{"id":5711,"date":"2011-05-02T18:58:24","date_gmt":"2011-05-02T22:58:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5711"},"modified":"2026-07-22T14:01:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T18:01:42","slug":"stranger-on-the-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5711","title":{"rendered":"Stranger on the Stage (by BnzaGal)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>A chance meeting on a stage could spell disaster for Little Joe.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K+ (18,070 words)
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Stranger on the Stage<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s jaw was clenched as were his hands.<\/strong> If he had time to waste, his waiting fists would have been given something to do. No one had to ask if he was upset. Upset was written across every tense muscle in his body. No one even had to ask who had made him angry. Everyone nearby had witnessed the explosion between the youngest Cartwright and Henry Brandon. If it hadn\u2019t been for the stage coach driver, Jim, calling to Joe that they were pulling out with or without him, a brawl might have broken out right there on the streets of Virginia City.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But Joe had a stage to catch. His small bag, containing all he would need for the next week, was already loaded. His brother Adam had already headed back for the Ponderosa with Cochise and his Pa was counting on him to finish up the work on the contract with Craig Sampson in Left Ridge.\u00a0 As he readied to jump into the coach, he threw a glare back to where Henry gloated in the middle of the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNext time, Henry.\u201d Joe breathed not loud enough for anyone but himself to hear as he swung up. The stage jerked forward at the same time tossing him sideways into the only other passenger aboard the Left Ridge bound stage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d Joe quickly detangled himself and slouched into the bench opposite the other traveler, a young man not much older than Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s quite alright,\u201d the man gave a pleasant smile and offered Joe his hand. \u201cMy name is Bill Wren. And you are?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright,\u201d Joe took the offered hand and shook it trying to smile through the anger that still boiled in his gut. \u201cJoe Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA pleasure to meet you Mr. Cartwright.\u201d The man went on pleasurably. \u201cI always thought that those who travel with one another should become acquainted with one another. Don\u2019t you think?\u201d Bill was still smiling amiably.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe again tried to shake the anger and growing hatred toward Henry Brandon off his mind. \u201cYes, I suppose so.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe watched the man in front of him smile even broader, if that was possible, and nod his head. \u201cThat man back there,\u201d He cocked his head to the side. \u201cHe\u2019s a friend of yours?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHardly,\u201d Joe snorted, folding his arms across his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEnemy then?\u201d The smile was still in place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe simply shrugged and looked out the window, hoping his traveling companion would get the hint that he didn\u2019t want to talk at the moment with Virginia City barely behind them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t. \u201cHave you ever wanted to kill a man?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The question made Joe\u2019s head whip around to where Bill sat, still smiling that strange grin that Joe decided he didn\u2019t really like.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not.\u201d Joe looked fully at the man across from him for the first time. He was about Joe\u2019s height and build only not as well muscled. His hair was nearly the same color as Joe\u2019s but was straight and parted to the side. His eyes were a deep blue. Joe supposed that girls would call him handsome.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The smile faded as he raised his eyebrows, \u201cNever?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was suddenly uncomfortable. Sure there had been times, he supposed. Didn\u2019t everyone want to strangle somebody sometime in their life? But he would never do it. Never.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill smile was softer when it returned, almost teasing. \u201cCome now, Joe, may I call you Joe?\u201d He continued without waiting for an answer, \u201cSurely there was a time when you wished someone dead\u2026 Maybe that man back there or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe briefly.\u201d Joe smiled and leaned back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere, you see,\u201d Bill gestured with his hands. \u201cEveryone wishes it at one point or another. But how to go about it, that\u2019s the challenge.\u201d Bill clasped his hands in front of him. \u201cI\u2019ve thought up a good half-dozen ways.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWays for what?\u201d Joe was frowning as he spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy for my father, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s who I\u2019d like to strangle.\u201d Bill smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe chuckled. This was surely becoming the most bazaar conversation he had ever had with a fellow stagecoach passenger before. He could almost picture Hoss\u2019 face when he would tell him about it after he got home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not so hard to do it really,\u201d Bill chuckled. \u201cBut not getting caught. Now that\u2019s the tricky part.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned again. \u201cYou\u2019ve never\u2026\u201d He was almost afraid to ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho me?\u201d Bill laughed. \u201cNo never! Although, I admit, I\u2019ve given it a fair bit of thought. I shall have to write a mystery some day. You see I believe that one should try everything before one dies.\u201d He reclined back in his chair. \u201cMy father has made life perfectly miserable for me. He holds my inheritance over me like a prison cell.\u201d He grinned, \u201cWhen he\u2019s gone then I can really start to live.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s thoughts went to his own Pa, as Bill continued to prattle on. He could never imagine a better father. He loved him more than he could ever begin to describe! He found himself feeling sorry for the young man across from him who obviously was not so lucky to have a father who he could always count on to love him unconditionally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo I got to thinking,\u201d Bill pulled one booted foot up onto the seat. \u201cThe best way would be to find someone and swap murders.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSwap what?\u201d Joe tried to jump back into the conversation he had been ignoring.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMurders.\u201d Bill stated. \u201cYou see if two totally unconnected people- like you in me for instance- were to meet accidentally on a stage or a dinner party or whatever. And both of us wanted someone out of the picture- like say, my father and your friend back there- then we would simply swap murders. Each fellow does the other fellow\u2019s murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe found himself confusingly intrigued by the conversation. \u201cBut why?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMotive.\u201d Bill sighed, \u201cWeren\u2019t you listening? If I were to kill my father there would be too much motive involved and doubtless I would end up hanging, but if you were to do it no one would suspect you because you had no motive. If you left no evidence, then no one would ever find you. Meanwhile I would be off committing your murder and then we would part ways and never speak to each other again. Each of us having murdered a total stranger. You do my murder. I do yours- it\u2019s simple!\u201d He finished with a nod of his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and chuckled. \u201cYou sure come up with some wild ideas.\u201d Joe looked out the widow. Knowing that he was too awake to sleep he sighed, \u201cGot any other wild ideas or plans for yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill\u2019s eyes brightened. Here, at last he had found a ready ear for all the ideas he had going around in his head!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe kept looking out the stage window and craning his neck around in hopes that he might catch a glimpse of Left Ridge. It couldn\u2019t be much farther. Could it? The ride had never seemed this long before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill had yet to stop on his ideas. One crazy plan after another. Joe began to think that either the man was genius or he was a little more than a wee bit insane! He spoke of flying like the birds, with a special fascination in the hawk. He told him that man would surmount ever obstacle that held them to the earth and would shoot into the stars. And he was going to be the first one to do it to. How ridiculous!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAfter all,\u201d He said again. \u201cOne should try everything before one dies.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled and nodded for what seemed like the thousandth time. If Bill brought up one more plan of his then Joe thought he might seriously consider getting out and walking the rest of the way to Left Ridge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think of my plans?\u201d Bill leaned back with a satisfied look on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, they\u2019re fine.\u201d Joe hoped that meant he had come to an end of his schemes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have so many plans for my life.\u201d Bill smiled again. \u201cIsn\u2019t it exciting to be young and have your whole life ahead to do whatever you want in it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded then stuck his head out the window and turned his head to look ahead. Was that a building? Could it possibly be town? \u201cHey, Jim!\u201d Joe leaned out farther and yelled up to the driver. \u201cIs that Left Ridge?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure \u2018nough is.\u201d Jim hollered back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled himself back in. \u201cWell, this is my stop.\u201d He almost flinched as he asked, \u201cAre you staying in Left Ridge?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill nodded. \u201cThe night at least.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was suddenly very glad he was staying at the Sampson\u2019s ranch instead of the town\u2019s only hotel!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They were almost there; the stage slowed down as it approached the station on the edge of town.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you think of my idea?\u201d Bill reached across and grasped Joe\u2019s forearm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said it was fine.\u201d Joe frowned down at the hand on his arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut did you like it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe quickly decided this man bordered on insane rather than genius. His eyes were wide and almost frightening. \u201cI liked it.\u201d Joe was glad when the strange man released his arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Bill sighed. \u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The stage pulled to stop and Joe was out the door and reaching up for his bag.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Miss Amy Sampson stood next to her father smiling happily at the Cartwright that had been sent to finish up the contract with her father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAmy,\u201d Joe smiled and waved with his free arm. He turned to go to the Sampsons when someone caught his arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a good plan isn\u2019t it?\u201d Bill stood next to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled and nodded stepping away from the man. \u201cGreat,\u201d he assured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe quickly joined the Sampsons who led him to their waiting buggy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho was that, Joe?\u201d Amy linked her arm through Joe\u2019s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced back and saw Bill still standing there watching them. Smiling. \u201cI don\u2019t really know.\u201d Joe turned back to the pretty girl on his arm and smiled down at her. \u201cI met him on the stage.\u201d He couldn\u2019t help but glance back again. Bill had vanished. Joe shuddered involuntarily, sincerely hoping he would never run into that man ever again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d with that word Amy forgot the strange grinning man and focused solely on the one who would be staying at their ranch for the next week: Joe Cartwright. She sighed and nearly laughed at her luck. She would be the envy of every girl in town!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

————————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The week passed quickly for Joe. There ended up not being much left in the contract to work on and Joe wondered if Craig Sampson hadn\u2019t already known that when he asked Ben for a week of one of his son\u2019s time. It hadn\u2019t really mattered which son. Any Cartwright son would do for his young Amy, and it had become apparent to Joe from day one that he had been brought here with more in mind than a simple contract. But, of course, Joe didn\u2019t mind. Amy was pretty enough to capture Joe\u2019s wandering eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On the day he left Left Ridge, Amy was as clingy as a bur stuck in Cochise\u2019s mane. Joe whispered sweet things in her ear and kissed her gently on the nose before throwing his small bag up to the stage driver to be strapped up top.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be back soon, Joe?\u201d Amy pleaded dabbing her eyes with the hankie Joe had given her minuets before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I will,\u201d He pulled her into his arms and she laid her head against his chest. \u201cIt\u2019s not all that far. I\u2019m sure Pa\u2019ll let me.\u201d He gently pushed her back and smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She leaned up for one final kiss before stepping back to join her father who had been watching with a pleased look on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGoodbye, Mr. Sampson,\u201d His eye lingered on Amy\u2019s face, \u201cAmy,\u201d He jumped into the stage and seated himself next to a dour faced elderly woman. \u201cMa\u2019am,\u201d He nodded in her direction then turned to greet the other occupant of the stage. But the words never exited his mouth but rather caught in his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill Wren sat across from him. Grinning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe never would admit to his brothers how much Bill Wren\u2019s presence on that second stage ride unnerved him. He didn\u2019t say anything. Not a more than a few syllables the entire trip. He just sat there. Smiling. His eyes watching Joe\u2019s every move.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Needless to say, sleep evaded Joe, although he was very tired. He spent the whole time trying not to look into the deep blue eyes that watched him. It made his skin crawl.<\/p>\n

He thought the trip seemed long last time with Bill talking nearly the entire way, but his silence was unsettling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe began to wish Bill would start telling his plans to change the world.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Virginia City couldn\u2019t come fast enough!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had the door of the stage open before it had come to a full stop on the dusty streets of Virginia City, earning him a glare from the lady passenger. Joe tried on a smile and offered her his hand to help her down and with a sniff she accepted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Hoss\u2019 holler brought a smile to Joe\u2019s lips. Turning he spotted his two brothers coming toward him, waving.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Adam, Hoss,\u201d Joe turned back to get his bag so he could hurry to join his brothers. Maybe they would even buy him a beer!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Joe recognized Bill\u2019s voice and had almost decided to pretend he hadn\u2019t heard him when he realized that his bag was no longer atop the stage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning slowly he saw the smiling face and eyes that had become very annoying and against Joe\u2019s will, unnerving.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill handed Joe his bag and slipped a piece of paper into his hand at the same time. \u201cYou\u2019re going to need that.\u201d He whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh, thanks,\u201d Joe stepped back too hastily and stepped on the dour faced ladies feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWatch where you\u2019re stepping!\u201d She yelled shrilly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe grabbed the brim of his hat and gave an apologetic smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBe brave, Joe,\u201d Joe head snapped back around at Bill\u2019s words. He tried to smile but couldn\u2019t quite accomplish it before he hurried away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s that?\u201d Adam watched the man who stood there smiling, his eyes never appearing to leave Joe\u2019s retreating back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d Joe glanced back and had to stop the shudder from visible shaking him. \u201cOh, him.\u201d He looked forward. \u201cJust a stranger from the stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow \u2018bout a beer, little brother?\u201d Hoss slapped Joe on the back as they walked forward side by side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thanks.\u201d Even though his throat felt dry, Joe found his desire for a drink trumped by the longing for the Ponderosa. \u201cLet\u2019s just go home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged and led the way to the horses while Adam frowned and looked back over his shoulder. The stranger was still there in the same position. Watching the same object. He followed the man\u2019s gaze to his youngest brother, then turned back to study the stranger, but he had vanished, leaving Adam with a very uneasy feeling in his gut.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stretched out on his bed and sighed happily. There was nothing quite like your own bed after a week away and a bumpy stage ride. Dinner would be ready soon and his Pa had sent him up to freshen up, but he had been unable to resist the call of his bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning onto his side he felt the edge of a tightly folded piece of paper in his pocket gently prod at his leg. The peace and relaxation forgotten as the image of Bill\u2019s smiling face flashed through his mind.\u00a0You\u2019re going to need that<\/em>. Joe extracted the paper from his pocket and, sitting cross-legged, unfolded it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frowning deeply, Joe peered at the drawing on the paper. It was a map of some sort. Crudely drawn, it indicated the inside of a large house. An arrow had been drawn entering a side window and winding its way up a staircase and into a long hallway with rooms on either side. The arrow turned into a room near the end of the hall and pointed to a bed drawn in the corner of the room. \u201cWhat on earth\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, dinner\u2019s ready.\u201d Pa\u2019s booming voice raced up the stairs to Joe\u2019s ears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cComing.\u201d Joe hastily refolded the drawing and went to throw it on his dresser top but hesitated and instead slipped it under his pillow before splashing water from his basin over his hands and face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He took the steps down into the main room of the ranch house quickly and hastily slid into his chair, drying his hands on the edge of the tablecloth carefully so no one would notice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo you had a successful trip, Joe?\u201d Ben asked warmly as he passed the bowl of mashed potatoes to Hoss\u2019 waiting hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Joe said proudly. It was only recently that Ben had started entrusting this sort of work into his youngest\u2019s hands, and Joe had been eager to prove that he was as capable as the others when it came to the business part of the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn more ways than one I\u2019ll wager,\u201d Hoss winked at Adam over the platter of ham he had just reached for.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A sly smile spread across Adam\u2019s face as he turned to Joe, \u201cI hear that Sampson has a daughter.\u201d He noticed Joe\u2019s cheeks grow a shade pinker. \u201cDid you see much of her?\u201d He raised his eyebrows and watched his little brother squirm slightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe cleared his throat and glanced at his Pa who had elbows resting on the table and his hands clasped under his chin a small smile starting to pull at the corners of his mouth. \u201cSure I saw her. I was staying at her father\u2019s house.\u201d He defended.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh-huh\u201d Adam and Hoss exchanged nods. \u201cAnd how much time did you spend with her compared to the time spent on the contract?\u201d Adam turned his head slightly to the side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe racked his brain for an un-incriminating thing to say, but he finally shrugged and gave in. \u201cShe\u2019s a beautiful girl, Pa.\u201d He smiled embarrassedly at his brothers\u2019 guffaws.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pa\u2019s smile broadened, \u201cI know.\u201d He looked into his son\u2019s hazel green eyes. \u201cThat\u2019s why me and her father decided you would need a week.\u201d He winked as he finished his statement and picked up his fork to resume eating.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 laughter increased in volume at his Pa\u2019s declaration and Joe soon found himself joining in. His own unmistakable giggle making his father chuckle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019re home, Joe!\u201d Ben\u2019s smile grew softer. \u201cWe missed you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d Joe looked between his father and brothers. \u201cIt\u2019s good to be back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sun struggled momentarily on the horizon then broke free casting her rays across the Ponderosa. Dawn came wrapped tenderly in the promise of a bright, sunny day. Her fingertips reached out and stroked the land caressing it in her warmness. Day won her battle against night as she does every morning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed deeply and rolled over, wishing to pull the covers over his head and call back the sleep that was quickly slipping away into awareness. Moaning he sat up and tried to blink the last hold of slumber from his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Hoss\u2019 head peeked in through the door and a grin spread across his freshly scrubbed face. \u201cMornin\u2019 little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moaned and threw himself back into his pillows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on now, Joe,\u201d Hoss opened the door wider to fit more of his body through it. \u201cThe days a wasting, and Pa and Adam are already down eating.\u201d Hoss\u2019 face grew worried, \u201cIf I don\u2019t get you up and at \u2019em they just might finish all the food without me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swung his legs out of bed and sat up again nodding. \u201cI\u2019m moving.\u201d He stretched and stifled a yawn. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t want you to waste away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss smiled, \u201cThanks, Joe.\u201d Then he pulled himself out of the room and closed the door. Joe could hear his steps pounding down the steps towards another one of Hop Sing\u2019s delicious breakfasts and hot coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled himself to his feet and began to ready himself for the day as quickly as he could. His Pa was normally lax on one of his son\u2019s first day home after a trip but Joe didn\u2019t want to push his luck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Soon he was skipping his way down the stairs and crossing over to the table with a smile on his face and a \u201cGood morning!\u201d on his lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss was already scraping the remnants of his scrambled eggs onto his fork and depositing it in his mouth.\u00a0 As Joe slid into his chair, he quickly reached for seconds before Joe could diminish the food supply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are the plans for today Pa?\u201d Joe waited patiently for Hoss to grab a biscuit before passing them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Ben wiped the red checked napkin over his mouth then tossed it on his plate. \u201cHoss and Adam are heading out to the lumber camp to check on things there and you and I are going into town to pick up the supplies.\u201d He picked up his coffee cup and smiled. \u201cThen you can fill me in on all the details of the contract and,\u201d he cleared his throat and raised his eyebrows, \u201ceverything else.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

————————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wiped his forearm over his face and turned from buckboard that was nearly full. He only had a handful of sacks to load before he was done and he could go meet up with his Pa at the bank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The day had grown warm and Joe had felt it as he loaded the wagon. He cast another longing look at the saloon across the way. He knew it wouldn\u2019t be much longer now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Out of the corner of his eye, Joe thought several times that he saw someone watching him, but when he turned around to check there was no one there. Joe frowned as he returned for the last time into the mercantile. \u201cThis is the last of it, Wes.\u201d Joe tossed the sack over his shoulder and waved briefly with his right hand before returning it to the steady his heavy burden.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tossed the sack on top of the pile and crossed a rope across it and tied it off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben\u2019s voice brought Joe\u2019s head up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Pa, you\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s words trailed off as he saw the frown on his Pa\u2019s face. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head sadly. \u201cYou remember that Brandon kid?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHenry?\u201d Joe\u2019s face darkened at the thought of the man who had caused him much pain recently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey just found his body in the alley behind the livery.\u201d Ben sighed. \u201cPoor Betsy was at the bank when they told her and I overheard.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Betsy. Joe\u2019s mind flashed to the pretty dark-haired girl who, up until two months ago, had been his steady date, until she had transferred her affections over to Henry. \u201cPoor girl,\u201d he whispered. His mind struggled to come to terms with what had happened. He didn\u2019t like Henry Brandon but he didn\u2019t deserve to be lying dead in some dark alleyway. And poor Betsy. She didn\u2019t deserve to have love stripped away from her like that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d this time it was Roy Coffee\u2019s voice that brought Joe\u2019s head up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff Coffee?\u201d Joe waved to Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m afraid I\u2019ll have to ask you to come with me and answer a few questions.\u201d Roy glanced between Ben and his son apologetically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat for, Roy?\u201d Ben placed a hand on Joe\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ben, but someone\u2019s indicated Joe in this Henry Brandon mess.\u201d Roy looked to Joe. \u201cYou\u2019ll have to come with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded trying to keep the look of confusion off his face. \u201cI\u2019ve got nothing to hide.\u201d Even as he spoke his eyes caught a familiar face standing just out of the shadows in the alley by the saloon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was Bill Wren, smiling as usual. Joe felt the hair on the back of his neck stand out. A frightening thought tugged at the corner of his mind and he shook his head attempting to dislodge the notion. But it wouldn\u2019t go away, and it terrified him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t seriously believe that Little Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Ben, hold your horses!\u201d Roy raised his hands in a stopping motion. \u201cI\u2019m only doing my job. Now, I don\u2019t think Little Joe had anything to do with young Brandon\u2019s murder, but I have to check on everything.\u201d He turned to Joe. \u201cCan you tell me where you were and what you were doing last night?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced at his Pa before answering: \u201cSleeping.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t arrest a boy for that.\u201d Ben challenged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan anyone confirm that?\u201d Roy looked at Ben expectantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course we can.\u201d Ben sighed. \u201cWe all saw him go up to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAt what time was that?\u201d Roy sat down behind his desk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Joe looked at each other, \u201cAbout 9:00,\u201d Joe nodded at his father\u2019s estimate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd did you or either of the boys see him after that?\u201d Roy asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no\u2026\u201d Ben\u2019s face displayed a small measure of worry. \u201cNot until Hoss went to wake him up this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy nodded, \u201cThanks Ben, Joe. You understand that I have to search out all possible suspects.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Roy,\u201d Ben slapped his hat on the side of his leg. \u201cDoes that mean we can go?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell there\u2019s no evidence to put Joe in the alley last night even though it was possible for him to be there.\u201d Roy picked up his glasses and slid them on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, \u2018it was possible for him to be there\u2019? I just told you he was sleeping.\u201d Ben frowned deeply at his long-time friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy sighed and turned to Joe, \u201cJoe, have you ever snuck out of your room without the others knowing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded looking sheepishly at his Pa. \u201cBut I didn\u2019t last night!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I have nothing to hold you on.\u201d Roy picked up a stack of papers and tapped them on his desk. \u201cThank you for coming in.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome, Sheriff,\u201d Ben stomped out of the sheriff\u2019s office and back out into the daylight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBye, Roy,\u201d Joe smiled at the sheriff and followed his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s just doing his job, Pa.\u201d Joe placed his hat on the back of his head. \u201cBesides, we have nothing to worry about. I haven\u2019t done anything wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, son.\u201d Ben gave his youngest son a little smile and squeezed his shoulder. \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, now that that\u2019s done,\u201d Joe stepped of the boardwalk and into the dusty streets. \u201cHow about a nice cold beer?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled and followed his son, \u201cYou buying?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s smile wavered, \u201cI guess so.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben chuckled and wrapped a loving arm around Joe\u2019s shoulders. \u201cJust one, then it\u2019s back to the Ponderosa. A ranch doesn\u2019t run itself you know!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe snorted, \u201cDon\u2019t I know it!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————————-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d a voice from the shadows called after Joe as he and Ben headed for the buck board and home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned and saw Bill standing there and turned back around planning on completely ignoring the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stopped, \u201cJoe, that man seems to want to talk to you.\u201d He looked down at his son. \u201cWho is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed and turned around, \u201cI\u2019ll just be a minute, Pa.\u201d He hurried toward where Bill was retreating further into the shadows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d Joe wouldn\u2019t admit it but the guy was starting to spook him with all his grinning and appearing here and there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you still have the map?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe wh-\u201c Joe remembered the drawing that still rested under his pillow. \u201cWhat\u2019s it for?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo my house, of course.\u201d Bill grabbed Joe\u2019s arm and pulled him deeper into the alley. \u201cYou know it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour house?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe pulled his arm away and stepped back. \u201cWhat\u2019s this all about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe plan!\u201d Bill whispered, his eyes growing wider. \u201cDon\u2019t you see?\u201d He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a long pocket-knife. He handed it to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned the knife over. It was just a plain single blade pocket-knife with initials burned into the side. Joe had one like it only his was silver rimmed with J.C. and the Ponderosa brand done in silver instead of being burned into the side. He handed it back, \u201cIt\u2019s a nice tool to have.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou still don\u2019t see?\u201d Bill began to become frustrated. \u201cLook at the initials H. B.\u201d He pointed the initialling out. \u201cIt\u2019s not my knife.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned and was about to leave when it all slid into place. His frown slid away and his eyes grew wide. \u201cHenry Brandon?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill smiled triumphantly, \u201cBut, of course!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe started to back away slowly. \u201cYou killed him?\u201d He looked over his shoulder and judged in his mind the distance between himself and the Sheriff\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou wanted it that way. It was all part of the plan.\u201d Bill frowned. \u201cWhere are you going?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo get the sheriff.\u201d Joe began to turn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t do that!\u201d Bill said softly, the smile returning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped and looked back. \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll both hang for murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll both hang?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour in it as deep as I am.\u201d Bill returned Henry\u2019s knife to his pocket. \u201cWe planned it together.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut we didn\u2019t.\u201d Joe ran a hand over his mouth nervously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut we did.\u201d Bill stepped toward Joe. \u201cOn the stage, remember.\u201d He spoke as if coaxing a child. \u201cWe decided to swap murders. Now I\u2019ve done yours.\u201d Bill\u2019s grin held a hint of triumph. \u201cIt\u2019s your turn to do mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cYou\u2019re insane.\u201d He started to back away again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t say that, Joe.\u201d Bill spoke softly. \u201cDon\u2019t say it. Don\u2019t even think it. A plan\u2019s a plan and a deal\u2019s a deal. But you must go now before we are spotted. And don\u2019t go to the sheriff. Remember, you are the one with the motive. I didn\u2019t even know this Henry Brandon fellow. You have to go through with it, or I promise your family will suffer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe just kept shaking his head as words seemed to evade him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, he felt very little pain and then it was all over. Very quick, very easy, and very quiet. That\u2019s the most important part, you know, being quiet. We\u2019re safe. Nobody was near enough to see anything- except Henry. No one will ever find us out, Joe. Never!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nearly ran from the alleyway then slowed himself trying to bring composure back into his face before he reached his father. Ben was busy talking to Doc Martin who had been passing by and didn\u2019t notice Joe\u2019s pale face until after they were on their way home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou tired, Joe?\u201d Ben glanced away from the road to survey his son who was quieter than normal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA little bit.\u201d Joe answered weakly. His mind was running at a pace that not even Cochise would be able to keep up with. What was he going to do? Bill was right- he did have the motive, and with Bill saying he was in on the planning that made him at least an accessory to murder- didn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho was that man who called you from the alley?\u201d Ben was watching the road so he didn\u2019t catch his son\u2019s nervous look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. He must have gotten my name from someone.\u201d Joe wished with all his heart that his words were true.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt sick. He couldn\u2019t have pinpointed a certain spot from where the pain started nor where it ended. He sat on the edge of his bed with his head in his hands. Henry Brandon was dead- was it his fault?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What was he going to do? Could he let this murderer go free? His mind and heart rebelled against the thought. But would he too be convicted? What was to guarantee that he wouldn\u2019t hang as well? What would that do to his family- to his Pa? To the Cartwright name?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There had to be a way out of this. He just had to think of it. Joe rubbed his aching head. If only he could talk to Adam or Pa, but, no, he knew what they would say. Maybe he could talk Bill into turning himself in and admitting his guilt. Yes, that was it. That had to be it. But what if he wouldn\u2019t do it? Or what if he really truly believed that Joe had been agreeing to his plan back there on the stage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe began to pace the length of his room, cursing the day he had jumped into the Left Ridge bound stage. If it had been Adam or Hoss then surely they wouldn\u2019t have gotten into this mess. But, no, it had been him. He was in trouble and didn\u2019t know which way to turn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat down on his bed again and bunched up his fists at his chin. Bill had threatened his family. The man was crazy enough to actually do something. Joe fell back on his bed and stared up at the ceiling. If only the answer was written there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019d you invite to the dance?\u201d Adam walked up behind Joe and again peeked at his appearance in the mirror. He ran a hand over his hair smoothing it perfectly into place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNobody,\u201d Joe finished tying his black string tie around the collar of his white shirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyebrows raised slightly, \u201cNobody?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I said.\u201d Joe muttered stepping back for a final survey of himself before turning away. \u201cHow about you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged, \u201cMegan.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDouglas or Frasier?\u201d Joe smiled already knowing the answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDouglas, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe thought he saw Adam shudder out of the corner of his eye and chuckled to himself at the thought of Adam taking out a woman like Megan Frasier.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 heavy stride down the hallway warned of his arrival. \u201cYou two about ready? The barn dance\u2019ll be over before we get there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Hoss.\u201d Adam gave Joe a sly wink as he wrapped an arm around Hoss\u2019 broad shoulders. \u201cBessie Sue won\u2019t find another partner before you get there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss blushed, \u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about. I ain\u2019t worried.\u201d He tugged a little on his tie and it came loose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe watched him attempt to tie it again but his thick fingers kept getting in the way of each other. \u201cAllow me,\u201d Joe slapped Hoss\u2019 hands away and deftly tied his brother\u2019s tie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Hoss pulled his hat onto his head. \u201cYou two ready now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam opened his mouth when a billowing yell resounded from downstairs. \u201cBoys quit looking in the mirror and get down here! You\u2019d think I had three daughters for all the time you take!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe and Adam exchanged looks and rolled there eyes toward the ceiling. \u201cComing, Pa!\u201d the two answered as one.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hurried his family out the door. \u201cYou\u2019d think he was afraid the Widow Hawkins was getting lonely or something,\u201d Joe said just loud enough to be heard. He smiled at Ben\u2019s scowl and mounted his horse for the ride into Virginia City.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————————-<\/p>\n

Joe smiled cordially at the Widow Hawkins as he past her position at the door waiting- he had no doubt- for his father to make his appearance. Ben had spotted the woman as they were walking toward the brightly lit barn and had made some lame excuse about forgetting something in his saddle bag.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Entering the large barn Joe fixed a smile on his face before heading for the refreshment table where Hoss and Bessie Sue had already passed by.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For the first time he could remember he just didn\u2019t feel like dancing.<\/p>\n

He sighed as he filled his punch glass to the rim before turning slowly around to survey all the ladies present and all the young men there to dance with them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The first thing he spotted was his Pa sneaking in through the back way and standing slightly behind a rather broad woman who nearly blocked him from being seen. The second thing he saw was Adam whisking Megan Douglas into the lively dance. The third thing he saw sent shivers down his spine and clear into his boots.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill Wren stood not six feet away from him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked to the door were the Widow Hawkins was beginning to tap her foot and frown in frustration and considered making a break for it. But Bill was already moving toward him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, how are you!\u201d He slapped Joe on the back as if they were lifelong friends.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d Joe hissed between his teeth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI live here, of course!\u201d Bill chuckled. \u201cHave you never seen me around?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. He had rather hoped that Bill was from another town- another country- one very, very far away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou see, I live in that big old house half a mile from town. You know, the yellow one with the white porch that wraps around it? The Wren House.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe berated himself for not making the connection before. William Wren Sr. was one of the wealthiest men around, although not very many people ever saw him when he visited the old house every summer. Joe had heard that the Wren\u2019s wintered in New England and spent the fall and spring months in San Francisco. Their large Virginia City house being their smallest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d Joe whispered, glancing nervously around him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think you know.\u201d Bill\u2019s smile began to slip from his face. \u201cYou aren\u2019t thinking of going back on me now- are you?\u201d His smile was completely gone. \u201cI would think twice before you break our agreement, Joe. You\u2019ll ruin the plan.\u201d He lowered his voice until it was a whispering growl. \u201cI did my part. Now it\u2019s time you do yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t agree to anything with you.\u201d Joe grabbed Bill\u2019s arm and pulled him aside to where he prayed they wouldn\u2019t be noticed. \u201cI didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou did.\u201d Bill stated in a way and with a look that would frighten just about anyone- Joe included.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked around nervously. \u201cLook, I haven\u2019t done anything. I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen why do you look so guilty?\u201d Bill took the glace of punch from Joe\u2019s hand and took a sip. \u201cThis is good.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe raked a hand through his hair. \u201cJust go away and leave me alone!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do that, Joe. You know I can\u2019t. You owe me.\u201d He grabbed the front of Joe\u2019s shirt. \u201cYou owe me a murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe pulled back he heard the clapping and knew that the dance was done. They were bound to be spotted now. \u201cI don\u2019t owe you anything.\u201d He turned his back on the man and walked back to the table and, as steadily as he could, poured himself another glass.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Joe sloshed some of his punch over at the word and nearly ruined his shirt. Looking down he saw that the front of his shirt was wrinkled from where Bill had grabbed it and he quickly smoothed it out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow, \u201cYou a bit jumpy this evening, little brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled as best he could and shook his head, lifting the glass to his lips. \u201cNope.\u201d He said after he lowered the glass. His voice sounded far steadier than he felt.Just lost and confused.\u00a0<\/em>He thought sadly to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam I\u2026\u201d He wanted to tell him everything. To have his older brother take over. Adam always knew what was right. He could solve the whole mess. But even as he opened his mouth to tell him he saw Bill standing across from them with a small derringer in his hand pointing at Adam\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I wouldn\u2019t<\/em>\u00a0he mouthed across the room, then slipped the gun back into his pocket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Joe?\u201d Adam was frowning as he watched his brother stiffen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing Adam. Nothing. I\u2019m just a little tired, that\u2019s all.\u201d Joe smiled nervously and took a step away from his brother, trying to show Bill that he had no intention of saying anything. He wouldn\u2019t. He couldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was looking at him oddly and Joe was sure he was about to press him. \u201cMegan\u2019s waiting for that punch.\u201d He pointed to the glass in Adam\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess she is.\u201d Adam looked down at the glass then back at his brother. Something wasn\u2019t right. He could see it in his brother\u2019s hazel-green eyes. \u201cJoe, are you sure there\u2019s nothing you want to say?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPositive, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged, more to try to get rid of that uneasy feeling that had stolen over him than anything else, and turned to bring his partner her punch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPositive, Adam,\u201d Joe whispered to his brother\u2019s back. \u201cIt\u2019s not worth it.\u201d He would have to figure out what to do himself. There was no way he was going to endanger his family. Not for anything in the world. Even if it meant hanging for helping to murder Henry Brandon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced back to where Bill had been standing but he wasn\u2019t there. He searched with his eyes but couldn\u2019t find him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Widow Hawkins, on the other hand, had had better luck. She had found her man and was holding him closely as they danced with the other couples.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked positively miserable, but not half so much as his youngest son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam studied Joe as they rode home. His brother looked lost. His eyes stared vacantly ahead and his face was nearly expressionless save a hint of something that caused Adam\u2019s frown to deepen- fear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss chatted on about the food that had been present, smacking his lips as he relived eating all that he and Bessie Sue had piled onto the little plates. Ben nodded or grunted in reply to Hoss\u2019 speech, although he was just glad that they were headed home and he wouldn\u2019t have to dance with the Widow anymore!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled his mount up closer to Joe\u2019s. \u201cJoe,\u201d He spoke softly so the other two riding ahead wouldn\u2019t hear him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned his head and brought his focus to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure there\u2019s nothing wrong- nothing you want to tell me?\u201d That uneasy feeling had returned with a full force. \u201cThere\u2019s something wrong. I can feel it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing\u2019s wrong.\u201d Joe looked away. \u201cPlease, Adam, I\u2019m just tired is all. There\u2019s nothing wrong.\u201d Joe hoped his brother wouldn\u2019t press him for more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a sigh Adam shook his head. \u201cWhen you change your mind, you know where to find me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe kicked Cochise into a faster walk and left Adam behind. \u201cThanks, Adam.\u201d He whispered to himself. The look on Bill\u2019s face as he pulled out that derringer flashed through his mind. Was there only one way to keep those he loved safe?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A rifle shot reported across the stillness of the night. \u201cGet down,\u201d Ben yell tersely .All three Cartwrights hit the ground at almost the same moment. They lay there looking between each other as three more shots were fired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe held his breath and waited for more shots but they never came. He exhaled the air in a quick burst and decided to be the first to stand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhoever it was shot over us.\u201d Hoss began to rise slowly following his brother\u2019s example.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think they were shooting at us, Pa?\u201d Adam dusted the dirt from his pants as he stood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hope not,\u201d Ben walked toward his horse, who had skittered several yards away. \u201cIt was probably just some young fellas who dipped into that special punch one too many times.\u201d Inwardly Ben sent up a prayer of thanks that none of his son\u2019s had been injured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOr maybe it was a warning.\u201d Joe hadn\u2019t known that the words had made it past his lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cA warning?\u201d Hoss scrunched his nose. \u201cA warning for what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt the eyes of his family on him and searched his brain for something to say. \u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss. Perhaps older brother here has been sparkin\u2019 Megan a little too hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben chuckled, \u201cIf it were\u00a0you<\/em>, Joe, doing the sparkin\u2019,\u201d He wrapped an arm around his youngest\u2019s shoulders. \u201cThen I might have to be worried, but I think we can trust Adam to know the boundaries.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled at his brothers\u2019 guffaws and relished in the feel of his Pa\u2019s arm around his shoulders. It was always a gesture that had made him feel safe. But even now as his eyes scanned the darkness, half expecting Bill to appear before them, he couldn\u2019t feel safe and secure. He couldn\u2019t stop the lines of worry from creeping back into his face and settling around his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Was there only on way to keep those he loved safe? If there was more Joe just couldn\u2019t think of them. His mind tried to plan out what he would do. What he believed he\u00a0must<\/em>\u00a0do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s arm slipped from around his shoulders and they began to remount their horses. Joe watched his family ride on ahead of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe set his jaw into a firm, grim line. He must not fail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————————-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa can I ride into town and collect the mail?\u201d Joe tried to ask nonchalantly. His insides were all in a jumble. He had to get to town and soon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou expectin\u2019 a letter, Little Joe?\u201d Hoss nudged Adam and fluttered his eyelashes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps from a Miss Amy Sampson?\u201d Adam grinned and crossed his arms across his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe decided to go with it and pulled an embarrassed look onto his face. \u201cI don\u2019t see how that is any of your concern.\u201d He looked to his Pa, \u201cCan I?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was smiling as he nodded. \u201cIf you go straight there and back- and I mean straight, young man- then I suppose you can catch up with your brothers and that fence mending at noon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thanks, Pa.\u201d Joe tried to keep the extreme relief off his face, but if his family did see it they would just suppose he was really looking forward to his latest girlfriend\u2019s letter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Let them believe what they would. Joe had to find Bill. He didn\u2019t even dwell on the fact that Bill might not even be in town. He had to be. He had to settle everything once and for all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————————-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rode slowly into town hoping to be spotted and approached by the man he had come to dread more than any other. He dismounted Cochise in front of the mercantile and looped the reins around the post.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slowly he stepped up on the boardwalk and walked toward the post office. He strolled along tipping his hat to those he passed and keeping an ear out for any call from an alleyway. But Bill was no where to be seen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He picked up the mail and was glad to see a letter from Amy. At least his excuse would hold. He tucked it, unopened, into his coat pocket along with the other letters for his father and one for Adam from one of his college friends.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes searched for Bill among every group and in every alley he walked by. But when his name was called it wasn\u2019t Bill who called it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned around and tried to smile. \u201cSheriff Coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doin\u2019 in town?\u201d The sheriff pushed his hat off his forehead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust picking up the mail.\u201d Joe patted his pocket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s everyone at the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, fine.\u201d Joe leaned up against one of the posts outside the mercantile. \u201cIf there were trouble you\u2019d be the first to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou entering the Virginia City race?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs it the town anniversary again?\u201d Joe smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt does come every year.\u201d Roy tipped his hat to a lady passing by. \u201cI\u2019ve heard that more people have signed up for the race this year. You might have more competition than you can handle.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can handle it.\u201d Joe grinned. \u201cI\u2019ve got just the horse in mind too.\u201d Joe pictured the beautiful long legged horse they had picked up in a lot of horses a few months back. \u201cHe sure can run.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be there to watch you. You won last year didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYep.\u201d Joe grinned. \u201cI rode Cochise and we flew like the wind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy won\u2019t you ride her again this year?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned briefly. \u201cI don\u2019t want to risk her getting hurt. Last race we were in some idiot nearly killed the both of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy nodded and rubbed at his moustache, \u201cThere are still no leads on the Brandon murder.\u201d The sheriff\u2019s shoulders sagged visibly. \u201cThe killer made a clean escape whoever he is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe dropped his gaze and nodded, unable to look Roy in the eyes. \u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear that.\u201d He brought his head up and let his eyes wander over the street. He was just about to speak again when he saw a lone figure standing quite a ways down the road apparently watching him and the sheriff. Could it be Bill?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Roy, but I\u2019ve got to go.\u201d He managed a brief smile before hurrying toward who he hoped was Bill.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood bye, Joe,\u201d Roy Coffee waved an arm then turned frowning. Something was not right with young Joe. He prayed it wasn\u2019t what he feared. Surely Joe would never\u2026 would he? Roy glanced back and watched Joe step back into the shadows with another man. Frowning, the old lawman headed toward their direction. He had enough experience to smell trouble a mile away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff!\u201d Roy turned to see Sam running toward him. \u201cThey\u2019re tearing up the saloon!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy sighed and moved to follow Sam. Joe would have to wait. Perhaps he would pay the Ponderosa a visit later.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBill,\u201d Joe pulled the man back into the shadows of the alley and hoped that they hadn\u2019t been spotted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill looked angry. The smiles were gone replaced with an icy coldness that made Joe shudder as if he could feel a chill radiating from Bill\u2019s blue eyes. \u201cWhat were you talking to the sheriff about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes grew wide. \u201cNo, Bill, I didn\u2019t tell him anything, I swear. He was just walking by.\u201d Joe licked his lips then continued. \u201cI wanted you to know that I was ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill\u2019s face softened a hint. \u201cReady?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo finish what we started.\u201d Joe lowered his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill nodded, \u201cMight I suggest you strangle him?\u201d He held up his hands and positioned them as if he was grasping at someone\u2019s throat. His eyes grew even colder than Joe had ever seen them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStrangle him?\u201d his voice nearly shook. \u201cWhy can\u2019t I just shoot him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His words seemed to pull Bill from a trance. \u201cShoot him?\u201d He shrugged. \u201cThat will work splendidly. How about tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe sooner the better.\u201d Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood\u2026good,\u201d Bill was back to smiling sinisterly. \u201cI will prepare my alibi.\u201d He clapped his hands together. \u201cTonight will end the tyranny. Tonight will mark the beginning of freedom and perhaps\u2026\u201d He grasped Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cA friendship between us?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to smile but it died on his lips. \u201cTonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou still have the map?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt leads to my father\u2019s room.\u201d Bill traced an imaginary line with his finger. \u201cFollow it and you can\u2019t go wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Joe began to back up toward the daylight of the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill nodded, tipped his hat and disappeared around the back of the ally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTonight,\u201d Joe whispered again. \u201cTonight will determine the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere he is, the prodigal.\u201d Adam leaned on the fence post he and Hoss had just finished with. \u201cI was wondering when you would show up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rolled his eyes, \u201cCan\u2019t seem to manage for a morning without me, older brother?\u201d He dismounted Cooch and took off his jacket, throwing it aside. \u201cReady to get back to work?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you get any mail for me?\u201d Hoss asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d Joe went back over to his coat and fished out the stack inside. \u201cJust for Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam quickly crossed the space between himself and Joe. Hovering over his brother\u2019s shoulder, Adam read the envelopes as Joe flipped through them. \u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d Adam snatched Amy\u2019s letter playfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou give that back!\u201d Joe lunged at Adam who jumped back and dodged his brother\u2019s swipes to regain his letter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face clouded over, \u201cYou haven\u2019t even opened it.\u201d He let Joe grab the letter. \u201cBut wasn\u2019t that why you went to town?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t answer but tucked his letter into his pocket and gave Adam his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was your real reason for going to town?\u201d Adam frowned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked between his brothers finally settling on Joe. \u201cWhy did you go to town?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026\u201d Joe shoved the rest of the letters back into his coat and started to pick up the next post that needed placed. \u201cI had some business there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat business?\u201d Adam pressed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy business,\u201d Joe turned to glare at his brother. \u201cIs none of your business.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grabbed Joe\u2019s arm, \u201cNow wait,\u201d Joe gave him a mean look. \u201cSomething\u2019s wrong and I\u2019m not going to stop until I know what it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you there was nothing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know what you told me but I don\u2019t believe it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stepped in between his brothers. \u201cNow hold it both of you. Joe, you know Adam is only worried about you and, Adam, you know you won\u2019t ever be able to get anything outta Joe unless he\u2019s gonna give it. So why don\u2019t we finish up our work so we won\u2019t be late for Hop Sing\u2019s dinner!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave a sigh that bordered on a growl and Joe turned back to the work at hand without another word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not giving up.\u201d Adam muttered lowly so that no one besides himself could hear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

————————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben found his son in the barn. \u201cYou hardly touched your dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up in the dimming light from where he stood next to his horse, Cochise. \u201cI wasn\u2019t hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Ben stepped forward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoes there have to be something wrong before I can not eat as much as normal?\u201d He spoke softly doing better than he had expected to hide the tremblings inside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I guess not, but I haven\u2019t been your father for eighteen years to not recognize that when you don\u2019t eat you usually have something important weighing on you.\u201d Ben leaned on one of the stalls and watched his son turn his face toward his horse. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you tell me about it?\u201d He coaxed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe picked up a brush and ran it over Cochise\u2019s back. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing, Pa.\u201d He thought he had done a good job of controlling his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben wasn\u2019t convinced. \u201cDid you do something you regret?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped mid-stroke, \u201cI haven\u2019t done anything, Pa\u201d In his mind he added\u00a0yet<\/em>\u00a0to the end of his statement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you change your mind and want to talk about it, you know where I\u2019ll be.\u201d Ben knew better than to press Joe too much. He would talk when he was ready. \u201cI love you, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe couldn\u2019t help but smile as he turned to face his Pa, \u201cI know, Pa.\u201d He turned back to brushing Cooch as Ben stood to leave. \u201cPa\u2026\u201d Joe paused again, wanting so badly to tell his father everything but\u2026 he just couldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Little Joe?\u201d Ben turned back hopefully, ready to listen and help his youngest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI love you too.\u201d Joe began to move his arm again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grinned and sighed, \u201cI\u2019ll see you inside, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Darkness had fallen like a thick blanket covering the land. The moon was only half full in the sky. But her soft light filtered down illuminating a figure that crept across the roof of the Ponderosa house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t the first time Joe had snuck out of the house this way and he hoped it wouldn\u2019t be his last. It was a short climb and an easy drop down to the ground below. So far so good.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He grabbed the edge of the roof and swung down dropping the rest of the way to the ground and landing nearly soundlessly. Pausing briefly to listen for any sounds indicating that he had been discovered, he then continued to the barn where he had left everything ready.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cochise nickered and Joe reached out to stroke her muzzle, whispering soft words to her as he slipped her bridle on. Once he was done he led her from the barn and walked her a ways down the road before mounting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo far so good, Cooch.\u201d He gave her a nudge and looked back. There was still a chance to turn back and retreat to the safety that his family offered. But no, he had to do this.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t enter Virginia City but skirted around it until he found himself in the grove of trees bordering the grounds of the Wren House. The big house stood ominous against the night sky sending chills down Joe\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looped Cochise\u2019s reins around a tree and left her to run swiftly toward the house on foot. Once he reached it and had climbed the steps up onto the wide wrap around porch, he leaned up against the building between two windows and breathed deeply, his eyes pressed tightly closed. Opening his eyes he licked his lips and prepared himself for making his way through a window and up the stairs, down the hall, and into the room the map Bill had drawn for him. He had studied it for hours and prayed he would make it up to Bill\u2019s father\u2019s room without incident.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The window wasn\u2019t locked. It wasn\u2019t even closed. Joe found himself standing in a big room sparsely dotted with furniture. He let his eyes wander briefly around the room as his eyes adjusted with the darkness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was the staircase, grand and wide, sweeping up to the darkened second floor. Joe walked slowly and quietly as he had been taught by Hoss years before. He let his fingers brush over the rich fabric of the chaise lounge as he passed it. He wished he had been able to visit the house in the daylight and gaze at the rich furnishings.\u00a0Adam would appreciate it even more<\/em>, he thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He now stood at the bottom of the stair case. His eyes were riveted to the top as he made his ascent. He struggled to control his heavy breathing and remain as silent as he could. A stair creaked and he paused to listen. The house was silent. Joe wondered if he wasn\u2019t alone in the big house, it was so quiet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was at the top now. His hands were sweating and he wiped them on his pants. Looking back he couldn\u2019t believe it was only a short staircase he had just climbed. It felt like a mountain. If he should fail in this\u2026 He wouldn\u2019t let himself think of failure. He would not fail. He could not. It was not an option.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The hallway was dark, lit only by the light the moon cast through the lone window at the end of it. Joe moved swiftly, silently down the hall until he reached the door he knew was the one he was looking for. He straightened his holster and fingered the but of his gun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Placing his hand on the knob Joe tried to steady and steel himself to the task ahead. He hoped that Mr. Wren wasn\u2019t a light sleeper and that he didn\u2019t keep a gun under his pillow to shoot night time prowlers with. The thought sent an unwelcome shudder down Joe\u2019s back. What would his family think if he was shot and killed? They would be bewildered as to Joe\u2019s reason for being at the Wren House. But if Bill supplied the reason\u2026 Joe dropped his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What had he gotten himself into?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door opened easily and without a creak. Joe slid through the opening and left the door slightly ajar just in case he had to make a hasty retreat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bed was just where it had been drawn in Bill\u2019s map. It was large with its four posts reaching upward like sentinels standing watch over the sleeping man. Joe neared the bed and looked at the sleeping figure. It was too dark to make out his features, but that wasn\u2019t what Joe was there to do anyway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Wren,\u201d Joe whispered. \u201cMr. Wren?\u201d He got a little louder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The lump on the bed stirred and reached toward the lamp on the bedside table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed with relief. This was going to be easier than he could have imagined. \u201cMr. Wren, your son is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The lamp illuminated the room, casting shadows along the walls. The man on the bed was fully dressed, \u201cJoe, Joe, Joe,\u201d Bill Wren shook his head sadly and extracted a gun from beneath the covers. \u201cI had a feeling you would turn on me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard and stepped back. \u201cI\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy father isn\u2019t here. I sent the servants home. You and I are the only ones here.\u201d Bill slowly stood keeping the gun levelled at Joe\u2019s chest. \u201cWhy Joe? Why couldn\u2019t you just go along with the plan?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe licked his lips and searched his brain for something to say, but nothing came to him. \u201cBill, please.\u201d Was all his mind could think to say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like being double-crossed, Joe. We have an unsettled debt.\u201d Joe watch Bill\u2019s thumb cock back the hammer with a decisive\u00a0click<\/em>. \u201cWe had a deal. A murder for a murder. A life for a life.\u201d His eyes narrowed. \u201cI have blood on my hands- a murder on my hands. But it\u2019s not my murder- it\u2019s yours. And so long as it is your murder, you should be the one to pay for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe backed up until his back hit the door that still stood partially open. He prepared to make a break for it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to shoot you, Joe.\u201d Bill smiled. \u201cAlthough it would be easy. You have, after all, broken into my house. All I would have to do is pull the trigger\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe kept his eyes on Bill\u2019s face for any indication that he was about to shoot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019ve got better plans for you, Joe.\u201d He chuckled. \u201cYou will curse the day you turned traitor.\u201d He un-cocked the gun but kept it trained on Joe. \u201cSo will your family if you try to stop justice.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned his back to Bill and slowly walked down the hall knowing that Bill followed him. Walking down the staircase, it was all Joe could do to keep himself from running away from his nightmare.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill paused at the top of the stair, \u201cI will not pay for your murder, Joe. Do you hear? Your murder, your life!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

————————————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe climbed back onto the roof of the Ponderosa house and made his way quietly to his bedroom widow. When he had climbed out of it hours before he thought that he would be returning victorious, having beaten Bill\u2019s crazy plan. But now\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe climbed back into his room and saw the lump that he had made in his bed to represent himself should anyone peek in on him. He smiled at the lump. At least he was getting better at making it look more human!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then the lump moved- in fact, it rolled over. \u201cWhere were you?\u201d Adam\u2019s deep voice made Joe close his eyes and shake his head as if he was trying to will away this new disaster in his plans.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere were you?\u201d Adam\u2019s voice grew more forceful.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou trying to wake up the house?\u201d Joe whispered harshly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam got out of Joe\u2019s bed and crossed his arms on his chest. \u201cI\u2019m going to get Pa if you don\u2019t start talking.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Joe dropped his head and tried to quell the surge of tears that threatened him. \u201cI\u2019m in trouble, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you got that right, little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Adam. Big trouble. Trouble so big it\u2019s gonna\u2026\u201d Joe stopped and shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor starters, how about you tell me about it?\u201d Adam sat down on the edge of the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe shook his head. \u201cI can\u2019t, Adam.\u201d His mind replayed Bill\u2019s words\u00a0\u201cSo will your family\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you can always tell me.\u201d Adam moved to place his hands on Joe\u2019s shoulders. \u201cWhat have you done?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lifted tear filled eyes, \u201cAdam, believe me when I tell you that I\u2019ve done nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam searched Joe\u2019s eyes before answering, \u201cIs it something you\u2019re going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo matter what they say, Adam, I didn\u2019t do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Adam\u2019s brow creased in a frown.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI would never do it. Never.\u201d Joe pulled away from Adam and stared out his window.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNever do what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI love this place, Adam.\u201d Joe scanned the darkened yard below them. \u201cI love the way the sun lights up the land and chases all the darkness away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI would leave it all behind before I let something happen to any of you.\u201d Joe slid his window closed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo would we all for you, Joe.\u201d Adam watched his brother turn back around. \u201cYou know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Adam, and I\u2019m so very thankful for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s talk this thing out.\u201d Adam reasoned. \u201cTwo heads are better than one. With both of us thinking about it, I\u2019m sure we can come up with a solution.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Adam.\u201d Joe replied quickly. \u201cNot tonight, maybe in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam wanted to press the subject, to bring Pa into it, anything, but Adam felt sorry for him. Something was definitely wrong and Joe was caring it on his shoulders like the weight of the world. Joe wasn\u2019t going to talk. Adam could tell be the set of his jaw as he turned away and started to unbutton his shirt. If he pressed him Joe would likely clam up and never speak. No, he\u2019d have to wait until Joe was ready to tell him. \u201cWhen you\u2019re ready, Joe.\u201d Adam slipped into the hallway and back to his room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If Adam had been wearing a gun he would have drawn it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere in tarnation have you been?\u201d Hoss was sitting on Adam\u2019s bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes toward the roof. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t me who was missing it was Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow don\u2019t you go and give me that.\u201d Hoss stood up and poked a finger at Adam\u2019s chest. \u201cI checked on Joe first and he was in bed- and don\u2019t go and tell me he stuffed his sheets to make it look like he was there \u2018cause he\u2019s never been good at that. Besides, he was snoring!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rubbed the sides of his head with one hand. \u201cGo to bed, Hoss.\u201d His growl sent Hoss skitterin\u2019 toward the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was just wonderin\u2019 where you went.\u201d Hoss found himself outside Adam\u2019s closed door and headed for his own room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just where have you been, young man?\u201d Hoss stopped at his door at the sound of his Pa\u2019s booming voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss tried to smile at his Pa who stood inside Hoss\u2019 room with his arms crossed. \u201cPa it wasn\u2019t me who was gone it was Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t play games with me, Hoss\u201d Ben growled roughly. \u201cI checked on Adam right after I checked on Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss scrunched his face up and swallowed. \u201cOh, Lordy!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam eyed Joe as he came down the stairs early for breakfast for once. His eyes bore the traces of the near sleepless night. In fact, all the Cartwrights looked a little tired and ate a little slower this morning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning,\u201d Joe plopped down into his chair and reached to pour himself some coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Joe,\u201d Ben tossed his napkin onto his plate and pushed his chair back. \u201cHow did you sleep?\u201d He shot Hoss a little glare and Hoss in turn gave Adam one.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up and met Adam\u2019s eyes as he answered, \u201cFine, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Ben stood and walked toward his desk to start on the books.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll join you in a minuet, Pa.\u201d Adam finished his coffee and looked at Joe. \u201cWhere are you going to be around noon?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned, \u201cProbably here,\u201d he pointed at his place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll talk to you then.\u201d Adam gave him a firm look that said.\u00a0\u201cWe will talk.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

In that case I\u2019ll be eating in town\u2026 or not at all.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————————-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill Wren smiled at his reflection in the mirror and ran the bush through his hair one last time. He smoothed his hands down the front of his shirt and grinned at his brilliance. Joseph Cartwright would pay. And dearly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tomorrow would be Virginia City\u2019s anniversary celebration. Crowds would be abundant. No one would notice a meeting between two men-the passing of an object between them. No one would know. His plan was brilliant! In his mind his plans always were!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill picked up a pocket knife off his dresser and turned it over in his hands. It was a fine knife, expensive and sharp. The silver letters J.C. shimmered in the early morning light. Bill tilted the knife so it would catch the light and bounce it onto his wall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a final smile, he slid the knife down into a drawer and buried it under some clothing. He hadn\u2019t been able to believe his luck when the sunlight had made the knife shine, catching his attention. The knife must have fallen from Joe\u2019s pocket while he climbed through the window.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wouldn\u2019t know it was gone until Sheriff Coffee appeared at the Ponderosa with a pair of handcuffs.\u00a0 Then it would be too late.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill returned his gaze to the mirror. \u201cBill, you old devil, you\u2019ve come out on top!\u201d He turned his head side to side and tried to strike a conquering pose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBill?\u201d A deep voice from below made Bill\u2019s face fall into a frown. \u201cBill, are you here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, father,\u201d Bill turned from the mirror. Joe would hang for\u00a0his<\/em>\u00a0murder but that wasn\u2019t the plan! The plan had them both going free! Free from suspicion and free from his father! Yet Joe had crossed him. He had called him insane.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll pay.\u201d Bill ground out the words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBill, come on down here!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cComing, father.\u201d Bill shouted down, then straightened his shoulders and composed his face before exiting the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————————-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere were you at lunch?\u201d Adam raised one eyebrow and watched Joe take his seat at the dinner table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI jumped over to town to get my name in the horse race tomorrow.\u201d Joe reached for the platter of meat only to have Hoss beat him to it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou riding Cochise?\u201d Ben asked from the head of the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d Joe took the platter from Hoss. \u201cI\u2019m going to give that new horse, Doc, a try.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you ever actually gone for a run with him?\u201d Hoss didn\u2019t look up from his food.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight before I went and entered him.\u201d Joe smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of name is Doc for a horse anyway?\u201d Hoss finally looked up from his meal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe and Adam met each others eyes and grinned. \u201cWell,\u201d Adam cleared his throat. \u201cApparently, he sent so many men to the Doctor\u2019s office when there were trying to break him that the name kinda stuck to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded in agreement. \u201cHe sure is a feisty fellow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe still give much trouble?\u201d Ben watched Joe\u2019s face to gauge the response.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still a spirited animal, but I can handle him.\u201d Joe smiled knowing that his Pa might strongly \u201csuggest\u201d that he not ride the horse if he knew that Doc had tossed him off, but only once.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m surprised you aren\u2019t entering in the race, Adam.\u201d Joe smirked at his brother. \u201cOr are you still sore on loosing last year?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes and reached for another dinner roll. \u201cI was going to ride Doc until I heard from one of the hands that you were riding him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSurly ol\u2019 Doc ain\u2019t the only horse worth entering on the Ponderosa.\u201d Hoss paused his plate-to-mouth motion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam put his fork down and looked between his brothers. \u201cBut I don\u2019t want to get beaten again.\u201d He tossed his napkin on his place and smiled at his brothers\u2019 chuckles as he stood. \u201cI\u2019ll be back later, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded, \u201cYou going to town?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I promised Frank I\u2019d stop by the corral this evening to look at something.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA horse?\u201d Joe turned in his chair to watch his brother strap on his gun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Adam had a twinkle in his eyes as he strode out the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t reckon he\u2019s got some horse hidden away to beat you with?\u201d Hoss reached for seconds- or was it thirds?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOlder brother\u2019s to sneaky to give us a hint like that.\u201d Joe slumped back in his chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe I need you and Hoss to stay here and fix up that old wagon we\u2019ve got sitting out back.\u201d Ben pushed his plate away and leaned his arms on the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was hoping to go to town.\u201d Joe looked down at his plate, afraid to meet his father\u2019s gaze.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTown again?\u201d Ben frowned. \u201cWhat is it in town that has you wanting to go there every day?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou got a girl?\u201d Hoss fluttered his eyelashes for a moment then frowned. \u201cI thought you were sweet on that Sampson gal?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood. \u201cI\u2019ll get started on that wagon. When you finish eating all the food in the house you can come join me.\u201d Joe gave a wink to Hoss then made a hasty exit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

————————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t sure how early it was when he quietly descended the stairs with boots in hand, pausing just long enough to put them on before slipping out the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Day hadn\u2019t yet began and the greyness that comes just before dawn shrouded the Ponderosa like veil ready to be lifted at any moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had known when he had awakened nearly an hour ago that sleep would evade him, but still he had tried to fall back asleep only to have Bill\u2019s voice ring in his ears.\u00a0\u201cI\u2019ve got better plans for you, Joe.\u201d\u00a0<\/em>Even now Joe wished he could cover his ears and make it stop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened the barn door, slipped through, and closed it behind himself. The warm familiar smells of hay and horse made him sigh. Would he have the pleasure of smelling it again?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Every hour that passed he felt more and more that it was only a matter of time before Sheriff Coffee arrived with handcuffs and a warrant for his arrest. What could he do? Would the sheriff believe him if he came forward with the truth? Maybe so. But would Bill harm his family the moment he caught wind of Joe\u2019s further betrayal to his plan? Joe had no doubt that he would.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So what then? What options did that leave? He didn\u2019t know how much more of this waiting around he could do. If he was arrested perhaps he could turn the tables on Bill at the trial and he could tell his family to stay away. Joe felt his heart beat harder in his chest. Would that work? Could that work? Would they believe him? Or would they just consider it the poor attempt at saving his own hide? What evidence, what proof could he give?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was back to guessing, to hoping. He nearly prayed once that Bill would somehow die. \u201cI could always kill him.\u201d Joe snorted. Cochise nickered disapprovingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled and stroked his girl. \u201cYou know that I couldn\u2019t do that, and I know I couldn\u2019t do that. But will anyone else believe me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf they don\u2019t\u2026\u201d Joe felt a shiver of fear creep down his back. Was he afraid of what they might do? Afraid to die?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rode Cochise into town before noon, leading Doc behind him. Hoss rode silently behind his younger brother sensing Joe\u2019s tense mood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou worried about the race?\u201d Hoss asked lightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmmm?\u201d Joe seemed to be pulling himself back from miles away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said, are you worried about the race?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe race?\u201d Joe nearly laughed. How could he worry about something so superficial when his life was practically forfeit? When his family was in danger from a mad man? But Hoss didn\u2019t know that. Hoss didn\u2019t know all the questions that weighed on Joe\u2019s mind. Questions that seemed to have no answer. \u201cNo, I\u2019m not worried.\u201d Joe sounded more convinced than he felt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou think you\u2019ll win?\u201d Hoss asked hopefully, knowing that he would have some money riding along with his little brother that afternoon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss.\u201d Joe almost added:\u00a0a month from now, maybe less, it won\u2019t really matter\u2026 if I\u2019m dead.<\/em>\u00a0\u201cI hope for your sake I do. No doubt you\u2019ve put up some bets.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI sure have.\u201d Hoss nodded emphatically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019ll try not to disappoint.\u201d Hoss couldn\u2019t see Joe\u2019s face but he could tell that the usual smile in Joe\u2019s words was gone and replaced with something Hoss couldn\u2019t quite understand: resignation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————————-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Swirls of colors were everywhere. Banner\u2019s proclaiming the Virginia City Anniversary Race where strung out across the street which was beginning to clear in preparation for the race. Horses were led toward the starting line where Roy Coffee stood with the listed names of all who had entered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy looked up into the sky again noting with satisfaction that the sun was out in all her glory warming the crowd that had shown up to celebrate. It looked as if all of Virginia City were here in there Sunday best.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Women, wearing gaily colored bonnets, strolled along on the arms of men and nodded at other couples as they passed. Miners had crawled out of their holes and had scrubbed their faces and hands and were in little groups discussing their latest strikes and false veins. Ranchers and ranch hands from miles around arrived in pairs or small groups, some already had tipped back the bottle a few times. Roy would have to deal with them later tonight no doubt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The shops had opened early that morning but were already beginning to close down as the festivities began to pick up. There was a shooting matches and a pie eating contest getting ready to start over near the bank. But the main event of the day would be the horse race. Young men from all over the territory participated. Normally there was some pretty stiff competition and, looking down the list, Roy knew that the folks gathered were in for one heck of a race.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy had stopped by and quietly placed a bet on Joe Cartwright\u2019s horse with ol\u2019 Zeke like he had for several years running. Roy smiled, that boy could sure fly! Watching Joe race always brought a smile to the sheriff\u2019s face. He had known the boy since he had been knee high to a pony and now he was riding like the wind, but Roy had predicted that to Ben the first time he had seen Joe sit a horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe has a gift, Ben,\u201d he had smiled as he watched the small boy confidently manoeuvre his gentle mare around the corral. \u201cHe won\u2019t be satisfied with that mare for long.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben sighed. \u201cHe\u2019s already begging for a bigger faster horse.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Roy looked up from his lists and smiled at the familiar figure riding confidently toward him, \u201cSpeak of the devil\u2026\u201d He muttered under his breath the smile not fading. \u201cHow\u2019s that new horse of yours, Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReady and rearin\u2019 to go,\u201d Joe gave a brief, distracted smile and dismounted Cochise. \u201cHey, Hoss,\u201d He turned to his brother and held out Cochise\u2019s reins. \u201cWill you get her a stall at the livery if there are any left?\u201d He quickly stripped the saddle from Cochise\u2019s back and patted her affectionately.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWill do,\u201d Hoss rode slowly toward the stables leading Cooch behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy walked over and gave Doc a once over. \u201cPretty animal.\u201d He watch Joe transfer his saddle to the horse\u2019s back. \u201cCan he run?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe paused and gave Roy a twinkling wink. \u201cLike the wind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA slow, puffing desert wind,\u201d Mitch Devlin grinned mischievously as he approached his best friend and the sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Mitch!\u201d Joe\u2019s grin nearly died on his lips when he saw the horse trailing behind Mitch. \u201cYou\u2019re riding Knight?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch looked down at the reins in his hand and picked at some imaginary speck on them. \u201cJack rode Knight in the race every year and his Pa asked me to keep up the tradition.\u201d He glanced up, his eyes meeting Joe\u2019s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The look that passed between the friends was tainted with sorrow. The horse\u2019s owner had been killed in a senseless Indian attack in the early spring of that year while he had been out hunting with Joe, Mitch and two other of their friends, Seth and Charlie. Charlie had also been killed in the fighting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The remaining three would forever carry the invisible emotional scars from the two days of horror that had taken their friends from them forever. Joe had received a leg wound that would remain the only visible mark of the trial they had suffered through.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a good horse.\u201d Joe reached out and touched his fallen friend\u2019s horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe always was.\u201d Mitch sighed softly. \u201cTake a good look now,\u201d He managed a small smile. \u201cAll you\u2019ll see is his backside once the race begins!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe chuckled and shook his head. \u201cYou haven\u2019t met Doc yet.\u201d He stepped aside and swept his hand toward his horse bowing his head slightly. Somehow, as he bowed his head he caught a glimpse of someone he knew out of the corner of his eye: Bill Wren.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch gave a low whistle, \u201cWhere did you get him? Joe?\u201d Mitch frowned as he watched Joe\u2019s face pale. He tried to follow Joe\u2019s gaze through the crowds of people. \u201cJoe?\u201d He said a little louder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got to go.\u201d He didn\u2019t take his eyes off Bill\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t go,\u201d Roy was still standing nearby. \u201cThe race is about to start and your horse needs a rider or he\u2019ll be disqualified.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it have to be me?\u201d Joe turned back to Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Both Roy and Mitch said as one.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo I have to be the rider?\u201d Joe glanced back trying not to loose sight of Bill.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2026\u201d Roy flipped to the single page of rules. \u201cI guess we forgot to put that rule in there!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Joe ran his eyes over the crowd. \u201cHey, Adam!\u201d He hollered as soon as he spotted his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sensing urgency in his brother\u2019s voice, Adam jogged over, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to ride Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Adam,\u201d Joe grabbed his brother\u2019s forearm. \u201cRide Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam searched his brother\u2019s eyes for a clue to what this was all about but found none. \u201cOkay.\u201d He answered slowly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Joe was already running through the crowd that was gathering along the sides of the road to watch the race.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTime to mount up!\u201d Roy yelled through cupped hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The crowd gathered closer to the edge of the street and began to bunch together, making it nearly impossible for Joe to get through.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t even know what he was planning on doing if he did catch up with Bill. But something inside him, deep down, told him to follow him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So he did.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————————————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill pushed his way through the growing crowds keeping an eye out for the man he was supposed to be meeting in front of the mercantile. There he would slip the pocket knife into the man\u2019s hand, disappear amongst the crowd, and head back to his house where he could begin to plan out some other way to rid himself of his pesky father. Everything was going smoothly from finding himself a man willing to be a false witness to the packed streets of Virginia City. He couldn\u2019t have asked for a more perfect day. Everyone was too busy doing their own thing to notice him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In his haste, he stepped on the toes of an elderly woman who cried out angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I am terribly sorry.\u201d He took the woman\u2019s hand and held it gently. \u201cAre you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman raised her eyebrow, \u201cYes, I suppose so.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill smiled and released her hand before pressing on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a nice young man.\u201d The woman turned to her husband.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he was.\u201d The husband answered his eyes never leaving the start line that would soon let loose the horses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me,\u201d Joe pushed past the couple his eyes still riveted on his quarry\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmph,\u201d The woman snorted. \u201cWhat a rude young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he was.\u201d The husband watched Sheriff Coffee walk out to read the rules and give the directions. The race would start soon!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It seemed as if the crowd was working together collectively to stop Joe from reaching his goal. Every time he thought he had made headway another surge of people would bunch together so tightly trying to press closer to the street that it made getting through next to impossible, and yet it seemed like Bill was floating through the crowd with ease.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe groaned in frustration as Bill got further and further ahead. A break in the crowd let Joe advance at last and he took advantage of it sprinting ahead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe watched in dismay as Bill rounded the corner just as the shot to begin the race was fired. The horses thundered past and Joe didn\u2019t even bother to look and see if Adam and Doc were getting along alright. He couldn\u2019t loose Bill!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Finally reaching the corner himself Joe found the crowd much smaller and was able to gain ground quickly. As he drew nearer he decided to not alert Bill that he was there and instead followed at a safe distance behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill seemed to be very singly focused. Walking straight and easily dodging the sparse crowd. He walked slowly on for several blocks then turned another corner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe groaned knowing that Bill had just turned on to what would be the busiest street in Virginia City- the one holding the race\u2019s finish line. People from the start lines were already flooding into the boardwalks that flanked the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was sure to lose him now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————————-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe ran the last little bit he could before once again finding himself in shoulder to shoulder crowds. His only consolation was the fact that Bill was going through the same thing and at the same speed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The crowd was getting louder and louder. Joe thought he could hear the thundering of the horses hooves as they neared the finish line\u2026 or was it simply the pounding of his heart?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a stroke of luck, Joe was closer to Bill than he had ever been. He again wondered just what he planned to do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere they come!\u201d Someone shouted and the crowd surged with excitement. Men shouted the names of the horse they had bet on trying to urge them on faster.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In all the confusion, Bill glanced back over his shoulder and for a brief second his eyes met with Joe\u2019s. His face twisted into a smile then dropped into a frown. Then he was pushing, shoving his way through the crowd, trying to get away from Joe. He headed for the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe charged on knowing that the horses were near and the street would soon be impassable.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill left a trail in his wake as people stumbled into each other to avoid being knocked over in his dash. When he reached the edge of the street, Joe was only seconds behind. He pushed through the last barrier that stood between him and the street: three young boys.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to stop as he realized what was about to happen. Bill had thrust out into the street just as the race reached them with Adam in the lead!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill had knocked one of the young boys out into the path of the horses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The lead horses were just lengths away when Bill, the boy, and Joe suddenly appeared in their path. The horses and their riders didn\u2019t have time to pull back the reins before they collided.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had a smile on his face as they came to the final stretch. Joe had obviously trained this horse more than he had let on. Doc really could fly! Adam didn\u2019t need to glance back to know that Mitch was only just behind him. He could hear him coming up on his right and he urged Doc on harder toward the finish line. Doc gave it his all and Adam leaned farther toward the horse\u2019s neck, yelling an encouragement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was all happened so fast and yet for half a hoof beat the world seemed to slow. A man burst through the crowd knocking a boy out into the street. The man ran out right in front of him. Adam yelled and pulled back nearly unseating himself in the process.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Out of the corner of his eye Adam saw a flash of green and somehow knew it was Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Women, children, and horses began to scream as the closely packed leaders of the race began to pull back to stop from crushing the three bodies in the road. One rider was thrown clear knocking over several people on the boardwalk. Men started jumping out of the crowd and grabbing harnesses trying to control the animals. Hands pulled the victims clear of the stomping hooves.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

————————————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss had seen Adam take off from the starting line on Joe\u2019s horse and was standing down at the finish line with Roy Coffee when the racers came in view. Shouts from the crowd swelled up and Hoss waved his hat in the air while cheering on Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His heart went from swelling in his chest to jumping in his throat. He started running forward the second that man and the boy hit the street. But he was too late to do anything. He watched in horror as another figure seemed to launch himself into the street right under the hooves of Mitch\u2019s mount Knight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss ran harder. He heard both Adam and Mitch yell Joe\u2019s name and he knew he wasn\u2019t mistaken. It was his little brother under all them hooves.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

————————————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An odd frown crossed Ben\u2019s face as the riders appeared. He was standing up in a balcony off a hotel room that a friend and neighbouring rancher had rented just so he would have the best view of the race.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was sure Joe would be out front but the green jacket was nowhere to be seen. Maybe he had taken it off? Ben tried to recall what color shirt Joe had worn, but couldn\u2019t remember.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked away to the rear of the group of racers. Maybe Joe had put to much stock in Doc\u2019s ability to \u201cfly\u201d.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The first screams from below brought Bens\u2019 head whipping back to the front of the line on time to see the green jacket he had been searching for.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A single word escaped his lips. A whispered scream, \u201cJoseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————————–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was off Doc\u2019s back as soon as another man had grasped his harness on either side of the horse\u2019s head and had him under control. He reached his brother about the same time Hoss reached them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The little boy who had been knocked into the street was already sobbing in the arms of his nearly frantic mother. Joe had leapt out throwing his body over the boy\u2019s just before Knight\u2019s hooves had struck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch was off his horse and skidding on his knees to end up beside Hoss. \u201cIs he alright?\u201d His breathes came in little gasps. Surely God wouldn\u2019t let Joe die now. Not after all they had been through that spring. \u201cIt\u2019s my fault.\u201d Mitch didn\u2019t think he had said the words out loud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a stupid thing to say.\u201d Joe whispered hoarsely although his eyes stayed closed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou alright Joe?\u201d Adam grabbed his brother\u2019s hand. \u201cCan you open your eyes for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes barely getting past a tight squint. \u201cIs the boy okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked over at the boy. \u201cHe\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes suddenly flew open and he tried to sit up only to have three pairs of hands restrain him. \u201cWhere\u2019s Bill?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBill?\u201d Both Adam and Hoss said together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe one who ran out ahead of me.\u201d Joe tried to sit up again and grabbed his head, nearly crying out at the further pain the movement of his right arm caused him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t try that again, Joe. You\u2019ve got a beautiful gash on the side of your head and probably a broken bone\u2026 maybe ten.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Adam, you don\u2019t understand\u2026\u201d Joe struggled up onto his left elbow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Martin\u2019s almost here.\u201d One man leaned down and told the group huddled close to Joe. \u201cBut I don\u2019t think that other fellow\u2019s gonna make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At those words Joe forced himself over onto his knees, gritting his teeth against the pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStay put, Joe.\u201d Adam growled placing a heavy hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Joe met his brother\u2019s gaze.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam saw an urgency in his brother\u2019s eyes and felt himself relinquish his hold on his little brother\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe saw Bill lying face up just yards away and, knowing he would never be able to get himself to his feet, he decided to crawl the distance. Pulling himself forward with one arm, he kept the other tucked closely against his chest. He could feel the blood trickling down his head and neck until it was absorbed by the collar of his shirt. He was afraid that his stomach would rebel, but he kept crawling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben Cartwright\u2019s booming voice parted the way for the father to reach his son. Adam and Hoss stood and crossed to where the stranger lay. Something in the back of Adam\u2019s mind told him that he had seen this man before but he couldn\u2019t quite place it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s going to be alright, Pa.\u201d Hoss assured his father as he burst through the crowd his eyes wide with fear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy,\u201d Joe looked up into the faces that watched and spotted the sheriff. \u201cCome closer.\u201d Men and women stepped aside to allow the sheriff to get closer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill\u2019s eyes were open and watching Joe. A strange smile graced his face. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe.\u201d He managed to say it loud enough to be heard although he felt as if he were floating away from himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell the sheriff, Bill.\u201d Joe urged as somebody from the crowd handed him a handkerchief which he pressed against his throbbing head..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe,\u201d He said again and Roy leaned down closer. \u201cBut I didn\u2019t find the knife you lost the night you killed Henry Brandon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A collective gasp emanated from the crowd. Joe shook hiss head, \u201cNo, Bill\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI searched all over the alleyway. I couldn\u2019t find it.\u201d His eyes began to close.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Bill,\u201d Joe grabbed a lapel of his jacket with his good hand. \u201cThe truth, Bill. It\u2019s too late for lies.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you from the beginning that it wouldn\u2019t work\u2026 that you would\u2026 get caught.\u201d The smile began to creep back into his face. \u201cI told you\u2026 you would regret it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe looked up around and saw the shocked accusing faces looking down at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou chased him into the road to get rid off the evidence didn\u2019t you?\u201d One man shouted angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMurderer!\u201d Another cried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe meet Roy\u2019s eyes, \u201cIt\u2019s not true, Roy, I swear.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill\u2019s body went slack. Joe looked back down at the man who had brought him so much trouble. The smile was frozen on his face. Forever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

————————————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou expect me to believe that you met a total stranger on the stage. And that this perfect stranger got the idea that you wanted to swap murders with him? That he threatened your family if you came forward with the truth? That he actually wanted you to kill his father?\u201d Roy rubbed his eyes wearily. \u201cJoe, I\u2019ve known you since you were a kid, but how on God\u2019s green earth am I supposed to believe that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked around the sheriff\u2019s office. Even his family had strange looks on their faces. Did they not believe him either? \u201cI swear it\u2019s true, Roy.\u201d Joe dropped his bandaged head into his free hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Doc Martin had seen to him hours ago and declared him the luckiest boy to ever throw himself under a running horse! Other than his head which felt like someone was inside trying to chisel his way out, he had escaped with only a broken arm, which was now in a sling, and handful of scrapes and bruises. He was indeed very lucky.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Knight, it seemed, had better reflexes than his rider as the horse had tried his best to avoid crushing the obstacles that had jumped out in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got my deputies out with probably half the town searching for your knife down in that alleyway.\u201d Roy sighed, \u201cIf it shows up, Joe, I fear you\u2019ll hang.\u201d Roy looked sickened at his own words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI could have shown you the knife the day after the murder.\u201d Joe ran a hand through his hair knocking loose small bits of dirt from the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you happened to have lost it between now and then?\u201d Roy raised his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes. His headache was only getting worse. \u201cI must have lost it up at the Wren house.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what were you doing up there?\u201d Roy leaned forward in his seat behind the desk. \u201cOr do I want to know?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was there to warn Mr. Wren about Bill\u2019s plans to kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then how is it that Mr. Wren has never seen you before?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBill knew somehow that I would double cross him.\u201d Joe answered wearily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDouble cross him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was supposed to be there to\u2026 to kill Mr. Wren, but Bill guessed that I wouldn\u2019t go through with it and it was him there instead of\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy held up his hands. \u201cBoy, you\u2019ve been knocked over the head pretty bad. How about you go into the cell and lay down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked to his family, again trying to read their expressions. \u201cDo you believe me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened his mouth when the door opened and the deputy walked in. \u201cSheriff Coffee,\u201d He glanced at Little Joe. \u201cWe found the knife.\u201d He tossed the knife onto Roy\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone in the room stared at it, wishing it to disappear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But it didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

————————————-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy picked up the knife and encircled his fist around it, bowing his head slightly. He couldn\u2019t meet the gazes of the Cartwright men. He knew what he would have to do\u2026 and where it would lead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was all Joe could do to keep from yelling, cursing aloud the day he had set foot on the Left Ridge bound stage. \u201cI didn\u2019t do it.\u201d He muttered instead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did you find it?\u201d Roy looked up at his deputy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201dIn his pocket,\u201d the deputy was unprepared for the reaction his words would arouse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy jumped to his feet and dropped the knife with a\u00a0clunk<\/em>\u00a0onto his desk. He looked at Joe who had the most relieved look on his face. \u201cHe had the knife the whole time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you that I didn\u2019t do it!\u201d Joe was nearly laughing. \u201cHe was trying to set me up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy puckered his face into a frown, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you tell me the story again. The whole thing. Don\u2019t leave out a single detail- not what you ate for breakfast, nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his family and saw relieved smiles on their faces. \u201cWell,\u201d Joe began relaxing for the first time in what seemed like years. \u201cI met him on the stage\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————————————-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis court finds Joseph Cartwright not guilty.\u201d The judge banged down his gavel and gave Joe a smile and a nod.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man who had stepped forward and had admitted that Bill had approached him and asked him to give false testimony against Joe quietly slipped out of the building where his horse was tied and ready to carry him out of town.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed and sent up a prayer of thanksgiving to his maker. He watched his son glance toward the ceiling and knew he was doing the same thing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to where his family stood in the packed courtroom and gave them a smile before slowly making his way toward them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad that\u2019s over.\u201d Adam placed his hat on his head and slapped Joe on the back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben wrapped a hand around the back of Joe\u2019s neck and pulled him in for a brief hug, being careful to not hurt his son\u2019s broken arm. \u201cNext time your in a scrap like that young man,\u201d He shook a finger at his youngest. \u201cPlease talk to us about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked down at his boots, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa. By the time I knew what was happening it was all such a mess and\u2026\u201d Joe shook his head. \u201cI\u2019m never going to talk to anyone on a stage ever again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss chuckled, \u201cEven if she\u2019s the prettiest little thing you ever did see?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up and smiled, \u201cLet\u2019s change that to any\u00a0man<\/em>!\u201d Joe grinned as his family laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Church bells rang out slow and solemn and the smile slowly slid from Joe\u2019s face. His family stopped laughing and sombre looks replaced it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou still want to go?\u201d Hoss found himself frowning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and turned toward the rear doors. \u201cI won\u2019t be long.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll go with you.\u201d Ben reached out and touched Joe\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thanks, Pa.\u201d He gave half a smile. \u201cI\u2019d like to go alone.\u201d Joe turned and left his family. He didn\u2019t know why it was important to him to go to funeral of Bill Wren. He wondered at himself for it. Did he just want to make sure the man was truly gone and would plague him no more? Or was it that he felt sorry for him? He didn\u2019t know the answer and he wondered if he ever would.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The path up the hill to the cemetery was one Joe had walked before. The words the preacher would speak would also be familiar. Death itself was something Joe had dealt with over and over. It had almost claimed him several times.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe reached the crest of the hill and took in the sight of the yawning hole in the earth a million memories flashed across his minds eye. Memories of those buried on this hill. Memories of a man about to be placed in the earth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bills grave was only yards from where two relatively recent mounds held two of Joe\u2019s best friends. The grave, like God, was no respecter of persons. It sheltered good and bad alike.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The preacher opened his Bible and began the speech he had made many times. This time was different though. Normally he preformed the service in front of a large group of people gathered around and holding on to each other to help one another through. This time the crowd was small- very small. This time a single man was the only soul to stand before him other than the four men hired by Mr. Wren to carry his son\u2019s coffin to the top of the hill.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked around him. Was there not one friend who would come? Did he not have anyone? Anyone to grieve? Anyone to care that he was gone? Mr. Wren himself was not even there to put his son, his only child, to rest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The old preacher raised his eyes to Joe as he finished the words he had memorized after repeating them so many times. \u201cWe now lay the body of William Wren to rest. May God have mercy on his soul.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bowed his head as the hired men lowered the expensive casket into the ground. The first clods of dirt thumped against the coffin and the preacher came to stand by Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid he have no friends, Joe?\u201d He asked still watching the grave being filled in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess not.\u201d Joe said softly almost feeling it wrong to speak.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHis father should have come.\u201d The preacher shook his grey head. \u201cHe paid for everything and arranged it all but he wouldn\u2019t come. Not for his own son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and looked up again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt makes you more grateful perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSir?\u201d Joe frowned slightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo have a family who would stand by you no matter the circumstance and love you no matter what.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cDo you think\u2026\u201d He struggled with what he wanted to say. \u201cDo you think Bill might have been different if he had been born to a Pa who loved him\u2026 if he were a Cartwright and I was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA Wren?\u201d The preacher finished for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at the man for an answer.<\/p>\n

He glanced heavenward. \u201cThat\u2019s a difficult question. Circumstances don\u2019t make a man, Joe. A man always has a choice, a free will. What he does is his choice. What those choices are make the man. Circumstances may seem to guide him, but in the end the choice is his.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up to where he men continued to methodically throw shovelful after shovelful of dirt onto the grave. There had been times in the past week when Joe had wished Bill were dead. But now standing there he felt no triumph at coming out victorious. Instead he felt sorrow that he couldn\u2019t even understand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe thanked the preacher before winding his way back down the hill. The whole of Virginia City lay before him. People hustled around too busy with their own seemingly so important lives to noticed the single attendee of Bill Wren\u2019s funeral as he walked toward the stable where he had left his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The stage from Left Ridge rumbled in and Joe paused to watch several people jump out and turn to catch their bags as they were tossed down. They tipped hats to each other and parted ways, maybe to never see each other again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed and ran his hand through his hair before replacing his hat. He reached the stable and entered to find his family standing with all the horses saddled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A genuine smile escaped Joe\u2019s lips. \u201cYou didn\u2019t have to wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe know.\u201d Ben reached out to hand Joe his reins. \u201cWe wanted to.\u201d His hand wrapped around Joe\u2019s and he held it for a moment looking deep into his son\u2019s eyes with a look that told a story of the deepest love man can hold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe returned the look and mouthed the words, \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The family mounted up and rode toward the edge of town. Joe reined in for a moment and looked behind him.\u00a0 Life all around him was normal. Virginia City was already well on it\u2019s way to forgetting Bill Wren.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou coming, son?\u201d Ben looked back over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa.\u201d Joe kicked his horse forward but kept his neck craned back toward the hill on the edge of town. Virginia City may well forget Bill Wren before the day was out, but Joe knew he would never be able to completely forget the stranger from the stage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

End Notes:<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019d like to thank all those who read this when it was a WIP- they really encouraged me!<\/p>\n

Thank you all for reading this!<\/p>\n

Also, some of you may know that this story\u2019s idea of the \u201cmurder swap\u201d was taken from an old Hitchcock movie. I hesitated putting this out here for fear that nobody would like it because it wasn\u2019t completely my own idea. But I thought it was an interesting enough story so\u2026 I put it up- the Bonanza version of \u201cStranger on a Train\u201d<\/p>\n

I hope you enjoyed it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0A chance meeting on a stage could spell disaster for Little Joe. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0K+ (18,070 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":162,"featured_media":1051,"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_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1007],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5711","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-joe-cartwright","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1007-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe1.png?fit=608%2C570&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5711","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\/162"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5711"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5711\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1051"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5711"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5711"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5711"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}