This was written as a for fun effort by nine writers over a period of months. In alphabetical order, we are Dogwood, Grimesgirl, Julee, Kaatje, KEM, Krystynaw, LizK, Patina and Tiggeroo. We hope you'll enjoy this adventure as much as we did.

Chapter 1, by Julee

Ben opened the door to Adam's bedroom and strode purposely toward the bed, the light from his lamp illuminating the darkened room. Not yet asleep, Adam squinted into the light and propped himself up on one elbow. Given the discussion between his Pa and brothers earlier that evening, he was fairly certain he knew the reason for the late night visit, but asked anyway. "Something wrong?"

Ben set the lamp on Adam's bureau and gave his son an apologetic look. "Sorry to bother you, Adam, but it's almost one and your brothers still aren't home."

Knowing exactly where this conversation was headed, Adam groaned. He'd had a long, hard, miserable day and the last thing he wanted to do was chase after his younger brothers. Just thinking about climbing back on a horse made his muscles ache. "C'mon, Pa, you know those two. They probably just lost track of time and decided to stay over."

Ben nodded, trying to convince himself of it, but his brows knit together in a telltale frown. In his head, he knew Adam was probably right. At eighteen, Little Joe was full of vim and vigor and at twenty-four Hoss could easily get caught up in the excitement of a Friday night, but with the mood the town was in, he couldn't help feeling a bit anxious. "I know you're probably right, but—"

Holding up his hand to interrupt, Adam ignored the loud protests coming from his over-worked muscles and gave his father a gentle, understanding look. "But you'd feel better if I went after them, is that it?"

"You don't mind, do you, son? I'd go myself, but …well…I think it might give your brothers the wrong impression." He sat on the bed and let out a sigh. "Neither one of them seemed to understand that I wasn't doubting their ability to take care of themselves."

With a nod, Adam threw back the covers and pulled on his pants. He'd purposefully stayed out of that debate even though he'd silently sided with his father. "No, I don't mind, not if it'll make you feel better." He got to his feet and buttoned up. "But just for the record, you didn't have a problem tracking me down when I was younger."

Ben smiled, remembering. "Yes, well, lucky for them, they've got an older brother."

Adam shook his head and smiled as he tugged on his boots. "Somehow, I don't think they're gonna see it that way."

Ben gave him a thoughtful look. "Depends," he answered simply, but the insinuation wasn't lost on Adam and he too sobered a little. Despite his belief that his brothers were holed up at the Bucket of Blood or maybe at the hotel, a tiny knot was beginning to form in the pit of his stomach. Fully dressed now, he headed out, chiding himself for worrying prematurely. That was his father's job. At the door, he turned and offered him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Pa. One way or another, I'll bring them home."