Disclaimer: I do not own Bonanza. Shannon and Scarlet Mallory belong to me.
Bouncing, the stagecoach rolled swiftly across the flat land. Inside, six passengers swayed with the rocking and sweated in the intense heat. Dust blew in the open window as the sun shone brightly on the trail. The mountains stood just in the distance.
"I do hope you're satisfied with this journey, Mrs. Mallory," a thin, oily haired man commented, breaking the silence. He sounded disgusted. He clutched a small briefcase tightly. "Is all this trouble really worth it? You haven't even told me what this trip is for."
"As I said before, I am visiting someone," The old woman said sharply. She stared at the man across from her. "It is none of your business, Mr. Turner, what my plans are. And I'll thank you not to bring it up in front of strangers."
Uncomfortably, the other two men in the coach shifted in their seats. The man sitting next to the chastised and red-faced Mr. Turner leaned forward with a smile. "Is this your first trip to Virginia City, miss?" He asked.
The young girl sitting between Mrs. Mallory and a cowboy nodded shyly. Her red gold hair gleamed in the sunlight. "This is my first time going beyond the Mississippi," she spoke up softly. Her dark brown eyes regarded him seriously. "Everything is so different."
"This is beautiful country," the fat man next to the window commented.
"And a very violent one," Mr. Turner added haughtily. "This is not my first trip west and I can easily say I dislike it very much."
"I don't recall any of us asking for your opinion, Mr. Turner," Mrs. Mallory said just as haughtily. "If you cannot improve the silence for the rest of us, I advise you to simply stop talking. Do I make myself clear?"
At that moment, gunshots rang out. The stagecoach jolted as the driver tried to outrun the masked riders surrounding them. The passengers sought for something to hold onto, but were bounced around mercilessly.
By the window, the fat man jerked out of his seat as a bullet hit him. "Get down!" The man across from the girl exclaimed. As he pulled the girl down, a bullet hit him and he collapsed on top of her, trapping her and blocking her view of anything going on.
Slowly, the stage rolled to stop. The coach door was pulled open. Roughly, the bodies were pulled out one by one and then searched. Trembling, the girl looked up as she was revealed.
"Well, look what we have here. Someone still alive," the man said. He reached in and dragged her out. The instant her feet touched the ground, the girl wriggled to get away and kicked his shin. Snarling, the man smacked her to the ground and drew his gun.
"Wait!" One of the mounted men called out. He nudged his horse forward and looked down at the girl. She stared back defiantly. "You've got spirit, kid. Pass her up to me. With the color of her hair, she'll bring a good price from the Indians."
Shrugging, the outlaw holstered his gun and hauled the girl back up. She was still squirming as he lifted her up to the man. Holding the girl firmly, the man spurred his horse and left the scene. One by one, the gang followed, the stage left pillaged.
Weakly, Mrs. Mallory pulled herself out from under the body of Mr. Turner. She tried to stand, but her knees buckled. "Shannon," she whispered, slipping back into unconsciousnes
Restlessly, Little Joe Cartwright ran his fingers over the edges of the books on the shelf. "I still wonder what Pa's up to," he said, turning around in frustration. "He's been acting real strange these past few days. He took the carriage to town instead of riding Buck."
"He'll tell us when he's ready," His bigger and older brother, Hoss, answered. He was focused on the gun he was cleaning.
"Yeah, well, I hope it's soon," Little Joe told him. He flopped into a chair and watched his brother work. "This would be the week Adam spends hunting in the mountains. If he were here, he'd know what's wrong with Pa."
There came the sound of the carriage pulling up outside. Little Joe straightened up and a few moments later, Ben Cartwright came striding in. Without a word, the silver haired man went past his sons to the table. He poured himself a drink and swallowed it.
"Something happen in town, Pa?" Little Joe asked.
"The stage was delayed," Ben answered, finally turning around and acknowledging his sons' presence. Concern was written all over his face.
Hoss and Little Joe exchanged looks. Setting the gun aside, Hoss asked, "The stage is always late, Pa. What was so important on it?"
"Who," Ben corrected absently. He caught their confused looks and had to smile. "Not what, Hoss. I was meeting a person. Mrs. Elizabeth Mallory to be exact. I received a letter from her a few days ago telling me she was coming in on today's stage."
Again, his two sons looked bewildered. "Who is she?" Little Joe asked. "I don't think you've ever mentioned her before."
Ben sighed. "No, I don't suppose I have," he said. He shook his head. "I don't exactly know her myself, Joe. I never expected to hear from her." He frowned. "She's set on meeting you two and Adam though."
"Us, Pa?" Hoss repeated. "Why would she want to meet us?"
Shaking his head, Ben turned towards the door. It sounded as though a wagon had pulled up to the house. "I wonder who that could be," Ben said, setting his glass down. He walked to the door and pulled it open, as the man outside was about to knock. "John Wilson! What brings you out this way?"
"Ben, your place was closest," John Wilson said apologetically. "I was following the stage trail and I came upon the stage. It was ambushed and everything of value taken. I found one passenger still alive and she's in the back of my wagon. She's in a bad way and needs the Doc."
Quickly, Ben headed for the wagon. "I'll ride to town," Little Joe volunteered, grabbing for his hat. "I'll bring back the sheriff and the doctor."
"Let's get her inside," Ben ordered, leaning over the side of the wagon.
Climbing in, Wilson lifted the old woman out to Ben. "Ben, she said something to me the one time she woke up," Wilson said. "The men who pillaged the stage, they took her young granddaughter."
Startled, Ben looked up at him. "Her granddaughter?" He repeated. He glanced over his shoulder. "Hoss, go with Little Joe. Have Roy start a search immediately."
"Yes sir," Hoss said grimly.
Later that afternoon, Dr. Paul Martin came out of the guest bedroom. "How is she?" Ben asked, getting to his feet. His friend silently set his bag on the floor. "Paul!"
"There's not much I con do for her, Ben," Dr. Martin told him, shaking his head. "I'm surprised she's still alive now and I don't know how much longer she'll be able to hold on." He hesitated, looking at his long-time friend seriously. "Ben, do you know her?"
"Not personally," Ben responded after a brief hesitation. A troubled look was on his face. "She's Carolyn's step-mother."
Surprised, Dr. Martin raised his eyebrows. "I see," he said. He gave Ben a sharp look. "You didn't tell Little Joe or Hoss about Carolyn, did you?"
"No," Ben answered, shaking his head. "She was only here for three days, Paul, and their lives were in chaos the whole time. She wasn't going to come back and then she died in childbirth a few months later. I didn't see any reason to bring it up."
Dr. Martin nodded. "I remember you telling me about it twelve years ago," he said. "Why would Mrs. Mallory come all the way out here after so long?"
"I don't know," Ben admitted. He shook his head. "I'm going to go find Adam. We'll need his help to find her granddaughter. If he should come here first, tell him what's happened and send him out to help. And if you need anything, just ask Hop-Sing."
"I know," Dr. Martin said. "I hope you find her."
"So do I."
A shrill scream echoed and then was cut off. Frowning, Adam Cartwright pulled his horse, Sport, to a stop and listened. There was no sound, not even a bird's song or a chattering squirrel. He dismounted and checked the ground for tracks. He ran his finger over the ground critically.
"Lookin' for something, friend?" A man's voice asked. Adam stood and spun around. A single man was leaning against a tree.
"You're trespassing on private property," Adam informed him, keeping his tone cool. He rested his hand against the butt of his gun. "You and you're friends need to leave."
"You're assuming an awful lot, Mister," the man said with a grin. He kept his arms crossed against his chest. "First, how do you know I'm here alone? And how would you know whether or not we…I am a trespasser?"
Warily, Adam eyed him. "There are tracks here for more than one person, and I heard that scream," he answered shortly. "I know you're trespassing because my family owns this land. You better leave now before I bring the sheriff out."
"You heard her did you?" The man asked, all friendliness fading from his face. He stared at Adam. His right hand flicked. "I'm afraid you aren't going to be going for anyone."
Adam drew his gun swiftly. Behind him, a second man stepped out of hiding and fired his rifle. The bullet hit Adam in the back, just below his right shoulder. With a groan, he spun forward and hit the ground. He still managed to bring his gun up.
The first man kicked it out of his hand and then kicked him in the head. "Finish him off," he ordered, looking at the other man. He turned to leave. "And dump the body in the river."
"Hold on a minute," the armed man said slowly. He nudged the unconscious Adam. "This Cartwright might prove useful. I'm sure there are any number of people who have a grudge against the Cartwright family. At the very least, we could hold him for ransom."
Frowning, the man considered. "We'll let the boss decide," he said. "Help me get him up on the horse."
In the dimming light, Ben looked around the abandoned campsite. With a concerned frown, he mounted and headed away.
Dark clouds were gathering on the horizon and the sun was steadily sinking. The entire search party was gathered at the wrecked stagecoach. The graves of the four other passengers and the driver were a short ways away.
"We have to head in for now," Sheriff Coffee announced, regretfully.
"Sheriff, why don't you all come to the Ponderosa?" Hoss asked, speaking up before anyone could move. "Stay the night and get an early start in the morning. We have plenty of room and food for everyone."
The sheriff thought for a moment and then nodded. "That would be more practical," he said. "We'd better hurry so we don't get caught by that storm. Move out!"
"You know, I bet we'll get back and Adam will have already found the kid," Little Joe commented to his brother as the rest of the group rode off. "If he doesn't…the rain is going to wipe out any tracks. It'll be impossible to find their trail."
"Yeah. I know," Hoss answered seriously.
A strange expression on his face, Dr. Martin came out of the spare room. He cleared his throat and Ben looked up quickly. "Uh, Ben," the doctor said hesitantly. "Mrs. Mallory is…requesting that you give her a moment of your time."
"Oh, of course," Ben answered, standing up quickly. He watched in surprise as the doctor went to get a drink. He went to the door, took a deep breath, and went in. He shut the door and continued in. After a few steps, he paused uncertainly.
"There is no reason to be afraid of a dying old woman, Benjamin Cartwright," a frail, yet firm voice said from the bed. A thin hand beckoned to him. "Come over here where I can see you."
Ben managed a smile as he approached the bed. "How are you feeling, Mrs. Mallory?" He asked politely.
Waving her hand in dismissal, Mrs. Mallory regarded him seriously. "How do you think I'm doing? I know I'm dying, Benjamin," she responded. "You're different than I imagined you. Though I suppose Carolyn's description may have been a bit prejudiced. Sit down so we can talk easier."
"Why did you come?" Ben asked, taking a seat. He leaned towards her with a deep frown. "What good will bringing up the past do for anyone now?"
Mrs. Mallory smiled. "Things have changed, and it is necessary to open up the past to put things right," she answered. Concern settled on her face. "It has to do with my granddaughter. I want you to find her, Benjamin. Do whatever it takes, do you understand me?"
"We're doing everything we can," Ben told her.
The dark eyes narrowed. "And yet you are here," she pointed out, her tone sharp and critical. "You will not stay here because of me, Benjamin Cartwright. I am not planning on dying. Not yet. Get out there and find her. Get her to safety."
She closed her eyes. Quickly, Ben stood up and hurried to the door. As he pulled it open, Mrs. Mallory spoke up again. "If any of your sons should show up, send them in to me. I want to meet them. All of them."
"Yes, Ma'am," Ben said. He stepped out and shut the door behind himself. He let his breath out slowly. The doctor held out a glass of brandy to him and he went to take it.
Sucking in his breath sharply, Adam opened his eyes. He was lying on his side with his hands tied behind his back. It took a moment to realize he was in a small cave and there were at least four men nearby. His shoulder throbbed painfully as he wriggled into a sitting position.
A small boot nudged his foot, getting his attention. Lifting his head, Adam saw a young girl tied up and gagged across from him. She was watching him with dark brown eyes. She had reddish blonde hair and looked vaguely familiar for some reason. A dark bruise was visible on her cheek. She looked to be about ten years old.
"Mr. Cartwright," a tall, thin man exclaimed, wandering over. He crouched next to the prisoner. "Feeling better?"
"If you're expecting my family to pay a ransom for me, you've made a big mistake, mister," Adam said to him. "When I don't come back, they'll be here trying to find me and you'll have a lot of trouble."
The man just laughed. "What makes you think we want to sell you back to your family?" he asked. He shook his head. "No, Mr. Cartwright, you have enough enemies who'd be willing to pay to get some revenge on your family. You see there are several options open to us."
Adam frowned and glanced at the girl. "What about her?"
Rising, the man walked over to the girl. He reached down and twisted a lock of her hair around his finger. "I wouldn't worry about her," he told Adam with a grin. "You have enough of your own trouble to be concerned with."
Laughing, he walked away.
Most of the posse sat in front of the fire. Hop-Sing moved efficiently through the room, refilling coffee cups. Sheriff Coffee and Ben were studying maps spread over the table. Outside it was pouring down rain with occasional lightning and thunder.
"That was really strange," Little Joe said in a low voice to his brother. He glanced at the closed guestroom door. "She is the most arrogant old lady I have ever met. Why do you think she wanted to see us?"
"Little Joe, Pa'll have your hide if you say that again," Hoss warned, also keeping his voice down. "I don't know why she asked to talk to us. All she asked about was our life here and Pa and stuff like that. I couldn't tell if she liked the answers or not."
Little Joe shrugged. Over at the table, Ben straightened up. "There are too many hiding places for them to go," the sheriff commented, holding out his cup to have it filled. "It's impossible to know which way they went."
"I know," Ben replied seriously. He cast a swift glance at the spare bedroom. "But we can't just give up. A little girl's life is a stake."
All the sudden, there was loud banging on the door, startling everyone. Jumping up, Hoss hurried to it and pulled it open. He stepped back as a slim, dripping figure pushed inside. He quickly shut the door.
"My, that is quite a storm," the woman declared with a slight laugh. She pulled her dripping hat off and shook her bright red hair out. "It will take me a week to get dry, I declare!"
Everyone was staring at her in astonishment. "Can we help you ma'am?" Ben asked, hurrying forward as Hoss continued to stand at the door with his mouth open. He paused as he seen her face. "Do I know you?"
The woman's smile faded and was replaced with a haughty coldness. "Of course you know me, Mr. Cartwright," she said, her tone as icy as her look. "I'm Scarlet Mallory."
Shock crossed Ben's face. "Scarlet?" He repeated. He held his hand out, only to have it ignored as the woman squeezed water out of her dress. "What are you doing here?"
"I just arrived in Virginia City, trying to catch up with my dear step-mother," Scarlet informed in the same cool tone. "I heard in town an old woman was still alive after the stage was attacked. I came to see if it was true."
"Yes, it's true," Ben admitted. "And we are doing everything to find your step-mother's granddaughter. Would you like something to drink, Scarlet?"
The red haired woman frowned. "No. I want to see her. Now."
Ben nodded and gestured to the guest bedroom. Scarlet tapped her foot in annoyance and raised her eyebrows. Quickly, Ben opened the door for her and she stalked in. After a moment, the doctor hurried out and Ben went in the room. The door shut.
The outlaws were asleep around the dying fire. The sound of the rain hitting outside echoed in the cave. Flinching, Adam twisted to pull his knife out of his boot. He set to work sawing through the ropes that bound his wrists.
Across from him, the girl watched. One of the men stirred and her boot jerked to hit Adam's. Startled, Adam looked over at the sleeping men. It remained quiet and he went back to work. In a matter of minutes, he was free.
"Are you all right?" he asked in a whisper, crouching next to the girl. She nodded as he pulled the gag out of her mouth. He grabbed the ropes to start cutting and she sucked in her breath sharply. He looked closer to see she'd rubbed her wrists raw trying to get free. "What's your name?"
"Shannon," she answered, softly. Her eyes stayed on their captors. "Who are you?"
"My name is Adam," he answered, cutting through the last strand. He stood up as the girl scrambled to her feet. "Don't make a sound and stay behind me. Okay?"
The girl nodded. Moving carefully, Adam led the way through the cave. He made one stop to retrieve his gun and gun belt. He strapped it on as he continued moving. A few feet from the exit, he paused again.
Leaning against the wall, just inside the cave, was the lookout. He was smoking, his eyes on the falling rain.
Swiftly, Adam sneaked forward, pulling his gun out. Hearing his soft footsteps, the man started to turn. Adam hit him on the side of the head with the butt of the gun. The lookout crumpled to the ground.
"Hey, Charlie!" A sleepy voice called. "Did you hear something?"
"Run," Adam hissed.
Wide-eyed, Shannon bolted out of the cave as Adam followed behind her. Angry shouts came from inside the cave. Lightning momentarily lit everything up around the area, showing the escapees where the horses were tied.
Adam quickly located Sport and untied him. He turned to see Shannon untying and shooing away the rest of the horses.
"Good idea," Adam told her, mounting his horse. He reached down with his good arm. Putting her hand in his, Shannon jumped and he pulled her up behind him. "Hang on," Adam called back as they raced away.
Mrs. Mallory was sitting up in the bed. Her face was pale, but her eyes were snapping. It was clear she was very angry. "What do you think you are doing here, Scarlet?" She demanded. Her voice was firm and very annoyed. "Come to meddle in my plans again?"
"Of course I have," Scarlet answered, walking forward. She picked a blanket up and started to use it to dry off. She sat down by the bed. "Why else would I follow you all the way from Boston? You are making a very big mistake."
"That is for me to decide."
Scarlet flipped her hair over her shoulder. "You know as well as I do that Father would never have agreed with this," she argued, keeping her voice pleasant, though her words were not. She sent a contemptuous look at Ben. "And what of Shannon? Did you tell her the reason you've dragged her all the way out here?"
"Your father could be a fool sometimes," Mrs. Mallory said very quietly.
"Oh, so you haven't told her," Scarlet said, settling back in her chair primly. "You must let me be there to watch."
The two women stared at each other. "I can leave if you prefer to talk about your granddaughter in private, Mrs. Mallory," Ben volunteered, looking at the old woman. He was feeling more and more uncomfortable.
"That is the second time you've called Shannon her granddaughter," Scarlet told him sharply as though to correct him. As she glanced at him, her eyes lit up and her voice took on an astonished note. "Why Stepmother! You haven't told him either! Whatever were you waiting for? Tell him who Shannon is!"
"Hold your tongue, Girl!" Mrs. Mallory snapped. "This is no affair of yours!"
"Oh, I beg to differ!" Scarlet answered heatedly. Her eyes were blazing as she crossed her arms. "She is my niece and I have helped raise her! Father wanted me to be her next guardian and I will have her, Stepmother! I guarantee that!"
Puzzled, Ben frowned. "Wait a minute," he said. "What are the two of you talking about?"
"Oh, only about your daughter," Scarlet told him, looking bored. Ben stared at her in astonishment. "My father hated you for not appreciating, Carolyn, his little princess. He blamed you for her death, since it was your baby. He wanted to hurt you anyway he could, so he lied about your baby dying!"
Ben slowly turned to Mrs. Mallory. Sighing, the old woman nodded. "What she says is true. The baby didn't die, Benjamin. Shannon Mallory is your daughter."
The rain was pouring down heavily on the horse and it's two riders. At the top of a hill, Adam pulled the horse to a stop and tried to look around. The horse shied as lightning lit up the area around them.
"It's impossible to see anything," Adam said out-loud. He closed his eyes.
Her arms locked around his waist, Shannon felt him sway slightly. Frowning in concern, she lifted her head. "Are you all right?" She asked, raising her voice to be heard. "Adam, are you okay?"
Adam didn't answer. Biting her lip, Shannon let go with one hand and raised it. She hesitated and then hit his wounded shoulder. Jumping, Adam twisted around to glare at the girl. She stared back at him stubbornly, no remorse on her face. After a moment, his glare faded.
"Hang on," he said to her, turning back. "I think we're almost there."
Putting her head back down, Shannon tightened her arms around his waist as they set off again.
"Shannon, the little girl who was kidnapped from the stage, is my daughter?" Ben said slowly.
Gravely, Mrs. Mallory nodded. "She doesn't looks very much like her mother," she told him thoughtfully, her eyes studying him. "Now that I've met you I can see her resemblance to you. She has your eyes, Benjamin." She smiled briefly. "Though there is no denying she has her mother's stubborn spirit."
Bored, Scarlet crossed her arm and tapped her foot. "This is all very well and good," she interrupted. "But I think you are leaving out an important detail, dear step-mother. Tell him about Father and how hard he worked to make Shannon hate her father."
"What?" Ben frowned.
Sending a glare at Scarlet, Mrs. Mallory said, "You know Jason always hated you. He didn't think it was enough to have kept Shannon from you. He'd tell her stories of you, Benjamin, but he would twist them. He made you the villain who'd abandoned Carolyn."
"My daughter believes that about me?"
Scarlet leaned forward. "Of course she does. How would she know any different?" She asked. "You must admit, Mr. Cartwright, there is a ring of truth in it. You never should've married Carolyn in the first place and you shouldn't have let her make a trip in her condition."
Ben looked at her steadily. "I didn't know about her condition until she wrote me from San Francisco," he answered. "I already know marrying her was a mistake, but it's something I've learned to live with. What is it to you, Scarlet?"
"As soon as Father is in his grave, step mother starts making plans," Scarlet said, her eyes flashing. "Even though Father's will is specific in this matter. When Step-mother dies, Shannon will be turned over to my guardianship. Dragging her all the way out here cannot change that fact, or change her heart."
"I know I don't have much time left," Mrs. Mallory said, looking at Ben. She sighed tiredly. "I'd hoped it would be enough to put right what my husband did. I want to know that Shannon will be cared for and is safe before I die."
"Father's will was clear!" Scarlet hissed, jumping to her feet. "When you die, she is my responsibility."
Her breathing becoming ragged, Mrs. Mallory glared at her. "Benjamin is her father!" She snapped. "I have all the proof. No court or authority will take her from her father and give her to you, Scarlet! You don't deserve her!"
The red haired woman met glare for glare. "Father thought I did. Besides, you can't possibly know what a court will decide. Shannon's hatred will be enough to sway anyone," she said heatedly. "And she does hate him! Father and I made sure of that!"
"Get out!" Mrs. Mallory ordered furiously. "And don't come back!"
Scowling, Scarlet whirled and stalked out. Mrs. Mallory closed her eyes. "Leave me be," she snapped as Ben took a step towards her. "If you want to be of some use, send that doctor to me."
Concerned, Ben hurried out of the room. The sheriff and the posse had gone to the bunkhouse. "Paul, Mrs. Mallory seems to be much worse," Ben informed the man.
Nodding, Dr. Martin went into the bedroom. Joe and Hoss went over to their father as he poured a drink. "Is everything okay?" Little Joe asked, "It sounded like a lot of yelling was going on in there."
"Mrs. Mallory and her step daughter were having a dispute," Ben answered vaguely. He glanced at the clock and his frown went deeper. "Adam's not back yet?"
"He's fine, Pa," Hoss spoke up quickly. "He'll be back tomorrow."
Scarlet stood up from a chair in front of the fire. "It would appear I am to be your guest for the night, Mr. Cartwright, as no one could possibly expect a person to travel in this kind of weather," she said imperiously. "Would one of you show me to my room? And I need soemone to bring in my trunk."
"I'll see what can be arranged," Ben said politely and she smirked at him.
Again, Adam stopped to look around. He squinted in the wind and rain. Behind him, Shannon shivered against his back. "We're almost there," Adam told her over his shoulder. "At least, I think we are. Are you still all right?"
He felt the girl's head nod. There was a brief break in the rain, and Adam spotted a faint light. "There it is!"
Thoughtfully, Ben stared into the fire. In two nearby chairs, his younger sons were asleep. Hoss was snoring and Little Joe was fidgeting. Glancing at them, Ben smiled, though it quickly faded back into a frown as he looked once more at the clock.
All the sudden, Ben heard the sound of a horse outside. "Pa!" Adam's voice came over the rain. "Pa! It's me, Adam!"
Jumping up so quickly his chair fell back, Ben ran for the door. He threw it open as Little Joe and Hoss jerked out of their seats. Sport was just coming to a tired halt at the hitching post. "Adam!" Ben exclaimed, hurrying forward to the edge of the porch roof. "Where have you been? Get in out of the rain!"
"Help Shannon," Adam told him, staying where he was.
"Shannon?" Ben repeated in surprise. He moved forward and then around the horse, ignoring the cold rain. He spotted the small figure clinging to his son. He reached up and pulled her into his arms. "Adam, you found her! We've been searching all day!"
"Adam, are you all right?" Hoss asked as the search party came from the bunkhouse.
"No. Not really," Adam answered and then slid out of his saddle.
Hoss caught him before he hit the mud. With Little Joe's help, Adam was hauled inside. Carrying the shivering girl, Ben followed them in. The sheriff followed from the bunkhouse as a hired hand led the weary horse to the barn.
"Get him to his room!" Dr. Martin ordered, taking charge of the situation. "And bring lots of hot water. How's the girl?"
"I'm n-not hurt," Shannon answered, her soft voice shaking. "Just c-cold."
Frowning, the doctor hurried after Adam. "Leave her to me, Mr. Cartwright," Scarlet said as the doctor went by her on the stairs. She was wearing a white nightgown and robe. "Put her down and I will get her clean. Shannie, how could you get so dirty?"
Slowly, Ben set the girl on the floor. For a moment, Shannon looked up at him with wide, dark eyes. Scarlet stalked forward and grabbed the girl's shoulder. "You are a mess!" Scarlet declared, turning the girl and steering her up the stairs, keeping her at arm's length. "You must have all the mud from this wretched territorystuck on you."
"At least half our job is done," the sheriff commented. "Now all we have to do is track down the dirty skunks who did it. We'll be setting out at dawn as we planned."
Nodding, Ben glanced at him. He looked grim as he turned towards the guest bedroom. "I'll go tell Mrs. Mallory the good news," he said, taking a deep breath.
Sympathetically, the sheriff watched him open the door and go in. Before Ben could say a word, Mrs. Mallory spoke up. "So you've finally found her? What, may I ask, took so long?"
"My oldest son, Adam, found her," Ben answered, unable to keep the relief out of his voice. "Shannon's not hurt, just cold and exhausted. When she's clean and rested, she'll be down to see you. Scarlet insisted on looking after her."
The woman snorted and said nothing. "Mrs. Mallory, why did you bring Shannon here?" Ben asked bluntly. "If Scarlet is telling the truth, Shannon is only going to end up hurt."
Mrs. Mallory shook her head. "Scarlet is poison. You best watch out for her, Benjamin, and do not believe a word she says. If you do not take responsibility for Shannon, if you don't fight for her, she'll end up just like Scarlet. Think about that for awhile. Now let an old woman get some rest."
Shaken, Ben backed out of the room. He shut the door and sighed. He glanced at the stairs and shook his head. Hop-Sing hurried past him with hot water, muttering in Chinese. "Get off floor!" The cook snapped. "You get mud and water all over!"
Looking down, Ben gave a slight laugh and hurried to do as the cook ordered.
Just before dawn, after getting only a few hours rest, Ben sat staring into the fire. He glanced back as Dr. Martin came out the guest room, looking very grave. "How is she?" Ben asked. The doctor just shook his head in response. "That's what I was afraid of."
"Are you joining the posse today?" Dr. Martin asked, rubbing his eyes tiredly. "I'll stick around to keep an eye on Adam and the girl."
Ben hesitated. "I hadn't decided yet."
"Excuse me," a soft voice spoke up from the stairs. The two men turned to see Shannon standing on the landing. She was dressed in a too-large nightgown and had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. "May I see my grandmother?"
"What are you doing up now?" Dr. Martin demanded, scolding as he went towards her. "You need your rest, young lady."
"Please," Shannon asked, looking beyond the doctor to Ben.
Sighing, Dr. Martin looked from her to Ben, who was nodding. "All right," he said, giving in. He gestured and led the way to the guest room. He opened the door as the girl came down the rest of the stairs and across the great room. "Don't stay too long. Your grandmother is very weak."
Nodding, Shannon entered the room. Dr. Martin closed the door behind her. "How about some coffee, Ben?" the doctor asked.
"I was just thinking I could use some," Ben answered, his eyes on the bedroom door. "I have something I'd like to talk over with you. Let's go to the kitchen."
Slowly, Shannon walked from the door to the bed. "Grandmother? It's me, Shannon," She called very softly. She took a seat on the bed beside the woman. She took a thin hand into hers and held it up to her cheek. "Grandmother?"
There was no response and the hand was cold against her cheek. Fearfully, Shannon laid her head on the old woman's chest. Gasping, she sat up sharply and dropped the hand. She jerked out of her seat and backed away, tears filling her dark eyes.
Behind her, the door opened. "There you are!" Scarlet hissed, grabbing the girl's shoulder and jerking her around. She glared down at the small girl. "Just what do you think you're doing, sneaking around behind my back?"
Wide-eyed, Shannon stared up at her aunt. "I just wanted to talk to Grandmother," she whispered tremulously. "She's...she's dead."
"How many times must I tell you that she is not your grandmother?" Scarlet demanded harshly. She pushed her niece out of the room. "So she's finally dead? Get upstairs and get dressed. We're leaving this instant!"
Forcefully, she thrust the girl away. Crying out, Shannon stumbled and hit the side of an arm chair. She slid to the ground and stared up at her aunt. "Get up and do as I say!" Scarlet ordered impatiently, stepping towards the girl threateningly.
"Don't you touch her!"
Gasping, Scarlet whirled to see Ben by the dining table with the doctor right behind him. He strode forward and put himself between Scarlet and Shannon.
"This is none of your affair, Cartwright," Scarlet snapped. "She's an annoying child and deserves punishing."
"You're not welcome here, now or any other time, Miss Mallory," Ben told her coolly. "You weren't invited. Get out of my home before I drag you out. I don't want you stepping foot on my property again."
Taken aback, Scarlet glared. "Shannon comes with me."
Trembling, Shannon closed her eyes. Tears started running down her cheeks. Ben glanced at her and his face hardened. "Get out now," he ordered very quietly, focusing back on the woman. "You aren't going anywhere near her."
Glaring, Scarlet stood her ground. Ben took a step towards her, his eyes blazing. She flinched and stepped back. "Fine," she hissed. "But this isn't over, Cartwright. You haven't won and I will make sure you never do."
Barely controlling his anger, Ben watched her vanish back up the stairs. Turning, he knelt down. "Shannon, did she hurt you?" He asked gently. He reached out and touched her shoulder. She jerked away. "I'm not going to hurt you. Just tell me what's wrong, sweetheart."
"She's dead," Shannon said, opening her eyes. "Grandmother's dead."
Dr. Martin quickly entered the guest room. "Everything's going to be all right," Ben said soothingly. He reached out and pulled the crying girl into his arms. He was surprised to feel her tense up. He rubbed her back as he used to do when his boys were small and upset.
Shannon started to shake with sobs, burying her face in his shoulder. Dr. Martin came out of the room and closed the door as the girl began to border on hysterical. He got something out of his bag, mixed it in a glass of water, and carried it over to Ben.
"Here," the doctor said, holding the glass out. "This will make her sleep. It's the best thing for her right now."
Together they managed to get her to drink it. Slowly, Shannon's sobs stopped. Leaning against Ben, she started to close her eyes. Her hand went to her neck. "My necklace," she whispered, lifting her head. "I lost my mother's necklace."
Scarlet came down the stairs as Shannon laid her head back against Ben's shoulder and closed her eyes again. Sneering at the scene, Scarlet walked out of the house.
"The posse will be getting ready to leave soon," Dr. Martin said, checking the clock.
"I know," Ben answered, looking down at the sleeping girl he held. Carefully, he stood up, lifting Shannon in his arms. "I'll put her in bed and get the boys up."
It was late afternoon when Shannon woke up. Yawning, she looked around the strange room in confusion. "Oh," she breathed as she remembered. She slid out of bed and walked to the window.
Opening the curtain, she blinked in the bright sunlight. There was no one in sight outside. Turning, Shannon spotted her dress from the day before on a chair, clean and ready for her. She changed into it, ignoring the stockings and boots by the quickly braided her hair in a single braid to hang down her back.
Ready to face whatever lay in store, Shannon left the room. Barefoot, she went silently down the hallway and started down the stairs. On the half-landing she paused and looked around the great room.
Dr. Martin was dozing in a chair beside the now cool fireplace. Frowning, Shannon went the rest of the way down the steps. At the same time, Hop-Sing entered the room. He saw the girl and a smile crossed his face. He set his tray down and hurried towards her.
"Missy wake now," he said, bowing to her in greeting. "Vely hungry? Mistah Cartlight say I take care of you."
"Vely hungry," Shannon repeated, a slow smile forming. She pressed her palms together and bowed to him. In precise and clear Chinese, she continued, "I am named Shannon. I am pleased to meet you."
Very surprised, Hop-Sing bowed again, a grin on his face. "I am Hop-Sing," he informed her also in Chinese. "You speak this language well, Missy Shannon. Where you learn to speak it so well?"
"A maid, Ling Wai, instructed me," Shannon answered, switching to English. "I am out of practice."
"I have cousin Ling Wai," Hop-Sing said in English. "You practice over food. Come."
From his chair, Dr. Martin watched the girl follow the cook to the kitchen. Smiling, he shook his head.
It was late when Ben and his two younger sons arrived back at the ranch. Dr. Martin folded his paper and stood up to greet them. "Did you catch them?" He asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Yep, the sheriff took them into jail," Hoss answered in his normal tone. The doctor put his finger to his lips. "What's wrong?"
With a smile, Dr. Martin gestured to the settee. The three Cartwrights moved to look. Shannon was curled up, fast asleep. "She tried to stay up until you got back," he explained quietly as the three looked down on the girl. "I haven't had the heart to disturb her to get her upstairs."
Looking tired, Ben walked around and bent down. "I'll put her to bed," He said softly. He lifted her up. Sighing, Shannon shifted and rested her head against his chest. "I'll be back down for supper."
He carried the girl upstairs to the bedroom. He laid her down on the bed and pulled the blanket up to cover her. He pulled a silver chain and pendant out of his pocket. He threaded it through the fingers of her right hand. He bent down and kissed her forehead.
As he turned and walked out, Shannon's eyes flicked open. Sleepily, she watched him leave and a smile crossed her face. She tightened her fingers around the necklace and closed her eyes.
"They gave up without a fight," Little Joe was reporting to the doctor as Ben came down the stairs. "They hadn't even left the cave."
"I'm glad everything has been settled without further problem," Dr. Martin said, glancing at his friend. "I'll head out tomorrow. I have several patients to attend to. I'll make all the arrangements for Mrs. Mallory's funeral for you, Ben."
"Thank you, Paul," Ben responded, sitting down. He picked up his fork. "Hoss, tomorrow, I'd like for you to show Shannon the Ponderosa."
"Yessir," Hoss answered, pausing briefly from eating.
"But, Pa, we've got a lot of things to catch up on," Little Joe argued. "Why can't Scarlet Mallory take care of the girl?"
Ben looked up sharply and leveled his gaze on his youngest son. "Her name is Shannon, so use it," he said firmly. "You can handle things. I want Hoss to show Shannon around."
Dr. Martin waited expectantly, but no more was said on the subject. He frowned at Ben and opened his mouth to say something. The warning look Ben sent at him made him stop. The frown remained on his face. What was Ben up to?
"How's Adam?" Ben asked, changing the subject.
"He's doing fine, Ben," Dr. Martin answered. "He slept most of the day. I've given permission for him to get up tomorrow afternoon as long as he does no work and takes it easy. You'll have to see that he does so."
Nodding, Ben smiled. "He has a new book so it won't be all that difficult to get him to just sit," he responded. He finished the food on his plate. "I'm turning in. Good-night, Paul, boys."
The next morning, Shannon followed Hoss all around the Ponderosa. She listened with all seriousness to everything he said. He saddled up a small mare for her and took her farther away from the house to see the countryside.
Late that afternoon, Hoss brought her back inside and immediately pulled the map off the wall. "Excuse me, Pa," he said, laying it on the desk on top of all the other papers. "There you go, Miss Shan. That's the Ponderosa. All one thousand square acres of it."
Frowning, Shannon leaned over the map. "It's very big," she said. "What do you do besides raise cattle and break horses?"
"We sell timber to the mining companies," Ben answered, delighted at her curiosity. He pointed to a place on the map. "For every Ponderosa Pine we fall, we plant another to go in it's place. That way the balance of nature isn't disturbed."
"Hmm," Shannon responded, running her finger along the outline of the ranch on the map. She took a step back. "Thank you for showing me. It's all very interesting."
She spotted Adam sitting by the fireplace with a book. As Hoss put the map back up, she walked over and came to a stop in front of him. She didn't say anything, just looked at him. He finally looked up at her with raised eyebrows.
"Thank you," she said very seriously. "For rescuing me."
"Your welcome," Adam answered with equal seriousness. "I am sorry to hear your grandmother is dead. You have my condolences."
Shannon turned sharply and walked away. She went to the bookshelf under the rifles and started to examine the books. Adam glanced at Ben, who shrugged in response. For a moment, they all watched the girl study the book titles.
"Where did you go today?" Ben asked Hoss as Adam went back to his book.
"Nowhere in particular." Hoss answered, keeping his eye on the girl. "I showed her the new herd we have to break and then took her to see the herd of cattle in the low pasture. She wanted to know everything about the Ponderosa."
At that moment, Little Joe came in. "Hey, Pa!" He called out. "Hoss, Adam. How was your day?"
"Oh, it was just fine," Hoss responded. He gestured to Shannon, who had turned and was looking at Joe curiously. "This is Shannon. Shan, my little brother Joe. Shannon wants to see you break some of them horses in the corral."
"Little, huh?" Joe repeated, ignoring the last statement. His tone was only half joking. "When am I going to get some respect around here? I just spent the whole day doing everyone's chores."
A frown formed on Shannon's face. She looked from Ben to Hoss. "Is that true?" She asked. She focused on Hoss, who wouldn't meet her gaze. "Hoss, were you kept from your work because of me?"
"Aw, there wasn't anything important," Hoss answered vaguely. "Joe's exagerating."
Hop-Sing spoke up from the table. "Dinner ready. Wait too long it get cold."
Hoss crossed the room quickly, anxious to get away from the awkward situation. "We're coming, Hop-Sing, and I am starving," he said, moving to take his seat. He reached for a bowl. He looked startled as Hop-Sing smacked his hand.
"Wait for Missy be seated," Hop-Sing scolded.
Flushing, Shannon was the last one to the table. Hop-Sing held out a chair at Ben's right hand for her. Keeping her head down, the girl slid into the seat. Everyone else sat down and again Hoss reached for the food. He pulled his hand back as Hop-Sing glared.
"What now?" Hoss asked.
"Missy go first," Hop-Sing insisted. "Her littlest. Need food more than you."
Shannon's face was bright red. "Hop-Sing, please do not make a big fuss about this," she begged in soft Chinese. All the men's heads turned sharply to stare at her. She gave him a quick smile. "I promise I will get enough without you hovering over me."
Hop-Sing bowed to her. "As you please," he responded in his sing-song English. He vanished to the kitchen.
"Shannon, where did you learn Chinese?" Ben asked curiously.
"Hop-Sing's fourth cousin, Ling Wai, taught me," Shannon answered, her face still red. "She was my grandmother's maid. I am sadly out of practice."
"Didn't sound like it to me," Little Joe answered. "I didn't think there were many Chinese in the east."
Puzzled, Shannon looked at him. "There's not," she informed him. "When I was born, my grandparents left San Francisco and my grandmother brought Ling Wai with her back to New York. Ling Wai looked after me until I was four years old."
"That's all very interesting," Hoss said, eyeing a bowl at Shannon's elbow. "But would you pass me those mashed potatoes? I don't want to get Ol' Hop-Sing mad at me by reaching across the table. He's liable to quit on us if I do."
With a faint smile, Shannon passed him the bowl. "I went into town to get some more fencing," Little Joe said, changing the subject. "I heard the strangest thing. Scarlet Mallory is trying to get those men out of jail on bail."
Shannon's fork hit the table. "She's what?" Ben demanded.
"Yeah," Joe said, reaching for a roll. "The sheriff told her a judge has to do that sort of thing, but she's making a big fuss about it."
Adam glanced at Shannon. She was staring at Little Joe, her face pale. "I think we should find a different subject to talk about during supper," Adam suggested.
"I agree," Ben said firmly, and changed the subject.
The sun was bright the next day. There were very few people in the graveyard. Alone, dressed in a hideous black dress, Shannon stood by the new grave. keeping an eye on her, the Cartwrights stood respectfully at the back of the graveyard.
"Mr. Cartwright," Scarlet Mallory said, interrupting his conversation with the doctor. She was dressed in a bright green dress with no hint of black. "I would like to speak to you in private. I'm staying at the International House, so I will wait for you there."
Sighing, Ben nodded. Scarlet smiled and turned away. She walked out of the graveyard, going silently by her niece. Briefly, Shannon lifted her head and watched the woman go. Sighing, she looked back down at the grave, her right hand rubbing her silver necklace.
"Boys," Ben said, getting the attention of Hoss and Little Joe, both of whom looked uncomfortable with the whole situation. "Take Shannon to the general store. I'll be along as soon as I can."
Nodding, Hoss approached the girl. Without a word, he put his arm around her shoulders and led her away from the grave. Little Joe trailed along behind. Dr. Martin and Ben watched them start down the street.
"I take it you still haven't told any of them," the doctor commented casually. Ben shook his head and the doctor looked indignant. "Ben, what are you waiting for? They need to know or someone is going to get hurt."
"There hasn't been a good time," Ben excused himself.
"When is it ever a good time to say, by the way I married a woman you hated and this is my daughter?"
Ben smiled. "I have to do this the right way, Paul," he insisted. "Shannon was raised to hate her father. The boys are not going to take to kindly to that especially since they did not like Carolyn. Any way I look at it, Shannon is going to be hurt. I don't want a war started in my house."
"Then why don't you just hand her over to Scarlet Mallory and be done with it?"
Startled, Ben looked at his friend sharply. "Shannon is my daughter, and I am not going to give her up," he said, his tone sharp. "How can you even suggest that knowing the kind of person Scarlet is and the way she treated Shannon?"
"I had to be sure," Dr. Martin answered, holding up his hands. He reached into his pocket and pulled several papers out. "Mrs. Mallory gave these to me for safe keeping. It's your marriage license, letters you wrote to Carolyn, that sort of thing. All the proof you will need to win if it comes to a court room battle."
Surprised, Ben took the papers. "I'm hoping it won't come to that," he said.
"If she thinks she's going to win, Scarlet Mallory will make sure it comes to that," Dr. Martin said in response.
"Well, then," Ben said. "I should go have that talk with Miss Mallory."
Impatiently, Scarlet tapped her foot. The instant she saw Ben enter the lobby a slow, confident smile crossed her face. She stood up. "Why didn't you bring Shannon?" She demanded.
"This is between you and me, Scarlet," Ben answered, keeping his voice low.
"Precisely," Scarlet exclaimed smiling. "Let's keep it between me and you. Now, I don't want anyone to get hurt, Mr. Cartwright. It would be best for everyone concerned, and that includes you, if you were just to hand her over to me immediately."
Firmly, Ben shook his head. "She's my daughter and I'm not ashamed of that."
Scarlet smirked. "I think a judge will find that hard to believe since you haven't had anything to do with her since she was born!" she said, her voice raising. "You're treading on dangerous ground, Mr. Cartwright. What do you think will happen when Shannon finds out her new friends are really the family who abandoned her?"
"We did not abandon her," Ben snapped. "What judge would let her stay with you when you try to let a group of murderers out of jail?"
The woman looked taken aback. Then, her eyes narrowed. "Why don't we put it before Shannon and see which one she thinks is worse?" She suggested maliciously. She turned swiftly and headed determinedly for the door.
Quickly, Ben followed after her. Outside, he grabbed her arm and pulled her to a stop. "Scarlet, leave the girl alone," he told her, maneuvering so that he was between her and the street. "You have hurt her enough."
"Let go of me!" Scarlet exclaimed loudly, taking advantage of the fact that there were several people within hearing distance. Ben did so, but stood his ground. A sly smile crossed her face and her green eyes glittered. "Why Mr. Cartwright! I believe you want to keep the truth from her!"
Across the street, Shannon was looking at all the candy in the store window. She spotted her aunt and Ben on the opposite sidewalk. Frowning, Shannon glanced over her shoulder. Hoss and Little Joe were talking with the storekeeper. She walked out of the store.
"Scarlet, let's go back inside and talk this over like adults," Ben said, concious of the looks they were getting. "Shannon doesn't need to be dragged into this."
Scarlet looked past him and saw the girl. "Why, there she is now," she exclaimed. She stepped forward and shoved Ben into the street. Stepping around him as he fell onto his back, she marched across the street. "Shannie! I want to speak to you!"
Standing on the sidewalk, Shannon watched her aunt come across the street. The girl backed up as Scarlet grabbed the her arm. "Come on, let's take a walk," she urged, tugging insistently. "I have important news for you."
"No," Shannon said, bracing her feet. She looked around the woman and saw Ben getting to his feet. "Why did you push him? You should not have done that."
"Forget about him," Scarlet said in exasperation. She pulled harder. "This is very important, Shannie. Now come on. You're making a scene."
Shannon frowned. "No, I'm not. You are," she corrected, pulling in the opposite direction. There was a small crowd forming. "I don't want to go with you. You're hurting my arm!"
Scowling, Scarlet tightened her grip. Her brown eyes flashing, Shannon wrenched her arm free and shoved her aunt away. Startled, Scarlet reeled back and caught herself against the hitching post. Shannon crossed her arms, her dark eyes flashing angrily.
"Scarlet, this is not the time or place to talk about this," Ben said, breaking through the crowd.
"I think it is," Scarlet snapped. "She has the right to know that her father is Ben Cartwright!"
There were sharp gasps in the crowd as everyone turned to Ben for confirmation. Scarlet smirked in triumph. In the doorway of the general store, Hoss and Little Joe stood with their jaws hanging. Ben kept his eyes on the girl in the middle of the crowd.
In the silence that followed, Shannon's eyes met Ben's. "I already know that," she said quietly.
"Break it up!" Sheriff Coffee called out, pushing through the crowd. "Now I'm not going to ask again, folks. Anyone who's still here in one minute is going to get thrown in jail for disturbing the peace."
Their attention cauhgt by that threat, people hurried away quickly, talking in excited whispers. Scarlet scowled once more at her niece. "This is far from over, Cartwright. You haven't won, yet," she hissed. She whirled and stalked back to her hotel.
"Pa?" Little Joe spoke up, his voice disbelieving.
Ben stepped forward, his eyes never leaving Shannon's. "Get the buggy," he ordered. "I'll explain at home."
Little Joe was about to demand more, but Hoss pulled him away. "Thank you, Roy," Ben said gratefully. Nodding, the sheriff wandered away to give them some privacy. "How long have you known?" The man asked the girl gently.
"Since I could read," Shannon answered. Her right hand was clutching her necklace in what Ben recognized as a nervous habit. "Right before she died, my mother wrote me a letter and gave it to Ling Wai for safekeeping."
"What about the stories Scarlet and your grandfather told you?" Ben asked.
Shannon shook her head. "He was drunk most of the time I was near him," she explained in a soft, sad voice. "And she was never consistent."
"Oh, Shannon," Ben told her swiftly. He reached out and pulled her into his arms. After remaining tense for a moment, she relaxed against him. "If I'd had any indication that they were lying to me, I would've come looking for you."
"I know," Shannon whispered. She wound her arms around Ben's neck.
"Let's go home," Ben said. "I still have to explain to the boys."
Shannon looked at him anxiously as she pulled away. "They're not going to accept me are they?"
"They will, once the shock wear's off," Ben said confidently. "Come on."
Ben sat on the settee with Shannon beside him. Adam and Hoss were sitting in opposite chairs across from them. Little Joe stood by the fireplace. "Adam, you know most of the story," Ben began. he took a deep breath. "Boys, I was married four times, not three."
Adam nodded. "Four?" Little Joe repeated. "To who?"
"You all met her once," Ben explained. "Twelve years ago. You see, I'd married Carolyn in San Fransisco, right after Marie died. As soon as I had, I realized what a mistake it was. I came back home to try and find a way to explain, but before I could, she was here."
"Carolyn?" Hoss exclaimed. "I remember her."
"You were married to that witch?" Little Joe exclaimed, staring at his Pa in horror.
Flinching, Shannon closed her eyes. "I will not have you refer to Carolyn like that," Ben told him sternly. "She was a fine woman. You didn't know her."
Little Joe snorted. "I remember plenty about her," he said. "She hated it out here. She hated me and Hoss and Adam. She wanted to take you away from us, but then she just left."
"Yes," Ben said. "She couldn't take it out here and she wasn't coming back, so I didn't say anything about my marriage to her. It was a couple months later when i recieved her letter. She was carrying my child, and didn't want it."
"Pa told me then," Adam spoke up. His brothers looked at him. "But I'd already guessed. Pa started to make arrangements to go to San Fransisco before I left for college."
"I was prepared to tell you boys the whole story then," Ben said earnestly. "That's when I got a telegram from Jason Mallory, Carolyn's father. he said Carolyn had died in childbirth, and so had the child. There was no point to say anything then."
Everyone looked at the girl. "So they lied?" Adam asked simply.
Ben nodded, tightening his arm around his daughter. "And now you know," he said. "I'm sorry I never told you, Hoss, Joe. I didn't want to hurt you."
"So," Joe said slowly. "First, we have Carolyn who wanted to take you away. And now her daughter is here to do the same thing. How do you know she's really your daughter?"
"Joseph!" Ben thundered. "That's enough!"
Scowling, Little Joe leaned against the wall. "Well, doggone," Hoss spoke up. A grin spread across his face. "A sister. I always wanted a sister. Just you wait, Shan. I'm going to find the prettiest, and sweetest tempered horse just for you."
Shannon smiled faintly at him, but her gaze went to Little Joe. He looked at her with narrowed eyes. "You don't belong here," he snapped at her. He stood up and walked out of the house, slamming the door behind him.
Everyone flinched. "Well, that went over well," Adam commented. He stood up. "I'm going to get ready for supper."
Hanging her head, Shannon closed her eyes. "Don't worry," Ben said. He put his arm around her. "Little Joe lets his temper get away from him. He'll settle down and apologize after he thinks about it for awhile. Adam just needs some time to get used to the idea."
"What if they don't?" Shannon whispered.
Ben hesitated. "Don't think like that," he told her.
Thoughtfully, Shannon unpacked her small trunk and set her things around her room. Besides her books, she had nothing of any importance from her life in the east. She turned around as there was a knock on the door. "Come in," she said.
"Mistah Hoss ready to take you on ride," Hop-Sing announced, opening the door. He bowed to her and spoke in Chinese. "Do not look so sad, Missy Shannon. You are with family now."
Sighing, Shannon shook her head. "Half of them will not accept me as family."
"They will," Hop-Sing assured her, switching to english. "They just disliked Missy Carolyn."
"Yeah, I got that impression," Shannon responded. She forced a smile. "I better not keep Hoss waiting."
Hop-Sing followed her down the stairs. Adam glanced up from the book he was reading and then continued on without a word. Shannon hesitated, opening her mouth to say something. Instead, she gave a slight smile and hurried outside.
"You be ashamed," Hop-Sing said sharply to Adam. The man looked up in surprise, but the cook didn't say anything else as he hurried to the kitchen.
Ben rode Buck up to where his third wife was buried. From a distance, he spotted Cochise ground tehtered next to the gravestone. Head bowed, Little Joe was crouched in front of the gravestone, his hand resting on the cold marble.
Dismounting, Ben walked up to his youngest son. "Joseph," he said quietly. The seventeen year old didn't move or say anything. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I just want you to know, I don't love your mother any less beacause I married Carolyn."
"Why did you do it, Pa?" Little Joe demanded. "If it was such a mistake, why?"
"I can't say for sure," Ben admitted. "I was lonely, and Carolyn could be so sweet and charming. I thought the pain of your mother's death would go away if I married again. It was not my intention to make you or your brothers be hurt for my mistakes."
Little Joe continued to stare down at his mother's grave. "Please don't be mad at Shannon for what was my mistake," Ben pleaded. "She needs us, joe. We are the only family she has, besides Scarlet."
"Some family she is," Little Joe snorted. "All right, Pa. For your sake, I'll be nice."
"Thank you, Joe," Ben said in relief. "That'll do for a start."
Walking across the yard to the barn, Shannon couldn't see any sign of her brother. "Hoss?" She called out, stepping into the barn.
"Hello again," Charlie said, stepping out and grabbing her from behind. He clamped his hand over her mouth before she could make a sound. He laughed in her ear. "I see you do remember me. Your brother is over there."
Shannon followed the direction of his nod. Her eyes widened as she saw only Hoss' feet. Laughing again, Charlie dragged her out of the barn. As she clawed to be free, Shannon pulled her necklace off and dropped it. She struggled every step of the way until they reached the back of the barn.
"Hello, Shannie," Scarlet said from the waiting buggy. "Tie her and gag her. We've got to leave."
A moan sounded in the back of Shannon's throat as a handkerchief was tied around her mouth. Her hands and feet were tied. Roughly, Charlie tossed her into the back of the buggy. Climbing up, he took the reigns and drove the buggy away from the Ponderosa.
Just before noon, Ben rode into the yard with Little Joe. "I'll put the horses up, son," Ben said as he dismounted. "You go apologize to your sister."
Hanging his head, Little Joe walked into the house. Adam looked up from his book. "Where's Shannon?" Joe asked. "I want to apologize."
"Out riding with Hoss," Adam answered in interest. "What do you want to apologize for? Are you sorry about calling her mother a witch? Or for saying she's just like her mother?"
Little Joe glared at him. "Sorry about it all," he snapped. He took a deep breath and ran his hand through his hair. "I overreacted and let my temper get the better of me. I shouldn't have and I want to apologize to her."
"Joseph! Adam!" Ben shouted from outside. "Come quick!" Puzzled, Little Joe hurried out. Getting to his feet, Adam followed. They spotted their father supporting Hoss in the doorway of the barn. Together, they dashed to help.
"What happened?" Adam asked. He glanced around. "Where's Shannon?"
"I don't know," Hoss answered, holding his head. He winced. "I just came to. Someone came up behind me and hit me over the head when I was saddling the horses to take Shannon riding."
"That was this morning!" Adam exclaimed.
"Pa!" Little Joe exclaimed. He knelt down and picked up something up. He rose and held it out to his father. The silver heart pendant gleamed in the sun.
"She's gone," Ben said, taking it from him. "She'd never leave this behind unless she had no choice."
Adam took charge. "Little Joe, ride for the sheriff and bring the doctor back with you," he ordered. Nodding, Little Joe set off. "Pa, let's get Hoss inside. No doubt he's suffering from a concussion."
Dazed, Ben nodded. "I just got her," he murmured. "And she's been taken away again."
"We'll find her Pa," Adam said firmly. "Somehow. We'll get her back for you."
Author's Notes: Yeah, I'm one of those terrible Bonanza fans who thinks it would have been awesome if there had been a Cartwright daughter. Please don't kill me!
Reviews would be appreciated since this my first fanfic and I'd like to know how I did. Please no flames, but I will understand if you didn't like it.
