{"id":47040,"date":"2003-01-22T14:49:55","date_gmt":"2003-01-22T19:49:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47040"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:06:58","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:06:58","slug":"search-for-innocence-by-eileenk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47040","title":{"rendered":"Search for Innocence (by EileenK)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: Rachel Davis leaves Boston to join her husband in Virginia City.\u00a0 By accident, she and Adam meet and become acquainted.\u00a0 When she learns her husband was an outlaw and is dead, she insists on his innocence and appeals to Adam for his help in taking her to a mountain cabin where her husband was last known to be.
\nRating and Reader Alerts: G
\nWords:\u00a0 25,400<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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The Brandsters have included this story by this author in our project: Preserving Their Legacy<\/a>. To preserve the legacy of the author, we have decided to give their work a home in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library.\u00a0 The author will always be the owner of this work of fanfiction, and should they wish us to remove their story, we will.<\/p>\n

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Disclaimer: This story is fiction and a product of my imagination.\u00a0 The Cartwright characters were created by David Dortort and I claim no right to their characterization.\u00a0 All other characters are my own and any resemblance to any person, whether living or dead, is coincidental.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Search for Innocence<\/strong><\/p>\n

PROLOGUE:<\/span><\/p>\n

Born and reared in Boston, Massachusetts, Rachel Maxwell, the only child of shipping magnate, Arthur Jamison Maxwell, gave her whole life to attending tea parties, balls, concerts and theater plays, but when she met and fell in love with Cole Davis, she lost interest in all those things and gave her whole life to him when she was twenty-two, and he was twenty-five.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel was comely to look upon with her flawless ivory skin and shiny ebony tresses which she wore in curls free and long down her back and over her shoulders.\u00a0 Her eyes were a soft gray color and she had black eyelashes, long and full.\u00a0 Her nose and mouth were shaped prettily and her smile could charm even the most unpleasant person.\u00a0 Her voice was soft and quiet, and her spirit, carefree and determined, but not flighty or questionable.<\/span><\/p>\n

For two and a half years after their marriage, she and Cole lived in Boston while he worked for her father\u2019s shipping business, but he longed for his OWN business.\u00a0 A DIFFERENT kind of business.\u00a0 He wanted a ranch out west.\u00a0 A ranch where he could raise cattle and horses and, when he and Rachel had children, he could rear them on that ranch.\u00a0 So with their savings in his pocket, he left Boston and headed out to seek his dream.\u00a0 Before he left, he promised Rachel he would send for her when he found his dream and then they could live out their lives in the reality of that dream.\u00a0 She watched the stage, carrying her husband, disappear on the horizon before she stepped into her carriage and beckoned her driver to take her home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Six months later, she received a telegram from her husband telling her he had found what he had dreamed of owning and asked her to join him, but he needed ten thousand dollars immediately to close a deal to buy cattle and horses and requested that she speak to her father about loaning them the necessary money, and if he agreed, to wire that amount to a bank in a place called Virginia City, Nevada.\u00a0 He would meet her there in April 12.\u00a0 Impatient at having to wait to join her husband, Rachel made the decision to go to that unheard of place by arriving early.<\/span><\/p>\n

Her arrival in Virginia City, Nevada, the spring of 1860, would be the beginning of a changed life for her forever.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Rachel stepped lively out of the mercantile in Virginia City with an armload of packages and collided with a passer-by.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh!\u00a0 I\u2019m so sorry!\u201d she exclaimed as her packages tumbled out of her arms and landed at both their feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy fault.\u00a0 I wasn\u2019t watching where I was going,\u201d the man in black said in a deep voice while he looked into her unusual color eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

She smiled at him and bent down to retrieve her packages.\u00a0 He bent down at the same time while he said, \u201cHere. . .let me help you with those.\u201d\u00a0 Their heads bumped together causing their hats to fall off and Rachel laughed and apologized again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m such a clumsy-bum today,\u201d she giggled while both of them picked up packages and hats, then stood up.\u00a0 He handed her the packages and she gave him a pretty smile.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Mr. . . . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright.\u00a0 Adam Cartwright,\u201d he replied as he handed her the last package.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel nodded her head at him.\u00a0 \u201cMy name\u2019s Rachel.\u00a0 Rachel Davis, and thank you again, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Now if I could just have my hat, I\u2019ll be on my way,\u201d she said as she gestured with her eyes to the small blue hat in his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

His eyes also traveled down to his hands and he grinned slightly, then said, \u201cThat depends.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel cocked her head to one side and looked at him questioningly.\u00a0 \u201cOn whether YOU give ME, MY hat,\u201d he added with a glimmer of mischief in his eyes as he looked at his hat sandwiched between two packages.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel looked down and around the packages in her arms and when her eyes landed on a black object sticking out from under one, her mouth came open and her eyes widened and she looked up at him.\u00a0 \u201cOh dear,\u201d she answered meekly.\u00a0 \u201cIt seems as though I\u2019ve managed to flatten your hat.\u00a0 With all the shuffling around of packages, it\u2019s rather mashed,\u201d she said and looked up at him again.<\/span><\/p>\n

After placing Rachel\u2019s hat on the top package, he placed one hand against the packages and pulled out his hat with his other hand.\u00a0 When he managed to pull it out completely, Rachael looked at the hat, then tucked her bottom lip behind her teeth and looked up at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cOh dear,\u201d she said while they both looked at the large black object in Adam\u2019s hands that used to resemble a hat with a crown, but now was a large black flat disc.\u00a0 \u201cOh dear,\u201d she repeated as Adam ran his fist around the inside of his hat in an effort to mould the crown back to its original shape.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI believe it\u2019s quite ruined, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she said as she watched him sculpt and mould his hat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Adam, and don\u2019t worry about the hat.\u00a0 I\u2019ve had to do this before,\u201d he answered as he flattened the brim between his hands and adjusted the hatband.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet me buy you another one. . . It\u2019s the least I can do,\u201d Rachel replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo need.\u00a0 See,\u201d he said, holding it up in front of her.\u00a0 \u201cGood as new,\u201d he added and placed the hat on his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u00a0 I\u2019d be more than happy to buy you a new one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. . .Really, it\u2019s quite alright.\u00a0 Where are you headed?\u00a0 I\u2019ll be glad to carry some of these packages for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe hotel, but I think I can manage,\u201d she replied with a smile.\u00a0 \u201cWell. . .thank you again, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she said and looked up at him and turned away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam touched his hat brim and nodded his head at her.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Davis,\u201d he said as she walked away.\u00a0 He watched her until she reached the end of the walk and noticed a cowboy step in front of her.\u00a0 She sidestepped him in order to go around him, but he stepped in front of her, preventing her from passing.\u00a0 Rachel looked up at him and stepped to the side, the cowboy followed suit.\u00a0 Adam started slowly down the walkway towards them.<\/span><\/p>\n

The second time Rachel sidestepped the cowboy, he took hold of her arm, which caused her packages to fall to the ground.\u00a0 She began struggling against him, but he held her tighter and began to laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet her go,\u201d both the cowboy and Rachel heard, and looked in the direction from which the words had come.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stood a few feet behind Rachel and looked the cowboy in the eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI won\u2019t tell you again,\u201d Adam said in a determined tone of voice with a look on his face and a set jaw to match.\u00a0 He had already removed the leather guard strap from around the hammer of his gun and his hand rested on it.\u00a0 He looked relaxed, but was on guard.\u00a0 The cowboy continued to hold onto Rachel\u2019s arm while he and Adam stared at each other.\u00a0 Then the cowboy pushed Rachel aside and stood with his feet apart and his hand hovering above his gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t try it, boy.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to shoot you,\u201d Adam said to him without changing his stance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel stood with her back pressed up against the side of the building, her eyes wide with fright, as she looked back and forth between the young cowboy and Adam as they faced each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think you\u2019re so smart, sticking your nose in where it don\u2019t belong,\u201d the cowboy said to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m calling you, mister.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t, boy.\u00a0 How old are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwenty-two. . .but what\u2019s that got to do with. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to live to be twenty-three, so you best leave your gun in your holster.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShut up!\u00a0 Now, DRAW!\u201d the boy yelled angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel pressed the back of her hand to her mouth and a gasp escaped from her throat while she tried flattening herself even flatter against the side of the mercantile.\u00a0 Her eyes darted from Adam to the cowboy several times.\u00a0 By this time a crowd appeared in every doorway of every store in the vicinity as they watched the two men facing each other, each one with their gun hand poised and ready to draw.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a split second, Adam\u2019s eyes darted to look at Rachel, who looked like a frightened little girl.\u00a0 His eyes darted back to the cowboy and he spoke again.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t try it,\u201d he said in an almost pleading voice.\u00a0 The young cowboy moved for his gun and Adam drew his quickly and shot the boy\u2019s weapon out of his hand just as Roy Coffee stepped out of his office across the street.\u00a0 Rachel screamed and hid her face against the wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

The young cowboy held his bleeding hand and grimaced and groaned in pain as Roy walked up beside Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told him not to draw, Roy,\u201d Adam said in a calm, collected voice while he holstered his gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u00a0 I saw it from the doorway,\u201d Roy replied as he took hold of the young man\u2019s arm and picked up his gun.\u00a0 \u201cYa oughta thank Adam here, fer not killin\u2019 ya, boy.\u00a0 He coulda ya know,\u201d Roy said to him and gave him a nudge forward.\u00a0 \u201cGo on, boy, go see the Doc about your hand, then I want ya out a-town, ya hear?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The boy nodded as he made his way towards Doctor Martin\u2019s office, and Roy made his way back to his office.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took hold of Rachel\u2019s shaking shoulders and turned her around.\u00a0 \u201cYou dropped your packages again,\u201d he said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Her eyes still wide, she looked at him and said, \u201cHow can you be so calm?!\u00a0 You act as if this sort of thing happens all the time!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly when I come to town,\u201d he joked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow. . .how can you joke about something like that, Mr. Cartwright!\u00a0 He might have killed you if he had been faster!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam had been crouched down picking up her packages while she talked to him.\u00a0 \u201cTrue,\u201d he said in a matter-of-fact tone while he stood up.\u00a0 \u201cCome on. . .I\u2019ll carry these to the hotel for you,\u201d he added, and started across the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel bent down and picked up her hat and ran to catch up to him and fell in step beside him.\u00a0 \u201cI just can\u2019t believe you\u2019re so calm!\u00a0 If someone had just tried to kill ME, I\u2019d be shaking in my shoes.\u00a0 What\u2019s the matter with me…I AM shaking.\u00a0 Surely that doesn\u2019t happen ALL the time!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou haven\u2019t been here very long have you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly a couple days.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot like Boston is it.\u00a0 That IS where you\u2019re from isn\u2019t it?\u201d he said to her while they walked.<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked up at him quickly.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I am, but how did you know?\u00a0 I don\u2019t remember telling you where I was from.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI recognized your accent.\u00a0 I lived in Boston three years while I attended college, so I know the accent well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, though, this place is NOTHING like Boston.\u00a0 The Wild West certainly lives up to its reputation,\u201d she said with a shake of her head as they entered the hotel lobby.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m in Room twenty-four,\u201d she said while they climbed the staircase.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Miss Davis, what brings you to our fine city?\u201d Adam said to her while they walked down the hall to her room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis place is neither \u2018fine\u2019 nor a \u2018city\u2019. . .and it\u2019s MRS. Davis.\u00a0 I came out here to meet my husband,\u201d she said as she unlocked her hotel room door and stepped inside.\u00a0 \u201cJust put them on the bed,\u201d she said to Adam as she gestured with her hand from the packages to the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re married,\u201d Adam replied in a surprised tone in the form of a statement more than a question, as he placed the packages on Rachel\u2019s bed.\u00a0 He had not thought her to be married for he saw no ring on her left hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 I\u2019m meeting Cole\u2026he\u2019s my husband\u2026here in two days, then he\u2019s taking me to see the ranch he bought,\u201d she said as she flitted around the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

A spark of recognition crossed his handsome face when he heard her call her husband\u2019s name, but he let it go for the time being.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet me buy you lunch, Mr. Cartwright, for rescuing me from that rowdy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cName\u2019s Adam\u2026and there\u2019s no need to buy me lunch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, please, Adam, that\u2019s the least I can do to express my gratitude to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not really that hungry.\u00a0 How about just a cup of coffee?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust coffee?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust coffee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell. . .alright.\u00a0 Shall we go downstairs to the dining room then?\u201d Rachel said as she walked towards the door. Adam followed her out and while she locked the door and as they walked down the hall and stairs to the dining room, she chattered on and on about how wild the west was.<\/span><\/p>\n

After they had seated themselves and placed their order, Adam looked at Rachel and with a serious tone in his voice, he said, \u201cYou said upstairs that your husband was going to meet you here in two days.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u00a0 I haven\u2019t seen him in six months.\u00a0 Are you married, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 No, I\u2019m not.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen you can\u2019t possibly know how, very anxious I am for those two days to pass,\u201d she said with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Davis. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRachel. . .please call me Rachel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRachel. . .exactly what does your husband look like?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s tall. . .light hair. . .blue eyes. . .neatly trimmed moustache\u2026trim build.\u00a0 Why do you ask?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanted to know if it\u2019s the same Cole Davis or if by some odd chance there could be TWO Cole Davis\u2019s.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTWO?\u00a0 What do you mean TWO?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen was the last time you heard from your husband?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA month ago,\u201d she answered, then noticed that Adam\u2019s eyes clouded and he dropped his eyes for a second then looked at her.\u00a0 \u201cWhy do you ask, and why do you have that look on your face?\u201d she asked him.<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked her square in the eyes.\u00a0 \u201cRachel. . .your husband is dead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Shocked by what he said, she slumped back against her chair and drew in her breath sharply.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t believe you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid it\u2019s true.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut. . .he. . .how is it possible?\u00a0 What happened to him?\u00a0 And HOW do you know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes when men come out here from the East, it isn\u2019t what they expect.\u00a0 They find their money running out before they find what they\u2019re looking for and they find ways to replace the money they ran out of.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust what are you saying, Adam.\u00a0 Tell me what you know about my husband.\u00a0 And don\u2019t sugar-coat it for me.\u00a0 I don\u2019t like people to beat around the bush trying to tell me something.\u00a0 Just tell me straight out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright.\u00a0 Cole Davis shot and killed a teller when he was trying to rob a bank in Carson City.\u00a0 He was shot and killed when he tried to kill one of the customers. . .three weeks ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Rachel\u2019s head lolled from side to side and her eyelids fluttered several times before she opened them fully and looked around her.\u00a0 She saw a man with white hair bending over her and beside him was Adam Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cWelcome back,\u201d Adam said to her and smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWh-what. . .hap-happened?\u201d she questioned groggily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou fainted,\u201d Dr. Martin said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

She closed her eyes and placed the back of her hand across her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cTell me it isn\u2019t true, Adam. . .about Cole.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He placed a comforting hand on her arm, and his voice was gentle.\u00a0 \u201cFor your sake, I wish it wasn\u2019t.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry, Rachel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She began to cry and covered her mouth with her fingers.\u00a0 \u201cBut he wasn\u2019t like that.\u00a0 Cole wasn\u2019t like that.\u00a0 He was good and honest.\u00a0 I don\u2019t believe he was like that,\u201d she contended while she cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou said yourself you hadn\u2019t seen him in six months.\u00a0 The West sometimes changes men. . .even honest men in a very short time,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel\u2019s eyes popped open and she removed her hand from her mouth.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe so. . .but NOT Cole!\u201d she scolded him and started to sit up, but Doctor Martin placed his hands on her shoulders and nudged her back down on the settee in the hotel lobby where Adam carried her after she fainted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere now. . .you just rest a minute and then you can go up to your room,\u201d he said to her and patted her arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould I have a drink of water, please,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get it,\u201d Adam offered and moved towards the dining room.\u00a0 He soon returned with a glassful and handed it to Rachel.\u00a0 \u201cHere you go,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

After drinking her fill, she handed the glass back to Adam and let out a weary sigh.\u00a0 She turned her head towards Adam and asked, \u201cIf he was shot and killed in Carson City. . .how do you know about him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stared at her for a few seconds then said, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you let me walk you up to your room.\u00a0 We can talk more about it tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 I want to know NOW, Adam,\u201d she said adamantly.\u00a0 \u201cHow do you know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I was there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut how did you know it was Cole?\u201d she pressed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Doctor Martin told her to send for him again if needed, then he left.\u00a0 Adam took hold of her arm and helped her to stand up.\u00a0 \u201cNo more questions until tomorrow.\u00a0 I\u2019m taking you up to your room and we\u2019ll talk tomorrow,\u201d he said as he led her up the staircase.\u00a0 \u201cYou take it easy the rest of the day and get a good night\u2019s sleep tonight and we\u2019ll talk tomorrow.\u00a0 I\u2019ll tell you everything I know then,\u201d he said as he opened the door to her room.<\/span><\/p>\n

She stepped inside and turned around to face him.\u00a0 \u201cYou won\u2019t sugar-coat it for me, will you?\u00a0 I want you to tell me everything. . .straight out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam raised his right hand as if he were taking an oath.\u00a0 \u201cEverything. . .straight out,\u201d he promised.<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded, then closed the door behind her.\u00a0 When she heard Adam walk away from her door, she broke down and sobbed and ran and threw herself across her bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Slivers of moonlight faintly illuminated Rachel\u2019s hotel room.\u00a0 She tried sleeping but her mind and heart were much too full.\u00a0 She tossed aside the sheet spread over her and crossed the room to the window and pulled aside the curtain and peered out.\u00a0 Except for an occasional sound of a dog barking, Virginia City\u2019s main street was quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n

She thought of the home she and Cole had shared back in Boston and remembered the night sounds there.\u00a0 Out here, though, the sounds of silence seemed much louder and had a sad, mournful sound compared to the lively, happy-go-lucky sounds of silence in the city.\u00a0 Suddenly she felt a cold chill run down the length of her spine and she shuddered and moved away from the window.\u00a0 Although the weather seemed warm, Rachel felt very cold.\u00a0 Very cold and very alone.\u00a0 She climbed back into bed and pulled the quilt up to her chin, then turned over and buried her face in her pillow and cried herself into a\u00a0 fitful sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The sun had already been up for hours before Rachel pulled herself out of bed.\u00a0 After a long night with almost no sleep, she didn\u2019t bother to get up early.\u00a0 Hearing Adam\u2019s words again that her husband was dead. . .three weeks dead. . .she began to cry all over again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dressed in only her nightgown, she sat in the big overstuffed chair beside her bed with her shawl spread over her and her head leaned back against the chair.\u00a0 When she heard a light rapping on her door, she looked in that direction and willed whoever it was to go away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRachel. . .it\u2019s Adam Cartwright,\u201d she heard him say through the door.\u00a0 \u201cAre you awake yet?\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

She pulled herself out of the chair, wrapped her shawl around her shoulders, walked to the door, clicked the lock and opened the door.\u00a0 \u201cHello Adam,\u201d she said sadly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning.\u00a0 If you feel like eating, I\u2019ll take you out for breakfast. . .although it\u2019s closer to lunch.\u00a0 I came up earlier, but you didn\u2019t answer my knock.\u00a0 I guess you were still sleeping.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t sleep much last night and I don\u2019t really think I could eat anything right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, come down anyway. . .we\u2019ll just talk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked up at him with sad eyes and their color seemed to have deepened to a darker gray since yesterday.\u00a0 She nodded, then said, \u201cIt\u2019ll take me a few minutes to dress.\u201d\u00a0 Her sad voice matched her expression.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll wait for you in the dining room then,\u201d he replied.\u00a0 She looked at him again with those sad eyes, then closed the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When Adam and Rachel were seated and had their coffee placed in front of them, Adam waited until she was ready to talk.\u00a0 He watched her as she sat with both hands cupped around the coffee cup just staring down into it.\u00a0 He knew she was lost in the land of disbelief and heartache, so having compassion for her, he reached over and placed one hand around hers.<\/span><\/p>\n

She raised her eyes and looked into his and saw compassion and concern.\u00a0 It was then she spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I\u2019m not very good company am I,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s understandable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked at him a few seconds before she spoke again.\u00a0 \u201cAdam. . .I KNOW my husband.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t have been involved with anything against the law.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t argue with you about what you believe about your husband, but I saw the wanted poster with his picture and name on it and I came face to face with him in the Carson City Bank.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI still can\u2019t believe it was Cole, but I believe YOU too.\u00a0 I can\u2019t believe BOTH ways. . .how am I ever going to be convinced.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s always evidence.\u00a0 I witnessed the bank robbery, because I was inside the bank at the time.\u00a0 I heard the Sheriff outside call out his name telling him to surrender, and when he wouldn\u2019t, he turned around and was going to shoot one of the customers. . .that\u2019s when he was shot and killed.\u00a0 Sheriff Coffee has a Wanted Poster on him if you want to see it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to see it, but I know I must.\u00a0 Will you go with me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want me to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She managed a tiny smile and nodded.\u00a0 She pushed away from the table and stood up.\u00a0 Adam did the same, then took her elbow and they made their way across the street to the Sheriff\u2019s Office.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Adam had a chance to open the office door, Rachel grabbed his arm.\u00a0 \u201cAdam\u2026I\u2019m afraid.\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid to see what you\u2019re telling me is true.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone has to face the truth, Rachel, whether or not they\u2019re afraid of it.\u00a0 By not facing it, won\u2019t make it any less untrue.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u00a0 Will you stay right beside me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll stay beside you,\u201d he reassured her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel took in a nervous breath and nodded, clinging to his arm.\u00a0 Adam pushed open the door to Roy\u2019s office and they stepped inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sitting behind his desk doing paperwork, Roy looked up when his door opened and he removed his glasses from his face and stood up.\u00a0 \u201cHowdy there, Adam,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cMa\u2019am,\u201d he said, acknowledging Rachel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, this is Rachel Davis.\u00a0 Sheriff Coffee,\u201d Adam said as they walked over and he made the introductions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you do, Sheriff,\u201d Rachel replied, dipping her head in greeting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMiz. Davis,\u201d Roy answered.\u00a0 \u201cIs this a social call, Adam, er do ya need somp\u2019thin else?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRachel is Cole Davis\u2019 widow, and she wants to see the Wanted Poster you have on him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHis WIDDA?!\u201d Roy asked, surprised.\u00a0 \u201cYa sure don\u2019t look like ya oughta be married tuh an hombre like that.\u00a0 He was wanted fer a string a-robberies clear acrost the territory,\u201d he added with a shake of his head at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam glanced at Rachel and saw pain written all over her face, then he turned to Roy.\u00a0 \u201cCould we see the poster on him, Roy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think I still got it \u2018round here sum whar\u2019s.\u00a0 ain\u2019t got \u2018round tuh gittin\u2019 rid a-all the ones that\u2019s been took care of,\u201d Roy said as he sat down and rummaged through one of the drawers on his desk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel, clinging tightly to Adam\u2019s arm, looked around Roy\u2019s office while he searched for the poster.\u00a0 She thought if she grasped his arm any tighter, the circulation in it might stop, but she also thought if she lessened her grip, she might lose control of her emotions.\u00a0 As long as she clung to Adam she gleaned a certain amount of strength and courage to face what she had to face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. . .here we are,\u201d Roy said as he pulled out a sheet of paper and held it out to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not wanting to look right at the poster, Rachel turned her head slightly until her face was against Adam\u2019s shirt sleeve.\u00a0 Adam reached out and took the poster from Roy.\u00a0 \u201cIs this your husband?\u201d he said to Rachel.<\/span><\/p>\n

She gripped his arm tighter and forced\u00a0 herself to look at the face drawn on the poster Adam held in front of her.\u00a0 She read the poster from top to bottom:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWANTED:<\/span><\/p>\n

Cole Davis<\/span>
\nBank Robbery<\/span>
\nStagecoach Robbery<\/span>
\n$5,000 REWARD\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked at the face of the man on the poster.\u00a0 She closed her eyes and put her face against Adam\u2019s sleeve again.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s him.\u00a0 That\u2019s my husband,\u201d she said in a small voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam handed the poster back to Roy and put his free arm around Rachel and seated her in a chair and crouched down beside her.\u00a0 \u201cYou gonna be alright?\u201d he asked her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI still can\u2019t believe it.\u00a0 Wh-where is my husband buried?\u201d she asked in a hoarse voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoot Heel Cemetery in Carson,\u201d Roy answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t even have a proper funeral,\u201d she said in a monotone voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was a murderer, Miz. Davis.\u00a0 Thet\u2019s whar all murderers who ain\u2019t got no family gits buried.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo family?\u00a0 What am I?\u00a0 Am I not his family?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOutlaws don\u2019t make it a habit a-carin\u2019 fer family,\u201d Roy replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel slowly turned her eyes to look at Roy for a few seconds then turned her gaze to stare past him.\u00a0 \u201cFor whatever Cole was, he was my husband and I loved him.\u00a0 I want to see his grave. . .will you tell me how to get there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take you,\u201d Adam said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to do that, Adam.\u00a0 You\u2019ve been so kind already,\u201d she replied numbly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to take you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel nodded, and Adam helped her to her feet and led her outside.\u00a0 They made their way to the Livery where Adam stabled Sport and rented a horse and buggy for the trip to Carson City.<\/span>
\n******<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stood behind Rachel as she stood in front of Cole Davis\u2019 grave.\u00a0 She ran her hand over the lop-sided scrawling of his name burned into the rough, splintered wooden cross that marked his place in Boot Heel Cemetery.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s just another outlaw buried with a hundred others in Boot Heel.\u00a0 He was my husband and he deserves a better marker than this,\u201d Rachel said as tears dripped from her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYou said you were in the bank that day, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took a couple steps closer to her.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I was.\u00a0 I had a business transaction with the bank president when Cole Davis entered the bank.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell me what happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe came in, locked the door and ordered all the men to drop their guns then herded everyone in the center of the bank, except for one teller who he ordered to go in the vault and bring him all the money inside it.\u00a0 The teller did like he was told, but when he came out of the vault, he pulled a gun on Davis and your husband shot and killed him.\u00a0 Everyone in the bank dropped to the floor.\u00a0 The Sheriff called out to him and told him the Bank was surrounded and to give himself up.\u00a0 He started for the door then turned around and faced the customers on the floor.\u00a0 He aimed his gun at one of them\u2026that\u2019s when he was shot and killed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel laid her hand on top of the crude grave marker and was silent for a few minutes while she stared at the mound of earth and crude cross.\u00a0 \u201cWas he given every opportunity to surrender?\u201d she asked a bit later.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEVERY opportunity.\u00a0 The Sheriff asked him twice to throw his gun out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the person who shot him?\u00a0 Couldn\u2019t they have just wounded him?\u00a0 Why did they have to kill him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour husband didn\u2019t leave much choice, Rachel.\u00a0 He had his gun trained on a young woman.\u00a0 It was either HIM or an innocent woman.\u00a0 There was hardly time to aim, let alone wait for your husband to pull the trigger.\u00a0 The man diverted Cole Davis\u2019 attention from the woman to himself by making a try for his gun.\u00a0 Cole shot at him but missed, the man was able to get to his own gun and fire.\u00a0 The man who shot your husband had no choice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe must have been a good shot. . .the man who killed my husband, I mean. . .to pull a trigger and kill him without even aiming.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt isn\u2019t an easy thing to have to shoot a man, even in self-defense, and it\u2019s even harder to KILL him, especially when that man was asked to put down his gun.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel looked up at Adam and stared into his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI saw with that rowdy cowboy how fast and how good you are with a gun, Adam.\u00a0 You were in the bank\u2026It was YOU, wasn\u2019t it.\u00a0 YOU shot Cole.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam held her gaze for a few seconds, then nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u00a0 He gave me no choice, Rachel.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t let him shoot that woman.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel\u2019s eyes traveled back to the wooden cross.\u00a0 \u201cNo, of course you couldn\u2019t,\u201d she said, her voice had no trace of malice or blame.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m going back to Boston as soon as I can\u2026If I order a decent headstone, will you make sure it gets erected?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Rachel turned and as she passed Adam, she said, \u201cI\u2019m ready to go back to Virginia City.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam followed her back to the buggy and helped her in, then stepped in and seated himself beside her and turned the horses towards Virginia City.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam pulled up in front of the hotel and walked Rachel up to her room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow is Sunday. . .why don\u2019t you let me pick you up for church, then we\u2019ll go for a ride afterwards,\u201d Adam said to her while they paused outside her door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u00a0 I plan to leave on the next stage to Boston.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat won\u2019t be until Monday.\u00a0 We\u2019ll do this. . .I\u2019ll drive by the hotel before church and if I see you on the porch, I\u2019ll stop. ..if not, I\u2019ll keep going.\u00a0 How\u2019s that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel nodded, then turned to go in her room but stopped and turned back to face Adam.<\/span>
\n\u201cAdam. . .I want you to know that I don\u2019t hold you a grudge for shooting Cole.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for that, Rachel.\u00a0 You were so quiet on the trip back, I thought maybe you DID.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 But I still can\u2019t believe he turned outlaw.\u00a0 It just wasn\u2019t in him to be like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRachel. . .sometimes when a man is desperate, he\u2019ll do ANYTHING.\u00a0 Each time it gets easier until there\u2019s no going back, only forward to continue what he\u2019s doing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut NOT Cole.\u00a0 I\u2019m as sure of HIM not turning outlaw as I am of YOU being incapable of turning outlaw.\u00a0 I just don\u2019t believe it happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I was there. . .I saw him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know that\u2019s what you SAID, but there\u2019s something wrong.\u00a0 Cole didn\u2019t HAVE to rob a bank or a stagecoach or anything else, because my father wired him ten-thousand dollars a week before he was supposed to have robbed the Carson City Bank, and he could have more if he needed it, all he had to do was to get in contact with me and I would have Father wire him more, Cole knew that.\u00a0 Why would Cole have to rob a bank in one place when he had ten-thousand dollars waiting for him in another place and have access to any amount of money my father had?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s features pinched.\u00a0 \u201cDid you check at the bank to see if he claimed it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t think about it.\u00a0 I had no reason to suspect anything like this.\u00a0 All I thought about was meeting Cole and going to our ranch and living happily ever after together for the rest of our lives.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s brows remained furrowed.\u00a0 \u201cIt DOESN\u2019T seem likely that a fella would need to rob a bank when he had ten-thousand dollars waiting for him, but you\u2019ll have to wait until Monday when the bank is open to check to see if that money was picked up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel sighed deeply.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m very tired, Adam,\u201d she said and stepped into her room and turned to face him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope I\u2019ll see you in the morning for church.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll think about it, but don\u2019t expect me to be there.\u00a0 Good-bye, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBye, Rachel,\u201d he answered and waited to leave until she closed the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Staring intently into the fire, Adam sat on the low table in front of the fireplace with one foot propped on the hearth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t seen you THAT deep in thought, Adam, since you were trying to think of a way to get out of Abigail Jones\u2019 proposal to you,\u201d Joe said with a laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked over at his youngest brother, who was sitting on one corner of the table, playing checkers with Hoss, who also laughed at the memory.\u00a0 Adam gave him a no-nonsense look then said, \u201cVery funny.\u00a0 What I have on my mind is NOTHING like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell what is it that has you so deep in thought?\u201d Ben asked from his chair at the corner of the fireplace.\u00a0 Adam turned and faced him.\u00a0 \u201cYou remember that incident three weeks ago at the Carson City Bank with Cole Davis?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I sure do,\u201d Ben said, nodding his head.\u00a0 \u201cHow could I forget. . .my oldest son almost got his head shot off trying to be a hero.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou would have done the same thing,\u201d Adam responded back to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMm-Hm, probably. . .but why are you thinking about that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yesterday I met Cole Davis\u2019 wife.\u00a0 And I spent today with her telling her all about her outlaw husband and taking her to see his grave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHis wife?\u00a0 Outlaws usually don\u2019t have wives.\u00a0 They\u2019re not that responsible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell why did she come to Virginia City if his grave is in Carson City?\u00a0 Looks to me like she would go THERE to claim whatever belongings he had,\u201d Joe commented.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe probably would have, but she didn\u2019t know he was dead until I told her.\u00a0 He had written to her a month ago telling her he would meet her in Virginia City. . .that\u2019s why she came here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell how is it that YOU told her about her husband?\u00a0 Looks to me like that would have been Roy\u2019s place,\u201d Ben responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a long story,\u201d Adam said, then proceeded to tell them of his initial encounter with Rachel Davis and ending with inviting her to attend church with him the next morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt DOES seem kind of odd for a man to rob a bank when he had money in another bank in another town,\u201d Ben admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs kind a-crazy, ain\u2019t it,\u201d Hoss commented.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and I\u2019m very curious to know if that money is still in the bank.\u00a0 If it is. . .I\u2019m wondering why he didn\u2019t claim it.\u00a0 And if he DID claim it. . .I\u2019m wondering why he had to rob a bank,\u201d Adam said with a puzzled look on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs sorta confusin\u2019,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to help Rachel all I can, but. . .no use straining my brain about it anymore tonight. . .I\u2019m going to bed,\u201d Adam said as he stood to his feet and headed for the staircase.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo when do we get to meet her, Adam?\u201d Joe questioned with great interest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll introduce you to her tomorrow in church\u2026IF she comes,\u201d Adam replied, then made his way up to his room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWonder what she looks like,\u201d Joe said when Adam had gone upstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs\u2019at all you ever think \u2018bout, little brother. . .whut sum gal looks like?\u201d Hoss said to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs there anything ELSE to think about, big brother?\u201d Joe responded with a\u00a0 mischievous grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three of them laughed, then made their way upstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Rachel stood on the porch of the hotel, she made the decision to attend church and go riding with Adam afterwards.\u00a0 She hoped that the diversion would help take her mind off her grief.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t own a black mourning dress, so she wore the darkest one she had, a forest green with a simple white collar.\u00a0 She never thought she would become a widow.\u00a0 Widows were supposed to be old, not one HER age with their whole life ahead of them.\u00a0 She was still young enough to have children and when she and Cole had their ranch, they wanted to raise a dozen children.\u00a0 \u201cAll boys,\u201d Cole had said.\u00a0 \u201cSo we don\u2019t have to hire ranch hands,\u201d he said also.\u00a0 She smiled when she remembered him saying that before he left to go out West.\u00a0 He smiled his funny little smile, then took her in his arms and kissed her.\u00a0 Then he was gone.\u00a0 He was gone now too. . .FOREVER.\u00a0 Tears made a path down her cheeks as she thought of the last time he held and kissed her and the last time they were together as husband and wife.\u00a0 Those times were gone forever.\u00a0 She ached inside for her husband.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to be late,\u201d she heard a deep voice say.<\/span><\/p>\n

She blinked her eyes to snap herself out of her trance.\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u201d she said, looking about her for the rude person who interrupted her private thoughts about her and her husband.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI said we\u2019ll be late if we don\u2019t hurry,\u201d Adam said, when her eyes stopped on him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam.\u00a0 It\u2019s you.\u00a0 Yes. . .I\u2019m coming,\u201d she said and quickly made her way down to the buggy.\u00a0 He held her hand while she stepped in and sat down beside him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGlad you decided to come,\u201d he said when she was settled in the seat.\u00a0 \u201cYou were lost in thought a moment ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was with my husband,\u201d she said in an emotional filled tone of voice as she turned her sad eyes on Adam.\u00a0 He held her gaze for a few seconds, nodded his head knowingly then looked away and urged the horses towards the church.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Ann Roberts, a pretty green-eyed auburn haired woman, stood near the entrance of the church waiting for Adam to arrive, as she did every Sunday.\u00a0 She had her sights set on him when they were in school together and vowed to herself that someday she would marry him.\u00a0 When he went away to college, she left Virginia City also.\u00a0 She traveled back and forth between San Francisco and Virginia City since leaving the first time and each time she came back to Virginia City, she always looked Adam up to make sure he was still a single man.\u00a0 To her relief, he always was.\u00a0 This time, she promised herself she would stay in Virginia City until she wangled a marriage proposal out of the man in black.\u00a0 She was so busy thinking about him she didn\u2019t notice he walked near her until he said hello to her and moved on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam!\u201d she said in surprise, then noticed Rachel.\u00a0 \u201cIs this a long lost cousin I don\u2019t know about?\u201d she said of Rachel as her eyes looked the pretty black haired woman up and down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, no. . .this is Rachel Davis.\u00a0 Rachel. . .Mary Ann Roberts,\u201d Adam said, making the introductions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you do, Miss Roberts,\u201d Rachel said, though she didn\u2019t smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Davis,\u201d Mary Ann said in return.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s MRS. Davis,\u201d Rachel corrected her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMRS?!\u201d Mary Ann said in a surprised tone.\u00a0 \u201cWell now. . .aren\u2019t YOU playing the dangerous game.\u00a0 You chided me for doing the same thing,\u201d she said, directing her remark to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cBeing a bit of a hypocrite aren\u2019t you, Adam?\u00a0 And in church no less,\u201d she added tsk-tsking him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind, Mary Ann,\u201d he said to her and ushered Rachel inside the church.\u00a0 Mary Ann followed, but was stopped by Jenna White, her eyes wide with wonder.\u00a0 \u201cWho is that with Adam Cartwright?\u201d she asked Mary Ann.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Ann looked past her and watched Adam and Rachel find their places beside Ben, Joe and Hoss and saw them shake hands with her.\u00a0 \u201cWell?\u201d Jenna urged.\u00a0 \u201cWho is she?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe said her name was Rachel Davis.\u00a0 MRS. . .Rachel Davis,\u201d Mary Ann said with a sharp tongue, all the while keeping her narrowed eyes on Adam and his companion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jenna\u2019s eyes became even wider while she continued looking at Adam and Rachel\u201cMRS?\u00a0 You mean she\u2019s\u2026MARRIED?!\u201d Jenna exclaimed in a hoarse whisper to Mary Ann.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Ann looked at Jenna with a sour look on her face.\u00a0 \u201cIsn\u2019t that what MRS. usually means, dopey,\u201d she said and gave Jenna a push forward, then found their places. . .right behind Adam and Rachel, and the three other Cartwright\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel listened intently to the minister\u2019s message on what it means to be a true friend.\u00a0 The more she listened to the qualities a friend should have, she realized that the man next to her possessed those qualities.\u00a0 Although she knew physical qualities had nothing to do with being a good friend, she looked over at him and studied his face from the side.\u00a0 Strong set jaw. . .firm chin.\u00a0 \u201cMeans he\u2019s stubborn,\u201d she thought to herself.\u00a0 Adam felt her staring at him and turned his head to look at her.\u00a0 She smiled at him and he smiled back because that was the first smile she had given since learning of her husband\u2019s demise.\u00a0 Adam patted her hand, reassuring her of his friendship and she squeezed his hand in return and both turned their attention back to the minister\u2019s words.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Ann, on the other hand, seethed with jealousy at the exchange of affection between Adam and Rachel.\u00a0 She heard nary a word of the minister\u2019s message after that.\u00a0 After the minister\u2019s last Amen, Mary Ann made a bee-line for the church doors and was the first one out.\u00a0 Still angry with what she considered to be Adam\u2019s blatant public display of affection with a MARRIED woman, Mary Ann paced quickly back and forth outside near Adam\u2019s buggy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Rachel exited the church, followed by Adam\u2019s father and brothers.\u00a0 They stood around talking to each other for a few moments, then Adam and Rachel made their way towards Adam\u2019s buggy.\u00a0 When Mary Ann saw him and Rachel approach, she stopped pacing, squared her shoulders, crossed her arms in a defiant attitude and waited.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam saw her and in a hushed voice to Rachel, said, \u201cThis might be unpleasant, so don\u2019t say anything to her and I\u2019ll explain everything later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel responded with a nod of her head.\u00a0 Adam walked past Mary Ann and helped Rachel into the buggy, then walked back around to the other side.\u00a0 Mary Ann planted herself firmly in front of him and raised her chin defiantly at him.\u00a0 Her green eyes flashed and her lips were tight against her teeth.\u00a0 \u201cWell, Mr. Say-One-Thing-And-Do-Another. . .after you raked ME over the coals about my relationship with a married man, how do you justify your liaison with a married woman?!\u201d Mary Ann asked, her words coming hot and heavy out of her mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing to explain, Mary Ann.\u00a0 Now why don\u2019t you go on home,\u201d he said and took a step towards the buggy opening.\u00a0 Mary Ann stepped in front of him and held his arms.\u00a0 \u201cIt isn\u2019t right for YOU to sit in judgement of ME and then YOU turn right around and do what you judge ME for!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about, Mary Ann.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you get her husband\u2019s approval first, or did you just snatch her out from under his nose?!\u201d she said as she waved her open fist in front of him then snapped it closed as she spoke the word snatch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cGo home, Mary Ann,\u201d he responded calmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Ann stood looking defiantly at him, but because of the look on his face, Mary Ann knew better than to pursue the situation.\u00a0 She jutted her chin out at him and lifting her skirt with one hand, flicked it at him as she turned and walked away angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

He shook his head at her, then stepped in the buggy.\u00a0 Rachel faced away from him, but\u00a0 he knew she was crying.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry about that.\u00a0 Mary Ann tends to say what she thinks.\u00a0 I know it\u2019s futile to tell you to not let what she said bother you, because I can see that it did.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel turned her head to look at him, tears slid down her face as she said, \u201cIt\u2019s alright, Adam.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t your fault.\u00a0 A jealous woman knows that sometimes hurtful words cause more pain than a physical altercation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe has no cause to be jealous.\u00a0\u00a0 She thinks she wants to own me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel dried her eyes and blew her nose in her handkerchief.\u00a0 \u201cNow. . .what about that ride you promised me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure you feel up to it after that session with Mary Ann?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter that session, I NEED it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright.\u00a0 I know the perfect place to go,\u201d Adam said and clicked his tongue at the horses to start them moving forward out of town.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Rachel was quiet during the ride and Adam let her be.\u00a0 He learned a long time ago to not force a woman to talk when she chooses not to.<\/span><\/p>\n

He guided the buggy to a grassy knoll and stopped.\u00a0 When the buggy stopped, Rachel spoke.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s beautiful here.\u00a0 I like to imagine that Cole found a place like this for US.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my favorite place to come when I want to be alone or when I feel lonely,\u201d Adam said while he gazed out over Lake Tahoe.\u00a0 Though it was a warm day, the wind blew across the lake causing Rachel to shudder slightly.\u00a0 \u201cAre you cold?\u201d he asked her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 Not really.\u00a0 Everything is just so overwhelming.\u00a0 Three days ago, I considered myself to be a happily married woman, now I\u2019m a widow who finds out her husband has been dead for three weeks, AND he was an outlaw.\u00a0 And to top all THAT\u2026I\u2019m out joy-riding with the man who killed him.\u201d\u00a0 She stepped out of the buggy and walked to the edge of the bank and wrapped her arms around herself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stayed in the buggy for a full minute before he got out and walked up beside her.\u00a0 \u201cPlease don\u2019t misunderstand me, Adam. . .I know what I said a moment ago about joy-riding with you must\u2019ve sounded like I blame you for Cole\u2019s death. . .I told you yesterday I don\u2019t. . .it\u2019s just that. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to explain anything,\u00a0 I understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you?\u00a0 Cole and I were married for only two and a half years, but during that time he never raised his voice to me, let alone his hand.\u00a0 His voice was always kind and gentle\u2026His touch, tender.\u00a0 When I came down with influenza a little over a year after we were married, he stayed right by my bedside every minute, holding my hand and talking softly to me.\u00a0 Even though I was so sick and couldn\u2019t respond, I knew he was there and he was suffering as much as I was, because he loved me and didn\u2019t want to lose me.\u00a0 Because of that influenza, our child was born dead.\u00a0 I saw Cole hold the body of our small son so gently you would have thought the baby was made of glass.\u00a0 I saw him weep and mourn for that baby when the doctor wrapped him and placed him in the arms of the undertaker.\u00a0 I was too weak to ride to the cemetery, so Cole carried me all the way. . .for six blocks down the street to the church yard he carried me, so we could be together for our child\u2019s burial.\u00a0 Then he carried me the six blocks back home.\u201d\u00a0 Rachel paused and turned to face Adam.\u00a0 \u201cNow tell me, Adam. . .does that sound like a thief and a killer to YOU?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. . .but I know what this part of the country can do to a man.\u00a0\u00a0 I remember as a small boy, traveling with my father and baby brother. . .we had stopped one night to make camp and two men stumbled in.\u00a0 Their clothes were dirty and torn, their lips, dry, cracked and bleeding from traveling in the hot, blistering sun with no water or food.\u00a0 My father fed them until they were full. . .he gave them all the water they could hold and even gave them one of our canteens to take with them.\u00a0 He gave them a change of clothes and a blanket to use for the night and we went to bed.\u00a0 The next morning, the men were gone and so was our keg of water and most of our food.\u00a0 We had one canteen of water for a man, a seven year old boy and a year old baby, and miles of desert left to cross.\u00a0 They also took our horses and left their broken down nags to pull our wagon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter the kindness your father showed them they did THAT to you?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey were desperate men trying to survive in a land void of survival.\u00a0 When a man gets desperate, he\u2019ll do anything to survive. . .and it doesn\u2019t matter to him who he hurts or where he is at the time.\u00a0 Desperate men act the same everywhere.\u00a0 They do what they have to do just to make sure they live just a little bit longer.\u00a0 That\u2019s not a justification of their actions. . .just a fact.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut not all men turn desperate when they come out here. . .do they, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not all. . .But more often than not they do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019m going to believe that Cole was one of those who DIDN\u2019T.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell how do you explain the price on his head and him identified as a killer?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel waited a few seconds before she answered him.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t.\u00a0 But I\u2019m going to try to prove he wasn\u2019t like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you going to do that?\u00a0 Turn back time and have someone else placed in that bank and a different face on the Wanted Posters?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t patronize me, Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to prove it to you.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know HOW. . .but I\u2019m going to prove it.\u201d\u00a0 Rachel gave him a determined look, then turned towards the buggy.\u00a0 \u201cPlease take me back to the hotel,\u201d she added as she walked away from him.<\/span><\/p>\n

He followed her to the buggy and helped her in, then sat down beside her and drove back towards town.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It was barely past ten o\u2019clock on Monday morning when a knock sounded at the Cartwright\u2019s door.\u00a0 Adam went to answer it and saw Rachel Davis standing on the other side of the door.\u00a0 She was dressed in a black riding skirt, light blue blouse, black vest and black boots.\u00a0 Her hat hung on her back by its cord and her hair hung loose and free over her shoulders.\u00a0 She clutched an envelope in her hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Adam. . .I\u2019m glad you\u2019re home!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was just getting ready to go to the corral.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got a horse I\u2019m working to break.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I must talk with you!\u00a0 I went to the bank first thing this morning to see if that money Father wired Cole was still there it was which means he didn\u2019t claim it and then Mr. Caldwell the banker gave me this letter and after I read it I asked him for directions to your house and he gave them to me and here I am and Oh, Adam. . .read this!\u201d she said, saying everything in one long excited and breathy sentence and pushing the letter she carried into Adam\u2019s hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, but come on in,\u201d he said and stepped aside and allowed her to enter.\u00a0 Ben, Joe and Hoss joined them at the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam removed the letter and unfolded it and read the contents:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy darling Rachel:<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time you get this, I could be dead, or if I\u2019m lucky. . .still alive.\u00a0 I am being held prisoner in a cabin in the mountains.\u00a0 The only reason you are reading this now is because they brought me to the bank to get the money your father wired me and I left this note secretly with the banker to give to you when you came.\u00a0 They don\u2019t know I\u2019m writing this so must hurry.\u00a0 Here is map to cabin.\u00a0 Will find proof hidden.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

While Adam read the letter, Ben said to Rachel, \u201cMrs. Davis, how nice to see you again.\u00a0 Can I offer you something. . .coffee or tea?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh no thank you, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 It was nice of you to offer though.\u00a0 I came to steal Adam for awhile,\u201d she said, still excited and pacing back and forth nervously while Adam read the letter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Ben said curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she answered, then turned to Adam after he finished reading Cole\u2019s letter, and looking at the map.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d Rachel questioned anxiously, her eyes shining.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat letter proves Cole wasn\u2019t an outlaw.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t prove that.\u00a0 He could have written this to make you THINK he was being held prisoner to get the blame off himself.\u00a0\u00a0 Ten witnesses at that bank holdup in Carson City is proof to show that he WAS an outlaw.\u00a0 Besides, if someone is being held prisoner, their captors don\u2019t provide them with a pencil and paper so they can write pleas for help.\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid you\u2019ll have to face the fact, Rachel. . .your husband was an outlaw and a killer,\u201d Adam said to her while he folded the letter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel lost her happy countenance and snatched the letter and map out of Adam\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cWell I don\u2019t believe it!\u00a0 Cole always carried a small pencil and paper with him.\u00a0 ALWAYS!\u00a0 And I\u2019m going to PROVE he was innocent!\u201d she said and hurriedly walked towards the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWait.\u00a0 What are you going to do?\u201d Adam said as he reached out and touched her arm stopping her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to follow THIS map to THAT cabin in the mountains and find the proof Cole talked about,\u201d she replied and started walking away again.<\/span><\/p>\n

He grabbed her this time, stopping her again.\u00a0 \u201cWhoa. . .now hold on a minute.\u00a0 You can\u2019t go roaming around up there alone,\u201d Adam said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen come with me,\u201d she said back to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m telling you it\u2019s a lost cause, Rachel.\u00a0 You won\u2019t find any proof because there won\u2019t be any.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m GOING!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben, Joe and Hoss remained silent and watched and listened in amusement at the disagreement between Adam and Rachel and each ventured a private guess as to who would win.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I told you, you CAN\u2019T go up there alone.\u00a0 Those mountains are full of mountain lions, wolves, and all kinds of outlaws hide out there.\u00a0 Besides, it\u2019s a three hour ride up there. . .AND a three hour ride BACK,\u201d he responded, hoping to discourage her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care.\u00a0 I came to you because I consider you a friend who would help me.\u00a0 Will you come with me, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told you it\u2019s no use.\u00a0 I don\u2019t believe he\u2019s like you say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I do.\u00a0 Now are you coming with me, or are you going to stay here and go on about your business and WONDER if I\u2019m being eaten by a mountain lion or a wolf. . .or at the merciless mercy of one of those outlaws.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes traveled from his father to his brothers then settled on Rachel, but he gave her no answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine!\u00a0 I can read and follow a map!\u00a0 I\u2019ll go by myself!\u201d she exclaimed and stomped out the door, but Adam was right behind her and reached out and grabbed her by both shoulders and turned her around.\u00a0 \u201cNow wait. . .you can\u2019t go up there by yourself!\u201d he said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen come with me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes, breathed out in exasperation, then opened his eyes and looked at Rachel. \u201cI know I\u2019m going to regret this\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, that\u2019s wonderful!\u00a0 Thank you!\u00a0 Thank you!\u201d she said and grabbed him around the neck, but turned loose of him just as quickly, and said, \u201cI\u2019ll wait for you out here.\u201d\u00a0 She turned and ran to the buggy and stood beside it, a big smile on her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam watched her, then turned around and saw his father and brothers standing in the doorway looking at him with smug expressions on their faces.\u00a0 Adam spread his palms upright.\u00a0 \u201cWell I HAVE to go with her.\u00a0 She can\u2019t go galavanting around those mountains by herself can she!\u201d he said with an exaggerated wave of his hand and arm towards the mountains.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I agree completely.\u00a0 What was it Lady Macbeth said, Adam. . .Thus thou must do?\u201d Ben said, his eyebrows raised in obvious amusement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam gave him a \u201cYeah Whatever\u201d look and said, \u201cShe also said. . .Thou\u2019rt mad to say it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re doing the right thing, Adam,\u201d Joe added with amusement in his tone, and a grin to match.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNuthin\u2019 else ya could a-done, older brother,\u201d Hoss offered, his expression mimicking Joe\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam moved only his eyes as he looked at each one of them and said, \u201cOh get out of my way, I have to tell Hop Sing to fix us a lunch.\u201d\u00a0 He pushed past them and the three of them heard him muttering something about every time he lets himself get talked into something, it\u2019s always detrimental to HIS well-being.\u00a0 They laughed out loud as he disappeared into the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Rachel stood on one foot, then the other while she waited for Adam.\u00a0 She was so excited she could hardly stand still.\u00a0 She had traveled clear across country to join her husband only to learn that he\u2019d turned outlaw and was dead.\u00a0 Of course she never believed it for one minute and she and Adam were going to prove it, and all they had to do was follow a map to the mountains and search the cabin for proof.\u00a0 If Cole said it was there. . .it was there, because he had never lied to her before and she could trust him.\u00a0 Even though she knew Adam Cartwright only a short time, she felt as if they had known each other longer.\u00a0 There had been a special connection between them from their first meeting. . .sort of like kindred spirits if you will.<\/span><\/p>\n

Her thoughts were interrupted by several pairs of approaching footsteps and she looked in the direction of the house and saw Adam, followed by his father and brothers.\u00a0 Adam carried a burlap sack.\u00a0 She presumed it to be food, by the looks of the bulges in the bag.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReady?\u201d she asked him excitedly and stepped into the buggy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot really, but you didn\u2019t exactly give me a choice in the matter,\u201d Adam said in an irksome tone.\u00a0 \u201cAnd we can\u2019t take THAT,\u201d he said gesturing to the buggy.\u00a0 \u201cDo you know how to ride a horse?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I know how.\u00a0 My father owned\u00a0 a stables and I rode in Society Horse Shows all the time while I was growing up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWal, a trip up tuh the mountains ain\u2019t \u2018xactly no high-falooten s\u2019iety horse show,\u201d Hoss interjected.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot in the smallest measurement,\u201d Adam added in a voice he desperately hoped would discourage her from making the trip.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh don\u2019t worry about me, I can handle it,\u201d Rachel said in an enthusiastic voice, stepping out of the buggy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked at her, shook his head, and gave an exasperated sigh.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook Adam, you don\u2019t have to go, if you don\u2019t want to.\u00a0 You can stay here. . .\u201d Rachel said, stepping back towards the buggy.<\/span><\/p>\n

His head began to bob up and down.\u00a0 \u201cAnd wonder whether or not you\u2019re some mountain lion\u2019s dinner,\u201d he concluded.\u00a0 \u201cI just know I\u2019m going to regret making this trip,\u201d he grumbled, while he tightened the saddle cinch on Sport\u2019s saddle.\u00a0 Sport had been saddled and tethered there earlier, when Adam planned to go to the corral and before Rachel came.\u00a0 \u201cBut I\u2019m going along to make sure you come back in one piece,\u00a0 not because I believe you\u2019re going to find any proof of your husband\u2019s innocence, mind you,\u201d he said then turned to Joe.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, would you saddle Champion for her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a pretty big horse, Adam,\u201d Joe stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGoing where we\u2019re going she\u2019ll NEED a strong horse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go saddle him,\u201d Joe replied and sprinted towards the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd bring that old coat of mine with you!\u201d he called to Joe then turned to Rachel.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t suppose you brought one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was so excited when I read Cole\u2019s letter, I didn\u2019t think of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re STILL not thinking. . .planning a trip up to those mountains\u2026\u201d he said, shaking his head while he retied his bedroll in place behind his saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI already told you don\u2019t have to go with me,\u201d she said to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know what you TOLD me. . .but I\u2019m going. . .unwilling. . .but necessary,\u201d he grumbled and complained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa want one a-us tuh go \u2018long with ya, Adam?\u201d Hoss offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

He shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo. . .TWO people out on a wild-goose chase is enough.\u00a0 Besides, we should be back before dark,\u201d he said, standing beside Sport with his hand on the pommel of his saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe returned with Rachel\u2019s mount and had Adam\u2019s old coat tied on to the back of the saddle.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s MY new bed roll, so be sure it comes back. . .all in one piece,\u201d Joe said, then grinned at Rachel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure Adam will take care of EVERYTHING,\u201d Rachel said, giving Adam an endearing smile as Joe helped her mount the horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes and wagged his head from side to side.\u00a0 \u201cWhy do I get the feeling that I\u2019m heading out on a head-hunt. . .MINE. . .to make sure it stays connected to my body.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Laughter erupted from his father and brothers and Rachel joined in also.\u00a0 \u201cWell, if you weren\u2019t such a nice guy, Adam,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGullible you mean,\u201d he answered.\u00a0 \u201cWell. . .let\u2019s get going.\u00a0 The sooner we get there, the sooner we\u2019ll get back,\u201d he added and mounted his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake care going up there and back, Adam.\u00a0 This time of year there can be mud slides or a sudden spring storm,\u201d Ben advised<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be careful,\u201d he replied, then with a wave of his hand, he and Rachel rounded the corner of the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, let\u2019s get to those chores,\u201d Ben said to his two other sons, but he could hear them grumbling as he walked back to the house and he chuckled at them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam and Rachel had been riding for a solid hour when he saw that she was beginning to lag behind, so he slowed his pace and waited for her to catch up to him.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s stop and rest, shall we,\u201d he said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I thought you\u2019d never say that,\u201d she breathed out in a sigh of welcome relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll you have to do is tell me any time you want to stop and we\u2019ll stop,\u201d he said while he dismounted and walked over to her horse and helped her down.\u00a0 She took slow steps as she walked away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRiding out here is a lot different than riding in a Society Horse Show in Boston,\u201d she commented as she rubbed her backside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d he replied and chuckled at her.\u00a0 After drinking from his canteen, he turned to Rachel.\u00a0 \u201cCould I see that map again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh sure,\u201d Rachel replied and pulled the envelope out of the pocket of her split-skirt and handed it to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam studied the map carefully and looked around at the terrain while Rachel walked the kinks out of her legs to get the feeling back in them.\u00a0 \u201cFigure out where the cabin is?\u201d she asked when she stood beside him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUp there,\u201d he said as he pointed to his left to show the direction they would travel in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWay up there?!\u201d she exclaimed and pointed.\u00a0 \u201cBut it\u2019s straight up the side of that mountain!\u00a0 Surely we\u2019re not going THAT way!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going THAT way,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll have to cross the Truckee River to get to a short cut to the cabin.\u201d\u00a0 He folded the map and stuffed it in his trousers pocket.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get mounted up.\u00a0 We still have a long ways to go before we get to the river\u2019s crossing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel threw her arms down at her sides and frowned at him.\u00a0 \u201cGo NOW?\u00a0 Do we have to go RIGHT now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to go right now,\u201d he answered and handed her the reins to her horse, then helped her mount up.\u00a0 Rachel groaned when she settled in the saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam chuckled at her.\u00a0 \u201cI promise we\u2019ll stop longer next time.\u00a0 We can eat then so it\u2019ll give you a little longer break from riding,\u201d he said as he lifted himself in his saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBy the time we get where we\u2019re going I\u2019m going to have one great big blister on my. . .well, I\u2019m going to have one big blister,\u201d Rachel said as she prodded her horse forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProbably,\u201d Adam said, then he laughed as he moved in front of her.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

They traveled over rough and rocky terrain and up hills and down.\u00a0 They were getting into higher country now and it was much cooler at the higher elevation.\u00a0 At one point in their traveling, they stopped just long enough to put on their coats.\u00a0 When their last button was buttoned and collars turned up around their necks, Adam gave the signal for them to start again.<\/span><\/p>\n

During one climb, Adam took the reins to Rachel\u2019s horse while she held onto the pommel of her saddle while he led her horse up the steep incline.\u00a0 When they reached the top of that particular hill, they stopped and Adam unsaddled their horses to give them a rest also.\u00a0 Rachel spread out Joe\u2019s bedroll and lay down with a moan and groan.\u00a0 \u201cI have never been so tired in all my life,\u201d she said when she settled.\u00a0 \u201cA person has to have a body of iron to do this very often.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all what you\u2019re used to,\u201d Adam answered as he pulled food items out of the burlap sack.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t seem tired at ALL,\u201d Rachel said to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do a lot of riding. . .I\u2019m used to it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell give me a nice soft buggy seat anytime,\u201d she said as she took the sandwich Adam handed her.\u00a0 \u201cI know you don\u2019t believe we\u2019re going to find anything at that cabin, Adam, but I appreciate you coming with me.\u00a0 It really means a lot to me,\u201d she said after she had eaten half of her lunch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo I don\u2019t believe we\u2019ll find anything, but I came along because I believe YOU believe we\u2019ll find something, and to protect you from mountain lions, wolves or any human riffraff\u00a0 that may be roaming around up here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe haven\u2019t seen any.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYET.\u00a0 But I expect it\u2019s just a matter of time.\u201d\u00a0 Adam looked up at the darkening sky and said, \u201cSpeaking of time. . .we probably should be thinking about going on.\u00a0 I don\u2019t like the looks of those clouds building up over there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as we just THINK about going on.\u00a0 I\u2019m still numb from sitting in that \u2018leather chair\u2019 for so long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, numb or not, we better get going,\u201d he said and went to saddle both horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell if you don\u2019t mind, I\u2019ll wait right here until we HAVE to go,\u201d Rachel said from her lying down position on the bedroll.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head at her then walked towards the horses.\u00a0 \u201cWhat was it she said back at the ranch about being able to handle it?\u201d He stopped walking and turned around to look at her.\u00a0 \u201cYeah. . .right,\u201d he said, then laughed and continued on his way.<\/span><\/p>\n

After Adam finished saddling their horses and walked back to where Rachel was, he found her sound asleep.\u00a0 \u201cRachel,\u201d he called out to her.\u00a0 When she remained asleep he crouched down beside her and shook and patted her arm.\u00a0 \u201cRachel.\u00a0 Wake up.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got to get going.\u00a0 Come on,\u201d he said as he shook her awake.<\/span><\/p>\n

She groaned sleepily and rubbed her eyes with the backs of her hands.\u00a0 \u201cJust a little longer.\u00a0 Please?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRachel, we can\u2019t.\u00a0 I think a storm is coming and we have to get across that river before that happens,\u201d he said, shaking her to keep her awake.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOhhh,\u201d she moaned, then sat up,\u00a0 stretched and yawned.\u00a0 Adam took her arm and pulled her up to a standing position, then bent down and rolled up the bedroll and walked towards the horses with it.\u00a0 Rachel followed slowly and reached the horses as Adam finished tying the bedroll behind Rachel\u2019s saddle.\u00a0 \u201cUp you go,\u201d he said as he boosted her up in the saddle, handed her the reins then mounted his own horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow much further?\u201d she asked him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnce we get across the river. . .about five miles.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell how far is it to the river?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout two.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSeven more miles,\u201d she groaned out the words.\u00a0 \u201cThis is rougher than I thought it would be.\u00a0 I thought we\u2019d be able to ride right up the mountain, right to the cabin.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t think we\u2019d have all these rocks, gullies and now a river to travel in, around and through.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam leaned across his saddle and gave her a condescending look.\u00a0 \u201cWell just what did you think mountains were made of?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell rock of course, but not like this.\u00a0 When I clear Cole\u2019s reputation, I\u2019m going back to Boston. . .where it\u2019s civilized.\u00a0 Where we have streets and sidewalks that lead us to EXACTLY where we want to go,\u201d she said as she moved her horse past Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

He liked Rachel Davis and it pricked his heart a tiny bit when she mentioned going back to Boston.\u00a0 He urged Sport forward and caught up to her and they plodded along towards the Truckee River.<\/span><\/p>\n

The further north they rode, the colder it became and the wind started to pick up.\u00a0 A slight rumbling of a spring storm sounded in the distance and Adam and Rachel stepped up their travel speed in order to reach the river before the storm reached them.\u00a0 Adam was not looking forward to getting caught in a mountain spring storm, whether it was snow OR rain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reaching the edge of the water, Adam stood up in the stirrups and surveyed the terrain they would be crossing.\u00a0 \u201cI think if we cross right here, the current won\u2019t be as strong, and it isn\u2019t very deep,\u201d he said, pointing in front of him.\u00a0 \u201cYou ready?\u201d he added, looking over at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know about this, Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019ve never crossed running water before.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have.\u00a0 Just stay close and follow exactly where I go and you won\u2019t have any trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m scared, Adam,\u201d she said, her eyes wide as she looked at where she was expected to go.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can turn around and go back down if you want to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel swallowed and looked at the swift rushing water in the river, then looked over at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I have to prove Cole\u2019s innocence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt isn\u2019t enough for you to just BELIEVE he was innocent?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo it really isn\u2019t.\u00a0 I need to prove it to YOU.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat difference does it make whether or not I believe it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel furrowed her brow thoughtfully.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know. . .it just does.\u00a0 It matters a great deal.\u201d\u00a0 She took a deep breath, then let it out and swallowed hard.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d she nodded bravely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright.\u00a0 Stay right behind me and make sure your horse follows exactly. . .step for step.\u00a0 If you veer off, you\u2019ll end up in water up to your neck.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI-I understand,\u201d she replied in a shaky voice while her stomach did a hundred flip-flops all at once.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell. . .here we go,\u201d Adam said and prodded Sport down into the water.\u00a0 It ran swiftly around the horse\u2019s legs and the animal picked his legs up high with each step forward.\u00a0 Rachel prodded her horse into the water right behind Sport.\u00a0 Adam was constantly looking ahead to the path in front of him, and looking back over his shoulder to make sure Rachel was still on course.<\/span><\/p>\n

They were almost half way across the river when Rachel\u2019s horse balked and refused to move forward.\u00a0 She kicked his flanks harder and pulled on the reins to make him move, but he continued to balk and began to whinny and snort.\u00a0 The rumbling of the storm grew louder and Rachel\u2019s horse was becoming skittish at the noise.\u00a0 When Adam heard Champion whinny and snort he stopped Sport and turned around in his saddle to look back at Rachel.\u00a0 He saw her predicament and called out to her.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t kick him!\u00a0 And ease up on the reins!\u00a0 Let HIM do the leading!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded and did as he suggested.\u00a0 Soon Champion settled down and fell in step again behind Sport.\u00a0 Rachel kept the reins loose and relaxed and made a conscious effort NOT to kick Champion in order to make him move forward.\u00a0 Secretly though, she wished Adam would just get out of the way and let her put Champion into a run in order to cross the stream quicker.\u00a0 Her heart beat as though it was trying its best to beat right through her chest cavity.\u00a0 The roaring of the swishing water was almost deafening and she knew it would be no use trying to call out to Adam.\u00a0 She thought it was taking them forever to cross and the sooner they did, the better she would like it.\u00a0 Her thoughts were going in all directions about all the events that had transpired since she arrived in Virginia City.\u00a0 It seemed like one long nightmare.\u00a0 The only good thing in the nightmare was meeting Adam Cartwright and having him as a friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

He chose that moment to look back over his shoulder at her.\u00a0 He gave her a reassuring nod of his head and she gave him the bravest smile she could conjure up.\u00a0 Though she smiled, he could tell by the look in her eyes, she was frightened about crossing the rushing water.<\/span><\/p>\n

A few more feet of traveling and Adam turned around in his saddle again and gave her a thumbs up to let her know they were almost across.\u00a0 Soon, Sport reached the other bank and climbed it quickly as though HE was also relieved to have crossed over safely.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Rachel saw that she was about to reach land, her smile widened.\u00a0 Adam watched as she and Champion came nearer.\u00a0 Suddenly, he heard a loud crack like something being broken and looked downstream then upstream.\u00a0 A large white cap of ice was hurling downstream heading straight in the path towards Rachel and Champion.\u00a0 He thought it best to not call out to her, it would only alarm her and she might make Champion spooked, then they\u2019d both be carried downstream.<\/span><\/p>\n

His eyes darted back and forth between Champion, Rachel and the ice cap.\u00a0 All were heading towards their destination. . .Champion and Rachel towards shore, and the ice cap towards Champion and Rachel.\u00a0 \u201cCome on,\u201d Adam whispered out loud, through clenched teeth.\u00a0 \u201cCome on,\u201d he repeated, though only his ears heard his pleas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Champion touched his front hooves on the land and gave a hop to put his back hooves on land, but slipped and stepped back into the water.\u00a0 Rachel became alarmed and Adam dismounted quickly.\u00a0 Out of the corner of her eye she saw the ice cap several yards away and knew if it struck them, she would be knocked off and maybe drowned.\u00a0 Her face showed horror as she tried frantically to get Champion to move forward.\u00a0 Adam saw the danger she was in and remounted Sport and took his rope, and with a strong, hard throw, lassoed Champion and made Sport back up, dragging Champion up and onto land, seconds before the ice cap floated by.<\/span><\/p>\n

It all seemed to happen in the same split second. . .Champion reared and pawed the air and Rachel let go of the reins and fell from the saddle, hitting the ground with a thud and a groan, gasping and groaning for breath, then silence and no movement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u00a0 RACHEL!\u201d Adam exclaimed and dismounted quickly.\u00a0 After gaining control of Champion to keep him from stomping Rachel, he crouched down beside her and placed an arm under her shoulders and lifted her up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI. . .can\u2019t. . .breathe!\u201d she gasped in halting, breathless words while at the same time trying to gulp in air.\u00a0 \u201cI. . .can\u2019t. . .breathe!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam laid her back against him and spoke calmly to her.\u00a0 \u201cJust relax.\u00a0 You had the wind knocked out of you.\u00a0 Just relax against me and don\u2019t try so hard to breathe.\u00a0 It\u2019s easier if you don\u2019t try to force air into your lungs.\u00a0 Let it come back on its own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She gasped a few more times, then closed her eyes and slumped back against Adam\u2019s chest, allowing him to hold her upright, while she concentrated on controlling her gasping, letting her breath come back on its own.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam kept talking calmly to her to settle her nerves and once she became completely relaxed and her nerves calmed, her breathing became normal, and she sat up on her own power.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFeeling better?\u2019 he asked her.\u00a0 \u201cAre you hurt anywhere?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI feel MUCH better.\u00a0 And I think I hurt only my pride.\u00a0 I\u2019m so embarrassed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEmbarrassed?\u00a0 Why?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell. . .I bragged that I rode in horse shows all my life and I get out here and fall flat on my. . .\u201d Her eyebrows arched.\u00a0 \u201cFace.\u00a0 That\u2019s why.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I dare say your society horse shows didn\u2019t have you crossing swift running water with floating ice caps.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo they didn\u2019t, and those society horse show horses are trained to obey every command.\u00a0 EVERY command, or they\u2019re taken out of circulation,\u201d Rachel laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRanch horses are trained differently than horse show horses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. . .I\u2019m finding that out. . .the hard way,\u201d she laughed again, and started to stand up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure you feel like standing?\u2019 he said, helping her up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I think so.\u201d She stepped away from him to make sure she could walk on her own and found she could.\u00a0 She walked over to Champion and stroked his nose.\u00a0 \u201cYou didn\u2019t like that any more than I did, did you, boy,\u201d she said and patted his neck.\u00a0 Champion bobbed his head and snorted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe still have a couple miles to go.\u00a0 We can walk them if you\u2019re not ready to get back up on him yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne thing my father always told me all the time I was growing up. . .whether I fell down and scraped my elbow or fell off a horse. . .he said, \u2018Rachel. . .you have to get up on your own, because you won\u2019t always have someone around to help you up\u2019,\u201d she said as she put her foot in the stirrup and lifted herself up into the saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got more grit than any woman I know,\u201d Adam said with admiration.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take that as a compliment, Sir,\u201d she said with a smile and a nod of her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was meant as one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel lost her smile and her eyes suddenly felt moist.\u00a0 \u201cIt really isn\u2019t grit that urges me on, Adam.\u00a0 It\u2019s NEED.\u00a0 I need to prove. . .to EVERYONE. . .that Cole wasn\u2019t an outlaw.\u00a0 It isn\u2019t enough that only I know it.\u00a0 Anything that Cole did was a reflection on ME too.\u00a0 I want to KNOW, inside myself, that I couldn\u2019t have been so wrong about a man that I loved and gave myself to for two and a half years.\u00a0 I have to know that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know you do.\u00a0 And I respect that.\u00a0 I want you to know that I\u2019ll do whatever I can to help you prove it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel looked at him with a surprised look.\u00a0 \u201cSo you\u2019ve changed your reason for coming along with me from PROTECTING me to helping me PROVE Cole\u2019s innocence?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill you tell me what changed your mind?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell. . .all during this trip I was thinking about something. . .the money your father wired your husband wasn\u2019t picked up by him.\u00a0 Right?\u201d\u00a0 Rachel nodded.\u00a0 \u201cSo, WHY wasn\u2019t it?\u00a0 His note said they\u2026whoever THEY were\u2026brought him to the bank to get it.\u00a0 The money was there, so why didn\u2019t he take it with him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo YOU have doubts of your own that Cole could be an outlaw and killer!\u00a0 Oh, Adam. . .that\u2019s wonderful!\u00a0 I. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He lifted a palm up in front of her to stop her.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t say I had DOUBTS. . .but I DO have QUESTIONS.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good enough for me!\u00a0 Come on. . let\u2019s go find that cabin AND that proof!\u201d Rachel said and urged Champion forward at a fast pace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRachel!\u201d Adam called out to her.\u00a0 She halted her horse suddenly and turned around to look at him with a question in her expression.<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked at her and pointed in the opposite direction she was going.\u00a0 \u201cUh. . .the cabin is. . .THAT way,\u201d he said with a playful grin on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

She trotted Champion back to where Adam was and looked at him sheepishly.\u00a0 \u201cI knew that.\u00a0 I was just seeing if you knew the way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh.\u00a0 I grew up around here. . .remember.\u00a0 We better get moving before that storm decides to come this way,\u201d he said looking towards the thunderheads that continued to build in the western sky.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLead the way,\u201d Rachel said to him.\u00a0 He moved in front of her and they began the trip down the path leading to the cabin that Cole indicated on the map.<\/span><\/p>\n

Up ahead of them and across a clearing, they could see the cabin.\u00a0 Rachel pulled rein on her horse and Adam looked back at her.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m suddenly afraid.\u00a0 Afraid of what we\u2019ll find,\u201d she said in a shaky voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I thought you WANTED to find proof.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it isn\u2019t that.\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid we\u2019ll find Cole\u2019s body in that cabin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019s already in Boot Heel in Carson City.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHis NAME is on the grave marker, but COLE isn\u2019t buried there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou say that, but you can\u2019t KNOW it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes I do.\u00a0 Something inside me tells me that we\u2019re going to find Cole in that cabin and he\u2019s going to be dead.\u00a0 I just know it,\u201d she said, dismounting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou want me to go on ahead and check it out,\u201d he said, though not as a question.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think I could. . .I don\u2019t think I would be able to handle it if we found him.\u00a0 Can you understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI understand.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go check it out.\u00a0 Here. . .take my rifle just in case,\u201d he said, pulling it out of the scabbard and handing the gun to her.\u00a0 \u201cIf there\u2019s any sign of trouble, pull the trigger quickly three times, and I\u2019ll be right here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam. . .if you DO find a body in that cabin, look in his left boot.\u00a0 If you find a wedding ring tied on a pink ribbon tied to the inside of his boot strap. . .you know you\u2019ve found my husband\u2019s body.\u00a0 Will you put my ring in his shirt pocket next to his heart then bury him, then come back and get me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Rachel, I will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d she said in such a solemn voice, Adam didn\u2019t want to leave her alone.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t feel right leaving you this far away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be alright.\u00a0 Besides, I need some time alone to grieve for my husband.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know I\u2019ll find him in there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She turned her sad eyes up to him.\u00a0 \u201cSome things you just KNOW.\u201d\u00a0 She smiled weakly then turned and walked away and found a large rock and sat down on it, pulling the coat around her and placed Adam\u2019s rifle across her lap and looked out and down into the valley from whence they had come.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked at her for a few seconds, then moved Sport forward, towards the cabin in the mountains.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When he was a few yards away from the cabin, Adam halted Sport and looked around the surroundings, removing the hammer guard from his gun at the same time.\u00a0 Believing all to be peaceful and no one around to make a surprise attack, he urged Sport forward and stopped him directly in front of the cabin door, then dismounted.\u00a0 He looked around cautiously again and glanced back towards where Rachel was.\u00a0 She was still sitting atop the boulder looking out in front of her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam tethered Sport to a post sticking out of the ground that looked like at one time it had been part of a complete railing, then inched his way towards the cabin door, his hand resting on his gun.\u00a0 He stepped up to the door.\u00a0 The rusty hinges squeaked loudly as he slowly pushed the door wide open with his foot.\u00a0 Stepping into the darkened cabin from the light of the outdoors, it took his eyes a few seconds to adjust to the darkness, after which time he stepped further into the room and his eyes traveled around the room.\u00a0 When they reached the darkest part of the cabin, he squinted his eyes to peer into it.\u00a0 On the cot, in the corner of the cabin, under a blanket, lay the still form of a body.\u00a0 He walked slowly over to it and removed the blanket from off the face.\u00a0 Because of the freezing temperatures in the mountains, the body had been perfectly preserved.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s expression was a combination of astonishment and confusion.\u00a0 Mostly confusion because\u00a0 the face he was looking at was the one on the Cole Davis Wanted Poster, and was the same face of the man he shot and killed in the Carson City Bank, and who was buried in Boot Heel.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Rachel continued to sit on the boulder staring out over the valley below her.\u00a0 Her mind whirled with all the memories of her and Cole and the realization that she may never see him again, tore at her heart.\u00a0 If one could rate a marriage as perfect, then that\u2019s the kind of marriage they had. . .perfect.\u00a0 They had told each other on many occasions that the other was the one they had dreamed about marrying.<\/span><\/p>\n

As she dug deep into her heart and mind for every memory of him, hot tears slithered down her cheeks and seem to freeze in place a few seconds before they dropped onto her hands like tiny droplets of ice.\u00a0 Because of the mountain elevation and wind blowing, she was very cold sitting on top of that rock, but she thought if she moved at all, the spell of her memories of Cole would be broken and she would lose this moment for eternity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though her tears continued to flow, freeze and fall, she smiled slightly when an image of Cole\u2019s face appeared in her mind.\u00a0 She could see his funny little smile she loved so and his blue eyes twinkling with merriment.\u00a0 She remembered how it felt to run her fingers through his light colored hair.\u00a0 She could taste his kiss and felt the tickle of his moustache when he nuzzled her face and neck with it.\u00a0 She felt his arms around her as he held her close and remembered the sweetness of their love.<\/span><\/p>\n

She was brought out of her travel back in time when she heard slow deliberate footsteps behind her.\u00a0 She recognized them and without turning around, she said, \u201cYou found Cole, didn\u2019t you Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 I found him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you buried him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI buried him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill you take me to him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I will, but first there\u2019s something you should see.\u00a0 I found the ring like you said, but I also found this letter\u2026still clutched in his hand.\u00a0 It\u2019s addressed to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel turned around slowly and looked at him, then went to stand beside him.\u00a0 Adam took the rifle from her the same time he handed her the letter.\u00a0 Rachel walked a short distance away then stopped to read the letter:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy sweet Rachel:<\/span><\/p>\n

I hope one day someone finds this letter and gives it to you.\u00a0 The outlaws are gone now and they think I am dead.\u00a0 I made myself live a little longer so I could write you this farewell letter.\u00a0 When I came out here, I had two reasons: to buy a ranch and find my brother, Carl.\u00a0 I told you I had a brother, but what I DIDN\u2019T tell you was that he was an outlaw and my TWIN.\u00a0 I hoped to find him and convince him to give up his ways.\u00a0 I found him, but he used us being twins to his advantage.\u00a0 He even grew a moustache so we would look identical and he used my name whenever he did a \u201cjob\u201d as he always called it.\u00a0 Afterwards, he would come back here, shave off his moustache and dye his hair black, so he wouldn\u2019t be recognized wherever he went.\u00a0 Then when his moustache grew out enough again, he did another \u201cjob\u201d\u2026it kept going like that.\u00a0 I made the mistake of telling him about the money your father was wiring to me.\u00a0 They took me to town to withdraw it.\u00a0\u00a0 After I came out of the bank I told them it wasn\u2019t there yet.\u00a0 I managed to slip the banker the first note and map.\u00a0 It was only by some miracle he didn\u2019t mistake me for Carl.\u00a0 I wish now he had, that would have been easy to prove.\u00a0 Two days later I tried to escape but they beat me mercilessly and left me here to die.\u00a0 The last time I saw Carl, he was on his way to do another \u201cjob\u201d at the Carson City Bank.\u00a0 I told him I hoped he would meet up with someone faster with a gun.\u00a0 He laughed and told me there was no chance of that happening.\u00a0 I hope he is wrong.\u00a0 I love you, Rachel, with all my heart.\u00a0 Maybe some day you\u2019ll meet a man worthy of you.\u00a0 All my love, Cole\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After Rachel finished reading Cole\u2019s letter, she walked back to Adam and handed him the letter, then as if in a daze, she walked back to the rock she had been sitting on and sat down, once again staring down into the valley below, tears flowing like icy droplets down her cheeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

After Adam read the letter, he walked over to Rachel and sat down beside her and placed a comforting arm around her shoulders.\u00a0 Slowly, Rachel melted against him and buried her face against his chest.\u00a0 Her body shook with bereavement and anguish and Adam put his other arm around her and let her vent her grief while she sobbed softly against him.\u00a0 He spoke no words of comfort because he believed words of ANY kind would be of NO comfort to her at the moment.\u00a0 She was going to have to work through her grief her own way and he respected that.\u00a0 She needed his strength right now and he wanted to give it to her.\u00a0 So he did.<\/span><\/p>\n

After her tears stopped falling and she felt completely drained of all emotions, she sat up and turned her head towards Adam.\u00a0 A mournful look clouded her face, but no tears fell.\u00a0 \u201cTake me to Cole\u2019s grave,\u201d she said to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded then said, \u201cI don\u2019t want to minimize your grieving time with your husband, but we\u2019ll have to go back soon so we can cross that river before the storm comes or we\u2019ll have to go back the long way and that means traveling in the dark.\u00a0 And with all the cliffs to fall off up here. . .\u201d he added with a shake of his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d Rachel replied in an emotionless voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam helped her mount her horse, then mounted his and led the way to the place of Cole Davis\u2019 grave.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam stood back aways with his hat in his hands while Rachel knelt by the mound of rocks that covered the body of her dead husband and looked at the crude marker Adam fashioned out of two sticks lashed together with a strip of leather he found.\u00a0 She placed her hand on top of the cross and said, \u201cHe still doesn\u2019t have a proper marker, does he.\u00a0 But at least he didn\u2019t die an outlaw.\u00a0 He died a hero.\u00a0 That\u2019s what he was to me, Adam\u2026.a hero.\u00a0 Cole\u2019s gravesite is more honorable than Carl\u2019s.\u00a0 MUCH more honorable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRachel\u2026.I don\u2019t mean to hurry you\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know\u2026and I\u2019m ready now.\u201d\u00a0 She ran her hand over the marker and the mound of rocks and touched her fingertips to her lips and placed them on the mound.\u00a0 \u201cGoodbye, my darling.\u00a0 I\u2019ll always love you.\u201d\u00a0 Her eyes scanned the mound one more time, then she stood to her feet and walked back to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI knew he had a brother, but I didn\u2019t know they were twins.\u00a0 I suppose the reason Cole never talked about Carl was because he was ashamed that his twin brother was an outlaw.\u00a0 It must have been very hard for him to know that.\u00a0 How can TWINS be complete OPPOSITES.\u00a0 Before I go back to Boston, I have to get Cole\u2019s name off that wretched marker and have Carl\u2019s name put on it.\u00a0 I\u2019m glad Carl met up with someone faster with a gun that day in the bank, Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019m glad it was YOU.\u201d\u00a0 With that said, she mounted her horse and Adam did the same.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Adam, for coming with me and now for taking me back down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, don\u2019t thank me yet, we\u2019re still on top of this mountain,\u201d he said, then led the way back towards the river.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The wind started to pick up a little more, so they pulled their coats around them tighter as they rode.\u00a0 About a mile into their journey towards the river, icy raindrops stung the exposed parts of their skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stepped up Sport\u2019s speed towards the river and Rachel followed suit.\u00a0 Upon reaching the spot where they had previously crossed, Adam found that the water level had risen considerably.\u00a0 He halted Sport at the edge and Rachel rode up alongside him.\u00a0 \u201cThe water\u2019s rising, so when we cross we\u2019ll have to go a little bit faster than before if we\u2019re going to get across,\u201d he said to her, while trying to dodge the ice pellets from getting into his eyes.\u00a0 His hat was already pulled low over his eyes, as was Rachel\u2019s, in order to protect their eyes.\u00a0 \u201cStay close and follow fast,\u201d he said to her and he urged Sport down into the water.\u00a0 When he had gone about two feet, he looked over his shoulder at Rachel.\u00a0 She was still in the same spot on land and made no effort to prod Champion forward.\u00a0 \u201cCome on!\u201d he called to her and waved her forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t!\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid!\u00a0 The water\u2019s higher now!\u00a0 I can\u2019t!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes you can!\u00a0 But you have to come NOW!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t, Adam\u2026I can\u2019t!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam grumbled out loud and turned Sport and went back on land.\u00a0 \u201cWe can make it, Rachel, but we\u2019ve got to go NOW!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam.\u00a0 I just can\u2019t.\u00a0 Can\u2019t we go the long way?\u00a0 I\u2019d rather do that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can, but I don\u2019t really want to, but I guess there\u2019s no use in arguing about it\u2026.is there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry I\u2019m so much trouble.\u00a0 Just leave me here and go on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeave you here\u2026.that\u2019s crazy talk.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got a long way to go, so\u2026let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They turned their horses in a westerly direction to go around the river, only thing was, they were riding right into the storm.<\/span><\/p>\n

About a half mile into their travels, the storm began to descend upon them, pelting them with icy drops of rain and a cold, harsh wind whipping at their clothes.\u00a0 Rachel managed to take off the coat she was wearing and drape it over her head, but the wind was strong and the rain beating down on her, ripped it from her hand and blew it down the mountain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stopped and took hold of the reins to her horse.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re going back to the cabin to wait it out!\u201d he shouted at her, above the roar of the wind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel fought him for the reins to her horse.\u00a0 \u201cNo!\u00a0 Just leave me here!\u00a0 I don\u2019t care now what happens to me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I care!\u00a0 So\u2026hang on!\u201d he added as he now controlled her horse\u2019s reins, and put Sport into a gallop, pulling Champion along behind.\u00a0 Hunched over Champion\u2019s back, Rachel held onto the horse\u2019s mane for dear life while they ran quick as the wind back towards the cabin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Upon reaching the cabin, Adam dismounted quickly, but Rachel stayed in the saddle.\u00a0 While the sky seemed to be dumping buckets of water on them, Adam ran around to Rachel and began to pull her off her horse, but she jerked herself out of his grip and stayed firmly planted in the saddle.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t want to go in there!\u201d she said loudly, barely able to be heard above the sound of the wind and falling rain.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s where Cole died!\u00a0 I can\u2019t go in there!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRachel, you can\u2019t stay out here!\u00a0 Now come on!\u201d he said and reached up and took hold of her and pulled her down out of the saddle.\u00a0 She jerked free from his hold again and looked at him through her tears and the pouring rain.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m going back to the river!\u00a0 I don\u2019t care if it pulls me under or not!\u00a0 Cole\u2019s dead!\u00a0 I don\u2019t care if I live anymore!\u201d she said and started to mount up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam grabbed hold of her again and shook her shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cI let you drag me all the way up here so you could clear your husband\u2019s name!\u00a0 Well you HAVE!\u00a0 Now you\u2019re just going to let it all end here?!\u00a0 You have strength of mind, you have courage, you\u2019re still young and pretty, and you have your whole life ahead of you!\u00a0 You can get married again, Rachel!\u00a0 ANY man would be proud to have you as his wife, but if you want to throw your life away and have it count for naught, then GO AHEAD!\u201d he screamed at her in order to be heard above the howling wind and roaring thunder, and through the torrent of rain descending on them.\u00a0 He turned and ran to the cabin, threw open the door, went inside and closed the door quickly behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took off his soaking wet coat and hat and hung them on a nail on the cupboard located in one corner of the cabin.\u00a0 He found some matches and lit a lantern, then looked for another blanket.\u00a0 He used one blanket to wrap Cole\u2019s body in before he buried him.<\/span><\/p>\n

His quest for a dry blanket was successful because he found one in the cupboard, he removed it and went to stand beside the closed door.\u00a0 Very soon, the hinges squeaked as the door was pushed open slowly and Rachel stepped inside and closed it behind her.\u00a0 She leaned her back against the door and the water poured off her clothing, and gathered in a small pool of water at her feet.\u00a0 Her hair was plastered flat against her head, and to her face, but she didn\u2019t bother to wipe it back. Her hat hung by its cord in front of her.\u00a0 Adam held out the blanket to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou knew I would come in,\u201d she said to him in a bland voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly hoped,\u201d he replied in a quiet voice, while he continued to hold the blanket out to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

She began shaking and shivering, so Adam took hold of her hands and placed the blanket in them.\u00a0 \u201cHere\u2026.you better get out of those wet clothes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel cautiously took the blanket from him, then turned her eyes up to look through her hair into his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWell, it\u2019s either wrap up in this nice dry blanket or stay in those dripping wet clothes and catch pneumonia,\u201d he said in response to her look of bewilderment.\u00a0 \u201cYou can change over in that corner,\u201d he said, pointing to the darkest shadows in the cabin.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll see if I can get a fire started in this relic of a stove,\u201d he added and turned his back to her while he opened the door to the wood stove and peered inside.\u00a0 She wiped her hair out of her face and quietly made her way to the dark corner and began removing her clothing all the while keeping her eyes glued on Adam, making sure he didn\u2019t turn around while she was undressing.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shortly, Rachel stood beside him with her wet clothes in her hands and the blanket wrapped around her, exposing only her head.\u00a0 \u201cIt feels good,\u201d she said of the heat already radiating from the stove.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m surprised it\u2019ll even HOLD heat,\u201d Adam said as he took her clothes and draped them on the back of a chair in front of the stove to dry.\u00a0 \u201cMost of the firebricks are gone from inside,\u201d he added.\u00a0 \u201cI just hope it gets hot enough to warm it up in here tonight.\u00a0 At least there\u2019s plenty of wood in the wood box so I can keep feeding it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTonight?!\u201d Rachel said surprised.\u00a0 \u201cYou mean we\u2019re not leaving when it stops raining?!\u00a0\u00a0 We have to stay in here ALL night?\u00a0 Together?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam raked his thumb back and forth across his forehead.\u00a0 \u201cWe do unless YOU want to sleep outside in the rain under a lean-to with the cold wind blowing on you.\u00a0 I don\u2019t.\u00a0 Besides. . .I told you\u2026we can\u2019t travel down this mountain in the dark, so we\u2019ll HAVE to stay here all night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d\u00a0 Rachel looked about the room and drew the blanket around her just a little tighter.\u00a0 \u201cWell, you must be cold in YOUR wet clothes too,\u201d she said to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be alright.\u00a0 Besides, there\u2019s only ONE blanket and I don\u2019t think you want to share it right now,\u201d he said with a mischievous grin and gleam in his eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she said with a\u00a0 laugh in her voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSit here and warm up,\u201d Adam said pulling the only other chair in front of the stove.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll see if I can find some food around here.\u00a0 I should have had Hop Sing double up on the food.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet ME look.\u00a0 YOU sit in front of the stove so your clothes will dry faster,\u201d she said as she looked up at him.\u00a0 \u201cGo on. . .sit down,\u201d she reiterated, and gestured with her head towards the chair, then stepped over to the cupboard in the corner, a corner of the the blanket dragging behind her.\u00a0 Adam did as Rachel requested and held out his hands in front of the stove, then rubbed them together briskly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAha!\u00a0 We\u2019re in luck!\u201d Rachel sounded out.\u00a0 \u201cWe can either dine formally on canned beans. . .or we can dine INformally on. . .canned beans. . .or we can be very casual and open a can of. . .beans,\u201d she said in a light-hearted manner.\u00a0 \u201cYour choice,\u201d she added and smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam closed one eye and pursed his lips as though he was really thinking about the various wonderful choices of culinary delights Rachel presented him with.\u00a0 \u201cI think I\u2019d like to dine. . formally,\u201d he answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood choice, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she replied and brought two cans of beans to the table.\u00a0 She adjusted the blanket around her and went back over to the cupboard and rummaged through the drawers.\u00a0 She found two candles and two forks, one fork had a tine missing, but was still usable.<\/span><\/p>\n

She set the candles in the middle of the table and said, \u201cDining formally requires eating by candlelight, does it not?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI believe you\u2019re right,\u201d Adam said and took another match, struck it and lit the candles.\u00a0 In the meantime, Rachel opened the stove lid and held the forks in the fire to sterilize them.\u00a0 Adam took his knife and opened the cans of beans and bent back the lids.\u00a0 He placed the chair he had been sitting in, on one side of the table closest to the stove for Rachel to sit in, then found an empty crate to use for a chair for himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel felt Adam\u2019s shirt back with her hand.\u00a0 \u201cYOU sit in the chair and dry the back of your clothes.\u00a0 I\u2019ll sit on the crate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d he protested and moved towards the crate.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh-ah. . .sit in the chair,\u201d Rachel said in a commanding tone as she cocked her head sideways and looked at him and pointed to the chair.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re dining formally remember.\u00a0 You sit where I place you,\u201d she added, then smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

A smile appeared at one corner of his mouth, then he sat down where requested.\u00a0 As the crate was lower than a normal chair seat, Rachel laughed out loud when she sat down on it.\u00a0 \u201cI feel like a little child sitting at a big table,\u201d she said.\u00a0 She picked up her can of beans and placed it in the hand with which she held onto the blanket and held onto them both while she ate.<\/span><\/p>\n

A while later, Adam noticed she had grown quiet and was staring down into her can of beans and stabbing at them slightly with her fork.\u00a0 \u201cWhy so quiet?\u201d he asked her when he looked over at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou remind me of Cole.\u00a0 You\u2019re kind and compassionate like he was and when I needed a talking-to, he gave it to me\u2026just like you did earlier.\u00a0 Then when I came to my senses and did what he asked of me, he was there waiting with compassion\u2026just like you were.\u201d\u00a0 They held each other\u2019s gaze for several seconds, then Rachel spoke again.\u00a0 \u201cHave you ever known loneliness, Adam?\u00a0 I mean. . .REAL loneliness?\u00a0 The loneliness that comes when you give your heart and yourself to someone and then suddenly they\u2019re not there anymore.\u00a0 Have you ever known that kind of loneliness?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know the kind of loneliness that comes when you lose someone you\u2019ve been married to, because I\u2019ve never been married, but have I known loneliness?\u00a0 Yes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoes the pain ever go away?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think it goes away completely, but good memories help to ease the pain, and you go on with your life.\u00a0 My mother died a few hours after I was born and when I was five years old, my father married a very wonderful woman. . . .her name was Inger.\u00a0 She was Swedish and I remember she used to sing to me and stroke my hair every night until I fell asleep.\u00a0 Then when my brother was about three months old, Inger was killed by an Indian arrow.\u00a0 I had grown accustomed to hearing her sing and stroke my hair, then when she died. . .I was lonely for her.\u00a0 When I was eleven my father married again. . .a French woman. . .Marie.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t get along with her very well at first and by the time I could love her, she was killed in a freak accident.\u00a0 I felt lonely again, but I had a second brother who needed me to be strong, so I buried my loneliness inside myself and put all my effort into being a good older brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you succeed?\u201d Rachel asked, while she listened intently to his story with one elbow on the table and her chin resting in the palm of her hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

He grinned slightly at her question.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d like to think so, but my brothers will probably disagree with you and tell you I\u2019m bossy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not.\u00a0\u00a0 I call it. . .being protective.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell me about. . .Mary Ann Rogers. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRoberts,\u201d he corrected her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMary Ann Roberts then. . .tell me about her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s there to tell.\u00a0 We grew up together.\u00a0 After graduation, we went our separate ways. . .I went to college. . .she went to San Francisco\u2019s Barbary Coast.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFrom the way you said it, it doesn\u2019t sound like a very good place to be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt ISN\u2019T.\u00a0 Especially for women.\u00a0 It\u2019s a foul part of San Francisco.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re not serious about her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked like he had just bit into a sour pickle when she said that, then looked at her.\u00a0 \u201cHardly,\u201d he said in a definite tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell she has her sights on YOU, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you ever been in love with anyone?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked at\u00a0 her\u00a0 for\u00a0 a\u00a0 few\u00a0\u00a0 seconds,\u00a0 then\u00a0 looked\u00a0 down.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYes. . .there\u00a0\u00a0 was\u00a0\u00a0 one. . .Regina Darien.\u00a0 She was brought up Quaker, and. . .we believed differently about some things. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd both of you were too stubborn to compromise what you believed,\u201d Rachel cut in, intertwining her fingers and placing her folded hands on the table.\u00a0 \u201cSo you went your separate ways,\u201d she concluded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo we went our separate ways,\u201d Adam said at the same time he stood up and turned to the stove and opened the lid to add more wood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you regret not going after her?\u201d Rachel asked in a softer tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stood very still.\u00a0 \u201cVery much,\u201d he said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWas there anyone else you cared about after you let Regina slip through your fingers?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked over at her and gave her an annoyed look, then turned back to the stove.\u00a0 \u201cLaura Dayton.\u00a0 We were even engaged,\u201d he said while he continued to add wood to the stove.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWERE engaged?\u00a0 What happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI broke it off when I discovered she was in love with my cousin instead of me.\u00a0 But I think I was more in love with the idea of being married, more than I was with Laura,\u201d he said as he put the lid back in place on the stove, then stood, unmoving in front of it with his hands poked in his back pockets.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel could tell that those times had been painful memories for him, so she stood up and gathered her clothes off the chair back.\u00a0 \u201cI think my clothes are dry now.\u00a0 I. . .guess I\u2019ll change back into them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He nodded but remained in front of the stove as if he were lost in thought.\u00a0 Rachel went to the dark corner again to change and she watched as Adam kept his back to her while he continued to stand in front of the stove. When she finished dressing, Rachel walked back over to him and stood beside him and smiled up at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cHow lovely you look in your uniformly wrinkled attire,\u201d he said in a teasing fashion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how HANDSOME you are in your rain spotted black,\u201d she responded as she rubbed the corner of his shirt collar between her thumb and forefinger.\u00a0 \u201cWhat time do you think it\u2019s getting to be?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood question,\u201d he replied, removing his hands from his back pockets and walking to the small window and peering out after he wiped the grime off it.\u00a0 \u201cI really can\u2019t tell with this storm still going full force, but it isn\u2019t late enough to go to bed yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

While he talked, Rachel rummaged around in the cupboard and found a checkerboard and checkers and brought them out.\u00a0 \u201cCan you teach me to play this game?\u201d she said to Adam, holding up the game pieces.<\/span><\/p>\n

He turned and looked at what she was talking about.\u00a0 \u201cHaven\u2019t you ever played checkers before?\u201d he responded as he smiled and walked over to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 Never,\u201d she said, shaking her head.\u00a0 \u201cHigh Society girls from Boston never played such games.\u00a0 Not even chess.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t considered a proper form of entertainment for refined young ladies.\u00a0 But I\u2019m not in Boston, so. . .\u201d\u00a0 She held out the game to him.\u00a0 \u201cCan you teach me?\u201d she said with a big smile on her lovely face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took the checkerboard and checkers from her and said, \u201cCan I teach you. . .You, Rachel Davis, are about to play against the Checker Champion of Virginia City.\u201d\u00a0 Then he turned one of the chairs around and straddled it, with the back of the chair facing him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t intimidate ME one little bit, because I\u2019ll give you a run for your money, Adam Cartwright,\u201d she said with a laugh as she did the same with her chair while Adam set up the checkerboard and placed the pieces on the correct spaces.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam explained the game carefully to her as they played.\u00a0 They also talked and laughed about a sundry of topics.\u00a0 After several games and the last game won, Rachel said, \u201cHow about another game?\u00a0 I think I\u2019m getting the hang of it. . .although I wonder if you\u2019re just LETTING me win.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow would I do that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel leaned across the table and looked at him and arched her eyebrows.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u00a0 So how about it?\u00a0 One more game. . .and don\u2019t give this one to me on purpose,\u201d she said, leaning back.<\/span><\/p>\n

While she talked Adam rubbed the back of his neck and worked his shoulders around.\u00a0 \u201cYour neck hurt?\u201d she asked him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust a little stiff,\u201d he admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can fix that,\u201d she said and stood up and went to stand behind him.\u00a0 \u201cWhenever Cole would come home from work with a stiff neck, I would help loosen it up for him.\u00a0 Now just relax,\u201d she said placing her hand on his head and pushing\u00a0 down gently.\u00a0 He lowered his head and relaxed his shoulders while Rachel massaged his neck.\u00a0 \u201cUnbutton your shirt,\u201d she said to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

His head came up quickly and he said, \u201cI beg your pardon?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUnbutton your shirt so I can rub your shoulders.\u00a0 I have a technique that works every time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Adam unbuttoned his shirt, Rachel pulled it off his shoulders.\u00a0 She rubbed her hands together briskly then placed them on one shoulder at a time, gently working the muscles in his neck and each shoulder.\u00a0 She did this procedure several times until he raised his head and moved it from side to side.\u00a0 \u201cThat feels great,\u201d he said and turned to look at her with amazement.\u00a0 \u201cThanks.\u201d\u00a0 With her hands resting on his bare shoulders, she held his gaze for a few heartbeats and realized the warm flesh of his shoulders under her hands felt TOO good to her and suddenly removed her hands and said, \u201cYou\u2019re welcome.\u201d\u00a0 Her voice was soft and whispered.\u00a0 She moved quickly away from him and stood with her back to him while he buttoned his shirt and stood up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose it\u2019s late enough now that we can be thinking about going to bed,\u201d Adam said as he moved the chairs out from in front of the stove.\u00a0 Rachel turned around quickly when he said that and looked wide-eyed at him while he moved the table out from in front of the stove also.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll have to sleep on the floor in front of the stove so we\u2019ll stay warm,\u201d Adam said as he spread the blanket down on the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere?\u201d she questioned as her breathing and heart rate increased nervously while she pointed down at the floor in front of the stove.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stopped and looked at her.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s going to be cold tonight and this IS the warmest spot in here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel swallowed hard and then licked her dry lips.\u00a0 \u201cBut. . . TOGETHER?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was hoping you would know by now that you can trust me.\u00a0 I won\u2019t take advantage of you, Rachel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u00a0 I know that,\u201d she said quickly and trying to sound convincing and moved towards the blanket and sat down on it.\u00a0 Adam rolled up his now dry jacket and placed it on Rachel\u2019s side so she could use it for a pillow, then he filled the wood stove to the brim and turned down the draft so it would burn slowly but still provide heat through the night.\u00a0 \u201cI sure am wishing for our bedrolls right now,\u201d Adam said as he sat down on the other side of the blanket and removed his boots while he listened to the still depressing rain hitting on the roof.\u00a0 Lying on his side with his back to Rachel, he bended his arm and placed it under his head.\u00a0 \u201cNot the most comfortable, but beats the hard stony ground I\u2019ve had to sleep on more than once,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Still in a sitting position, Rachel looked over at him.\u00a0 \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cFor the dinner party, the conversation and teaching me how to play checkers,\u201d she replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome,\u201d he said with a chuckle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd for one more thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor believing in me and being the gentleman that you are,\u201d she said and leaned over him and kissed his cheek.\u00a0 She detected a faint trace of the shaving balm he had used earlier that morning and that scent mingled with the rain scent in his clothing made him smell quite manly.\u00a0 She\u00a0 pulled away, and lay down on the other edge of the blanket, her back to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Rachel pulled back, he felt the softness of her hair as it brushed against his face.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re welcome,\u201d he said quietly.\u00a0 \u201cGoodnight,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight, Adam,\u201d she said with a smile on her lips, though tears formed in her eyes.\u00a0 She blinked them away, then closed them and willed sleep to come.\u00a0 She heard Adam sigh and knew he was having as much trouble getting to sleep as she was.\u00a0 She hoped he wasn\u2019t having trouble sleeping because of the kiss she placed on his cheek, and she hoped it hadn\u2019t been an improper thing to do.\u00a0 \u201cImproper?!\u201d she thought.\u00a0 Here they were, stranded together. . .just the two of them. . .sharing the same blanket side by side, and only the two of them would know what would transpire between them this night.\u00a0 AND, by their own admission, they were both lonely.\u00a0 Slowly, they both turned over and looked into each other\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Rachel slowly opened her eyes and looked around at her surroundings.\u00a0 She was covered with the other half of the blanket and knew that Adam had spread it over her, because he was not beside her.\u00a0 She looked around the room and upon not seeing him, she threw the blanket off her and sat up.\u00a0 She stretched to get the kinks out of her stiff body from sleeping on the hard floor.\u00a0 Being chilled, she placed Adam\u2019s coat around her shoulders and pulled on her boots and went to the door and stepped outside into the brisk mountain air.\u00a0\u00a0 Though the sun was shining brilliantly, it was very cool.\u00a0 She saw Adam busy with his knife and she walked up to him.\u00a0 \u201cSo YOU\u2019RE the early bird I heard singing,\u201d she said to him as she stopped beside him.<\/span><\/p>\n

He chuckled and without stopping what he was doing, he said, \u201cGood morning, sleepyhead.\u00a0 Are you hungry?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m famished.\u00a0 Where\u2019d you find that?\u201d she asked craning her neck to get a better view of what he was working on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we needed something for breakfast, so I did a little hunting earlier this morning.\u00a0 Do you like rabbit?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never had it before.\u00a0 Beans last night for dinner. . .rabbit this morning for breakfast. . .people sure do eat strange things out west,\u201d she said, shaking her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeans and rabbit aren\u2019t strange things to eat,\u201d he said while he continued to work on skinning the animal.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is when you have beans for dinner and rabbit for breakfast,\u201d she said with a laugh.\u00a0 \u201cI sure would like to have a bath right now,\u201d she added as she touched her hand to her hair, then rubbed a palm over her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there\u2019s a nice, COLD creek in back of the cabin,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure COLD is right.\u00a0 I\u2019ll just wait until we get back to town thank you.\u00a0 In the meantime, I\u2019ll put some more wood in the stove so we can cook our breakfast,\u201d she said and removed Adam\u2019s coat from her shoulders and draped it around his, then squeezed his arm and turned around and went back to the cabin to stoke the stove.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t find a skillet, so I thought we could lay the rabbit on this grate over the open lid\u201d she said to Adam when he walked inside with the skinned rabbit.\u00a0 \u201cWill that work?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt should,\u201d he replied and placed the rabbit on the grate over the open fire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t find any salt or pepper either,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I know it won\u2019t taste like it does when Hop Sing makes it, but you do with what you\u2019ve got,\u201d he said as he let his coat fall off his shoulders and drop onto the chair.\u00a0 \u201cMind pouring some water over my hands so I can get all this stuff off,\u201d he said of the blood and remnants that stuck to his hands after skinning the rabbit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel picked up the canteen, uncorked it and turned it upside down over Adam\u2019s hands as he held them above the pan in the sink.\u00a0 The canteen was empty.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like we\u2019re out,\u201d she commented.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just go to the creek out back then.\u00a0 I might as well fill the canteen while I\u2019m at it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel placed the strap over Adam\u2019s shoulder and opened the door for him then closed it behind him and went back over to the stove to turn the rabbit over.<\/span><\/p>\n

Very soon, she heard the door squeak as it was opened.\u00a0 \u201cThat was fast,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cI wish this rabbit would cook just as fast, I\u2019m. . .\u201d she said while she turned around then stood frozen to her spot, and she let out a loud gasp.\u00a0 For it was not Adam she was talking to, but a stranger.\u00a0 He was a tall, robust man with dirty clothes, and sweat stained hat.\u00a0 He wore a long heavy coat with a large, fur collar.\u00a0\u00a0 Around his waist he wore a hunting knife and sheath, and a gun and holster.\u00a0 His face was full of several days stubble and when he smiled, his teeth were yellowed and badly decayed.\u00a0 His brown hair was shaggy and greasy.\u00a0 He stared hungrily at Rachel while he drank her in with an evil look in his brown eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel\u2019s stomach churned at the sight of him.\u00a0 \u201cWh-who are y-you?\u201d she said in a shaky voice and frightened look on her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell now if you ain\u2019t just the purtiest little female I ever saw with that shiny black hair.\u00a0 Yer skin\u2019s too white fer ya tuh be an injun squaw.\u00a0 Even if ya was. . .don\u2019t matter tuh me.\u00a0 I likes ANY kind a-woman.\u00a0 Special them thet\u2019s purty,\u201d he said to her.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t usual come this way when I go huntin\u2019, but I shore am glad I DID.\u00a0 Yes, MA\u2019AM. . .I shore am glad.\u00a0 Ya jest never know what ya\u2019ll find when ya go huntin\u2019,\u201d he added with a sinister look in his eyes.\u00a0 He dropped the knapsack he was carrying and started advancing towards her.\u00a0 Rachel swallowed hard and she began breathing heavily.<\/span><\/p>\n

Being that the man was between her and the door and she couldn\u2019t make it past him, and not knowing how far away the creek behind the cabin was, in her fright, she let out the loudest scream she could muster up, and hoped it was loud enough to reach Adam\u2019s ears.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having just finished washing his hands, Adam had begun to fill the canteen when he heard a scream coming from behind him.\u00a0 Recognizing it as Rachel\u2019s voice, he dropped the canteen and ran the distance back to the cabin.\u00a0 Still hearing her screams while he ran and intent on knowing her dilemma, he didn\u2019t notice the third horse in the yard and he burst through the door.\u00a0 He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw a strange man pawing all over Rachel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake your hands off her!\u201d Adam shouted at the same time he drew his gun.\u00a0 At the sound of Adam\u2019s voice, the man pulled her in front of him, whirled around to face Adam, and held his hunting knife to Rachel\u2019s throat.\u00a0 Her eyes were wide and her body heaved with fright.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis yore woman?\u201d the man said to Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes traveled to Rachel\u2019s then back to the man.\u00a0 \u201cYes,\u201d he answered.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen drop the gun or she won\u2019t be in no shape tuh give ya any young\u2019uns,\u201d the man said to Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam threw down his gun and it landed on the floor with a thud.\u00a0 \u201cWho are you and what do you want?\u201d he asked as he stared hard at the intruder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t matter who I am and I b\u2019lieve it was purty plain what I wanted when ya busted in here on us.\u00a0 But I can wait.\u00a0 Right now, I\u2019m more hungry than anythin\u2019 else so get over there and dish up whatever it is ya got cookin\u2019 on that stove,\u201d he said to Rachel and gave her a shove that sent her sprawling on the floor.\u00a0 She landed with a grunt and turned an angry face up to the man.\u00a0 \u201cNo!\u00a0 I won\u2019t!\u201d she shouted at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam started to go to her, but the man pulled his gun.\u00a0 \u201cJust stay where you are,\u201d he said to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cShe ain\u2019t hurt.\u201d\u00a0 Adam looked at her and said, \u201cGo do like he says.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u00a0 I won\u2019t feed him our food!\u201d Rachel retorted with a hateful look at the man while she was still on the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI said get over there and get me somethin\u2019 tuh eat!\u201d the man growled at her and gave her a mean look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d she shouted again as she stood up angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo on, Rachel. . .do like he says,\u201d Adam said calmly to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Adam. . .\u201d she began to protest.<\/span><\/p>\n

He gave her a look of warning, but said nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright. . .but only because YOU asked me. . .not HIM!\u201d she said, turning her angry eyes to the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWoman, I don\u2019t care WHO asked ya, long as ya feed me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel made her way over to the stove to check on the meat while the stranger turned to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cOver there,\u201d he said, gesturing with his gun to a spot away from the door and the middle of the room.\u00a0 \u201cDown,\u201d the man ordered with a gesture of his gun to indicate Adam was to sit on the floor.\u00a0 The man picked up his knapsack and Adam\u2019s gun as he followed Adam to the place he ordered him.\u00a0 Adam sat down on the floor and the man pulled out a length of rope.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s cooked, but there aren\u2019t any plates to eat off of,\u201d Rachel said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t need no plate.\u00a0 Just lay it on the table,\u201d the dirty man said while he tied Adam\u2019s hands behind his back, then tied his feet together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel stuck one of the forks in the rabbit and picked it up off the grate and slapped the meat on the table.\u00a0 \u201cI hope you choke on it,\u201d she said angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having secured Adam\u2019s hands and feet, the man walked over to the table where the food was and sat down, placing both his gun and Adam\u2019s gun on the table in front of him.\u00a0 Rachel made her way around to the other side of the table and started to go to Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh-uh, woman. . .you come and set with ME,\u201d the man said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 I won\u2019t,\u201d she said in defiance.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man stabbed the meat with his knife and left it in it and stood up.\u00a0 \u201cGet over here. . .NOW!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo what he says,\u201d Adam spoke up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want NEAR him!\u201d Rachel exclaimed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRachel. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I don\u2019t understand why you want to cooperate with him! He\u2019s nothing but an. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo. . .sit. . .down,\u201d he said to her through clenched teeth, ordering her.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man\u2019s harsh features split into a sadistic grin and he sat down and pulled his knife out of the rabbit and cut off a slice then brandished the knife at her.\u00a0 \u201cBetter listen to yore man, woman.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel looked at Adam, then moved to the other side of the table.\u00a0 \u201cWell. . .don\u2019t stand there. . .get yer chair and set down,\u201d the man said with his mouth full of food.\u00a0 Some of it fell out and he picked it up and stuffed it back in his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re disgusting!\u00a0 I won\u2019t. . .\u201d she began and glanced at Adam\u00a0 then pulled the other chair over and sat down hard in it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow that\u2019s better.\u00a0 See how nice and friendly I am when ya do like I want.\u00a0 One thing ya don\u2019t want tuh do, woman, is rile me \u2018cause I get real mean.\u201d\u00a0 He pulled off another piece of meat and stuffed it in his mouth and chewed with his mouth wide open, smacking his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

While the man ate, Adam was concentrating on getting the ropes loose from his wrists.\u00a0 He twisted and turned his hands, but whenever the man looked over at him, he immediately stopped and didn\u2019t start up again until the man looked away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWoman, get me some water,\u201d the man ordered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is not WOMAN. . .it\u2019s Rachel,\u201d she said with disdain in her tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet me some water. . .WOMAN,\u201d he said again and set cold, mean eyes on her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere isn\u2019t any,\u201d she said back to him with a defiant tilt of her chin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen go get some,\u201d he ordered, saying the words slowly so as to leave no doubt that he meant for her to obey.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe canteen is still at the creek,\u201d Adam spoke up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo get it,\u201d the man said, looking at Rachel with those same cold, mean eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel hesitated a few seconds then stood up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh. . .could she bring me a bite of that rabbit first,\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure why not. . .I\u2019m easy tuh git along with,\u201d the man said and pulled off a bit of the meat and handed it to Rachel.\u00a0 \u201cFeed him,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel jerked the meat out of his hand and walked over to Adam and knelt down in front of him.\u00a0 \u201cAre you alright?\u201d she said in a concerned tone.\u00a0 He nodded.\u00a0 \u201cHe eats and acts like an animal!\u201d she added with a shudder.\u00a0 \u201cHow can you even want to cooperate with him!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I\u2019m trying to keep us both alive, that\u2019s why.\u00a0 And you\u2019ve got to get away from here.\u00a0 When you go for the water, take my horse. . .he\u2019s saddled. . .and get as far away as you can,\u201d Adam whispered to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t leave you here with him,\u201d she whispered back as she fed Adam the slice of meat.<\/span><\/p>\n

He pushed the bit of meat between his teeth and cheek and said,\u00a0 \u201cI have a better chance of escaping if I don\u2019t have to constantly watch him and worry about what he\u2019ll do to you.\u00a0 I know what men like him are capable of doing to a woman, Rachel.\u00a0 Now do what I say and don\u2019t argue with me.\u00a0 Get as far away from here as you can get.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWoman!\u00a0 Go get my water!\u201d the man bellowed from across the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel stood up and looked at the man, then at Adam and crossed the room to the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWoman!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel stopped with her hand on the door latch and looked over at him.\u00a0 \u201cWhat now!\u201d she resounded in utter disdain for the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf ya don\u2019t come back in five minutes with that water, yer man\u2019ll be dead in SIX,\u201d the gruff man said to her with a sinister look in his eyes and a grin to match, while he continued to pull meat off the rabbit bones and stuff it in his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel jerked her head around to look at Adam.\u00a0 Their eyes locked and they sent a\u00a0 silent message to each other.\u00a0 His was for her to run and keep running and hers was that she wouldn\u2019t leave him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa got LESS than five minutes now, woman,\u201d the man said, breaking into their private messaging.\u00a0 Rachel looked at the man, licked her lips and swallowed hard, then with one last look at Adam, she tore open the door and rushed out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s your name, mister,\u201d Adam questioned him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEver hear of Jack Scorsee?\u201d he said with his mouth full.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJack Scorsee?\u201d Adam said with recognition in his tone of voice and on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man laughed a growling laugh.\u00a0 \u201cI can tell by the look on yer face ya heard\u00a0 a-me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard of you,\u201d Adam said in\u00a0 a low voice and groaned within himself because he had indeed heard of Jack Scorsee and all the gruesome stories about the torture tactics he used on people who made him angry.\u00a0 He had heard what Scorsee did to one man who made him angry.\u00a0 Scorsee made the man lie down on the ground and Scorsee took a hammer and spike and drove the spike into the man\u2019s earlobe, nailing him to the ground.\u00a0 The only way for the man to get free was to cut his ear off with the knife Jack Scorsee left for him.\u00a0 The stories he heard of what Scorsee did to women were too horrendous to even think about, but the thing that he remembered most about those women was that after Jack Scorsee got through with them, they all committed suicide because they couldn\u2019t live with the vile things that were done to them.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s stomach churned with contempt when he thought of what Scorsee would do to Rachel and what she would do to herself afterwards.\u00a0 At least if she got away, she would be spared all the atrocities Scorsee would inflict on her.\u00a0 He, Adam, would do all he could to escape while at the same time try to keep from riling Scorsee in order to escape the torment the man would probably put him through too.\u00a0 He hoped and prayed Rachel was long gone by this time.\u00a0 While he mentally plotted his escape, the door opened and Rachel stepped inside with the canteen of water.\u00a0 Her eyes met Adam\u2019s then he closed his eyes and lowered his head in letdown.\u00a0 He groaned within himself, because she chose to go against his request.\u00a0 Now he must work out a plan to not only save HIS life, but HERS also.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about time you came back with that water. . .a man could die a-thirst.\u00a0 Bring it over here,\u201d Jack Scorsee ordered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel kept her gaze on Adam and she knew he was disappointed in her for not following his request, because he wouldn\u2019t look at her after he raised his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre ya sleepin\u2019 over there!\u00a0 Bring me that water!\u201d Scorsee bellowed out, causing Rachel to turn her attention in his direction.\u00a0 She walked over to the table and held out the canteen to him which he took with one hand and when she drew her hand back, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her part way across the table to where she was lying on her back.<\/span><\/p>\n

She grimaced at the tight hold he had on her and groaned when her body thumped on the tabletop.\u00a0 At the same time, Adam quickly maneuvered himself up on his knees and could only watch as Scorsee leaned over Rachel and covered her mouth with his, giving her an aggressive sloppy kiss while she pushed against him with her hands and kicked her feet, groaning and whimpering in fright and disgust.\u00a0 Adam knew if he tried to do or say anything, Scorsee might do more to Rachel than just kiss her.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Scorsee finished kissing her, he bellowed out a loud laugh and thrust Rachel\u2019s arm across her and she fell to the floor crying and spitting and trying to wipe away his kiss with the back of her hand.\u00a0 Rachel made her way over to Adam and knelt down beside him and pressed herself against him as though she was trying to meld her body into his.\u00a0 As long as she was near Adam, she felt safe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou should have left like I told you,\u201d he whispered to her in a scolding tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s horrible!\u00a0 He\u2019s horrible!\u201d she said, burying her face in Adam\u2019s chest, her body shaking in fright.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u00a0 And it\u2019ll only get worse for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we going to do, Adam?\u201d she asked turning her frightened eyes up to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe main thing is to not get him riled up.\u00a0 Do everything he asks you to do and don\u2019t talk back to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t ASK.\u00a0 He ORDERS.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen do everything he ORDERS you to do, and cooperate with him.\u00a0 Maybe that\u2019ll buy us some time and I can figure out how to get us out of this mess.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m really scared, Adam,\u201d she said in a small, frightened voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u00a0 We\u2019ll get out of this,\u201d he said, trying to give her reassurance, but more than that, he tried to convince HIMSELF that he believed what he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWoman. . .get over here!\u201d Scorsee bellowed loudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel looked up at Adam, then stood up and walked timidly over to Jack and stood in front of him.\u00a0 Scorsee scooted back in his chair and stuck out his feet.\u00a0 \u201cTake my boots off,\u201d he ordered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel looked at him with wide eyes and her face showed bewilderment.\u00a0 She glanced at Adam and he shrugged his shoulders indicating she should oblige the man.\u00a0 Frowning disgustedly, she bent down slowly and took hold of one well-worn boot and pulled on it until it came off.\u00a0 His sock was filthy and the stench made her wrinkle her nose and hold her head sideways so the smell didn\u2019t go straight into her nostrils.\u00a0 She removed the other boot and was just as repulsed with that sock odor as she was with the other one.\u00a0 She dropped the boot, then stood up and started to turn away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot so fast, woman.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel stopped and looked at him.\u00a0 \u201cNow take my socks off,\u201d he said with a grin, showing his yellowed decayed teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you think I\u2019m going to touch those dir–,\u201d she stopped and glanced at Adam then remembered what he said about not talking back.\u00a0 She took a deep breath, then let it out and knelt down in front of the man and with her forefingers and thumbs she took hold of each sock and peeled them off his feet.\u00a0 His feet were caked with dirt and she ventured a guess that he hadn\u2019t washed them in his entire life, socks included.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAhck!\u201d Rachel grimaced at the sight and smell of his feet.\u00a0 She wiped her hands on her skirt as if to wipe away any germs she may have picked up from touching his socks.\u00a0 Jack Scorsee laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam worked feverishly to loosen the ropes that were binding and cutting into the flesh of his wrists.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jack Scorsee reached in his knapsack and pulled out a bottle of whiskey and uncorked it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam immediately groaned within himself because he was afraid Jack Scorsee would become violent if or when he became drunk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scorsee reached down and grabbed Rachel by her wrist and hauled her up and plopped her on his lap.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s attempts to loosen his ropes became even more feverish at that point.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow about me an\u2019 you havin\u2019 a little drink together, woman,\u201d Scorsee said as he took a long drink, then held it in front of her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel moved her head away.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t drink,\u201d she replied, her stomach ready to revolt because of his foul breath and body odor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEither YOU drink it yerself, or I\u2019ll pour it down ya,\u201d he said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 Please.\u00a0 I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He pulled her close to him with a jerk and said, \u201cI told you to drink it.\u00a0 Now don\u2019t rile me.\u00a0 Drink it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam could feel the ropes beginning to loosen though he also felt blood trickling down his fingers where his wrists had become raw from the constant twisting and turning of the ropes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDrink!\u201d Scorsee ordered her.<\/span><\/p>\n

With tears running down her face, she took the bottle from him and wiped the palm of her hand across the mouth of the bottle then put it to her lips and tipped it up.\u00a0 The whiskey was hot and it stung her lips and throat and she coughed and gagged when she swallowed it.\u00a0 She could feel it burning her esophagus as it went down.\u00a0 Jack Scorsee laughed and took the bottle back from her, then pulled several long swigs of it himself.\u00a0 He handed it back to her and made her drink a second and then a third time.\u00a0 Then while she was coughing and gagging, he pushed her up to a standing position, then stood up himself, keeping a tight hold on her all the while.\u00a0 He tipped the bottle to his lips again and emptied the contents, then tossed the bottle on the floor, smashing it\u00a0 into several large pieces.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam continued to work at removing his binds while keeping his eyes trained on Scorsee.\u00a0 Secretely he was glad Jack Scorsee was occupied with Rachel, so he didn\u2019t pay much attention to his movements.\u00a0 Adam inched his way over to the broken bottle and was able to pick up one of the pieces of broken glass.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jack Scorsee put his hands on Rachel\u2019s shoulders and drew her to him for another kiss.\u00a0 One hand moved over the buttons of her vest, and she began to protest and tried to wrench free from him.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t fight me, woman, or I\u2019ll hurt ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rachel\u2019s breathing came in loud, rapid breaths as she pleaded and cried.\u00a0 \u201cNo, please stop.\u00a0 Please.\u201d\u00a0 He just laughed and continued to unbutton her vest, then removed it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was finally able to cut through the ropes that were securing his hands and he wrenched them free with a tug and brought his arms around in front of him to work on untying his feet, keeping his eyes on them all the while he worked on the knots. Scorsee\u2019s back was to him, so he couldn\u2019t see Rachel, but he could hear her mournful pleas for Scorsee to stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scorsee had unbuttoned four buttons of Rachel\u2019s blouse when he felt cold steel at the base of his skull.\u00a0 \u201cLet go of her, or I\u2019ll pull this trigger,\u201d Adam said to him.\u00a0 Adam had been able to free himself and get his gun from the table without Scorsee noticing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scorsee let go with a string of vulgar and profane phrases, but continued to grip Rachel\u2019s arms.\u00a0 When Jack Scorsee heard the hammer being clicked back, he opened his hands immediately releasing his grip of Rachel, then gave her a push away from him sending her to the floor.\u00a0 He turned swiftly, swinging at Adam\u2019s head.\u00a0 Adam ducked and came up and cracked Scorsee on the side of the head with the barrel of his gun, knocking him out and sending him in a heap on the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam went immediately to Rachel, who was cowering in the corner and crying with her face buried in her hands.\u00a0 He crouched down beside her and placed his arm around her. Without looking over at him, she pulled away and screamed for him to get away from her.\u00a0 \u201cRachel. . .it\u2019s me, Adam.\u00a0 It\u2019s alright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When she heard his voice, she took her hands away from her face and looked at him.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Adam!\u201d she exclaimed and reached her arms around his neck and buried her face and cried.\u00a0 \u201cHe was going to. . .right in front of you.\u00a0 He was going to. . .\u201d she said in a quavering voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but it\u2019s over now,\u201d he said in a comforting voice while he held her.\u00a0 He let her cry against him for several minutes and when she had gained control of her emotions and dried her eyes, he handed her vest to her and said, \u201cGo on over there and pull yourself together.\u00a0 I\u2019ll get some rope and tie Scorsee up, then we\u2019ll take him to the Sheriff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

While Rachel was busy in the corner putting herself back together, Adam had gone to his saddle for his rope and returned.\u00a0 He bent down and tied Scorsee\u2019s hands behind his back while Rachel watched from across the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scorsee had begun to come around and Adam grabbed hold of his arm and hauled him to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cStand up,\u201d Adam ordered.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re taking you to the Sheriff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll never get me there alive,\u201d Scorsee said in a belligerent tone of voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell now that\u2019ll be up to YOU,\u201d Adam said to him.\u00a0 \u201cThis way,\u201d he added and opened the cabin door and gestured for Scorsee to go out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about my boots and socks?\u201d he growled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRachel, take care of the man\u2019s boots and socks,\u201d Adam said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT?!\u00a0 If you think I\u2019m going to put those things back on him. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say that.\u00a0 I said. . .take care of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe only way I\u2019d take care of those awful things is to burn. . .\u201d\u00a0 Immediately enlightened, a big smile spread across her face and she picked up each boot and sock one at a time by holding onto it with a fork.\u00a0 She opened the door to the stove and dropped each item into the fire that was still burning inside.\u00a0 When that was done, she threw the fork down on the table and brushed her hands together indicating that the job was accomplished.\u00a0 Now it was her and Adam\u2019s turn to laugh at Scorsee.\u00a0 And they did, as Adam led him outside to his horse, pushed him up into his saddle, and tied the other end of the rope around Scorsee\u2019s waist and anchored it to the pommel of his saddle.\u00a0 Adam saddled Rachel\u2019s horse for her and helped her mount up, then Adam mounted his horse and they made their way towards Virginia City with their barefoot prisoner in tow.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Rachel set her bag down and stepped up to the depot window and pushed some bills towards the ticket agent.\u00a0 \u201cOne way ticket to Boston, please,\u201d she said to the silver-haired man on the other side of the window.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking the ticket from the agent, she dropped it in her handbag, and until she turned in that direction, she didn\u2019t notice a man in black leaning his back against the building with his arms folded across his chest.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re really leaving,\u201d he said and stepped up to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI said I would.\u00a0 My family is back there and all my friends.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot ALL your friends,\u201d he replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d she said, holding his gaze for several heartbeats.\u00a0 After which she said, \u201cAdam, you\u2019re such an elegant man. . .you don\u2019t belong in a place like this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A smile graced his lips.\u00a0 \u201cWell now, I\u2019ve been called a lot of things, but never elegant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know what I mean.\u00a0 You belong in Boston, Adam,\u201d she said and looked into his eyes, her eyes darting back and forth between his searching them.\u00a0 \u201cCome with me,\u201d she added, almost in a whisper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRachel. . .I don\u2019t belong THERE any more than YOU belong HERE.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her shoulders sagged a little, then she replied, \u201cAnd so we go our separate ways.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou asked me to come to Boston with you. . .Can I change YOUR mind about leaving?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She dropped her head and looked down at her hands that were busy toying with the strings on her purse, then she turned her sad eyes up to him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll never forget you, Adam.\u00a0 You helped me to clear Cole\u2019s name even when you didn\u2019t believe he was innocent,\u201d she said, then her eyes became soft.\u00a0 \u201cThat night in the cabin. . .I\u2019ll never forget you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat didn\u2019t answer my question. . but then again, no answer is necessary.\u00a0 That night in the cabin. . .I won\u2019t forget you either.\u00a0 You\u2019re very special. . .WOMAN.\u201d\u00a0 He grinned when he said that and chucked her playfully under her chin.\u00a0 She laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLoad up!\u201d the driver called from atop the stage.\u00a0 Rachel took a deep breath and looked up at Adam again.\u00a0 \u201cWell. . .looks like this is it,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cI loved Cole, but he\u2019s dead and I\u2019m still living.\u00a0 I never planned for you to capture my heart, Adam Cartwright, but you did, and I love you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRachel. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She pressed her fingertips against his lips.\u00a0 \u201cSh-h-h.\u00a0 Don\u2019t say anything.\u00a0 Let me believe you love me too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou coming, Miss?\u201d the driver said to Rachel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess it\u2019s time.\u00a0 Let\u2019s don\u2019t say good-bye. . .that\u2019s too final.\u00a0 Let\u2019s just say. . .Until next we meet.\u00a0 If you ever come to Boston. . .please come to see me,\u201d she added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a promise,\u201d he replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you. . .for everything.\u201d\u00a0 Rachel looked into his eyes then leaned up and kissed him full on the mouth and he returned the kiss.\u00a0 \u201cUntil next we meet,\u201d she whispered, her eyes becoming misty, then she turned and stepped into the coach with Adam\u2019s help.\u00a0 As the coach pulled forward, Adam watched as Rachel waved to him from the window until they were out of sight of each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam then felt the presence of someone standing beside him.\u00a0 He looked over and saw it was his father.\u00a0 \u201cI heard your conversation with Rachel,\u201d Ben said to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMm-hmm.\u00a0 I gathered something special happened between the two of you.\u00a0 Did it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked over at his father and gave him a reticent look.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell. . .did it?\u201d Ben pressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026something VERY special happened between me and Rachel that night.\u201d\u00a0 Adam noticed a look of wonder and question on his father\u2019s face, and his eyes widened slightly, as he looked at his eldest son.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAfter we settled down for sleep, we revealed the deepest part of our hearts to each other.\u00a0 We developed a bond between us.\u00a0 What did you think I meant?\u201d\u00a0 Adam added at the look on his father\u2019s face that changed suddenly from concern to relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. . .well. . .I wasn\u2019t worried that you\u2019d done anything like. . .THAT,\u201d he said, his voice sounding as sheepish as his expression.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou weren\u2019t, huh,\u201d Adam said with an expression on his face that revealed he was thoroughly enjoying his father\u2019s obvious embarrassment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 No, of course not,\u201d Ben laughed nervously and draped his arm across Adam\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cWhat kind of a father do you think I am that would doubt my own son\u2019s integrity,\u201d he said with that same nervous laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the kind of father I hope to be some day. . .AFTER I get married,\u201d Adam said in a teasing tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, Adam. . .marriage FIRST\u2026But you know all that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa.\u00a0 I know all that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen let\u2019s go home.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure your brothers will be quite happy to see you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean they\u2019ll be quite happy to have me doing my own chores again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Father and son laughed with each other as they mounted their horses and rode in the direction of home.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE END<\/span>
\nJanuary 2003<\/span><\/center>NOTE: Shakespearean quotes are from \u201cMacbeth\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: Rachel Davis leaves Boston to join her husband in Virginia City.\u00a0 By accident, she and Adam meet and become acquainted.\u00a0 When she learns her husband was an outlaw and is dead, she insists on his innocence and appeals to Adam for his help in taking her to a mountain cabin where her husband was last known to be.
\nRating and Reader Alerts: G
\nWords:\u00a0 25,400<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12436,"featured_media":41001,"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":[2,1005,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47040","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-adam-cartwright","category-drama","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-1005-id","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":329,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":47133,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47133","url_meta":{"origin":47040,"position":0},"title":"Cartwright Romance #7 – Jenny, My Love (by Emmy)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"December 31, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Story Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0 This story centers on Joe and Jenny Cartwright and takes place about a year after Annie My Love. Rating and Reader Alerts:\u00a0 PG, mild language Words:\u00a0 30,025 Cartwright Romance Series, links to stories included within.","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":47125,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47125","url_meta":{"origin":47040,"position":1},"title":"Cartwright Romance #5 – Katherine, My Love (by Emmy)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"December 31, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Story Summary:\u00a0 Adam and Katherine Cartwright face a crisis. Rating and Reader Alerts:\u00a0 PG, mild language Words:\u00a0 22,856 Cartwright Romance Series, links to stories included within.","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":47120,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47120","url_meta":{"origin":47040,"position":2},"title":"Cartwright Romance #4 – Journey (by Emmy)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"December 31, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Story Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0In this story, Adam, Hoss and Joe Cartwright embark on a journey with their wives and families. Rating and Reader Alerts:\u00a0 PG, mild language Words:\u00a0 15,210 Cartwright Romance Series, links to stories included within.","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":47131,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47131","url_meta":{"origin":47040,"position":3},"title":"Cartwright Romance #6 – Annie, My Love (by Emmy)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"December 31, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Story Summary:\u00a0 Hoss and Annie Cartwright learn more about themselves, each other and their community. Rating and Reader Alerts:\u00a0 PG, mild language Words:\u00a0 21,925 Cartwright Romance Series, links to stories included within.","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":49892,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49892","url_meta":{"origin":47040,"position":4},"title":"The Savage (WHN) (by Katie)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"August 6, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 An alternate ending to the episode, The Savage Rating:\u00a0 Teen\u00a0 (775\u00a0 Words)","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":45545,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=45545","url_meta":{"origin":47040,"position":5},"title":"Faith, Hope, and Family (by Heidi)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"April 12, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: What holds a man like Adam Cartwright up when his confidence wavers? 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