{"id":5713,"date":"2011-07-15T19:03:23","date_gmt":"2011-07-15T23:03:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5713"},"modified":"2026-07-22T14:02:06","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T18:02:06","slug":"a-taste-of-southern-sugar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5713","title":{"rendered":"A Taste of Southern Sugar (by BnzaGal)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>\u00a0A sweet little ol\u2019 lady arrives on the stage and befriends Hoss and Joe. Who would have guessed that such a sweet woman could be such a deranged killer?<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0T (15,765 words)
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Those who have read my previous story- Stranger on a Stage<\/a>– will remember\u00a0the character, Amy Sampson, and the town of Left Ridge.\u00a0It is not necessary to read it in order to understand.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This story was written for southernsuga (our resident “Bloodthirsty SothernBelle”)\u00a0as a WIP on the forums.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Taste of Southern Sugar<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYou will give Joe my love won\u2019t you, Hoss?\u201d<\/strong> Amy Sampson stood with her arm looped through her fathers on the boardwalk outside the stage office.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will, Miss Amy,\u201d Hoss replied wearily to the question that had already been asked him several times. He tossed his bag up to the driver and opened the door to the stage. Poking his head inside, Hoss smiled at the empty coach. At least he would be able to stretch out his long frame on the journey back to Virginia City.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you give him this?\u201d Hoss turned to see what Amy was referring to and received a hasty peck on the check before Amy once again retreated to her father.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for comin\u2019 Hoss\u201d Craig Sampson smiled and patted his daughters hand as it curved around his arm. \u201cTell your Pa that I always enjoy doing business with him and his sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will, Sir.\u201d Hoss tipped his hat and climbed into the coach shutting the door behind him and sticking his hand out in a final wave.<\/p>\n

The stage driver finished securing all the items to the top and was about to set the horses in motion when a voice called out.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold the stage!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss stuck his head out of the window and looked toward the voice. A little woman scurried toward them with her hands grasping folds of her billowing grey skirt.<\/p>\n

Hoss opened the stage door and stepped out. \u201cWhat\u2019s the trouble, Ma\u2019am?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this the stage for Virginia City?\u201d She placed a hand lightly over her heart and breathed deeply.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2019m,\u201d Hoss nodded taking off his hat.<\/p>\n

The little lady nodded her grey head. \u201cThen I need to be on it. Do you have room, driver?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jim smiled at the old woman, \u201cThere\u2019s plenty if you don\u2019t mind sharing some of it with ol\u2019 Hoss here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lady looked up at Hoss with deep blue eyes. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t mind at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss smiled sweetly at the little woman. \u201cDo you have any bags?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve sent them on ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and helped the woman into the stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you prefer a certain side?\u201d She paused looking to Hoss before sitting.<\/p>\n

\u201cEither side works just as well for me ma\u2019am.\u201d Hoss watched the woman look at both the benches before choosing the one facing forward. Hoss climbed in and sat across from her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Hoss Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLydia James\u201d Miss Lydia\u2019s voice was soft and held a hint of southern twang. Her face was wrinkled with age and if Hoss breathed in deep enough he could smell a hint of honeysuckle.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou going to be staying in Virginia City for awhile?\u201d Hoss asked as the stage leapt into motion.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gonna be livin\u2019 there.\u201d Miss Lydia replied folding her hands on her lap and looking excitedly out the widow as the scenery began to fly past. \u201cI\u2019m moving into a little house just south of town. I believe they called it the Mc\u2026 Mc-something,\u201d she shook her head. \u201cI can\u2019t seem to remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMcBain? The McBain cabin?\u201d Hoss suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it. You know it? Will we be neighbours?\u201d She looked hopefully at Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Ma\u2019am, not neighbours. I used to know Jedadiah McBain before he passed on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I am sorry.\u201d She reached across and patted Hoss\u2019 arm. \u201cWas he a good friend of yours?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026\u201d Hoss tried to think of something diplomatic to say about the man who had drunk himself to death the winter before. \u201cI helped him out on several occasions.\u201d Hoss looked out the window and saw Left Ridge disappearing rapidly behind them then turned back to the woman across from him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it a nice town?\u201d Miss Lydia went back to staring out the window.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so.\u201d Hoss followed suit and looked out the other window. \u201cThe people are friendly enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre they?\u201d Miss Lydia had an excited look on her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll make a lot of new friends pretty quick.\u201d Hoss assured.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d Miss Lydia relaxed against the back of her seat. \u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n

—————————————–<\/p>\n

2<\/p>\n

Hoss scrunched up his face in a smile. \u201cShe couldn\u2019t have been no bigger than this.\u201d He held his hand up chest high. \u201cI had to pick her up out of the stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled as he watched his middle brother tell of his stage ride home from Left Ridge. He was glad it had gone smoother than the last trip he, himself, had taken to that town. He had missed Hoss a lot for the week he had been gone.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s gonna be moving into the McBain place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s pretty small isn\u2019t it?\u201d Adam sank down in his blue chair with his cup of coffee in his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s just one little lady,\u201d Hoss shrugged. \u201cShe don\u2019t need more than two rooms.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded and sipped his coffee carefully to not burn himself. \u201cIsn\u2019t it pretty run down?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked to his Pa as he spoke. \u201cI offered to help her fix it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben raised his eyebrows, \u201cDid you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir.\u201d Hoss swallowed.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and thought for a moment, \u201cLittle Joe can help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

A look of relief flooded Hoss\u2019 face. \u201cYou\u2019ll love her, Joe. She really is the sweetest thing you ever did see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe tried to smile, but the thought of mending roofs and cleaning out old chicken coops didn\u2019t seem appealing. Not to mention, he had bad memories connected to strangers on the stage from Left Ridge.<\/p>\n

Hoss saw his brother\u2019s smile waning and tried to think of something to cheer him with. \u201cAmy Sampson sure seemed disappointed to see me instead of you, Joe and she sends her love.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Ben turned to Joe to try and gauge his reaction. When Ben had suggested it be Joe to go and make the contract negotiations Joe had begged his way out of it. Adam wasn\u2019t sure whether it was the stage ride he wanted to avoid or the girl waiting at the other end of the line.<\/p>\n

Hoss wrinkled his nose, \u201cShe gave me a kiss to give you, but I don\u2019t reckon you want me to give it to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes got big, \u201cNo, Hoss, that\u2019s alright. You can keep it!\u201d<\/p>\n

———————————–<\/p>\n

3<\/p>\n

Joe found himself smiling the moment he laid eyes on Miss Lydia James. She was the cutest little thing Joe\u2019d ever seen. She ran out to meet them as they rode up. Her run was really more like a bouncing walk. Her grey hair was pulled back in a bun at the back of her head. Her face was all smiles with a roadmap of wrinkles across it. Her blue eyes twinkled as she reached up to grasp Joe\u2019s hand before he could dismount.<\/p>\n

\u201cBless you for comin\u2019 ta help.\u201d Joe smiled further at her soft voice twinged with a southern accent.<\/p>\n

Joe dismounted, \u201cMy pleasure, Ma\u2019am.\u201d He took off his hat and glanced over at Hoss with a look that said: I think I\u2019m in love.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss dear!\u201d Miss Lydia flounced over to Hoss and taking his hand in both of hers held it for a moment. \u201cIs this your younger brother?\u201d She looked back at Joe with a smile sweeter than sugar.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am, this is my youngest brother Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Miss Lydia dropped Hoss\u2019 hand and stepped toward Joe. \u201cDo ya go by Joseph or Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNormally Joe, Ma\u2019am, but either will do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will call you Joe and both of you must call me Miss Lydia. Y\u2019all will make me feel old with all that ma\u2019am business.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss nodded. \u201cWhere would you like us to get started\u2026 Miss Lydia.\u201d Hoss began to look around at the yard and dilapidated buildings.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Miss Lydia frowned for the first time, looking around. \u201cIt is a mess isn\u2019t it? Where do you think would be best?\u201d She looked hopefully to Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hoss took stock of everything with his eyes. \u201cWell, I reckon we\u2019d better start on the roof.\u201d He nodded toward the house. \u201cWe wouldn\u2019t want you to get all wet with the first rain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Miss Lydia clapped her hands together. \u201cI\u2019ll go start some cookies bakin\u2019 an\u2019 you two can start on the roof. I got all the supplies you said we would need in the barn, Hoss.\u201d She pointed toward the small once red barn. \u201cIf you need anything else just give me a holler.\u201d With that she bounced back toward her house.<\/p>\n

Joe shed his jacket and began to roll up his sleeves. \u201cShe\u2019s adorable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t she?\u201d Hoss watched the woman pause near the kitchen door and glance back at them. Her eyes locked briefly on Joe and her smile broadened a little.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think she\u2019s takin\u2019 a fancy to you, Little Joe.\u201d Hoss looked at his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe must have been a real heartbreaker when she was younger. Was she ever married?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged, \u201cI never asked her. Didn\u2019t seem like the thing to ask an older woman. I mean, her husband might have just died or somethin\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded, \u201cWell, let\u2019s get a look at what we\u2019ve got in the barn.\u201d He walked toward the barn with Hoss on his heels.<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia hummed as she began to take ingredients out of her cupboards. She had only started unpacking two days ago but everything was already in perfect order from the cups and plates to her collection of spices.<\/p>\n

She passed by the little window and saw Joe and Hoss coming out of the barn carrying supplies. She paused her humming and smiled gently.<\/p>\n

He was so like Jackson. Dark hair and those eyes\u2026 eyes she used to lose herself in. She shook her head trying to get the hurtful images out of her head. Gradually, Jackson\u2019s face faded and was replaced with Joe\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d She smiled and looked back out her window. They were out of sight, but Joe\u2019s face was still before her eyes. Yes, he would work perfectly.<\/p>\n

————————————<\/p>\n

4<\/p>\n

Joe wiped his forearm across his eyes before reaching for one of the nails he held between his lips. \u201cHey, Hoss,\u201d He called down to his brother who was chopping up a good supply of wood, \u201cWill you bring me up some more nails?\u201d He spoke through the nails already in his mouth. He threw the leather pouch that had once been filled with nails down to his brother.<\/p>\n

Hoss swung the axe down, easily splitting the chunk of wood then buried the axe head into an uncut log. \u201cBe right back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe watched his brother\u2019s broad back as he ambled toward the barn. Once he had disappeared inside, Joe took one of the remaining nails from his mouth and pounded it into its new home. He glanced back at the barn before repeating the process with his last nail.<\/p>\n

Sitting back down on the roof, Joe waited for Hoss to return, a bored look crossing his face.<\/p>\n

Hoss exited the barn at about the same time as Miss Lydia walked out of the house holding a plate of still warm cookies in one hand and a pitcher of freshly squeezed lemonade in the other. \u201cYou boys have been workin\u2019 too hard.\u201d She craned her neck to locate Joe. \u201cCome on down, Joe and I\u2019ll get some glasses.\u201d She placed the plate and the pitcher on an overturned empty barrel and returned to her kitchen where she already had three tall glasses laid out.<\/p>\n

Hoss dropped the bag of nails by the barrel and smiled contentedly as he breathed in the scent of fresh cookies.<\/p>\n

Joe walked gingerly to the edge of the roof and crouched down. Grabbing the edge, he swung down easily and crossed over to the barrel.<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia came back holding the three glasses in her hands and smiling happily. \u201cGo ahead, Hoss, and dig in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Ma\u2019am,\u201d He reached for the plate.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Hoss.\u201d Miss Lydia frowned and Hoss\u2019 hand hovered over the cookies. \u201cOnly those who remember to call me Miss Lydia can eat cookies.\u201d She laughed gently at Hoss\u2019 expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Lydia, May I have one?\u201d Joe grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave as many as you want, Joe.\u201d Miss Lydia watched Hoss\u2019 cheeks turn a shade pinker.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Lydia,\u201d Hoss watched his little brother bite into his cookie, \u201cMay I have a cookie?\u201d<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia laughed merrily. \u201cYou may, Hoss.\u201d She handed each of her helpers a glass and filled it with the lemonade. \u201cI wish I had been blessed with children.\u201d Her smile grew a little melancholy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWere you ever married, Miss Lydia?\u201d Joe asked between mouthfuls of cookie.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Miss Lydia stared down into her glass. \u201cAlmost, but, no.\u201d \u00a0She looked up and tried to re-fix the smile onto her face. \u201cIf I had been given children I would hope that they would have turned out as nicely as you two. I can\u2019t tell you how much your kindness has meant to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s our pleasure, Miss Lydia.\u201d Joe accepted the blue-checked napkin that Miss Lydia pulled from the large pocket on the front of her white apron.<\/p>\n

She reached into the pocket again and extracted a matching napkin. Handing it to Hoss she said, \u201cYa gotta eat more, Hoss. I made extra just for you. I know how much food a man like you can consume.\u201d She laughed softly. \u201cI knew a young man every bit as big as you who I swore could eat a whole cow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds just like you, Hoss\u201d Joe gave his brother a wink. \u201cOnly I think you might need one and a half cows to satisfy you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is this feller?\u201d Hoss sighed, \u201cI\u2019d like to ask him if he has a brother as ornery as mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2026 he\u2019s dead.\u201d All smiles disappeared quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Hoss nearly stumbled over his words.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was found in a farmer\u2019s field one spring day.\u201d She looked up and squinted at the sun overhead. \u201cHis throat had been slit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Hoss and Joe found themselves swallowing involuntarily.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey never found his murderer.\u201d Miss Lydia sighed and took a sip of her drink. \u201cI had to leave the town. There was just too many memories.\u201d She turned her back to the brothers and composed herself. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I burdened you with my troubles.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Hoss and Joe looked at each other not knowing what to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, finish all the cookies and then you should probably go home. You\u2019ve worked quite enough for one day.\u201d She turned back and gave a sad little smile before continuing toward her kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cPoor lady,\u201d Hoss shook his head. \u201cCan you imagine what it\u2019d be like to loose a friend in such a terrible and senseless way?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked up with sad eyes, \u201cYes, I can.\u201d He bent over and picked up the bag of nails. \u201cYou reckon she\u2019d like me to finish up that section of roof before we go?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked toward the house. \u201cShe looked pretty upset.\u201d He looked over to the pile of wood he had chopped laying in the yard begging to be stacked. \u201cMaybe we\u2019ll just come back first thing tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll gather up the tools. You start saddling the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss scooped up the last cookies on the plate and headed for the barn. \u201cTell her we\u2019ll be back in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long do you think it will take us to get this place in order?\u201d Joe climbed the old ladder up to the roof to retrieve his hammer.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 gaze swept around the yard. \u201cWell,\u201d he swallowed the last bit of cookie. \u201cIt depends on how often Pa\u2019ll let us come out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe climbed back down the ladder and tossed the hammer into the wooden tool box then, pulling down the ladder and holding it in one hand, he grabbed the tool box handle and headed for the barn.<\/p>\n

After he got everything put back in its place, Joe headed for the house. Rapping lightly on the door, Joe poked his head inside. \u201cMiss Lydia?\u201d<\/p>\n

The lady shuffled out of the bedroom. \u201cYes, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be heading out shortly and I just wanted you to know that we intend on coming back tomorrow to pick up where we left off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBless you boys,\u201d she clasped her hands together and smiled. \u201cYou are just to kind. Your father must be very proud.\u201d<\/p>\n

She watched them ride out through her kitchen window until they disappeared.<\/p>\n

Humming softly, Miss Lydia took an old rag and again scrubbed her little table. Then remembering the dishes outside she went and retrieved them, quickly washing, drying, and putting them back in their proper place.<\/p>\n

She looked around her kitchen and smiled. It was spotless and perfectly arranged. Sighing happily she picked up her knitting and sat down in her rocker in the corner of the room. She began a slow rocking motion with her body as her feet didn\u2019t touch the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d she whispered aloud. \u201cJoseph Cartwright.\u201d A slow smile warmed her face as her knitting needles started to gain speed.<\/p>\n

——————————<\/p>\n

5<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did it go today, boys?\u201d Ben lowered himself into the chair by the fireplace letting its warmth seep into his tired body.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe really is sweet, Pa.\u201d Joe sat down next to Hoss an the settee and started to put his feet up on the coffee table until a glare from his Pa caused him to slip his feet back onto the floor. \u201cThe place is really a mess.\u201d Joe leaned back. \u201cIt\u2019ll take us a lot of work to get it into shape.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded his agreement.<\/p>\n

Ben turned to his eldest who was reading a thick book in his blue chair. \u201cWhat do you think, Adam? Can we spare your brothers this week?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam lowered his book and looked between his brothers. \u201cThey were never much help anyway, especially the little one.\u201d He raised his book back over his face to hide his grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d Joe pretended to be hurt. \u201cIt\u2019s not my fault I\u2019m small. Hoss always eats all the food.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not,\u201d Hoss frowned across the space between him and his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yah?\u201d Joe poked a finger at Hoss. \u201cHow many cookies did you eat at Miss Lydia\u2019s?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss hesitated trying to remember. \u201cDadburnit, Joe, how am I supposed to remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe rolled his eyes. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you brother. You ate six. Six cookies in a matter of minuets. You know how many that left me?\u201d He waited for Hoss to answer. When he didn\u2019t Joe filled in the answer. \u201cOne! One little cookie.\u201d He turned to his Pa who had an amused look on his face. \u201cAnd older brother wonders why I\u2019m so small.\u201d He shook his head and let his smile break through.<\/p>\n

Adam lowered his book to roll his eyes then raised the volume back to cover his face.<\/p>\n

Ben leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. \u201cSo, boys, it looks like we can spare you and your antics for the next few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d Hoss smiled and thought of that sweet little lady. He was glad they were able to help her out.<\/p>\n

————————————-<\/p>\n

6<\/p>\n

\u201cAny mail for us, Nathan?\u201d Joe asked the tall man behind the counter.<\/p>\n

Nathan pulled out a single letter. \u201cIt\u2019s from you know who.\u201d He smiled as Joe sighed and accepted the letter.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmy?\u201d Joe turned the letter over in his hand to read the sending address.<\/p>\n

Nathan nodded his head. \u201cShe must be head over heels for you, or plum loco, sending all those letters with you hardly returning a one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe gave Nathan a hard look. \u201cAren\u2019t you just suppose to hand out the mail and not pry into everyone\u2019s lives?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nathan chuckled and bent down until his elbows came in contact with the counter in front of him. \u201cThe job would be awful boring if I didn\u2019t get to guess on everything that is said in the letters that pass through my hands. It\u2019s not like I read the letters. I just guess on what they mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe rolled his eyes and tucked the letter into his coat.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd since only ten letters came in on the stage and all of them but two were for the banker, you know Mr. Davidson don\u2019t you?\u201d Nathan continued without an answer. \u201cThe other letter was for one of the girls at the Bucket of Blood, no doubt form some lover or something. Your letter, being from the Sampson\u2019s Ranch in Left Ridge, is by far the most interesting to ponder over.\u201d Nathan stood back up to his full height. \u201cI\u2019m suspecting that you\u2019re Miss Amy is much more attached to you than you are to her and that she\u2019s probably trying to get you to marry her.\u201d He smiled, \u201cAm I right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe blinked a couple of times than turned to walk away. \u201cI think I\u2019ll send Hoss in for the mail next time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, come on, Joe,\u201d Nathan pleaded. \u201cJust give me a hint. You don\u2019t know what it\u2019s like having to stand back here all day and give out all them letters and never get one yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood bye, Nathan,\u201d Joe raised a hand in a wave without turning around.<\/p>\n

The bright afternoon sun welcomed Joe as he stepped out onto the street. He breathed deeply and crinkled his nose at the dust tossed at him from a passing wagon.<\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019 Joe,\u201d Sheriff Coffee called from across the street. He looked both ways before jogging across. \u201cHow\u2019s your Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s fine, Roy,\u201d Joe grinned. \u201cWe haven\u2019t seen you out at the Ponderosa in some time. Hop Sing\u2019s beginning to think that you don\u2019t like his cooking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that an invitation?\u201d Roy walked alongside Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Joe tipped his hat to a pretty girl as she walked by on the other side of the boardwalk. \u201cYou know you\u2019re always welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy nodded. \u201cSo what brings you and Hoss to town today? I saw him down at the hardware store.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re picking up some supplies to bring over to Miss Lydia\u2019s place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two sure have been a big help to her. She stopped me just yesterday and was just singing your praises.\u201d Roy dipped his head. \u201cShe seems like a mighty nice woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe raised an eyebrow and looked over at the sheriff. \u201cShe\u2019s a very nice woman. Hoss says she\u2019s just about as sweet as an angel. You like her, Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy\u2019s head came up, \u201cShe\u2019s only been in town less than a week, Joe.\u201d He stammered, \u201cI just said she was nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded, \u201cMighty nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy gave Joe a glare, \u201cI\u2019ve got a town to look after.\u201d He turned to walk away. \u201cYou stay out of trouble, ya here?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir\u201d Joe chuckled and waved to the retreating sheriff.<\/p>\n

Hoss had all the supplies loaded up on the wagon when Joe got there.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you\u2019d show up when all the work was done.\u201d Hoss grunted as he climbed up and gathered the reins.<\/p>\n

\u201cI picked up a letter and talked with Roy.\u201d Joe tried to explain his lateness without mentioning the quick stop in the saloon for a beer.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s the letter for?\u201d Hoss waited for Joe to seat himself before pulling back the brake and urging the horses forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe.\u201d Joe leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom Amy?\u201d Hoss glanced at his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cMmmhmm,\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPoor girl,\u201d Hoss sighed. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you just tell her you\u2019re not interested so she\u2019ll stop mooning over you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEasier said than done.\u201d Joe frowned pulling out the letter and opened it. He took a deep breath and slowly let it out as he began to read. A frown slowly crept down his forehead and fitted itself around his eyes.<\/p>\n

Hoss glanced away from the road every now and then to try to read Joe\u2019s features. \u201cWell?\u201d He finally asked.<\/p>\n

Joe ran a hand through his hair and lowered the letter. \u201cIt seems Amy and her father will be arriving on the Left Ridge stage tomorrow and\u2026\u201d Joe pulled another folded letter from the envelope with Ben Cartwright scrawled across it. \u201cI\u2019m supposed to give this to Pa. No doubt, Pa\u2019ll invite them out to the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be a perfect opportunity to tell her that\u2026\u201d Hoss frowned. \u201cHow do you go about tellin\u2019 a girl you don\u2019t love her without breaking her heart?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe returned both letters to the envelope and shrugged. \u201cI\u2019ll think of something. Maybe she\u2019ll just take the hint.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss sighed. \u201cYou will be careful, won\u2019t you, Joe? Amy\u2019s a sweet girl. I\u2019d hate to see her hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell I don\u2019t exactly want to make her cry, or hit me either.\u201d Joe roughly shoved the envelope back into his jacket pocket.<\/p>\n

All frowns melted off the boys\u2019 faces as they rounded the bend and saw Miss Lydia standing on a stool and trying to reach her laundry line and the clothes that hung off it.<\/p>\n

Hoss pulled the horses to a stop and jumped down. \u201cCan I help you with that, Miss Lydia?\u201d<\/p>\n

A smile spread across her weathered face. \u201cWhy thank you, Hoss. I think I need a shorter line or a taller stool.\u201d She stepped down off her stool and stood aside while Hoss and Joe took down the laundry.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou boy\u2019s really are a Godsend.\u201d She put the laundry in a basket. \u201cThis place already looks a thousand times better than it did when I first got here. Are you sure your Pa don\u2019t mind you comin\u2019 over here so much?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think he and Adam are enjoying the peace and quiet.\u201d Joe chuckled as he grabbed the last of the laundry and handed it to Miss Lydia.<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia headed for the house. \u201cI\u2019ve got a pie baking for when you are ready for a break.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss smacked his lips, \u201cYa hear that, Joe?\u201d He closed his eyes and imagined a hefty slice of hot, steamy pie being placed in front of him. \u201cI bet it\u2019s apple pie.\u201d He opened his bright eyes and looked to where Joe stood grinning at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe that\u2019s why you\u2019re not married.\u201d Joe smirked at the confused look that crossed his brother\u2019s face. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen you look that way over a girl before\u2026 unless she had a pie in her hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Joe, that ain\u2019t true,\u201d Hoss started to unload the supplies from the wagon. \u201cNow stop wasting time and earn your piece of pie.\u201d<\/p>\n

———————————-<\/p>\n

7<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss stood on the boardwalk watching as the stage from Left Ridge drew closer accompanied by a cloud of dust. The stage driver, Jim, pulled back the reins and stopped the horses right in front of where Joe and Hoss stood with a handful of other people who were waiting for the stage to arrive.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s prediction had been right and the letter Craig Sampson had sent to Ben had hinted that perhaps he and his daughter could stay at the Ponderosa while they were in town. Ben had, of course, sent Joe and Hoss to meet the stage and insist that the Sampsons come and stay with them, after all, first Joe then Hoss had been treated with great hospitality when they had been in Left Ridge.<\/p>\n

Jim began to untie the bags from atop the stage and spit a stream of tobacco from his mouth just before the door opened and Miss Amy Sampson nearly fell out.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d She squealed, the biggest smile lighting her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmy,\u201d Joe said with slightly less enthusiasm. He stepped forward to help Amy down and found her arms encircling around his neck. He lowered her until her feet came in contact with the ground and still the arms did not relinquish their grip. Her face remained buried in his chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Joseph,\u201d Amy\u2019s father jumped down from the stage and rubbed his back. \u201cHoss,\u201d he extended his hand, \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou too, sir,\u201d Hoss\u2019 eyes kept darting back to his brother who was trying to detangle himself from Amy. People were beginning to stare.<\/p>\n

The other people exited the stage and manoeuvred around the two young people. One older lady looked disgustedly at Joe who blushed under her gaze.<\/p>\n

Amy finally pulled back and grinned at Joe. \u201cIt\u2019s so wonderful to be here.\u201d Her light brown eyes shown. She was a pretty girl. Her brown hair was thick and shiny and held a tint of red in its waves. She was just the perfect height to rest her head on Joe\u2019s chest and she had taken advantage of that on more than one occasion.<\/p>\n

Amy threaded her arm through Joe\u2019s and smiled at her Pa who smiled back at his only daughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss was just telling me, dear, that Ben Cartwright has invited us out to the Ponderosa to stay while we are here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that\u2019s just wonderful, isn\u2019t it, Joe?\u201d She looked up at Joe and blinked her big eyes slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWonderful,\u201d Joe managed a charming smile and patted Amy\u2019s hand. \u201cHoss,\u201d Joe turned to his brother,\u201d You take the Sampsons out to the ranch and get them settled in. I have to stop by Miss Lydia\u2019s house.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss frowned. \u201cWhat for?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just need to check on her,\u201d Joe answered lamely. He looked down at the girl on his arm and almost laughed at the jealous look he found in her eyes. He pulled his arm away from her and headed for his horse. \u201cI\u2019ll be back before supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at Amy and nodded, \u201cOkay, little brother.\u201d Poor Amy. Hoss determined to try to be kind to her.<\/p>\n

————————————–<\/p>\n

8<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Joe, I thought you and Hoss weren\u2019t comin\u2019 over today.\u201d Miss Lydia was kneeling in the little patch of ground Hoss had readied for her garden.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Joe dismounted and smiled. \u201cI thought I could finish up that chicken coop so you could get started on that flock you wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia stood and wiped her hands on her apron. \u201cWhat would I do without you and your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re glad to help.\u201d Joe assured her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI must meet your father one of these days and tell him what fine sons he has.\u201d She reached up and wiped her forehead with the back of her wrist. \u201cBut he probably already knows that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre the supplies still in the barn?\u201d He asked already knowing the answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are,\u201d Miss Lydia knelt back down in what she was transforming into her garden. \u201cThank you.\u201d She called as Joe headed for the barn.<\/p>\n

Joe whistled a tune he had often heard plunked out on the tinny piano in the Bucket of Blood as he began to work.<\/p>\n

The time went fast as Joe\u2019s mind concentrated on what he was doing and forgot all else.<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia continued in her garden listening to the sounds Joe made as he worked and enjoying the bright sun that cast its warm down to wrap around her old bones. Joe whistling stopped abruptly and she heard him mutter something. Looking up she watched him round the side of the house.<\/p>\n

His face held a measure of embarrassment but Miss Lydia didn\u2019t notice. Her eyes were glued to the way Joe had his left hand rapped around his right. A bit of red was beginning to seep out between his clasped hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have any bandages or rags that I can wrap this in?\u201d Joe asked sheepishly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re bleeding.\u201d Miss Lydia whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n

By the strange look that crossed Miss Lydia\u2019s face Joe thought briefly that she was going to be squeamish, but then she came toward him wiping her hands on her apron. \u201cJust let me wash my hands and I\u2019ll fix you up.\u201d She waved for Joe to follow her into the house and he did. \u201cSit there.\u201d She ordered pointing to a chair as she passed through the kitchen on the way to her room.<\/p>\n

Joe sat down and slowly pulled back his left hand to reveal a deep gash across the palm of his hand. Blood swelled and spilled down over his wrist. He quickly covered it again and pressed down again crinkling his nose against the stinging.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you cut yourself?\u201d Miss Lydia re-entered the room with a small box and a white hand towel draped over her arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaught it on some wire.\u201d Joe gave half a smile.<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia set the things on the table and went to where a bucket of water sat near a basin on the counter. After quickly washing her hands she poured some of the water into a bowl she retrieved from the cupboard. Placing that on the table next to the other things she had gathered she reached for Joe\u2019s hand which he relinquished his own hold on. With a quick, easy motion the spotless white towel was wiping away the blood.<\/p>\n

Joe frowned, \u201cI don\u2019t think that towel will ever be perfectly white again\u201d<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia chuckled. \u201cThis is what it was made for.\u201d She cut a section of bandage and dipped it in the water then used it to clean the excess blood. Pulling out some ointment from her box of medical supplies she glanced briefly into Joe\u2019s eyes which were following her every move. \u201cThis may sting a little.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and bit the inside of his lip as she liberally applied the ointment causing even more stinging. He shifted his feet under the table.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve done this before,\u201d Joe watched her deftly wrap his hand.<\/p>\n

A smile played about her lips, \u201cI\u2019ve fixed up my share of injuries over the years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was given his hand back and he turned it over surveying the bandage. \u201cThank you, Miss Lydia.\u201d He smiled and pushed away from the table. \u201cI\u2019ll get that coop finished.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need for that, Joe,\u201d Miss Lydia flapped her hands. \u201cYou can come back once your hand has a proper chance to heal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve wrapped it up so well I won\u2019t notice.\u201d Joe winked, \u201cI won\u2019t be another hour.\u201d He turned to go before she could protest.<\/p>\n

———————————-<\/p>\n

9<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia watched Joe\u2019s back as he headed back out until he turned the corner and she could see him no more. Miss Lydia looked down to the towel in her hands. She gently stroked the red blotches that marred the once white towel. Some of the blood wiped off onto her fingers. She stared at it. Blood. His blood. Joe\u2019s blood.<\/p>\n

She balled up her fist and slowly opened it. It was real. It was there. Unlike the dreams where the blood disappeared before she could fully enjoy it.<\/p>\n

She raised her fingers toward her face, looking closely at how it was already drying in the cracks and wrinkles of her aged hands. She could smell it. She could almost taste it. Yes, it was real.<\/p>\n

She tore her gaze away from her hand and let it rest again on the stained towel. It wasn\u2019t enough. She needed more.<\/p>\n

Taking the towel in both hands again she laid it out flat on the table smoothed out all the wrinkles. The edges of the red were already turning a rusty brown as she precisely folded it back into its perfect rectangle.<\/p>\n

Gently lifting it, nearly cradling it, she carried it back toward her room. She closed the door with her foot then turned the key in the lock. Moving over to the single window she made sure the curtain was tightly in place. She could hear Joe whistling not ten yards away from where she stood.<\/p>\n

Quietly she crossed over to the far corner of her room. There sat a narrow trunk sealed tightly and locked. Miss Lydia pulled the thin silver chain that hand hung about her neck for many years up from her bosom. On the end dangled a tarnished heart shaped locket next to a key which she inserted into the lock on the trunk.<\/p>\n

Most people would have wrinkled there nose at the smell that rushed out of the trunk, but Miss Lydia breathed deeply and slowly smiled.<\/p>\n

At a first glance, no one would have guessed what it was they were looking at nestled in white towels at the bottom of the little trunk. Jars. Small jars. They were ordinary canning jars, sealed and filled with a dark red something. Your mind would tell you it was perhaps cherry preserves or strawberry jelly. Nothing sinister. Not in the house of this sweet woman. Not carefully canned by her small hands.<\/p>\n

A second glance would pucker an uninformed person\u2019s brow. Some of the white towels that swathed the jars had rusty splotches on them. The labels pasted onto the sides of each jar had a name on it above a date. The name of a man. None of the jars were completely full. One was less than half full.<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia ran a finger across the tops of her jars. She didn\u2019t really need the labels anymore. She knew the name and face that went with each jar. They were her trophies, her relics, her reminders of young men.<\/p>\n

Twelve jars. Thirteen men. Neatly folded rust colored towels was the only marker she had of her first victim. Her Jackson.<\/p>\n

Thirteen men. Young men. Thirteen women who would not have their hearts broken. Miss Lydia smiled softly and allowed her finger to trace the folded towel that had been thoroughly drenched in her lover\u2019s blood.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s whistling broke through her thoughts. She wrapped his towel around an imaginary jar next to the one belonging to her last victim. She would need it again soon. Much sooner than normal. Thirteen was an unlucky number and Miss Lydia was superstitious. She needed fourteen.<\/p>\n

——————————–<\/p>\n

10<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Amy stood from her seat on the settee before Joe could close the front door. \u201cI was afraid you weren\u2019t going to make it back for supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing grunted as he laid out the last of his dishes on the table, \u201cSuppah aleady cold.\u201d He gave Joe a brief glare then shuffled back into his kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about time you show up young man.\u201d Ben smiled as he descended the staircase. His eyes flicked between Amy\u2019s adoring face and Joe\u2019s unconvincing smile. We\u2019ve got problems. He sighed as he headed for his spot at the head of the table. \u201cCraig, Miss Amy, I believe these seats are yours.\u201d He waited for Amy to come and pulled out her chair for her.<\/p>\n

Amy smiled a thanks then turned her eyes back to Joe as he took the seat across from her.<\/p>\n

Adam was the last to sit and the dance of passing the many dishes around the table without knocking over a wine glass or one of the candles began.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it that brings you and your daughter to Virginia City?\u201d Adam addressed his question to Mr. Sampson as he placed the dish of vegetables into Hoss\u2019 waiting hands. He glanced between his youngest brother and Amy and almost added: Besides my brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmy\u2019s been begging me to bring her out here to see the Ponderosa ever since Joe told her how beautiful it was.\u201d All eyes shifted to Joe and he tried to concentrate on the vegetables Hoss had just passed him. \u201cWe were due for a little vacation. So I decided to come up and visit your family for a while then we\u2019ll be heading to San Francisco for some society.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben held the dish of vegetables that Joe had just handed him without dishing himself any while he asked, \u201cYou must attend the theatre while you are there, Craig. It really is very good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded his agreement<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were planning on it. Weren\u2019t we, Amy?\u201d He accepted the vegetables from Ben and took a heaping portion nearly as big as Hoss\u2019 before passing it on to his daughter.<\/p>\n

Amy took her eyes off Joe to serve herself some of the vegetables but quickly looked back up. \u201cDo you like the theatre, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe gave a little shrug, \u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish you would come with us.\u201d She lowered her head and looked through her dark lashes.<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed and managed a smile. He could see Mr. Sampson watching him out of the corner of his eye. Unless he missed his guess, the Sampsons were intending to catch Amy a Cartwright and they had chosen him. \u201cMay I have some more vegetables?\u201d<\/p>\n

Amy looked down at the dish still in her hands and frowned. That wasn\u2019t what she had wanted to hear.<\/p>\n

—————————————<\/p>\n

11<\/p>\n

Moonlight tried to filter in through the curtained window. The music of a Nevada night tried to penetrate the wall and sneak in under the door. The lamp on the kitchen table cast its light in an eerie orb and threw shadows out that shuddered like leaves in the wind.<\/p>\n

A rhythmic creaking from the rocker kept in time with Miss Lydia\u2019s soft humming and the pulling of a blade across a stone.<\/p>\n

Her bare feet, although they didn\u2019t touch the floor, pivoted up and down at the ankle as she rocked back and forth in her chair. Her hands moved expertly and without visual aid as her eyes remained closed. Her mind played with a pair of eyes. Beautiful, passionate, sparkling eyes. Hazel green eyes. Joe\u2019s eyes- or were they Jackson\u2019s eyes? A slight frown added more wrinkles to her brow.<\/p>\n

The eyes smiled at her and she knew they were Jackson\u2019s. Her Jackson\u2019s. A pang stabbed at her breast.<\/p>\n

Why? Why was love so painful?<\/p>\n

The rest of his body appeared and he stood there smiling down at her. So handsome.<\/p>\n

He had been younger than her by five years and she had been in her thirties, quite the old maid, when they had first met. He had loved her with a burning passion. Never before had she felt so beautiful!<\/p>\n

She had given him everything.<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia\u2019s eyes opened and she looked down at the blade in her hand. Her eyes reflected back at her. Her hand tightened around the handle as she remembered lashing out with it.<\/p>\n

She hadn\u2019t meant to at first. He had promised to marry her, to save her from her from her spinsterhood… to love her. But he had come to her that day telling how he had found someone new- someone younger. He didn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n

She had watched in horror as blood spilled out over her floors. His mouth had been parted in a cry that had been drowned in his own blood. But the more she had looked at him lying there on her floor, the more she hated him.<\/p>\n

Even now as night fell all around her she could still see herself scrubbing the floor on her hands and knees until the wood began to splinter and her hands had shrivelled and grown raw. Still it had seemed as if there was blood on the floor. Blood under her fingernails. Blood everywhere. She had picked up the wads of towels she had used to start cleaning the mess and prepared to burn them when she heard horse\u2019s hooves drawing closer.<\/p>\n

She had hastily shoved the towels in a trunk and dumped to bloody water out the back door. And just in time- it was the town\u2019s sheriff come to tell her that they had found her Jackson\u2019s body in a farmer\u2019s field. She hadn\u2019t needed to be told. She had dumped him there.<\/p>\n

She had clung to the sheriff and cried until she thought her heart would break. But not for Jackson. No, never again would she cry for him. It was for herself and every other woman who would lose her heart to a handsome young man that her tears fell.<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia closed her eyes again and the laughing eyes appeared again. Only they were different somehow. This time they were Joe\u2019s. \u201cNever again, Jackson,\u201d she whispered. \u201cNever again will you break another heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

————————————-<\/p>\n

12<\/p>\n

Joe excused himself out to the barn on some excuse about needing to finish some chores. His family all recognized it as an attempt to get away from the smiles and fluttering eyes of an adoring Amy.<\/p>\n

Adam had hid his grin behind his book as Joe had stumbled over his words while he backed up toward the door. How many times had he warned Joe that if he acted interested a girl would chase him right down the aisle?<\/p>\n

Joe tidied up the barn which had been cleaned recently and started to visit each of the horses. He stroked Buck\u2019s neck and smiled, \u201cYou take good care of my Pa. Make sure he always gets wherever he\u2019s going safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the next stall Sport whinnied and tossed his head. Joe patted Buck once more and moved to stroke Adam\u2019s horse. \u201cHey, fella,\u201d He watched the horse toss its big head around and waited for him to settle down. \u201cThe same goes for you.\u201d He wrapped a hand around Sport\u2019s long face and pulled the horse\u2019s head down to his own eye level. \u201cYou watch over big brother, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chub waited patiently in his stall and watched with big dark eyes as Joe advanced his way. \u201cPoor, fella,\u201d He chuckled. \u201cYou sure do carry quite a load don\u2019t you?\u201d Chub \u00a0calmly stood as Joe patted the side of his neck.<\/p>\n

A snort and a stomp called Joe\u2019s attention to Cochise who waited impatiently for her master. \u201cAre you jealous, my girl?\u201d Joe chuckled and moved to Cooch\u2019s stall. The horse immediately pressed her head up against Joe shoulder and Joe nearly stumbled backward. \u201cEasy, girl,\u201d He smiled and rested his head against Cooch\u2019s. \u201cI\u2019m here. You\u2019re my best girl. You know that don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The horse seemed to sigh and pulled her head back to look at Joe with big trusting eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou going to sleep out here tonight?\u201d Ben asked from the doorway of the barn.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his Pa then turned back to his horse. \u201cI could. I\u2019ve done it before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you have,\u201d Ben smiled gently and shut the door behind him as he walked toward his son. \u201cWho do you think covered you up with those blankets?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s smile widened. \u201cI always knew it was you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I always knew that you never intended to fall asleep out in the barn.\u201d Ben leaned against one of the barn\u2019s support beams and crossed his arms. \u201cNormally you would come out here to hide from something and I\u2019d find you curled up in the hay or leaning against the side of Cochise\u2019s stall.\u201d Ben watched his son, \u201cNot much has changed since then. Except this time you\u2019re running from a girl.\u201d A smile played at his lips. \u201cI never thought I would live to see the day when you ran from a girl\u2019s attention.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged but didn\u2019t look at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou aren\u2019t going to keep secrets from me again?\u201d Ben said almost sternly.<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. He knew how much trouble could come from keeping secrets. With a sigh Joe turned to his Pa. \u201cShe wants me to marry her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Something tugged at the corners of Ben\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t funny,\u201d Joe groaned. \u201cI might have flirted a bit when I was with her and her Pa that one week but it was only a week. How was I to know she would take it so seriously?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben chuckled at his seemingly flustered son. \u201cI warned you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. Don\u2019t lead a girl along.\u201d Joe threw a hand in the air and Cochise tossed her head in protest to his movement. \u201cI know better now,\u201d he looked in the general direction of the house. \u201cBut what do I do about her? She really is a nice girl, Pa, I just don\u2019t love her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHer father seems quite set on your marrying her. He hinted at it in his letter and ever since they arrived. You\u2019re going to have to let them know your intension before this goes any further.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will. Tomorrow.\u201d Joe promised.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur guests have gone to bed if you want to sleep in the house tonight.\u201d Ben grinned and headed for the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

——————————–<\/p>\n

13<\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath and stretched as the holds of sleep began to drift away. He kept his eyes closed and went to snuggle in deeper under his covers. Only his back was against something hard. Joe\u2019s eyes opened and he found himself staring into Cochise\u2019s long face.<\/p>\n

Looking down Joe saw the blanket covering him and a smile spread over his face. Slowly he began to stretch the sore muscles. He hadn\u2019t meant to fall asleep out here especially after talking to his Pa.<\/p>\n

Joe heard the barn door creak open, listened to someone enter then pause. In the early morning light it was nearly impossible to see who it was. \u201cIs someone there?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was Adam\u2019s voice and in the dim light Joe could see his brother\u2019s form tense as he readied himself for anything.<\/p>\n

Joe considered briefly playing a prank on his brother but his mind quickly conjured up images of all the possibilities of that idea going sour. \u201cIt\u2019s just me, Adam.\u201d Joe watched the shadowy figure relax and move toward his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing sleeping out here?\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes quickly took in the dishevelled look of his youngest brother. \u201cAre you in trouble?\u201d Adam\u2019s gaze grew concerned.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope, not this time.\u201d Joe smiled and rubbed a hand across his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you [i]going[\/i] to be in trouble?\u201d Adam narrowed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot if Pa doesn\u2019t find out.\u201d Joe chuckled at Adam\u2019s expression. \u201cI\u2019m just kidding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I repeat,\u201d Adam stood and frowned down at Joe. \u201cWhat are you doing out here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI fell asleep.\u201d Joe shrugged and started to stand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can see that.\u201d Adam grunted.<\/p>\n

Joe tried to smooth out his rumpled clothes, \u201cI was out here thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snorted, \u201cNo wonder you were out all night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe rolled his eyes. \u201cIs anyone else up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe awake, but not up.\u201d Adam led Sport from his stall. \u201cWhat did you do to your hand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stared unconcernedly down at the loosened bandage, \u201cCaught it on some wire at Miss Lydia\u2019s\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded and moved to grab his saddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you headed?\u201d Joe crossed over and stoked Sport while Adam saddled him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome of us have work to do.\u201d Adam said lightly as he hoisted the saddle onto Sport\u2019s back. \u201cI\u2019ll be back before lunch if I head out now. I think you\u2019ll probably be showing the Sampsons around the ranch. Amy\u2026\u201d Adam looked over his horse\u2019s back to gauge his brother\u2019s response. \u201chas been asking for you to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded slowly. At least it would provide him an opportunity to tell Amy what he needed to- even if he wasn\u2019t looking forward to it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I heard her conspiring with Hop Sing to make it a picnic.\u201d Adam let a small grin slip onto his face at Joe\u2019s sigh. \u201cYou know what she\u2019s after?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Joe said annoyedly as he headed for the barn door.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust making sure.\u201d Adam muttered as his brother disappeared from the barn. \u201cI warned him, Sport.\u201d Adam led his horse toward the doors, mounted, and rode off into the grey morning.<\/p>\n

—————————-<\/p>\n

14<\/p>\n

Amy was beautiful and she knew it. What man wouldn\u2019t want what she had to offer? Her hair was piled in ringlets atop her head with the exception of a single gentle lock that caressed the side of her face.<\/p>\n

Her outfit was perfect. She had bought it just for this occasion, its fit accentuating her best features. Indeed all would admire her. She was confident as she strode down the stairs into the Ponderosa house\u2019s great room.<\/p>\n

Eyes turned upward to see her and appreciate her beauty. She flashed a smile that she had practised in the mirror, knowing that it made her shine. \u201cGood morning gentlemen.\u201d Amy crossed quickly to her place at the breakfast table.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you sleep, Miss Amy?\u201d Hoss placed the platter of eggs nearer to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cSimply wonderful.\u201d She smiled again and checked out of the corner of her eye to see if Joe was watching. He was and that made her smile a little more genuine and triumphant.<\/p>\n

Joe found his eyes wandering over the girl sitting across from him. He remembered why he had flirted around with her. Realizing that she was noticing his gaze and liking it he turned his eyes back to his plate.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen,\u201d Craig wiped his mouth with a corner of his napkin. \u201cI\u2019m anxious to view your corrals.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled, already guessing where this conversation was going. \u201cI\u2019m sure I can arrange that.\u201d He glanced toward Joe who seemed to be staring intently at his flapjacks.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, but, Daddy,\u201d Amy turned her big eyes to her father. \u201cWe were going to go out and see the ranch this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe you and Joe can go see the ranch and Ben can show me the corrals.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his Pa who was trying not to smile. \u201cWe could postpone the tour until tomorrow.\u201d Joe suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense,\u201d Mr Sampson chuckled. \u201cYou two will doubtless have more fun without me tagging along anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be fun, Joe.\u201d Amy said softly looking up through her eyelashes to where Joe sat.<\/p>\n

To Joe\u2019s surprise, he managed a charming smile. \u201cWe can leave as soon as you\u2019re ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

Amy pushed back her chair. \u201cLet\u2019s go!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what about your breakfast?\u201d Hoss looked at the food remaining to be eaten.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you get to eat it all,\u201d Joe slapped his brother on the back and stood dropping his napkin onto his unfinished plate. \u201cThink you can handle it?<\/p>\n

\u201cI sure will give it my best.\u201d Hoss scraped the remnants of Joe\u2019s plate onto his own.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew I could count on you.\u201d Joe followed Amy out the front door.<\/p>\n

————————————<\/p>\n

15<\/p>\n

\u201cBeautiful.\u201d Amy said for what must have been the fiftieth time. \u201cYou must live in the most beautiful place in the world.\u201d She pulled the horse she was riding to a stop and dismounted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe like to think so,\u201d Joe looked out over the land. Their land. His home.<\/p>\n

Amy watched as Joe dismounted. It was all she could do to not run to his arms right then. She fixed a smaller smile on her face than the large grin that bubbled from her inner depths.<\/p>\n

Joe stood beside the girl for several silent moments before he too a deep breath, \u201cAmy, I need to tell you something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Amy turned, her eyes sparkling. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to say it, Joe, I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI felt it from the moment we first met. It was like it was meant to be.\u201d She looped her arm through Joe\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmy, I think\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Amy reached up and tapped his lips with two fingers. \u201cDon\u2019t say it, Joe. Don\u2019t say anything\u201d She leaned against him. \u201cJust enjoy this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe dropped his head. \u201cBut, Amy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing packed us a lunch.\u201d She stopped his words again. \u201cAre you hungry?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe sighed. There would be other chances. \u201cA little.\u201d<\/p>\n

Amy reluctantly let go of Joe\u2019s arm and went back to her horse. She stood there for a moment, \u201cDid I give it to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe lunch?\u201d Joe turned.<\/p>\n

She nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I guess I forgot it.\u201d Amy\u2019s cheeks turned a shade pinker. \u201cI guess I was too excited.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re close to town.\u201d Joe gathered up his reins. \u201cDo you want to ride in and get lunch at a restaurant?\u201d<\/p>\n

Amy\u2019s smile returned. \u201cThat sounds lovely.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, let\u2019s go.\u201d Joe swung up onto Cochise\u2019s back and waited for Amy to mount before leading the way toward Virginia City.<\/p>\n

The streets of Virginia City were bare with the exception of two men loading a wagon down at the mercantile and a lone woman shuffling quickly down the street.<\/p>\n

Joe turned in the saddle in time to see Amy jerk her eyes away from a saloon girl who had sashayed up to the swinging doors in her low-cut dress as they rode by. The noisy whoops, hollers, and laughter emanating from the place made Amy blush unknowingly.<\/p>\n

Joe pointed toward Miss Daisy\u2019s restaurant. \u201cThis is the place.\u201d He dismounted and wrapped Cochise\u2019s reins around the rail. Amy copied his actions and ran her hands down to smooth her clothes then reached up to quickly tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.<\/p>\n

Joe led the way into the little caf\u00e9 and waved at Miss Daisy who was pouring coffee into a patron\u2019s cup. \u201cJoe, you and your friend pick a table and I\u2019ll be around in a second.\u201d The ample woman fluttered her hand and nearly spilt the coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Miss Daisy.\u201d Joe pulled out a chair for Amy at a nearby table and took the seat across from her.<\/p>\n

He searched his brain for a safe topic to discuss when a hand clapped on his shoulder. \u201cHey, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Craning his neck around Joe saw his best friend, Mitch Devlin, standing above them with a cup of coffee nestled in one hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Mitch,\u201d Joe smiled. \u201cHave you eaten lunch yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet, Miss Daisy is\u2026\u201d Mitch noticed the girl sitting across from Joe. \u201cOh, I\u2019m sorry, Miss,\u201d he swept the hat off his light hair. \u201cI didn\u2019t know I was intruding on your date.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a date.\u201d Joe said lightly, missing the frown that crept across Amy\u2019s face. \u201cThis is Amy Sampson. The Ponderosa does business with her father.\u201d Turning to Amy, \u201cThis is Mitch Devlin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Amy,\u201d Mitch gave her a charming smile and bowed slightly at the waist. \u201cIt\u2019s a pleasure to make you acquaintance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLikewise, Mr. Devlin.\u201d Amy said politely.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to join us?\u201d Joe was surprised at his own words. Never before had invited one of his friends to join him when he had a pretty girl all to himself.<\/p>\n

Mitch looked at Amy, who was doing a good job of hiding her disappointment. \u201cI\u2019d love to, thanks.\u201d He pulled up a chair and sat down between Joe and Amy. He hung his hat on the back of his chair and set his cup of coffee in front of him. He slid a sly look in between his two table partners, trying to judge if Joe was interested in the beautiful young woman.<\/p>\n

By the time Miss Daisy brought out their food, Mitch had decided that Miss Amy Sampson was fair game. With a happy smile, Mitch turned to Amy and picked up the slack in the conversation.<\/p>\n

——————————-<\/p>\n

16<\/p>\n

The next day saw Mitch riding up to the Ponderosa ranch house.<\/p>\n

Joe was carrying buckets from the well and dumping them in the water trough near the corral. \u201cWhat brings you around here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mitch swung down off his horse and played with the reins in his hands. \u201cI was just riding by and thought I\u2019d drop in.\u201d He glanced to where Amy sat at the table on the front porch.<\/p>\n

Joe followed his friend\u2019s gaze and a slow smile crept across his face. Dumping his bucket Joe cleared his throat, \u201cCome help me get another bucket.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mitch raised an eyebrow at his friend but followed him anyway.<\/p>\n

Joe set his bucket by the well and dropped the bucket tied to the rope down the hole. \u201cAre you\u2026interested in Amy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mitch\u2019s mouth moved wordlessly then he shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s fair game as far as I\u2019m concerned.\u201d Joe started to pull the bucket up and studied his friend out of the corner of his eye. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go talk to her? You know, friendly like.\u201d Joe urged his friend. If Amy fell in love with his friend then she would fall out of love with him- right?<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, I might just do that,\u201d Mitch winked, \u201cfriendly like.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood luck.\u201d Joe smiled and watched his friend saunter off toward the porch. A few more buckets into the trough and Joe would be done with his chores. He had received his Pa\u2019s permission to go out to Miss Lydia\u2019s after he finished.<\/p>\n

Joe stole a glance at Mitch and Amy and saw Mitch talking while her eyes strayed away from him and towards Joe. Something he said must have caught her attention because she turned back to him with a smile playing across her pretty mouth.<\/p>\n

Joe dumped the buckets into the trough and deemed it full enough.<\/p>\n

He was sure Miss Lydia would be happy to see him and there wasn\u2019t too much to get done before the house and yards were as good as new. Joe went through his mental checklist of all that still needed to be repaired or rebuilt.<\/p>\n

Joe quickly saddled Cochise and led her out into the yard before swinging up onto her back. He gave Mitch and Amy a wave before prodding Cooch forward. A hasty glance over his shoulder showed him that his friend had Amy completely engrossed in conversation and Joe smiled at his good luck.<\/p>\n

Joe rode on whistling a tune he often heard Adam singing accompanied by his eldest brother\u2019s old guitar. The was a slight wind that blew the fresh scent of pine and mixed it with the smell of the wildflowers that grew in abundance on the side of the road leading to Miss Lydia\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Summer was beginning to slowly give away into fall. Here and there the first of the trees began to offer up a colourful leaf. Soon the land would be dotted with splashes of orange, tinges of red, and dashes of yellow.<\/p>\n

It was Adam\u2019s favourite time of year. Sometimes he would be gone for hours and Joe would spot him sitting up on a hill somewhere reading or staring out at the land that Pa swore had been painted with God\u2019s finger.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled when he saw the familiar horse tied out front of Miss Lydia\u2019s house. Joe dismounted and wrapped Cooch\u2019s reins around the post that Hoss had made the last time they were their together.<\/p>\n

He gave Sheriff Coffee\u2019s horse a light slap on the rump before heading for the front door. The door swung open before Joe had reached the porch.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Miss Lydia beckoned with both her hands. \u201cCome in, come in. We have tea and cookies.\u201d She stepped aside to let Joe in. Roy sat in on of the chairs at the table. Dainty teacups rested in their saucers next to a matching teapot. The cookies brought a sweet fragrance to the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy,\u201d Joe smiled mischievously at the sheriff.<\/p>\n

Roy shifted in his chair. He had obviously not expected to be interrupted in his visit. \u201cWhat brings you out here, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHad a free afternoon and thought I\u2019d come and get those barn doors hanging again. Hoss should be out here soon to help me.\u201d Joe accepted the chair Miss Lydia motioned to but waited for her to seat herself before sitting. \u201cI don\u2019t want to interrupt anything,\u201d he glanced briefly at Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t interrupting anything.\u201d Roy squirmed.<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia smiled and covered the sheriff\u2019s hand in hers. \u201cThe good sheriff stopped by to make sure everything was fine. Wasn\u2019t that thoughtful, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am,\u201d Joe grinned, \u201cVery thoughtful.\u201d Roy shot him a glare while Miss Lydia wasn\u2019t watching.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want some tea? It\u2019s good and hot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank you, Miss Lydia.\u201d Joe stood. \u201cI want to get started on those doors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you do,\u201d Miss Lydia turned to Roy. \u201cHoss and Joe have been such a Godsend to me.\u201d Her smile sweetened. \u201cI don\u2019t know what I would have done without them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe haven\u2019t done that much,\u201d Joe said suddenly embarrassed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you have.\u201d Miss Lydia seemed to be staring straight into Joe\u2019s eyes. Her smile began to slip off her face. Then, with a blink, she forced the smile back onto her face. \u201cYou should take a cookie before you go.\u201d She held out the plate.<\/p>\n

Joe took a cookie and nodded his thanks, giving a sly wink to Roy before leaving.<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia watched him leave then tried to turn her attention back to her visitor. But, try as she might, her mind kept wandering back to a pair of green eyes and, down from there, a soft throat that fascinated her nearly as much as the eyes.<\/p>\n

————————-<\/p>\n

17<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia shuffled around her kitchen and began to tidy up the kitchen. She meticulously wiped up every crumb and washed every dish all the while humming happily to herself. Roy had left several hours ago and Joe had just stopped in to say that the barn was finished and he had to be heading home.<\/p>\n

She had watched him ride away until he was out of sight. But truly, he never was out of her sight. Every dream she had, sleeping and waking, involved green eyes. Treacherous green eyes.<\/p>\n

She had seen Joe in town with a beautiful young woman. A blind man could see she was in love with him, and yet Joe had been pushing her away. Not in a literal sense, but Miss Lydia could tell. He was going to break up with her, and break her heart in the process. Poor girl. Did not mothers warn their daughters to never trust a man?<\/p>\n

Men could never be trusted. Never. They should pay for their deceitful ways, and pay dearly.<\/p>\n

When she finished her cleaning she sank down in her rocker and wiggled back until her feet didn\u2019t touch the floor she reached over to the little stand next to her chair and picked up her knitting needles with a long trail of already knitted rows trailing.<\/p>\n

She began her humming again as the needles clicked together and more rows of perfectly neat stitches appeared. Occasionally the little woman would chuckle and lower her knitting to gaze up at the roof. There she would remain for several minuets until she finally raised her knitting again and began her rocking motion get her chair going her toes brushing inches from the floor. Eventually she rocked herself to sleep.<\/p>\n

Joe was staring at her wide-eyed with a mixture of horror and shock on his face. \u201cMiss Lydia, please put the knife down,\u201d he pleaded with her.<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia laughed from deep within her throat and ran her eye up and down Joe. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t dream of it.\u201d She laughed again as she stepped forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d Joe moved back away from the little woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does it look like?\u201d Miss Lydia\u2019s arm lashed out quick and accurate. Moments later she was staring down at her victim. The blood ran down his neck and onto the floor below. His eyes were closed unlike the last two she had killed who had died with the horrified look forever in their sightless eyes.<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia knew she had work to do. She still had laundry to wash after all and now there was a body to dispose of and a floor to scrub clean. \u201cFive more minutes\u201d She whispered to herself. Five more minutes was all the time she would allow herself to revel in her latest victory. To watch the blood ribbon down the handsome neck. The young thought themselves invincible, but they weren\u2019t. One stroke from her hand and\u2026<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia reached down to touch the small slit across the throat that she had administered. She couldn\u2019t contain her longing to rub the blood between her fingers any longer\u2026<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia jerked awake nearly dropping her knitting needles. She breathed deeply raising a frail looking hand to her own throat. How come her dreams always had to end before she could reach far enough to touch the blood?<\/p>\n

—————————-<\/p>\n

18<\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t entirely surprised to see Mitch\u2019s horse stabled in one of the free stalls of the barn. Joe slapped the horse\u2019s rump on his way by and whistled happily. His little scheme appeared to have worked beautifully.<\/p>\n

As Joe exited the barn, having taken care of his horse, Hoss slowly ambled across the front yard his hands shoved deep into his pockets. \u201cI thought you were going to show up at Miss Lydia\u2019s to help me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI got waylaid,\u201d Hoss rolled his eyes then changes the subject. \u201cYou see who\u2019s stayin\u2019 for supper?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and took the hat off to scratch at the back of his head. \u201cWonder why he stuck around all day.\u201d He winked at Hoss and continued toward the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a sneaky one, little brother.\u201d Hoss followed Joe toward the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot sneaky, Hoss,\u201d Joe tried to look hurt and offended but failed. \u201cJust lucky, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss grunted. \u201cIf I had half your luck maybe I could get Bessie Sue to go out with me again.\u201d Joe stopped and looked back over his shoulder. \u201cAfter what happened last time I don\u2019t think she wants to see me again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe frowned at his brother\u2019s downcast face. \u201cIt\u2019s not like she has a line of suitors or anything.\u201d Joe tried not to let the corners of his mouth twitch upward. Last time he had teased Hoss over Bessie Sue he had been given a public dunking in a Virginia City water trough. \u201cJust what did happen last time?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss stopped his progress toward the house and the waiting dinner. \u201cI got all tongue tied,\u201d Hoss shrugged his broad shoulders, \u201cAnd she thought I said more than I did\u2026 or somethin\u2019.\u201d He wrinkled his nose. \u201cI\u2019m still not sure what happened. One second we were eating and the next she had that knife they put in the butter and was threatening to skin me with it.\u201d He swallowed hard. \u201cAlive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyebrows were raised just about as far as they could go. \u201cAnd you want her back?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded glumly.<\/p>\n

Joe rolled his eyes and started walking again. \u201cApologize, call her baby a couple of times, and give her a kiss.\u201d He reached the door. \u201cAnd everything will work out fine\u2026 if going out with the woman who bullied Adam on her first day of school can be called fine.\u201d Joe made his escape into the house and all heads turned as he scrambled through the door to the safety of company.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe, look who\u2019s joining us for dinner.\u201d Ben clapped Mitch on the shoulder as he crossed toward the table and the feast that Hop Sing had prepared. \u201cHop Sing you really have outdone yourself this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

The little cook grunted and headed back for his kitchen before letting his smile of pleasure show.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like it might be all ready.\u201d Ben stood behind his chair. \u201cLet\u2019s get started.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mitch held Amy\u2019s chair and slid into the one next to her. She smiled and glanced at Joe out of the corner of her eye. He was looking at her. Good. Let him feel a little jealous. She gave Mitch a flirty grin.<\/p>\n

Mitch glanced across the table to where Joe sank down in his chair with a dreamy look on his face that reminded Joe of Mitch\u2019s first crush in school. He had been six years old at the time and had sworn his undying love. They had remained sweethearts until they were eight and Mitch had talked her in to marrying him. Joe had promised to be the best man and the group had snuck out at recess and made their way to where the preacher lived.<\/p>\n

The preacher had turned them in to their parents.<\/p>\n

That had been the last time Mitch had ever been engaged. He dabbled in girlfriends here and there but had never been very serious over most of them and had never gotten around to asking the question to the few that he had been more serious about.<\/p>\n

Joe watched his friend toss Amy little smiles throughout dinner which she returned. Joe found himself frowning, to Amy\u2019s delight, as he watched them. He hoped Amy wouldn\u2019t hurt Mitch. If she could transfer her affections that quickly then maybe he should warn Mitch not to get too attached to her as she might fall for the next man who stepped off the stage and glanced in her direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d His Pa\u2019s voice broke through Joe\u2019s musings. \u201cI believe Mr. Sampson has asked you several times for the potatoes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at the platter of garlic potatoes set in front of him. \u201cSorry, I was\u2026\u201d Joe noticed Amy watching him although her head remained down toward her plate. \u201cdistracted.\u201d Joe finished lamely passing the potatoes into Mr. Sampson\u2019s waiting hands.<\/p>\n

Craig smiled and glanced toward his daughter. She seemed to be cuddling up to this new young man awful fast. That hadn\u2019t been in their plans at all. He had brought her all the way over here so she could chase after her Joseph she had been pining for all these months.<\/p>\n

Now that they had come all this way and imposed on the Cartwright\u2019s hospitality she was taking interest in this Mitchell Devlin. A handsome enough boy, but he wasn\u2019t a Cartwright like he had always wanted. He wasn\u2019t even sure if his family had property or if he was a drifting ranch hand.<\/p>\n

Ben studied the company around his table as he mechanically lifted a forkful to his mouth. Hoss seemed to be ignoring most of the conversation and enjoying the meal as usual while Adam appeared to be splitting his studying between Joe, Mitch, and Amy. Joe looked as if her were worried about something. He kept discreetly glancing at Mitch and Amy as the couple chatted and Ben wondered if his youngest was changing his mind about the young woman.<\/p>\n

Ben raised another forkful to his mouth. Oh, yes. We could have problems. \u00a0He shook his head slightly and raised his glass to his lips. Big problems.<\/p>\n

———————————–<\/p>\n

19<\/p>\n

Joe was gone again, off to see that Miss Lydia. Amy had watched him ride out that morning. All her dreams were beginning to crumble. Her dreams of being the lady of the Ponderosa, of owning the heart of the most handsome man in the world, of being envied by every girl in the territory. Of course, that Mitch Devlin wasn\u2019t to poor to look at. Amy looked at her reflection in her mirror. She was smiling.<\/p>\n

Okay, so maybe Mitch was dashing and sweet. He wasn\u2019t a Cartwright. That was what she had planned on. Wasn\u2019t it? But he was nice. And, unless she was hearing things, he was here.<\/p>\n

Amy practiced a shy smile in the mirror then straightened her skirts before going down to meet her suitor. Her dreams of being Mrs. Cartwright might be crumbling down about her feet but her new dreams, sparked by a moonlit conversation the night before, were rising to meet the skies.<\/p>\n

What was this? She paused at the top of the staircase. She wanted Joe. Didn\u2019t she? What was this foreign feeling? Why hadn\u2019t she minded so much when Joe had left that morning?<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Amy here?\u201d She heard Mitch\u2019s voice hesitantly ask her father.<\/p>\n

\u201cMitch,\u201d Amy forgot her practiced smile and put on a genuine grin, \u201cHow nice of you to drop by.\u201d Maybe her destiny had brought her here with other thoughts in mind.<\/p>\n

——<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Miss Lydia smiled as Joe dismounted.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you this morning, Miss Lydia?\u201d Joe returned the lady\u2019s smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust fine. No, better than fine,\u201d she grasped one of Joe\u2019s hands in both of hers, \u201cnow that you\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways glad to help.\u201d Joe assured her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you are, and I\u2019m thankful for it.\u201d She released Joe\u2019s hand and tried to keep her eyes from straying to his throat. Every time they did she could see ribbons of beautiful red blood streaming down it and it was all she could to not reach out and run her fingers through it.<\/p>\n

Soon. She assured herself. Soon.<\/p>\n

——<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s that youngest brother of yours spending all his time?\u201d Craig Sampson walked beside Adam and Hoss through the streets of Virginia City as they headed to the bank to meet up with Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe and Hoss have been helping Miss Lydia fix up her place.\u201d Adam answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Lydia is the elderly lady who got on the stage with me when I was leavin\u2019 Left Ridge.\u201d Hoss tipped his hat at a passing lady.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes,\u201d Craig shook his head. \u201cPoor woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you say that?\u201d Adam looked at the man walking next to him with curiosity.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe left our town under some terrible circumstances.\u201d The older man said sadly. \u201cShe was very close to a young man in our town, Walter was his name. Nice boy. Everyone liked him. He helped Miss Lydia around her house, repairs and such. She was like a mother to him.\u201d The trio stopped walking just outside of the bank\u2019s doors.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Hoss leaned against a hitching rail.<\/p>\n

\u201cA farmer found him in his field one morning with his throat slashed through.\u201d Craig shook his head again. \u201cThey never found the one who did it. Not even a trace.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 brows drew together. \u201cThat was in Left Ridge?\u201d<\/p>\n

Craig nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Hoss?\u201d Adam frowned at the look on his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 frown deepened as his mind raced through the story of a second young friend of Miss Lydia\u2019s. Could it be a coincidence? Could a woman have this misfortune of having two different young men from different towns help her out only to have their throats slit and their bodies be found in a farmer\u2019s field? It was possible, if you had an imagination. But not likely. \u201cJoe\u2019s in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Ben joined the group. \u201cWhat are you talking about, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, if I\u2019m wrong I\u2019ll be the happiest man alive. But if I\u2019m right\u2026\u201d Hoss didn\u2019t finish but started running to where they had left the horses.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at Adam, \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t answer. He had a bad feeling that Hoss believed Joe to be in great danger. There wasn\u2019t time to rationalize. His brother needed him. He followed after Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cCraig, stay here or go back to the ranch.\u201d Ben started after his sons. \u201cWe\u2019ll be back once we sort all this out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss was already on Chub\u2019s back and spurring him toward his little brother and Miss Lydia, praying all the while that he was wrong.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

————————————–<\/p>\n

20<\/p>\n

Joe squinted up at the sun and rolled his sleeves up onto his forearms. Everything was looking good. This fence was all there was left, and it wasn\u2019t all that bad off. A few new rails here and there, a new post or two, some new nails, a little paint and he\u2019d be done.<\/p>\n

In a way, he was glad to see it all coming to a close. In another, he would miss riding out here and seeing the cute little woman several times a week. Not to mention getting to sample all her fine cookies and pies!<\/p>\n

————<\/p>\n

It was almost done. Miss Lydia looked out over her yard and the different buildings that occupied it. Soon Joe would have no work left. His visits would become sporadic and most likely he would always be accompanied by Hoss. Her chances at getting number fourteen would become slimmer.<\/p>\n

She had to act today. Now. He was over by the barn now. The blood would doubtless be harder to clean out of the dirt and off of the fence should it splatter a little.<\/p>\n

The little woman shrugged and pulled out her knife. Once again she tested the sharpness with the side of her thumb. It was ready. She was ready.<\/p>\n

It was time.<\/p>\n

————<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia crossed the yard to where Joe was working. A long knife was held lightly in her hand as if she had been cutting up vegetables and had simply forgotten to put it down. Joe wouldn\u2019t have even noticed it if the sun hadn\u2019t glinted off of its sharp blade.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs something wrong?\u201d Joe balanced the hammer along to top of one of the fence rails.<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia didn\u2019t answer. She simply smiled and drew closer. Joe raised an eyebrow briefly at the excited expression in Miss Lydia\u2019s blue eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have something for you, Joe,\u201d She giggled out the words, her eyes scanning him from his tousled hair to the toes of his boots. She brought her gaze back to his eyes. She held his eyes with hers until she saw his eyebrows draw down into a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cJackson!\u201d She screamed angrily, throwing herself forward with all her might and hurling her arm out in a slashing motion.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s reflexes were quick. But not quick enough.<\/p>\n

———————————————–<\/p>\n

21<\/p>\n

Joe staggered backward until his back came in contact with the fence rail. He looked confusedly down at the red that began to soak his shirt running down toward his belt. His fingers reached up and covered the slash that followed just below his collarbone, starting out deeply but growing shallower at the end of its nearly five inch length.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up and watched Miss Lydia draw out an already bloodstained towel from the wide pocket of her apron and wipe what blood was on the knife into its white folds.<\/p>\n

She looked up and met Joe\u2019s wide eyed gaze. \u201cIt ain\u2019t enough,\u201d she said coldly.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Lydia\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s breaths came faster. \u201cMiss Lydia,\u201d he held out a hand in a stopping gesture. He watched in horror as Miss Lydia\u2019s gaze locked on Joe\u2019s hand, more specifically on the blood that covered it and trickled down his wrist.<\/p>\n

Her eyes snapped up to his throat and with a yell she charged forward, the deadly blade aimed at her objective.<\/p>\n

Joe dove to the side and rolled to his feet, barely holding back a cry as pain tore through his shoulder and chest. He turned to see her coming at him again and found he had gone the wrong way. He was caught in the corner where the fence met the barn wall.<\/p>\n

Out came Joe\u2019s gun. The click of the hammer stopped Miss Lydia in her charge.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Lydia, listen to me. It\u2019s me, Joe.\u201d His breaths came in gulps. \u201cMiss Lydia?\u201d<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia\u2019s eyes wouldn\u2019t leave Joe\u2019s throat. She took a step, and another. Her knife raised. Her target sure.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Lydia, stop.\u201d Joe pleaded, \u201cDon\u2019t make me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman lunged. The knife slashed out. Joe closed his eyes. The gun went off.<\/p>\n

————————————–<\/p>\n

22<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes swept over the scene before him in horror. Joe\u2019s body leaned limply against the barn wall. Red blood drenched the front of his shirt. His head was lulled forward making it impossible to tell where all the blood was coming from.<\/p>\n

Miss Lydia lay on her face in the dust several feet from Joe\u2019 boots. A splotch adorned her back from where a single bullet had exited after shattering her chest and killing her nearly instantly. A blade was grasped in her dead hand. Her fist was still wrapped tightly around the handle.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s gun lay between the two fallen bodies.<\/p>\n

Ben pulled Buck up to a stop and leapt from his back. \u201cThey\u2019ve been attacked.\u201d How could Hoss have known this?<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so, Pa\u201d Adam was already kneeling next to his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Ben gently pulled his son\u2019s head up. Blood slicked Joe\u2019s skin from the chin down and, for a heart stopping moment, Ben thought his son was dead. His fingers quickly searched out and located a pulse while Hoss pressed a big bandana against the slash across Joe\u2019s shoulder and chest.<\/p>\n

Jo\u2019s eye slowly blinked open. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, Joe, easy now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid she attack you, Joe?\u201d Hoss looked back at the body behind him.<\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes again. \u201cI killed her, didn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks that way,\u201d Adam gently touched his brother\u2019s other shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe went wild and came after me with a knife. Kept calling out for Jackson or something. I tried to stop her\u2026 I didn\u2019t have a choice.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice was soft as he reached up to finger the bandana Hoss still had pressed against his wound. \u201cI killed her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben could see the pain radiating from his son\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Pa? What happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, son. Maybe we never will.\u201d<\/p>\n

————<\/p>\n

\u201cDead?\u201d Roy stood slowly to his feet, his hands braced on his desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe tried to kill Joe.\u201d Adam looked into the older man\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe that, Adam. Why would\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe suspect she\u2019s killed two other men.\u201d Hoss twisted his hat around by the brim. \u201cAt least.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam filled him in briefly on what they knew. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy took his hat from off the corner his desk and without another word headed to where his horse was stabled. As he passed the telegram office he slowed down. He should send out telegrams to fellow sheriffs. If Adam and Hoss were right then there could be a string of unsolved murders from here to wherever Lydia had come from in the first place. But that would have to wait. Right now Lydia was lying under a sheet at Doc Martin\u2019s.<\/p>\n

The old sheriff didn\u2019t know what he was going to do when he got there, but for some reason he had to go.<\/p>\n

———————————-<\/p>\n

23<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you be back?\u201d Mitch walked slowly next to Amy as they made their way toward the waiting stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 I don\u2019t know.\u201d Amy looked ahead to where the Cartwrights were helping her Pa load the luggage. Joe stood by, his arm resting quietly in a sling at Doc Martin\u2019s insistence.<\/p>\n

\u201cI really hope you do,\u201d Mitch allowed his fingers to brush against hers but didn\u2019t try to take hold of her hand.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cCan I write you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Amy looked at the young man next to her, \u201cI would like that.\u201d She allowed a smile to touch the corners of her mouth. \u201cBut,\u201d she looked away, \u201cI don\u2019t want to rush things this time.\u201d She stopped walking and looked down to where her fingers were intertwined. \u201cI need to know if you really are serious about\u2026 us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mitch swallowed and looked down at the beautiful young woman. Slowly he raised her chin with his finger and waited until her eyes met his. \u201cI\u2019m serious if you want me to be. If not, just tell me and I\u2019ll back off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Amy smiled, slipped a piece of paper into Mitch\u2019s hand, and walked toward the stage.<\/p>\n

Mitch opened up the folded paper and a grin lit his eyes. Looking up, Mitch spotted Joe watching him and smiling. A wink passed between the two friends and it was all Mitch could do to hold in the whoop that bubbled up.<\/p>\n

Amy whispered something to Joe before following her father into the coach. As soon as the door was closed she leaned out and waved back at Mitch, and she kept waving until the coach disappeared in a cloud of dust.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did Amy say to you?\u201d Adam fell into step next to Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled softly, \u201cShe said, \u2018I think I\u2019ve found the reason I was put on this earth.\u2019\u201d Joe looked back to the settling dust and his friend who was still standing in the street, staring after a stagecoach that was long out of sight.<\/p>\n

——————————-<\/p>\n

24<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t hurt that much. He had been hurt worse before and doubtless he would hurt more deeply in the future. It seemed to be his lot in life. Pain and hurt seemed to stalk after him. This time it wasn\u2019t so much the physical pain but the hurt that stemmed from wounds doctors could never find nor fix.<\/p>\n

He had trusted her. Liked her. Loved her. All her kind words and actions had hidden the fact that she had been waiting for the chance to kill him. Was there no one he could trust? Was there a killer hiding behind every smile?<\/p>\n

He never could have dreamed that things would end the way they had. He had killed her.<\/p>\n

Joe had never killed a woman before. He had never moved to hurt a woman. Now he had shot down an old lady, his friend. But had she ever been his friend? Had she just lost grip on sanity or had she planned to kill him from the moment they had met?<\/p>\n

He would never know now. He had forever silenced the only voice who could have shed any light on these dark questions.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Adam poked his head into the room. \u201cSupper\u2019s on the table.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead and start.\u201d Joe didn\u2019t raise his eyes from the hand resting limply in his lap as he sat on the corner of his bed. \u201cI\u2019ll come down later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pushed the door open further and came to stand in Joe\u2019s room, \u201cYou won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Joe looked over at his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Joe. I haven\u2019t known you this long to not know that you never want to eat when you\u2019re upset.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure you are,\u201d Adam shook his head and moved to sit next to Joe on his bed. \u201cI know better than that too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe gave a weak smile then let his gaze rest again on his hand. \u201cWhy\u2026\u201d He shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy what?\u201d Adam watched the muscles play across Joe\u2019s face as he clenched and unclenched his jaw.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems like wherever I go, or whatever I do there is somebody there who wants to hurt me.\u201d Joe closed his eyes. \u201cIs there no place in the world that is safe? No one I can trust? I just don\u2019t understand. Does the world just hate me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know all the answers, Joe. I don\u2019t think anybody ever does.\u201d He watched to see if his youngest brother was really listening. He was. \u201cI can\u2019t tell you that something like this will never happen again. I wish I could. But you can\u2019t let it beat you. You can\u2019t stop believing because one person betrayed your trust. You can\u2019t stop living because someone wanted you dead. You can\u2019t stop loving because it hurts when you are let down.\u201d Adam reached out and rested his hand on Joe\u2019s undamaged shoulder. \u201cDon\u2019t give up on people, Joe. We aren\u2019t all bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe turned his head to look into Adam\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd no matter what happens, as long as I\u2019m alive there will always be someone you can turn to for help. The same goes for Hoss and Pa. We\u2019re a family, Joe. We\u2019ll make it through.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam slapped Joe on the back and stood. \u201cNow, how about you join us for dinner, and don\u2019t give me any of that \u2018I\u2019m not hungry\u2019 business.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled softly and stood. \u201cThanks, brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned back at the door. \u201cThat\u2019s what family\u2019s for.\u201d He grinned and led the way down to the dinner table.<\/p>\n

————————————<\/p>\n

EPILOGUE<\/p>\n

Roy sighed as he loaded another crate onto the buckboard along with the other belongings of Miss Lydia James. The only living relative that they could locate had authorized them to clean out the house, giving away the small things and auctioning off the few valuable things she had owned. The relative, a Mr Jonathan James, would then donate part of the proceeds to Virginia City so he wouldn\u2019t have to make the trip or handle anything himself.<\/p>\n

The new owners of the small house and newly fixed up property were a young couple just starting out their lives together. They were both there along with Adam and Hoss to help Roy clean out the house. It wouldn\u2019t be much longer and they would be finished. The house had been neat and sparse.<\/p>\n

A fire burned away near the corner of the house. Devouring the items that no one would want and the leftovers of the work Joe and Hoss had been doing. It snapped and crackled, adding to the afternoon heat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re nearly done, Sheriff.\u201d Evan Kline smiled enthusiastically at his new home. He noticed how the older man seemed not to share in his excitement. \u201cWas the lady who lived here before really a killer?\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy Coffee looked at the newest member of his town. \u201cIt appears so. You\u2019d never have guessed by lookin\u2019 at her.\u201d The sheriff shook his head, \u201cI\u2019ve been getting telegrams from other sheriffs in reply to my inquiries. Seems she left a line of unsolved murders in her wake. The count\u2019s as high as eight right now.\u201d Roy pushed the old rocker that sat in the back of the buckboard and watched it rock slightly. \u201cWe may never be sure how many, or know why. There\u2019s no one left to tell the story.\u201d Roy turned away from Evan, \u201cStill seems hard to believe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Roy,\u201d Hoss exited the house cradling a large trunk easily in his large arms. \u201cIt\u2019s locked up tight.\u201d He set the trunk down on the back of the wagon.<\/p>\n

Roy drew out the keys to his handcuffs and wiggled them around in the lock. Nothing happened. \u201cNobody came across any keys did they?\u201d He directed his words to Adam and Mrs Kline who were just exiting the house.<\/p>\n

Both shook their heads.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat should I do with it?\u201d Hoss tried to force it open.<\/p>\n

Roy rubbed his moustache, \u201cToss it on the fire.\u201d He jerked his head toward the burning pile. \u201cNo use keepin\u2019 what you can\u2019t open.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss obeyed with a shrug. The sound of tinkling glass made Hoss stop and frown at the trunk now sitting amongst the burning sticks and some of the old boards from the roof.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I could use a hand here.\u201d Adam hollered from inside the house.<\/p>\n

Hoss moved toward his brother\u2019s call, promptly forgetting the trunk that slowly caught fire. The sound of breaking glass as the intense heat found the jars inside was missed by all ears.<\/p>\n

Soon there was nothing left of the trunk and its contents save for the ashes that blew away in the Nevada wind.<\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed the story and will let me know what you thought of it.<\/em><\/p>\n

-BnzaGal-<\/em><\/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: \u00a0\u00a0A sweet little ol\u2019 lady arrives on the stage and befriends Hoss and Joe. Who would have guessed that such a sweet woman could be such a deranged killer? \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0T (15,765 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":162,"featured_media":5584,"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":[23,1092],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5713","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hoss-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1092-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\/Joe-Hoss.png?fit=391%2C352&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5713","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=5713"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5713\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5584"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5713"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5713"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5713"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}