{"id":40693,"date":"2022-12-29T17:14:24","date_gmt":"2022-12-29T22:14:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=40693"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:37:39","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:37:39","slug":"the-counterfeit-affair-by-ac1830","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=40693","title":{"rendered":"The Counterfeit Affair (by AC1830)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: After several failed romances, Adam claims he needs a break from romancing women. But as the saying goes, never say never.\u00a0 Written for the 2022 Camp in the Pines.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rating: K, Word count: 10,216<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Counterfeit Affair<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 1<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Is it me or does every dance, every festival, every performance at the opera house become an opportunity to meet a girl and get married? That certainly seems to be the case in the last couple of years. Maybe it\u2019s just me because of the string of failed romances I\u2019ve had in that amount of time. It wouldn\u2019t be far from the truth to say I\u2019m a bit gun-shy at the moment, so I\u2019ve decided that I am done with women for a while. Of course, convincing my brothers and father of that has been a challenge. It seems that when each social event comes up my brothers are competing to see who gets the first kiss at a party or a town social and Pa releases his hopeful sigh that at least one of his sons will make a match that will last. Then I get those looks that say I better be joining in or else. This is where I release my own sigh of frustration and leave the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now that October has arrived, it’s time for the Virginia City Literary Society\u2019s Autumn Festival and I\u2019m quite sure today is going to be one of those times I would like to be living elsewhere. This year they are raising funds to supply books for the orphanage. Having a taste for the literary classics apparently made me the perfect candidate to run the book sale booth. I really don\u2019t mind but I\u2019ve noticed that whenever I run any kind of booth there seems to be an abundance of young ladies stopping by. Just par for the course I suppose since I\u2019ve not come across too many men in Virginia City who are avid readers. Now what I do mind are the snide comments and looks I received from my brothers as they helped me set up the booth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, do you think selling books is the best way to catch a girl? I mean, older brother must be getting desperate, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, little brother. Not exactly desperate. I\u2019d say he’s more like plum loco. Now, you an\u2019 me know the best way to catch a gal is at the dance tonight, and I bet you five dollars our brother here never even gets kissed tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bet you five he doesn\u2019t show up at all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah, I forgot he\u2019s sworn off women for a while. Shucks I was hopin\u2019 to win my bet, but you\u2019re on little brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“I suggest you two finish putting the signs together, before I use one of them to knock some sense into you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In a side glance I saw Joe and Hoss share winks as they got to work. Grumpier than I was earlier, I returned to my task of sorting through the boxes of books I would be selling, but couldn\u2019t help wondering if some of their snide comments were true. It seemed lately that I couldn\u2019t last more than a day with a girl, and I\u2019ve no idea why.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, the Festival is getting underway. Are you ready?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I turned to see Pa standing behind me with his hands on his hips. \u201cI\u2019m ready if Joe and Hoss have finished their part.\u201d I punctuated that last with a glare at my brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe flipped a hammer just as he would his pistol, and gave an assuring smile. \u201cAll done, brother. Now on to having some fun while you sit here and sell books.\u201d Joe jumped behind Hoss and shoved him toward the shooting gallery at the top of the hill.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re staying to help, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa jumped at my question since apparently something near the lake apparently had captured his attention. \u201cUh, no. I think you can handle things here. I\u2019ve got other matters to attend to.\u201d With that he moseyed toward the lake where preparations were being made for the fishing contest after lunch. I watched him skirt the cluster of judges only to stop to greet a woman I thought I\u2019d never see him speak to after that fiasco with an overly large emerald. Well, maybe certain wonders will never cease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, young man. Is your booth open?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I turned to find a matronly woman looking expectantly toward the first stack of books on the table.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I gave her my warmest smile as I slid into my seat. \u201cWhy yes. What book are you interested in purchasing today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And so began a long morning of selling books while the Festival crowd swirled around me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 2<\/b><\/p>\n

The book sale was going quite well with a mix of men and women buying books. I also took in quite a few donations from those just wanting to help the orphans. With the sun hitting its zenith, I was glad Joe stopped by to spell me so I could grab a quick lunch. When I returned I had about another hour to go before closing up the booth. I was nearly out of books and besides, the fishing race was the last big event for the day and I wanted to be there to watch Hoss. When I spied a young woman approaching, it looked promising for this to be my last sale. However, my bigger brother appeared out of nowhere to jump in front of her, causing her to take a couple of steps backward.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me Ma\u2019am, I\u2019ll just be a moment. Adam, you gotta help me.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I stared at Hoss who could be the biggest kid when there\u2019s fun to be had and today was no exception. Being an avid fisherman he was a shoo-in to catch the most fish in an hour and win the hundred dollar prize. I focused on my red-faced brother and his strange appearance – why was a cloth hanging from under his hat? And why wasn’t he getting ready for the race?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“Hoss, what are you doing here? The race is about to start.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDaggumit, Adam, I can\u2019t find my pole. Have you seen it? I just gotta have it. I wanna get that prize money an\u2019 give it all to the orphanage. Oh Lordy, where did I leave that pole?\u201d\u00a0 He swiped his hat off allowing the long cloth to fall to the ground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, excuse me. I believe you dropped this.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss turned and blushed beet red when he took the cloth from the pretty young woman who gave him her own blushing smile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank ya, Ma\u2019am.\u201d He fiddled with his hat and the cloth, finally getting them both into place. \u201cWell, Adam?\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

I felt my brows rise and couldn\u2019t resist a jab. \u201cIt looks lovely on you. Is that meant to be a havelock to keep you from getting sunburned?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

All I got was a glare for my troubles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood grief, I\u2019m just trying to lighten you up. If you turn around you’ll see that Joe has your pole down by the lake. And by the looks of things you better hurry or he just might take your place in the race.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Lordy. Thanks older brother. I owe you a big one.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust catching some fish for dinner will be thanks enough. Now scoot!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I had to chuckle at his flustered state. That middle brother of mine can be as wise as Solomon and smart as a whip, but at other times he can be so discombobulated that I fear he\u2019ll leave his head behind one day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After watching him reconnect with his beloved fishing pole, I turned my attention back to the young lady in front of me. And what a lovely, vivacious young woman she was. Tilting her head downward to reveal her vibrant blue eyes, she offered her donation toward purchasing some books for the children. She placed the money gently in my outstretched hand, while offering a sweet smile. I gathered myself together and began to count the small bills. When I reached the last bill, I gave her a look of incredulity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure this amount is what you wish to donate, Ma\u2019am?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cQuite sure, and it\u2019s Miss. Miss Annabelle Winstead.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I quickly wrote her name in the donor book and locked the cash in the money box then scooted around the table. \u201cOne hundred dollars is quite generous, Miss Winstead. On behalf of the Virginia City Literary Society and the orphanage, please accept our gratitude.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She tilted her head, locked eyes with mine and gave me another enchanting smile before indicating the concessions tent. Sidling closer, her full skirt brushed my legs. \u201cIt\u2019s entirely my pleasure. However, having enjoyed much of your lovely festival, I\u2019m quite thirsty. Would you like to join me for some lemonade, Mister\u2026?\u201d\u00a0 Sky blue eyes twinkled in the sunshine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam. Uh, Cartwright.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Her giggles were like soft bells in the wind. \u201cWhich is it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I fought through my raspy voice. \u201cBoth. Adam Cartwright. And I regret I\u2019m unable to join you as I must close the stand and secure the donations.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, well, if you must. Perhaps we will see each other again soon.\u201d\u00a0 Her ruby lips remained parted as she rotated her body away from me and strolled away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaking my head to regain my wits, I tugged my eyes away from watching her sashay up the hill. Realizing any other potential customers had made their way to the lake for the fishing contest, I layed a closed sign on the table, picked up the lockbox and single box of unsold books, and strode in the opposite direction to the office of the President of the Literary Society.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Upon hearing a satisfying click of the door behind me, I slid the lockbox across her desk. Dee knew something was up when I didn’t offer an explanation. Opening the box her eyes grew wide. She picked up the bills on top and fanned them out. “This would cover several orders of books and then some. How did you do it?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“As much as I would like to take the credit, it wasn’t me. It was one donor. A young lady by the name of Annabelle Winstead.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Dee’s expression lost some of its amazement as she continued to finger the bills.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“Is something wrong?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“No, I don’t think so, but I would like to meet Miss Winstead and express my gratitude for her generous gift.” She quickly secured the box in her safe and placed the remaining books on a shelf.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m returning to the lake to watch Hoss in the fishing race. Perhaps you would like to join me and we might cross paths with our splendiferous donor.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Giving a last frowning glance at the safe, Dee turned a lighter smile on me and followed me out. Together we headed to the lake. Having not seen Miss Winstead, she left my side to visit with Joe when we met up with him. I, on the other hand, headed to find Hoss. It didn\u2019t take long as that was where the crowd was. Apparently, he was winning, and by a landslide if the fullness of his bucket was any gauge. Acknowledging Pa as he drifted toward me, I whispered, \u201cAre those all his fish?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. And the other contestants are not too happy about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve noticed. I hope there won\u2019t be a riot when time is called.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa chuckled as we returned to our silent watching.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When the whistle was blown signaling the end of the race, Hoss stood up and took a big stretch. He waited in his spot for the judges to move down the line to count the fish and declare the winner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLadies and Gentlemen, the winner of the fishing race is Hoss Cartwright. Hoss you can collect your winnings from the main tent and judges please take the fish to the cooking tent. A big thank you to all who participated. We\u2019re going to have some mighty fine eating tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A few men shook Hoss\u2019 hand but others scowled and grumbled about the unfairness as they headed to the beer tent. Hoss joined us, pleased as punch to have won. I swear he was hugging his fishing pole. \u201cHowdy Pa, Adam. Looks like me and my pole have done it again. Mm-mm, I can taste them fish already.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget to put that pole back in the wagon, brother. You don\u2019t want to misplace it again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah, sure will. Thanks, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, son, what\u2019s that hanging from your hat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I couldn\u2019t resist a smirk as Hoss\u2019 brow furrowed. He felt the base of his neck and yanked the cloth out. \u201cOh, I plum forgot about it. It\u2019s a Havelock, Pa. One of the other contestants, I think his name was Pete, told me about it when he heard me complain about gettin\u2019 sunburnt. I sure hate when that happens so the man offered to help me make one. Did you know they were worn by soldiers for the same reason? He said he was a soldier once an\u2019 told me he wore one.\u201d Hoss glanced around him and suddenly started waving the cloth in the air. A blonde-headed man raised his own Havelock in response. \u201cThere he is over yonder. He didn\u2019t fare too well in the race but I reckon it might be \u2018cause he\u2019s more of a city slicker. Anyway, don\u2019t guess I need this anymore.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss tossed the rectangular cloth to me and headed off. Pa rolled his eyes and huffed. \u201cA Havelock, indeed.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

My smirk widened as I tossed the cloth to Pa. Glancing around and not finding Joe or Dee anywhere, I wandered up the hill to the concessions in search of Miss Winstead. This was decidedly going to be a very pleasant afternoon, if I could find the young lady.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 3<\/b><\/p>\n

It was no surprise that Miss Winstead was no longer at the concessions so I meandered around to the different booths and soon we crossed paths at the shooting gallery of all places.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello again, Miss Winstead.\u201d I tipped my hat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She surprised me with a small curtsey. \u201cWhy hello, Mister Cartwright.\u201d Her bright eyes drifted over to the next group of shooters. \u201cIsn\u2019t this the most fascinating game? I can\u2019t imagine how those men are able to shoot so straight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I watched a man hit the bullseye three times. \u201cIt takes patience and practice.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When I turned back to the young lady I found her eyes roaming over me before settling on my pistol. \u201cAre you a good shooter, Adam?\u201d She reached a gloved hand toward my gun. I admit her move as well as her use of my first name caught me off guard but my speed to intercept her seemed to surprise her more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m good enough. I would have thought the quilting table would have been more to your liking, Miss Winstead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, they are lovely, but my talents lie far from that.\u201d\u00a0 She slipped her hand around my arm and steered us toward the lake. \u201cPlease call me Annabelle. Now, tell me about yourself, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you think it\u2019s a bit soon for us to be on such familiar terms?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense. Being so formal makes me think I\u2019m my mother\u2019s age and I certainly don\u2019t feel that way.\u201d She coiled a finger through one of her dark curls and batted her lashes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I couldn\u2019t help but grin. \u201cYou make an excellent point, Annabelle.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Time was lost to us as we strolled around the lake, sharing with each other about our lives. While I had traveled across the country as a child, she grew up in a small town in Missouri yet sought the excitement of St. Joseph. From there she\u2019d been traveling westward to \u2018see our beautiful country\u2019 as she so eloquently put it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I couldn\u2019t recall a more enjoyable and peaceful time with a young lady. In the span of an hour it felt like we had known each other for years. Hoss\u2019 bellow from the trees broke the spell and drew us up to the wagons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it was going to take me a month of Sundays to find you, brother.\u201d Hoss tipped his hat to the lady he noticed was standing inordinately close to his brother. \u201cHello, Ma\u2019am. Listen, Adam, it\u2019s time to eat some of that delicious fish we caught today. So bring your lady friend and let\u2019s go.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before I could make introductions, Hoss was half way up the hill. \u201cWell, are you up to some fish for dinner?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She squeezed my arm and leaned closer. \u201cIt sounds delightful, and so is your brother. Will you tell me more about your family?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can meet them yourself at dinner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her sweet smile was all the incentive I needed. Feeling like I was walking on air, Annabelle and I headed to the main tent. At the entrance I spotted Dee a few spots ahead of us in line, standing by Roy Coffee and Paul Martin. I tapped her shoulder to get her attention.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Adam. Ready for some good fish?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am. Dee, this is Miss Annabelle Winstead. The generous donor I told you about. Miss Winstead, this is Dee –\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dee stepped closer, scrutinizing Annabelle. \u201cHello, I\u2019m the President of the Virginia City Literary Society. I\u2019d like to extend my gratitude for your generous donation. I assure you it will be put to good use for the orphans.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was my pleasure. I\u2019m traveling right now and had no space to take any books with me so I felt the least I could do was to make a donation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, thank you again. It was nice to meet you. I better go reclaim my place in line. Adam, thanks for your help as well.\u201d Her quick disappearance into the throng of hungry guests as well as her edginess around Annabelle had me completely bamboozled. Dee was usually warm and friendly to everyone. Thankfully Annabelle hadn\u2019t seemed to notice. She simply slipped her arm around mine and gave me that endearing look as we joined the line.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thankfully, it wasn\u2019t much longer before we were seated with my family and talking about the day. Annabelle settled in and soon was telling as many stories as we were. It was the perfect ending to a busy day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 4<\/b><\/p>\n

Autumn was the time we worked to get the ranch ready for winter. A long string of good weather days put us ahead of schedule and that gave me several opportunities over the next week to spend time with Annabelle. We had a couple of dinners at the hotel, lunch at different cafes, and attended a show at Piper\u2019s Opera House which set more than a few tongues wagging in town. I tried to steer clear of those particular ladies whenever Annabelle was with me for the very reason that if we did develop a relationship, I wanted to make sure it was on our terms and not someone else\u2019s.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I needn\u2019t have been concerned though since we were becoming closer each day. And I admit that should have set off warning bells considering most of my other failed romances but this time I knew it was definitely different.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One afternoon, I picked her up at the hotel to show her some of the Ponderosa. I brought the buggy to a stop near a pasture to observe one of our herds of cattle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She leaned forward, mesmerized by the sheer numbers. \u201cAre these all yours, Adam?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThese belong to the Ponderosa. And there are three other smaller herds besides this one.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, can I see them?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot today. They’re in other pastures too far to reach before the sun sets.\u201d The lengthening shadows were telling me we had a couple of hours remaining and I still wanted to show her a favorite meadow of mine. Feeling a puff of warm breath tickle my ear I turned and found Annabelle inches from my face. She snuggled closer to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have so much compared to how I grew up. No land in Missouri could compare to your ranch. Also, I was just thinking about all the things we have in common, Adam.\u201d She rested her fingers on my collar and tickled my neck. \u201cWe both love books and theater shows. And seeing how beautiful your ranch is, I’m thinking hard about settling down here. What do you think about that?\u201d Her fingers now crawled through my hair pushing my hat off.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ignoring my toppling hat, I leaned closer to allow our lips to connect. It was several passionate minutes later when I finally retrieved my hat and snapped the reins to get us heading back to town, my favorite pasture long forgotten. My heart was racing as Annabelle clung to my side. Focusing on the gentle swaying of the buggy my thoughts finally calmed and sorted themselves into one thought. Actually, it was more of a decision that set off a different set of bells for me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The next day, I was confident of where Annabelle and I stood with each other so I suggested a picnic and afternoon stroll at the lake before we joined my family for dinner. Annabelle was beside herself with glee. She brought the food and I provided the scenery. We shared our lunch in the shade of the trees bordering the lake, then ambled along the water\u2019s edge hand in hand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI simply cannot believe all this beauty is yours. I can only imagine what it\u2019s like to live here everyday. I\u2019d never leave it. Oh, Adam. This view is breathtaking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I slipped my hand around her waist. \u201cIt certainly is.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Annabelle shifted around to find me looking at her rather than the lake. Her eyes twinkled in merriment. \u201cNow, Adam, whatever do you mean by that?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I stepped closer as her smile softened and her eyes reflected the hues of the sinking sun. \u201cI mean that you are beautiful and full of life, and I don\u2019t want to lose that. Annabelle, would you share the rest of your life with me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Watching her eyes widen and feeling her breath cease, my stomach knotted, but her words dispelled all my fears.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI would love nothing more, my love.\u201d She threw her arms around my neck locking us together.<\/span><\/p>\n

The passion in our kiss sealed the promise between us. When we parted, the sky was ablaze with glorious colors that mirrored our joy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During the short ride to the house, neither of us lost our smiles as we kept stealing kisses. When the buggy rolled to a stop in front of the house, Annabelle caught my hand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, how quickly can we get married?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

My heart clenched. \u201cThe normal courtship time is about three weeks. Why?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it\u2019s just that I don\u2019t want to lose any opportunity for us to enjoy our lives together. Could we possibly get married this weekend? Is that too soon?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

My grin was back as I brought her fingers to my lips. \u201cYour wish is my command, my lady. Now let\u2019s not keep my family waiting any longer. They are going to be thrilled to hear the news.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 5<\/b><\/p>\n

The ride to Virginia City the next morning was one of the quietest I\u2019ve ever had with my brother Hoss. The silence between us was almost painful, and throwing furtive glances at each other didn\u2019t help. I knew Hoss was still bothered by my news from last night but I couldn\u2019t figure out why. I truly thought he\u2019d be tickled pink for me to be getting married. As the horses plodded along, I chanced another glance his way. This time I was rewarded with a look of resignation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, you win. I\u2019ll go first. You mind tellin\u2019 me why you\u2019re marryin\u2019 Miss Annabelle this weekend? I mean you\u2019ve known her less than a week\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSix days.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn\u2019 only three days of courtin\u2019, if you can even call it that, seems like a mighty short time to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is, but we\u2019ve hit it off so well, why wait? Look, I\u2019m quite sure about what I\u2019m doing. She is definitely the one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, come on, Adam. You\u2019d never let me get away with sayin\u2019 that an’ you know it. How can you be sure she\u2019s not after you for your money?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I should have known this was coming. Hoss has always been my second conscience if there\u2019s ever a time he thinks mine has skipped town. \u201cShe\u2019s not. She\u2019s had a hard life, wandered around for years, yet she\u2019s managed to make a good life for herself. She\u2019s one of the most confident women I\u2019ve met, and a bit strong willed too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe a might too strong willed?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally? That\u2019s all you can focus on?\u201d I pulled Sport to a stop. \u201cLook, why don\u2019t you just come on out and say it. You think I\u2019m crazy, or that she\u2019s got some kind of spell over me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026we all got pieces of crazy in us, some bigger than others. So I reckon yours are showing through right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The glare I gave my brother wiped that confident smirk right off his face. \u201cThanks a lot for your support!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou asked me to say it. It may not have been what you wanted to hear but at least it\u2019s the truth of what I\u2019m thinkin\u2019.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou and the rest of the family?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI see.\u201d It\u2019s strange how just about twelve hours ago I was on top of the world and now I feel totally betrayed by my family.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss shifted uneasily in his saddle. \u201cLook, if you\u2019re sure you\u2019re going in with your eyes wide open, I won\u2019t say nothin\u2019 more about it.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am and that\u2019s fine with me.\u201d I nudged Sport forward, not caring if Hoss was following. He always had a way of cutting through the riff raff and getting to the truth. Up until this little discussion I was secure in my plans with Annabelle, but now\u2026I don\u2019t know. Now I\u2019m wondering why I even let him come along in the first place.<\/span><\/p>\n

A short distance of silent riding brought us into Virginia City. We steered our horses around walkers and wagons as we made our way toward the center of town.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I thrust aside the remnants of our earlier conversation, determined to carry out my plans. \u201cAre you going to be my shadow all morning?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, I\u2019ve got my own errands.\u201d His tone was as flat as mine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I held out a peace offering. \u201cBucket of Blood in an hour?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A nod was all I got before he turned down a side street. I meandered ahead toward the town hall to see the judge about a wedding on Saturday. Not only was I getting married this weekend, I also consented to Annabelle\u2019s request to keep the wedding simple. However, convincing Pa of that plan proved to be quite the challenge last night. Thank goodness Joe had his thinking cap on and suggested that we have a big party after the honeymoon, which put Pa in a merrier mood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Thankfully, the judge agreed to perform the marriage, once I convinced him it was not a shot-gun wedding. Feeling better about everything, especially with Annabelle\u2019s ring in my pocket, I pushed through the saloon doors. I spied Hoss at a corner table, signaled for a beer and pulled out a chair. The noise startled Hoss enough to make him rattle the table.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, what\u2019s got you as jumpy as a frog on a hot skillet? You\u2019re not still ticked off at me are you?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNah. It\u2019s somethin\u2019 else. You know that man I met at the lake. Pete Winters? He was the one who told me about that Havelock hat thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. What about him?\u201d I eyed him over the rim of my mug as I nursed my beer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, after I met him at the lake an\u2019 he helped me with that hat thing–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe havelock.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, he said he was all excited about catching a lot o\u2019 fish and bein\u2019 a winner. But he hardly caught a handful. He kept droppin\u2019 his bait and lookin\u2019 off up the hill.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, he couldn\u2019t fish like he implied. Why would that make you jumpy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI crossed paths with him several times this mornin\u2019. Don\u2019t think he ever saw me but I knew it was him \u2018cause he was wearing his havelock. Anyway, he was dartin\u2019 all over town, poppin\u2019 into stores and poppin\u2019 right out. It really was strange.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI still don\u2019t see the problem.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s \u2018cause I ain\u2019t got to it yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I took a long draw on my beer to squelch my impatience. \u201cAlright, continue.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, this next part\u2019ll be kinda hard to say, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust spit it out then.\u201d I leaned my chair back trying to relax despite Hoss\u2019 fidgeting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter I ordered those new pots for Hop Sing at the mercantile I went to the bank. Pete shot through the door just ahead of me without so much as a howdy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, so he was in a hurry to do some banking and ignored you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhile I waited in line, I saw him pass some big bills over to the teller. He got back a lot of small bills.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe exchanged some bills. We\u2019ve done that plenty of times.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s what he done with those bills that\u2019s the confusin\u2019 part. I quickly made the loan payment an\u2019 left the bank to find him. He was headin\u2019 straight to the hotel an\u2019, well\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I felt my brows knitting together above my eyes. Why was my brother looking a bit green around the gills? \u201cCome on, Hoss, quit stringing me along. What happened?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs soon as he reached the front door Miss Annabelle came out. He handed her a bunch of them bills he\u2019d just gotten from the bank. An\u2019 he must have said somethin\u2019 that made her mad. Her smile vanished as she pushed past him an\u2019 marched down the stairs, headin\u2019 toward the orphanage.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Hoss’ face grew more sickly I felt the color drain from my own face. I leaned toward him causing my chair to thump on the floor. \u201cWhat is it you\u2019re telling me, Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just it, Adam, I don\u2019t know. It sure looked like they knew each other. But that\u2019s about all I can figure.\u201d He gulped down the last half of his beer in one breath. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam. I guess I shouldn\u2019t have said anything \u2018til I was sure there was somethin\u2019 to tell. What\u2019re you gonna do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I stared at my empty mug, wishing it was full of whisky. \u201cHow the heck do I know?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Feeling a great need to move, I shoved away from the table and snaked my way through the crowded bar. Outside I leaned on the hitching rail to let the fresh air clear my head. I felt Hoss rub against me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, look over there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I angled my head to look at him and Hoss nodded to the right. Following his gaze I watched Winters climb into a carriage and head out of town.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I jogged across the street to get Sport. Hoss showed up behind me on Chubb. Together we trailed Pete Winters out of town.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After about fifteen minutes Winters stopped at a dilapidated farmhouse. I tied Sport off behind some trees and found a hiding spot to watch the man. Hoss took another trail and I had no idea where he was but knew Chubb was close by the way Sport was acting. The man entered the house, and a few minutes later he came out and hefted a heavy sack onto the seat. At that moment one of our horses nickered causing Winters to freeze halfway back to the house. His eyes darted around the area and toward the house before he spun around and climbed into the carriage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, older brother. Are we gonna take a peek inside or follow him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I jumped at Hoss\u2019 loud whisper. \u201cWho taught you to be so quiet on those big feet of yours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss poked me. \u201cYou did. Now I vote for lookin\u2019 in the house. That\u2019s the only way in or out. I checked. So he can\u2019t sneak up on us.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Doing our best not to fall through the rotting floorboards, we found nothing but the man\u2019s footprints and they led right to the fireplace. Hoss kicked at a couple of stones causing them to shift. “Not very original.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He moved them out of the way\u00a0 and I reached in to find several metal plates. I let out a low whistle while Hoss leaned in to study them. \u201cAre those what I think they are?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep. Plates for making counterfeit money. Twenties, tens and fives from the looks of them.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do we do with \u2018em?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe take them to Roy.\u201d I lifted the set of six plates and headed back to my horse with Hoss on my heels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When we got to town, we headed to the Sheriff\u2019s office. We had just ridden up to the rail when Roy came rushing up the boardwalk waving at us.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Roy. Something wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Our long time friend gave each of us a worried look. \u201cI just had the bank manager tell me one of his tellers found some fake money in his till.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I straightened up in the saddle. \u201cCounterfeit bills?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t I just say that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and I shared looks which caught Roy\u2019s attention. \u201cWhat is it? You fellas know somethin\u2019?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps we should continue this discussion in your office.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy stepped back so I could dismount. Grabbing my saddle bags, the three of us left the street.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When I placed the plates on his desk and Hoss told his story, a shorter verse after I nudged him hard in the ribs, Roy yelled for his deputy to go send a wire to the US Marshal in Carson City.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. \u201cLooks like some counterfeiters have found our little community. And if Winters traded them bills at the bank, he might have been spendin\u2019 \u2018em elsewhere. And you know what else? Miss Dee came in yesterday and showed me some odd feelin\u2019 bills. Said she got them as a donation.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I shifted nervously in my chair. \u201cRoy, does Dee know who made that donation?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe didn\u2019t say, but I got a feelin\u2019 she had a pretty good idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I bite my lower lip, nearly drawing blood.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss wiggled in his seat. \u201cRoy, I thought counterfeitin\u2019 was back East. Why would they show up here?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I held up my hand to stay Roy\u2019s reply. \u201cBecause things are getting complicated with the new Secret Service trying to shut the printers down and capture those making the fake money and spreading it around. So some have managed to make their way west to keep their business going.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy slipped his glasses back on. \u201cThat sure looks like what we got here, Adam. Now you boys stay away from Winters. You did your service and now the law\u2019s gotta take over.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and I nodded and promised to leave for home.<\/span><\/p>\n

After I mounted up, I turned to Hoss. \u201cThanks for leaving Annabelle out of your story to Roy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t know nothin\u2019 about what I saw anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Heading down the street, I slowed down. Annabelle and Dee were coming out of the orphanage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou wanna go over an\u2019 speak to \u2018em, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I was about to reply when the ladies parted ways. Annabelle stepped off the porch and collided with a man dashing from an alleyway. She lost her balance and dropped her handbag. The man reached out to steady her, and handed her handbag back to her. When she started to walk away he gripped her arm and guided her to the hotel. It appeared they were exchanging some heated words.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, did you see him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt looks like Miss Annabelle really does know Winters. What do we do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

My voice almost failed me. \u201cNothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t gonna go after \u2018em? I mean, she could be in some kind of trouble.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I turned my horse around.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut we at least gotta tell Roy about them two\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what exactly would you tell him? You heard what he said, it’s the law\u2019s job now. Let\u2019s get home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After we left town, I needed time to think so I asked Hoss to ride ahead. While I let Sport set the pace, my mind kept replaying one brief scene and it concerned Annabelle\u2019s handbag. When she walked away, she looked like she was struggling to carry it. As the miles passed by and my thoughts swirled, the ride home became the most confusing and darkest ride I\u2019d ever experienced.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 6<\/b><\/p>\n

When the morning sun snuck in through my opened curtains, I cringed. This was my wedding day but there was no joy to be found. Sleep had been nonexistent as those scenes of Winters and Annabelle repeatedly played in my head. If she knows Winters does that mean she\u2019s involved in the counterfeiting? Or was she in trouble? If so, why didn\u2019t I jump to her rescue?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I shoved the covers away from my body and rolled to the side of the bed. My head throbbed and my eyes were dry and gritty. Well, there was nothing to do now but dress, plaster a smile on my face, and play the role of the happy bride groom, at least until I could get some answers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Breakfast and the ride to town with my family were sheer torture. Of course, Pa and Joe had no idea of what had transpired yesterday, so I had to keep up the pretense of being happy to get married. All I really wanted to do was to find Annabelle and learn the truth, all of it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When we arrived at the town hall, I practically jumped from the carriage and disappeared inside the building. Hoss had been my protector all morning and it didn\u2019t end here. He followed me inside leaving a befuddled Pa and Joe to tend to the carriage and horses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what are you gonna do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure. I\u2019ve got a plan but I need to think it through.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright. Looks like an empty room over there. That should give you a bit of privacy. I\u2019ll keep Pa and Joe outside for as long as I can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After Hoss left I slipped into the side room to work on my plan. I was so lost in thought I didn\u2019t realize how much time had passed. I jumped when someone rapped on the door and I heard Joe\u2019s voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you in there? It\u2019s time. Everyone\u2019s here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I pushed down the bile that rose in my throat and plastered on that smile once more. \u201cI\u2019m coming.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In the larger room, I quickly counted heads and found Hoss missing. Well, that at least explained why Joe came to get me. Striding to the center to stand by the judge and Annabelle I threw a questioning glance at Joe who was sitting beside Pa. He shrugged, indicating he, too, wondered where our brother was.<\/span><\/p>\n

Forcing a cheerful greeting to Annabelle I gave a nod to the judge to begin the ceremony.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The Judge had barely begun when Winters burst in like a raving lunatic holding a pistol in his shaking hand. Joe and Pa rose to intercede but Hoss, who was a few feet behind the crazed man, waved them off. He grabbed Winters before he could fire the gun and in the ensuing struggle Winters dropped the gun and collapsed to his knees. Hoss hauled him to his feet as the disheveled man started crying and pleading.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStop all this. Annabelle, I can\u2019t allow you to do this again. I love you and I\u2019m sick of watching you marry all these men.\u201d\u00a0 He struggled against Hoss\u2019 iron grip. \u201cLet go of me. Like I told you outside, Hoss, she and I are married and it\u2019s been tearing me apart to watch these marriages knowing what comes next. We can\u2019t do it this way anymore, Annie, please\u2026please\u2026I implore you, stop now.\u201d\u00a0 His energy spent, he sank to the floor so fast Hoss almost toppled on top of him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The silence in the room was deafening. My heart was thudding in my chest and I took a couple of deep breaths to get it to calm down. I saw Annabelle waver and reach for the railing behind the judge for some stability. Scrutinizing her face I found it pale as a ghost and her blue eyes ice cold.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She ignored me and turned to stare daggers at Winters. \u201cWhat do you mean you can\u2019t do this anymore? What about me, Pete? All you have to do is move the money and plates around. I have to marry these men, convince them to invest, and\u2026and\u2026\u201d Her once delectable lips slammed shut.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I seized her arm and spun her around. My voice was so hard and cold it shocked even me. \u201cAnd what, Annabelle. What do you do after you marry them? What will you do after you marry me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Annie, don\u2019t say it. Please, my love. I can\u2019t lose you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Movement caught my eye. Was that the US Marshal with Roy standing just outside the door?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I refocused my stony gaze on Annabelle and tightened my grip on her arm. \u201cYou still haven\u2019t answered my question.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Before my eyes, she changed from a voluptuous woman of my dreams to a woman who would bewitch my nightmares. In a swift movement, she scratched my hand forcing me to release her. She then revealed a small pistol pointed at my midsection.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI killed them, and I would have to kill you. I have no choice. I marry them, get their money, their gold, or whatever riches they have to invest, then I silence them. All that I collect goes to Pete who turns it over to our Bosses. They use it to keep the counterfeiting going so they can take over businesses and disrupt governments.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment her attitude softened toward me. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam. I truly enjoyed our time together. I meant what I said about wanting to settle down here with you, but now Pete has ruined everything. In my heart my marriage with him ended months ago but I\u2019m in too deep with him and the Company to stop now. I\u2019d be dead in a matter of hours if I stopped everything I was doing and stayed with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her words trickled into my head as my vision blurred preventing me from seeing the ending to this miserable state of affairs. A gun went off and shadowy figures flew around the room. I collapsed to the floor still fighting to clear my vision. I glimpsed Annabelle being handcuffed and led outside. Her sweet voice repeated those heartrending and chilling words one last time as a blackness enveloped me. \u201cI am sorry, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 7<\/b><\/p>\n

It\u2019s quite disconcerting when images dance before you in circles yet none of them coalesce into anything familiar. Blinking my eyes helped a bit but it also increased the pressure in my head. My bobbing head found the back of a chair so I leaned into it and I closed my eyes once more.\u00a0 The spinning images were replaced with Annabelle holding a pistol on me. That\u2019s when all those other events came flooding back and my eyes shot open to find a large familiar figure looming over me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026where? How\u2026 long?\u201d I squeaked out the words through a mouth that felt like it was filled with cotton.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re in the Judge\u2019s chambers an\u2019 an hour or so. You\u2019re just plum lucky to be able to ask that question, big brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, quit making him talk. Son, keep drinking the medicine. Paul says it will help with the after affect of the drug.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDrug?\u201d I sure wish I could spit out more than one or two words so I could get all my questions answered at once.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa squatted down in front of me. \u201cDo you remember what happened with Annabelle, the wedding, and you blacking out?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMost of it, I think.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt turns out she scratched you and infected you with some kind of sleeping drug.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The faint memory made me look at my left hand. It had a light bandage on it but oddly burned like fire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a deep scratch but Paul cleaned it out well. It\u2019ll feel much better in a few hours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I absorbed those words until another memory hit me. \u201cA gun. She had one.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

An odd silence followed and I watched my family looking at each other. \u201cTell me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shrugged and stepped closer to me. \u201cWhen I saw Annabelle holding the gun at you, I tried to stop her. She fired as I shoved her off balance. The bullet grazed your arm. Paul says that will heal too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It was my turn for silence. I didn\u2019t recall being shot, just falling. Guess the drug was taking hold by then. But it was the fact that she really tried to kill me that hurt the most.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa lifted the cup to my lips encouraging me to finish the bitter liquid. I took it from him and downed the contents. \u201cI need to sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet, Mister Cartwright.\u201d My family turned and formed a protective line in front of me, but I could still see a US Marshal striding toward us. \u201cI need to ask you a few questions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you are?\u201d Pa almost growled with the question.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNate Reed. US Marshal from Carson City.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That was all my father needed to top off his worry over me. However, despite his loud protests, which added to my throbbing headache, the Marshal got his way. Joe and Hoss were dispatched to secure rooms for us. Pa stood on one side of me and Roy, who ran in behind the Marshal, was on the other side. I\u2019ve no idea what they thought Reed might do to me. He said he just wanted to ask me a few questions. I was still bleary-eyed but my mind was clearing and with each question the morning\u2019s events came back to me full force.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After what was beginning to feel like the Spanish inquisition, my frustration grew toward the Marshal. I\u2019d done my best to answer his questions but I had had enough. Pa must have recognized the signs for he moved between me and my inquisitor in one step.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s quite enough Marshal.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s a victim here, not the guilty party. I think you have enough of the story concerning him and Annabelle to be satisfied he knew nothing about her nefarious activities.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy moved in then. \u201cBen\u2019s right, Marshal. Seems you\u2019d be more interested in questioning Winters and Miss Winstead, uh, Mrs. Winters.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVery well. Thank you for your time, Mister Cartwright.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Marshal spun a hundred and eighty degrees on his heel and all but marched out the door.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy\u2019s hand on my shoulder drew my attention off the Marshal. \u201cAdam, I feel right bad for all you’ve been through today, an\u2019 I know that Marshal Reed didn\u2019t help none. I had no idea he was gonna go on so long. It\u2019s my understanding that he\u2019s only been Marshal for a couple of years. Guess he\u2019s still tryin\u2019 to prove himself. Listen, you go on an\u2019 get some rest. I\u2019ll come see you as soon as I know what\u2019s gonna happen to them other two.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Roy.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite Pa\u2019s proffered hand I stood up and made my shaky way out of the Judge’s chambers. I had to acknowledge that Marshal Reed\u2019s interrogation had one positive affect on me. It helped to clear that drug out of my system as I tamped down my temper to answer his infernal questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

I was glad Joe and Hoss went ahead to secure our rooms at the hotel. Once in my room I closed the door on everyone and basked in the silence. I was in no mood to talk to anyone. All I wanted to do was to sleep. And I did, right through lunch and into mid afternoon. When I began to reach a conscious level I heard a knock on the door. As I crossed the room, I smoothed my hair and rubbed the sleep from my face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho is it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, it\u2019s Roy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I opened the door and found not one but three people standing there. Seeing Marshal Reed and Annabelle behind Roy brought all the anger back.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, what is this? I\u2019m done with them. I have nothing more to say.\u201d\u00a0 I pushed on the door to close it but Roy\u2019s hand pushed back.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen perhaps you won\u2019t mind just listenin\u2019. There\u2019s some mighty important things you need to hear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Begrudgingly, I opened the door wider.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019ll excuse me for a moment.\u201d I slipped into the bedroom to splash cold water on my face in an attempt to clear the rest of the cobwebs from my mind. At least my headache was gone. Feeling better, I returned to the parlor and found everyone still standing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy had gathered some chairs and pointed at them. \u201cWhy don\u2019t we all sit down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Since we were facing each other in a crude circle, I crossed my arms and kept my eyes focused on a stain on the carpet. An awkward silence ensued until Annabelle\u2019s gentle voice penetrated it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

My heart seized in my chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been given permission to share more of this difficult story with you. After what I\u2019ve put you through, it’s the least I can do so you know the whole truth.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I raised my eyes to meet hers. They were as hollow as I felt. \u201cI\u2019m sure there\u2019s nothing more you can say to fix the devastation you\u2019ve caused. But if you feel you need to make a full confession then I won\u2019t interrupt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for being willing to listen.\u201d She fumbled with her hands in her lap then drew a deep breath. \u201cI\u2019m not a murderer and I\u2019m not involved with the counterfeiting rings.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

My head snapped up. I could barely breathe. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Annabelle hesitated as her eyes flicked from the Sheriff on my left to the Marshal on my right. Reed nodded for her to continue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust over two years ago, I met and married Pete Winters in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was a bank teller and we lived comfortably in the city. We were happy for a few months until he received a promotion. He said he couldn\u2019t talk about it but said it meant he would be gone one to two days a week on bank business. I accepted that until it got to where I almost never saw him. Also, our income level went way up and we moved to a richer part of town. One day, about three months after his promotion, I went to see him at the bank. That\u2019s when I discovered he hadn\u2019t been working for them all that time. The manager said he had stolen some money as a teller, a small amount, so they fired him rather than press charges. Shocked at that news, I ran home in tears and paced around the house trying to figure out what Pete was doing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat evening Pete came in and announced we were moving to Kansas City. I confronted him with what I learned and he confirmed it all saying it was behind him. He said he was now working for a legitimate investment firm and Kansas City would allow him to help people there invest in land and new buildings. It made sense to me so I agreed to leave and we settled in our new home a couple of months later.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA week after we arrived, a man intercepted me in town and asked me to join him at his office. He turned out to be one of several Secret Service agents on the trail of counterfeiters. That day he told me Pete was on his list as a distributor of the fake money. He gave me time to get over my shock and listened to what I had learned about Pete in St. Joseph. The more we talked the more frightened I became. This agent was patient with me and finally asked me if I would help them discover who Pete was working for. They had some ideas but no hard leads, and no one was close enough to him to get the answers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo that is what I\u2019ve been doing for the last year and a half. I offered to work with Pete and my job was to lure certain men into a relationship to marry them, get them to invest, then kill them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou said you hadn\u2019t murdered anyone!\u201d I sprang from my chair causing Annabelle to shrink back in hers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Reed blocked my path to Annabelle while Roy tugged on my arm. \u201cAdam, you need to settle down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSettle down? First, she says she\u2019s not a murderer, but just now she said she was. Not to mention trying to kill me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, please let me finish.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Noticing Roy and Reed were ready to spring into action if I stayed where I was, I reluctantly returned to my seat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI only said it was my job to kill them. I didn\u2019t really do it. The Company, as it\u2019s called, that Pete and I worked for wanted me to give them a fast-acting poison but instead I only sedated them with a potion the agent gave me. Then, someone would take them away. They would be questioned then released in another part of the country. Little did they know they were helping to build a case against my husband but also helping the agents to discover who the big bosses were.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we came to Virginia City, the agents were close to finding out who the leader was. Pete and I were to circulate the counterfeit bills and coins here but then someone showed up with some plates. They wanted Pete to transport them to Carson City, to \u2018the big man\u2019 as he was called. This was my chance to help the agents and hopefully close the case. At that point Pete would have gone to jail and I would finally be able to live a normal life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I jumped up and pulled Annabelle out of her seat, threatening Roy and Reed with a glare to stand down. This was between me and Annabelle.\u00a0 \u201cA normal life? Was I to be just a pawn in that big plan to finally take out the Company? And would you settle down with me after it was all over, leaving me to wonder what was truth and what was a lie with you? What about all the other marriages? How does that work? The last I heard polygamy is illegal in this country.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2026 Alright, after we married you were going to be approached to invest in some new businesses in Carson City, and I was to convince you to do that. The agents were convinced the man, the Boss, was getting sloppy with his overconfidence and with the power of your name the agents believed they could have discovered who the man was. But you would not have been harmed in the end. And with the case closed you would have been able to return to your family and we could have lived out our lives together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I refused to comment on what she just implied, her warped view of living happily ever after, and waited for her to answer the rest of my questions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cConcerning the marriages, none of them were legal. They were faked because the men acting as the judges were part of the Secret Service. So right now I\u2019m only married to Pete but the agent I\u2019m working with promised to help me end that marriage after we completed the case.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I clenched my fists in disbelief of her calm response. \u201cYou make it all sound so simple, all of it tied up in a tidy package with a pretty bow. You do realize don\u2019t you that if anything had happened to me you would have opened a viper\u2019s nest with my family. You would not have had a happy and normal life anywhere, I can assure you of that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Annabelle at least had the decency to drop her gaze and back away at that moment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, and you can check one more item off your list. All the counterfeit money you and Pete spread around town has been cleaned out. That includes the orphanage where quite a lot of it was found, and it\u2019s been replaced with real money.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I crossed my arms and indicated the door with a glance. \u201cSo as far as I\u2019m concerned, your confession time is over and I have all my answers. Your business with me, Miss Winstead, is concluded. And Marshal Reed, you better hope to never see me again. Good day to you both.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

My cold gaze encouraged the Marshal and Annabelle to move quickly to the door. Turning to Roy, I spoke quietly, \u201cTell my family to go home and that I need some time to sort all this out.\u201d\u00a0 Roy nodded and ushered the others out to the hall.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As soon as the door closed I packed my things and left out the back way. I had no idea where I would go but I had to get away. I rented a horse to get me home, changed clothes, repacked my saddle bags and saddled Sport. I hoped to be well away before my family put two and two together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

I stopped for the night along the northern edge of the lake. I\u2019d caught some fish for dinner and set a couple of snares hoping to have rabbit for the next few meals. As I lay on my back staring at the stars, Sport nickered. That\u2019s when I heard a few twigs snap under heavy footsteps. My focus remained on the black sky as I called out, \u201cQuit sneaking around and come get warm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When Hoss approached the fire I had to smile. \u201cFigured you\u2019d be along at some point. Let me guess, it\u2019s time for me to quit acting childish and come home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope, none of that. You got any fish left?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo but there\u2019s still some beans in the pot – Hop Sing\u2019s recipe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Once Hoss\u2019s belly was filled I got the story out of him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe was first in the barn and saw the livery horse in Sport\u2019s stall. Kinda obvious even for you brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t trying to hide anything. I just wanted to be gone before you all got home. I didn\u2019t wish to rehash everything or explain why I needed time to think.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, got your message from Roy about that. He also said you met with Annabelle again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI did and I can\u2019t talk about that meeting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Roy said the same thing. Where you plannin\u2019 to go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd for how long?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 head bobbed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. I want to head north but don\u2019t know how far. I just want to get away from all that’s happened and clear my head.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I almost laughed at Hoss\u2019 skeptical expression. \u201cHow many times have I heard you say that <\/span>nature gave us all something to fall back on, and sooner or later we all land flat on it. <\/span>Well I fell fast and hard. <\/span>You were right, Hoss. Three days were nowhere near long enough to get to know Annabelle. But after some things she told me, I don\u2019t think I could have truly known her anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I laid back down on my bedroll. \u201cIt\u2019s been a long day and I\u2019m through talking about it all. Let\u2019s get some sleep.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The next morning, I said goodbye to Hoss and pointed my horse northward. We didn\u2019t exchange any words, no need to. A look between us was enough to convey a million words. He understood that I needed to go, and he knew I\u2019d be home as soon as I cleared my head and my heart.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As I rode along a creek, listening to its quiet burbling, I pondered the words I think I heard Hoss utter when I rode away:\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s no better place to heal a broken heart than on the back of a horse.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When the creek flowed away from the forest, I couldn\u2019t hold back a grin as a wide open field stretched to the horizon. I relaxed the reins and gave my faithful mount his head. The motion of the two of us as one and the chilled morning air slapping me in the face was all I needed. This was healing, this was freedom, this was life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

——–<\/span><\/p>\n

Author\u2019s Note –\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fishing words: Discombobulated, Havelock\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cowboy Lingo:<\/span><\/p>\n

1.We all got pieces of crazy in us, some bigger than others.<\/span><\/p>\n

2.N<\/span>ature gave us all something to fall back on, and sooner or later we all land flat on it.<\/span><\/p>\n

3.There\u2019s no better place to heal a broken heart than on the back of a horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two plot twists were used.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: After several failed romances, Adam claims he needs a break from romancing women. But as the saying goes, never say never.\u00a0 Written for the 2022 Camp in the Pines.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rating: K, Word count: 10,216<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8333,"featured_media":40695,"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":[1005,40],"tags":[120],"class_list":["post-40693","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-cartwright","category-challenges","tag-citp","wpcat-1005-id","wpcat-40-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1366,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Adam-The-Ride-Counterfeit-Affair.jpg?fit=888%2C664&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":14355,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14355","url_meta":{"origin":40693,"position":0},"title":"Cartwrights Forever (by JC)","author":"JC","date":"June 2, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A tribute in rhyme for everyone who loves the Cartwrights, especially those who love to write about them. Rating: \u00a0G \u00a0(560 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Family"","block_context":{"text":"Family","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1008"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/four.jpg?fit=298%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":11839,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11839","url_meta":{"origin":40693,"position":1},"title":"Do as I Say (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"September 30, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Ben has always tried to teach by example, tried to get it through to his sons how he expects them to act. But do they ever listen? A 2015 Camp in the Pines story and a WHN for Quality of Mercy.\u00a0 Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (1,255 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/joe-pa.jpg?fit=640%2C514&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/joe-pa.jpg?fit=640%2C514&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/joe-pa.jpg?fit=640%2C514&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":39140,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=39140","url_meta":{"origin":40693,"position":2},"title":"Confidentially…. (by JC)","author":"JC","date":"June 10, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Families often share and share alike, but sometimes you get, sometimes you get got, and sometimes you get even. (Written for Camp in the Pines) Rating: T Word Count: 2592","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/A-J.jpg?fit=400%2C320&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":63225,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63225","url_meta":{"origin":40693,"position":3},"title":"Cartwright Saga #10 – A Tree Falls (by Lyn Robinson)","author":"Lynrobinson","date":"January 13, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0 Next chapter in my saga. Near disaster for the brothers as they survey the west side of the Lake. Rating:\u00a0 PG13\u00a0 \u00a0(32,570 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15524,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15524","url_meta":{"origin":40693,"position":4},"title":"Back from Back East (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"December 4, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: An explanation of why only one son went to college. Rating: T (860 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":45072,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=45072","url_meta":{"origin":40693,"position":5},"title":"It’s Elementary (by BettyHT)","author":"BettyHT","date":"December 24, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: a prequel story with Adam at 26, Hoss at 20, and Joe at 14 on a trip to capture some wild horses when wind, earth, and water elements create havoc with their plans. Rating: PG\u00a0 Word count: 10,815","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Sonora-Pass.jpg?fit=600%2C403&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Sonora-Pass.jpg?fit=600%2C403&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Sonora-Pass.jpg?fit=600%2C403&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40693","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/8333"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=40693"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40693\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/40695"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=40693"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=40693"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=40693"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}