{"id":5325,"date":"2003-06-11T00:36:00","date_gmt":"2003-06-11T04:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5325"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:54","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:54","slug":"shotgun-wedding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5325","title":{"rendered":"Shotgun Wedding (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>A hold-up of the stage he is on leads Joe to an encounter with an old nemesis. What does the future hold for the family now? This is a sequel to \u2018To Love Again\u2019, although it\u2019s not necessary to have read that one before reading this one.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0 (10,315 words)<\/p>\n

To Love Again Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

To Love Again<\/a>
\nShotgun Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Shotgun Wedding\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Travelling by stagecoach wasn\u2019t Joe Cartwright\u2019s favourite means of travel. It was bouncy, dusty and uncomfortable and once, he had been involved in a coach crash. However, after being away from home for more than a week, delivering a horse to a friend of his father\u2019s, Joe had no other option but to return by coach.\u00a0 He had taken only the horse he was delivering with him, riding the animal on his outward journey. The horse safely delivered, he had banked the money, getting the bank to wire it to Virginia City and had caught the stage home. It was just a pity it was a three day journey.<\/p>\n

The passengers on the coach with Joe were less than interesting, too, he reflected. The one woman was a stout, elderly lady who complained about the dust and the heat non-stop. Her husband, a small, thin, hen-pecked looking man, grunted agreement with everything she said, and never voiced a single opinion.<\/p>\n

The other passengers were two middle aged men. They talked in quiet tones to each other, but seldom addressed more than the most commonplace remarks to their fellow travellers. Neither man was stout, but when they sat on the seat, there was precious little room for Joe to sit next to them, and he certainly didn\u2019t fancy sitting next to the stout lady who, truth be told, smelt strongly of stale sweat and over-sweet toilet water. Joe found himself sitting on the floor, trying to avoid being kicked. He hoped that they weren\u2019t all travelling to Virginia City.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately for Joe, it appeared that they were. The first night\u2019s stop was in a way station hardly bigger than the Ponderosa\u2019s barn. The stout lady was vociferous in her complaints, but the food was good and plentiful, if plain and at least the beds and couches provided for them to sleep on were clean and free from fleas and bedbugs. Joe knew that this place was an exception and only hoped that their accommodation for the next night would be as pleasant.<\/p>\n

As dawn broke, they were off, Joe once more seated on the floor. He had yet to learn the names of any of his companions, and they rebuffed conversational gambits each time Joe proffered them. He sighed and pulled his hat down over his eyes. It was uncomfortably warm in the coach and he doubted if he could even manage to sleep the journey away. And perhaps, he mused, it wasn\u2019t wise to sleep when your back was resting against the door!<\/p>\n

Trouble struck about mid-morning. There was silence for the time being, the stout lady having ceased her complaining because of a dry mouth. She had scorned Joe\u2019s offer of a drink from the canteen, presumably thinking it was below her dignity to do so. Shrugging, Joe struggled to keep his feelings from his face. Well, he thought, that would be the last time he offered to help her!<\/p>\n

There was a sudden cry of \u201cWhoa!\u201d from the driver and everyone sat up looking puzzled. There wasn\u2019t a stop scheduled for some time, a fact that Joe was coming to regret more and more. He scrambled to his feet and peered cautiously out of the window.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d he called.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a tree down over the road,\u201d the driver replied. \u201cIt\u2019s blocked.\u201d The stage bounced to a standstill, and Joe opened the door and jumped out to look. Sure enough, a tree lay over the road.<\/p>\n

Looking at it, Joe frowned. There was something not right about that tree, but he couldn\u2019t immediately see what it was. Before he had any more time to think, half a dozen armed men burst from the surrounding undergrowth. \u201cDon\u2019t move!\u201d one called, pointing his gun directly at Joe.<\/p>\n

As Joe was relieved of his pistol, the other passengers were urged from the coach. The stout lady, Joe noticed, was no longer blustering, but was clinging to her husband\u2019s arm. They flicked a glance at Joe, copied his stance, and put their hands up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d said one of the outlaws, riding forward. \u201cI want your valuables.\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t a man\u2019s voice, it was a woman\u2019s. What\u2019s more, it was familiar to Joe. He lifted his head and peered intently at the rider. All of a sudden, he knew what was wrong with the tree on the road. It hadn\u2019t been up-rooted; it had been cut down. One mystery solved, Joe took a step towards the woman, trying to see her eyes, since the lower half of her face was covered by a bandanna. The gunman at his back clicked the safety off his gun. \u201cDon\u2019t move!\u201d he warned again.<\/p>\n

Her attention attracted by the movement, the woman outlaw looked from Joe\u2019s saddlebags, which had just been thrown down from the stage roof, to the young cowboy. Her eyes widened.<\/p>\n

Abruptly, the memory clicked into place for Joe and he took another step forward, opening his mouth to greet the woman by name. She saw the recognition in Joe\u2019s eyes and nodded to her companion who stood behind him. At once, the man clicked back on his safety and reversed his gun, cracking it down on Joe\u2019s head. The youngest Cartwright boy collapsed soundlessly in the dirt by the coach while the other passengers looked on in disbelief.<\/p>\n

\u201cTie him up and bring him along,\u201d the woman ordered. \u201cAnd bring his saddlebags, too.\u201d She continued to shoot little glances at her captive as her men efficiently tied Joe up and finished looting the passenger\u2019s luggage. Their haul wasn\u2019t terribly impressive, but the passengers looked distressed. \u201cYou\u2019re free to go,\u201d the woman said, as Joe was slung onto a horse.<\/p>\n

The outlaws turned tail and disappeared.<\/p>\n

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

When the stage rattled into its next stop, late, the driver jumped straight from the box and hurried into the depot. There, he blurted out the story of the hold-up to the depot manager, who in turn sent for the sheriff. Before very long, the story had travelled around the small town like wildfire.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn\u2019 you know this boy they took?\u201d the sheriff asked the driver.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure do,\u201d the driver answered. \u201cI seen him lots o\u2019 times in Virginia City. He\u2019s one o\u2019 them Cartwrights what own the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll git a posse together,\u201d the sheriff muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon y\u2019ought to wire the boy\u2019s kin in Virginia City,\u201d the driver insisted. \u201cThem Cartwrights is real close knit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReckon so,\u201d the sheriff agreed, and with heavy steps went off to send his message.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How much time had passed before he roused, Joe didn\u2019t know and had no way to tell. His head throbbed miserably and he found that he was lying on the ground, with his hands and feet tied. He opened his eyes and peered round blearily, unable for a moment to remember where he was.<\/p>\n

Seeing the outlaws, memory came rushing back to him, and he struggled to sit up. The movement attracted attention and a moment later the woman came over to him. The bandanna was gone from her face.<\/p>\n

She was about 5\u20196\u201d tall, slim, with long dark hair just beginning to be streaked with grey. She was as beautiful as she had been the last time Joe had seen her, several years before. His eyes narrowed as he looked at her. She had hurt Ben, Joe\u2019s father, immeasurably and Joe had never forgiven her for that. But there had also been personal enmity between her and Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Joe,\u201d Madeline said, standing over him. There was a gloating look on her face. \u201cYou haven\u2019t changed much, have you? Although it was the brand on the saddlebags that I recognised first.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have changed though,\u201d Joe retorted. \u201cRobbing stages? Isn\u2019t that rather a comedown for Madeline Ross, who thought to be Mrs Ben Cartwright? What\u2019s happened to all that money your husband left you? You haven\u2019t spent it all have you?\u201d He was suddenly angry.<\/p>\n

\u201cThings change,\u201d Madeline commented. \u201cI rob stages because its easy work and the pickings can be good. Yes, the money is all gone. Does that please you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI pity you,\u201d Joe said, truthfully. He glanced at the men, all of whom were watching closely. Joe wondered if they thought he was going to attack her while bound hand and foot. He wondered what she was going to do with him. The nasty thought occurred that she knew his father was well off; she was bound to hold him for ransom.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need your pity!\u201d she cried and slapped his face. \u201cNo, you haven\u2019t changed, have you, Joe? Still looking down your nose at me because I\u2019m not a Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was never true,\u201d Joe denied. \u201cYou\u2019re the one who drove Pa away.\u00a0 He loved you, Madeline, but you ruined it because you were jealous of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her face contorted with rage, Madeline was visibly restraining herself from hitting him again. \u201cIts pathetic, a grown man hanging onto his sons like that! I bet you\u2019re all still living there with him yet, stopping him from having a life of his own!\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Joe said, softly, \u201cYou still don\u2019t get it, do you, Madeline? Pa has a life of his own, just as we do. It just so happens we all live in the family home and work with each other. We aren\u2019t stifled by the love we share. Don\u2019t knock something just because you don\u2019t understand it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning abruptly, Madeline shouted,\u201d Let\u2019s get going!\u201d She turned and looked at Joe. \u201cHe can walk. Tie him behind my horse.\u201d The look she gave him promised retribution for the words he had just spoken.<\/p>\n

Swallowing, Joe forced himself to hold her gaze as a rope was tied around his middle and made fast to the saddle horn.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa!\u201d Hoss called, as he stopped his horse by the hitching rail in the yard. \u201cPa!\u201d He jumped down and wrapped his rein around the rail before hurrying towards the house.<\/p>\n

As he reached the porch, the house door opened and Ben Cartwright stood there. \u201cWhat\u2019s all the shouting about?\u201d he asked, eyeing his large middle son.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis wire jist came,\u201d Hoss said, thrusting the piece of flimsy paper towards his father.<\/p>\n

Taking the wire slowly, Ben glanced at Hoss\u2019 anxious face and knew that whatever lay in the wire was not going to be pleasant. His heart contracted slightly and he felt fear fluttering in his stomach. He unfolded the paper and read the stark words.<\/p>\n

FROM THE SHERIFF OF BLACK HILLS\u00a0 STOP<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

REGRET YOUR SON JOSEPH TAKEN HOSTAGE\u00a0 STOP<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

AFTER STAGECOACH HELD UP\u00a0 STOP<\/p>\n

Looking at his father\u2019s white face, Hoss knew exactly how the older man felt. He had felt the same when he read the wire in Virginia City. He had ridden home at top speed, knowing that Ben would want to set out at once for Black Hills, no doubt berating himself all the way that he had let Joe travel so far alone, although he knew that Joe was capable of looking after himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did they take Joe?\u201d Ben asked, anguished.<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno,\u201d Hoss admitted. He kept his eyes fixed on his father, just in case Ben should need some physical support, but he seemed to be all right.<\/p>\n

\u201cSaddle the horses and get some supplies together. We\u2019re leaving tonight.\u201d Ben crumpled the paper in his hands and turned back to the house to gather what they would need for the trip. He didn\u2019t know why Joe had been taken, but he suspected it was because he had been recognised as a Cartwright and that the outlaws would want a lot of money to free his son. Ben didn\u2019t grudge one single cent of that price, for he loved all his sons. He just hoped that the money would be enough to secure Joe\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

Throwing some clothes hastily into his saddlebags, Ben thought of all the things he had to do. First stop would be the bank in Virginia City, where he would arrange with them to wire money to Black Hills when he found out how much he needed. Then he would speak to Roy Coffee, the sheriff, to find out what kind of man he would be dealing with in Black Hills. It was a small town he had been in once or twice on the stage, but never for more than an hour or so.<\/p>\n

Packed, Ben went down to tell Hop Sing, their cook and housekeeper what was happening. Hoss had briefed their foreman, and they were soon on the road, knowing that the Ponderosa was in good hands while they were away.<\/p>\n

Ben made the bank minutes before it closed. He spoke for quite some time to the manager, who was an old friend and who promised to be on stand-by to send money whenever Ben needed it. \u201cI hope Joe is all right,\u201d he said, earnestly as he let Ben out of the bank building long after closing time.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Ben replied. It was comforting to know that his youngest son was held in such esteem by the people they knew.<\/p>\n

Together, he and Hoss went down to the town jail. Roy Coffee, the sheriff, was dozing behind his desk as they opened the door, but he jerked awake as they went in. \u201cBen, Hoss,\u201d he mumbled, rubbing his eyes. \u201cWhat brings ya here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe has been taken by outlaws after the stage was held up just outside of Black Hills,\u201d Ben reported. \u201cWe\u2019re going to Black Hills now, but I wanted to know about the sheriff there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBlack Hills,\u201d Roy repeated. \u201cSure, I know him. Jim Fullerton. He\u2019s a good man, Ben. He\u2019ll give ya all the help you\u2019ll need.\u201d He eyed his old friend keenly, seeing the strain in his face. Joe held a special place in the hearts of many, including Roy. \u201cI sure wish I could go with ya,\u201d he went on, \u201cbut there ain\u2019t no way I can leave right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I realise that,\u201d Ben muttered. \u201cWith Clem away, you\u2019re needed here. If this man Fullerton is as good as you say, we\u2019ll be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll wire Black Hills an\u2019 let Jim know you\u2019re comin\u2019,\u201d Roy offered. \u201cThat way, you can get goin\u2019 right away. Good luck, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Ben answered and left before his fragile control of his emotions shattered. He swung himself onto his horse and glanced at Hoss. The big man\u2019s face was impassive, although Ben knew he was worried, too. He silently thanked God for this son, who was willing to subject his own needs for those of his family. \u201cAre you all right, Hoss?\u201d he asked, realising he\u2019d been selfish in not considering Hoss\u2019 needs, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be all right when we git Little Joe home safe,\u201d Hoss replied, his voice quiet but full of strength. \u201cDon\u2019 worry, Pa; Joe\u2019s a tough kid.\u201d He nodded as though agreeing with himself. \u201cHe\u2019ll be all right, you\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The clapboard house that was the outlaws\u2019 final destination had once been very nice, Joe saw, but it was in desperate need of painting, with the old paint peeling in weathered strips from the boards. They dismounted and the horses were led round the back, where Joe presumed there was a barn.<\/p>\n

Madeline had been surprisingly kind to Joe on their journey there. She hadn\u2019t forced him to run until he was too exhausted to stand, although he was done in. He struggled to control his breathing, but Madeline had noticed him panting and looked pleased. Tugging on the rope that was still around his middle, she forced him inside the house.<\/p>\n

The interior showed similar signs of neglect to the exterior. The furniture consisted of big velvet chairs and dark wood, but the velvet was moth-eaten and worn and the wood hadn\u2019t seen polish in many years. Some of the downstairs rooms were draped with dust sheets, Joe noticed as he glanced around, drinking in his surroundings.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis will be your home for the foreseeable future, Joe,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re holding me for ransom,\u201d Joe stated, quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are a bright boy,\u201d Madeline laughed, stroking his cheek. He forced himself not to pull back from her touch. \u201cI am indeed going to hold you to ransom, Joe. And don\u2019t tell me your father won\u2019t pay up. I know him, remember? He would pay anything for you boys; anything. Ben will pay my price, Joe, or you will pay the consequences.\u201d Her hand lingered on his cheek. Every instinct screamed at Joe to back away, but he forced himself to be still. The next instant, he regretted his decision, as Madeline dug her fingernails into the lobe of his ear. He let out a cry of shock and pain, and she viciously tightened her grip until blood ran from under her nails. Satisfied, she let go and smiled at Joe. \u201cDo we understand each other?\u201d she asked, and saw from his face that they did.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On their arrival in Black Hills the next day, Ben and Hoss went straight to the sheriff\u2019s office. Ben introduced himself and found that Jim Fullerton was another lawman similar to Roy Coffee and was someone he could work with.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a wire here for ya, Mr Cartwright,\u201d Fullerton said, handing over the sealed envelope. \u201cIt were sent to Virginia City, but Roy wired it back here so\u2019s you\u2019d git it when you came in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carefully, Ben tore open the envelope, dreading what he might find. Hoss crowded in close to read over his father\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

COME TO OLD PINE TREE\u00a0\u00a0 STOP<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VIRGINIA CITY ROAD\u00a0\u00a0 STOP<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

TOMORROW NOON\u00a0\u00a0 STOP<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

COME ALONE\u00a0\u00a0 STOP<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is the old pine tree?\u201d Ben asked Fullerton, showing the man the message.<\/p>\n

\u201cBack along the road a ways,\u201d Fullerton explained. \u201cYa can\u2019t miss it. It stands up atop a hill.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember it,\u201d Hoss said, and Ben, when he bent his mind to it, could remember seeing it too.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis wire come from Placerville,\u201d Fullerton said. \u201cI\u2019ll jist wire down there an\u2019 see if any o\u2019 them remember who sent it.\u201d He glanced apologetically at Ben. \u201cBut it\u2019s a big place, an\u2019 I doubt if we\u2019ll be lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s worth a try,\u201d Ben assured him. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t advise goin\u2019 alone, Mr Cartwright,\u201d Fullerton went on, earnestly. \u201cIt could be a might dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have any choice,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cMy son\u2019s life is in danger. I have to do what I can to get him set free again.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The meal that Joe was fed was better than he had expected. Madeline was a good cook, he remembered, although she preferred not to cook if at all possible. He was slightly surprised when he was offered a meal and even more surprised when his hands were freed to allow him to feed himself. However, his feet were left bound and he was watched warily throughout.<\/p>\n

After the meal, his hands were tied behind him again and he was dragged into a downstairs room, and thrown on the floor. His hopes of being able to move about and perhaps find a way to free himself were swiftly dashed, as his feet were tied tightly to a vast, ugly mahogany sideboard with oddly shaped legs. There was no way that piece of furniture could be moved by a lone man, never mind one bound hand and foot. Joe was disappointed, although not surprised. The house looked so dilapidated that a strong gust of wind might knock it over, and Joe had hoped that he would be able to break free without too many problems. There were distinct drawbacks to being held prisoner by someone who knew you quite well, he reflected, trying to keep his spirits up.<\/p>\n

Come morning, after a night spent at least partly asleep, Joe was offered breakfast and a small amount of liberty. He gratefully accepted the chance to wash, and peered at his ear in the mirror above the basin. The ear was, as Joe had guessed, bright red. It throbbed painfully. Blood had run down his neck and soaked into his collar. It looked quite dramatic, he thought, as he washed it off his neck.<\/p>\n

Joe lingered as long as he could over his wash, but all too soon, he was man-handled into a chair and tied to it. That was where he spent the rest of the day, watched over by one or another of the outlaws. Joe tried hard to convince himself he was flattered by the attention. The ropes were all together too well tied to allow him any possibility of escape, yet he was guarded as though he might break free any moment.<\/p>\n

To while away the time, Joe thought back to when he had first met Madeline. He had seen her briefly in the store in Virginia City, and then later at a dance. They had become friends and Joe had introduced her to his father. Before long, Ben and Madeline were an item. Joe had been pleased at the thought of Ben finding happiness with another woman.<\/p>\n

However, things began to go wrong when Joe returned home injured after a minor accident. Madeline had been angry that Joe\u2019s arrival had interrupted their meal, and that his continuing ill-health had caused Ben to cancel a date the following evening. It soon became clear to Joe that he was not wanted by Madeline and that their earlier friendship had vanished.<\/p>\n

Then Ben announced that he and Madeline were to be married on Christmas Eve. By then, Joe knew that Madeline would not welcome he and his brothers living in the Ponderosa and was wretchedly miserable. He had no idea what to do about the situation.<\/p>\n

It was another accident, a short seven days before the wedding, which had opened Ben\u2019s eyes to Madeline\u2019s feelings about his sons. The sleigh horses had run away, and the reins had been caught under a runner. Joe had been struck by the sleigh and had broken almost every bone on the left side of his body. Adam and Hoss had both suffered concussions. Madeline had insisted that Ben leave the doctoring to the doctor and come and discuss their wedding plans. Ben had been shocked and had told Madeline that his sons were just as important to him as she was. Madeline had told him then that she hated children and that his love for his sons was unnatural. Ben had sadly told her that they could not marry and he had never seen her again after that night.<\/p>\n

For some time, Joe knew that Ben had wondered about Madeline; about where she was and what she was doing. He had done so himself. But as the years had passed, the memory of that time faded and was put aside. Joe had pretty much forgotten about her. Ben had had other romances, most of them fleeting and not serious. He had had quite a few himself. He wondered what Ben\u2019s feelings were towards Madeline now.<\/p>\n

That was one of the longest days Joe had ever spent. His continuing captivity was onerous and Joe chafed under the restrictions. When Madeline returned in the middle of the afternoon, Joe was in a thoroughly bad temper. It wasn\u2019t helped by the satisfied, feline smile that played on her lovely face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour father will be here tomorrow, Joe,\u201d Madeline told him. \u201cYou see, I told you it would be useless to tell me he wouldn\u2019t pay a ransom for you. I do know him, so very well.\u201d She stroked his cheek again, a gesture she seemed incredibly fond of, considering she didn\u2019t like Joe at all. \u201cHe wants you back, it seems, Joe. I can\u2019t understand him wanting you all around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s because you don\u2019t really understand love,\u201d Joe told her, rashly. \u201cYou loved Pa for what he could give you, not for himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow dare you!\u201d Madeline spat, and slapped his face. Joe\u2019s head snapped round, but he looked back at her fearlessly, despite the fact his lip was bleeding.<\/p>\n

\u201cI dare because it\u2019s true,\u201d he stated quietly. \u201cYou loved Pa because he could give you everything you wanted, but it wasn\u2019t real love. If it had been, you would have loved us, too, because he does.\u201d He looked up at her. She looked very beautiful when she was angry. \u201cThe very fact that we are still living together at home should tell you of the kind of bond we all share. Driving us away would never have made Pa happy, and you know that. It just goes to prove what I said; you didn\u2019t really love Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hot colour stained her cheeks. Jerking her head to the outlaw who was currently guarding Joe, she said, \u201cGet him out of my sight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat won\u2019t stop you hearing my voice,\u201d Joe said, as he was dragged to his feet. The ropes that bound him to the chair fell amongst his feet, and he almost tripped over them as he was hurried away. \u201cOnce you hear the truth, there\u2019s nothing that will silence it,\u201d he called.<\/p>\n

\u201cShut him up!\u201d Madeline screamed, and as Joe was shoved into the room where he had spent the night, the outlaw came after him, kicking and punching the helpless youth. Joe curled up, trying to protect his vulnerable midriff, but the beating went on, until he could barely breathe. He was aware of a gag being forced into his mouth before the door banged shut, leaving him alone.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI don\u2019 think you should go alone, Pa,\u201d Hoss protested again, knowing that his protests were useless.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe sheriff says it\u2019s too exposed up there for you to be able to hide effectively,\u201d Ben repeated, his patience sounding strained. \u201cI don\u2019t want anything to happen to you, son. You can track me, if you need to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cD\u2019ya think Joe\u2019s all right?\u201d Hoss asked. His misery was written clearly on his face. Neither man had slept much the night before, wondering about Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so,\u201d Ben replied, his voice low. He was deeply concerned for the safety of his youngest son. It was so out of character for stagecoach robbers to take a hostage when they weren\u2019t being threatened that Ben was made very uneasy by it. To him, it meant that Joe had been recognised and taken because of who he was. And that suggested his captor had a personal grudge against Ben. He couldn\u2019t imagine who this person might be, but he feared the worst.<\/p>\n

Mounting up, Ben found the semblance of a smile for Hoss and rode out of the town towards the old pine tree. His heart thumped uncomfortably against his ribs and his breath seemed to pant away from him. Finally, he rode up to the tree. It was about ten minutes to noon.<\/p>\n

Time ticked past, as Ben began to despair. Noon came and went without any signs of anyone else. Just as he was about to give up and return to Black Hills, another rider appeared out of some trees nearby and rode slowly over. Ben stared. There was something hauntingly familiar about this person.<\/p>\n

\u201cMadeline!\u201d exclaimed Ben, his heart lurching. He gazed at her in disbelief, not understanding how she came to be there, but noticing that she was still a beautiful woman. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled at him and gestured. Three armed men rode from the trees. Ben swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. \u201cI\u2019ve come to collect Joe\u2019s ransom,\u201d she purred and revelled in the shock on Ben\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

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

The clapboard house had seen better days, Ben thought, as he rode up to it. He was all too aware of the guns trained on his back, but at least he hadn\u2019t been tied up, he reflected. Knowing that Madeline had Joe, Ben was more than willing to do what he was told. Madeline had led the way and Ben had noticed that they made no attempt to brush out their tracks. This gave him a small measure of comfort, for he knew that Hoss would be able to track him.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome in, Ben,\u201d Madeline invited as they dismounted in front of the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d Ben asked, as they went inside. \u201cI want to see him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow tiresome you are about those boys of yours, Ben,\u201d she chided him. \u201cI thought you\u2019d want to visit with me; catch up on all the news.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to see Joe,\u201d he repeated, stubbornly. \u201cWhen I know he\u2019s all right, we can discuss his ransom.\u201d<\/p>\n

A look that he couldn\u2019t interpret crossed her face. Before he could say anything, she turned away, leading him across to a room on the ground floor. A gunman followed closely at his back. Throwing open the door, Madeline gestured grandly. \u201cThere he is, Ben. Satisfied?\u201d<\/p>\n

Gasping, Ben pushed past her into the room. \u201cJoe!\u201d he exclaimed in horror as his son looked up at him. Joe\u2019s left eye was swollen shut and he lay curled up, as though he hurt.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s far enough!\u201d Madeline said, sharply. She swept past Ben to point a gun at Joe\u2019s head. \u201cYou wanted to see him; well, you\u2019ve seen him. Now out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horrified, Ben was prodded out of the room at gunpoint, his eyes riveted on his youngest son, who was bound, gagged and had a gun pointed at his head. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Joe,\u201d he called over his shoulder. \u201cI\u2019ll get you out of this.\u201d He saw Joe nod slightly before Madeline stepped out of the room and locked the door behind her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow could you do that to him?\u201d Ben asked. He wondered if he had ever known this woman at all. It had almost broken his heart to send her away, and the memory of his love for her had kept him awake at nights for quite some time. He had never regretted his decision not to marry her, for he knew that she would have driven a wedge between him and his sons. Now, the last vestige of his love for her curled and died.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, personally, I never laid a hand on him,\u201d she protested, smiling. \u201cOh, well, perhaps that\u2019s not quite true. I did slap him. But I needed to show you that I mean what I say, Ben.\u201d She went over to him and linked her arm though his. Ben drew away in disgust. She glared at him. \u201cLet\u2019s discuss that ransom, shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

As evening fell, Hoss turned to the sheriff. \u201cCome dawn, I\u2019m goin\u2019 out lookin\u2019 for him,\u201d he stated. His tone brooked no argument.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe posse\u2019ll be ready,\u201d Fullerton agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew Pa shouldn\u2019t a gone alone,\u201d Hoss fretted. \u201cI knew somethin\u2019 bad was gonna happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo news is good news,\u201d Fullerton comforted. \u201cWe ain\u2019t found no bodies, so they\u2019re prolly still alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so,\u201d muttered Hoss, but he wasn\u2019t so sure. He went off to force himself to lie down, but he knew that sleep would be in short supply that night.<\/p>\n

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

Gazing at Madeline, Ben said, \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe ransom for your son is marriage,\u201d Madeline repeated patiently. \u201cIf it hadn\u2019t been for your sons, we could be married now. When I found fate had delivered Joe into my hands, I could hardly believe it. Yes, I am holding him for ransom, Ben and the price of his life and his freedom is your marriage to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s no basis for marriage,\u201d Ben spluttered. He was shocked rigid at her suggestion. \u201cWhy would I stay married to you under those circumstances?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you would never know when the boys were in danger,\u201d she told him calmly. \u201cThey will never be entirely safe, Ben. I would always have that as my ultimate threat over you. We will be married and you will stay with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe boys will never accept that,\u201d Ben muttered. His mind was reeling. \u201cHow could you expect Joe to accept that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf Joe wants to live, he\u2019ll accept it,\u201d Madeline stated flatly. \u201cYou will convince him of that, won\u2019t you, my darling. You claim to dote on your sons \u2013 well here\u2019s your chance to show me how much. You will marry me, or I will kill Joe. Once we are married, you and I will live together at the Ponderosa. Joe will accept that, or face the consequences. My men will come with us, so there\u2019s always someone around who could carry out my threat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Try though he might, Ben could see no way out of this dilemma. He didn\u2019t know what to say to Madeline and so said nothing. He didn\u2019t realise that his silence spoke for him quite eloquently. She smiled. Gesturing to one of her men, she said, \u201cBring him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rising, she led the way across to the room where Joe was being held. She unlocked the door and went in. Joe winced and turned his head away from the sudden light. Ben ached to run to him, but the gun prodding into his back reminded him to do what he was told.<\/p>\n

Setting down the lamp she had brought with her, Madeline went over to Joe and crouched beside him. She ran her hand down his cheek and Joe flinched. \u201cDo you see what I can do, Ben?\u201d she asked, turning her captive\u2019s head so that his father could see his lacerated earlobe. Ben winced. \u201cThat\u2019s not\u00a0 \u00a0all I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Ben cried, sensing what she was about to do. He was too late. With one smooth movement, Madeline raked her nails down Joe\u2019s face. Ben lunged forwards, determined to throttle the life out of this woman. The man behind him sledged his gun onto Ben\u2019s unprotected head, and he tumbled to the floor, unconscious.<\/p>\n

From where he lay, panting against the pain and groaning into his gag, Joe glared at Madeline. He fought his bonds, further tearing the skin on his wrists, but he was unable to get free and take his revenge for her hurting his father.<\/p>\n

Laughing, Madeline rose to her feet and looked down at Ben. \u201cTomorrow, you will agree,\u201d she whispered and she and her henchman left.<\/p>\n

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

Ben roused a few minutes later. He sat up groggily, and became aware of a pair of green eyes watching him anxiously from across the room. \u201cJoe,\u201d he murmured and clutched his throbbing head.<\/p>\n

Somehow, he managed to cross the room, and sat down next to Joe, gently removing the gag and taking his son into his arms. \u201cJoe, are you all right?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe answered, thickly. His mouth was dry and his lower lip was badly split. He sat quietly as Ben pulled him against his chest and began to struggle with the ropes that held him captive. After a time, he got Joe\u2019s hands free, and while his son began to rub some life back into his hands, he untied Joe\u2019s feet. \u201cAre you all right, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be all right,\u201d Ben answered. He freed Joe\u2019s feet and sat back, looking closely at his son\u2019s face. The scratch marks on Joe\u2019s cheek were still bleeding slightly and he hunted his pockets for a handkerchief. He pressed the material carefully to Joe\u2019s face, but the youth winced anyway. Now that he was close, Ben could see a faint, handprint bruise on that same cheek. \u201cWhere are you hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe protested, but Ben wasn\u2019t having that. He held Joe\u2019s gaze until the young man squirmed slightly and dropped his eyes. \u201cJust some bruises on my ribs, Pa, honest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not convinced, and accustomed to Joe\u2019s evasion regarding his health, Ben gently probed Joe\u2019s ribs, satisfied that nothing was broken. Together, they stood up and made themselves as comfortable as they could on the furniture in the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much money does she want?\u201d Joe asked bitterly. He avoided Ben\u2019s gaze. He knew there was nothing he could have done to avoid being kidnapped, but he still felt bad.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot a red cent,\u201d Ben answered, flatly.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes flew up to meet Ben\u2019s, a question already formed on his bruised, bleeding face. \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked. \u201cI don\u2019t understand. What does she want if not money?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cShe wants me.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cShe wants to marry you,\u201d Joe repeated, as though the words didn\u2019t make sense. \u201cBut, how does she expect that to work? You wouldn\u2019t live with her. You\u2019d get her arrested as soon as I was\u2026\u201d His voice trailed off as the implications of his words hit him. \u201cShe\u2019d never let me go, would she?\u201d he demanded. \u201cShe\u2019d forever hold me as a hostage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou or Hoss,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cShe says she\u2019d always have one of her men with you, watching you, so that I could never leave her, or have her arrested.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t do it!\u201d Joe urged. \u201cPa, she\u2019s bluffing, she must be! Don\u2019t do it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t call that bluff, Joe,\u201d Ben chided him gently. \u201cYou know that she means it. Look what she\u2019s done to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anguished, knowing that Ben would marry Madeline to save his life, Joe could only gaze at Ben, tears glazing his eyes. \u201cPa, you can\u2019t,\u201d he whispered. \u201cThere must be a way out of this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Feeling a lump rise in his throat, Ben drew Joe against him again. \u201cI can\u2019t risk your life, Joe,\u201d he murmured, one hand rising to stroke the boy\u2019s head. \u201cI would do anything to keep you safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

They sat like that for a long time.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Dawn found Hoss, Fullerton and the posse on the road. Hoss had barely closed his eyes that night and he felt worry pinching at his gut. It took them almost an hour to ride to the old pine tree, and there, Hoss scouted around carefully for some time before he was sure he\u2019d found the tracks he was looking for. Slowly, they rode off, following them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s quite a number o\u2019 them, ain\u2019t there?\u201d Fullerton asked, as he joined Hoss at the head of the posse.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure looks like it,\u201d Hoss agreed. \u201cI reckon there are three or four different sets o\u2019 tracks. I sure hope my Pa an\u2019 Joe are all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was slow going tracking through the belt of trees. Once or twice, they lost the trail all together and had to back track. At noon, they stopped briefly and had something to eat. Hoss\u2019 impatience soon had them back in the saddle and tracking once more.<\/p>\n

The afternoon was half gone when the trail led out towards a house in the distance. The posse stopped, and dismounted. \u201cI reckon we go on foot from here,\u201d Hoss said, taking his rifle from the scabbard on his saddle. He glanced round at the men, all of whom copied his actions. Receiving a nod from Fullerton, Hoss led the way.<\/p>\n

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

That same morning, Joe and Ben were dragged from sleep by the sound of the lock clicking open. Ben sat up hastily, but he wasn\u2019t fast enough to jump the outlaw entering the room with Madeline. He glared at the woman before going over to check on Joe. He hadn\u2019t meant to go to sleep, but his lack of sleep from the previous night had caught up with him and he had dozed off.<\/p>\n

Biting back a groan, Joe sat up slowly. He was incredibly stiff, but he gave Ben a glance to reassure him he was all right. He, too, glared at Madeline, feeling her gaze on his bruised, scarred cheek. He could scarcely believe what she intended to do and the very thought of Ben marrying this woman to save his life was repugnant to him. He vowed to himself to make his escape if he could.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, my pet,\u201d Madeline greeted him cheerily. \u201cHow pleasant it must have been for you to have your dear father spend the night with you before his nuptials. I\u2019m afraid that this will be the last you see of your father for some time to come.\u201d She laughed at the identical looks that flitted over the faces of father and son. \u201cYou see, Joe, it would be too dangerous to have you running around free, so you will have to stay here. I\u2019m sorry you can\u2019t come to the wedding. Ben would no doubt love to have you stand up with him, but that\u2019s not possible, I\u2019m afraid.\u201d She nodded to her henchmen, who started to prod Ben to his feet. \u201cLet\u2019s go, my love. You have to get tidied up before we see the preacher.\u201d<\/p>\n

Enraged, and heedless of his own safety, Joe lunged at Madeline, determined to stop her, somehow.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, no!\u201d Ben gasped, as he saw the men moving to protect Madeline. He had no idea what kind of hold she had over these men, but their loyalty to her was absolute. The men behind him grabbed his arms and twisted them up behind his back, stopping Ben from going to help Joe.<\/p>\n

The others grabbed at Joe, but he twisted away from their grasping hands. He grabbed at Madeline and managed to catch her sleeve. He was tackled from behind and driven to his knees, but he didn\u2019t relinquish his grip, and Madeline was dragged to the floor, too. Joe kicked out frantically, desperate to keep the slight advantage he had, but it was no use. There were too many of them. A rifle butt sledged down on his hand, once, then again. His grip broke as agonising pain shot up his arm.<\/p>\n

As Madeline scrambled to her feet with undignified haste, Ben watched in horror as the men moved in on Joe, intent on taking him apart. Ben struggled helplessly against the grips on his arms. \u201cStop them!\u201d he demanded of Madeline. \u201cThey\u2019ll kill him!\u201d He shot a glance at her, and played the only card he had left. \u201cI won\u2019t marry you if Joe\u2019s dead!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough!\u201d she commanded, realising that Ben wouldn\u2019t marry her if Joe died. Reluctantly, the men backed off. Ben gazed in horror at his son.<\/p>\n

Blood ran from Joe\u2019s nose and mouth; his shirt was torn in several places.\u00a0 \u201cJoe!\u201d Ben called, anguished, fighting the men who had hold of him. \u201cJoe!\u201d His son didn\u2019t stir.<\/p>\n

\u201cTie him up,\u201d Madeline said, gesturing to Joe. \u201cYour precious son isn\u2019t dead, Ben,\u201d she went on. \u201cNow, the preacher will be here within the hour. You need to get a move on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Glancing over his shoulder as he was hustled out, Ben saw Joe, still unconscious, being cruelly tied up again. As the door was closed behind him, Ben looked at Madeline. His heart contracted within him at the thought of marrying her, but with Joe\u2019s life on the line, he knew he had no choice. He didn\u2019t know how, but he vowed that somehow, he would find a way out of this situation.<\/p>\n

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

Coming back to consciousness wasn\u2019t pleasant for Joe. He could barely breathe between the blood caked and drying on his nostrils and the gag jammed into his mouth. He had been left lying on the floor, his hands bound tightly behind him, and his ankles tied to his wrists. His left hand throbbed painfully where he had been struck. The hogtie position was desperately uncomfortable on his sore ribs, too, and Joe knew that Madeline\u2019s men had done this deliberately to make him suffer.<\/p>\n

Despite feeling ill, Joe was determined to escape if he could. He struggled against the rough hemp, but was unable to move the ropes so much as an inch. His already lacerated wrists soon began to bleed again. Joe gasped for breath, and finally slumped in his bonds, too exhausted by his injuries to keep fighting.<\/p>\n

A sound from the window made him lift his head, but he couldn\u2019t see much. The curtains were drawn almost all the way across the glass, and the light was further obscured by long net curtains. The sound was repeated. Joe felt his heart suddenly hammer against his chest. Slowly but surely, the window was being raised.<\/p>\n

There was no way to tell who it was. Joe wondered if one of Madeline\u2019s frustrated henchmen was coming back to finish off what he had started. He fought against his bonds once more, his grunts and groans of effort and pain being absorbed by his gag.<\/p>\n

The first person into the room was a stranger to Joe. He had a gun in his hand, and Joe gazed at him, wondering who on earth he was. The stranger looked at Joe for a long moment, then beckoned to someone outside the window. Swallowing against the dryness in his mouth, Joe gazed mesmerised at the person climbing through the window.<\/p>\n

It was Hoss.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe!\u201d The word escaped Hoss\u2019 lips and he tiptoed quickly across the room to take his younger brother in his arms and gently take the gag from his mouth. \u201cAre ya all right, Punkin?\u201d he whispered, while fumbling through his clothes for a knife to sever his brother\u2019s bonds.<\/p>\n

Groaning with relief as the ropes parted, Joe nodded. \u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d he whispered back, unable to speak any louder because of how dry his mouth was. It had been well over 12 hours since Joe had had anything to drink. He immediately betrayed the lie by burying his head in his brother\u2019s broad chest as Hoss untangled the rope from his injured hand. The pain left Joe panting and nauseated, and he thought his hand might be broken.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Joe,\u201d Hoss murmured, rubbing his brother\u2019s back gently until the pain eased slightly. \u201cHere, take a drink.\u201d Tilting the canteen that Fullerton had handed him to Joe\u2019s mouth, Hoss looked at his brother worriedly. Joe\u2019s face was badly bruised; he had a torn cheek and earlobe and his nose had clearly been bleeding heavily. His left hand was swollen and useless and unless he missed his guess, Joe had cracked or broken ribs, too.<\/p>\n

Gently, Hoss used his neckerchief to wipe Joe\u2019s face. \u201cThanks,\u201d Joe breathed, leaning against Hoss. \u201cHow did you get here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe followed Pa\u2019s tracks,\u201d Hoss explained. \u201cWhere is Pa? Is he all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMadeline\u2019s going to make him marry her,\u201d Joe told him. \u201cShe was holding me to make him do as she wants.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMadeline?\u201d Hoss repeated. \u201cMadeline Ross? Her what Pa was gonna marry?\u201d<\/p>\n

Remembering that this was the first Hoss knew of this, Joe gathered his strength to tell Hoss the story of his abduction and subsequent imprisonment. Hoss was silent as he listened, but he kept hold of Joe all the while. Joe could gage the depths of Hoss\u2019 anger by the tightening of his brother\u2019s grip on his arm. By the end of the tale, Joe had to add, \u201cHoss, let go my arm, please?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Joe,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cDadburnit, you was right about her all along, Joe. Where are they now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cIt\u2019s been a while since they left me here.\u201d He cast a curious glance at Hoss\u2019 companion, and Hoss hastily introduced Fullerton.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe rest o\u2019 the posse\u2019s outside,\u201d Hoss explained. \u201cJoe, we gotta leave you here while we get Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo way!\u201d Joe protested, sitting bolt upright. \u201cI\u2019m coming with you. It\u2019s because of me that Pa\u2019s in this mess, and I\u2019m not waiting here to find out what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Joe,\u201d Hoss began, but got no further.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m coming!\u201d Joe stated and Hoss didn\u2019t argue. He knew it was a waste of breath when Joe got\u00a0that\u00a0<\/em>look on his face. Instead, he gave Joe another drink and helped him to his feet. Joe took a moment to regain his equilibrium. He felt ghastly, but wouldn\u2019t admit it to Hoss. He had to get to his father before Ben did something he would regret for the rest of his life.<\/p>\n

It was obvious to both Hoss and Fullerton that Joe was weak, and they helped him to climb out of the window. Drawing in a deep breath of fresh air, Joe began to feel more optimistic than he had since his capture a few days before. He glanced at Hoss to see what was happening next. Fullerton, being slightly more familiar with the house, led the way.<\/p>\n

A little further towards the front of the house, Fullerton cautiously forced another window and he, Hoss, Joe and another two men climbed in. The other members of the posse continued on to the front of the house. They could hear voices coming from the next room.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you stay back,\u201d Hoss ordered. He could see that Joe was feeling dreadful, even though he tried to cover it up. He was cradling his injured hand, and was unarmed. \u201cLet us handle this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Joe nodded. He knew that he couldn\u2019t be of any real help to the others, but that didn\u2019t make him feel any better about being kept out of the action. He hung back slightly as they eased open the door into the hallway. There was no one in sight and they followed the sound of the voices.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, the sounds became words, and Joe recognised the words of the wedding ceremony. He broke out in a cold sweat, fearing they were too late. He shot a glance at Hoss, who nodded to Fullerton. They burst through the door into the large drawing room, and the startled preacher jumped.<\/p>\n

The outlaws reached for their guns, but Hoss and the others had them covered. The rest of the posse threw up the windows and covered the outlaws from that side. Ben and Madeline, standing before the preacher, looked shocked. Ben, however, also looked relieved.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid that this is a weddin\u2019 that ain\u2019t gonna happen!\u201d Hoss drawled. \u201cThe groom ain\u2019t in a marryin\u2019 mood today.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a scream of inarticulate rage, Madeline threw herself, not at Hoss or Ben, but at Joe. The startled youth, who had been grinning at his father, threw himself to one side, hoping to avoid the woman\u2019s mad rush. He landed hard on his left side, the pain jarring his breath from his body, as Madeline hurled herself on him, throwing punches and scratching at him.<\/p>\n

Taking their cue from their leader, the outlaws took the chance Madeline had supplied them and opened fire. Hoss dove at Ben, forcing him to the ground and covering him with his own body. Fullerton took the preacher down, but not before the man had taken a bullet in his upper arm.<\/p>\n

In the melee, it took a moment for Ben to realise that Joe was unable to hold Madeline off. Part of it was his injuries; Joe was in pain and the fall he\u2019d taken had hurt. Part of it was his natural disinclination to hit a woman, and, knowing this, Madeline took full advantage of the fact.<\/p>\n

However, the instant that Ben saw Joe was in danger, he leapt across the space separating them, and dragged his erst-while bride from on top of his son. Screaming at the top of her lungs, Madeline scratched at Ben\u2019s face. He caught her hands and held her. The temptation to strike her was almost overwhelming, but Ben resisted.<\/p>\n

Holding her away from him, Ben was startled when a bullet sang past his ear. He flinched and the next moment, Madeline collapsed against him. She looked into his face, and whispered, \u201cI love you, Ben.\u201d Her eyes suddenly went blank, and Ben realised that the bullet that had nearly hit him had killed her. Gently, he laid her down, feeling a pang near his heart for the waste of a life. The life of someone he had once loved.<\/p>\n

The shoot-out collapsed when Madeline died, and it was an easy matter for the posse to take charge.<\/p>\n

Leaving Madeline\u2019s body, Ben knelt by Joe. \u201cWhat kept you?\u201d Joe joked weakly. His hand had received a fresh knock and Joe was white and sweating from the pain. \u201cI\u2019d never live down being beaten up by a woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relieved that Joe could joke, Ben gathered him carefully into his arms. \u201cThank goodness you\u2019re all right,\u201d he murmured.<\/p>\n

After making sure that everyone that should be was in custody, Hoss went across to join his family. \u201cPa, are you all right?\u201d he asked, anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks to you,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI don\u2019t know when I was last so pleased to see anyone.\u201d He put out a hand and squeezed Hoss\u2019 beefy shoulder. The big man blushed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was real pleased to see him, too,\u201d noted Joe. He suddenly felt all shuddery and leant against Ben. \u201cThanks, big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what big brothers are for,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/p>\n

Across the room, the preacher was saying, \u201cI don\u2019t understand what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The doctor in Black Hills found himself in demand later that afternoon as the weary posse rode back into town. One of the outlaws had succumbed to his injuries on the ride into town; a couple of others had minor gunshot wounds, as did the preacher. Joe needed his broken hand set, his broken ribs bound up and his ear and cheek dressed. In consequence, it was almost midnight before he and his family reached the hotel room.<\/p>\n

By then, Joe was too tired to stay awake, and accepted help in undressing before falling into bed. Ben was also exhausted, as was Hoss, and neither of them was far behind Joe in going to sleep. It was the first good night\u2019s sleep that any of them had had since Joe had been abducted from the stagecoach three days before.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The sun was well up when Joe awoke the next morning. He ached all over and sat up cautiously. His hand was in a cast, which reached to his elbow and his ribs were so tightly bound that he couldn\u2019t take a deep breath. However, these were now minor considerations to Joe, who was simply relieved to be free.<\/p>\n

The hotel suite was empty, and Joe looked with disgust at his dirty, torn clothes. Spying his saddlebags in the corner, he began to rummage through them for clean clothes, and was struggling to get his shirt buttoned when the door opened and Ben came in.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re awake,\u201d Ben smiled, and came over to assist with the buttoning. Within a few minutes, Joe\u2019s hand was tucked securely into a sling and he was ready to go down for breakfast. \u201cI\u2019m starving,\u201d Joe commented. The previous night, he had been too tired and nauseated to eat more than a few bites of the meal he\u2019d been offered. It had been days since Joe had eaten properly.<\/p>\n

Not much to Joe\u2019s surprise, Hoss was in the dining room, just finishing off the last of the bacon. He grinned at Joe, and a waiter brought fresh bacon to the table along with some coffee. Ben had to cut the bacon, but Joe managed to feed himself, although both father and brother watched each mouthful anxiously to be sure it reached Joe\u2019s mouth. All the scrutiny made Joe uncomfortable, but it also made him want to laugh, and he was never sure thereafter how he managed to get each forkful to his mouth without bursting out laughing.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t until Joe had eaten that Ben brought up what they had to do that day. \u201cJoe, you\u2019ll have to come to the jail and tell Sheriff Fullerton what happened to you,\u201d he said. \u201cSo do I, for that matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess,\u201d Joe murmured. Ben wished his son didn\u2019t have to relive it all, but it was necessary. He drank down the last of the coffee. It was strong and good. Swallowing, Joe nodded. \u201cLet\u2019s do it,\u201d he said, resolutely and Ben felt his heart swell with pride at his son\u2019s courage.<\/p>\n

The walk to the jail was quiet and Joe\u2019s head was down most of the way. However, he gave his statement in a confident, if low voice. Fullerton wrote it down, while Hoss looked on angrily. Ben knew how he felt. He himself sat beside Joe and kept his hand on the young man\u2019s shoulder throughout.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Joe,\u201d Fullerton said, as Joe finished talking. There was no way Joe could sign his statement, so Ben and Hoss signed it, saying that they had been present when it was given. One of the deputies also signed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave any of them said anything yet?\u201d Ben asked as they rose to leave.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Fullerton replied. \u201cIt\u2019s a strange story, Mr Cartwright. Madeline had met up with the leader of this gang a few years back. They had been an item,\u201d he blushed, \u201can\u2019 she had eventually joined with them when they were doing hold-ups. Turns out she was cleverer than the leader. His name was Johnston, an\u2019 he was wanted all over the place. When he died, she jist took right over. Most of the men realised she was the brains, an\u2019 they liked the way she divided the loot. She sure sold \u2018em on the idea o\u2019 the Ponderosa, it seems. Told \u2018em they\u2019d all be rich men.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd they would\u2019ve been,\u201d Joe commented bitterly. \u201cMadeline was clever all right.\u201d He remembered all too clearly how she had fooled his father and brothers into thinking that he and she had had a teasing relationship, when all the time she was getting at Joe and making his life a misery. The thought of being her prisoner for a long, long time made Joe shudder, even though the danger was past.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen can we go home?\u201d Ben asked. He wanted to get back to his familiar surroundings and forget the nearness of their escape this time.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhenever you\u2019re ready,\u201d Fullerton replied. \u201cI\u2019m right pleased you an\u2019 your boy are safe, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Ben replied, and shook the sheriff\u2019s hand. Roy had been right, he reflected silently; Fullerton was a good man.<\/p>\n

Standing outside the jail, Ben said, \u201cI think we should wait until tomorrow before we go home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to go today,\u201d Joe protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou aren\u2019t up to it,\u201d Ben objected. Joe was still pale.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to go home,\u201d he insisted. \u201cPlease, Pa, let\u2019s go home.\u201d Joe sounded strained and Ben nodded, although he wasn\u2019t sure Joe was up to a long ride and a night\u2019s sleeping on the ground. \u201cI want to sleep in my own bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, young man, you win,\u201d Ben capitulated. \u201cBut if you feel at all unwell, you tell me at once, understand?\u201d Although quite what he would do on the trail if this happened, Ben didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s right, Pa,\u201d Hoss added. \u201cWe need to get out a here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI said we\u2019re going,\u201d Ben protested. He followed them back to the hotel, where they stuffed their gear into their saddlebags and went to retrieve their horses. Hoss had had the foresight to bring Cochise for Joe and he patted his old friend lovingly before mounting gingerly. There was no swing mount today, Ben noted.<\/p>\n

There was no hurry for them to get home. Ben wanted Joe to take things as easily as possible, but Joe wanted to get home and as far away from Black Hills as possible. They had covered a good part of the way home before making camp for the night.<\/p>\n

It was clear Joe was exhausted, and he willingly rested while Ben and Hoss made camp. Hoss cooked and Ben tended to the horses. \u201cTomorrow we\u2019ll be home,\u201d Joe commented quietly as they ate supper.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood thing, too,\u201d Hoss mumbled through a mouthful of ham.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the second time today you\u2019ve said something like that,\u201d Ben noticed. \u201cWhy is it a good thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Snorting, Hoss replied, \u201cWell, what with Joe gettin\u2019 abducted an\u2019 all, I jist feel we\u2019ll be better at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what\u2019s the real reason?\u201d Ben enquired, for he\u2019d never heard such a lame excuse from anyone before, and Joe had had some beauties over the years.\u00a0 He saw Hoss and Joe exchange glances. \u201cCome on, out with it!\u201d he demanded impatiently.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Pa, it\u2019s like this,\u201d Hoss began, then glanced at Joe.<\/p>\n

When it became clear that Hoss wasn\u2019t going to say anymore, Ben looked at Joe for enlightenment. His youngest son shrugged. \u201cWe don\u2019t want to have to rescue you from another shotgun wedding, is all,\u201d Joe dead panned.<\/p>\n

For an instant, Ben just sat there, gazing from one son to another. Hoss choked on the end of his meal and Joe\u2019s face paled. \u201cA shotgun wedding, huh?\u201d Ben repeated. \u201cA shotgun wedding!\u201d Hoss leapt to his feet and backed away, but that wasn\u2019t an option open to Joe. His father\u2019s hand snagged in his jacket.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d Joe objected. \u201cHelp!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll give you a shotgun wedding,\u201d Ben threatened.<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp!\u201d Joe cried.<\/p>\n

Unable to keep a straight face any longer, Ben let go of Joe and began to laugh. Hoss paused in his retreat, then began to laugh, too. Joe looked at them both indignantly. \u201cSome big brother you are,\u201d he chided Hoss, but the laughter was silvering his voice. \u201cRunning away and leaving me alone when I\u2019m hurt and unable to take care of myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should have seen your faces,\u201d Ben laughed. \u201cShotgun wedding indeed!\u201d He slapped both sons on their shoulders, and was thankful that they were able to see the funny side of it. He knew, then, that they would be able to put this whole situation behind them, in time. \u201cWait till I get you home,\u201d he threatened, lovingly.<\/p>\n

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

Continued in:<\/p>\n

Shotgun Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 A hold-up of the stage he is on leads Joe to an encounter with an old nemesis. What does the future hold for the family now? This is a sequel to \u2018To Love Again\u2019, although it\u2019s not necessary to have read that one before reading this one.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0 (10,315 words)<\/p>\n

To Love Again Series, links to all the stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":13973,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,41],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-5325","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2262,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/TinBadge.jpg?fit=730%2C564&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6628,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6628","url_meta":{"origin":5325,"position":0},"title":"Forever – The Love of My Life – #3 (by Rider)","author":"Rider","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe and Alice think about their relationship on the eve of their wedding. Rated:\u00a0K+ (990 words) Forever Series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/coming-soon-4.jpg?fit=320%2C240&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1784,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1784","url_meta":{"origin":5325,"position":1},"title":"The Commitment (by Cheaux)","author":"Cheaux","date":"June 20, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0\u00a0Joe makes a commitment without fully understanding what's involved. \u00a0 Rated: \u00a0T -- WC \u00a01200","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/bonanza.jpg?fit=295%2C295&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6095,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6095","url_meta":{"origin":5325,"position":2},"title":"With This Ring (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"November 15, 2008","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0The Cartwrights attend a wedding. Rating: K Word Count=3791","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/With-This-Ring.jpg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/With-This-Ring.jpg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/With-This-Ring.jpg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6373,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6373","url_meta":{"origin":5325,"position":3},"title":"The Girl in the Blue Dress (by debpet)","author":"debpet","date":"August 7, 2008","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe's encounter with an attractive young lady takes a turn into the unexpected.\u00a0 Something for the Halloween season. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a01100","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Blue.jpg?fit=236%2C312&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5335,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5335","url_meta":{"origin":5325,"position":4},"title":"In Sickness and in Health (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"July 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 As the best man at his friends\u2019 wedding, Joe is unable to foresee the tragedy ahead. Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0(8,900 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/With-This-Ring.jpg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/With-This-Ring.jpg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/With-This-Ring.jpg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5650,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5650","url_meta":{"origin":5325,"position":5},"title":"Eyes of an Angel (by DanceDiva)","author":"DanceDiva","date":"May 2, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Twelve year old Joe is bitten by a rattlesnake, but things get uglier faster than expected. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K \u00a0(500 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5325","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5325"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5325\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13973"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5325"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5325"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5325"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}