\n

Another laugh, softer this time. \u201cThat stationery seemed thick, but the written numbers were easily seen with the aid of a bright flame. And he asked to put his own bid in the envelope at his meeting, and barely sealed it so he could add a number later. It saved a few minutes that way since all he had to do was remove one of the spares to appear there\u2019d been a substitution.\u00a0 He then used your figure to doctor his worksheets and make them look legitimate enough to uphold his claims.\u201d<\/p>\n

A grin took shape as Adam listened. He didn\u2019t raise his head: only his voice. \u201cWe need to go to the hotel. Your father made a fatal error, and he\u2019ll be exposed whether you<\/em> tell the truth or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her cheeks paled. \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure how<\/em> he did it, but Nels marked each of those forms. He\u2019ll know there\u2019s been no substitution. Once he reveals that, they\u2019ll round up all the people from town to expose the lies you\u2019ve told, and make Liam\u2019s connection known too. Your sister, your father and Liam will be immediately arrested for fraud. They\u2019ll come for you then, adding kidnapping and attempted murder to the charges.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes overflowed but she remained immobile. Adam could see she was stuck on an emotional fence, considering whether her family might still pull this off and escape unscathed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can help if we go now!\u201d he said loudly enough to shock her into a decision. \u201cThere are extenuating circumstances that will lead towards leniency.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right!\u201d Sylvia moved next to him and began working at the knots around his wrists. \u201cIf you hadn\u2019t been pulling at these while we talked, they\u2019d be easier to undo,\u201d she scolded.<\/p>\n

Adam bent to untie the rope around his ankles once his hands were free, but had to stop when the room began spinning and he felt himself falling sideways.<\/p>\n

Noticing his problem, Sylvia grabbed his shoulder and pulled him upright, and then squatted to release his ankles. As the last knot slipped loose, she said, \u201cI\u2019m trusting you, Adam Cartwright. You better not be lying.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not.\u201d His legs felt wobbly as he stood, and his head spun again, but he managed to get an arm around Sylvia\u2019s shoulders and leaned against her to let the vertigo pass. He took a few steps before a gray cloud and streaks of shooting light clouded his vision. His intent was to crouch in order to stem the impending blackout, but a wave of vertigo kept him moving forward until he hit the floor. Sylvia was shouting his name, but each repetition seemed further away until all he heard was the sound of waves crashing inside his skull.<\/p>\n

Twenty-Three<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben blew a burst of air upwards, resetting the silver strands that had drifted to his forehead when he\u2019d run his hands through his hair. He\u2019d been prepared for something to happen, but not this. Munson had vilified Ben\u2019s moral character, accused him of cheating and fraud, and indicted his sons for similar crimes. The man\u2019s tactics were ugly \u2026 and effective. Although he\u2019d offered no proof, Munson had created sympathy in the audience. They were primed to believe the promised witness who would undoubtedly cast more shadows on his family\u2019s credibility, and leave him without defense\u2014except to claim his innocence.<\/p>\n

A different concern struck him as he looked over at his sons. He\u2019d appreciated Hoss and Little Joe\u2019s silent restraint when Munson was issuing his claims. But with the meeting in recess, he wondered why they remained<\/em> silent. Little Joe was seated next to him. The boy\u2019s rigid posture, foot tapping, and the tight grip he held on the edge of the table cloth\u2014nearly separating the woven thread of the white linen\u2014spoke to his difficulty in keeping a calm exterior in the face of Munson\u2019s assault.<\/p>\n

Ben allowed himself a moment of pride in watching his youngest fight against his hot nature to realize that making a scene would only make things worse. He grasped the boy\u2019s arm and nodded, hoping the gesture would reassure him and secure his continued efforts.<\/p>\n

He looked next to his middle son who was obviously bothered by something beyond the current dilemma. Hoss\u2019 elbows rested on the table, and he seemed unable to hold his head up except to lean his forehead against his balled fists.<\/p>\n

Ben leaned closer to Little Joe. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on with Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s left cheek rose in a wince. \u201cDesiree grabbed him just before we came in here, and said Sylvia wants nothing more to do with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s brows shot upwards as his lower jaw sagged. He was moved by fatherly concern even as he remembered Adam\u2019s warnings about the sisters. \u201cDid she explain why?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged and then leaned closer and lowered his voice. \u201cWe knew nothing about those girls when we offered to help them. I\u2019ve been thinking on that, Pa, and after spending nearly two days with them, we still know nothing. They talked a lot, but said nothing. Hoss wanted to storm up there to demand answers, but I convinced him to wait\u2014”\u00a0\u00a0 Joe\u2019s voice trailed off as he looked toward the lobby and saw Roy Coffee leading Desiree and a young man into the room. He nudged his father, nodding towards the trio. \u201cThat\u2019s interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded sagely. \u201cMunson\u2019s witnesses, I presume.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe poked Hoss, telling him to look up. The huge, gray shawl draped from Desiree\u2019s shoulders dwarfed her, making her appear waiflike.<\/p>\n

While she scanned the room, she pulled the shawl tighter, creating a cocoon, and finally tugged on Roy\u2019s sleeve. She whispered in the sheriff\u2019s ear prior to aiming her trembling finger toward the Cartwright table. The conversation and identification seemed to take every bit of her energy, and she slumped, making Roy catch her before she went down.<\/p>\n

Hoss stared unblinking at the scene unfolding; his cheeks coloring to scarlet as the truth burned into his mind and heart. \u201cYou both know what she\u2019s sayin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat we tricked them into to coming to the Ponderosa, and then forced them help us discredit that slimy Munson?\u201d Joe offered.<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded as his frown deepened to a scowl. \u201cHe tried to warn me, but I wouldn\u2019t listen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho tried to warn you about what,\u201d Ben asked as he pulled his chair between his sons to hear better.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d Hoss dropped his head, releasing a ragged sigh. \u201cHe said right off their story didn\u2019t make sense. I got mad at him, Pa, and accused him of bein\u2019 jealous that a purdy girl might be sweet on me for a change.\u201d He groaned. \u201cHe gave in and let them stay. I should\u2019a trusted him, but gosh, Sylvia was so \u2026. Do you think he figured somethin\u2019 out about them, and that\u2019s why he\u2019s not here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll we know for sure is that Desiree is up there pointing at us,\u201d Joe told him. \u201cWe might be wrong about what she\u2019s saying,\u201d he added unconvincingly.<\/p>\n

Ben knew It was time for honesty. \u201cHoss is right,\u201d he said without preamble. \u201cI\u2019m going explain what I know, and you need to just listen.\u201d After organizing his thoughts, he launched into the details. As he got to the part where the sisters\u2019 lies would be exposed, he tempered his comments. \u201cIt seems Adam\u2019s suspicions were sound, but Hoss, you need to know that your brother didn\u2019t intend go searching for condemning information. He stumbled into the truth.\u201d He went on to reveal all that had been gleaned from Mary, Wilson, and Ralph, and then he pulled the telegram from his pocket for them to read.<\/p>\n

Ben watched bewildered looks developing on both sons. \u201cI\u2019d presume the young man up there comforting Desiree is the one mentioned in the telegram,\u201d Joe offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t Adam tell me this yesterday when I was goin\u2019 on about wantin\u2019 to marry Sylvia?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe had proof of lies<\/em>, but not of an intent to harm us.\u201d Ben laid his hand on Hoss\u2019s back. \u201cHe hoped there\u2019d be a reasonable explanation, and wouldn\u2019t condemn them without all the facts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cThis one\u2019s on me, Pa. I got blinded by some sweet words and a pretty face. Now that I think on it, Adam did try to warn me again yesterday afternoon by sayin\u2019 I should slow down some. I didn\u2019t want to listen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe thought back to all he\u2019d observed the last two days, and smacked the table with his fist. \u201cI\u2019ve got it. Look at Al Munson. See how he always keeps his hands tucked under his arms or in his pockets. It\u2019s a habit he\u2019s developed to hide those weird fingers. Adam told me he\u2019d seen others with fingers like that, and the condition can run in some families. Think about someone else who keeps her hands covered or tucked away.\u201d He paused for effect. \u201cI\u2019ll bet the ranch on Sylvia\u2019s fingers being connected just like Munson\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s cheek turned even redder. \u201cYou\u2019re sayin\u2019 them sisters are Munson\u2019s daughters?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe Adam figured that out during the night,\u201d Ben stated excitedly. \u201cAdam suspects Reggie, from Wilson\u2019s store, was killed to keep him from telling how he was paid to be sick the day before the party, and \u2026.\u201d He shivered. \u201cIf Adam figured it out, they might have done something to keep him from talking too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss rose, looking down at his father and Joe. \u201cHe went missing during the night, so they haven\u2019t had much time to \u2026\u201d Hoss paled to gray. \u201cHe\u2019s got to be nearby. Joe and me know this town better\u2019n anyone, and maybe we can find him before the Munsons get away with whatever it is they\u2019re pullin\u2019.\u201d He grabbed his brother\u2019s arm. \u201cSorry you have to face what\u2019s comin\u2019 on your own, Pa, but we gotta look for Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben walked them to the lobby, listing a few places they could try. He slowed when they neared the check-in desk, pointing to a dark stain on the wood floor at the edge of a throw rug. \u201cI don\u2019t recall a rug ever being here, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe looked around. \u201cSomeone moved it here from the entrance. You can see the outline of where it used to be.\u201d\u00a0 He crouched, pulling the rug aside to reveal a wet circle where an attempt had been made to remove a burgundy-colored stain.<\/p>\n

All color drained from Ben\u2019s face. He laid a hand on each sons\u2019 shoulder. \u201cHurry!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Ben spoke to Jake before returning to the dining room to find Nels. The two men moved to an unoccupied table for privacy, where Ben related the connection between Munson and the girls. \u201cI believe that Adam figured it out and confronted them during the night\u2014maybe when they were going into the safe.\u201d His shoulders rose as he took a deep breath to calm himself. \u201cI asked Jake if the night clerk reported anything unusual, and he said Theo was upset about spending an hour with Desiree, chasing down the smell of smoke that only she could detect. When she finally admitted the scent was gone, he returned to the desk where he found a guest picking up shard of glass, claiming he\u2019d dropped his glass of wine when he came down for some air.\u201d Ben gave Nels a moment to make the connection. \u201cWho do you suppose it was?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels groaned. \u201cAl Munson.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a large stain on the floor, and Jake thinks it looks more like blood than wine, but Munson had a excuse for that too. He had his hand wrapped in a handkerchief and he told Theo he\u2019d cut it on the glass.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t it odd that a wound so severe as to create a puddle would be completely healed this morning?\u201d Nels said in a heated tone. \u201cMunson\u2019s been gesturing with both hands, and there\u2019s no evidence of a wound.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded slowly. \u201cIt seems likely that Adam won\u2019t be coming back before this is over, if at \u2026.\u201d He stopped before concluding his thought. \u201cHoss and Joe left to search for him.”<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand the strength if takes for you to stay put, Ben, but we have to finish this and expose Munson as a liar.\u201d He touched Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cI have to ask, Ben. Did you know Munson\u2019s wife?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot that I recall. What I do know for sure, is that what else he\u2019s alleging is completely false.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d Nels cleared his throat, returned to his table and called for attention. \u201cI\u2019m going to ask Judge Harris, who is known for his years of service in the federal courts, to serve a moderator. Sheriff Coffee will keep order.\u201d<\/p>\n

He waited for the murmuring to die down before addressing Al Munson. \u201cYou\u2019ve accused Adam and Ben Cartwright of bid tampering in an attempt to defame you. You\u2019ve also given your opinion as to a motive, and produced witnesses who might corroborate your accusations. Let\u2019s begin with the charge.\u201d Nels held up the Munson and Cartwright bids, and reread the figure from each. \u201cPlease restate your allegation about these, Mr. Munson.\u201d<\/p>\n

Munson rose slowly. \u201cThe bid I handed in yesterday was within dollars of the Cartwrights.\u201d He held several pages aloft. \u201cI have my worksheets to prove it. Further, I believe Adam Cartwright entered the safe last night, and replaced my bid with the fake one you\u2019re holding, since a witness\u2014the young man with the sheriff\u2014saw him come out from behind the desk during the night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Judge Harris looked to Nels. \u201cIs one of your extra forms missing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nel\u2019s nod brought a hiss of excitement from the room. Quieting them, he asked Roy to bring the young man forward. \u201cPlease state your name and what you saw?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Liam Barnum. I stopped in Virginia city on my way to San Francisco, and stayed when I realized there was always a game of poker being played here. Gambling is how I make my money. Last night I came back after a late game and saw a guy sort of hiding behind the counter. I\u2019d seem him around the lobby and heard him called Adam, so thought he might work here nights. He didn\u2019t say anything; just waited for me to go upstairs. I didn\u2019t think anything of it until I was eating this morning and heard that man shouting about someone getting into the safe. I sent that guy a note letting him know what I saw.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas the safe open or was Adam holding anything when you saw him?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis hands were empty, but I heard a heavy clunk just as I walked in. It could have been the safe door closing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Nels said, dismissing Liam. \u201cPlease stay with the sheriff for now.\u201d He looked to the young woman still with Roy. \u201cWe might as well hear what you have to say Miss Lovelee.\u201d<\/p>\n

Desiree smiled shyly. \u201cYou all recognize me from the other day.\u201d She sniffed loudly and blinked as though holding back tears. \u201cWhen we got to town and had no place to stay, Hoss and Joe Cartwright offered us a room at their house. But when we got out there, Adam demanded we help with that party. It wasn\u2019t bad until after lunch when he took us in that room and said we should go through all the men\u2019s coats and put every wallet or valuable into the one coat he gave us. It turned out to be Mr. Munson\u2019s. Adam claimed it was a joke, and it would be even funnier if we could make those wallets fall out when we handed Munson the coat. When I saw how mad Mr. Munson got, I knew it hadn\u2019t been a joke at all. My sister and I wanted to go back to town right then, but the Cartwrights wouldn\u2019t allow it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She dabbed at her eyes and sniffed. \u201cWhen Hoss and Joe got back that evening, they started to get friendly with us, if you know what I mean. They threatened to say horrible things about us in town when we deferred their attentions. But then when we acted kindly towards them to ease the tension, Hoss got to believing that Sylvia actually liked him! Can you imagine my beautiful sister liking that giant! We hoped we\u2019d get away yesterday when we got to town, but they wouldn\u2019t let us out of their sight. And last night\u2026\u201d Desiree\u2019s voice broke as she fought to keep her composure. \u201cLast night Hoss forced himself on Sylvia. I heard what was going on, and managed to get her into our room. We locked ourselves in for the rest of the night, and she\u2019s still afraid to come out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy\u2019s eye bulged as he tried not to laugh. He took note that others in the room were sending ugly glances toward Ben. It proved an advantage that the CPRC engineer who\u2019d come for Roy, had given him a quick explanation of what was going on, as well as their certainty that it was a setup. Those suspicions had been confirmed for him when Desiree had sunk into the swoon after pointing out Joe and Hoss for their misdeeds. Holding a good-smelling woman close-up might be a nice experience in the right situation, but this was pure performance, and Roy knew it. Desiree\u2019s muscles had tightened as she dropped against him, instead of going limp as they would if she was truly fainting.<\/p>\n

This young woman wasn\u2019t the first to make accusations against the Cartwright boys since he\u2019d become sheriff either. But in each case, their innocence had been proven convincingly, and Roy knew this would end the same way. Accusing Hoss of impropriety was the icing on this lie. The big man was painfully shy when it came to women, and Roy had already received a dirty look from Desiree when he\u2019d asked, \u201cYou sure you mean Hoss Cartwright?\u201d when she\u2019d aimed her trembling finger towards the middle son.<\/p>\n

Roy shook his head over what was going on. The railroad man had told him about the charge made against Ben for abusing the wife of the guy doing all the hollering. He gave a soft snort at the thought of such a thing. There were four things Ben loved more than life itself: each of his sons, and the Ponderosa. He\u2019d never jeopardize that over some unrequited affair.<\/p>\n

It was a sheriff\u2019s duty to keep an open mind, but in this case, duty be damned. He kept silent only to honor the request of the railroad in order to see how deep these folks would bury themselves.<\/p>\n

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

Judge Harris rose and quieted the whispering before speaking to Desiree. \u201cThank you, Miss. You may relax, but you must stay with the sheriff. He\u2019ll need to take a statement when this meeting is done.\u201d With a sweep of his hand, he waved Nels forward. \u201cI believe Mr. Nelson also has testimony to share at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels adjusted the large hurricane lamp he\u2019d set on his table during the break. While the flame crept deeper onto the wick, forming a bright ball of light in the clear chimney, he pulled six sheets of paper from his portfolio and laid them on the table. Next to those, he placed a large yellow envelope. \u201cYour bids,\u201d he said, sticking his finger onto the pile he\u2019d set aside, \u201cwere examined during the break and then put in Judge Harris\u2019 care.\u201d He held the envelope up. \u201cThis contains the spare forms. We were given 18 official forms for the event. Six were given to you, leaving twelve blanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels extracted the contents of the envelope and counted each sheet, ending at eleven. \u201cThere is one bid missing, and Al Munson has accused the Cartwrights of using that one to replace his original sheet with a low-ball bid.\u201d He looked over at Roy. \u201cThat wallet incident at the Ponderosa prompted a further step to ensure the integrity of our forms. When I returned that evening, I took all 18 blank bids to Sheriff Coffee\u2019s office, and while he watched, I marked them. The six original bids were marked to correspond to the bidder they\u2019d be given to the next day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rick Spindler interrupted, \u201cI looked that form over carefully and didn\u2019t see any mark.\u201d<\/p>\n

A wry grin spread across Nels\u2019 face. \u201cThat\u2019s correct. But if the mark had been visible, it could have been duplicated. Even my men weren\u2019t told how I\u2019d marked them. Sheriff Coffee and I experimented with a few formulas for disappearing ink, and found lemon juice worked best. The juice dried clear, didn\u2019t wrinkle the paper, and darkened quickly when warmed.\u201d Nels removed the lamp\u2019s chimney with a flourish, and held the first bid over the flame until the number 2 appeared in the top, right corner. The whispers started up again as the next three bids revealed a 1, 4 and 6.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do those numbers mean?\u201d Roger Taggert asked, loudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember that your names were already on the bids when you received them. Each was marked with a number corresponding to the one you drew for your private meeting.\u201d Nels picked up the fifth form. \u201cThere are only two bids left to test This is the Cartwright bid. It should be marked with a five since Adam was the fifth to come upstairs.\u201d The page heated, and a number appeared. He made a tour of tables showing each participant the clear number five. \u201cFive of your bids have been proven original. I\u2019ve saved Al\u2019s bid for last.\u00a0 An X should appear on that one, since that\u2019s how I marked all the \u2018extra\u2019 sheets.\u201d<\/p>\n

Munson stood suddenly as Nels reached for the final bid. \u201cThis is insane. Are we school children that you\u2019d resort to such a ridiculous stunt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might be a simple method, but it has proved effective so far,\u201d Judge Harris stated calmly.<\/p>\n

The pitch and volume of Munson\u2019s voice rose. \u201cI suspect you\u2019re in league with the Cartwrights, Nelson! You seemed mighty cozy with them out at their house!\u201d<\/p>\n

Judge Harris held his hand up and ordered Munson to silence. \u201cAre you now widening your claim to include the representatives of the CPRC in trying to discredit you? You\u2019ve said Ben Cartwright had a particular motive, but these railroad men don\u2019t care who wins, just that the process is fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Cartwrights must be paying him.\u201d Munson shouted.<\/p>\n

The judge pounded his fist on the table. \u201cChoose your next words carefully, sir, lest you slander these men any further.\u201d The look he sent Munson\u2019s way, was flint and spark. \u201cIt\u2019s interesting that you\u2019re claiming trickery before the mark on your bid has been revealed.\u00a0 Such a reaction might indicate you already know what\u2019s there, and it doesn\u2019t support your claim.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben appreciated that Munson\u2019s undoing was beginning. The one who\u2019d pointed a finger at him, was now cowering like a rat trapped in a corner. But his satisfaction was clouded by other possibilities. He\u2019d turned towards the lobby several times as the door had opened. The disappointment at it not being his sons was tempered by the fact that Hoss and Joe hadn\u2019t been gone long. There was only one thing he could do. He beseeched Heaven for guidance in the search, and then concentrated on the meeting again.<\/p>\n

Nels pulled a long envelope from his coat\u2019s inner pockets. \u201cWhen Adam Cartwright turned in his bid, he gave me a second envelope, and asked that I read it this morning once all the bids were known. I\u2019ll do this now.\u201d He unfolded the page he extracted and skimmed it quickly before looking up at the group. \u201cJudge Harris witnessed Adam\u2019s transfer of this to me yesterday, and I certify that this has been in my possession since then, so nothing was changed. Adam writes: After thoughtful consideration, the Cartwright family respectfully withdraws from this competition. We could have entered a competitive bid, yet it would have meant altering the way we harvest our trees, and over-extending our financial resources. We are grateful to have participated in this opportunity. Congratulations to the winner<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Judge Harris turned to Ben. \u201cThat letter was delivered before you arrived yesterday. Will you confirm that the withdrawal is still valid?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019 true.\u201d Ben looked around the room. \u201cThe restructured contract favors brokers who can work with several timber providers and mills at once. We were anxious to participate, but complying with the changes was not supported by the costs. And as things often work, another opportunity arose while I was in Carson City. Colonel Fredericks from the Calvary, spotted me there and said he\u2019d planned to stop at the Ponderosa with an offer of timber work for a number of new forts they\u2019ll be putting up in Nevada to protect the railroad.*** The building project is spread over several years, thus allowing us to continue our conservation methods.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other men began nodding, and the questioning glances they\u2019d given Ben earlier were turned on Munson. Frank Fillmore finally spoke out. \u201cSo why did Adam submit a bid anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy son felt strongly that something odd was going on. He entered a low bid as bait. If someone was going to commit fraud to win, he wanted to make sure it was obvious. Just for reference, our actual bid would have been \u2018near\u2019 the other four of you, but definitely higher.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank looked at his fellow contenders. \u201cI thought Adam\u2019s bid was low, but then figured your operation could save on transportation costs, and doing it yourselves did away with commissions. Our base figures are set by our suppliers. Those didn\u2019t\u2019 change with the new requirements, but we did have to add in incentives for the rapid schedule, and for the probability of having to bring in other suppliers to meet needs.\u201d He took a deep breath and stared at Munson. \u201cThis is standard practice in the industry. In my case I lowered my profits to remain competitive, just as the others must have. That begs a question, Munson: how could your original <\/em>bid have been only a \u2018few dollars\u2019 more than Adam\u2019s fake amount. Yours should have been closer to ours than his!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s reveal the mark on this final bid,\u201d Nels said loudly to quiet the group and move to a conclusion. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you all come over here and watch as I put it to the heat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Twenty-Four<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe went first to saloons with feral customers, asking if they\u2019d seen Adam during the night. Their question was met by glassy eyed stares and shaking heads, except for one old-timer who reported seeing two men dragging a third through the alley when he\u2019d slipped out for a nap. He hadn\u2019t recognized them, but they\u2019d been headed towards the edge of town.<\/p>\n

Following their only lead, the brothers headed out back. Hoss crouched to point out two sets of footprints flanking what could have been the drag-marks created by the toes of another man\u2019s boots. \u201cMoses was right about what he saw,\u201d Hoss told his brother. \u201cIt was probably just a drunk miner or cowboy gettin\u2019 a tow to his horse, but it\u2019s something we should follow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf these two furrows do indicate someone being dragged, that man had boots with rounded toes rather than pointy ones,\u201d Joe said quietly. \u201cJust like Adam wears \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss lifted his hat to scratch his head and turned in a circle to see what was nearby. \u201cIf it they had Adam, they must\u2019a been on their way to stash him somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

They continued to follow the imprints until they ended at the next intersection, where the dirt became hard-packed. \u201cIt\u2019s too dark in this alley to see any other clues, and I don\u2019t recognize which of these buildings might make a good hidin\u2019 place from the back,\u201d Hoss told Joe. \u201cLet\u2019s head out to the street where we can see better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Their eyes were still adjusting to the bright sunlight as they exited the shadowed side street, when they heard shouting.<\/p>\n

Hoss didn\u2019t need to see who was calling; he recognized the voice, and called out, \u201cSylvia?\u201d<\/p>\n

She was breathless when she stopped in front of them, and she had to bend down and gulp air to speak. \u201cHe \u2026 needs \u2026 help!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss gripped her shoulders. \u201cJust get ta breathin\u2019 better, and then talk. His head snapped up when she took hold of his arms to steady herself. The scars where her fingers had been cut apart were flushed red with her exertion. \u201cI didn\u2019t want to believe it, but you really are Munson\u2019s daughter.\u201d His grip tightened, and his voice became ice. \u201cWhere\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia pointed in the direction she\u2019d come from. \u201cDown there. He figured out who I was during the night and Liam hit him in the head to keep him quiet. I\u2019ve been with him since then, but he\u2019s hurt \u2026 real bad.\u201d She shivered as she looked down at the blood covering the sleeves and bodice of her dress.<\/p>\n

Following her gaze, Hoss\u2019s face became a mask of fear. \u201cIs he alive or dead?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure. He was out cold all night, but he came to a while ago, and we had a good talk. He convinced me to stop Papa. I was going to help him walk to the hotel, but he took a few steps and collapsed. His head was bleeding again and I got covered with blood when I tried to make him comfortable. I couldn\u2019t wake him up, so \u2026\u201d Sylvia\u2019s eyes rounded; a single blink releasing a flood of tears. \u201cChecking his pulse wouldn\u2019t have made any difference if he was dead, and it would have delayed help if he wasn\u2019t, so I left him there and came to find you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe could see that Hoss was frozen by what he\u2019d just heard, and knew he had to take charge. \u201cTake us to him!\u201d he commanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to stop Papa from the biggest mistake of his life.\u201d She chewed on her lip like a piece of jerky. \u201cAdam\u2019s at a hotel \u2026 Easy\u2019s \u2026 I think it\u2019s called.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss pulled from his stupor and he drew himself to his full height, staring down at Sylvia. \u201cYou took my wounded brother to that filthy hole? If he isn\u2019t dead, he\u2019ll probably die from somethin\u2019 he\u2019ll get from layin\u2019 on an infested mattress!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe pulled at Hoss\u2019s arm. \u201cLet\u2019s get Adam. You can yell at her later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, Joe, she\u2019s not worth the breath.\u201d He grabbed Sylvia\u2019s shoulders a last time. \u201cWhat room?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSix. At the back corner.\u201d She touched Hoss\u2019s arm. \u201cYou won\u2019t believe me yet, but I am sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss turned away without comment. \u201cYou\u2019re faster\u2019n me, Joe. Go get Paul.\u201d\u00a0 Taking a final look back, he saw Sylvia making her way past the horses and people on the street, and wondered whether she was truly going to the hotel, or making an escape.<\/p>\n

Twenty – Five<\/strong><\/p>\n

Munson\u2019s face was nearly purple. \u201cThere\u2019s some mistake,\u201d he cried out when the heat of the lamp produced a five rather than the X. \u201cThe Cartwrights must have been able to remove my figure and pen in another.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny attempt to erase on that fibrous paper would show up clearly, and there isn\u2019t any evidence of that,\u201d Roger Taggert offered as he looked over Nels\u2019 shoulder. \u201cPerhaps you wrote your original number in disappearing ink too, Al?\u201d<\/p>\n

The hue of Munson\u2019s face deepened to nearly black when the others laughed at Taggert\u2019s comment, and he began sweating as he looked towards the restaurant\u2019s entrance.\u00a0 One of Nels\u2019 men was ushering in three people. Al didn\u2019t recognize the woman, but he knew one of the men operated the stage office. His fear that something was wrong, was confirmed when he looked towards his daughter and Liam, and he saw that they<\/em> recognized the others. Uncertain as to what these newcomers could divulge, he decided to keep playing the game. \u201cI\u2019m not sure what happened, but those two witnesses just told you what the Cartwrights are capable of doing!\u201d<\/p>\n

Nels ignored the comment and motioned for his engineer to bring the newest participants forward. \u201cI\u2019d like to introduce three additional witnesses. Mary Rogers is a seamstress in town, Wilson owns a store, and Ralph Bertrand runs the stage office.<\/p>\n

Desiree couldn\u2019t sit still, and as interest turned toward the newcomers, she slipped from her seat and headed toward the exit.<\/p>\n

Judge Harris\u2019 concern wasn\u2019t with the new witnesses. He kept his eyes on the two who\u2019d already spoken. When he saw Desiree\u2019s escape attempt, he shouted for Roy to stop her. With the young woman pushed back onto her chair, the judge addressed her. Miss \u2026 uh \u2026 Lovelee, you gave a moving account of being manipulated and abused by the Cartwrights, but let\u2019s clarify a few things. You told a several people that you came to town for an appointment with Mary Rogers. Was that true?\u201d<\/p>\n

Desiree\u2019s fidgeting resumed. \u201cAll right,\u201d she snapped back. \u201cWe lied about that. We wanted some fun away from home, and our father had talked about Virginia City. When we got here and there were only rooms at a boarding house, we felt foolish, and concocted the story to elicit sympathy. We did<\/em> go to that woman\u2019s shop.\u201d Her nose twitched upwards in haughty disdain, before completing her thought. \u201cAnd we were unimpressed.\u201d While she had paled with this new wrinkle of circumstance, her voice never wavered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou made a scene at this hotel when it was suggested you stay at a boarding house. Why was that\u201d\u201d the judge asked.<\/p>\n

Her eyes fluttered before she looked down at her hands. \u201cI don\u2019t stay at those establishments, since I was assaulted in one. The memory of that is too horrible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I find it odd that you stayed at a boarding house in Reno for nearly a week before catching a stage here on the day of the railroad meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Desiree\u2019s eyes nearly popped out with this revelation, and although her mouth opened in a most grotesque expression, she remained silent.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need to answer, Miss Lovelee,\u201d the judge said as she continued to sputter. \u201cRalph Bertram wired the Reno office for the information I revealed. You see, everyone from San Francisco, where you bordered the stage, to Reno where you stayed, remembered the two beautiful sisters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll not stay here and be accused!\u201d she finally screeched. \u201cI never said we<\/em> were without faults, and it doesn\u2019t change what the Cartwrights did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do need to stay,\u201d Roy told her. \u201cYou made some serious allegations about a family known for their kindness. It\u2019s out of character for them to do what you said, and after hearing that nearly everything else you\u2019ve<\/em> said since gettin\u2019 here is lies, I\u2019m thinkin\u2019 you lied about them too.\u201d<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll address Liam next,\u201d the judge stated. \u201cYou said you\u2019re a gambler who just stopped here on a whim. Yet Larry Wilson revealed that you\u2019ve been here for some time already, and gave him the impression that you were buying land next to the Cartwrights. You even managed to offer your services when Larry\u2019s regular man couldn\u2019t take supplies out to the Ponderosa before the meeting. We also know the sisters received telegrams while in Reno, and I\u2019m betting that if subpoenaed, Clancy from Western Union, would verify that they originated from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Liam said nothing, although his composure slipped away along with his spine, making him nearly slide from his chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough!\u201d Munson thundered. \u201cI can\u2019t speak to why these people would lie for me, but I know Ben Cartwright is behind it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone in the dining room was so focused on the proceedings that no one noticed Sylvia enter the hotel. She stopped near the desk to listen to the accusations against her sister and Liam, and finally her father\u2019s attempt to save his own skin. She headed directly to her father\u2019s side like a locomotive under full steam. \u201cStop this, Papa!\u201d she shouted. \u201cYou\u2019re just making a fool of yourself.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Munson swung around, staring in shock at his daughter. \u201cSylvia\u2026\u201d he moaned. \u201cBen Cartwright has to pay!\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia was aware of everyone staring, and drew a deep breath to compose herself. \u201cWe\u2019ve been lying about everything. Desiree and I are Al Munson\u2019s daughters, and none of the Cartwrights harmed us. They\u2019ve been gentlemen since the moment we met them. This is all a horrible, ugly mistake. I apologize for what we\u2019ve done, and beg you to understand how it came about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by a mistake?\u201d Judge Harris asked gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy father has told you that Ben Cartwright was enamored with my mother. The truth is that she met him only once in Boston, before<\/em> \u00a0either of them were married. The exchange was so insignificant that he can\u2019t recall it. But my mother was \u2026 mentally unstable, and Ben\u2019s one act of kindness formed into her lifelong obsession.\u00a0 She did take her life, but not for the reasons Papa said. And when she did, she left behind a lifetime of writings for Papa to find. The stories and conclusions she\u2019d made about him were so ugly that they tore him apart. He turned that grief into a need to reclaim his honor.\u201d<\/p>\n

The judge\u2019s voice remained soothing. \u201cWas there any contact between Ben and your mother, as your father alleged?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia\u2019s laugh sounded like a gurgling moan. \u201cNo. But that didn\u2019t stop her from writing stories about it \u2026 and believing her own fiction. Ben couldn\u2019t have participated. He had a ranch, a life and three sons across the country from Boston; a journey that would have taken months each way. She didn\u2019t know where he was until she saw a newspaper from San Francisco, and then quickly convinced Papa to move out here. She figured out which hotel he was at, and made a scene.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben rose slowly. \u201cI remember an incident in a hotel several years ago. The woman was muttering incoherently. What was your mother\u2019s maiden name?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cImogene Franklin.\u201d Sylvia held her breath, wondering if the name would light a spark. She wasn\u2019t sure how to feel when she saw none.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s head moved side-to-side. \u201cI am sorry for your loss, and had I known how badly my lack of memory would affect her, I might have tried a little harder to recall that first meeting. Thank you for your honesty, Sylvia. The decision to intervene today could not have come easily.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thank you as well,\u201d Nels told the young woman before turning to her father and addressing him in an authoritative voice. \u201cBut I\u2019m struggling to understand why you chose this opportunity to get even, Al. Your plan didn\u2019t just impact the Cartwrights. Your vendetta may have ruined months of careful planning by every other bidder in this contest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Al Munson was down for the count. He stared blankly at Nels, as though suddenly deaf and mute.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try to explain,\u201d Sylvia offered. \u201cYou\u2019d need to understand my father\u2019s misery. He couldn\u2019t blame Mother anymore, so he set on getting revenge for a wasted life from the person who\u2019d been at the center of his agony. \u00a0Pain and embarrassment can do horrible things without viewing the greater consequences.\u201d She looked over at Ben and then back to Nels and the judge. \u201cI\u2019m not sure what you\u2019ll do about your meeting, Mr. Nelson, but I would appreciate if we could give further statements privately. I have a few of those journals with me, and perhaps they will allow you to view our situation more kindly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pulled himself from the grips of the story he\u2019d just heard. Only then did he notice the dried stains on Sylvia\u2019s dress. \u201cYou\u2019re covered in blood!\u201d He stated as he strode towards her. \u201cDoes that have anything to do with why Adam isn\u2019t here?\u00a0 Have you harmed him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sylvia\u2019s hand flew to cover her mouth and she groaned. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know how he is, but he\u2019s with Hoss and Joe.\u201d She wrapped her arms around herself and began to cry.<\/p>\n

A commotion near the front desk, drew Ben\u2019s attention and sent him running to the tall man in the blood saturated shirt who\u2019d just entered. Adam was ghostly pale, but he was on his own two feet, sort of. Hoss\u2019s strong arm was wrapped around his brother\u2019s waist, holding him up by his belt, while Joe provided a similar service from the opposite side. Paul followed the trio, dabbing the blood from the back of Adam\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

Paul Martin took a look at Ben and knew he had to speak fast or he\u2019d have two patients. \u201cHe\u2019ll be all right, Ben,\u201d Paul said as the brothers maneuvered Adam onto a chair. \u201cIt\u2019s a serious wound, and he might have a concussion, but right now, he needs to be cleaned up and have a few stitches to stop the bleeding.\u201d The family\u2019s physician began to chuckle. \u201cYou know your son well enough to figure that he refused treatment until he could see what was happening here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s face took on a sour grimace as he shivered. \u201cThey had him stashed at Easy\u2019s, Pa. I swear they don\u2019t never clean that place. I feel itchy from just standin\u2019 in there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s face reddened with rage. \u201cThankfully, Munson\u2019s lies have already come out. Now it\u2019s a matter of knowing what to do with these people. He bent down to rest his hand on his eldest\u2019s son cheek before saying, \u201cTake Adam to our room and give Paul a hand. I\u2019ll have Roy and the railroad men bring the Munsons and that young man up soon, and once Nels can get away, he\u2019ll join us and we\u2019ll settle this.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Hoss helped Adam stand up again once their father had gone back into the dining room, bet when he tried to steer him towards the steps, Adam refused to budge.<\/p>\n

\u201cHang on a minute!\u201d The pained look that seemed permanently etched on Adam\u2019s features, took on edges of a grin. \u201cWhen Pa looks like that, there\u2019s going to be fireworks. We don\u2019t want to miss this!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s long strides led directly to Munson\u2019s table. He dragged the surprised man up by his lapels until they were face-to-face. \u201cYou used your bad fortune as an excuse to hurt us and others. Your ill-conceived plan could have resulted in Adam\u2019s death. And when the truth came out, you weren\u2019t enough of a man to speak up, making your daughter offer your pitiful excuses. What do you have to say for yourself?\u201d When Munson remained mute, Ben issued a non-verbal comment of his own, laying the man out cold with one solid blow to the chin.<\/p>\n

Applause broke out from diners seated at outside tables of the restaurant, who having finished their breakfasts, remained glued to their chairs to watch the drama playing out. Actual cheers rose from the other bidders.<\/p>\n

Twenty – Six<\/strong><\/p>\n

Paul Martin drew Ben aside as he entered the suite \u201cHoss held Adam down just long enough to get him cleaned up and changed, and I managed to wrap some gauze over the wound. But that\u2019s all<\/em> he\u2019ll allow for now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed\u2014the long-suffering variety\u2014prompted by his eldest\u2019s son\u2019s normal reaction to being ill or injured. \u201cI\u2019m sure you did your best. We\u2019ll hurry this along so you can patch him up.\u201d He chuckled inwardly as he spotted the massive white wrap around Adam\u2019s head. The surfeit of bandaging made Ben wonder if Paul charged them by the foot. But he\u2019d pay anything required for the relief of seeing the man in the gauze turban, slouched into a comfortable chair near the fireplace.<\/p>\n

A quick glance around the room, revealed an absence that made him ask, \u201cWhere are Joe and Sylvia?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy let him go with her to get some books she wants you to see,\u201d Hoss told his father.<\/p>\n

Ben noted the same mixture of pain and anger in his middle son\u2019s voice that he\u2019d heard earlier. He also knew this day wasn\u2019t going to get any easier. Fatherly pride buoyed him, as he realized his family was \u201cdealing\u201d with these unexpected circumstances like they did with every challenge they faced. He\u2019d been beaten down by false accusations; Hoss had sustained a wound to his heart, and Adam had been pistol-whipped to within inches of surviving. They\u2019d all recover, but he understood that one of these injuries would heal harder than the rest.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s line of sight was drawn to the Munsons, and it hit him solidly that their plan could have worked if Nels and Adam hadn\u2019t paid attention. Without the clues and legwork done ahead of the meeting, their accusations would have left the Cartwrights fighting an uphill battle, trying to defend something that had never happened. The scheming, lying, and finally the exposing of it all, appeared to have sapped all energy from Desiree and her father. The two were wedged on opposite sides of a small settee at the side of the room, each staring ahead blankly. While he was still looking their way, Munson reached up to rub his reddened jaw. The obvious discomfort it was causing didn\u2019t bother Ben at all. He actually wished Munson had remained standing long enough for a second blow.<\/p>\n

The mantel clock chimed ten times as Ben walked to Adam\u2019s chair, leaving him astounded that it had been only two hours since the meeting had begun. Crouching next to his son, he asked. \u201cHow are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need a bath to get the stench of that \u2026 place \u2026 off me, but at least I changed clothes. I can smell Hop Sing\u2019s lye soap more than \u2026 other things for now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd your head? You look tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s chuckle was low and rumbly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so funny?\u201d Ben asked as he reached up to check his son\u2019s forehead for heat.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy two rescuers and physician knew they had to hurry, so Paul was cleaning what feels like a deep crater on the back of my head, while Joe was scrubbing the blood off my face and neck. Meanwhile Hoss was stripping off my shirt and pants. Never have I felt more cared for \u2026 or more manhandled at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was worried when you didn\u2019t show up at breakfast. And when you didn\u2019t arrive for the meeting, I knew something bad had happened. Thank God that young man didn\u2019t swing any harder.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe must have hit with the edge of the grip, making it act like a dull hatchet hitting a ripe tomatoe.\u201d He pressed the top of his head with both hands and grimaced. \u201cThe headache is easing, but whatever Paul used to clean it has left it burning like it\u2019s on fire. The good doctor offered something for the pain, but he\u2019d have knocked me out for sure, and I want a clear mind for a while yet.\u201d A wistful look towards the small table holding the half-full whiskey bottle from the previous day, produced a sigh. \u201cI\u2019d like some of that<\/em>\u00a0 for the pain, but Paul \u2018suggested\u2019 sticking to water.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was one clean glass remaining on the mantel, so Ben procured it and filled it with liquor. \u201cHere,\u201d he told Adam after a check to make sure Paul wasn\u2019t looking. \u201cTake a swallow or two, and I\u2019ll finish it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam drew the back of his hand across his lips, while handing the half-empty glass to his father. \u201cThanks, Pa.\u00a0 How\u2019re you doing? Hoss told me Munson said some pretty awful things about you, and Sylvia told me the real story while holding me in that room. Hearing it out loud finally convinced her how insane it was, and it made her act.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cI\u2019m glad she came around before it was too late. What astounded me, was that as preposterous as Munson\u2019s accusation sounded, those other men showed signs of believing him at first. And those were all men who know us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was the plan, Pa. The Munsons didn\u2019t care about the contract: they meant to discredit an honorable man, and tear our family apart. Sylvia admitted that they knew we\u2019d be able to counter the lies and prove our innocence. It would take time though, and the rumors about the Cartwrights would have blown in the wind like seeds seeking fertile ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSylvia mentioned some journals, and while I want to see them, it will only be to verify their motive. From what she said about the situation, I believe Al was a decent man until he allowed his disappointment to rot his soul.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think will happen now?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

Ben stroked his chin and blew out a long breath. \u201cI\u2019m not sure. He meddled in the bid, but he didn\u2019t intend to profit from it. I\u2019d expect hefty fines. But they\u2019re also guilty of assaulting you and holding you against your will, and probably some other things I can\u2019t even think of yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

All eyes turned when the door opened and Nels entered, accompanied by two other men. Both strangers wore suits, but the taller one was wearing a large-brimmed Stetson, and had a US Marshal star pinned to his lapel. Ben\u2019s eyebrows lifted as he looked at Adam.<\/p>\n

Nels moved to the center of the room, but his introduction was interrupted when Sylvia and Joe came in. Joe nodded to Nels issuing an apology, and pointed out two empty chairs near Hoss. The young woman shook her head, and slipped between her father and Desiree.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen Adam mentioned a few odd, and far too coincidental things that happened on the first day of our gathering, I sent a telegram to the CPRC in San Francisco,\u201d Nels began. \u201cThe railroad shared my concern and contacted the US Marshal Service4<\/sup> that serves the Western District. Two representatives headed here immediately from Sacramento to be here in time, should there be any problems today. Jim Spears is from the railroad,\u201d Nels indicated the man to his left. \u201cAnd this is Cliff Rainier, a sworn officer of the federal government. I was advised to keep their pending arrival secret, to prevent an abortion of the plans in progress. These men arrived early this morning, and positioned themselves as guests in the restaurant to watch the proceedings. Even I wasn\u2019t aware they were here. They gave me a wide berth in handling the situation, but they will handle the outcome. Jim Spears will arrange a future meeting with the other bidders to award the contract, but Marshal Rainier will be taking four people into custody today.\u201d<\/p>\n

The federal officer was lean and muscular, with eyes the color of steel. He looked around the room, finally settling on the Munson family. \u201cMr. Munson,\u201d he began in an authoritative tone. \u201cOn the surface, it would seem you undertook a personal cause, rather than attempting to defraud the railroad for financial gain. But this isn\u2019t the first time I\u2019ve seen your name come through the Marshal Service office. We received complaints from two of the vendors you were courting as subcontractors for your bid, both claiming you used questionable tactics when they refused to back you. The owner of a large mill alleged that you had your daughter attempt to seduce him. He assumed you would have blackmailed him if he\u2019d have complied. So, when Nels\u2019 telegram mentioned the unexpected intrusion of two pretty women, my thoughts turned immediately to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss moaned like a wounded animal as he stood and turned towards the settee where the Munsons were sitting. \u201cWhat kind of man uses his daughters like that? Pa\u2019s are supposed to protect their children, not put them up as \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor heaven\u2019s sake, Hoss,\u201d Desiree said with an exaggerated sigh. \u201cAll I did was flirt with a homely, worn-out old codger. He should have been happy that a beautiful woman even looked at him.\u201d<\/p>\n

The horror on Hoss\u2019s face collapsed into a look of pure sorrow. \u201cI guess your sister played that same game on me, but I fell for it.\u201d He scrubbed his face with both hands. \u201cI\u2019m sorry yer pa did this to you \u2026 to both of you, but you\u2019re old enough to know it\u2019s wrong, and that makes you even worse!\u201d He began walking toward the bedroom door, pausing to say, \u201cI can\u2019t listen to no more of this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben saw his Joe begin to rise, and said, \u201cLet him go, Son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam cleared his throat to draw attention away from his brother. \u201cIf the Marshal Service had these complaints, why was Munson allowed into the final bid?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rainier shoved his hands in his pockets. \u201cStrong-arming is often part of negotiations to get suppliers to back one company over another.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might be surprised to know that \u2018allegations\u2019 of strong-arming were made against two other bidders from this group,\u201d Jim Spears admitted. \u201cWe check on them to make sure there\u2019s nothing illegal, but sometimes claims are made by the vendors as revenge when things don\u2019t go as they hoped.\u00a0 Bidders can feel secure in knowing that the CPRC requires clear evidence of wrongdoing before disallowing anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGetting back to today,\u201d Marshal Rainier broke in before more questions could be asked. \u201cWhen your plot unraveled and your lies were exposed, your daughter gave a compelling explanation of what drove you to this, Mr. Munson. Your agenda was slanderous towards the Cartwrights, but thanks to Nels\u2019 forward thinking, the contract can still be awarded. Because of this, you might think we\u2019d be moved towards leniency in dealing with all of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s brows rose as he listened carefully to the marshal\u2019s statements. His father was seated next to him on the arm of his chair and he tugged his shirtsleeve, indicating he should lean down. \u201cHe\u2019s leading up to something,\u201d he whispered, \u201cand there\u2019s no leniency involved.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you<\/em> didn\u2019t take into account, sir,\u201d Rainier continued, \u201cis that the although the CPRC is managing this section of the cross-country rail project, the mandate to build it came out of the Pacific Railroad Act: a law signed by President Lincoln, and therefore, funded by the United States government. That makes this a federal project \u2026 and crime. The charges brought against you by the Marshal Service will ensure that you become an example of what happens to those who attempt to interfere in a project involving the security and commerce of this nation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy raised his hand. \u201cThis is all interestin\u2019, but I\u2019ve got to get back to my office. What are<\/em> you gonna do with these people?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll go with me to San Francisco to face charges.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the women?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

Rainier shook his head. \u201cI\u2019ll have the attorneys review their role, but the truth is that they\u2019re of age, and they, and the young man should be charged equally.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s where I gotta step in,\u201d Roy said with conviction. \u201cThat \u2026 young man \u2026 knocked Adam unconscious. From what I could see of that wound, I might go so far as to say he intended to kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s more, Roy,\u201d Adam broke in. He went on to explain Liam\u2019s part in the probable poisoning of Hop Sing, and the fear that Reggie\u2019s disappearance indicated he might have been permanently silenced.<\/p>\n

Laim\u2019s eye\u2019s rounded to saucers. \u201cI didn\u2019t kill that old drunk!\u201d He whined. \u201cI gave him cash to buy enough booze to keep him out of town for a few days. He was going to take his friend fishing! He should be back today. And I didn\u2019t poison anyone!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you do?\u201d Adam demanded. \u201cHop Sing became ill after drinking tea you\u2019d provided.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just tea form the Chinese store. I told him I needed something to\u2014” the young man turned red as a beet, and silenced.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething to do what!\u201d Adam\u2019s no-nonsense voice, learned from his father, was known to provoke answers. It did.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething to make me go \u2026 like castor oil \u2026 you know \u2026. It was only to make him uncomfortable enough to welcome some help with that meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll check on Reggie,\u201d Roy said firmly. \u201cBut if something you slipped Hop Sing sickened him, I\u2019d say that\u2019s assault too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFederal crimes trump local, Sheriff Coffee,\u201d the marshal told Roy. \u201cSince it was all part of the overall plot, I\u2019ll include these assaults into the charges against everyone. It will take three days to get a secure coach over here, so I\u2019ll need your jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy mentally sorted through a solution for the sisters. \u201cThe men can stay there, but I\u2019ll have to put the ladies up at Clementine Hawkins\u2019 boarding house. She\u2019s a pretty sharp woman who\u2019ll watch them like a hawk, and I\u2019ll swear in a deputy to stay there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe had remained quiet while listening to the story unfold. But he found humor in the irony of the proposed housing for the sisters. He looked at Desiree and started to laugh. It started as a chuckle and grew into a loud roar.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so funny, Joseph?\u201d Ben asked sternly.<\/p>\n

The youngest son pointed toward the settee. \u201cWe\u2019re back where we started. I\u2019m waiting for Desiree to faint at the thought of spending three nights in a boarding house!\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

While the proceedings interested him, Dr. Martin\u2019s focus was his patient. Joe\u2019s comment struck Adam as being funny, but when his chuckle turned into a laugh, he grabbed at his head and leaned forward with a groan. The reaction brought both Paul and Ben to their feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam needs to rest!\u201d the doctor announced. \u201cYou\u2019ve reached a conclusion as to what can be done for now, so let\u2019s clear the room.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy pushed Liam to his feet. \u201cI\u2019ll need some help movin\u2019 everyone to the jail for now. The ladies can stay there until we arrange things with Clementine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marshal Rainier and Joe offered to accompany Roy and they began rounding up the family, while Nels and the CPRC representative stated their intention to find the remaining four bidders and make arrangements with them. With the rapid preparations to leave, no one noticed Hoss step back into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to walk Sylvia to the jail, privately. It might take a bit, but I\u2019ll get her there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The marshal looked to Roy who gave a sturdy nod. \u201cThe sheriff trusts you, young man. Don\u2019t make him regret that.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

With the room cleared, Adam groaned loudly, and then raised his arms in surrender. \u201cLet the torture commence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom the bits and pieces I heard in the last hour, I assume those people performed theatrics of sorts, to discredit the Cartwrights?\u201d Paul drawled, before looking directly at Adam \u201cMaybe you should join them next time, Adam. You tend towards the dramatic too.\u201d Paul took silent pleasure in watching his patient\u2019s cheeks turn red, and additional pleasure from the wink sent his way by Ben. \u201cYou want me to knock you out before I stitch you up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust get it over with. Now that I\u2019ve been awake a while, I\u2019m hungry.\u201d He looked at his father. \u201cCould you get something from the restaurant while Paul repairs my torn seam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood idea, Ben,\u201d Paul added. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to stick around here and listen to the howling. Get me something too. Joe got to my house just as I was finally sitting down to breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam became listless and drowsy after finishing his meal, finally allowing the medication he\u2019d taken to do its job. Paul grabbed the plate sliding from his patient\u2019s lap as his muscles went limp.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d you give him?\u201d Ben asked, while helping get his son onto his side to sleep on the couch.<\/p>\n

\u201cA mild sleeping powder. Sometimes just knowing an ordeal is over allows a person to give in to what their body needs most.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grabbed a blanket from the other room. With Adam tucked in, he motioned Paul to the settee the Munsons had vacated, and quietly filled him in on what had happened the last few days.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrief can be faced and overcome, or allowed to grow into sickness,\u201d Paul commented when the story was complete. \u201cIt\u2019s a shame that man took the latter option.\u201d He watched as Ben\u2019s eyes lingered a little long in a blink. You\u2019re tired too, Ben; take a nap. I\u2019m sure you\u2019re anxious to head home, but stay put until tomorrow. I\u2019ll return around dinnertime to see how Adam\u2019s doing. His head\u2019s going to be sore for some time, but if all is well in the morning, you can leave with my blessing.\u201d He\u2019d gathered his bag and was reaching for the knob when the door opened towards him, forcing a quick sideways jump to avoid being struck. Paul gave Hoss\u2019 hand a solid grasp as he entered, while doing visual once-over. \u201cBen told me what you\u2019ve all been through, and you look exhausted too. I want everyone in this room resting in short order\u2014and no excuses!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Ben immediately noticed the deep furrows created by Hoss\u2019s frown. It was an expression infrequently seen on this son, and it made his heart ache. \u201cDid you see Joe at Roy\u2019s office?\u201d He asked, easing into conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe went to introduce that marshal to Clementine and help with arrangements.\u201d He nodded toward the sofa. \u201cHow\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll sleep for a while now, and he\u2019ll be fine in time.\u201d Ben waited for Hoss to talk, but finally had to ask, \u201cHow did it go with Sylvia?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand, Pa.\u201d The big man dropped onto the settee next to his father. \u201cShe said she was sorry about everything, but sorriest for hurtin\u2019 me and ruinin\u2019 a chance between us. But then she claimed loyalty to her family came first, and that I should understand, because it\u2019s how we are too.\u201d He slid forward to lean his head back on the sofa. \u201cMaybe she just said that so I wouldn\u2019t be so mad. She\u2019s told so many lies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSylvia lost her way, Hoss. I paged through one of her mother\u2019s journals while Paul finished with Adam.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cThe fantasies were bad enough, but the things she wrote about her husband and daughters were thoughtless and cruel. It must have been devastating for all of them. Al Munson was good to his wife. Her words admitted to having a fine life, except for the man who provided it. I did nothing<\/em> for her\u2014couldn\u2019t even remember meeting her\u2014yet I was her only reason to go on. I don\u2019t know how I\u2019d have reacted if that had happened to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou would\u2019a blamed the right person, Pa. You would\u2019a taken the grief, the anger and the horror of it, and worked it out on the ranch, like you always do when yer mind\u2019s in a bad place.\u201d Hoss pulled forward until leaning on his knees. \u201cThe worst part of this is that if I\u2019d a met Sylvia under normal circumstances, we\u2019d be getting\u2019 married now, instead of her goin\u2019 to jail and me feelin\u2019 gut shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was forced to make a miserable decision.\u201d Ben squeezed Hoss\u2019s arm. \u201cYou\u2019ll do well to forgive her, Son. It won\u2019t hurt less, but it\u2019s important if you want to get over this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI already forgave her.\u201d The big man scrubbed his face and sighed. \u201cWhen the marshal mentioned that letter accusing Munson of using his daughters to finagle cooperation, I nearly got sick. I knew then this sickness ran so deep that there won\u2019t be no chance for them girls until they get away from their own Pa. Adam, Joe and me would stand with you even if it meant fightin\u2019 to the last. But you\u2019d never ask us to do nothing\u2019 just to hurt someone.\u201d This sigh was so long, it seemed to deflate him. \u201cDo you think I\u2019ll ever meet a gal who isn\u2019t usin\u2019 me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m proud of how you handled yourself through this. It takes a powerful man to show restraint when things start falling apart, and a stronger one still to keep an open heart. One day someone\u2019s going to find her home in that heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben leaned back in his desk chair to check through the mail one of the hands had dropped off earlier. There were three items of interest he hoped to look at before dinner. His sons had already returned from their day of checking pasture grass for the next shift of the herds, but he figured there\u2019d still be time while they settled their horses and washed up. Choosing the envelope with the CPRC symbol in the return address, he made quick work of opening it and reading the two-page letter it contained.<\/p>\n

He looked up when he heard the latch activate, surprised to see Adam enter first. Considering it was dinner time, he\u2019d expected Hoss to beat the other two inside: drying his freshly washed hands on his dusty pants before slipping off his gun belt, ditching his hat and moving straight to the table.<\/p>\n

Adam, on the other hand, never hurried. Even now he ambled in, greeted his father and then stretched before moving from the door. Stopping where he did, put him directly between Hoss and the dining room, and he was nearly knocked off his feet when his younger brother pushed through the partially open door.<\/p>\n

\u201cSlow down, Hoss. Hop Sing doesn\u2019t even have food out yet,\u201d Adam teased, while moving aside to let his brother pass. While Hoss deposited his things on the credenza, Adam exchanged a smile with his father over the near collision. \u201cWhat\u2019s that you\u2019re reading, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you about it during dinner.\u201d The smile faded as Ben retrieved a smaller envelope from the desk top and held it up. \u201cA letter came for you, Hoss. It\u2019s from Sylvia.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss made a detour to the desk; retrieved the envelope, and said a quiet, \u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d before taking a seat on the blue velvet chair to read it privately.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Little Joe?\u201d Ben asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe grass was already dewy when we came down that rise about a mile from home, and Cochise slipped. He seemed fine, but Joe is rubbing liniment into his front legs so they don\u2019t get stiff.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both men turned towards the hearth when they heard the crinkling of paper as Hoss refolded his letter and stuck it in his pocket. He remained silent, but when the door opened and the last brother entered, Hoss said, \u201cJoe\u2019s here now. Let\u2019s eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben winked at Adam and shrugged. \u201cYou heard him; let\u2019s eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Their conversation while they waited for Hop Sing to finish bringing out their food, centered around the condition of the fields the sons had checked, and Ben relating how the men found some rotting boards on the shady side of the barn. But the room silenced once their plates were full and they began to eat.<\/p>\n

Whatever Sylvia had written, had no effect on Hoss\u2019 appetite. The large bowls of beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, and the platter of sliced beef were quickly emptied\u2014mostly by the middle son who was on his second helpings before the rest of the family finished their first.<\/p>\n

Adam finally broke the silence when the pace of consumption began to slow. \u201cYou were going to tell us about the letter, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded as he wiped his mouth with the checkered napkin. \u201cIt\u2019s from Nels. He wanted to let us know what finally happened with the contract, and the outcome of the court case against the Munsons.\u201d<\/p>\n

Three forks came to rest on their plates.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho won the contract?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cBefore Nels and the representative left Virginia City, they arranged for the remaining four men to come to the CPRC offices in San Francisco. That meeting was last week and the railroad was able to make an arrangement for each of them.\u201d Ben paused for effect and he smiled when his sons rolled their eyes. \u201cThe main contract went to Roger Taggert and Rick Spindler.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth of them?\u201d Joe asked the question as his forehead wrinkled. \u201cHow\u2019s that gonna work?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoger realized that Munson\u2019s stunt put the project behind, leaving him already in a hole against a tight schedule, and he was grateful to have the contract split. His suppliers are mostly from central California, so he\u2019ll deliver timber to construction sites from Oakland into Nevada. Rick works with timber men and mills to the northeast of San Francisco, so he\u2019ll supply the sites through to Utah. Even Frank and Lester were given small, yet lucrative contracts for side tracks and railcar boards.\u201d Ben looked at Adam. \u201cIt was Nels\u2019 suggestion to mete out the work so no one would be left with sour memories.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems equitable.\u201d The left side of Adam\u2019s lip rose in a mild grimace as he posed the next question. \u201cWhat happened to the Munsons?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTheir actions were deemed an act of malicious mischief rather than an attempt to defraud the government. They fined Munson heavily. He will serve a year in prison for tampering with the bids and being linked to the assault on Adam. He\u2019s also barred from bidding any future government contracts.\u201d Ben shook his head as he looked up. \u201cHe could try for private work, but it\u2019s unlikely anyone will be willing to trust him. Most people in the business will hear about this; he\u2019ll never outrun it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s exactly what he\u2019d planned for you, Pa,\u201d Adam reminded everyone. \u201cThe difference would have been that you were innocent.”<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would\u2019a happened just like they\u2019d hoped, except Sylvia told the truth,\u201d Hoss added. He sat up straighter and his eyes shone brighter than they had in some time. \u201cHer letter said her father admitted he\u2019d lost himself in hate, and he done everything he could to get the girls out of the mess. He told the Marshal Service he forced his daughters to help; making them victims, not criminals. They agreed there\u2019d be no value in bringing charges against them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about that other guy?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

Ben pulled the letter from the pocket of his vest, and scanned through it again. \u201cI wanted to make sure I have this right. Liam wasn\u2019t charged with harming Hop Sing. They checked on that tea. It shouldn\u2019t have caused a severe illness, so the result, as bad as it was, was not intended. I don\u2019t think that\u2019s right, but it\u2019s how laws are for now. And we know that Reggie did show up in town, unaware of the role he\u2019d played. Liam pled guilty to a near-deadly assault, resulting in a six-month sentence at San Quentin. He was offered the option of working on a digging crew to set the roadbed for the railroad instead, and he accepted.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing served dessert after Ben called him in to explain the outcome of the case as it pertained to him. When he returned to the kitchen, the Cartwright forks went back into action for a few minutes. Ben pursed his lips once his plate was empty and considered whether he should ask the next question. Curiosity won out. \u201cHoss\u2026was there anything in Sylvia\u2019s letter about what she and her sister will do now?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded while swallowing his last bite. \u201cHer pa plans to move back to Boston when he\u2019s done his time. He\u2019s still got money enough to find a different kind of business there. Desiree\u2019s gonna stay in San Francisco. She got a job at a theater, and she\u2019s plannin\u2019 to wait for Liam to finish up his sentence\u2014” His voice trailed off, and his line of sight rose towards the ceiling, while his cheeks took on a pink glow.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d Ben said softly. \u201cIs there more?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSylvia asked if I\u2019d return the journals she left with you. Did you ever read them, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust the first one where she related meeting me, up to when I left Boston, and the final pages she wrote before her death. I didn\u2019t care to see more.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam cleared his throat. \u201cThere is something I wanted to ask, Pa. When Sylvia recounted what had driven her father\u2019s revenge, she told me that her mother came to you after my mother died, offering to leave Munson; marry you and raise me. That proposal seems so bizarre, I\u2019m surprised you didn\u2019t remember her for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe explanation is simple, Son.\u201d Ben sighed. \u201cIt\u2019s not that I didn\u2019t recall the offer, it\u2019s just that she wasn\u2019t the only one to make it, and she didn\u2019t stand out from the rest. A young widower with a baby to raise, proved quite the magnet for lonely, sad women hoping to garner an instant family from the ashes of loss. Once Abel realized what these women were coming for, he shooed them away to let me grieve in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

The oldest son sat back and shook his head. \u201cIt must have been an odd time for you, and I understand that you wouldn\u2019t care to remember it.\u201d Adam turned to Hoss. \u201cSorry I interrupted you, please tell us more about your letter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cNo problem.\u201d He thought a minute. \u201cThere was a matron at the place they was staying while waitin\u2019 to be charged, who\u2019d worked with a doctor in Chicago that does, ah \u2026\u201d He used his finger to scroll through the page of the letter he tugged from his pocket, until coming to the word he couldn\u2019t recall. \u201cReconstruction is what she calls it.\u00a0 Sounds like he might take them thick scars down a bit and make her hands looks better.\u201d He put the letter next to his plate. \u201cSylvia\u2019s headin\u2019 there next week, and wants the diary so she can work on a story about her mother\u2019s illness. She asked if I\u2019d meet her stage in Carson City. She\u2019ll stay a day until the next eastbound stage comes through, so we can talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s forehead rose along with the corners of his mouth. \u201cCan\u2019t you can hand it to her through the stage window when it slows down on the way through Carson?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Pa.\u201d Color rose in Hoss\u2019s cheeks. \u201cShe ain\u2019t comin\u2019 back after Chicago, and said that if I\u2019m ready to listen, she\u2019d like ta apologize rightly to get my forgiveness.\u00a0 I forgave her back when it happened, but I\u2019d still like to hear what she\u2019s got to say. Maybe then we can both go our way with free hearts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe noticed the look of pain that shadowed Hoss\u2019s face for an instant when he finished, and he gave Adam\u2019s foot a nudge under the table, nodding towards their middle brother.<\/p>\n

Adam stretched and addressed Joe casually. \u201cHow was Cochise after the liniment rubdown?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe blew out a thankful breath. \u201cI rubbed it in good, but I think he favored his right leg when I walked him. Would you come out and take a look, Hoss? Maybe there\u2019s more we can do yet tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be glad ta,\u201d Hoss answered, while rising quickly and heading towards the door.<\/p>\n

Once the younger sons were on their way to the barn, Ben went to Adam, leaned against his shoulder, and inspected the back of his head. \u201cYour hair\u2019s growing back well. Pretty soon you won\u2019t even know there\u2019s a scar.\u201d His voice became excited as it did when he talked about business. \u201cSomething else came in the mail today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe specification for the first Calvary post. How about we look at those while your brothers tend to Cochise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam glanced longingly at the new book he\u2019d left on the table by his favorite chair in the living area, and then back up at his father. \u201cSure, Pa.\u201d He returned his father\u2019s eager smile. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing I\u2019d rather do.\u201d<\/p>\n

The End.<\/p>\n

***EARLY NEVADA FORTS – https:\/\/www.northamericanforts.com\/West\/nv.html<\/a>\u00a0 This site tells of the many forts cavalry forts built in Nevada in the 1860s. There would have been great need for lumber products for such a large endeavor.<\/p>\n

*Euphemia Hill was a business woman from Stockton who ran her own industry after her husband was killed. She\u2019s thought to be the model for Victoria Barkley in The Big Valley.<\/p>\n

***EARLY NEVADA FORTS – https:\/\/www.northamericanforts.com\/West\/nv.html<\/a>\u00a0 This site tells of the many forts cavalry forts built in Nevada in the 1860s. There would have been great need for lumber products for such a large endeavor.<\/p>\n

4<\/sup> The United States Marshals Service is a federal law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Justice. It is the oldest American federal law enforcement agency and was created by the Judiciary Act of 1789 during the presidency of George Washington. The first 13 Marshals were appointed on September 24, 1789.<\/p>\n

From the nation’s earliest days, marshals were permitted to recruit special deputies as local hires, or as temporary transfers to the Marshals Service. Marshals were also authorized to swear in a\u00a0posse<\/a>\u00a0to assist with manhunts, and other duties. Marshals were given extensive authority to support the federal courts within their judicial districts, and to carry out all lawful orders issued by federal judges, Congress, or the President. Federal marshals were by far the most important government officials in territorial jurisdictions. Local law enforcement officials were often called “marshals” so there is often an ambiguity whether someone was a federal or a local official.<\/p>\n

(From Wikipedia and History of the US Marshall Service)<\/p>\n

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

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: How can two lovely women showing up in Virginia City, a meeting to award a lucrative timber contract for the Transcontinental Railroad and the Cartwrights fit together? Find out in this mystery.<\/p>\n

Rating: K\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Word Count: 50488<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":3617,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,1008,32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24360","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-mystery","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-32-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1269,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/tea-party.jpg?fit=500%2C399&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1471,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1471","url_meta":{"origin":24360,"position":0},"title":"A Little Night Music (by the Giggly Sisters)","author":"The Giggly Sisters","date":"August 20, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Ever noticed the piano that materializes at Ponderosa celebrations?\u00a0 The Giggly Sisters investigate further as Ben organises a musical soiree. 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