For the Love of a Son<\/strong><\/p>\n~~~<\/p>\n
Griff stopped digging the hole for the fence post, wondering what he should do. Yet, the approaching rider didn\u2019t seem to pose a threat. His clothes were that of a townie, and moreover, he was alone. Griff reached for the shirt he had discarded earlier in the heat of the day; he knew the look of his back was likely to prejudice the stranger, and he wasn\u2019t about to attract trouble just because someone else could overreact.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello, young man,\u201d the rider greeted him pleasantly. \u201cCould you please tell me where I might find any of the Cartwrights?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUhm… Joe is out on the northern pastures,\u201d answered Griff. \u201cJamie and Mr Cartwright will be at home, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you.\u201d The stranger took in the scene and added, \u201cI\u2019ll take the liberty to guess you will soon be out of posts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Griff\u2019s eyes narrowed. He didn\u2019t need to take another look at the supplies to know the man was right, but what was it to him? \u201cI\u2019ll be going for new ones in a few minutes. You can go with me and I\u2019ll show you to the house.\u201d He was guessing that the other man didn\u2019t know the way and was waiting for an opportunity to get a guide.<\/p>\n
The man\u2019s eyes twinkled. \u201cThat\u2019s very gracious of you. Thank you, I think I\u2019ll accept the offer.\u201d<\/p>\n
He dismounted and casually pulled off his jacket. To Griff\u2019s utter surprise, he proceeded to cuff his shirtsleeves and reach over for a fence post.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you…?\u201d protested the young man, but the stranger just smiled at him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d feel bad if I just idly looked on a job being done; besides, that would make you feel as though I was hurrying you, which is not the case.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can manage perfectly well by myself,\u201d Griff gripped the post to take it from the man\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know, otherwise you wouldn\u2019t be doing it,\u201d agreed the man amiably and gently freed the post from Griff\u2019s grip. \u201cShall we?\u201d After a moment of awkward, wary silence, he added with a smile, \u201cHumour the old man, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Griff relented enough to smirk back, and resumed his work. \u201cYou\u2019re not THAT old,\u201d he teased.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust a Methuselah,\u201d agreed the other man with a wry grin. Griff smiled and shook his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cGriff,\u201d he offered his hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam,\u201d the man shook the hand and smiled back. \u201cMethuselah is my middle name.\u201d<\/p>\n
This time Griff actually chuckled. \u201cYou\u2019re kidding me, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMe?\u201d Adam opened his eyes wide, feigning innocence as theatrically as he could, and batted his eyelashes for a better effect. \u201cOf course I am.\u201d<\/p>\n
Griff shook his head, chuckling helplessly, as he began digging the last hole. \u201cJust this one, and that will be it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLet me finish,\u201d asked Adam and added with a wink, \u201cI just might remember yet how to dig a proper hole.\u201d<\/p>\n
Complying, Griff stood back, watching the man work. Despite the townie clothes, work seemed to come to him naturally. The white shirt was hiding coiled muscles and a powerful chest, which could be seen, since he\u2019d unbuttoned his shirt; it was a hot day, and Griff himself wanted to shed his shirt, but had to be mindful of the pattern on his back.<\/p>\n
Adam must have been around forty, judged Griff; there was a touch of silver on his temples, making him look distinguished. He had the appearance of an active man, and his face had been created for smiling at people. He probably made friends easily.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere, all done,\u201d Adam smiled at the younger man, returning the spade to him. \u201cIt\u2019s a joy to work a bit in the warm sun \u2013 but don\u2019t tell anyone I said that,\u201d he cautioned at once, winking. Griff smiled and nodded knowingly.<\/p>\n
\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n
He went to the wagon; Adam followed, leading his horse.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Back at the house, Griff was loading the last of the supplies he would need to continue the job into the wagon, when Adam\u2019s friendly voice called his name from behind. He hadn\u2019t noticed the man leave the house.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re going back to work?\u201d asked Adam, resting his hand on the younger man\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d Griff eyed the man questioningly.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo one\u2019s home but Hop Sing; Candy\u2019s ridden out to Joe, and so I think I need to borrow you,\u201d explained Adam and continued, apparently missing Griff\u2019s suddenly narrowed eyes, \u201cI\u2019ll need the buggy, to bring a surprise from town. It\u2019s a rather big surprise,\u201d he added with a smirk. \u201cCould you hitch it up for me, and then go with me to town? You could use a break.\u201d<\/p>\n
Griff sized Adam up slowly, warily. \u201cI can\u2019t. I\u2019ve got a job to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll help you so it gets done quicker,\u201d suggested the older man. \u201cBesides… Hop Sing!\u201d he hollered towards the house.<\/p>\n
\u201cYell, yell, yell, all time yell!\u201d came the angry response, but the little cook appeared in the door. \u201cWhy you call Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGriff here needs a confirmation that I can borrow him for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou listen to Mr Adam,\u201d the cook admonished Griff briefly and went back inside.<\/p>\n
\u201cSee?\u201d Adam smiled at Griff. \u201cSo, could you hitch up the buggy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure.\u201d Everyone was ordering him around, why not another stranger. \u2018But I\u2019ve been sent to do the job by Mr Cartwright and only he can tell me to leave it, Mister.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam opened his mouth as though to say something, then closed it thoughtfully. \u201cOkay, thanks. I\u2019ll just change and be right back,\u201d he simply said. Griff felt like he had said something wrong at some point, but couldn\u2019t find any fault in his reaction, hard as he may try.<\/p>\n
He had just hitched up the buggy when Adam reappeared, this time in working clothes \u2013 red shirt, dark jeans, black vest. Candy\u2019s colours, noticed the young man automatically. A thought began forming in his mind, nagging him \u2013 that man was not a stranger to the household.<\/p>\n
There was nothing but a friendly tone to Adam\u2019s voice as he thanked Griff, but the young man couldn\u2019t shake off the feeling that he had done or said something to hurt the man.<\/p>\n
It still troubled him, when some two hours later he was planting the next post in the ground. As he thought about it, he was reminded how quickly the man began to order him around; he dug into the ground furiously, anger fueled by resentment, when suddenly under his nose appeared a hand holding a package.<\/p>\n
\u201cHop Sing claimed you\u2019d be hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Griff slowly looked up into the brown eyes. \u201cI\u2019ve had lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHop Sing claims you\u2019re underfed.\u201d Adam put the package in Griff\u2019s hands, pushed him slightly to the side and took over the digging. \u2018It\u2019s not a job for one person, especially when it\u2019s supposed to be done today.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll manage,\u201d stiffened Griff, but Adam only smiled, never stopping to look up.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know. You would have put every inch of your strength in the task and you\u2019d finish it on time,\u201d he admitted. \u201cAnd after two or three such instances you\u2019d end up with bad back.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMr Cartwright said they were short-handed…\u201d started Griff, but Adam inserted smoothly, \u2018They can spare *me*. Besides, I\u2019ve brought some help.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHelp?\u201d Griff turned around, but there was only the wagon and Adam\u2019s horse.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe \u2018package\u2019 I\u2019ve brought will provide a lot of help \u2013 in the future,\u201d this time, Adam looked up, smiling at Griff. \u201cHow many Cartwrights do you know?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell,\u201d Griff stopped untying the package and grimaced thoughfully. \u201cThere\u2019s Mr Cartwright, Joe, Jamie… and there was another one, Candy said they were going to visit him in the hospital… Hoss, I think, or something like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI have spared them the trip, then.\u201d Adam worked with swift, economical movements. \u201cHoss is home.\u201d After a second of silence he asked, \u201cSo, you know four Cartwrights, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, why?\u201d Griff was immediately alert.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust asking,\u201d Adam shrugged his shoulders, reaching for the post. \u201cOh, and will you hand me the…\u201d he looked up, took a quick breath and helplessly burst out laughing. Griff looked at him with a questioning expression, his cheeks stuffed with food like a chipmunk. \u201c… the hammer,\u201d finished Adam in a strange voice, trying hard to control his mirth.<\/p>\n
Griff chewed, swallowed with difficulty and handed the hammer over, fighting a smile rising to his lips, for he could guess how he must have looked like. He met Adam\u2019s eyes and both men laughed.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to rain.\u201d<\/p>\n
Griff nodded, loading the last of the remaining supplies into the wagon. \u201cI\u2019m sure glad that\u2019s done.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYep.\u201d Adam put a hand on Griff\u2019s shoulder briefly. \u201cLet\u2019s go home.\u201d<\/p>\n
The wind had picked up, and both men moved more quickly. Adam tethered his horse to the wagon and seated himself beside Griff, who held the reins. The horses moved on with anticipation of a nice, warm stall and an even nicer full bucket of oats.<\/p>\n
Both men were quiet during the first couple of minutes. Griff was struggling with himself; he wanted to ask who the man actually was, but would that be alright with him? If it had been just after he had come to the Ponderosa, he wouldn\u2019t have bothered to ask. Yet here he was learning that people could actually be nice. Well, not all. Still, he didn\u2019t know how to treat that man \u2013 as a guest? A ranchhand? He was allowed to issue orders, as Griff had learned from Hop Sing; yet he came to help him with the work. Maybe they didn\u2019t trust him, regardless of what Mr Cartwright had said about it. Maybe he was there to keep an eye on the ex-con… Griff stole a glance at his silent companion, but Adam had his eyes closed and was clearly relaxing.<\/p>\n
Oh, what the heck.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy are you here?\u201d he asked Adam. \u201cI mean \u2013 are you a ranchhand or a guest or a friend of Mr Cartwright or who?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam opened his eyes, lowering them to look at his hands. \u201cWe know each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
Griff digested the answer. Possibly not quite a friend, then. \u201cYou\u2019re gonna stay here some time?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n
To Griff, Adam\u2019s voice sounded weary all of a sudden. Almost too soft.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know, you just come, make yourself at home, get to work, and I ain\u2019t ever seen you around here for the last couple of months. If I have the right to ask, that is,\u201d he finished sarcastically. \u201cI\u2019d like to know where I stand.\u201d<\/p>\n
A sigh. \u201cI haven\u2019t been around here for the last couple of years.\u201d Adam kept looking at his hands. \u201cI\u2019ve come here to convalesce. I guess you can treat me as any other ranchhand.\u201d A moment of silence, then Adam blinked and added, \u201cAnd yes, of course you have the right to know.\u201d He straightened. \u201cSorry, I should have thought about clearing that up.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s okay,\u201d responded Griff automatically, something in Adam\u2019s tone making him feel sorry for having started the whole interrogation. \u201cShould you be working if you\u2019re convalescing?\u201d he inquired with some concern.<\/p>\n
\u201cI very much should,\u201d Adam raised his eyes at last and smiled softly. \u201cGood old physical work. Prescribed by the doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n
They drove on in more companionable silence. Adam relaxed against the backboard and stretched a bit; Griff worked his neck slightly and clicked the horses into a trot. It was getting darker slowly, as the clouds drew closer, but the wind was refreshing, showering the golden spray of pine scent over the two people moving on far below the green fragrant peaks.<\/p>\n
The shot came out of nowhere, spooking the horses. As they took the turn, Adam spotted a huge tree limb on the road just in front of them. Griff caught his eyes for a second, then felt air-borne and a sudden impact whooshed the air out of his lungs. There was some noise \u2013 then eerie silence… There came some shadows leaning over him \u2013 he blinked to clear his vision \u2013 they held and pulled at his clothes \u2013 he fought them \u2013 there came \u2013 a noise… the world collapsed with him into darkness.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
The wind had picked up. He listened to its howl contentedly for a moment, then idly went back over the last moments. Maybe there was something he was supposed to remember. It took him some time, but eventually he was able to figure out that he had been going home with the kid. The practical part of his mind told him there had been some kind of accident. Otherwise he wouldn\u2019t be lying in the wet grass… in a drizzling rain… with that strange lack of feeling in his body that you got from lying too long unmoving… wait a second, there was something he was supposed to remember…<\/p>\n
With a Herculean effort he raised his head and looked around. He felt physically unsettled when the world did a flip-flop in his head. Good; he had a hold on reality. He was lying on the grass. With naked shoulders. Forget shoulders \u2013 his legs were naked as well. He stopped for a moment to gather his thoughts. The kid. He must remember about the kid.<\/p>\n
He looked around carefully, moving only his head, until he spotted the boy. Lying in a heap a few steps away, in his shirt and nothing more. It somehow made him look much younger, much like a child taking a nap. Much *like*… Adam sighed, concentrating. \u2013 *like my beloved…* \u2013 No. He shook his head, very gently though; it still hurt and did flip-flops with the pines and the horizon.<\/p>\n
He shifted slowly to turn in the direction the kid was lying, and inched his way towards the unmoving body, making the satisfactory discovery of having all limbs intact. It turned out to be rather easy to slide over the wet grass, and he reached the kid pretty quickly.<\/p>\n
The kid had been shot. Adam closed his eyes, drew a sharp breath to save his awareness and get over the boiling rage. The kid had been shot. Why? Surely no one could have a grudge against someone so young. Adam drew a long, steadying breath, pulled himself up with difficulty and turned the kid on his back. The bullet was still inside the muscle. That is, hopefully a muscle. The shoulder looked like a bloody mess. The pulse was there, quick but rather strong. Good going, kid. Must stop the bleeding; need fabric or something.<\/p>\n
Looking around with more awareness, he spotted something that could have been dirty, torn clothes. Right. Whoever took their clothes, at least they\u2019d left their own. He staggered there on all fours, found two pairs of trousers and a shirt. Prison clothes. A good explanation. When he tried to pull on the trousers, a spell of vertigo hit him, so strong that it left him lying on his back, panting, fighting for a precious hold on consciousness. Images and memories started mixing in his head, those he knew from the long bed-ridden hours and days and those that were older, those that never before came to him *in that state, and always the laughing face…* NO. He thought he had shouted it but he wasn\u2019t sure anymore. He dismissed it as unimportant. Can\u2019t let the kid down. Can\u2019t let the kid down. Have to get up. Have to…<\/p>\n
He actually crawled but he got back to the still body. He used a cleaner end of the kid\u2019s shirt to wipe away most of the blood, and after a second thought found the familiar leaves in the grass. The rain grew heavier, so he washed the leaves in it before putting them on the wound. It was a difficult task to put the trousers on the boy, but eventually he managed it. Have to keep off the cold as well and as long as possible.<\/p>\n
He realised they were both getting soaked. The tree. It didn\u2019t sound like a thunderstorm \u2013 a tree would do.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Griff woke up with what felt like a cozy blanket wrapped around his arms. Then the wind blew its cold wet breath over his head and he became more alert. He was sitting under a tree and \u2013 the first thing that came into his view, was the overturned wagon.<\/p>\n
Adam. What happened to Adam? He thought he had moved, but his body was strangely unresponsive.<\/p>\n
Something moved behind him, startling him, and familiar voice murmured, \u201cWoken up yet, son? Huh? Will you wake for me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Griff blinked and turned his head slightly to look in the dark, hooded eyes. Adam moved and Griff noticed the blood on the side of his head; something about his eyes looked strange, too. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s alright, it\u2019s me,\u201d answered the familiar soft voice. Adam blinked wearily and tried to smile. \u201cDon\u2019t move, you\u2019re… hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hurt? He then remembered the two shadows pulling at his clothes, a gun\u2019s report, the pain… He couldn\u2019t move his arm, he stated with sudden anxiety. \u201cIt\u2019s alright,\u201d the soothing voice came again. \u201cDon\u2019t move it, I\u2019ve put some herbs on the wound.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe bullet?\u201d asked Griff hoarsely.<\/p>\n
A sigh. \u201cInside.\u201d Adam glanced at the younger man\u2019s face, then let his eyes fall to his shirt collar. \u201cI\u2019m not sure if my condition would allow me to operate on you to get it out.\u201d<\/p>\n
At that point, Griff\u2019s eyes fell to the fabric that covered him and his legs \u2013 his feet were bare… \u201cNo. No!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s…\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes sought out the cause of Griff\u2019s distress. \u201cOh.\u201d His mind had at some point registered what he had seen on the young man\u2019s back while tending to the wound, which was explanation enough for Griff\u2019s exclamation. \u201cSome guys thought it would be fun if we exchanged clothes. They just forgot to ask our consent. At least you\u2019ve still got your shirt.\u201d He stilled the movement of Griff\u2019s arm with his right hand. \u201cI suppose they didn\u2019t need a bloodied shirt with a bullet hole in it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are *you* wearing?\u201d asked Griff, gazing with dismay at the familiar fabric and the all too familiar imprint of a number on the jacket that covered him. He felt Adam shrug his shoulders.<\/p>\n
\u201cSame as you, minus the shirt,\u201d came the calm answer. \u201cThey weren\u2019t kind enough to leave us two jackets.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAren\u2019t you cold?\u201d inquired Griff immediately with concern in his voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot exactly,\u201d Adam smiled a lop-sided smile. \u201cYou\u2019ve been keeping me warm quite nicely.\u201d He had been sitting against a tree, with Griff resting on his chest, their body heat shared that way. Griff sighed, seeking a more comfortable position. \u201cEasy, son,\u201d Adam\u2019s right arm held him closer, the left hand adjusting the pressure on the wound. Griff stiffened.<\/p>\n
\u201cI ain\u2019t your son.\u201d He immediately knew he had said the wrong thing. \u201cSorry, I\u2019m not used to hearing the word. Nothing pleasant to remember about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry.\u201d Adam apologised almost simultaneously with Griff, then admitted softly, \u201cI guess I use it a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou got a son?\u201d<\/p>\n
Silence. The wind whistled a wistful melody among the trees, and the rain was tapping its soft rhythm with the wet fingers of cold drops, tap-tap, tap-tap, tap-tap… At last, Griff turned his head to look at Adam. The man was resting his head against the tree, eyes closed. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d After another long spell of silence, Adam sighed and opened his eyes. \u201cYes, I\u2019ve had a son. I\u2019ve… There was a fire at our house.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGeez, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d whispered Griff. What was it about him that every interrogation he began, it ended with him being sorry for starting it?<\/p>\n
\u201cThey haven\u2019t found him yet, must have gotten away and…\u201d Adam\u2019s voice hesitated, then changed. He spoke more strongly, yet with some strange wistfulness. \u201cI suppose it\u2019s easier for me to believe that than to… grieve. I\u2019ve never been good at that. Maybe \u2013 just maybe my little boy lives somewhere and is growing into a fine man… I\u2019m not hurting anyone with such thinking, and it makes it easier \u2013 much easier \u2013 to live \u2013 to go on.\u201d<\/p>\n
The rain tap-tapped, tap-tapped persistently, much like a kid who wants his parent to play with him and pulls the adult by the sleeve once a second, without a word, but the persistence speaking volumes. At times, the wind would whirl the raindrops into little needles, sharpened with the fresh, moistly heavy pine scent, and drill them into the unsuspecting skin, vulnerable to them as long as the cold wouldn\u2019t take command over it and allow numb relief against itself.<\/p>\n
Griff closed his eyes wearily and turned his head to rest it more comfortably in the crook of Adam\u2019s neck. His shoulder was hurting him and a small part of him wanted to escape the pain.<\/p>\n
\u201cI need you to stay alert for me,\u201d said Adam softly, sensing Griff\u2019s tiredness. \u201cWe have to wait for help; neither of us is fit enough to go home by himself, let alone carry the other one. We need to stay awake and alert. And… if I start saying strange things, I need you to bring me back to reality, alright?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStrange things like what?\u201d mumbled Griff, rousing a bit.<\/p>\n
\u201cLike…\u201d Adam shrugged his shoulders. \u201cDon\u2019t know \u2013 talking to someone who\u2019s not there or such… My head isn\u2019t exactly clear. I need you to be alert to keep me alert.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll try. I\u2019ve sure been taught to stay alert,\u201d snorted Griff with sudden bitterness.<\/p>\n
\u201cPrison isn\u2019t the best place to learn life,\u201d admitted Adam softly. Griff started, then hissed.<\/p>\n
\u201cShh,\u201d the strong yet gentle hands settled him back against the warmth. \u201cI\u2019ve seen your back \u2013 you\u2019re too young for such scars. Too young,\u201d repeated Adam sadly.<\/p>\n
Griff wondered at the tangible sincerity in Adam\u2019s voice. \u201cSo bad, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve seen worse,\u201d admitted the older man. \u201cStill, it doesn\u2019t justify such treatment. I\u2019m glad you\u2019re out of there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m on parole,\u201d said Griff quietly, closing his eyes and subconsciously seeking warmth in Adam\u2019s neck. \u201cI still may come back there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam\u2019s hand found his and squeezed gently. \u201cTell me about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTo keep you alert?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt should,\u201d admitted Adam. \u201cI\u2019d like to hear the whole story and so I\u2019m unlikely to wander off in the middle.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIs that \u2018strange talking\u2019?\u201d asked Griff with a half-grin. Adam wouldn\u2019t be going anywhere, with the way they were seated.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s talking about strange talking,\u201d Adam answered with a matching smile. \u201cTell me about the parole.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Hoss stretched his long legs with a very content air, albeit carefully, pulled his wife closer to him and grinned at the rest of the family \u2013 kids, Pa, Joe, Jamie and Candy. \u201cI\u2019ve always said there\u2019s no place like home,\u201d he stated with satisfaction.<\/p>\n
Michael, his older son, grinned back, knowing how happy his father indeed was to be back home. Craig, Mike\u2019s younger brother, snuggled closer to Michael\u2019s side; the whole commotion of coming home had tired him, and although the five-year-old would have protested with all his manly pride if it was to be suggested, he was in dire need of a nap.<\/p>\n
Ben gazed at the two lovingly, for the two rapscallions had been missed immensely on the Ponderosa while Hoss was recuperating in the hospital from his accident a couple of months ago. He then looked back at Hoss and reminded him gently, \u201cYou were going to talk about Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Adam.\u201d Hoss face fell slightly. \u201cKinda good that he ain\u2019t here. You\u2019d better sit back, it\u2019s a longish story.\u201d<\/p>\n
Barbara put her hand on her husband\u2019s shoulder. They had all been living in Reno during Hoss\u2019 recuperation, and so she knew the story and could foresee the impact it would have on the rest of the family.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know he was married to that little filly, Sally. From what he told me, and from I\u2019ve heard from some doctors, too, it turns out that she was terminally ill or something. He knew it from the beginning… some suspected that was why he married her, you know, no long commitment. Don\u2019t frown at me like that, Pa, I know it\u2019s not like Adam to do so. I know he loved her, you can hear it in his voice whenever he speaks her name.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyway, when she died… You didn\u2019t know that? Well, I thought he would have informed at least you, but… Well. As I was saying, when she died, he took it so peacefully \u2013 I mean, he grieved, but there was no such pain in him as there was in you, when Marie… Well. Sorry. I-I can imagine that he was preparing himself for that \u2013 as much as one *can* prepare for that \u2013 as she was so ill; he even told me she had lived longer than what the doctors had predicted. The docs, however, suspect that it could be when it all started. Don\u2019t look at me that way, I\u2019m getting to the point! You gotta start from the beginning!<\/p>\n
\u201cI met Adam in the hospital. He was quite shocked to find me there, but not as much as I was to see him. He looked dreadful, sunken eyes, hollow face \u2013 he was very thin. He just said he was recuperating, but there was something strange in his eyes, and so I asked the doc about him. He\u2019s lost Steven, Pa. He hadn\u2019t even sent a word to you, right? I\u2019ve thought so. He just plain refuses to believe it.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey tell me he would sit in the empty room at the hospital and talk to the kid as though he were still alive and there. Ever since they brought him in from the fire \u2013 Right, you don\u2019t know about the fire. Their house caught on fire, and someone got Adam out of there, unconscious and burned. Adam claimed Steven had been in the house, but… well… They got only Adam out. Adam doggedly repeats that Steve must have gotten out somehow. Granted, they haven\u2019t found the body, but he was just a little feller, and who would look… Sorry, it\u2019s not even easy to speak about that, let alone do it.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam got very ill afterwards. He\u2019d get high fevers, hallucinations, convulsions. It probably hadn\u2019t improved his state of mind, the doc told me. That was the third hospital he was treated in. They agreed to move him to my room; Adam himself was quite enthusiastic about it. Generally, he seemed to behave normally, but it happened a couple of times that he spoke of Steve as though the kid was still alive, as though he were speaking to him \u2013 it seemed like he didn\u2019t know what was going on around him. He\u2019d see things that weren\u2019t there, hear voices that weren\u2019t speaking… I got plain scared the first time he got that strange look in his eyes and started talking about how Steve is such a talented, intelligent kid and will do wonderful at school next Autumn…<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s gotten much better during the time we were together. I think he\u2019s just been alone for too long after what happened. If there is someone around to bring him back to reality, he gets over those moods immediately. He is aware of his condition, generally, and takes care to follow the doc\u2019s advice, like he never stays alone for a longer period of time, takes care that there is always someone nearby to talk to, tries to work physically \u2013 the doc said the exercise would bring him back into shape and help get over various thoughts. Like now, he went to work with one of the hands; he will likely be back soon, what with the rain looming like that,\u201d Hoss glanced through the darkened window. The room was silent, each man\u2019s thoughts preoccupied with the sad story. The wind knocked at the windowpanes with the first shy drops of rain.<\/p>\n
Eventually, Joe raised his head and asked softly, \u201cWhat… what did he say to coming home?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was his idea,\u201d answered Hoss just as softly, then added with a more animated air, grinning, \u201cNot that my doc was extremely happy with the decision. But you know Adam, he can be real persuasive if he wants to be. I must say, home is a much better place to get back into shape than any old cold hospital,\u201d he winked. \u201cAdam took care of all the paperwork and everything and one day just came into the room and asked why I wasn\u2019t packed yet! I think the initiative did him good \u2013 he needs to busy his mind with work, and entertainment, and laughter, and even with the bossying around he used to do back when he was home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd the kids\u2019 antics,\u201d smiled Joe, but Hoss shook his head quickly, suddenly serious again.<\/p>\n
\u201cBe careful about kids with him. I can see they sometimes remind him of Steve and he should avoid too much thinking… Mike and Craig know when he knows who they are and when he forgets it. Mike here, especially, is good about it, and he himself has helped Adam get back to reality two or three times.\u201d<\/p>\n
A spell of silence engulfed the little group, accentuated by the growing darkness outside the circle of light casted by the fire.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll in all,\u201d said Hoss conclusively, \u201cjust trust Adam to tell you whether something\u2019s wrong or not. He can well control his condition by now. He\u2019ll be fine, given time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben nodded, either to Hoss or to himself. Joe was gazing into the fire, thinking about another fire, which had taken two other lives. Candy was playing with the front end of his vest, thinking about the one Cartwright brother he hadn\u2019t met yet. Mike pulled his jacket over the sleeping Craig; Barbara smiled at the kids warmly.<\/p>\n
It was Jamie who broke the spell, looking through the window and announcing softly, \u201cIt\u2019s raining.\u201d<\/p>\n
Candy got up to look outside. \u201cYep, raining alright. Griff should be back any minute now, he\u2019s wise enough to stop…\u201d He halted pensively and wanted to add something, when Hoss asked, \u201cGriff? Is he a young kid?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot exactly,\u201d answered Candy slowly. \u201cI guess he\u2019s pretty much still a kid, though. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam mentioned the name when he said he was going to help a hand. He said something about fencing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGriff was supposed to be fencing,\u201d agreed Candy, whereas Ben looked a bit unsettled.<\/p>\n
\u201cPa?\u201d Joe enquired, noticing the slight frown.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve decided to show Griff that we trust him,\u201d said Ben softly. \u201cWon\u2019t he take Adam\u2019s presence for an intrusion? Like we\u2019d sent him to check on Griff nevertheless?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWho is that Griff?\u201d Hoss wanted to know, sensing there was more to the young hand than anyone had told him so far. \u201cAm I missing something here?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sure I\u2019ve written to you about the young ex-convict…\u201d started Ben, and then the name registered with Hoss.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight, right \u2013 I knew I\u2019ve heard it somewhere \u2013 Griff King, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Ben nodded. \u201cWe thought it\u2019d be good to show Griff that the whole world isn\u2019t against him, and seeing as we are shorthanded anyway, we\u2018ve let him work alone on the fence today.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey should be back by now,\u201d muttered Candy. \u201cI\u2019d like to take a look if everything\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf they aren\u2019t back when the rain stops, we\u2019ll go look for them,\u201d decided Joe. \u201cWe needn\u2019t make Griff think he\u2019s unable to take care of himself \u2013 your own words.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight,\u201d Candy ran his hands through his hair and came back to his seat. \u201cMaybe they thought they could finish before the rain, and didn\u2019t. Or it caught them on the way and they are holed up somewhere waiting for it to stop.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cExactly,\u201d nodded Joe. \u201cI was thinking the same.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss cleared his throat. \u201cWell, I don\u2019t know about you, guys, but this cold weather makes me hungry for some hot, delicious stew. There\u2019s nothing like food to lift your spirits.\u201d<\/p>\n
There was a collective groan from around him, but no one could suppress laughter for long.<\/p>\n
\u201cHop Sing!\u201d called Ben, and the Chinese cook appeared in the room waving his ladle in the air.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy you call Hop Sing? Hop Sing make good stew for Mr Hoss and Mr Adam, you no interrupt! Mr Hoss puny, need eat! You sit at table, stew ready soon!\u201d With that, he disappeared back into the kitchen, his angry Chinese ranting drowned out by the hearty laughter.<\/p>\n
Joe collapsed on the sofa, giggling infectiously. \u201cMr Hoss puny! That\u2019s a hoot!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNow let me just get out of this here chair and I\u2019ll show you, you little rascal,\u201d threatened Hoss, slowly rising with Barbara\u2019s help. He wasn\u2019t well enough for a walk longer than a few feet and he knew it, but Joe joined the game nevertheless and backed towards the table, mock whimpering, \u201cOh dear, big bad Hoss is after me! Oh, save me, save me, my hero!\u201d He reached the laughing Candy and gracefully jumped into his arms. \u201cOh, my hero, save me, save me, that brute is coming after me and is going to pound me good!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDoggone it, Joe, I cain\u2019t walk when I\u2019m laughing like that!\u201d Hoss admonished him grumpily, almost out of breath. \u201cBut one thing you can be sure of: I AM gonna pound you good when I get you!\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Michael Cartwright looked out of the upstairs window, then at his sleeping brother, then at the door. Decision made, he tiptoed out into the corridor and to the stairs. When he reached the landing, his father\u2019s deep voice stopped him in his tracks.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you here to tell me that your brother\u2019s awake?\u201d<\/p>\n
The almost-eight-year-old shook his head solemnly and took a couple more steps down. \u201cUncle Adam still isn\u2019t back,\u201d he said with soft concern, blue eyes blinking worriedly under the thick thatch of golden blond hair.<\/p>\n
Candy and Joe exchanged glances and rose simultaneously. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Mike, we\u2019ll find those two.\u201d Joe smiled at the child. \u201cI\u2019m sure they\u2019re fine, maybe we\u2019ll even meet them on the way, if they were waiting out the rain somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n
The golden-haired head bobbed once and Mike turned and ran back up the stairs to sit with his little brother. Candy fumbled with his gunbelt, mumbling something about silly kids he wanted to thrash for staying out in foul weather, then put his hat on and waited impatiently for Joe. \u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m coming,\u201d Joe rolled his eyes and winked at Hoss. \u201cSave some stew for Adam, will ya?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not eating,\u201d stated Hoss with an offended, yet dignified expression.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou never know when a certain Hoss Cartwright gets hungry and eats your share of dinner for a snack,\u201d declared Joe philosophically and quickly left, as Hoss was rising slowly from his chair. Candy grinned, tipped his hat and left equally quickly.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, now, dear,\u201d he could just hear Barbara\u2019s voice. \u201cDon\u2019t get upset over those silly antics of Joe. SIT DOWN, HOSS CARTWRIGHT, OR ELSE.\u201d<\/p>\n
For such a little thing, she had a lot of a voice, concluded Candy, catching up with Joe. The other man was strangely quiet.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re worried?\u201d asked Candy frankly.<\/p>\n
Joe wordlessly went into the barn, entered Cochise\u2019s stall, saddled the horse, checked the cinch, leaned against the saddle, sighed and eventually admitted, \u201cYeah. Maybe it\u2019s silly \u2013 maybe I\u2019ve caught it from Pa,\u201d he joked half-heartedly, \u201cbut I\u2019m kinda worried about them. Maybe after what Hoss said \u2013 that Adam isn\u2019t well…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Candy, mounting. \u201cCome on, there\u2019s just one way to find out what those two were up to while we were worrying our heads off.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe nodded, and soon they were trotting down the road, looking carefully right and left. The rain had refreshed the air and it would have been a most agreeable and leisurely trip, had it not been for their aim. The longer the road in front of them remained empty, the more concerned they became \u2013 and the more they tried to hide it. Candy tried to whistle a melody and Joe started humming something, they exchanged glances \u2013 and both fell guiltily silent.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey should have noticed by now that the rain had stopped,\u201d mumbled Joe eventually. Candy shrugged his shoulders.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe they\u2019ve decided to finish the fencing then?\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe looked at him strangely, then scratched his neck thoughtfully. \u201cWell, if they are, and we\u2019ve worried unnecessarily, then I don\u2019t know about Griff, but Adam will get the thrashing of his life for worrying us like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWeeell,\u201d drawled Candy, \u201c*I* don\u2019t know about Adam, but Griff certainly will.\u201d<\/p>\n
Satisfied with their decision and happier to believe in such a simple explanation, they clicked their horses into a quicker pace.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s that up ahead?\u201d asked Candy leisurely. Joe strained his eyes for a moment and answered, \u201cHorses.\u201d<\/p>\n
Something in Joe\u2019s voice made Candy sit up straight and urge the horse into a gallop at the same time as his companion did. Soon they reached a clump of bushes, where two sorry-looking wet equine beasts munched meekly at the grass, while still hitched to the front part of the wagon pole, which had obviously broken off its destined location and had gotten tangled in the shrubbery together with the harness. One of the horses sported a long, bloody line across its rump.<\/p>\n
\u201cGriff took the wagon,\u201d Candy answered Joe\u2019s question not waiting for it to materialise vocally. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n
They didn\u2019t ride long before they spotted the overturned wagon. The horses, sensing their masters\u2019 reluctance, slowed down until they came to a full stop a few steps away from the wooden carcass. It had only three wheels, the fourth having obviously decided to take a lonesome excursion into the forest nearby; the side was busted.<\/p>\n
Joe and Candy gazed transfixed at the wagon and the tree limb on the road as though they expected the two to come alive and turn into monsters, as it appeared to the observers.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou two waiting for a written invitation or what!\u201d called a deep, disgruntled voice, accompanied by a small cackle which turned into a cough. That startled the rescue party into action. Griff grinned at them \u2013 he had been the one to cackle at Adam\u2019s comment \u2013 while Adam still wore a disgruntled expression. It seemed for a moment that he\u2019d welcome them with another sarcastic comment, but instead he simply said, \u201cGriff got shot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe and Candy winced simultaneously, both at the news and the soaked prison jacket covering the soaked pair under the soaked tree.<\/p>\n
\u201cEasy,\u201d Adam uncovered Griff\u2019s shoulder, to which he had been applying steady pressure. \u201cCould you bandage it with something? Wash it first,\u201d he suggested grimly. \u201cI haven\u2019t had anything but rainwater to wash it with. Give him a blanket, he\u2019s soaked through, we don\u2019t want him to catch pneumonia.\u201d Catching Griff\u2019s soft snort, he frowned, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI just remembered,\u201d panted Griff, a wave of pain washing over him as Candy probed the wound gently, \u201cthat you\u2019ve said something about tending to be bossy.\u201d<\/p>\n
A black eyebrow rose into a fine little arch. \u201cI also told you I\u2019m always right, so it just proves me right \u2013 again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe couldn\u2019t help a snort of his own. \u201cNow I\u2019m sure good old big brother Adam is home. What happened to your clothes?\u201d<\/p>\n
Griff stiffened in Candy\u2019s arms, which were wrapping him in a blanket, and turned an accusing glare at Adam. \u201cBROTHER?! You\u2019re… you\u2019re another Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n
The black eyebrow arched neatly again. \u201cAnd is that important? In fact, yes, I am, I thought you might have guessed by now \u2013 or maybe I\u2019m not as similar to Pa as I\u2019ve been told,\u201d he wondered briefly, then shivered and cast a longing look at Joe\u2019s horse. To his disappointment, he could see no blanket there.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry, I guess I didn\u2019t think to take a blanket,\u201d apologised Joe meekly, feeling like a reckless youth again. He pulled off his jacket and put it around Adam\u2019s naked shoulders. \u201cJust don\u2019t look at me like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLike what?\u201d enquired Adam matter-of-factly, huddling into the warm fabric.<\/p>\n
\u201cLike I was twelve and did something thoughtless, okay?\u201d Joe rolled his eyes. \u201cHow was I supposed to know!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t \u2013 shout,\u201d Adam advised him gently yet pointedly, putting a hand to his now aching head. \u201cGriff tells me I\u2019ve hit my head, so watch the volume, lil\u2019 brother, will ya.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat happened?\u201d demanded Joe, though at a considerably lower volume now. Candy stopped washing Griff\u2019s wound and listened with interest, while absently reaching for his handkerchief to bind the injury.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeems like some two gentlemen decided to exchange clothes with us,\u201d Adam rested his head wearily against the tree trunk. \u201cThey didn\u2019t think it necessary to ask, however, just spooked the horses and put something on the road… I think I was thrown thrown from the wagon as it crashed into the obstacle. Woke up naked \u2013 found their things; they\u2019ve left only one jacket, though,\u201d he added with a certain amount of regret. \u201cThat would be it, as far as my memories are concerned.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAlright, let\u2019s get moving,\u201d decided Joe. \u201cCandy, you take Griff. Adam \u2013 do you think you can ride?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you think you can conjure up a horse with some hocus-pocus?\u201d Adam smiled at him neatly. \u201cOtherwise I don\u2019t see a point in asking, \u2018cause my own horse has vanished into thin air. Maybe they\u2019ve taken it, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe horses from the wagon are grazing nearby,\u201d explained Joe with exaggerated patience. \u201cThey\u2019ve gotten tangled in the bushes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow nice of them,\u201d Adam smiled tightly, letting Joe help him up. He swayed and fell against his brother, smiling a *very* tight smile. \u201cSorry. I may be able to ride \u2013 SLOWLY \u2013 but I\u2019m afraid walking may be a bit of a challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou hurt your legs?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cM-m,\u201dAdam shook his head carefully. \u201cThey\u2019re a bit stiff \u2013 and the world isn\u2019t exactly steady. Besides, I\u2019m barefoot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe glanced down, then winced guiltily. \u201cYep. You think you\u2019re gonna make it to the horse?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam breathed shakily and nodded. \u201cYeah, just help me over and go help… Candy?\u201d he risked.<\/p>\n
The tall curly-headed man nodded at him. \u201cPleased to meet ya, Adam.\u201d He supported Griff, who had walked as far as the horse \u2013 which wasn\u2019t far \u2013 and was clearly at the end of his strength. Joe had to bodily lift him into the saddle and Candy\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019d lost quite an amount of blood before I got to him,\u201d said Adam apologetically from the pinto\u2019s side against which he was leaning.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll live,\u201d mumbled Griff with dismay, his eyes closed. \u201cMother hens.\u201d<\/p>\n
Candy chuckled at that, then asked Joe, \u201cYou\u2019ll manage with Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe turned at the snort from behind; Adam was shaking his head wearily. \u201c\u2018Mother hens\u2019 indeed,\u201d he commented dryly.<\/p>\n
Candy adjusted the blanket around Griff, who seemed to be sleeping, and patiently waited for Adam to mount one of the wagon horses.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou sure you can ride bareback?\u201d worried Joe, but Adam shot him a deadly glare.<\/p>\n
\u201cBetter than you, brother. Let\u2019s get going, Griff needs a doc.\u201d<\/p>\n
Candy glanced down at his burden, who had mumbled something sleepily. \u201cHe said: \u2018Mother hens\u2019,\u201d he informed them happily. Adam rolled his eyes and seated himself more comfortably on the horse\u2019s back.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou may want to ride for the doc,\u201d he advised Joe. \u201cI\u2019ll manage from now on. Candy will keep an eye on me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t hold Griff and catch you at the same time if you fall off,\u201d warned Candy, only to have Adam straighten and grate through his teeth, \u201cI *don\u2019t* fall off horses.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, with your head…\u201d Candy started to add, but Joe shook his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s got a Yankee-type granite head, Candy. Hard to bust open and even harder to convince. He knows if he falls off, I\u2019ll rub it in until the end of the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAmen,\u201d muttered Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou watch yourself, older brother,\u201d added Joe softly. \u201cDon\u2019t go off riding if you know you won\u2019t make it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI will,\u201d the older man nodded slightly. \u201cAnd you get back quickly with the doc.\u201d<\/p>\n
His only answer was a nod and the sound of the hooves of a horse galloping off.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the…?\u201d Ben ran out of the house, seeing three horses walk into the yard and stop. One was carrying a double burden of Candy and a huddled shape wrapped in a blanket; another was mounted by a familiar dark-looking figure leaning on the horse\u2019s neck almost leisurely; the third horse was free of any charge and just trudged quite meekly behind the first two.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou might want to help Candy with Griff,\u201d suggested Adam in a dispassionate, polite voice. \u201cGriff\u2019s been shot,\u201d he explained obligingly.<\/p>\n
Ben helped Candy with Griff, and when the foreman was purposefully striding towards the house, Ben put his shaking hand on Adam\u2019s cold one. \u201cAre you… fine, son?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam eyed him coolly and asked, \u201cAre you asking \u2018cause you\u2019ve talked to Hoss or for some other reason?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben detected no animosity in the tone, however, and so proceeded to help Adam down, answering lightly, \u201cBoth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam nodded, finding his balance once he was standing on the ground. \u201cGood. Hoss was supposed to fill you in. Joe went for the doc; Griff\u2019s been shot and I\u2019ve been told I hit my head.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have, son,\u201d confirmed Ben. \u201cShould I carry you in? You\u2019re not…\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam rolled his eyes with an exasperated sigh and interrupted, \u201cI\u2019ve put some meat on my bones since the hospital, Pa, and besides I can let you carry Craig, but not ME; don\u2019t be ridiculous. Let\u2019s just go inside, I\u2019ll lie down, the doc will come and everything will be happily ever after, alright?\u201d<\/p>\n
Inside, Adam cast a guilty grin at Hoss and looked around. \u201cGriff?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the guestroom.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAh.\u201d He sat down gingerly and reached out to the fire to warm his hands, while Ben instructed Hop Sing about bandages, warm water and medicine. Then he walked over to sit in front of Adam on the coffee table. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam sighed wearily, wondering how many times he was supposed to answer that question, but hid his annoyance and explained, \u201cSome escaped convicts, I believe, had set up a trap. The wagon went over, we went flying, they took our clothes, left theirs. Shot Griff somewhere on the way. After a while, Joe showed up with Candy. That\u2019s it.\u201d<\/p>\n
He winced as Ben started to wash the blood off his head, but then squinted sideways at Hoss. \u201cYou fine?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAs long as I\u2019m home, I\u2019m fine,\u201d agreed Hoss solemnly. \u201cYou had a tremendous idea about coming home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOut of strictly selfish motives, I assure you,\u201d Adam smiled a wan smile; it would have been a more happy one if Ben hadn\u2019t pressed the fabric against the cut just then. \u201cIt looks like I\u2019m allowed home,\u201d he squinted up at Ben. \u201cQuestion is, on what terms.\u201d<\/p>\n
He recognised the old familiar look of fury in his father\u2019s eyes, which emotion then faded to exasperation. \u201cWhat terms,\u201d mumbled Ben, still busying himself with Adam\u2019s head. \u201cWhat terms, he asks me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I\u2019m the prodigal son \u2013 easy there, Pa \u2013 and I know I haven\u2019t written and…\u201d he sighed. Ben cupped his face with his free hand and said softly, \u201cYou\u2019ve been through much, son.\u201d<\/p>\n
The scene was interrupted by a thudding of little feet on the stairs, and Mike launched himself in Adam\u2019s arms. \u201cUncle Adam!!!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEasy there, Mike,\u201d laughed Adam, falling backwards on the sofa from the impact, and closing his arms around the bundle of joy. \u201cI\u2019m here, ain\u2019t missing, ain\u2019t gone, alright?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI was worried,\u201d said Mike accusingly from somewhere in Adam\u2019s chest, hugging his uncle tight.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry, buddy,\u201d Adam apologised and tried to sit up. \u201cUh, Mike?\u201d he asked after a second. \u201cHelp me up, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can just as well remain on your back, young man,\u201d thundered Ben.<\/p>\n
Adam snorted. \u201cYoung man. Indeed.\u201d He stayed down, though, and patiently let Ben administer the liniment. When a delicate cool hand rested on his cheek, he smiled up at Barbara. \u201cHey, Barb. How\u2019s Griff?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAs bad a patient as you, it would seem,\u201d she answered with a smile of her own. \u201cI\u2019ll tell Candy to help you upstairs to your room…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not an invalid,\u201d Adam sat up, immediately indignant, yet careful of Mike clinging to his shoulder, and waved away Ben\u2019s hand. \u201cIt\u2019s alright, Pa, you don\u2019t have to bandage me up, that\u2019s just a scratch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut won\u2019t you need a hand?\u201d inquired Barbara gently, glancing stealthily at the till now silent Jamie.<\/p>\n
Adam rolled his eyes impatiently. \u201cTo quote Griff: Mother hens,\u201d he stated and got up, only to be assisted by the small golden-haired boy at one side and the rather puny redhead on the other<\/p>\n
\u201cMay I borrow one of your books, sir?\u201d asked the shy voice. \u201cI\u2019ve never gone into your room, but I\u2019ve heard you have some fine books…\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam growled briefly at Barbara, knowing Jamie didn\u2019t ask just because, then winked surreptitiously at Hoss and leaned on Jamie just enough to convince the young man he was being a great help. \u201cI\u2019m not named \u2018sir\u2019, Jamie, my name\u2019s Adam and that\u2019s what I expect you to use, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2019Kay,\u201d came the answer, together with a smile. \u201cSo may I borrow one of your books, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n
They reached the stairs and began the slow ascent. \u201cAh… you\u2019d better read it in my room, kid, I don\u2019t like my books to leave it. I\u2019ve been taught the consequences the hard way, right, Hoss?\u201d he asked over his shoulder, not stopping.<\/p>\n
\u201cDunno what you\u2019re talking about,\u201d his brother denied with a dignified air, but his mouth twitched when Adam sighed theatrically, \u201cOh, fair Dolores, how quickly does thy torrero forget…\u201d Mike giggled, and Jamie blinked in confusion. Adam squeezed the thin shoulder in a way which assured Jamie he\u2019d get the story once they were out of earshot.<\/p>\n
Ben shook his head helplessly with silent laughter, then \u2013 when the door to Adam\u2019s room closed \u2013 he asked quietly, \u201cWas that the truth, or is he just trying to get to know his youngest brother?\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss chewed on his cheek, more serious than Ben would want him to be. \u201cA bit of each, I\u2019d say,\u201d he said at last. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t want to be alone, too. Maybe it\u2019s just a mood… maybe it\u2019s the mood…\u201d he shrugged his shoulders. \u201cI guess a bit of each, in any case.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben started with the realisation of what \u2018the\u2019 mood\u2019 must have meant, but his attention was drawn somewhere else as Candy left the guestroom. \u201cBarbara, you\u2019d better sit with him. I can\u2019t stand him as a patient,\u201d the foreman laughed in his usual, open way. \u201cI\u2019ve left Hop Sing with him, but he\u2019s likely to threaten to go back to China if Griff doesn\u2019t stop that.\u201d He looked around and asked, \u201cAdam\u2019s in bed?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShould be,\u201d grumbled Hoss, but soon gave up the pretence of grumpiness. \u201cSo, how do you like him?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam?\u201d Candy scratched his neck thoughtfully. \u201cI\u2019m a frank guy, Hoss, and you know it, so I\u2019ll just shoot right away, though you may not like it,\u201d he warned. \u201cHe\u2019s about the moodiest, grumpiest guy I\u2019ve ever known. Beats old McPherson by a mile.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss chuckled, and Barbara hid her smile behind her hand, hurrying to help Hop Sing nurse the grumpy Griff. Candy shrugged his shoulders and looked almost apologetic, then slightly rebellious.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll I\u2019ve heard from him was \u2018Turn left\u2019, \u2018Watch it\u2019, \u2018Go straight ahead\u2019, \u2018We\u2019ll take a short cut\u2019 and such. He is one bossy son of a… gun,\u201d he finished lamely and cast a cautious glance at Ben. No fury in the dark eyes \u2013 uff; he relaxed, whereas Hoss laughed out loud at his comments.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s ol\u2019 Adam alright,\u201d he admitted joyfully. \u201cYou haven\u2019t worked with him yet, you don\u2019t know half of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Candy rolled his eyes in not-at-all-eager anticipation of that, eliciting new guffaws from Hoss, who then added in a more serious, though not a solemn tone, \u201cThat\u2019s a guy you need to take time to get to know, that older brother of mine. There\u2019s only one sort of people who know him at the first glance, and none of us here is that sort, sorry, pal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Candy frowned in confusion and not a small amount of interest. \u201cWhat\u2019s the sort, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n
The big man smiled broadly with some inner satisfaction. \u201cSmall kids, Candy. They can always see through that granite head of his and look deeper. And they never err.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Griff stretched lazily. He was tired and didn\u2019t really want to dress fancy and go to Mr Cartwright as he\u2019d been told. But it was about something reeeeeeeeeeeal important, they told him, and so he resignedly changed into his Sunday best and knocked at the front door.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, Griff, we\u2019ve been waiting for you,\u201d Mr Cartwright smiled from the doorway. \u201cCome in; surely you know what day\u2019s today?\u201d<\/p>\n
Griff blinked, grimaced in thought and meekly offered, \u201cThursday?\u201d<\/p>\n
A roar of laughter from behind Ben\u2019s back greeted him heartily.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy, Griff, today you\u2019re off parole!\u201d exclaimed Candy, rushing to shake the younger man\u2019s hand vigorously. \u201cYou\u2019re free as of today, pal!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Ben confirmed, chuckling at Griff\u2019s confusion. The young man did a quick calculation in his head, and was surprised to realise that he had hadn\u2019t even noticed the days go by, but it really was THE day! He didn\u2019t pursue the thought, however, for he had just been brought, accompanied by cheers, in front of a huge cake with his name on it.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are a free man, Griff, and that\u2019s a thing to celebrate,\u201d said Mr Cartwright in his warm, deep voice. Joe and then Jamie shook Griff\u2019s hand vigorously, Barbara hugged him and kissed his cheek with a lot of wishes of luck, Hoss pumped his hand until it felt like it was going to fall off, Adam put his arms around his shoulders and affectionately squeezed a bit, and even Mike and Craig hurried over with a loud, \u201cCongratulations!\u201d<\/p>\n
Griff took a deep breath and blinked to clear his vision. Goodness, those people were strangers, not related to him, no kin at all, and yet… He didn\u2019t know what to say, and confessed it honestly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI… don\u2019t know what to say.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSay: \u2018Thank you\u2019,\u201d offered Adam brightly, then pushed Griff slightly towards the cake. \u201cYou\u2019d better start cutting it, son, there are some people here mighty eager to try it!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really for me?\u201d asked Griff, still overwhelmed. A little shadow with a long thin braid patted his shoulder in a friendly manner.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou free man, you celebrate, Hop Sing make sweet cake for sweet freedom,\u201d declared the cook with a big grin.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is gotta be the best thing that ever happened to me in my whole life!\u201d Griff\u2019s eyes were as round as saucers and as disbelieving as those of a child who finds out that Santa does exist and bring heaps of presents despite what the other kid in the kindergarten had always said. Candy felt strangely and suddenly moved when he glimpsed the kid he had known in the bitter man that child had become, and he smiled to cover it.<\/p>\n
Griff didn\u2019t feel bitter at all. He could wallow for hours on end in this friendly atmosphere where he was a human being and a peer, where he got loads of wonderful cake, and a glass of brandy, and pats on the back, and jokes, and teasing, and laughter… if it wasn\u2019t for one thought. As it were, the thought didn\u2019t appear but after a couple of hours, yet sobered Griff instantly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d The ever-watchful eyes of Adam Cartwright were first to notice Griff\u2019s change of mood.<\/p>\n
The young man shrugged his shoulders dejectedly, feeling all eyes rest on him in sudden silence. They were so… Should he… How could he… He sighed and said simply, \u201cI\u2019m not of legal age yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Candy sucked in a breath through clenched teeth. \u201cYour father.\u201d<\/p>\n
Griff nodded, then looked from under his hair at Ben. \u201cI don\u2019t think there is a way to get a parole from him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben exchanged quick glances with Adam and asked carefully, \u201cGriff, are you asking us to help you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell,\u201d Griff faltered for a bit, then offered almost shyly, \u201cIs there something you could think of… so that I get free of him, as well?\u201d<\/p>\n
Beside him, Adam pushed out his cheek with his tongue, thoughtfully assessing the young man, before he spoke.<\/p>\n
\u201cGriff, I wanted to give you a present… later… but I don\u2019t think it should wait, actually.\u201d He stood up, pulled out a paper from his pocket and spoke almost gravely, \u201cI know you hate people deciding on your fate without your knowledge, but it might just be that this time you\u2019ll see it differently \u2013 at least I hope so.\u201d He handed the paper to Griff and ordered briefly, \u201cRead.\u201d<\/p>\n
Griff had stood up with Adam, but as he read the paper, he faintly slipped back into the armchair, his face changing rapidly.<\/p>\n
\u201cGriff King, as of now I declare you free,\u201d said Adam Cartwright strongly over his head, although those who knew him well, detected a touch of wistfulness in his voice. \u201cI came to know you as a mature, intelligent man, and I trust you to make good decisions regarding your life. I\u2019m not here to order you around,\u201d and a ghost of smile touched Adam\u2019s lips there, \u201cI\u2019m here for you if you need help. The only thing I expect of you is to be a good, honest man.\u201d<\/p>\n
Griff blinked as though to clear his vision and smoothed out the paper with a shaking hand. \u201cYou… had to talk about it… with my legal father… right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c*I* am your legal father now,\u201d Adam gazed into the fire, his voice deceptively calm. \u201cIf you mean your former one, yes, I\u2019ve talked to him. Let\u2019s just say I\u2019m persuasive.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy did I do that?\u201d Adam repeated the question in its full form to assure himself what Griff had meant. Griff nodded briefly, mutely.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve heard of your problems with him and it seemed like a good solution… and it\u2019s nice to think that I still have a son. I know,\u201d he raised his palm to forestall Griff\u2019s words. \u201cI know you\u2019re not my son, you\u2019ve told me often enough,\u201d he smiled softly, \u201cbut humour the old man, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n
At first it seemed that Griff was ready to burst with something akin to anger, but then he began chuckling softly. \u201cMethuselah, huh?\u201d he asked, nodding to himself. Adam smiled in return, though still uncertain whether his gift had really been a good idea.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat am I supposed to do now?\u201d asked the younger man almost helplessly, eventually collecting himself. Adam shrugged and exchanged looks with everyone else in the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever you want,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019re free to do anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
Griff almost inhaled those words in exhilaration. \u201cAnything? Like… *anything*?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnything. Anything you\u2019d like.\u201d<\/p>\n
The violent beating of hooves carried the exhilarated \u201cYaaaaaaaaaa-hoooooooooo!\u201d far into the echo, eliciting smiles on all the faces of the people gathered on the porch of the Ponderosa house, although some of those faces were moist. Griff King was tasting freedom as fully as he had never before.<\/p>\n
EPILOGUE
The door opened quietly to reveal a tall, lanky figure. \u201cSorry to barge in like that,\u201d apologised the smiling voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cGriff!\u201d The Cartwrights got up to heartily greet the young man, who had showed up so unexpectedly. Griff smiled more widely and pulled a smaller shadow in, which kept hiding behind his trouser leg.<\/p>\n
\u201cBusiness first,\u201d Griff\u2019s smile wavered a little, as he sought out the eldest Cartwright brother. \u201cAdam, I think you should know that we asked a detective to search for Steven \u2013 me, Hoss, Joe and Jamie. We wanted to make sure he\u2019d been looked for properly. I got word from him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam\u2019s hand carefully sought out the sofa\u2019s back for support, the eyes not looking away from Griff for a split second.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019d woken and slipped out of the window to see his horse,\u201d said the younger man in a pleasant, conversational tone one used to talk about weather, and he made a slight pull with his busy hand to reveal his shadow companion. A solemn child with dark hair, dark eyes, in dark clothing, looked up at the people in front of him with almost fearful eyes. Adam sank limply to his knees. \u201cSteve…\u201d<\/p>\n
The child blinked nervously and stammered, \u201cI thought you were- gone, Daddy… I\u2019m so sorry…\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam opened his arms with a heart-rending smile and the child raced into the haven. The father held him tight, both assuring themselves that the other one was real. Everyone either looked at them or stared hard out of the window, but all were blinking in that strange, special way as when the eyes and hearts are cleansing.<\/p>\n
Adam heaved a big sigh, holding on to his sobbing son for dear life, raised his eyes to meet Griff\u2019s and freed and extended one arm to him. \u201cGriff, come here, son…\u201d<\/p>\n
THE END<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Summary: Despite various trials, past and recent, the Cartwright family gathers back together, growing in number. Includes all the family and some friends.