{"id":3128,"date":"2011-04-25T23:19:13","date_gmt":"2011-04-26T03:19:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3128"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:23:27","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:23:27","slug":"placerville","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3128","title":{"rendered":"Placerville (by Fozrulz)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Two men show up from Adam’s past.\u00a0 What do they have against him? <\/span><\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K+ \u00a0wc\u00a0 7300<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

IT HAPPENED IN PLACERVILLE<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It was a bright beautiful summer day on the Ponderosa. Ellie looked out her window and thought this was going to be a wonderful day. She had no school and free reign today. Except for doing her chores this morning, Pa told her she was free today. Pa was in Virginia City on business, Adam was up at the logging camp, Hoss and Joe took a load of supplies to the mines, and she was free free free. Pa had told her that they were all leaving very early, so don\u2019t worry if when she got up no one was home. Hop Sing would be around.<\/span><\/p>\n

She yawned and stretched. She pulled on an old pair of Joe\u2019s jeans and an old shirt of Joe\u2019s. Pa didn\u2019t really approve of her dressing like this, but he usually let her on Saturdays if they weren\u2019t going into Virginia City. She tried braiding her long hair to keep it out of her face, but it just kept getting tangled. She just couldn\u2019t figure out how to do it, she wondered how Hop Sing kept his braid so neat. She hopped off her bed and went in search of Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

She found him in the kitchen. \u201cHop Sing, can you help me with my hair?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you come here lil missy, Hop Sing fix for you.\u201d Hop Sing swiftly braided her hair. \u201cYou be good girl and stay out of kitchen, Hop Sing very busy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, ok, thank you Hop Sing.\u201d she reached up to give him a kiss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing gave her a hug, \u201cOk, you be good girl, go outside, Hop Sing very busy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie really wanted to go down to the corral where the hands were breaking horses. She knew she wasn\u2019t allowed down there without her Papa or one of her brothers. But, she really wanted to see the new horses. She had heard, there was even a new paint pony to look at. She thought, Adam is up at the timber camp, Hoss and Joe are at the mining camp and Papa is gone. None of them should be back for several hours. What would it hurt, she wasn\u2019t going in, she was just looking. Besides, she was nine now. Certainly she was old enough to just look. She quickly finished her chores, saddled up Windy and took off for the corral.<\/span><\/p>\n

She reached the corral and tied off Windy. She looked around to see if Charlie, the ranch foreman was around. He would sure tell Papa or Adam she had been down there. She looked but didn\u2019t see him, the coast was clear. She breathed a sigh of relief. She perched herself along the corral to watch the hands breaking the horses. She was absolutely mesmerized. She loved horses almost as much as Joe did. She was already riding almost as well as Joe had been at her age.<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie rode up to the corral to check the progress of the new horses. He noticed a slight figure with a long braid draping down her back perched on the fence. He frowned. That sure looked like Ellie. Where were her brothers or her Pa? He knew she wasn\u2019t allowed down there without one of them. Charlie had been foreman at the Ponderosa before Ellie was born. He knew the Boss wasn\u2019t gonna be none too happy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie had no idea that Charlie was there or had spotted her until she felt a stinging swat to her behind. \u201cEleanor Cartwright what are you doing down here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOw!\u201d she shouted as her hand went protectively to her bottom. She turned around to see Charlie\u2019s smoldering eyes looking right into hers. \u201cOh, hi Mr. Charlie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you \u201cHi\u201d me missy. Do you have permission to be down here?\u201d Charlie looked downright menacing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUmmmm\u2026..\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor, I asked you a question.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie knew she better tell the truth. Charlie had given her plenty of swats during her nine years. She had gotten them for being where she wasn\u2019t supposed to be, for sassing, for disobeying Papa, there wasn\u2019t much Charlie wouldn\u2019t give her a swat for.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, No, sir, not \u2018xactly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that suppose to be mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there ain\u2019t nobody up at the house that said I can\u2019t.\u201d she winced, knowing that didn\u2019t sound very convincing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what you really mean, is you know you ain\u2019t suppose to be down here, but you figured since there ain\u2019t no one at the house, you could do as you please, ain\u2019t that right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She could tell he was furious. \u201cYes sir, I guess that\u2019s about it.\u201d she said looking down at her feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie pulled her off the fence. \u201cYou get back up to the house and stay out of trouble missy.\u201d He turned her toward her horse and gave her bottom another stinging swat. \u201cAnd \u2018iffin I catch you back down here, I\u2019m gonna take my belt off. Understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Ellie said as she hurried and mounted Windy. Charlie had tanned her once or twice and that was enough for her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie watched Ellie take off. He chuckled to himself. Lord, he was glad that little gal was Ben Cartwright\u2019s and not his, she was a handful. He wasn\u2019t sure who was worse, Little Joe or Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie scowled as she rode Windy back to the house. Hop Sing says stay out of the house, Charlie says go to the house, what was she suppose to do? She thought, I could ride over to Marybeth\u2019s. No, can\u2019t do that. She didn\u2019t really have permission and if Mr. Aaron, Marybeth\u2019s father asked her directly, she\u2019d have to tell him she didn\u2019t have permission to be over there. He\u2019d know right away any how because she wasn\u2019t allowed to ride that far by herself and she\u2019d be in trouble with Mr. Aaron and her papa. Well, she thought what am I suppose to do?<\/span><\/p>\n

She smiled, she could go to the lake. That was one place she was allowed to go by herself. She could go up there and draw or take a nice long swim and no one would know. Her brothers and her papa wouldn\u2019t be back for hours. She didn\u2019t really have anyone\u2019s permission to go, but she reasoned she shouldn\u2019t bother Hop Sing and there was no one else to ask. She could go ask Charlie for permission, but she didn\u2019t really want to cross him. He had already threatened to tan her if she didn\u2019t go back to the house. She made up her mind and took off for the lake.<\/span><\/p>\n

Little did Ellie know that she was being watched from a distance. Two riders had been watching her ever since she left the house this morning. They had watched with amusement at her getting in trouble with the foreman of the ranch. One turned to the other. \u201cYou ready, James?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope, not yet,\u201d the one called James smiled, \u201cLet\u2019s wait and see where she goes next.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAww, come on James.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLucas, didn\u2019t I say I wanted to wait?\u201d James said menacingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, ok, don\u2019t get out of shape, James.\u201d Lucas said hastily to his brother. His brother had a temper to match the devil and he wasn\u2019t getting on the wrong side of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lucas and James watched and followed Ellie up to the lake. She tied Windy off in a place where her pony could munch on some good sweet grass. Ellie dragged her sketch pad and charcoal pencils out her saddle bags. She had realized recently she had a talent for sketching, Adam had bought her a pad and charcoals and she carried them in her saddle bags always. She went to her favorite rock and sat down to sketch the incredible beauty in front of her. Her left side was facing the meadow and she was concentrating hard. With her hearing loss, she didn\u2019t hear Lucas and James approach her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lucas coughed several times to get her attention. She simply didn\u2019t hear him. James got tired of waiting, he strode over to her and grabbed her arm. Startled, Ellie dropped her pad and pencils and looked into the face of James Farley.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho, who, who are you?\u201d she stuttered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t matter much who I am does it?\u201d James asked smiling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t suppose to be here, whoever you are.\u201d Ellie said glaring at them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh is that so?\u201d James sneered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep, this is the Ponderosa, mister and I don\u2019t know you, so you don\u2019t belong here, so you better leave.\u201d Ellie said coolly.<\/span><\/p>\n

James was enjoying this immensely, \u201cHow you know, I ain\u2019t a new hand?\u201d He still was holding her arm. She tried to shrug his arm away, but he just held on tighter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOw, you\u2019re hurting me let go!\u201d she said through gritted teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t answer my question.\u201d he said nastily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCuz you\u2019d have no cause to be here iffin you was a hand and my papa wouldn\u2019t hire any man that would grab my arm like that. If you was, you\u2019d be fired.\u201d Ellie spat at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh whee, missy, your sure got a smart mouth on you. Didn\u2019t your pa teach you to respect your elders?\u201d James said laughing as he squeezed her arm a little tighter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly when them\u2019s deserving respect and that sure as heck ain\u2019t you.\u201d Ellie said simmering.<\/span><\/p>\n

James hauled her to her feet and delivered a heavy swat to her already sore behind. \u201cListen little girl, I know old Charlie already gave you a couple of swats and iffin you don\u2019t want to feel my belt, you\u2019ll do exactly what I say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie started to tear. She had no idea why this man was here. She really wanted her Papa. But, no one knew she was here. How would they ever find her?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want anyhow?\u201d Ellie said sullenly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSeems that attitude ain\u2019t improvin\u2019 much.\u201d James said as he starting unbuckling his belt.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie watched that motion of him taking his belt off and she froze.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lucas grabbed James\u2019 arm. \u201cJames, she\u2019s just a little girl. You\u2019ve scared her. Don\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

James hesitated, he turned and walked away. \u201cGet her on her horse and tie her hands,\u201d he ordered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lucas turned to Ellie, \u201cCome on, do as he says.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She just stood there frozen. Lucas sighed and just picked her up and placed her on Windy. He tied her hands. He looked up into her green eyes brimming with fear. \u201cLil gal, you better obey and be respectful, I\u2019m not sure I\u2019m going to be able stop my brother from taking a belt to you the next time you sass. Take my word for it. Understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie just nodded as the tears starting streaming down her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It was late afternoon when one by one the Cartwright brothers and their father arrived back at the house. Hoss and Joe were the first ones to arrive. As Hoss and Joe were putting up the buckboard and taking care of the horses, Hoss noticed Windy\u2019s stall was empty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess our lil sister went for a ride.\u201d Hoss said nodding at the empty stall. \u201cI don\u2019t think Pa\u2019s gonna be none too happy iffin she ain\u2019t here when he get\u2019s home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAww Hoss, Pa ain\u2019t even home yet. She\u2019ll be back afore then.\u201d Joe said confidently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell come on lil brother, let\u2019s head up to the house to get washed up. Supper will be in a little while and I could eat me a whole cow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, big brother, just save some the rest of us.\u201d Joe teased as he headed toward the house. Joe was covered from head to toe with mud. \u201cI think I\u2019m gonna take me a bath afore Pa gets home and tells me to take one.\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss looked his brother up one side and down the other, \u2018Yep boy, you look like you been wallowing in mud all day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t look any better.\u201d Joe taunted as he picked up a bucket of water and tossed at his big brother. \u201cOops big brother, looks like you need a bath now too.\u201d Joe said laughing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDad burn you Little Joe, I\u2019m gonna wear your hide out.\u201d Hoss sputtered reaching for Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe skirted around Hoss and ran for the bath house. Hoss just shook his head, Hop Sing was gonna be mad if Hoss went in the house dripping water. He\u2019d just have to wait his turn for a bath. He saddled up to the door of the bath house. \u201cJoe, hurry on up, you know I cain\u2019t go in the house like this.\u201d He just heard Joe laughing. Hoss sighed and sat down on the porch.<\/span><\/p>\n

While he waiting, Adam rode into the yard and saw Hoss sitting on the porch. He noticed Hoss was muddy and wet. \u201cWhat happened to you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, the ornery lil cuss throwd a bucket of water on me. Claimin\u2019 I needed a bath as bad as he did.\u201d Hoss smiled a little.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe volunteered to take a bath?\u201d Adam raised his eyebrows.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw Adam, Joe ain\u2019t no baby anymore, he don\u2019t mind taking a bath when he\u2019s covered in mud.\u201d Hoss chuckled remembering the days when it took Adam, Hoss and Pa to give Joe a bath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI remember not so long ago, getting that boy to take a bath was like putting a bull in a china shop.\u201d Adam laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSay Adam, Ellie ain\u2019t home. Windy ain\u2019t in her stall.\u201d Hoss said with a worried look in his eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked at his brother. Adam had been worried about her all day. He wasn\u2019t crazy about leaving her by herself today. But, there really hadn\u2019t been much choice. He knew that Hop Sing and the hands would watch out for her. Something didn\u2019t feel right, but he wasn\u2019t sure what and he didn\u2019t want to let on. \u201cI\u2019m sure she\u2019ll be home soon. She knows that she has to be home by supper.\u201d Adam reassured Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d said Hoss. Just then the door to the bath house opened and out stepped Joe all nice and clean and in clean dry clothes. \u201cYour turn big brother,\u201d Joe said, his eyes twinkling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDad burn you Joe, I oughta\u2026.\u201d Hoss started for Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, please, please I was just funnin\u2019 ya.\u201d Joe laughed so hard he was gasping for air. \u201cHow about I go get you a nice clean set of clothes and a towel?\u201d Joe took off running into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam laughed as Hoss sighed and entered the bath house. Adam turned around leading Sport to the stable. As he headed into the stable, he heard the sound of hooves hitting the dirt. He had hoped that it would be Ellie, but the horse sounded like Buck, his father\u2019s horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi son,\u201d greeted Pa, \u201cHow are things up at the timber camp?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine Pa, we out to have the timber cut for the Silver Dollar Mine done by the end of next week.\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was something in Adam\u2019s eyes and his stance that Pa noticed. Something wasn\u2019t quite right. \u201cAdam, is everything ok?\u201d Pa questioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam paused, he didn\u2019t want to worry his father unnecessarily, but Pa would surely notice any moment now. Adam sucked in a breath, \u201cPa, Ellie isn\u2019t home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa\u2019s eyes turned stormy in an instant, \u201cWhat?\u201d he bellowed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we all just got home before you. Hoss noticed that Windy isn\u2019t in her stall. We haven\u2019t even had a chance to ask Hop Sing.\u201d Adam said quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa strode into the house with a purpose calling for Hop Sing. \u201cHop Sing!\u201d bellowed Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMissur Cartwright, why you yell, why you always yell.\u201d the little Chinese cook said hurrying toward Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Eleanor?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI no know, Missur Cartwright, I fix missy hair in morning and tell her go outside, Hop Sing busy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you give her permission to leave the yard?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The little cook shook his head no. \u201cMissy do chore when I see her. No see her, Hop Sing busy in kitchen all day, make food for miners.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The front door creaked as Hoss opened the door. He had just come from the bath house, still drying his head with towel. He took one look at the scene in front of him and realized Ellie still wasn\u2019t home. Joe ran down the stairs when he heard all the commotion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s a matter, Pa?\u201d asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss looked at Joe standing on the landing, \u201cEllie still ain\u2019t home Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh you know Ellie, she probably don\u2019t realize how late it is, she\u2019s probably drawing on the sketch pad of hers up at the lake.\u201d Joe assured everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked at the boys, \u201cMaybe Joseph\u2019s right, let\u2019s eat supper and if she isn\u2019t home by the time we\u2019re done we\u2019ll go look for her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Supper was a somber affair. The only one who really ate was Joe. He wasn\u2019t worried. He knew how his little sister could lost in her sketch pad. The rest of them just made a show of eating. Finally, Adam had enough, \u2018Excuse me Pa, I think I\u2019ll go look for Ellie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe too, Pa.\u201d Hoss said as he threw his napkin down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, boys, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWait, what about me?\u201d whined Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, please I have one lost child, I don\u2019t need two.\u201d Pa said a little too pointedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw come on Pa, I can track almost as good as Hoss.\u201d Joe said staunchily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know he\u2019s right, Pa, let me take him with me.\u201d Hoss offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, ok, let\u2019s just get going. Adam you head out to the corral, Hoss, you and Joe head up to the lake, I\u2019m going to go find Charlie and see if he\u2019s seen her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir\u201d the boys said as they headed out to saddle their horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

********************************************************************************<\/span>
\nEllie had been riding for what seemed like hours. Her bottom really hurt what with the swats from Charlie and James and sitting in the saddle for such a long time. She thought they were at Eagle\u2019s Nest, but she wasn\u2019t sure. Eagle\u2019s nest wasn\u2019t but an hour or two from the house, but they had been riding a lot longer. She was really scared. She wished she hadn\u2019t left the yard. She wished she listened to Charlie and went back to the house. She was never going to disobey Charlie again. She wanted her Papa. She wanted to be home sitting with Adam reading a book. She just wanted to be home eating supper with her brothers. She just wanted to be home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMister, uh mister, gosh mister I don\u2019t even know your name. Please can we stop, I\u2019m so sore.\u201d Ellie pleaded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJames, I think we should stop and make camp. I\u2019m not sure she can go on much longer. This is a long ride for a little girl.\u201d Lucas begged his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

James took a look at Ellie. He\u2019s got to admit, that lil gal had grit. Most kids would have started whining a long time ago. That lil gal had been in the saddle for at least 3 hours and hadn\u2019t said one word. She was looking pale and frightened. She also looked like she was about to fall off her saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Lucas, this is just fine. This is where we are planning on camping until good ole Adam Cartwright rides here to find his baby sister.\u201d James dismounted from his horse and pulled Ellie off of Windy. \u201cNow you mind me little girl, you sass me and this belt comes off, you understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir\u201d Ellie said as the tears were dripping down her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, that\u2019s more like it. A nice polite little girl.\u201d he chuckled wickedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie started to cry. Why did they want Adam? Was Adam going to get hurt? If he got hurt, it was because he was looking for her. She should have gone back to the house like Charlie said. If she had just minded. Papa was forever telling her she needed to learn to mind. Papa had had a bunch of \u201cprivate\u201d talks with her about minding. She just thought to herself, please Adam, please Adam don\u2019t come look for me. But she knew deep in her heart Adam was already looking for her. She sat next to the one called James with her knees drawn up to her chest praying for Adam to stay away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGone on Lucas, take this little note to the Cartwrights, they\u2019ll be here by morning.\u201d James smirked as he handed Lucas a piece of paper.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pa went in search of Charlie. He rode to Charlie\u2019s cabin on the edge of the Ponderosa. The Ponderosa had several cabins for married couples and families. There was also a large cabin for the foreman. Pa rapped hard on Charlie\u2019s door. \u201cCharlie, Charlie, it\u2019s Ben Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie opened the door, \u201cMr. Cartwright, what are you doing here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie, Ellie\u2019s missing. Have you seen her?\u201d Pa asked anxiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, found her down at the corral this morning. I gave her a couple of swats for being there without you or the boys and sent her back to the house. She ain\u2019t back at the house?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa smiled a bit, Charlie had no trouble given any of his children a few swats if he thought they were misbehaving. \u201cNo, she\u2019s not home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, you want me to round up the hands to go looking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Charlie, I don\u2019t have a good feeling about this. Round up the men and meet me at the house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa got on his horse and headed back to the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss and Joe headed up to the lake. Hoss sighed disappointedly when they got to the lake and there was no sign of Ellie. \u201cJoe, let\u2019s look around.\u201d Hoss said dismounting from his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe jumped off of Blackie and started looking around. He knew Ellie liked to sit on the big flat rock facing the lake. He saw something white sticking up in the grass. It was Ellie\u2019s sketch pad. \u201cHeh, Hoss, over here!,\u201d Joe shouted excitedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWatcha got lil brother?\u201d Hoss asked as he hurried over.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Ellie\u2019s sketch pad.\u201d said Joe, the worry now settling over him like a thick blanket.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss took the pad. He looked around near the trees. He walked over to wear Ellie had tied off Windy and said, \u201cHere\u2019s Windy\u2019s tracks, but, Joe, they\u2019s three sets of tracks total. Somethin\u2019 ain\u2019t right here.\u201d Hoss said, his voice low and etched with worry. It was getting dark, there was no way they could track in the dark.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s getting dark, we should head home and tell Pa. We need to come back here and start tracking at day break.\u201d Hoss said, his voice thick with emotion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at his big brother. Hoss looked scared. Hoss almost never looked scared. Joe started to get scared too. \u201cHoss, we can\u2019t go home we have to go find her. We can\u2019t leave her out here by herself. You know how scared she can be, she\u2019s scared to be alone at night.\u201d Joe fumed as he mounted Blackie.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss reached up and put a hand on his little brother\u2019s knee. \u201cNow, Joe, you listen to me and you listen real good. Somethin\u2019 is wrong. I don\u2019t know what it is. But Ellie wouldn\u2019t go off riding with anyone. She know\u2019s better. You know we cain\u2019t see these tracks in the dark and its gonna be dark in less than half hour. So the smartest thing to do is go on home and tell Pa what we found and come back at day break.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Hoss\u2026.\u201d Joe protested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere ain\u2019t no buts Joe, you ain\u2019t gonna do Ellie no good if you\u2019s out there fumbling \u2018round in the dark, is you?\u201d Hoss countered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed defeated, he knew Hoss was right. \u201cOk,\u201d he turned Blackie toward home, \u201clet\u2019s get on home then.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss mounted up and the two brothers headed home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Dark was descending and Ellie was getting scared. She just wanted to go home. She knew that her family would not be able to look for her at night. She was tired and sore. She was trying to think of way to get back home to her family.<\/span><\/p>\n

The once called Lucas rode up. \u201cIt\u2019s done James.\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood, now all we have to do is wait.\u201d James snickered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we waiting for?\u201d Ellie asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, for your big brother to come after his baby sister, that\u2019s what.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d you know he\u2019s gonna come after me?\u201d Ellie asked curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause little girl, you are about the most important thing there is to that family of yours. Especially your big brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d you know that?\u201d Ellie stormed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, we\u2019ve been watching you and your family for weeks. We heard from the hands and ole Charlie about how you is the apple of your Pa\u2019s eye and that big brother of yours. How much all them hands watch for you and how ole Charlie loves you like you was his own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie just looked at him. She didn\u2019t feel like the apple of anyone\u2019s eye. One of Charlie\u2019s own? That was a laugh, her sore bottom told her that.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know why you is saying that mister, I get more swats around here than anyone, especially from Charlie. I don\u2019t get to go nowhere\u2019s by myself. I always gotta have someone with me. I ain\u2019t even allowed to leave the yard.\u201d she grumped.<\/span><\/p>\n

James was laughing at her belly aching.<\/span><\/p>\n

Her eyes flashed with anger, \u201cWhat\u2019s so dad burn funny?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019s funny. You don\u2019t realize how much that family of yours loves you. They got all them rules to keep you safe. But you didn\u2019t follow them rules did you and now your brother\u2019s gonna die for trying to find you.\u201d he just laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie was smoldering, \u201cWhy you want Adam anyhow, what\u2019s he ever done to you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell see little girl, me and Lucas had a family just like yours once. But your brother helped hang my Pa. I was only 16 and Lucas was only 13. I\u2019m here to kill him, just like he killed our Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow I know you\u2019s lying. My brother never hanged a man, ever.\u201d Ellie shot back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh he didn\u2019t hold the rope, but he testified in court that my pa killed a man. He just as good as strung him up hisself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss and Joe arrived back at the house after dark. Adam had already come back from the corral with the same story that Charlie had told Pa. Pa was pacing the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss tossed Chubb\u2019s reins to Joe and said, \u201cHeh, Joe, would you put up Chubb? I want to get in and tell Pa what we found.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss headed for the house and Joe led the horses to the stable. As he led the horses into the barn, he noticed a white piece of paper stuck to Blackie\u2019s stall with a knife. He dropped the reins and ran for the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, pa, come quick.\u201d Joe shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa opened the door as Hoss was walking in and heard Joe shouting. \u201cJoseph, what\u2019s the matter?\u201d Pa called out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone has Ellie, someone named James Farley.\u201d Joe said as he was rushing toward his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa grabbed the note out of his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

WE HAVE YOUR BABY SISTER ADAM CARTWRIGHT. COME TO EAGLE ROCK AT 10 AM. WE WILL SETTLE THEN. COME ALONE OR SHE DIES. AN EYE FOR AN EYE! JAMES FARLEY<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cADAM,\u201d Pa bellowed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam came running, \u201cWhat is it Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhose James Farley?\u201d Pa nearly shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, why?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause he has Ellie.\u201d Pa said handing Adam the note.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam almost sank to the ground. Pa and Hoss grabbed Adam and helped him into the house. Pa turned to Joe, \u201cFinish up with the horses, Joseph.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe started to protest, but knew this was not the time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, for the life of me, I can\u2019t think of who James Farley is?\u201d Adam moaned, his head in his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThink, boy, think! Just settle down and think.\u201d Pa pleaded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed and put his head back. James Farley, James Farley.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa was reading the note over and over. \u201cAdam, son, this James Farley seems to think that you\u2019ve killed someone in his family, a father or a brother, perhaps. You sure you can\u2019t remember killing anyone named Farley?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I suppose it\u2019s possible Pa. I\u2019ve certainly killed a few men, but none with the name Farley. At least none that I can remember.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell if it\u2019s not someone killed directly, maybe someone you killed indirectly.\u201d Pa said thoughtfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d you mean, Pa? How could I kill someone indirectly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh I don\u2019t know, maybe like when you testify in court and the result of your testimony is that a, man gets hung or lynched.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The light went on in Adam\u2019s eyes. His eyes narrowed and turned black as coal. \u201cI think I figured it out Pa. Pa, do you remember about 5 years ago when I was in Placerville to deliver a deed for you?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess so son, you\u2019ve been to Placerville a number of times, what was special about this time?<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam leaned his head back, remembering, \u201cI remember it was a hot long ride, I think it must have been July or August. I had just gotten back from college. I went to Placerville to deliver the deed. I decided to go into the saloon to have a drink. There were some men playing poker in the corner. I got my beer and watched the men play. I remember the game because there was this big man there, that kind of looked like Aaron Cummings. It shocked me to see someone that big with that red hair like Aaron\u2019s. I had to do a double take, I knew Aaron wouldn\u2019t be in a saloon playing poker. But he just looked so much like him. Next thing I knew, this big red haired man stood up, accused a man of cheating and shot him down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo on, son\u2026.\u201dPa prompted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was an eye witness to that shooting. I stayed in town to testify at his trial. Don\u2019t you remember Pa, I had to send a wire, I had to stay in Placerville until the circuit judge arrived? You came to stay with me and the children went to the Cummings for the week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa nodded his head remembering.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I think that big red headed man was Farley. James Farley must be his son. I remember him having two boys, the younger one was about the age that Joe is now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Adam, you didn\u2019t kill Farley.\u201d Joe said looking confused.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked startled. He had forgotten that Joe was still in the room. \u201cJoseph, go on upstairs to bed. Adam, Hoss and I will figure this out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe lifted his chin and pulled himself up to his full height, he looked over at his father with his green eyes just smoldering with fire, \u201cNo! She\u2019s my sister! I\u2019m not going anywhere!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa\u2019s eyes fired with the blatant disrespect and disobedience he had just heard out of his youngest son\u2019s mouth. He opened his mouth to say something, but Adam cut him off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam turned to Joe, \u201cNo, Joe, but my testimony hanged him.\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes grew wide with fear, \u201cPa, that note says if I don\u2019t come to Ellie, he\u2019s going to kill Ellie. Pa, that maniac is going to kill Ellie if I don\u2019t come alone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you are not going alone!\u201d Pa stormed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, she\u2019s my baby sister. This maniac is threatening to hang her. I have to go alone.\u201d Adam said shaking his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to do any such thing young man and for your information she\u2019s my daughter and you are my son and I don\u2019t intend to lose either of you.\u201d Pa said harshly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Hoss opened the door to their ranch foreman Charlie. \u201cI got the men ready to go, Boss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie, sit down a minute. A man named James Farley is holding Ellie up at Eagle\u2019s Nest.\u201d Pa explained. Pa explained the story, read the note to Charlie and said, \u201cWe need to come up with a plan to resolve this without Ellie getting hurt or Adam walking into a death trap.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cartwright men and their ranch foreman talked late into the night to formulate a plan. All was set before Charlie left. \u201cOk boys, let\u2019s try and get some rest.\u201d Pa said waving them up to their rooms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, not yet.\u201d Pa commanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, you are far too young to be going tomorrow. I know that you want to go and make sure Ellie is safe. I will allow you to go on one condition. You will stay out of the line of fire. You will go with Charlie. Tomorrow, you will do exactly as you\u2019re told, when you are told. You will obey Charlie without question. If you do not, I will leave your punishment to Charlie. Do I make myself crystal clear?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t want to be left behind. After all he had just as much right to make sure his sister was safe as the rest of them. He also didn\u2019t relish any punishment by Charlie. He had been on the receiving end of Charlie\u2019s belt more than once. Pa\u2019s punishments didn\u2019t hold a candle to Charlie\u2019s. \u201cYes, sir.\u201d Joe promised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI mean it Joseph, absolute obedience. \u201d Pa threatened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, absolute obedience.\u201d Joe said looking directly into his father\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Joe, don\u2019t think I forgot about that disrespect I heard earlier.\u201d Pa said his eyes boring down on his youngest son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir,\u201d Joe said his head hanging down.<\/span><\/p>\n

With that settled, Pa and Joe headed up the stairs to get some much needed rest. At first light, the Cartwrights were sitting around the breakfast table. All were silent. You could hear only the clink of knives and forks against dishes. Pa looked over at Joe and Hoss, \u201cGo saddle up the horses, boys.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam finally broke the silence, \u201cPa, you can\u2019t really mean to let Joe come on this, it\u2019s too dangerous.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Pa sighed, \u201cIf I don\u2019t let him come, you know he\u2019d end up following us or something. This way, I know where he is and I know Charlie will keep him safe. I\u2019ve already got to worry about you and Ellie, I can\u2019t be worrying about what Joe is doing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded, \u201cPoint taken, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe came back in the house, \u201cPa, Mr. Charlie is here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie walked into the house, \u201cMorning Boss, we all set. They\u2019s only two of them. I have the men all around Eagle\u2019s Nest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa grabbed Charlie\u2019s arm, \u201cCharlie, did you see Ellie? Is she alright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie looked into Pa\u2019s eyes, \u201cBoss, your baby\u2019s fine. Last I saw her, she was sound asleep on a blanket. She didn\u2019t look none the worse for wear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa breathed a sigh of relief. Now if they could only make it a few more hours. He cleared his throat of the lump there, \u201cCharlie, I want you to take Joe with you. Keep him out of harm\u2019s way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie raised his eyebrows. \u201cYou sure, Boss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure. Joseph, remember what I said. Absolute obedience.\u201d Pa motioned Joe to go with Charlie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir\u201d Joe said in his most grown up voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked at Charlie, \u201cI told Joe he was to obey you absolutely. What ever, when ever or how ever. Oh, and I also told him, you would be the one doing the punishing if he disobeyed you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie laughed a little, \u201cCome on boy, best get moving.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir Mr. Charlie.\u201d Joe said jumping on Blackie.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three remaining Cartwrights mounted up. Pa looked at Adam, \u201cGodspeed and take care son. I hate that you are walking into this alone. You know the men are surrounding the area. Please think before you act, yours and Ellie\u2019s lives may depend upon it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa, I know.\u201d Adam said as he mounted Sport.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Pa took off in a different direction to approach Eagle\u2019s Nest from the steep side of the cliffs. Adam took off by himself headed towards Eagle\u2019s Nest.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Lucas handed James a cup of coffee. \u201cWell it will be anytime,\u201d smiled James, \u201cAnytime.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Lucas eyed his brother warily. Now that the time was upon him, he didn\u2019t really want to kill Adam Cartwright or hurt that little girl. He just wanted to go on to California and find somewhere to settle down. He didn\u2019t want to hang for murder the way his Pa had.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLucas, get on down below this draw and keep an eye for Cartwright.\u201d James ordered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lucas started to say something, then thought the better of it. He had always obeyed his brother without question or been beaten. He figured his brother was in no kinda mood and he didn\u2019t want him to hurt that little girl.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lucas rode slowly and quietly looking for Adam Cartwright. He found a stand of rocks that would be the perfect vantage point. He crouched down behind the rocks and waited. As he crouched down, he felt a pistol against his back. \u201cTurn around slowly,\u201d said the voice as a hand took Lucas\u2019 pistol. He turned around to see Ben Cartwright.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s my daughter?\u201d he demanded looking at this man who held his daughter. Only this wasn\u2019t a man. This was a boy. Why this boy couldn\u2019t be much more than Hoss, 18 at the most.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lucas sucked in his breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m waiting, boy, where is my daughter?\u201d he demanded louder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s in the draw with my brother James.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa shoved the pistol into the small of Lucas\u2019 back and said, \u201cStart walking, boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss had been watching this whole exchange and silently walked toward his Pa and the boy. With his gun on the boy, Hoss joined his father. \u201cWho\u2019s he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJames Farley\u2019s brother. We need to catch up with Adam and let him know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Shortly Adam came into sight. Hoss whistled twice. Adam responded with a double whistle. The Cartwrights had devised this signal years ago, as a warning. Adam waited for his father and brother to join him. He was surprised to see a trio riding toward him instead of just Pa and Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam said motioning to the boy with the gun in his back, \u2018Who\u2019s he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur bargaining chip.\u201d said Pa. \u201cHe\u2019s James Farley\u2019s brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked at the boy, \u201cWhat\u2019s your name boy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLucas.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Pa, Farley said to ride in alone. What if he\u2019s trigger happy? We can\u2019t take the chance with Ellie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa thought for a minute. \u201cI suppose you are right. Adam you go ahead and ride in and tell Farley we have his brother. Then Hoss and I can bring the boy in. We will be within ear shot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam agreed. \u201cCome on, Sport.\u201d Adam turned his horse toward the draw.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam got to the beginning of the draw. \u201cFARLEY\u201d, he yelled. \u201cIt\u2019s Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Farley stepped out into Adam\u2019s view. He had Ellie in front of him with his pistol pressed against her temple. \u201cCome on in Cartwright. And oh, drop your pistol, unless you want this baby sister of yours to die.\u201d he said cocking the gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo Adam, no Adam,\u201d cried Ellie, \u201che wants to kill you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet her go, Farley. You got me now. Let her go.\u201d Adam yelled as he dropped his gun belt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so Cartwright. She should watch you die, just like I had to watch my Pa die because of you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFarley, before you decide to kill me, I think you should know one thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah,\u201d he sneered, \u201cWhat\u2019s that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy family has your brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

James Farley gasped, \u201cYour bluffing Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope, I\u2019m not. If you touch one hair on my sister\u2019s head, your brother will be dead and so will you before you take a breath. Farley, your brother\u2019s name Lucas isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJames, it me Lucas. I\u2019m standing here with Ben Cartwright.\u201d Lucas yelled as he was walked into the draw by Pa and Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

The families just stood there looking at each other. James Farley with his gun on Ellie\u2019s head and Ben Cartwright, his gun on Lucas Farley\u2019s back. Lucas shot James a pleading look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJames, please you know Pa shot that fella during a poker game. He shot in cold blood. Please don\u2019t become a man like him.\u201d Lucas pleaded. \u201cJames, please let that little girl go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

James\u2019 hand started to tremble, \u201cLucas, boy, come over here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t James, I have a gun in my back, I can\u2019t move a muscle until you let that little girl go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor, come to me.\u201d commanded Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie felt the gun move away from her temple. She looked at her papa, who nodded to her. She looked at her brother. He was sinking to the ground on to his knee with his arms open to her. He nodded to her. She ran crying and she flung herself into her big brothers strong arms. As soon as she reached Adam, Pa looked at Lucas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo to your brother, boy.\u201d he pushed Lucas toward James. James had sunk to his knees with his head in his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJames,\u201d Lucas put his arm around his brother. James looked up at Lucas, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, boy, I never wanted you to get hurt. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

By then Charlie had arrived in the draw with the men. Joe looked at Charlie, pleading with his eyes to be allowed to go to his father. \u201cGo on boy,\u201d said Charlie smiling down at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u201d, Joe cried relieved as he ran into his father\u2019s waiting arms. As he reached his father, Hoss slipped his arm around his little brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam picked up Ellie and carried her over to her father. \u201cAww, Adam,\u201d Ellie sniffed, \u2018I\u2019m too big to be picked up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh no princess, you will never be too big to be picked up,\u201d said Adam as he handed her over to Pa. Pa received her gratefully and hugged her like he would never let her out of his sight again. \u201cCharlie,\u201d said Pa, \u201cI think you need to take these two into the Sheriff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing Boss, sure thing.\u201d Charlie said as he headed toward the Farley brothers. \u201cCome on boys.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That evening, the Cartwrights sat in the great room. Adam was reading to Ellie. Joe and Hoss were playing checkers and Pa was sitting in his favorite chair watching all his children closely. Ellie hadn\u2019t left Adam\u2019s side since they got home. Adam surprisingly let her without telling her to quit pestering him. The clock chimed 8:00. \u201cOk, Joe and Ellie, time for bed.\u201d Pa said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAwww\u2026Pa, awww\u2026Papa.\u201d he heard in a mixed jumble.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I think we\u2019ve had a busy day and you two need to get on to bed. I guess you could stay up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The children turned toward their father with hopeful eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd, let\u2019s see Joseph, I suppose if you stay up, you and I can have a little talk about that disrespectful behavior last night and Eleanor, I think you and I can have a little talk about just how you ended up at the lake yesterday afternoon or you can just go up to bed?\u201d Pa said his eyebrows raised and his eyes dark.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUmm\u2026bed!\u201d the children practically yelled as they took off for the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa chuckled, he\u2019d keep them guessing about those \u201ctalks\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
Disclaimer:<\/span>\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0Two men show up from Adam’s past.\u00a0 What do they have against him? \u00a0<\/p>\n

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