{"id":6503,"date":"2014-05-04T12:05:18","date_gmt":"2014-05-04T16:05:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6503"},"modified":"2025-02-18T19:18:28","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T00:18:28","slug":"one-step-closer-til-death-do-we-part","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6503","title":{"rendered":"One Step Closer #2 – Til Death Do We Part (by MissJudy)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>: \u00a0<\/span>Adam’s getting married! He’s moved\u00a0to Boston to help his grandfather, and has\u00a0begun to build\u00a0a good life there, including\u00a0an engagement to the girl he fell in love with during college.\u00a0Their wedding is set to coincide with a unexpected visit from Ben Cartwright. All is well until Adam’s fiancee disappears and Ben and his son\u00a0set out\u00a0to find her. Adam battles\u00a0a worsening illness along with the lies of those involved. He must\u00a0rely on\u00a0help from those more familiar with the city and at one point despairs as he asks his father why the women who love him…die. Will there be a wedding or will Adam sink further into loneliness and pain as another opportunity for love is torn away.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0T \u00a0WC \u00a082,700<\/span><\/p>\n

One Step Closer Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

For Love’s Sake Only
\n<\/a>Til Death Do Us Part
\n<\/a>Two Hearts Broken
\n<\/a>In Search of Safety
\n<\/a>From Two to Three
\n<\/a>Changes in Fate<\/a><\/p>\n

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

This story is the second story about Adam and Melinda. The couple had first fallen in love while Adam attended college in Boston but life and distance split them apart. My first story covered their unexpected meeting in Sacramento when Adam was there buying a wedding ring for Laura. There’s no need to read the first story. The background information is woven into this one.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

There are tender and defining\u00a0moments between Ben and Adam throughout the story and some surprising news about Abel.<\/em><\/p>\n

I have brought\u00a0back people that I’ve used in\u00a0my earlier stories about Adam’s college years. Frank and\u00a0Marian Wadworth\u00a0are the parents of\u00a0Adam’s college roommate and two of Adam’s biggest supporters.\u00a0Frank owns the most pretigious engineering firm in Boston and hires Adam, but\u00a0it’s clear that the Wadsworth think highly of Adam. We find out\u00a0more about this\u00a0in the story. Ben struggles a bit when he sees the closeness between Adam and this other strong father-figure.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

I send my thanks as always to Sandspur for her assistance in pulling this story together and\u00a0pushing\u00a0me to grow as a writer.<\/em><\/p>\n

Til Death Do Us Part<\/strong><\/p>\n

Part I<\/strong><\/p>\n

Relatively Speaking<\/strong><\/p>\n

One<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s the City Life for Me<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam plunged a dirty plate into the pan of hot,<\/strong> sudsy dishwater as he practiced a difficult line from Mozart\u2019s\u00a0Requiem Mass in D Minor<\/em>. His voice broke on a higher note, causing him to stop and mutter to himself before breathing more deeply\u2014this time from his diaphragm\u2014and began again.\u00a0\u201c<\/em>Mors slo-pe-bit et na-to-ra. Cum re-sur-get cre-a-tu-ra. Ju-di-can-ti res-pon-su-ra.\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n

As he sang and scrubbed, he glanced at the calendar hanging on the kitchen wall. He knew what day it was, but hadn\u2019t considered the actual date until it saw it there in black and white. It had been exactly six months since he\u2019d arrived in Boston, and two years to the date since he\u2019d fallen from the roof of the house he\u2019d been building as a surprise wedding gift for Laura. His voice silenced again as he mulled over all that had happened in those 24 months.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The fall had paralyzed him. A wry smile crossed his face as he recalled that his decision to marry Laura had been a symptom of the paralysis that had shown up long before the fall. It wasn\u2019t just his legs that had stopped working at the time. The paralysis in his life had kept him from standing up and walking to wherever his feet had taken him. He\u2019d convinced himself that he needed marriage and a family. What he hadn\u2019t considered until it was nearly too late, was that he was marrying the wrong woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Moving around in a wheelchair after the accident, he\u2019d overheard a conversation between his cousin, Will, and Laura, where she had professed her undying love\u2026for Will. The betrayal hadn\u2019t upset him at all and should have allowed his graceful exit from a bad situation, but even though he\u2019d told her to go with Will, Laura had continued to stay on because she thought she owed Adam something. That had made him angry as well as frustrated. He hadn\u2019t wanted her martyrdom, and although it hadn\u2019t been easy, he had willed himself to stand and walk so that she would leave unencumbered by any guilt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He breathed a sigh of relief just as he had then, and smiled at how far that simple act of standing had taken him. Rising from the wheelchair had begun a rising in his spirit. There had still been months of restlessness before he\u2019d left home, but that had prepared him to go when the time was right. News of his grandfather\u2019s stroke had given him a reason to leave for Boston, and he had gone with his father\u2019s blessing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Oddly, once he got to Boston, Abel\u2019s health had improved dramatically. The older man was getting around well now, and except for an occasional hesitation in the flow of his words, he had regained his ability to speak. Abel\u2019s returning health had allowed Adam to find a full life for himself. He\u2019d taken a job with Wadsworth Engineering and Development, a company owned by Frank Wadsworth, the father of his college roommate. He\u2019d spent time at the Wadsworth house with Frankie back in his student days, and the family had accepted him into their fold. Frankie lived in San Francisco now and ran the Wadsworth business there, but Frank Sr. had welcomed Adam into the Boston firm with open arms and an excellent salary.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shortly after he started working at the firm, another engineer had heard Adam singing to himself and suggested that he audition for the Boston Symphonic Choir. The downside to being accepted into such a renowned group was the commitment to the many evenings of practice. Adam had worried about leaving Abel alone so often but his grandfather had encouraged him to take advantage of every opportunity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had been warned that the audition was difficult, with the likelihood that he would be severely critiqued and dismissed with the admonition to try one of the \u201clesser choirs\u201d in Boston. After two hours of singing scales, and sight-reading pieces of increasing difficulty, he\u2019d been congratulated on his perfect pitch, broad vocal range, familiarity with the work of several composers, and finally welcomed into the group. The choirmaster had asked him where he had taken lessons and which choirs he\u2019d sung in. Adam hadn\u2019t had much to offer, and had told him that he had taken vocal training after he\u2019d been accepted into his college choir. Luckily, singing with a choir of that renown had been enough to impress the director. Adam decided that there was no need to tell of his private performances singing to the cattle he\u2019d watched over at night, or while riding through the canyons of the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Singing again with a group of trained voices was a wonderful experience and he found himself looking forward to rehearsal nights. He had only been with the group a few weeks when the artist doing the tenor solo in the mass had dropped out due to illness. There were other tenors who might have stepped in, but they each had reasons for not accepting. When the director remembered that Adam had performed the same part of the Requiem with his college group, he pressed his newest member to step into the solo role.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The thought of the performance in three weeks still filled Adam with trepidation. His fear was not about performing alone, handling the Latin words or the relearning the challenging music\u2014it was about singing tenor. He had been much younger when he\u2019d performed this the last time, and his voice had matured since then. His range still allowed him to sing the part and he was doing fine, except for two of the higher runs when his voice sometimes faltered. This was a vocal workout he wasn\u2019t used to, but he\u2019d arranged for private lessons, practiced whenever he could and convinced himself that all would be well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou must breathe deeply, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Adam admonished himself as he rolled the \u201cr\u201d in \u201cbreathe\u201d and \u201cCartwright,\u201d just as his vocal coach did, and then he began to laugh. He rinsed the plate he was holding, and grabbed another dirty one as he took a deep breath, held it to a count of ten and exhaled slowly and evenly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Continuing his breathing exercises, Adam thought again to how good the last six months had been. There was so much nearby in Boston, both educationally and culturally, and the pace of city life appealed to him. He would say that he was working just as hard as he had on the ranch\u2014or at least that he was putting in as many hours. It was the type of work that was different, needing more concentration and less rote. Failing to accomplish daily chores on the ranch would have led to mayhem, but he had more discretion with what had to be done here. He found that he was just as tired now at the end of the day, but in a different and satisfying way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Of course there were dark days when he missed his family. It was a jolt to go from the constant togetherness and clamor at the Ponderosa to living quietly with his grandfather. What was hardest to deal with was the loss of immediacy.\u00a0 Something happened every day that left him wanting to tell his father or brothers, until he remembered that they weren\u2019t nearby. He\u2019d found the best way to handle those moments was to scribble a note to include in the next letter home. But it wasn\u2019t the same as sharing the information first-hand. These were the painful drawbacks to living so far away from the people he loved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the midst of all the good things occurring in his life, there was one thing that weighed on his mind. He and his father had not discussed his \u201clong term\u201d plans when he\u2019d left. He hadn\u2019t been sure at the time what he saw for the future. Wanting to see Abel again had been the stimulus to leave Nevada, yet he knew he would have left at some point.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There were times when he felt great guilt about not seeing his future with his family, and he knew he\u2019d have to be completely honest with his father about this at some point. The guilt would ease as he reminded himself that he was a grown man and could choose to live as he wanted. This life suited him and he would have to do the best he could, just as his family would do the best they could in the lives that suited them. His father knew that Adam was soon to be married, but that wouldn\u2019t stop him from thinking that his son would return\u2014bringing his new wife home with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The showdown with Ben Cartwright was coming sooner that he\u2019d expected, and he had to prepare himself to answer when his father asked, \u201cWhen are you coming home, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hadn\u2019t expected his reflections to take a turn toward his family. His breathing exercises ceased as he dealt with the sadness.\u00a0 He might not want to return to ranching, but he carried his father and brothers in his heart every day. That was one thing that would never change.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Trying to move past the melancholy, he grabbed a serving dish and began to scrub it clean. He was elbow deep in suds to give his grandfather\u2019s housekeeper, Sadie McIntyre, a hand with the lunch dishes while she went to the docks to get fresh snapper from the fishermen returning from their morning runs. Adam often came home for lunch and would spend an hour with Abel before returning to work. Today was special though, and he\u2019d stayed longer. Melinda was due to arrive home that afternoon and Sadie was going to fix his fianc\u00e9e\u2019s favorite dish to welcome her back. Adam wanted to surprise the housekeeper with a clean kitchen as a way to let her know of his appreciation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Even though the dishwater was warm, he shivered with anticipation at the thought of being married soon. It had been a long time coming and he was ready to be a husband, and hopefully a father. He and Melinda had met when he was in his sophomore year of school and had spent a fall holiday with his grandfather. She had visited her aunt, Lynne, who lived next door to Abel, and she and Adam had struck up a friendship that had turned to romance and a proposal\u201412 years ago. But they\u2019d decided against marriage so that he could go home to help his family while she went back to school. They\u2019d lost touch soon after parting\u2014each thinking the other had given up and moved on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had met Melinda again unexpectedly in Sacramento two years ago. After spending several hours talking, they realized that that the letters they thought had never been written had simply not reached their destinations. They\u2019d been betrayed\u2026not by each another, but by a poor postal system. That knowledge had made no difference because he\u2019d been engaged to Laura Dayton at the time. He and Melinda had gone their separate ways, even while knowing that they were still in love.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he had made the decision to come back to Boston, Adam had entertained the hope that he and Melinda might reconnect. She had inherited the house next to Abel\u2019s and while he knew he\u2019d see her again, he couldn\u2019t expect that things hadn\u2019t changed in her life. But as fate sometimes worked, they had been\u00a0<\/em>given a second chance. They\u2019d decided that they should get to know each again and go through a period of courting to make sure that they felt the same deep connection as they had years ago. Their love was undisputed, but there was the thought that while absence might make the heart grow fonder, it might also camouflage issues they\u2019d forgotten existed between them. That plan had worked splendidly until their second time out together when Adam had proposed and Melinda had accepted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had wanted to be married immediately but Melinda had several traveling obligations remaining in conjunction with the teaching program she\u2019d developed. She had been away for several long stretches over the six months Adam had been back. It was hard to still be apart, but it had worked out well, giving him time to readjust to city life. Melinda had now finished training another person to do her presentations, and her homecoming tonight signaled the end of the traveling. She had decided to continue working at the publishing house, but she and Adam could finally plan their wedding. Neither of them wanted a large affair, but they did want a ceremony that included family and friends.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled as he grabbed a cooking pot, shoved it into the dishwater and thought,\u00a0I\u2019m finally getting married!<\/em>\u00a0He breathed deeply and began his solo lines from the\u00a0Sequentia<\/em>section of the mass.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two<\/strong><\/p>\n

Old and New Wounds,<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Melinda knocked lightly at the Stoddard front door and let herself in. It was early afternoon, a time when Abel usually napped, and she didn\u2019t want to disturb him. She\u2019d seen a buggy at the curb and wondered if Adam might still be home after having had lunch with his grandfather. Once inside, she heard him singing. She made her way to the kitchen and smiled broadly as she saw him with his back toward her, directing himself with a wet dishcloth and a large, soapy pot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She quietly set down her valise and removed her hat before sneaking across the room until she was directly behind him. Rising to her toes, she kissed the back of his neck and gently bit his ear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without turning, Adam purred, \u201cYou know that Melinda will be home today, Mrs. McIntyre, so we\u2019ll have to be a little more discreet about our afternoon trysts.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda laughed as she grabbed a damp towel from the cupboard, and quickly twirled it into a fabric whip. She cried out, \u201cSo you and Sadie have been carrying on behind my back, eh? I\u2019ll show you how I handle such duplicity,\u201d and gave the cloth a solid snap\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam yelped as the tip of the towel stung the tender skin behind his jawline. The pot slid from his hand, drenching the front of his shirt as it splashed into the pan of water. The back of his shirt became soaked as well when he dropped the oozing dishrag onto his shoulder while reaching for the rising welt. He turned to face Melinda\u2026dripping and injured. His brows came dangerously close together in a scowl as he asked in mock anger, \u201cWhat kind of woman inflicts injury, gets a man soaking wet, and then stands there laughing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She tried to look serious even while stifling a laugh, \u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026maybe a woman with horrible aim\u2026and an evil sense of humor?\u201d She leaned forward to kiss him without contacting his wet shirt. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry Adam. I thought it would hit much lower.\u201d Melinda was having trouble controlling her giggling. \u201cIn fact, I was trying to hit your backside, but I aimed it a little higher than I expected.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA\u00a0little<\/em>\u00a0higher?\u201d he teased. \u201cI\u2019d say a good two feet higher.\u201d He tried to grab her, but she moved away, thwarting the attempt to transfer his dampness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stepping forward again, she reached to undo the top button of his shirt. \u201cHere, let me help you get this wet thing off. I\u2019ll hang it outside to dry while you change.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda had the front buttons opened and pulled the tails free as she turned him to face the sink. Sliding the soggy white shirt from his shoulders, she noticed the scar on the back of his left arm and moved her fingers across the discolored ridge. \u201cWhat happened here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCaught an arrow with my arm.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYikes! That must have hurt going in.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He chuckled as he told her, \u201cThat\u2019s where it came out. It\u2019s part of a matching set; it went in on the front of my arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She finished removing the shirt and placed it on the cupboard and then turned Adam toward her to see the corresponding scar. She looked closely at the white line on his inner arm and then stepped back, eyeing her future husband. She appreciated how his broad shoulders tapered to his firm chest and narrow waist. But as she looked more closely, she saw several deeply discolored scars that ranged in size from an inch or so, to two, long, irregular shaped gashes on his abdomen. She tried to control her surprise but her eyes widened as her mouth gaped. Turning away from him, she feigned a cough while stalling a few moments to wipe away the tears that were spilling down her cheeks. She took a handkerchief from her pocket, and dabbed at her eyes and nose until she felt she could face him without crying.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMust be the time of year,\u201d she said as she turned and smiled without meeting his eyes. I think the doctors call it hay fever. It makes me cough and my eyes run.\u201d Melinda reached for the shirt. \u201cI\u2019ll go hang this up now.\u201d She was shocked when Adam yanked it away from her and threw it back on the cupboard, growling, \u201cNever mind. I\u2019ll take care of it myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She saw his tortured expression as he stepped around her and strode from the room. \u201cWhere are you going?\u201d she asked as she followed him into the parlor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stopped to answer without looking at her. \u201cTo get dressed and head back to work. Mrs. McIntyre is planning dinner for 7. I\u2019ll be back a little before that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda caught up to him and grabbed his arm as he continued to move away. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He said nothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve obviously upset you. Please tell me why you seem so angry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned his head to address her. \u201cYou can\u2019t erase something by pretending that it didn\u2019t happen, Melinda.\u201d He sighed heavily. \u201cI suppose it\u2019s good that you realized this now instead of after we\u2019re married. You can still back out gracefully. I won\u2019t hold it against you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea what you\u2019re talking about! Why would I want to back out of marrying you?\u201d Tears were threatening to flow again as she pled with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t answer. He tried to leave again, but she grabbed at his belt and held tight. \u201cWhen you asked me to marry you, you said that we had to be honest with each another, and I agreed. But I\u2019m thinking now that maybe you meant it to be a one-way promise\u2026that I always needed to be honest with you. Let me be very clear: I expect this promise to work both ways. I\u2019ve done something to hurt you. I\u2019m not sure what it was and you need to tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He shook his head and groaned. \u201cI really do hate it when my own words come back at me. And I hate talking about feelings, but I will if you\u2019ll let go.\u201d\u00a0 When she released her hold, he began to speak matter-of-factly, while remaining with his back toward her and leaning forward onto the newel post of the stairs. \u201cYou were always a lovely woman, Melinda, and the years we were apart were exceptionally kind to you.\u201d He glanced back at her. \u201cWhen I saw you in Sacramento, I was amazed at what a lovely woman you\u2019d become. You also have confidence and poise now to compliment your beauty.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He paused as she thanked him. \u201cBut I lived hard in those same years. There were Indians and gunmen, and those who tested the Cartwright mettle just to see if they could break us. I\u2019m not the young man I was when you knew me, and the years have not been as kind to me. I\u2019m weather worn, broader and heavier, and took a few arrows and bullets that made some big holes and left some bad looking scars. But I refuse to be apologetic for who I am now, what\u2019s happened to me, or how I look.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry that you\u2019re repulsed by what you see.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda was stung. \u201cRepulsed? You think I\u2019m repulsed by you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He finally turned to face her fully. \u201cYou looked stricken at the sight of me, and turned away to cry. You were obviously disgusted.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her cheeks turned pink. \u201cOh. You saw that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a good teacher, Melinda, but a horrible actress. Of course I saw it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She reached for his face. He pulled away to deflect her touch, but she was not deterred. \u201cIt\u2019s my turn to be honest.\u201d She took a moment to compose her thoughts and began. \u201cI\u2019ve only been attracted to two men in my life, Adam. The first was a handsome, slightly scrawny, young engineering student. That didn\u2019t seem to work out though.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She saw a breath of a smile cross his lips before he returned to stone. \u201cAnd after ten years of looking, I\u2019d decided that I wouldn\u2019t find someone who excited me in the same way that thinking of you did. About that time, I looked in a store window in Sacramento and was left breathless at seeing a man dressed in black, and I thought that if I could still feel that enlivened about a man that wasn\u2019t you, I might have a chance to find love after all. But that second man turned out to be you as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam broke into her narrative, \u201cAnd now you\u2019re disappointed that I\u2019m not the man you imagined all those years. I understand, Melinda. Let\u2019s not draw this out any further.\u201d He turned to leave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo! I\u2019m not disappointed! And don\u2019t you walk away. I\u2019m just getting to my point.\u201d She moved up behind him, wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed the scar on his arm. \u201cI like everything about you, including the scars. In our years apart, I let myself imagine you having a wonderful life while never giving me a second thought. I assumed that you had married, and I coveted your wife\u2019s place in your arms, and in your be\u2026\u201d Melinda stopped as she blushed at nearly saying bed, and corrected her thought to, \u201cin your heart. But I found out that none of those imaginings were true. And what\u2019s worse is that I had never\u2026ever considered that you were in harm\u2019s way or could have died while we were apart. The scars made me look at my shallowness and I was filled with shame. That\u2019s why I cried.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Moving around to face him, she touched the largest of the scars. \u201cI don\u2019t need to know much about medicine to figure out that most people wouldn\u2019t have survived this wound. Her hand moved to the scar above the first. This one could have caused your death as well.\u201d Her eyelashes grew dewy with the tears she blinked away as she made her point. \u201cWhat I saw when I looked at you was that you fought to stay alive and you\u2019re with me now only because you kept on fighting to get here. I\u2019m not saying that you were thinking of me all that time, but you never gave up or let life defeat you. How can I ever love you enough to thank you for that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She kissed his lips. \u201cAnd concerning what I think about the man you\u2019ve become\u2026 well, you are a fine specimen, Adam Cartwright. Have you\u00a0never<\/em>\u00a0noticed how women turn to watch you walk by? Sometimes I want to go and scratch their eyes out.\u201d She kissed the scar on his shoulder. \u201cI\u2019ll take this broader, heavier\u2026hairier man any day.\u201d She kissed the scar on his chest and moved lower to gently kiss the larger wound on his abdomen, making Adam catch his breath.\u00a0 She finally laid her cheek against his chest and listened to his racing heartbeat. \u201cI am in love with every last inch of you, and can\u2019t wait to be with you forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised her face as he found her lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her arms encircled his neck as they continued to kiss, until Melinda\u2019s eyes shot open as she broke away to ask, \u201cIs Abel upstairs?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bringing his lips to hers again he answered, \u201cPlaying cards at Seth\u2019s. Mrs. McIntyre\u2019s gone as well.\u201d Melinda\u2019s soft moans echoed his as the kisses deepened and they clung to one another with the need that they\u2019d held back for so long.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She gasped with pleasure when Adam slipped his hands beneath the loose jacket of her dress and brushed her breasts through the lightweight fabric of her camisole. All inhibition retreated as her mind flooded with desire so strong that she began to explore his body; her touch making him groan as he drew her hips toward his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Their passion was abruptly halted when they heard the squeak of the backdoor hinge, signaling the return of Mrs. McIntyre. Adam shuddered as he stepped back, still breathing heavily.\u00a0 He chuckled as he whispered, \u201cAny other day she\u2019d have been away for hours.\u201d He winked at Melinda, tugged her jacket back into place, and gave her a quick kiss before bounding up the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The housekeeper set down her packages and chattered happily to herself about the pile of clean dishes before she made her way into the parlor. \u201cOh Missy,\u201d she exclaimed, you\u2019re home already. Welcome back!\u201d\u00a0 She moved toward Melinda, patting her on the shoulder as she continued to prate. \u201cIs Mr. Cartwright still home? I saw his rig out front.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda was still breathless from her \u201ctalk\u201d with Adam and pointed to the stairway. \u201cUp there\u2026 changing his shirt\u2026 got wet doing dishes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mrs. McIntyre took a good look at Melinda as her eyes narrowed in concern. \u201cAre you feeling all right Miss? You seem flushed and a little glassy-eyed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With her heart rate and breathing slowing to normal, Melinda was finally able to answer, \u201cI\u2019m fine, Sadie. I have hay fever is all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was wearing the black pants and shirt he\u2019d always worn on the Ponderosa when he returned a few minutes later. He greeted Mrs. McIntyre, accepted her thanks for the help in the kitchen and let her know that he\u2019d be back early for dinner, before heading outside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda leered appreciatively at her man in black as she walked him to the street. \u201cWhere\u2019s your suit? I thought you were heading back to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have to take measurements at a site so I changed into work clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled wickedly, speaking softly as she kissed him goodbye. \u201cI do like you in those duds, mister.\u201d She blushed. \u201cAbout what happened a few minutes ago\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He grinned. \u201cI\u2019m not sure what you mean? Did something happen?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWatch it, or I\u2019ll go get the towel and hurt you again.\u201d She took his arm. \u201cI can\u2019t wait to be married, Adam. Can we elope? I think you mentioned doing just that when you proposed, and it might be a very good idea. We\u2019ve never let ourselves get so carried away before and after what I just experienced, I don\u2019t think I can go back to holding hands, getting a good night kiss and then watching you walk to the house next door.\u201c<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam drew her close and spoke softly, \u201cI kind of liked getting carried away. It\u2019s not like we\u2019re a couple of kids anymore and we\u2019ll be married soon, so I think we\u2019re entitled to have a few moments of\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExploration?\u201d Melinda completed his thought as she blushed more deeply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I like that.\u00a0 I think our willingness to explore bodes well for our marriage.\u201d For a second he wondered why Melinda looked impatient, until he remembered her question. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t mind eloping, but I got some news that might have an impact on our wedding plans.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her voice conveyed her disappointment. \u201cWhat news?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I received a letter from my father while you were gone. He sent it over two months ago but it arrived on the same day as his telegram.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy doesn\u2019t that surprise me?\u201d Melinda chuckled. \u201cWhat did he have to say?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s in Washington D.C. and will be coming to Boston after he finishes with his business there. I\u2019m hoping we can be married while he\u2019s here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds wonderful.\u201d Her disappointment vanished. \u201cI can\u2019t wait to meet your father. What\u2019s he doing in Washington?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was asked to give testimony at a congressional hearing about what went on when Nevada was considering statehood.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat would your father have to say about that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere were several rumors spreading at time about conspiracies, and a lot of behind-the-scenes action going on in \u201864. Nevada\u2019s silver-laden mountains appealed to both the Union and the Confederacy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda nodded. \u201cI remember reading something about that. Was your father involved in one of those\u2026conspiracies?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed. \u201cNo, but he dealt with some of it during the statehood convention for our part of the Territory. At the time my brother was head-over-heels in love with a young woman who was David Terry\u2019s daughter. Terry was avid Southern sympathizer, and involved in some intrigue even before arriving in Nevada. I suspected from the start that he was using my brother\u2019s affection for his daughter to sway him toward the cause of the Confederacy. But that was the least of what Terry did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s eyes widened with interest. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa was a delegate to the statehood convention, but Terry convinced those in charge to add a delegate from the Ponderosa, knowing full well that Joe was the only other family member home at the time. He counted on Joe\u2019s vote going against statehood to cancel out Pa\u2019s vote for inclusion in the Union. That wasn\u2019t enough for Terry though. He was working with a British agent who had promised to provide men and weapons to help Terry take over the silver mines around Virginia City should it came to that, in return for assurances that southern cotton would continue moving to the mills in England. The guns-for-cotton plot was confirmed in a letter that Hoss and I found on the agent\u2019s courier. The two of us high-tailed it to that convention and got there in time to expose the conspiracy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou have lived through some interesting times, my love. What happened then?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy father warned Terry at the time that he\u2019d gone too far and the vote confirmed Nevada\u2019s entry into statehood. Things happened pretty fast after that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s forehead wrinkled as she thought a moment. \u201cI don\u2019t remember hearing of anything bad happening as Nevada became a state. Were there problems that we didn\u2019t hear about back here?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing happened, even though militias had been formed by Southern loyalists, and there had been threats of force against the mines. In the end most of those who avidly supported the South became avid in Nevada politics. I think the hearing in Washington is taking a look at what Terry actually did to try to affect the statehood vote. If you think about it, he did consort with a foreign power to provide aid against the United States. If the findings show this to be true, Judge Terry could find himself indicted for treason.\u201d*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda frowned, \u201cIt is truly sad how many lives were affected by that war. I knew families that were torn apart by political disagreements and geography. A few miles and strong sentiments one way or the other made all the difference in what side you favored. I remember President Lincoln warning that a house divided against itself could not stand and he paid the ultimate price for his beliefs. I know I\u2019m relieved that the war is over.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFamilies didn\u2019t have trouble agreeing just here, Melinda. Little Joe\u2019s mother was from New Orleans and he adored her. She died when he was young and I think he clung to anything that reminded him of her. He seemed to be an easy target for those hoping to garner Cartwright support for the South. I believed in the sovereignty of the Union, so Joe and I butted heads several times. I was prepared to leave once because I felt that there wasn\u2019t room in our house for both opinions.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you work it out? I can\u2019t remember you ever speaking of hard feelings between you and your brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa held us all together with sheer will at times. But mostly there was Hoss. He made us both take a good look at what was most important. In the end, we decided that we would stay brothers instead of becoming enemies and keep our political views private.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs you father involved in state politics now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cHe\u2019s been asked to throw his hat in several times, but Ben Cartwright is a better spokesman for Nevada as a successful businessman than as a politician. He owes his allegiances to no particular party this way and can act on his conscience alone. My father is his own man, and chooses to remain that way. Yet his voice is as powerful as any politician in the state.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got two questions for you now.\u201d Melinda took a deep breath and asked, \u201cWhen will your father get here, and should\u00a0I<\/em>\u00a0be afraid of him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He reached for her hand. \u201cHis telegram says he\u2019ll arrive next Monday, and you needn\u2019t be afraid. You\u2019re not afraid of Abel or me, and my father is no harder to get along with than the two of us. I\u2019ve been told that I have as hard a head as he does and you love me.\u201d He looked up at the sun noting that the afternoon was passing quickly. \u201cI\u2019d better get going.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda continued to hold his hand as Adam began climbing into the buggy and pulled him toward her for a last kiss. \u201cOh,\u201d she called out as he started away. She caught up to the buggy, saying, \u201cI forgot to tell you that we\u2019re invited to dinner at my sister\u2019s house on Sunday. My parents will be there too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at Melinda and said dryly, \u201cI think I feel a case of malaria coming on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her look was withering as she stood with her hands firmly anchored on her hips. \u201cSo you\u2019re saying that you\u2019d prefer a high fever, chills and intestinal upheaval rather than visiting my family? Be careful what you wish for, dear.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it does sound so much worse when you say it that way.\u201d\u00a0 His grin was mischievous. \u201cBut I\u2019ve met your mother before so you can\u2019t really blame me for looking for a way out\u2026even if it means being sick.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A tapping foot accompanied her scowl, \u201cI thought you were a God-fearing man, Adam Cartwright, but you seem to have forgotten the fifth Commandment.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI do honor\u00a0my<\/em>\u00a0father. But these are your parents, so you may honor them while extending my apologies and explaining my malady.\u201d He was still grinning as he started to drive away and heard her call \u201cAdam!\u201d He also heard the hurt in in her voice and realized he\u2019d taken the teasing too far. Stopping one more time, he turned and motioned for her to come nearer. \u201cOf course I\u2019ll go with you, Melinda. Can\u2019t think of anything I\u2019d rather do\u2026and I\u2019ll behave too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Three<\/strong><\/p>\n

Blast be the Ties that Bind<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda engaged in pleasantries with Abel for several minutes, talking about the weather and Ben Cartwright\u2019s arrival the following day until her patience and goodwill waned. When Adam remained absent even longer, she began to pace, looking up the steps each time she made it to that side of the room and asked again, \u201cHe\u2019s getting ready, isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel grinned behind the Sunday newspaper he\u2019d raised as she\u2019d started her sentry duty. \u201cYes, Melinda. I\u2019ve already told you that he wasn\u2019t feeling well this morning and lingered a little too long in bed. But he should be just about ready to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She muttered under her breath as she reached the end of the room and turned to retrace her steps. \u201cHe\u2019s doing this to see if I\u2019ll really make him come, and even got Abel to play along with him. But if he thinks he\u2019s staying home, he\u2019s got another think coming.\u201d She was considering storming his room when she looked up and saw him standing at the top of the stairs. Breathing a sigh of relief, Melinda prodded, \u201cPlease hurry Adam, they\u2019re expecting us at eleven and I don\u2019t want to be late.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As his descent brought him nearer, she noticed that he was pale and his hand was trembling on the bannister. \u201cOh dear,\u201d she cried out as she ran up the steps to meet him. \u201cYou really are sick. I thought you and Abel were just having a little fun with me. You go on back to bed and I\u2019ll go alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laying an arm around her shoulder, he professed, \u201cI\u2019m fine\u2026or at least not as bad as I was. So let\u2019s get going before I change my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The fresh air on the drive to Sunday dinner with Melinda\u2019s family made Adam hopeful that he would feel better by the time they arrived. He tried to keep the queasy feeling at bay by doing a quick recall of what he knew about his soon-to-be in-laws.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda had grown up in Providence, but her parents had moved to Boston a few years before when the war took its toll on her father\u2019s exporting business. The couple now rented an apartment in town and Melinda\u2019s father worked as an accountant in a small firm. Adam knew that her parents had seen some hard times and had lost much of their fortune, but by their daughter\u2019s assessment, they were holding their own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had met William and Margaret Hayworth back when he\u2019d attended college and they\u2019d visited William\u2019s sister. Adam and Melinda were already keeping company at the time, so he he\u2019d spent the day with her and her parents.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Since he\u2019d returned to Boston, he\u2019d only met with Melinda\u2019s father to tell him of his intention to marry his daughter. Adam liked William and considered him honorable, reasonable and intelligent, with an easy sense of humor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

However, his initial impressions of Margaret had been less positive. Melinda\u2019s mother had wielded a sharp and unrestrained tongue twelve years ago, and he suspected that time had not dulled that edge. She had left him slack-jawed with her quickly rendered judgments years ago when they\u2019d met, and he feared that this outing would have some \u201cinteresting\u201d moments as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced over at Melinda as he drove. Her hands were clenched tightly on the handle of her straw handbag and her jaw was firmly set. She wasn\u2019t a chatty person, yet she was unusually quiet this morning. At the beginning of the ride, she\u2019d told him a bit about her sister and brother-in-law, including the fact that they were childless, and suggested that it would be best to stay away from that topic. He\u2019d asked her if there were any subjects to avoid with her mother and she\u2019d rolled her eyes and sighed, saying, \u201cThere\u2019s no way to avoid anything when it comes to Mother. She\u2019ll take the conversation wherever she wants it and the best you can do is smile and hold on.\u201d After that she\u2019d drifted into silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda finally pointed to a large home with a sweeping front porch and said, \u201cThat\u2019s it.\u201d Adam pulled the horse to a stop, set the brake and came around to help her down. His fianc\u00e9e usually snuck a kiss when he had his arms around her waist, but this time she seemed stiff as he lifted her. He took her hand and held it tightly on the way to the house, and as they got to the steps, he leaned over to whisper, \u201cIt will be all right, Melinda. We can handle anything together.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She gave him a weak smile as they reached the door. \u201cHere we go,\u201d she said as she entered without knocking, placed their hats on the rack by the front door and escorted Adam into the parlor where her family awaited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two women in the room were in such a deep discussion that they didn\u2019t hear the couple walk in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s father spoke loudly as he pointed at Adam and Melinda, \u201cThey\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The conversation ended abruptly as a young woman bearing a resemblance to Melinda, moved quickly to hug her sister. Melinda made the introductions. \u201cAdam, this is my middle sister, Miranda, and her husband, Lloyd Samuels.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave Miranda a peck on the cheek and shook Lloyd\u2019s hand, saying. \u201cIt\u2019s a pleasure to meet both of you. Melinda has told me that I\u2019m in for a real treat today, since Miranda is an excellent cook.\u201d Looking around, he added, \u201cYou have a beautiful home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miranda blushed slightly as she offered her thank you, while Lloyd boasted, \u201cIt\u2019s the biggest on the block and has the nicest view by far. It\u2019s the best or nothing for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda took Adam over to her mother next. He bowed slightly and said in a pleasant tone. \u201cIt\u2019s been a few years, Mrs. Hayworth, but you haven\u2019t changed a bit.\u201d His teeth began to grind with the first words out of the woman\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not my fault that it\u2019s been such a long time, Mr. Cartwright. You\u2019ve been back in Boston several months already, and while you\u2019ve had time to speak to my husband and propose to my daughter, you still haven\u2019t seen fit to call on me.\u201d Her tight smile did nothing to lessen the slap of her words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda came to Adam\u2019s defense as her cheeks turned crimson. \u201cMother, Adam has had a lot of things to sort out since returning. His grandfather was ill; he started a new job\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour mother is right,\u201d Adam asserted as he smiled at Melinda and then turned his attention to her mother again. \u201cIt was rude of me not to visit.\u201d He took Margaret\u2019s hand, kissed it and then gave her his most disarming smile. \u201cI offer my sincerest apologies.\u201d Trying to turn the topic, he added, \u201cMay I say that your two daughters are as beautiful as their mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman\u2019s voice had the quality of fingernails on slate. \u201cWe have another daughter, Marie. She was going to be here today, but she just lost a\u2026she isn\u2019t well. Her husband sent word that they won\u2019t be coming. She\u00a0might\u00a0<\/em>have made it if we could have received you when you first returned.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda face was set in a scowl. \u201cI\u2019ve already sent Marie a telegram, Mother, telling her how sad I am to hear the news. She sent one back saying that she can\u2019t wait to meet Adam and that they will visit as soon as she feels stronger.\u201d She sighed, and then added, \u201cAnd you know it\u2019s not Adam\u2019s fault that we haven\u2019t come sooner. I\u2019ve been away a lot. This is our first chance to visit together.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret dismissed Melinda\u2019s comment with a wave of her hand. \u201cYou and that silly job. I\u2019m sure Adam will want you to quit now that you\u2019re getting married.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave his fianc\u00e9e\u2019s hand a squeeze as he spoke out. \u201cI am very impressed by Melinda\u2019s work and it is her choice to continue on with it as long as\u00a0she<\/em>\u00a0wishes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman huffed in indignation. \u201cWhat have you gotten yourself into Melinda! Won\u2019t your husband make enough to support your household? A man with a decent income would want his wife making a comfortable home, not off working.\u201d Margaret ended with an imperious look at her future son-in-law.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s spoke tersely through slightly-clenched teeth. \u201cI have no doubt that Melinda will keep a gracious house whether she works or not. Furthermore, I lived with my father and two brothers, so we all learned to do household chores and I will continue to do so in my own home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

William came over to shake Adam\u2019s hand and changed the subject as his wife gave a loud harrumph. \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you again, Adam. How\u2019s your new job?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s keeping me very busy and offering some interesting challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both men ignored Margaret\u2019s muttered, \u201cApparently \u2018interesting\u2019 work doesn\u2019t pay well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s father ended the confrontation as he shepherded the men to the far side of the room to engage in \u201cmanly\u201d topics while Miranda led the women to the kitchen for the final meal preparations.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miranda poked her sister once they were out of earshot of the men and their mother. \u201cAdam sure is good looking, Melvin. I just hope he takes care of himself after you\u2019re married. Lloyd used to be more handsome, but he\u2019s let himself get that pot belly and double chin. It\u2019s hard to see the man he used to be with all that extra bulk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her eyes shot open as she choked back her surprise at her sister\u2019s comment. \u201cManda!\u201d Melinda said as she giggled. \u201cYou can\u2019t blame a man for putting on a little weight if his wife is as good a cook as you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t mind the weight if it didn\u2019t make him such a grouch, and a slug about \u2018other\u2019 things.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda had a good idea what her sister meant, but prodded her anyway, \u201cWhat \u2018other\u2019 things do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miranda looked around to make sure their mother was still rearranging the table settings in the dining room before moving closer to whisper, \u201cYou know\u2026in the bedroom. Most nights he just rolls over and says he\u2019s tired\u2026even when I pester him a little and let him know I\u2019m interested.\u201d Her eyes went dreamy as she sighed. \u201cI bet a man like your Adam won\u2019t ever roll over to go to sleep if you let him know you\u2019d like to, ah, you know, do something together.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s cheeks grew hot as she remembered how Adam had responded to her touch a few days earlier and turned away as she busied herself placing rolls into a dish. \u201cI have no idea what you\u2019re talking about.\u201d Her added, \u201cbut I can\u2019t wait to find out,\u201d prompted her sister to start giggling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Margaret entered the kitchen she stared at her daughters and asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s so funny?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMelinda told me a joke,\u201d Miranda lied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret wanted to hear it as well and left in huff when Melinda told her, \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t understand it, Mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam realized that he wasn\u2019t as recovered as he thought he was when he walked into the dining room. He hadn\u2019t told Melinda that he\u2019d been awake most of the night with a severe stomach pain and upheaval. He\u2019d had a crab dish at a harbor-side restaurant the day before and assumed that something in the concoction hadn\u2019t agreed with him. Now his stomach did a flip as he observed the array of food waiting on the table. Everything looked appetizing, giving testimony to the truth of what Melinda had said about her sister\u2019s ability in the kitchen. It was simply the mixture of aromas that was overpowering to his recovering digestive system.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda noticed his sour look and led him back into the parlor. \u201cWill you be able to handle this, Adam?\u201d she asked with concern.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He nodded. \u201cWill I offend your sister if I don\u2019t eat much?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI already told Miranda that you were a little under the weather.\u201d She winked at him. \u201cOf course I waited until Mother was out of the room. I don\u2019t want her making it into an issue. Manda understands and said she\u2019ll send leftovers home with us to enjoy later when you\u2019re up to it. Do your best and don\u2019t worry. My mother\u2019s chatter and nastiness will probably be harder to digest than anything you eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd was decanting a deep red wine into goblets when they returned to the table. Adam became hopeful that a few sips of a dry cabernet or burgundy might help to settle his stomach. He waited for Lloyd to take his seat before raising his glass in a toast to the host and hostess, thanking them for their hospitality. His disappointment registered in a brief grimace when the syrupy-sweet table wine skimmed over his tongue. It produced a nice warming effect as it slid down the back of his throat, but the high sugar content did nothing to ease the roiling in his gut.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The various bowls of food were passed after William offered grace, and Adam took a small serving from each dish. No one seemed to take notice that his plate wasn\u2019t heaped full, and he hoped that if he could finish the food he\u2019d taken, Miranda would be satisfied that he\u2019d liked the meal. Conversation lagged as people ate and he was already planning his escape, deciding how he and Melinda might make a graceful exit with the promise of getting together again soon. If questions arose about the wedding, he would simply suggest that Melinda meet with her mother and sister in a day or two to talk further. His goal now was to get home and rest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He should have known better. His final morsel of food was en route to his mouth when the inquisition began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd asked, \u201cWhere do you work Adam? Father mentioned earlier that you had started a new job but I don\u2019t recall him saying what it was.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m an engineer at Wadsworth Development.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a simple question and answer, and it could have stopped there, but the exchange brought Margaret out of her post-prandial stupor. \u201cWhat sort of place is that? I\u2019ve never heard of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

William told her, \u201cIt\u2019s the oldest and largest engineering group in Boston, dear. The Wadsworth family has been part of this city since its inception, and has been at the forefront of its growth. Just about every building has some connection to the Wadsworth name. A position there is not easily won. Many people wait years for a chance to work there because a job at Wadsworth insures a high salary and recognition in the engineering field.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret sniffed as she looked across the table. \u201cThen how did Adam get in there?\u201d A gasp from her husband made her clarify. \u201cI don\u2019t mean that he isn\u2019t good at whatever it is he does, but he just got to town. Why would they take him over someone else who\u2019s been waiting longer?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure Adam\u2019s credentials are topnotch or they wouldn\u2019t have hired him,\u201d William professed as he tried to end the topic and move on to another.\u00a0 He addressed Adam, \u201cMelinda told me that you two had tickets to a Haydn symphony. Have you attended that already? \u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret was not dissuaded and barged into the conversation again. \u201cIt just doesn\u2019t seem right that he can come to town and grab a position that others have been waiting for. He can\u2019t be that good at what he does.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed with resignation. \u201cI have known the Wadsworth family for several years, Mrs. Hayworth. Frank Junior was my roommate when I attended college here and I was often invited to the Wadsworth home. Frank Senior was aware that I\u2019d worked on engineering projects out west and in Sacramento similar to several ventures that he has in the works here. He needs help with those and offered me a position.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m surprised at that.\u201d Margaret looked down her nose while addressing Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam knew he should let a sleeping dog lie. He knew it with all certainty, and yet he poked. \u201cWhat surprises you about that, Mrs. Hayworth?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m surprised that such an old and prestigious family would welcome in a commoner. That just isn\u2019t done in Boston. I can see putting their son at a university to experience what the rest of the world is like, but to actually invite you to their home\u2026well I don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda gasped this time. \u201cMother! Adam is hardly a commoner. He graduated at the top of his class and comes from a fine old Boston family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret perked up, while asking dryly. \u201cHow interesting, what family is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to disappoint you,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cWhile my family does have a long history here, there is no aristocracy in my bloodline. Perhaps the finest quality about the Wadsworth family is that they welcome people into their home regardless of their background, and see the worth in a person rather than judging them on social standards. It\u2019s probably the reason they remain so successful in these changing times. I\u2019m honored to call them my friends and to be working for Frank.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She waved her hand dismissively. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to imply that you weren\u2019t good enough, dear, but the finer families I know would never allow their children to associate with their \u2018roommates\u2019 outside of school unless they were social equals. It just isn\u2019t proper.\u201d Without batting an eye, she added, \u201cBy the way, Adam, please call me Mother rather than Mrs. Hayworth. Both my other sons-in-laws call me Mother, so you should too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His eyes darted toward Melinda to see what she might be thinking of this turn of events. She looked back while shrugging slightly as her eyebrows lifted. They hadn\u2019t discussed this possibility. Adam called Melinda\u2019s father, William, but hadn\u2019t even thought about what he would call her mother. He began, \u201cPerhaps we can speak privately about this, Mrs. Hayworth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret glared at him and then at Melinda. \u201cWhat is there to discuss? It\u2019s a sign of respect.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam heard Melinda groan under her breath and hoped she would be supportive of what he was about to say. \u201cAs I said, I had hoped to have this discussion privately. I mean no disrespect to you, but I cannot call you Mother. I will call you Margaret, Mrs. Hayworth, or some other name of affection that you\u2019d prefer, but not Mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The standoff continued as she stared Adam down. \u201cYou may\u00a0mean<\/em>\u00a0no disrespect but I am certainly feeling disrespected.\u201d She looked at her daughter. \u201cI think you need to have a discussion with your intended husband about this. I will not tolerate insolence from either of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Unfortunately, Adam knew he was going to have to explain his rationale before this became a brouhaha. He steeled himself and focused on Margaret. \u201cI am loath to discuss such private issues in front of others. But since you are intent on being hurt by something that is not meant to be hurtful, I will explain. My own mother died when I was born, so I was never able to call her what you are asking me to call you. Since I couldn\u2019t honor my own mother with that appellation, I find it impossible to use it for another, no matter how deserving they might be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret slumped back in her chair, visibly deflated for an instant, but recovered just as quickly. Sitting forward while wearing an ingratiating smile, she sniped, \u201cWell why didn\u2019t you just say that from the beginning, dear? You may call me Margaret.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He exhaled and smiled back as he took Melinda\u2019s hand under the table, wishing he could communicate his desire to leave with some sort of hand signal. He recalled that when he and his brothers had gone to a social event that they hadn\u2019t been looking forward to attending, they\u2019d always planned some visual sign to let the other two know that it was time to go.Drat<\/em>, he thought, I\u00a0should have remembered that sooner.<\/em>\u00a0He hoped this last go-round would end the conversation, but he felt a weight fall back on his shoulders as Margaret asked, \u201cSo have you two set a date for your wedding?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda looked around the table and said enthusiastically, \u201cWe just found out that Adam\u2019s father is in Washington. He\u2019s finished there and will arrive in Boston tomorrow to stay for two weeks. Adam and I are planning to be married while he\u2019s here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

William spoke first. \u201cI read something in the D.C. section of the New York Times about a Ben Cartwright testifying at a hearing in Washington. I even brought the paper home from work to show everyone. Might that be your father, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cI didn\u2019t realize he was nearby until I got his telegram the day he arrived in Washington. Of course he\u2019d written of his coming, but as Melinda and I know all too well, letters are often delayed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI look forward to meeting him,\u201d William spoke sincerely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had been watching Margaret\u2019s face, and knew that she was not happy.\u00a0 There was no further need to wonder what she was thinking as she blurted out, \u201cWhat is the meaning of this? How can the two of you even consider being married so soon? What kind of wedding can we plan in a week or two, and goodness, people will think that you two need to be married in haste. It will ruin our good name.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

William shook his head as he turned toward his wife. \u201cWhat good name is that, Margaret? We really don\u2019t know anyone in Boston, so why worry about what others have to say. I think this sounds perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda grinned at Adam as she took a poke at her mother as well, \u201cWe do have to get married, Mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret shrieked as she slumped back against her chair again. \u201cHow could you do this to me? We\u2019ll be disgraced.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her daughter laughed openly at her mother\u2019s hysterics. \u201cRelax, Mother. I just meant that Adam and I have waited a long time to be together and there\u2019s no reason why we should put our wedding off any longer. We would like a small gathering of our family and friends as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The older woman would not be comforted. \u201cBut every bride should have a beautiful wedding\u2026in a church with a large party after.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda was squeezing Adam\u2019s hand so tightly under the table that her nails were digging into his palm. She finally confronted Margaret. \u201cEvery woman should have a beautiful wedding, Mother? Don\u2019t you remember telling me a few years ago that I was an old maid and should I ever decide to marry, I should do it quietly so that your friends wouldn\u2019t find out about it? You said I was an embarrassment since my younger sisters had to marry ahead of me, and there was no reason to make a big to-do about any marriage I\u2019d broker in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took his hand from Melinda\u2019s and shook it to get the blood flowing again before he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her near. \u201cI assure all of you that Melinda and I have talked about what we\u2019d like, and since we are both adults, we will have the wedding that suits us best. You are welcome to disagree, but we don\u2019t want to hear about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Through all the discussions, Lloyd had continued to drain and refill his wine glass. His eyes were drifting and his words slurred as he asked something that Adam hoped had gone unnoticed. \u201cSay Cartwright, I notish you barely ate anything and only took a sip of the wine. Wha\u2019s with you? Wasn\u2019t it good enough?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was quick to respond, \u201cEverything was delicious.\u201d He smiled broadly at Miranda who looked back knowingly. \u201cI cleaned my plate, didn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Still stung by the earlier exchange, Margaret took her shot as well. \u201cOh, I\u2019m sure he\u2019s not being \u2018disrespectful,\u2019 Lloyd, but what can you expect from a western farmer? He doesn\u2019t have the palate for good food and wine that we do. He probably grew up eating all sorts of critters, canned beans and boiled potatoes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t help himself. He was grinning wickedly as he asked in a twang, \u201cWhat sort of critters might you think we done et, ma\u2019am?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not catching the sarcasm, she replied, \u201cLet\u2019s see\u2026don\u2019t you people eat rabbits, squirrels, possums, and even snakes? I\u2019m not saying it\u2019s bad. I\u2019m sure that when you can\u2019t afford fine meat and suitable staples, you need to use what\u2019s available. It will take some time for you to recognize the finer things in life.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam choked on his laughter, as Margaret huffed loudly and added, \u201cWhen I think of all the sophisticated and rich young men I introduced Melinda to over the years\u2026\u201d She looked pointedly at her daughter. \u201cWhy couldn\u2019t you have married one of them? Why couldn\u2019t you marry someone who was worthy of you and this family!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda shouted, \u201cMother!\u201d but was drowned out by her father\u2019s angry rebuke. \u201cMargaret! Please be quiet. If you\u2019d read once in a while, you might have actually perused the article I showed you about Adam\u2019s father and family. They own the largest ranch in Nevada. I think the paper set it at a thousand square miles of prime grazing land and timber. The Cartwrights raise thousands of beef cattle; they aren\u2019t farmers. And here\u2019s the part that will interest you the most, dear, the article also said that the Cartwrights are considered one of the shrewdest, most influential\u2026and\u00a0wealthiest<\/em>\u00a0families in the West\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret huffed, \u201cWell how am I supposed to know all that? I thought Melinda said that Adam grew up on a farm. She never said they were good at what they did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

William gave his wife a wilting look. \u201cDo you ever really listen to anyone but yourself, Margaret? Melinda told us about Adam\u2019s background many times. There\u2019s no reason for you not to remember a few particulars about the man your daughter wants to marry. You would remember if it was important to you, and you\u2019ll probably remember now that you\u2019ve heard that the Cartwrights are a well-off and highly thought of.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His wife rolled her eyes in response. \u201cHow you do go on, William. Stop scolding me in front of our children. I do listen; I don\u2019t always remember what I hear. I\u2019m not even sure where Nevada is and I don\u2019t know what raising beef cattle entails or whether having a lot of them means more than having a few, or what difference there is between a ranch and a farm. The farmers I\u2019ve known always had cows so I assumed it was the same thing with the Cartwrights.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tried to bring the discussion to a sufferable ending by smiling kindly at Margaret. \u201cI\u2019ll be most happy to explain ranching sometime in the future, Margaret. You\u2019re right; it isn\u2019t easy to understand what running a property like ours encompasses unless you\u2019ve seen the wide open spaces out West. We aren\u2019t gentry by any means, but my family is successful at what we do.\u201d He winked at her. \u201cAnd I have eaten a few rabbits and squirrels when we were on the trail moving cattle, but we have an excellent cook at our home and an exceptional wine cellar. We also went regularly to San Francisco where we ate at fine restaurants and attended the symphony and opera. I can assure you that I will never embarrass your daughter or the rest of this family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret blushed but raised her head defiantly. \u201cI am only worried for my daughter\u2019s sake, you understand.\u00a0 A mother wants what\u2019s best for her children and I don\u2019t want Melinda to marry unequally. I\u2019ve seen other marriages where one of the couple is superior, and those unions always end up being a disaster.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda had been quiet but stared her mother down again. \u201cAdam is more cultured and refined than I am, Mother. He\u2019s also courageous, intelligent, well-read, highly respected and he had a fine upbringing. There will be no further speculation about him. Actually, after this meal, I wonder whether he still thinks I\u2019m a suitable match for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A soft huff came from Margaret\u2019s side of the table, but she said nothing more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam began to rise from his chair while thanking Miranda and Lloyd. \u201cI think that Melinda and I need to take our leave. I have things to finish preparing for my father\u2019s arrival tomorrow.\u201d He had almost made it to a full stand when he was forced to take his seat again<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSit down, Adam. No one leaves just yet,\u201d Miranda scolded. \u201cI\u2019ve been very quiet while all this falderal was going on, but now I\u2019m asserting that we will end this meal on a happy note. Everyone stays until we have dessert. And while we enjoy that, we will speak only of pleasant things.\u201d She rose, pointing toward the arched entry to the parlor. \u201cFather, take Adam into the other room. Mother and Melinda can clear the table, and I\u2019ll need Lloyd\u2019s help for a few minutes. We\u2019ll be out with coffee and pie in a little bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam continued through the parlor and out the front door to sit on the porch steps. The mention of pie had sent his stomach into a dive again and he trusted that some fresh air would help settle the backwash heading up his esophagus. William followed and sat next to him.<\/p>\n

The longsuffering older man began to speak without a preamble. \u201cThat couldn\u2019t have been an agreeable meal for you, Adam. Margaret was pretty\u2026\u2019outspoken\u2019 wasn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u201cI should have visited her sooner. She was offended and that probably set the tone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe wasn\u2019t always like this,\u201d William confided, but laughed as he saw Adam\u2019s eyebrows rise. \u201cYou would have had to know her many years ago, but it\u2019s true. She was witty and outspoken, but not harsh as she is now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

William looked around to make sure no one was eavesdropping at the windows. \u201cLife, I suppose. I think we all assume our lives will go one way and when they don\u2019t, we change. Margaret was a happy woman, but something happened to her after Miranda was born. She became very sad, had a hard time just getting out of bed each day to take care of the two girls, and cried continuously. The doctor told us that this sometimes happened after a child is born, but that didn\u2019t make life any easier. My sister, Lynne, stepped in and took Melinda for a time to give Margaret a chance to get over whatever it was that was making her ill.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid that help?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes. But around the time she recovered, Margaret found that she was carrying Marie. Thankfully she didn\u2019t drift into that sad place again, but we still all tried to make things as easy as possible for her. Lynne kept Melinda with her a good deal of time over the next few years and the two of them became very close. I always thought that Margaret appreciated the help, but sometimes I think that\u2019s when the sniping started. She\u2019s particularly tough on Melinda and not as critical with Marie or Miranda.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think that happens. Parents are often hardest on the eldest child and get a little easier on the younger ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

William chuckled, \u201cAre you speaking from experience?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed but said no more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want you to think that Margaret was a bad mother, Adam. I don\u2019t know if Melinda even realizes it, but a lot of the techniques she uses in her teaching program were things that Margaret did with the girls when they were young. Melinda was independent, headstrong, and creative from the time she was little, so she butted heads regularly with her mother. What neither of them saw was that mother and daughter were very much alike in those attributes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a brief pause, William continued, \u201cMy sister was what people call an old maid\u2026and worse, but she liked who she was and never let the world tell her how to think or act. Melinda loved that about her and adopted her philosophies about many things as she got into her teens. Finally she stayed in Boston to attend school and when she was old enough, Lynne secured the position of governess for her in Boston with the Warnimonts. That\u2019s when you met her. We have learned more about Lynne\u2019s philosophies since she passed and know now that they were quite liberal for the age we live in. My sister was never overt about her lifestyle when Melinda was around, but I\u2019m sure that her free-thinking ideas about woman\u2019s equality and rights did appeal to my daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cSpeaking for myself, I\u2019m glad that Melinda spent so much time at her aunt\u2019s home. From your description of your sister, I suppose it was her influence that makes Melinda so sure of herself and able to speak her mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPartly\u2026 but Margaret was like that too, so Melinda had two strong women to model herself after. One thing that Lynne showed my daughter was that a woman should only marry for love.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat back, leaning his elbows on a higher step. \u201cI guess I\u2019m glad about that too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLynne had a great love in her life as well. She was never able to marry the man, and faced severe criticism for remaining single. Her theory was that it was better to have known great love and remain alone, rather than to marry only to conform to the expectations of others.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMelinda said something similar to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLynne was an artist, a poet and a free spirit who remained independent, but never alone. She was surrounded by friends and had a good life until her mind went bad. Melinda\u2019s fire grew into courage while she was with Lynne and when we were all concerned that she wouldn\u2019t marry and have a family of her own, Melinda told us that she had met the only person she could foresee being with and she wouldn\u2019t settle for a substitute. I believed her and didn\u2019t press the issue. I am extremely proud of my daughter\u2019s accomplishments, but that doesn\u2019t mean I don\u2019t worry about her. I don\u2019t want you to ever hurt her again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tipped his head as his face wrinkled in confusion. \u201cI\u2019m not sure what you mean, sir. I have never meant to hurt her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

William did not appear to be a strong man, but he looked at Adam with eyes fired by fatherly fierceness. \u201cYes, I know that. But I don\u2019t think you know how hurt she was when she came home from Sacramento.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head, still not understanding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was there that she found out that you\u00a0had<\/em>\u00a0settled for a substitute. She felt that you had remained single, perhaps not knowing exactly why, but feeling that something was missing. But then after coming so close to figuring it out, you wavered. Of course you wrote later to tell her that the marriage hadn\u2019t taken place.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been accused of having a very thick skull. It takes me a little longer to see what\u2019s right in front of me.\u201d There was a moment of silence that was broken when Adam added, \u201cYou and your daughter have a close bond.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe do. Melinda knows that she can tell me anything.\u201d He thought about that statement. \u201cLet me rephrase that; she doesn\u2019t tell me everything. She tells me how she feels and she\u2019s very happy right now. See to it that she remains that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door opened as Lloyd stuck his head out and summoned Adam and William back inside. William made his way past his son-in-law, but as Adam tried to pass, Lloyd took his arm and held him back. \u201cI\u2019m sorry about my rude comment earlier, Adam. Miranda told me why you didn\u2019t eat much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo harm done, Lloyd.\u201d Adam tried to move forward, but Lloyd\u2019s hand remained on his arm. As he looked at his host, he saw a nervous look cross Lloyd\u2019s face before it settled into an eerie smile. The man\u2019s breath had the lingering smell of the sweet wine from dinner, making Adam turn his head away as Lloyd spoke again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI read that article about your father before coming out to get you. I admit I had no idea that your family was so\u2026 ah, prosperous. I think I have something you\u2019d be very interested in hearing about.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had no idea what Lloyd was talking about and no patience for whatever game his host was playing. \u201cWe should probably get inside. I wouldn\u2019t want to keep Margaret waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey won\u2019t miss us for a minute or two.\u201d Lloyd looked around furtively before revealing his intent. \u201cI have an opportunity that I\u2019d like to tell you about. I can only allow a few people to get in on this. You could make a small fortune.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI never mix social engagements with financial discussions,\u201d Adam replied as he smiled while removing Lloyd\u2019s hand from his arm. \u201cIf you have something you\u2019d like me to see, please send me a prospectus and I\u2019ll look it over and get back to you if I\u2019m interested.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda and Adam said their goodbyes after finishing dessert and made their way to their buggy. Lloyd left the group on the porch and sidled up to Adam before he reached the boulevard, saying, \u201cI\u2019ll stop by your office tomorrow and give you the details of that deal I mentioned.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat won\u2019t work for me. My father is due in tomorrow.\u201d Adam hoped this would defer the talk until sometime in the future\u2026the distant future to be precise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd was undeterred. \u201cOh, that\u2019s even better! Your father will be interested in hearing about this as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam assisted Melinda and then climbed into the rig as he tried a final time to dissuade Lloyd. \u201cI\u2019d prefer we schedule another day. Send me your work address along with the information and I\u2019ll stop at your office to see you if it looks promising.\u201d He gave the horse an overly-enthusiastic slap with the reins and the carriage jolted as they pulled away before Lloyd could say any more. Adam sighed with relief as he looked back while rounding the first corner, grateful to see that Lloyd had not pursued them on foot. They passed a jewelry store with a large clock in the window and Adam was amazed to see that It was only was a few minutes after two. He felt as if he\u2019d been held captive for several hours rather than a mere three.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda remained quiet until they were several blocks away from her sister\u2019s home. She finally laid her hand on Adam\u2019s arm. \u201cRemember the other day when you said that if I wanted to back out of the wedding you wouldn\u2019t hold it against me?\u201d Not waiting for an answer she added, \u201cWell I\u2019m offering you the same chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His puzzled half-grin turned into a chuckle. \u201cNow why would I do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWeren\u2019t we just with my family? That ought to be enough to give anyone second thoughts.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI like your father very much, and your sister is pleasant and a fine hostess. That just leaves your mother, and Lloyd. One thing about Margaret is that you never have to wonder what she\u2019s thinking.\u201d He laughed at Melinda\u2019s sour look. \u201cBut I\u2019m not marrying Margaret. If it gets too hard to live in the same city with her, we\u2019ll move.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFar, far away.\u201d They both laughed, before Adam asked, \u201cWhat do you know about what Lloyd does for a living?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot a lot. I think he looks for thing to invest in, and then finds investors. Why do you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam bit the inside of his cheek while considering how to phrase his thought. He wasn\u2019t sure why he felt uneasy about Lloyd, but he did. \u201cHe became very resolute about having me invest in some big opportunity he has in the works. He only said a few words to me all day, and then suddenly wanted to be my pal and make me rich. It seemed odd.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe once asked me to invest but I was helping my parents get settled here at the time and didn\u2019t have any money to spare. I think he has done well for himself and my sister, yet I suspect they\u2019re having money problems now. Miranda said they had to cut back on several things they used to do.\u201d She paused. \u201cBut I suppose everyone has had some financial setbacks because of the war.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I can hear him out. I hope it won\u2019t cause problems if I don\u2019t like what he has to say. I remember a time when I invested in something with my brothers and it went badly.\u201d He grinned as recalled the thoroughbred that he and Hoss had bought together\u2026and then lost to their youngest brother. \u201cIt\u2019s always a caution to get into money matters with family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda leaned onto his shoulder as he drove. \u201cI\u2019m sorry for my mother\u2019s nastiness. She has never understood much about me, so I\u2019m not surprised that she picked you apart too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He slowed the horse to be able to look at Melinda. \u201cYou aren\u2019t responsible for what your mother says and I\u2019m sure she\u2019ll ease up a bit as she gets to know me better.\u201d A wicked grin replaced his sincere look. \u201cAnd as concerns some uncomfortable dinner parties, you\u2019ll have to ask my father about some of things my brothers and I did to him when he brought guests to our house.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh? What sort of things?\u201d She quickly forgot her family as she waited to hear about his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy brothers and I were little less than outright rude to an old friend Pa brought home for dinner once. All three of us were astonished that he\u2019d even think about seeing an \u2018actress.\u2019 So we pulled him aside and had a little talk with him before he left for the theater with her, and then\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda was practically bouncing on the seat. \u201cAnd then, what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSuffice it to say that we embarrassed ourselves badly while trying to prove how unsuitable\u00a0she<\/em>\u00a0was. In the end, we found out that she was an intriguing woman. We weren\u2019t kids when this happened either, and it surprised all of us that we held opinions based on what we thought a person would be like because of her occupation, rather than getting to know her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda considered Adam\u2019s admission with great interest. In their years apart she had always imagined him as being a man who didn\u2019t let the vagaries of life buffet him as lesser people did. But she was learning differently, and she loved this man even more. Two years ago she\u2019d found out that he had asked another woman to marry him even though he knew it didn\u2019t feel right. He\u2019d admitted that to Melinda in the letter he wrote after the engagement was terminated, saying that his desire to have a family had overridden his heart telling him that it wasn\u2019t the right time or person. Then she\u2019d found out the other day that her actions, even though misunderstood, had wounded him, making him think that she was not physically attracted to him. And now, she\u2019d learned that he sometimes made judgments that were incorrect. Her conclusion was that while some people might continue through life making the same mistakes, Adam learned from his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her silence continued as she thought about how much she wanted to be married, and concluded that this would be the longest 14 days of her life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda was still deep in thought when she noticed that Adam grimaced and leaned forward for a moment, and left her thoughts behind to take a good look at him. \u201cAre you still feeling poorly? You seem flushed.\u201d She laid the back of her hand against his forehead and was astonished at the heat she felt. \u201cYou\u2019re going straight to bed when we get back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He leered at her as he teased, \u201cAnd will you be joining me there?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat better be the fever talking.\u201d She tried to appear outraged at the comment, but broke into a giggle. \u201cSeriously, Adam, you are sick and need to rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s keep talking about other things, my dear. I don\u2019t think about how bad I feel when we\u2019re talking.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can do that,\u201d she promised. \u201cI have a question. What were you and my father talking about on the porch? I looked out the window and you two seemed to be having a serious conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He slowed the horse as they neared Abel\u2019s house.\u00a0 \u201cHe told me that I have to keep you happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She motioned him to continue driving. \u201cGo to the livery instead of dropping me off. I\u2019ll walk back with you.\u201d After he agreed, she asked, \u201cWhat did you tell him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He parried her question with one of his own. \u201cWhat did you say to your sister about me?\u201d When she refused to answer he teased, \u201cSeems like we\u2019ll each have a secret then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Part II<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ado\u2019s, To-dos, Set-tos and General Mayhem<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

One<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Deal Too Good to Refuse<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Adam dragged himself out of bed on Monday morning feeling much the same as he had the previous day. He\u2019d done as Melinda suggested when he got home after the family dinner and gone to bed. But there had been no rest as he\u2019d resumed the activities of the night before, and had only fallen into a fitful sleep toward morning. Looking in the mirror while washing up he noted that his cheeks had a pink glow. He brought his arm to his forehead to confirm the fever to which his soaked sheets and red face already testified. \u201cDarn it. I don\u2019t have time for this,\u201d he crabbed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just the thought of putting on a wool suit coat made him sweat more, so he opted for a white shirt with rolled up sleeves and open collar. Although he normally took a quick walk next door to see Melinda each morning, they had gone over the plans before parting company yesterday. He was leaving for work early and this gave him a little extra time to make sure everything was set for his father\u2019s arrival.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On his way downstairs, Adam checked his mother\u2019s bedroom to make sure Mrs. McIntyre had removed the covers from the furniture and opened the windows to air it out. When he had stayed in this house during his college years, Adam had often gone into Elizabeth\u2019s room trying to imagine what his mother had been like by looking over the items she had collected. Abel had changed nothing in the room since his daughter\u2019s death, so her presence had remained frozen in time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Since his return to Boston he hadn\u2019t cracked the door to her room until today. It wasn\u2019t that he\u2019d found out all there was to know about her or that he cared less about her history. It was more that in those first five years his grandfather had been able to help him see the parts of Elizabeth that lived on in her son. Finding his mother within himself had given him peace about what he had lost and he no longer needed to surround himself with her possessions to feel her presence. He was always aware that everything was still there behind the door if he needed it, but he was looking toward his future this time, rather than reflecting on his past.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel was already up and waiting for him at the table when he got downstairs. \u201cAnother rough night?\u201d he asked his grandson.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded as he looked dubiously at the platter of eggs and bacon. \u201cI\u2019m sorry if I disturbed you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t. It\u2019s only that you still look a little green around the gills. I\u2019d say you were seasick if we were actually at sea. Any idea what might be causing it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought perhaps some bad crab from the other day, but now I\u2019m not as sure. I\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sadie McIntyre entered the room carrying a pot of tea and a plate of toast that she placed in front of Adam. \u201cTry this, dear. It might do well to settle your stomach. There\u2019s honey on the table. Use that in the tea and on the toast; honey can cure just about everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Sadie.\u201d The tea did go down easily and he chewed on a piece of toast as he contemplated the day ahead. Turning to his grandfather, Adam said, \u201cMike is stopping by in a few minutes to take me to work. That will leave the carriage at the livery for you and Pa if you need it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat time is he due to arrive?\u201d Abel asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled as he told him again, \u201cFour this afternoon. He hoped to finish a few last things yesterday and if that happened, then he\u2019ll be here this morning. I was going to meet him at the station, but Pa said that since he isn\u2019t sure which train he\u2019ll be on, he\u2019ll get a cab and meet me here instead.\u201d He had told Abel this same information several times over the last few days, but one leftover from his grandfather\u2019s stroke was an occasional difficulty holding onto non-immediate dates and times. His grandfather hadn\u2019t been having problems with this recently, so Adam suspected that this bit of forgetfulness was spurred by Abel\u2019s excitement at seeing Ben again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tea and toast settled nicely into Adam\u2019s empty stomach and he was rewarded with a burst of energy. He used it to clean up his room and was ready by the time his coworker pulled up outside the house. Abel was still sipping coffee and perusing the paper as Adam gathered his hat and case. \u201cI won\u2019t be home for lunch today but I\u2019ll come home early. I\u2019m sure you and Pa have a few years to catch up on, so you won\u2019t miss me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He poked his head into the kitchen where the housekeeper was busy mixing batter for the cake pans waiting on the cupboard. \u201cThanks for everything, Mrs. McIntyre. The house looks great and the tea was just the thing this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sadie blew a stray hair away from her face as she stopped stirring to wave goodbye. Adam knew she was counting strokes and wouldn\u2019t say anything that would break her concentration.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The morning passed so quickly that Adam didn\u2019t have time to think about the constant feeling of unease in his alimentary system. He managed to take a few sips of the chicken broth he\u2019d picked up at the caf\u00e9 next door, yet it was enough to leave him feeling a little better again as he settled in for an afternoon of figuring foundation specifications for a new project he was supervising. Lost in a world of equations, he didn\u2019t hear the whispers and excited chattering going on outside his office and was startled when he heard someone speak from the doorway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMight you be Adam Cartwright, the new young gun at this firm?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A broad smile replaced the frown of concentration even before he looked up.\u00a0 He laid his pencil down and rose to greet his guest. \u201cPa! Welcome to Boston!\u201d Father and son shook hands vigorously before ending their greeting in an embrace. \u201cI wasn\u2019t expecting to see you here, but I\u2019m glad you found your way over. Is Grandfather with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI got lost a few times on the way here, but I did better than I thought after all the years away. Abel said he preferred to rest for a bit. I suspect he thought you and I might like some time alone.\u201d Ben took a minute to look around Adam\u2019s office and gave his son a look of pride. \u201cYou\u2019re doing well for yourself. This is some office.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt helps to know the owner.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laid an arm around his son\u2019s shoulder. \u201cKnowing how hard you work and the way you always throw yourself into any project, I\u2019m sure Wadsworth knows that he\u2019s getting the better end of this deal.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had his father sit in an overstuffed leather chair and then put him through a friendly cross examination about everything that was going on back home. It came as no surprise to hear that Little Joe was in love. His father also said that Hoss was working harder than ever on the ranch, and since Hop Sing still cooked for four, Hoss thought it was only right to eat for two rather than disappoint the cook. Ben\u2019s description of the goings on at home had Adam laughing appreciatively until the office clerk came to the door and interrupted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a Lloyd Samuels to see you, Mr. Cartwright. He says you\u2019re expecting him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A look of anger crossed Adam\u2019s face as he told the young man to send Lloyd in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben asked, \u201cWould you like me to leave?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease don\u2019t, Pa. This guy is married to Melinda\u2019s sister, and I just met him yesterday. He has some sort of business deal he\u2019s anxious to tell me about and wanted to stop today. I told him not to come, but we might as well give him a couple of minutes and get this over with. After that we\u2019ll go look at a few of the buildings I\u2019m working on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd practically drooled as he realized that Adam\u00a0and<\/em>\u00a0his father were in the office. He shook hands with both men and dove into his reason for stopping by. \u201cGentlemen, I represent a syndicate of investors who are going to build a new warehouse along a section of the harbor that\u2019s being renovated. The owners have only one share left in this venture and are anxious to get moving. The warehouse space already has a lease, and the investors expect that they should double their outlay in a few years. It\u2019s a lucrative deal and I thought you would want in on it, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben asked, \u201cHow many investors are there?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat information is confidential, but there are enough that the building can be put up without securing a loan and they should be pulling a profit in no time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is this building?\u201d Adam asked as he passed his father a skeptical look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s going up on the site of the old McCarty building.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s brows nearly met as he tried to keep from grinning. \u201cI see. How much is this share and how soon would you need the money.\u00a0 You make it sound like these people are in a hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd hemmed and hawed a bit, before saying, \u201cEach share is $25,000. I know that\u2019s a lot but I was thinking you and your father could go halves on it. As far as how soon, they\u2019re ready to go and would expect the money immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed heartily. \u201cHow on earth do you think I could come up with that kind of money immediately?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam added, \u201cAnd I\u2019m not sure why you think I\u2019d\u00a0<\/strong>have that much set aside.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd sounded peevish as he replied, \u201cI assumed that after what William said yesterday about your family being so wealthy that you\u2019d have money available for a good deal when you saw one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at Lloyd incredulously. \u201cI\u2019m not sure who this William is or what you\u2019re referring to, but I assure you I don\u2019t part with money until I know all the facts, and you\u2019ve given us very few. Further, any money I do have is in Nevada. I have nothing available here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam explained, \u201cWilliam is Melinda\u2019s father, Pa. He cited an article yesterday from the\u00a0New York Times<\/em>\u00a0written about the congressional investigation. It noted that you were in Washington testifying and that the Cartwright family has a large ranch. It also gave the impression that you are wealthy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning his attention back to Lloyd, Adam continued, \u201cI agree with my father. I asked you for the written details of this offering. I never invest without seeing a full disclosure of the terms. And even if this was something I\u2019d be interested in, it could take a week or more to free up the money.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd began pacing the room, promoting the deal, not with more detailed information, just more volume. \u201cHow can either of you turn down an opportunity like this? You\u2019d double your money in no time. No one walks away from that! No one! You can find the money. Any bank in Boston would loan you the cash based on your holdings back in Nevada. In fact I could recommend a bank for you. Why don\u2019t we go over there right now? Surely you won\u2019t let small details deter you from the chance of a lifetime!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He could have understood disappointment or even anger at not making a quick sale, but Adam had no idea what was bothering Lloyd. The man looked frightened\u2014like a cornered animal with no way to escape. When Adam looked over at his father, he saw a dumbfounded look similar to his own and knew it was time to bring this meeting to an end. \u201cI know that we\u2019re going to be family soon, Lloyd and I don\u2019t want us to get off on the wrong foot. On the other hand, there is no way I\u2019ll invest in this. You can certainly approach me again should you have an opportunity where you\u2019re at liberty to share more information and aren\u2019t in such a hurry.\u201d When Lloyd began to protest, Adam cut him off.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t spend any more time on this. My father just got here and we are expected elsewhere.\u201d He extended his hand as he added, \u201cThank you again for entertaining me yesterday and give my regards to Miranda.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd turned without shaking Adam\u2019s hand. He stopped at the door, looked back and said, \u201cYou\u2019re going to regret not taking me up on this offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once Lloyd was gone, Ben looked at his son, his mouth agape for a moment before he started to laugh. \u201cHe\u2019s going to be your brother-in-law? What\u2019s the rest of the family like?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMelinda\u2019s father is top notch. The sister I met is sweet and their mother is\u2026opinionated. But I can deal with that. Lloyd made me uneasy yesterday when he first brought this up, and today, he seemed almost\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDesperate?\u201d Ben suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s exactly it! Melinda said that she suspects her sister and brother-in-law are having financial problems so that might be part of it. But there\u2019s more that doesn\u2019t add up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe fact that he was so vague about the project and that there was no paperwork to support it. I honestly think he might be fabricating the whole thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes widened as he frowned. \u201cI thought the details were sketchy, but what makes you think he\u2019s lying?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam moved to the drawing table behind his desk and motioned for his father to follow. He paged through the stack of engineering drawings and pulled one from the pile, laying it out for Ben to see. \u201cLloyd said the group he represented was building on the McCarty site. What he doesn\u2019t know is that Wadsworth is putting up the building there. I\u2019m working on a quote for it and have met with the owners. The site is unique because it has boat bays and a dry dock area that we can reconstruct, so it will house a shipbuilding enterprise owned by one of Boston\u2019s oldest families. I\u2019m sure that it\u2019s all private money, Pa, but I\u2019ll check with Frank in the morning to make sure. I\u2019d go see him right now, but he\u2019s away at meetings all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear that. I was hoping to meet him, but I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll have the opportunity to get together at some point. So what do you think is going on with Lloyd?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt could just be that he has the property name confused up with another place. There\u2019s a McHenry building, a McDermott building, and a McCarthy as well as McCarty building. On the other hand, he might not want investors to know where the money is really going. He\u2019s promising to double their cash, and people might jump at it if they don\u2019t check into the facts.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Oh, Dear, What Can the Matter Be?<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Ben spent the remainder of the afternoon touring sites of the projects Adam was working on, including the one that Lloyd had mentioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While they drove, Ben did his own cross-examination, finding out about the non-work things that kept his son busy. He then turned the conversation toward family, asking whether Abel\u2019s health was truly as good as it seemed, and finally said, \u201cWhen do I get to meet your fianc\u00e9e?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis evening, Pa. I expect her to arrive around five.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you two made your wedding plans yet? Abel told me that she\u2019s been gone a lot but is back for good now. I imagine she\u2019ll need some time to plan the affair.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was hard to miss the wistful look in his father\u2019s eyes. \u201cI think we can have it arranged in two weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not much time, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed out loud. \u201cWhy, Pa, you aren\u2019t worried about your reputation, are you? Melinda\u2019s mother said the same thing and suggested that her friends would assume we needed to tie the knot in haste.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was blushing. \u201cYou know very well what I mean! I want to know if you\u2019re really going to be able to have this wedding while I\u2019m here. I would like very much to be present, but I don\u2019t want you or Melinda to feel rushed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men pulled up outside Abel\u2019s house. Adam turned to his father once they were stopped. \u201cWe both want to get married while you\u2019re here. We were seriously considering that we might elope, but your visit provided the perfect opportunity to move quickly without anyone objecting.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you planning?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to be married in Abel\u2019s back yard; it\u2019s where Melinda and I first met. Grandfather has a friend, Seth, a naval chaplain, who can perform the ceremony. I purchased a ring for Melinda shortly after I proposed and it\u2019s already waiting in my dresser, so I think I\u2019m set.\u201d He chuckled before continuing. \u201cThe men have it easier when it comes to weddings, don\u2019t they? We let the women decide on the rest of the details.\u201d Adam saw the look on his father\u2019s face and asked, \u201cWhat are you grinning about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis move was good for you, son. Your last year in Nevada was a tough one, but now you seem\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am, Pa.\u201d Adam set the brake and exited the buggy as he thought about the word that had gone unsaid. He truly was happy, but the Cartwright family didn\u2019t speak of happiness. They ascribed the words contentment or satisfaction to their decisions, yet never spoke of the feeling that might accompany such states of mind. So many tragedies had ended times of happiness within his family. It had gotten so bad that voicing their happiness had seemed to be an omen of doom. The word remained unspoken this time as well even though Adam was hopeful that the change of location might break the string of misfortunes that had shadowed him for his entire life. \u201cI miss you and those crazy brothers of mine, but you\u2019re right, coming here did give me a fresh start.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was half-past six and Melinda had not yet arrived home. Abel and Ben were reminiscing about their seafaring days, but Adam couldn\u2019t keep his mind on their conversation. It wasn\u2019t like Melinda to keep others waiting. She was always prompt and would have sent a messenger if she was going to be delayed for hours. He\u2019d expected her at five. As six o\u2019clock had rolled around he\u2019d became concerned, and now fear had begun to raise the hair on the back of his neck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mrs. McIntyre appeared in the living area to ask, \u201cWill Miss Hayworth be along shortly? I\u2019m thinkin\u2019 the meat will be turning to shoe leather if it stays in the oven much longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam addressed the two older men, \u201cPa, why don\u2019t you and Grandfather have dinner. Since the rig is still outside, I\u2019m going to take a ride to the publishing house and see what\u2019s keeping Melinda.\u201d He grabbed his hat and was headed to the door as Ben caught up to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like some company?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa, but I might miss her on the way, and I would like you to be here if she arrives before I get back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is going on here?\u201d Melinda demanded loudly after she opened her eyes and realized that she was in unfamiliar surroundings. No one answered, so she shouted again and tried to remember what had happened prior to awakening in this place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd had shown up at her office with a big smile and the \u201cgood news\u201d that while he\u2019d been promoting an investment to a school principal from nearby Auburndale, he\u2019d mentioned Melinda\u2019s work with teachers. He said the principal had already heard of her method and was anxious to speak with her before he left for home. Melinda had suggested that her assistant go for her since she wanted to get home early, but Lloyd was adamant that the man would only speak to her. He\u2019d finally convinced her by saying this gentleman had connections that might mean a lucrative deal for her if she would take a few minutes to have coffee with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She\u2019d decided that she could meet briefly with Lloyd\u2019s contact, and be on her way to Abel\u2019s on time. Lloyd had driven her to the Parker House Hotel and had introduced her to a George something or other before leaving with the excuse that he had another client to see. She remembered thinking that George didn\u2019t look like those usually associated with a school system. He was a large man with an offset nose that had obviously been broken and left to heal badly, and had the pitted and blue-veined complexion of a heavy drinker. Melinda recalled thinking that he\u2019d looked more like a boxer than a teacher.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She and George had entered the hotel while she\u2019d asked questions about the Auburndale schools, and had been caught off-guard when instead of heading to the dining room as Lloyd had said they would, George had shoved her toward two other men of similar appearance who were standing in the lobby. One of the newcomers had grabbed her around the waist, and pressed the blunt end of a short gun into her ribs. He\u2019d told her to keep walking and stay quiet or he\u2019d use it. The group had continued on through the lobby and out the back door to a waiting coach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That was all she could remember until waking up a few minutes ago. Her head ached and she did recall something sweet-smelling being held over her mouth and nose. While she had no idea what chloroform was like, she had read of its use to render a character unconscious in a mystery novel not long ago, and assumed that\u2019s what had been used in this instance as well. Her head swirled with each movement and for a moment she thought she might vomit. As her stomach settled again, she yelled, \u201cIs anyone here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a rustling outside the door as a key turned in the lock and a young woman stuck her head into the room. \u201cYou\u2019d best be quiet. Make a ruckus and I\u2019ll have to knock you out again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tears welled in Melinda\u2019s eyes as she asked in a softer voice, \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman came nearer the cot. \u201cAll I know is that I gotta keep you quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s stomach swirled again\u2014this time it had nothing to do with her aching head. \u201cCan you at least tell me where I am?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNope. I\u2019ll get in trouble. Is there anything I can do for you, miss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda tried to raise her arms but remembered that her hands and feet were tied to the frame of the bed. \u201cYou might loosen these ropes so I can sit up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the one thing I can\u2019t do, lady. You want some water, I can get that, but I can\u2019t do nothing more until Georgie comes back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda said she would like that, and used the time while the girl went for the water to take stock of where she was. She assumed that she was on the second floor of a building since she could see the canopy of a tree outside the dirty window. It was still light outside but the shadows in the room were greatly elongated, indicating that it was nearly dusk. When she listened, Melinda could hear the bell of a harbor buoy and the call of seagulls in the distance. The room she was in was bare except for the bed and a dresser, and was badly in need of cleaning and upkeep, but it was enough to convince Melinda that she was in a house rather than a factory or warehouse. Putting these pieces together, she suspected that she must be in one of the seedier neighborhoods near the harbor. There had been years of effort by the city to renovate these blighted blocks of houses, but there were still some pockets of buildings being used for brothels and gambling. After seeing the painted young woman who had come to assist her, Melinda was pretty sure she knew which kind of establishment this was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The one thing she couldn\u2019t comprehend was the reason she was here. Surely Lloyd couldn\u2019t be involved in this. He was a quiet, mousy man who was married to her even quieter sister. They lived an ordinary life. He couldn\u2019t be a criminal or associated with them\u2026at least she had never suspected that he could be. This had to be some kind of mistake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She closed her eyes and thought of something that did make sense: Adam. Melinda knew for certain that Adam would look for her. The scars on his body attested to the fact that he would risk his own life if he needed to. Her only question was whether he could find her. None of this was comprehensible, but she was smart enough to figure out that her life was in jeopardy. There were stories about people in Boston who disappeared and were never seen again. She began to tremble with the awareness that she might become another missing-person statistic.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam was reaching for the door knob as a knock startled him. He opened the door to find a messenger with an envelope for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was soon at his son\u2019s side. \u201cWas that Melinda?\u201d he asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa, but it might be a message explaining why she\u2019s detained.\u201d Adam ripped the envelope apart as he walked to a lamp by the sofa. As he extracted the folded page, a gold chain slid out and fell to the floor. He picked it up and his heart began to pound as he recognized it as the necklace he\u2019d given Melinda for Christmas twelve years ago. It was a simple gold chain bearing a small oval locket. There was no picture inside, just a tiny slip of paper bearing the words, \u201cFor love\u2019s sake only.\u201d He\u2019d noted that she\u2019d had it on when he\u2019d met her in Sacramento and had wondered then if she always wore it. She\u2019d told him recently that she\u2019d had it on every day since he\u2019d given it to her. He was momentarily at a loss to explain the significance of it being in with the note he\u2019d just received, and was filled with dread as he realized the chain was snapped apart. He grasped it tightly as he opened the page accompanying it. The words were printed in block letters:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOU HAVE 2 DAYS TO OBTAIN $25,000. THIS AMOUNT WILL SECURE THE RELEASE OF MELINDA HAYWORTH. FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN HER DEATH. WE WILL CONTACT YOU ON WEDNESDAY.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The paper drifted from Adam\u2019s hand as he dropped onto the sofa and breathed deeply to stem the nausea and dizziness that had overtaken him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His father retrieved the note and sat next to his son as he read it and then slipped his arm around Adam\u2019s back and held him tightly. When he and Adam had spoken earlier about how good the move had been for him, Ben had thought that his son had managed to leave behind the sorrows that had plagued his family. Now he knew that wasn\u2019t true. They had followed him to Boston after all. He finally broke into Adam\u2019s daze. \u201cDo you have any idea what this is about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cIs there something in there that seems too coincidental, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe amount of the ransom. Isn\u2019t it the same as the price of the phony investment Lloyd was promoting earlier? I remember him saying that we\u2019d be sorry for not giving him the money. Do you think he kidnapped Melinda just to get money from you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLloyd\u2019s a coward, Pa. He had to be drunk just to insult me yesterday. I don\u2019t think he\u2019d have the guts to hold her, but I think he must be in this up to his neck. You said he sounded desperate. I think he saw us as his last hope to get a lot of cash and when we didn\u2019t give it to him, something went terribly wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook off his miasma and headed upstairs without a word. Once in his room, he opened the top dresser drawer and removed a small velveteen box. The lid creaked on its tight hinges as he stared at the wedding ring inside. His equilibrium shifted as he thought of the possibility that the woman for whom he\u2019d selected this might be mistreated. The waves of dizziness continued as held onto the dresser for support and whispered, \u201cMelinda.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He willed himself to push the images aside and return to his mission. Lifting a stack of clean shirts from the open drawer, he exposed the familiar black leather of his holster. He hadn\u2019t worn his Colt since arriving in Boston, but it was wrapped in muslin next to the belt, oiled and ready to go. A box of bullets was tucked deeper in the drawer and he made quick work of loading six into the chambers and engaging the cylinder. With a handful of bullets stuck deep in his pocket, he glanced again at the ring box and hurried out of the room. He was buckling the gunbelt around his waist as he descended the stairs, and he smiled wryly as he saw his father similarly accessorized, waiting for him below.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mrs. McIntyre was standing behind Abel with her hand on his shoulder; his hand resting atop hers. She told Adam, \u201cI\u2019ll stay with Abel so don\u2019t you worry about him. Just find that beautiful lady of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel added, \u201cI\u2019m not sure what I can do to help you, but I have some savings we can put toward the ransom, and the house is worth a little.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam went to his grandfather. \u201cThank you, sir. I\u2019ll try to let you know what\u2019s happening, but you and Mrs. McIntyre can help most right now by praying.\u201d He thought a moment and added, \u201cI\u2019ll send a messenger with a note to update you if we can\u2019t get back. Please give him anything else that might be delivered here and he\u2019ll get it to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His voice was tinged with grief as Abel bid his grandson goodbye. \u201cGodspeed, Adam. Have faith that this will end well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Out on the dark, empty street, Adam swung the rig around in such a tight arc that it seemed to hover on the right set of wheels until it was turned and headed towards town.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben asked, \u201cWhere are we going first?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLloyd\u2019s house. I\u2019m pretty sure he\u2019ll be holed up there, pretending that there\u2019s nothing wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda had dozed off again after the woman brought the water, and she awoke in darkness. Awash in panic, she tried to pull her hands free and jerked at the ropes around her ankles until the pain forced her to stop and calm herself. She remembered where she was, and breathed deeply to stem her fear. She missed the light that had been drifting in the windows the last time she had awakened. Now there was only blackness, and the skittering of tiny feet across the floor beneath her. \u201cRats!\u201d she said aloud and then shivered. \u201cChances are they really are rats, but I\u2019ll hope for mice.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her eyes began to adjust to the dark, allowing her to see the outline of the door with a thin slit of light at the bottom. As she turned her head to look toward the window, something snagged in her hair making her heart rate double as she shrieked. Her first thought was that the rodents had made their way onto the cot. She laughed tightly as she figured out that there was no red-eyed, long-tailed menace gnawing on her. It was just her hat pulling her hair as the straw caught on the threads of the rough mattress.\u00a0How incongruous<\/em>, she thought.Here I am trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey and I\u2019m still wearing my hat.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

She had read books with kidnapping plots, but none of those ever brought up the topics that were plaguing her now. She was thirsty again, her stomach was rumbling with hunger and she really needed to use the outhouse. \u201cMaybe when I\u2019m out of here, I\u2019ll write a step-by-step book on what to do when you\u2019ve been kidnapped,\u201d she said softly to calm her nerves. \u201cThere sure aren\u2019t any texts out there about that.\u201d Trying to think of other things, she recalled an actual \u201chow to\u201d book she had seen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Working at a scholastic publishing house, she reviewed texts on everything from historic dissertations to detailed descriptions of how to accomplish a task.\u00a0 One particular manuscript sent to her recently was a guide to \u201cmarital coupling,\u201d promoted by the author as being an\u00a0instructional\u00a0<\/em>text for the newly married. Melinda\u2019s job was to gauge the educational merit of submissions before sending them on to the editor and publisher. With a first glance at the\u00a0Proficiency of Marital Unions<\/em>, she\u2019d blushed, returned it to its brown envelope and set it under a stack of similar-looking packages. But after remembering something her aunt had told her, she opened it again and read through it, this time taking notes\u2026before sending the book back with a letter telling the author that it wasn\u2019t suitable for their style of publishing. Those notes were locked in her desk at home awaiting her marriage and a time to share them with Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Recalling the incident with the book sent her mind off in memories her of her aunt, Lynne. The woman was thought by her family to be odd, yet Melinda had never seen her do anything scandalous or even mildly questionable in all the years she\u2019d spent with her. After the woman\u2019s death, Melinda had discovered a letter that had explained why Lynne had traveled alone to New York at least once a year. Melinda had always admired her aunt, and hadn\u2019t ever considered that she might have led a double life. The note was from the man Lynne had wanted to marry, and it must have been written shortly after he had \u201cdisappeared.\u201d He said he\u2019d been forced to marry a woman from a wealthy family, but that he would always love Lynne. Then he suggested that they meet in New York to spend time together with no one being the wiser. Melinda had found other letters from him when she\u2019d gone through the rest of Lynne\u2019s things. They were stashed in her aunt\u2019s dresser, stuck in the pockets of her dresses and hidden in hat boxes, and they all confirmed the yearly trysts with lurid details.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda had been flabbergasted years before when Lynne had taken her aside after Adam had proposed the first time, and had told her not to ever let some stuffy, tightly-corseted old crone tell her that making love to a man was something she needed to \u201cendure\u201d as a wifely chore. Lynne had been having some memory problems by then, and every now and then she had shared these extremely personal thoughts. She had encouraged her niece to stay open to all possibilities after she married the dashing young man next door, and to enjoy the act of lovemaking with abandon as often as possible. At the time Lynne had said those things, Melinda had wondered how her maiden aunt could possibly give advice about something she had no experience with. It made far more sense after Melinda had discovered the trove of correspondences.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What bothered the young woman most about what Lynne had done was not the sin of adultery, but rather the betrayal involved. Melinda knew what it felt like to have the man she loved choose another woman to marry. Yet she wouldn\u2019t have agreed to such an arrangement with Adam. It wasn\u2019t because she wouldn\u2019t still love him, but she knew that she could never have brought the pain of betrayal to Laura or any other woman Adam might have married. Of course things had worked out for her where they hadn\u2019t for Lynne, and Melinda was left with a deep sadness for her aunt over the decisions she\u2019d had to make.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her circle of thought returned her to Adam as she grasped that the situation she was in might mean that she would never see him again\u2014never marry him or experience making love with him. She ached for him and feared losing him more than dying. \u201cNo one is going to keep me from you,\u201d she screamed at the top of her lungs. \u201cYou hear me out there? No one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She quieted as she heard the key turn the lock. A lamp held by the pitted-faced man from earlier brightened the room slightly as he entered and gruffly told her to \u201cshut up,\u201d before he backed out the door again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, don\u2019t go just yet,\u201d she begged apologetically. \u201cIt\u2019s so dark in here. I was just afraid and am very uncomfortable. Could you send that girl back in to help me? I promise I won\u2019t be a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He paused as if deciding what to do and finally grumbled, \u201cI guess I can do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A few minutes later, the painted lady returned. She placed a lamp on the rickety dresser and asked, \u201cWhadaya need?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI really need to sit up for a little while. My back hurts, and I need to relieve myself.\u201d Melinda was shaken when the woman turned and left the room with no further word. \u201cPlease!\u201d she called after her. \u201cPlease help me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s heart returned to a more normal rhythm when the woman reappeared carrying a chamber pot. \u201cGeorgie says I can untie you for a minute to stretch and\u2026do your other thing, but then it\u2019s back on the cot.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s your name?\u201d Melinda asked softly. \u201cI want to thank you by name.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMost call me Maxi.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxi worked the knots until the ropes fell and Melinda could sit up and swing her legs off the bed. \u201cThank you Maxi. That feels better.\u201d Georgie had locked both women in the room, so Melinda saw no problem in asking Maxi to turn around while she used the pot. With her wardens eyes averted, Melinda removed her hat and placed it on the dresser, but wove the long hatpin through the fabric of her dress inside a fold of material.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She quickly finished her task and allowed Maxi to turn around again. \u201cThank you, again. Would it be possible to have something to eat? I skipped lunch today thinking I\u2019d be getting home early to meet my future father-in-law.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxi\u2019s voice took on a softer edge. \u201cYou engaged?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda noticed the change and decided to share some a little more with Maxi. The woman seemed gruff one moment, yet caring the next. \u201cYes, I am. He\u2019s a handsome guy I met many years ago. We lost touch, and I began to think that I would ever see him again. But then I met him again a couple years ago and now we are finally together.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like you went through a lot of trouble to get this man,\u201d Maxi said as she shook her head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A wink accompanied Melinda\u2019s response. \u201cSome men are worth a lot of trouble, Maxi. He gave me this back when I first met him.\u201d Melinda reached for her necklace and gasped when she realized it was gone. \u201cMy necklace,\u201d she groaned, \u201cit must have come off.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s too bad,\u201d Maxi said sincerely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda blinked back tears as she considered the loss of her necklace, knowing that it was the least of her worries and pressed on. She had a pretty good idea what Maxi did in this house, but proceeded as though she were just another woman with an ordinary life. \u201cHow about you, Maxi? Do you have a husband or beau?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was hard to see Maxi\u2019s expressions in the dim light, but Melinda heard the woman sigh before she responded, \u201cI was engaged a year ago, but it didn\u2019t work out. He was one of them men who was just trouble, and not worth cryin\u2019 over when he left.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Melinda responded in truth. \u201cI don\u2019t know what I would do if I couldn\u2019t marry Adam. He\u2019s all I want and need, and I\u2019m sure he\u2019s worried sick right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The conversation ended abruptly as Maxi knocked on the door to be let out. She turned back to Melinda. \u201cI\u2019ll see what I can do about something to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When George stuck his head in to make sure that everything was all right before opening the door completely, he told Maxi to tie Melinda up again. \u201cAw, she can\u2019t do nothin\u2019. I\u2019m just getting her some food and you can sit outside the door until I get back. It\u2019s not like she\u2019s gonna break outta here and we\u2019re up too high for her to jump, so let her loose until she\u2019s finished eatin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Three<\/strong><\/p>\n

Weasels Are Not Members of the Rat Family-Although They Might Act That Way<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam handed the reins to his father as they slowed at the Samuels\u2019s house and jumped out without waiting for the buggy to stop. There was a lamp glowing in an upstairs room, but the lower level was dark. He pounded on the door, making the nearby windows rattle with the force. When no one came, Adam yelled, \u201cOpen this door, Lloyd, or I\u2019ll break it down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben made it to the porch and took over the pounding while Adam went to the windows. He cupped his hands against the glass and could see the shadow of someone with a lit cigar standing in the far corner of the room. \u201cI can see you in there, Lloyd. Open the door.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It seemed to take forever before there was a click as the lock turned and Lloyd swung the door open. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam. I didn\u2019t know who was out here shouting, and was afraid at first. I thought you were a thief.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam snorted derisively, but wasted no time playing Lloyd\u2019s game. \u201cWhere\u2019s Melinda?\u201d When Lloyd did not reply, Adam grabbed the lapels of his robe shoving him into the house and up against the wall. \u201cI\u2019ll ask you again; where\u2019s Melinda.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben touched his son\u2019s shoulder as he nodded his head in the direction of the stairway, saying, \u201cAdam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miranda was halfway down the steps. The glow of the lamp she held illuminated her wide eyes and gaping mouth. She found her voice to gasp, \u201cWhat are you doing to my husband?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd admitted nothing, but said quietly, \u201cShe has nothing to do with this. Please don\u2019t involve her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam continued to hold Lloyd against the wall as he replied in a menacing voice. \u201cThat\u2019s the problem with lies and games, Lloyd, they always draw the innocent in. I\u2019m sure that whatever trouble you\u2019re in had nothing to do with Melinda, and yet she\u2019s in the middle of it.\u201d He turned to Miranda as he loosened his grip on her husband. \u201cI\u2019m sorry to have frightened you, but your sister has been kidnapped.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh!\u201d she cried. \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben explained, \u201cWe received a ransom note about an hour ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miranda made her way down the steps, sank into a chair and addressed Adam as she pointed to Ben. \u201cIs this your father, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I\u2019m sorry we don\u2019t have time for pleasantries, but we have to find out what Lloyd knows about Melinda\u2019s disappearance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her face was a blank stare. \u201cWhat does Melinda\u2019s kidnapping have to do with Lloyd? Surely you don\u2019t think he\u2019s involved!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately I do.\u201d Adam turned again to Lloyd and said, \u201cYou need to tell us what you know about this now!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miranda was on her feet again and walked toward her husband insinuating herself between him and his accuser. \u201cStop badgering him, Adam.\u201d She turned to face Lloyd, \u201cYou don\u2019t know anything about this, do you, dear?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben broke in, \u201cLet\u2019s light some lamps and sit down. We\u2019ll go through this rationally.\u201d He came to stand at Adam\u2019s side and addressed Lloyd. \u201cBut we want the truth, or as you told us earlier today, \u2018you\u2019ll regret it.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With more lamps lit, Adam could see the panic on Lloyd\u2019s face, and suggested they untie the heavy drapes to cover the windows. There was something going on here that shook Adam to the core, and he felt more secure once he knew that they weren\u2019t being observed by someone standing outside. He pulled a footstool in front of Lloyd and sat facing him. \u201cStart at the beginning and don\u2019t stop until I tell you to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is very good, Maxi,\u201d Melinda said between bites of the dry bread slathered with bacon grease. She followed that with a large swig of milk. This wasn\u2019t food she was used to eating but at that moment it was ambrosia. \u201cIs Maxi a nickname for Maxine?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxi remained standing, leaning on the dresser since there was no other chair in the room. \u201cMaxine Wilhelmina\u2026\u201d she stopped short of revealing her last name. \u201cI\u2019ve always been called Maxi or Willy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda chuckled knowingly. \u201cMy name is Melinda, and I\u2019ve known the same problem. My sisters always called me Mel\u2026and when they really wanted to make me mad, they called me Melvin.\u201d She won a smile from her captor for that admission. \u201cYou know, the way you\u2019re leaning on that dresser reminds me of my fianc\u00e9. He leans on everything, even himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxi gave Melinda a questioning look. \u201cHow\u2019s he lean on himself?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike this.\u201d Melinda placed her plate on the bed next to her and stood, crossing her arms over her chest and leaned back against her hip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe got somethin\u2019 wrong with him, like a bad back,\u201d Maxi inquired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he\u2019s fine in every way that I can tell,\u201d Melinda blushed as she sighed and lost her focus for a moment, \u201cbut he\u2019s done that as long as I\u2019ve known him. He lives with his grandfather and I\u2019ve seen the older man do it too. Maybe it\u2019s a family trait.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A pound on the door broke into the conversation. \u201cYou two almost done in there?\u201d it was George\u2019s voice. \u201cYou gotta get back downstairs, Maxi, it\u2019s getting busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda shoved the last of the bread into her mouth and drained her glass. \u201cWhat kind of accent does he have?\u201d she asked as she nodded toward the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cItalian. Listen Mel, I have to tie you up now, but I\u2019ll leave enough length on the arm rope so\u2019s you can get off your back a little.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda said, \u201cThank you,\u201d and meant it. Yet as she felt the ropes being slipped around her ankles, she began to cry. She sniffed and asked, \u201cMaxi, what time is it? Since it got dark, I have no idea whether it\u2019s eight at night or two in the morning. I guess it doesn\u2019t matter, but I\u2018m worried about Adam. He was sick yesterday and I wonder if he\u2019s feeling any better. It won\u2019t help if he\u2019s beside himself wondering what\u2019s happened to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxi pulled the last of the ropes tight as she answered. \u201cIt\u2019s nearly ten and I\u2019m sure that by this time your man knows what\u2019s happened. It\u2019ll be up to him to figure out what to do about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does he know, Maxi?\u201d Melinda pled, \u201cWhat\u2019s this all about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor being a smart lookin\u2019 lady, you don\u2019t know much about this world do you? You\u2019re being held for ransom, Melinda, and with these guys involved, it\u2019s big.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a teacher who writes textbooks and Adam is an engineer. We aren\u2019t rich and I can\u2019t believe he\u2019s involved with these men.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxi touched Melinda\u2019s shoulder. \u201cDoesn\u2019t matter who started this, sweetie. It all comes down to who has ta finish it. These people only care about the money, and they must think your man has some.\u201d\u00a0 She checked her knots a last time before adding, \u201cI\u2019ll leave the lamp here so it won\u2019t seem so dark, and come back to check on ya after I\u2019m done for the night. Try to sleep. The time goes faster if you can sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda thought about Maxi\u2019s words. Yesterday seemed a million years ago as she tried to recall all that had been said throughout the day with her family. When they\u2019d been alone, her sister had mentioned that she and Lloyd were having money problems, but she hadn\u2019t made it sound like it was serious. Yet it was Lloyd who\u2019d delivered her to these people. Maybe he had been duped. She had never disliked her brother-in-law, but she couldn\u2019t see what her sister saw in him either. He always seemed shifty, and hung on the fringes of family get-togethers looking furtive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And suddenly the fog began to lift.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She recalled that her father had told her that one of the reasons he had to sell their home was that they had lost a lot of their savings to a \u201cbad investment.\u201d He\u2019d even said that he could have made it through the tough times with his business if he hadn\u2019t lost the other money. William had never said outright that Lloyd had lost their money, but she knew that her father had given him some to invest as a good-faith gesture after Lloyd and Miranda had married. At the time her parents settled in Boston, she\u2019d mentioned that Lloyd had asked her to invest in a sure thing. She\u2019d asked her father what he thought about it and he\u2019d become outraged. He\u2019d actually said, \u201cStay away from any business with that man, Melinda. Even if there was a good deal out there, Lloyd wouldn\u2019t know it from a hole in the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda had been looking at her brother-in-law during dinner yesterday and saw his reaction when her father brought up the article about Adam\u2019s family. Lloyd\u2019s eyes had bugged out and he\u2019d grinned like a cat with its paw on a mouse\u2019s tail when he\u2019d heard the part about them having money.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She shuddered as she remembered how Lloyd had pressed his case for her to meet the \u201cprincipal.\u201d She had finally given in when he\u2019d become peevish about her unwillingness to follow through on the opportunity he\u2019d arranged for her, suspecting that he might expect a \u201cfinder\u2019s fee\u201d if she managed to broker a deal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She guessed the truth and understood why Lloyd had seemed so jittery at the hotel. He had to be in some serious money trouble and was the one, as Maxi had put it, who had started this. Obviously he saw Adam as the person who could finish it\u2026and she was the insurance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her initial anger was exceeded by sadness as she considered the questions she would ask Lloyd if he were here now. What kind of a man would allow this\u2026no that wasn\u2019t right\u2026he didn\u2019t allow it, he must have arranged it. How could he know that others would be able to raise the money to pay the ransom? She and Adam hadn\u2019t spoken about their finances in great detail. Her book royalties and job had allowed her to live without money woes, yet she had no other assets except the house she\u2019d inherited. Adam lived simply. He had a good job, what he owned was top quality, and he didn\u2019t skimp when it came to getting what he wanted. However, that didn\u2019t mean he had \u201cmoney.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Wealth was an ambiguous term. Adam had mentioned once that he still had to liquidate several investments in Nevada. She\u2019d had no desire to know whether the sum recovered would be substantial or a pittance. They had what they needed to live on and the rest hadn\u2019t seemed important. Now she supposed it was important and felt sick about it. Even if Adam or his family had money, they shouldn\u2019t be coerced into giving it away\u2014not for a cowardly weasel like Lloyd.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her thoughts returned to her brother-in-law. What did he think would happen if Adam was unable to pay? And was he naive enough to think that these people would let her go even if the ransom was paid\u2026or didn\u2019t that matter either as long as it didn\u2019t affect him?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All this thinking was getting her nowhere, so she decided to do as Maxine had suggested and try to sleep. She smiled sadly as she turned onto her side and realized that Maxi had honored her word. The ropes had enough length that she could get comfortable, without being long enough to get her hands together to undo the knots. Her tears began again as she gave thanks for the honor of a brothel woman, cursed the dishonesty of someone she should have been able to trust, and clung to the love of one man who might find a way to save her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy was Melinda kidnapped?\u201d Adam demanded. Lloyd remained mute so Adam withdrew his Colt and pointed it at his chest. \u201cI\u2019ll figure this out with or without you. But if you aren\u2019t going to be helpful, there\u2019s no reason to keep you around.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miranda gasped and started to rise, but Ben took her hand and pulled her back onto the settee. He\u2019d positioned himself next to her to make sure she didn\u2019t interfere. As she sat again, he leaned to speak quietly in her ear. \u201cTrust Adam. He only wants the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There were streams of sweat pouring down Lloyd\u2019s temples. His face contorted as if he was in pain and he exhaled loudly before he finally said, \u201cPut your gun down. I\u2019ll tell you about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When a few more moments passed with no further comment, Adam poked the gun into Lloyd\u2019s chest again and said, \u201cI\u2019ll put this away once you start talking.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd moaned as he threw his head back. With another deep breath, he began, \u201cI honestly don\u2019t know how it got this far.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was impatient. \u201cI don\u2019t want excuses; I want to know what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The flood gates opened. \u201cMy business hasn\u2019t been going well\u2026for a few years already. I\u2019ve lost a lot of money in\u2026um\u2026investments and while people weren\u2019t happy to lose their savings, they all understood that there was risk involved.\u201d He looked toward his wife. \u201cEven Miranda\u2019s parents lost money, but they realized that things that can go wrong in such ventures.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Trying to speed up the story, Adam agreed. \u201cI get it. What\u2019s that got to do with Melinda\u2019s kidnapping?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI promoted a deal to someone about six months back. It didn\u2019t go well, and this guy threatened to kill me if I didn\u2019t pay the money back. In fact, he wants the original investment, plus the interest I promised he\u2019d make.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow much in all?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTwenty-five thousand dollars.\u201d Lloyd began to cry. \u201cThis has never happened to me before, and I was afraid and thought that they might harm Miranda. I was at the end of my rope with this guy and then William mentioned yesterday about how you Cartwrights have a lot of money and I saw a way out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave Lloyd a caustic look, \u201cSo instead of just asking me for help or telling me what was going on, you went to this person today and told him you\u2019d get the money from us, right?\u201d Lloyd nodded. \u201cAnd when we didn\u2019t jump at your deal, you needed to give us some incentive? Tell me, who\u2019s idea was it to take Melinda for a ransom? His\u2026or yours?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd said nothing, but Adam already knew the answer. He stood and pulled Lloyd to his feet until they were nose-to-nose. \u201cThis person wouldn\u2019t have known about Melinda unless you told him, would he?\u201d He shoved him back down into his chair. \u201cWhere is she, you worthless pile of horse s\u2026\u201d He stopped short as his father came to his side again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Adam glared at Lloyd as he cowered in the chair. \u201cI told him that if we\u2019d hold onto Melinda, you\u2019d get the money without a second thought. Anyone can see how much you care for her.\u201d Lloyd grinned strangely, as if his next statement would put all doubt to rest, \u201cShe\u2019s not being harmed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know that?\u201d Ben asked incredulously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI took her to a hotel where this guy had someone meet us. He said that they\u2019d put her in a nice room and keep an eye on her until you got the ransom money.\u201d A glimmer of hope came to Lloyd\u2019s eyes as he added, \u201cI even got you enough time to get the money since you said it might take a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe said it might take a few weeks, you idiot,\u201d Adam shouted. \u201cAnd what makes you think that a man who threatened to harm you and your wife would treat your sister-in-law any better?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd shriveled under Adam\u2019s sharp stare. \u201cHe promised.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam groaned as he realized the level of lunacy he was dealing with. He was hit with a wave of nausea and stomach cramps that made him crumple to the ottoman in pain. The illness he\u2019d experienced the last two days had begun to worsen back at his grandfather\u2019s house and was now striking with a vengeance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben saw to his son, Miranda came to her husband and ordered, \u201cStand up!\u201d He complied. \u201cYou\u2019re going to get dressed and take Adam and his father to the hotel where you dropped my sister. You better pray that she\u2019s unharmed like this man \u2018promised.\u2019 I\u2019ll grab your clothes from upstairs because I don\u2019t want you leaving this room. You might try to crawl away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She turned to leave and then looked back at her husband and stared him down. \u201cLet me see if I understand this correctly before I go. You took money from my parents and lost that, leaving them nearly destitute. You have continued to lose money that you got from other people, including someone who wants to harm us if he doesn\u2019t get it back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I\u2019m left wondering a few things.\u00a0 First, why did you keep taking money if what you were doing wasn\u2019t working? And as Adam said, once you knew that you were in trouble, why weren\u2019t you man enough to tell us what was happening? Instead, you tried to get money from the Cartwrights\u2014people you just met\u2014and then told someone that it was all right to take my sister when that little scheme didn\u2019t go as planned?\u201d The pitch of her voice was rising to a screech as she finished, \u201cI would rather he had killed both of us than to harm Melinda. I might be innocent in this mess, but at least I\u2018d be paying the price for being married to a weasel like you! Melinda and the Cartwrights have no part in this.\u201d The slap she laid across his cheek resounded in the quiet room before she headed upstairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd tried to leave the room, but Ben withdrew his gun. \u201cI think you best sit back down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While his father stood watch, Adam stumbled out the back door like a drunken sailor and tried to stem the recurring effects of the illness by breathing in the cool night air. The pain hit him again as he thought of Melinda being held captive. She was a smart woman, but she had no experience with anything like this. Looking up at a sky that was awash in glimmering stars, he mouthed a silent prayer to the creator of the celestial wonder above him. \u201cWatch over Melinda; protect her and keep her from harm. Please give me the wisdom and strength to find her. Do with me as you choose once she\u2019s safe, but please, let me get through this first.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The dizziness began to ease after Adam expelled the bile from his stomach onto the dirt at his feet. He sighed wearily as he sat on the porch step and cradled his feverish head in his hands. An odd sense of peace washed over him as he remembered that his father was with him.\u00a0 The discomfort he\u2019d first felt with his illness was becoming pain that was deep and raw. At times it felt like he had swallowed a heated branding iron that was burning its way through his gut. Yet it wasn\u2019t the pain that he feared, or even that something was so seriously wrong that he might not recover from it. His greatest fear was that whatever was happening might incapacitate him before he finished the search. In this uncertainty there was peace that no matter what happened to him, his father would continue what the two of them had started, and find Melinda. He added to his prayer as he gave thanks for having a father like Ben Cartwright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stuck his head out the back door. \u201cHe\u2019s ready, son; we should figure out what we\u2019re going to do next.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He chose not to comment on how tired his son looked as he passed by on the way inside. Abel had mentioned that Adam had been ill and from what Ben could see, it hadn\u2019t abated. He also knew that no matter how sick his son became, Adam would go on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A memory of finding Adam in the desert jabbed at Ben\u2019s heart. His son had been starved and tortured by a madman, yet Adam had tried to bring Kane with him when there was no other choice but to trek out of the desert on foot. When Ben and the boys had found Adam after two weeks of searching, he was exhausted to a point where he seemed only marginally more alive than the corpse he was pulling. The recovery from that experience had taken time and Ben had feared that Adam would be a lesser man. He should have known better. The ordeal served to make Adam stronger and more determined. His son never backed down and since that ordeal seemed even more focused when times were the hardest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yet this situation was different. It wasn\u2019t Adam\u2019s life that was at stake. He and Melinda had been drawn into something they had no part in, and Adam was stabbing in the dark to figure out what had actually happened and where to go next. He had put some pieces together quickly, yet he was still a newcomer to Boston and that disadvantaged him. And the sickening thought chilled Ben that no matter what either of them did to find Melinda, the people who had her might not allow her to live even if a ransom was paid. They needed to find out where she was being held if they wanted a chance to save her.\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All they could do was to follow the leads they might find. There was nothing to do except take another step so he shook off his uneasiness and joined his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Adam decided to send Miranda by cab to her parent\u2019s apartment for the night. She agreed to explain what was happening and bring them in the morning to stay at Melinda\u2019s house until the kidnapping was resolved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This seemed the best solution because it centralized the group of people who would need to be contacted with information. It was a lot to ask of his grandfather, but Adam would send word to him letting him know what was happening. Abel might be older and have a few health issues, but at this point, he was the one person Adam trusted to help William keep Margaret in check. Miranda was still seething at discovering her husband\u2019s secrets and would be a powerful force as well\u2014until the shock wore off and she fully understood the betrayal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Despite the upheaval in Miranda\u2019s life, and Margaret\u2019s less than perfect understanding of her daughter, Adam knew that once Melinda was rescued, she would appreciate that her mother and sister would be there for her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After Miranda was on her way, Ben and Adam stuck Lloyd between them in the buggy and set off for the Parker House Hotel. They arrived just before eleven and entered the lavish lobby.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam directed the group to the front desk where he addressed the clerk. \u201cWe need to know whether there\u2019s a Lorenzo Grifasi or a George Salvatore registered here.\u201d He\u2019d managed to extract those names from Lloyd on the drive over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The young clerk quickly responded that neither of them were in residence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben spoke up, \u201cAre there any rooms registered to young women?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot that I know of sir. We have a group of lawyers staying here now, and only a few of them have their wives along, so there aren\u2019t many women here at all. But I just came on duty. Let me ask the clerk who was on all evening.\u201d He disappeared through a door camouflaged by the wood paneling at the rear of the desk area and came back with another young man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Zeke Palmer,\u201d he told the three men. \u201cI\u2019ve been here since mid-afternoon. Mark says you have a question about someone who might be staying here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam answered, \u201cA woman was dropped here this afternoon, and we believe that she\u00a0might<\/em>\u00a0be staying here. However, the room could be registered in a different name.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Zeke shot Adam a wary look. \u201cI\u2019m not sure I should be giving out information about our guests. But I will say that we do have one room registered to a woman. What is the name of the person you\u2019re looking for?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMelinda Hayworth.\u201d Adam said through gritted teeth, knowing in his heart that she was not resting comfortably in a room upstairs as Lloyd had promised.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The young man\u2019s eyes brightened as he exclaimed, \u201cOh, then it was her!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam leaned over the counter, nearly grabbing the clerk\u2019s jacket. \u201cWhat do you mean that it was her? Is she here?\u201d Adam was afraid to believe that this would end so easily. His fears were justified.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, she\u2019s not staying here. But shortly after I came on duty this afternoon, I saw someone I thought looked like Melinda walking through the lobby. My family owns this hotel and our house was next to the Warnimonts, where Melinda was the governess. I used to play at Nate\u2019s house all the time and she would often be in charge of us. When I saw the person I thought was Melinda, I called her name, but she kept walking, so I figured it wasn\u2019t her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho was she with?\u201d It was Ben\u2019s question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe came in with one man. I\u2019ve seen him here before\u2026a George something.\u00a0 He\u2019s kind of a rough character and that\u2019s what made me think it probably wasn\u2019t Melinda. They met up with two other guys and I got busy about that time and didn\u2019t pay much attention to what they were doing. I think they just left out the back. I remember thinking that something didn\u2019t seem right. They were in a hurry and kind of pushing the woman along, but she didn\u2019t say anything so I didn\u2019t interfere.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam asked, \u201cCan you tell us anything more about the men she was with?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, no. The only thing I know is that I once saw the one named George tagging along with Lorenzo Grifasi. Grifasi\u2019s a wealthy businessman who\u2019s held some very nice parties here. He seems like a nice enough fellow, too.\u201d He thought a moment and added, \u201cIs Melinda in trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben said, \u201cThank you,\u201d and hurried to catch up to Adam, who had left before the clerk finished speaking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had a tight hold on Lloyd\u2019s arm while steering him to the door. \u201cMaybe it\u2019s time we go see your friend, Lorenzo.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd wrenched free of Adam\u2019s grip as he cowered. \u201cWe can\u2019t do that. If we show up there without the money…well I\u2019m not sure what he\u2019d do. He was very clear that I shouldn\u2019t return. He said he\u2019d be in touch when he wanted to see me again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of a person did you get mixed up with? The kid at the desk says he\u2019s an affable businessman who has money. Do you know anything more about him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The trembling man looked at his feet and shook his head no.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben inquired, \u201cWhere to next, son? It\u2019s getting late. Should we go back to Abel\u2019s and start fresh in the morning?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A small smile stole across Adam\u2019s face. \u201cWe\u2019re not out West, Pa. We don\u2019t have to stop because we can\u2019t see the tracks in the dark. There\u2019s someone who might be able to help us and I know that he doesn\u2019t sleep much. He\u2019ll see us even if it is late.\u201d Although he\u2019d decided what his next move would be, he hadn\u2019t considered that his father might not be up to an all-night trek, and said kindly, \u201cI can do this on my own, Pa. Why don\u2019t you head to Grandfather\u2019s and we\u2019ll meet up again in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sent his child a scathing look. \u201cI\u2019m not that old, boy.\u201d He smiled then. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t leave you no matter how tired I am. I want to see Melinda safe just as much as you do. The circumstances are dire, Adam, but I have to say that we still make a good team.\u00a0 Where to next?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s arms locked around Adam\u2019s neck as she drew him to her in a kiss. \u201cI knew you\u2019d come,\u201d she whispered as she eased him down onto the cot next to her. With her head resting on his chest she could hear his heart beating steady and true just as it had a few days ago in Abel\u2019s parlor.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She was suddenly crying out as she was pulled away from him. \u201cNo!\u201d she screamed as she fought to hold on. But as she focused, she saw that she was holding Maxi\u2019s hands, not Adam\u2019s, and everything became unbearably clear again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou were talking in your sleep, Melinda,\u201d Maxi explained as she stroked her hair. \u201cYou kept saying Adam\u2019s name and I hated to wake you, but I thought you might need to stretch a bit before I go to bed.\u201d She began untying the knots as Melinda composed herself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI dreamed that he came,\u201d she said softly. \u201cHe was here next to me and I could feel his heart beating. It was so\u2026real.\u201d The tears rolled down her cheeks as she sat up and wiped them away with the back of her hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI figured it was something like that.\u201d Maxi helped her stand. \u201cYou probably should use the chamber pot too. I have to sleep for a while now and no one else will be coming in to help you. I\u2019ll bring you something to eat when I get up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat time is it now?\u201d Melinda asked as she looked out the window at the black night outside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAround one. It was a slow night, so I\u2019m getting to bed early. I usually don\u2019t sleep long, so you\u2019ll see me in the morning. Just stay quiet. You won\u2019t bring any trouble on yourself that way. I promise I\u2019ll be back to take care of you.\u201d Maxi quieted for a moment and then reiterated her thought. \u201cJust remember what I said, Melinda. You keep still and they\u2019ll not think about you. Make a fuss and they\u2019ll be reminded that there\u2019s a pretty woman in here and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda reeled for a moment as she considered what more \u201ctrouble\u201d she could possibly bring upon herself.\u00a0 She had no notion of what the kidnappers were capable of doing, but Maxi\u2019s final warning had implied that they might find other ways to exact payment from her. That frightened her more than the fact that they probably didn\u2019t leave witnesses alive to tell tales. Her heart was beating so loudly that Melinda was sure Maxi could hear it, but she finally managed to say, \u201cThank you Maxine. You\u2019ve been very kind and I appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Maxi turned away for privacy, she changed the subject. \u201cWhen was your wedding planned for?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her mouth went dry at the verb tense Maxi had chosen. Melinda wondered if it was a grammar error or Maxi\u2019s surety that it wouldn\u2019t take place.\u00a0 She answered truthfully even though her words came out sounding like her tongue had turned to wood. \u201cA week from Saturday.\u201d As she controlled her fear again, she added, \u201cAdam\u2019s father is visiting so we are going to be married while he\u2019s here. You may have noticed that I\u2019m not a young bride, so I don\u2019t want a big wedding. All I want is Adam next to me, and a preacher to say the words.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou never been married before?\u201d Maxi asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo. It took a long time for things to work out so that we could be together, but I would have waited forever for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxi turned back to face Melinda. \u201cHe feel the same about you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I have no doubt about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMust be nice\u2026I mean to love each other like that. For me, love has always been one-sided. I do the lovin\u2019, the guy takes what he wants and then moves on with nary a thought.\u201d She led Melinda back to the cot and retied the ropes. As she neared the door she looked back and smiled. \u201cSweet dreams, Melinda.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Four<\/strong><\/p>\n

Friends in High Places<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lamps were glowing in the downstairs windows as Adam drove the carriage up the long driveway to the Wadsworth estate. The windows he was most interested in were the ones in Frank Senior\u2019s study at the far left, and Adam breathed with relief to see the room brightly lit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben observed the mansion up ahead, and said, \u201cWhen you came home from school, you told me that the Wadsworth family had a \u2018nice\u2019 house. I\u2019d say this is a little more than nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was I supposed to say, Pa, that it was the biggest estate in Boston? As I recall you were already thinking I\u2019d gotten a little too big for my britches while I was away. And I didn\u2019t lie about it, did I? It is nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got me there. Do you think we\u2019ll have to wake them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pointed to the far set of windows. \u201cFrank\u2019s in that room, and from the looks of it he\u2019s probably in the middle of something he can\u2019t put down. Marian, Frank\u2019s wife, complains that he stays up half the night, and that means she stays up worrying about him. It\u2019s just his way\u2026kind of like you, Pa. He can\u2019t sleep either when there\u2019s something on his mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they completed the drive to the house, Adam turned to Lloyd and asked, \u201cI need to know something. Did you really think you could pull this off without us figuring out that you were involved? Are you that stupid or did you think that we were?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He shrugged. \u201cGuess I didn\u2019t really think it through. It\u2019s just I talk a lot when I\u2019m nervous and I must have mentioned that you were going to marry my sister-in-law, and that your family had money. When I went back yesterday and said you didn\u2019t fall for my pitch, they told me what I had to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust what did you\u00a0have<\/em>\u00a0to do?\u201d Adam asked with contempt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI already told you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell us again.\u201d Ben demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI had to convince Melinda to come with me to the Parker House. I told her a story about how I\u2019d met a guy who wanted to buy her books, then I dropped her off there and went home. I was supposed to lay low and act surprised if you told me about her being missing. I think that asking for the same amount that I told you I needed for that investment led you to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a shame. You really have had a rough time.\u201d Adam gave Lloyd a hateful look as he pulled him from the rig and shoved him toward the front of the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door opened before they got to it. \u201cWelcome, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d The butler escorted them inside. \u201cI heard the carriage coming up the drive and wondered who might be arriving at this hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very sorry to impose, Walter, but we need to speak to Mr. Wadsworth,\u201d Adam said apologetically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Walter waved the apology aside. \u201cYou aren\u2019t the first person to arrive late to see the master of this house, and I\u2019m sure you won\u2019t be the last. Wait here while I announce you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Within minutes they were being led down a long hallway and through the double doors of the study. Frank had a worried look as he greeted Adam. \u201cIs everything all right, son? I was shocked when Walter told me who was here.\u201d He looked with interest at the two men standing behind Adam. \u201cYou\u2019ve brought others along, so I\u2019m assuming something is wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave Lloyd a deadly stare and pointed to a chair off to the side of the room, and ordered, \u201cSit!\u201d He spoke next to his boss. \u201cFrank Wadsworth, this is my father, Ben Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank\u2019s face brightened as he grasped Ben\u2019s hand. \u201cWhat a delight to finally meet you. Since Adam speaks so often of you, I feel I already know you. When I heard you were coming to Boston, I made him promise to bring you out here.\u201d He laughed, \u201cI just didn\u2019t expect that he would do it at midnight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a pleasure to meet you too,\u201d Ben said sincerely, \u201cAdam has always spoken of you with great admiration, Mr. Wadsworth.\u201d Frank acknowledged the compliment with a nod as Ben continued, \u201cI met your son, Frankie, when we were in San Francisco. He traveled to the Ponderosa a few times as well. He\u2019s a wonderful young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFirst off, how about you call me Frank, and I\u2019ll call you Ben? I\u2019ve never liked the formality of last names. Adam calls me Mr. Wadsworth at work, but we\u2019re on a first name basis at the house,\u201d Frank gave Adam a pat on the shoulder, \u201cAren\u2019t we, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wadsworth looked questioningly at Lloyd and then back at Ben and Adam, indicated chairs for them and went to sit behind his desk. \u201cSo what brings you here, Adam? I\u2019m sure it\u2019s not a social call, so you best tell me about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMelinda has been kidnapped.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank gave no indication of his shock other than to draw a deep breath as he closed his eyes. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry.\u201d He looked at Ben. \u201cHave you met Melinda?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben replied, \u201cNot yet. We were expecting her this evening when the kidnapper\u2019s note arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking at Adam, Frank said, \u201cTell me what you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pointing back to Lloyd with his thumb, Adam explained. \u201cThat\u2019s Lloyd Samuels; he\u2019s married to Melinda\u2019s sister. Lloyd finds investment opportunities and promotes them, but it seems he\u2019s been having a string of bad luck and took money from a man named Lorenzo Grifasi. When the deal went bad, Grifasi demanded his money back and threatened to kill him when he couldn\u2019t come up with it. I just met Lloyd yesterday, but he got the impression that I had money and tried to broker a bogus deal with me and my father to get the payment. When we refused to invest, he and Grifasi hatched a plot to get the money in a more\u00a0creative<\/em>\u00a0manner.\u00a0 Lloyd dropped Melinda off at the Palmer House and assumed Grifasi\u2019s men would hold her there. Of course they didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know Lorenzo,\u201d Frank contemplated. \u201cIn fact I\u2019ve done business with him. He\u2019s from Sicily but he\u2019s been in Boston for over twenty years already. I\u2019ve heard some bad things about a group of Sicilian \u2018businessmen\u2019 lately, but I don\u2019t think Grifasi is part of that. He\u2019s a legitimate player in Boston\u2019s business community.\u201d Frank told Lloyd to come closer, then looked at Adam and said, \u201cI suspect this man is lying to you, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd looked bewildered. \u201cThat\u2019s not true. It was their idea to kidnap Melinda when I didn\u2019t get the money.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank rolled his eyes disgustedly. \u201cI suspect you\u2019re lying about the first part of this story\u2014the part where you lost the investment. Men like Grifasi lose money all the time. In fact one of the business ventures I was in with him went bad and we all lost a few thousand dollars. It happens. Lorenzo didn\u2019t complain then. In fact he seemed to have a good perspective about how he gains more than he loses.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019re rich. He wouldn\u2019t say anything to you,\u201d Lloyd sniveled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true, but the man who sold us all on the idea wasn\u2019t rich and nothing bad came to him. If you were promoting as big deal as you say you were, then you would have lost money from a lot of people. Why aren\u2019t they all upset? Tell us the truth. I need to know what really happened before I can advise Adam on what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood next to Lloyd. \u201cHe\u2019s right. You tell us now or we\u2019ll take you to Grifasi and let him do what he wants to with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank prodded, \u201cWhat did you invest his money in? I\u2019ve only heard of a few projects doing badly of late.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s interesting,\u201d Ben interjected, \u201cLloyd told us that he\u2019s been making a lot of bad calls. It seems like he\u2019s lost money on everything he\u2019s promoted.\u201d Ben gave Frank a knowing look. \u201cThat just seems unrealistic, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Grasping Lloyd\u2019s shoulders firmly, Adam repeated his demand. \u201cTell us what you invested in. Don\u2019t worry about what we\u2019ll think of you.\u00a0 We can\u2019t think any less than we already do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t be so sure of that.\u201d Lloyd shifted from one foot to the other, looking like a child found stealing penny candy. \u201cI started out good,\u201d he confessed. \u201cI made money for several people at first. But it was hard work and took so much time and effort.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEvery good thing does, Mr. Samuels.\u201d Frank commented with a sigh, \u201cSo what did you do that wasn\u2019t so much work and got you where you where you are now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOne night I was playing poker\u2014just a friendly game, and used a little of the money I had gotten from an investor. I won\u2026big. I went back a few more times and continued to win. I gave people back their money with interest and had enough left over to build a nice life for myself. People sought me out because I was known as someone who could find a good deal.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat couldn\u2019t have lasted,\u201d Adam groaned. \u201cEveryone knows that poker is a game of chance, and often rigged. Even the best don\u2019t win all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI found that out,\u201d Lloyd whimpered.\u00a0 \u201cI couldn\u2019t make enough at the small games, so I started to play at the big gambling houses where the pots are larger. That\u2019s where I started to lose money, and had to sell harder than ever just to keep up. I\u2019d gamble the money I\u2019d get from one person, hoping to make just enough to pay off the one whose money I\u2019d lost in the last game. But pretty soon I was losing all the time. I felt that if I could just keep the money coming in, I\u2019d win big again and everything would be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank demanded, \u201cDid you gamble away Grifasi\u2019s money?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd nodded while keeping his head down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd when you told him the investment went bad, he didn\u2019t believe you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He nodded again, still without looking up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank looked at Adam and then to Ben. \u201cThis isn\u2019t good, gentlemen. I suspect that Grifasi found out what really happened.\u201d He brought his attention back to Lloyd. \u201cDid he find out?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes!\u201d Tears were streaking down Lloyd\u2019s cheeks. \u201cI didn\u2019t know it, but I was playing at a place that was owned by someone who knew Grifasi. One of Lorenzo\u2019s men saw me there and told him about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sank back into his chair and spoke quietly, addressing his boss. \u201cThis is bad, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank spoke in a sympathetic, but resigned tone. \u201cThis is more than bad, Adam. This is bad, bad. If Lorenzo has a connection to this Sicilian syndicate, he is in with some rough people. The sad part is that if Lloyd did have a reputation as someone who could make good money on an investment, Lorenzo may have trusted him and perhaps invested some of the syndicate\u2019s money on this \u2018sure thing\u2019 Lloyd was proposing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking at Lloyd again, Frank continued, \u201cYou\u2019ve broken trust with these people. I\u2019ve heard that they have a strict code about such things and you betrayed them.\u00a0 They won\u2019t put up with that. Hell, I wouldn\u2019t put up with that. No one would, although I doubt that most people would use such extreme means to get their money back.\u00a0 These people aren\u2019t some local players having a friendly game. Gambling is a source of income, and I\u2019m sure the cards are stacked in the house\u2019s favor. You lost their money to them, so you\u2019d think they\u2019d be satisfied that they got it back one way or another. But it doesn\u2019t work that way. It\u2019s not just about the money, it\u2019s about making you pay for thinking you could outsmart them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd slumped into a chair, sobbing. \u201cWhat\u2019s going to happen to me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam wanted to beat Lloyd to a pulp, but didn\u2019t have the energy to do it. He looked at him briefly, sighed deeply, and said, \u201cShut up and stop crying. You\u2019ve taken the easy way out so far, but now you\u2019re going to be a man and do whatever you need to.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to Frank, \u201cAny ideas how we can bring this to a conclusion and keep Melinda safe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a knock at the study doors, and a tall, well-muscled, middle-aged man walked in. \u201cYou sent for me, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did. Les, I want you to meet Adam and Ben Cartwright. They have a problem they\u2019re going to need some help with.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think we should be involving another person, Frank?\u201d Adam asked with concern. \u201cI\u2019ve seen Les around the estate before and am not certain what he does for you, but I\u2019m pretty sure I don\u2019t want him knowing about this.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank grinned. \u201cI had Walter get Les as soon as I heard that it was you who had come to see me. You wouldn\u2019t have come during the night unless there was something seriously wrong. Les is head of the security force at Wadsworth. I figured he\u2019d come in handy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWadsworth Development has a security force?\u201d Adam shook his head contemplatively. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re a rich family and business. There have been attempts at kidnapping family members and people in high positions with the company for generations. I got tired of putting out fires and hired Les about 15 years back. He has men watching my family and travelling with us, and they\u2019re around the office, but they blend in so you don\u2019t even realize they\u2019re there. It just makes sense to have people trained and ready to go and has worked well. Les keeps his ear to the ground and knows more than anyone about who\u2019s making waves in this town.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Les spoke up. \u201cWhat\u2019s the problem we\u2019re dealing with? I can get working on it once I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank indicated Lloyd as he explained, \u201cThis weasel got mixed up with the Sicilians and owes them big money from a poker game. At least I suspect it\u2019s a lot. How much is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd answered, \u201c$25,000.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a lot for a small-time gambler like you are.\u201d\u00a0 Frank addressed Les again. \u201cWhen Lloyd couldn\u2019t come up with the money to repay them, he told them that his sister-in-law was engaged to a man with money, and actually helped them kidnap her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A growling noise issued from Les. \u201cYou\u2019ve got yourself mixed up with some nasty people, mister. The Sicilian families are well established in New York crime, but they\u2019re just showing up here. I don\u2019t think they\u2019ll get a good grip in Boston and will be moved out by the Irish in time. They\u2019re known for having little tolerance of someone double-crossing them. Since this has gotten to the point of kidnapping to make someone else pay your debts, I\u2019m assuming they\u2019ve given you other chances that you haven\u2019t made good on.\u201d Les scrubbed his face with his hands and sighed loudly. \u201cI have no idea what you thought was going to happen by offering your sister-in-law to these peoples, but I hope you said goodbye the last time you saw her, because she\u2019s not coming home. She\u2019s probably already shipped off to some other place where she\u2019ll be used in a brothel. The ransom will just be icing on the cake and their way of showing you who\u2019s boss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gasped while Adam sat silently clenching and unclenching his fists. Lloyd began to sob again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank held his up hand to Les and ordered him to stop. \u201cThe woman you\u2019re talking about is Adam Cartwright\u2019s fianc\u00e9e as well as the weasel\u2019s sister-in-law, and she\u2019s completely innocent in this matter. I\u2019d ask you to show more consideration in your explanations.\u201d Les nodded as Frank continued, \u201cI didn\u2019t mention that the debt is due to Lorenzo Grifasi rather than to someone overtly in this other group. Would that make any difference?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Les puckered his lips as he thought. \u201cIt might. I\u2019ve never heard Grifasi\u2019s name associated with any of the bad stuff going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam found his voice. \u2018You seem to know about these people. Where are they most likely to be holding Melinda?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve bought up old houses all over the city to use for gambling and brothels. The Boston politicians keep closing them down, but they just move on to the next shack. They fix the places up a little inside but leave the outside looking like a dump so they don\u2019t draw attention. She could be at any one of them, or as I said, she could be in New York already. We go in with guns blazing at the wrong place, and she\u2019ll be gone for sure before we can find her. I\u2019d liken this to a colony of bees though. They\u2019re spread around but they\u2019re all still parts of the same hive. Maybe we can poke it and see where the bees go\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While Lloyd curled up in his chair and continued crying, the other four men formulated a plan to find out where Melinda was being kept. Les\u2019s earlier statements of doom were pushed aside as they moved forward on the assumption that she was alive and still in the city.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After the plans were set as much as they could be, Ben asked, \u201cCould Les take Lloyd out of here, Frank. We need to speak with you privately.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank told Les, \u201cTake him upstairs to one of the bedrooms and have someone stay with him.\u201d Addressing Lloyd he continued, \u201cTry to get control of yourself, man. You got yourself into this and we have no use for snivelers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once the room was cleared, Adam stood and began to pace. \u201cI don\u2019t know how to ask this, Frank, but-\u201c<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou need help with the ransom.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cThe amount is not the issue. We could secure that in cash or gold by walking into the bank\u2026if we were back in Nevada. The problem is time. It will take a couple of days for the wires to go through and then to process paperwork. From what Les just said, I don\u2019t think we have the time to do that. We need to act immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben broke in, \u201cWe\u2019re wondering if you\u2019d accept a quit claim deed for a portion of the ranch in return for cash, and I\u2019ll purchase it from you with interest once I\u2019m back home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank rose from behind his desk and came around to perch on the front edge. \u201cI\u2019ll have the full amount available by this afternoon, although I doubt it will be touched. We won\u2019t worry about repayment unless it becomes necessary to use it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Speaking directly to Ben, Frank continued, \u201cI\u2019ve seen you wince each time I\u2019ve called Adam, son, Ben. Yet the truth is that I think of him in that way. I have always suspected that Adam got his strong sense of honor and character from his father. I don\u2019t know you well yet, Ben, but I\u2019m even more convinced of that now.\u201d Motioning both men to get up, Frank encouraged them to follow. \u201cWe can\u2019t do any more until morning and it makes no sense for you to leave now and return in a few hours. I always have something to eat before bed, so why don\u2019t you two join me. There\u2019s food laid out in the kitchen for us. Then we\u2019ll get a little sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam paled at the thought of eating. \u201cI\u2019d rather spend some time outside. Would it be all right if I\u2019d head down to the stables?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank smiled, \u201cHe\u2019s there, pining away for you. Take him out if you\u2019d like. You can use Frankie\u2019s room when you come back, and I\u2019ll drop your father off in the room next to that when we finish.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben followed Frank toward the kitchen and was grateful for the plate of sandwiches awaiting them. \u201cMight I inquire what that conversation with Adam was about, Frank?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank poured a few fingers of a well-aged Scotch for each of them. He took his glass and sipped, saying, \u201cBest sedative known to mankind. I drink a toast to Friar Cor each night.\u201d\u00a0 After another, longer sip he addressed Ben\u2019s question. \u201cConcerning Adam and what\u2019s pining away for him in the stables, your son always favored one of our horses. It\u2019s a chestnut gelding with 3 white socks. He was the foal of Queen Anne\u2019s Elizabeth and England\u2019s Lord Chancellor Ellesmere.\u201d Frank snorted. \u201cNames, not withstanding, they were wonderful horses from a long line of champions. We were concerned about some foot problems this colt had early on, so he was gelded. His name is Elizabeth\u2019s Sporting Chance and he grew to be a fine animal. Adam was drawn to him immediately when he saw the name painted on his stall. He said that you had gotten him a similar looking mount just before he left for school and he\u2019d named it Sport. I suspected there was more to it than that, but didn\u2019t pry. Nothing seemed to relax Adam more than riding that horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave his host a knowing smile. \u201cDid you know that his mother\u2019s name was Elizabeth?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAh. I only knew that he was born here and his mother passed away after Adam\u2019s birth. Riding that horse must have reminded him of both his mother and his father.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men ate in silence until Frank asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with Adam, Ben? He doesn\u2019t look well. I\u2019d say it was the shock of all this, but he handles what life throws at him better than anyone I\u2019ve ever known.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe hasn\u2019t said much to me about it, but his grandfather said he\u2019s been ill. He looks worn out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf I know Adam, he won\u2019t talk about it and will tough it out the best he can. I hope he can get some rest tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam made his way into the stables and stopped at the gate to \u201cSport\u2019s\u201d stall. \u201cHi, old buddy,\u201d he said as the horse turned and approached him. \u201cI haven\u2019t seen you for a while.\u201d The animal raised his head in a loud whinny and brought his nose to rest on Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cWould you like a little exercise?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tack room was lined with rails holding English saddles, but as he looked around, Adam found the one he was looking for. He\u2019d learned to ride English to participate in the hunts held at the Wadsworth estate, and did well enough to fool the others into thinking that he was accustomed to it. But he\u2019d arrived one weekend to find a Western saddle hanging on the gate of Sport\u2019s stall\u2014a surprise from the Wadsworth family. It had taken a little time for the horse to get used to the heavier leather and different reining style, but in time, both rider and horse adapted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Saddled up, Adam moved Sport onto the moonlit rolling meadow at a walk. As the team regained their rhythm, they accelerated to a trot and finally a lope. Once sure that they were far enough away that he wouldn\u2019t be heard, Adam began to sing from Mozart\u2019s Requiem. This was not about practicing for the performance.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t even sure that the concert would go on since he wouldn\u2019t be available for rehearsals.\u00a0 It was something he couldn\u2019t even think about. For now, the complicated music and concentration needed to sing the series of Latin words helped to settle his mind\u2026and stomach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sport enjoyed the break, and dropped his head to chew on grass while Adam remained on his back, working through the crescendos and runs. When he finished the difficult solos without a break in his voice, he looked up at the sliver-infused night sky as he had done earlier. He was sweating with fever, yet he shivered with the thought that any misstep in hours to come might mean he wouldn\u2019t see Melinda again. As his anger and frustration built, he cried out the accusation that had plagued him throughout his life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The effects of the chloroform had worn off and Melinda was now wide-awake. The lamp Maxi had left behind had sputtered and died when the flame consumed the last of the oil, and she was once again in darkness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This time Melinda didn\u2019t cry out, but calmed herself by thinking about Adam. She craned her neck back, hoping to see the sky through the window. The tree blocked the panes, but if she angled her head just right, she could see a small patch of moonlight and stars.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She whispered, \u201cAre you out there, Adam?\u201d Melinda knew that when Adam needed to think, he went outdoors. He\u2019d told her once, \u201cMy earliest memories are not of walls and rooms, but of rolling wagons, campfires, endless skies during the day and endless stars at night. Even when we finally had a house, we were still outside most of the time working trap lines first and then the ranch. There are times in the city when the walls around me close in and I have to get out, even if it\u2019s just to feel the wind in my face or make sure the stars are still there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She\u2019d worried at first when he\u2019d headed for the door in the evening, and seemed not to want her company. He had finally convinced her that his need to absent himself outdoors didn\u2019t indicate anything more than a time for a little problem-solving on his part.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you finding any answers tonight, Adam? Does any of this make sense to you?\u201d She whispered, while wishing there was some way of sending her thoughts to him. Adam had his father with him now and they would get through this together if she didn\u2019t make it home. \u201cStop thinking like that,\u201d she admonished herself as a wave of terror and sadness made her shiver. \u201cThey\u2019ll find me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She wanted to believe that\u2026she had to believe that or her panic would overwhelm her. Hoping to settle her fears, she let her mind drift back to a day in November, years ago when she and her aunt had walked next door to visit Abel. He had been holding a ladder while someone up above pruned the branches that rubbed against the house. She hadn\u2019t seen Captain Stoddard in some time, and he hadn\u2019t recognized her and had let go of the ladder to tip his hat. There\u2019d been a shout, and she\u2019d watched in horror as the ladder had arced away from its perch against the house and the young man aloft had flown through the sky and landed upside down in a prickly hawthorn. Melinda still didn\u2019t know how Adam had survived that fall. The three of them had managed to extricate him from the branches he was caught in and she\u2019d held his head in her lap while Abel went for help. Adam had looked half-dead, but she\u2019d soothed and encouraged him while they\u2019d waited, and somewhere in those moments, she had fallen as hard for him as he had through the branches. She\u2019d gotten to know Adam in the days after the accident, and they\u2019d come to love each other in the years that followed. She\u2019d always teased him, saying that since she\u2019d \u201csaved\u201d him, his life belonged to her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her breathing became regular and slowed as she continued to remember their hours together, until her eyelids became too heavy to open and she slept in Adam\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Five<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Games Are Afoot<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was greeted by a butler as he descended the grand staircase of the Wadsworth house and led to the dining room. He\u2019d been awakened by a knock on his door an hour earlier and presented with a pitcher of hot water, a razor, shaving soap, and warm towels. When he\u2019d gone to his room the night before, he\u2019d found a nightshirt and robe on the bed and an attendant had taken his clothes away. These had arrived at his room freshly pressed within minutes of the other items. Ben had always made sure that guests were well cared for at the Ponderosa, and as his fortunes had increased out West, he\u2019d stayed in the homes of influential people he\u2019d come to know in San Francisco and Sacramento. None of those compared to the graciousness of this home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank laid his napkin on the snowy white cloth as he rose and came to greet Ben and make introductions. \u201cBen Cartwright, this is Lady Marian, my wife.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took the woman\u2019s hand as he said, \u201cIt\u2019s a pleasure, Lady Marian.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She laughed. \u201cI\u2019m not really a Lady, although my dear Frank has always called me that. I think he fancies himself as being the lord of the manor, so he gave me a title befitting his.\u201d She winked at her husband, who laughed as he leaned to kiss her cheek. She blushed as she returned her attention to Ben. \u201cPlease just call me Marian.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three parents chatted about their children as they ate, but when she finished, Marian gave her husband a nod and excused herself, leaving the two fathers alone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve sent word to the bank. They will deliver the money to my office by early afternoon.\u201d Frank\u2019s look turned to worry. \u201cI didn\u2019t hear Adam come in last night, but Walter says that he\u2019s in Frankie\u2019s room. Have you seen him yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reflected Frank\u2019s concern. \u201cI haven\u2019t, but I\u2019ll go check on him.\u201d He was rising from his chair as Adam entered the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both men stared at the pale, heavy-eyed man who waved aside the offer of food and asked only for tea with honey. Neither man asked Adam about his health.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank inquired instead, \u201cDid you ride last night?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cHe\u2019s a great horse.\u201d He looked at his father, \u201cHe reminds me very much of Sport, Pa, which leads me to ask how he\u2019s doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine, son. Joe is the only one who can handle him. He takes him out as often as he can.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Les entered the room with Lloyd tagging along a step behind him. Pushing Lloyd toward the buffet, Les ordered, \u201cGrab something to eat.\u201d Looking at his boss, he added, \u201cI\u2019ll be heading out now and will meet you in about an hour. The coachman knows where to stop.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After going over their morning\u2019s plans a final time, Adam asked for a few minutes to give his regards to Marian and went off to find her. Once away from the watchful eyes in the dining room, Adam steadied himself against a table in the foyer and breathed deeply. He\u2019d come in from his ride at around 3 AM, and had seen the bottle of Scotch on the table. Against his better judgment, he\u2019d consumed a few ounces. It had felt good as it had warmed the chill from his body, but then it took its revenge as it repeatedly burned a path from his stomach up his esophagus and back down again. He\u2019d slept a bit after discovering that lying on his left side relieved the constant upheaval. The morning had brought no relief from his symptoms and there was steady pain now accompanied by a nausea that didn\u2019t abate. If he\u2019d had to describe where it hurt, he would have said it was coming from every inch of his digestive tract. But there was no time for frailty so he pushed it aside and went to find his hostess.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda awoke to find Maxi standing above her with a plate of food.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like you was able to sleep. That\u2019s good.\u201d Maxi set the plate on the dresser and came back to untie the ropes. \u201cIt\u2019s gonna be a busy day for me, sweetie, so I brought you a big breakfast and found a book and catalogue to keep you busy. Merchant ships came in last night and I suppose they\u2019re unloaded by now. That means that the crews are making their way to the bathhouse, then the saloon, and will begin to show up here around noon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Unsure of whether she should say anything, Melinda decided to ask, \u201cMaxine, how did you come to be here? You\u2019re so different from the way I would have imagined anyone who would work in a house like this. Adam told me just the other day that he had made some big mistakes about judging people by what they do for a living instead of by getting to know who they are. I have to wonder if I haven\u2019t been very wrong about a lot of things I\u2019ve put judgments on too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxi sat down on the bed. \u201cWe all make judgments about a lot of things\u2026and people, and it takes a big person to admit they\u2019re wrong. I\u2019m here because of one of those guys I told you about yesterday. He said he loved me and I believed him. He was a good lookin\u2019 man that the other ladies swooned over. I felt proud to be by his side, thinking he was a finer person than me because he was schooled more and had a smooth way of talkin\u2019. I felt I was lucky he chose me to love. Then the no-good brought me to this house about a year back and said that if I really loved him, I would help him out. Said he was in big money trouble and if I would work here a while, it would help him pay his debt down and then we\u2019d get married. When I began to understand what I\u2019d gotten myself into I tried to leave, but they told me that Clint had given me to them to pay his off his bets.\u201d Maxi\u2019s dark eyes flashed angry and cold. \u201cThat Civil War that just got fought might have freed some slaves, but people are still bought and sold. I guess as long as others don\u2019t see it, they think it don\u2019t exist.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda placed her hand on Maxi\u2019s. \u201cYou know\u2026a couple of days ago I would have been shocked by that story. I wouldn\u2019t think it was possible that someone could sell out another human being, but that\u2019s really what my brother-in-law did to me, didn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf he\u2019s the one who \u2018arranged\u2019 this, then yes he did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know what\u2019s remarkable about you, Maxine?\u201d The other woman shrugged and Melinda continued, \u201cYou haven\u2019t become jaded and you don\u2019t treat others as you\u2019ve been treated. You\u2019ve been so kind to me.\u00a0 I think you\u2019re one of the finest people I\u2019ve ever met, and I mean that with all my heart. I\u2019ve known people who have always been blessed with the best in life. Instead of thanking God for all that\u2019s been given them by extending that blessing to others, they hold on tight to what they have, forget where it all came from and treat others badly.\u00a0 I know you\u2019ve had some bad times in your life, Maxine, but what you are deep down inside is still there. They can force you to do things you don\u2019t want to do, but they can\u2019t take away who you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxine turned away as she wiped her eyes with her skirt. \u201cI\u2019m letting you untied today, but don\u2019t do anything to make me regret it. Your door\u2019s bolted on the outside, and you can\u2019t get out the window, so take it easy and look through them things I brought.\u201d She looked at Melinda and smiled. \u201cThank you for them nice words. If you was anybody else, I\u2019d suspect you were just saying them to make me drop my guard, but I find something true about you too.\u201d Maxi walked over and knocked on the door to be let out. \u201cI\u2019ll be back when I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank, Ben, Adam and Lloyd set out in one of the Wadsworth\u2019s coaches after Les went off alone to assure that his side of their plan was in place. He\u2019d managed to assemble the best of his team during the night, explain the situation and then had sent them to keep an eye on Grifasi\u2019s office building.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The coach stopped two blocks away from their destination and Les hopped in. \u201cGrifasi got in an hour back, and was joined a few minutes ago by Luis Castelletti and a group of his men. Castelletti is the guy with the reputation as a son-of-a.\u201d Les stopped his assessment as he noticed the stern look his boss was shooting his way.\u00a0 \u201cAs I was saying, I\u2019ve heard that Castelletti oversees the gambling houses and has been informally tied to several disappearances since he\u2019s been here. The police could never prove anything and his operation has grown bigger and meaner as far as I can tell.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at Les and then to Adam. \u201cAre we ready to put this plan into motion?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe sure are,\u201d Les answered. \u201cLet\u2019s hope we catch these guys by surprise and get them to do what we want them to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd shrank into the corner of the carriage, and refused to exit when they arrived at the Grifasi\u2019s office. \u201cI don\u2019t need to go in there,\u201d he whined, \u201cyou know the story already, so just leave me out here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Les reached a long arm into the corner and yanked Lloyd from the conveyance, as he hissed, \u201cBe a man. No one\u2019s going to hurt you with us along.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank strode into the building, noted the nameplate on the desk and greeted the young woman in the outer office, \u201cGood morning, Miss Parsons. I need to speak to your boss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled back. \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you again, Mr. Wadsworth. Mr. Grifasi is with someone right now. If you\u2019ll wait a moment, I\u2019ll tell him that you\u2019re here.\u201d She disappeared through the door marked \u201cLorenzo Grifasi\u201d, and returned shortly with the news that he would be available in a minute.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The group in the waiting area heard raised voices and saw shadows through the frosted glass in the wall that separated the office from the anteroom, but when Lorenzo ushered them into the office, it was empty. \u201cFrank Wadsworth!\u201d he said with a soft Italian accent, while shaking his hand. \u201cWhat an honor. May I ask what brings you here?\u201d As Lorenzo viewed the group, his eyes stopped at Lloyd. Addressing him, he asked in confusion, \u201cWhat are you doing with these men?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank took over as he ordered everyone to sit. \u201cAs you have already surmised, this is not a social call, Lorenzo. We have done business together in the past, and I have always known you to be an honorable man. But it has come to my attention that you did not act honorably yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Grifasi tried to interrupt, but Frank loomed over the man\u2019s desk. \u201cI know that this man, Lloyd Samuels, lost money that belonged to you, but in your efforts to reclaim that money, you arranged the kidnapping of his sister-in-law. There\u2019s a problem with this, Lorenzo. That woman is the fianc\u00e9e of Adam Cartwright,\u201d he indicated Adam. \u201cThis other gentleman is his father, Ben Cartwright. The Cartwrights are family to me, Lorenzo, so when you took the woman Adam intends to marry, you took a member of my family. This cannot stand.\u00a0 We will resolve this\u2026misunderstanding immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lorenzo pointed at Lloyd. \u201cThis man told you that I kidnapped the woman?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam spoke for the first time. \u201cHe said that after he told you that she was engaged to someone with money, you laid out the plans to hold her until you got your initial investment back plus an equal amount to cover your loss of interest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

None of those present had to speak Italian to know that Grifasi was uttering a curse as he flew over to Lloyd, jerking him to his feet. \u201cWhy do you lie to these people?\u201d He turned and balanced himself against his desk as he moaned. \u201cI knew six months ago when this all first happened, that it would ruin me. This bug of a man took my money and gambled it in the house of Luis Castelletti. He came crying to me after that and I vouched for him to Castelletti, saying he would make good on the debt with a little time. I had invested with Lloyd once before and it had gone well, and hoped he would find a way to get himself out of this mess. But he was unable to do so\u2026or couldn\u2019t by the means he was using. When I could stall Luis no further, he came here yesterday and gave Lloyd an ultimatum: the money or his life. It was the two of them who decided on the kidnapping.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m confused,\u201d Ben questioned, \u2018why would this Castelletti want money from Samuels. Isn\u2019t he the one who benefited from his gambling?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAha,\u201d cried Grifasi, \u201cThat\u2019s the point. I would have liked my money back, but I would have taken Samuels to court and sued him for fraud. He gambled my $12,000 dollars with Castelletti, and then wrote markers on an equal amount. With the interest on that over the last six months, he owes them nearly $20,000. I will receive nothing from this, and had no part in it except that I\u2019m the one who made the horrendous mistake of trusting Samuels to make good, and so I am stuck with him. That\u2019s why they met here. I am now the middleman. I would end this immediately if I could\u2014would pay Castelletti the money myself, but it doesn\u2019t work that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Grifasi peered over his shoulder as if being watched before continuing more quietly, \u201cI meant no disrespect to you or your friends, Frank. I only sat by while the deal was made, knowing that if I made a fuss, I would not be here today. Even now, I am trying to go home to Italy. My family is already gone; I sent them about a month ago when I realized that being in with these men could not have a favorable outcome. I\u2019ve been drawn into something I never wanted to be a part of. But once you\u2019re in, you can\u2019t get out again. I have no stomach for this\u2026this\u2026dark kind of business.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had risen during Grifasi\u2019s explanation and turned Lloyd to face him. \u201cIs there no end to the lies you\u2019ve told us? You\u2019ve endangered the lives of innocent people with your cowardice and even when given the chance to make this right, you still refuse to be honest. I have another question for you, Samuels. Mr. Grifasi says your debt is $20,000, so why are they asking for $25,000?\u201d He looked at his father and Frank, and then back at Lloyd. \u201cYou wanted the same amount from us for your \u2018deal.\u2019 Why the extra five thousand?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Grifasi said, \u201cI know the answer to that. Lloyd asked Castelletti to make the ransom for the larger amount so that he\u2019d have a stake for another game of poker. He practically drooled as he said that he thought you were good for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lloyd dropped to the floor as Adam\u2019s fist connected with his chin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank told Les to take the unconscious Lloyd out to the coach and tie him up. Speaking to Grifasi again, he said, \u201cWhy is Castelletti here? Don\u2019t bother denying it, Lorenzo. We know he\u2019s hiding somewhere and we only want the truth now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe came to see if I\u2019d heard anything from Samuels. Luis wondered if the woman\u2019s family was going to come up with the money or had figured out that Lloyd was involved in the kidnapping.\u00a0 As I said before, this whole affair sickens me, and if I was a better man\u2026maybe I could have done more. My only hope became that it would all be resolved quickly and I would be kept out of it.\u201d He looked down, \u201cI am a coward too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben asked, \u201cWhat do you know about Castelletti?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot a great deal\u2026mostly because I distance myself from him and his business. He is distantly related to me and that\u2019s why he took my word about Samuels in the first place. I know he doesn\u2019t trust me fully though. Since this business with Samuels, he\u2019s had his cousin tailing me to see where I go and what I do. I only know that Luis runs the gambling part of the business, while a cousin, George Salvatore, the man who often shows up wherever I am, runs the brothels. George is the one who met Samuel\u2019s and the woman at the hotel and took her away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know where they took her?\u201d Adam asked, his voice betraying another breath of hope.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo. These men come from a family of crime back in the old country and are seeking to establish a foothold here. I know nothing and don\u2019t ask questions. It had worked well for me\u2026until Lloyd Samuels came along and ruined everything. I am deeply sorry that you and your fianc\u00e9e have been involved in this, Mr. Cartwright. I will do what I can to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank took over the conversation again. \u201cPlease get Castelletti back in here now, Lorenzo. We will remove Samuels from these discussions entirely and deal directly with the man in charge.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Grifasi exited the back door to his office. While alone, Adam spoke softly, \u201cI can\u2019t believe that Samuels continued to lie about this. I don\u2019t want to involve Miranda, or Melinda\u2019s family in this, but the man needs to be held accountable\u2014even if everything should turn out fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked toward Frank and back at his son. \u201cLet\u2019s see how this ends, Adam. Right now I think you\u2019re focused too narrowly. I\u2019m sure that if we all put our heads together, we\u2019ll figure out a way to take care of Lloyd Samuels without any adverse publicity affecting Melinda\u2019s family. Lloyd is a coward, but I think he fell for the seduction of easy money and got in over his head. Being weak and without a clue about this side of life, he probably thought he could fix things. We\u2019ve dealt with Castelletti\u2019s kinds of people before, Adam, and I\u2019m sure that Frank has too, but Lloyd has probably been sheltered from them. I\u2019m not defending Lloyd, but once he won that first hand of poker, his weakness let him think that he had struck the richest vein of gold imaginable.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank nodded his agreement. \u201cThere is truth in what your father says and we\u2019ll figure something out. For now, Adam, when these men come in, you are going to have to approach this as a business deal. That means no emotion. You\u2019ll do the talking because you are the one they asked the ransom of. Don\u2019t let them see how much this is torturing you. It pains me to say this, but right now Melinda is a commodity. Our success depends on you making them believe that we will turn over the ransom. You will need to be respectful of Castelletti, but be firm too. Got that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben added, \u201cYou\u2019ve done this before, Adam. You\u2019ve stood up to many a thug even though you\u2019ve not had as much to lose. Approach this as you have always approached a business client and you\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t have time to answer either man as the door opened and Grifasi led a heavy, hairy man into the room. They were followed by six large, muscular, stern-looking men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGentlemen,\u201d Castelletti addressed them, \u201cLorenzo has explained to me that Mr. Samuels will no longer be taking part in these negotiations. That\u2019s fine with me, so let\u2019s not spend time talking about the weather. I assume that I am in possession of something you would like to have back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam moved to stand within inches of the larger Castelletti. \u201cYou do. And I assume that it will be returned in the same condition as when it was taken.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. Do you have the payment? If so, we can go get this messy business completed right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Les had prepared everyone by going through the various ways that this scene might play out. Adam knew how to respond to Castelletti\u2019s suggestion. \u201cI trust that you are an honest businessman, but understand my concern as I ask for proof that my money will be well spent. I always make sure I\u2019m getting what I\u2019m paying for before going ahead with a deal. You will ask Melinda to write something that only I will understand and bring it to Frank Wadsworth\u2019s offices by two this afternoon. After I verify its authenticity, we will meet you back here at 5 PM for the exchange. Don\u2019t think you can outsmart or outgun us, Mr. Castelletti. We can match you man for man and will not hesitate to bring you and your enterprise to an end should you try to renege on the deal.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Castelletti puffed his chest. \u201cYou speak strong words, young man. I hope you have the\u00a0forza d’animo<\/em>\u00a0to back them up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank firmly interjected, \u201cHe does. And regarding Mr. Samuels. I\u2019m sure that Lorenza has told you that he is Mr. Cartwright\u2019s brother-in-law. You value family as much as we do, Mr. Castelletti, so you will allow Mr. Cartwright to deal with this\u00a0suina<\/em>\u00a0as he sees fit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed.\u201d Castelletti motioned for his men to follow him to the back door and spoke softly to them in Italian. He sent them away and returned, saying, \u201cI have enjoyed doing business with you so far, gentlemen, and look forward to seeing you back here this evening when we will each receive what we desire.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will pay you only what Samuels owes you. That\u2019s $20,000.\u201d Adam\u2019s stomach turned as he negotioated with the man who controlled Melinda\u2019s fate.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would seem fair, but I think I shall ask the entire amount for putting up with the \u2018swine,\u2019 as your friend so aptly called him.\u201d He left the office without another word.<\/p>\n

Ben remarked, \u201cHe speaks English well for being foreign.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grifasi explained, \u201cHe was educated by English governesses just as I was; they taught us in English and we learned it well. Of course his family is wealthy for the same reasons that he is wealthy here. They are a scourge on the village where they live and their lavish life comes at the expense of those unlucky enough to do business with them.\u201d He sat down heavlily in his desk chair. \u201cI am once again sorry for all of this and admit that this is my own cowardice talking, but, Frank, if there is any way you could help me get out of this safely, I would appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I can help you with that,\u201d Ben offered. \u201cSend word to your home to have your things prepared, get as much cash as you can and someone will pick you up here at the end of your day. They\u2019ll stop at your house before taking you somewhere safe. Travel as light as you can manage. For your own good, we can\u2019t send you directly to Italy, but I know someone who can get you somewhere you won\u2019t be found. You can decide where to go from there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank looked at Ben with respect. \u201cWell, that settles it. We should get going to my office and await the note from Melinda.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they walked to the coach, Adam questioned his father. \u201cI\u2019m assuming you\u2019ll be asking Abel to use his connections for a safe passage?\u201d<\/p>\n

His father replied, \u201cOf course. Abel knows the ropes on how to get someone where they need to go better than anyone I\u2019ve ever known. I\u2019ll send him a note telling what to expect once we get to your office.\u201d He turned to Frank. \u201cI\u2019m sure you can conjure up a someone to get the man to the harbor wihtout anyone knowing what\u2019s happening.\u201c Ben thought a moment and remembered what else he wanted to ask, \u201cBy the way, what did Castelletti say that Adam better have if he was going to stand up to him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank laughed out loud and waited until they were all seated inside the coach. \u201cAh, yes, \u2018forza d’animo.\u2019<\/em>\u00a0It means fortitude, but I\u2019m pretty sure Castelletti meant \u2018balls.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Melinda was paging through the catalogue Maxi had brought earlier when she heard the lock turn. She smiled at the woman standing in the doorway. \u201cHow\u2019s your day going, Maxi? I\u2019m thinking of ordering one of the new corsets advertised in this magazine.\u201d Noticing the uneasy look on Maxine\u2019s face, her heart began to pound. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, I suppose. I think this might actually be good news. Your man asked for proof that you\u2019re still alive before he pays the ransom.\u201d Maxi held out a tablet and pencil. \u201cHe wants you to write something that only he knows about.\u201d<\/p>\n

She reached for the items as the blood began to throb in her temples. Melinda looked up at the woman who had become her friend-of-sorts over the past day. \u201cMay I ask you something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do I do, Maxi?\u201d Melinda\u2019s voice caught. \u201cTell me the truth. What\u2019s going to happen to me even if Adam pays the money?\u201d<\/p>\n

Maxi said nothing while biting her lower lip.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease tell me,\u201d Melinda begged. \u201cI need to know what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChances are, no matter what Adam does, you\u2019ll end up like me, Melinda,\u201d Maxi said in a low, sad voice. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anyone go home. These people ain\u2019t a lending library. What they get, they keep and use until it ain\u2019t worth nothing anymore. Sometimes people disappear; sometimes they get shipped off to work in places like this in other cities. You\u2019re a fine looking woman, so they know that you\u2019d attract a lot of clientele.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut how can they get the ransom if they don\u2019t take me with them? They can\u2019t get the money for me and keep me\u2026can they?\u201d Melinda\u2019s breath was coming in rapid bursts.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure they can. They take someone along dressed in your clothes; maybe keep her in the shadows. Once Adam arrives with the money, they show him this other person from a distance to make him let his guard down and Georgie\u2019s guys grab the cash and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Her face paled as she finished Maxi\u2019s thought, \u201cKill Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds about right, I guess. I don\u2019t rightly know for sure, but I know they won\u2019t let him go off and tell the police about what happened. I\u2019m really sorry about this, Melinda. You\u2019re a good woman, and I hate what\u2019s happening to you. Is there any chance that your man might try to rescue you? I mean is he smart about this kind of stuff, \u2018cause most people wouldn\u2019t be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Melinda thought again about the scars on Adam\u2019s body and suspected that he had a good knowledge of the world\u2019s evil. Yet she didn\u2019t know for sure if he\u2019d ever faced anything like this before. She looked up again at Maxi. \u201cWhat do I do?\u201d<\/p>\n

The tall, world-worn woman sat next to Melinda. \u201cI think it depends on Adam. If you\u2019re afraid he\u2019ll walk into the trap and get hisself killed, then you write a note in a hand he won\u2019t recognize and with somethin\u2019 that means nothin\u2019 to him. He\u2019ll think that they\u2019re trying to fool him because you\u2019re already dead. He\u2019ll be brokenhearted for a while, but you can go on knowing that you saved his life. It wouldn\u2019t go well for you, though.\u201d Maxi let that scenario take shape in Melinda\u2019s mind and then offered. \u201cOn the other hand if Adam is the man you think he is, he would feel far worse if he found out what happened to you and had to live with knowing that he wasn\u2019t even given the chance to try to save you. If you know that he\u2019s that kind of man, then you write something good.\u201d Maxi gave Melinda a wry smile and dropped her voice to a whisper. \u201cYou\u2019re a smart woman, Melvin, figure out something to help him if you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Melinda whispered back. \u201cCan you tell me where I am? I could work that into something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019d be signing my own death certificate,\u201d she said sadly, \u201cbut you can tell him without an address. You been here with nothing to do for some hours. I know you can\u2019t really see nothing out that window, but there are other things you\u2019re aware of. Tell him what you know.\u201d Maxi waited a minute and then asked, \u201cYou know what you\u2019re gonna do?\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded as she began to write and didn\u2019t look up until she was done. Melinda handed the tablet back to Maxi, saying, \u201cThere. That will have to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maxi read over the words and laughed. \u201cI don\u2019t have any idea what this means, but that don\u2019t matter much. You think Adam will understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe should.\u201d She watched Maxi leave with the message, and prayed that Adam would understand. He had told her once that life should never be given up without a fight, but she knew that she couldn\u2019t face the life that Maxi had. She prayed that Adam would find her, as she also resolved that should she end up facing the same fate as her friend, she would find a way out\u2026or die trying.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Abel had dozed briefly during the night but had been up for hours awaiting news from Adam and Ben. Responding to a knock on the door, a messenger handed him a note and told him that he would remain outside waiting for a reply. After scanning it, Abel had Sadie McIntyre read it aloud to him to make sure he hadn\u2019t missed anything and then told the messenger to report back that he would take care of everything. He asked where he should send further news.<\/p>\n

The messenger said, \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Mr. Stoddard. Just step out onto your porch and someone will come. Mr. Wadsworth has sent a few men to watch the two houses: yours and Miss Hayworth\u2019s. You aren\u2019t in danger that we\u2019re aware of, but Mr. Cartwright asked that we keep our eyes open.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich Mr. Cartwright? Abel asked.<\/p>\n

The messenger chuckled. \u201cBoth of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Abel sat at the table and asked Sadie to bring paper and pencil. She sat next to him as they went through the message one more time and made notes.<\/p>\n

Abel,<\/em>\u00a0I hope that you managed to rest a bit, as we will need your assistance today.<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam was correct in his assumption that Melinda\u2019s brother-in-law was involved in her kidnapping. We sent his wife, Miranda, to be with her parents and she will bring them to Melinda\u2019s house today. They may have arrived already. I ask that you go over there and share this with them. Adam says that you have met William and Margaret and he knows that you can help keep them calm. Their proximity will also mean that we only have to send information to you, and you can alert the others.<\/em><\/p>\n

I would ask that you have Miranda read this message privately before sharing it with her parents. This information will be a heavy shock for her, and she will need to make some decisions. I know that you will help her sort through what might be best.<\/em><\/p>\n

This is what has happened so far:<\/em><\/p>\n

Lloyd admitted to arranging the kidnapping. Miranda already knows this. What she doesn\u2019t know is that Lloyd lied about the reasons. In his defense, I do feel that Lloyd was na\u00efve enough to believe that Melinda\u2019s kidnappers would hold her at the hotel where he\u2019d dropped her, and that she would be released unharmed once Adam produced the money. Lloyd was oblivious to the true nature of the people he was dealing with.<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam enlisted the help of Frank Wadsworth last night. It turns out that Frank has a security team with a person in charge who is knowledgeable about the darker side of this city. Neither Frank, nor his security chief, Les, thought that Lloyd\u2019s story of being in such dire straits over a bad investment sounded plausible. It took some time, but we finally know the whole story.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lloyd didn\u2019t lose money to investments\u2014he gambled it away. A few years back he won at a poker game using funds he was supposed to invest. He was easily swayed by his wins, thinking that this would be a simpler way to amass a fortune for everyone concerned. Of course the winning ended, and the losses began to pile up. By then Lloyd was addicted and couldn\u2019t stop. He lost everything, including the money from Miranda\u2019s parents, while continuing to think that he could fix everything with one big win.<\/em><\/p>\n

He began playing at establishments owned by a sinister group.<\/em>\u00a0In desperation, he \u201cborrowed\u201d money from the house to supplement his faltering income. Lloyd assumed he could sell more false deals to bring money in, but he\u2019d become a pariah in Boston\u2019s business community and no one would invest. When Castelletti, the owner of the gambling establishment, finally demanded the money on Monday, Lloyd told them about meeting his sister-in-law\u2019s wealthy fianc\u00e9 and said he\u2019d get the money from him. When we didn\u2019t fall for his scheme, he helped them take Melinda to force our hand.<\/em><\/p>\n

Les is aware of what\u2019s going on here, and unfortunately is uncertain about Melinda\u2019s fate even if we pay the ransom. He feels that Adam would likely be killed when he showed up with the money and Melinda would already have been sent away to work for the group\u2019s brothels before the ransom exchange ever took place. It\u2019s hard to hear such prophesies without despair, but Les also feels that he can help us bring this to a successful conclusion.<\/em><\/p>\n

I know this is a lot to ask of you Abel, but you need to speak to Miranda and her mother to make sure they understand the implication of what I just wrote. They\u2019ll have to be strong for Melinda when she returns and need to understand what she might have gone through. \u00a0We need your prayers as does Melinda. The positive in all this is that she may be kept safer because the Wadsworth name is involved now.<\/em><\/p>\n

I can\u2019t disclose our plans. We have secured the ransom money if it comes to that. If there is any good news in this, it is that this will be over by late afternoon. I will send word when I can.<\/em><\/p>\n

As regards Lloyd: he has done unspeakable things, yet Adam doesn\u2019t want to bring the Hayworth name into what would become a public humiliation if we turn him over to the police. Lloyd is weak, and his cowardice has put people in jeopardy. We will do whatever we can to bring Melinda safely home, but we also need to deal with Lloyd, and protect another person who tried to help him.<\/em><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s where you come in, Abel. A man named Lorenzo Grifasi, as well as Lloyd will be brought to your house this evening. One of Frank\u2019s men will remain so you won\u2019t have to watch them. In the meantime, I ask that you arrange sea passage for two people, leaving as soon as possible. I know that you can use your connections to secure anonymous passage for both men. Lloyd should sail to San Francisco. Frank\u2019s son is there and will assist Lloyd when he arrives and get him set up with a job and a clean start. It will be Miranda\u2019s choice whether to accompany him, but he must leave Boston and I know that you can make him disappear quite effectively.<\/em><\/p>\n

The other man, Grifasi, is probably in more danger, Abel. He is related to Castelletti, but is not like him. Grifasi\u2019s connection to us will be seen as betrayal. His own family is already back in Sicily and we want to help him get to them. I\u2019ll leave it to you to figure out how best to arrange that. It is imperative that no one other than the captain knows he\u2019s aboard until he\u2019s at sea.<\/em><\/p>\n

Please send a message to us as soon as you can get the details in place.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yours in prayer for a safe conclusion,<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben<\/em><\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Miranda looked dazed after reading Ben\u2019s note aloud to her parents. Margaret swooned as her daughter finished and her opinion on its content was soon known.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all lies! I knew we should never have allowed Melinda to live here with your sister! The woman was insane and gave our daughter such horrible notions. If she\u2019d remained home with us she would never have found this Adam Cartwright and gotten into this mess!\u201d<\/p>\n

William looked at her and shook his head. \u201cWhy are you blaming Lynne and Adam? Lynne\u2019s dead and Adam\u2019s trying to get Melinda back. It\u2019s Lloyd who got her into this mess.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe a word of it!\u201d Margaret screeched. \u201cThese Cartwrights are using Lloyd as a ruse, blaming him to take away their own guilt. My son-in-law would never have done what they accuse him of doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miranda was roused from her inertia and said resignedly, \u201cLloyd is responsible mother; I told you that already. He confessed to taking Melinda to that hotel. I heard it with my own ears.\u201d<\/p>\n

William offered thoughtfully, \u201cI said once in partial jest that the only way Lloyd could be losing so much money would be if he was gambling it away. I guess that was prophetic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt all makes sense to me now,\u201d Miranda confessed tonelessly as she stared ahead. \u201cLloyd was spending more and more evenings away from home. He\u2019d be gone all day talking to clients, and would be in a very good mood when he\u2019d get home after convincing someone to give him money. Those nights he\u2019d hurry through supper and then rush out again saying he had more people to see, and wouldn\u2019t return until late in the night. At first he seemed happy, but after a few months he would return home growling and refuse to talk to me about what was bothering him. He finally said that things were a little slow in his business and that we had to cut back. He even mortgaged the house just to have money for our bills. And lately we were living on the kindness of local business people who let us run tabs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Margaret harrumphed but was not silenced. \u201cWell, I suppose Lloyd may have gotten himself into a problem, but I think these Cartwrights are using it to make themselves look like heroes to show us up. Why don\u2019t they just pay that ransom and be done with it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Miranda rose and approached her. \u201cDon\u2019t you get it mother? Lloyd didn\u2019t understand what these people really were like. They are criminals, not people who run a poker game. They care only about the money and can\u2019t let Melinda go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, heavens. Why are you all trying to frighten me? And why would that evil father of Adam say those things about how Melinda might be forced to work in one of those brothels. It is making me so unsettled.\u201d<\/p>\n

William walked to where Margaret was sitting and grabbed her arm as he stared into her eyes. \u201cYou<\/em>\u00a0are unsettled? Is there no end to your selfishness? This is happening to your daughter. My heart goes out to her, not you! Your other daughter is in pain as well. She has lost her husband to this senselessness, and yet you only care for yourself? I\u2019m sure it was not pleasant for Adam\u2019s father to tell us what might be happening to our daughter, but it is important to know that even if she is rescued or ransomed, she might not be the same woman that was taken away. Things like this\u2026well\u2026I can\u2019t imagine what it would be like to endure what she might be right now. He\u2019s warning you so that you won\u2019t be shocked, and will be prepared to give comfort if needed.\u201d He dropped Margaret\u2019s arm as he spat, \u201cYet I doubt that you would offer much comfort. Perhaps the best you can offer is to leave and allow others to attend to Melinda as she returns.\u201d<\/p>\n

Margaret stiffened her spine. \u201cI will not feel ashamed for my opinions. If Adam had simply given Lloyd the money in the first place, none of this would have happened. It\u2019s his fault that Melinda is in danger: his fault and no one else\u2019s. Melinda should never have gotten involved with such an unreliable and unsuitable person as Adam Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

Abel joined William and Miranda in front of Margaret and locked his glare on the hateful woman. \u201cYou will stop slandering my grandson this instant, madam. Adam is the most reliable man I have ever known and he is like his father in this. Together, they have incredible strength and wisdom. They will do what they must, including giving their own lives to rescue your daughter. I\u2019m sure that Adam regrets not giving Lloyd the money, but your son-in-law lied to cover up his trouble. Both Adam and Ben knew that something wasn\u2019t right, but they had no idea that Lloyd was in this much trouble. If he\u2019d been honest with them, they\u2019d have sold everything they have to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Margaret\u2019s face was beet red, but she said nothing as Abel continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd concerning Lynne Hayworth, she was a remarkable woman. Oddly, while you have no problem noting her faults, the woman never once said a disparaging word about you in all the years I was her neighbor. She loved all your daughters, even while being partial to Melinda. As an observer, I\u2019d say that Lynne did not influence Melinda, as much as allowed her to become everything she sought for herself. You should be thankful instead of tearing her to shreds.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drawing a long, deep breath, Margaret appeared ready to pull Abel limb-from-limb when he raised his hand to silence her.<\/p>\n

\u201cA final warning Mrs. Hayworth. You use your tongue as a weapon. It is a sharp sword that you use to cut down whomever you attack with it. But there is a double edge on such a sword that cuts both ways. Should you continue to wield it without restraint or discretion, it will eventually rebound back at you and cut with deadly consequences. The trouble for you is that you are so self-absorbed that you won\u2019t even know what you\u2019ve done until you suffocate on your own blood.\u201d<\/p>\n

She gasped and then hissed as she began to rise, \u201cWilliam, are you going to allow this man to speak to me like this?\u201d<\/p>\n

William glanced at Abel appreciatively and then looked back at his wife. \u201cNot only am I going to allow him to do so, but I will shake his hand for finally putting you in your place. He is right you know. You cut everyone in this family off at the knees with that tongue of yours and we\u2019re all tired of it. You\u2019ve attacked Melinda so many times that it was only with Lynne\u2019s care that she managed to survive and become the woman she is. You will learn to control your tongue, Margaret, or you will have no one left to use it on. Now, sit down and quietly think about what you\u2019ve just heard and let me know what you\u2019d like to do about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Margaret sat down. Her flushed complexion had paled and tears began to roll down her cheeks, but she said nothing more.<\/p>\n

Abel asked Miranda to come with him to the kitchen where he told her, \u201cI know you\u2019ve been given so many things to think about and you must be very unsettled right now, but I have to ask you to consider what you want to do so that I can proceed as Ben has asked of me. I suspect that Lloyd is already ashamed and will become more so when he finally understands all the mistakes he\u2019s made. He has certainly endangered a number of people, but my son-in-law senses that this came about more from Lloyd\u2019s gullibility than from an evil heart. Only you can decide whether\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0can forgive him and if you want to remain his wife.\u201d He touched her hand and then brought her chin up to look at him. \u201cNo one will think less of you if you wish to accompany him to the West Coast. You have some years together and you may not be ready to give up on him just yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miranda stepped closer and allowed Abel to hold her. \u201cI don\u2019t know how I feel, Mr. Stoddard. I\u2019m numb from my head to my toes and nothing makes sense. Right now I don\u2019t know how I can ever forgive Lloyd, and it may still depend on what happens this afternoon. If Melinda makes it out of this in one piece, I might be more inclined to look past some of it, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Abel patted her shoulder. \u201cThese decisions are never easy, child. I have been on Lloyd\u2019s side of this sort of situation in my life and didn\u2019t deserve forgiveness either. But I received it and it made me a better man. Perhaps it will work that way with your husband as well. I cannot tell you how to feel or what to do.\u201d He took a step back to see her face. \u201cDo you see yourself sailing with him?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThen that\u2019s your first answer. I will book passage for one. Perhaps being alone for some weeks at sea will give your husband time to consider his sins. That same period will give you time to decide whether you can forgive him and see your future together. You can always join him later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miranda nodded. \u201cI can\u2019t imagine that you ever did anything that would have hurt someone this badly. If you could become better for it, then maybe there is hope for Lloyd. But for now, I\u2019ll let him go and he can prove to me that he is capable of change.\u201d<\/p>\n

Part 3<\/strong><\/p>\n

Until Death Do Us Part<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

One<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rewriting Shelley<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Scuffling and loud voices in the hallway made Melinda lay down her book and stiffen with fear as she listened to what was being said. She heard Georgie\u2019s Italian-inflected voice shouting, \u201cWe have too many men needing service to let a room go unused.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maxi\u2019s voice spat back, \u201cYou don\u2019t know what you\u2019re doing, Georgie. Think about it. This woman is worth money from the ransom, but she won\u2019t be worth anything if you do this! She\u2019s never been with a man as far as I can tell. These men don\u2019t want\u2026beginners\u2026and you will face Luis\u2019s wrath for hurting her.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man laughed loudly. \u201cSenza macchia!<\/em>\u00a0I can charge more for that! She seems too old to be untouched, but she\u2019s a good-looker, and will bring in a fine price for the first time. As for Luis\u2026I haven\u2019t heard from him other than his wanting that note from her. I know what we do with those we kidnap. This woman won\u2019t be here after today anyway, so I might as well get something for her room and board before she\u2019s shipped away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her voice was frantic as Maxi tried to reason. \u201cThis woman ain\u2019t like the others we\u2019ve had in here. Even you can see that. You need to think on this longer before you do something you might regret. I think she\u2019s got connections out in the world.\u00a0 You hurt her and this place is gonna be shut down and you\u2019ll go to jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you shut up! I can\u2019t think with you spitting all those words at me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Melinda was trembling but breathed more easily when she heard heavy footsteps walking away. The key turned and Maxi stood in the doorway, wide-eyed with worry.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve done what I can, Melinda, but I think he\u2019s gone to get someone for you. I\u2019ll try to turn him away if he comes, but I\u2019m scared too. This ain\u2019t much of a life, but it\u2019s all I got.\u201d She began to close the door again.\u00a0 \u201cI have to get back now, but I\u2019ll try to come back and open the lock if Georgie puts a guy in here with you. All I\u2019m saying is that if you see a chance to run, go for it. You got that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes!\u201d Melinda shouted, her teeth chattering with fear as she began to understand what was going to happen. Regaining control, she added, \u201cThank you, Maxine. I know you\u2019ve done all you could. When I get out of here, I\u2019m coming back for you.\u00a0You<\/em>\u00a0got that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Maxi could answer, the door was sent flying back on its hinges as George tried to enter. There was another man behind him who could barely stand upright and held onto Maxi\u2019s shoulder, boosting himself high enough to see into the room. \u201cHey there, pretty lady,\u201d he slurred as he caught himself on the door jamb when he began to tip backwards. \u201cI\u2019m going to give you something to remember for the rest\u2019a yer life. I might be short, but most women don\u2019t complain about the length of other things I got.\u201d He began to giggle as he held more tightly to the jamb. \u201cI think I\u2019m pretty good at doing what I\u2019m about to, so don\u2019t you look so dang scared. I\u2019ll be gentle with ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maxi screamed at Georgie, \u201cYou can\u2019t do this! Please, I beg of you. I\u2019ll hurry and do twice as many men to make up for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not your business, Maxi,\u201d Georgie said as he slapped her hard across the face. \u201cI already took $50 from this man so that he could have first chance at this one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maxi recovered enough to push at the drunk, sending him to the floor. But as she turned to look again at Melinda, Georgie\u2019s big arm caught her at shoulder level, lifting her off her feet and sending her flying into the hall where she crumpled in a heap.<\/p>\n

Georgie pinned Melinda with a deadly glare. \u201cYou do what this man wants of you or I\u2019ll do it myself. And I\u00a0won\u2019t<\/em>\u00a0be gentle.\u201d He assisted the drunk to his feet and gave him a nudge into the room. \u201cShe\u2019s all yours, mister.\u201d<\/p>\n

She could see Maxi on the floor outside the door as it was pulled shut and locked. Melinda looked at the drunken sailor who\u2019d gone to sit on the bed, then at the locked door again. Finally she turned to the window. The panes of glass were thin, and large enough that she would fit easily through the bottom section without hitting the sturdier frame.\u00a0 She\u2019d taken a good look outside earlier to see that there were a number of heavy branches just beyond the glass that she could grab onto\u2026if everything went just right. Her parents had always called her a tomboy when she was young because she climbed trees fearlessly, and she was about to find out if her skills were still intact. \u00a0She glanced again at the greasy-looking lump sitting on the bed leering at her, and knew what she had to do.<\/p>\n

After waiting so long to be Adam\u2019s bride, she was not about to let that be taken from her. Adam would say that it made no difference\u2014that the only thing that counted was that she was alive.\u00a0 It\u00a0would<\/em>\u00a0make a difference to him though; he just wouldn\u2019t be able to tell her the truth. Adam would never be able to look at her without feeling his own guilt festering in his soul. He would blame himself for not getting to her in time, and for not being able to save her from this act of violence. It wouldn\u2019t matter because of anything she\u2019d done; only that\u00a0he<\/em>\u00a0hadn\u2019t done enough. Melinda made the decision that she couldn\u2019t allow these people to take away her soul\u2014because if they had that, her life wouldn\u2019t be worth living anyway.<\/p>\n

She considered the man on her bed a final time. When he\u2019d first entered, she thought he was so drunk that he might pass out. However he\u2019d begun to focus on what he was about to do, and he now looked awake and eager. He was small as well as drunk and she wondered if she could fight him off\u2026but then what? Georgie would come back and make good on his threat. There was only one way out of this room, so she prayed for a miracle.\u00a0Please, dear Lord, send your angels to protect me. You allowed Adam to survive a fall through a tree and I ask that you might be inclined to do the same for me.<\/em><\/p>\n

She looked around the room to find something to protect herself from the breaking glass. There was nothing, not even a blanket on the bed. She\u2019d thought about using this method of exit earlier, and had come to some conclusions that were again confirmed. The man in her room was drunk yet he would still be able to pull her back inside if she lingered in her task. Further, the breaking glass would alert Georgie who could return quickly enough to thwart her effort if it wasn\u2019t accomplished in haste. It was clear that she couldn\u2019t break the glass first and work her way out to a sturdy branch. She would have to accomplish the escape in one fluid chain of action. Her last thoughts before committing to her plan were of the man she loved.\u00a0Please understand, Adam. If I don\u2019t make it, it is only because I don\u2019t want to live without you.\u00a0<\/em>A grin crossed her face as she thought; this would be so much easier if I could just open the window<\/em>. Raising her eyes to heaven, she prayed,\u00a0Father, please protect me.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Angling her torso forward, she took her first step, but then hesitated as she heard movement outside the door. The key turned quietly followed by the sound of footsteps hurrying away. \u201cMaxi,\u201d she mouthed silently. Her friend had recovered enough to unlock the door as she had promised. Melinda was suddenly presented with a way out that didn\u2019t involve flight and acrobatics. She had no idea what lay on the other side of that door, where the hallways led to, or how she\u2019d find her way out of the house. This escape route could prove to be as perilous as the window, yet it was a chance she would take.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She walked over to the bed and asked the sailor to stand. Placing a trembling hand on his shoulder she said, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you get those boots off while I get undressed.\u201d<\/p>\n

A large smile replaced the leer as he said, \u201cWell ain\u2019t you eager. You musta been waiting for this for a long time!\u201d<\/p>\n

Melinda quietly muttered, \u201cI\u00a0have<\/em>\u00a0been waiting a long time, but you\u2019re not the one I\u2019ve been waiting for,\u201d as she removed the six-inch hatpin that she\u2019d woven into her skirt the evening before. She raised her arm above her head and then drove the needle into the man\u2019s shoulder as he bent over to pull off his boot. A wave of nausea swirled her stomach as the point snagged on the cloth of his shirt and then hit something hard. She kept applying pressure until the man dropped to the floor screaming, and clawing at his arm.\u00a0 Wasting no time, she made for the door, opened it and ran.<\/p>\n

The man\u2019s howling brought others to stand in their doorways, curious to know what was going on. Melinda pointed back toward the room she\u2019d come from and shouted, \u201cThat man needs help. He\u2019s having some sort of fit.\u201d She continued on to the end of the hall where she saw steps leading down. Her heart soared as she thought of sailing down the stairs and out the front door.<\/p>\n

The escape came to an abrupt halt when Georgie walked out of the room at the head of the stairs and grabbed at her arm. By then, the drunk had made it into the hall, screaming that he\u2019d been stabbed. Amid the noise and confusion, Melinda spat in George\u2019s face, kicked at anything she could connect with, and dug her nails into his skin. He released his hold when she bit him, giving her a chance to run again. She\u2019d made it halfway down the stairs when a shot rang out from above. Melinda dropped. Momentum continued to propel her forward as she tumbled down the remaining steps, her lifeless body coming to a stop at the feet of Luis Castelletti as he entered the front door.<\/p>\n

Castelletti shooed away the curious customers that had filled the doorway of the parlor.\u00a0 \u201cGo back inside. There\u2019s been an accident, but everything is fine. Have a drink on the house while you wait.\u201d When they were gone, he spoke to Georgie through clenched teeth. \u201cWhat have you done, you fool?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was trying to get away! I had no choice,\u201d he replied while remaining at the top of the stairs. \u201cWhy am I suddenly a fool for doing what we have always done with those we hold?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis woman is connected to one of the most powerful people in this city. I had no idea that Samuels knew anyone important.\u201d He bent down to roll Melinda over and gasped as he saw the blood on her dress and his hand. \u201cYou shot her\u2026in the back? I heard a gunshot as I came to the door, but hoped I was mistaken.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you, she was running. The customer she was with came out howling that she\u2019d stabbed him. I had to stop her somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid she stab him? How?\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the brothel women came to the head of the stairs while Georgie blocked her view of the scene below. \u201cI just checked out the guy in that room. There was a hatpin in his arm. I yanked it out and he seems fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Georgie pushed her away. \u201cGo make sure he leaves happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Castelletti shook his head as he wiped the blood from his hand on Melinda\u2019s dress. \u201cA hatpin\u2026 You killed her for a hatpin!\u201d His face reddened and he shook his head as his rage built, \u201cStupido<\/em>! This is madness! Get her down below. Arrange for the body to get out to a ship tonight. They can toss it overboard once they\u2019re out to sea.\u201d He waited for Georgie to come down the steps and slapped him hard across the face. \u201cYou\u2019ve ruined us here. I must now figure out a way to stall Cartwright and Wadsworth until we can clear our houses and get out of town. We\u2019ll head back to New York and stay out of sight for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

Georgie wiped the blood from his lip with the back of his hand and probed the cut with his tongue. \u201cYou haven\u2019t let something like this stop you before. I never thought I\u2019d see the day when Luis Castelletti would run away with his tail between his legs.\u00a0Vigliacco!<\/em>\u00a0Who are these men to make you shake like a dog?\u201d<\/p>\n

Castelletti slipped a small revolver from his vest pocket and shoved it into Georgie\u2019s ribs. \u201cI should kill you for calling me a coward!\u201d After the outburst, he replaced the gun in his vest and said, \u201cI still may kill you later, but right now I need you. Take this body away and then get the customers out of here. Have the women to be ready to travel in two hours. I\u2019ll go make arrangements for transportation and send carriages and extra men to make sure they all get to the train. You don\u2019t need to bring anything other than your ledgers and the women. I\u2019ll send word to clear out the rest of the places I own as well. Those Cartwrights and Wadsworth won\u2019t stop until they\u2019ve shut down everything I own once they find out the woman is dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Castelletti bent down again to look at Melinda. \u201cShe was a beautiful woman, was she not? Mr. Cartwright will be\u2026disappointed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben joined Frank in his office and they talked about ranch life and business while eating lunch. Everything was done for the time being. They didn\u2019t expect any news from Castelletti for a bit and the money had already arrived. There were no plans to use it, however. It had been brought for the sole purpose of convincing anyone who might be watching that they were going ahead with the payment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The real plan had been to follow whoever the Sicilian sent to get the note from Melinda. Once there was proof of where she was being held, they were going to storm the house long before it was time to meet for the ransom exchange.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A knock on Frank\u2019s door startled the two men, and a small, wiry man handed a folded note to Ben. After looking it over, he told Frank, \u201cIt\u2019s from Abel. He\u2019s got passage booked for both men to leave early tomorrow. Lloyd sails for San Francisco while Grifasi will go to Spain. He can get to where he wants to go from there. Apparently Abel knows both captains and they are willing stow their cargo with no one being the wiser.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcellent. Abel seems to be a very efficient man.\u201d Frank drained his water glass. \u201cHow\u2019s Adam holding up, Ben? He didn\u2019t look good when we got back here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe wanted to be alone, but I\u2019ll go check on him now. He\u2019ll want to hear of Abel\u2019s news and I suspect we could get the note from Melinda soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was sitting on the floor of his office, his head on his knees with his arms tightly grasped around his bent legs. The pain in his gut was constant now and this was the only position that offered any relief. He raised his head when his father entered, and saw that Ben was carrying a plate with a sandwich. Clapping a hand over his mouth, Adam breathed deeply, swallowed the bile that had risen and waited until he could speak. \u201cTake that out of here, please, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After setting the plate on a desk outside the door, Ben reentered and went to help Adam stand up. \u201cYou haven\u2019t eaten a thing since I\u2019ve been here son, and Abel told me you were sick for two days before that. Are you sure you\u2019re up to going with us? Maybe you should go see a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you have gone to see a doctor if someone had taken one of us?\u201d He shuddered as another wave of pain tore through his abdomen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have any idea what\u2019s wrong with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNone, but it doesn\u2019t matter. All that\u2019s important is finding Melinda.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think you can at least rest a little before we go? I\u2019ll come get you when something happens.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve tried to rest, but I can\u2019t, Pa.\u00a0 I think I drifted off a few times last night and that will have to suffice.\u201d There was silence as Adam tried to decide how to tell his father what he needed to say. \u201cYou know that I\u2019ll keep pushing myself until\u2026I can\u2019t anymore.\u201d He looked pleadingly at his father. \u201cIf I can\u2019t finish this, promise me that you\u2019ll keep going until Melinda is found.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried to sound optimistic. \u201cYou\u2019ll be fine, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, but promise me, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank and Les appeared at Adam\u2019s doorway with an envelope as Ben\u2019s assurance was being given. Frank said quietly, \u201cIt\u2019s here, Adam. The note from Melinda is here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took the paper and unfolded it, carefully scanning the message as a smile briefly replaced the look of pain that had become the norm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs it from her?\u201d Les questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes. It\u2019s a poem. No one else would know its meaning.\u201d Adam felt a moment of hope again as he asked, \u201cWere your men able to follow Castelletti\u2019s people, Les?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Les sighed heavily before answering, \u201cThey did. But there\u2019s a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA problem?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cWhat kind of problem?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCastelletti might be new in town, but he\u2019s not new to crime. He\u2019s cautious and sent each of the men that were with him this morning to different places. Our men followed them, and each came out with an envelope that was taken back to Castelletti\u2019s main gambling house. The person who brought the note to us is not one of those who went out at first, so I\u2019m sure he doesn\u2019t know where the note originated. Castelletti figured that we\u2019d question the guy. He can\u2019t tell us what he doesn\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank was unfazed by the admission. \u201cSo, we go to all of these places at the same time! Where\u2019s the problem?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat would make sense, but we only have enough men to hit maybe two or three at the same time, Boss. You have a good-sized team and I could enlist more\u2026but there\u2019s not enough time for me to organize such a huge endeavor in the hour or so that we have to make our move.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The four men sat in silence as the truth once again dimmed the hopes of finding Melinda.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben broke the quiet. \u201cWhat do we do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Les shrugged and sucked air through his teeth, making a whistling noise as he thought it through. \u201cWe pick out the two places she\u2019s most likely to be at and go to those. I can alert the police to look at some others, but… We have to pray that we hit the right place with our first assault.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked again at Melinda\u2019s note and began to smile. \u201cAre any of these places perhaps a brothel near the harbor?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Les sat forward with interest. \u201cYes, there\u2019s an old boarding house just up the hill from the docks. Why do you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s this note. I think Melinda is telling us where she is. What a clever woman! At first I didn\u2019t even see it. I thought that she might have simply forgotten the words of the poem in her duress, but now it makes perfect sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow so, Adam?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a poem by Shelley. The first stanza she wrote is correct.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The fountains mingle with the river,
\nAnd the rivers with the ocean;
\nThe winds of heaven mix forever
\nWith a sweet emotion;<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nothing in the world is single;
\nAll things by a law divine
\nIn another’s being mingle–
\nWhy not I with thine?<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It\u2019s what I said to her when I asked her to marry me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank nodded. \u201cI\u2019m familiar with it.\u00a0Love\u2019s Philosophy<\/em>, isn\u2019t it? A nice touch to your proposal, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Les gave his boss a sidelong look, and tried not to smile. \u201cI never thought of you as being the poem reading type, Boss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell of course I read poetry\u2026\u201d Frank said as he winked, \u201cwhen Marian makes me. But go on, Adam. What are the clues to where she\u2019s at?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMelinda responded to my proposal by reciting the second stanza. I\u2019ll say it as it actually goes so that you can hear the difference in what she wrote today. It should read,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

See the mountains kiss high Heaven
\nAnd the waves clasp one another;
\nNo sister-flower would be forgiven
\nIf it disdained its brother;<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And the sunlight clasps the earth
\nAnd the moonbeams kiss the sea:
\nWhat are all these kissings worth
\nIf thou kiss not me?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood and began pacing. \u201cBut here\u2019s what Melinda wrote,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Harbor bells kiss clouds in heaven<\/em><\/p>\n

Joined by gulls in lonesome cries<\/em><\/p>\n

Beyond where love not freely given<\/em><\/p>\n

Branches kiss the azure skies<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Bound in knots I cling to earth<\/em><\/p>\n

Near where moonbeams kiss the sea<\/em><\/p>\n

What are all these kissings worth<\/em><\/p>\n

If thou kiss not me?<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She says she\u2019s near the sea, where harbor bells ring, the gulls cry and she even says that she\u2019s tied up in a brothel with a tree outside!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank shook his head. \u201cI understand the bells and gulls but where do you get the brothel from?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s written so well; I don\u2019t know how she did it so quickly. In the fourth line she says she\u2019s in a place where love isn\u2019t freely given\u2026a brothel!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood behind Adam\u2019s chair reading the words over his shoulder. \u201cIt does sound like she was sending you a map. Are you sure about this, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Les rose, saying, \u201cThen we go to the brothel. We\u2019ll leave in one hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two<\/strong><\/p>\n

Head \u2018Em Up, Move \u2018Em Out<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sent word back with Castelletti\u2019s man saying that the note was valid and promised that they would meet as planned for the exchange. Meanwhile Frank and Ben finalized plans to get Lloyd and Lorenzo Grifasi to Abel\u2019s house to await their departures.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Les went on ahead to speak with the local police force after assuring himself that he wasn\u2019t being followed. He knew that Castelletti probably paid the street cops to turn a blind eye to his operations, but he knew the men in charge would want to take the lead when the brothel where Melinda was being kept was raided. There was constant pressure from the city to shut these places down and it would be a feather in their cap to do so.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Georgie Salvatore grunted as he carried Melinda\u2019s body down the steps to the root cellar. There was a door in the dirt enclosure that opened onto a path leading directly to the harbor. He wished he had more time and could just bury her, saving himself the trouble of having to pay someone from a ship to pick her up later.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once she was stowed away, he went back upstairs and began knocking on doors, telling the occupants to hurry it up and clear out. He hadn\u2019t counted on the unwillingness of the sailors who hadn\u2019t seen a woman in months to rush, and those who had already paid and were still waiting, refused to leave without satisfaction. Georgie\u2019s request was met with angry curses and threats as the men promised violence if not allowed to do what they\u2019d come for. It was well over an hour before Georgie was escorting the last of them out the door and shouting at the women to hurry with their packing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxi ran for Melinda\u2019s room when she was finally done. She\u2019d heard the commotion and shot earlier and had assumed the worst, yet hoped she was wrong. The room was empty. Maxi went inside and took Melinda\u2019s hat from the dresser. There was no time to grieve properly, but there was enough time for Maxi to make up her mind about her own future. A shadow falling across the floor made her look up to see Georgie\u2019s hulking frame filling the doorway.\u00a0 She looked at him with contempt. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose she got away, did she. Did you shoot her?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He snarled, \u201cWhat difference does it make what I did? What was she to you anyway? I never saw you get so attached to anyone before.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She walked to him and looked up into his eyes. \u201cWhat she was, was a good person, Georgie. You can\u2019t even understand what that is.\u201d She grinned malevolently and added, \u201cBut with all this rushing around, packing and clearing out, I assume that what I warned you about is coming to pass. Melinda\u2019s man is coming for you and you\u2019re afraid, Georgie. I can smell it on you.\u201d He slapped her hard again, but she laughed. \u201cWell thanks for that. At least now I match. How would it look if I only had a bruise on one side of my face?\u201d Her next words insured her fate, but she didn\u2019t care anymore. Another good woman had died at the hands of this man and his cohorts and she couldn\u2019t go on thinking that her fate would be any different. She would be worked until she got sick and died just like the others she\u2019d seen come and go. \u201cI\u2019m not going with you, Georgie,\u201d she said with conviction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust what I said. I\u2019m done. You can shoot me if you need to, but I\u2019m walking out that front door. I can\u2019t pretend that this life is anything but a living hell. I\u2019d rather be dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He grabbed Maxi by the hair, stuck a gun in her back and dragged her down the hall. \u201cWalk down the steps. I already hurt my back carrying a corpse. You\u2019re at least gonna help me out a little before I kill you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxi took the first step, still hanging onto Melinda\u2019s hat as she began to cry. \u201cI don\u2019t want to die, Georgie. It\u2019s just that the living is too hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Three<\/strong><\/p>\n

Confessions and Absolution<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

William brought a cup of tea outside to his wife. She\u2019d gone out shortly after Abel had left and hadn\u2019t come back in. He could tell that she had been very upset at the exchange between them and wondered how she had come to deal with it. Handing her the cup, he urged, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you drink some tea, dear. You missed lunch and could use a little something.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She took the cup, giving him a brief smile. \u201cThank you. I didn\u2019t feel much like eating. I\u2019ve had a lot of thinking to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose you have.\u201d He sat on the bench next to her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Balancing the saucer and cup on her knee, she turned to face him directly. \u201cIt must be close to two already. Didn\u2019t the note say that they would know what has befallen Melinda by mid-afternoon?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but even if something is going on, we won\u2019t hear about it until a little later, Margaret.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe waiting is hard, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Her face screwed into a sob as the cup and saucer slid to the ground, shattering on impact. \u201cWilliam, I never meant it to sound as though I didn\u2019t care what happened to our daughter. I was so afraid that I didn\u2019t want to think about what she might be going through. Such ugly things came out of my mouth. I didn\u2019t mean any of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pulled her close. \u201cI think I knew that, dear. Perhaps our emotions caused us both to say some hurtful things.\u201d After letting her cry for a few minutes, William pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her. \u201cI do believe the right people are out there to give Melinda the best chance at being found. I wouldn\u2019t have known where to start in figuring this all out. Adam and his father seem to be doers, whereas I\u2019m a watcher. They know whom to go to for help and how to get things done.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret patted her husband\u2019s hand. \u201cI don\u2019t think we know what we\u2019re capable of doing until we have to do it. You would have done the best you could. That\u2019s all anyone can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Margaret.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWilliam?\u201d The tears began again. \u201cWhen did I become such a shrew? I\u2019ve been thinking about Mr. Stoddard saying that I have a sharp-edged tongue that I use to hurt people. Have I always done that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the things that I loved about you when we first met was your quick wit. You said things that were insightful and often left jaws dropping, but only because of your way with words, not because they were unkind. We\u2019ve been married for 36 years. I can\u2019t rightly say when you switched from being witty to being harsh, but it\u2019s been some time now. You allow your words to come out without considering the harm they may inflict. I often still see the woman I fell in love with, but if I\u2019m being truthful, there are many occasions now when your words leave me wincing and dismayed instead of impressed as I once was.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret nodded and then asked, \u201cI\u2019ve been a horrible wife and mother too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not true, Margaret. Our girls love you and so do I.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOne of our girls doesn\u2019t love me, William. One of our girls thinks very little of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMelinda doesn\u2019t love me. She loved Lynne. She modeled her life after Lynne, not me, and hates anything that I suggest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

William thought about this for a moment. \u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s true. But I can see where it seemed that way at times. The fact is, in thinking back, your harshness seemed to begin with Melinda and Lynne.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou may be right about that. Melinda and I always seemed at odds, but when she\u2019d come home from stays with your sister, we got along better\u2026at least at the beginning. Before I knew it, Melinda was a young woman and I couldn\u2019t say anything to her without starting an argument. I began to resent Lynne\u2019s influence and found that Melinda had ideas that were foreign to me. When I\u2019d try to tell her how I felt, she\u2019d laugh at me and call me old-fashioned. I dug in then William. I dug in hard and determined that I was going to make her see the error of\u00a0her<\/em>\u00a0ways. Maybe that attitude began to infect everything I said.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s very insightful, Margaret. I wish you had told me back then how you felt. I might have helped.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was afraid, William. I felt like a failure and it hurt so badly. I think I was jealous too. Melinda didn\u2019t seem to need me at all. She was making her own life, doing what she wanted, and then went off to school, began traveling and was recognized for her talent and ideas. I was intentionally hurtful at first. I thought that if Melinda saw how unhappy I was, she might at least try to see my point of view.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret dabbed at her tears. \u201cIn the end, Lynne won her heart while I became a blowhard stranger. We have nothing in common. Yet I know that I was the one who pushed Melinda away from me with my ugly words. Mr. Stoddard was right. I do often feel like I\u2019m suffocating\u2014in my own unhappiness. I think I lash out at everyone because I felt such guilt for failing my daughter, and figured that I was failing everyone else as well. It became a vicious circle.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She took a deep breath. \u201cAt first I thought Melinda\u2019s was being willful in refusing to show interest in anyone I introduced her to. I thought she was refusing to marry, not because she really loved Adam, so much as to hurt me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know differently now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I knew it from the moment they walked into the room at Miranda\u2019s house. The way he looks at Melinda, and she at him: they are obviously in love and finally together. He\u2019s a good man; he\u2019s kind, gentle and honest. And instead of welcoming him, I said such awful things. It was as though I couldn\u2019t stop myself, just as I couldn\u2019t stop myself today.\u00a0 You and Mr. Stoddard shocked me into taking a look at what I\u2019m doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good thing then, I presume.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it\u2019s a good thing.\u201d She smiled even as the tears rolled down her cheeks. \u201cI\u2019m sorry for it all and now realize that I may not have the chance to make things right.\u201d The sobs wracked her body as she fell into her husband\u2019s arms again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

William spoke gently. \u201cYou think that you and Melinda are not alike, Margaret?\u201d He chuckled. \u201cWhere do you think she gets her intelligence and spunk? Lynne always said that Melinda was much like you. You two had trouble getting along, not because you had nothing in common, but because you were so much alike. You both want things done your way and both ways make sense, so you grate on each other like a rasp on wood. It is the same qualities that have blossomed in Melinda that drew me to you and keep me at your side. Honey, you got off course, but you can find your way back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tears stopped as she asked, \u201cYou think that I can?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely.\u201d William kissed her cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t encourage Melinda to marry someone just because I thought she would be an old maid, William. I honestly thought she would find out one day that Adam had gone away and hadn\u2019t given her a second thought. And then she was so unhappy when she came back from Sacramento that I became very worried for her. I should have told her that instead of harping at her about marrying someone else.\u201d Margaret smiled and sighed. \u201cIt seems that she will have her happy ending after all.\u201d Margaret\u2019s happy words were crushed as she thought of her daughter in danger and she clung to Williams arm. \u201cWe have to believe this will have a happy ending, don\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

She bent to pick up the shards of the china from the grass as she said, \u201cI\u2019m going over to the Stoddard house. I owe Abel an apology, and then I\u2019m going to tend to Miranda.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret took a few steps and looked back at her husband. \u201cI have always loved you William. Do you remember when we used to look at each other like Adam and Melinda do? Is there a chance that we might see each other that way again?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

William walked to her and touched her face. \u201cI don\u2019t see why not.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Four<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Mist That Vanisheth<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Georgie was struggling to get Maxi down the steps while trying to disguise the fact that he had a gun in her back. Women from the house were squeezing past them trying to get up the steps while asking questions about the rapid evacuation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the younger girls sniped as she passed by, \u201cI still don\u2019t understand why we have to move. I hope the place we go to will be better than this rattrap.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Georgie hollered at her to \u201cshut up and get moving.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another woman called down the stairs that she needed help with a case. \u201cI hope you don\u2019t expect me to carry this heavy thing by myself. It\u2019s full of your notebooks, Georgie. There ain\u2019t no way I can lift it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Georgie turned back to tell the woman to leave it at the top of the stairs, Maxi jerked away, losing a handful of hair in the process. She had nearly made it to the last step when she heard the big man shout, \u201cStop running Maxi, or I\u2019ll shoot. I always liked you some, but that don\u2019t mean a thing right now. I got the feeling that this whole mess started because you opened the door to that room. How else did that woman get loose?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She stopped and said without turning, \u201cYou gonna shoot me in the back, Georgie? Is that how you shot Melinda too?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxi heard Georgie draw the hammer back on his revolver just as the front door burst open and two men ran in with their guns drawn. Two older men entered behind them followed by police officers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The house had already been in a commotion, and seeing several men entering with drawn weapons did nothing to ease that. The women shrieked and ran like ants leaving a disturbed nest, yet Adam didn\u2019t seem aware of any of it as his eyes focused on Maxi\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hollered for everyone to stop where they were. The depth and strength of his voice calmed the chaos immediately. \u201cWe\u2019re here to help, ladies, so if you\u2019ll all please move to that room over there\u2014,\u201d he indicated the parlor and pointed at one of the policemen as he continued, \u201cthis officer will explain what\u2019s going on and tell you what he needs you to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once the entryway was cleared, Adam demanded of Maxi, \u201cWhere\u2019s the woman who owns the hat you\u2019re holding?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She\u2019d forgotten that she still had it, and held it out to him as though offering him a precious gift. She said softly, \u201cYou must be Adam. She knew you\u2019d come.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam holstered his gun and took the straw bonnet from her hands. \u201cWhere\u2019s Melinda,\u201d he asked again. \u201cYou must know her if you could deduce who I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded slightly. \u201cI watched over her while she was here. She was a lovely woman and told me about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben asked gently, \u201cWho are you, miss? And why do you say that she \u2018was\u2019 a lovely woman?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey call me Maxi, but Melinda called me Maxine. If felt good to be called by my real name.\u201d She breathed deeply as she used her thumb to point back to Georgie, who\u2019d lowered his gun and had remained standing like a pillar of stone throughout the bedlam. \u201cYou need to ask him what became of Melinda. I wasn\u2019t here when it happened, but I have a pretty good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Georgie\u2019s voice was a threatening snarl, \u201cYou be quiet, Maxi. Don\u2019t you be telling these men anything if you know what\u2019s good for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxi laughed as she hiccupped in a sob and turned toward the ogre standing behind her on the steps. \u201cWhat are you gonna do to me, Georgie?\u201d She offered an aside to the group below, \u201cImagine an old oaf like him wantin\u2019 to be called Georgie, like a little boy. It makes me gag every time I say it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShut up Maxi,\u201d the ogre threatened again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t. \u201cHe brought Melinda here yesterday in the late-afternoon. I talked with her while helpin\u2019 her out, and got to likin\u2019 her a lot. I even managed to keep her safe until an hour ago when this coward decided he\u2019d put her to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gasped, but Maxi reached out to touch his arm. \u201cDon\u2019t you worry none about that part of it, Adam. Melinda got away, but I think Georgie decided he couldn\u2019t let her go and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Georgie hissed as he raised his gun again, aiming it at Maxi\u2019s back. He yelled, \u201cYou stupid whore. I told you to shut up,\u201d as he pulled the trigger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two shots rang in near unison. The slug from the police officer\u2019s gun being first to leave the barrel, hit Georgie in the chest, knocking him backwards onto the steps and sending his shot high as he pulled his trigger. Georgie\u2019s bullet grazed Maxi\u2019s temple and lodged in the door frame between Frank and Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam squatted on the step below where Maxi had collapsed, as the others ran past them to check on George Salvatore. The big Sicilian was soon declared dead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The officer headed upstairs to check the rooms while Ben, Frank and Les stood over Maxi as Adam examined her wound. \u201cIt\u2019s not serious, but I\u2019ve had a similar one to this, so I know that your ears are ringing and it hurts like the devil.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank passed Adam a white handkerchief to use as a bandage as he urged, \u201cAsk her what happened to Melinda.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His head was spinning, causing Adam to stand up again and lean on the stair rail as he let Ben tie his neckerchief around Maxi\u2019s head to hold the fabric in place. He wasn\u2019t sure whether it was his illness, or the thought of what they were about to hear concerning Melinda that was causing his distress but he took a deep breath and continued. \u201cAre you able to talk now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxi chuckled as she looked up at Adam and said, \u201cMelinda told me that you leaned on stuff. Now I see what she meant.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled and agreed, \u201cPeople have been telling me to stand up straight my whole life and it never worked. It seems like you and Melinda talked a lot while you helped her. Maybe you can finish helping her by telling us what you think George did to her?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxi took Adam\u2019s hand in a vice-like grip. \u201cI heard running and then a shot. By the time I could look, Melinda was gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank asked, \u201cDo you think he killed her?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxi shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t know nothin\u2019 for sure. But whatever happened spooked Georgie. He was clearin\u2019 out this house. I figure he was waitin\u2019 for his partner, a guy named Luis Castelletti, to show up. He let Georgie run this place, but Castelletti was the one in charge.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat next to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. \u201cThat makes a lot of sense. It was Castelletti who said he had Melinda, but he must have had this man do the dirty work. Do you know where Melinda might be now? We need to find her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI refused to go when Georgie said we were leaving.\u201d She looked at Adam and then to Ben. \u201cI thought I could live this way, but after knowing Melinda for even a little while, I wanted better for myself and told him I wasn\u2019t going. He didn\u2019t like that and said he would shoot me, but that I had to walk downstairs so he didn\u2019t hurt his back\u00a0again<\/em>\u00a0carrying me down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Les asked, \u201cWhat\u2019d he mean by that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxi started to cry as she said, \u201cThere\u2019s a room of sorts under the house. It\u2019s below the outside steps and a long way to carry a body. A path connects from there to the harbor and I think Georgie puts stuff in there that he wants picked up and taken to the boats.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t wait to hear more, he was already moving toward the back of the house while the others followed. He flew down the outer steps and looked for a door. It was Les who spotted the wood that was hidden by an overgrowth of weeds and vines. An arc carved in the dirt indicated that it had been used recently. Les yanked the door open.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben caught up and barred Frank and Les from entering before his son. \u201cPlease,\u201d he said, \u201cI think Adam needs to go first.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stooped to clear the lintel and entered the musky-smelling root cellar. He heard no sounds and at first despaired at not seeing anything but a few barrels and wooden crates. As his eyes adjusted to the dim light filtering in from the door, he saw a mound lying by the back wall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben followed his son after lighting a lamp he\u2019d found, and the two of them approached the form.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam recognized the dress immediately. \u201cMelinda,\u201d he said softly, as he knelt, \u201cwe\u2019re here to take you home.\u201d There was no movement and he was disheartened by the coolness of her skin as he touched her cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Father and son gently turned Melinda onto her back. Her arm rolled off her body as they did so, lifelessly hitting the dirt with a thud. Ben kept his reaction to a minimum as he held his breath and reached to open one of her eyelids. It was hard to tell anything in the shadows, but there was no mistaking the dark stains that covered her dress from shoulder to waist, and the iron-laden smell of drying blood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam moaned as he laid his hand on her ribcage and felt no movement. He felt no pulse either, and shivered as he took her cold hand into his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched his son\u2019s face collapse in agony. Frank and Les had made their way inside, but stood a few steps away, remaining quietly respectful of the scene.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had held on until now, but Adam finally let his pain take him away, hoping that whatever had been making him sick was would allow him to join Melinda. He sat in the dirt, leaned against the earthen wall and thought,\u00a0For what is life? It is a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away3<\/em>*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could hear shouting, but couldn\u2019t grasp the words. The pain he\u2019d contended with over several days was twining through his body like fiery fingers\u2014both excruciating and exhilarating as it touched each nerve ending like a hot coal. He could make out his father\u2019s voice saying, \u201cAdam,\u201d and it seemed the man was trying to tell him something important. But he couldn\u2019t concentrate on anything as he let his mind hover in a state of nothingness to combat the pain. All he could feel was his own heart as the rhythm slowed and weakened. The rush of air in and out of his lungs was the only sound he could hear clearly\u2026until he heard nothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Activity around the two bodies in the cellar became frenzied. Ben continued to shout at Adam, shaking his shoulders to rouse him, while Les went to get the men who were guarding the house to help carry Adam and Melinda to the coach that was waiting at the curb.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank exited the cellar with Ben. They walked shoulder-to-shoulder supporting each other as they made their way to the street. Once at the curb, Frank hollered, \u201cTake us to Massachusetts General!\u201d as he began to climb in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to Les before following Frank. \u201cGo find that young woman who helped us. She needs to go to the hospital too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Les found Maxi leaning against the stair rail in a daze.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She looked up at him and asked, \u201cDid they find her?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Les nodded. \u201cShe was right where you thought she\u2019d be. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow is she?\u201d she asked as Les lifted her to carry her to the coach. His silent shrug carried no encouragement and she buried her head in his shoulder and wept.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After turning Maxi over to Ben\u2019s care, Les remained behind to talk with the police. The security chief was dealing with his own guilt for waiting the extra hour before leaving for the rescue and had the sick feeling that if they\u2019d gone immediately after receiving the note, they would have found Melinda unharmed. Yet in that time, the police had been able to send information to the other precincts noting the houses where Castelletti had sent his minions earlier.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Castelletti was arrested when he returned with the carriages.\u00a0 The women of the house gave brief statements to the police, all of them confirming that they\u2019d been sold into service or taken as repayments for loans. Les suggested that they be taken to a mission run by the nuns of the Holy Cross Cathedral of the Boston Diocese, where they could receive medical assistance and a place to stay.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What amazed him as he watched the exodus was that while many of the women seemed excited and spoke of freedom, others looked lost.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After the women were gone, Les saw to it that there would be no further questions from the police.<\/p>\n

The story he gave them was vague, but no one questioned it. With the Wadsworth name involved, no one quibbled with issues, only outcomes. He\u2019d floated terms such as mistaken identity, unforeseen circumstances and unsolicited information. None of it really made much sense, but it gave the police words to put on their reports.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Les knew it would be a very good day for the Boston police and politicians, and that Frank would be pleased with the outcome. Still his thoughts turned toward the Cartwright family and he wondered how they would remember this day<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once he\u2019d finished giving his statement, Les rushed to the hospital to find out how things had turned out there. He found himself wondering greatly about the beautiful Maxine. The woman had shown a great deal of courage and he wanted to find out more about her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Four<\/strong><\/p>\n

Things May Be Unfolding as They Should, But Try Convincing Adam of That<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After an initial examination, Adam was admitted to the hospital and taken to a private suite in a wing that had been paid for by Frank\u2019s father. There was no question as to which room he would occupy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam awoke briefly as they transferred him into the bed, and he grabbed his father\u2019s arm. \u201cI need to be with Melinda!\u201d he whispered through the fog of pain. \u201cPlease help me, Pa. I don\u2019t want her to be alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben patted his son\u2019s shoulder as he reassured, \u201cHer parents and Miranda are here, son. Don\u2019t worry now. You rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone out!\u201d the nurse in charge commanded of the entourage as she walked into the room carrying a tray with a glass syringe. \u201cWe need to get Mr. Cartwright settled. The doctor will speak to the family in his office.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is where?\u201d Frank asked in the same tone used by the nurse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake a left when you leave this room, then it\u2019s the third door on your right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s, \u201cThank you,\u201d went unacknowledged as the group left while nurses bustled around his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank headed toward the doctor\u2019s office while the charge nurse ran to catch up. She laid a hand on his arm and suggested, \u201cThe patient\u2019s immediate family should speak with the doctor. They can tell you what\u00a0they\u00a0<\/em>find out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank gave Ben a sheepish look as he and Abel caught up. \u201cThat would be best. I\u2019ll be in the sunroom at the end of the hall when you have news.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could hear Frank grumbling while he walked away, but at that moment he couldn\u2019t worry about hurting anyone\u2019s feeling. He rapped sharply on the door bearing the name Samuel Abbott Green, M.D. While waiting for an answer he looked over at Abel. The older man had arrived at the hospital with the Hayworth family just as Adam was being taken to his room and he looked shaken. \u201cI know this is a lot to take in, Abel,\u201d Ben soothed, \u201cbut we\u2019ll know what\u2019s wrong with Adam in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After receiving a call to enter, the two men walked in to find the man of near Adam\u2019s age sitting behind the desk, paging through the sheets of a medical file. They\u2019d seen him down in the admitting area when everyone had arrived, but he had sent everyone out as he had examined the patients. He stood to welcome them, shook Ben and Abel\u2019s hands as they introduced themselves, and then motioned for them to sit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know what\u2019s wrong with my son, Dr. Green?\u201d Ben asked straightaway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have a pretty good idea, Mr. Cartwright, but I have a few questions. It says in the admitting notes that your son moved to Boston from Virginia City, Nevada about six months back? Did he ever live here before this?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cYes he did. He was born in Boston, and was here about some years ago for college. The rest of the time he\u2019s lived in Nevada\u201d Ben waited a moment to see if there would be a follow-up question. \u201cIs there significance in where\u2019s he\u2019s lived to what\u2019s wrong with him now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The young doctor laughed gently. \u201cNo. I\u2019m sorry, Mr. Cartwright and Mr. Stoddard. I\u2019m just trying to figure something out. I knew a man named Adam Cartwright when I was at Harvard. We both sang in the choir and while your son looks familiar, I wasn\u2019t certain that he was the same man. Now I know for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see.\u201d Ben said and asked a question of his own. \u201cI heard Frank Wadsworth ask for you downstairs. Do you know him well?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know him well professionally, not personally. I got to know Frank when I was at Harvard. He was on boards at the college, and at this hospital. Medical students had to make appearances before those boards each time we finished a clinic rotation. After completing school, I worked for a few years, and then volunteered in the war effort. Frank had always been interested in my career even as a student, and was aware of my service to the army. When I came back to Boston, he made sure I found a good position here. When he requested me today, he told me only enough about what happened so that I could treat the admissions, and he trusts that I\u2019ll be discreet about anything else I might discover.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was again amazed at Frank\u2019s ability to control a situation, but now he just wanted to know what was wrong with his son. \u201cSo, do you have any other questions\u2026about Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust one: Do you know if he ate at a seafood restaurant on Saturday?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel spoke up. \u201cYes, he did. He met other members of a choir there to celebrate the director\u2019s birthday.\u201d Turning toward Ben, he added, \u201cAdam suspected his illness might have been from something he ate.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAha!\u201d Dr. Green exclaimed triumphantly. \u201cThat settles it. I heard you mention in admitting that Adam\u2019s state of ill health was not a result of the experience he\u2019d just been through, and after I examined your son, I thought his condition seemed familiar. We\u2019ve had several members of that choir, and other patrons from that restaurant in here since early Sunday morning, although none of them were this seriously ill. Why didn\u2019t Adam come in sooner?\u201d He thought about the information Frank had shared with him and added, \u201cNever mind answering that. I imagine he had other things to worry about.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben caught Abel\u2019s questioning look and said quietly, \u201cI\u2019ll explain everything as soon as we\u2019re done here.\u201d Looking back at the physician, Ben inquired, \u201cSo how is eating at a restaurant making him this ill, and what are you going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re probably aware that seafood must be used quickly or it spoils.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both men nodded, while Abel said, \u201cAre you saying that Adam was served spoiled fish at that restaurant?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn a way, yes, although I\u2019m sure it was not done intentionally. As some shellfish begin to age, they release a type of poison that can cause stomach upset and even more serious maladies. Cooking it can\u2019t remove that poison and unfortunately there\u2019s no indication when it\u2019s present. More experienced chefs might pick up on it in other ways, but the restaurant admitted that their regular chef was out and this was put together by someone not as knowledgeable. Whatever contained this poison was added to the chowder and the results were varied. Some of those who ate it barely got sick, while others became very ill.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben interjected, \u201cWhy would that be?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dr. Green threw his hands up as he sighed. \u201cI\u2019m not sure. It\u2019s probably just how much of the infected product was in the serving each person received. I\u2019m assuming that your son was unlucky enough to get a good amount of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel\u2019s complexion had paled. \u201cIf it\u2019s a poison and he got a large dose\u2026what does that mean? Poison would seem to be a very bad thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes it is,\u201d the doctor agreed, \u201cbut this kind is seldom fatal. Everyone who came in with symptoms has been released. The effects ease without further complications.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rose and began to pace. \u201cYou said that these other people who were poisoned are already better. Why is it different for Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dr. Green paused and looked pointedly at each man. \u201cWhatever was in Adam\u2019s dish was so potent that its assault was more devastating. Add into the mix that Adam continued to push himself past the point of exhaustion, and the result was that his system began to wage war on itself. I noted extreme tenderness and swelling as I palpated his abdominal area. That would indicate that his entire intestinal tract is inflamed. His oral mucosa, that\u2019s the inside of his mouth, is extremely red and friable, so I\u2019m assuming that\u2019s pretty much what the rest of his insides looks like too. With the inflammation so widespread, any further trauma could cause a tearing of his stomach, esophagus or intestines.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had stopped pacing and faced the doctor. \u201cWhat kind of trauma are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPut it this way, we should be thankful that there were no fistfights involved in whatever happened today. Had Adam received a jab to his gut\u2026well I think you understand what I\u2019m saying.\u201d Dr. Green smiled encouragingly. \u201cBut he\u2019s safe now and here\u2019s what we\u2019ll do. The treatment for this is rest. Adam still seems agitated so we\u2019re going to force his body and mind to do that. I\u2019m going to keep him sedated with morphine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seeing Ben\u2019s eyes widen, Dr. Green quickly added, \u201cThat\u2019s not as awful as it sounds, Mr. Cartwright. Morphine is a good drug in this case and we\u2019re able to give it through an injection now rather than making him swallow a powder. I know you\u2019ve probably heard the stories about people becoming addicted to morphine, but research suggests that it isn\u2019t addictive when using the injectable form.4 The morphine will keep him sleeping and in less pain, and it pretty much stops the intestinal tract. That\u2019s a real plus since it will give it a chance to heal. We\u2019ll discontinue the drug as soon as we can, and then introduce foods slowly to get his system going again. There should be no long-term effects from the drug or the poison if this works as I expect it to. However, Adam is very ill and only time will tell if I\u2019m correct.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hadn\u2019t known what to expect, and found that he was both relieved and concerned. \u201cI\u2019ll trust that you know what\u2019s best for him, doctor. What I can\u2019t imagine is how Adam managed to keep going with what was happening inside him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dr. Green walked over to Ben and grasped his shoulder. \u201cI\u2019ve been wondering the same thing. I imagine that Adam had a lot to lose if he didn\u2019t push on, and yet most men would have succumbed to the pain soon after it started. Your son must have some special Western grit that we frailer, eastern men do not.\u201d He chuckled at his thought and then added, \u201cI remember what else I was going to ask you. I knew a man who went into medicine a little later in life. I helped mentor him at Harvard and later he went to Virginia City. I think he got there around \u201961 and stayed for a couple years. His name was Thomas Pinkerton. Might you know him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled as he replied, \u201cOur family uses Paul Martin as our physician, but I did know Dr. Pinkerton while he was there. He had a medical contract with the city and was kept very busy with that. Tom was a guest at our home several times and we did a lot of reminiscing about Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems such a great distance from one side of this country to the other and yet it gets smaller all the time, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d Abel speculated. \u201cI imagine that someday we\u2019ll be able to cross the expanse of states in a day or two instead of weeks\u2026or months, as it did when Ben first headed out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be happy if the mail would just get from one side to the other efficiently.\u201d Ben grinned at Abel, \u201cI suppose we best let Frank know what\u2019s going on before he breaks down the door. I guarantee that by this time, he\u2019s out there waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank was standing outside Dr. Green\u2019s office when Ben and Abel stepped back into the hall. \u201cWell?\u201d he asked. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before they\u2019d left the brothel for the hospital, Frank had sent a messenger to Abel and the Hayworths, and another to Marian to meet them at Massachusetts General. Marian was the last to arrive and showed up as the three men were standing in the hallway talking outside Dr. Green\u2019s office. After getting a brief update on Adam\u2019s health, she assured them that she\u2019d stay with him and find them if he needed anything. Ben and Frank set off with Abel to find Melinda\u2019s family so they could explain to everyone what had happened during the day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marian found Adam tucked into the starched, white sheets sleeping soundly. She laid her hand against his cheek and kissed his forehead. The nurse who had left as Marian walked in advised her that he would be unresponsive, so she wasn\u2019t surprised when he didn\u2019t stir. The nurse had also issued a terse warning that only one person was to visit at a time, and to that end there was only one chair was in the room. Marian pulled it next to the bed and sat, gently taking Adam\u2019s hand as she leaned to his ear and whispered. \u201cYou\u2019ve been through a lot again, haven\u2019t you, sweetheart? You rest now and I\u2019ll be here if you need me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marian watched the rhythmic rise and fall of Adam\u2019s chest and thought back to when she\u2019d met him the first time when he was still a teenager. She had found him to be a fine young man, but had noticed that he\u2019d often looked sad. The expression would disappear when he laughed or was participating in an activity, but she would see it return when he thought he wasn\u2019t being observed. At first she\u2019d thought it was homesickness, but over time she\u2019d heard snippets of information that had made her suspect that there might be much more to it than simply missing his family. She had never tried to pry more details from him, figuring it had been his story to tell or withhold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She\u2019d watched him grow from a rangy teen to a wonderfully handsome man back then, and was thrilled when he returned to Boston and became engaged. Now he seemed driven with purpose and appeared at ease and happy. But she wondered if this unfortunate situation would mean that the sorrow would be there again when he opened his eyes.\u00a0 She couldn\u2019t bear the thought of seeing that pain again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She brought his hand to her cheek and said, \u201cWhen I found out that your mother had died, I took you into my heart as my own child, Adam. I don\u2019t think I ever told you that in words, dear, but I think that you know it. You get better now or you\u2019ll have me to deal with, and I\u2019m a lot tougher than Frank.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam awoke for brief intervals over the next several days. At those times he took sips of water, was tended to and questioned about his pain before being given another morphine injection to make him sleep again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben remained at his son\u2019s bedside, leaving only when others forced him to. In the days since the admission, there had been times when Adam had seemed aware of others being around him, but even then he hadn\u2019t spoken other than to answer questions from the hospital staff or to nod in acknowledgement of something that had been said directly to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The only conversation Ben had had with him was when Adam had said, \u201cHave Melinda\u2019s arrangements been taken care of?\u201c as his son was drifting back into a morphine-induced sleep during his first night in the hospital. Ben had assured him that she was in good hands, and had wondered what Adam had meant when his voice had trailed off to a whisper as he\u2019d said, \u201cI should have known it would end this way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once word of Adam\u2019s hospitalization spread, others began arriving to take turns sitting with him. In fact there was usually a line of people waiting to spend time at his side, and Ben had to use his parental privilege to cut back in when he\u2019d return after a trip to Abel\u2019s for a quick nap and change of clothing. The congestion in the hall eased when Dr. Green allowed more than one person at a time in the room. It seemed that no amount of commotion stirred Adam from his sleep, and it became the norm for a group of people to be sitting at the foot of the bed in quiet conversation while he slept.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had stayed with Adam through the night from the beginning, and even though his son was now resting more easily during the day, it seemed that darkness allowed whatever demons were at work in his mind full reign, resulting in periods of extreme agitation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Visiting hours had ended at eight, and the last of the Adam\u2019s callers had departed then, leaving Ben alone with his sleeping son. The hallways had cleared and quieted as evening rounds were completed and finally the lamps were dimmed, settling the ward for the night. Ben tried to focus on his newspaper but his head began to bob, causing a few neck-snaps as he fought to stay awake. The war of wakefulness and sleep was finally decided when his chin remained resting his chest; the only sound in the room being the rhythmic breathing of its two occupants.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben jumped, sending his paper sliding to the floor when he felt a touch on his shoulder. He blinked repeatedly to focus and saw that Frank Wadsworth was standing in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re exhausted, Ben. Go home and get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben wasn\u2019t surprised that Frank had made it past the gauntlet of nurses to pay an after-hours visit. \u201cI am tired, Frank, but Adam still has terrible nightmares and I don\u2019t want him to be alone if he should wake in a panic.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank laughed. \u201cHe won\u2019t be. I\u2019ll stay; you go. Marian mentioned during dinner that since I\u2019m up most of the night anyway, I could stay awake here instead of at home. Made perfect sense so I gathered up some things,\u201d he pointed at the stack of papers he\u2019d set on the table before waking Ben, \u201cand came right over.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t ask you to do this, Frank.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t ask me, Ben,\u201d Frank looked around as though he were checking for someone listening at the door, and smiled as he continued, \u201cMarian commanded it. And when Marian gets an idea I don\u2019t talk back.\u201d Frank\u2019s sly look became serious. \u201cOur dear Marian said you looked worn out and is worried as much for you as for Adam at this point. I don\u2019t know why I didn\u2019t think of this myself a day or so ago. Adam\u2019s recovered enough that I can fill in for you, and I really do spend most of the night up brooding about business matters.\u201d Frank waited as Ben thought through his offer, and then added. \u201cYou know that I think of Adam as a son, Ben, so I won\u2019t let anything happen to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked directly at Frank. \u201cI know you think highly of Adam, and I appreciate all you\u2019ve done for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDone for\u00a0him<\/em>?\u201d Frank pulled up chair and sat. \u201cI think I need to tell you a few things. Adam has done far more for me than I can ever give back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Puzzlement turned the corner of Ben\u2019s mouth into a frown. \u201cI don\u2019t know what you mean, Frank. Adam enjoyed spending time with your family. He said that being at your place reminded him of home, without the dust, and cattle bawling in the distance.\u201d Ben chuckled with that remembrance. \u201cBut he never mentioned doing anything out of the ordinary\u00a0for<\/em>your family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank steepled his fingers in front of his face as he considered how to tell his story. \u201cYou remember Professor Metz, don\u2019t you, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. He tutored Adam in Nevada and took him to Boston after completing those botanical studies out West. What does Adolph have to do with you staying with Adam tonight?\u201d**<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was one of the people who funded that endeavor for the university and was invited to a party when Adolph returned. During that evening, he kept talking about a family he\u2019d met on his trip, and said that he\u2019d brought the eldest son back with him. Adolph told us how he had met this boy, Adam, out in the field one day and how the young man had asked him for help once he realized the older man\u2019s credentials. Adam had spoken of his dream to attend college back East but he had also realized that he didn\u2019t have the educational background to pass the admissions tests. Adolph said he had taken Adam on as his student and he had worked hard and learned amazingly fast. In fact the boy was prepared to sit for entrance exams when they arrived here. But Adolph\u2019s stories didn\u2019t stop there. He went on about Adam\u2019s bravery, the price he\u2019d paid for it, and of his devotion to his family. When I found out that this young man had been accepted into the same class at Harvard as my son, I contacted the college and \u2018asked\u2019 that Adam Cartwright be paired with Frankie in the dorms. I hadn\u2019t met Adam before making that request, and yet it had struck me solidly that my son would do well with him as a roommate.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank took a moment to let Ben fully understand that Adam\u2019s pairing with Frankie had not been random. \u201cAfter school started, Frankie came home talking nonstop about this kid he shared his room with and we encouraged him to bring Adam home. Once I met Adam, I began to understand what all the fuss was about. We\u2019re not the bluebloods we\u2019re accused of being, and while Adam was raised in a different part of the country and under different circumstances, I could see that he was imbued with the same standards and values that we have. It was his quiet determination and kind nature that impressed both Marian and me, and over the next five years Adam became one of our own.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam wrote me about Frankie,\u201d Ben offered. \u201cI think they took to each other from the moment they met, and I\u2019m most grateful that you pulled a few strings. Adam was most fortunate to have your family around him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s more to this, Ben,\u201d Frank sighed. \u201cMy Frankie is smart enough, but he always took the easy way if he could. He used his intelligence, but also his good looks, guile and likable personality to get through preparatory school. He was dumfounded when those traits didn\u2019t work on the professors at Harvard. As you know, Frankie is running the company in San Francisco, and I will say he\u2019s doing a fine job. I always assumed that his talents rested in management and I was right. Those other \u201cskills\u201d I mentioned make him very successful in securing projects and wooing those in charge. Yet I wanted him to train as an engineer so he\u2019d know the business from the ground up. I never had such training and while I\u2019ve picked up a sense of that part of our business, I still have to rely on the word of my employees that they\u2019re doing it correctly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded, \u201cI know the feeling, Frank. It\u2019s hard to have to learn how to do something when you really need to already know how to do it. I\u2019ve often felt like I\u2019m a step behind before I ever get started.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it exactly!\u201d Frank slapped his knee. \u201cYou do know what it\u2019s like. I hoped that Frankie would have an easier time than I\u2019ve had if he\u2019d know the basics, but I began to wonder if it was such a grand idea when he started to pull failing grades in his first semester of the engineering program. Adam saw what was happening too and stepped in.\u201d Frank looked up at Ben, his eyes sparkling with admiration. \u201cYour son taught mine how to study. He tutored him and kept him focused, and he did it in such a way that Frankie didn\u2019t become frustrated or think he was missing out on the fun parts of college life. In time my son became a decent student. He wasn\u2019t at the top of the class like Adam, but he made it through and truly understands the principles he works with every day. I know in my heart that Frankie wouldn\u2019t be the man he is today if it weren\u2019t for Adam. The truth is that having your son in town again feels like one of our own children has come home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A deep breath puffed Ben\u2019s chest. \u201cIt would be like Adam to notice that Frankie was having trouble. His brothers appreciated his guiding hand as well, although they probably thought he was just being bossy at the time. I\u2019ll admit that there were some very tough years as we got the Ponderosa going, and Adam was always there, willing to do whatever needed doing. He usually knew that I was having trouble even before I did. I miss him greatly, but I can see that he has a good life here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAfter Frankie visited your spread, he wrote that it was \u2018nice\u2019 but I assume he told me that so I wouldn\u2019t be jealous.\u201d Both men chuckled as Ben admitted that Adam had said much the same about the Wadsworth estate. \u201cI\u2019d like to see your place one day, Ben. I often wonder what it\u2019s like to really build something. I\u2019m more the caretaker of our place. I\u2019ve built the business into a powerhouse, but the rest was a gift. So I envy what you\u2019ve done. If Adam was there every step of the way, I can see why he\u2019s the man he is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Silence ensued as both men thought about their legacies. Ben finally yawned and stretched. \u201cI think I\u2019ll take you up on your offer, Frank. I won\u2019t be good to anyone if I don\u2019t get a good night\u2019s sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI concur. Before you leave, I\u2019ll tell you quickly why I hired Les 15 years ago. This is something that even Adam doesn\u2019t know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Dr. Green greeted a well-rested Ben as he returned in the morning and took him to his office to review Adam\u2019s progress. \u201cWe\u2019ve reduced the morphine to the point where we can now eliminate it, Mr. Cartwright, so there will be no further injections unless Adam\u2019s pain level increases again. He\u2019s been tolerating broth, so we\u2019ll begin adding soft foods to his diet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf the morphine has been reduced, then why is Adam still sleeping so much?\u201d Ben said with concerned scowl. \u201cI assumed he would be more alert when he wasn\u2019t being medicated but he barely…\u201d His voice trailed off and he ended with a sigh. \u201cI guess I thought that he\u2019d be more active or at least talking to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dr. Green smiled. \u201cWhat you\u2019re seeing is normal, Mr. Cartwright. We\u2019re not\u00a0making<\/em>\u00a0him sleep any longer, but his body is still healing and that requires rest. He has been through a lot, but I can assure that he\u2019s going to be fine. He\u2019ll perk up more quickly now that he\u2019s eating again and the nurses will be getting him up at intervals. We might have to push him a little so he doesn\u2019t get too comfortable.\u201d The doctor laughed as he suggested. \u201cI don\u2019t think he can say no to you, so why don\u2019t you get him up and moving as well. A walk with you now and then would be good for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCould we move him to his grandfather\u2019s house?\u201d Ben asked hopefully. \u201cI think people always do better when they get back to their own bed and surroundings.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re probably right about that, and I know you\u2019re anxious. Give us a day and if all goes well, I\u2019ll kick him out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor\u2019s words buoyed Ben\u2019s spirits and he was humming as he met Marian Wadsworth coming out of Adam\u2019s door. She smiled as she extended her hand in greeting. \u201cYou look happy, Ben. I came by to bring breakfast to Frank before he headed for the office. Did I see you coming out of Dr. Green\u2019s office?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou did. He said that Adam seems to be doing quite well now.\u201d Ben voice held a note of uncertainty as he asked, \u201cHow does he look to you, Marian?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She led Ben away from the door to speak privately. \u201cSeems<\/em>\u00a0is a good word, Ben,\u201d she said as a frown replaced her smile. \u201cAdam seems better. He\u2019s awake, and even ate when the nurse forced him. But he\u2019s not acting like the man I know. He acknowledged that I was there and told me that there was no reason to stay, and then stared resolutely at the ceiling while saying nothing more. I wouldn\u2019t say that he was being rude. It\u2019s more like he doesn\u2019t have the will to participate.\u201d She saw Ben\u2019s grimace. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry. I\u2019ve turned your good news into questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben patted her hand. \u201cDon\u2019t feel badly, Marian, I\u2019ve noticed the same things you\u2019ve described.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that Adam is very hard on himself.\u201d Marian hesitated before continuing, \u201cI remember finding that out when he first started coming to the house with Frankie. They were freshmen then and I asked him how he was doing with his classes. Adam confided that he was doing fine except that he was upset over the loss of six points on his first history essay.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben chuckled. \u201cThat sounds like Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt truly bothered him, and since there were no detailed remarks on the paper, he made an appointment and asked the professor to explain where he had \u2018failed to fulfill the requirements of the assignment.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did he find out?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marian shook her head as she grinned. \u201cBen, I still remember that day so well. Adam stared at me in complete bafflement as he explained that the professor had said there was nothing wrong with the paper. It was just that he never gave perfect grades because there was always room to improve. Then your son asked me how he could possibly improve if he wasn\u2019t given\u00a0logical<\/em>\u00a0criticism.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow that really sounds like Adam.\u201d Ben laughed as he asked, \u201cWhat did you tell him, Marian?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told him that we can\u2019t control what others might feel about what we say or do and that all he could do was to keep trying. I soon began to understand that Adam was tougher on himself, and held himself to higher standards than anyone else ever would.\u201d She sighed as her frown returned. \u201cI don\u2019t know what his thoughts are about what happened last week, but I\u2019m afraid it\u2019s tormenting him. He couldn\u2019t control what happened to Melinda but he\u2019ll presume that there was more he could have done. He\u2019ll blame himself and see this as his failure even while having handled it as perfectly as he could have.\u201d She looked deeply into Ben\u2019s eyes, voicing her concern. \u201cHelp him, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will try.\u201d He took her hand, bringing it to his lips. \u201cThank you for taking such good care of my son\u2026years ago\u2026and now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After bidding Marian goodbye, Ben stuck his head in the room, and seeing that Adam was sleeping, decided to see if William and Margaret Hayworth were visiting on the women\u2019s wing as they did each morning. He\u2019d met them on the day they\u2019d arrived at the hospital with Abel, and he had been impressed with both of them. Adam had implied that Margaret was hard to tolerate, but Ben had found her to be interested, attentive and caring. She\u2019d been extremely cordial to him and kind to Maxine after finding out how much she\u2019d assisted her daughter. It left Ben wondering if Adam might have gotten off on the wrong foot with her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxine was in her room, and told him that the Hayworths had been there already, but had gone for coffee. Returning to Adam\u2019s room, Ben got comfortable in a chair near the window to read the newspaper he\u2019d abandoned the night before. After scanning a few articles, he lowered the paper enough to observe his son. Something wasn\u2019t right, and a sly smile crept over the father\u2019s face as he figured it out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOpen your eyes, Adam. I know you\u2019re awake. I can tell by the way you\u2019re breathing. You haven\u2019t pulled this ruse since you were a kid and didn\u2019t want to do your chores early in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam chuckled humorlessly as he opened his eyes. \u201cSorry, Pa. I don\u2019t mean to be disrespectful, but I don\u2019t feel like being sociable either. How are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m doing well, thank you\u2026and you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care how I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was at his son\u2019s side in three strides, and spoke strongly. \u201cWhat is that supposed to mean? How can you not care? If God grants your health, then you should be singing praises, not lying there playing possum.\u201d His voice dropped into a softer tone. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I shouldn\u2019t have shouted.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned away. \u201cI don\u2019t blame you for shouting. I\u2019ve been yelling at myself over the same thoughts, but it doesn\u2019t make any difference. I still wish I had died.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would you say that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He directed a wounded look at his father. \u201cOh, please, Pa, don\u2019t tell me that you haven\u2019t felt like this a few times in your life! I know you profess the philosophy of getting back up when life knocks you down, but remember that I was with you when Inger and Marie died in your arms\u2026and the months that followed. I know how you struggled each time something precious was taken from you. And remember, I\u2019ve not only lived through all your sorrows, now I get to add in my own personal hell!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam calmed himself with a few deep breaths and added, \u201cThe women who love me die, Pa. My mother died just to bring me into this world. Then there was Inger and Marie\u2026and now when I finally re-found the woman who would love me forever\u2026well…it would have better if I\u2019d died too.\u201d He raised his forearms to the sides of his head and pressed tightly. \u201cPlease, just leave me alone for a while, Pa. I can\u2019t talk about this now!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tipped his head as the right side of his face rose in a puzzled grimace. What the boy had said made sense to a point, but he felt as he had a few minutes ago: something was amiss. Instead of leaving, Ben sat on the bed and thought about what needed to be said. Like son\u2014like father. Ben didn\u2019t like speaking of feelings, but knew he had to do this.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve heard a lot of wonderful stories about your mother\u2019s life, Adam. But I never spoke much about her death. And since it came at such a hard time in Abel\u2019s life, I doubt that he\u2019s said much about it either. The day you were born was the happiest day of your mother\u2019s life. It wasn\u2019t her choice to leave you, but she wouldn\u2019t have changed a thing even if she had known how it would end. And you\u2019re right, I wondered why I couldn\u2019t die in her stead, but I couldn\u2019t. In the end, I came to realize that your mother didn\u2019t really die that day, Adam. She lives on in you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam remained silent, but the clench in his jaw and fists eased.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s something I need to know.\u201d Ben saw Adam\u2019s guarded look but continued anyway, \u201cWhat\u2019s the last thing you remember about the day we found Melinda?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to talk about it!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnswer me. It\u2019s important.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes flashed again. \u201cI found her dead! Is that what you want to hear, Pa?\u201d Adam had pulled himself to a sitting position and faced his father at eye level. \u201cI found her too late. She was shot, and bled to death in a cold, filthy cellar while I spent time\u00a0planning\u00a0<\/em>her rescue.\u201d Spent by the outburst, he fell back to the pillow. \u201cEvery time I close my eyes I see her lying there covered in blood. I dream of her calling to me, but something is always holding me back and I can\u2019t get to her no matter how hard I try. But it\u2019s worse when I keep my eyes open.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood and commanded, \u201cC\u2019mon. Dr. Green said you should go for a walk. Where I want to go is too far to make on your own power just yet, so if you walk to the hall, we\u2019ll find a wheelchair to get you the rest of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam replied sullenly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know better than to talk back to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben disappeared and returned with a wheelchair that he left outside Adam\u2019s room. He found the robe that Abel had brought from home, made Adam put it on and bent down to slide slippers on his feet. \u201cThere. Now stand up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was wobbly at first but his equilibrium returned as he stood longer. \u201cI don\u2019t want to do this, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBe quiet and walk.\u201d The two made it to the chair and Adam collapsed into it. \u201cI didn\u2019t ever think I\u2019d be in one of these things again,\u201d he snarled. \u201cI burned the one back home, didn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou wanted to, but I gave it to Old Man Harper. And as much as we dislike things, sometimes they\u2019re necessary. This is one of them.\u201d Ben began to grin as he pushed his son toward the women\u2019s ward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou seem almost giddy,\u201d Adam spoke over his shoulder. \u201cDoes humiliating me give you a sense of elation?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not. We\u2019re just going to visit some people on this ward.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs this the Ben Cartwright, pull yourself up by your bootstraps lesson? You\u2019re going to show me someone in worse condition than I am so I won\u2019t be able to feel sorry for myself?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t sound so sarcastic, son. There\u2019s much to be said for my philosophies.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They arrived at Maxine\u2019s room. \u201cWhere\u2019s your roommate, Maxi?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The young woman laughed. \u201cShe\u2019s where she usually is all morning, upstairs reading to the children.\u201d Maxi realized who was in the wheelchair and chirped, \u201cAdam. It\u2019s so good to see you! Do you remember me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. Thank you for helping us.\u201d He forced himself to smile. \u201cHow are you feeling? As I remember you were grazed by a bullet?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxi pulled her hair back to reveal the healing area on her temple. \u201cIt stung like crazy and I couldn\u2019t stand without falling over from dizziness at first, but I\u2019m fine now. I\u2019m leaving the hospital as soon as Miranda gets here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good.\u201d Adam smiled again, but his lips sank quickly to a scowl. Turning to his father, he suggested sourly, \u201cWe should go back to my room. Maxine probably needs to get ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hope I\u2019ll see you again before I head back home, Maxine. Take care of yourself.\u201d Ben shook Maxi\u2019s hand before turning Adam\u2019s chair and heading out of the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once in the hall, Adam hissed at his father. \u201cPlease hurry, Pa. I don\u2019t want to be around if Miranda comes through. I\u2019m not sure why Maxi is waiting for her, but I\u2019m not up to speaking to any of the Hayworth\u2019s just yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben retraced their route back down the hall until he came to the elevator. The hospital had received one of the first vertical conveyances from the Wadsworth Foundation. Ben pushed the chair into the car, and even though Adam had grumbled about the detour from his room, he watched with an engineer\u2019s fascination as the operator adjusted the mechanisms that took them upwards. Once on the second floor, Ben headed toward the sunroom, stopping just short of the entrance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes widened as he heard a familiar voice reading from\u00a0The Princess and the Pea<\/em>. He turned to look at his father. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d he whispered as he leaned forward and finally stood to see into the room. \u201cIs it really her? I thought\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pulled Adam into a nearby empty ward to speak privately. \u201cI didn\u2019t realize until this morning that you hadn\u2019t heard what I was yelling at you that day. You must have passed out. We had just discovered Melinda wasn\u2019t dead. That gunshot hit the fleshy part of her upper arm, and although it bled a lot, it did little damage. The doctor said that she was knocked out when she fell down the steps and it was the blow to her head and the cold cellar that nearly killed her and made her breathe so shallowly that we had a hard time noting it. By the time we arrived at the hospital Melinda was awake and more concerned about you than herself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was silent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with you, son? You should be dancing, and there you sit, still looking like there was a death in the family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere was,\u201d he said as he breathed more rapidly. \u201cDo you suppose that Melinda will ever look at me the same again? Do you think she\u2019ll trust me? She\u2019ll say that everything is fine, but the doubt will begin to eat away at her and she\u2019ll come to realize that\u2026I don\u2019t deserve her. I failed her, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed as he spoke a quiet, \u201cBravo! You should have been an actor, Adam. That was splendidly done!\u201d He became more serious to add, \u201cOnly a fool would believe that Melinda\u2019s feelings would change over this. What happened was not your fault and you did the best anyone could. We found her, Adam. That never would have happened if you had failed. You\u2018ve never been a fool before, so don\u2019t start now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The look was scathing.\u00a0 \u201cI may have been overly dramatic, but it won\u2019t be the same. She hasn\u2019t even come to see me, so her doubt has already begun to show up. In fact, I doubt anyone but you and Abel cared whether I lived or died.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed again. \u201cYou\u2019ve been sleeping a lot, Adam. Melinda had to be shooed back to her room every day to make sure she got enough rest.\u00a0 I\u2019m also betting that you don\u2019t know who all has been visiting you the last several days. There\u2019s me and Abel, Marian and Frank, William and Margaret, Sadie, people from your office, and several members of a choir who kept asking the doctor to perform a little surgery while you were asleep to ensure that you can sing the high tenor notes in some performance that\u2019s coming up. So you\u2019re right; no one cares about you, least of all Melinda.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo? A few people came to pay their respects.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRelax Adam. I won\u2019t hound you about this, but take a deep breath and think things through a little better before you make any further conclusions. You\u2019ll figure it out in time, but let\u2019s let Melinda know that you\u2019re here. It\u2019s high-time for a reunion.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, \u2018no\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet, Pa. Not while I\u2019m sitting in this chair.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men quieted as they heard voices nearing the room they were in. Melinda and her mother walked past, hand in hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grabbed at his father\u2019s arm as he tried to step toward the door, and whispered, \u201cPlease, Pa. Not like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben saw his son\u2019s anguish and thought back to Adam sitting in a wheelchair once before. Instead of leaving the room, he pulled a chair next to his son. They would need to stay put to give Melinda and Margaret time to leave the floor before they could head back to Adam\u2019s room, so Ben decided to use it wisely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s beautiful, isn\u2019t she?\u201d Adam commented softly. \u201cWith that robe and sling, she looks like a Greek goddess.\u201d He listened as he heard laughter and the person with Melinda say, \u201cYou are so good with children, dear. I hope you and Adam have a house full of them someday<\/em>,\u201d prompting Adam to ask of Ben, \u201cWas that Margaret with her?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes it was. She\u2019s very nice and has been concerned for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sent his father a questioning look. \u201cAre we talking about the same woman? Margaret would hardly be concerned for me. I\u2019d suspect more that she\u2019d be rooting for me to leave this earth so that Melinda would be free to marry someone more\u2026suitable.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben chuckled. \u201cI think a lot has happened, son. We have a time before we can make a graceful exit, so let me tell you about some of it.\u201d He spent the next several minutes telling Adam about the arrest of Luis Castelletti and the raids on the gambling houses and brothels he owned. \u201cThe police shut down all of them in a few hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s impressive. Les must have done much in that hour after we got the note.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true, but he\u2019s not the only one who can get things done in a hurry.\u201d Ben recounted the story of Abel\u2019s swift dispatching of Grifasi and Lloyd.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGrandfather is a force to be reckoned with,\u201d Adam replied in admiration. \u201cDid Miranda forgive Lloyd?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s still thinking about it. She spoke to him before he left, but wouldn\u2019t sail with him. In the meantime, William and Margaret are going to move in with her and help pay the mortgage. As I understand, Maxine is going to stay there too until she feels able to go it alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes shot open. \u201cAnd Margaret isn\u2019t having a fit about that? I\u2019m surprised she isn\u2019t worried about what the neighbors will say.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure what Margaret was like before, but William did tell me that she had a \u2018discussion\u2019 with Abel about her behavior and has made some adjustments. It was her idea for Maxine to move in.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I have missed a lot! I would have liked to see Abel take her on, but all that matters is that it helped. What else did I miss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm. The police took women from several brothels to a mission run by nuns. Miranda, Margaret, Melinda and Maxine have been making plans for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of plans?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMelinda started teaching Maxine how to use a reading program so she can try using it with those women as soon as she\u2019s out of here. Maxine is hopeful that if they learn to read and write, they\u2019ll stay away from the type of work they\u2019ve been doing. She says that most of the women were forced into those jobs, but that it\u2019s hard for them to live differently. They don\u2019t think much of themselves and are afraid to meet others who might find out what they once did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds reasonable. There\u2019s something about Maxine. You just know she\u2019s capable.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMelinda will help out more once she\u2019s out of the hospital and you two are married.\u201d Ben waited to see if Adam would respond to the part about the wedding. When he remained silent, Ben went on, \u201cHere\u2019s the part that I think will surprise you. Margaret and Miranda have already made arrangements with the mission to work there with the women. Miranda is teaching them how to prepare food so they might find work as cooks with families or in cafes, and Margaret wants to help them with other things. She\u2019s talked to Marian about asking her friends to donate nice used clothing and have people come to show them stylish ways to fix their hair and teach social etiquette. It\u2019s amazing what those women have accomplished.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grinned. \u201cNothing rallies women more than a good cause.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben agreed and changed the subject. \u201cDo you remember your doctor? He says he knew you back at school.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded and said dryly, \u201cI recognized him right away, but we didn\u2019t really know each other back then, other than as members of the choir, and we haven\u2019t talked about the past. He\u2019s usually ordering me to do something.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe knows Frank too. Frank asked for Dr. Green when you were brought here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that makes sense. I asked him why he was giving me such personal attention after he\u2019d come in several times yesterday. He said he had his \u2018reasons.\u2019 Now I know what he meant.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid he explain why you were so ill?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSome sort of poison in the chowder.\u00a0 He says the worst is over now, but that I\u2019ll feel like a rag doll for a few days until my strength returns.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled wryly at his son. \u201cIt\u2019s good to hear you talk about the future. Are you feeling better about still being around?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems that I\u2019ll recover. I won\u2019t do anything to impede that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me ask you something. Do you love Melinda, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I do!\u201d he snapped. \u201cIf anything, I love her more than before. The way she handled herself; that note she wrote to help us find her; trying to get free\u2026I always thought she was strong, and now I realize that she\u2019s an even stronger woman than I gave her credit for being. She\u2019s\u2026inspiring, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what\u2019s the problem?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe problem\u2026is that I\u2019m not. Margaret recognized that when we were at Miranda\u2019s for dinner. She might be harsh in the way she says things, but she saw what I was and said that Melinda wouldn\u2019t be happy with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rose, returned the chair to its original spot and moved behind the wheelchair, laying his hands on Adam\u2019s shoulders. \u201cI think inspiring is a pretty good adjective for you as well. You have always done what was right and made believers out of those who might doubt you. Sometimes it worked out perfectly, but more often you had to face that things didn\u2019t line up as you would have hoped. It takes time to figure out why that happens, but you always do. What makes this harder to sort out is that it involved danger to the woman you love instead of to you. But you\u2019ll figure this out too, if you allow yourself to do so.\u201d Ben sighed deeply. \u201cI wish Hoss was here. He always seemed to help you put things in perspective.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe did. Hoss has a way of seeing what others can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The pair made their way to the elevator in silence. As they waited, Adam turned to his father, \u201cI\u2019ve been thinking, Pa. With Abel doing so well now, maybe it\u2019s time I head home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The comment surprised Ben and he had to control his urge to encourage something that he might want more than what would be best for his son. \u201cYou\u2019re always welcome to return, but do it for the right reasons, Adam. The Ponderosa is a refuge, but you can\u2019t hide there. You tried that after your fall and it didn\u2019t work. You made the right decision to leave, and look at how far you\u2019ve come in six months. You have a good job, good friends and a woman who wants to marry you here in Boston. Come home if you want to…just don\u2019t run away from what\u2019s bothering you here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Five<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Hoss Named Margaret<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An angry looking nurse met Ben as he wheeled Adam back into his room. \u201cIt\u2019s about time you two showed up,\u201d she barked as her foot tapped, making the glass syringe vibrate on the porcelain tray she carried it in. \u201cDr. Green said Mr. Cartwright could go for a walk\u2026not an excursion.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s reply was sheepish even as he held his grin at bay. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. We were delayed in returning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She set her tray on the table next to the bed, bent forward and grabbed Adam under his arm, hoisting him to a standing position in one strong, fluid movement. \u201cYou must be exhausted,\u201d she tsked as she swung him around to sit on the edge of the bed and pulled his robe from his shoulders. \u201cI asked the doctor to order a small dose of morphine to make you rest for a bit. I suspect you\u2019re in some pain by this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hadn\u2019t realized how much pain he was in until the nurse mentioned it. His head was pounding and his gut had that old branding-iron feeling again. \u201cI am,\u201d he said softly as he curled under the fresh sheets. He managed to mutter, \u201cOuch,\u201d as the needle slid into his shoulder, and was soon drifting away to a place where he didn\u2019t have to think about failure, going home, or loving a woman he was overjoyed to find was alive, but couldn\u2019t face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda flew into the room a few minutes later, but stopped abruptly when she saw Adam sound asleep again. \u201cI came as soon as I could,\u201d she told Ben with a deep sigh. \u201cMaxi told me that you two had been up to visit, but I waited until she left. She\u2019s on her way to Miranda\u2019s house now and I came here as soon as the door swung shut behind them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben explained. \u201cI had him out too long. He was exhausted and in pain by the time we returned. I managed to fill him in on some of what he\u2019s missed, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did he think? Was he excited to hear about how everything worked out?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t tell him your side of the story, but he said that you\u2019re a wonder and feels horribly about you being hurt.\u201d Ben thought about how much he should share. \u201cDo you remember hearing that we thought that you were\u2026um, weren\u2019t alive when we first found you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Mr. Cartwright. The only thing I remember about that root cellar was that I was cold and my head hurt so badly that I didn\u2019t want to move, even when I heard Adam\u2019s voice telling me that everything was fine. I thought it was another dream like those I\u2019d had during the night and was afraid to open my eyes and find myself alone in that room again. But as I felt the warmth of his hand and his breath, I took a chance and forced myself to wake up.\u201d She shook off the remembrance. \u201cWhy do you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought Adam heard me saying that you were still alive, but he didn\u2019t. I found out this morning that he\u2019s been struggling through this illness, thinking that you were gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh dear!\u201d she exclaimed as her hands flew to her face. \u201cHe knows better now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t know that I was here with him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe wasn\u2019t aware of anyone being here. That medicine they\u2019re giving him is pretty potent.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe must be so relieved to know the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben drew her close. \u201cHe\u2019s very glad about that.\u201d He paused as he lifted her chin to see her face. \u201cIt\u2019s what he feels about himself that\u2019s a little mixed up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She pulled away looking confused. \u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m quite sure he thinks that the only successful conclusion to your kidnapping would have been for him to have found you before anything bad happened to you. Because it didn\u2019t happen that way, he feels that he failed you completely. You and I know that\u2019s not so, but it seems very true to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat should I do to help?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust be here for him, Melinda. He\u2019ll figure things out. His brothers called him a granite-headed Yankee, and they knew what they were talking about. However, under that solid rock he is a logical man and reason will eventually prevail.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret sat by the window, using the midday sun to work on a complicated needlepoint project. Adam\u2019s room had been crowded when she and her husband had stopped to visit. Abel had arrived about that time as they had, and Ben had given them all an update on Adam\u2019s improving health. Since the patient was still sleeping she\u2019d sent Ben, Abel and William out for lunch, and persuaded Melinda to go back to her room to rest. Margaret had been working for over an hour as Adam slept making her wonder if Ben might have misunderstood the doctor\u2019s assessment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda stuck her head in the door and smiled as she saw Margaret stitching. Noting that Adam was still asleep, she made her way to her mother and whispered, \u201cI have great news. Dr. Green came by and said I can go home today. I hate the thought of leaving before Adam can, but I do want to get out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s wonderful news, dear.\u201d Margaret replied as she set her work aside and took her daughter\u2019s hand. \u201cYou\u2019ll rest better at home and I\u2019ll stay with you until you\u2019re completely recovered. We can come back and visit Adam until he\u2019s released. Her brow wrinkled as she asked. \u201cHas Adam ever been awake when you\u2019ve been with him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Melinda frowned as she looked back at the bed. \u201cWhenever I\u2019ve been here he\u2019s been asleep and as soon as he\u2019d begin to rouse, the nurses would send me out so they could take care of him. By the time they\u2019d let me back in, he\u2019d be asleep again.\u201d She frowned. \u201cAnd then I missed him when he and his father came by to see me earlier today.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I thought, dear.\u201d Margaret stood and gathered her etui and canvas. \u201cThe others haven\u2019t returned from lunch yet, and Adam\u2019s been sleeping for a while already, so it shouldn\u2019t hurt to wake him up.\u201d She smiled at her daughter. \u201cI think you two have a lot of catching up to do. I\u2019ll stay outside the door and divert any visitors.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She waited until her mother exited the room before going to the bedside and kissing Adam gently on the lips. His eyes fluttered open as a smile formed at the corners of his mouth. \u201cHello, sleepyhead,\u201d she said softly, \u201cI\u2019ve always known that a handsome prince can wake a sleeping princess with a kiss, but have often wondered if it would work the other way around.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He reached to touch her face. \u201cI doubt that I qualify as a handsome prince, but I do appreciate your research in the matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm. You are a bit dark-haired and manly to be one of those delicate princes in the fairytales. Maybe we can forget that we aren\u2019t royalty and skip to the part of the story where we live happily ever after.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s smile turned to a scowl as he looked away. \u201cI wish I could offer you that kind of life, Melinda, but I can\u2019t. I dropped the word happy from my vocabulary a long time ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s eyes widened in surprise. \u201cI\u2026I thought we were happy. I thought you loved me and you were happy that we were together. I thought\u2026\u201d She sat on the edge of the bed looking stunned. \u201cAre you telling me that I don\u2019t make you happy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sat up and pulled her to him. \u201cIn these last six months, I felt what I thought was happiness for the first time in so long. I allowed myself to think that I\u2019d outrun the things that kept me from feeling that way and lowered my guard. And then this happened and reminded me that darkness is always hovering nearby.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand, Adam. Undoubtedly this was a dark event, but we made it through pretty much in one piece. Isn\u2019t that what life is about? Maybe we need to redefine what the word happy means for us. It isn\u2019t going to mean life without struggle, but rather knowing that we are capable of learning from every opportunity, and coming out stronger for each experience. I\u2019m angry about what Lloyd did to us. I still have to fully forgive him for putting us in danger, but I\u2019m thinking this was a test for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked away again. \u201cYou\u2019re right about that. It was a test you passed and I failed. You may not see it that way now, but what about in a while from now when you think it through. Will you be\u00a0happy<\/em>\u00a0then? I repeat what I said the other day: I\u2019m sorry that I\u2019m not the man you hoped I\u2019d be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She rose from the bed and glared at him. \u201cI know that you\u2019ve been very ill and haven\u2019t had a chance to think this through. I also heard that you didn\u2019t know I was alive until today and that must have caused some awful thoughts to play in your mind. But I don\u2019t want your apologies for failing because you didn\u2019t.\u201d Melinda paced to the window and back. \u201cRemember how I told you that I\u2019d never considered that you might have been in danger or could have died while we were apart? I also told you that I was thankful that something inside of you kept fighting to stay alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her path was retraced, ending at his side again. \u201cI had no idea how you found the strength to get through all that must have happened to you, and my fear was that someday you\u2019d be disappointed that I\u2019m not as strong as you are. But then this happened and I found out that I\u2019m stronger than I thought\u2014but only because of one thing. Throughout those hours, I kept asking myself what you would do if facing the same struggle. You once told me that a Cartwright doesn\u2019t give up. I used your strength to bolster mine, Adam. I drew my courage from you. But I also found out that being courageous is hard, and I don\u2019t want to make it through something like this alone. I want to be strong with you, not apart from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He took her hand and kissed it. \u201cI\u2019m sure that everything you said makes perfect sense, Melinda, but right now my mind is foggy and not a lot makes sense to me. Please bear with me and give me a little time to sort things through.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow much time?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. My father seems to think I should be elated that things turned out the way they did, and you make great points about the positive parts of this experience. But right now I honestly don\u2019t know how I feel about\u2026anything. I don\u2019t even know what day it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Monday, Adam. A week since this all started.\u201d Melinda\u2019s voice was terse and filled with pain. \u201cWhen you say you don\u2019t know how you feel about anything, does that mean us too?\u201d Her tone was rising as her words came faster. \u201cWe\u2019re supposed to married in five days. Are you saying you need more time than that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sighed. \u201cI don\u2019t mean to upset you, but I can\u2019t give you an exact time frame. Please don\u2019t make this harder than it already is. I\u2019ll figure it out, but not if there\u2019s deadlines or I feel that I\u2019m failing you more by asking for a little patience to get my head working again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s mouth hung slack while her eyes widened as she listened. When she could finally speak, she said, \u201cI\u2019ve heard that morphine has side effects. Maybe that\u2019s why you feel foggy. Yet I don\u2019t see how that could make you feel differently about me and you. That should be firmly settled in your mind and heart by this time. You are all I want or need and you told me that was true for you as well. I\u2019ll be under the pine tree in Abel\u2019s yard on Saturday. I\u2019ll give you until then to figure things out. If you love me and can navigate past the doubts or whatever is bothering you right now, I\u2019ll see you there. If you can\u2019t, I guess I\u2019ll be standing there alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He tried to speak, but his words were cut short as a perky young nurse entered the room carrying a tray.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI saw that you were up, Mr. Cartwright. Dr. Green wanted you to eat as soon as you awoke.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam ignored her, speaking to Melinda. \u201cPlease stay a little longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have to go.\u201d She smiled reticently as she pulled her hand free of his grasp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you need time to think?\u201d she replied in a voice laden with sarcasm. Her face and voice softened as she continued, \u201cand I\u2019ve been released from the hospital so I have to get ready to leave. Mother will stay with me for a bit. A week ago that would have put me in a cold sweat, but something has changed about my mother and I enjoy having her around. We\u2019ve spoken more this week than in many years.\u201d Her lip trembled as she concluded, \u201cI have gained so much recently. I met Maxine and made a friend in the worst of circumstances, I helped close down an ugly place that enslaved women, my sister has become my ally in doing something for those who need so much, and I\u2019ve found my mother again. Yet…I\u2019m left with the uneasiness that I might lose the one thing I need more than anything else.\u201d Melinda stopped at the door and turned back. \u201cAdam, please figure this out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He ran his hands through his hair as he released his breath in a loud hiss.\u00a0Why doesn\u2019t anything make sense?<\/em>\u00a0Why couldn\u2019t I tell Melinda that I love her?\u00a0<\/em>He\u2019d sat there like a stone, unable to fathom what to do. This wasn\u2019t the first time he\u2019d felt this way. His mind drifted back to the lost feeling he\u2019d had after he\u2019d shot Ross Marquette when his friend had turned into a maniacal stranger. That time he thought he\u2019d failed both Ross and Delphine because he couldn\u2019t figure out what was happening soon enough to save either of them. What was different then was that Hoss had helped him sort it out. There was no Hoss this time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked down at the tray of food in front of him with irritation. He picked up the bowl filled with some unidentifiable white goo, threw it across the room, and watched as the shattered porcelain stuck to the wall with the strength of the pasty cereal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret had been holding sentry duty outside Adam\u2019s room, and couldn\u2019t help overhearing parts of the conversation between the young couple. She tried to stop her daughter as she left Adam\u2019s room, but Melinda walked past, saying that she didn\u2019t want to talk right then and asked to be left alone while she prepared to leave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Having nothing to do while she waited, Margaret had just made up her mind to take a walk when she heard a loud crash from Adam\u2019s room. \u201cWhat happened? Are you all right?\u201d she asked as she ran inside and made a visual sweep of the room. She couldn\u2019t help laughing when she spotted the mess that was slowly sliding down the wall, and inquired, \u201cNow how did that get there?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed too. It felt so good that he continued to laugh as he raised his hand and avowed, \u201cI swear, it slipped out of my hand\u2026with some velocity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Margaret looked over the other gray and brown liquids still on the tray and teased, \u201cMaybe the rest of this should \u2018slip\u2019 out of your hand as well. You know, Adam, I\u2019m thinking you have far better taste in food than I gave you credit for at Miranda\u2019s dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her comments made Adam laugh harder until he had to stop to catch his breath. \u201cThanks for that, Margaret. I think laughing has been the best medicine I\u2019ve had so far.\u201d He chuckled again as he told her to sniff the contents of the other dishes on the tray.<\/p>\n

After doing as he suggested she roared again. Wiping her eyes with her handkerchief, she asked, \u201cHow do they expect you to get better by feeding you paste and things that smell like cigar ashes and dirty water?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a great question, Margaret. I think you\u2019re just the one to put it to the kitchen staff.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She pushed back a strand of hair that had fallen onto Adam\u2019s forehead as he\u2019d laughed. \u201cI\u2019m so relieved to see that you\u2019re doing better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m surprised to hear you say that.\u201d He was suddenly serious. \u201cYou didn\u2019t seem to have a very good opinion of me the last time we were together.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret smiled gently. \u201cBetween your grandfather and my husband, I had to face that I\u2019d become a very nasty woman. It was hard to admit that they were right, but they were, and I don\u2019t want to be that way. I still have \u2018moments\u2019 when I can skin a cat with my words, but I am working to re-find the person I once was.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam returned a half-smile. \u201cI\u2019ve already heard some positive reports. Good for you, Margaret.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI need to apologize for my ugliness at Miranda\u2019s. You didn\u2019t deserve that. Melinda may have waited a long time for you, but she was right. You were worth waiting for.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He flinched. \u201cAre you sure of that? I nearly let her die.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret closed the door to a crack, moved a chair next to Adam and took his hand as she began to speak. \u201cI know I\u2019m probably the last person in the world you want to take advice from, but I think we\u2019re two of a kind in some respects.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His eyes narrowed. \u201cHow so?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFirst of all, I heard some of what was said between you and Melinda\u2014and I apologize for listening. But that helps me understand what\u2019s happening a little better. I think when you\u2026and I\u2026feel guilty that we\u2019ve \u2018failed\u2019 someone, we push them away. I started to do that to Melinda many years ago when I thought I had nothing to offer her. She was so intelligent and sure of herself that I assumed I didn\u2019t measure up to her standards. I felt so much guilt at not being the kind of mother she could admire that I pushed her away instead of talking to her about how I felt. My guilt and heartache grew unabated while I turned into the harpy you got to know. The worst part, as I have found out, is that all my guilt was based on false conjecture.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s look was admiring. \u201cSeems like you\u2019ve done some careful thinking about this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMelinda and I have talked a great deal since she was brought to the hospital. I told her what had been bothering me and we came to understand how both of our actions contributed to what had been going on. She admitted that she can be very\u2026very\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStubborn?\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat fits nicely. I think you know my daughter well,\u201d she chuckled. \u201cIt was such a relief to hear Melinda agree that our estrangement wasn\u2019t all my doing. It turns out that she had also made assumptions instead of talking to me. I can finally breathe again without that nagging hurt in my heart. During this week I also did a lot of listening instead of talking, and have come to a few other conclusions.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s, \u201cYou have?\u201d sounded doubtful.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes I have. Don\u2019t look so nervous, you may actually see some value in what I have to say.\u201d She patted his arm. \u201cMelinda told me that something happened recently that gave her reason to think that she might not deserve you. She gave no details but said that you had fought harder to make it back to her while all she did was wait. But the kidnapping has proved to her that she\u00a0is<\/em>\u00a0strong and can face adversity. On the other hand, I don\u2019t think that you ever saw her as lacking anything, and now that she\u2019s demonstrated how much strength she has, you\u2019re beginning to think you don\u2019t deserve her! Is that about right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He mumbled, \u201cSomething like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, like me, you\u2019re afraid that Melinda was disappointed because you weren\u2019t there when you feel she needed you most. In some odd way, you think you\u2019re doing her a favor by pushing her away so she won\u2019t have to come to that conclusion on her own later. Shall I continue?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps you should.\u201d His smile was wry. \u201cI\u2019m not sure I\u2019m going to like hearing what more you have to say, but you\u2019re doing pretty well so far.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think that right now, each of you sees only your own role in what happened. It leaves\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0discouraged and Melinda can\u2019t understand that because she\u2019s so excited. As I see it, Lloyd and those thugs who took my daughter are the only ones who did anything wrong in any of this. I doubt that this was just about Melinda being kidnapped and you finding her either. It was about something wonderful happening from something ugly. In a way, I think God used very capable people in some horrible circumstances to do remarkable things.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave her a sidelong look. \u201cNow you\u2019ve lost me. To be honest, I\u2019m having a hard time understanding anything that happened. I\u2019ve pretty much lost my sense of time passing. Pa says that several people have visited but I have no memory of anyone being here. When I have been awake, I\u2019ve been surrounded by nurses and doctors asking the same things over and over. I think I stopped listening to anything and spent my time figuring out how the structural and bearing walls had to be placed to support the floors above this one, or working through other mathematical equations just so I wouldn\u2019t think about what had happened. Engineering uses facts that always hold true. You control the outcome simply by assuring that your information is correct. I deal well with facts, Margaret. My conclusions are sound and I trust them because\u00a0I\u00a0<\/em>have control over the variables. I know exactly what to expect.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was breathing faster and color had risen in his cheeks as he attempted to explain. \u201cWhat I don\u2019t deal well with is being placed in situations where I have no control. My father and others have tried to tell me that I can\u2019t predict or control how others will act; that all I can do is adjust as the course varies and live with the outcomes. But that makes no sense to me and I fight those times with all I\u2019m worth. This time, my adjustments didn\u2019t come quickly enough to save Melinda from harm.\u00a0 When I think about last week, all I remember is your daughter in that cellar and\u00a0feel<\/em>\u00a0overwhelming frustration and failure. I\u2019m relieved to know that Melinda is safe, and she and Pa both seem to think that I should just let myfeelings<\/em>\u00a0go and move on. But I can\u2019t…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret rose and kissed the top of his head. \u201cAnd so you push them away, so you don\u2019t have to.\u201d She became thoughtful before adding, \u201cPerhaps a first step forward could be assisted by setting a different image of Melinda in your mind\u2014one of her as she looks now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Receiving Adam\u2019s nod of agreement, she continued, \u201cYet you are not as well-recovered as she is, and while I love her, I think she was very abrupt with you a few minutes ago. Melinda\u2019s had time to think and has already determined what she wants to do about her experience. Frankly I\u2019m surprised that she wasn\u2019t more affected by the kidnapping, but she says that she had Maxi with her and she knew you would come for her, so she made it through without a lot of residual fears. I can see how she has difficulty understanding that you aren\u2019t in the same frame of mind as she is. I also wonder if your trouble figuring things out may stem from having those unanswered questions about what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded again. \u201cYou speak eloquently, Margaret. I see where Melinda gets her way with words. And you\u2019re right, all I know about that day is what I was a party to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret poked his chest. \u201cNone of this will make more sense until you do one thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTalk to Melinda. You two can put the story together from your perspectives. It is an exciting tale.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam chuckled softly. \u201cI\u2019ll do just that if she\u2019ll talk to me.\u201d He shifted to his side, resting on his elbow as he also shifted the conversation. \u201cThank you, Margaret. You\u2019ve given me a lot to think about.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not quite finished.\u201d She watched as his eyebrows rose.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve had the opportunity to talk with your Father. He\u2019s an interesting man with wonderful stories of life in the West. What rings clear in all of them is that you and your family rely on one other. I would also bet that the Cartwrights are the people others go to for help. Am I right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess that\u2019s true.\u201d Adam\u2019s brows knit in question. \u201cHow does that pertain to this?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt must have been very hard for you to realize that you couldn\u2019t handle the kidnapping on your own. Still you thought it through and sought help from those most likely to give it. How painful was it to share Melinda\u2019s fate with Mr. Wadsworth and Les?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcruciating,\u201d Adam admitted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou had to wait until they thought it was time to move ahead. It\u2019s not easy to think about it now, but you\u2019ve learned that you can\u2019t always do everything alone even when you want to, and when you have good people around you, all you can do is trust them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t easy to wait, yet I guess that extra hour proved valuable.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt did.\u201d She hesitated, but continued, \u201cYou know that my daughter has always done thing on her own too. She is a self-reliant, stubborn woman who had to trust someone she had never met before. Her captivity would have gone far differently without Maxine\u2019s kindness. After you hear the story, Adam, you may come to realize that it wasn\u2019t your job to save Melinda.<\/em>\u00a0Maxine saved her by pretending to be knocked out so that she could unlock the door to Melinda\u2019s room. That action could have meant Maxine\u2019s death and the day would have ended far differently had she not intervened.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret stopped to let those thoughts register before continuing, \u201cMaxine learned to trust again too. She told me that after hearing about you and Melinda, she began to believe that there was more to life than betrayal and ugliness. In many ways, I think Maxine had to save Melinda to save herself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I really do need to hear what went on in that house.\u201d Adam sighed and then smiled at Margaret.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She grinned back. \u201cIt\u2019s nice that you agree with me.\u201d Her mood became serious. \u201cI\u2019ve heard how strong you were throughout the ordeal. Frank and Les have not ceased to sing your praises in handling those toads, Lloyd and Castelletti, and for putting the pieces together when the clues were finally there. I think that you\u2019re still unsettled at this moment, but you must come to realize that you can trust yourself and your decisions, Adam. Your efforts to rescue Melinda helped close several gambling houses, rescued 30 women, put one criminal in the grave and another behind bars, and saved the lives of my cowardly son-in-law and another innocent bystander.\u201d\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned away. \u201dMargaret, my father, grandfather, Frank and Les are the heroes of this story, not me<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou did go to some mighty fine people for help, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right about that\u201d He turned back toward Margaret wearing a hint of a smile. \u201cThey were a force that accomplished a lot in a short time. But as for me\u2026\u201d His voice drifted away as his smile faded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret picked up his thought, \u201cAs for you\u2026you figured out what most men would have given up on as soon as they hit the first snag. You acted with honor, skill, and fortitude. And you found my daughter when the odds against accomplishing that were against you. That\u2019s what you did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was mutual silence after Adam voiced his thanks again. He finally broke into their thoughts, \u201cPa said that Les might be sweet on Maxine. Do you think that\u2019s true?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely!\u201d She lowered her voice to a near whisper. \u201cIn fact I think we\u2019ll be seeing a lot of Les around dinner time at Miranda\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa also told me that you and William are moving in with Miranda, and mentioned the work you and she are doing with the ladies that were rescued. I\u2019m truly impressed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMiranda was deeply hurt by what Lloyd did, but having something good come from it has helped ease that pain.\u201d Margaret grinned widely, \u201cAnd you\u2019ll never guess what Melinda wants me to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d He asked with a re-growing smile of his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe wants me to talk to the women from the brothel and find out how they ended up where they did. Then she wants to work with me on telling their stories in a book. Maxine feels that what\u2019s happening is a form of slavery, but people don\u2019t seem to care much because they\u2019ve already judged these women as unworthy. If we do this right, we can shine some light into that darkness.\u201d Margaret patted Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cI\u2019m so excited. I have my daughter back, my humor back and I have a new purpose in life.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems you\u2019ve had a profitable week.\u201d Adam touched her cheek. \u201cI like this Margaret very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret hesitated, \u201cAdam, there\u2019s one thing from our Sunday dinner that haunts me. I am most ashamed for trying to bully you into calling me, mother. I rather like having you call me, Margaret.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad. Is William reeling a little from all the activity and changes?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe is. But I\u2019ve never seen him happier. The manager of his firm is retiring soon and they\u2019ve asked William to step into that position. It means better pay and more responsibility, and he can\u2019t wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he\u2019ll do a good job.\u201d Adam pointed at the dresser. \u201cWill you please see if my clothes are in there, Margaret?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She found a stack of neatly folded items and lifted it out for him to see.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood! Now if you\u2019ll wait outside for a minute, I\u2019ll get dressed and we\u2019ll go find Melinda. I need to see her before she leaves.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou stay put. First I\u2019m going to find that nurse and tell her to bring you something decent and hot to eat, and then I\u2019ll send Melinda back here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She was gone before he could object. Adam donned pants and shirt, leaving it un-tucked and deciding against strapping a belt around his still tender stomach. He opted for his slippers instead of the boots he saw under the bed, and brushed his hair into place the best he could. Checking his reflection, he noted that his cheeks seemed a little thinner and he had dark circles under his eyes, but otherwise he was the same. Being out of hospital garb lifted his spirits, even though the activity left him winded. He\u2019d barely sat down in the most comfortable looking chair in his room when Frank, Dr. Green, his father and Abel walked into the room and lined up in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank handed Adam a rolled-up drawing. He wasted little time with greetings. \u201cGood to see you up, son. Guess Dr. Green was right. He thought you would be doing much better today.\u201d Indicating Ben and Abel with his thumb, Frank said, \u201cI found these two miscreants loitering in the hospital lobby with Melinda\u2019s father, and brought them along with me. And Dr. Green has some news that we\u2019ll get to in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dr. Green looked curiously at Adam\u2019s black shirt and pants and made some remark about hospital policy not allowing personal clothing on the wards, but Frank and Ben both gave him wilting looks that silenced him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried to offer his thoughts on how much improved his son looked in just a few hours, but was forced to silence as Frank opened the roll of papers on Adam\u2019s lap and began talking. \u201cI need your opinion on something, Adam. Look at the specifications for this harbor wall and tell me what you think.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam paged through the prints and said, \u201cAh,\u201d as he found the name of the building he was looking at. \u201cThese are for the warehouse a few lots away from the McCarty site. Aren\u2019t you about ready to start this project?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank replied, \u201cLook at the plans first and then we\u2019ll talk. We had a guy with us about two years ago who drew these. He had credentials showing that he\u2019d done harbor work before, so I trusted him. But he took some shortcuts on a different project and I let him go. I didn\u2019t give Sid another thought until I remembered that he\u2019d done the work on this one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBring that table over here and get me something to write with,\u201d Adam ordered as he quickly scanned the drawing he needed. \u201cThe plan was to have ships dock laterally to this wall and then be unloaded with revolving hoists mounted on tracks between the dock and the building?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Frank confirmed. \u201cWe need that submerged wall to hold up to the pressure from the ships, and the weight from equipment moving atop the earth adjacent to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam began jotting down numbers, trying to come up with the same results that were in the specifications.\u00a0 After several minutes, he said, \u201cWell, the figures are textbook, I\u2019ll say that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen they\u2019re right?\u201d Frank asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say that, Frank. I said they were according to the norms for a standard piling wall. But you don\u2019t have a standard situation; this is the inner harbor. This guy allowed for the movement of tides, but there\u2019s no factoring for the currents from the Mystic and Charles rivers that empty into that area. Nor is there any calculation that adequately accounts for the downward pressure from the heavy equipment pushing at it from the land side. It won\u2019t be hard to redo these, but it will involve more lumber and support systems than you factored into your price. It has to be reinforced with dead-men ties anchored into the dirt under the tracks to withstand the actions of weight, percussion, tide and current. I know you can\u2019t go back to the owners and say that there was a mistake and now you need more money to do it right, so I suspect you\u2019ll be paying for the enhancements out of your profits. And my biggest warning, Frank, is that I\u2019d fear a collapse of the edge as you remove the existing lumber as this proposes.\u201d Adam saw his boss pale. \u201cWhat happened, Frank? Did it already collapse?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe got an early start on construction and were removing boards when water started rushing in behind the existing wall and the edge collapsed as you surmised. Thankfully no one was seriously hurt. It could have been so much worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes and sighed. \u201cI can get this figured out correctly, but I\u2019ll need the tonnage of the proposed equipment, information on the currents in the two rivers, tide charts and the size of the largest ships expected to offload. I\u2019ll be able to use some of the same information for the McCarty project so that will save some cost. But I\u2019ll be honest; the expense to do this right is going to be considerable.\u201d He looked up at Frank. \u201cHas the accident brought you any trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSome wariness from the owners, but I told them that I would find out what happened and make it right. What\u2019s so frustrating is that Wadsworth Engineering doesn\u2019t make mistakes like this. I hire only the best people and take pride in knowing that what we do is correct. I accept that accidents can happen in construction, but not because our math is wrong. I\u2019ll have to pull every project that idiot worked on and have you go over them. I don\u2019t want any other mistakes. Our good name gives us credibility, and I\u2019m counting on you to make sure it stays that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt will, Frank. I promise you that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI knew I could count on you, Adam. I already talked to Dr. Green and he feels that we can take you out of the hospital tomorrow morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dr. Green added loudly, \u201cThat\u2019s if he does well the rest of today and then only with restrictions, Frank. Don\u2019t forget that part.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank grumbled, \u201cYes, yes\u2026with some restrictions. Our good doctor will send a nurse along to monitor your recovery and make sure you get enough rest. I reserved a suite in the hotel a block away from the harbor and set up our headquarters there after the accident. The doc wants you to stay there so the nurse can keep an eye on you and do all the things that he\u2019s ordered. I\u2019ll take her over there today so she can set things up to her satisfaction.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dr. Green looked directly at Frank. \u201cI\u2019ve ordered my nurse to give Adam, you, or both of you an injection of morphine if Adam doesn\u2019t rest when she tells him to.\u201d He turned his attention to Adam. \u201cI figure as long as Frank keeps coming up with something for you to do, you\u2019ll do it, to your own detriment. Nurse Anne will follow only\u00a0my<\/em>\u00a0orders.\u201d He smiled as he saw the astonished looks on the two men\u2019s faces. \u201cAnd don\u2019t think she won\u2019t, Frank. She worked with me during the war so she\u2019s dealt with the likes of you two before. And you are not to go to the site until I say so, Adam. You can work in the hotel, but need to take frequent rest periods and eat on schedule or you\u2019ll end up in the same shape you were in a week ago. I\u2019ll stop by to make sure you\u2019re doing as I say, and will haul you back to the hospital if I see any backsliding.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Sam,\u201d Frank took the young doctor by the shoulders. \u201cWhen have I ever not followed your orders?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m assuming that was a rhetorical question, Frank, or do you really want me to make a list?\u201d Turning again to Adam, he added, \u201cYou\u2019re beginning to look good for a man who was nearly dead a week ago. Don\u2019t let that good work go to waste.\u201d He shook Adam\u2019s hand saying he\u2019d see him first thing in the morning to check if he was ready for discharge. Dr. Green headed for the door but stopped as he saw the broken bowl of porridge lying on the floor with its telltale journey down the wall etched in drying pabulum. \u201cWhat happened here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt slipped,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dr. Green looked back at his patient, and laughed, \u201cI\u2019m sure it did.\u201d He pointed at Ben, Frank and Abel. \u201cI have no doubt that these men will make sure the food you have is better than anything we serve here. But until then,\u201d he gave Adam a stern look, \u201cyou will eat what they bring you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank took over the conversation again as soon as the doctor left. \u201cBen, I know you\u2019re planning to head to Nevada soon, but until you do, could I convince you to give me a hand?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben eyed him curiously. \u201cWhat do you have in mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m taking seriously what Dr. Green advised about Adam. While I need his help, his recovery is the only thing that\u2019s important, so he\u2019ll stay put at the hotel. I need him working on the specifications for this job and checking everything else that Sid produced, so I\u2019d ask you to be Adam\u2019s eyes and ears. You can go to the sites, talk to the people, take measurements or whatever he needs. He\u2019ll be able to trust that the information he\u2019s getting is correct if you\u2019re the one getting it for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI could do that, Frank. I\u2019m not planning to leave until the middle of next week and Adam should be able to do his own legwork long before that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank wasn\u2019t finished. \u201cHow about you, Abel? I need someone to help Adam get the documents and information he needs. You seem to know your way around the harbor and those associated with it. Would you want to put in a few days of work for me as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel was beaming. \u201cI think I\u2019d enjoy that very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen it\u2019s settled! We all worked together so well last week that I\u2019m looking forward to continuing the association. I\u2019ll invite you both to stay at the hotel with Adam and me. I don\u2019t like disruption so I booked all the rooms near the suite where we\u2019re working so there\u2019s plenty of places to bunk.\u00a0 I\u2019d also like to get to know you better and we\u2019d have some time to do that in the evenings.\u201d Frank slapped Adam on the back. \u201cYou about ready to get out of here, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say I\u2019m more than ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda walked in at that moment, stopping short as she saw the men talking. \u201cOh, I didn\u2019t mean to disturb you. Mother said that Adam wanted to see me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome right in, Melinda,\u201d Ben invited, \u201cwe\u2019re leaving.\u201d He went to Adam and sat facing him on the arm of his chair. Speaking so that others couldn\u2019t hear, he said, \u201cI\u2019m assuming something happened while I was gone? You look like a new man, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He met his father\u2019s gaze and replied in an equally quiet voice. \u201cI took a few steps forward and learned again that first impressions of people can be wrong. I\u2019ll tell you about it later. I\u2019m anxious to talk to Melinda now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Father and son rose as Ben said, \u201cWe\u2019ll be by for you first thing in the morning, Adam. Until then, do as the doctor says.\u201d Ben gave his son a final nod, and took Abel and Frank by the elbows, leading them from the room, while saying, \u201cLet\u2019s go find this nurse and see if she\u2019s as tough as Dr. Green says she is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are those three up to?\u201d Melinda asked as she watched them walk down the hall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s trouble at one of Frank\u2019s construction sites. He needs our help to figure out what went wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut this is the first day you\u2019ve been up. Can\u2019t he wait a bit before he puts you back to work?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam went to her and pulled her into an embrace. \u201cAfter the way I acted earlier, I\u2019m surprised you still care what happens to me.\u201d He shushed her protest. \u201cI\u2019m just teasing. I know you\u2019re concerned. But honestly, I\u2019m looking forward to getting into those plans. It will be good to have something specific to concentrate on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d have thought you\u2019d have a few\u00a0other<\/em>\u00a0things to concentrate on before getting back to work,\u201d she said peevishly as she pulled from his arms. \u201cBut maybe thinking about work is more satisfying than figuring out how you feel about\u2026\u201d Her thoughts stalled as her face collapsed into mask of pain. \u201cMother implied that you were anxious to see me\u2026that you had something you needed to tell me, and I thought that perhaps you had…\u201d She sighed deeply. \u201cIf work is what makes you feel better, Adam, then I\u2019m happy for you. Will you be working on the plans here at the hospital?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be relocating to a hotel near the jobsite tomorrow. Dr. Green is sending a nurse along to make sure I behave, but in between I\u2019ll be able to work. Frank even enlisted my father and grandfather to help out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She replied curtly, \u201cWell, it sounds like it\u2019s all figured out then. I\u2019d best be getting back to Mother so we can head home. I plan to stop at the publishing house tomorrow to prove that I\u2019m still alive, and pick up some manuscripts to go over at home. Maybe it is best if we both just get back to work and forget about those\u00a0other<\/em>\u00a0things.\u201d Her eyes narrowed as she nearly whispered her last thought. \u201cAlthough\u2026it seems I\u2019ve spent a lifetime trying to do that, and it hasn\u2019t happened yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam intercepted her as she moved toward the door. Pointing to the bed, he ordered. \u201cSit down, Melinda.\u201d She flashed an angry look, but complied as he placed the \u201cNo Entrance\u201d placard on the outside of the door, and shoved a chair up against the inside handle to ensure privacy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stood in front of her as he lifted her chin to look at him. \u201cNow, about those other things.\u201d He leaned down to kiss her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She resisted at first but stood to wrap her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply in return. \u201cAre things making more sense for you now?\u201d She asked as she took a breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he breathed as he kissed her again and drew her tightly against him. \u201cYou still taste the same as I remember,\u201d he said with a wink.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She parried with, \u201cMaxine showed me how to use bacon grease as a lip balm. I hear it\u2019s supposed to be very enticing to any man who kisses me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me sample that again.\u201d This time he gently drew her bottom lip between his teeth and moved his tongue against it. \u201cYou are tasty.\u201d They both began to giggle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a tease, Adam Cartwright, but I love you anyway.\u201d She concluded her statement by playfully swatting his stomach and watched in horror when Adam grimaced. She walked with him to the chairs he and Frank had vacated a few minutes earlier and asked, \u201cDid I hurt you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right, Melinda. Just a little tender yet, but nothing to worry about. I\u2019ll be fine by the weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She regained her humor once she knew she hadn\u2019t done any damage. \u201cIs there something going on this weekend?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing much that I can think of. Someone told me that I\u2019m supposed to be under Abel\u2019s pine tree. I think we\u2019re going to prune it or something.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She touched his face, outlining his features with her fingers. \u201cDoes your teasing mood really mean you\u2019ve resolved your uncertainties?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took her hands. \u201cI want to get something straight. I was never uncertain about the way I feel for you. It was not that my feelings had changed or that I questioned my love for you. It was more that I was at odds with myself.\u00a0<\/strong>It was your mother who helped me\u00a0move gently through the mystery of what it was all about.<\/strong>\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe mentioned that you two had spoken, but didn\u2019t tell me what was said.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe first thing she did was make me laugh. That single act relieved a lot of tension and allowed me to listen and think better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda eyed him suspiciously. \u201cWhy do I get the impression that neither you nor Mother are going to tell me what you talked about? That\u2019s fine though; I\u2019m glad that she could help. I left your room earlier in fear that there was a continent separating us again even though we stood only inches apart.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will tell you about it one day. One thing Margaret said was that I need to hear the story of the kidnapping from your perspective. It seems obvious that I would have to do that, but until she mentioned it, it hadn\u2019t even occurred to me.\u201d He became thoughtful before adding, \u201cWhen I talked to you earlier, it really did feel as though there was a continent separating my mind from my body. Nothing made sense. But I\u2019m more focused now, so, my dear, please begin with Lloyd coming to get you at work. It\u2019s important that you don\u2019t hold back any of the details. I need to know it all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They spent the next hour going through the events of the previous Monday and Tuesday, comparing what they were doing during the same timeframes. Melinda was the first to offer her conclusions when the story was complete. \u201cMother was right! Our actions were complementing each other even though we couldn\u2019t know it at the time. It is a little miraculous.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt does appear that way.\u201d He stood and pulled her up to hold her again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She took his face in her hands and said, \u201cThe part I find most breathtaking is that you were out searching the star-filled skies at the same time I was viewing my own piece of the heavens in that room. It makes me wonder if there were times in the years we were apart that we might have done the same thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They held onto each other in silence, until they were startled by a knock on the door and heard the nurse demand, \u201cWhat\u2019s going on in there, Mr. Cartwright? I\u2019ve checked, and none of the hospital staff is with you, so open this door immediately or I\u2019ll have the hinges removed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked sheepishly at Melinda and they both began laughing. He removed the chair and let the angry nurse into the room. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he vowed as he ushered her through the door. \u201cWe needed some time to plan our wedding without interruption.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d the nurse replied as she eyed them with a softer look. \u201cI suppose that was a good enough reason, but you could have simply told us you needed privacy. You were to have eaten an hour ago and we had to send it back to the kitchen to stay warm. I\u2019ll go get it now.\u201d She swirled around, and exited in a rustle of starched petticoats.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shoved the door shut again with his foot and drew Melinda close.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She laid her hands against his chest. \u201cI felt your heart beating in my dreams, you know.\u201d Laying her head on his shoulder she asked, \u201cSo what exactly did we decide about our wedding?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m pretty sure we agreed that you are much better at planning these things than I am, so I\u2019ll leave it to you. Your mother will help, and Sadie McIntyre will be glad to lend a hand. I think it will just be your family and mine as well as the Wadsworths. I\u2019ll remind Frank of the time, have Grandfather finalize arrangements with Seth, and contact a couple of my fellow choir members who volunteered to sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to invite a couple of people I work with, and of course, Maxine and Les. That\u2019s about it. I don\u2019t think that planning the reception will take much time.\u201d Melinda thought a moment before broaching the next topic. \u201cAdam, I know you\u2019ll be busy and won\u2019t be able to get to this before Saturday, so I think we should tell Seth that there won\u2019t be a ring. We can pick one out together later.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam remained serious looking as he held back a grin. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, my love, I\u2019ve already purchased a ring.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s head snapped up as she took a step back. \u201cYou have? But\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut what?\u201d He asked, still serious. \u201cDon\u2019t you want to wear my ring?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I do. It\u2019s just\u2026in Sacramento\u2026\u201d She struggled to find a way to explain but finally said nothing more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He fought to keep a straight face. \u201cLet\u2019s leave it at this. We\u2019ll use the one I bought for Saturday, but if you don\u2019t like it, we\u2019ll return it and you can pick out something you like better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded as the nurse began pounding on the door again. \u201cI have your dinner, Mr. Cartwright. You must open this door.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam ignored the knocking as he kissed Melinda and vowed, \u201cI\u2019m anxious to prune that tree on Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve waited a long time for this, Mr. Cartwright. I certainly hope you\u2019re better at it now than you were 12 years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shouted, \u201cI\u2019ll be right there,\u201d when the nurse demanded again that he let her in, and he leaned against the door to keep her from entering. Pulling Melinda near he said quietly, \u201cNo need to worry, darlin\u2019, my skills have improved. He leaned in for a kiss, but as his lips met hers, he started to chuckle. \u201cI must be hungrier than I thought. I want to kiss you but after your comment about your lip balm, all I can think of is having a strip or two of bacon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda huffed, \u201cWell that\u2019s a fine how-do-you-do,\u201d before she started to giggle as well. \u201cI was only kidding about the balm you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but why did you have to bring up smoked pork?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you don\u2019t think about that every time you want to kiss me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNah. I don\u2019t think it\u2019ll be a problem once I have something in my stomach.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I can take your mind off eating for a few seconds and leave you with something to think about until Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh? What might that be?\u201d he asked as the nurse knocked again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda whispered in his ear, \u201cThis.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s hazel eyes widened to the size of silver dollars while a grin of boyish excitement exploded on his face as Melinda finished her thought with action.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The last thing the nurse heard before going in search of the custodian to remove the door was Adam calling out, \u201cOh yeah!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Six<\/strong><\/p>\n

With This Ring and a Few Other Surprises<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Working through the issues that had plagued Adam\u2019s mind allowed his physical health to return quickly. Being confined to the hotel, he began walking the halls and stairs to regain his strength.\u00a0 Nurse Anne locked her evil eye on him after he snuck out shortly after getting settled in his room on Tuesday and was gone for over an hour. When she reminded him of his boundaries, he smiled disarmingly and said, \u201cDr. Green said I had to stay in the hotel, not in this room. I never left the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank remained true to his word. When Nurse Anne said it was time for Adam to eat, Frank ate with him, and when she declared it rest time, Frank cleared the room and put his feet up on the couch to take a snooze as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It helped that while Nurse Anne had a lovely face, she was also six-foot-two, and had broad shoulders and a booming voice. Her appearance had prompted Adam to tell his father, \u201cAnne looks a little like Bessie Sue from back home, so I\u2019m not messin\u2019 with her. I suspect Frank thinks that if he doesn\u2019t follow her instructions, she\u2019ll toss him out the window.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel managed to gather most of the information Adam needed for his recalculations by Tuesday afternoon. At dinner, he expressed his desire to head home after he finished work the next day rather than continuing to stay at the hotel, prompting Adam to pull his father aside and ask, \u201cDo you think Abel is ill? I\u2019m surprised he doesn\u2019t want to stay here until we\u2019re finished.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben replied, \u201cI wouldn\u2019t worry, Adam. He looks good and seems to be very well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They found out why Abel was anxious to leave as they sat around talking after dinner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank presented each of his compatriots with a fine cigar when they returned to the suite after their evening meal. Once tendrils of smoke were rising, he grabbed a bottle from the cabinet. \u201cI know you\u2019re a brandy man, Ben, so I brought some along.\u201d He shot a conspiratorial look toward Adam. \u201cSince Anne is in her room for the night, I\u2019ll pour you a glass too\u2026for medicinal purposes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The four men sat in comfortable quiet, sipping and puffing, until Ben asked, \u201cI haven\u2019t thought about this before, Adam, but are you and Melinda going to live in her house after the wedding?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe will for a time, Pa. I think we\u2019ll find or build a different place eventually, but this will be fine for now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben then turned his attention to his father-in-law. \u201cI suppose your house will seem empty again once Adam moves next door.\u00a0 I remember you wrote me that it was unbearably quiet when Adam left after he graduated.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel smiled at Adam as he answered, \u201cIt will, but since Melinda admits that she doesn\u2019t cook, and I\u2019ve eaten what Adam made a couple of times\u2014and paid the price in indigestion\u2014I imagine I\u2019ll see the two of them most nights for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam choked on his brandy as Abel offered his thoughts. When he caught his breath, he quipped, \u201cI guess that\u2019s true. However, I don\u2019t think of it as seeking a good, home-cooked meal so much as spending time with my aging, lonely grandfather.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou may think of it in any way wish, Adam, but I\u2019ll know the truth.\u201d Abel leaned over to pat his grandson on the knee. \u201cYou and Melinda are always welcome, whether it\u2019s to visit or to mooch a meal.\u201d He sat back as a wicked smile crossed his face. \u201cAnd I don\u2019t think I\u2019ll be lonely. I\u2019ve asked Sadie to move in after Adam leaves.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded approvingly. \u201cThat makes sense, Abel. You have that storeroom next to the kitchen. I\u2019m sure Adam can do some work in there to make it into a nice bedroom for her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam chimed in, \u201cOf course I\u2019d be happy to help. I\u2019d add a window in there, but otherwise it would just need fresh paint and some sprucing up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel\u2019s smile got wider. \u201cThat won\u2019t be necessary, Adam. You see, I didn\u2019t ask Sadie to move in as my housekeeper\u2026\u201d He stalled as he watched the other three men lean forward, anticipating what he was about to say. \u201cI asked her to be my wife.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The suite echoed with silence as Abel\u2019s words stunned the occupants.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben finally shot to his feet and came to shake Abel\u2019s hand, saying, \u201cYou old sea devil. I guess there\u2019s a few surprises left in you after all!\u201d He winked at Adam as he added, \u201cDid she say yes?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel rolled his eyes. \u201cWho could resist such a catch? We wanted to tell everyone that first night when you arrived, Ben, but then with the kidnapping and Adam\u2019s illness, I thought it best to wait until the timing was better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam moved closer on the couch and hung his arm around Abel\u2019s shoulder and gave him a squeeze. \u201cI\u2019m happy for you, Grandfather. I like Sadie very much and can see how you two will make a good couple.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben inquired, \u201cAny idea when you two might tie the knot?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was hoping sometime next week.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be here \u2018til midweek and could push things back a day or two if it works out.\u201d Ben shook his head. \u201cYou sure surprised me, but I\u2019m very happy for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank had remained quiet other than to offer his congratulations, but spoke up as the Cartwright family\u2019s exuberance tapered. \u201cThat is great news, Abel.\u201d Turning toward Ben, he continued. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose that if I had some upcoming event, I could ask you to delay your departure even more\u2026perhaps permanently?\u201d He laughed at Ben\u2019s stunned look. \u201cI know that won\u2019t happen. You have a legacy to complete. It\u2019s just that I do enjoy your company and knowledge. You and Adam work well together, even though you are continually grousing at one another while you do it, and I think that the four of us could accomplish some great things, maybe even start a new business venture.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Frank. I\u2019ve enjoyed working with you as well, but I think the delay for Abel\u2019s wedding is about the last one I can make. I\u2019m pretty anxious to return home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dr. Green released Adam from his care on Wednesday evening and took Anne with him when he left. \u201cBe careful as you add more food to your diet and take it easy,\u201d he cautioned his patient before going. \u201cI\u2019ll see you at your wedding on Saturday, and I expect that you\u2019ll be completely well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Adam decided to continue working together even though Adam was free to go to the sites. There were so many plans to recalculate that Adam found it prudent to have his father remain as the liaison at the harbor site. Everything went faster with two people contributing and Frank was overjoyed when he saw how much work the father and son were accomplishing in a short amount of time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After consulting with Melinda, Marian sent word to her husband and the Cartwrights, as well as Abel, Sadie and the Hayworths that she was throwing a pre-wedding dinner at their estate on Thursday evening. Frank knew the importance of such a summons and made sure that work at the hotel stopped early enough for the three men to spruce up before leaving.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret\u2019s eyes bugged and her mouth gaped when their coach turned into the Wadsworth drive. \u201cI had no idea it would be this grand! How do I behave in such a place?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda touched her mother\u2019s knee from across the coach. \u201cBe yourself, Mother. You and Marian chatted away like old friends at the hospital, so why would it be any different here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose you\u2019re right, dear. I fear I owe Adam another apology. I pretty much called him a hayseed at that Sunday dinner. Who knew he had such important friends with a home like this?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

William laughed, \u201cWho knew, Margaret? Apparently everyone but you, dear.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret slapped her husband\u2019s arm lightly as she shook her head. \u201cI know that the Wadsworths are an important family, William. It just didn\u2019t occur to me that they were\u2026this important.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it make a difference in how you view Adam?\u201d Miranda questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all. I\u2019m just glad that others recognize his fine qualities as much as I do.\u201d Margaret observed the doubtful looks of her family and started to laugh. \u201cI know I might not have always given the impression that I thought he was such a quality person, but I\u2019ve admitted that I was very wrong about that. I have found much to admire about Melinda\u2019s beau. He\u2019s a fine man\u2026who has some fine friends.\u201d She blushed, \u201cWhen I see this house and then I think back to what I said about him not knowing the finer things in life\u2014well I guess I\u2019m extremely lucky that Adam has a good sense of humor.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel arrived a few minutes later with Sadie and received the congratulations of the group. As those assembled mingled in conversation while enjoying champagne, Adam excused himself to walk outside. He felt fine, but after being cooped up indoors for many days, he needed to breathe fresh air and see the night sky. Evening stars were already visible in the darkening east, while the western sky was still emblazoned with a streak of orange left by the setting sun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The last time he\u2019d looked up to the heavens his world had been crashing down around him, and he\u2019d asked one thing of his creator. He didn\u2019t know all the answers yet, but he\u2019d come to accept much of what Margaret had helped him sort through. He\u00a0had<\/em>\u00a0learned lessons of trust and cooperation, and knew that other lessons derived from the situation weren\u2019t meant for him at all. It was true that what he and Melinda had endured had saved many others. Adam wasn\u2019t sure why they\u2019d been chosen as the two people to accomplish that task, but he\u2019d come to terms with knowing that maybe such things were never explained in life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His thoughts were interrupted as he heard the door open and Melinda call, \u201cAdam, It\u2019s time for dinner.\u201d He turned to see her standing on the porch and realized that she was his future, and how impatient he was for it to begin. Their wedding would be exactly what they\u2019d wanted: a gathering of those who loved them. He waved and called, \u201cI\u2019ll be right there.\u201d As he began walking toward the house, he lifted his eyes skyward and saluted as he mouthed, \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As dinner concluded, Marian said, \u201cRather than the men sneaking off to Frank\u2019s study, I think we should all stay together and go over the plans for Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank replied, \u201cYes, dear. That sounds like a good idea.\u201d But as she looked away, he rolled his eyes at the other men, pointed to the clock and held up five fingers, and then gave the universal thumb sign meaning \u201cwe\u2019ll take our leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marian turned to him with eyes twinkling. \u201cDid you just give a signal that you gentlemen would make your exit in five minutes, Frank? Shame on you. This is important.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank led the way to the salon as he grumbled to Ben, \u201cI swear that woman has eyes in the back of her head.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed, \u201cThey all do, Frank; they all do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda gave a brief explanation of the plans she, her mother and Sadie had made and then gave directives to the men regarding what time they needed to be present. Marian remarked that it seemed like everything was nicely in place and that it would be a fine day. The men said nothing as they gazed on with wide eyes and blank stares.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marian looked at them and then back at Melinda as she concluded, \u201cI doubt these men heard a thing you said. All they are thinking about is that fine bottle of scotch that Frank has hidden in his study.\u201d\u00a0 The women laughed while the men blushed. \u201cPerhaps we\u2019ll need to pin a reminder on their coats before they leave tonight telling them the time they need to show up on Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The men forgot to make their escape as spirited conversation ensued and everyone was surprised when Frank announced that it was nearly eleven and suggested that they should call it a night and resume the festivities on Saturday. As the others shared their farewells, Adam took Melinda into the abandoned dining room to offer a goodbye befitting a soon-to-be-married couple.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you the day after tomorrow,\u201d he whispered after kissing her \u201cand then we won\u2019t ever go home separately again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare be late for our wedding, Adam,\u201d Melinda said sternly after another kiss. \u201cI don\u2019t want to wait an extra minute to say I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank stopped at the harbor site on Saturday to inspect the progress on the wall reconstruction. He found Ben sorting through a timber delivery and Adam chest deep in water showing the crew how to drill holes for the lateral beams to support the wall and stabilize the dirt pack for dock tracks and machinery. Waiting until Adam had climbed out of the construction pit, Frank remarked, \u201cIt\u2019s no wonder four Cartwrights can run the 600,000 acres on the Ponderosa. I haven\u2019t met Hoss and Joe, but I doubt they can be in your family without a lot expected of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe do have some help, Frank,\u201d Ben laughed as he joined the other two men. \u201cA lot of the land takes care of itself, and there are several ranch hands for the rest of it. We don\u2019t do everything ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you don\u2019t sit around waiting for others to do your work for you either. My guess is you all come in tired every night. I\u2019ve seen Adam work through a long, hard day without one complaint and be willing to keep going when the others are whining about leaving. That kind of determination might be an inherent quality, but it has to be strengthened and trained too. I suspect you have always been the example your sons have followed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure is,\u201d Adam commented as he wrung out his shirt tails. \u201cThere were times when my brothers and I were close to declaring a mutiny and heading for town, but we could never really do it Pa because was working just as hard as we were. I remember one time when we thought we\u2019d give Pa a break and told him to stay home while we went to see if we could figure out how several head of cattle had gone missing. The three of us got pinned down by rustlers in a box canyon and Pa had to come save us!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They were still laughing as the formal Wadsworth coach pulled into the work area. \u201cOh, oh,\u201d Frank said quietly, \u201cit\u2019s Marian. I must be in trouble or she wouldn\u2019t be here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank hurried to open the door and helped his wife step out, but then returned to stand with Ben and Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou look lovely Marian,\u201d Ben said appreciatively.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam added, \u201cThat is a beautiful dress. To what do we owe the honor of your visit?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The beaded reticule suspended form Marian\u2019s wrist swung wildly as she threw her arm out and pointed at them. She locked her gaze on Adam, giving him a wilting look as she noted his muddy face and wet clothing. \u201cDid you fall into the river, or do you mean to look like a wet dog?\u201d Not waiting for his reply she attacked again, including all of them this time. \u201cDo any of you fine gentlemen know what time it is?\u201d She answered her own question, \u201cI didn\u2019t think so. I stopped at the hotel and they said you had all left around 8 this morning and hadn\u2019t yet returned. I had the feeling that you were still here and had my driver check. I\u2019m glad I did!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you so concerned with the time, darling?\u201d Frank asked in complete cluelessness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s nearly 2:15 P.M., Frank,\u201d she signed as she shook her finger at them again. \u201cDo any of you remember what\u2019s supposed to happen at three today?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam blanched. \u201cIt can\u2019t be that late. I just checked and it wasn\u2019t even noon yet!\u201d He looked down at his soggy clothing and back at Marian. \u201cIt can take 20 minutes just to get back to Abel\u2019s house from here and I still have to get cleaned up.\u201d His face sagged as the seriousness of his situation hit home. \u201cMelinda\u2019s going to kill me if I\u2019m late. I\u2019ve kept her waiting long enough as it is.\u201d He considered his options and decided, \u201cI guess I\u2019ll just have to get married covered in mud and stinking like the river.\u201d He laughed sadly. \u201cDon\u2019t the wedding vows say for better or worse? I guess if I show up like this, Melinda will have to prove she\u2019s up to the\u00a0worse<\/em>\u00a0part of it right away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marian shook her head and sighed. \u201cThere are two intelligent, capable fathers standing here, and neither one of you can figure out how to get this drowned rat to his wedding on time?\u201d She straightened her spine, giving them an authoritative look and took charge. \u201cThis is what we\u2019ll do. Frank, you get Adam back to the hotel and cleaned up. Ben and I will go to Abel\u2019s house and explain the delay.\u201d Looking at Adam she asked, \u201cWhere are your clothes for the wedding?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam responded as he would to a commanding officer. \u201cAt the house, ma\u2019am. The gray pants and a white shirt hung off to the side in the armoire. The tie is with the shirt.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd which jacket?\u201d Marian questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNone, ma\u2019am, unless you really want to see me sweating when I say I do. It\u2019s warm today.\u201d Adam relaxed as he saw the hint of a smile cross Marian\u2019s face. \u201cThank you, Marian. Um\u2026may I ask what reason are you going to give Melinda for my being late?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI should tell her that you were too engrossed in work to remember your wedding. But I guess that wouldn\u2019t have happened if my husband wasn\u2019t such a driven man who expected you to work today. I\u2019ll tell Melinda that you fell into the river when you stopped at the worksite on the way to Abel\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust tell her the truth, Marian. I don\u2019t want to start our marriage with a lie. I honestly didn\u2019t realize it had gotten so late. I had planned to stop at noon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marian motioned to Ben and said, \u201cC\u2019mon, Pa. We have a wedding to stall.\u201d As they headed for the coach, she looked back at the soggy groom, \u201cGood for you, Adam. You might have lost track of time, but not of your senses. You should never lie to your wife. Oh, and by the way, scrub hard in that bath. I can smell you way over here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was expecting a very uncomfortable ride on the way to Abel\u2019s but was relieved to find Marian in good humor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was put at ease when she confessed, \u201cI had the feeling that Frank would ask you and Adam to put in a few hours of work today. He told me that he was having a crew work through the weekend and said, \u2018those two Cartwrights have made so much progress that we stand a chance of still making a profit on this job by finishing on time.\u2019 I had an inkling that you\u2019d get lost in your efforts and I left early enough to swing past here on the way to the wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you did that, Marian. I think Melinda can absorb a few minute delay without much to-do, but I don\u2019t know what would have happened if you hadn\u2019t come by. We always know what time it is on the ranch by using the sun\u2019s position and shadows. Work swallows time just as easily back home, but at least we have a better perception of it going by.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they neared Abel\u2019s house, Ben suggested, \u201cI\u2019ll tell Abel and Sadie of the delay and get cleaned up. I\u2019ll also get Adam\u2019s clothes laid out and have a few words with the gentleman who\u2019s doing the ceremony. Adam told me something that Seth needs to be aware of.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Marian made her way to Melinda\u2019s home and walked into a house bustling with pre-wedding activity. She found the bride and Margaret, and asked them to come into the parlor where it was quieter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI bring news from the groom,\u201d she began tentatively.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda chuckled. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Marian, I already know what you\u2019re going to say. I haven\u2019t seen any sign of him next door, so I\u2019m sure he\u2019s going to be late.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not upset?\u201d Marian asked with relief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you know Adam, you know he\u2019s always going to try to do more than any sane man can fit into a limited timeframe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a lucky man,\u201d Marian replied. \u201cWhen last seen, he was dripping wet and smelled like the Charles River. It\u2019s going to take some time to scrub that smell off, but I don\u2019t think he\u2019ll be too late.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret made a face and laughed. \u201cMaybe we\u2019ll need to shower them with lilac water instead of rice.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The women were joined by Miranda and Maxine who were wondering if something had gone wrong. Melinda explained the delay and smiled as she said, \u201cYou all know that I\u2019ve waited a long time for the dashing Mr. Cartwright, and how we met unexpectedly two years ago in Sacramento. But there\u2019s a part of that story I\u2019ve never told because I didn\u2019t want my parents to worry about me traveling.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened, dear?\u201d her mother asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve told you how Adam was inside a jewelry store at the same time I was outside admiring the display. Neither of knew the other was there and we wouldn\u2019t have met if I hadn\u2019t been bothered by two men outside that store.\u201d She hurried to put her mother at ease when she heard her gasp. \u201cNothing happened, Mother. Adam saw them and came out to send them away. It was only then that we recognized each other. The jeweler was so upset about me being harassed by those men that he offered to discount any piece of jewelry I\u2019d buy. Adam and I walked past the store later that day and he suggested that I take the owner up on his offer. I pointed to a bracelet in the window display that had an emerald in the center and a starburst of small diamonds shooting out from that stone. It was exquisite but I told Adam that while I loved it, I couldn\u2019t have it right then. I added that this was fine with me because the best was always worth waiting for.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou meant that about him, didn\u2019t you?\u201d Maxine offered with a shy smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI sure did. I\u2019ve told Adam that he was worth waiting for since then, but I doubt that he remembers the first time. I remain of that opinion, so I won\u2019t worry about waiting a few minutes more.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam jumped from Frank\u2019s carriage after an adrenalin-pumping, seven-minute trip through the Boston streets that normally took three times as long. He ran into Abel\u2019s house and didn\u2019t stop until he was in his room. Everything he needed was set out for him, and quickly donned the fresh shirt and pants. His cleanup at the hotel had been accomplished in record time as well and he glanced at the clock while pulling on his boots, relieved to see that it was only 3:20.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he reached up to straighten his collar, he got a whiff of his hand and groaned. Having Frank as an ally was an amazing asset\u2026most of the time. Frank could get things done rapidly as he had proven again when he strode into the hotel and ordered that a bath be prepared immediately. Adam had been immersed in a hot tub of water within five minutes of arrival. However, Frank\u2019s mannerisms could also scare people who weren\u2019t familiar with his booming voice and \u201cget me what I want\u2026NOW!\u201d bearing. After Frank bellowed at an attendant to make sure Adam would come out smelling unlike the river he\u2019d been standing in, the shaking man had dumped nearly half a bottle of Bay Rum cologne into the bathwater. The fragrance had permeated the room, and Adam hadn\u2019t been sure at the time if his skin had absorbed the smell, but now he knew the truth. Even after rubbing hard as he\u2019d toweled off, and cooling off some on the ride, he could still smell the strong scent of Bay Rum on his hands. He was about to be married smelling like a dandy heading out for a night on the town.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He remembered to grab the ring box from the top drawer of his dresser, and while doing so, caught his reflection in the mirror. Everything looked fine, except for the mass of curly wet hair gracing his head. He grabbed a brush and pulled hard through the ringlets, only to have the curls spring back into place when the brush was removed. Melinda had never seen him without his hair tamed by pomade and he grinned at his reflection as he admit that the unruly hairdo made him look younger…a lot younger\u2026much as he\u2019d looked when he was a five-year-old. He could have kept brushing until his hair was dryer and then added the wax, but thought instead,\u00a0better to get married looking like a little boy than to make my bride wait any longer<\/em>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam exited the back door onto the porch and smiled broadly at the scene before him. Abel and Ben were waiting for him there and Adam handed his father the ring as he asked, \u201cYou and Seth know what to do when you handle this, right?\u201d Ben assured him that it was all worked out. Adam then turned to the older man. \u201cWhat happened to the fence between the two yards, Grandfather?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hired a crew to remove it. Seems like your \u2018small\u2019 wedding got a little larger than expected and my yard, by Sadie\u2019s estimation, was too cramped to hold enough tables and chairs for the dinner. As she explained it to me, it would have been unseemly to make people pass through that fence to get to some of the tables\u2014almost as though some of the guests were barred from joining in with the other. And I figure it will make getting back and forth between the two places a little easier afterwards too, especially once there\u2019s a passel of little Cartwrights playing out here.\u201d Abel elbowed his grandson. \u201cHope I\u2019m not being too presumptuous in calling for a passel, but I expect to see at least a few great grandchildren before I pass from this world.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll outlive all of us, Abel,\u201d Adam commented as he took in the other sights in the yard. There were tables filled with food, and a group of people seated near the tree he\u2019d \u201cbodily\u201d pruned twelve years earlier when he\u2019d snapped off branches as he fell. Members of the Symphonic Choir were singing to entertain the waiting guests, and Abel\u2019s friend, Seth, was standing near a flower-covered, lattice archway. Adam hadn\u2019t ever envisioned exactly what his wedding would look like, but he knew that this was perfect. He\u2019d spent so many years of his life in open spaces that this just seemed the most appropriate way to start the next part of his journey.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel and Ben walked with Adam to the front of the group where he greeted those gathered. \u201cSorry for the delay, folks, but if my bride is still willing to marry me after my making her wait, I\u2019m eager to get started.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The crowd was still chuckling as William walked Melinda over from the house next door. Adam could see that she wasn\u2019t wearing a traditional, flouncy wedding dress, and was overwhelmed with how simple and lovely she looked. Melinda\u2019s creamy yellow sundress had a deeply scooped neckline, short, capped sleeves and a full skirt flowing from a wide, white sash. Her long hair was pinned up and adorned with white daisies, and the only jewelry she wore was the locket that Adam had given her\u2014newly repaired after being ripped from her neck during her kidnapping.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When she made it to Adam\u2019s side, he smiled and leaned forward to whisper, \u201cYou look perfectly beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s eyes rose from Adam\u2019s face to his hair as her smile changed to a grin. She winked at him and whispered back, \u201cThose curls are mighty cute, Mr. Cartwright. I\u2019m glad I waited for you instead of running off as others suggested I should when you were late.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The words of commitment were soon offered, the \u201cI do\u2019s\u201d repeated and it was time to seal the marriage with a ring. Since Ben was Adam\u2019s Best Man, Seth asked him for the wedding band.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda tried to get a look at the ring as it was passed, but Ben handed it to Seth with a closed hand, and Seth continued to hold it with his hand cupped around it as he spoke a blessing. Her curiosity became more heightened when instead of handing the ring to Adam, Seth put his hand out so that Adam withdrew the band, still keeping it out of sight. She thought she understood the reason as Adam took her left hand into his and slid the ring onto the tip of her finger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled at her husband after glancing down at the ring, and reached out with her right hand to touch his face, saying softy, \u201cDon\u2019t worry about the ring, Adam. It\u2019s perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a plain, wide, golden band, much like the one Adam had picked out for Laura. Yet while she had thought that she would hate anything similar to that ring, she realized now that it didn\u2019t matter. She refocused her attention on Adam\u2019s face as he began to speak.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI give this ring as a symbol of my love and fidelity.\u201d He slid the band down her finger, but didn\u2019t release her hand. Instead, he slowly turned the ring on her finger as he said, \u201cI also give it as a reminder that love is truly worth the wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda looked back down at their hands and began to cry as she saw what the ring really looked like now that it was right-side-up. It\u00a0was<\/em>\u00a0a wide gold band; however, a green emerald rose from prongs at the center and was surrounded by a starburst of perfect small diamonds set into the band itself. It was a miniature of the bracelet they\u2019d seen on display in Sacramento.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seth proclaimed, \u201cWith the power invested in me by the state of Massachusetts, and as a minister of the Church of Christ, commissioned by the Maritime Authority, I now pronounce you husband and wife.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The couple didn\u2019t wait for permission. They each took one step closer and locked in an embrace that ended with a kiss. The assembled guests cheered as Ben came forward to shake his son\u2019s hand and kiss his new daughter-in-law.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marian, Margaret and Maxine were sitting in the front row, and had given each other odd looks as they saw Melinda crying. Miranda ran to them. \u201cHe remembered,\u201d she said breathlessly. \u201cThe ring\u2014just look at it!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxine ran to check Melinda\u2019s hand and turned to the others. \u201cHe remembered,\u201d Maxine called to them. \u201cI just knew he would.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seven<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oh, The Foibles of a Tired Mind<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The wedding party went on for hours with the darkness illuminated by strings of Chinese lanterns much as the Cartwrights had always done on the Ponderosa. Ben found his son staring up at the display and put his arm around his shoulders. \u201cReminds you of home, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cNot having Joe and Hoss here is the only part of this day I would wish different. Well\u2026 that, and maybe that I\u2019d get here on time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Margaret came to ask Ben if he\u2019d go ask Maxine to dance with him. She told him that the young woman wanted to ask him but was too shy. Once Ben left, she took Adam\u2019s face and kissed his cheek, saying, \u201cYou have made my daughter very happy today. I remember back to when she first came home giddy about a young man she\u2019d met at the house next to Lynne\u2019s. Welcome to our family, Adam. I know we\u2019ve had some \u2018interesting\u2019 moments already, and you still haven\u2019t even met Marie and her husband. I think you\u2019ll like them though, and since Lucas is a tailor, I don\u2019t think we\u2019ll have to worry about him getting you into any trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda came over as Adam and Margaret were speaking, and nestled herself under her husband\u2019s arm as she held his hand. \u201cIs this woman bothering you?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all. She was telling me that unless your sister Marie\u2019s husband hems someone\u2019s pants really badly and the man exacts revenge on us for it, you and I should be safe from any further family kidnappings.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good\u2026I think.\u201d She shook her head at the two of them. \u201cI can\u2019t say I ever thought that you two would be getting along so well, but I\u2019m eternally happy that you are.\u201d She reached for her mother\u2019s hand. \u201cPapa says he\u2019d like to leave soon, and the musicians say they\u2019re too tired to go on, so the next song will be their last.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the music ended, the guests began stopping by the newlyweds to say goodbye. Les and Maxine walked up arm and arm to offer their congratulations and thanks for being invited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grasped Les\u2019s hand. \u201cI think we\u2019re the ones who are thankful. Without your assistance\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Les broke in, \u201cI know, Adam. Let\u2019s keep only happy thoughts today. It has been my pleasure to get to know you and Melinda in spite of the circumstances in which we were brought together.\u201d He grinned as he took Maxine\u2019s hand. \u201cAnd I have something to be very grateful for that came out of it. Maxine is a wonderful woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxine blushed and broke the handhold long enough to hug Melinda, while whispering, \u201cEnjoy tonight, Melvin. Heaven knows you deserve it.\u201d\u00a0 Speaking to the couple, she added shyly, \u201cIt was a beautiful wedding.\u201d Turning briefly to look at Les and smile, she added, \u201cThank you both for helpin\u2019 me believe in love again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank and Marian were the last of the guests to stop and wish the couple years of happiness. Receiving a reminding poke from his wife, Frank extended an invitation for the following Saturday. \u201cI met Henry for lunch a few weeks ago, Adam, and he was happy to hear that you were back in town, and of your approaching wedding. He\u2019s very anxious to see you again and said he could make it out to our house next weekend. Hopefully you and Melinda can make it as well. I know that he\u2019s looking forward to meeting your wife, and hearing about your years out West, especially the story of you taking a slug at Sam Clemens.\u201d He looked toward his wife to say, \u201cYou\u2019ll send a note to Melinda with the specifics, Marian?\u201d Receiving her nod, Frank then handed Adam an envelope as he said, \u201cHere\u2019s a little something from us to help get your marriage off to a sound start.\u201d As he and Marian began to walk away, he turned around and added, \u201cBy the way, Adam, I won\u2019t expect you in the office until Monday afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marian punched her husband in the arm as she looked over her shoulder and said, \u201cWhat Frank means is that he doesn\u2019t expect you in until a week from Monday, don\u2019t you Frank?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank\u2019s, \u201cOf course that\u2019s what I meant, darling,\u201d was given as he turned back and showed Adams three fingers and mouthed, \u201cThree days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Melinda could hear Marian reproaching her husband as they walked away, \u201cDid you just say he had to be back in three days, Frank? Shame on you!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s this Henry who wants to meet me?\u201d Melinda asked once the couple was getting in their carriage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think Frank told me once that he and Henry are cousins on his father\u2019s side. Frank also says that he doesn\u2019t understand all the hoopla made about the man nowadays since he remembers Henry as just a shy kid who didn\u2019t want to learn to ride, hunt or jump the fine Wadsworth horses. Frank simply couldn\u2019t understand why his older cousin preferred to sit around writing things all day, yet the two of them were close and remain so. They continued to get together after they had children of their own, and I got to know him during my college years when I was at the estate while Henry was there. You know him too, Melinda,\u201d Adam said while grinning like a cat with canary feathers stuck to his whiskers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda puzzled it out a bit and finally gave up. \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever heard of a Henry Wadsworth, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was Henry\u2019s mother, not his father, who was a Wadsworth, and she married into the Longfellow family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHenry Wadsworth\u2026Longfellow?\u201d Melinda asked. \u201cYou\u2019re acquainted with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and I\u2019m going to meet him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYup. Frank said that Henry\u2019s life has experienced some tragedy. His second wife, Fanny, died a few years ago, and he hasn\u2019t gotten over it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda gulped as she whispered to no one in particular, \u201cI\u2019m going to spend the day with one of America\u2019s most beloved poets. What\u2019s next, dinner with the president?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam bid his new in-laws goodbye and told Melinda, \u201cI\u2019ll finish putting some things away and head over to your house. You\u2019ve done enough today, so go ahead and put your feet up after your parents leave and relax. I won\u2019t be long.\u201d The few things took longer than he had planned and he was exhausted by the time he entered Abel\u2019s house. Sadie was in the kitchen and he thanked her again for helping to throw a wonderful party, before making his way into the parlor to find Abel and Ben sitting at the table having coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t realize that you were still outside, Adam. You look tired,\u201d Ben opined.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am, Pa. Guess the last couple of weeks caught up to me. I\u2019m going to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Abel watched him start up the steps and shared a puzzled look. \u201cWhere are you going, Adam?\u201d Ben asked his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo bed, Pa, like I said.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou forgetting something?\u201d Abel asked, barely keeping a straight face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stopped his ascent. \u201cNot that I can think of. Everything is put away outside, and you two can lock up after you get Sadie home, can\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now they were laughing so hard that Ben could hardly speak, but managed to squeak out, \u201cHey, Abel, he really must be tired if he can forget that he\u2019s married to that beautiful woman next door. Won\u2019t she be surprised when he doesn\u2019t show up there tonight!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel was wheezing with laughter as Adam\u2019s face went from pale to crimson. He came back down the steps and pointed at the men who were now pounding on the table as they hooted. \u201cListen you two!\u201d He waited until they calmed themselves enough to hear him. \u201cNeither of you is going to say a word about this to Melinda. No one will tell her about my\u2026my\u2026my lapse of memory, or neither one of you will ever get to see any grandchildren that this marriage might produce.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel slapped his knee as he began laughing again. \u201cI don\u2019t think your father and I have to worry about that threat if you sleep here and she sleeps next door.\u201d He looked at his son-in-law and asked as tears ran down his cheeks, \u201cDidn\u2019t you have a talk with Adam about these things when he was younger, Ben? He seems to be a little unclear as to how children are created.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door slammed behind Adam after he hollered his thanks for the wedding over the pair\u2019s howling and left. He could still hear them hooting when he made it to Melinda\u2019s porch. As he reached for the knob, the humor of the situation hit him too and he chuckled before pushing the door open and stepping into his life as a married man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Part Four<\/strong><\/p>\n

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Adam Cartwright, of the Boston Cartwrights<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

One<\/strong><\/p>\n

New Life as Husband and Wife<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A single lamp remained lit downstairs as Adam entered Melinda\u2019s house. He\u2019d spent a lot of time in the downstairs rooms of this residence through the years, but he\u2019d never gone up to the bedrooms. Since the floor plan seemed much like Abel\u2019s, he figured he\u2019d find his way yet he didn\u2019t want to frighten his new wife by just appearing out of the darkness, so he called, \u201cHey, Mrs. Cartwright, where are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUp here in the last room on the left. Bring the lamp so you can see.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He did as she\u2019d suggested and found her propped against a pile of pillows, reading with the light of a bedside lamp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She jumped from the bed to greet him with a kiss. \u201cI was beginning to think you\u2019d forgotten about me, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a step back into the shadows and extinguished the flame in his lamp so Melinda wouldn\u2019t see the color rising in his cheeks. \u201cHow could I forget having such a lovely bride?\u201d He hoped his voice sounded convincing. Nodding toward the lamp, he asked, \u201cWhere do you want this?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She put the light fixture on a table outside the door and then led him to the edge of the bed where she ordered her husband to sit. \u201cYou look spent, Adam. Are you feeling all right?\u201d After checking his forehead with her cheek, she concluded, \u201cYou\u2019re warm and your skin seems a little flushed, but you don\u2019t have a fever.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI feel fine. It\u2019s just been a long day.\u201d He kicked off his boots, tugged his shirt free of his pants, and sighed as weariness covered him like a blanket. He came back to life quickly as Melinda went around the bed, moved up behind him and began kneading his shoulders. \u201cThat feels good,\u201d he groaned, \u201cthank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She stopped the massage after a few minutes, and kissed the top of his head after tousling his curls. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you stretch out, get comfortable and relax for a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s probably a good idea,\u201d he yawned as he lay down. \u201cThere are a few things I\u2019d like to talk with you about before we turn in.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He adopted a serious look. \u201cFirst of all, do you like your ring or will we need to visit the jeweler on Monday?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe held her hand out to see the ring glisten in the lamplight. \u201cThis is never coming off my finger. It\u2019s perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took her hand and examined the ring from several angles. \u201cIt\u2019s a beautiful ring for a beautiful woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda stroked his cheek. \u201cHow did you know I wouldn\u2019t want a traditional wedding band?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I was choosing that ring in Sacramento, the jeweler kept chattering about a beautiful woman who was watching through the window. I didn\u2019t look up because I just wanted to buy something and get out of there. After I picked one, he prattled on about how the woman outside approved my choice. Then,\u201d his voice took on a sad tone, \u201cwhen we recognized each other outside the store later, I realized that\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0were the beautiful woman who\u2019d been watching. I couldn\u2019t forget the hurt look in your eyes when the jeweler came out and handed me that ring box.\u201d He sighed as he shook off the memory and smiled again. \u201cI figured that wasn\u2019t a moment either of would want to remember during our wedding and decided that there was a better part of that day to celebrate instead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou never cease to amaze me, Adam. I thought sure you\u2019d forgotten the bracelet\u2026and the conversation.\u201d She thought a moment and asked, \u201cIs that it or are there more issues you need to discuss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere are more,\u201d he grinned devilishly, \u201clet\u2019s see, I sleep on the side of the bed closest to the door, whichever side that is; I keep a window open at night\u2014at least a little even when it\u2019s cold; I sleep in the\u2026ah, I don\u2019t wear a nightshirt, and I often leave my dirty socks on the floor. Can you tolerate all that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo far, I have no problems. I\u2019ll just sleep next to you wherever that is since I have no side preference; I like the window open too; I think I shall enjoy having you next to me without a nightshirt, and I won\u2019t pick up your socks. You\u2019ll have to do that at least once a month so we don\u2019t trip over the pile.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI knew I liked you,\u201d he touched her face and then let his fingers drift down her neck and slip into the open v of her robe\u2019s neckline. \u201cI see that you aren\u2019t encumbered by night clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial volume. \u201cDon\u2019t ever tell my mother, but Aunt Lynne always said that the one thing a woman shouldn\u2019t scrimp on was bed linens. She always sent away for the finest fabric and said she couldn\u2019t see any reason for putting anything between her body and her expensive sheets. Her bedtime motto was\u2026\u201d Melinda blushed, \u201csleep free and always keep a robe handy for emergencies.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds practical\u2026and scandalous. Do you endorse your aunt\u2019s theory?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda nodded. \u201cOf course I traveled so much the last few years that it wasn\u2019t possible, so it\u2019s something I\u2019m getting used to again.\u201d She abruptly changed the subject. \u201cSo have I assuaged your concerns in such a way that you won\u2019t be seeking an annulment tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam drew his wife down on the bed next to him and turned on his side to look into her eyes. \u201cThere are a few actual things I feel strongly about, Melinda. I want to have children\u2014however many we\u2019re given. When we do let\u2019s not ever forget that we are lovers as well as parents. I think it\u2019s important that we not fall into the traps of calling each other ma and pa or thinking of each other as little more than the furniture in our home. Promise that we\u2019ll always look at each other as we are at this moment, and want each other as much as we do tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After Melinda indicated her agreement with a kiss, he added, \u201cOne more thing. I\u2019ve lived with men my whole life. Be honest with me if any of my habits seem intolerable. In fact be honest about everything. I don\u2019t want you to ever hold your thoughts inside or let them brew without saying what\u2019s on your mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She rolled him onto his back and kissed him again. \u201cI\u2019m going to like being married to you. I\u2019ll poke you if your behavior gets too crude, and ask that you don\u2019t let the little things build up to big things before we talk about them either. Lloyd couldn\u2019t face that he was in trouble and destroyed everything instead of telling Miranda what was wrong. I don\u2019t ever want to realize that we\u2019ve let the little annoyances of married life become too big to get around.\u201d She kissed him deeply. \u201cAnd speaking of children, maybe we should get working on that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think we should.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda pushed Adam down when he tried to sit up. \u201cAnd about that\u2026it\u2019s my turn to tell you just a couple of things.\u201d She laughed as his eyes widened, but her tone turned serious. \u201cI know you\u2019re more worldly than I am, Adam, but I wanted to have some idea of what to expect tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He touched her cheek gently. \u201cI\u2019m not as \u2018worldly\u2019 as you might think I am, Melinda.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to know anything about that. You\u2019re mine now and nothing that happened before matters. However, I didn\u2019t want you to be disappointed with me, so I did some research.\u201d Noting that his eyebrows nearly disappeared into his hairline, she laughed again. \u201cNot that kind of research, Adam. I just asked other women their thoughts about their wedding night and did some reading.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His brows returned to their normal positions and then headed downward into a look of bewilderment. \u201cWomen talk openly about such things?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course they do. You told me once that you were shocked when Laura spoke to you about her wedding night, so the fact that other women talk too shouldn\u2019t be a surprise. What I found out was that some women think of what we\u2019re about to do as a marital duty or a wifely burden. I think they feel that way because they were told it was what to expect. Others were so unprepared on their wedding night that they were nearly scared to death when things started to\u2026ah\u2026come up…\u201d She blushed deeply. \u201cNot that I know what happens\u2026exactly\u2026but I have an idea about what to expect\u2014in here.\u201d She pointed to her head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grinned broadly. \u201cSo where do you stand on your wifely duty?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see it that way, or at least I don\u2019t think I will if it\u2019s as good as others have told me it is. A lot more women truly like this part of being a wife and say that marital unions can be very\u2026satisfying.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The grin widened to a toothy smile. \u201cBelieve me, darlin\u2019, it can be more than satisfying. It can raise the roof a few inches off the top of the house, and curl your toes if done right. Shall we do a little research of our own now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely, but\u2026um\u2026there\u2019s one more thing. I received an unsolicited manuscript at work that described the qualities of good marital\u2026um\u2026coupling.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed loudly. \u201cCoupling?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t laugh at\u00a0me<\/em>, Adam. That\u2019s what the author called it, and while it wasn\u2019t the kind of book we\u2019d ever publish, I did make a few notes before I sent it back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNotes?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, several pages of notes. I was wondering whether you would mind if now and then we try some of what the book suggested.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hadn\u2019t felt this excited about diving into something since the day he and his brothers had taken on Jigger Thurman\u2019s bull in Virginia City. He wanted to jump up and shout for joy that his new wife was not only willing to enjoy \u201cmarital coupling,\u201d but was open to a little exploration as well. He closed his eyes as he savored the moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her voice and lip trembled on the verge of tears, \u201cYou\u2019re shocked and repulsed by what I just said, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His eyes popped back open. \u201cI am neither of those things. In fact I was just giving thanks. You are the most incredible woman I have ever known.\u201d He sat up. \u201cMaybe I should get undressed and experience just how good these expensive sheets feel.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tears passed as Adam\u2019s remarks allowed Melinda\u2019s good-humored lustiness to return. She pushed him down a second time. \u201cOh no you don\u2019t. You may think that my ring was your wedding gift to me, but tonight\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0are my gift and I get to unwrap you and see what\u2019s under the paper.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He tugged on the end of the bow that held her robe together. It slithered open, loosening the silky fabric and sending it cascading from her shoulders. He whistled as his breathing accelerated, \u201cUsing your analogy, I think I just unwrapped my gift, and may I say, wow! It\u2019s perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda beamed with the compliment and opened his tie and the top button of his shirt, placing a kiss on his neck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes and sighed with pleasure as he thought,\u00a0This is a sweet touch, and quite pleasant.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

By the time she\u2019d opened the third button, he was thinking,\u00a0whoa! This is more than pleasant, this is\u2026well it\u2019s a lot more than pleasant.\u00a0<\/em>He squirmed a little, causing Melinda to ask if there was anything wrong. He answered, \u201cNothing at all,\u201d as he attempted to smile while holding his breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The warmth of her breath and the softness of Melinda\u2019s lips on his skin as each button came undone kept Adam doing multiplication tables and several other mathematical functions to keep from reacting too fully. He also mentally criticized his choice of shirts for the day, bemoaning the number of buttons on the \u201cspecial order\u201d item that promised to keep a man looking put-together no matter the activity. I bet they never envisioned this activity<\/em>, he chuckled silently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda neared the last button while Adam was having a harder time concentrating on other things. He finally ordered himself to sing something with lots of words<\/em>. He was mentally singing,\u00a0Oh do you remember<\/em>, as the final fastener yielded. He relaxed and was congratulating himself on his self-control when Melinda undid the buckle of his belt and the first button of his trousers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ghosts of Weddings Past<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel and Ben returned from walking Sadie home and headed up the stairs. The older man followed his son-in-law into Elizabeth\u2019s bedroom and picked up the portrait of his daughter from the dresser.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben asked, \u201cIs something wrong, Abel? You look puzzled.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel asked quietly, \u201cDo you think that those who\u2019ve passed know what\u2019s going on down here, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve often wondered about it. There were times when I\u00a0sensed<\/em>\u00a0the presence of boys\u2019 mothers during their illnesses or celebrations of their accomplishments. Those incidents made me wonder whether earthly bonds are fully broken when a mother is taken from her young child.\u201d Ben saw Abel\u2019s sad smile and added, \u201cWhat makes you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think I felt a little of what you just mentioned today during the wedding. I know that Elizabeth wasn\u2019t\u00a0there<\/em>, yet at one point, I actually looked for her among the guests. I suppose I\u2019m getting old and daft.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his hands on Abel\u2019s shoulders. \u201cDon\u2019t think that, Abel. As I handed the ring to Seth, I thought I smelled Elizabeth\u2019s perfume but decided it was the fragrance of the arbor flowers renewing old memories.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both men remained quiet until their attention was drawn toward the open window as they heard a loud voice from the house next door. Ben asked, \u201cWas that Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel grinned. \u201cSounded like he shouted, sweet Betsy from Pike.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grinned slyly at Abel as he moved to shut the window. \u201cAre you looking forward to being married again?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am. I love Sadie, and while I suspect I won\u2019t have as much fun on my wedding night as my grandson seems to be having, it will be wonderful to have someone by my side again. Adam\u2019s being with me again has been a blessing I hadn\u2019t dared hope for those years he was away. Yet he needs to get along with his life now, and with Sadie, I will do the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They bid each other goodnight as Abel exited, closing the door behind him. Ben looked over the decorative bottles on Elizabeth\u2019s dresser, placed as they\u2019d been on the day Adam had been born. He picked up the one he was looking for\u2014the Parisian Nights cologne he\u2019d given her for Christmas 37 years ago\u2014the same scent he\u2019d noted during Adam\u2019s wedding. He expected the essence in the bottle would be foul-smelling after so many years, but it was still as it had been, evoking sweet memories of his first wife.\u00a0 He looked upward, whispering, \u201cIt was a beautiful wedding, wasn\u2019t it, Elizabeth?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Three<\/strong><\/p>\n

Raising the Roof<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re dewy, my dear lady,\u201d Adam teased as he trailed a rivulet of perspiration that ran from Melinda\u2019s cheek down to her shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s hardly, dew,\u201d Melinda quipped. \u201cIt\u2019s just plain old sweat, and it\u2019s hardly ladylike.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He raised himself up on his elbow and smiled down at her. \u201cIt seems that you enjoyed your first call to marital duty.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes I did\u2026very much.\u201d She hesitated, but decided that Adam wouldn\u2019t be upset at her naivet\u00e9, and asked, \u201cBut how do\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0know that I did?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmmm. It might have been that you cuffed me in the head and told me not to stop when I had to stretch a cramp from my back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She sat up looking shocked. \u201cI hit you? I don\u2019t remember hitting you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou did. And then there\u2019s the fact that you were purring and growling.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPurring?\u201d she asked sheepishly. \u201cYou mean like a cat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLouder and deeper than a plain old cat. I\u2019d say more like a tigress.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tears welled in her eyes as she sobbed, \u201cI\u2019m sorry I was so dreadful, Adam. I really wanted it to be wonderful for you and then I end up acting like a madwoman and ruined everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam eased her back down to the pillow, turned her onto her side, and pulled the sheet up to cover them.\u00a0 He drew her tightly against him as he spoke softly in her ear, \u201cMelinda, darling, you did everything perfectly tonight. A woman making love to her husband for the first time should release her passion and allow it to crescendo to completion just as you did. Best of all, you trusted me and allowed me to help you through your first experience to make it as powerful for you as for me. Making love to you gave me more pleasure than I have ever known before, and If I\u2019m being truthful, I\u2019m pretty sure I was acting like a madman myself at times. I am a fortunate and happy man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She dried her tears on the hem of the sheet and giggled, \u201cI did hear you shouting with some gusto.\u201d As she snuggled her head into the crook of his arm, she shivered with the memory of what had just transpired. \u201cAll I know is that I\u2019ve never felt anything like that in my life, Adam. Did we raise the roof?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think it lifted at least two inches,\u201d he teased, \u201cand I promise it will go even higher the next time. But we need to rest a little now. It\u2019s been a long and wonderful day for both of us.\u201d He groaned as he realized the lamp was still burning on the table next to the bed and made a weak attempt to reach it without moving. He curled his arm back around her and sighed, \u201cI know I should get up and snuff that, but I\u2019m too comfortable right now. I think we\u2019re both sleepy enough that it won\u2019t matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda nestled more tightly as she admitted, \u201cI\u2019ve kept a lamp burning at night since the kidnapping. Waking up in that dark room is the only thing that still bothers me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam yawned. \u201cI promise that you\u2019ll never have to worry about that again.\u201d He kissed the top of her head before settling into his pillow. As he closed his eyes, he confessed softly, \u201cHaving you here in my arms, and holding your hand while we sleep is something that I\u2019ve looked forward to for a very long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d she said with a sleepy chuckle, \u201cSince when is\u00a0that<\/em>\u00a0my hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam awoke early as he always did and let Melinda sleep while he took a look around to get the lay of the land. He found a stack of his clothing on Melinda\u2019s dresser\u2014items sent over by the hotel\u2014and another basket of clothes and personal items on the kitchen table, probably delivered by his grandfather during the wedding party.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He knew that it would take some time to get used to this house, but he managed to find a coffee pot and grounds, and set that on to brew after building a fire in the stove. He washed up in cold water, put on fresh clothing, set water on to warm for Melinda\u2019s morning ablutions, and finally found a cup for his morning eye-opener.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hearing footsteps above him, he ran up to find Melinda padding around in her robe and bare feet, trying to decide what to wear. His suggestion that, \u201cWe might just stay in today, requiring you to wear nothing at all,\u201d was met with a sour look from his new bride, even though she followed that with a wink\u2026and a promise. He decided that waiting for a woman to get ready was going to be one of those adjustments he had mentioned to Melinda during the night. A bane in his life as a bachelor had always been to arrive in a timely manner to escort a woman somewhere, only to be kept waiting.\u00a0 Now he realized it was going to be the norm and concluded that he\u2019d have to become creative in using the wait to his advantage instead of grousing or pacing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Leaving his wife to her wardrobe decisions, Adam headed back down to his coffee and retrieved the cache of notes he\u2019d removed from the pockets of the pants he\u2019d worn during the wedding, and others that he\u2019d found stacked next to the clothes basket on the kitchen table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a telegram from Hoss and Joe wishing him a happy life, and expressing their hopes for many nieces and nephews. Each brother had sent a more personal telegram as well with thoughts for both Adam and Melinda. He could see them laughing as they put together the wording of the bawdier message to him, followed by each of them saying they had something to do in town for a bit. After separating, they would have made their way back to the telegraph office to send the second wires. Knowing how things worked between Joe and Hoss, Adam envisioned them arriving at the same time and hemming and hawing about why they were there. These thoughts made his heart ache. His brothers had been his best friends while also being his biggest challenge and responsibility growing up. He missed them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook off his heavy heart and continued sorting through the envelopes. He put a few aside unopened, feeling that Melinda would want to look first at the ones from her friends. One card was signed by several members of the symphonic choir. It also contained the date for the rescheduled concert, and a notice that rehearsals for the Requiem would recommence on Tuesday evening and continue on a frequent basis for the remaining time until the performance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The final envelope he opened was the one that Frank had delivered as he and Marian had left.\u00a0 Adam put it down after reading it, feeling mystified. He looked up as he heard Melinda descending the steps\u2014still in her robe\u2014carrying the ewer that matched her wash basin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI smelled coffee and hoped that you\u2019d put water on to heat as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He muttered, \u201cYup,\u201d as he pointed toward the kitchen while rescanning the letter from Frank, \u201cIn there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda walked to the table and peered over his shoulder. \u201cWhat are you reading, Adam? You look unsettled. Is it bad news?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He reached back to take her hand and said, \u201cYou better sit down for this. This is from Frank and I don\u2019t know what to think about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her brows hooded her eyes in concern. \u201cI can\u2019t imagine what Frank would say to make you look so uneasy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned back to look at her. \u201cHe and Marian have set up a trust for us, and made me an heir to their estate.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would they do that?\u201d Seeing Adam\u2019s eyes reflect the same question she added, \u201cMaybe you\u2019ll need to explain this a little more.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFrank wrote that Marian and the kids have been after him for years to include me as an official member of their family.\u201d Adam pointed to a paragraph.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She sat and rested her hand on his arm as she read, and finally commented, \u201cThey love you, Adam. It\u2019s here in words, but I have always known that to be true just by the way they act when you\u2019re around. I don\u2019t imagine that you think you\u2019ve done anything special for the Wadsworth family, but you\u2019ve found a place in their hearts.\u201d She thought a moment, \u201cYou do feel like you\u2019re part of their family, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, but\u2026I have my own father and family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can be part of the Wadsworth family without it meaning that you\u2019re less of a part of your own. You\u2019re part of the Hayworth family too now. Families are formed as much through a meeting of hearts as they are through blood. Even the Cartwright family tree has three different limbs that are grafted in your father.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI think you\u2019re right about that. But you might understand my reserve when you see this.\u201d He slid out the second page of the letter and pointed to a figure at the bottom of the page. \u201cThis is the amount in the trust.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWow!\u201d She whistled as she reread the sum. \u201cWhat are you going to do with all that money?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSave it I suppose\u2026I don\u2019t know. And it\u2019s our money, not just mine. You realize that my share of the Ponderosa is worth a good deal and I have investments that are doing well. We\u2019re set for life\u2026actually for a few lifetimes, Melinda, but I don\u2019t ever want to sit back and roost on that fact. Let\u2019s go on as if it\u2019s not there so that we work toward our own goals, whether they bring fortune or not. If we let this grow, we\u2019ll be able to do something to benefit others in ways we can\u2019t imagine right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda hugged him. \u201cI like that idea. Maybe we can endow a school or help some deserving organizations. Our incomes should allow us to pay our bills, save some, and still have plenty left for travel and a few splurges now and then. In fact\u2026\u201d she smiled shyly, \u201cI\u2019m thinking we might have enough to take a trip somewhere in the near future? I\u2019d like to get away and do as we wish for a few days. \u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took her pitcher as he rose from the table. \u201cMy dear,\u201d he said as he bowed to his wife, \u201cI think that we can speak of trips once you are suitably attired. Perhaps we can shed the bonds of city life for a blanket on the banks of a river somewhere to discuss it further. If that sounds pleasant to you, I will fetch your water and take it up to your boudoir to expedite our leave-taking.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She returned his smile with a wink. \u201cAs long as we\u2019re heading toward my bedchamber, sir, we might well use it for roof-raising purposes first, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grabbed her hand after setting the pitcher back on the table. \u201cThat hot water isn\u2019t going anywhere. Race you up the stairs\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The newlyweds decided that they were more inclined to laze around instead of going anywhere. While eating leftover wedding cake and sipping coffee, they talked about a possible trip and decided that they could take time off as soon as Adam\u2019s concert was over and Melinda finished looking through the pile of submissions she\u2019d been given at work. They didn\u2019t wish to travel so far that the journey would leave them worn out for the days they\u2019d spend at their destination, and New York seemed a reasonable choice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda quickly voiced one of her expectations. \u201cI\u2019d like to meet with Susan Anthony while we\u2019re there. I met her once with my aunt and I\u2019ve heard that she\u2019s working in New York while trying to get a monthly newsletter into publication. Maybe she could give me some suggestions about the best way to present the information my mother is gathering about the women from the brothels.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very interested to see what you and Margaret put together,\u201d Adam responded. \u201cLes mentioned that some of the ladies have already left the mission and have probably gone back to the same kind of work. I hope Margaret gets a chance to interview them as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf anyone can get them to talk, it will be my mother.\u201d She laughed and then asked, \u201cWould you want to talk to Miss Anthony too?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI should think it an interesting conversation.\u201d He drew a long breath. \u201cBut if I go with you, then you\u2019ll have to accompany me to a meeting I\u2019d like to attend while we\u2019re there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you have in mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a conference scheduled in a few weeks discussing a coming revolution in building engineering that will utilize the Otis elevator and steel framing. They\u2019re talking about multi-story structures that will someday scrape the sky. Of course current construction methods and materials haven\u2019t reached the point of making this a reality yet, but I\u2019d guess that a ten story-or-greater, steel framed building will be constructed within twenty years. And once we figure out how to make things work for that,\u201d he threw his arms over his head, \u201cthen they sky\u2019s the limit.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda gave him a sidelong glance. \u201cHow about I talk to Miss Anthony and you go find out how to build sky-scraping buildings. We\u2019ll tell each other what we learned at dinner. Let\u2019s plan a few things to do together and I\u2019ll get a schedule of concerts and plays being performed while we\u2019re there. We\u2019ll spend our days exploring, our evenings enjoying dinner and the arts, and nights in our hotel room enjoying each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s shook his head as he reached for his bride\u2019s hand. \u201cWhy do I suspect that life with you will never be dull, Mrs. Cartwright?\u201d He drew her hand to his lips and suggested, \u201cMaybe we should head over and spend time with my father today. Pa will be leaving soon and there hasn\u2019t been much opportunity for the three of us to be together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda agreed and finished getting ready. The couple walked through Abel\u2019s back door just after noon. \u201cAh,\u201d Abel called to Sadie, \u201cadd two more plates. We have company, and they look hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lunch was an indoor picnic with an abundance of food left over from the wedding. Feeling too full to move, and disinclined to rush in cleaning up, the group talked about the previous day. Sadie asked for a better look at Melinda\u2019s wedding band and Adam again offered his thanks for their stellar planning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As that discussion waned, Adam remembered a question he\u2019d been meaning to ask his father. \u201cHave you heard anything about the outcome of the Washington inquiry, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel offered his comment as well. \u201cI didn\u2019t see anything more about it in the paper.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure it\u2019s over,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cThe only testimony remaining was that of a few zealous Southern advocates and Terry himself, but I\u2019d heard that he might not come. They gave him a deadline to present himself so there should be news soon. As I understand it, all testimony will be reviewed and charges will follow if warranted. It could still take some time for an outcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou warned Terry, Pa. It\u2019s too bad he couldn\u2019t soften his views once he knew the war wasn\u2019t going to end as he wished.\u201d Adam added, \u201cDid you get a feeling for how it might go?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cIt seemed to me that the whole exercise was more about making sure they understood what happened so that it won\u2019t happen again. Sadly, I think that men like David Terry will never be the same. They remain unable or unwilling to move ahead. It will take years for this country to heal, but for some, the healing will never come.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Conversation ceased as those around the table considered Ben\u2019s statement. Sadie finally rose and asked the other to pass their plates to start the cleanup.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda volunteered, \u201cI\u2019ll wash the dishes but I need someone to dry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After Ben agreed to help, Adam warned, \u201cWatch out, Pa. Melinda swings a mean towel whip.\u201d He received a scathing look from his wife as he laughed, \u201cShe\u2019ll have to take lessons from Little Joe though. He could spin that towel and deliver a sting so fast you couldn\u2019t even prove he\u2019d done it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda began gathering the serving dishes while changing the subject, \u201cI can\u2019t believe how quickly everything got cleaned up last night! I\u2019m glad these few dishes are all we have to worry about.\u201d Unable to stifle a yawn, she blushed. \u201cSorry about that. I think we could probably all use a nap. I know Adam didn\u2019t come over until quite late last night, and was up early.\u201d She yawned again more quietly. \u201cIn fact, it started to get so late that I thought maybe he\u2019d forgotten about me.\u201d\u00a0 She watched with interest as secret looks and grins were exchanged between the two older men and Sadie. She also saw the pink in Adam\u2019s cheeks as he stared down the other three. Melinda began to grin as she queried, \u201cHe did forget about me, didn\u2019t he?\u201d She looked directly at her husband. \u201cWhat do these three people know that you obviously don\u2019t want them to tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam spoke sternly, \u201cI don\u2019t think these people have anything to offer on that subject\u2026do they?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben said, \u201cI didn\u2019t see Adam heading upstairs to his bedroom after he came inside last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abel added, \u201cAnd I didn\u2019t hear him say that he was going to bed\u2026twice\u2026as he looked at us like we were daft for asking where he was going.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sadie grabbed the stack of dirty dishes and laughed, \u201cI ain\u2019t sayin\u2019 a thing!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s eyes locked in on Adam. \u201cWell? Do you have anything to offer?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stared back. \u201cI claim my constitutional right to not incriminate myself.\u201d He thought further and added, \u201cBut in my defense, I hadn\u2019t forgotten about you, I just forgot where I was. In the last two weeks, I\u2019ve stayed at the Wadsworths, in the hospital and then in a hotel. I wanted to go to bed, and forgot that it was next door.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She reached down to pat his shoulder. \u201cThat\u2019s all right sweetie. All that matters is that you found your way home\u2026even if you forgot where it was for a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The afternoon passed quickly with Ben telling tales of Adam\u2019s childhood to Melinda\u2019s delight. He also shared stories from his son\u2019s adult years on the Ponderosa after Adam excused himself to take a walk. Conversations continued on until it was time for dinner and the group decided to walk to a pub where Abel and Sadie planned to celebrate their wedding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Four<\/strong><\/p>\n

And Life Goes On<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both Adam and Melinda went to work on Monday afternoon but took Tuesday off for Abel\u2019s wedding. The older couple was married in an early morning ceremony at a chapel near the harbor basin. Sadie\u2019s family along with the Cartwrights lunched at the pub and then sent the newlyweds off to a night of pampering at the Parker House Hotel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Adam left for choir practice that evening, Melinda and Sadie\u2019s daughter, Wilma, snuck up to Abel\u2019s room and added a few feminine touches. A new quilt, lighter curtains and matching milky-white lamps brightened the room instantly. Melinda brought over new sheets, rugs and a watercolor of the Boston harbor to soften the effect of Abel\u2019s nautical knickknacks.\u00a0 The two women were greatly pleased by the transformation and hoped that Abel would be inclined to agree with them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With the updates finished, Ben and Melinda spent the remainder of the evening talking. They formed an easy bond as she questioned him further about the Ponderosa and the two sons back home. Ben asked more about her work and family, and even felt comfortable enough with Melinda to speak of his time on the sea with Abel as his captain, meeting and marrying Elizabeth, and his decision to head West with his infant son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The main subject of Ben and Melinda\u2019s earlier conversation made a quick stop to say goodnight to his father when he returned from rehearsal. \u201cSo what do you think of her, Pa?\u201d he asked, coming straight to the point.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI like her very much, son. Were you concerned that I wouldn\u2019t?\u201d his father asked with a questioning smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot really. It\u2019s just that she has strong opinions and isn\u2019t afraid to tell you what she thinks.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed and came over to grasp his son\u2019s shoulders. \u201cI can handle opinionated women, Adam. Your mother, Inger and Marie were all outspoken and I loved them for it. Melinda makes her opinions known, but she also seems willing to listen. She\u2019s intelligent and strong-willed, but those qualities are tempered by an open heart. What impressed me most is how much she loves you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat she does. The feeling is mutual, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Father and son said goodnight and Adam made his way next door. He didn\u2019t have to ask Melinda what she thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI like your father, Adam. He\u2019s so easy to talk with. He wasn\u2019t afraid to question my opinions, but he made a real effort to understand them. I do see a lot of him in you. You are both strong, passionate about what you believe in, and devoted to family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe feels the same about you, my dear. You must have bewitched him because he thinks that you are easy to get along with. I know better.\u201d A pillow flew across the room, knocking the hat off his head. \u201cYour aim is improving, Melinda\u2026that\u2019s if you were aiming for my head.\u201d He reached the sofa in a few long strides and pulled her up into an embrace. \u201cWe\u2019ve only been married four days and you\u2019re already attacking me? I have ways of dealing with such an insolent wife.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda threw her arm across her forehead and cried, \u201cAlas, I am a wayward wench. Take me upstairs and do with me as you see fit.\u201d They were both laughing as he chased her up the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was looking out his bedroom window as he saw the lamp extinguished next door. He smiled, certain that his son was happily married to a woman who was a good match\u2014an equal in every way. He couldn\u2019t help wondering what this new couple\u2019s presence on the Ponderosa might do, and decided he would have to propose that possibility to Adam before leaving for Nevada.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Ben spent Wednesday with Frank on the Wadsworth estate where the two Bostonians made the Nevadan rancher attempt to ride with an English saddle. Adam gave up his western-saddled horse and took over the steed his father finally abandoned after continued problems staying in the slimly-cut seat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That change made the day go more smoothly in many ways, and by the end of the ride, the two older men had fully discussed many things, including the value of good horseflesh, and how to ship Sport to Boston.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opined, \u201cSport is really too much horse for our hired men to handle, and Joe and Hoss have their own favorites, so he doesn\u2019t get ridden much. I suspect that there\u2019d be several people here who could ride him without problem, and Adam could get out here when he has a chance. He would be a good horse to help work the thoroughbreds.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank agreed. \u201cLet me know what you decide, Ben. We\u2019ll take good care of him and put him to work if he comes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All Adam could do was laugh. He hadn\u2019t been consulted for an opinion, but felt he would benefit if his father did send Sport. As he rode along listening to the two older men talk, he realized that he hadn\u2019t said more than a few words all morning. He was glad that the his father and Frank got along so well, and couldn\u2019t help but consider that while he\u2019d had three women in his lifetime that he thought of as mothers, it now seemed that with Abel and Frank, he had three fathers as well. There would be times when having one father would be hard enough to cope with, yet he deemed himself blessed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Father and son returned to the Stoddard home in the afternoon to find Abel and Sadie back from their brief honeymoon and thrilled with the changes to their room. Melinda and Adam volunteered to cook dinner, and the family dined on scrambled eggs, cornbread and sausage. It wasn\u2019t much of a feast, but it was better than anything else the newlyweds might have conjured up on short notice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they brought out the repast, Ben smiled appreciatively. \u201cWhew!\u201d he offered when Melinda set her bowl of eggs on the table, \u201cwith Adam doing the cooking, I was sure it would have included beans! Although he hates them, it\u2019s about the only thing he can warm up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Following dinner, Adam approached his father. \u201cWould you come with me to rehearsal, Pa? We talked about it earlier but I\u2019m not sure you gave me an answer. I mentioned that we\u2019re only doing the first few sections of the Requiem tonight, but with the orchestra there you\u2019ll get the effect of what the concert will sound like. The only thing I\u2019d advise you to do is to bring along something to read or work on in case we end up doing more rehearsing than performing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben agreed, hoping for a chance to speak privately to his son about returning to the Ponderosa on the trip to practice. However, Adam set the tone for their conversation soon after they left the Stoddard house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou seemed to have a good time with Frank today in spite of the saddle problems. I hope you aren\u2019t too sore.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rubbed his back and laughed, \u201cI\u2019ll have to start walking when I can\u2019t handle a few riding mishaps, but I still don\u2019t know how people stay on those things.\u201d He looked over at Adam and smiled, \u201cBy the way, you looked very sophisticated in your breeches and tall boots. I suspect you and Frank wore those outfits to see what I\u2019d say.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s sly smile turned into a grin. \u201cI\u2019ll admit that we wondered if you\u2019d have a comment, but truthfully, those pants have suede inserts on the inner leg and seat to help you stay put. I would have offered you a pair, but I didn\u2019t think you\u2019d wear them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right about that, but I did enjoy the opportunity to be with Frank and to see his spread from horseback. He\u2019s a genuine man and having a chance to work with him is something I\u2019ve appreciated and learned from. I\u2019m just glad I\u2019ll never have to face him in a bid-off for a project or explain why I can\u2019t deliver what he needs.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right about that. Frank is known for his\u2026ah\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTemper?\u201d Ben supplied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s that, but I think a better word is force. You\u2019ve seen him. He bellows and makes lesser men quake. Once you get to know him though, you find that under all that bluster is a very reasonable and easygoing man. He\u2019s used to getting his way though, and doesn\u2019t put up with laxity or excuses.\u201d Adam glanced at his father, again. \u201cActually that\u2019s a pretty good description of you too, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They rode for another block in silence before Adam asked, \u201cDoes it bother you that Frank calls me, son? I noticed that you still winced a few times today when he did it. I can ask him to stop.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben said nothing for a bit, but reached over and patted Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cI think it bothered me a lot at first. When we pulled up to that manor in the middle of the night and I saw his face brighten as you walked into the room despite the hour and possible circumstances, I knew that he thought of you as far more than an employee or his son\u2019s friend. It\u2019s hard not to see the closeness between the two of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam attempted to explain, but Ben held up his hand to stop him as he continued, \u201cAnd when he called you son, I think my heart stopped for a moment. But I got over it as I came to know Frank. If he takes you into his heart, he takes you in completely and I have no doubt that he does think of you as one of his children. But you and I spent a lot of time together over the last week and we\u2019re still the same team we always were. No one can ever replace what we are to one another.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s for sure. Frank is a good man, but he\u2019s not you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, son.\u201d Ben chuckled as he shook his head. \u201cThat word, son, does slip easily from the lips, doesn\u2019t it? And it\u2019s not like your name is so difficult to say. It would be different if we\u2019d named you Hezekiah or Jehoshaphat. I suppose that, son, denotes a familiarity that a name does not. I think I react to Frank calling you, son, now because I wonder how many people I\u2019ve called that while you were standing next to me. Did that ever bother\u00a0you<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNope, can\u2019t say it ever did. You will always welcome others into your heart too, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. His voice cracked slightly as he changed the subject. \u201cFrank told me a few stories about your college days. One of them was about how a drunkard came into your dorm room. Did you know he was trying to kidnap Frankie?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam chuckled. \u201cI suspected that. The guy punched way to hard and accurately to be as drunk as he pretended to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLes was hired right after that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI put that together the other night when Frank said that Les had been with him for 15 years. There were times I could have sworn that Frankie and I were being followed. I imagine that was true.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Frank told me that he never asked for any reports of what you two were up to. Apparently he was of the opinion that you both deserved a chance to experience college without Les tattling.\u201d Ben lowered his voice as he gave Adam a knowing look. \u201cHow\u2019d you like Frank\u2019s gift?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s rise in pitch marked his surprised, \u201cYou know about that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFrank told me of his intentions and asked my opinion.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t intend to spend the money, Pa. It\u2019s just Frank\u2019s way of showing me how he feels and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben silenced his son with a touch. \u201cIt\u2019s a generous gesture. I suspect that you will use it to benefit others, just as Frank is doing with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t bother you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not. Maybe I\u2019ll come to you for a loan instead of paying interest to the bank.\u201d They both chuckled. \u201cSeriously, Adam, I could never ask someone to withhold a gift that might benefit any of my sons. You\u2019ll do great things whether you have a lot of money or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben found a seat near a lighted wall sconce in the concert hall and pulled out his train itinerary while the choir and orchestra warmed up. After making a few notes about his trip, he jotted a list of items to check before he left, and finally opened the newspaper that William had given him with the article about the Congressional hearing he\u2019d testified at. He shook his head as he read the description of the Ponderosa and Cartwright wealth, realizing that this information had probably influenced Lloyd\u2019s decision to kidnap Melinda. \u201cWhy don\u2019t reporters ask questions instead of creating questionable information?\u201d he grumbled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He put the paper aside as he thought the choir was about to begin, but realized that they were still practicing and blocked out the rehearsal by losing himself Elizabeth\u2019s copy ofParadise Lost<\/em>. Ben was so engrossed that he missed the opening bars of the mass when the strings and woodwinds began to play, but was jolted to attention as the brass joined in, swelling the introduction in a crescendo. Putting the book aside, Ben crossed his leg over his knee, folded his arms and sat back to listen. He was shocked to see the size of the choir now that everyone was in place, and did a quick headcount, figuring that there were at least 100 members. The orchestra, while small compared to the choir, produced a sound that belied its size.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Odd,<\/em>\u00a0he thought as he scanned the choir,\u00a0I don\u2019t see Adam<\/em>. Pushing up in the seat, he finally saw his son seated at the front of group. Adam didn\u2019t join in with the others as they began to sing the first words of the mass, and Ben wondered if his son had perhaps taken ill again. He mentally kicked himself.\u00a0I should have paid more attention on the way over tonight. Did Adam give any indication that he wasn\u2019t well?\u00a0<\/em>The father began fidgeting when his son was still not singing by the Kyrie, and continued to fret even as the second movement came to a close.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a lull in the performance as both directors moved to speak to the choir. He saw Adam nod several times, and then laugh at something said to him from a member of the choir standing behind him. Ben couldn\u2019t hear the conversations, but breathed with relief as Adam stood when the conductor went back to the podium and raised his baton.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the orchestra began again, Ben noted that another man and two women had joined Adam on a raised platform at the front of the stage. The bass-voiced member of the group started to sing accompanied by a single trombone. After a minute or so, the strings entered softly as Adam began his solo lines. Ben was mesmerized. The words Adam sang were in Latin, but it didn\u2019t matter; he was focused on his son\u2019s voice.\u00a0Why have I never heard him sing like this before? His voice is so\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The rest of the world dissolved as Ben leaned forward to capture every note. He was disappointed when the four soloists completed their section and the full choir joined in. But soon Adam was singing again, alone at first, and then in a quartet with the other soloists.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben inhaled deeply and held his breath as the four voices lifted his soul. When a drop of moisture hit his fingers, he realized a tear had slipped from his cheek. He wiped its companions away with the heels of his hands.<\/p>\n

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

The Cartwright family had attended operas and concerts in San Francisco, and artistic events put on in Virginia City by traveling troupes, but Ben had never heard this Mozart work. He wondered if the music was as wonderful as it seemed or if it was made more so because Adam was an integral part of it. Yet as Ben continued to listen, a deep sadness began to shroud his heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There were several more opportunities to hear Adam as the group stopped the actual performance of the Requiem and began to work on sections where there had been problems. Ben hadn\u2019t heard any errors, but then he didn\u2019t have the musical judgment to pick out such details.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Several members of the choir came to greet Ben as rehearsal concluded. Some had been at the hospital or at Adam\u2019s wedding, while others were looking for feedback from their only audience member.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the group that he had met before said, \u201cSeveral of us are heading to a pub down the street, Mr. Cartwright. Why don\u2019t you and Adam join us?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, but I\u2019m not sure what Adam has in mind. We\u2019ll come if we can.\u201d He saw Adam motioning him to come to the stage and bid the others goodbye as he moved forward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProfessor Kemp,\u201d Adam opened, \u201cthis is my father, Ben Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men greeted each other and Ben offered sincerely, \u201cIt was a captivating performance that shall remain with me for some time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Professor Kemp handed Adam a stack of music and asked that he take it to the storage room. Once his tenor was out of earshot, he addressed Ben. \u201cI thought the performance would have to be set aside completely when so many of us became ill after celebrating my birthday. My greatest concern was for your son. As things often get blown out of proportion when they travel from person to person, I had heard that Adam wouldn\u2019t recover. You can\u2019t know how thankful I am that the rumors were false and that he is well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The father smiled. \u201cI think I might know how thankful you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The professor switched topics after a brief nod and smile at Ben\u2019s comment. \u201cAdam said that your home is in Nevada and you\u2019ll be returning there shortly. I\u2019m glad you were able to hear a bit of the concert before leaving. Had things not gone awry, the performance would have been tonight and I know how disappointed Adam was that you would need to leave before we could reschedule. I suggested he invite you tonight. I\u2019m glad this worked out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am too,\u201d Ben replied as the sadness he\u2019d felt earlier returned. \u201cAdam never got the chance to do choral work back home, so I am glad to see that he\u2019s singing in a choir of this caliber.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright. We are an unpaid group but we choose only the best of the best, and many of our members are from the field of music. I had concerns with letting such a new member do this part, but I also didn\u2019t have anyone who knew the music as well as your son. Adam is not a tenor, yet he has a good octave range and perfect pitch, and he\u2019s doing an excellent job. I think what is most remarkable is how the pureness of his voice draws the listener in.\u201d The professor chuckled. \u201cMaybe it\u2019s all those years of fresh air and hard work on your ranch that honed such beautiful tone. Adam has ability, confidence, and an unmatched work ethic. But then I imagine that you know this about him already.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded thoughtfully. \u201cYes I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam wondered why his father seemed quiet as they left the concert hall but didn\u2019t question him about it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they neared the buggy, Ben mentioned, \u201cSome of your friends invited us to join them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like to go, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have several things to get done yet, and would like to spend a little time with Abel, so it might be best to head for home if you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mind at all. I\u2019d like to stay with you and Grandfather for a while and get to Melinda before she thinks I forgot about her again.\u201d Adam drove away, finally glancing over at his father after traveling a few blocks with nothing more said. By the start of the fourth block he asked, \u201cIs something wrong? You seem lost in thought.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben breathed deeply before asking, \u201cAdam, why is it that I didn\u2019t know you could sing like that. Why didn\u2019t you tell me that you knew how to perform these incredible things, or ever sing this sort of music at home?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged and considered whether to keep quiet or tell the truth. \u201cI don\u2019t want this to be taken as anything but an answer to your question, Pa, but I did tell you. I wrote about being accepted into the choir while I was at school, and about the concerts and solos I performed during that time. I even tried to tell you about it when I got back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben snarled, \u201cYou never did,\u201d before softening it to, \u201cOr at least I don\u2019t remember it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour mind was usually on the ranch and that was true of the night I brought it up. You listened for a few sentences and then told me that I wasn\u2019t at school anymore and would have to focus on things that mattered. And when I told you that I wanted to approach our pastor about doing a song from Handel\u2019s Messiah the first Christmas I was back, you warned me that people wouldn\u2019t like it if I tried to show off.\u201d Adam chuckled. \u201cMy brothers didn\u2019t like to hear that kind of music either, but I\u2019ll have you know that I did sing in a choir.\u201d When his father flashed a questioning look, Adam explained, \u201cI sang in the canyons when I was alone out there at night, and the coyotes sang along.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He asked his son to stop the carriage, waiting until Adam could face him to say, \u201cI\u2019m sorry that I didn\u2019t pay more attention to the things that mattered to you. I\u2019m beginning to wonder just how much of yourself I forced you to give up or hide from me because\u00a0I\u00a0<\/em>couldn\u2019t see the importance. Those twelve years you were home again were the happiest of my life, and it saddens me to think that they were probably the worst years of yours. I don\u2019t know what to say…how to begin to make up for it. I had planned tonight to ask you to come back to Nevada with Melinda and make your life there, but now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam remembered thinking that this conversation would arise when he\u2019d heard that his father was coming for a visit. Knowing it still didn\u2019t make it any easier to hear the question or formulate an answer. He decided to be honest. \u201cI wanted to come home after school, Pa. I needed the chance to prove to both of us that I had learned something worthwhile in the years I was gone. I think both Melinda and I had things to prove to ourselves back then, and while I\u2019m sorry that my life with her was delayed, I\u2019m beginning to understand that things happen as they\u2019re meant to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He paused a minute to consider what else he would share. \u201cI admit that there were times when you\u2019d seem to get so angry when I\u2019d talk about Boston that I finally stopped trying. And I had to abandon some interests because the opportunities weren\u2019t available back home. There were other things that I refused to give up though, like reading whatever I wanted to regardless of the teasing it brought from my brothers.\u201d He smiled at his father. \u201cWhat I found was that after I let go of the old interests, I developed new ones that became just as satisfying. We were a household of four people who each had their own preferences, and we came to honor our individuality while still managing to find our common interests. We all worked hard and lived well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nudged his father\u2019s arm. \u201cAnd speaking of hard work, my years on the Ponderosa prepared me for anything. You taught me how to reason things out, how to decide on the best course of action and then how to follow through without paying attention to anyone who might not like what I was doing. I\u2019ll admit that there were tensions, and we didn\u2019t always see eye-to-eye.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s frown turned to a soft smile. \u201cYou think that things got tense? That\u2019s one way to describe it. All-out wars of words and wills might be a better depiction. I remember you hollering quite often about how I couldn\u2019t see the value of new ideas, and I\u2019d shout back that your education was clouding your judgment. That poor hat of yours got tossed to the floor in frustration so many times that I considered attaching a handle to it and making it a dust mop.\u201d The smile grew. \u201cWe did always pull together when it counted, didn\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI learned a lot. I know I\u2019m different than my brothers. My interests and goals were different, but I wouldn\u2019t trade those years with them for anything. I want you to believe that I never\u00a0gave up<\/em>\u00a0anything to remain part of my family. I became a man in those years, and even though I grew restless toward the end, I never felt that I was being forced to stay. I just wasn\u2019t sure where I needed to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOne thing I am sorry about was that you didn\u2019t get to use your engineering skills more, but according to Frank\u2019s assessment, you\u2019re doing fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laid a hand on his father\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWhat do you mean I didn\u2019t get to use my engineering skills? Every bit of construction and moving thing on a ranch is based on engineering principles. I never said, \u2018I\u2019m using my education now to place this fence post in the correct position,\u2019 but you have to admit we had the best fences in the territory.\u201d Adam winked. \u201cAnd we tried new things, Pa. We built windmills, and sluices, and mills, I helped Philip Dedisheimer with his square set mine timbering, spent winters working with Frankie in San Francisco, and taught my brothers how to do things the right way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A wide smile creased Ben\u2019s cheeks. \u201cMaybe you didn\u2019t give up as much as I feared.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I first started school, a classmate asked me if I was a cowboy intellectual, or an intellectual cowboy. I went home to figure that out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure what you mean, son. Is there a difference between the two?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo me there is. After the question was posed, I started to wonder if I was a cowboy who liked to learn things, or was I someone for whom learning was more important than what I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s smile faded to wistfulness again. \u201cI guess you found your answer. You seem different here. I think this is the life that calms your mind and eases your soul in a way that life out West never did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s the time of my life that\u2019s different. It was hard to leave the Ponderosa behind, but I couldn\u2019t find what, or rather who I wanted to be anymore. I\u2019m the same man, just riding a different trail. I promise I won\u2019t forget that there\u2019s a trail leading back to the Ponderosa, Pa. I can\u2019t make any promises about taking it soon. I hope you can understand that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI do. I\u2019m sure that Abel thought I was crazy when I took off to places unknown with you. Still he encouraged me to go wherever my path led and I\u2019ll do the same for you.\u201d Ben chuckled as he put his arm around his son. \u201cSeems like you\u2019ve come full circle, Adam. Your trail led you back to where you started.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright was sent off in grand style the next day with Frank and Marian, as well as Margaret and William joining the family at Abel\u2019s for lunch. As it neared time to leave, he made his way around the room offering personal goodbyes, and finally addressed them as a group. \u201cI will remember all of you with great fondness. It\u2019s been an interesting couple of weeks in Boston, but through all of it, I\u2019ve come to realize what a powerful alliance of friends and family my son and Melinda have behind them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He gave his daughter-in-law a hug as he told her, \u201cAdam is a fortunate man. Take care of each other, and I\u2019ll expect a visit soon.\u201d Turning then to Sadie, he kissed her cheek and thanked her for her hospitality and then embraced Abel, wishing him a happy life. After extending a quick invitation to all who might head West in the future, Ben gathered his things and headed to the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Adam stowed Ben\u2019s satchels in the buggy, he showed his father two envelopes. \u201cI\u2019ll stick these in your case, Pa. They\u2019re letters to Hoss and Joe. Let them know that you\u2019ll still be sending me reports on their comings and goings, so they might as well be honest when they write. And tell them that trains run east as well as west, so there\u2019s no reason they can\u2019t come to visit me. You\u2019ll be living proof that it\u2019s possible!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a wave back to the group assembled on the sidewalk, the Cartwrights headed to the station.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Passing near the harbor, Adam pointed out the area that he and Ben had worked on the week before. \u201cThey already have the timbering up for the retaining wall and are backfilling with stone and dirt. Frank said he\u2019d never have gotten so far without the two of us working together. It felt like old times. Thank you\u2026for everything, Pa. There were a number of things I couldn\u2019t have accomplished without you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSay no more. I enjoyed working with you, and admit that it beat any sort of sightseeing or sitting around jabbering that we might have done.\u201d He sighed. \u201cI hate goodbyes, so I\u2019ll say what I have to now. Son\u2026Adam, I have always been proud of you, and that feeling has been heightened during this visit. I will miss you, yet I know that you\u2019re feeling as excited now as I did when I ran those first trap lines on the Ponderosa. I also know that this is only the beginning and I expect great things from you\u2026and a grandchild or two.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Adam pulled into the station, Ben went to check on his train, and then returned to grab his things, telling Adam, \u201cI don\u2019t want to drag this out, so I want you to get going. The train is running on schedule and due in shortly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stepped to the street. \u201cI can\u2019t just leave you here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben embraced his son, saying, \u201cIt\u2019s as I need it to be. Come good home, Adam. And don\u2019t take too long to make the trip. I want to be young enough to play with my grandchildren, not so old they\u2019ll have to push me around the yard in a wheelchair.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tightened the embrace, \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa. We have plenty of time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam waved until his father was inside the building.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben walked quickly to a window overlooking the drop-off area and saw his son turn back one last time to wave before driving away. He placed his hand against the glass, and briefly rested his forehead on the sill once the familiar hat was too far down the block to see. \u201cGoodbye, son,\u201d he whispered before gathering his bags and heading for the platform.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam spent a few hours taking measurements at a site after he dropped his father off, and arrived back home as the sun was setting. He could see Melinda at the table reading as he stepped onto the porch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She raised her head and smiled as she heard him enter, and asked, \u201cRough day?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA little. It was hard saying goodbye, but Ben Cartwright does not do well away from the Ponderosa, even with two fine sons running it in his absence. I can only hope I\u2019ll feel as devoted to what I\u2019m doing when I\u2019m a few years older.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Melinda came to him, slipping her arms around his waist. \u201cI like\u2026\u201d she hesitated, \u201cno, I love your father. Maybe that\u2019s because he reminds me of someone else that I love very much.\u201d She laid her cheek against his. \u201cWhen Ben and I spoke the other night, it was obvious to me how much he misses you. Did he ask you to come home?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn his way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you tell him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told him,\u201d Adam whispered in her ear after kissing her, \u201cthat when I\u2019m in your arms, I\u00a0am<\/em>\u00a0home.\u201d<\/p>\n

The End.<\/p>\n

Next Story in the One Step Closer Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Two Hearts Broken
\n<\/a>In Search of Safety
\n<\/a>From Two to Three
\n<\/a>Changes in Fate<\/a><\/p>\n

*Judge David Terry from the episode, The War Comes to Washoe, was an actual character from that time period. As Bonanza scripts often did, Terry was presented as a historic figure in a fictional way. Accounts of Terry\u2019s looks were completely different than the character presented in the episode and there isn\u2019t much mention of his family or as having had a daughter. There was much conjecture as to what Terry and other Southern sympathizers were planning should the statehood conventions vote Nevada into the union, but as I say in this, nothing ever came of it. Most of those who seemed embroiled in the threats, moved into positions in government. There were militias of thousands of southerners in place, but they were never organized enough to pose a threat. I deal with the fiction side of the episode and am using facts from the scripts to create another fictional possibility\u2014as a way to get Ben to Boston for Adam\u2019s wedding. I\u2019m sure there were hearings following the war and people were called to testify. Had Ben Cartwright existed, I\u2019m sure he would have been one of them J<\/em><\/p>\n

**This information is from a story I wrote called,\u00a0It\u2019s Just a Year. The story explained how Adam was able to qualify for admission to an Ivy League college when there were no schools in Nevada as he was growing up. While Ben was intelligent, I doubt he had a formal education including math, science, literature and a foreign language. The same shortcomings exist with Inger and Marie. Each may have had smarts, but neither would have had a background to teach Adam what he needed to know. In\u00a0It\u2019s Just A Year, I had Adam meet a Harvard professor who was doing research for a book on western wildflowers. There were actual botanical studies for Harvard going on in that time period. I just extended their scope\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

3*James 4:14<\/p>\n

4* It was thought at first that opiates were not addictive unless they went through the stomach. Of course that was proven false over time.<\/p>\n

If you care to see any of Mozart\u2019s Requiem, you can look at: http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6uYKwro4sSY&feature=related It might be a stretch for Pernell Roberts to sing tenor, but he did have a higher octave that he used in many of his songs. The episode with Hoyt Axton was one where he did a lot of tenor work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0Adam’s getting married! He’s moved\u00a0to Boston to help his grandfather, and has\u00a0begun to build\u00a0a good life there, including\u00a0an engagement to the girl he fell in love with during college.\u00a0Their wedding is set to coincide with a unexpected visit from Ben Cartwright. All is well until Adam’s fiancee disappears and Ben and his son\u00a0set out\u00a0to find her. Adam battles\u00a0a worsening illness along with the lies of those involved. He must\u00a0rely on\u00a0help from those more familiar with the city and at one point despairs as he asks his father why the women who love him…die. Will there be a wedding or will Adam sink further into loneliness and pain as another opportunity for love is torn away.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0T \u00a0WC \u00a082,700<\/p>\n

One Step Closer Series, links to all the stories within the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":5758,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1005,7,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6503","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-cartwright","category-a-u","category-drama","wpcat-1005-id","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2186,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Adams-English-Scenic2.jpg?fit=450%2C436&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6525,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6525","url_meta":{"origin":6503,"position":0},"title":"One Step Closer #5 – From Two to Three a Family (by MissJudy)","author":"missjudy","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Adam and his wife, Melinda, are living in England, and getting\u00a0ready to welcome their first child. 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Prompt: Whisky for my men, beer for my horses (by Scott Emerich\/Toby Keith).\u00a0 Contains phrases from both the song and the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"newspaper","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/A8B95BC9-E53D-40E8-BD21-6DC03B08C9BF.jpeg?fit=1178%2C1034&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6508,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6508","url_meta":{"origin":6503,"position":3},"title":"One Step Closer #3 – Two Hearts Broken (by MissJudy)","author":"missjudy","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Adam is back in Boston after a 12 year absence. His career has taken off in a prestigious engineering firm; he\u2019s happily married to his college sweetheart, and he\u2019ll be a featured performer at an upcoming choral production. But the life he\u2019s made is destroyed in three weeks after a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Adams-English-Scenic2.jpg?fit=450%2C436&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":47556,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47556","url_meta":{"origin":6503,"position":4},"title":"Rite of Passage (by napajackie)","author":"napajackie","date":"January 9, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Adam finds himself in a different world as he faces a rite of passage. Rating:\u00a0 G Words:\u00a0 8,650","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6512,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6512","url_meta":{"origin":6503,"position":5},"title":"One Step Closer #4 – In Search of Safety (by MissJudy)","author":"missjudy","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Following a harrowing experience in Boston, Adam and his new wife head west to the Ponderosa for a visit, hoping to relax where they feel safe. Unfortunately Little Joe is not happy with their presence. Hoss helps sort things out\u00a0between his\u00a0brothers, but\u00a0when one problem is solved, the Cartwrights \u201cwelcome\u201d\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Adams-English-Scenic2.jpg?fit=450%2C436&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6503","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\/82"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6503"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6503\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5758"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6503"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6503"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6503"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}