Rating: K+<\/p>\n
Word Count=6396<\/p>\n
Summary:\u00a0<\/span>Joe finds a mysterious apple pie recipe with directions that must be followed. Happy Early Birthday, Devy!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Reviews from the Old Library are on the last page.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Recipe for Disaster<\/strong><\/p>\n Joe concentrated on removing the apple\u2019s peel in one long, curly strip as Hop Sing did. With the cook in San Francisco visiting cousin number 125 (there were so many it was easier to keep track of them with numbers rather than names), the Cartwright men were left to fend for themselves. As it was Wednesday, it was Joe\u2019s turn to make dessert. He squinted at the sheet of paper lying on the table as he stripped the apple.<\/span> * * * * ***** * <\/p>\n Reviewer:\u00a0freyakendra<\/a><\/b>\u00a0Signed LOL! This is priceless–well beyond four buckets of quarters! \ud83d\ude00<\/p>\n *<\/p>\n Reviewer:\u00a0mohegan<\/a><\/b>\u00a0Signed Oh, that really WAS a “must-read!”\u00a0 So funny!<\/p>\n *<\/p>\n Reviewer:\u00a0slaine89<\/a><\/b>\u00a0Signed So I guess we can just blame Jamie all on you then \ud83d\ude42 Couldn’t stop chuckling as I read this; thanks for the evening entertainment!<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatcha doin\u2019?\u201d asked Hoss. He\u2019d entered the kitchen because the lack of aromas meant there was no meal preparation. It was Adam\u2019s turn to make an entr\u00e9e but he\u2019d jumped up from the table after finishing breakfast, saying that he had to check on the fence in the east pasture.<\/span>
\u201cWhat does it look like I\u2019m doing?\u201d asked Joe, annoyed that it wasn\u2019t obvious.<\/span>
\u201cHey, what\u2019s that piece of paper for?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIt\u2019s a recipe. I found it shoved under my door this morning. It doesn\u2019t make a whole lot of sense, but I thought I\u2019d give it a try.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThis here paper says you gotta cut your thumb. You ain\u2019t gonna do that, are you?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI don\u2019t want to, but if the recipe says I have to then I suppose I do.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhy would you have to?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI don\u2019t know. Look, would you leave me alone so I can finish this pie?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIt also says Adam\u2019s gotta ride for the doc when your thumb gets infected. I don\u2019t see nothin\u2019 about the pie going in the oven.\u201d Hoss turned the sheet of paper over in hopes that there would be more meal preparation instructions on the back. His lips pressed together tightly in a frown.\u00a0<\/span>
Joe stopped in mid-peel and glared a few daggers at his brother.\u00a0<\/span>Hoss should be grateful for a real dessert.<\/i>\u00a0Pa\u2019s turn was last night and all they got were licorice drops bought at the mercantile.\u00a0<\/span>Tonight there\u2019d be a genuine apple pie\u2014maybe not as good as Hop Sing\u2019s but homemade nonetheless.<\/i>\u00a0Joe snatched the recipe out of Hoss\u2019s hands and carefully set it back on the work table.<\/span>
\u201cDon\u2019t you have something to do?\u201d Joe asked his bigger brother.<\/span>
Hoss almost had an apple in his beefy hand but drew back when a stinging slap was delivered with a wooden spoon. \u201cI s\u2019pose I could muck out the stalls again.\u201d<\/span>
With one final cut, the peel was removed and the naked apple set in a bowl. Joe figured two apples should yield enough slices for a pie although Hop Sing always seemed to cut up at least a dozen. Joe let out a satisfied sigh as he wiped his hands on the dirty apron. Laundry was another chore that had fallen by the wayside with Hop Sing out of town.<\/span>
Joe focused on cutting thin slices of even thickness. Hop Sing seemed to have it down to an art\u2014he\u2019d hold half an apple in one hand and the knife in the other, thumb of his right hand managing to stop the blade with just enough pressure to keep from going through his own skin. Joe was amazed that Hop Sing could look over his shoulder, hold a conversation, and never miss a slice.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cJoseph!\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIn here, Pa.\u201d<\/span>
\u201dWhose turn is it to mop the floors?\u201d The lines that creased Ben\u2019s forehead deepened with his scowl.<\/span>
\u201cCheck Adam\u2019s chart.\u201d<\/span>
After Hop Sing left, Adam wrote the chores on slips of paper and dropped them in a hat; each member of the family took a turn selecting until all of the tasks were assigned. As a chore was called out, Adam wrote that person\u2019s name in the corresponding space on a chart so everyone would know which responsibilities belonged to each Cartwright each day. What Adam hadn\u2019t counted on was the bargaining that began after all of the chores were assigned; the chart was full of eraser smudges where names were replaced one or more times after negotiations.<\/span>
Ben noted his assignment with displeasure. \u201cSince you\u2019re wearing an apron, Joseph, mop the floor when you\u2019re finished with that pie. This place smells like cattle.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIt\u2019s a ranch, Pa. It\u2019s supposed to smell like that.\u201d Joe took a long sniff and added, \u201cYou even smell like cattle.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDon\u2019t get smart with me, boy.\u201d Ben emphasized his point with a long forefinger.<\/span>
Joe pretended to concentrate on slicing an apple while he peeked out of the corner of his eye at his father. Pa\u2019s scowl made it look as if he were wearing a horseshoe on his face.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cIn the corner, by the pie safe.\u201d Joe smiled and suppressed a chuckle as Pa clomped across the room. The way Pa carried the mop made it appear like a lance that Ivanhoe fellow would have used.\u00a0<\/span>
The knife slipped on bare apple and cut through the calloused skin of Joe\u2019s thumb. The knife clattered to the floor as Joe stuck the fleshy pad of his thumb between his teeth; the salty taste of blood mingled with the sweet juice from the apple. Braving a look, the cut appeared to be shallow even though a flap of skin was pushed back. He wiped the blood on the apron, shook his thumb a few times to relieve the throbbing, and then wrapped his bandana around the wound to make a bulky bandage. Retrieving the knife, he wiped it across the apron and finished slicing the apple.\u00a0<\/span>
After dropping the last of the apple in the bowl, he checked the oven. A wave of heat washed over his face but he was sure the oven had to be hotter to thoroughly bake the pie. There were only three pieces of wood in the box; he\u2019d just have to get Hoss to chop some more.\u00a0<\/span>Hoss wanted to eat, he should be willing to work.<\/i>
Joe wiped his sweaty brow with the back of his hand.\u00a0<\/span>Cooking sure was thirsty work!<\/i>\u00a0selected a glass that didn\u2019t look too dirty and filled it to the brim with cool water. After chugging it down in practically one gulp, he pumped more and greedily drank again. He fanned his face with a dish towel and took a couple of deep breaths. When he shook his head, the room spun for a few moments; he grabbed the edge of the work table to steady himself.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cI suppose that\u2019s what seasickness feels like,\u201d Joe muttered after the kitchen stopped whirling.<\/span>
He consulted the recipe and saw that a combination of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg were to be blended in a separate bowl. Precise measurements were included beside each ingredient, which in combination were supposed to bring out the apples\u2019 juice and flavor. Per the recipe, he sprinkled the mixture over the apples and checked on the next step. It seemed rather strange\u2014<\/span>pour mixture into pie crust, add top crust, use knife to cut slits in top crust for ventilation, and pass out on the floor<\/i>. He double-checked that last step; his eyebrows drew together to create a long, furry caterpillar. This must be one of Adam\u2019s jokes.\u00a0<\/span>
The filling plopped into the pie crust but left a sticky mess in the bowl. After getting the last bit scooped out, he centered the top crust and briefly wondered what to do with the overhang. With his tongue pressed into the corner of his mouth in concentration, he carefully sliced the excess dough away and then pinched the edges of the crust as he\u2019d seen Hop Sing do. Finishing, he double-checked the recipe. Yep\u2014he was still supposed to pass out on the floor.\u00a0<\/span>That\u2019s just dumb<\/i>, he thought as he rolled his eyes.<\/span>
There was one last step before the pie went in the oven\u2014cutting the ventilation slits. He tried to remember how Hop Sing did it\u2014from the center back to the edge or just in the center. With a shrug, he decided to focus his efforts in the middle of the pie. Standing back to admire his work, he again wiped a hand across his sweaty brow and then fell in a heap on the dirty floor.<\/span>
Ben was in mid-mop stroke when a noise caught his ear. It almost sounded like . . .\u00a0<\/span>nah, couldn\u2019t be<\/i>.<\/span>
Hoss walked in and Ben\u2019s face turned three shades of red in less time than it took the largest Cartwright to sniff out what was for supper. \u201cCan\u2019t you see I just mopped there?\u201d Ben yelled as pointed an accusatory finger at the offensive boot print on the floor.<\/span>
\u201cSorry, Pa,\u201d said Hoss as he jammed his hands into his pockets like a naughty five year old boy caught removing the lid from the cookie jar.<\/span>
Ben cocked his head and asked, \u201cDid you hear that?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span>
A barely audible squeak came from the kitchen.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cThere it is again.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIt\u2019s prob\u2019ly just a mouse,\u201d suggested Hoss.<\/span>
The mop clattered to the floor as Ben rushed for the kitchen. He gasped at the sight of his youngest\u2014 Joe\u2019s knees were drawn to his chest, his bandana-wrapped thumb tightly clasped under his chin. He whimpered in pain. Hoss\u2019 eyes widened like saucers and he gulped nervously as his father knelt down beside Joe.<\/span>
\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Ben asked softly as he held his son and gently brushed back the sweat-dampened hair.<\/span>
\u201cI\u2026I\u2026I cut myself,\u201d Joe replied, holding up the crudely bandaged thumb as if it wasn\u2019t obvious.<\/span>
\u201cIt\u2019ll be okay,\u201d Ben murmured as he gently rocked his youngest. He tenderly stroked Joe\u2019s cheek then said, \u201cYou\u2019re burning up!\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI was only following the recipe,\u201d Joe gasped out between teeth-rattling shivers.<\/span>
\u201cGet him up to bed,\u201d Ben snapped at Hoss. \u201cThen get that bed warmer filled with coals from the fireplace. Where\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHe ain\u2019t home yet,\u201d Hoss said as he swiftly scooped his brother up.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cWho\u2019s going to ride for the doctor?\u201d asked Ben, wringing his hands.<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019ll go after I get him settled.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cOUCH!\u201d<\/span>
Ben winced at the sound of Joe\u2019s boot smacking into the newel post of the stairs. \u201cBe careful!\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYes, Sir,\u201d answered Hoss.<\/span>
Both men stopped in their tracks when the door opened. Hoss swung his precious burden, bumping Joe\u2019s head into the banister railing.<\/span>
\u201cWould ya watch it!\u201d Joe said in a pitiful voice, rubbing his scalp.<\/span>
\u201cWhere have you been?\u201d Ben thundered, hands on hips.<\/span>
\u201cIn the east pasture. You told me this morning to check the middle section of the fence.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIt shouldn\u2019t have taken this long,\u201d said Ben, brow furrowed. \u201cGo get Doctor Martin and tell him to hurry.\u201d<\/span>
Adam headed for the kitchen.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cWhat do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d asked Ben.<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019m thirsty.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThat\u2019s what your canteen\u2019s for. Now go get Doctor Martin.\u201d Ben returned his attention to Hoss and said, \u201cGet your brother up to bed.\u201d<\/span>
Adam watched the trio turn the corner on the second floor and then he went into the kitchen. As he sipped cool water, he surveyed for signs of disaster. Other than a few drops of blood mixed with some flour on the worktable, there wasn\u2019t an indication of what could\u2019ve happened to require Doctor Martin\u2019s attention. It wasn\u2019t as if Joe had cut off a hand.\u00a0<\/span>
Picking up the pie, he noticed the sheet of paper. He placed the pie in the oven and then carefully scrutinized the recipe for clues. The handwriting was a very neat print rather than flowery cursive. Instructions for making the pie were followed by rather bizarre statements:\u00a0<\/span>Hoss carries Joe upstairs, Adam rides for doctor, Joe feverishly thrashes in his bed, JPM<\/i>. If he didn\u2019t know any better he might think that this was one of those stories for that Devonshire girl who couldn\u2019t get enough of his little brother suffering from rather sadistic wounds. He decided that was pretty far-fetched since Joe hadn\u2019t been shot, beaten to a pulp, shoved off a cliff, or stomped on by a horse; he hadn\u2019t been anywhere near a stagecoach in the past week, either.<\/span>
\u201cWhy are you still here?\u201d asked Ben as he rushed to the sink and primed the pump.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cHave you seen this?\u201d asked Adam as he held forth the recipe.<\/span>
\u201cWhat about it?\u201d<\/span>
Adam looked it over again and said, \u201cThis isn\u2019t Hop Sing\u2019s handwriting. I wonder who left this.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHop Sing probably got someone in town to write it out for him.\u201d Ben stuffed several dishcloths into his pockets then carefully lifted the washbasin so water wouldn\u2019t splash. \u201cIf I have to tell you one more time to ride for the doctor, you\u2019ll be beaning horses for a week.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cOh alright.\u201d Adam folded the recipe and placed it in his shirt pocket. \u201cDo you want me to ride back with the doctor or can I stay in town for a beer?\u201d<\/span>
Ben turned quickly, sloshing water onto his boots. His eyes narrowed in annoyance. \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d<\/span>
Adam sighed loudly as he closed the door behind him.\u00a0<\/span>How did Joe manage to get in these predicaments? Did Joe have some sort of magnetic attraction where bodily harm was concerned?<\/i>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/p>\n
Ben wrung the dishcloth then gently placed it on Joe\u2019s forehead. He tenderly smoothed back the unruly hair and wished Marie was still alive to tend to her son\u2014she always knew how to calm him with a gentle touch or whispered word.<\/span>
Joe moaned, kicked at the quilts, and tightly clenched his fists. Another feverish wave of pain struck and his back arched, thrusting his sweaty chest above the bed covers. His body relaxed for a few brief moments before his arms began to flail\u2014one fist hit the wall and the other caught Ben just below the eye.<\/span>
Hoss was bringing another pitcher of water into the room. \u201cBet that\u2019s gonna leave a shiner.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWe\u2019ve got to keep Joe from hurting himself further. Get some twine from the barn so we can keep him still.\u201d<\/span>
Pulling an apple from his pocket, Hoss shined it on his shirt before asking, \u201cYou want me to sit on him for a while?\u201d<\/span>
Ben\u2019s jaw dropped in disbelief. \u201cJust get the twine.\u201d<\/span>
<\/p>\n
Adam pounded on Doctor Martin\u2019s door for at least fifteen seconds before giving up. He shrugged and headed for the other medical office in town\u2014Doctor Hickman\u2019s Kwik Kure and Soda Shoppe. Back when Joe had been shot and wolf bit, Doctor Hickman had prescribed a serum made from prickly pear fruit but the doctor hadn\u2019t realized the medication was on back-order. As a result, Hoss had had to make a record-breaking ride to Genoa and back for the miracle cure. Adam wondered if the doctor would have something in stock for Joe\u2019s latest boo-boo.<\/span>
Strolling past the saloon, Adam resisted the temptation to stop in for a quick beer; he didn\u2019t want Pa to complain about his lack of compassion. He decided he\u2019d just pour a glass of brandy once he got home and relax by the fireplace with a good book.<\/span>
The little bell over the door jingled as Adam entered Doctor Hickman\u2019s place of business. Young couples and kids often frequented the soda shop but burly miners were known to occupy a seat when their shifts ended.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cYou here for a soda or to see the doc?\u201d asked Billy, a pimply-faced young man who was more popular with girls his age because of the free samples he doled out rather than his charm.<\/span>
\u201cThe doc. Is he in?\u201d<\/span>
A scream from the backroom answered Adam\u2019s question.<\/span>
\u201cDoc\u2019s pullin\u2019 one of ol\u2019 Toby Barker\u2019s teeth. Seems Toby would just have one of the stage drivers sock him in the jaw.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
A few minutes later, Toby came out with cotton packed into one cheek, giving him the appearance of a chipmunk with its winter collection of acorns.\u00a0<\/span>
Doctor Hickman squeezed his patient\u2019s shoulder in way of reassurance. \u201cDon\u2019t chew on that side for a day or two and change out the cotton in the morning. Try not to swallow any of it but if you do, a good dollop of cod liver oil should pass it. Soda\u2019s on the house. Fix him up, Billy.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSure thing, Doc.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWell, Adam,\u201d said the doctor as he extended his hand, \u201cWhat can I do for you? That brother of yours wolf bit again?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cNo. He cut his thumb while slicing an apple. He\u2019s running a fever, too.\u201d<\/span>
The doctor scratched the stubble on his chin. \u201cThumb infection, eh? Those can be mighty serious. Go fetch my rig, Billy.\u201d<\/span>
Adam slowly twisted back and forth on the stool as the doctor muttered the names of tinctures and syrups on the shelves behind the counter. Doctor Hickman plucked a few jars and bottles from their resting places and carefully put them into his medical bag.<\/span>
\u201cYou\u2019re all set, Doc,\u201d said Billy over the jingling of the bell.<\/span>
\u201cWill you be riding out with me?\u201d the doctor asked Adam.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019ve got to see Roy but I\u2019ll probably catch you up on the road,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span>
Adam watched the doctor head down the street, the buggy wheels raising a small cloud of dust. If the horse kept its current pace, Doctor Hickman would probably arrive by suppertime. Adam grimaced as he remembered it was his night to cook supper; he wondered if Sally over at the International House would put a care package together if he promised to escort her to the next dance.\u00a0<\/span>
<\/p>\n
Back at the ranch, Hoss finished securing Joe\u2019s ankles to the bed posts. \u201cThat oughtta hold him,\u201d he said, tying a bow.<\/span>
Ben wrung the excess water out of a cloth and gently laid it across Joe\u2019s forehead. \u201cEverything\u2019s going to be okay, Joseph. Just relax.\u201d<\/span>
Another bout of shivering held Joe\u2019s body captive and he struggled against the twine. He panted from exertion and whimpered, \u201cPa.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019m here, son.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI\u2026I\u2026I\u2019m s\u2026sorry.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIt\u2019s just a bruise. It\u2019ll heal up.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cPie.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cReckon he\u2019s sorry for not finishin\u2019 tonight\u2019s dessert,\u201d observed Hoss. He took a deep sniff and was rewarded with the aroma of apple pie calling to him as a siren\u2019s song. His eyes glazed over and his nose led him from the room.<\/span>
Ben glared hot coals at the doorway. If his middle son hadn\u2019t been conceived and born on the trail West, he might\u2019ve wondered about Hoss\u2019 paternity. Sometimes that boy didn\u2019t behave like a Cartwright.<\/span>Hoss must take after Inger\u2019s folks.<\/i>
Another whimper caught Ben\u2019s ear. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Joseph. The doctor\u2019s on his way.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDon\u2019t let\u2026don\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat, son? Don\u2019t let what happen?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDon\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI won\u2019t let the doctor take your thumb.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cNot\u2026th\u2026thumb.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat? Can you tell me?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cPie. Don\u2019t\u2026burn.\u201d<\/span>
Of all the\u2026 Ben couldn\u2019t believe his ears. Since when was Joseph more concerned about food than a JPM? Joe craved his father\u2019s reassuring hugs and touches like a fish craved water.\u00a0<\/span>
Fear\u2019s cold tendrils suddenly gripped Ben\u2019s heart.\u00a0<\/span>What if one of those apples had been poisoned by someone who didn\u2019t like JPMs?<\/i>\u00a0Where was Adam with that blasted doctor?<\/span>
<\/p>\n
Adam, biding his time until Sally got a package of food together, stepped into Roy\u2019s office and was disappointed that the sheriff wasn\u2019t in. He\u2019d checked back by the cells to make sure the sheriff wasn\u2019t playing checkers with a prisoner, but no such luck. Noticing a pile of paperwork on the desk, Adam tidied up, placing current wanted posters into a pile and tossing those marked \u201cCaught\u201d into the trash can.\u00a0<\/span>
With a corner of the desk cleared, Adam sat and pulled the recipe from his pocket. The handwriting didn\u2019t match any that he was familiar with and there weren\u2019t any visible fingerprints on the paper. He frowned as he realized that a fingerprint wouldn\u2019t be any good without something to compare it to and no one was going to put up with dipping their fingers into ink just on a whim. There had to be some sort of connection between the blasted recipe and what had happened to Joe. He snapped his fingers in a sudden burst of inspiration and put the paper away for safekeeping.<\/span>
Adam jogged over to the International House, his boots clattering a staccato rhythm on the boardwalk. He nearly knocked Miss Sally over when he flung the door open.<\/span>
\u201cOh, my!\u201d she said, retrieving the brown-wrapped packages from the floor. Regaining her composure, Sally handed the larger bundle to him and smiled in a way that reminded Adam of a hungry coyote. Her eyes sparkled like polished gold nuggets as she said, \u201cYou may pick me up next Saturday evening for Lucretia Bailey\u2019s engagement party.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
Adam tucked the grease-stained packages under his arm and then tipped his hat. \u201cUntil Saturday.\u201d<\/span>
Sally tilted her head as she watched Adam stuff the parcels into a saddlebag. She exhaled a dreamy sigh as he mounted up, his pants tightening in all the right places.\u00a0<\/span>
<\/p>\n
Ben was lightly dozing when the clip-clop of hooves roused him from sleep. He pulled the curtain aside, revealing Doctor Hickman tying the horse to the rail. He\u2019d expected Doctor Martin, not the town quack.<\/span>
Downstairs, Hoss greeted the doctor and escorted him to the stairs. \u201cYou\u2019ll know the way,\u201d was all Hoss said before returning to the kitchen.<\/span>
Doctor Hickman entered the sickroom and was surprised to see his patient restrained. He noted the bruising on Ben\u2019s face and hoped this visit would be a two-fer. \u201cAdam told me that young Joe cut himself while slicing apples. Do you have any idea why he reacted this way?\u201d<\/span>
Ben\u2019s eyes widened in disbelief and his Adam\u2019s apple bobbed a few times. \u201cYou\u2019re the doctor.\u00a0<\/span>You<\/i>\u00a0tell\u00a0<\/span>me<\/i>\u00a0why this happened.\u201d<\/span>
The doctor carefully removed the bandana around Joe\u2019s thumb to reveal a thin red line but no swelling or bruising. He gently pressed near the cut and Joe whimpered in response but no blood came forth. Standing, Doctor Hickman put a hand on his hip and ran the opposite forefinger across the stubble under his nose.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cWell, Ben, I don\u2019t know what to tell you other than I\u2019ll be sending a bill.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIsn\u2019t there any medicine you can give him?\u201d Ben asked, his voice rising in pitch.<\/span>
\u201cI have no idea why Little Joe is so sick. If I prescribed something, it could end up doing more harm than good. In the meantime, just give him water and keep those cool cloths on his forehead to bring his temperature down. I recommend that you put a steak on that shiner,\u201d he added, pointing to Ben\u2019s eye.<\/span>
As the doctor put on his hat, he said, \u201cTell Little Joe to stop by once he\u2019s better. He can have a soda on the house.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
<\/p>\n
Adam passed Doctor Hickman on the road and wondered if medicine had been left to cure whatever ailed Joe as there was no mention of the doctor doing so in the recipe. There was no sense in hurrying, so Adam kept Sport at his current pace.<\/span>
Arriving home, Adam retrieved the packages from the saddlebag, wrinkling his nose at the smell of greasy fried chicken. He flung the front door open and tossed his hat on the sideboard before bounding up the stairs two at a time. He entered Joe\u2019s room and saw Pa sitting with his hands clasped tightly together, forehead resting on them, mouth moving in silent prayer. Joe was tied to the bed, whimpering in pain.<\/span>
The wafting aroma of apple pie reminded Adam that the packages under his arm should be in the kitchen. He quietly backed out of the room and quickly descended the stairs. Entering the kitchen, he wasn\u2019t surprised to find Hoss eating directly from the pie pan.<\/span>
\u201cDoc wadn\u2019t able ta do nuffin\u2019 fer Lil Joe,\u201d Hoss said around a mouthful of gooey apple pie. He eyed the grease-stained packages like a wolf sizing up its next meal. \u201cWhaddya got?\u201d he asked, directing Adam\u2019s attention with the tines of the fork.<\/span>
\u201cSupper,\u201d said Adam, setting the packages on the worktable. He pulled the recipe from his pocket and smoothed the creases from the paper.<\/span>
\u201cWhatcha doin\u2019?\u201d asked Hoss, face scrunched in concentration as he untied one of the greasy bundles.<\/span>
\u201cYou\u2019ll see.\u201d Adam reached into his pocket and removed a pencil he\u2019d pilfered from the sheriff\u2019s office. Adam turned the recipe over and wrote:\u00a0<\/span>Hoss chokes on chicken. Adam saves him.<\/i>\u00a0With that, Adam looked intently at his brother, waiting to see if his theory was correct.<\/span>
Hoss suddenly dropped the slim chicken leg and clawed at his throat. Adam watched in fascination as his brother turned an interesting shade of purple. After a few seconds, Adam thumped Hoss\u2019 back several times, sending the chunk of bird to its correct destination.\u00a0<\/span>
Hoss braced himself against the worktable, sucking deep breaths into air-starved lungs. \u201cHow?\u201d he squeaked.<\/span>
\u201cThis piece of paper is under some kind of enchantment. Whatever is written on it happens.\u201d Adam held up the recipe and used the tip of the pencil as a pointer. \u201cSee here, where it says you carry Joe upstairs? That happened, right?\u201d<\/span>
Hoss\u2019 mouth formed an \u201cO\u201d as his face faded to the color of flour. He nervously chewed on a fingernail for a second before saying in a loud whisper, \u201cJoe smacked me with a wooden spoon. You don\u2019t suppose that Gigi is behind all this, do you?\u201d He furtively looked around the kitchen, half afraid that she\u2019d leap from behind a pot and scare the bejeebers out of him.<\/span>
\u201cIt\u2019s got to be one of those girls who love seeing Joe suffer. They must be getting desperate if they\u2019ll settle for a simple little infection instead of a good old-fashioned bronc-stomping.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThat can\u2019t be Gigi, then,\u201d said Hoss in relief.\u00a0<\/span>
A smirk crept across Adam\u2019s face as he wrote. Hoss plucked another drumstick from the package and leaned against the worktable.\u00a0<\/span>
Early One Morning<\/i>\u00a0echoed throughout the house as Ben sang at the top of his lungs. Adam snickered at his creativity. Hoss stuck his forefingers in his ears, the greasy piece of fried chicken resting against his hair.\u00a0<\/span>
Picking up the recipe and the pencil, Adam nodded for Hoss to follow and the two went upstairs. Despite his hands covering his mouth, Ben was still singing away. Joe thrashed against his bonds, beads of sweat glistening against the bare skin of his chest. Ben couldn\u2019t help but notice the mischief in Adam\u2019s eyes and vowed his eldest would spend the next month digging privy pits for the lineshacks.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cThat was real good,\u201d said Hoss as the echo of his father\u2019s singing faded.<\/span>
Ben slowly removed his hands from his mouth and loudly exhaled in relief. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cAdam found a magic paper,\u201d said Hoss around a mouthful of chicken, gesturing towards his brother with the bone.<\/span>
\u201cA magic paper?\u201d asked Ben, one eyebrow rising in question.<\/span>
\u201cNot exactly magic,\u201d said Adam, trying to keep his discovery to himself. \u201cIt\u2019s that recipe Joe was following to make the pie. Turns out what\u2019s written on it happens.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI see,\u201d said Ben, his mouth tightening in annoyance. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose that\u2026paper\u2026had anything to do with my singing.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
Adam nervously shifted his weight back and forth, a habit he\u2019d had since childhood when fixed by his father\u2019s stern glare after hedging around the truth. \u201cI had to find out if my theory was right,\u201d Adam finally said.<\/span>
\u201cIt sure was, wasn\u2019t it?\u201d asked Hoss as he stripped the last bits of meat from the bone.<\/span>
A soft moan drifted through the air and Ben moved from the chair to the bed to gently stroke Joe\u2019s sweat-soaked curls.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be okay, Joseph. Adam\u2019s going to make everything alright.\u201d Ben looked at his eldest much as a vulture might regard a dying steer. \u201cAren\u2019t you, Adam?\u201d<\/span>
Knowing his father wouldn\u2019t tolerate any argument, Adam pulled the pencil from his pocket and hastily scrawled\u00a0<\/span>Joe makes a miraculous recovery and cooks supper.<\/i>
Ben brushed limp hair back from Joe\u2019s brow and worried when a soft sigh escaped his youngest\u2019s parted lips. He leaned closer to examine his son\u2019s face for any sign that the enchantment was lifted.<\/span>
Joe\u2019s eyelids fluttered open and, startled by a pair of dark brown eyes so close to his own, he tried to sit up but only succeeded in head-butting his father\u2019s forehead.\u00a0<\/span>
Ben rocked back and carefully probed the rising knot over his left eye.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cOw!\u201d Joe yelped. He tried to move his hand but couldn\u2019t. Looking around, his eyes widened in fear at the twine holding him tightly to the bed. \u201cPa?\u201d he asked in a soft voice.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cYou two cut your brother loose,\u201d Ben ordered, retreating to a safe distance.<\/span>
Hoss stuffed the remains of the drumstick into a pocket before obeying his father\u2019s command.<\/span>
Once free, Joe shook his hands to banish the tingling and numbness. He noticed the thin, red line on his thumb and was instantly reminded of the pie. Quilts were hastily tossed aside as Joe leapt from the bed and thundered down the stairs.<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019ll be,\u201d said Hoss before he lumbered out of the room.<\/span>
The clanging of pots and pans echoed throughout the house as Joe complied with Adam\u2019s addition to the recipe.<\/span>
Ben sighed in relief at Joe\u2019s miraculous recovery and then caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror\u2014his right eye was swollen shut and surrounded by a large dark purple bruise and a large red knot was rising over his left eye.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cDid the doc give you anything for that?\u201d asked Adam out of curiosity, pointing at Pa\u2019s face.<\/span>
Ben turned his attention to Adam, stopping his eldest in mid-step in the same manner a cobra would freeze its prey. Adam nervously swallowed as he recalled Pa\u2019s threat about beaning horses. Ben reached out a hand, palm up, in silent demand.<\/span>
\u201cI should just toss this in the fire,\u201d said Adam in a barely audible voice.\u00a0<\/span>
Ben curled his fingers a couple of times in a gesture that clearly conveyed, \u201cHand it over.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
Adam held the piece of paper between two fingers and stretched forth, keeping his body at a safe distance. He regretted telling Hoss about the enchantment; that blabbermouth would get his comeuppance, with or without magic. Once the paper was out of his hand, he bolted for the kitchen as there had to be safety in numbers.<\/span>
Ben scrutinized the paper and then a glint of mischief lit up his eye. He plucked a pencil from Joe\u2019s desk and scrawled\u00a0<\/span>Ben has no chores<\/i>. A combination snicker and snort escaped Ben\u2019s nose as he scratched out his previous statement and wrote\u00a0<\/span>Adam does all of Ben\u2019s chores<\/i>. Ben hoped the recipe magically altered the chart. He was soon rewarded with a shout of protest from the kitchen.\u00a0<\/span>
Carefully folding the paper, Ben tucked it into his shirt pocket for safe-keeping. He\u2019d have to find a secure place to hide the recipe, someplace that his sons would never think of looking. A smile crept across Ben\u2019s face at the sound of Adam\u2019s insistent shouting that the chart was useless if no one was going to follow it and it wasn\u2019t really his turn to dust all of the knick-knacks anyway.\u00a0<\/span>
Reaching his room, Ben crossed to the window at the sound of hoofbeats. He looked down into the yard to see a curly-haired young lady trying to get a dappled gray horse to stop turning in a circle despite her best efforts.\u00a0<\/span>
Finally getting the animal to stand still for a moment, she called up, \u201cDid it work? Did you get that JPM?\u201d<\/span>
Ben connected the dots between the mysterious recipe and his much longed for JPM. \u201cI did but I also got this shiner. You certainly have an unconventional approach to SJS and JPMs. Didn\u2019t Lisa and Southplains explain it right?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYeah, but I\u2019m not much for following instructions.\u201d She reached into her saddlebag and tossed up a shiny tube of concealer. \u201cPut that around your eye so the bruising won\u2019t be so noticeable.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cFour buckets of quarters, right?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span>
\u201cYup. You shook on it and a deal\u2019s a deal.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019ll have them for you tomorrow, at the old Johnson place.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cGood doin\u2019 business with you, Mr. C.,\u201d the lady hollered as she held onto the saddlehorn to keep her seat since she\u2019d lost a stirrup when the horse sprang into a gallop.<\/span>
That Patina sure was a nice girl despite her gambling habit. Ben tsked at the thought of all those quarters wasted on slot machines.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Ben sank into a chair and patted his pocket for reassurance. That piece of paper was going to come in handy when he wanted his boys to do something they didn\u2019t like. He wondered if he could marry one of them off to give him some grandchildren just by writing it down. Then again, maybe he could just request a grandchild or two rather than a ditzy daughter-in-law. Tapping the pencil on the desk, he thought for several minutes.<\/span>
Shouting continued to drift up from the kitchen, so Ben headed downstairs to stomp his patriarchal boot and put a stop to the arguing. As he crossed the big room, a knock sounded against the door. He opened it and curiously looked down into blue eyes set in a freckled face.<\/span>
The boy removed his hat, revealing wiry, red hair. He smiled and said, \u201cHi, Mr. Cartwright. I\u2019m Jamie.\u201d<\/span>
The End<\/span>
February 2012<\/span>
Thank you, Lisa, for the beta read!<\/i><\/p>\n
\nDate:\u00a029 Feb 2012 06:44 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0Spellbound<\/p>\n
\nDate:\u00a021 Feb 2012 08:35 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0Spellbound<\/p>\n
\nDate:\u00a010 Feb 2012 06:50 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0Spellbound<\/p>\n