{"id":6601,"date":"2009-05-04T14:40:43","date_gmt":"2009-05-04T18:40:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6601"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:13:27","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:13:27","slug":"no-regrets-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6601","title":{"rendered":"No Regrets (by mamse5)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0<\/span>My response to the Challenge. Joe tells a lie to protect Pa, but will Adam let it alone?<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a08800<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No Regrets<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

It was one of the only times Joe Cartwright had ever dreaded coming home.<\/strong> Riding into the ranch after a long journey was usually cause for a celebration, at least a little whooping and hollering at the sight of the house. Today, all Joe could manage was a tired sigh.<\/p>\n

Four long weeks had passed since he\u2019d last seen his pa and brothers, but it seemed like a lifetime. Maybe it\u2019d take another lifetime to set it all right.<\/p>\n

Joe reined in at the hitch rail, slowly dismounting, then pausing to rest his head on Cochise as he wearily patted the horse. To an onlooker, it would appear as if the young man was merely tired after a long journey. In reality, Joe needed the time to get his emotions under control. The fire still burned in his side, though with less intensity each day. The pain burning in his heart would be harder to extinguish. He couldn\u2019t bear to transfer that pain to his father, so for the final time, he won his own argument. He\u2019d tell the lie to Pa.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

A month had passed since Ben sent Joe to Landers. It wasn\u2019t unusual for one of his sons to be away from the ranch that long, but usually when Joe was gone, there\u2019d be an occasional telegram or even a quickly penned letter. This time, there\u2019d been nothing, no word at all, and Ben was beginning to worry. He\u2019d even toyed with the idea of sending his own message to Matthew Simon. But pride and yes, trust in his son, had held him back. Joe would contact him if there was any need.<\/p>\n

It was a simple errand, an answer to a plea for help. Their old friend, Matthew, had written about some trouble he\u2019d been having and reluctantly asked Ben for money.<\/p>\n

Simon and his family had been in the wagon train Ben organized years ago. It had been Simon\u2019s horse that Inger helped with along the trail, and Mrs. Simon had helped with Hoss in those first days after Inger\u2019s death. They\u2019d settled not too far from the Ponderosa and had been good friends and neighbors for years. Their decision to move away a few years ago was still somewhat puzzling to Ben, but Matthew had been adamant that the new ranch was an opportunity he couldn\u2019t pass up. So when the request arrived, Ben gladly sent the money. And his son.<\/p>\n

From the tone of the letter, Ben suspected that Matthew could use more than money to get his horse ranch operating smoothly again, so it seemed natural to pack the bank draft in Joe\u2019s saddlebags and send his youngest south to help out for a few weeks.<\/p>\n

But the time had dragged on, with no word from Joe. Ben hoped that his recent worrying could simply be attributed to a doting father missing his son. Suddenly frustrated with this personal tormenting, Ben opened his ledger and picked up his coffee. He\u2019d read yesterday\u2019s notes, finish this cup, then go out and check on the fencing crew.<\/p>\n

Footsteps on the porch interrupted his musing and Ben set his cup back on the desk, sure that Hoss was coming in with the mail.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben almost spilled the coffee in his haste to get to the front door.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, good to see you son! I was just wondering about you. Didn\u2019t hear you ride up, though. Usually hear you galloping in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben knew he was jabbering. His excited words belayed his wounded heart as he greeted his haggard son. At the last minute, he pulled back the hearty slap aimed for Joe\u2019s back, instinctively aware that his son was hurting. Instead, he reached for Joe\u2019s hand, shaking it warmly then quickly pulling his son close for a gentle hug.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, boy? Are you all right? What\u2019s happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe tiredly removed his hat and jacket, slowly unbuckling his gunbelt as he tried to smile reassuringly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have some bad news, Pa. Maybe we should sit down so I can tell you about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded, the worry jumping up to lodge in his throat. He reassured himself with the knowledge that Joe was here, safe at home. Hoss was in town and Adam out checking on the branding crew. His sons were safe. Everything else took second place. Still, the look on Joe\u2019s face gave him pause enough, and Ben gladly followed his youngest to the settee. Joe didn\u2019t stay there long, though, getting up almost immediately to pace the room. He looked tired, but more than that. Before Joe could start, Ben stood up to join him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you hurt, boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa, really. Roughed up a little, but I\u2019ll heal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we should get Doc Martin out here-\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve already seen a doctor in Landers. He said I\u2019d be fine in a few days. Just need some time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe sat stiffly on the hearth, effectively ending Ben\u2019s attempt to look him over.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me tell you about this, Pa. I know it\u2019s going to come as a shock.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben slowly settled in his favorite chair, watching Joe closely. The telling only took a few minutes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI took the money to Mr. Simon like you asked. He was in some financial troubles but the money was going to help. But that was before . . . See Pa . . Mr. Simon died before we could-\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDied? What? What happened? Matthew was healthy as an ox.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe seemed almost to cringe for a moment then straightened to finish his story.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc said it was his heart. Must\u2019ve just given out on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis heart?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, just slumped over right there in the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben studied Joe, waiting for more details, but his son remained silent. The father in him wanted more.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just can\u2019t believe Simon\u2019s gone, but how did you get hurt? Did that have anything to do with Matthew?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, just a coincidence. Had a run-in with a couple of fellas, that\u2019s all.\u201d Joe fidgeted slightly. \u201cMrs. Simon decided to sell the place and settle any debts, then move back east to live with her daughter. I stayed on awhile to help out. Didn\u2019t think you\u2019d mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no that was fine. How long before she\u2019ll be leaving?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dI think she was hoping to leave by the end of the month, if everything could be settled by then. Oh, and I have something for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe slowly retrieved his saddlebags, searching through them for a moment before returning with an envelope.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Simon said I should give this to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben slowly opened the missive; surprise reflected on his face as he read the amount of the draft.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did she send this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was determined to give the money back. Said she didn\u2019t want to owe anyone, and that she needed a fresh start. I guess it was real important to her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded his agreement then turned to study the fire, reassured by Joe\u2019s explanation. He let his mind wander, preoccupied with memories of chess games and friendly bantering.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou all right, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Oh, yes, I\u2019m fine Joe. Just surprised. I never would\u2019ve imagined Matthew to have a bad heart. I\u2019m just sorry to lose such a good friend, even if I hadn\u2019t seen him in three years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Quiet stretched between them, both lost in their thoughts until Joe finally broke the silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink I\u2019ll get cleaned up a little. It was a long ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. You go ahead. I\u2019ll have HopSing fix you some lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Ben watched Joe slowly climb the stairs, wondering if there was more to the story than his son let on. Still a young man, maybe Joe had been affected by the death of their old friend and neighbor. Regardless, Ben was more than relieved that Joe was safely home. Everything else would fall into place in time.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

Ben slowly tucked the letter into the envelope then sealed it securely. Pausing to study the address he\u2019d penned on the front, he finally placed it on the pile of correspondence Adam had promised to mail in Virginia City. Returning to his work, Ben felt good about the decision he\u2019d made. It was the right thing to do.<\/p>\n

Several hours passed before his eldest came in, slapping dust from black pants.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight here, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dOh, sorry Pa. It took a little longer than we expected, but we finally got the steers rounded up and moved. Hoss is going to stay out there a while longer, make sure everything stays quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good. Are you still going to Virginia City?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, figured I\u2019d ride in now so I can get home before dark. Everything set?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll the contracts are here, signed and ready to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grabbed the pile of letters, stopping to stare at the one on top. His voice was quiet when he finally spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re writing to Mrs. Simon?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes I am. I\u2019m sending along some money, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam eyed his father thoughtfully, as if considering both the man and his actions.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have a problem with that?\u201d Ben questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa, not at all. Just hope she\u2019ll take it this time. Joe made it sound like she was pretty adamant about not wanting to owe anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. He did. Has he said anything more to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he\u2019s been real quiet about the whole thing. Mr. Simon\u2019s death sure seemed to bother him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI noticed. Kind of strange, since he never seemed to be that close to the Simon family when they lived here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about him, Pa. You know Joe, couple days and he\u2019ll act like nothing ever happened. And I\u2019ll make sure this letter gets in today\u2019s post.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gathered up the rest of the mail then hurried out, leaving Ben to wonder about the recent events. Joe had been extremely quiet since he returned, going about his daily routine without question as if in a trance. Hoss had tried to bring his brother out, teasing him about girls, horses, checkers, anything to get the kid laughing, but nothing worked. And though he insisted that he was all right, Ben wasn\u2019t convinced, constantly aware of the way Joe moved when first getting up from a chair, or climbed the stairs. He\u2019d even tried to have a look at the boy\u2019s side once, but was refused with such forcefulness that he\u2019d quickly backed down. Ben had decided to let the matter lie, for now. He hoped that Adam was right, and that in a day or two, Joe would be back to his old self.<\/p>\n

Adam, too, was worried about his brother. For lack of a better word, Joe seemed almost guilty. Yet Adam knew there should be nothing for Joe to feel guilty about. Maybe it was just intuition, years of practice as a big brother, or his instinct for getting to the bottom of a problem. Whatever it was, Adam suspected that there really was more to the story. He just didn\u2019t know how hard to push, or if it was worth finding the answer this time. Something told him it might be better to let things alone.<\/p>\n

But Adam Cartwright wasn\u2019t a man prone to letting things alone.<\/p>\n

It was late that night when he finally closed his book and banked the fire. The rest of the family had already turned in, first Joe then Hoss and Pa. The house had been quiet for several hours and Adam suspected that his family was sound asleep. So he was surprised to see light coming from under Joe\u2019s door as he walked quietly towards his room. Pausing for a moment, Adam tapped quietly on his brother\u2019s door, waiting only a moment before opening it slowly.<\/p>\n

Joe stood before his bureau, shirt off, pants dropped low on his hips. It was the towel held to his side that stopped Adam short.<\/p>\n

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

Pushing the door shut, Adam moved forward only to be stopped again, this time by Joe\u2019s angry glare.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing in here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMore important, what happened to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe moved the towel a little higher while still holding his ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told Pa that I had a little trouble with a fella in Landers. It\u2019s nothing serious. I still want to know what you\u2019re doing in here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stepped closer, his hand reaching out only to be batted away.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou told Pa it was a couple of fellas that roughed you up. Looks like a gunshot wound to me, and it\u2019s been infected.\u201d<\/p>\n

Whether it was Adam\u2019s repeating Joe\u2019s story or the concerned look on his face, the result was instantaneous. Joe seemed to give up, a little too quickly in Adam\u2019s opinion.<\/p>\n

With a moan, Joe turned back to the bureau and picked up a fresh bandage. Adam took advantage of his brother\u2019s silence and moved to stand beside him. Reaching for the towel, he pulled it away and gently fingered the wound.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCouple of weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBad?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBad enough. Doc Stevens got the bullet out okay, and the infection didn\u2019t get too bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t someone wire us? Why all the secrecy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo reason to worry Pa. Doc was right there and Mrs. Simon didn\u2019t need anything else to worry about. And there\u2019s no secret, Adam. I told Pa I\u2019d been roughed up, just didn\u2019t tell him how.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s grin reflected in the mirror and he was relieved to see Joe finally relax enough to do the same.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou never cease to amaze me, little brother. Here, let me give you a hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

With care born of practice, Adam covered the wound then wrapped the white bandage several times around Joe\u2019s torso, successfully protecting the healing wound. When the job was done and Joe had pulled on his nightshirt, Adam sat on the end of the bed, trying once more to complete the picture.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you should tell Pa about this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing to tell, Adam.\u201d Joe replied adamantly. \u201cHe\u2019s upset enough about Mr. Simon\u2019s death, and the whole thing is over. No sense to bring this up now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you were shot, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and the sheriff took care of the situation. Just let it go, Adam. Please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam reflected quietly, weighing the pros and cons. Joe was a man now, and although sometimes hard, Adam had to respect that his brother had the right to make his own decisions. With reluctance, he finally nodded his assent.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll say something if that gets worse?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes big brother, you\u2019ll be the first to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s grin of relief was obvious. Adam merely patted his brother\u2019s arm as he got up.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

And closing the door behind him, Adam knew it wasn\u2019t just for helping with the bandage. Sitting on his own bed minutes later, Adam allowed himself to think about the possibilities. If Joe lied to Pa about his injuries, what else had he lied about? Was there more to the story? What really happened in Landers? Adam\u2019s head was filled with questions, but there were no answers. In fact, there was no proof that anything unusual had happened. There were only his suspicions, and as Adam finally climbed under the covers, he convinced himself that they were unfounded. Probably.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

Cleaning stalls was a chore to most men, and in all fairness, it wasn\u2019t on the top of Hoss\u2019s list either. But there was also something good about the job, a feeling of fulfillment, of completing something basic and important. Caring for their mounts, making sure they were fed and bedded down in a good clean stall. There was something simple but right about it, a task that made him feel that the world was right.<\/p>\n

Hoss forked another clump of hay into the manger before stopping to survey his work. Across the aisle, his brother was quietly going about his own work. But where Hoss felt at peace, his brother seemed at odds with the world. Watching him now, Hoss noticed the set of Adam\u2019s shoulders and realized his brother was either working through a problem, or working himself into one. Quiet at the moment, Adam was leaning on the shovel, and looking out the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething you want to talk about?\u201d Hoss asked tentatively.<\/p>\n

Adam turned quickly, as if surprised to find there was someone else in the barn with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Uh, no. I mean . . well . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss almost grinned at his brother\u2019s stammering.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure must be some kind of problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam slowly leaned the shovel against a wall, his face conveying uncertainty and doubt. It surprised Hoss, who\u2019d started out thinking only to tease his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Adam?\u201d He questioned again, his voice calm but low.<\/p>\n

Fiddling with a piece of straw, Adam kept his focus on his hands rather than face Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot sure it\u2019s anything at all, but I just can\u2019t get it out of my head. Guess if I tell someone else, maybe it\u2019ll make more sense to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam paused a moment, looking out the door again, almost like he was checking to see if they were alone. Hoss found his brother\u2019s actions to be more than a little strange.<\/p>\n

\u201cMight as well get it out. Gonna pester you until you do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re probably right. I\u2019ve been wondering about the trip Joe took, and the story he told us about Matthew Simon\u2019s death. Did it seem a little . . contrived to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cContrived?\u201d Hoss could hear the disbelief in his own voice. \u201cNow why would it sound like that, Adam? Joe came back with bad news, that\u2019s all. I wouldn\u2019t have been in his shoes for nuthin\u2019. Havin\u2019 to be the one to tell Pa about Mr. Simon\u2019s passin\u2019. You know how Pa felt about the Simons. Them bein\u2019 the ones that traveled out here with you and Pa, and knowin\u2019 my Ma. Just made \u2018em kinda special to Pa, I think. What makes ya think there\u2019s more to it than the tellin\u2019 of bad news?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam paced a few steps away then back, one hand rubbing the back of his neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you noticed how Joe\u2019s been favoring his side?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure I have. He told Pa about those two fellers he had the run-in with. Nothin\u2019 special about Joe getting\u2019 into a scrape. He\u2019s been doin\u2019 that since he was five.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss started to laugh at his own joke, but let it die in his throat. Adam was not amused, and it finally struck Hoss just how worried his older brother looked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh come on, Adam. What\u2019s got ya so worked up?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stopped, looking Hoss square in the eye for the first time since they walked into the barn an hour earlier.<\/p>\n

\u201dJoe wasn\u2019t just roughed up, Hoss. He was shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShot?\u201d Hoss stepped forward, one hand instinctively grabbing Adam\u2019s arm. \u201cWhat\u2019re ya talkin\u2019 about? He said he was just . .\u201d Hoss\u2019s voice trailed off. \u201cYou sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSaw the wound myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow come he told you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t. Well, not on purpose anyway. I walked in on him last night when he was attempting to bandage his side. Looks like it was pretty serious.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he tell you what it was all about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Just passed it off as a simple disagreement that the sheriff took care of.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss tucked his hands in his pockets, silent as he contemplated what his brother had shared.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t believe him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure, Hoss. Joe hasn\u2019t given any real explanation, but he insists that I don\u2019t tell Pa. Says he doesn\u2019t want him to worry about anything else. But why would Pa be worried about something that\u2019s already over with? And what reason would there be for Joe getting caught up in gunplay? He was simply supposed to deliver a bank draft and help around the ranch for a few weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t make sense, Adam, that\u2019s for sure. Landers is a quiet town, pretty stable around there with mostly ranchers and a few farmers. Don\u2019t think they have more than one saloon in the place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly. So what would happen to make someone shoot Joe, and if it was something simple, then why won\u2019t Joe talk about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss relaxed a little as he ran through the different scenarios in his head. When several minutes had passed and he still hadn\u2019t answered, Adam stopped pacing, his stance showing that he expected an answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Adam, I know you worry about Joe. Heck, we all do. But I think you\u2019re over-thinkin\u2019 this thing. Joe\u2019s just tryin\u2019 to make his own way, be a little independent. Just \u2018cause he didn\u2019t tell us all the details doesn\u2019t mean anything. \u2018cept that he\u2019s old enough to make his own decisions, whether we like it or not. Nah, as long as he\u2019s healin\u2019 up and we can see that for ourselves, I think we just gotta trust him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s dark eyes and fierce expression showed clearly that he wasn\u2019t convinced by Hoss\u2019s simple explanation. But the truth was, he didn\u2019t have anything more to go on and they both knew it. Older brother\u2019s vigilance was all well and good, but in this case, that\u2019s all it was. That and speculation based on a young man\u2019s colorful exploits. It took several minutes, and Hoss laying his arm across his brother\u2019s shoulders, but in the end, Adam sighed resignedly and tried to relax.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re probably right. I don\u2019t have any reason to suspect anything else. Just worried for the kid, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure you are, Adam. We\u2019ll both keep a closer eye on him for a few days. But I have to agree with Joe on this one. There\u2019s no use worrying Pa for somethin\u2019 that\u2019s over and done with. Whatever trouble Joe got himself into, he got out just the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned faintly, nodding at his larger brother\u2019s succinct explanation.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re probably right, I\u2019m probably worrying over nothing. We\u2019ll keep his secret. Little that we know of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Adam. Let\u2019s see if HopSing has supper cookin\u2019. I\u2019m hungry enough to eat a whole steer.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two brothers walked toward the house, conversation easy between them. Neither of them aware they were being watched from an upstairs window.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s side was still tender, but he\u2019d done his best to keep it from his father. Bad enough that Adam had discovered part of his dirty secret, he\u2019d do anything to make sure Pa didn\u2019t find out. If Ben had any indication that his son was suffering from more than a few bruised ribs, there\u2019d be more explaining to do, and that was something Joe wasn\u2019t willing to risk. So he stayed off the broncs, used his right hand more often than not, and tried to keep the cheerful banter going. Anything to hide what he was really feeling, both physical and otherwise.<\/p>\n

Stepping away from the window, Joe slowly buttoned his clean shirt, carefully tucking the tails into his trousers before heading to the hallway. Supper would be on the table soon, but he was more worried about the conversation going on below than filling his stomach.<\/p>\n

Quietly pulling the door closed behind him, Joe stood in the hall for a moment, listening intently. Hoss was mumbling about something, probably the supper that wasn\u2019t ready yet, and Adam\u2019s easy laugh filled in the quiet moments. There was no sound of his father\u2019s voice, and Joe wondered if Pa was as curious about his brother\u2019s discussion as he was. But then, why would Pa be curious in the first place. He hadn\u2019t seen the two talking, and even if he had, there was no reason for him to suspect anything. There was no reason for Joe to suspect anything either, but he did. Something in the way Adam had looked at him earlier, when Joe rode in from the north pasture, made his hackles rise. He was sure older brother wasn\u2019t convinced about his story, and Joe had a gut feeling that Adam was talking to Hoss about his suspicions. If that were true, they\u2019d soon be talking to Pa.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre we having supper up here tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe whirled around to face his father, surprised to find Ben standing outside his own bedroom door.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa. I didn\u2019t know you were upstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben laid an arm across his shoulders, warmly pulling Joe along toward the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust cleaning off a little of that trail dust before HopSing bans me from the table. I don\u2019t mind the ride to Placerville, but this time of year, it gets a little dry. How did things go with the new fence line? Long day, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but everything is coming along. We should be done by the end of the week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. Think you\u2019ll be up to working that string of horses by then? I noticed you\u2019re still favoring your side a little.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe unconsciously moved a hand to cover his wound, and his quick reply sounded overanxious even to his own ears.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa, I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben merely nodded as they headed down the steps, and Joe scrambled for something to say. Anything to cover what he hoped wasn\u2019t doubt in his father\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust a little sore today, but a good night\u2019s sleep will help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe almost cringed at his own words. They sounded much to close to what Ben might\u2019ve said, given half a chance.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be able to handle the horses, Pa, no problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben still hadn\u2019t responded, but Joe felt the questioning look, even if he didn\u2019t see his father\u2019s face. He was never so happy to hear Hoss greet them, and Joe hurried down the last few steps to join his brothers.<\/p>\n

The next several hours were spent in the usual way. Supper together, reading and checkers after dinner, a quiet evening. And Joe spent the entire time watching and wondering. Hoss had looked several times as if he wanted to ask something, and Adam was brooding over one of his books. It was time for Joe to take action. He just wasn\u2019t sure exactly how to do it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m goin\u2019 to check on that mare one more time before I turn in. See ya in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss had tucked the checkerboard away and was moving to the door. Joe knew that this was his opportunity.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll give you a hand. Night Pa. Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Outside, Joe realized that Hoss was watching him expectantly as they walked slowly toward the barn. They were at the door before either spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t mind the company, little brother, but I didn\u2019t really need the help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, since I\u2019m already here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou get the light, then, and I\u2019ll check her leg.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss was looking over the mare by the time Joe turned up the lamp and joined him by the stall. A few minutes and Hoss declared her on the mend.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeg\u2019s cooling down; few days and she\u2019ll be as good as new.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe leaned over the half-wall, watching his brother closely, comforted by the familiarity of the place and routine. He didn\u2019t want to disrupt the quiet, yet Joe sensed, as he had before following Hoss out here, that this was his chance.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and Adam have a good talk today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh? Yeah, I guess so.\u201d Hoss hesitated, taking stock of the situation in his usual way before finally blurting out: \u201cwhat are you talking about, little brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, just thinking about Pa. He sure is upset about Mr. Simon, isn\u2019t he?\u201d Joe hedged carefully.<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head, then leaned against the wall next to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it was a surprise. Thinkin\u2019 about Mr. Simon has sure brought back a lot of memories for Pa. Memories of the journey out here, and times with my Ma. I think the Simons always made that time come back for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell. With Adam\u2019s ma, there\u2019s no one here that knew her, so all Pa has is his memories. That and a few letters he saved from Mr. Stoddard. And lots of people here about knew your ma, so he has lots of memories of Marie to share. But with my ma, there\u2019s no one but Adam that remembers. And the Simons. They kinda helped keep her memory alive for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. That makes sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss picked up a piece of straw, watching the mare but clearly thinking of other times. Joe shared the quiet, unsure of how to proceed. Maybe Adam hadn\u2019t said anything. But he had to know.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t want to have to tell Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe could feel his brother studying him. It was the hand on his shoulder that was the most reassuring.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh Joe, don\u2019t waste any time thinkin\u2019 on it. Pa\u2019s tougher than that, and he understands about people dyin\u2019. It don\u2019t make any sense for you to beat yourself up just because you had to deliver the news. Pa thinkin\u2019 that Mr. Simon was healthy and just about to have his fortune turn around, like I said, it was just a surprise, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe allowed a faint smile to play across his face, dipping his head a little<\/p>\n

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

\u201cCome on, Joe, let\u2019s get some sleep. Lots of work waitin\u2019 for us tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam! Adam Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

The man in question turned to find the messenger rushing toward him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry Mr. Cartwright. Mr. Sanders found another letter that didn\u2019t get put with your mail. Sorry about the inconvenience, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam leaned out of the saddle, accepting the letter with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem, Jake. Thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jake was already headed back down the street when Adam slipped the missive into his saddlebag. The flowing script on the front was unfamiliar, but the name \u2018Landers\u2019 on the corner was. He knew without looking further, that Mrs. Matthew Simon had penned the address.<\/p>\n

There was no name on the envelope; a simple \u201cCartwrights\u201d Ponderosa Ranch, Virginia City was all. That fact bothered Adam all the way home. Had it been sent directly to Ben Cartwright, there would be no question that it would set on the desk until his father returned from Carson City in a few days. But it didn\u2019t have that specific declaration, and although he couldn\u2019t explain it, Adam felt compelled to know what was inside. It was more than simple curiosity. For some inexplicable reason, he knew without a doubt that the answers to his suspicions about Joe\u2019s experience in Landers were held within those pages.<\/p>\n

So after several internal arguments, Adam pulled Sport to the side of the road and dismounted. He was shaded by several tall pines, his seat a large rock, the accompaniment of a small stream his only company as he slit the envelope. The first thing Adam saw was the bank draft Ben had sent only days earlier. The reason was quickly revealed in the first few lines of Mrs. Simon\u2019s letter, though it also revealed whom the letter was intended for, regardless of the address.<\/p>\n

Dear Ben,<\/p>\n

Thank you for your generosity, but as I told Joe the day he left for home, there is no longer any need for financial help. As of yesterday, the ranch was sold to a neighbor for a fair price, and I am currently making preparations to move back east to live with my daughter.<\/p>\n

I hope that you can forgive Matthew for what he did to your son. The whole situation was so unfortunate, but as I\u2019m sure Joe has explained, my husband was no longer himself. It is sad that such a wonderful man had such a sad ending, but I resigned myself some months ago to the possibility. I can only hope, now, that his family and friends will remember Matthew as he was, and not the way his life ended.<\/p>\n

Thank you again, Ben, for your kindness. I will remember you and your sons fondly.<\/p>\n

Sincerely,
\nLouise Simon<\/p>\n

Adam folded the letter, opened it to reread then folded it again. There was meaning here, something important, but it wasn\u2019t clear. Just more pieces to a puzzle that his mind hadn\u2019t been able to put in the right order.<\/p>\n

What did Mrs. Simon mean, forgiving Matthew for what he did to Joe? And if he died from a sudden attack as Joe said, then why had she resigned herself to his loss months before? The letter only confused the issue instead of resolving it. Adam slowly tucked the letter inside his vest, wondering at the motivation he felt to open what was obviously Pa\u2019s private mail. If it weren\u2019t for the worry and confusion it would cause Ben, Adam would\u2019ve been full of regret. Instead, he was relieved that he\u2019d followed his instinct. This was a letter he didn\u2019t know if Ben should ever see.<\/p>\n

With more questions than answers, Adam mounted up and headed for home. It wasn\u2019t until he rode into the yard that he admitted to himself he needed to talk about all of this. Seeing his brother sitting on the porch, Adam saw the chance to try again to convince Hoss that something strange had happened in Landers.<\/p>\n

Patting the letter and bank draft in his pocket, Adam walked slowly over to join his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cHard day?\u201d He started.<\/p>\n

\u201cLong one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUpstairs. Said he was going to rest a little before dinner. Think that one of those rough ones took the starch out of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he-\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s all right, Adam. After what you told me the other night, I\u2019ve been keepin\u2019 an eye on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam settled into a chair next to Hoss, each enjoying the coming dusk. It was a good time, a quiet time at the end of the day. But Adam couldn\u2019t let himself revel in the contentment of the day\u2019s closing.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss. I\u2019ve been thinking about this thing with Matt Simon. There\u2019s something wrong with the whole story.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAhh, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Hoss, you need to hear me out. There\u2019s more to the story than what Joe told us. I don\u2019t have it all straight, but I know there\u2019s more to Simon\u2019s death than a simple heart attack.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019re wrong, Adam. If there was something to tell, Joe would\u2019ve spilled it by now. You know how he is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam leaned forward in his chair, chin balanced on folded hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot this time, Hoss. He\u2019s covering up. Trying to protect someone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019d he be protecting?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know for sure. Pa, maybe. Or Matthew Simon. Maybe Mrs. Simon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you\u2019re over-thinking this whole thing. Pa sent Joe out to help some old friends. He come home with bad news. News he didn\u2019t want to share for fear of hurtin\u2019 Pa. And yeah, a wound that he wasn\u2019t quick to explain, but that could\u2019ve been the result of a simple misunderstanding, just like he said. I talked to Joe myself the other day, and I don\u2019t think there\u2019s anything to be told, other than the sadness in a young fella who feels like he got caught in the middle of a sad situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dark eyes brooding, Adam stared out at the yard, his arguments caught behind the protective wall of his big-brother status. What was he going to prove with this? Pushing Hoss was getting him nowhere, and it sure wasn\u2019t convincing Hoss that something unusual had taken place. Joe was the one who had the answers, and it was clear that he, too, wasn\u2019t interested in talking about it.<\/p>\n

With a sigh of resignation, Adam straightened up and grabbed the saddlebags he\u2019d dropped on the porch beside his chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you\u2019re right. Think I\u2019ll get this mail sorted out before supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Adam, I\u2019ll be in soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laid a hand briefly on his brother\u2019s shoulder before heading for the front door.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

Joe was tired. Tired of trying to forget. Tired of pretending that everything was fine. And tired of trying to get Adam to leave the whole thing alone.<\/p>\n

His brother could be tenacious when he thought there was something being covered up. It wasn\u2019t the first time that Joe thought Adam missed his calling; he\u2019d have been a good lawyer. The time he\u2019d tried to prove himself to Sheriff Coffee and all of Virginia City by riding an almost impossible route, well, that seemed small compared to the pressure Joe was feeling now. Adam was onto his secret. He didn\u2019t know how, but Joe knew he was right. Maybe that\u2019s why he felt justified now, to follow his brother, peering after him when Adam settled in front of the fireplace and slowly pulled a long envelope from inside his vest.<\/p>\n

Hoss was already asleep and Pa away on business, it was time to try once again to convince Adam that he was wrong. Quietly edging down the stairs, Joe stepped up behind the blue chair, almost surprised when Adam turned to face him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThought I heard you coming down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThought I was being quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned, then motioned for Joe to join him.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t sleep?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cSomething you want to talk about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I want to know what happened today. What made you go all quiet on us at dinner, and caused you to stare at me while I beat Hoss six times at checkers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam dropped his gaze, trying to cover a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it something in that letter?\u201d<\/p>\n

The grin was gone when Adam lifted his head again.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it\u2019s something about me, then I have a right to see it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam fingered the envelope hesitantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a letter to Pa.\u201d He finally mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why does it look like it\u2019s been opened?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pursed his lips, then quietly handed Joe the packet.<\/p>\n

He looked over the bank draft then unfolded the letter. It only took a few moments to read, but in that short time, Joe felt like all the air had been sucked out of the room. He had to read the letter a second time, just to allow time to get his heart beating at a more normal rhythm. Mrs. Simon\u2019s message was clear to him; he could only hope it was still a little muddy to Adam. And more important, that none if it would ever be revealed to Pa. When he finally thought he could keep his voice steady, Joe held both papers out to Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice letter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam flashed a quick look of disbelief.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice letter?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. I tried to tell Pa that she didn\u2019t want the money. Glad the sale of the ranch went through though. I know she\u2019s anxious to get things settled.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the other part? Why would Pa need to forgive Mr. Simon, and what\u2019s all that about him being remembered well?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t seem strange to me. Just sounds like the comments of a wife in mourning. And that thing about me, well, that\u2019s probably just because of the scrape I got in. Nothing special about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe kept his voice as close to normal as he could manage, staring into the fire as if he were thinking about the loss of an old friend. He threw up a quick and silent prayer that Adam would just let it go.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you seem to be real worried about this whole thing with the Simons, but you\u2019re making too much out of it. I was helping out at the ranch. We\u2019d been looking over some stock and got into a disagreement with a couple men that the sheriff took care of. Then Mr. Simon died suddenly, and after I felt good enough to ride, I came home. That\u2019s all there is to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The big-brother look was long and hard, and Joe had the sensation that Adam\u2019s eyes could burn a hole right through a man. But finally, after several intense minutes, Adam dropped his gaze and Joe relaxed. Although he wanted to ask for the letter and draft, anything to keep it away from Pa\u2019s eyes, he let it drop. At least for now.<\/p>\n

\u201cNight, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNight.\u201d<\/p>\n

All the way up the stairs, Joe wondered about the lie he\u2019d chosen to tell. And not for the first time, he wished it had been anyone but him that Pa had sent to Landers.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

\u201cYou still brooding about that letter?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head jerked up, startled to find that Hoss was standing at the other side of Pa\u2019s huge desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? No. Well, maybe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam fumbled with the parchment, stuffing it unceremoniously back into the envelope.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, you\u2019re puttin\u2019 way too much thought into this, Adam. Makin\u2019 too much out of nothin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what Joe told me the other night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he\u2019s right.\u201d Hoss pulled a chair over, settling in as if his only purpose was to spend the day talking some sense into his brother. \u201cYou need to let this go, Adam. Need to make your peace with it before Pa gets home. I\u2019ve talked to Joe again, and we\u2019re both hoping you won\u2019t bring this up to Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the bank draft? Don\u2019t you think he has a right to know about that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, sure. But not all the other . . suspicions. Please, Adam, just let it go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned the paper over and over in his hands. He wanted to do as Hoss suggested. It made sense. There was no reason to pursue this. Joe was home and safe. Mr. Simon was dead and Mrs. Simon even wrote to say that all was well. And Pa was satisfied with Joe\u2019s explanation. There was no reason to try to prove anything more.<\/p>\n

If only he could truly believe that was the right thing to do.<\/p>\n

Hoss reached out, laying one large hand on Adam\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s for the best, Adam. You\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

Adam stepped into the telegraph office, grateful for the respite from the afternoon sun.<\/p>\n

\u201cHot one today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure is, Amos.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNeed to send a telegram?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t answer, but reached for a slip of paper and pencil off the counter.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust need a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a little more than that before Adam got the message worded the way he wanted, but the telegrapher ended up busy with several other customers, so there was no hurry. When he finished the last word, Adam held the paper up for one final read-through.<\/p>\n

Sheriff Bennett, Landers, Nevada<\/p>\n

Please provide information regarding death
\nof Matthew Simon. Details also needed for
\nshooting of Joe Cartwright. Respond to:<\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright
\nPonderosa Ranch, Virginia City, Nevada<\/p>\n

Laying the pencil back on the counter, Adam started to hold the paper out when it was suddenly snatched from his hand.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat is this, Adam? Can\u2019t believe me, but gotta go behind my back?\u201d<\/p>\n

Several sets of eyes turned toward them before Adam grabbed his younger brother by the arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s talk about this outside.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dFine with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

An angry Joe stepped out of the office, the paper still crumpled in his fist. Adam thought he might have a real fight on his hands when Joe whirled to face him, but a tactful glance toward their horses must have been persuasive enough. Joe practically stomped down the steps and over to his horse, wasting no time in leaping into the saddle but waiting for Adam to mount up before riding out of town.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver there.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was the first words Adam spoke since leaving town a full ten minutes earlier, but Joe didn\u2019t answer. Instead, he reined Cochise over to the small grove of trees and quickly dismounted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Adam.\u201d He started. \u201cWe\u2019re out of town now, and there\u2019s no one around to hear our conversation. So answer my question. Why did you feel the need to go behind my back? Why the telegram to the Sheriff in Landers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy all the secrecy, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat secrecy? I told you everything there is to tell, now answer my-\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you didn\u2019t. You didn\u2019t tell Pa that you were shot. You didn\u2019t explain why Mrs. Simon needed Pa\u2019s forgiveness. And you sure didn\u2019t give any reason why the woman would say that her husband was no longer himself. That\u2019s a very strange comment for her to make. Very strange.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s own fists were clenched as he stood before Joe. He\u2019d practically jumped off Sport in his hurry to face his brother. The last few weeks had been confusing at best, and he was tired of Joe\u2019s attempts to cover things up. He knew, without a doubt, that there was much more to the story. He also knew that if his brother was this riled up, one of them would need to calm down or they\u2019d be rolling in the dirt next.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe. Why did you follow me into town?\u201d<\/p>\n

The sudden twist in the conversation seemed to baffle him, for Joe looked down as if unsure of how to answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . you were . . \u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cIf there\u2019s nothing to hide, then why are you so worried? What made you think I was going to wire the sheriff in the first place? And even if I did, what could he tell me that would change anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe continued to look down, first at his boots, then at almost anything else within view. The silence stretched between them as Joe\u2019s anger died, a slow but certain death. When Joe lowered himself to sit on a log, Adam relaxed too, and after a few minutes, joined his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me, Joe. Tell me what really happened in Landers.\u201d<\/p>\n

The wait was so long, Adam wasn\u2019t sure an answer would be given. And when Joe finally did speak, his voice was so soft and low, Adam had to strain to hear.<\/p>\n

\u201cThings weren\u2019t right from the first day I got there. Mr. Simon almost seemed annoyed when I arrived, and when I gave him the bank draft, he got . . well, just plain mad. Mrs. Simon kept making excuses for him, saying that he\u2019d been worried about the ranch, that he hadn\u2019t been sleeping much or feeling well. But it was more than that, Adam. He was . . . different. He wasn\u2019t the friendly man I remember. He was . . sullen.\u201d<\/p>\n

The word itself didn\u2019t\u2019 come close to describing the Matthew Simon that Adam remembered. Not a bit. In fact, he\u2019d never seen the man even close to angry or irritable, let alone, sullen. Scratching his chin, Adam leaned forward, silently urging Joe to continue.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think Mrs. Simon tried to talk him into accepting the help, which seemed strange to me, since he was the one that wrote to Pa in the first place. But after a day or two, he seemed a little better, even met with the banker and made some agreements. We bought a couple mares and talked about how he could improve the bloodlines. About a week after I got there, he came out to the barn one morning, yelling and accusing me of all kinds of things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike what?\u201d Adam finally interrupted.<\/p>\n

\u201cSaid I was going after his wife. Then he started blaming the banker for all the financial problems he\u2019d had about a year back, and accused me of being in on it too. Last thing he said, before he pulled out his gun, was that I\u2019d stolen his prize stallion, and that he was justified for killing a horse thief. Then he shot me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam felt the blow as if he\u2019d been standing in that barn next to Joe. The haunted look on his brother\u2019s face was so clear now, the final pieces of the puzzle sliding slowly but wretchedly into place. He almost didn\u2019t want to hear the ending, and from the way Joe\u2019s head dipped toward his chest, it was obvious his brother had no desire to tell it. But he did.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Simon came in just as he started to fire and she tried to stop him. That\u2019s probably what saved my life. She ran up to him and I think she pushed him or something. Anyway, the bullet missed the important parts, but I was down on the floor. He walked toward me, and I think he would\u2019ve pumped another bullet in me. Didn\u2019t get the chance, though, cause Mrs. Simon was screaming at him and when he turned toward her and raised his gun, I . . . I . . \u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shot him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

The breeze moved through the pines overhead, and Adam wondered at the mournful sound. Strange, how the wind matched their mood. Joe straightened again, though, as if now that he\u2019d started the story, he had to finish it.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Simon took care of me, told everything to the sheriff and made sure the doc came out to the house. Strangest part was, no one seemed to be shocked about what happened. It was almost as if they\u2019d been expecting something like this. One night, the Doc told me that he\u2019d tried to help Simon over the past few months. Said that he had his suspicious, like some kind of brain injury from a fall or some such thing. Whatever it was, they all agreed that Mr. Simon was nothing like his old self. So the sheriff agreed with Mrs. Simon about keeping things quiet. She had him buried there at the ranch, and the Doc made up the story about a heart attack. He told me there was no reason to persecute the woman any more; that she\u2019d already paid her dues. With no children around to help out since their son died and their daughter moved east, it must\u2019ve been real hard on her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why you didn\u2019t want to tell anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t seem right. She\u2019d already dealt with so much, it just seemed like the less people who knew, the better off she\u2019d be. That, and I couldn\u2019t stand the idea of having to tell Pa that one of his close friends tried to kill me. Or . . . or that I was the one who killed him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head dropped again, this time his gaze focusing on his hands. The white paper was held tight in his grasp, and for the first time in weeks, Adam had no desire to know more. Slowly and deliberately, Adam reached out to take the unsent telegram from his brother. Ripping the paper into small white pieces, he opened his hand and let the wind scatter the bits forever. After the last shred of paper had blown out of sight, Adam dropped his arm across Joe\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe. I didn\u2019t understand. But now that I do, I think you\u2019re right.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was only a handful of words; not nearly enough to scrub away the weeks of doubts and accusations, but Joe was clearly satisfied. His face, though damp in places, was alight with relief.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo regrets?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot even lying to Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not even that.\u201d<\/p>\n

It went against everything they were taught, but Adam felt relieved that Joe was at peace with his decision. Looking at his brother now, he knew for sure, that it was the right decision. And strangely enough, he had no regrets either.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ready to go home, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am.\u201d<\/p>\n

Standing together, Adam left his arm draped around Joe as they walked to their horses. And for only a moment before letting his brother go, Adam whispered a silent prayer of thanks . . . for the brother who cared enough to risk telling the lie, and more importantly, for the blessing they\u2019d all received in getting that same brother back home, alive and well.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, then, let\u2019s go home.\u201d<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

Ben looped the reins around the hitch rail, and tiredly pulled his saddlebags from Buck. A ranch hand was already walking toward him, and Ben was happy to relinquish his horse\u2019s care to another. The windows of the house were already ablaze with lamplight, a sure sign that his sons were at home for the evening.<\/p>\n

His trip had been uneventful, but after the past few weeks at the ranch, he\u2019d been happy to have a few days alone. Ever since coming home from Landers, Joe had been morose at best, while Adam seemed to be as prickly as an old bear. Only Hoss had remained, as always, the quiet peacemaker. Pushing the door open now, Ben found himself hoping that whatever undercurrents were in place before he left, had smoothed out during his absence.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome home!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood to see you, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

The chorus of voices was music to his ears, but more importantly, the look of happy surprise on Joe\u2019s face and the way Adam dropped an arm across his brother\u2019s shoulders as they stood to meet him, was the best greeting he could receive.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to be home, boys. Good to be home.\u201d<\/p>\n

The End!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
Disclaimer:<\/span>\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.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

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

Summary:\u00a0My response to the Challenge. Joe tells a lie to protect Pa, but will Adam let it alone?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a08800<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":1264,"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":[23,40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6601","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-challenges","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-40-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2027,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Bonanza24.jpg?fit=526%2C372&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":7591,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7591","url_meta":{"origin":6601,"position":0},"title":"A Matter of Regret (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Does Adam regret returning to the Ponderosa after college? 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