{"id":4208,"date":"2002-11-20T16:08:13","date_gmt":"2002-11-20T21:08:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4208"},"modified":"2026-01-20T15:52:58","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T20:52:58","slug":"the-godfather","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4208","title":{"rendered":"The Godfather (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: <\/strong>Susie is married and asks Joe to be her baby’s godfather. When Susie’s husband is attacked, Joe is blamed.<\/p>\n

Rated T \u00a0 (8,100 words)<\/p>\n

Susie Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Susie<\/a>
\nThe Godfather<\/a><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat?\u201d chorused Ben, Adam and Hoss Cartwright.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou?\u201d added Adam, in tones of total disbelief. \u201cWhy you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not me?\u201d demanded Joe Cartwright angrily. \u201cWhat are you trying to say, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s a little unexpected,\u201d Adam hedged. \u201cAfter all, you\u2019re not the person you think of first when it comes to being a child\u2019s godfather.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, thank you for that vote of confidence,\u201d Joe snapped, his green eyes flashing. \u201cI might have known you\u2019d say something sarcastic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, hold on, Joe,\u201d Ben interposed, deciding to calm things down before blood was shed. \u201cI\u2019m sure Adam didn\u2019t mean to sound like that. It was a surprise, after all. Did you expect Susie to ask you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath to get his temper under control, Joe shook his head impatiently. \u201cNo, of course not,\u201d he replied, shortly. \u201cIts as much of a surprise to me as it is to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJosephine,\u201d Hoss said, musingly. \u201cRight purty name, ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d Joe demanded, curling his fist.<\/p>\n

Puzzled, Hoss frowned. \u201cIt\u2019s a purty name, that\u2019s all,\u201d he defended himself. \u201cWhatcha bitin\u2019 me for?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Hoss,\u201d Joe apologized. \u201cI thought you were making fun of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Light dawned across Hoss\u2019 genial face. \u201cOh, the name bein\u2019 the female version of yourn? I hadn\u2019t thought of it till now, but sure, I wonder how her husband feels about that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Giving Hoss a furious glare, Joe stalked across the room and went outside, slamming the door behind him. \u201cWhat\u2019d I say?\u201d appealed Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly what we were trying not to say,\u201d Adam commented dryly.<\/p>\n

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

Exactly a week later, the Cartwrights joined the coach to San Francisco. Joe had regained his temper, and none of the others had said anything to spark it off. That didn\u2019t stop them speculating amongst themselves, however. None of them could quite figure why Susie had asked Joe to be godfather to her baby.<\/p>\n

Susie had been a saloon girl when they first met her. It was plain to see she wasn\u2019t the ordinary run-of-the-mill saloon girl. She was well educated, and when Joe took a fancy to her, they discovered her story. For a time, it seemed as though Joe and Susie were destined to be a couple, but Susie left, unable to give Joe the kind of love he wanted from her. The family expected that would be the last they heard from her, but Susie had kept up a lively, regular correspondence with Joe, and had delighted them all with an invitation to her wedding the previous fall. They had liked her new husband, Peter, but it was apparent that there was a slight strain between he and Joe. So the letter asking Joe to be godfather, and the baby\u2019s name, were big shocks.<\/p>\n

The trip passed uneventfully, and they checked into their hotel in San Francisco a few days later. After freshening up, Joe grabbed his jacket and announced he was going to let Susie know they had arrived. Adam and Hoss both made moves to follow, but Ben hastily quashed them. Joe hadn\u2019t seen Susie in several months, and he wanted them to have time alone. He had no idea how their relationship worked, but he didn\u2019t want heavy-handed teasing from his brothers to spoil it.<\/p>\n

Ringing the doorbell of the substantial house that Susie and Peter lived in, Joe took off his hat. A uniformed maid opened the door, and showed him into the parlor. Susie rose from a chair in front of the fire, and dashed across the room, into his arms. \u201cJoe! Its good to see you!\u201d Susie kissed his cheek soundly, and led him nearer the fire. It was only then that Joe saw they weren\u2019t alone. There was another woman in the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, this is Katja, my neighbor and friend. Katja is Josephine\u2019s godmother.\u201d Susie beamed at her friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d you do?\u201d Joe murmured politely.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so pleased to meet you at last,\u201d Katja said, revealing an American accent. Joe had expected an exotic foreign accent. \u201cSusie has talked about you so much. I feel like I know you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting down on the settee, Susie pulled Joe down beside her, and linked her arm through his. Joe saw Katja\u2019s eyebrows rise, and knew it was just this aspect of their relationship which concerned Peter, Susie\u2019s husband. Yet it was totally innocent. Susie treated Joe like he was her long lost twin, and he loved her dearly, although it wasn\u2019t, now, the passionate romantic love he once had felt for her.<\/p>\n

Shortly after, Katja took her leave of them, and Susie took Joe up to the nursery to show him the baby. Joe knew very little about babies, but Josephine seemed very small to him. He said that, but Susie laughed. \u201cNot at all,\u201d she said. \u201cJo\u2019s a big baby.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJo?\u201d echoed Joe, sharply. \u201cDo you call her that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there something wrong with that name?\u201d Susie enquired, mischievously. \u201cDon\u2019t you like it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, come on, Susie,\u201d Joe retorted, uncomfortably. \u201cWhat does Peter think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Detecting the seriousness in Joe\u2019s voice, Susie stopped clowning. \u201cWell, we neither of us like Petra, the only female version of Peter we could think of. And I refused to have her called after me. So Peter suggested Josephine, and we both agreed that it suits her. Peter hasn\u2019t shortened her name, yet, but I do it all the time. Joe, Peter doesn\u2019t have a problem with you and I.\u201d Susie rubbed his arm gently. \u201cHe knows that you and your Pa and brothers are the closet thing I\u2019ve got to a real family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Still uncomfortable, but unwilling to show it, Joe capitulated. \u201cThat\u2019s great,\u201d he said, and smiled his million dollar smile. Privately, he wondered if Peter had been being sarcastic, and Susie hadn\u2019t realized. He would have to wait until Peter was around to find out.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t have long to wait. The front door opened a moment or two later, and Peter\u2019s voice floated upstairs. \u201cSusan! I\u2019m home!\u201d<\/p>\n

Dragging Joe along with her, Susie left the nursery and headed downstairs. Peter\u2019s face broke into a big smile when he saw her, but Joe noticed that the smile dimmed slightly when he came into view. \u201cPeter,\u201d Joe said. \u201cNice to see you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Peter replied, and they shook hands. \u201cDrink?\u201d Peter suggested, seemingly at a loss.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Joe agreed, at no less of a loss. He accepted the brandy Peter gave him, and they sat down, making causal conversation about the trip west. From upstairs came a thin wail, and Susie jumped up. Joe watched her go, then turned back to see Peter looking at him speculatively. He smiled. \u201cSusie looks well. And the baby is lovely.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Peter said. \u201cYes, Susan is well. She was so pleased that you agreed to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m flattered you asked me to be godfather,\u201d Joe responded.<\/p>\n

\u201cSusan wanted it,\u201d Peter said, stiffly.<\/p>\n

Taking a sip of his brandy, Joe decided to take the bull by the horns. \u201cPeter, I love Susie,\u201d he said, quietly, \u201cbut its like she\u2019s my sister. Sure, I was in love with her, but that wasn\u2019t to be. She loves you. I\u2019m not trying to take her from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Peter gave Joe a bitter look. \u201cReally?\u201d he retorted. \u201cSusan talks about you all the time. I\u2019m constantly having to live up to your heroics.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy heroics?\u201d Joe repeated. \u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe broncos you break, the fights you get into, the good deeds you do. I get force fed them as a steady diet.\u201d Peter put his glass down with a clunk, and rose restlessly to his feet and began pacing. \u201cI\u2019m never allowed to forget how good, and brave and handsome you are!\u201d<\/p>\n

Biting back the anger that rose in his throat, Joe took a calming breath before he spoke. \u201cAnd I get letters telling me how well your business is doing, and the latest deal you\u2019ve pulled off, and how clever everyone here thinks you are, how respected you are. Susie sings your praises in every sentence. Peter, the girl loves you, and if you can\u2019t see past our friendship, you don\u2019t deserve to have her!\u201d Joe shook his head. \u201cYou knew how it was with Susie and I. She told you before you ever got married. Surely it hasn\u2019t come as a surprise to you now?\u201d<\/p>\n

Glaring at Joe, Peter took a deep breath, and managed to calm down slightly. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said, stiffly. \u201cI do know that what you\u2019re saying is true. Its just difficult for me to see Susan with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do know that,\u201d Joe murmured softly. \u201cBut you have no cause to be jealous, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just like that, the storm was over. Peter sat down again, and picked up his glass. \u201cMy temper got the better of me,\u201d he said. \u201cIt happens all the time. I speak first, then think later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grinning Joe nodded. \u201cIt happens to me all the time, too,\u201d he admitted, and they smiled at one another. For the first time, Joe wondered if the tension between he and Peter was caused by the fact they were so alike, each seeing themselves in the other. It was an uncomfortable thought, one that Joe shelved immediately. However, the outburst had cleared the air between them, and they were soon chatting away like old friends.<\/p>\n

After she returned from the nursery, Susie tried to prevail on Joe to stay for supper, but Joe had promised to dine with his family, and he took his leave. The christening was set for the next again day, and Joe looked for the church on his way back to the hotel.<\/p>\n

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

The Sunday morning of the christening dawned sunny and warm. Joe had been awake for hours, suddenly overcome by the responsibilities of being a godfather. He liked children, but had never really had much to do with them. He hoped nobody would hand him the baby, as he was scared he would drop her!<\/p>\n

They arrived at the church in good time. Susie looked lovely in a deep red dress. The baby was wearing a christening robe that Susie had told Joe belonged to her grandmother. Katja was wearing blue, and came over to meet Joe\u2019s family. The previous day, Susie had told Joe that Katja was a young widow, her husband having been killed in a train crash. She was clearly interested in Joe, much to Adam and Hoss\u2019 amusement.<\/p>\n

The ceremony was quite simple and moving. Although awake, baby Josephine didn\u2019t cry at all. Afterwards, everyone went back to Susie and Peter\u2019s house for a celebration.<\/p>\n

The Cartwrights were very much in demand. Susie had plainly talked about her \u2018adoptive\u2019 family quite a bit, and everyone seemed to want to meet them. Katja monopolized Joe, who had wanted to spend some more time with Susie. They were only in town for another 2 days. Finally, the guests began to leave, and only the Cartwrights and Katja were left to share the evening meal with Peter and Susie.<\/p>\n

It was apparent that Susie was tired, but she insisted that they stay, as planned. Adam and Peter were soon talking about his business. Ben and Hoss were exclaiming over Little Jo, and Big Joe followed Susie into the kitchen, where she was supervising the meal, so he could talk to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Susie assured him. \u201cJust tired. How are you getting along with Katja?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, I guess,\u201d Joe said, indifferently. \u201cDon\u2019t try and be a matchmaker, Susie. You might get your fingers burned.\u201d<\/p>\n

Susie laughed. \u201cOh, Joe! I just thought you\u2019d get along, that\u2019s all. Why, do you think I should aim her at Plato?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo question,\u201d Joe agreed solemnly. \u201cPlato \u2013 I mean Adam \u2013 would get along famously with her.\u201d They laughed together. \u201cI\u2019m going to miss you when I go back home,\u201d Joe told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll miss you, too,\u201d Susie said. \u201cBut I am happy here, Joe. I love Peter, you know.\u201d He nodded, as she went on, \u201cI\u2019m so pleased that you two are getting on better. Peter told me you\u2019d talked.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt makes a difference,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cWe\u2019ll see you both for dinner tomorrow night, won\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course,\u201d Susie replied. \u201cWe\u2019re looking forward to it. Peter will meet us at the hotel straight from work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Joe said, and smiled as he realized that he really meant it.<\/p>\n

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

When he\u2019d learned of their outing to San Francisco, Ben had decided it was an opportunity he couldn\u2019t afford to waste, and arranged several meetings for the few days they were there. On Monday, he and Adam went to speak to the owner of a mine, who was interested in contracting for timber. Hoss was dispatched to finalize a contract to supply beef, and Joe visited a livery stable that was looking to buy more mounts for hiring out.<\/p>\n

It was a busy day for the Cartwrights, and they all made their way back to their hotel for dinner with Susie and Peter pleased with their day\u2019s work. Susie joined them right on time, but Peter was late. They sat together chatting about people Susie had known in Virginia City, but as the time crept on, it was apparent that Susie was deeply concerned about Peter.<\/p>\n

There was a sudden commotion in the doorway, and they all looked round. There was Katja, her cloak pulled on carelessly, and her hair falling down. She was panting and looked distraught. Joe was on his feet instinctively, helping her to a chair. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked, thinking of the baby.<\/p>\n

\u201cSusie,\u201d Katja gasped. \u201cIts Peter. He was found in the street. He\u2019s been beaten and robbed, and is in hospital. They want you to go at once.\u201d<\/p>\n

The color drained out of Susie\u2019s face as though someone had put on a tap. One hand crept to her throat, the other reached for Joe\u2019s hand. He took it, just in time to catch her as she fainted.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe\u2019s very ill, Mrs. Somerville. At the moment, I can\u2019t tell you if he\u2019ll be all right. We had to operate, and patch up his spleen. I\u2019m afraid its touch and go.\u201d The doctor patted Susie\u2019s hand in a vain attempt to comfort.<\/p>\n

Leaning against Joe, Susie began to cry again. \u201cWhen will you know if he\u2019s all right?\u201d she demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cGive me another 24 hours, and we\u2019ll know more. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d The doctor rose, and left the room.<\/p>\n

Rubbing Susie\u2019s arm, Joe looked helplessly at his father. \u201cI\u2019ll stay with you, Susie,\u201d Joe said. He knew Katja was staying with the baby.<\/p>\n

The room door opened again, and a policeman came in. \u201cWhich of you is Joe Cartwright?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am,\u201d Joe replied, readily.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re under arrest for the attempted murder of Peter Somerville.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

In the early hours of the morning, Joe and Ben left the police station, with Joe\u2019s name finally cleared. Peter had been muttering Joe\u2019s name in his delirium, and the police had assumed that Joe had something to do with his attack. However, Joe had an ironclad alibi and was free to go. Adam and Hoss had stayed with Susie, who had dissolved into floods of tears at the policemen\u2019s words.<\/p>\n

Joe looked tired, Ben thought. Small wonder. Peter\u2019s business partner, John Watkins, had reported that Peter and Joe didn\u2019t get along. It was no longer true, but as Watkins was well known in the city, and Joe was a stranger, the police had naturally taken Watkins\u2019 word. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go back to the hotel and get some rest, son?\u201d Ben suggested.<\/p>\n

Smiling tiredly, Joe shook his head. \u201cI\u2019d rather go back to the hospital, Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cSusie is counting on me. Once we know if Peter is going to be all right, I\u2019ll take Susie back to her house. She needs to take care of the baby, and get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to sleep, too, Joe,\u201d reminded Ben, gently. \u201cYou won\u2019t be any good to Susie if you\u2019re exhausted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Pa,\u201d Joe agreed, \u201cbut I must do this. You go back to the hotel and rest. I\u2019ll send Adam and Hoss back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Ben said. He was tired. \u201cBe careful, son.\u201d It was what Ben always said when Joe left alone, and it brought another smile to the young man\u2019s tired face.<\/p>\n

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

By the next afternoon, Peter had made a little progress, and was expected to live. He was still deeply unconscious, and the police had been unable to question him. There didn\u2019t seem to be much motive for the attack. Peter seldom carried much money. Susie was at a loss. He didn\u2019t have any enemies that she knew of.<\/p>\n

Finally, Joe persuaded Susie to go home. He took her there himself, and Susie went first to see her baby, before Joe and Katja made her go to bed. Katja helped Susie undress, and eased quietly out of the bedroom, for Susie had fallen into a deep sleep almost the moment her head touched the pillow.<\/p>\n

Downstairs, Joe was slumbering in front of the fire. He jerked awake at the sound of Katja\u2019s step, and rubbed his face. \u201cShe\u2019s asleep,\u201d Katja said, and sat down opposite Joe, studying him through her lashes.<\/p>\n

Ever since they met, she had been impressed with Joe\u2019s dashing good looks. Joe\u2019s natural charm had worked on her at once, and she found herself longing to touch his cheek. Now, she saw past the outward beauty, to the inner strength and goodness. She hadn\u2019t suspected that Joe had such a wellspring of strength for others. Most of what Susie had told Katja about Joe, Katja had rejected as seen through rose colored glasses. Now, she wondered.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I get you something to eat?\u201d she asked. \u201cOr coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCoffee would be fine,\u201d Joe answered, his voice rough with fatigue. \u201cThen I must go back to the hotel. It wouldn\u2019t be good for Susie\u2019s reputation for me to stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom what Susie told me about when you first became friendly, I wouldn\u2019t have thought that would matter,\u201d Katja commented, jokingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Joe said, and Katja realized he was furious. \u201cYou mean when Susie was nursing me back to health, after I got beaten up by her ex-fianc\u00e9\u2019s thug? Susie\u2019s reputation was still intact when she left the Ponderosa. I would never do anything to hurt her!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Katja gasped. \u201cI was trying to be funny, but I got it wrong. I didn\u2019t mean anything, Joe.\u201d Despite herself, Katja was entranced by his green eyes, so sleepy one minute, the next throwing out sparks of anger. \u201cSusie told me she had been a saloon girl, and that was how you met. I wasn\u2019t trying to suggest anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d apologized Joe, sounding desperately tired. \u201cI\u2019m pretty tired, and I picked you up wrong.\u201d With a sigh, Joe levered himself to his feet. \u201cI\u2019d better go.\u201d<\/p>\n

The doorbell rang. Katja paled. \u201cPlease don\u2019t let it be bad news,\u201d she murmured. Both she and Joe looked expectantly towards the door. The maid opened the door and showed in a man who was a stranger to Joe\u2019s eyes, although he was aware of having seen him at the christening. \u201cJohn,\u201d Katja said. \u201cCome in. This is Joe Cartwright. Joe, this is John Watkins, Peter\u2019s partner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d you do?\u201d Joe said, but he felt an instant antagonism towards Watkins. He saw the other man\u2019s mouth tighten as he heard Joe\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d Watkins demanded. \u201cI was told you\u2019d been arrested.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I was cleared,\u201d Joe replied, evenly. \u201cI was with someone at the time Peter was attacked.\u201d He sat down again, ignoring Katja\u2019s look of surprise. He didn\u2019t trust Watkins, and had no intention of leaving the house while he was there. \u201cSusie is asleep,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me get that coffee,\u201d Katja said, and left the room, rather than just pull the bell.<\/p>\n

Sitting down opposite Joe, Watkins looked him up and down. Joe flushed slightly. \u201cIs there something I can help you with, Mr. Watkins?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so, Cartwright,\u201d Watkins said, with a sneer in his voice. \u201cI don\u2019t think you would understand our business. There\u2019s a lot of money involved.\u201d<\/p>\n

With difficulty, Joe kept his temper. \u201cThere\u2019s quite a lot of money involved in our business, too,\u201d he commented. \u201cBut I wasn\u2019t trying to pry. I just wondered if there was something I could help you with. Susie is relying on me right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe can rely on me,\u201d Watkins said, sounding annoyed. \u201cI know Susan very well. She can trust me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lazily, Joe smiled, hiding his dislike of the arrogant man who sat across the room from him. \u201cIt sounds like we have a lot in common,\u201d he said. \u201cI know Susie well, too, and she can trust me with her life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me make things plain, Cartwright,\u201d Watkins said, leaning forward. \u201cYou\u2019re not wanted here! Peter doesn\u2019t want you around his wife. Go back to the wild where you belong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angry, and no longer hiding it, Joe leant forward too. \u201cThen let me be plain,\u201d he grated. \u201cI\u2019ll stay here until such times as Susie wants me to leave, or Peter gets better. So don\u2019t count on me leaving any time soon, because I\u2019m not going anywhere!\u201d<\/p>\n

The two men glared at each other, until the door opened to admit Katja and the maid, with the long awaited coffee. Katja glanced at Joe and Watkins as she poured, thinking how different they were. Joe was still wearing a suit, but it was hopelessly wrinkled from his long vigil at the hospital. He did look wild and untamed compared to Watkins, who was paunchy, and who\u2019s suit looked as though it had just come off a hanger. At that moment, they both looked dangerous, and Katja was glad Joe had stayed, because she was suddenly a little afraid of Watkins.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, Watkins didn\u2019t stay long. It was clear that Susie wasn\u2019t going to waken any time soon, and he left. Joe stayed long enough to be sure Watkins wouldn\u2019t return, then took himself off back to the hotel.<\/p>\n

He let himself into the suite the family were sharing, and was surprised to find all three family members waiting for him. Joe was practically asleep on his feet, but he tried to answer the questions his family were asking. It was Ben who stopped the inquisition. He pushed Joe in the direction of his bed, and closed the door. Joe didn\u2019t even bother undressing. He slid off his boots and jacket, and lay down. He was asleep in seconds.<\/p>\n

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

It was the next morning before Joe woke up. He was starving, and thinking back, he realized he hadn\u2019t eaten since the night Peter was attacked. He sat up and looked with disgust at his wrinkled clothes. He washed and changed, and, feeling better, went out into the main room of the suite.<\/p>\n

Not much to his surprise, Ben was there reading a newspaper. He glanced up as Joe came in and smiled. \u201cHow do you feel, son?\u201d he asked. \u201cYou look better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel fine, Pa,\u201d Joe assured him. \u201cI\u2019m just hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there\u2019s a turn up for the books,\u201d Ben joked. \u201cSit down, Joe, and I\u2019ll get you some breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Joe tucked into bacon, eggs and pancakes, he asked, \u201cWhere\u2019re Hoss and Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey went down to collect Susie and take her to the hospital, if she was ready.\u201d Ben watched with pleasure as Joe ate. All too often, he had the impression that Joe would just as soon not eat, and only did it to keep his father off his back. \u201cWe had a visit from John Watkins last night,\u201d he added casually, and studied his son\u2019s reaction with interest. Joe\u2019s mouth tightened, and he scowled. \u201cI see you\u2019ve met him,\u201d he commented, dryly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe mumbled, around a mouthful of eggs. \u201cHe came to Susie\u2019s house yesterday, and told me I wasn\u2019t wanted and should go home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what did you say?\u201d Ben enquired, half expecting a tale of bloodshed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told him I was staying until Susie told me to go, or Peter recovered.\u201d Joe gulped some coffee. \u201cWhat did he want here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty much the same thing,\u201d admitted Ben. \u201cTold us to stay away from Susie and the business, and go home where we belonged.\u201d<\/p>\n

Father and son exchanged a concerned look. Joe laid down his fork. \u201cI think we should go and look at the books for their business,\u201d suggested Joe. \u201cIt seems to me that he has something to hide.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe thought the same thing,\u201d admitted Ben. \u201cAdam was going to ask Susie\u2019s permission to look at the books.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shoveling the last of the food into his mouth, Joe rose from the table. \u201cShe\u2019ll say yes,\u201d he said, swallowing first. \u201cI\u2019ll go down to the office right now and have a look. Maybe you could go to the hospital and ask Adam to join me. He\u2019s more likely to see things that are out of place than I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d agreed Ben, reluctantly. \u201cYou be careful, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Joe assured him, giving his father a loving, sunlit smile. \u201cSee you later.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

When Joe arrived at Peter\u2019s office, the only person who was there was an office boy. Reluctantly, he let Joe in and Joe began a thorough search. Adam arrived a little while later, and Joe handed him the few accounts books he\u2019d found. Adam sat down and began to peruse them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are gibberish,\u201d Adam said after a while, raising his head. \u201cIf these figures were true, Susie and Peter would be destitute. So would Watkins. According to this, their warehouse burned down, and they are waiting for the insurance money for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s the warehouse?\u201d Joe asked, looking over Adam\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

Laughing, Adam replied, \u201cIt doesn\u2019t actually tell me in this book.\u201d He laughed even harder as Joe looked abashed. \u201cAsk the office boy?\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t remember Susie mentioning a fire,\u201d commented Joe, as he beckoned to the boy. He asked for the location of the warehouse, and the boy gave it readily. \u201cI think I\u2019ll go down there and have a look,\u201d Joe suggested. \u201cI\u2019ll meet you back at the hospital.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think you should go alone?\u201d Adam asked. \u201cWe still don\u2019t know what happened to Peter. The person who attacked him is still out there somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be careful,\u201d Joe assured him, unconsciously patting the gun strapped to his left thigh. \u201cI won\u2019t be long. I\u2019d like to see Susie today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be longer than an hour,\u201d Adam instructed him. \u201cWe don\u2019t want Pa and Susie worrying about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a long-suffering sigh, Joe agreed to be back in an hour. He bade Adam goodbye, and left his brother to the dusty books. Adam didn\u2019t mind. He raked through the drawers and cupboards, searching for any clues there might be.<\/p>\n

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

The warehouse wasn\u2019t very far away from the office, and Joe found it without too much trouble. He stood looking at the building for a few minutes, shaking his head. There hadn\u2019t been a fire, but it looked as though it would topple into the bay any minute. Joe was angry, too, that Susie and Peter could become involved in a fraud that they didn\u2019t know about.<\/p>\n

Crossing the road, Joe found the entrance had a stout lock on it. However, a little more scouting showed him a small door, which was open. After a swift look round, Joe went in. He paused just inside the door to take in his surroundings.<\/p>\n

The warehouse wasn\u2019t empty, as Joe had expected. One end of the building was stacked high with crates. The other end was built over the water, and had capacity for a ship to dock. Joe peered into the nearest crate, and thought he saw furs. However, the boxes were too big for him to handle alone, and he looked round for a crowbar to lever a crate open with.<\/p>\n

But Joe wasn\u2019t alone. As he rounded the end of one stack of crates, a hand, holding the very tool Joe sought, descended towards Joe\u2019s unprotected head. At the last moment, Joe saw the movement, and dived to the floor. The crowbar crashed onto his back, and not his head. Joe still felt like he\u2019d been broken in half.<\/p>\n

Rolling desperately away, Joe scrambled to his feet, and saw a large man, dressed in work clothes, coming towards him. Deciding that discretion was very much the better part of valor at that moment, Joe turned tail and fled. However, he\u2019d become disorientated, and was running away from the side door where he\u2019d entered.<\/p>\n

Another workman appeared in Joe\u2019s vision, and he skidded round the corner of the nearest stack of crates, hoping to throw the men off, somehow. But there were too many men there. Joe dodged and twisted, but it was useless. He was finally grabbed, and his arms twisted painfully up his back, and marched to the warehouse office.<\/p>\n

It came as no surprise to see John Watkins there. Joe\u2019s temper flared, and he spoke without thinking. \u201cWe\u2019re on to you!\u201d he gloated. \u201cYou\u2019re done for!\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking calmly at Joe, Watkins nodded, and one of the workers stepped in front of Joe and punched him hard in the stomach. Joe groaned, and tired to curl up, but the grip on his arms increased and he was unable to. \u201cWho\u2019s we?\u201d questioned Watkins.<\/p>\n

Joe remained mute. He\u2019d made his blunder, and would have to live with the consequences, but he wouldn\u2019t say any more. He tried to tense his stomach muscles as the man stepped up for another blow, but it didn\u2019t work. Joe sagged in the grip of his two captors, but that only increased the pressure on his shoulders. Joe straightened, knowing that he could be left with two broken arms if he wasn\u2019t careful. He looked at Watkins, still silent.<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked a question,\u201d Watkins said, deadly menace in his voice. Joe repressed a shudder, and still said nothing.<\/p>\n

There was very little more irritating than Joe\u2019s stubborn silence. Ben and his brothers could attest to that. Unfortunately for Joe, Watkins didn\u2019t know that there was no way he could beat the information he wanted out of Joe. So that was exactly what he tried to do. It was only when Joe was stretched out on the floor, almost unconscious, that Watkins realized he wasn\u2019t going to get what he wanted from him.<\/p>\n

\u201cTie him up,\u201d he ordered. \u201cThen let\u2019s get the boat in and loaded. We can tie him to one of the pillars under the dock. High tide will take care of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hearing that chilling threat, Joe made a last galvanic effort to get to his feet. He made it as far as his knees before a kick to the stomach put him out for the count. The foreman immediately began to tie Joe up.<\/p>\n

Looking down at his captive, Watkins laughed. \u201cYou should have heeded my warning,\u201d he said. \u201cYou should have gone home, Cartwright!\u201d
\n************<\/p>\n

As he entered the hospital, Adam was met by a whirlwind that he discovered was Susie. She threw herself into his arms, and kissed his cheek. \u201cPeter\u2019s awake!\u201d she crowed. \u201cHe\u2019s going to be all right!\u201d Disentangling herself, Susie looked behind Adam. \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d she demanded, looking disappointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be here,\u201d Adam laughed. \u201cThat\u2019s good news, Susie!\u201d<\/p>\n

They went into the room, where Ben and Hoss were seated. On the bed, Peter still looked pale and wan, but he was awake. He smiled as he saw Adam. Susie immediately sat down on the chair by the bed and took Peter\u2019s hand. He smiled at here, then looked expectantly at the door. \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere must be an echo here,\u201d Adam joked, and Susie laughed, on a high. \u201cHe\u2019ll be here shortly. I\u2019m glad to see you awake, Peter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Adam,\u201d Peter said. He looked back at Susie.<\/p>\n

Rising, Ben drew Adam outside. \u201cWhere is Joe?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe went to look at Peter\u2019s warehouse, which has supposedly burned down. I said I\u2019d meet him here. He shouldn\u2019t be long. The hour is nearly up.\u201d Adam glanced at Ben, who was frowning. \u201cRelax, Pa, how much trouble can Joe get into here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlenty,\u201d growled Ben. \u201cBut I\u2019d rather not wait a while before we go looking for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Puzzled, Adam frowned. \u201cPa, he\u2019s not even late, yet,\u201d he pointed out. \u201cWhy do we need to look for him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was something Peter said,\u201d admitted Ben. \u201cIt was only when you mentioned the warehouse. Peter was going to it on his way to meet us. That was when he was attacked. It just made me uneasy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can see why,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cIts made me uneasy, too. Look, Pa, you stay here with Susie and Peter, and Hoss and I will go look for Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Throwing Adam a dark look, Ben shook his head. \u201cI\u2019m coming, too,\u201d he stated. \u201cJoe is my son. Get Hoss, and don\u2019t scare Susie and Peter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding, Adam went back into the room. Susie gave him a smile. \u201cSusie, we\u2019re going to go and get some coffee, and let you two lovebirds be alone for a while. We\u2019ll come back later, all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Susie agreed. \u201cBut what about Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll get hold of Joe,\u201d Adam assured her. \u201cCome on, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Hoss said, lumbering to his feet, and following Adam out. \u201cWhat\u2019s goin\u2019 on?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Quickly, Adam brought Hoss up to date. Hoss scowled. \u201cWhat are we waitin\u2019 for?\u201d he growled. \u201cLet\u2019s get goin\u2019!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait a minute,\u201d Adam protested. \u201cWhat about Susie and Peter? Are they safe here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shrugging, Ben looked thoughtful. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he admitted. \u201cWe\u2019ll have to hope so. Just let me alert the doctor. Maybe that will be enough.\u201d He did so, rejoining his sons a moment later.<\/p>\n

Grimly, the three men headed for the door.<\/p>\n

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

Lying, bound and gagged, on the office floor, Joe listened helplessly as the men loaded the crates onto a boat that had backed slowly into the warehouse. He fought uselessly against his bonds, hoping against hope that they would start to come loose. But whoever had tied him up had known his job. The knots resisted his every effort. The hands on the wall clock crawled slowly round. Joe wondered how late Adam would let him be before coming to look for him. However long it was, Joe guessed that it would be too late. His optimism was rapidly draining away.<\/p>\n

When the foreman came for him, Joe fought anyway, not knowing what else to do. He only earned himself more bruises as he was thrown down the steps from the office to the warehouse floor. The crates were all loaded, and the boat was chugging out of the bay doors. Joe noticed that the tide was creeping in. From the marks on the floor, it appeared that the whole of the dock area was covered at high tide. Joe could feel his breath catch in his throat. He made another abortive attempt to gain his freedom.<\/p>\n

He was pulled to a stop in front of Watkins. \u201cAre you ready to tell me who knows you are here?\u201d He pulled the gag from Joe\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

It made no difference. Joe wasn\u2019t going to say anything. Watkins smiled. It chilled Joe to his very soul. \u201cI never did like you, Cartwright,\u201d he said. \u201cPoor little Josephine. Lost her godfather before she could ever know him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Whether it was the final straw, or hearing Josephine\u2019s name linked with his own nickname, Joe wasn\u2019t sure. What he did know was that he was blazing mad. With a roar, he launched himself at Watkins, and managed to butt the man in his stomach before being dragged off. He was thrown to the floor, and several pairs of boots kicked him repeatedly. He heard Watkins\u2019 voice, and was yanked to his feet, his head reeling. Watkins had regained his feet and looked furious. He nodded to his foreman, who took a handful of Joe\u2019s hair and hauled his head up. Watkins backhanded him several times across the mouth. Joe felt blood running from his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood riddance, Cartwright,\u201d Watkins said, thickly. He forced the gag back into Joe\u2019s bleeding mouth, and watched impassively as Joe was pushed to the edge of the dock, then manhandled to one of the pilings under the dock, and bound to it.<\/p>\n

Footsteps sounded above him, leaving, and Joe looked down at the water, which was already lapping up his ankles. Please, God, help me, Joe prayed.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat\u2019s it,\u201d Adam said, pointing. He glanced at the policeman who had come with them. They had encountered the cop in the lobby of the hospital, and he told them he was on his way to question Peter again. Adam swiftly told him of their discoveries that morning, and the cop elected to go with them, and question Peter later. En route, he told them they\u2019d had no reports of a warehouse fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s Watkins,\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s stop him,\u201d ordered Sergeant Smith. He drew his gun, and went boldly into the street. \u201cJohn Watkins! I want to talk to you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Surprise was clearly written on Watkins face, but it didn\u2019t slow him down. He drew his gun and fired. From behind him, his men also began firing. Ben and the boys dived for cover one way, and Sgt Smith went the other way.<\/p>\n

For a few minutes, they exchanged fire with Watkins and his men, then Adam finally got lucky and winged the foreman. He went down, and took the barrel he and another were using for cover with him. It took as little as that for the heart to go out of Watkins\u2019 men. In short order, they had all thrown down their guns, and Smith was arresting them all.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s my son?\u201d Ben demanded, looming over Watkins.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow should I know?\u201d Watkins asked, sneering.<\/p>\n

For a moment, it seemed as though Ben would lose control and throttle Watkins. Smith stepped in. \u201cYou men cover them while I get help,\u201d he ordered. He gave Ben a steel-eyed glare. \u201cI don\u2019t expect to come back and find any of them beaten up,\u201d he added, pointedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t,\u201d Ben assured him.<\/p>\n

The waiting seemed interminable to the Cartwrights. It took Smith about 15 minutes to return with reinforcements. Gratefully, They turned the men over to the police, who began to herd them away. Watkins had a sneer on his face. Smith thanked the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going into the warehouse to look for my son,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood luck,\u201d Smith said, but his mind was on his own concerns.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam said. \u201cLook! Smoke!\u201d<\/p>\n

The end wall of the warehouse was smoldering. \u201cI\u2019ll get help,\u201d Smith said. The Cartwrights ran across the street.<\/p>\n

Entering the building, they looked at each other. It was empty and echoing, with smoke curling lazily along one wall. Adam spotted the raised office, and sprinted up the few steps. He looked down at his family and shook his head. \u201cJoe!\u201d Ben shouted. \u201cJoe! Can you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Silence. Hoss took a few steps away from the others and peered at a stain on the floor at the bottom of the steps. \u201cBlood,\u201d he said, softly. He looked around and spotted something further over, near the edge of the dock. The water, dark and murky, was quite high. \u201cMore blood,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

Crossing to where Hoss was standing, Ben looked despairing. \u201cHow old?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Hoss crouched down. \u201cNot long ago,\u201d he commented. \u201cLess than an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen!\u201d Hoss exclaimed. He tipped his head. Adam and Ben exchanged a glance. They had heard nothing. \u201cIts coming from down there,\u201d Hoss said. He crawled to the edge of the dock and peered underneath. \u201cJoe!\u201d<\/p>\n

Shoving each other in their haste to see what Hoss could see, Ben and Adam knelt at the water\u2019s edge. It took a moment for their eyes to adjust to the gloom, but what they saw caused Ben\u2019s heart to almost stop. Joe was bound to a piling, and the water was lapping at his chin. His pitiful whimpers just reached his father\u2019s ears. \u201cHang on, Joe,\u201d Ben shouted. \u201cWe\u2019re coming!\u201d<\/p>\n

Shucking his boots and coat, Adam retrieved his knife from his boot and dived into the water, Hoss copying him. Ben knelt on the dockside and watched anxiously. The tide was rushing in, and they didn\u2019t know it, but it was the highest tide of the week, and came in very fast.<\/p>\n

Working as fast as they could in the frigid water, Adam sawed at Joe\u2019s bonds as Hoss ripped the gag off, and supported Joe\u2019s weight. \u201cWe got ya, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss puffed.<\/p>\n

Opening his mouth to say something, Joe swallowed a mouthful of brine and choked. He coughed and spluttered, and rested his head on Hoss\u2019 broad shoulder. Alarmed, Hoss quickly lifted Joe\u2019s head, and smiled into the glazed green eyes. \u201cJust you hold your head up, young \u2019un,\u201d Hoss instructed him.<\/p>\n

On the dock, Ben looked anxiously at the smoke. It still curled along the wall, but there were no flames to speak of. Ben realized that the whole place was so damp; it would take a while for the flames to catch hold. He hoped they wouldn\u2019t catch until Joe was safe.<\/p>\n

The final strand of rope binding Joe to the piling severed, and Hoss found himself supporting all Joe\u2019s weight. He turned Joe over, so Joe was on his back, and began to swim back to the edge of the dock. Adam followed, guiding Hoss. Ben breathed a sigh of relief. He reached over the edge and grasped Joe under the arms and pulled him onto the dock. Adam and Hoss climbed out, and Adam continued to work on the water sodden rope binding his younger brother.<\/p>\n

Drawing Joe into a close embrace, Ben wiped water from his face. \u201cJoe!\u201d he said, and there was such thankfulness in his voice, that Hoss found he was blinking back tears.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe answered. He coughed again, and began to shiver. Adam cut through the last rope, and eased the frayed ends from his brother\u2019s bleeding wrists. Joe winced as Adam helped him sit up. \u201cWatkins, Pa. He loaded crates onto a ship, and it left. He put me \u2026. there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, son,\u201d Ben soothed. He stripped off his coat and wrapped it round Joe. \u201cWatkins is under arrest. Don\u2019t worry.\u201d He looked at Hoss and Adam. \u201cHurry and put your coats on, boys. I don\u2019t want you catch cold. We\u2019ve got to get Joe to the hospital.\u201d He smoothed a hand through Joe\u2019s wet curls. \u201cCan you walk, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe said, but he was proved wrong when he stood up. His legs were weak and trembling, and numb from the cold water. Adam swung Joe\u2019s arm over his shoulders, but Joe cried out in pain. Hoss solved the problem by picking Joe up. It was all too much for Joe. He slipped into darkness.<\/p>\n

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

How much time passed before Joe woke again, he never knew. Ben was sitting by his bedside, and the sky was darkening outside his window. Joe moved, but his body rebelled and a groan escaped Joe\u2019s split lips. Ben reacted at once, and took Joe\u2019s hand, smiling. \u201cWelcome back,\u201d he said. \u201cHow do you feel, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Trying a smile, Joe replied, \u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d But the smile was no more convincing than his words. Ben wasn\u2019t deceived. He said nothing, just continued smiling. Joe sighed. \u201cAll right, not so fine.\u201d He moved minutely again, and wished he hadn\u2019t. A shiver ran down his spine. \u201cThank goodness you came,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe police want to talk to you. Not today, but tomorrow, depending on how you are.\u201d Ben stroked his son\u2019s head. Joe moved his head, looking round. \u201cHoss and Adam are back at the hotel getting into dry clothes. They should be back soon.\u201d Ben swallowed. \u201cJoe, you took quite a beating.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat have I broken this time?\u201d Joe asked, wryly. He closed his eyes for a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cRibs, and your shoulder blade.\u201d<\/p>\n

The green eyes opened wide, and fastened on Ben\u2019s face. \u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour left shoulder blade.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s a new one,\u201d Joe said, blankly. \u201cI wonder how\u2026 Oh, I remember. The crowbar.\u201d He shuddered again and winced. \u201cGood thing it didn\u2019t hit my head,\u201d he commented lightly, but Ben was shocked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean that whoever hit you with a crowbar was aiming at your head?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cHow long will that take to heal?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNobody seems to know,\u201d Ben commented dryly. \u201cIts not the most common of injuries. If it hadn\u2019t been for the bruise on your back, they might not have probed. But they did, and you\u2019ve caused a lot of interest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Joe said, and his own interest in his injury faded. He closed his eyes again. \u201cHow\u2019s Peter?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cConscious, and on the mend,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cAdam is going in to tell them about you, and Watkins, when he comes back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Joe stated. He opened his eyes as he heard someone at the door.<\/p>\n

It was Hoss. \u201cHey, Shortshanks,\u201d he said, sounding pleased. \u201cYou done wake up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYup,\u201d Joe agreed, smiling slightly. His split lip was obviously troubling him. \u201cCan I get a drink, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss poured some water into a glass, and Ben eased Joe upright. His left arm was bound to his side and across his chest, but even so, it was painful. Joe drank gratefully, and lay down again. His head was pounding. He heard the door open again, and looked round to see Susie and Adam. \u201cHi,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

For a moment, it looked like Susie might cry, but she swiftly got herself under control. \u201cOh, Joe,\u201d she said, and there was the tiniest quaver in her voice. \u201cEvery time you come to my rescue, you get hurt.\u201d Tears filled her eyes again.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe gets hurt every time he gets out of bed,\u201d Adam commented, dryly, and broke the atmosphere. Everyone laughed, though Joe caught his breath at the pain stabbing through his ribs and back. \u201cIts not your fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

They talked for a few minutes longer, but Ben could see that Joe was tiring, and ushered everyone out. He was staying with Joe for the night.<\/p>\n

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

A week later, Susie kissed Joe, and stepped back. \u201cBe careful,\u201d she ordered. Joe had testified that Watkins men had beaten him up and left him to die. Peter had testified that Watkins had attacked him, after he had spotted discrepancies in their books. The boat had been stopped before it left the bay, and Watkins illegal goods had been seized. Peter\u2019s business had been saved. As Peter, with Adam\u2019s help, had looked closer into Watkins\u2019 doings, he discovered the man was a genius at misdirection. It was fortunate he had been stopped when he had been, or Peter and Susie could have lost everything, and Peter might have gone to jail.<\/p>\n

\u201cI second that,\u201d Peter agreed. He had baby Josephine in his arms. \u201cCome back and visit real soon,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI will.\u201d He turned to the woman standing next to Susie. \u201cGoodbye, Katja. Take care of these three for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways,\u201d Katja assured him. She kissed his cheek.<\/p>\n

Moving carefully, for he was still very sore, Joe nodded to Ben. \u201cI\u2019m ready,\u201d he said, and Ben helped him into the stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoodbye, Susie,\u201d Ben said, and hugged her warmly. He shook hands with Peter and climbed into the stage.<\/p>\n

With a crack of his whip, the driver got the horses in motion. Susie waved. The Cartwrights all waved back, then the coach turned a corner and they were gone. Susie took the baby from Peter and laid her in the pram. \u201cLet\u2019s get you home,\u201d she said to Peter.<\/p>\n

As they walked, Katja commented, \u201cSusie, I\u2019ll never doubt anything you tell me about Joe Cartwright again!\u201d<\/p>\n

With a grin, Susie said, \u201cI should think not, either!\u201d<\/p>\n

*****End****<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: Susie is married and asks Joe to be her baby’s godfather. When Susie’s husband is attacked, Joe is blamed.<\/p>\n

Rated T \u00a0 (8,100 words)<\/p>\n

Susie Series, links to all stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":4530,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,1007],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4208","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-joe-cartwright","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1007-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1120,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-14.jpg?fit=649%2C542&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":4215,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4215","url_meta":{"origin":4208,"position":0},"title":"Susie (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"November 13, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe has fallen for a pretty new saloon girl. Is she just a tart with a heart, or is there more to Susie than this? Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 (12,375 words) Susie Series, links to all stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Joe Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Joe Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1007"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/034.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/034.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/034.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/034.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":725,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=725","url_meta":{"origin":4208,"position":1},"title":"Learning the Hard Way (by Terri)","author":"Terri","date":"November 22, 2008","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0WARNING:\u00a0 THIS STORY IS SEXUALLY EXPLICIT.\u00a0 IF YOU ARE EASILY OFFENDED PLEASE DO NOT CONTINUE Adam has a pleasurable\u00a0time with his favourite saloon girl, Hoss shows he's not so shy with Bessie Sue and Ben proves there's life in the old dog yet.\u00a0 This all takes place one Saturday\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2624,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2624","url_meta":{"origin":4208,"position":2},"title":"Growing Pains (by Helen A)","author":"HelenA","date":"February 23, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Growing up isn't easy, physically or emotionally, as Joe Cartwright discovers. \u00a0Rated:\u00a0T (29,565 word)","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\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":4208,"position":3},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 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\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6742,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6742","url_meta":{"origin":4208,"position":4},"title":"Grazed (by Jayne)","author":"Jayne","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0When Adam finds a slightly injured Joe, they share a strangely special moment. \u00a0A Young Cartwright short story. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a0767","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1091"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13179,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13179","url_meta":{"origin":4208,"position":5},"title":"Half Brothers (by No1ButJoe)","author":"No1butjoe","date":"July 28, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe asks Adam the meaning of the words \u201chalf brother\u201d. Can Adam explain it correctly so a ten-year old Joe can understand? Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count: 1250","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4208","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\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4208"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4208\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4530"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4208"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4208"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4208"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}