{"id":47050,"date":"2003-09-22T14:58:37","date_gmt":"2003-09-22T18:58:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47050"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:43","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:43","slug":"black-shadow-by-eileenk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47050","title":{"rendered":"Black Shadow (by EileenK)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 An attempted murder and a trial are the settings for a \u201cWho Done It\u201d mystery.
\nRating and Reader Alerts:\u00a0 G
\nWords: 20,300<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

\n

BLACK SHADOW<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

FRIENDLY ANNOUNCER:\u00a0 \u201cHello all you fanfiction readers out there in fiction land!\u00a0 I\u2019m your friendly fanfiction announcer!\u00a0 You\u2019re about to embark on a mystery adventure in reading, so tell all your loved ones, friends and neighbors to gather round the old computer screen and enjoy tonight\u2019s presentation\u2026or TODAY\u2019S presentation if you\u2019re reading this during daylight hours.\u00a0 Our adventure this month is brought to you by\u2026is brought to you by\u2026Hey, Eileen!\u00a0 Who\u2019s our sponsor this month?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeonard\u2019s Liver Hut!\u00a0 Can\u2019t you remember anything!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026yeah.\u00a0 Our adventure this month is brought to you by\u2026drum roll please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

DrumRollDrumRollDrumRollDrumRollDrumRollDrumRoll\u2026\u2026..<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, already, enough drum rolling.\u00a0 Sheesh\u2026good drum rollers are hard to find these days.\u00a0 Our adventure this month is brought to you by\u2026uh\u2026oh shoot!\u00a0 I forgot the sponsor\u2019s name again.\u00a0 All those drum rolls made me lose my concentration.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeonard\u2019s Liver Hut!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s it.\u00a0 Leonard\u2019s Liver Hut.\u00a0 The best place to find your liver.\u00a0 Whether on the stick, or off the stick, nobody does your liver like Leonard.\u00a0 And remember Leonard\u2019s slogan:\u00a0 Liver Lovers Love Leonard\u2019s Liver!\u00a0 Now that that\u2019s out of the way, our adventure is called\u2026drum roll please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

DrumRollDrumRollDrumRollDrumRollDrumRoll\u2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEnough already!\u00a0 Sheesh!\u00a0 Our mystery adventure is called\u2026Blaaaaack Shaaaaaadoooooow!\u00a0 OOOOOO, doesn\u2019t that sound scary!\u00a0 It was written by the famous world-renowned writer of fanfiction\u2026Eileen K!\u00a0 applause please.\u00a0 Applause\u2026please.\u00a0 Applause\u2026where is that dadburn applause cue card holder!\u00a0 Oh, forget the applause!\u00a0 Boy\u2026you just can\u2019t find good applause cue card holders these days!\u00a0 And now,\u00a0 OUR FEATURE PRESENTATION!\u201d<\/span>
\nBLACK SHADOW<\/span>
\nBy: Eileen K.<\/span><\/p>\n

AUTHOR\u2019S NOTE: This story was written strictly in fun and for your entertainment.\u00a0 No intent of having hard feelings against anyone was meant.\u00a0 I hope you glean some entertainment from this story and hope no one feels offended at their characterization I portrayed.\u00a0 It was a fun story to write and we can all remember it is strictly fiction, and\u00a0 in no way captures the characters\u2019 true nature or mannerisms.\u00a0 A special thanks to everyone who allowed me to use your name in this story.\u00a0 The only fictional character in this story is the news reporter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Disclaimer: This story is a total fabrication of the author\u2019s imagination.\u00a0 The Bonanza characters were created by David Dortort.\u00a0 Any resemblance to any other person, place or thing, whether living or dead is coincidental, and on all the rest, I refuse to answer to, on the grounds that I might incriminate myself.\u00a0 Read this at your own risk if thou must, but I will not be held responsible for any laughter you may incur in the process of reading.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

FRIENDLY ANNOUNCER (again) \u201cNow that the formalities are out of the way\u2026and as they say on Broadway\u2026ON WITH THE SHOW!!!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Virginia City and Fiction City are so close in size and proximity, that most folks mistake one for the other, therefore, Fiction City and Virginia City are synonymous with each other, and if you\u2019re from Virginia City and folks ask if you\u2019re from Fiction City, you answer, \u201cClose enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This week we find ourselves in Fiction City. . .or is it Virginia City?\u00a0 We find ourselves in Virginia City. . .no. . .I mean Fiction City. . .Oh never mind. . .we find ourselves somewhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span>
\nFRIENDLY ANNOUNCER (again): \u201cViolin music can be heard playing softly in the background as we look in on our sleepy little community today.\u00a0 We see the town is quiet this morning.\u00a0 Not much is going on just yet as the sun has just peeked up over the horizon.\u00a0 Whoa\u2026wait a minute\u2026I think the community of Fiction City is about to wake up.\u00a0 Let\u2019s see shall we\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It was a beautiful day in Fiction City.\u00a0 The sun was shining brightly, birds were chirping out their morning songs and everything was just perfect in the perfect little community.\u00a0 Everyone felt so safe and sound.<\/span><\/p>\n

The shop owners either whistled or hummed as they opened their doors this bright morning.\u00a0 And if they couldn\u2019t whistle or carry a humming tune, they just snapped their fingers or tapped their foot to some kind of beat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Soon the little town was in full swing; people going in and out of each business establishment; people greeting one another with happy greetings, warm smiles and friendly handshakes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Delicious aromas emitted from Ellie\u2019s Caf\u00e9.\u00a0 Standing out in front of the caf\u00e9, Ellie placed a sign in the window advertising her specialty of the day: \u201cThe Meanest Chili In Town\u201d.\u00a0 And when Ellie says mean, she means MEAN!!<\/span><\/p>\n

She heard a horse approaching, and knowing the clop-clop of those hooves anywhere.\u00a0 she smiled and turned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Hoss,\u201d she said to him as her smile widened.\u00a0 \u201cGot time for a cup of coffee and a\u00a0 doughnut?\u00a0 On the house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He nodded at her and stepped down out of the saddle.\u00a0 \u201cMornin\u2019, Miss Ellie.\u00a0 I reckon I got a few minutes.\u00a0 \u2018Specially for one a-them jelly-filled doughnuts ya make.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just happen to have a dozen or two made fresh this morning.\u201d\u00a0 Ellie beamed him another smile and held onto his arm as they entered the caf\u00e9.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile down the street, Ben stood in front of the Livery, looking up and down the street, his hands on his hips and a slight frown across his forehead. Clad in a leather apron and a bridle in her hand, \u201cShorty\u201d Short Shanks stepped out into the street beside Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Ben,\u201d Shorty said in greeting to her friend.\u00a0 \u201cFine morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Shorty.\u00a0 Yes\u2026fine,\u201d Ben replied, though he said it a bit absent-mindedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLose your horse?\u201d Shorty asked him, then laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHm?\u00a0 Oh, no\u2026he\u2019s tied up in front of Lynnette\u2019s Vet Shop.\u00a0 She\u2019s filing his teeth.\u00a0 You haven\u2019t seen Little Joe have you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs a matter of fact I did.\u00a0 He was in my barbershop first thing this morning.\u00a0 He came in for his monthly hair curling session.\u00a0 I asked him if he wanted me to cut it too, but he just sorta glared at me and went on about his way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know where he went?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think he said he was going to the saloon.\u00a0 Some fellas ran in here and said that Sunshine and Debpet were going to put on a show down there this morning, and when Little Joe heard that, well he just kinda got in a sudden hurry to leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Shorty leaned over to Ben and cupped her hand around her mouth and in a secretive way said, \u201cThat Debpet\u2026she\u2019s one a-them\u2026chanteuse\u2019s.\u00a0 And that dance Sunshine does\u2026well, let me tell you, shakin\u2019 all those body parts the way she does\u2026she just might come unhinged or something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben could hardly keep a straight face listening to Shorty describe Sunshine\u2019s and Debpet\u2019s hidden talents.\u00a0 \u201cWell I never would have thought that of those two,\u201d Ben said, still trying to hide a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh me either, me either,\u201d Shorty said, wagging her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Shorty, I better get on down to the saloon and find Little Joe.\u00a0 See ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, so long, Ben.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, on his way to Rebecca\u2019s Seamstress Shop, Adam met Uptight Schoolmarm Sneddy.\u00a0 \u201cGood morning, Uptight Schoolmarm Sneddy. Nice day today,\u201d he said to her and touched his hat brim with two fingers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Uptight Schoolmarm Sneddy looked at him, lifted her chin, and drew her hand back, striking his right cheek with the palm of her hand.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s hand flew to his burning cheek, a look of stark surprise on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s for yesterday when you sneaked up behind me and pinched my\u2026well, you know what you pinched!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYesterday?\u00a0 I wasn\u2019t even in town yesterday.\u00a0 I haven\u2019t been in town all week.\u00a0 How could I possibly have pinched your\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell you certainly DID!\u00a0 I certainly ought to know when a man pinches my\u2026well, never mind.\u00a0 Maybe you\u2019ll think twice next time!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t even think about it the FIRST time!\u00a0 You must have me mixed up with somebody else, Miss Uptight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI certainly do NOT!\u201d\u00a0 Uptight Schoolmarm Sneddy pulled at her gloves and readjusted her cape and pulled her collar just a little bit higher.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve seen you a million times and with you being on the school board, I was not mistaken.\u00a0 Now if you\u2019ll excuse me, Mr. Cartwright, I have a VERY important meeting to attend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it this time?\u00a0 Ladies Temperance or A Hundred Reasons To Hate Adam Cartwright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHumph!\u201d\u00a0 Uptight Schoolmarm Sneddy lifted her chin at him again and walked stiffly away.<\/span><\/p>\n

He could only wag his head in wonder at the Uptight Schoolmarm.\u00a0 He thought she was very attractive, but she had as much use for him as an old worn out shoe full of holes.\u00a0 He wagged his head again and turned into Rebecca\u2019s Seamstress Shop.<\/span><\/p>\n

With measuring tape around her neck, scissors in hand, and a mouth full of pins, Rebecca looked up from the cloth she was working on when the door opened.\u00a0 \u201cMorning, Adam,\u201d she mumbled through closed lips, to keep the pins from falling out of her mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Rebecca.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rebecca removed the pins from her mouth and came out from behind the cutting table.\u00a0 \u201cWhat can I do for you today, Adam?\u00a0 Did that shirt fit?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He gave her a puzzled look.\u00a0 \u201cShirt?\u00a0 As a matter of fact, that\u2019s why I came in, I need one.\u00a0 This is the last one I have.\u00a0 Every time Saloon Girl Becky, Chanteuse Debpet, Dancer Sunshine and Student Miss Maggie see me, all four try to rip my shirt off.\u00a0 By the time they\u2019re done, all that\u2019s left is the pocket.\u00a0 So if you could make me another one, I sure would appreciate it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I\u2019ll make you one, but you were just in here yesterday and said you needed one in a hurry.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you remember?\u00a0 I worked on it all day and you picked it up last night right before I closed.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you remember?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFirst Uptight Schoolmarm Sneddy and now YOU.\u00a0 You must be mistaken, Rebecca, I haven\u2019t been in town all week\u2026until today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rebecca frowned.\u00a0 \u201cWell that\u2019s odd, that you don\u2019t remember.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike I told Uptight, it wasn\u2019t me.\u00a0 Maybe you\u2019re both working too hard and just THOUGHT you saw me in town.\u00a0 Now\u2026how soon can I have another shirt made?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll get right on it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Rebecca, and maybe if you double-stitched the seams, it won\u2019t be so hard to rip to shreds when those women attack me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem.\u00a0 I should have it for you by the end of the day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d\u00a0 Adam left Rebecca\u2019s and moved on down the street, always on the lookout in all directions for Saloon Girl Becky, Chanteuse Debpet, Dancer Sunshine and Student Miss Maggie, and always planning an escape route should he meet up with them.\u00a0 If they got hold of the shirt he had on, his last shirt, he would have to go around shirtless the rest of the day.\u00a0 Which made him thankful he wasn\u2019t the Sheriff and had to wear a badge pinned to his chest.\u00a0 That would hurt!\u00a0 He shuddered at the thought and placed\u00a0 a hand to his chest and moved on down the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam passed the Livery and stopped when Shorty called his name.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2019s that appaloosa workin\u2019 out for ya, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat appaloosa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat one I sold to ya yesterday.\u00a0 How\u2019s he workin\u2019 out?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook Shorty\u2026I don\u2019t know anything about an appaloosa, because I wasn\u2019t even in town yesterday.\u00a0 There\u2019s something very strange going on around here.\u00a0 First that Uptight Schoolmarm Sneddy woman says yesterday I sneaked up behind her and pinched her\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Shorty\u2019s eyebrows raised in curiosity.\u00a0 \u201c\u2026well, never mind what she said I pinched\u2026which I didn\u2019t\u2026then Rebecca says I came in yesterday for a shirt\u2026which I didn\u2019t\u2026then you ask me about a horse you said you sold me!\u00a0 Now what is going on?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGee, Adam, don\u2019t get so ruffled up at ME, I just asked how that horse was doing.\u00a0 I don\u2019t believe I\u2019ve ever seen you so upset.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked at Shorty and realized he HAD spoken rather brusque to her.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Shorty.\u00a0 It\u2019s just that something very mysterious is going on.\u00a0 Three people saw me in town yesterday, only I wasn\u2019t IN town yesterday.\u00a0 It makes me feel a bit uneasy\u2026sort of like when something bad is about to happen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn Fiction City?!\u00a0 No way!\u00a0 Nothing exciting ever happens here\u2026unless you call Lynnette\u2019s Hotel getting new curtains for the dining area, exciting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s pretty exciting alright,\u201d Adam said sarcastically and wagged his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt made headlines in the Fiction Gazette.\u00a0 Biggest news this town\u2019s had since that new Librarian came to town, then before that, there was the story about\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, all that sounds right interesting, Shorty, but I better not keep you any longer.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be seeing you.\u201d\u00a0 Adam nodded his farewell to Shorty, then continued on down the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, see ya, Adam!\u201d\u00a0 Shorty waved, then turned to go back inside the Livery.<\/span><\/p>\n

The saloon was a lively place this particular day.\u00a0 It was all Val could do to keep the drinks coming.\u00a0 She emptied one bottle of Dr. Pepper after another.<\/span><\/p>\n

(Dr. Pepper?\u00a0 That\u2019s what I said\u2026Dr. Pepper.\u00a0 This is a wacky story remember, so anything can pop up around here.\u00a0 Anyway\u2026)<\/span><\/p>\n

She emptied one bottle after another.\u00a0 The place was packed with customers waiting for the floor show to start.\u00a0 Joe held up his empty glass and Val scooted out from behind the bar and made her way over to his table.\u00a0 \u201cHere ya go, Joe,\u201d she said and poured more Dr. Pepper in his mug.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know when I\u2019ve seen this place so busy, Val.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know.\u00a0 It was a good idea I had to let Sunshine and Debpet express their talents in here.\u00a0 I\u2019ve made more money in the last week than I did all last year.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe laughed and turned his head when other patrons began whistling and cheering as Chanteuse Debpet and Dancer Sunshine made their appearance on stage.\u00a0 With bows and throwing kisses at the audience, Chanteuse Debpet and Dancer Sunshine held up their hands for quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for the wonderful welcome fellas!\u00a0 We\u2019re so glad to be here this morning, and we hope you enjoy the songs and dances we\u2019ve prepared for you,\u201d Chanteuse Debpet announced.\u00a0\u00a0 Then with a nod of her head at the piano player, they began their rendition with Chanteuse Debpet singing \u201cEarly One Morning\u201d and Dancer Sunshine interpreting the song through dance.\u00a0 The audience erupted into claps, whistles and \u201cYippee\u2019s\u201d and \u201cWooHoo\u2019s\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

Saloon Girl Becky sat down beside Joe and leaned over to him.\u00a0 \u201cWhere\u2019s that tall, handsome brother of yours, Joe?\u00a0 Did he come in town with you?\u201d\u00a0 She had to almost yell in order to be heard above the singing, shouting and whistling going on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich brother is that?\u201d he yelled back then smiled mischievously at her, knowing full well she was sorta stuck on his eldest brother.\u00a0 He shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cHe left early this morning, I haven\u2019t seen him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh darn!\u00a0 I was hoping I\u2019d be able to get a look at him before I went to work at the Library.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, that sure is some show those two are putting on!\u00a0 I sure didn\u2019t know they could sing and dance like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, they\u2019re pretty good, I suppose.\u00a0 Well\u2026see ya, Joe, gotta go pour some more drinks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee ya round Saloon Girl Becky.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Chanteuse Debpet and Dancer Sunshine had just finished their performance, and were bowing and throwing kisses at the clapping crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n

On his way to the saloon, Ben decided to stop and get the mail.\u00a0 He stood in line as Postmaster Dakota handed mail to Student Miss Maggie.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I hope one of these letters is from Boston College!\u201d Miss Maggie said in excited tones, while she sorted through her mail.\u00a0 \u201cI applied to three colleges, but I hope Boston College accepts me!\u201d\u00a0 Her happy face turned sad when none of the letters proved to be from any college.\u00a0 She turned and walked slowly to the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dakota looked at Ben and winked playfully and held up another envelope.\u00a0 \u201cOh, well will you look what I found stuck in my cubbyhole\u2026a letter from Boston College addressed to a Miss Maggie.\u00a0 Ben, you know anyone by that name around here?\u201d\u00a0 Dakota smiled mischievously as Miss Maggie whirled around and ran back to the mail counter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Dakota!\u00a0 You were teasing me!\u00a0 Is it really from Boston College?!\u201d\u00a0 Her face was all smiles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook for yourself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Miss Maggie took the envelope with a shaky hand, held it and stared at it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you going to open it?\u00a0 I thought you couldn\u2019t wait to hear from them,\u201d Dakota said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019m afraid it\u2019ll be a rejection letter.\u00a0 Not too many colleges want female students.\u201d\u00a0 Miss Maggie held the letter out to Dakota.\u00a0 \u201cYOU read it for me.\u00a0 I\u2019m much too nervous to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dakota took the letter, broke the seal and read it.\u00a0 Hardly daring to breathe, Miss Maggie waited for Dakota to finish reading.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dakota looked at Miss Maggie then at Ben, and refolded the letter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u00a0 What did it say?!\u201d Miss Maggie asked eagerly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dakota handed the letter back to Miss Maggie.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Miss Maggie\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Dakota began then paused.\u00a0 Miss Maggie looked crestfallen when Dakota said those words.\u00a0 \u201c\u2026but Fiction City is going to lose one very fine resident when she attends Boston College in the fall.\u201d\u00a0 Dakota smiled from ear to ear, as did Ben.\u00a0 When the reality of Dakota\u2019s words hit her, Miss Maggie squealed and clapped her hands, then she hugged Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear that, Mr. Cartwright!\u00a0 I\u2019m going to college\u2026to Boston College…in the fall!\u00a0 ME\u2026Miss Maggie!\u00a0 Oh wait until I tell all my friends!\u201d\u00a0 With another quick hug of Ben, Miss Maggie was out the Post Office door in a flash.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Dakota chuckled at her excitement.\u00a0 \u201cThere goes one happy young lady,\u201d Ben noted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, she is.\u00a0 I\u2019ll tell you\u2026she\u2019s deserving of it.\u00a0 She worked very hard to pass those college entrance exams.\u00a0 I\u2019m real proud of her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe whole town will be when they hear about it.\u00a0 Got any mail for me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThree or four,\u201d Dakota replied and handed the letters to Ben.\u00a0 When another customer walked up to the mail counter, Ben stepped aside, opened the letters, read them, then left the Post Office, making his way over to the saloon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben weaved his way through the crowded saloon to Joe\u2019s table.\u00a0 \u201cSure is crowded in here.\u00a0 How can you think straight with all this noise?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSit down, Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019ll buy you a Dr. Pepper.\u201d\u00a0 Ben sat down and Joe held up his hand to signal to Val.\u00a0 Bringing a bottle with her, she placed it in front of Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Ben.\u00a0 What\u2019s your pleasure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne of those is alright,\u201d he said pointing to Joe\u2019s bottle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cComing right up.\u201d\u00a0 Val weaved her way through the crowd back to the bar counter.\u00a0 Soon she returned with a bottle of cold Dr. Pepper, then weaved her way back behind the bar.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they were finished with their drinks, they left the saloon and walked across the street to Lynnette\u2019s Vet Shop.\u00a0 Ben walked up beside Buck and gave him a loving pat on the neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s all ready, Ben.\u00a0 That jagged tooth he had must have given him real fits.\u00a0 But\u2026he\u2019s fine now.\u201d\u00a0 Lynnette smiled and rubbed Buck\u2019s head and patted his neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was starting to worry about him not eating.\u00a0 I sure would hate to lose him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he\u2019ll be fine now.\u00a0 In fact, he\u2019ll probably eat you out of house and home now.\u201d\u00a0 Lynnette laughed, and Ben and Joe joined her.\u00a0 Ben paid her, then he and Joe went on about their way.\u00a0 Lynnette changed from her Vet frock into her hotel manager attire and headed for the hotel to admire the new dining room curtains that had caused such a stir in town.<\/span><\/p>\n

Down the street, Hoss emerged from Ellie\u2019s Caf\u00e9 with Ellie firmly attached to his arm.\u00a0 \u201cYou sure you don\u2019t want another doughnut, Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Miss Ellie.\u00a0 I think that dozen and a half ya fed me\u2019ll last most a-the mornin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure?\u00a0 Because it won\u2019t take long to whip up another dozen or more.\u00a0 I\u2019d cook or bake anything for YOU, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 Ellie looked up at him and smiled shyly and blushed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYessum, I know.\u00a0 I guess yer jist about the best cook around here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou better not let Hop Sing hear you say that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I guess not.\u00a0 Well, I gotta go now, Miss Ellie, and thank ya for the coffee and doughnuts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy pleasure, Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBye now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBye, you great big hunk of manhood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBye, Miss Ellie.\u00a0 I like you too.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss smiled, tipped his hat to her and mounted Chubb and moved on his way.\u00a0 Ellie sighed deeply then turned to go back inside the caf\u00e9.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Hoss and his horse traveled ten feet he heard his name being called.\u00a0 He pulled back on the reins and turned around in the saddle to see who had called to him.\u00a0 Barreling full steam ahead down the street towards him was Blue Velvet.\u00a0 With her skirts hiked up to her knees, she was running so fast, afraid he\u2019d get away before she could talk to him, she almost ran smack-dab into Chubb before she stopped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHold up there, Miss Blue Velvet.\u00a0 What\u2019s yer hurry?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Hoss,\u201d Blue Velvet greeted him, panting and swallowing rapidly, being out of breath from all that running.\u00a0 \u201cI was afraid you\u2019d leave town before I got a chance to ask you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAsk me what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Blue Velvet looked up at him and smiled her best smile.\u00a0 \u201cWould you take me to the dance\u00a0 tonight?\u00a0 Dancer Sunshine has been showing me some new dance steps, and I promise not to step on your feet this time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Miss Blue Velvet, Miss Ellie\u2019s awready asked me to take HER.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Blue Velvet stomped her foot and jerked her arm down at her side. \u201cDarn that Ellie!\u00a0 She always beats me to you every time!\u00a0 Dadburn her anyway!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026uh\u2026listen Miss Blue Velvet.\u00a0 I don\u2019t reckon there\u2019s a law agin a feller takin\u2019 TWO purty lil gals to the dance, is there.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss flashed her a smile and she forgot all about being upset at Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon not, Hoss.\u00a0 You\u2019ll take ME too?\u00a0 Really?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy shur I will.\u00a0 \u2018Sides\u2026there\u2019s \u2018nough a-me to go round fer three or four gals.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Blue Velvet grabbed his leg, squeezed it and squealed with delight.\u00a0 \u201cOh thank you, Hoss!\u00a0 I\u2019m just so happy!\u201d\u00a0 She squealed and squeezed his leg again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026Miss Blue Velvet, I shur do like all that squeezin\u2019 yer doin\u2019, but my leg\u2019s goin\u2019 a-mite numb.\u00a0 Ya mind not squeezin\u2019 TOO awful tight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Blue Velvet eased up on squeezing him and an embarrassed smile graced her lips.\u00a0 \u201cSorry, Hoss honey, must be all those arm exercises I\u2019ve been doing lately.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYessum.\u00a0 Well, Miss Blue Velvet, I gotta go now and find Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see ya\u00a0 tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Blue Velvet wiggled her fingers at him and giggled.\u00a0 \u201cBye, Hoss.\u00a0 I love you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He tipped his hat to her and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cYessum.\u00a0 I like you too, Miss Blue Velvet,\u201d he replied and urged Chubb on down the street.\u00a0 Blue Velvet stood like a love-sick girl until her sweetie had disappeared around the corner at the end of the street.\u00a0 She sighed deeply, then went on about her business.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambling on down the street, Adam heard the clicking of heels on the boardwalk behind him.\u00a0 Recognizing them as the sound that women\u2019s heels make, he was almost afraid to turn around for fear of being mauled, groped and woman-handled, but he stopped and turned around anyway, out of curiosity if nothing else.\u00a0 Plowing smack into him, Miss Maggie was almost knocked off balance, and she would have been, had Adam not reached out and grabbed her to keep her from falling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam!\u00a0 Look!\u00a0 A letter from Boston College!\u201d she exclaimed excitedly, waving an envelope in his face.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m going to Boston College in the fall!\u00a0 Isn\u2019t that wonderful!\u201d she added as he righted her solidly on her feet again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoston College, hmm.\u00a0 Very prestigious school.\u00a0 Congratulations.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Miss Maggie threw her arms around him and planted the biggest kiss on him she had ever planted on anyone before.\u00a0 \u201cThanks, Adam.\u00a0 Of course I\u2019ll miss you, but I\u2019m looking forward to going to college.\u00a0 Well, I gotta go tell everybody else!\u00a0 Bye!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Miss Maggie let go of him and hurried on down the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026bye.\u201d\u00a0 He wagged his head, chuckled, then placed his hand on the Library door and pushed it open, causing a bell to tinkle overhead.\u00a0 Eileen stopped her shelf straightening, and turned around to welcome her customer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u00a0 Good morning, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she said in a pleasant voice.\u00a0 \u201cWhat can I do for you so early this morning?\u00a0 Finish that book already?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat book?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy the book you borrowed yest\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam held up a palm in front of her.\u00a0 \u201cLet me guess\u2026the book I borrowed yesterday.\u00a0 Right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that\u2019s right.\u00a0 Though I thought it strange you would be interested in that subject.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat subject?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEmbroidery Made Easy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEmbroidery?! And you say I was in here yesterday, and checked it out?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head in exasperation.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t pinch Uptight\u2019s\u2026\u201d he cleared his throat then continued.\u00a0 \u201c\u2026and I didn\u2019t buy an appaloosa horse and I sure as the devil didn\u2019t borrow a book on embroidery!\u00a0 What is it with this town!\u00a0 People accusing me of things I didn\u2019t do\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh-ah-ah\u2026don\u2019t be in such a sour mood on such a pretty day, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 It isn\u2019t good for the digestive system.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am not in a sour mood!\u00a0 I\u2019m in a perfectly equitable mood!\u00a0 It\u2019s just that everyone else is all mixed up when they said they saw me in town yesterday!\u00a0 I was not in town yesterday!\u00a0 That\u2019s what\u2019s wrong!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Whatever you say, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t patronize me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I wasn\u2019t.\u00a0 I was just agreeing with you.\u00a0 Now\u2026what can I do for you today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam suddenly realized how upset he was, then returned to his solemn self.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re right\u2026I shouldn\u2019t be such a grouch.\u00a0 I apologize for blowing off steam at you.\u00a0 You didn\u2019t deserve that.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cApology accepted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe reason I came in is, I\u2019m terribly puzzled about something and I thought maybe you would shed some light on the matter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try.\u00a0 Just what is it that puzzles you, Mr. Cartwright, that you seek advice from the lowly town Librarian?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam leaned forward on the counter that separated them.\u00a0 \u201cWell first of all, you can stop calling me, MR. Cartwright, and call me Adam,\u201d he said as he looked at her with a gleam in his eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

She dipped her head at him and smiled slightly.\u00a0 \u201cAs you wish.\u00a0 However, that doesn\u2019t seem like much of a puzzlement to me, Mr. Cart. . .Adam,\u201d she said, correcting herself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that\u2019s not it.\u00a0 The real puzzlement is this, have I ever been rude to you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked at him.\u00a0 \u201cNo. . .I don\u2019t think so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave I ever been unkind to you in any way?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Adam, you\u2019ve never been unkind to me.\u00a0 You\u2019ve always been a perfect gentleman.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen, have I ever done or said anything to you that would make you dislike me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, of course not, but. . .\u201d she replied.\u00a0 Her brows knitted together slightly.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s this all about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019ll tell you.\u00a0 I would like to know why every time you meet me on the street or in the caf\u00e9, or anywhere for that matter, all you ever do is nod your head at me, and walk on.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you stop and talk to me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Taken aback by his question, Eileen looked at him and blinked her brown eyes several times before she answered, then a tiny smile graced her lips.\u00a0 \u201cWell, Mr. Cartwright,\u00a0\u00a0 it\u2019s\u00a0 very\u00a0 hard\u00a0 for\u00a0 me\u00a0 to\u00a0 strike up\u00a0 any kind of a\u00a0 sane\u00a0 conversation\u00a0 with a man who has a constant cloud of women hovering about him all the time,\u201d said Eileen before she turned back around to continue straightening the bookshelves behind her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam straightened up from his leaning position on the counter and looked at her, then stepped behind the counter and stood next to her.\u00a0 \u201cHave I made you feel unwelcome since you\u2019ve come to town?\u201d he asked her in a quiet voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen turned to face him, and looked into his serious brown eyes.\u00a0 \u201cIt hasn\u2019t been YOU who\u2019s made me feel unwelcome, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she said as she lowered her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

He put a finger under her chin and lifted her head up.\u00a0 \u201cThen who?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen shook her head slightly.\u00a0 \u201cNames aren\u2019t important,\u201d she said, then stepped away from him.\u00a0 \u201cBesides. . .it\u2019s probably my fault for not mingling with all the exciting, bubbly women who hang all over you when they see you.\u00a0 But I guess the reason I don\u2019t do that is because I\u2019m NOT exciting OR bubbly.\u00a0 I\u2019m a quiet sort of woman who doesn\u2019t like to have center stage or vie for a man\u2019s attention.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure that\u2019s hard for you to understand, especially with the kind of life you lead. . . .always on the go, with spirited women after you all the time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took a step towards her.\u00a0 \u201cOn the contrary, Eileen, more often than not I wish for a quiet woman to spend some serene time with, because\u00a0 I\u2019m a quiet sort of person too.\u201d\u00a0 He stood so close to her, she believed she could hear the beating of his heart.\u00a0 Or, was it hers she was hearing?\u00a0 Either way, it unnerved her and she stepped away from him, and walked towards the front door.\u00a0 \u201cI find that rather hard to believe, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Every time I see you, you seem to be enjoying all the attention heaped upon you by\u00a0 the majority of the townswomen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He stepped over to her.\u00a0 \u201cWill you please stop calling me, MR. CARTWRIGHT,\u201d he drawled out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs you wish. . .Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I enjoy all the attention, what red-blooded man wouldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome now, Adam. . .are you trying to tell me that you prefer a quiet, dull, uninteresting woman to a lively, spirited, vivacious one?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust like a spirited horse, you never know what a spirited woman will do.\u00a0 But. . . .the quiet ones. . .you can depend on them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo I remind you of a horse, huh.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes widened.\u00a0 \u201cNo. . .No.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t mean it that way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen smiled a playful smile at his expression, then her smile faded.\u00a0 \u201cA person like me could never fit into YOUR world, Adam,\u201d she said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMY world?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded her head, and walked to the table in the middle of the room and sat down.\u00a0 Adam joined her.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u00a0 Your world of\u00a0 the satisfaction you receive from taming a wild stallion. . .the thrill of coming out the winner in a fistfight. . .the danger of a gunfight.\u00a0 MY world is quite different.\u201d\u00a0 Adam leaned back in his chair and listened as she talked.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve been to the rocky coasts of Maine and have seen the massive lighthouses as they shine their brilliant light through the dense, heavy fog safely guiding ships to their shores, and I\u2019ve heard the foghorn\u2019s lonely wail through the stillness of the night.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been to China and felt silk so soft, it was like a puff of air across my face.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been to India and watched them weave colored threads into beautiful brocades.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been on great lion-hunts in Africa.\u00a0 I\u2019ve seen castles in England and Scotland so huge you could put this whole\u00a0 town\u00a0 inside one\u00a0 of\u00a0 them.\u00a0 I\u2019ve\u00a0 been\u00a0 to\u00a0 Calcutta\u00a0 where\u00a0 they\u00a0 eat\u00a0 exotic foods like. . .pigeon and. . .monkey.\u201d\u00a0 Eileen looked at him with misty eyes.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s my world, Adam,\u201d she said to him, while he watched her face glow with excitement, then change abruptly to sadness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t call that a dull, uninteresting life.\u00a0 It must have been very exciting to you, but I\u2019m curious to know why you gave all that up to come here to live.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t give it up, Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019ve never BEEN to any of those places or seen those things with my eyes.\u00a0 I\u2019ve never experienced any of those things first-hand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you said. . . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen\u2019s eyes welled up with tears as she continued.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve only been to those places and experienced all the excitement they afford through my books.\u00a0 BOOKS are my life, Adam.\u00a0 Only in my mind and in my heart have I seen\u00a0 all\u00a0 those\u00a0 things.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019ve\u00a0 been\u00a0 there. . .in my mind and my heart. . .through my BOOKS.\u201d\u00a0 The tears she tried hard to keep from falling, fell down her face and dripped off her chin.\u00a0 \u201cI know what it\u2019s like to sit\u00a0 and listen to a poet pour out his heart as he performs a reading.\u00a0 I know what it\u2019s like to see a fine, beautiful painting an artist shares on display in New York.\u00a0 I know what it\u2019s like to hear the beautiful music of\u00a0 a great symphony.\u00a0 In my mind and my heart I know all about those things, because they\u2019re in books!\u00a0 No one seems to care about the finer things in life.\u00a0 All they seem to care about is drinking, gambling and hurting each other.\u201d\u00a0 She closed her eyes, forcing more tears to fall down her face.\u00a0 Then she felt a gentle touch on her face as the tears were wiped away.\u00a0 She opened her eyes slowly and through misty eyes she looked into compassionate, brown eyes, as his hand rested under her chin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think that was a very sane and exciting conversation, and I want to hear more about your travels and experiences,\u201d he said as he smiled at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

She moved her head away from his hand and sniffed.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re making fun of me,\u201d she said as she started to stand up.<\/span><\/p>\n

He reached out and placed his hand on hers.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not making fun of you.\u00a0 I want to hear about other things you\u2019ve read about, because I have a love for books, too,\u201d he said quietly.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe I can share with you some things I\u2019VE read about.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen looked into his eyes, then stood up and looked out the Library windows, then walked towards the door and opened it, and stepped outside.\u00a0 As she did, she heard a rustling of fabric and saw a patch of blue disappear around the corner of the Library and fade away into the morning shadows.\u00a0 Adam followed her out, and stood beside her.\u00a0 \u201cI still want to hear about what you\u2019ve read, but right now I want to ask you to the dance tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDance?\u00a0 But why do you want to take ME to the dance?\u00a0 Why not one of your cloud of followers?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you\u2019re the only one who doesn\u2019t try to rip my shirt off every time you see me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo they really do that?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEvery time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou must go through a lot of shirts that way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s just say that Rebecca makes a good living sewing shirts for ME, and green jackets for Little Joe,\u201d he said with a chuckle.\u00a0 \u201cSo will you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked up at him.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think. . .I\u2019m afraid it would be a very dull evening for you, because I don\u2019t dance very well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet me decide whether it\u2019s dull or not, and we don\u2019t have to dance, we can just enjoy watching everybody else dance and enjoy a fun evening together.\u00a0 What do you say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She cocked her head at him and frowned slightly.\u00a0 \u201cYou can have your pick of ANY spirited girl in town, ANY girl. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took her hand and held it. \u201cYes, I can, but I picked YOU to ask to the dance, so will you?\u201d he asked again with a tiny smile playing at the corner of his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you think we would run the risk of getting mobbed by a bunch of women if we went out together in public?\u00a0 You might get hurt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take that chance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPlease?\u201d he cut in quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI still don\u2019t understand why you\u2019re asking ME and not one of the many others who are interested in you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m asking you because you intrigue me, and I want to know more about you. . .so will you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen let out her breath slowly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll think about it.\u00a0 You come by the Library tonight before I close up and I\u2019ll let you know then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you let me know now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cI said I would think about it, and I will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rustling fabric and several pairs of running feet were heard on the board walk, and Eileen and Adam looked in the direction they were coming from.\u00a0 \u201cUh oh, looks like you\u2019ve just been discovered,\u201d Eileen said to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d he said as he braced himself for the onslaught.<\/span><\/p>\n

Saloon girl Becky; Dancer Sunshine; Student Miss Maggie, and Chanteuse debpet, reached Adam at the same time and encircled him, each grabbing for an arm.\u00a0 He looked in Eileen\u2019s direction with pleading eyes, while she smiled sweetly at him.\u00a0 \u201cI should have the answer to your request by the end of the day, after I\u2019ve had a chance to research it thoroughly, Adam,\u201d she said to him, while he was being dragged and pulled in four directions by the four women who descended upon him like ravening wolves upon their prey.\u00a0 And so far, he managed to keep his shirt on.<\/span><\/p>\n

She stood for another full minute watching as he was led away.\u00a0 \u201cUh, Becky!\u00a0 Let go of the poor man and come to work.\u00a0 You\u2019re late as it is.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Eileen, but I just can\u2019t help myself, he\u2019s just so\u2026dreamy.\u201d\u00a0 Becky looked longingly at Adam and fluttered her eyelashes at him.\u00a0 He smiled politely at her and then was dragged mercilessly away by the other three women, still managing to hold onto his shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen placed her hand in the middle of Becky\u2019s back and nudged the love-struck girl forward into the Library.\u00a0 Eileen turned and looked down the street. \u201cSometimes good looks can be a curse, Adam.\u00a0 And you certainly have your share of good looks.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Poor man. . .all he wants is to be left alone, but he\u2019s too kind to tell them,\u201d she said as she watched them disappear around the corner of the doctor\u2019s office at the end of the street.\u00a0 \u201cOh, well.\u201d\u00a0 She stepped back inside the Library and closed the door behind her.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The streets of Fiction City were quiet as the shopkeepers closed their doors for the night, and\u00a0 Sheriff Lily and Deputy Grey began their closing-time patrol of each business establishment.\u00a0 On the other side of town, Eileen had just pulled down the shades on the Library windows, when Adam opened the door and stepped inside.\u00a0 \u201cI thought I heard you ride up, but I really didn\u2019t expect you\u2019d come,\u201d Eileen said to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou said I could come back for the answer to my request at closing time, didn\u2019t you?\u00a0 And I see you\u2019re getting ready to close.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo I did, and so I am. . . But I really didn\u2019t think you\u2019d be interested in coming back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here. . .What\u2019s your answer?\u00a0 Will you accompany me to the dance tonight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen opened her mouth to speak to him to refuse his invitation, but instead she said, \u201cI\u2019ll tell you this. . .if I\u2019m not there by seven, then don\u2019t expect me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you give me a more definite answer than that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 I really can\u2019t.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to give the women of Fiction City any more reasons to dislike me, although I don\u2019t know WHY they do.\u00a0 I think it would be better if none of them knew you had asked me to the dance.\u00a0 If I come, I\u2019ll be there by seven.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be glad to come and escort you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d rather you didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d have to be out and about alone at night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but that\u2019s the way I want it.\u00a0 This is a quiet, peaceful little town, I\u2019m not afraid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you have Sheriff Lily, or Deputy Grey escort you then?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will. . . . .IF I decide to come, that is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI really hope you do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam opened the door and stepped outside.\u00a0 He touched her on the nose and smiled. \u201cDon\u2019t be late.\u00a0 If I get mauled and woman-handled, it\u2019ll be all your fault for being late,\u201d he said in a\u00a0 teasing tone of voice.\u00a0 \u201cPlease come. . . .as a favor to me,\u201d he said quietly.\u00a0 He leaned down and placed a tender kiss on her lips, then with a smile, he was gone.\u00a0 Eileen stepped outside and watched him mount his horse and gallop away.\u00a0 She touched her fingers to her lips and smiled and stepped back inside the Library and turned the lock until it clicked, and turned and walked towards the back room.<\/span><\/p>\n

A few seconds later, she heard his familiar footsteps on the boardwalk, and a tap on the window of the Library door.\u00a0 She turned the lock, then opened it.\u00a0 \u201cForget something, Ad\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A black-clothed figure stepped out from the black shadow of the building and loomed over her.\u00a0 Screaming and feeling a sharp pain, on the side of her head, she fell to the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The dance inside the town hall was in full swing.\u00a0 The Fiction City Slickers Band composed of Shorty, Dakota, Candyfan and Miss Maggie, played lively tunes on their banjo, guitar, violin and harmonica respectively.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss seemed to be enjoying himself, but he looked a little tired and out of breath.\u00a0 Just as soon as Ellie finished one dance with him, Blue Velvet grabbed him and swung him out onto the dance floor for another do-si-do go round.\u00a0 She had greatly improved in her dancing and only managed to stomp on his feet twice per dance so far.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stood by himself near the refreshment table.\u00a0 His followers were either in the Slickers Band or hadn\u2019t arrived yet and he just couldn\u2019t bring himself to dance with an Adam follower, or one of those followers of someone named Candy who he didn\u2019t even know existed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stood near the door talking to Therapist Daydreamer about a dream he had in which he dreamed his hair was only a toupee and not real.\u00a0 Being the wise therapist that she was, Daydreamer told him not to worry about it unless he woke up one morning and his hair stayed on the pillow when he lifted his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

Someone called to daydreamer so she excused herself from Ben\u2019s presence and told him her expertise was needed elsewhere.\u00a0 She mosied across the room, while Ben turned his attention to outside.<\/span><\/p>\n

Standing outside in the shadows for safety from his female followers, Adam waited for Eileen to arrive at the dance.\u00a0 With the help of a small bit of moonlight shining, he took out his pocket watch and checked the time. He looked over when he saw his father emerge and walk towards him.\u00a0 Without waiting for his father to ask, he said,\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019ll be here.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you said she told you if she wasn\u2019t here by seven not to look for her?\u201d Ben asked his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what she said, but it isn\u2019t seven yet,\u201d Adam said, checking his watch again.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s still a couple minutes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked up when he heard horses approach.\u00a0 It was Sheriff Lily and Deputy Grey.<\/span>
\n\u201cGood evening, Adam. . .Ben,\u201d Sheriff Lily said, in greeting as she and Grey stepped down off their mounts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought Eileen was going to have one of you escort her here.\u00a0 Where is she?\u201d Adam asked with a puzzled look on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid I have some bad news for you, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBad news?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sheriff\u00a0 Lily\u00a0 nervously fingered\u00a0 her\u00a0 hat in her hands.\u00a0 \u201cWhen was the last time you saw Eileen?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLate this afternoon. . .around five o\u2019clock I guess.\u00a0 Right before she closed up.\u00a0 Why?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sheriff Lily looked at Adam for quite some time before she spoke.\u00a0 \u201cI hate to have to tell you this, Adam, but I\u2019m going to have to put you under arrest,\u201d she said to him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUnder arrest?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor what Sheriff?\u201d Ben asked hurriedly, as he stepped to Adam\u2019s side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAttempted murder,\u201d Sheriff Lily replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAttempted mur. . .What are you talking about Lily?\u201d Ben responded quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I said, Ben.\u00a0 Late this afternoon, I was making my usual rounds when I stopped at the Library.\u00a0 I always walk her to her room at Lynnette\u2019s Hotel, because of the part of town the Library is in.\u00a0 It was just a few minutes after closing time and that\u2019s when I saw the Library door open and Eileen laying on the floor, in a pool of blood.\u00a0 Her head had almost been split open.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam straightened up and he opened his mouth and a frown etched into his brow.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened?\u00a0 Is she alright?\u201d he asked Sheriff Lily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFirst, tell me about your meeting with her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I went to see her, right before closing time to invite her here to the dance.\u00a0 I told her I would see her about seven and then I left to go home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that\u2019s all?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes, Sheriff.\u00a0 That\u2019s all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sheriff Lily looked at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWell, Adam, I\u2019ve got a witness who says they saw you attack her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe witness is lying, Sheriff,\u201d Adam responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t think so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell who\u2019s the witness?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEileen.\u00a0 She said it was you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEileen?\u00a0 Why would she say that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe told me you left, just like you said, but then a couple minutes later you came back to the Library.\u00a0 She said she opened the door and saw you and the next thing she knew she was waking up in the doctor\u2019s office.\u00a0 She told me this after she woke out of unconsciousness.\u00a0 But she\u2019s unconscious again, and the doctor doesn\u2019t hold out much hope for her recovery right now.\u201d\u00a0 Sheriff Lily took hold of Adam\u2019s arm, Deputy Grey took hold of his other arm.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam, but I\u2019ll have to take you in until we can clear this up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI just can\u2019t believe she would say that I tried to kill her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLily, what happens if she dies?\u201d Ben said to the Sheriff.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sheriff Lily looked at her friend intensely.\u00a0 \u201cI think you know that answer as well as I do, Ben.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam.\u00a0 I wish I didn\u2019t have to do this, but you\u2019ve been accused of a serious crime and I have to take you in.\u201d\u00a0 Sheriff Lily was very sympathetic towards the eldest Cartwright son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026I\u2019ve been accused all day of things I didn\u2019t do, what\u2019s one more accusation,\u201d Adam said sarcastically, and\u00a0 mounted his horse and followed behind the Sheriff with Deputy Grey following behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The sound of the jail cell clanging shut behind Adam made his stomach lurch.\u00a0 He took his hat off and flung it hard down on the cot inside the cell.\u00a0 Ben stood outside the cell, watching his oldest son.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry, son, we\u2019ll get to the bottom of this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just refuse to believe she\u2019s accused me.\u00a0 I wish I could see\u00a0 and talk to her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see if I can talk to her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u00a0 But, Pa, don\u2019t get upset with her for accusing me.\u00a0 Listen to what she has to say.\u00a0 I just can\u2019t believe she would falsely accuse me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see what I can find out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet me know how she is, will you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course I will.\u00a0 Right now, I\u2019m going to talk to the Sheriff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, will you tell Sheriff Lily that I don\u2019t want visitors. . .well, except you, Joe and Hoss, of course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell her, but why don\u2019t you want visitors?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell let\u2019s just say I wouldn\u2019t want the jail to be stormed by certain townspeople.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled slightly.\u00a0 \u201cYou mean your female followers?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s exactly what I mean.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think I\u2019m up to that right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam managed a smile, then sat down on the edge of his cot, and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and resting his chin on his clasped hands.\u00a0 Ben left the cell area and stepped into Sheriff Lily\u2019s office and closed the cell area door behind him.\u00a0 \u201cLily,\u201d he said, \u201cI\u2019ve got to talk to you about this.\u00a0 You know Adam. . .he wouldn\u2019t do anything like this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know he wouldn\u2019t Ben, but an accusation has been made against him and I have to do my duty of following through with it according to the law.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t want to arrest Adam, but I had no choice.\u00a0 I hope you know that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben put a friendly hand on the Sheriff\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cOf course I know that.\u00a0 Just how bad is the girl, Lily?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s pretty bad off right now, Ben.\u00a0 Doc Milesky doesn\u2019t know if she\u2019ll pull through or not.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould I go see her?\u00a0 Maybe talk to her. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLast report, she was still unconscious.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s POSITIVE it was Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe named him, Ben.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know how much more positive a person could be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know her pretty well, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Lily nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI know her very well.\u00a0 I walk her home every day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoes she seem the type to. . .accuse and lie on purpose?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Lily shook her head adamantly.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 Not Eileen.\u00a0 She\u2019s about the sweetest, most generous woman I know.\u00a0 I\u2019ve never heard her say an unkind word about anybody.\u00a0 But the way I\u2019ve seen how the other women in this town shun her, I wouldn\u2019t blame her for having something against somebody, but she always speaks kindly about everybody.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, in any case, I think I\u2019ll see if I can\u2019t talk to her myself.\u201d\u00a0 Ben walked towards the door, then stopped and turned around.\u00a0 \u201cOh by the way, Adam said he\u2019d rather not have visitors, other than myself and his brothers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Lily smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI think I can accommodate him on that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Sheriff.\u00a0 Goodbye,\u201d Ben said, then he was gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGoodbye, Ben.\u201d\u00a0 Sheriff Lily looked at the closed door that separated her office from the cell area.\u00a0 \u201cI hope, for your sake Adam, that Eileen doesn\u2019t die,\u201d she said out loud to herself before she sat down behind her desk.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Eileen lay in Doc Milesky\u2019s back room, fighting for her life.\u00a0 \u201cHello Doc,\u201d Ben said as he entered the office.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d like to talk to Eileen if I could,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ben, but she\u2019s still unconscious.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think she\u2019ll be alright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Milesky scratched her head.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know, Ben.\u00a0 She was hit pretty hard.\u00a0 It\u2019ll be a pure miracle if she does.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc. . .you heard her tell Sheriff Lily what happened to her. . .did she say WHY she thought it was Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo Ben.\u00a0 Just that it was.\u00a0 She was pretty firm about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI asked Lily this, so I\u2019m going to ask you too. . .Does she seem the type to lie or accuse\u00a0 someone deliberately?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Ben.\u00a0 Not Eileen.\u00a0 I would stake my reputation as a doctor on the fact that she believes it was Adam.\u00a0 Ben. . .I know Adam. . .and I don\u2019t believe he would do something like this, I also believe Eileen when she swears to the fact that it WAS Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shook his head in anxiety.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s something wrong, here. . .there\u2019s just something wrong.\u00a0 Adam didn\u2019t do it. . .Eileen SAW him. . .And\u00a0 they\u2019re\u00a0 both\u00a0 telling\u00a0 the\u00a0<\/span>
\ntruth. . .something\u2019s wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nurse Rebecca came out of the back room.\u00a0 \u201cDr. Milesky, it\u2019s Eileen, she\u2019s waking up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Milesky went hurriedly to the back room and over to Eileen\u2019s bed. Ben followed her.\u00a0 The doctor put the palm of her hand on Eileen\u2019s forehead.\u00a0 \u201cNo fever. . .yet.\u00a0 That\u2019s one good sign anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen groaned and moved her head from side to side and her eyelids fluttered open several times before she came awake.\u00a0 Her hand went to her head.\u00a0 \u201cOh my head,\u201d said Eileen as she closed her eyes and moaned with the pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben touched her lightly on the shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cEileen, dear, it\u2019s Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 Do you feel like talking and answering a couple of questions?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she said weakly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I don\u2019t want her upset or tired out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI promise not to do either.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cEileen. . .are you ABSOLUTELY sure it was Adam who attacked you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want it to be him any more than you do, but it WAS him.\u201d\u00a0 Eileen groaned again.\u00a0 \u201cOh my head. . .it hurts so bad,\u201d she said as she squeezed her eyes more tightly shut.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNurse Rebecca will you please administer a teaspoon of laudanum to her to help ease the pain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course doctor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Eileen called to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Eileen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid the Sheriff arrest Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 Yes she did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell him. . .tell Adam I\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 Tell him I wish with all my heart it hadn\u2019t been his face that I saw.\u00a0 Please tell him that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell him.\u201d\u00a0 Ben turned to the doctor.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, doctor, for letting me talk to her.\u00a0 Do you think she\u2019ll recover alright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think she has a very good chance, now that she\u2019s regained consciousness.\u00a0 I\u2019ll keep her here until she\u2019s able to be up and around.\u00a0 Nurse Rebecca and I are going to take turns staying with her around the clock.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u00a0 Adam will be glad to know that.\u00a0 He\u2019s very worried about her.\u201d\u00a0 With that said, Ben was gone, going straight to the jail to see Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben stood on the opposite side of Adam\u2019s cell, Adam\u2019s back to him.\u00a0 \u201cEileen said to tell you she was sorry and wishes it had been someone else she saw.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam placed one hand on each side of his jail cell window and looked out into the night.\u00a0 \u201cSomewhere, out there, Pa, is the man who should be in here.\u00a0 Whoever he is, Eileen felt confident enough to open the door to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll find him, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope Eileen will be alright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Milesky and Nurse Rebecca are doing all they can for her, but you must try not to dwell on it, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know\u2026I can figure out any architectural problem and figure out any blueprint that\u2019s put in front of me, but for the life of me, I can\u2019t figure out a woman when she\u2019s so wrong about something but thinks she\u2019s so right.\u00a0 Eileen really believes I tried to kill her.\u00a0 I don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know she does, Adam, but the truth will come out in time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa,\u201d Adam replied unconvinced, then lay down on the cot and clasped his hands behind his head and stared at the ceiling.\u00a0 Ben knew his son would rather be alone, but he spoke to him anyway.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI need to get going and tell Joe and Hoss everything, so I\u2019ll see you in the morning. Try to get some sleep, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He only stared at the ceiling and didn\u2019t answer his father.\u00a0 Ben stepped into the office area and started towards the door.\u00a0 \u201cOh Ben,\u201d Sheriff Lily called to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stopped and turned around to face the Sheriff.\u00a0 \u201cAfter my investigation is complete, and if there\u2019s no other suspect, Adam will be bound over for trial on attempted murder.\u00a0 You know that don\u2019t you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u00a0 I know that.\u00a0 Let\u2019s just hope your investigation turns up someone other than my son as being the last person to have seen her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor Adam\u2019s sake, I hope so too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben merely nodded, then was gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Meanwhile, in a cabin miles away from Fiction City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello Boss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t \u2018Hello Boss\u2019 me.\u00a0 I told you not to hurt her. . .you were only supposed to scare her enough to where she would leave town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo I got a little carried away.\u00a0 So what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA little carried away!\u00a0 I\u2019ll tell you so what!\u00a0 If she dies, everyone will know it was YOU who attacked her,\u201d Boss said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how are they going to know that, friend?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I\u2019ll tell them. . .friend.\u201d\u00a0 The words were spoken in a hateful tone of voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell now I wouldn\u2019t be so quick to speak up about it if I was you.\u00a0 Because if YOU tell, then I\u2019ll be tellin\u2019 a few things myself. . .like who paid me to get rid of the Librarian.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t. . .you. . .threaten. . .me,\u201d Boss said, drawing out the words clearly and without doubt as to the meaning of the tone of voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh I\u2019m not THREATENING you, it\u2019s a PROMISE.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou stay here and lay low until this thing blows over.\u00a0 As soon as she gets well, I think she\u2019ll probably leave town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t plan to stay in this dump too long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll stay as long as I tell you to stay,\u201d Boss stated firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell now, I don\u2019t think you\u2019re in too good\u00a0 a position to be givin\u2019 orders.\u00a0 Remember, I know who paid me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I told you not to threaten me.\u201d\u00a0 Their eyes locked in defiance of each other.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be back in a couple of days with some more food.\u00a0 In the meantime, you stay out of sight,\u201d Boss said while walking towards the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever you say. . .Boss.\u00a0 But just remember one thing, my silence can get expensive if this thing isn\u2019t cleared up quick.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Their eyes locked in defiance of each other again, then Boss left, leaving the other one alone in the deserted ramshackle cabin.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Eileen opened the Library door and black shadows grabbed at her.\u00a0 She screamed as a hard object struck her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Her eyes were wide as she came fully awake.\u00a0 Breathing heavily and perspiring profusely, she looked at Nurse Rebecca who was immediately at her side.\u00a0 \u201cA nightmare again?\u201d she asked Eileen.\u00a0 \u201cThat makes three nights this week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she said breathlessly.\u00a0 She turned her frightened eyes to Nurse Rebecca\u2019s blue ones.\u00a0 \u201cI saw him. . .Adam. . .it was Adam.\u00a0 But I KNOW he couldn\u2019t hurt anybody.\u00a0 But it was him.\u201d\u00a0 Eileen sobbed as the memory of her attack flooded her mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nurse Rebecca consoled her patient as best she could and knew it would be a long time before Eileen would be able to have even one full night of complete sleep.\u00a0 She felt sorry for her and wished she could tell her it would all be over soon, but she knew by the talk she was hearing around town, it wasn\u2019t going to be over soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam,\u201d Sheriff Lily said while she slid a food tray into his cell.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not having any luck at finding any clues to Eileen\u2019s REAL attacker.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI just wish I could talk to her,\u201d he said as he looked up at the window in his cell.<\/span><\/p>\n

A knock on the outside cell area door diverted Adam\u2019s attention away from his thoughts and he turned to look in that direction and stepped over to the cell bars.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Sheriff.\u00a0 Mind if I talk to the prisoner?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sheriff Lily looked the stranger up and down.\u00a0 \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy card.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sheriff Lily read the inscription on the small card.\u00a0 \u201cMadison Craig, Fiction Gazette\u201d\u00a0 Sheriff Lily looked up from the card to the stranger named Madison Craig.\u00a0 \u201cFiction Gazette?\u00a0 Oh, you must be the new reporter, I heard was coming to town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I got in late last night, and just heard about what happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked the reporter up and down and watched while she took a pencil and pad out of her bag.\u00a0 \u201cCare to give a statement, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d she asked while she stepped over in front of his cell.<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked into her pretty face and pretty or not, he answered,\u00a0 \u201cNo I do not.\u201d\u00a0 He turned his back to her and walked away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cANY statement at all would be better than NO statement,\u201d she replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam remained silent.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to ask you to leave, Miss Craig,\u201d Sheriff Lily said kindly to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Sheriff, there\u2019s a story here\u2026Surely you\u2019re not going to deny me the right to get that story,\u201d Madison insisted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight?!\u00a0 What. . .right?!\u201d Adam blurted out as he turned around to face her.\u00a0 \u201cThe right to give you permission to spread your gossip that I tried to kill the Librarian?!\u201d he added sarcastically in an angry tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Madison Craig\u2019s hand was moving quickly as she wrote on her paper.\u00a0 \u201cDid you?\u201d she asked while she wrote.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff. . .get her out of here,\u201d Adam said through clenched teeth, while he turned his back to her again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you going to answer my question?\u201d\u00a0 Madison called out over her shoulder as Sheriff Lily ushered her out quickly and closed the door behind her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sheriff Lily stepped back into the cell area.\u00a0 \u201cSorry \u2018bout that, Adam.\u00a0 Better eat before your food gets cold. Ellie might not take too kindly to her food not being eaten,\u201d she said with a laugh in her voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can just see tomorrow\u2019s headline in that paper,\u201d Adam said as he wagged his head back and forth.\u00a0 \u201cADAM CARTWRIGHT CONFESSES TO ATTEMPTED MURDER!\u201d he added bitterly as he stretched forth his hand out in front of him and cupped his hand and swept his arm in the air.\u00a0 Then, stepping out of his normally quiet demeanor for a moment, and in a gesture of uncontrolled anger, he kicked the cell door, causing it to rattle loudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I hate to tell you this now, but Judge Elizabeth has ordered a trial on the charge against you.\u00a0 Eileen\u2019s well enough to testify now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam breathed deeply and let it out slowly.\u00a0 \u201cWhen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust as soon as Michelle gets back in town.\u00a0 Judge Elizabeth has appointed her to handle your case, besides being the Mayor, she\u2019s also a lawyer you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know, but who\u2019s representing Eileen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDaydreamer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s just a therapist.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know. . .but she\u2019s also an attorney.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam wagged his head back and forth. \u201cMichelle will eat her alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMichelle may be a tough attorney, but she\u2019s fair.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sat down on the edge of his cot and leaned forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the end Adam, the truth will set you free.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just hope the end doesn\u2019t come too late for me to enjoy being set free,\u201d he replied in a dejected tone of voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

In the ramshackle cabin, miles away. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo there\u2019s going to be a trial, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Boss threw the paper down on the floor of the cabin in anger.\u00a0 \u201cYes, there\u2019s going to be a trial.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t want it to come to this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, Boss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Boss\u2019 face screwed up in anger.\u00a0 \u201cIf you hadn\u2019t been so stupid and hit her so hard, it would have been all over by now!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah, well what\u2019s done is done.\u00a0 Maybe I could just fix it to where that Librarian was made to die.\u00a0 Then she would be out of the way and they would have to let Cartwright go because there wouldn\u2019t be no witnesses against him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Boss\u2019 head jerked up and looking with wide eyes, exclaimed,\u00a0 \u201cNO!\u00a0 I want no part of a killing!\u00a0 What you did was bad enough.\u00a0 But NO KILLING!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust a thought Boss.\u201d\u00a0 The words were spoken nonchalantly by the speaker.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going back to town to see if I can hear anything else.\u201d\u00a0 Turning to the accomplice, Boss said, \u201cJust be sure you stay hidden until it\u2019s safe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about me, Boss.\u00a0 I can take care of myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not YOU I\u2019m worried about. . .I\u2019m concerned about MYSELF should any of this gets out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I can see where you WOULD be worried,\u201d the accomplice said with a smirk on their face.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Boss looked daggers at the accomplice.\u00a0 \u201cJust do your part and stay hidden.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure Boss.\u00a0 Sure.\u201d\u00a0 The smirk transformed into a devious grin as the Boss left the cabin.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Rebecca, the town seamstress, worked diligently and quickly to finish two blue dresses so she would be able to attend the trial when it started in an hour.\u00a0 She had been so busy tending Eileen in her nursing capacity, her sewing work had piled up on her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Val took over as ticketmaster when the previous manager retired. She had just handed a pretty woman in a blue dress a ticket that would take her to San Francisco.\u00a0 Val closed up shop and ran to the courthouse, not the saloon, because Judge Elizabeth had ordered the saloon closed twelve hours before the start of the trial.<\/span><\/p>\n

Uptight Schoolmarm Sneddy already had her place secured in the courtroom.\u00a0 She had announced to the school children the day before that school would not be in session during the trial of her not-so-favorite Cartwright, so she could attend.\u00a0 She wouldn\u2019t miss this trial for love or money.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shorty had just finished giving an out-of-town customer a shave and haircut and as soon as he was out of the door, Shorty closed up shop and ran to the courthouse to attend the trial.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lynnette sipped her glass of iced tea between registering hotel guests who had come in for the trial of Adam Cartwright.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie had already closed the caf\u00e9 and was seated directly behind Hoss.\u00a0 Every once in awhile she and Blue Velvet fought over the chair directly behind him, so to make it fair, Hoss suggested that they each share half of the chair, so they could both be seated directly behind him.\u00a0 It was uncomfortable, but they endured it just to be near their sweet man.<\/span><\/p>\n

Miss Maggie, Chanteuse Debpet, and Dancer Sunshine were all seated together, crying into their handkerchiefs at the possible fate their beloved Adam was facing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trials are always big news in every town, but when a trial took place AND involved someone as important as a Cartwright, Fiction City was a busy, busy place.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen sat looking straight ahead with Daydreamer beside her, writing on a paper pad.\u00a0 The courtroom was filled to capacity and buzzing with excited tones as Sheriff Lily and Deputy Grey, arrived with Adam Cartwright wearing handcuffs.<\/span><\/p>\n

They passed in front of Eileen and she looked at Adam as he looked at her.\u00a0 They each saw sadness and hurt in each other\u2019s eyes instead of animosity towards one another.\u00a0 Sheriff Lily urged her prisoner forward to take his place beside his attorney.<\/span><\/p>\n

With sketch pad in hand, Candyfan\u2019s hand moved swiftly and accurately over the paper as she drew the scene before her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Madison Craig, also with pencil and paper in hand, feverishly wrote down every word she could hear plainly AND some she COULDN\u2019T hear plainly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Judge Elizabeth banged her gavel on the wooden disk on her desk to signal quiet in the room.\u00a0 The voices of spectators dropped to hushed tones as the Judge began.\u00a0 \u201cThis trial has been called to establish the guilt or innocence of Adam Cartwright in regards to a charge of attempted murder,\u201d Judge Elizabeth said as she leafed through the papers in her hands.\u00a0 Looking up now she continued.\u00a0 \u201cHow does the defendant plead to this charge?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was leaning forward in his chair with his arms crossed on the table in front of him, his expression sober and solemn.\u00a0 Michelle stood up at her place beside him.\u00a0 \u201cMy client pleads not guilty, Your Honor,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Judge turned to Saloon Girl Becky , who also served as court clerk when needed.\u00a0 \u201cLet it be shown in the records that Adam Cartwright pleads not guilty.\u201d\u00a0 Turning to Daydreamer, the Judge said, \u201cCan you show sufficient cause against this defendant?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Daydreamer stood up and faced the Judge.\u00a0 \u201cYes, Your Honor.\u00a0 We can place the defendant, Adam Cartwright, at the scene of the crime on the day and time in question, and my client will testify to the assault.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet it be so stated,\u201d Judge Elizabeth said to Becky.\u00a0 \u201cCall your first witness for testimony,\u201d she said to daydreamer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI call Sheriff Lily to the stand please,\u201d Daydreamer said loudly and plainly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sheriff Lily was sworn in by Becky and promised she would tell the truth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, please tell us everything you know about the night the attack against Eileen K. occurred.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I was making my rounds as usual.\u00a0 My last stop is always the Library.\u00a0 This particular night when I got to the Library, I saw the door was open and then I saw Eileen laying on the floor just inside the door.\u00a0 There was blood everywhere.\u00a0 Her head had a large cut on it, she was unconscious, and had a concussion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Michelle jumped up from her place beside Adam. \u201cObjection.\u00a0 The Sheriff is not a medical authority, and as such, is not qualified to offer any definitive medical observations as to whether Eileen was or was not suffering from a concussion.\u00a0 I ask that her statement regarding the concussion be stricken from the record.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSustained.\u00a0 The witness\u2019 statement regarding the concussion shall be stricken from the record.\u201d\u00a0 Turning to Sheriff Lily, she said, \u201cWill you please rephrase your answer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI saw Eileen laying on the floor in a pool of blood.\u00a0 Her head was bleeding, and she was unconscious.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you do?\u201d Daydreamer asked the Sheriff.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI checked to see if she was still breathing, then I picked her up and ran with her to Doc Milesky\u2019s office.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen did Eileen regain consciousness?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot until after Doc worked on her to get the bleeding stopped.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid she say anything to you when she regained consciousness?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes she did.\u00a0 When I asked her if she saw who attacked her, she told me that she had.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho did she say attacked her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Michelle stood up quickly again.\u00a0 \u201cObjection Your Honor.\u00a0\u00a0 The Sheriff testified\u00a0 that my client\u2019s accuser had just come out of an unconscious state.\u00a0 Therefore, I contend she probably was not rational at the time, and may have been dreaming the whole ordeal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Daydreamer spoke up quickly.\u00a0 \u201cYour Honor, I\u2019ll be able to substantiate this witness\u2019 testimony by my client\u2019s own testimony, who is QUITE rational at this time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cObjection overruled,\u201d Judge Elizabeth stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, who did Eileen say attacked her the night in question?\u00a0 Did she name him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sheriff Lily looked at Adam, who remained motionless.\u00a0 \u201cShe told me it was. . .Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The courtroom became like a hive of overworked bees.\u00a0 Madison Craig was writing as fast as her hand would move and Candyfan had already used up four sheets of sketch paper capturing the illustrations that would appear in the morning edition of the Fiction Gazette.\u00a0 Judge Elizabeth banged her gavel down hard on the small wooden disk.\u00a0 \u201cOrder!\u00a0 Let\u2019s have order folks!\u201d she ordered.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Judge continued once the order was restored to the courtroom.\u00a0 \u201cYou may continue Daydreamer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have no more questions for this witness, Your Honor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMichelle, would you care to cross-examine this witness?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Your Honor.\u00a0 Thank you.\u00a0 Sheriff Lily, what time would you say it was when you reached the Library on the night in question?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was about five or six minutes after Eileen closed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFive or six minutes.\u00a0 Was it five minutes or was it six minutes?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I can\u2019t be ABSOLUTELY sure. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, my client\u2019s welfare is at stake here.\u00a0 A minute can make a difference as to his innocence or guilt.\u00a0 Now was it five minutes or was it six minutes?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFive minutes after closing.\u201d\u00a0 Michelle looked at a piece of paper in her hand.\u00a0 \u201cThis is Eileen\u2019s statement she made to you after she regained consciousness.\u00a0 According to that statement, she said Adam Cartwright came to the Library at closing time, stayed a couple\u2026which is two\u2026minutes then left.\u00a0 Is that right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 That\u2019s right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, the Library is on the corner of the street isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHow long do you think it would take a person to step from the side street beside the Library to the Library door?\u00a0 Five minutes?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Daydreamer stood up quickly.\u00a0 \u201cObjection!\u00a0 Your Honor, I don\u2019t see how this line of questioning is relevant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOn the contrary, Your Honor, this line of questioning is VERY relevant in order to establish my client\u2019s innocence in this matter.\u00a0 I\u2019m trying to establish a time element,\u201d Michelle countered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll allow this line of questioning, Counselor, but make sure you get to the point of the relevance quickly.\u00a0 Objection overruled.\u00a0 Proceed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Your Honor.\u00a0 Will you answer the question, Sheriff?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt would probably take just a few seconds to get from the corner of the building to the Library front door.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA few seconds.\u00a0 Sheriff, how long do you think it takes to get from the Library to the end of town and back. . . .if you were riding a horse?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProbably two to three minutes each way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwo to three minutes.\u00a0 And it was five minutes after closing time that you discovered Eileen on the floor of the Library?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDid you see my client the night in question in the vicinity of the Library when you made your rounds?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t see him at all that night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright.\u00a0 We have my client arriving at the Library right at closing time which is,<\/span>
\n\u00a0what. . . .five o\u2019clock?\u201d\u00a0 Sheriff Lily nodded.\u00a0 \u201cMy client stayed two minutes then left, and five minutes after five, you discovered Eileen on the Library floor.\u00a0 Correct?<\/span><\/p>\n

Sheriff Lily nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u00a0 That\u2019s correct.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSuppose someone else was hiding in the shadows beside the Library.\u00a0 According to your testimony, Sheriff. . .it would take only a few seconds for them to step out and stand in front of the Library door.\u00a0 Isn\u2019t that what you said?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhen you were making your rounds that night, was there a lot of activity on the streets?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 It was fairly quiet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you were making your rounds on the street the Library is located on, did you see or hear anyone leave the area on a horse?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 The street was deserted.\u00a0 Everyone had already closed up and gone home.\u00a0 Well, except for Eileen, and I was on my way then to walk her home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo the street was deserted. . .except for yourself of course.\u00a0 So why didn\u2019t you see or hear Adam Cartwright riding away from the Library that night?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Sheriff looked at Michelle but didn\u2019t answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t it seem a little odd to you, Sheriff, that if a crime had just been committed, you would have seen or heard something or someone?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell Sheriff, what you\u2019re telling me is that my client arrived at the Library right at five o\u2019clock, talked with Eileen for two minutes, and to be conservative, let\u2019s say it took him only TWO minutes to make that trip out of town; he spends another two minutes coming back into town, and commits assault on her.\u00a0 That makes it six minutes after five, one minute AFTER you found her, then he spends another two minutes riding out of town.\u00a0 Why didn\u2019t you see all that?\u00a0 You were right there.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSheriff, how long have you known Adam Cartwright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSeveral years.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeing a Sheriff, you pretty well know how criminals act, how they live their lives, the kind of character they have.\u00a0 Would you say Adam Cartwright lives, acts and has the character of a criminal?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 Of course not.\u00a0 He\u2019s a respectable man.\u00a0 His whole family is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow would you describe Adam Cartwright\u2019s character?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI would say he has impeccable character.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou speak very highly of him.\u00a0 A person that is greatly respected and with such impeccable character, like you say he has. . .in your opinion, as a character witness for Adam Cartwright, do you think he could be capable of committing such a horrendous act like he\u2019s accused of?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI personally don\u2019t think so, but he was ident. . . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Sheriff,\u201d Michelle cut in quickly.\u00a0 \u201cNo further questions., but\u00a0 I would like to reserve the right to call this witness again if needed, Your Honor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo recorded.\u00a0 You may step down Sheriff.\u00a0 Do you have any other witnesses you would like to call, Daydreamer?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Daydreamer spoke clearly.\u00a0 \u201cYes, Your Honor.\u00a0 I call Doc Milesky to the stand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Milesky rose from her place and was sworn in and took the witness seat.\u00a0 \u201cDoc Milesky,\u201d Daydreamer began.\u00a0 \u201cWill you please describe the injuries sustained by my client at the hand of her assailant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe had contusions, abrasions and a severely deep gash on the side of her head above her right temple causing unconsciousness and a concussion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs a medical expert, would you say that the blow to her head would have been fatal had she been struck just right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cObjection, Your Honor.\u00a0 Counsel is leading the witness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSustained.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll rephrase the question, Your Honor.\u00a0 In your medical expert opinion, Doc Milesky, WHICH injury, if any, could have been fatal to my client?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe gash above her temple.\u00a0 An inch lower would have caused instant death.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The courtroom became a noisy buzz of voices again.\u00a0 And again, Judge Elizabeth banged her gavel for order.\u00a0 Candyfan\u2019s talented artistic hand flew over her sketch pad, capturing the courtroom scene.\u00a0 Madison Craig\u2019s hand was also busy pushing her pencil across her pad of writing paper trying to write every spoken word.\u00a0 Chanteuse Debpet, Student Miss Maggie and Dancer Sunshine continued to cry into their hankies every time they thought about their beloved Adam facing such a horrendous charge.\u00a0 Ellie and Blue Velvet were only interested in getting Hoss to notice them.\u00a0 They tried tickling his earlobes and reaching around him and patting his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once the Judge restored order, Daydreamer continued.\u00a0 \u201cDoc, when Eileen regained consciousness, did she say anything to you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, she did.\u00a0 She said\u2026let me see if I can remember her exact words\u2026she said\u2026 \u2018Why, Adam.\u00a0 Why\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe talking about Adam Cartwright wasn\u2019t she.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cObjection, Your Honor.\u00a0 Counsel is leading the witness again.\u00a0 Besides, there must be a dozen men around named Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll rephrase.\u00a0 Who did Eileen specifically name as her assailant?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter she gained full consciousness to where the Sheriff could question her, she said the man who attacked her was Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dancer Sunshine, Chanetuse Debpet and Student Miss Maggie wailed out loud and stood up and rushed to Adam and encircled him as they wailed like banshees.\u00a0 Uptight Schoolmarm Sneddy hurrahed, clapped and whistled her approval of Adam\u2019s incrimination.\u00a0 The crowd of spectators stood up and began pointing their fingers and talking loudly.\u00a0 Sheriff Lily and Deputy Grey had a devil of a time trying to pry the three weepy women away from Adam.\u00a0 Candyfan grabbed another pencil and flipped over another page on her sketch pad to capture the outburst.\u00a0 Madison Craig filled another page of notes on her pad.<\/span><\/p>\n

Judge Elizabeth banged her gavel and yelled.\u00a0 \u201cOrder!\u00a0 Order in this court!\u00a0 I will not have my courtroom turned into a circus!\u00a0 Anymore outbursts of this nature and I\u2019ll have this courtroom cleared!\u201d\u00a0 Judge Elizabeth was stern and definite in her statements and the crowd quieted down to where you could hear even the finest silk pin drop.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow,\u201d Judge Elizabeth continued.\u00a0 \u201cYou may proceed with this witness, Miss Prosecutor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have no more questions for the doctor.\u00a0 Your witness, counselor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Michelle stood up from her place at the defense desk, but didn\u2019t approach the doctor.\u00a0 \u201cDoc Milesky\u2026in your expert opinion\u2026when a person sustains an injury of this nature, can they be disoriented, confused and unaware of what\u2019s happened to them after they wake out of unconsciousness?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, they can and more often than not, they are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, doctor, no further questions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have one on redirect, Your Honor.\u00a0 In your expert opinion, Doc Milesky, did Eileen appear to be disoriented, confused and unaware of what happened to her when she regained full consciousness?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn my opinion? No, she was not disoriented or confused and she was fully aware of everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, doctor, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have any further witnesses or evidence, Miss Prosecutor?\u201d Judge Elizabeth asked Daydreamer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Your Honor.\u00a0 I call Eileen K., to the witness stand.\u201d\u00a0 Eileen stood up slowly and walked just as slowly to the witness chair and after being sworn in by Becky, promised to tell the truth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Daydreamer smiled as she spoke quietly and calmly to Eileen.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid, Eileen.\u00a0 Please tell the court and the jury what happened on the night in question.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen looked at her attorney with wide eyes then glanced at Adam, who continued to lean forward on the table in front of him, staring intently at her.\u00a0 He knew her testimony could convict him of attempted murder.\u00a0 If convicted, he could spend as many as fifteen years at hard labor in the Territorial Prison.\u00a0 His eyes told her to tell the truth regardless of the outcome.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead, Eileen, tell what happened,\u201d Daydreamer gently urged her client.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen pulled nervously at her handkerchief\u00a0 while\u00a0 she\u00a0 talked.\u00a0 \u201cWell. . .I. . .Adam<\/span>
\nhad. . .come to the Library at closing time to. . .\u201d she glanced at him again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo what, Eileen?\u201d Daydreamer asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo find out my answer about attending the dance with him that night.\u00a0 He and I had talked earlier in the day and I told him to. . .come to the Library for my answer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid he come at closing time?\u201d Daydreamer asked her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen looked at Adam through misty eyes and thought she saw him smile at her slightly, but she couldn\u2019t be sure, so she blinked her eyes rapidly several times to clear them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnswer the question, Eileen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen looked at her attorney.\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnswer the question.\u00a0 Did Adam Cartwright come to the Library at closing time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen felt such a great amount of emotion come over her that she could only nod her head in answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnswer out loud, please,\u201d Judge Elizabeth said kindly.<\/span><\/p>\n

With her head lowered, Eileen answered, \u201cYes,\u201d softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLouder please, Eileen,\u201d Daydreamer urged.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen raised her head and looked at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u00a0 He did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The courtroom became alive with activity again as people leaned over to one another whispering to each other.\u00a0 Ben, Joe and Hoss all shifted in their seats, but Adam remained motionless.<\/span><\/p>\n

Judge Elizabeth banged her gavel for order.\u00a0 \u201cYou may proceed Daydreamer,\u201d she said when the crowd grew quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened then, Eileen?\u201d Daydreamer asked her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen closed her eyes and took a deep breath and let it out, then opened her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWe talked a couple of minutes, then we said goodbye and I closed and locked the door.\u00a0 A few seconds later I heard a knock at the door and thinking it was Adam coming back, I opened the door.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWas it Adam Cartwright at the door?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen looked at Adam, whose expression hadn\u2019t changed since he sat down.\u00a0 She looked at her attorney and put her hand over her face.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t. . .I can\u2019t. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Daydreamer saw Eileen was faltering, so she quickly said, \u201cWas it Adam Cartwright standing at the door of the Library when you opened it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Eileen said with great difficulty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Daydreamer placed a soothing hand over her client\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cI know this is hard for you, Eileen, but it won\u2019t last much longer.\u00a0 What do you remember happening next?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen gained her composure then replied, \u201cI saw him raise his hand, then I screamed and then I felt pain in my head.\u00a0 The next thing I knew I was waking up in Doc Milesky\u2019s office.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne more question, Eileen.\u00a0 Are you one-hundred percent sure it was Adam Cartwright you saw with an object in his raised hand ready to strike you, and was it Adam Cartwright who struck you in the head?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen looked at Adam with a deep frown etched into her forehead.\u00a0 With her chin trembling and tears falling down her face she replied, \u201cYes.\u00a0 It was.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Once again, the courtroom buzzed with voices and the Judge had to restore order.\u00a0 \u201cProceed,\u201d Judge Elizabeth ordered when the noise had quieted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have no more questions for this witness, Your Honor, but I reserve the right to call her again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo recorded.\u00a0 Your witness Michelle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEileen, I know how difficult this is for you, and I\u2019ll try to be as gentle as I can in my questioning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen sniffed and nodded her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

Michelle looked at a piece of paper in her hand.\u00a0 \u201cEileen, you stated that you and Adam talked a couple of minutes, said goodbye and you locked the door.\u00a0 About how long would you say it was between the time the two of you said your good-byes and you locked the door?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA minute.\u00a0 Maybe two.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you lock the door immediately?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. . .I. . .I watched him ride away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou watched him ride away.\u00a0 You went back inside and locked the door then?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear Adam Cartwright ride up the first time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 I knew it was him by the sound of his horse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear Adam ride up the second time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen thought for a moment.\u00a0 \u201cNo. . .I don\u2019t remember hearing. . .him ride up the second time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t remember hearing him ride up. . .yet you KNOW it was my client who attacked you.\u00a0 Is that right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHow do you KNOW it was Adam Cartwright who attacked you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I saw him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou SAW him.\u00a0 Was it still daylight outside?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was getting dark.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou could see it was my client even though it was getting dark outside and he stood in the dark shadows of the building?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Daydreamer stood up abruptly.\u00a0 \u201cObjection Your Honor!\u00a0 Counsel is badgering the witness!\u00a0 My client is not on trial!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour Honor, I\u2019m merely trying to establish whether my client was at the scene of the crime at the time of the attack, just as my opponent has tried to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cObjection overruled.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Facing Eileen, Michelle continued.\u00a0 \u201cCould you see my client clearly even though it was almost dark outside, and he was in the shadows of the building?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 The lights were still on in the Library.\u00a0 I saw him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDescribe him as you saw him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo I have to go through this again?\u201d Eileen asked the Judge fearfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m afraid you do,\u201d Judge Elizabeth said kindly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was dressed in black, just as he always is.\u00a0 Black shirt.\u00a0 Black pants.\u00a0 Black hat.\u00a0 Black hair.\u00a0 It was Adam.\u00a0 It was Adam!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCouldn\u2019t it have been someone else you saw?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u00a0 It was Adam!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWas it?!\u00a0 My client had already left!\u00a0 The Sheriff testified it takes at least two minutes to leave town, yet you stated in your testimony it was only a few SECONDS later that you opened the door and saw my client standing in the doorway.\u00a0 Wasn\u2019t it someone else you saw, Eileen?!\u00a0 Wasn\u2019t it?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen put her face in her hands.\u00a0 \u201cNo!\u00a0 No!\u201d she shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stood up suddenly from his place.\u00a0 \u201cMichelle, stop!\u201d he said loudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Judge Elizabeth banged her gavel.\u00a0 \u201cSit down, Mr. Cartwright!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam pointed to Michelle.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTell her to stop!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright. . .sit down!\u201d Judge Elizabeth ordered again with a bang of her gavel.<\/span><\/p>\n

Michelle went quickly to Adam\u2019s side while Daydreamer went to Eileen who was now trembling and sobbing uncontrollably.<\/span><\/p>\n

Michelle took hold of Adam\u2019s arm. \u201cSit down, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want you doing that to her,\u201d he said in a harsh tone to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Michelle pulled him down into his chair beside her and looked him in the eyes. \u201cDon\u2019t you understand. . .if I can\u2019t shake her testimony. . .if I can\u2019t find a flaw in it. . .you\u2019re going to spend the next fifteen years breaking rocks in prison!\u00a0 I\u2019ve got to be hard on her!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s been through enough as it is, you don\u2019t have to go about it that way,\u201d he replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to do everything we can to prove your innocence, Adam.\u00a0 EVERYTHING.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot like that,\u201d he answered in a calm, low voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright.\u00a0 Then we\u2019ll find another way,\u201d Michelle said, relenting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cYour Honor, my client needs time to compose herself.\u00a0 May we please have a recess?\u201d Daydreamer said to the Judge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis Court will reconvene tomorrow morning at ten o\u2019clock.\u00a0 Court is adjourned,\u201d Judge Elizabeth said as she banged her gavel down on the wooden disk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Madison Craig wrote as fast as her fingers would move, and she hoped she would be able to read what she wrote once she was back at the newspaper office.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candyfan\u2019s talented artist\u2019s hand flew across the paper of her sketch pad as she captured the court scene being displayed in front of her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Daydreamer put her arm around Eileen\u2019s shoulders and led her away from the witness box, where they were met, in the middle of the room, by Sheriff Lily and Deputy Grey with Adam between them.\u00a0 Eileen and Adam looked at each other.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t want it to be you,\u201d Eileen said to Adam while she cried.\u00a0 Adam nodded his head.\u00a0 \u201cI know,\u201d he replied quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben, Joe and Hoss followed Sheriff Lily, Deputy Grey and Adam back to the jail, while Eileen was escorted to Doc Milesky\u2019s office, where she was given a sedative by Nurse Rebecca.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bartender Val opened the Fiction Saloon and offered free sarsparilla to anyone who wanted it. Saloon Girl Becky and Lynnette, leaned on the bar exchanging ideas about who they thought was telling the truth.\u00a0 \u201cI know the Cartwright\u2019s and I know Adam wouldn\u2019t hurt anybody,\u201d Lynnette stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I know Miss Eileen.\u00a0 She\u2019s as honest as the Cartwright\u2019s.\u00a0 She wouldn\u2019t accust somebody wrongly,\u201d Saloon Girl Becky said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell SOMEBODY is lying,\u201d Val commented, as she wiped the counter in front of her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but which one?\u201d Candyfan asked as she grabbed her violin case and opened it.\u00a0 \u201cHow about a little music to liven this place up?\u2019 she remarked.\u00a0 Her nimble fingers moved quickly up and down the strings of her violin as she drew the bow back and forth across the strings at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shorty sat in her barbershop fanning herself as she sat in one of the two barber chairs, waiting for customers to come in.\u00a0 Dakota sorted mail at the Post Office.<\/span>
\n****************<\/span><\/p>\n

At the ramshackle cabin miles away. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell now\u2026That Cartwright boy just might get convicted after all,\u201d the accomplice said while reading the juicy article Madison Craig had written about the trial.\u00a0 Candyfan\u2019s drawings were so lifelike, one could almost see the anguish on Adam\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t want this,\u201d Boss said while crumpling the newspaper and throwing it in the fire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWant it or not. . .you got it.\u00a0 After Cartwright\u2019s convicted and sentenced, we\u2019re home free,\u201d the accomplice said with a sneer on their face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHome free nothing.\u00a0 With Adam out of the way, we BOTH lose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you figure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust take my word for it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m getting mighty tired of being cooped up here.\u00a0 I need a little entertainment to keep from going crazy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou stay put.\u00a0 You know how you get when you go seeking. . .entertainment. . .as you call it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m bored to death in this rat hole!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m warning you. . .you leave here and show up in town and all our plans are washed down the gully.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow much longer?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, but we\u2019ll both get what we want if we\u2019re patient.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got to get back to town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Boss left the accomplice standing in the middle of the ramshackle cabin once again.<\/span>
\n*************<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam heard a gaggle of giggles outside his cell window and turned around to face the window that was high up on the wall.\u00a0 He saw the four smiling faces of Saloon Girl Becky; Dancer Sunshine; Student Miss Maggie and Chanteuse Debpet, looking right at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLadies. . .please.\u00a0 I\u2019m trying to wash myself,\u201d Adam said as he grabbed his shirt and shoved his arms in the sleeves and pulling shirt tightly around him.\u00a0 \u201cDo. . . .you. . . .mind,\u201d he drawled out in an annoyed tone of voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

All four women shook their heads.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t mind a bit.\u00a0 You just go right ahead.\u00a0 Forget we\u2019re even here,\u201d Becky said as she flashed him her most winsome smile.\u00a0 Then the four of them giggled again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam walked over to the cell doors and called out.\u00a0 \u201cSheriff Lily!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Shortly, the Sheriff entered the cell area and Adam pointed to his cell window.\u00a0 \u201cI know Bartender Val runs the public bathhouse. . .but this is a little ridiculous.\u00a0 This is a little TOO public, don\u2019t you think.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take care of it,\u201d Sheriff Lily said, with a smile, then added, \u201cYou\u2019re just too charming for your own good, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow you sound like my brothers.\u00a0 Just get rid of my audience so I can finish, will ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sheriff Lily left the cell area with a loud, hearty laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

She found the four women had stacked boxes beneath Adam\u2019s cell window and all four were perched on the top one.\u00a0 \u201cAlright ladies.\u00a0 Show\u2019s over.\u00a0 Come down and move along,\u201d she told them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reluctantly, the four of them came down from their lofty height and walked away with pouty expressions on their faces.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sheriff Lily merely shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s almost dangerous to be young and handsome this day and age,\u201d she said out loud as\u00a0 she stood under Adam\u2019s cell window.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re tellin\u2019 ME,\u201d she heard a deep voice say as the words drifted up and out of the cell window above her head.\u00a0 Sheriff Lily looked up over her head at the window and laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

*******************<\/span>
\nThe next day at ten o\u2019clock sharp, Judge Elizabeth banged her gavel once on the wooden disk.\u00a0 \u201cThis court is once again in session,\u201d she declared.\u00a0 \u201cDaydreamer, do you wish to recall any witnesses or have any new testimony to introduce?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Daydreamer stood up beside Eileen.\u00a0 \u201cNo Your Honor.\u00a0 We rest our case against the accused,\u201d she said, then sat down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning to Michelle, Judge Elizabeth said, \u201cDo you wish to recall any witnesses or have any new testimony to introduce?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Michelle stood up beside Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI have a request of the Court before I proceed with my client\u2019s case, Your Honor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cState your request.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Michelle could state her request, a noisy ruckus could be heard in the hallway and Deputy Grey entered, pulling a man along wearing handcuffs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the meaning of this intrusion, Deputy Grey, and who is that man?\u201d Judge Elizabeth ordered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI found him skulking around down by the Vet\u2019s office.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBring him forward.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Madison Craig\u2019s hand moved swiftly as did Candyfan\u2019s.\u00a0 People whispered and talked to the one sitting next to them. Ellie and Blue Velvet used this opportunity to plant kiss after kiss on each side of Hoss\u2019 face while Little Joe looked on and cackled.\u00a0 Adam studied the man in handcuffs closely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Deputy Grey stood with the man in front of Judge Elizabeth\u2019s bench.\u00a0 The man was tall, with black wavy hair, wearing black pants, vest and red shirt.\u00a0 His black hat was pushed back and rested on the back of his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Deputy Grey, you said you found him snooping around the Vet\u2019s?\u201d Judge Elizabeth asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Your Honor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019ll just let me explain why,\u201d the man spoke up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead.\u00a0 But first tell us your name and what you\u2019re doing in Fiction City,\u201d Judge Elizabeth said to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI tried telling your Deputy, but I was just handcuffed and dragged over here.\u00a0 My name is Canaday and my horse hurt his leg and I was just trying to find the Vet to have him look at it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHer,\u201d Deputy Grey corrected.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Canaday asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHer.\u00a0 The vet\u2019s name is Lynnette and she\u2019s a girl.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever,\u201d Canaday replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll have to forgive us, Mr. Canaday, we\u2019re in the middle of a trial so none of the businesses are open right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can understand that, Judge, but I really need to get my horse\u2019s leg tended to and be on my way and could you please uncuff me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Deputy Grey looked at Judge Elizabeth and she nodded.\u00a0 \u201cLynnette, why don\u2019t you go ahead and take care of the man\u2019s horse for him,\u201d Judge Elizabeth said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lynnette nodded and Canaday followed.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t want anything to happen to him, he\u2019s an appaloosa and there aren\u2019t too many of them around,\u201d Adam heard the man called Canaday say to Lynnette as they passed by.\u00a0 Adam leaned over to Michelle and said something to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt just all seems to fit, Michelle.\u00a0 Several people said they saw me in town the day before Eileen was attacked, only I wasn\u2019t in town that day.\u00a0 He\u2019s the right height, black hair, clothes, except for the red shirt and he has an appaloosa horse that Shorty said he sold me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt could just be a coincidence, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll of it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s two things, though\u2026he doesn\u2019t resemble you in the face at all, so he couldn\u2019t be your look-alike, and if he IS the one who committed the crime, he wouldn\u2019t be stupid enough to show himself in town in broad daylight for fear of Eileen recognizing him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe wouldn\u2019t have that fear if he thought he had killed her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true, but he still doesn\u2019t look like you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u00a0 That\u2019s what confuses me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to try something, Adam.\u00a0 It may be a long shot, and it may even backfire and get you convicted anyway.\u00a0 Do I have your permission to try?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you have in mind?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTrust me on this, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, do what you have to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Michelle nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMichelle, are you ready to present your defense?\u201d Judge Elizabeth asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith the Court\u2019s indulgence, Your Honor, I would like to go to the scene of the crime and have my client and his accuser re-create the incident.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Daydreamer stood up quickly.\u00a0 \u201cRe-create the incident. . .Your Honor, I must protest!\u00a0 My client has been through the incident once, and she almost lost her life because of it, must we subject her to it again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour Honor, I realize it\u2019s still broad daylight, but if you would just bear with me.\u00a0 I want to have this whole thing clear in my own mind before I attempt to present my client\u2019s case before this Court.\u00a0 Surely my worthy opponent won\u2019t deny my client the chance to prove his innocence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour Honor. . .I\u2019m only thinking of my client.\u00a0 She\u2019s been through. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright,\u201d Eileen cut in as she took hold of Daydreamer\u2019s arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour Honor, may I have a moment to concur with my client?\u201d Daydreamer asked Judge Elizabeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne moment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Daydreamer sat down next to Eileen.\u00a0 \u201cDo you know what you\u2019re doing?\u00a0 This could harm you emotionally.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I know what I\u2019m doing.\u00a0\u00a0 I can\u2019t deny the chance to help clear Adam.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know how it could help him, but if there\u2019s a chance, I want to do it.\u00a0 He\u2019s just as much of a victim as I am.\u00a0 Please Daydreamer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Daydreamer stood up and faced the Judge.\u00a0 \u201cYour Honor, my client has agreed to go along with the request, but I must insist that if my client becomes upset in any way, proceeding with the re-creation will stop.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVery well.\u00a0 This Court will assemble and reconvene at the Library, immediately,\u201d Judge Elizabeth said with a bang of her gavel.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Judge Elizabeth, the jury, the accused and accuser, their lawyers and all the townspeople, except for Lynnette the Vet were gathered inside the Library to witness the re-creation of Eileen\u2019s attempted murder.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stood at the corner of the building, as the re-creation began to unfold.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Eileen, walk us through what happened that night, though I realize it\u2019s daylight and everything won\u2019t seem exactly as it was,\u201d Michelle said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I had pulled the shades down and Adam came through the door, we talked about the dance that night for about two minutes maybe, then he left.\u00a0 I walked out behind him and watched him ride away.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid he gallop away, or did he walk his horse?\u201d Michelle asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe galloped away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cWhat then?\u201d Michelle asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI went back inside and locked the door.\u201d\u00a0 Eileen went inside and locked the door, then a knock sounded on it and she walked over to the door.\u00a0 \u201cI thought it was Adam coming back, so I unlocked the door and let him in.\u00a0 That\u2019s when he stepped into the doorway with his arm raised.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam raised his arm and stepped into the doorway in front of Eileen.\u00a0 She looked up at him and her eyes grew wide with fright as she remembered that night, then she shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 No.\u00a0 This isn\u2019t right.\u00a0 There\u2019s something different.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDifferent?\u201d Michelle asked curiously.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s different?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure.\u00a0 Everything happened like we showed you, but Adam seems. . .different.\u00a0 Could we just do the part when he steps in front of me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright.\u00a0 Let\u2019s do that part again,\u201d Judge Elizabeth ordered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stepped outside around the corner and Eileen closed the door, then opened it again.\u00a0 Adam immediately stepped in front of her, and she looked up at him.\u00a0 \u201cHis eyes!\u00a0 It\u2019s his eyes!\u00a0 They were. . .BLUE!\u00a0 It WASN\u2019T Adam!\u00a0 The man who attacked me had BLUE eyes!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben, Joe and Hoss looked at each other and smiled widely.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure, Eileen?\u201d Daydreamer asked her client.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m positive.\u00a0 He had BLUE eyes. . .Adam\u2019s eyes are BROWN.\u00a0 That\u2019s why I couldn\u2019t believe it was him, but I didn\u2019t know why.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now you do?\u201d Daydreamer asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now I do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour Honor, we withdraw the charges against Adam Cartwright,\u201d Daydreamer responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVery well.\u00a0 Let the records show, charges against Adam Cartwright for attempted murder are dropped and the case against him dismissed,\u201d\u00a0 Judge Elizabeth declared.\u00a0 \u201cCourt adjourned,\u201d she added.<\/span><\/p>\n

The whoops and hollers that followed the Judge\u2019s adjournment were heard all over town as the townspeople rejoiced over Adam Cartwright\u2019s innocence.\u00a0 Saloon Girl Becky; Dancer Sunshine; Student Miss Maggie, and Chanteuse Debpet, wrapped themselves around Adam and showered him with hugs and kisses to show their joy at his proven innocence.\u00a0 His father and brothers looked on in amusement, while Eileen watched in sadness, not because she was sad about Adam\u2019s innocence, but because she wanted to express to him her own happiness about it, but the cloud of women hovering around him, prevented her from doing it, so she turned and walked the distance to Lynnette\u2019s Hotel and up to her room where she spent the rest of the day sailing on a clipper ship with its white, billowy sails blowing in the breezes as she sailed across the vast Pacific Ocean. . . .She spent the day reading her beloved books.<\/span><\/p>\n

While the town was rejoicing about dismissing the case against Adam, Michelle had pulled Sheriff Lily and Deputy Grey aside and told them what Adam had related to her.\u00a0 The three of them went immediately to Lynnette\u2019s Vet Shop.\u00a0 Sheriff Lily walked up behind Canaday and looked in his saddlebags and pulled out a black shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis your shirt, Mr. Canaday?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Canaday turned around and looked at the shirt in the Sheriff\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cYes, but why do you want to know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Canaday, come with me please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When the Sheriff drew her gun, Canaday let out his breath in a whoosh, rolled his eyes upward and raised his hands.\u00a0 \u201cNot again.\u00a0 What for this time, Sheriff?\u00a0 Owning a black shirt?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo son, something more serious\u2026suspicion of attempted murder.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?!\u00a0 Sheriff, are you crazy!\u00a0 I just rode into this town!\u00a0 I haven\u2019t tried to kill anybody!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen you won\u2019t mind coming along so I can ask you some questions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo I have a choice?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, son, you don\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake care of my horse, Miss Lynnette, I wouldn\u2019t want anything to happen to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With his hands raised, Canaday walked towards the jail ahead of Sheriff Lily and Deputy Grey.\u00a0 Michelle followed them out of the Vet shop then went her own way.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Canaday didn\u2019t put his hands down until he heard the cell door clang behind him.\u00a0 He turned and with a quick jerk of his hat off his head, he threw it down on his cot and planted his hands on his hips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow look, Sheriff\u2026what kind of a town is this\u2026you take strangers just passing through and lock them up?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of a town do we have\u2026a nice quiet, peaceful town\u2026a town people aren\u2019t afraid to live in and we want to keep it that way.\u00a0 And I lock strangers up when I feel I have just cause.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what cause do you have for locking me up?\u00a0 You said something about an attempted murder\u2026who am I supposed to have attempted to murder?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur Librarian, Eileen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, bring her here, she\u2019ll tell you I\u2019m not the one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure you want to take that chance, son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, I\u2019m innocent!\u201d\u00a0 He spread his hands out in front of him for emphasis.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo was Adam Cartwright, and the only reason he was exonerated was because he had brown eyes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u00a0 Sheriff, you\u2019re not making sense.\u00a0 Who is Adam Cartwright and what does the color of a man\u2019s eyes have to do with anything?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere was\u00a0 a man seen in town the day before the incident who looked like Adam Cartwright; who dressed like him; and who bought an appaloosa horse from our Livery owner.\u00a0 The man who attacked Eileen looked like Adam Cartwright; dressed like him and had blue eyes.\u00a0 You fit every description, except you don\u2019t look like him in the face.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not that man, Sheriff!\u00a0 I swear it!\u00a0 I\u2019ve been in Utah for the last month and just now drifted over this way.\u00a0 I bought that appaloosa six months ago back in Colorado.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs there anyone I can telegram who can vouch for you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 I\u2019m a loner.\u00a0 No family\u2026no friends.\u00a0 And the man I bought the appaloosa from, left town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mr. Canaday, but the evidence is just too great against you to let you go.\u00a0 After I do an investigation\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, I\u2019m innocent!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter I do an investigation, and that investigation clears you, or if you can come up with somebody who saw you somewhere else on the day in question, I\u2019ll let you go.\u00a0 Until that time, you\u2019re a guest here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSome guest accommodations!\u00a0 A jail cell!\u00a0 I hope you don\u2019t treat ALL your guests this way!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I didn\u2019t have to treat YOU this way, because for some unexplainable reason, Mr. Canaday, I like you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d hate to see how you treat people you DON\u2019T like, Sheriff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sheriff Lily turned to walk away.\u00a0 \u201cUh, Sheriff?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMost people call me Candy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sheriff Lily smiled at him and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll get you some dinner\u2026Candy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u00a0 And, Sheriff?\u00a0 I really am innocent.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor your sake, Candy, I hope I can prove that.\u201d\u00a0 Sheriff Lily left the cell area and the office and walked to Ellie\u2019s Caf\u00e9.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span>
\nAs soon as the news was out that Sheriff Lily had arrested someone who could be Eileen\u2019s attacker, the jail had a constant flow of curious townspeople wanting to get a look at \u201cthe scoundrel\u201d as Candy was called by many of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Likewise, when Adam learned of the arrest, he made a trip into town to satisfy his own curiosity.\u00a0 He tethered his horse outside the Sheriff\u2019s office and pushed and elbowed his way through the crowd to the door.\u00a0 He persuaded Sheriff Lily to let him in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once inside, he handed her his gun, and walked to the cell area and stood in front of Candy Canaday\u2019s cell door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho are YOU?\u00a0 I suppose you\u2019ve come to gawk at the \u2018criminal\u2019,\u201d Candy said sarcastically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cName\u2019s Adam Cartwright, and I don\u2019t think you\u2019re a criminal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright?\u00a0 The man on trial.\u00a0 Looks like I\u2019ll be following in your footsteps.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot if we can prove your innocence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWE?\u00a0 Look, Cartwright, I didn\u2019t ask for your help in proving anything, just like I didn\u2019t ask to be locked up for something I didn\u2019t do.\u00a0 Now just leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m giving you my help because I want to and because I don\u2019t think you\u2019re guilty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell you\u2019re the only one in town who thinks like that.\u00a0 One more day in here and I\u2019ll confess to being guilty, just so I can get out of this cell for awhile, even if it is just to walk across the street to the courthouse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t want to admit to something you didn\u2019t do.\u00a0 Isn\u2019t there anyone who can prove you weren\u2019t here that day?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do all I can for you, Mr. Canaday, because I know how frustrating it can be to be falsely accused.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Mr. Cartwright, but I don\u2019t know what you can do that the Sheriff hasn\u2019t been able to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u00a0 Call me Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd my name\u2019s Candy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do what I can, Candy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate that.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry if I sounded rude to you earlier.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s understandable.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see what I can do and I\u2019ll talk to you later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll be right here,\u201d he said sarcastically.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam grinned at Candy\u2019s wit, then left the area and the office.\u00a0 He made his way across town to the Library where he knew Eileen would be working late.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen was just about to lock the Library door when Adam pushed it open.\u00a0 She gasped and faltered on her feet when she saw him.\u00a0 He reached out and grabbed her to keep her from falling backwards.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam\u2026you startled me.\u00a0 I wasn\u2019t expecting anyone.\u00a0 What can I do for you?\u201d She stepped back out of his hold.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI came to ask if you\u2019d come down to the jail and take a good look at Candy Canaday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen stepped away quickly and stood with her back to him.\u00a0 \u201cThe Sheriff has already asked me to do that.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to see him.\u00a0 I still have nightmares about that night.\u201d\u00a0 She turned around and faced him.\u00a0 \u201cHe was the one who attacked me that night, Adam, how can you ask me to look at him again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs he?\u00a0 Is he really the one who attacked you, Eileen?\u00a0 What if he isn\u2019t?\u00a0 What if he\u2019s innocent like I was?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cInnocent?\u00a0 But it WAS him.\u00a0 He had your hair, your clothes, and the blue eyes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but he doesn\u2019t look like me in the face.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes he does.\u00a0 I saw him that night.\u00a0 He looked just like you, except for the blue eyes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Eileen, Candy Canaday doesn\u2019t look like me.\u00a0 You have to come and look at him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo I don\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe might be innocent.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you believed he was innocent, wouldn\u2019t you want to help him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked up at him.\u00a0 \u201cYou really DO believe he\u2019s innocent don\u2019t you, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell\u2026Daydreamer said I wouldn\u2019t have to face him until the day of the trial.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell if you can identify him as NOT the man who attacked you, then there won\u2019t have to be a trial.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright.\u00a0 I trust your judgment, Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019ll get my wrap.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam and Eileen were just about to enter the Sheriff\u2019s Office when Hoss rode up. \u201cHey, Adam!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam left Eileen standing by the door and went over to talk to his brother.\u00a0 \u201cYou know that ol\u2019 cabin a-Harvey Sapp\u2019s?\u201d Hoss asked him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u00a0 What about it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was out that way lookin\u2019 for strays a while ago, and somebody\u2019s stayin\u2019 in it.\u00a0 I saw two horses tied up.\u00a0 Adam, one was a appaloosa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn appaloosa?\u00a0 You sure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHorses is one thing I know, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I saw Candy\u2019s appaloosa still stalled at the Livery when I was walking Eileen here.\u00a0 I\u2019ll tell the Sheriff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa think whoever it belongs to is the same man who attacked Eileen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s exactly what I\u2019m thinking, and so will the Sheriff.\u00a0 Stick around, he might want you in on the posse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam went back over to Eileen.\u00a0 \u201cYou might not have to go through with the identification after all.\u00a0 Go on home and I\u2019ll see you later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Adam?\u00a0 What did Hoss tell you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind, just go on home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I don\u2019t understand\u2026first you convince me to come look at that man, and now you\u2019re telling me I don\u2019t have to.\u00a0 What\u2019s going on, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think your mystery attacker is about to be captured and unveiled.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u00a0 But I\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam gave her a slight nudge forward.\u00a0 \u201cNow go on, do like I ask.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see you later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Being very confused and puzzled by Adam\u2019s behavior, but trusting him, Eileen went on her way.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Adam told the Sheriff what Hoss had revealed to him, they immediately left the office to round up additional deputies.\u00a0 Deputy Grey stayed behind to guard the prisoner, in case it was just a trick to get everyone out of town in order to get the prisoner to break jail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Every available person wore a deputy badge and followed Hoss, Adam and the Sheriff to a cabin miles outside of Fiction City.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Before reaching the cabin, Sheriff Lily stopped the posse and spoke to them.\u00a0 \u201cIf the man we\u2019re looking for is in that cabin, I want him alive\u2026if possible, but remember\u2026he\u2019s dangerous.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Everyone looked at everyone else, then Sheriff Lily led the way towards the cabin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRemember everyone\u2026he\u2019s dangerous,\u201d Sheriff Lily told the posse before they surrounded the cabin.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the posse was in place around the cabin, Sheriff Lily called out for the man inside the cabin to surrender.\u00a0 When he threw out his gun and stepped outside, every mouth dropped open and every eye widened when they saw who it was.<\/span><\/p>\n

Put under arrest and after confessing to being Eileen\u2019s attacker, the prisoner named another person as his accomplice, who was called Boss.\u00a0 Sheriff Lily and the posse made the trip back to town with their prisoner, then locating and arresting Boss, put them both in jail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen was summoned for identification of the prisoner as her attacker and after her positive identification, Adam was summoned, because the business with Boss concerned HIM.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stepping into the cell area to converse with Boss, Adam almost fainted when he saw the both of them.\u00a0 Eileen\u2019s attacker could have been Adam Cartwright\u2019s double if it hadn\u2019t been for the moustache and the fact HE was a SHE and called himself\/herself Psycho Emmy.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Boss was the one who left Adam totally flabbergasted.\u00a0 Boss was really Laura Dayton disguised as Madison Craig.\u00a0 Laura came back and wanted renew her relationship with Adam, but when she thought Adam was interested in Eileen, she hired Psycho Emmy to scare the Librarian into leaving Fiction City, but when it turned into attempted murder, she knew there was no turning back.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Judge Elizabeth deemed Psycho Emmy in dire need of some counseling by Therapist Daydreamer.\u00a0 And so with the trial and conviction of Psycho Emmy and Boss Laura Dayton behind her, Eileen decided to leave Fiction City.\u00a0 Sitting on the bench outside the stagecoach depot, with ticket in hand, she didn\u2019t notice anyone near her until the rays of the sun were blocked by him standing in front of her and she looked up at him and smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello Adam,\u201d she said softly as she stood up.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad to see you, but you didn\u2019t have to come see me off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re really leaving.\u201d\u00a0 It was more of a statement than a question.<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u00a0 I am.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to know your reasons.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe reasons aren\u2019t important.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey must be. . .you\u2019re leaving because of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen didn\u2019t answer him, because their attention was diverted to the stage as it pulled up alongside them and stopped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I guess this is good bye,\u201d Eileen said to Adam while Val helped the stage driver load her bags onto the top of the coach.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d still like to know WHY you\u2019re leaving, Eileen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told you. . .the reasons aren\u2019t important.\u00a0 Let\u2019s just leave it at that, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you were the kind of person that could make your own decisions.\u00a0 I guess I was wrong about you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen\u2019s eyes widened in surprise at his remark.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m very capable of making my own decisions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u00a0 it\u00a0 appears\u00a0 to\u00a0 me\u00a0 you\u2019re\u00a0 letting\u00a0 these. . . .reasons. . . you\u00a0 say\u00a0 aren\u2019t<\/span>
\nimportant. . .make the decision for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen tilted her chin up at him and squared her shoulders, and narrowed her eyes at him, and took a deep breath, ready to open her mouth.\u00a0 He had seen that look on women before and knew he was about to receive a piece of her mind whether he wanted it or not.\u00a0 He was glad other passengers had gathered near the coach, and hoped Eileen would decide not to give him that piece of her mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen let out her breath, and her shoulders relaxed a bit.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I better get in the coach,\u201d she said quietly and turned towards it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Glad that her piece of mind STAYED in her mind, he asked quickly, \u201cWhere will you go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She turned back around to face him again.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I don\u2019t know.\u00a0 Someplace that needs a Librarian,\u201d she said with a slight laugh in her voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a need for one right here,\u201d he said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

She smiled at that, then looked into his dark eyes and thought to herself. . . .Those wonderful eyes. . .I\u2019ll never forget those eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve already turned the Library over to Becky.\u00a0 Goodbye Adam,\u201d she said quietly, then turned towards the coach again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cEileen. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d she said, turning to face him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t you stay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t.\u00a0 Besides, this really hasn\u2019t felt like home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHome is where you hang your hat. . . .or in your case. . . .your bonnet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen smiled at that.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t keep the stage waiting any longer,\u201d she said, turning again to step into the coach.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I WAS wrong about you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen turned around to face him.\u00a0 \u201cWrong?\u00a0 What about now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think you would run away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRun away?\u00a0 I\u2019m not running away from anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 What would I be running away from?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re running away from your responsibility of\u00a0 the Library, from the town, from me, from yourself.\u00a0 Adam held her arm.\u00a0 \u201cWon\u2019t you please stay. . . .as a favor to me.\u00a0 Now what do you say we run off together and visit some exotic place?\u201d\u00a0 Adam said, as he raised his eyebrows and one corner of his mouth turned up into a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen cocked her head and looked up at him and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cWhy Adam Cartwright. . .you wicked man,\u201d she said in a teasing voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI meant via one of your books.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen laughed out loud at him.\u00a0 \u201cI know that\u2019s what you meant, silly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMiss,\u201d the driver called down.\u00a0 \u201cThe stage is ready to leave.\u00a0\u00a0 You coming?\u201d he asked again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen looked at Adam and knew she had found in him, a true friend for life.\u00a0 \u201cNo driver.\u00a0 This handsome man and I are running off together to some exotic place,\u201d she said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSay what?\u201d the driver asked, with a puzzled look on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked up at him and cleared his throat.\u00a0 \u201cShe said she was staying,\u201d he replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u00a0 Well then I guess I better be gettin\u2019 her bags down,\u201d the driver said as he climbed over the back of the driver seat and handed her bags down to Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Eileen walked away from the stage depot arm in arm.\u00a0 \u201cI hope Lynnette hasn\u2019t rented my room out already,\u201d Eileen remarked as they walked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told her you would be coming back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen stopped walking and looked at him.\u00a0 \u201cIs that a fact.\u00a0 And just HOW did you know that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell everybody is saying how much charm I have, so I thought I\u2019d use it on you to see if I could persuade you to stay.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLooked like it worked,\u201d she said, then smiled sweetly at him, and they continued walking, his arm around her shoulders, and hers around his waist.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat distant port shall we visit?\u201d he asked her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, once upon a time, I read about a place called. . . . . .\u201d\u00a0 Her voice trailed off as we hear music begin to play.\u00a0 Short,. Dakota, Candyfan and Miss Maggie used their musical talents playing \u201cEarly One Morning\u201d on their respective instruments, while Adam and Eileen walked off into the sunset together. . .Or is it RIDE off into the sunset. . .oh well, you know what I mean.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chanteuse Debpet and Dancer sunshine were so thrilled at Adam\u2019s innocence, they put on a free show for the whole town in the city hall.\u00a0 During the same evening, Candyfan was awarded the contract of her dreams\u2026to show and sell her drawings in the San Francisco Art Gallery.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy Canaday was offered a job on the Ponderosa and was convinced to accept the job by an enticing smile from Rebecca and a promise to sew only red shirts for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Laura Dayton was never heard from again, and so the little community of Fiction City went on about their every day business.<\/span><\/p>\n

So until the next episode of Fiction City, and as the last chords of the music fade away, Fiction City is once again a safe, happy haven for all its residents.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wait a minute!\u00a0 Who is that lurking in the shadows with a sinister smile on his\/her face\u2026could it be\u2026could it possibly be Psycho Emmy?!\u00a0 And is Fiction City REALLY a safe and happy haven once again?\u00a0 Only time will tell.<\/span>
\nTHE END<\/span><\/p>\n

Another Author\u2019s Note: I hope you enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing\u00a0 it.\u00a0\u00a0 And\u00a0 as\u00a0 Fairy\u00a0 Tale\u00a0 endings\u00a0 read. . . . \u201cAnd\u00a0 they\u00a0 lived\u00a0 happily\u00a0 after<\/span>
\never. . .ahem. . .ever after.\u201d\u00a0 Especially Ellie and Blue Velvet, for after all their constant pursuance of Hoss, he agreed to court them both.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo until the next episode in the life and times of the residents of Fiction City, this is your Friendly Announcer saying, I hope you enjoyed our adventure story for this month and will be tuning in next time for another exciting time of reading around the ole computer screen. So until then, this is your Friendly Announcer signing off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Now it\u2019s:\u00a0 THE END<\/span>
\nAuthor: Eileen K.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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