{"id":5485,"date":"2007-01-27T17:19:02","date_gmt":"2007-01-27T22:19:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5485"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:10:13","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:10:13","slug":"options","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5485","title":{"rendered":"Options (by EPM)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0<\/span>Two brothers separated, each thinking the other is dead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0T \u00a0 WC 9200<\/span><\/p>\n

Options<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

The first paragraph was written by WordsThatWill. I was so intrigued when I read it that I asked her to turn it into a story. She, in turn, generously gave it to me with the challenge \u201cmake me proud.\u201d I hope I have done so.<\/em><\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

They were taken hostage by two of their crew.<\/strong> Men who had been working on the ranch for three years. The plan: take two\u2014kill one\u2014make a point\u2014collect the ransom. They had vividly detailed how they were going to butcher his brother. Suddenly, Adam plowed into Joe, fiercely ramming him into the cave wall, rendering him unconscious. \u201cHe won\u2019t hurt you\u2014he can\u2019t stop you. I\u2019m yours. Just send him back to his father.\u201d Unemotional\u2014impassive. It was a calculated and controlled act. A dispassionate act based on passionate devotion. This was no act at all, since the alternative reality was something he would never permit\u2014never allow. \u00a0\u201cOK Cartwright, you\u2019ve made your choice.\u201d Adam looked over at Joe. He was slumped on the floor of the cave, curled into himself. He looked to all the world as if he had decided to lie down and take a nap. Adam smiled when he remembered his youngest brother as a child. Joe would be a bundle of nonstop activity then all of a sudden he would lie down and fall asleep, no matter where he was. He could see the small boy in the man who now lay at his feet. Adam wished his hands were free so he could make sure he hadn\u2019t hurt him too badly.\u00a0His eyes were still on his brother when Adam felt the blade enter his body. He turned his head sharply toward his assailant; a look of surprise entered his tired eyes. He hadn\u2019t been ready. There hadn\u2019t been any time to think. The cry that was torn from him echoed through the cavern as he felt the knife being twisted and pulled upward. Agony replaced surprise until emptiness replaced agony.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, you had a head start. Not fair\u201d Adam could hear Little Joe call after him as he let Sport stretch out into a ground covering gallop.<\/p>\n

Summer had flown by and bad weather was lurking just around the corner. He and Joe were riding to one of the Ponderosa\u2019s bigger timber camps to make sure things were buttoned up for the long winter to come.\u00a0 There were a lot of back breaking and dirty jobs on a ranch but timbering wasn\u2019t one of them. It was hard work but the clear air laced with the scent of pine and spending weeks at a time in the heavy forests was a treat after the dust and dirt and smell of the cattle end of the business.<\/p>\n

Hoss had taken a little time off to go to Reno. He and some friends wanted to take in the annual rodeo that had sprung up as a rivalry between some of the bigger ranches in the area. Joe had hinted to go with his older brother but Hoss felt the need for a little time away. In truth, Joe had been hurt but his pride would never allow him to admit it. He didn\u2019t have to. Adam knew the young man almost better than Joe knew himself. That\u2019s when he asked Joe to go with him into the high country. They\u2019d combine a little work at the lumber camp with the pleasure of a little hunting and fishing.<\/p>\n

Ben waved goodbye as he watched his oldest and youngest ride away. He was grateful to Adam for asking Joe to go along with him. He knew that Adam would have been perfectly content to spend the time on his own but it was good for Joe to be in the company of his steadier, more responsible older brother. Maybe some would rub off on the boy! Ben laughed to himself. And he wouldn\u2019t mind seeing some of Joe\u2019s high spirits and zest for life rub off on his eldest.<\/p>\n

The climb, for the most part, was gentle and steady. Riding in single file didn\u2019t allow for much conversation but both brothers were content to enjoy the sights along the way. Pines and hardwoods mixed together, each contributing to the beauty that surrounded them. It was getting late when they arrived at the sawmill. The shadows of evening had begun to creep across the forest floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll put the horses away if you\u2019ll cook us up something to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe had beaten him to it. Neither of the men were much of a cook but given the alternative of no supper, Adam graciously conceded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOk by me but you can fix breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gave Joe a quick smile and entered the small cabin next to the mill.\u00a0Adam shut the door and threw his bedroll onto one of the nearby bunks. Before he could make another move, he felt something hard being pressed against his temple and heard the familiar sound of a hammer being pulled back. He slowly raised his hands into the air. Someone from behind reached forward and took his gun. He began to lower his arms, when a voice said, \u201cJust keep\u2019m right where they are. Where\u2019s the kid?\u201d<\/p>\n

That voice\u2014he knew that voice. Adam turned his head toward the sound.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you to stay where you were!\u201d<\/p>\n

The gun that had been at his head now rested tightly against his spine.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s outside, bedding down the horses,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

He concentrated on putting a face to the voice. Then it came to him\u2014Pete Johnson. But how could it be Pete? He had worked from early spring into late fall at the Ponderosa for the last three years. Disappearing for the winter months and reappearing after the spring thaw. He and his friend Bill Travis.<\/p>\n

\u201cTravis here with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, you\u2019re just too smart for your own good Adam\u2014always have been. You can turn around now,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n

Adam slowly lowered his arms and turned around. Both men were standing there, Johnson grinning at him with a malicious smile and Travis with no expression at all.<\/p>\n

\u201cMind telling me what\u2019s it\u2019s all about?\u201d<\/p>\n

Johnson started to say something when they heard Joe\u2019s footsteps on the porch. The gunman put the barrel of his gun over his lips. Adam understood. If he tried to warn Joe, they\u2019d hurt his unsuspecting brother. His muscles tensed but he didn\u2019t move. The door was partially opened when Adam heard Joe say, \u201cI don\u2019t hear any pans rattling. You planning on cold beans?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t move Cartwright unless you\u2019d like to see us take down older brother here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Travis grabbed Joe\u2019s arm and pulled him into the room. Seeing the gun resting against Adam\u2019s back stopped Joe from trying anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what\u2019s\u2014?\u201dJoe started to say.<\/p>\n

Johnson interrupted,\u00a0\u201cAll in good time but first go stand next to your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me make something very clear from the beginning. Either one of you gives me any trouble; I\u2019ll shoot the other one. Any questions?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe walked to Adam\u2019s side. \u00a0Adam put a hand on Joe\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no questions except what\u2019s this all about?\u201d he asked again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll explain while Bill ties your hands. Just so you don\u2019t get no ideas.\u201d Johnson walked to the long table and pulled out one of the chairs. He sat down and put his boots on the tabletop, tipping his chair back. \u201cIt\u2019s like this. For the last three years, me and Bill have worked until our backs ached and our hands were raw. Just to make you and your old man richer. We decided there must be better way. Why should we work so hard when you got all that money and we got none?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe spoke up, \u201cMy father paid you well. If you didn\u2019t like working for us you didn\u2019t have to come back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam felt Joe\u2019s body tremble with anger. \u00a0\u201cYes, just why did you come back if you were so unhappy?\u201d Adam asked. He kept his tone neutral trying not to instigate their captures and inflame Joe\u2019s anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe wasn\u2019t all that unhappy, just thought of a better way to make some money. Yer old man paid us well enough.\u201d Johnson got up and walked over to his captives. \u201cPlus we helped ourselves to a few beeves once in a while and sold them for a little extra cash.\u201d Both he and Travis laughed. \u201cYou remember how we tried to trail them cow thieves but never managed to catch em?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo now what? Joe asked.<\/p>\n

The cruel smile returned to Johnson\u2019s face. \u201cWell, we figure old Ben will pay a pretty good ransom for his boys if he thinks we\u2019re serious.\u201d He walked to within inches of the brothers. \u201cAnd to convince him of that we\u2019re sendin one of you back to him with a message.\u201d He hesitated for a moment. \u201cCourse that one\u2019s gonna be dead but we figure that\u2019ll show the old tyrant we mean business.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe threw himself forward, catching Johnson unaware. The two men tumbled to the floor. Travis moved to help his partner. Adam dove at the man\u2019s feet. It was enough to throw Travis off balance and away from Joe. Before Adam could get up, he felt a boot catch him across his left side rolling him onto his back. The next blow took his breath away and left him trying to right himself. Afraid for Joe, he pushed himself up to his knees. He was winded from the effort and the blows. Travis grabbed a handful of Adam\u2019s thick black hair and wrenched his head backward. Once again a gun was at his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cMake one more move Joe and I\u2019ll blow your brother\u2019s brains all over this room,\u201d Travis yelled. He pulled the hammer back and waited.\u00a0Joe\u2019s fists stopped in midair. He had been astride the gunman, using his bound wrists as a club. Johnson pushed him away and struggled to his feet. He pulled his gun and aimed it at the center of Adam\u2019s chest. Shaking with fury, he shouted, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Joe\u2014you didn\u2019t believe me when I said I\u2019d kill your brother if you moved? How\u2019s it feel to know he\u2019s gonna die because of you?\u201d He started to squeeze the trigger.<\/p>\n

Still on his knees, Adam was helpless to do anything for Joe or himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe screamed. \u201cIt was me, not Adam. Don\u2019t kill him. I\u2019ll do anything you ask. Please, just don\u2019t kill him.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice started to quiver and Adam could hear the desperation.<\/p>\n

It was as if everything stood still for a moment\u2014no movement, no sound except the ragged breathing of the four men. Johnson gently dropped the hammer back into place and Travis followed suit, letting go of his hostage\u2019s hair. Adam let his head fall onto his chest until he could feel his heart begin to beat normally once more. \u00a0They dragged Joe to his feet than pushed him to the floor next to his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow sit there and don\u2019t move or I swear to God, I\u2019ll kill you both!\u201d<\/p>\n

Johnson signaled Travis to follow him to the table.<\/p>\n

Joe looked guilty and mouthed the words \u2018I\u2019m sorry\u2019. Adam smiled and nodded his head to let Joe know it was alright. They both made themselves as comfortable as possible and settled down to wait.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The house never seemed emptier than when the boys weren\u2019t there. Ben was taking his time over his second cup of coffee, a privilege he rarely allowed himself. His eyes roamed over each chair, picturing the occupant who normally sat there. Joe had been stung by Hoss\u2019 desire to get away for a few days with his friends. Usually able to pick up on the smallest of things, this time Hoss seemed oblivious to his younger brother\u2019s hints. Adam had not interfered, but Ben remembered how his intense dark eyes watched the interchange between his two younger brothers. After Hoss excused himself to go pack his saddlebags, Adam reminded his father that the timber camp needed to be shut down before bad weather set in. That\u2019s when he asked Joe to join him. The young man\u2019s response had been instant and the two men spoke of where the best fishing might be at this time of year. Ben smiled as he thought of the three of them. They were different\u2014no doubt about it and Lord knows, they could squabble and fight. And there had been some pretty tough times that had tried to pull them apart in the past. But he had no doubt they would defend one another with their lives, should it ever come to that. He was just glad they\u2019d all be home tomorrow. The house missed them.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The next morning, the brothers\u2019 hands were tied behind their backs. That made it hard to mount and harder still to balance once they did. But their horses were being led by their kidnappers so Adam didn\u2019t have to worry about Sport deciding to jig to the side and unseating him. They were heading away from the high country, more toward the Ponderosa. Joe looked at his brother with a question in his eyes but Adam\u2019s only response was a slight shrug of his shoulders. \u00a0They rode for most of the day, descending from the foothills onto the flatter plains of the ranch. Both men were stiff from yesterday\u2019s aborted attempt at freedom and the constant riding made them feel every bump and bruise. Finally they stopped and both brothers knew immediately where they were. Brush and old timbers were scattered at the mouth of the mine. More of a cave than a mine, it had been part of the Cartwright holdings since they first moved onto the land but it had played out long before that. The shoring was rotten and parts of the roof had fallen in. Adam could remember his father warning him and Hoss to stay away from it or a painful lesson would ensue. Joe was given the same message when he was old enough to start exploring.<\/p>\n

Travis dismounted and started to clear the brush from the mouth of the cave.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet down,\u201d Johnson said, drawing his gun.<\/p>\n

Both men threw a leg over their saddles and slid to the ground. Sore muscles protested but their legs held them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got the lantern?\u201d Johnson yelled at Travis.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it\u2019s right where we left it,\u201d he answered \u201cand so is everything else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Johnson motioned for Adam and Joe to walk toward the mouth of the old mine. Just inside was a box of supplies. Obviously, the two had executed their plan carefully. \u00a0They had not gone very far when Johnson told them to stop. \u201cSit over there, against the wall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Joe did as they were told. \u00a0The sun was beginning to set and it took with it any warmth that was left from the day. It seemed as if the anticipated bad weather was coming faster than they thought. The two kidnappers built a fire and settled down to eat a supper of bread and beans.<\/p>\n

When they finished, Johnson walked over to his captives. \u201cCan\u2019t see wastin\u2019 food on someone who\u2019s gonna die but you can have some water.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pulled a knife and cut the ropes that bound their wrists. \u201cTravis, you kill\u2019em both if either of them moves a hair.\u201d He handed the canteen to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see the need for anyone to die. I know my father, he\u2019s not about to take a chance with our lives,\u201d Adam said. His manner was calm, his voice almost soothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yer old man sure does love his little boys, don\u2019t he?\u201d Johnson answered. \u201cSendin one of you home over yer saddle will keep the law out of things.\u201d He stopped to sneer at the brothers. \u201cAfter all, better one live son than two dead ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe couldn\u2019t contain himself anymore. \u201cGo to hell Johnson.\u201d He threw the canteen onto the ground.<\/p>\n

Adam stepped in front of his brother. It was not something he had to think about. It was a natural response brought on by years of safeguarding the youngest member of the Cartwright family.<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up Joe,\u201d Adam hissed through clenched teeth as he moved forward.<\/p>\n

Travis stood next to his partner.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe and Travis don\u2019t care which one of you lives and which one dies.\u00a0 And since Ben don\u2019t seem to favor one of you over the other, it didn\u2019t really matter. But I\u2019ve changed my mind.\u201d He stared straight at Joe. \u201cYou been askin for trouble so Bill and me are gonna oblige ya. Ben\u2019ll be mighty upset seeing his baby boy gutted like a deer.\u201d He turned to Adam. \u201cMake him less likely to do anything dumb so the same thing don\u2019t happen to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam tried to think of a way to get the gunman\u2019s attention away from Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI never thought you were stupid Johnson but maybe I was wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI could change my mind, Adam. That what yer lookin to make me do?\u201d Johnson laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou always did protect little brother here. You willin to die fer him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Adam could answer, Johnson started to tie their hands again. \u201cNow git over there and sit down.\u201d<\/p>\n

The brothers did as they were told.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust so you don\u2019t get no ideas\u2014.\u201d He looped a rope around their ankles and tied it off. \u201cSleep well boys!\u201d<\/p>\n

They heard Johnson\u2019s laugh recede as he walked toward the mouth of the mine.\u00a0Small shadows danced across the walls. Both Johnson and Travis were stretched out near the fire. Adam and Joe tried to make themselves more comfortable but the ropes wouldn\u2019t allow them any mercy. They gave up and leaned into the cold, unforgiving walls.\u00a0Adam felt Joe\u2019s body shaking next to his. He wondered if it was from the penetrating cold or from the fear of what the kidnappers had threatened to do to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cLean closer Joe. Seems the only heat we\u2019re gonna get tonight is our own.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe maneuvered closer to his larger brother. \u201cIf I\u2019d been with Hoss, I\u2019d be as warm as Hop Sing\u2019s biscuits right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snorted out a soft laugh.\u00a0It was quiet again but neither brother made a pretense at sleeping.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe called softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d Adam answered, turning to look at his brother. He didn\u2019t know if it was Joe\u2019s shivering or the fact that he was huddled close, but all the bravado that was normally a part of his little brother\u2019s demeanor, seemed to have vanished.\u00a0\u201cDo you think they\u2019ll do what they said?\u201d Joe\u2019s voice suddenly sounded very young and Adam could hear the fear.<\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t hesitate. \u201cNo Joe, I think they\u2019re just trying to scare us so we won\u2019t try anything. Besides, if something happens to one of us, Pa would never rest until he hunted them down. They know that.\u201d Adam hoped he had sounded convincing. The truth was, he wasn\u2019t sure what Johnson and Travis would do. But what he did know was that he\u2019d never allow Joe\u2019s life to be sacrificed for his own.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Ben was up early and on his way to the barn. He shivered with the unexpected early season cold. He stopped when he heard the sound of hoof beats.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Pa!\u201d Hoss gave his father a cheerful greeting as he rode around the corner of the barn.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello son. Welcome home,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cDid you have a good time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure did. How\u2019s everything here?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh fine\u2014just fine. Never realized how big the house really is until all you boys are away,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cHop Sing and I get lost in there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen are Joe and Adam coming back?\u201d Hoss asked as he dismounted.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I expect them sometime today. Given the sudden change in the weather, I\u2019d say sooner rather than later.\u201d He put his hand on his son\u2019s back and said, \u201cHow about having a cup of coffee with your old father?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right behind ya Pa. Just let me get Chubb settled down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss made his way to the barn while Ben headed toward the house.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

They had both been dozing when Johnson kicked the Cartwright brothers awake. Their ankles were untied and they\u2019d been dragged to their feet. \u201cOk, time to send your Pa a little message,\u201d Johnson said, looking at Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe stood rooted in defiance. His green eyes took on a darker hue as he stared into the face of the man who threatened his life. Frantic and without any ideas of how to get them out of there, Adam lunged forward. He saw the surprised look appear on his little brother\u2019s face as he pushed him into the unforgiving rocks. The worst part was when he heard the dull thud of Joe\u2019s head as it collided with the wall. A wave of nausea contracted his stomach muscles and Adam thought he might retch. Recovering, he stood over his unconscious brother. He looked so young! Only he could hear the whispered words, \u201cI\u2019m sorry Joe.\u201d\u00a0His first reaction was surprise as he felt something punch him low on his left side. He\u2019d been looking at Joe and hadn\u2019t been ready. They hadn\u2019t given him any time\u2014stolen the last few moments of his life. Adam felt Johnson twist the knife within him and then pull it upward. An unearthly scream filled the mine and he knew it was his own voice that bounced through the tunnel. He didn\u2019t feel the blade as it backed out of his torn and bleeding body. The last thing he remembered was pitching forward into the darkness.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Johnson and Travis had a hard time putting Adam\u2019s body face down across his saddle but once they did, it was easy tying his long arms and legs to the stirrups. The note they had written to Ben was stuffed securely into one of Adam\u2019s back pockets. Only the edge of the paper could be seen sticking out from under the material. Sport was tied on a short rope to a nearby tree. The awkward load on his back increased his natural restlessness.<\/p>\n

Tired of dealing with the uncooperative mount, Johnson said, \u201cTake this mule and let him go close to the house, but not so close that anyone sees ya. I\u2019ll stay here and watch the kid.\u201d He looked at Adam once more. \u201cToo bad, I really did mean to kill yer brother, but then, I guess you knew that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Travis mounted his horse and Johnson handed him the chestnut\u2019s reins.\u00a0Sport had been agitated since the strangers put the cumbersome load on his back. He tried to charge the horse next to him and bite at the rider, but stopped when he saw the familiar sight of home. Travis tied the reins together and threw them over the animal\u2019s head. He yelled something but Sport didn\u2019t move. It wasn\u2019t until the man slapped his flank that the horse galloped toward the safety of home.\u00a0Sport stopped short of the open barn doors. He turned his head to look at the burden he carried. His nostril widened as he took in the familiar scent. He gave a quiet snort and called softly but there was no answering voice. The tired animal walked through the open doors. \u00a0Hoss heard a horse coming in but didn\u2019t turn around. He was busy grooming Chubb and looking forward to getting out of the cold. The thought of sharing a cup of coffee with his father made him smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on in whoever you are and get warmed up.\u201d When he didn\u2019t hear an answer he turned his head to look over the stall door. The brush he\u2019d been holding fell to the floor. His knees suddenly buckled and he would have fallen if not for grabbing onto Chubb for support. His mouth formed his brother\u2019s name. \u00a0Recovering, he ran to where Sport stood patiently waiting. Hoss cradled Adam\u2019s head in his hands. \u201cOh, Adam, no\u2014.\u201d\u00a0 Not knowing if there was any life in his brother, he started untying the ropes that bound Adam to his saddle. Hoss repeated over and over, \u201cPlease\u2014please;\u201d a prayer and plea blended and offered to whomever might be listening.<\/p>\n

Ben, waiting for his middle boy to join him, began to wonder if there was something wrong with his son\u2019s horse. Mumbling as he went, Ben bundled back up and headed for the barn. He heard Hoss\u2019 voice and he knew before seeing him, that something was very wrong. Ben stopped, unable to comprehend the image before him. Adam\u2019s head and arms dangled freely at Sport\u2019s side. Hoss was on the other side, trying to untie the knots that still held his brother\u2019s legs captive. Ben walked forward on trembling limbs.<\/p>\n

\u201cSport just came walkin\u2019 in.\u201d Hoss continued to fight with the rope. \u201cI can\u2019t get the knots untied. Help me Pa. Help me get Adam loose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben heard the desperation in Hoss\u2019 voice. The two men worked together and loosened the last of the tethers. Adam\u2019s legs swung free. Together, father and son gently pulled until the balance of weight shifted toward them. Carefully, they placed Adam on the barn floor between them. \u00a0Ben held his son\u2019s head close to his chest while Hoss fumbled with his brother\u2019s jacket. Finally, in frustration, Hoss ripped the material away. He did the same with the sodden black shirt. Part of his mind told him not to listen, not to feel for the heartbeat that might not be there. He splayed his large hand across the center of his brother\u2019s chest only to feel the cold unmoving skin beneath his palm. He looked at his father, not knowing what to say. Whatever it was, however he said it, Hoss knew that he would be destroying his father\u2019s world.<\/p>\n

Ben bent his head and placed his cheek against the soft black hair. Hoss didn\u2019t have to say the words. The small bundle that had been Ben\u2019s light during a time when he thought he\u2019d dwell in darkness forever, was gone. \u201cI love you son. Know that I loved you always.\u201d<\/p>\n

Startled, Ben heard angry words filling the air. \u201cYou stop it now Adam. Stop playin\u2019 around.\u201d Hoss pulled Adam out of his father\u2019s arms and shook him. \u201cYou\u2019re scarin\u2019 Pa and yer makin\u2019 me mad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben took a hold of the distraught man\u2019s shoulders. \u201cHoss\u2014Hoss, look at me. Lay your brother down.\u201d<\/p>\n

The tears flowed freely from Ben\u2019s dark eyes. He waited for Hoss to look back at him. \u201cIt\u2019s time for Adam to rest now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss stared at his father for a moment than looked down at his beloved older brother. He gently laid Adam down, bending until his head rested on his brother\u2019s chest. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam. I ain\u2019t really mad at ya. Please\u2014-.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben heard the sounds of the small boy who had worshiped his older brother in Hoss\u2019 voice.\u00a0For a few moments there was nothing but quiet sobbing then, \u201cJoe.\u201d Hoss raised his head and looked at his father, waiting to hear more. They both looked down. Adam\u2019s eyes remained closed but his lips formed the words around a whispered breath, \u201cLittle Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2014Adam.\u201d Ben held his son\u2019s cold hand next to his heart.<\/p>\n

Hoss dropped his head once more. The sound of his own heartbeat pounded in his ears. \u201cI think so Pa but it\u2019s so fast\u2014.\u201d<\/p>\n

Father and son worked together to bring Adam into the warmth of the house. His eyes never opened but they heard soft groans as they moved him about.<\/p>\n

Ben shouted for Hop Sing. \u201cAdam\u2019s hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Cartwright\u2019s loyal friend and housekeeper appeared long enough to watch as Hoss folded his brother\u2019s body close to his own and walk up the stairs. \u201cI send someone for doctor.\u201d Ben nodded and followed Hoss upstairs. Hop Sing hurried out the front door.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

When Joe first opened his eyes, even the dull light from the lantern sent waves of pain through his head. He quickly shut them again. His muddled brain gave him only quick glimpses of where he was and how he got there. He waited for the flashing images to slow down then tried opening his eyes again. The pain was bearable this time. He reached out to steady himself before trying to push up to his knees. His hand slid in something slick and wet. Pulling back, he looked down to see what it was. \u00a0Blood\u2014his hand had slid in a pool of blood. It was enough to ignite his memory.\u00a0Tentative at first, as if he didn\u2019t trust what he remembered, he called to his brother\u2014\u201cAdam?\u201d But abruptly, the memories flooded back and Joe shouted his brother\u2019s name\u2014\u201cAdam!\u201d He staggered to his feet holding on to the upright behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave a nice nap Joe?\u201d Johnson came into view, carrying the lantern with him.<\/p>\n

Joe lunged forward only to be easily thrown to the ground.<\/p>\n

Johnson pulled his gun and aimed it at Joe\u2019s head. \u201cDon\u2019t do that again boy or your Daddy\u2019s gonna have two dead sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

The dizziness was overwhelming and Joe could only lean against the cold wall, fighting to catch his breath. Salt tears stung his eyes. Johnson tied his hands once more and Joe didn\u2019t resist. He felt as if a piece of his heart had been torn away.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2014you were gonna kill me? Why\u2019d you kill Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother made that choice. I just obliged him.\u201d\u00a0 Johnson stepped back. \u201cWe sent him home with a note for yer Pa. Can\u2019t imagine old Ben\u2019ll wait too long. He won\u2019t want to bury two of ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

They heard hoof beats. \u00a0Johnson left his captive sitting in the dim light that filtered in from the mouth of the mine. Joe hung his head. He felt as if his whole body had turned in on itself, leaving him empty. At this moment, he didn\u2019t care what they did to him or if his father came or not. \u201cOh Pa, how do I tell you?\u2019 He stared at the dark puddle slowly seeping into the dirt.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss finished removing Adam\u2019s clothes. They gently washed the dried, clotted blood from around the ugly, ragged gash and padded it with soft white linen. The wound that had obviously bled so profusely now only seeped slowly onto the bandage that covered it. Hop Sing brought warmed blankets and they layered them around the still figure. \u00a0\u00a0The inevitable wait began.<\/p>\n

Hoss stood across the room with his back to the window. His eyes darted between his brother and his father. As much as his sorrow for Adam and his fear for Joe twisted within him, he could only imagine the pain of his father. He moved behind Ben and placed a hand on his shoulder. \u201cI\u2019ll get the men together and start lookin for Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

As if afraid Adam would disappear if he looked away; Ben\u2019s eyes never left his boy\u2019s face. \u201cYou have no idea where Joe is. Where will you start?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe knew they was going to the timber camp. I\u2019ll start there,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t answer.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing returned with coffee for the men and a hot brick wrapped in soft flannel for Adam\u2019s feet. After placing the brick, he started to pick up the discarded clothes from the floor. He heard the sound of paper being crumpled and saw the end sticking out from one of the back pockets.<\/p>\n

Hoss pulled the note out and was about to place it on Adam\u2019s desk when he saw\u00a0Ben Cartwright<\/em>\u00a0scrawled across the page. \u201cPa\u2014look here.\u201d He handed the note to his father.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s already tired and drawn features lost their color and Hoss was glad his father was sitting down. \u201cIt\u2019s a ransom note for Joe.\u201d His voice was no more than a soft murmur.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re sending one back dead so you know we ain\u2019t<\/em>\u00a0afraid to kill the other one.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben flinched when he read the word dead and his eyes momentarily glanced back to the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut $25,000 in saddlebags and leave \u2018um at the entrance to the Old Cross Creek mine. Noon tomorrow.<\/em>\u00a0Unless you wanna bury two sons, leave the law out of it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben let the note slip into his lap. He reached for Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cHe feels warmer now.\u201d \u00a0After a moment Ben scrubbed his eyes with his free hand than said, \u201cI want you to ride into Virginia City in the morning and draw out the money. Do as they ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure that\u2019s what you want Pa? You don\u2019t want me to tell Roy?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t take that chance\u2014not with Joe\u2019s life. I can\u2019t lose\u2014.\u201d Ben stopped then continued, \u201cNot with Joe\u2019s life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss walked back over to the window and looked out at the cold grey light as it faded into darkness. \u201cOk Pa, whatever you say.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Hop Sing helped Dr. Martin as Ben and Hoss looked on. Paul had asked the Cartwright men to leave but had no time to argue when they seemed reluctant. Adam\u2019s heart beat was fast and faint. It was obvious that he\u2019d lost a great deal of blood. Paul pulled back the linen and looked at the gaping wound. He removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. Hop Sing had a basin and towel ready and as Paul washed his hands, he thought of the best approach to give Adam any chance at all. \u00a0He pulled a bottle of anesthetic and a wad of cotton from his bag.<\/p>\n

Addressing Hop Sing, Paul said, \u201cIf he starts to wake up or move around, pour some of this on the cotton and hold it by his mouth and nose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded.<\/p>\n

The doctor removed his instruments from the hot water and put them on a clean cloth at the bedside. Using a probe, he advanced it into the wound to see how deep the knife had penetrated. However reluctant to do anything that would cause any more blood loss, Paul knew he had to survey the damage he couldn\u2019t see. Scalpel in hand, he hesitated for a moment before slicing through undisturbed tissue. Blood blossomed from the enlarged wound and ran in small rivulets toward the sheets.<\/p>\n

Hoss felt his father stagger. With a strong arm around Ben\u2019s waist, the young man led his father out into the hall. Both men leaned against the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Pa. Come on downstairs and sit for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben acted as though he hadn\u2019t heard Hoss speak. \u201cHow much more? How much more can they do to my son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Pa\u2014come on with me.\u201d Hoss led his father away.<\/p>\n

Paul Martin found it tough going and when the surgery ended, he didn\u2019t know if it had made any difference or not. The attacker\u2019s knife had penetrated layers of skin and muscle and fat and the bowel beneath. He sewed the hole in the perforated tube and cleaned the area as best as he could. Strong thread was used to bind the ravaged flesh together. \u00a0The doctor placed a hand on his patient\u2019s chest then his forehead. A fine sheen of sweat covered Adam\u2019s fevered body. He hadn\u2019t moved during the surgery. His only response had been a deep guttural groan at the initial cut. It was then that Paul was aware of Hoss taking Ben from the room and he was glad. No man should have to watch what was being done to his son. \u00a0The doctor wondered if he\u2019d done his friend any favor at all. All his experience and instincts told him that the young man before him would succumb to his wound and the subsequent infection it would bring. It occurred to him that in his rush to do whatever he could to save Adam\u2019s life, he had no idea what had happened or who had done this to him. And where was Joe?<\/p>\n

He shook his head and asked Hop Sing, \u201cWould you please ask Ben and Hoss to come back up?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing left to do as Doctor Martin asked.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

It was deep into the night when Joe awoke from a light and restless sleep. His head ached and his body was stiff from the cold. The thought of Adam\u2019s death crashed in on him and Joe felt as if he\u2019d never draw another breath without thinking of his brother. God, why had they chosen Adam? But he knew the answer\u2014Adam hadn\u2019t given them any choice. He never would have permitted anything else save getting them both out of there. \u00a0The despair that consumed Joe was slowly being replaced by the hatred he felt for the two men who had changed their lives forever. He couldn\u2019t bring his brother back but he could destroy the men who had taken him away. He wrapped himself in the cold comfort of revenge and waited.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Paul Martin stood on the far side of the bed, fingers searching for a pulse at his patient\u2019s wrist. It had slowed some but was still faint. Ben entered and sat at his son\u2019s side not looking up at the doctor. Hoss stood behind him.<\/p>\n

Afraid to ask, Ben let Hoss do it for him. \u201cDoctor Martin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a nasty wound, deep and dirty. I\u2019ve cleaned him out and repaired the damage.\u201d Paul put a hand on Adam\u2019s brow. \u201cHe\u2019s started a fever but I expected that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben took his son\u2019s hand. \u201cHe was so cold when we found him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCold\u2014-tell me how you found him,\u201d the doctor asked.<\/p>\n

Hoss answered. \u201cHe came home across his saddle, his hands tied to one side and his feet to the other. Whoever done this thought he was dead.\u201d Hoss grimaced at the picture that came to his mind.<\/p>\n

Paul Martin thought for a moment. \u201cIt may not seem so but the cold and being face down may have saved his life.\u201d Both Cartwright men now looked at him, not understanding what he meant. \u201cI mean the cold slowed the bleeding and being face down allowed his coat to act like a pressure dressing against the wound. I doubt he would have survived this long had it not been for those two things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd will he continue to survive?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo guarantees Ben but he\u2019s still with us and there\u2019s always hope.\u201d How little to offer a devastated family, Dr. Martin told himself. He picked up the dirty instruments and put them in the pan of hot water and soap that Hop Sing had provided. Not wanting to answer any more questions, Paul gently changed the subject. \u201cWhere\u2019s Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked away trying to hide the new tears that rushed to his eyes. Hoss squeezed his father\u2019s shoulder then walked to Adam\u2019s desk. He picked up the ransom note and handed it to the doctor.<\/p>\n

Paul read it. \u201cDear God,\u201d he murmured.<\/p>\n

Ben stood up. \u201cWe\u2019ve decided to follow their instructions exactly\u2014no law. We ask that you to respect that decision.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course Ben, if you think that\u2019s best.\u201d The doctor busied himself packing up his bag and retrieving his coat. \u201cThink I\u2019ll go downstairs for some coffee. Knowing Hop Sing, I\u2019m sure he has it ready.\u201d He looked at Adam once more. \u201cLet me know if he rouses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHang on doc, I\u2019ll go with ya,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cI won\u2019t be long,\u201d he told his father.<\/p>\n

Getting no response, Hoss shook his head and followed the doctor out of the room.<\/p>\n

There was something comforting about being alone with his son. Ben\u2019s mind wandered back to a time when it had just been the two of them. They weren\u2019t easy times, to be sure, but the love and closeness the two had shared made up for anything else that might have been missing. Time and circumstance had taken that little boy away from him but he\u2019d be damned if some killer would take away the man.\u00a0Ben\u2019s thoughts were interrupted by soft whimpering sounds. Adam was starting to come around. \u201cYou\u2019re home son. I know you\u2019re in pain but try to lie still.\u201d He wiped the beaded face with a cool cloth. Ben watched as Adam\u2019s lids slowly opened to reveal eyes glassy with fever and pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa? How did I\u2014-?\u201d Adam\u2019s words came out on a sigh.<\/p>\n

Ben leaned close to his son\u2019s face. \u201cI\u2019m here boy and you\u2019re home with us. That\u2019s all that matters now.\u201d He watched as Adam\u2019s mind strained to pull all the pieces together.<\/p>\n

Suddenly a look of terror twisted his features and his eyes darted around the room. \u00a0Finding strength in his panic, Adam began to struggle. \u201cJoe\u2014-where\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you\u2019ve got to lie still. Please son, you\u2019ll tear open your wound.\u201d Ben pressed hard on his son\u2019s shoulders but Adam continued to fight. Desperate, Ben shouted for Hoss. He was grateful when he heard the clamor on the stairs.<\/p>\n

Hoss rushed into the room followed closely by the Dr. Martin and Hop Sing. He sat on the other side of the bed and held his brother\u2019s arms down.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, now you gotta listen to Pa and the doctor. Ya can\u2019t keep movin\u2019 around like this or you\u2019ll hurt yerself worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stopped struggling and looked at his brother. \u201cYou don\u2019t understand. They have Joe.\u201d He turned to his father. \u201cWhere is he? They were supposed to send him back to you.\u201d He took a great breath. His next words were lost in a sob. \u201cOh Pa, I tried. It was supposed to be me\u2014not him.\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes closed. \u201cNot Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss felt the muscles beneath his hands relax and he knew Adam had slipped into a place where none of them could follow.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The early morning light was grayed by a heavy mist as Hoss quietly entered the barn. He walked to his own mount and scratched his neck. He noticed how thick the animal\u2019s hair had become since the onset of colder weather. He turned to Buck who looked back at him through sleepy eyes then sounded a soft greeting. Hoss drew in a quick breath when he saw Cochise\u2019s empty stall. His eyes finally came to rest on his older brother\u2019s horse. Funny, he thought, how each animal had his own personality. Sport had a way of making himself known without being noisy or aggressive. He just stood there, not seeking attention but sure that it was his due.\u00a0Hoss brought Chubb out and started the ritual of grooming and tacking up. His thoughts went back to the upstairs bedroom. He had gone in to see his father but found him sleeping in chair pulled up close to Adam\u2019s bed. Ben still held his son\u2019s hand in his own and Hoss was sure that if Adam stirred his father would know it. His brother hadn\u2019t moved since his effort last evening. Adam thought Joe was dead and he somehow blamed himself for it. They had no chance to tell him differently.\u00a0 Hoss pulled Chubb\u2019s cinch tight. For all he knew, Joe was thinking the same thing about Adam. He brought his mount out of the barn and rode toward Virginia City. The mist had turned into a fog, and horse and rider disappeared.<\/p>\n

Despite the weather, Hoss was able to draw out the money and arrive at the Cross Creek mine by noon. The fog had lightened but still lingered making objects into ghostly shapes. He stopped at the mouth of the old mine and looked around. There were fresh boot tracks everywhere and Hoss had no doubt this was where his brothers had been held captive. He dismounted and untied the bags from the back of his saddle. He placed them on the ground at the entrance then remounted. He could only hope the kidnapper would keep his word. He took one last look around then started back the way he came.<\/p>\n

They stood flattened against the far wall of the tunnel; Johnson next to Joe, with his gun pushed into his prisoner\u2019s side. Joe\u2019s wrists were still bound and his kidnapper had taken the precaution of gagging him. They heard the sounds of a departing rider, but Johnson made no move toward the entrance. He\u2019d come too far\u2014murdered a man\u2014he wasn\u2019t going to take any chances now. They waited. Finally, a figure stood just beyond the opening. Travis had been watching from above to make sure whoever came with the money hadn\u2019t brought along any company. Johnson motioned for Joe to move toward the mouth of the mine.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was gonna send you back to your Pa,\u201d Johnson said, \u201cbut killin\u2019 you will get rid of the last witness. \u2018Fraid I can\u2019t let you tell the law who killed your brother.\u201d He pulled the gag from Joe\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think my brother and father will stop until they find you? Adam was right, you are stupid,\u201d Joe said. He felt Johnson\u2019s gun slam into the side of his face.<\/p>\n

The blow knocked him to his knees. He reached up and pushed the stream of blood away from his eye. \u00a0Johnson aimed his gun and pulled back the hammer. Joe looked into the killer\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll hang for killing my brother. I only wish I could be there to laugh when they pull open the trap door.\u201d<\/p>\n

A shot echoed through the mine and pieces of the ceiling began to crumble around them. Joe watched Pete Johnson clutch his abdomen. The gunman seemed surprised when he pulled away a blood covered hand. Slowly, he turned his head toward the figure that emerged from this fog and mist. Hoss Cartwright stood before him, gun in hand. Johnson fell to the ground. His eyes still open but unseeing. \u00a0A low rumble broke the silence. Hoss grabbed Joe by the arm and dragged him toward the light. Rocks tumbled from the ceiling burying Johnson. They emerged coughing from the dust that belched through the opening. Joe stumbled and Hoss eased him to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you\u2014where is Travis?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

Hoss pulled at the ropes that bound Joe\u2019s hands. \u201cI dropped the money and rode off. It was just foggy enough for me to hide behind a stand of pines but I was close enough to see anybody comin\u2019. It didn\u2019t take Travis long.\u201d He finally freed Joe\u2019s hands then went to get his canteen and a cloth from his saddlebag. With gentle strokes, he uncovered the damage that Johnson\u2019s gun had done to his brother\u2019s face. \u201cTravis was hidin\u2019 just outta sight. Guess he wanted to make sure that the sheriff wasn\u2019t with me. I managed to sneak up behind him just when he started back to the mine. He\u2019ll wake up in time.\u201d Hoss gestured to an area just to the right of the opening. \u201cJohnson and Travis\u2014-I never would\u2019ve thought it,\u201d Hoss said, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

Joe remained silent.\u00a0 The rage he felt was now buried beneath tons of rock with Johnson. He felt cheated. He wanted the satisfaction of killing the man himself. Emptiness crept back in filling the space left by rage. Taking a great shuddering breath, Joe said, \u201cOh Hoss, what am I gonna say to Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy Joe, what\u2019d mean?\u201d Hoss reached out to try and comfort his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were gonna kill me, not Adam. Don\u2019t you see, he wouldn\u2019t let them. That\u2019s why he\u2019s dead.\u201d Joe\u2019s breath caught on a sob. \u201cHow do I tell Pa that Adam died in my place?\u201d Joe collapsed into Hoss\u2019 arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2014Joe listen to me. Adam ain\u2019t dead. He\u2019s home with Pa. He\u2019s hurt bad, but Doc Martin\u2019s with him.\u201d Hoss waited for what he said to sink in.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlive\u2014Adam\u2019s alive? But Johnson said he was dead and there was so much blood. How can he be alive?\u201d Joe looked at Hoss in disbelief.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you ride alright?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s go find Cochise and git home.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam had been restless from the burning fever but hadn\u2019t regained consciousness. The only sounds he made were deep, elongated moans whenever he moved too much. Ben had slept in the chair at his bedside. Hop Sing had come and gone, helping him change the sweat soaked sheets and cool down the heated flesh. \u00a0His boy seemed quiet for the moment. Ben walked to the window and looked out at the fog that still shrouded the landscape. He leaned into the casing. One son grievously ill, another missing and Hoss not yet home. It was worse than any nightmare he could imagine. A sound from outside made him look up. Two riders came out of the mist. His heart jumped. He instantly knew it was his two youngest. He squeezed his eyes shut and thanked God. He walked to Adam\u2019s side and placed the back of his hand against the sweaty cheek. \u201cHe\u2019s home son\u2014your brother\u2019s home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing entered the room. \u201cYou go see Lit\u2019l Joe. I stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gave him a brief smile then left.<\/p>\n

The boys were just coming through the front door when Ben stepped onto the landing. Joe looked up at his father. Both stopped for a moment taking in the welcome sight of the other.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s voice faltered, \u201cJoseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe walked to his father and buried himself in the comfort of his father\u2019s arms. Ben held his trembling son. \u201cYou\u2019re safe now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss passed them on the stairs as he headed toward his brother\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

Ben pushed Joe away so he could look at him. He saw that the left side of his face was bloody and bruised. \u201cAre you alright son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine Pa but Adam\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben heard the pleading in Joe\u2019s voice.\u00a0\u201cThey hurt him terribly but he\u2019s still with us,\u201d Ben answered; his own voice a harsh whisper. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you clean up and let Hop Sing see to your face.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, there\u2019s something you need to know\u2014-,\u201d Joe started to say but his father interrupted him. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019ll listen Joe; I promise but please do as I ask first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe dropped his head and walked up the stairs to his room. Ben followed close behind.\u00a0Hop Sing fussed over the youngest Cartwright, cleaning his face and plastering it with a paste of herbs meant to lessen the swelling. Joe had washed the best he could knowing nothing would really help until he could get into a warm bath. The little cook had brought him a cup of thick soup and brown bread with instructions for him to eat it and assurances that Adam\u2019s condition had not changed.<\/p>\n

Joe padded out into the hall in sock feet. He hesitated at Adam\u2019s door. His stomach muscles clenched and he felt as if his small dinner would not stay down. He put an arm against the door and leaned into it taking deep breaths to steady his stomach and his heartbeat. He knew he had to tell his father what happened and in his heart; he knew his father wouldn\u2019t blame him. Hoss wouldn\u2019t blame him. So why did he blame himself? He opened the door, walked to Adam\u2019s bedside and knelt down.\u00a0His father was right behind him in the overstuffed chair and Hoss stood at the window.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me what they did to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss walked forward. He wanted to save his father from having to relay the story of how they found Adam and the awful damage that had been done to his body. He told Joe all that they knew and what Doctor Martin had said to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey thought he was dead,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes never left his brother\u2019s face. \u201cI did too,\u201d he said. He turned so he could see both his father and Hoss. \u201cThey picked me to die, not Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stared at him in surprise and confusion.<\/p>\n

\u201cI tried to jump them even though I knew we didn\u2019t stand a chance and I\u2014,\u201d he stopped. \u201cI let them get to me and I lost my temper. That\u2019s when they said they were gonna kill me. Adam tried to reason with them but they weren\u2019t interested.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0Joe glanced back at his brother shallow breathing then continued, his voice quieter still. \u201cThey came to get me and I don\u2019t remember much after that except waking up with a headache and a bump on the back of my head.\u201d A sob tore from his throat. \u201cIt was supposed to be me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben felt his chest tighten for the suffering both his boys had endured, both thinking the other was dead. One thought he was the cause, the other thought he was a failure. \u201cYou never could have stopped Adam once he had made a decision. Nor are you responsible for the choice that he made.\u201d He paused then said, \u201cDon\u2019t do this to yourself, Joseph. You cannot be responsible for anyone else\u2019s decisions but your own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019s paying for\u2014,\u201d Joe started to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s paying for the choices that were made by others, not for something you did.\u201d<\/p>\n

They heard Adam\u2019s deep voice as he tried to move away from the pain. Joe got up so that his father could sit on the bedside. Ben took his son\u2019s hand. \u00a0\u201cJoe\u2014Little Joe.\u201d The words were spoken as if part of a dream. \u201dI\u2019m sorry Joe.\u201d He stopped moving and opened his eyes. \u00a0\u201c<\/p>\n

Joe is here with us. He\u2019s home,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss stood behind their father.<\/p>\n

Adam had heard his father but everything was veiled in a soft white haze. And it was so hot\u2014why was it so hot? Slowly the veil dissipated and his family came into focus\u2014all of them. His voice was thin with disuse. \u201cJoe\u2014I thought they killed you. When I woke up here, I thought\u2014-.\u201d He stopped, unable to push out anymore words.\u00a0Ben let Joe sit close to his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Adam, I\u2019m fine. Really I am.\u201d He felt his brother\u2019s long fingers lightly touch his damaged face.<\/p>\n

A small half smile lit Adam\u2019s features. \u201cYeah, I can see that.\u201d After a long exhaled breath, Adam\u2019s head dropped to the side.<\/p>\n

Joe held the hand tightly between his own.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Spring had come late that year and the Cartwright men were glad to escape into the sunshine and warmth at last. Ben pulled Buck up on a ridge overlooking the lake. The water was a deep blue with the sun sparkling off the surface. The beauty and renewal of the land never ceased to amaze him. He smiled as his sons raced their horses toward the lake shore\u2014all of his sons. It had been a long and grueling recovery for Adam. But he improved every day and the freedom of being outside and able to ride once more, helped him put the violence he and Joe had suffered behind him. Both his boys had healed. Ben urged Buck down the rocky path toward the lake.<\/p>\n

1\/07<\/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

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

Summary:\u00a0Two brothers separated, each thinking the other is dead.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0T \u00a0 WC 9200<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":5266,"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":[23,40],"tags":[14,16],"class_list":["post-5485","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-challenges","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-40-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2523,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Friendship-4.jpg?fit=500%2C373&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2981,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2981","url_meta":{"origin":5485,"position":0},"title":"Brothers and Mud (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"April 24, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0This is my entry for April's 2013 Chaps & Spurs\/Pinecone Trifecta.A WHIB for Springtime. Have you ever wondered what happened between the brothers making a \"Joe sandwich\" and the mud fight? Well, here's my answer to it. 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Can Adam explain it correctly so a ten-year old Joe can understand? Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count: 1250","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":17742,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=17742","url_meta":{"origin":5485,"position":2},"title":"Without You (by PSW)","author":"PSW","date":"July 14, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: The brothers share a bittersweet day.\u00a0 Written for the July 15 Pinecone Challenge and (very slightly) expanded for inclusion here.\u00a0 Prompt\/lyrics: God only knows what I'd be without you. (Brian Wilson, Tony Asher) Rating: K\u00a0 \u00a0WC: 576","rel":"","context":"In "Short Stories"","block_context":{"text":"Short Stories","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=8"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/488C0EA0-90EC-4A50-88D0-843B02C51C1F.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/488C0EA0-90EC-4A50-88D0-843B02C51C1F.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/488C0EA0-90EC-4A50-88D0-843B02C51C1F.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/488C0EA0-90EC-4A50-88D0-843B02C51C1F.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/488C0EA0-90EC-4A50-88D0-843B02C51C1F.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":25624,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=25624","url_meta":{"origin":5485,"position":3},"title":"Christmas Spirit (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"December 25, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Little Joe learns something special about Christmas, with the help of his brothers. Rating: T, WC 947","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\/2019\/12\/St.-Nicholas.jpg?fit=600%2C539&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/St.-Nicholas.jpg?fit=600%2C539&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/St.-Nicholas.jpg?fit=600%2C539&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12750,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12750","url_meta":{"origin":5485,"position":4},"title":"A Modern Cartwrights Story #3 – A Quarter\u2019s Worth of Glory: Joe in the Infernal Machine (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"January 23, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Headlines ripped from the daily newspaper in this modern era tale of the Cartwrights. Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (775 word) A Modern Cartwright Story Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2423,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2423","url_meta":{"origin":5485,"position":5},"title":"Fools Rush In (by Donna)","author":"Donna","date":"July 21, 2008","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Two brothers brace themselves for the inevitable...or is it? Rated T\u00a0 (1,100 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\/Da-brothers-bonanza-16935311-400-264.jpg?fit=400%2C264&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5485","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\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5485"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5485\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5266"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5485"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5485"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5485"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}