{"id":47197,"date":"2003-12-31T15:25:37","date_gmt":"2003-12-31T20:25:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47197"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:08:38","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:08:38","slug":"eyes-of-a-stranger-by-kimberley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47197","title":{"rendered":"Eyes of a Stranger (by Kimberley)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Joe’s encounter with a beautiful stranger turns out to be far more than he bargained for.
\nRating:\u00a0 Teens
\nWords:\u00a0 14,540<\/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

Eyes of a Stranger<\/strong><\/p>\n

**********
\nAs Joe exited the bank, he was whistling a happy tune. They\u2019d finished the branding ahead of schedule and he had three entire days in which to do nothing but whatever occurred to him on the spur of the moment. He might even sleep late one day, though he doubted that he\u2019d want to waste even an hour of the free time. It was a commodity on the Ponderosa and he planned to enjoy it to its fullest, living every moment, every second as though it were his last. Working a ranch the size of theirs, he had learned at a young age that leisure time was not something to be offered trivially. It wasn\u2019t something he was guaranteed, or even had a right to. Rather, it was a coveted prize, something one had to earn, had to work hard for and when it came, it was both deserved and appreciated.<\/span><\/p>\n

He stood looking out at the clear, crisp day and wondered briefly what he should do first. With a slight smile, his gaze settled on the Bucket of Blood. Maybe just a couple of beers, one to signal the end of a job well done and another to mark the beginning of three days of rest and relaxation. After that, perhaps he\u2019d go back to the Ponderosa and watch his brothers work for a while. The only thing sweeter than free time was knowing you were the only one to have it. Sure, it would be nice to have someone to enjoy it with, but at the same time, there was an intrinsic pleasure in gloating over his good fortune. After all, both Hoss and Adam had been quick to offer him the branding task, certain that it was going to take longer than the fencing job they\u2019d chosen for themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he made his way across the street, he had to stop to allow the stage to pass. Out of sheer curiosity, his gaze followed the coach as it stopped in front of the station to relinquish its human cargo. There were often newcomers to town, strangers who were seeking to start a new life or merely passing through en route to other, more exciting destinations. Just as often, the stage transported those who called Virginia City home, returning them safely from business trips or visits to far-off relatives. Though he wasn\u2019t expecting anyone in particular, there was a good chance that Joe would know at least one of the disembarking passengers, and he continued to watch casually as he resumed his trip to the saloon. Pausing briefly in front of the swinging doors, he watched as an unfamiliar man stepped down from the stage and turned to assist a young, attractive woman in doing the same. Aside from the couple, there were no other passengers so Joe turned his attention back to the task of enjoying his newly acquired free time.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was almost an hour later when he exited the saloon, heading back across the street to where Cochise waited patiently. As he was about to unhitch the horse and begin the journey home, he heard a small exclamation of dismay and turned to see a woman struggling to pick up the packages she had dropped. Hurrying to help, he bent down on one knee, retrieving two of the neatly tied boxes before getting to his feet to hand them to one of the town\u2019s newest arrivals.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d she murmured, laughing lightly. \u201cThat was very clumsy of me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was silent for a moment as he got his first real look at her. When he\u2019d seen her step from the stagecoach, he\u2019d noticed that she was an attractive woman, but now, standing as close as they were, he realized the word didn\u2019t even begin to describe her. Her face was the very essence of true beauty with a flawless complexion and only the hint of a natural blush to her cheeks. Every feature was perfect, from the graceful curve of her jaw to the delicate nose and the well-shaped lips that still wore a sweet, expectant smile. But what caught his attention most, what mesmerized him to the point of speechlessness were the eyes. They were the most incredible shade of blue he\u2019d ever seen, soft, like the sky on the verge of sunrise, but rimmed with a deeper, more intense, cobalt hue.<\/span><\/p>\n

He had to force himself to concentrate as he heard the melodic voice speaking to him once again. \u201cI\u2019m sure I can manage from here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d he smiled, slightly embarrassed that he\u2019d been caught staring. \u201cWelcome to Virginia City, ma\u2019am.\u201d he offered, tipping his hat politely. \u201cI\u2019m Joe Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlynn Bennet,\u201d she reciprocated. \u201cI just came in on the stage from San Francisco.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He noticed her choice of pronoun and didn\u2019t hesitate to follow up on it. \u201cYes, I know, I saw you arrive. Can I assume the gentleman accompanying you is Mr. Bennet?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no Mr. Bennet,\u201d she explained, blushing slightly. \u201cAnd he wasn\u2019t actually accompanying me. He just happened to be traveling in the same direction at the same time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Joe nodded, the trace of a smile tugging at his lips. \u201cIn that case, can I assume you\u2019re free for dinner? It wouldn\u2019t be neighbourly of me to let you eat alone on your first day in our fine town. The hotel serves good food, but it\u2019s even better when you add good company.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She blushed again, this time lowering her gaze for a moment. \u201cThat\u2019s very kind of you,\u201d she replied as she raised her eyes to his once again. \u201cBut I\u2019m afraid I wouldn\u2019t be very good company this evening. It\u2019s been a long trip and I\u2019m very tired.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d he nodded, smiling graciously. \u201cPerhaps once you\u2019re settled and have some time to rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds lovely,\u201d she responded, her smile genuine as she looked into his green eyes. \u201cI\u2019m staying at the rooming house down the street.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019ll call on you tomorrow morning and show you around the area before lunch,\u201d he nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d she smiled. \u201cAnd again, thanks for your help. Good day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He tipped his hat again and watched her as she walked toward the rooming house. Letting out a low whistle once she\u2019d disappeared inside, he shook his head slightly and turned in the direction of his horse. The next three days might just prove to be even better than he\u2019d expected.<\/span><\/p>\n

********
\nThough there was much animated discussion at dinner, most of it was one-sided with Joe enthusiastically recounting his meeting with the beautiful woman.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI tell you,\u201d he murmured, shaking his head as he scooped mashed potatoes onto his fork. \u201cYou\u2019ve never seen eyes like these.\u201d Looking up at his father and brothers, he continued, oblivious to the smiles of amusement his family wore. \u201cAnd that smile. I swear, God created that smile for the sole purpose of brightening the whole world.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Adam frowned with exaggerated interest. \u201cThe whole world?\u201d Turning to Hoss, he added, \u201cThat must be some smile, wouldn\u2019t you say, brother?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure \u2018nuff, would, Adam,\u201d Hoss nodded, frowning in mock concentration as he leaned forward toward his younger brother on the other side of the table. \u201cYou sure it was the whole world, Joe? Not just Virginia City or Nevada Territory?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVery funny,\u201d Joe smirked. \u201cBut just wait \u2018til you meet her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just may have to take a little trip into Virginia City tomorrow,\u201d Adam mused thoughtfully. \u201cHow about you, Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow about you both finish that fence job like you\u2019re supposed to,\u201d Ben intervened, trying to sound stern while hiding a small smile of amusement.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was Joe\u2019s turn to grin at his brothers as they realized they\u2019d be far too busy for any such trip in the next couple of days. \u201cIn that case, I trust you won\u2019t do anything to run her screaming from town until we have the pleasure of meeting her,\u201d Adam teased.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as she don\u2019t get to know him, she\u2019ll prob\u2019ly stay around a while,\u201d Hoss grinned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you worry none about that,\u201d Joe retorted with a smile. \u201cI\u2019ve got three days coming to me and she doesn\u2019t know a soul in town. It should give us a chance to get better acquainted before she meets the two of you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you know about this girl?\u201d Ben asked wisely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly that she came in on the afternoon stage from San Francisco,\u201d Joe shrugged. \u201cWe didn\u2019t get a lot of time to chat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben thought for a moment while he poked around at the food on his plate. \u201cYou do have those three days, just as I promised,\u201d he stated. \u201cBut might I suggest you tread carefully during that time? Women such as the one you\u2019re describing rarely travel alone in this part of the country. There may be more to her than what you see in those big blue eyes and the smile that brightens the whole world.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam tried to contain a snicker at the words and Joe shot them a withering glance before turning his attention back to his father. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa,\u201d he smiled in reassurance. \u201cWhen it comes to women, I know what I\u2019m doing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Both of his brothers lost their fight for control at the statement and broke into a hearty laugh. Though the incessant teasing normally would have irritated Joe, his mood was too good to be spoiled by harmless fun, even at his expense.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMark my words,\u201d he grinned. \u201cCome next Saturday night, I\u2019ll be at the dance with a lovely young lady on my arm and the two of you will be guarding the punch bowl as usual.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The next morning, Joe set off for Virginia City with the intention of seeking out the beautiful stranger and making good on his promise to get to know her better. The nearer he got to town, the more he anticipated their next meeting.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he reached the rooming house, he tied Cochise in the shade of a small tree and made his way inside. The foyer was empty, but a tiny bell above the door signalled his entrance and in an instant, Mrs. Brandon was there to greet him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Little Joe!\u201d she exclaimed, a pleased smile on her round face. \u201cWhat brings you here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Ma\u2019am,\u201d Joe smiled, removing his hat respectfully. \u201cI\u2019ve come to call on Miss Bennet. Is she in?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The portly woman frowned slightly and made her way to a small desk. \u201cI don\u2019t have a Miss Bennet,\u201d she mused. \u201cAre you sure she isn\u2019t staying at the hotel?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It took a moment for Joe to comprehend her words. \u201cShe came in on the stage yesterday,\u201d he explained, his smile meant to assure the woman that he would overlook the mistake. \u201cMiss Alynn Bennet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was out most of the afternoon yesterday,\u201d she explained. \u201cBut Sarah said a young woman was here for a while.\u201d She frowned slightly as she talked. \u201cSeemed a little odd to me, though.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOdd?\u201d Joe repeated, his eyebrows shooting up at the word. \u201cI certainly hadn\u2019t noticed anything odd about her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not her,\u201d Mrs. Brandon dismissed the notion with a wave of her hand. \u201cThe situation. According to Sarah, a young gentleman came in by the name of \u2026\u201d She took a moment to refer to the paper on her desk. \u201cCharles Logan. He arranged for a room, then just left without even bothering to look at it. About an hour after that, a young woman came in asking for the Logan room. Sarah obviously assumed she was Mrs. Logan. She wasn\u2019t here long before the gentleman came back and they talked for a few minutes. Sarah said the man looked angry. They gathered up their things, paid for the room and left.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe listened intently to the story. \u201cDid the woman have dark hair and blue eyes?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCouldn\u2019t say,\u201d Mrs. Brandon shrugged. \u201cLike I told you, I wasn\u2019t here at the time. Sarah will be in this afternoon, though, if you\u2019d care to ask her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I\u2019ll do that,\u201d he replied in distraction. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe the accommodations didn\u2019t suit them and they decided to stay at the hotel instead,\u201d Mrs. Brandon suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Joe replied, offering a small smile. \u201cGood day, ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

While descending the porch steps, he looked casually around as though hoping he might see her on the street. When he didn\u2019t, he untied Cochise and mounted in one fluid motion before heading for the other end of the street and the hotel.<\/span><\/p>\n

The hotel owner knew nothing about Alynn Bennet, but he did have a room rented to a Mr. Charles Logan.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid he check in alone?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFar as I could tell,\u201d Jack Perkins nodded. \u201cCame in just after the stage got in. Only had one bag and didn\u2019t mention a companion of any sort. As a matter of fact, he asked a few questions about your Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe asked, frowning. \u201cWhat kind of questions?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, first, he wanted to know if I knew of him. I told him everyone in this town knows the Cartwrights.\u201d He paused for a moment. \u201cSeems to me he didn\u2019t take too well to that information.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe got sorta agitated, started asking how many of you there were. When I told him, he just hurried out. Didn\u2019t come back for hours after that and when he did, he went straight to his room without so much as a word to me or anyone else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe mulled the information over in his mind. The more he heard, the stranger it was beginning to sound. \u201cThanks, Jack,\u201d he murmured, heading for the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny message in case he comes back?\u201d Jack asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe contemplated the question for a moment. \u201cThanks, but after what you\u2019ve told me, I\u2019m anxious to deliver a message to Mr. Charles Logan in person.\u201d With that, he left the hotel, his frustration mounting.<\/span><\/p>\n

While trying to decide his next move, he heard his name being called and turned to see his brothers walking toward him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t tell me you finished that fencing job already,\u201d he half-joked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell yes, and no,\u201d Hoss grinned. \u201cIt ain\u2019t finished \u2018xactly, but the ground in the north pasture is too wet to drive posts inta. So, in actual fact, we\u2019re done for the time bein\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThought we\u2019d take the opportunity to meet the lovely young lady who seems to have captured our brother\u2019s heart, or at least his imagination,\u201d Adam drawled with a crooked smile. \u201cSo? Where is she?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I knew,\u201d Joe sighed, hooking his thumbs into his gun belt.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam exchanged slightly amused glances. \u201cDon\u2019t tell me you actually did scare her out of town already,\u201d Adam grinned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd after only talkin\u2019 to her a few minutes,\u201d Hoss chuckled. \u201cThat\u2019s gotta be a new record for you, little brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, cut it out,\u201d Joe muttered, his slight smile telling them that he was taking the ribbing in the spirit in which it had been intended. \u201cIt\u2019s like she just disappeared.\u201d After relaying what he\u2019d learned to his brothers, he waited for any suggestions they might offer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy was this guy askin\u2019 questions about us?\u201d Hoss frowned thoughtfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cBut he got two rooms, one at the hotel and one at the rooming house. One of them must have been for Alynn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam ventured cautiously. \u201cIf she is actually travelling with him, maybe you\u2019d best leave things as they are. You don\u2019t need that kind of trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know,\u201d Joe sighed. \u201cI just can\u2019t figure out why she\u2019d lie to me. I think she might be in some sort of trouble. Maybe she needs our help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, hold on right there, little brother,\u201d Hoss warned. \u201cJust \u2018cuz she didn\u2019t tell you the whole truth don\u2019t mean she\u2019s in trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is right,\u201d Adam added. \u201cNo sense jumping to conclusions until you know for sure what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how am I supposed to find out what\u2019s going on if I can\u2019t even find her?\u201d Joe asked, his frustration evident in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam leaned against the side of the hotel and crossed his arms over his chest. \u201cWell, let\u2019s look at it logically, shall we? They both came in on the stage, so if they were going to leave town, they\u2019d need transportation, right? The stage isn\u2019t due in for another 3 hours, so that leaves only one possibility.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe livery!\u201d Joe exclaimed, a smile lighting his face once again. \u201cThanks, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam watched as he hurried toward the livery stable. \u201cYou thinking what I\u2019m thinking?\u201d Adam asked, still watching his youngest brother hurry down the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d Hoss replied, also looking in the direction Joe had run. \u201cNo matter what\u2019s actually goin\u2019 on with that Miss Bennet, our little brother is gonna find a way to turn it into some sorta trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we\u2019d better stick around a while,\u201d Adam mused casually, still looking in the direction of the livery.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeer?\u201d Hoss suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not,\u201d Adam agreed. Turning back in the direction from which they\u2019d come, they headed for the Bucket of Blood.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When Joe joined them at the saloon, the smile was once again gone from his face. \u201cGimme a beer, Bernie,\u201d he sighed, leaning dejectedly on the bar next to his brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo luck?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe merely shook his head while he took a sip of his beer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTrouble, Little Joe?\u201d Bernie asked from his place behind the bar.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s looking for a girl,\u201d Adam explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t he always?\u201d Bernie teased, eliciting amused grins from the two older Cartwrights.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVery funny,\u201d Joe smirked. \u201cThis is different, Bernie. I talked to her yesterday and today I can\u2019t even find anyone who seems to remember her being here. I just don\u2019t understand it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho ever understands anything where women are concerned?\u201d Bernie shrugged. \u201cYou want my advice? Forget her. If she\u2019s that hard to keep track of already, what\u2019s the point in pursuing it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOl\u2019 Charlie couldn\u2019t tell ya nothin\u2019?\u201d Hoss asked, referring to Joe\u2019s trip to the livery stable.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharles Logan rented a buggy this morning, but didn\u2019t say where he was going or when he\u2019d be back and Charlie didn\u2019t ask.\u201d Joe took another swallow of his beer. \u201cYou know what\u2019s wrong with this town? Nobody asks enough questions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd some ask too durned many questions,\u201d Hoss chuckled. \u201cThat Mrs. Callwood knows everythin\u2019 that happens to everyone almost \u2018fore they do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Callwood!\u201d Joe exclaimed. \u201cThe packages Alynn was carrying yesterday!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam raised his glass in a salute to his younger brother as he raced through the swinging doors. \u201cBy the time he finds her,\u201d he murmured to Hoss, \u201cHe\u2019ll be too tired to even talk to her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

********
\nAs he hurried into the dress shop, Joe sought out the proprietor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Ma\u2019am,\u201d he smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe Cartwright,\u201d the woman smiled. \u201cWhat brings you in here of all places? Don\u2019t tell me you have another wild one out there on the Ponderosa who needs a woman\u2019s touch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Ma\u2019am,\u201d Joe chuckled, remembering the spitfire he\u2019d once brought home. \u201cWhat I\u2019d like is some information. I\u2019m looking for a young woman. I saw her carrying some packages yesterday, but this morning, no one seems to know anything about her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPretty little thing?\u201d Mrs. Callwood asked. \u201cDark hair and lovely blue eyes?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s her!!\u201d Joe exclaimed, causing the startled woman to take a step backward.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell sure she was in here,\u201d Mrs. Callwood confirmed. \u201cShe bought a hat and a few \u2026 well, ladies garments.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am,\u201d Joe replied, swallowing hard. \u201cI mean, I don\u2019t know what she bought, but I saw the packages. Did you happen to talk to her at all? Did she say where she was staying?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, of course I talked to her,\u201d the woman replied almost indignantly. \u201cWomen rarely shop without gossiping. She\u2019s staying at Mrs. Brandon\u2019s.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s heart sank. \u201cYeah, that\u2019s what she told me, too,\u201d he replied. \u201cBut when I went there this morning, Mrs. Brandon told me she\u2019d left yesterday with a man who came into town at the same time. Did she happen to mention him at all?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, she didn\u2019t mention a gentleman friend,\u201d Mrs. Callwood replied, trying to hide the trace of a smile. \u201cYou figure he\u2019s cutting in on your time, Little Joe?\u201d she asked knowingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing like that,\u201d Joe assured her. The last thing he needed was for word to get around town that he was caught in the middle of some love triangle. \u201cI just wanted to ask her a couple of questions.\u201d Without waiting for further interrogation, he bade her a good day and left the shop.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he was about to return to the saloon, he noticed a buggy driving up to the livery. Squinting against the afternoon sun, he recognized the man he\u2019d seen getting off the stage the day before. Without hesitation, he made his way toward the hotel to wait. Finally, he was going to get some answers.<\/span><\/p>\n

He took a seat in the lobby, twirling his hat on his knee while he waited. As soon as the man entered the foyer, Jack nodded a silent signal at Joe. Getting to his feet, he was able to intercept the stranger before he reached the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Logan?\u201d he began.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man turned to him and frowned slightly. \u201cDo I know you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hear you know of me,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cOr at least my Pa. I\u2019m Joe Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man shot an uneasy glance across the room to where Jack was trying hard to look busy behind the desk. \u201cI\u2019m afraid I don\u2019t understand,\u201d he stated casually. \u201cI don\u2019t know you, nor do I know your father. If you\u2019ll excuse me, I\u2019ve something to tend to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As he tried to turn away, Joe grabbed his arm. \u201cYou have something to tend to right here,\u201d Joe replied flatly. \u201cI know you were asking questions about the Cartwrights. What I want to know is why. And while you\u2019re at it, you can tell me about Alynn. What is she to you and why hasn\u2019t anyone seen her since you took her from the rooming house yesterday?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlynn?\u201d the man frowned in confusion. \u201cReally, Mr. Cartwright, I have no idea what you\u2019re talking about.\u201d He glanced at the clerk once again before continuing. \u201cI may have inquired casually about the Cartwright name. I\u2019ve heard it\u2019s big in these parts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just how does that concern you?\u201d Joe asked in an even tone. \u201cBusiness? Casual curiosity? What?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have time for this,\u201d the man retorted, turning away once again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to have to make time,\u201d Joe replied, grabbing the man\u2019s arm again, anger evident in his voice. \u201cNow what about Alynn? I talked to her yesterday and I saw her go into the rooming house. She said she didn\u2019t know you, but I know you were the one who took her from Mrs. Brandon\u2019s. If you\u2019ve harmed her\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHarmed her?\u201d the man repeated with a mirthless chuckle. \u201cI don\u2019t even know her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His patience wearing thin, Joe grabbed the man by the front of his shirt and pulled him close so that their eyes were mere inches apart. \u201cNow I\u2019m done asking nicely,\u201d he warned. \u201cIt\u2019s been a frustrating day and you\u2019re not making matters any better. So if you know what\u2019s good for you, you\u2019ll tell me where Alynn is and you\u2019ll tell me now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Charles Logan held his gaze, the hint of a wry smile playing around his lips. \u201cOr what?\u201d he challenged. \u201cWhat are you going to do? Hit me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t tempt me, mister,\u201d Joe growled. \u201cNow, for the last time, where is Alynn?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam entered the hotel at that moment and took stock of the situation quickly. Jack was still behind the desk, but his eyes were big and round as he watched the display unfold at the bottom of the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Adam called, hurrying to pull his youngest brother from the other man. \u201cWhat do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe knows where she is and he\u2019s going to tell me,\u201d Joe replied angrily, trying to shake off his brother\u2019s strong hold. \u201cOne way or another.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough,\u201d Adam warned, giving Joe a slight push in Hoss\u2019 direction. \u201cNow there\u2019s got to be a better way to solve this.\u201d Turning to the man who was smoothing his shirtfront, he took over the questioning. \u201cNow, my brother here seems to think that you have something to do with the disappearance of a certain young lady. What do you have to say to that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust what I told your brother,\u201d the man snapped angrily. \u201cI don\u2019t even know what he\u2019s talking about.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLiar!\u201d Joe yelled, lunging at the man only to have Hoss stop him easily with a strong arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked thoughtfully from the man to Joe and back again before taking a deliberate step closer to the stranger. \u201cNow, the way I see it,\u201d he began in a low voice, \u201cyou have two choices. You can stand here and deny you know anything about her, or you can tell us the truth.\u201d He glanced briefly over at where Joe and Hoss stood. \u201cMy brother may have a short fuse,\u201d he continued, more for Joe\u2019s benefit, \u201cbut he doesn\u2019t imagine things. If he says he saw her, he saw her. If Mrs. Brandon says you left the rooming house with her, you left the rooming house with her. You see the pattern developing here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man looked at Adam\u2019s hard expression for a moment. Then, swallowing hard, he glanced over at where Joe, Hoss and Jack were watching the exchange. He knew he didn\u2019t have to tell them anything, but he also suspected that they could watch his every movement until he led them right to the girl. \u201cAll right,\u201d he finally acquiesced. \u201cI did take her from the rooming house, but it\u2019s not what you think. She went with me willingly. No harm has come to her, I assure you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is she?\u201d Joe demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNone of your business,\u201d the man retorted angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy all the lies?\u201d Adam asked, his tone still indicating that he expected a straight answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked as though he wasn\u2019t going to answer at first, but after looking at the three brothers and their no-nonsense expressions, he thought better. \u201cNo one was supposed to know we were together,\u201d he replied in a defeated voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d Adam demanded. \u201cAre the two of you running from the law?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not,\u201d Logan replied indignantly. He paused for a moment. \u201cShe\u2019s my sister.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked over at his brothers only to see that they were as shocked by the revelation as he was.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not just say that straight out?\u201d Hoss asked, frowning. \u201cWhat\u2019s with all the runnin\u2019 around and lyin\u2019?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told you,\u201d he answered. \u201cNo one is supposed to know we\u2019re together until\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUntil what?\u201d Joe demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Logan shot him a hateful glance. \u201cUntil we\u2019ve accomplished what we came here to do,\u201d he replied evasively.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is?\u201d Adam prompted patiently.<\/span><\/p>\n

Logan flashed him an angry glare. \u201cOur mother died a couple of years back,\u201d he explained. \u201cI\u2019ve been responsible for Alynn since then. The business I\u2019m in, I tend to make a few enemies here and there. I\u2019m not about to take the chance that someone could use her to get to me before we get out of town, so we make sure no one knows we\u2019re travelling together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust what kind of business are you in?\u201d Adam asked calmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cInvestments, you might say,\u201d he replied, raising his chin slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShady investments, I\u2019ll bet,\u201d Joe grated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll perfectly legal,\u201d Logan growled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you just drag you sister from town to town?\u201d Joe demanded. \u201cWhat kind of a life is that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s our life, not yours,\u201d Logan replied in a cold voice. \u201cYou\u2019d do best to stay away from her, you hear me, boy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

At the condescending tone, Joe made another attempt to lunge at the newcomer, only to be stopped once again by his bigger, much stronger brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, Joe,\u201d Hoss warned sternly. Turning his attention back to Logan while keeping a firm grip on his brother\u2019s arm, he posed the question uppermost on his mind. \u201cWhere\u2019s your sister now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI rented a place just out of town,\u201d he answered, knowing there was no use in lying anymore at that point. \u201cOnce I found out she\u2019d been talking to him, I wanted her out of Virginia City.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam listened intently to the exchange, ready to pick up on any small snippet of information he might find handy. \u201cWhy all the questions about the Cartwrights?\u201d he asked, looking for clarification.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI deal in investments,\u201d Logan replied coldly. \u201cBen Cartwright has a lot of money. Figure it out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow at the tone then offered a small smile, though his eyes were still hard. \u201cIn that case, I think you\u2019re wasting your time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see about that,\u201d the man grumbled. \u201cNow, if there are no more questions, I\u2019d like to retire to my room.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot so fast,\u201d Joe interrupted, shrugging off Hoss\u2019 arm to take a few steps toward the stranger. \u201cJust because you said Alynn left willingly doesn\u2019t make it so. I want to talk to her and see that she\u2019s all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStay away from her,\u201d the man warned, his obvious dislike for Joe evident in his voice. \u201cIf it weren\u2019t for you asking so many questions in the first place, she\u2019d still be here in town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow that we know the truth,\u201d Hoss interjected, eyes narrowed. \u201cI don\u2019t see no harm in lettin\u2019 Joe talk to her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUnless, of course,\u201d Adam added in a casual tone, \u201cwe\u2019ve yet to learn the real truth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Logan knew he could offer no logical explanation for wanting to keep Joe from talking to Alynn. \u201cI guess I can\u2019t stop you,\u201d he finally stated defiantly. \u201cShe has the right to talk to anyone she chooses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is she?\u201d Joe asked flatly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Logan looked at Adam and Hoss, noting their serious expressions. \u201cA little house about an hours ride south of town,\u201d he finally replied. \u201cI\u2019ll take you there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stepped aside to allow the newcomer to lead the way. After only a moment\u2019s hesitation, he did just that.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When they arrived at the small house, Logan dismounted and addressed his companions. \u201cI\u2019ll tell her she has visitors,\u201d he stated simply. With that, he let his way into the house, closing the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you make of him?\u201d Hoss asked, scrunching up his face in a gesture of obvious distaste. \u201cDon\u2019t seem like the right sorta way to treat his sister.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They looked around at the rundown house and thought it looked more like a hideout than a proper residence for a young lady.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s living at the hotel in the lap of luxury,\u201d Joe breathed, shaking his head slightly. \u201cAnd he sticks her out here by herself. It just doesn\u2019t make any sense.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you wait until you hear her side before you jump to any conclusions,\u201d Adam suggested wisely. \u201cFor all we know, he could be telling the truth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was about to voice his doubt when Charles Logan exited from the small house. \u201cYou can come in,\u201d he stated, addressing the three of them before turning to go back inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

The brothers exchanged glances before following him into the small residence. Once inside, they found themselves face to face with the woman Joe had been searching the better part of the day for.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlynn,\u201d Joe smiled. \u201cI\u2019d like you to meet my brothers, Adam and Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am,\u201d Hoss smiled, instantly taken in by her beauty. She was exactly the way Joe had described her and her smile seemed to light at least their little corner of the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s nice to meet you, Miss Bennet,\u201d Adam smiled cautiously. He hadn\u2019t missed the look that passed between brother and sister and made a mental note to watch for further signs that something might be amiss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you do?\u201d she smiled uneasily. \u201cPlease, sit down. I have a fresh pot of coffee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, the three Cartwright brothers exchanged glances before taking a seat at the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe had a nice little chat with your brother in town,\u201d Adam broke the uneasy silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe told us why you left the rooming house,\u201d Joe added. \u201cWe just wanted to make sure everything was all right out here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She seemed to blush slightly at the words. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe,\u201d she offered. \u201cI hadn\u2019t intended on lying to you.\u201d She met her brother\u2019s gaze for a moment then quickly looked down at the floor, avoiding eye contact with the three visitors.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at his brothers before turning his attention back to Alynn. \u201cSo what he said is true,\u201d he surmised in a quiet voice. \u201cAll the deception is to hide the fact that you\u2019re brother and sister. Frowning slightly, he added, \u201cIn that case, why did you risk talking to me in the first place?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She glanced quickly at her brother with something akin to panic in her eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe didn\u2019t know it was your father I was planning on doing business with,\u201d Logan informed him flatly. \u201cShe didn\u2019t want to jeopardize my chance at making a few extra dollars.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alynn looked at Joe as though trying to decide whether or not he was accepting the explanation. \u201cYes,\u201d she concurred. \u201cThat\u2019s right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook,\u201d Joe persisted, ignoring Logan in favour of watching her expression closely. \u201cI don\u2019t know what\u2019s going on here, but if you\u2019re afraid, you don\u2019t have to be. Just say the word and we\u2019ll take you out of here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d she managed, trying to offer a smile of reassurance though her complexion paled noticeably. \u201cReally. Everything is all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at his brothers, trying to determine whether or not they had the same uneasy feeling he did. They knew each other well enough to read the signs without having to say anything. \u201cWell then,\u201d he stated. \u201cI guess now that we know you\u2019re safe and sound, we should be getting back to the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate the concern,\u201d she offered as they got to their feet.\u201d She paused a moment to look at her brother once again. \u201cBut I assure you, Charles always has my best interests at heart.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow but said nothing as the three said their farewells and walked to their horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once Charles Logan had seen them on their way, he returned to the house. \u201cThat wasn\u2019t exactly part of my plan,\u201d he admitted to his sister. \u201cBut they left me no choice. They would have made a whole lot of trouble if I hadn\u2019t brought them out here to prove that I hadn\u2019t abducted you at gunpoint.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on, Charles?\u201d Alynn demanded angrily. \u201cWhat sort of trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s not going to be any trouble,\u201d her brother murmured distractedly, looking out the window. \u201cJust as long as you stay away from Joe Cartwright, you understand me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she seethed. \u201cI don\u2019t understand. Why don\u2019t you explain it to me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He turned from the window to offer her a taunting smile. \u201cIn time, my dear,\u201d he replied. \u201cIn time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben couldn\u2019t help but notice the way Joe picked at his food over dinner. \u201cSomething wrong, son?\u201d he asked casually.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure of it,\u201d Joe uttered in reply. \u201cI just can\u2019t figure out exactly what.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow and looked to his other sons for an explanation. Once he\u2019d heard about Alynn and her brother, he turned his attention back to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf she says she\u2019s all right, there\u2019s not much you can do. He\u2019s her brother, after all. She\u2019s his responsibility, not yours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, Pa,\u201d Joe sighed, putting down his fork. \u201cI just can\u2019t shake the feeling that something wasn\u2019t quite right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI sorta had the same feelin\u2019, Pa,\u201d Hoss admitted. \u201cI think we all did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Ben replied, frowning. \u201cDid she act as though she was afraid of him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam answered. \u201cNot exactly. I just got the impression that they were hiding something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shrugged slightly. \u201cFrom what you\u2019ve said, they are trying to hide something, the fact that they\u2019re brother and sister.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just it, Pa,\u201d Joe frowned in concentration. \u201cOnce we knew the truth, why did they still act so suspiciously?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure I don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben stated firmly. \u201cBut I do know it\u2019s none of our business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBesides, if it were really her safety he was concerned with, wouldn\u2019t you think he\u2019d want to keep her closer?\u201d Adam added, seemingly oblivious to his father\u2019s comments. \u201cPutting her out in the old Marshal place by herself isn\u2019t exactly keeping an eye on her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you don\u2019t believe their story,\u201d Ben surmised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa, I guess we don\u2019t,\u201d Hoss answered for the three of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf I could just talk to her alone,\u201d Joe murmured in distraction. \u201cShe\u2019s not going to say anything with him standing over her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou talked to her alone yesterday,\u201d Ben reminded him. \u201cShe didn\u2019t say anything then either.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut we\u2019d just met at the time,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cMaybe if I were to invite her out here to dinner I\u2019d get a chance to find out what\u2019s really going on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think she\u2019d come?\u201d Ben asked patiently. \u201cWithout her brother?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not invite them both?\u201d Adam suggested. \u201cI think there\u2019s something going on with Charles Logan and I still think it has something to do with you, Pa. He asked too many questions for a man who was merely trying to set up an easy mark.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow disapprovingly in the direction of his eldest son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know what I mean,\u201d Adam smiled in slight amusement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I guess I do,\u201d Ben admitted gruffly. \u201cAll right. If the three of you think it will ease your minds at all where this girl is concerned, you can invite them out to dinner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ride out and ask her tomorrow,\u201d Joe beamed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Ben grumbled, unsure as to whether he\u2019d made the right decision in agreeing to get involved with the strangers. Turning to Joe with a stern look, he added, \u201cJust remind me of this the next time I foolishly agree to give you three days off, will you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s original plan was to ride straight out to the Marshal place, but as he neared Virginia City, he realized the proper thing to do would be to invite Charles first. It was no secret the man didn\u2019t like him, and he had to admit the feeling was mutual, but he didn\u2019t want to give him any further reason by calling on his sister behind his back.<\/span><\/p>\n

After tying Cochise in front of the hotel, he went in search of Charles Logan. He found him in the dining room, finishing off a late breakfast.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d the man demanded in a cold voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou might say I want to call a truce,\u201d Joe offered evenly. \u201cI get the impression you don\u2019t much trust me where Alynn is concerned.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlynn\u2019s a beautiful girl,\u201d Logan replied. \u201cWe\u2019ve yet to stop in a town where young men aren\u2019t tripping over each other like pathetic puppy dogs to get to her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd putting her out at the old Marshal place, cutting her off from everyone is your way of protecting her from that?\u201d Joe demanded, a tinge of anger to his voice. \u201cIs that what Alynn wants? To be locked away like some treasure that no one has the opportunity to appreciate?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s my sister, Cartwright,\u201d Logan reminded him coldly. \u201cIt\u2019s none of your business how I choose to look after her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was silent for a moment. \u201cNo, I guess it\u2019s not,\u201d he finally agreed. \u201cLook, I didn\u2019t come here to fight with you. My family wants to invite you to dinner at the Ponderosa tonight. I am going to ride out and ask Alynn, but I thought out of courtesy I should ask you first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Logan asked suspiciously. \u201cWhy would your family want to invite us to dinner?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u201cYou\u2019re new in town,\u201d he replied. \u201cAnd truthfully, I\u2019d like to get to know Alynn better. I think she might prefer an evening of good company to one alone out at that house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Charles seemed to ponder the explanation for a moment. \u201cDon\u2019t you agree with your brother that I\u2019d be wasting my time with your father at this point? I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve voiced your suspicions to him where I\u2019m concerned.\u201d He paused a moment, allowing a smirk to cross his face. \u201cThough I can assure you that he\u2019d find my proposal most interesting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy father\u2019s a fair man,\u201d Joe stated. \u201cAnd he makes his own decisions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen let\u2019s give him a chance to do that, shall we? Tell your father that I have important business to discuss with him and that I\u2019ll be paying him a visit later this morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI came here to invite you and Alynn to dinner,\u201d Joe pointed out flatly. \u201cYou want to make a business appointment with my father, you do it yourself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do just that,\u201d Logan smiled wryly. \u201cBut I think the socializing would be best saved until after he hears what I have to say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSuit yourself,\u201d Joe grated, turning away from the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Cartwright,\u201d Logan called, causing Joe to pause in his exit. \u201cI don\u2019t want you talking to Alynn, do I make myself clear?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned to face the smirking man. \u201cI don\u2019t see as that\u2019s any of your business,\u201d he stated evenly before turning once again and leaving the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Charles Logan watched him leave, a satisfied grin spread across his face. \u201cWe\u2019ll see about that,\u201d he murmured quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Though dismayed, Joe wasn\u2019t entirely surprised to find the Marshal house empty when he got there. The fact that Logan seemed to be going to so much trouble to keep him from talking to Alynn only strengthened his suspicion that the man was up to no good. Having decided on his next course of action, he mounted Cochise and headed back to town.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he reached the sheriff\u2019s office, Roy greeted him with a warm welcome. \u201cLittle Joe,\u201d he smiled. \u201cWhat brings you to town so early? No trouble I hope.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope not, Roy,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI wanted to find out if you knew anything about a man named Charles Logan. He came into town day before yesterday with a woman, his sister.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLogan?\u201d Roy repeated, frowning thoughtfully. \u201cNope, can\u2019t say as I\u2019ve heard of him. Why d\u2019ya ask?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe recounted his encounters with the man and the situation with Alynn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s his sister,\u201d Roy shrugged. \u201cHe\u2019s got every right to protect her, if that\u2019s what he\u2019s doin\u2019. As for your Pa, he\u2019s about as careful as they come. He ain\u2019t gonna fall for no shady investment deals, you know that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe sighed. \u201cIt\u2019s not bad investments I\u2019m worried about. I just don\u2019t know why he\u2019s so bent on making sure Alynn doesn\u2019t have contact with anyone in town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone?\u201d Roy frowned. \u201cOr you? From what you\u2019ve told me, she had contact with at least two other people here in town, Mrs. Callwood and Sarah down at the roomin\u2019 house. Didn\u2019t he even admit that it was you Cartwrights he wanted to keep her from?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe considered the words for a moment. \u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d he murmured thoughtfully. As an idea suddenly came to him, he thanked Roy and hurried from the office.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mrs. Brandon was her usual, cheerful self when she greeted him at the rooming house. \u201cLittle Joe!\u201d she exclaimed. \u201cTwo visits in one week? To what do I owe such an honour?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled in greeting, then asked about the reason for his visit. \u201cIs Sarah in this morning?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She shook her head. \u201cNot \u2018til this afternoon,\u201d she replied. \u201cBut I do have good news of sorts. That woman you were asking about the other day? She came in last night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlynn Bennet?\u201d he asked in surprise. \u201cWhere is she now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s up in her room,\u201d Mrs. Brandon answered. \u201cAnd she likely will be until her gentleman friend returns. He told her in no uncertain terms that she wasn\u2019t to talk to anyone until he got back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich room?\u201d Joe asked, seemingly oblivious to the words.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe Cartwright,\u201d she exclaimed, a small smile of disapproval clouding her features. \u201cDidn\u2019t you hear a word I just said?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Mrs. Brandon,\u201d he explained. \u201cIt\u2019s important that I talk to her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe in some sort of trouble?\u201d Mrs. Brandon frowned in concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut I have to find out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut she won\u2019t see you,\u201d she reminded him. \u201cI told you what he said. He looked like he meant business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou could get her to open the door,\u201d he suggested. \u201cOnce she does, I\u2019ll be able to talk to her alone and if she really isn\u2019t in any danger, I\u2019ll leave without any trouble, you have my word.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She considered the words for a moment. She\u2019d known Joe Cartwright all his life and had watched him grow into the trustworthy man who now stood before her. \u201cAll right,\u201d she finally agreed. \u201cBut if you\u2019re wrong and she wants you to leave\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d he promised. \u201cJust as soon as I know she\u2019s all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She paused another moment before leading the way up the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d called a woman\u2019s voice in response to Mrs. Brandon\u2019s knock.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have some fresh towels here, dear,\u201d the woman replied, glancing briefly at Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the door opened, Alynn was surprised to see Joe standing there. \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t be here,\u201d she exclaimed, her eyes wide with alarm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I couldn\u2019t find you at the Marshal place, I got worried,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cPlease, I just want to talk to you for a minute.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not supposed to talk to you,\u201d Alynn whispered intently, glancing into the corridor as though afraid her brother would appear at any moment. \u201cCharles said\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did he say?\u201d Joe asked as she failed to finish the statement. \u201cWhat did he say that has you so frightened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alynn glanced furtively at Mrs. Brandon who was shifting uncomfortably in the hallway. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Miss,\u201d she apologized. \u201cBut he said it was important. The Cartwrights are good men. If you\u2019re in trouble, you can tell them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you in trouble, Alynn?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be in the lobby,\u201d Mrs. Brandon excused herself before hurrying toward the stairway.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not what you think, Joe,\u201d Alynn insisted once the older woman was out of earshot.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen tell me what I\u2019m supposed to think,\u201d he replied. \u201cThe day you got here, you were a different person. When I saw you out at the house, you could barely look at me. What\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease,\u201d she whispered fervently. \u201cMy brother could be back at any moment.\u201d She grasped the edge of the door, trying to close it. \u201cI can\u2019t talk to you. Not now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He stopped the door, holding it firmly despite her attempts to close it. \u201cThen you are afraid of him,\u201d he concluded grimly.<\/span><\/p>\n

She shot him a startled look before replying. \u201cCharles would never hurt me,\u201d she stated, her voice devoid of the conviction she\u2019d intended for the words.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t he?\u201d Joe challenged tersely. \u201cThen why are you so afraid that he\u2019ll find you talking to me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you just let it go?\u201d she pleaded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot until I know what kind of business he has with my father,\u201d Joe persisted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d she answered truthfully. \u201cHe wouldn\u2019t tell me. When I met you on the street, I didn\u2019t even know he knew of your father.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe considered the words for a moment. \u201cYou had no idea why he was coming to Virginia City?\u201d he asked, doubt evident in his tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharles travels a lot,\u201d she smiled wanly. \u201cThis is the first time he ever asked me to accompany him. I thought it would be a good opportunity to spend some time together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it?\u201d Joe frowned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a lot when you consider he\u2019s all I have in this world,\u201d she pointed out sadly. \u201cI always had the impression he resented me. He\u2019s had to help our mother look after me practically my whole life. Now that I\u2019m grown and mama\u2019s gone, I thought this might be a chance for us to share the kind of closeness I\u2019d always wished we\u2019d had.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her words caused Joe to think about his own brothers. They\u2019d had to help raise him after the death of his mother, but he\u2019d never been made to feel like he was a burden to them. On the contrary, he\u2019d always felt the bond between them had been made even stronger. He couldn\u2019t even imagine being so desperate for the sibling affection he\u2019d been shown his whole life. The slightly wistful look in her blue eyes softened his demeanour slightly and he offered a small smile. \u201cI guess I can understand that,\u201d he allowed quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you can\u2019t relate, can you Joe?\u201d she asked, seemingly forgetting her fear of being caught talking to him. \u201cI saw the way you were with your brothers. Even in the few moments at the house, just the way you seemed to communicate without the need of words, I could tell you share an unbreakable bond, the kind of bond I\u2019d hoped to one day develop with Charles.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you still can,\u201d he offered kindly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr maybe it\u2019s time I stopped kidding myself,\u201d she sighed. \u201cThat story he told you about protecting me when we travel? It\u2019s not true, any of it. It was only when we were coming into Virginia City that he told me we had to pretend we weren\u2019t together. Whatever reason he had for asking me to come along on this trip, it obviously had nothing to do with wanting to spend time with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut his reasons for being here do concern my father,\u201d Joe stated. \u201cAnd I\u2019m going to find out what they are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The last thing he remembered was turning away from the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When he came to, he was inside the room with the door closed. Charles Logan stood over him with a gun, his expression angry.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou just couldn\u2019t do what you were told, could you, Cartwright?\u201d he hissed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t take orders from you, Logan,\u201d Joe muttered, looking around the room. \u201cWhere\u2019s Alynn?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe doesn\u2019t take orders too well either,\u201d Logan smirked. \u201cAll she had to do was stay away from you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd why is that so important?\u201d Joe demanded, getting to his feet while noticing the gun pointed at him was his own.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll find out soon enough,\u201d he spat. \u201cNow, we\u2019re going to walk out of here and take a little ride. If you try anything, I\u2019ll kill you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going anywhere with you,\u201d Joe grated, his expression hard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou are unless you want me to kill Mrs. Brandon and her daughter,\u201d Logan informed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe thought about the kindly woman he\u2019d known most of his life and her daughter, Sarah, who\u2019d practically grown up with him. \u201cLeave them out of this,\u201d he warned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like nothing better,\u201d Logan shrugged nonchalantly. \u201cBut they\u2019re down in the lobby and they just may be suspicious of us leaving together. So, unless you convince them that all is well, Virginia City is going to find itself short two residents.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe considered the threat for a moment, wondering if the man before him would actually kill two innocent women. Deciding he couldn\u2019t risk finding out, he allowed Logan to usher him into the hallway.<\/span><\/p>\n

As expected, Mrs. Brandon looked up questioningly when she heard them coming down the stairs. Joe looked her in the eye and smiled slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEverything all right, Little Joe?\u201d she asked reluctantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Logan prodded Joe slightly with the gun concealed under his jacket. \u201cFine, Mrs. Brandon,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cMr. Logan and I are heading out to the Ponderosa to talk to Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSay hello for me, will you?\u201d she smiled slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tipped his hat politely and led the way out of the rooming house, Charles Logan close behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust where are we supposed to be going?\u201d he demanded flatly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll see,\u201d Logan replied, motioning for Joe to get on his horse. Still keeping the gun trained on him, he mounted his own and nodded toward the outskirts of town.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s hopes faded as he realized they were not headed for the Marshal place. Having been there only the day before, he was confident that his brothers would look there for him if he failed to return home in a reasonable amount of time. Now, however, as they headed in the other direction, he knew he was on his own.<\/span><\/p>\n

Out of the corner of his eye, he tried to keep Logan in view, waiting for the right opportunity. Though he knew his rifle was within easy reach, he also knew he wouldn\u2019t have time to aim and fire before his captor pulled the trigger. Deciding to wait for a better opportunity, he allowed the man to guide him away from town where there was less chance of someone else being hurt.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they came to a rundown shack, Logan informed him that they\u2019d reached their destination. \u201cSorry I didn\u2019t have time to prepare accommodations more fitting for a Cartwright,\u201d he sneered. \u201cBut seeing as you gave me little choice, this will have to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe glanced around and noticed there was no other horse in the area. \u201cWhere\u2019s Alynn?\u201d he asked flatly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s still in town,\u201d Logan replied, dismounting and motioning for Joe to do the same. \u201cYou don\u2019t think I\u2019d leave her out here with you, do you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe made a motion to dismount and knew he wasn\u2019t likely to get a better chance. In a desperate attempt at freedom, he launched himself from the saddle, landing squarely on his surprised captor.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the rolled in the dirt, Joe grappled with the larger man for the gun. Even as his fingers closed around the barrel, a shot rang out, muffled slightly by the close proximity at which it had been fired.<\/span><\/p>\n

Logan got to his feet, his mind reeling with what had happened in only a few short seconds. \u201cWhat did you go and do that for?\u201d he demanded, his voice indicating his panic at the new situation. \u201cI didn\u2019t want to kill you, Cartwright, just keep you out of the way for a while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not dead yet,\u201d Joe gasped, his hands clutching the whole in his side. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to get me to a doctor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Logan licked his lips, nervously glancing in the direction of town. \u201cI can\u2019t do that,\u201d he murmured, shaking his head slightly. \u201cNo sir, they\u2019ll hang me for this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you just leave me out here to die?\u201d Joe rasped in exasperation. \u201cWhat would Alynn think of you then?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Without another word, Logan hurried to his horse and swung himself into the saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLogan!\u201d Joe shouted with as much strength as he could muster. As he watched the other man ride away, he fell back in the dirt, his energy seeping from him in correlation with the red stain growing on his shirt. \u201cLogan,\u201d he whispered hoarsely. As the sky seemed to spin above him, he thought of his father and brothers. He knew they\u2019d come looking, but would they be in time? As he tried to reassure himself that they would, he lost the battle against unconsciousness.<\/span><\/p>\n

**********
\nWhen he awoke, it took him a moment to realize where he was. No longer was the bright sun pounding directly on him, but he could still see it shining through the cracks in the walls. As he turned his head to orient himself, he saw Alynn\u2019s face above him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere?\u201d he asked weakly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe same shack where you were shot,\u201d she explained. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry about this, Joe,\u201d she tried to convince him. \u201cI didn\u2019t know his plans would come to this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are his plans?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gone to see your father,\u201d she explained. \u201cWhen he gets back, he intends to take me and leave town. He said he\u2019ll leave a note at the hotel telling someone where you are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes as she spoke. \u201cAnd that\u2019s it,\u201d he breathed, his tone one of disappointment. \u201cYou just follow along, doing whatever he tells you to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t see the hurt expression in her eyes. \u201cI said those were his intentions,\u201d she reminded him. \u201cHe came to the hotel for me and brought me out here on his horse. If there was a way for me to get you back to town, I\u2019d have done it the moment he left.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He opened his eyes and turned his head slightly to meet her gaze.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s my brother,\u201d she stated quietly. \u201cI owe him a lot and that\u2019s why I turn a blind eye to some of his schemes, but no one has ever been hurt by them before, not really. He\u2019s out of control, Joe. I don\u2019t know what he\u2019s planning with your father, but I\u2019m sure it has to do with money. That\u2019s what usually drives him to do the things he does.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He tried to sit up, only to have her put a steadying hand on his shoulder. \u201cIt\u2019s best if you take it easy,\u201d she advised gently. \u201cThe bleeding seems to have slowed for now, but if you move around too much\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCochise,\u201d he breathed, still struggling to sit up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d she frowned, worried that he was delirious.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy horse,\u201d he explained, leaning against the wall to regain his strength. \u201cHe must have run off at the shot, but he won\u2019t go far, not without me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She hadn\u2019t even thought of the possibility that Joe\u2019s horse could still be nearby. \u201cStay here,\u201d she instructed firmly as she hurried for the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

She was back in a few moments, her expression one of triumph. \u201cI got him,\u201d she stated. \u201cI\u2019m going for a doctor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe shook his head, pushing himself to a standing position. \u201cWe have to get to the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll never make it,\u201d she exclaimed, hurrying to his side to help him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have a choice,\u201d he pointed out, his voice as firm as he could manage. \u201cHe wasn\u2019t afraid to shoot me, Alynn. Who knows what he\u2019ll do if he doesn\u2019t get what he wants from my father? Help me to my horse and I\u2019ll make it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She did as instructed, taking some of his weight as they walked slowly outside to where Cochise waited. Though it took him a few moments, he managed to swing himself slowly into the saddle and motioned for her to climb up. She did so easily, slipping her arms around him and taking the reins. \u201cWhich way?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

While he indicated the direction, she prodded the horse to a slow gait, worried that the motion would cause his wound to bleed again. Despite her efforts, he coaxed Cochise to a faster pace, knowing that his equine friend would respond more readily to him than to the woman.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they finally reached the Ponderosa, she jumped down and called toward the house. \u201cMr. Cartwright?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The door opened momentarily and Adam and Hoss hurried out, followed by Charles Logan. As soon as he saw his sister, Logan drew his gun. \u201cThat\u2019s far enough, Cartwright!\u201d he called to the two older brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d Adam demanded, his gaze flitting from Logan to where Joe was getting down slowly from his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe! What happened?\u201d Hoss asked as he hurried toward his younger brother, oblivious to the threat the stranger posed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe shot me,\u201d Joe breathed, taking the arm Alynn offered for support. \u201cWhatever his business is with Pa, I guess it was worth killing for.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo one was supposed to get hurt,\u201d Logan barked. \u201cIt was your own fault for not minding your own business!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get him into the house,\u201d Adam muttered as he quickly inspected the wound in Joe\u2019s side. As they helped their younger brother toward the front door, Alynn hurried to where Charles stood watching, his gun trained on the three Cartwrights.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharles,\u201d she exclaimed in disbelief. \u201cWhat do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the house,\u201d he growled, waving his gun toward the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

She stood for a moment, looking into his cold, hard eyes before lowering her gaze to the gun he held. Without further comment, she pushed her way past him and hurried through the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam were just approaching the staircase when Logan entered. \u201cNot up there,\u201d he instructed firmly. Motioning to the settee, he added, \u201cPut him over here. I want all three of you where I can see you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Once they\u2019d lowered Joe to the sofa, Adam turned his attention on their captor while Hoss tended to the injury.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you tell us exactly what it is you want here,\u201d he demanded, his voice strong and defiant.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want what\u2019s coming to me,\u201d Logan replied, taking Alynn by the arm and shoving her toward one of the chairs. \u201cAnd as soon as Ben Cartwright gets back, I\u2019m going to get it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Pa?\u201d Joe asked grimacing against the pain as Hoss tried to remove his jacket and shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe went into Carson City with Hop Sing, Little Joe,\u201d Hoss replied grimly. \u201cHe should be back shortly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the meantime, you can answer my question,\u201d Adam stated evenly, his gaze fixed squarely on the man with the gun. \u201cWhat do you want with him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got something that belongs to him,\u201d Logan sneered. \u201cThought he might like it back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alynn had left her chair to help Hoss with Joe. \u201cWe need some water,\u201d she informed her brother sternly. \u201cAnd some bandages.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee what you can find in the kitchen,\u201d Charles snapped, his gun still aimed at where Adam stood facing him. \u201cAnd be quick about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alynn flashed him an angry glare, but followed his instructions, hurrying into the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf my brother dies,\u201d Adam began, his lips set in a grim line of determination. \u201cI\u2019ll kill you myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe ain\u2019t gonna die,\u201d Logan replied, glancing quickly at where Joe lay. \u201cIf he\u2019d minded his own business, he wouldn\u2019t have even been hurt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alynn hurried back into the room carrying a basin of water and some cloth she\u2019d managed to find. As she gingerly tended to Joe\u2019s wound, Hoss straightened and came to join his older brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cListen here, mister,\u201d he stated, his eyes narrowed. \u201cI don\u2019t know what it is you want with Pa, but I can tell you right off he\u2019s not gonna do any dealin\u2019 with you after what you done. If I was you, I\u2019d get out of here while I could still sit a saddle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told you,\u201d Logan replied, matching Hoss\u2019 steady tone. \u201cI\u2019m not going anywhere until I get what\u2019s coming to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon I can promise you\u2019ll get what\u2019s comin\u2019 to ya,\u201d Hoss replied, his fists clenching at his sides.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat exactly is it you think our father owes you?\u201d Adam interjected, putting a steadying hand on Hoss\u2019 arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Logan smiled wryly. \u201cLike I said, I got something that belongs to him.\u201d Motioning toward the settee, he indicated Alynn. \u201cBoys, meet your sister.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alynn\u2019s eyes darted up quickly to meet those of her brother, her expression one of shock and disbelief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur what?\u201d Adam demanded, glancing swiftly at Alynn before turning his attention back to the man before him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes,\u201d he sneered. \u201cMy father died before we moved to San Francisco. Our mother never married after that. When Alynn came along, she would only say she\u2019d loved her father but she wouldn\u2019t disclose his identity to anyone, not even Alynn. She said he was a wealthy, important man, but she knew he had a wife. She didn\u2019t want to destroy his life so she kept his secret. She struggled to raise his child while he went on with his perfect life as though nothing had happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharles,\u201d Alynn breathed, the colour draining from her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d best try to explain this accusation of yours,\u201d Adam stated firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHer name was Adrianne,\u201d Charles explained, his chin lifting slightly. \u201cAdrianne Bennet. She owned a small caf\u00e9 on the waterfront. She said your father often went there when he was in San Francisco.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo?\u201d Adam prodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe told me how kind he was to her,\u201d Charles continued, his voice taking on a hard edge. \u201cHow he helped her when she was having problems with the landlord.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alynn was still reeling with the shock of what she\u2019d heard. \u201cShe would never tell you,\u201d she breathed, shaking her head slightly as she got to her feet. \u201cShe wouldn\u2019t even tell me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe didn\u2019t have to tell me!\u201d Charles shouted, his anger addressed at her in particular. \u201cWho else could it be?\u201d He whirled to face Adam once again. \u201cWhenever she mentioned your father and his kindness, there was something in her eyes, something that I could never really understand until I put all the pieces together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you doing this?\u201d she pleaded, unable to look at anyone except her brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s denied you all these years, but no more,\u201d Charles smiled maniacally. \u201cHe owes you, Alynn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo that\u2019s it,\u201d Hoss breathed in distaste. \u201cIt all comes down to money.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEverything comes down to money,\u201d Charles laughed mirthlessly. \u201cYou Cartwrights should know that better than anyone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re wrong,\u201d Adam disagreed firmly. \u201cThere are more important things, like family. Regardless of the fact you had different fathers, Alynn is still your sister. Can\u2019t you see what this is doing to her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy sister,\u201d he scoffed. \u201cLook after your sister, Charles. Always protect your sister, Charles. Do you know how sick I am of hearing about my sister? Does the fact that my father was a dirt farmer make her more important than me? Does her birthright give her the right to ruin my life? Now, I\u2019ve looked after her all these years, I think it\u2019s time I was paid for my trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour trouble?\u201d Alynn breathed, the pain in her eyes turning to anger. \u201cI never asked anything from you, Charles,\u201d she stated angrily. \u201cAll I wanted was for you to be a brother to me, but you were always so wrapped up in yourself and your schemes that you couldn\u2019t even see that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlynn,\u201d Joe moaned weakly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tearing her eyes from her brother, her expression softened as she knelt beside the settee. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry for this, Joe,\u201d she murmured as she felt his forehead for fever. \u201cI had no idea what he was up to, you have to believe me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCochise,\u201d he whispered quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

She frowned at him for a moment, then nodded once as realization dawned. Getting to her feet, she strode purposefully toward where Charles stood in the middle of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe you would do this,\u201d she lamented, her eyes brimming with tears. \u201cWhat would Mama think? What do you think it would do to her if she knew what you\u2019d become?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShut up!\u201d he snapped, obviously not wanting to hear what she was saying.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not too late, Charles,\u201d she suggested hopefully, offering a small smile. \u201cWe could leave right now, both of us. We could go back to San Francisco, or somewhere else if you want. We could still be a family, Charles. You and me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI said shut up!\u201d he yelled, backhanding her across the side of the face. She stumbled against the back of the settee, her hand to her cheek, her eyes wide with fear and shock. Hoss made a move toward her, his expression one of outrage, but Adam stopped him, shaking his head almost imperceptibly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not my problem anymore,\u201d Charles seethed at his sister. \u201cDon\u2019t you get that? I looked after you for Mama\u2019s sake, but that\u2019s over now. You\u2019ve already taken twenty years of my life, I\u2019m not giving you one day more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His words stung like a physical blow and Alynn could no longer stem the tears threatening behind her lids. With a sob, she headed for the front door, hurrying outside even as he yelled for her to stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you just shoot her?\u201d Adam demanded angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon you\u2019re about the poorest excuse for a man I\u2019ve ever seen,\u201d Hoss added grimly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlynn, you get back here!\u201d Logan called, unwilling to take his eyes or his gun off the men standing before him. \u201cSo help me, I\u2019ll finish the job I started on your little friend here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss both hoped that she\u2019d ignore his demand and go for help, but their hopes were dashed as they saw her shadow in the doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n

Logan glanced at the door briefly before turning a wickedly triumphant grin in the direction of Adam and Hoss. \u201cOne thing about her,\u201d he drawled cynically. \u201cShe usually does what she\u2019s told. You should find her a might handy around the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPut down the gun, Charles,\u201d Alynn stated flatly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though he kept his weapon trained on the two men, he allowed his surprised gaze to turn to where his sister stood. It took a few seconds for his mind to register the fact that she was holding a rifle with the barrel aimed at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlynn!\u201d he whispered fiercely. \u201cWhat are you doing? You\u2019re going to ruin everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve already ruined your life, remember?\u201d she stated coldly. \u201cI\u2019m not going to let you hurt anyone else. Put down the gun.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s over Logan,\u201d Adam added, still eyeing the gun warily.<\/span><\/p>\n

Charles whipped his head around to face the man in black. \u201cNo,\u201d he breathed, shaking his head slightly as though in disbelief. \u201cI\u2019ve planned this for too long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His eyes took on a maniacal desperation even as he swung his arm around in her direction, his gun now pointed at the only relative he had left in the world. Only one shot rang out, but it was obvious who had fired it as Logan slowly crumbled to the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam immediately crouched beside the still figure, looking for any signs of life. \u201cHe\u2019s dead,\u201d he announced quietly as he rose once again to his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alynn lowered Joe\u2019s rifle to her side and stared in horror at the body of her brother. \u201cI killed him,\u201d she whispered in disbelief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe way I see it,\u201d Hoss mused, coming toward her to take the rifle from her hands. \u201cYou shot him in self-defense, ma\u2019am. You didn\u2019t have a choice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

All conversation ceased as Ben rushed through the open door, Hop Sing and two ranch hands close behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d he demanded, his gun drawn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, Pa,\u201d Adam assured him. \u201cBut Joe\u2019s going to need a doctor.\u201d He glanced at the dead man on the floor. \u201cI\u2019m afraid this one won\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben frowned in slight confusion before hurrying to where Joe lay on the sofa. After instructing the hands to take the body to town and bring out the doctor, he demanded to know what had happened in his absence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss glanced at Alynn, unsure as to whether or not they should be the ones to tell him what Charles had accused him of.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI believe you knew my mother,\u201d she explained. \u201cShe talked about you and your kindness many times throughout the years.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour mother?\u201d Ben repeated, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdrienne Bennet,\u201d Alynn continued in a strong but gentle voice. \u201cShe owned a small caf\u00e9 in San Francisco.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben nodded thoughtfully. \u201cYes, of course. I visited your mother\u2019s caf\u00e9 many times.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alynn smiled sadly. \u201cShe said she owed you a great debt, that you did her a favour once.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was silent for a moment as he recalled the details. \u201cA man by the name of Dorchester owned the saloon adjacent to the cafe. He wanted to expand his own business, so he tried to force your mother out of hers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou exposed him for what he was,\u201d Alynn continued. \u201cA cheat and a thief. If it hadn\u2019t been for you, she might have lost everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat was twenty years ago,\u201d Ben mused in slight bewilderment. \u201cWhat does any of that have to do with what\u2019s been going on here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alynn glanced briefly at Adam and Hoss before lowering her gaze to the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, maybe we should take Joe upstairs,\u201d Adam suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss agreed quickly. \u201cThe doc will likely want to tend to him up there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben moved to assist as Hoss and Adam helped Joe to his feet and toward the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got him, Pa,\u201d Adam assured him. Glancing in Alynn\u2019s direction, he added, \u201cI think Alynn might have something she\u2019d like to talk to you about.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The small smile Alynn offered to the eldest brother was one of relief and gratitude.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben frowned uncertainly as he looked from his sons to the young woman. \u201cI\u2019ll bring up Doc Martin as soon as he gets here,\u201d he stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once the three had disappeared up the stairs, Ben motioned for Alynn to take a seat on the settee and waited until she was comfortable before taking the chair opposite her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it you\u2019d like to talk to me about, Alynn?\u201d Ben asked kindly.<\/span><\/p>\n

She took a deep breath before raising her eyes to meet his. \u201cMy brother and I had different fathers,\u201d she began. \u201cCharles\u2019 died when he was still a small boy. After that, he and my mother moved to San Francisco.\u201d She paused for a moment, allowing her gaze to drop to where her hands fidgeted restlessly in her lap. \u201cShe never married again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded briefly as he digested the information. \u201cI remember your mother had a son,\u201d he acknowledged. \u201cHe was often in the caf\u00e9 when he was small.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe both spent a lot of time in the caf\u00e9 when we were little,\u201d she smiled sadly. \u201cMama said it was the only way she could keep an eye on us while she worked.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled kindly, but said nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharles was ten when I was born,\u201d she continued. \u201cStill a child, but old enough to realize the way things were supposed to work. There was no husband, no father, therefore there should be no baby.\u201d She allowed a wry smile. \u201cLooking back, I have to wonder if there was ever a time when he didn\u2019t resent my presence. He used to get so angry with our mother because she refused to reveal my father\u2019s identity.\u201d She paused a moment, lost in the throes of memory. \u201cI remember one night when I was about twelve. Charles was at work delivering ice and mother and I had just finished clearing the supper dishes. She would always sit by the fire and read to me after dinner, but this particular night, she told me it was time I knew more about my father. She described how she\u2019d fallen in love with his kind, gentle nature, how he\u2019d made her feel special for the first time since she\u2019d lost her husband. We talked for hours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her voice trailed off and she was silent for a moment before shaking her head slightly as though to bring herself back to the present. \u201cShe could never tell us his name, Mr. Cartwright, because she had never told him about me. He was a married man and she didn\u2019t want to ruin his life and his reputation. She knew that others would view it as wrong, but she never regretted one moment of the time they spent together. She was alone and he was trapped in an unhappy marriage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He noted the slightly defensive tone of voice and smiled in reassurance. \u201cI knew your mother to be a good, honest woman,\u201d he stated kindly<\/span><\/p>\n

She smiled gratefully at his words. \u201cYes, she was,\u201d she nodded slowly. \u201cBut when I came along, she was afraid the rumours would hurt the man she loved. She kept his identity a secret my whole life and took it to the grave with her, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry about that,\u201d he frowned slightly. \u201cEveryone has the right to know their father.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI feel like I did know him in some ways,\u201d she pointed out quietly. \u201cJust from the things my mother told me about him. I\u2019m sure he was a kind, loving man.\u201d She paused for a moment, steeling herself for what she still had to say. \u201cCharles felt as though he knew him too,\u201d she stated. Looking directly into Ben\u2019s eyes, she continued. \u201cHe came to the conclusion that you were that man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at her for a moment, his mind unable to comprehend what she was saying. \u201cMe?\u201d he finally asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked briefly down at her hands. \u201cI didn\u2019t know when we came out here that his intention was to confront you with the possibility,\u201d she explained. \u201cIf I had, I never would have played a part in it. He wanted money, money he figured you owed him for\u2026\u201d She paused briefly, the colour rising in her cheeks. \u201cFor looking after me all these years.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlynn, I \u2026\u201d Ben began gently.<\/span><\/p>\n

She quickly put a hand on his, her eyes shining with tears in contrast to her forced smile. \u201cPlease, Mr. Cartwright. You don\u2019t have to explain anything to me. Charles was wrong in his thinking. You\u2019re not my father. I know that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour mother and I were no more than friends,\u201d he confirmed softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded at the statement taking a moment to compose herself before replying. \u201cEven if I\u2019d allowed myself to believe it before, I would have known the truth once I\u2019d had a chance to talk to you. Somehow I just can\u2019t see you locked into a loveless marriage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI loved each of my wives very much,\u201d he agreed with a sad smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

She took a deep breath as though relieved to have the truth out in the open. \u201cI realize what my brother did was wrong, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she said quietly. \u201cAnd I know Joe wouldn\u2019t be hurt right now if it wasn\u2019t for me, but\u2026\u201d She paused a moment, closing her eyes against the tragedy of all that had happened. \u201cBut if you\u2019d allow it, I\u2019d like to stay just until the doctor comes and I know he\u2019s going to be all right. I couldn\u2019t bear going back to San Francisco without knowing\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe will be fine,\u201d he assured her with a small smile as he laid a hand gently on her arm. \u201cAnd you needn\u2019t feel responsible for what\u2019s happened. You\u2019re a kind, caring, young woman, Alynn. We\u2019d be happy to have you stay just as long as you\u2019d like.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She blinked back tears at his words. \u201cThank you,\u201d she whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019d like, you can go up and wait with Joe until the doctor arrives.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She glanced at the stairway and then back down at her hands. \u201cI don\u2019t think I could face them right now,\u201d she admitted. \u201cBut please, don\u2019t let me keep you from him any longer. I\u2019ll just wait here if that\u2019s all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly,\u201d he replied, squeezing her hand gently. \u201cIf you\u2019ll excuse me.\u201d He got to his feet and headed for the stairs, anxious to check on his youngest son.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alynn, too, rose from the spot where she\u2019d been sitting and began to pace, her mind going over all that had happened and trying to reconcile itself with the fact that she\u2019d shot her own brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once the doctor was upstairs with Joe, Adam and Hoss went down to talk to their guest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t blame yourself for any of this,\u201d Adam assured her quietly. \u201cI believed you when you said you didn\u2019t know what your brother was up to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate that,\u201d she replied, briefly meeting his gaze. \u201cIs Little Joe going to be all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gonna be just fine, ma\u2019am,\u201d Hoss answered with a reassuring smile. \u201cOnce the doc gets that bullet out, he\u2019ll be good as new.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d she nodded. \u201cI guess I should be going, then. Tell Joe I\u2019m sorry for everything,\u201d she added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you wait and tell him yourself?\u201d Adam suggested. \u201cWe\u2019ve got plenty of room here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve already caused your family enough trouble,\u201d she smiled wanly. \u201cI couldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t mind me sayin\u2019 so,\u201d Hoss pointed out quietly. \u201cThat\u2019s your brother talkin\u2019. You ain\u2019t causin\u2019 nobody any trouble by stayin\u2019 on here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s right,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cNo one blames you for what your brother tried to do. You\u2019re more a victim of his actions than any of us.\u201d He paused a moment. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to believe what Charles said about you, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She smiled thinly. \u201cSometimes it\u2019s hard not to, especially when you\u2019ve heard it for so long. I can\u2019t remember a time when I didn\u2019t feel like a burden where he was concerned.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou saved our little brother\u2019s life,\u201d Hoss stated. \u201cThat sure don\u2019t make you a burden around here. In fact, we\u2019re a might grateful for what you did. I sure wish you\u2019d stay a while and let us thank you proper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need,\u201d she smiled, warmed by his words. \u201cI was merely trying to undo a situation I felt partially responsible for.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTrust me,\u201d Adam offered a teasing smile. \u201cThat brother of ours doesn\u2019t need any help getting into trouble, especially when there\u2019s a pretty girl involved. You have nothing to feel responsible for.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d she laughed lightly, the melodic tones brightening the room. \u201cThat makes me feel a little better.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen you\u2019ll stay a while?\u201d Hoss asked hopefully. \u201cThe next stage for San Francisco don\u2019t leave \u2018til Friday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She considered it for a moment, unable to keep a small smile from her lips. \u201cIf you\u2019re sure it\u2019s no trouble, I\u2019ll stay until Friday,\u201d she finally agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben arranged for Hop Sing to prepare a special dinner on Thursday to mark the end of Alynn\u2019s stay. In the few days she\u2019d been at the Ponderosa, she\u2019d managed to come to terms with most of what had happened, though she still felt saddened by her brother\u2019s actions. When Joe suggested a walk in the moonlight after dinner, she gratefully accepted the offer, glad for the opportunity to enjoy one more pleasant evening in the fresh, country air.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just so beautiful here,\u201d she mused, taking a deep breath. \u201cI almost hate to leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to, you know,\u201d Joe pointed out quietly. \u201cYou could start over right here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her smile was slightly sad as she turned to him. \u201cIt\u2019s tempting,\u201d she admitted. \u201cIn the short time I\u2019ve been here, I\u2019ve realized what I missed growing up without a father. Mr. Cartwright has been so kind, you all have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we never had a sister,\u201d Joe teased with a smile. \u201cEven for a short time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now I know that I never really had a brother,\u201d she sighed, \u201cat least not in the real sense of the word.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He took her hand gently and stared into her eyes. \u201cI\u2019m serious, Alynn,\u201d he spoke quietly. \u201cI wish you\u2019d stay. I\u2019ve never met anyone like you, and I\u2019m not talking as a brother, but as a man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She touched his face gently. \u201cI know,\u201d she whispered. \u201cBut I can\u2019t, Joe. My life is in San Francisco. I\u2019m going to reopen my mother\u2019s caf\u00e9. I think that\u2019s what she would have wanted. I need to prove to myself that I can do it on my own. All my life, my mother looked after me, protected me. After she died, as much as I hate to admit it, I relied on Charles a great deal. But now I\u2019m no one\u2019s little sister anymore. I\u2019m just me and I have still to learn what that really means.\u201d She paused for a moment, searching his eyes. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose that makes any sense to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. \u201cIt makes more sense than you know,\u201d he smiled, swallowing the lump in his throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll miss you, Joe Cartwright,\u201d she murmured, her gaze flitting from his eyes to his lips and back again.<\/span><\/p>\n

In response, he took her in his arms, looking down into the liquid pool of blue that were her eyes. \u201cI\u2019ll miss you too,\u201d he whispered. Bending his head slowly, he sought out her lips with his own. As they locked in a tender kiss of farewell, he was sure he felt his heart breaking. Once they\u2019d reluctantly pulled away from one another, they stood looking into each other\u2019s eyes. He could see his own pain mirrored in her face and forced a smile of encouragement. \u201cYou\u2019ll always have a family here, Alynn. Don\u2019t ever forget that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t,\u201d she smiled, tears shining in her eyes. \u201cI guess I\u2019d better call it a night. That stage leaves early.\u201d Pausing briefly, she scanned his features as though trying to commit them to memory. \u201cGood night, Joe,\u201d she whispered. Reaching up, she brushed her lips lightly against his before hurrying past him toward the house. Unwilling to go inside, he turned and leaned his arms on the top rail of the fence, the touch of her kiss still fresh on his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t know how long he\u2019d been standing there when he felt a hand on his shoulder and one on his back. Looking up, he noticed his brothers, one on either side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou all right?\u201d Adam asked quietly as the three of them stared out at the corral.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe sighed honestly. \u201cI just know I don\u2019t want her to leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you tell her that?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe mumbled, lowering his gaze to stare at his hands. \u201cI told her. She says she has to try it on her own. She wants to reopen her mother\u2019s caf\u00e9 in San Francisco.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam exchanged a glance over their brother\u2019s head. \u201cI guess there\u2019s nothing else you can do,\u201d Adam finally surmised in a soft voice. \u201cIf you love her, you have to let her go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath before offering his brothers a fragile smile. \u201cYeah, I know,\u201d he sighed sadly. \u201cShe\u2019s gonna make it, too; you wait and see.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou bet she will,\u201d Hoss grinned, slapping his little brother on the back. \u201cShe\u2019s a strong gal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They stood in silence for a moment, each contemplating their own thoughts. \u201cWell, I don\u2019t know about you two, but I\u2019m going to hit the sack,\u201d Adam suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou go on ahead,\u201d Joe offered to his brothers. \u201cI\u2019ll be in in a minute.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded and squeezed Joe\u2019s arm slightly before turning toward the house. Hoss bade his younger brother good night and followed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe lingered a moment longer in an effort to delay the coming morning when he\u2019d have to say goodbye. Turning toward the house, he glanced up at her lighted window just in time to see it go dark. \u201cGood night, Alynn,\u201d he said softly. With the memory if her kiss forever etched on his heart, he slowly made his way toward the house<\/span><\/p>\n

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

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Joe’s encounter with a beautiful stranger turns out to be far more than he bargained for.
\nRating:\u00a0 Teens
\nWords:\u00a0 14,540<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12436,"featured_media":41001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,1007],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47197","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-joe-cartwright","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1007-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":506,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":46841,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46841","url_meta":{"origin":47197,"position":0},"title":"The First Day of Spring (by Adamfan16)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"December 6, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0This is an expanded Bonanza Bit I did this spring, to the title prompt. 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