Author's Notes: While I did have this as a separate story, I've decided to take the advice of a few of my reviewers and put Shannon all together. I'm sorry to everyone who reviewed this part when it was a separate story!

And special thanks go to my sister, who is a patient and helpful beta. Thanks!

Disclaimer: I do not own Bonanza, or the song Early One Morning. Shannon and Scarlet Mallory are mine.

Wiping sweat off his brow, seventeen year old Joe Cartwright walked into the great room. "Pa, the fencing in the south pasture has been fixed," he reported. "When Hoss gets back with the supplies, we'll be ready to start on the west side."

Looking up from the papers on his desk, Ben Cartwright just nodded at his son and then returned to his work. Feeling dismissed, Little Joe walked over to the dinning room table where his older brother, Adam, was drinking coffee. "Is it just me or has he been working himself harder and harder these past few weeks?" he asked in a low voice.

Adam glanced over at their father. "He's trying not to think about Shannon," he answered, in explanation.

Little Joe shrugged. "Why did Hoss have to go all the way to Placerville for the supplies?" he asked. "We can get all we need in Virginia City."

"You know it made a good excuse to look around Placerville for clues to where Scarlet Mallory went with Shannon," Adam replied sharply. He took a deep breath and shook his head. "He may find something since all our other leads were false trails."

"I still don't understand why that woman took Shannon," Joe complained. "She's just a kid."

Leaning back in his chair, Adam nodded. "I don't think any of us know," he admitted. "Joe, this thing with Shannon still being gone is worrying Pa more than he's admitting. It's been three months and there's no trace of her or Scarlet Mallory. Something-"

He was interrupted by a loud knock at the door. Hop-Sing came hurrying from the kitchen to open the door. "Hello, hop-Sing," Sheriff Coffee said. "Is Ben around?"

The sound of his long time friend's voice caught Ben's attention. He stood up and hurried to the door. "What are you doing out here, Roy?" Ben asked with a welcoming smile. "Come inside and have something to drink."

"No, Ben," Sheriff Coffee declined, taking his hat off as he and a stranger stepped inside. "It'll just make this harder to say." He remembered his manners and gestured to his companion. "This is Sheriff Ron Brigge from down in Texas. These are the Cartwrights. Ben and two of his sons, Adam and Little Joe."

The stranger nodded to them. "Pleased to meet you, though I wish it were under better circumstances."

"What's going on?" Little Joe asked, his curiosity piqued.

Sheriff Coffee looked at his companion. "Well, about three weeks ago, the stage broke down in the middle of the desert," Sheriff Brigge began, holding his hat awkwardly. "The driver took one of the horses to get help and left the passengers. By the time he got back, there had been a death because of the heat."

"Ben, I think you should sit down," Roy spoke up. "I think you all should sit down."

Frowning, Ben gestured to the furniture in front of the fireplace. Everyone took a seat. Hop-Sing hovered in the dinning room. "What does this have to do with us?" Adam asked. "No one we know was going to Texas."

"The victim was a little girl," Sheriff Brigge admitted sadly. Ben clutched the arms of his chair. "They buried her out there and reported it when the stage finally reached my town. The girl's aunt informed me of it."

"No!" Ben whispered, his face going pale. "It can't be! Not Shannon!"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Cartwright. I can't tell you how sorry I am about this," the Texas sheriff said, bowing his head. "The woman identified herself as Scarlet Mallory and the dead girl as Shannon Cartwright."

Ben buried his face in his hands. Adam and Little Joe just looked shocked. Hop-Sing muttered in Chinese. "I expected to get here sooner to tell you," Brigge continued, earnestly. "But it wasn't until recently that I got some free time. Miss Mallory gave me a message to tell you and I didn't think it was one I should send in a telegram."

"What?" Adam asked coldly.

Brigge flinched. "She said to tell Ben Cartwright she'd won," he answered. He frowned and shook his head. "She didn't seem too sad over the little girl's passing. In fact, she seemed as pleased as she could be."

"She killed her," Ben hissed, looking up. Fury showed beneath his grief. "This wouldn't have happened if she hadn't of kidnapped Shannon. If I ever see her again I will make sure Scarlet Mallory will pay for what she's done."

Adjusting his hat, Hoss walked into the store in Placerville. "Hello, Mister Jones," he said to the man behind the counter. "."

"Hoss Cartwright!" Mr. Jones exclaimed, hurrying around to shake the other man's hand. "What are you doing out this way?"

"I'm looking for someone," Hoss explained, leaning against the counter. "I figured you might have seen her. A red haired woman named Scarlet Mallory, has a temper, and can be down right unpleasant. Have you seen her?"

Regretfully, Jones shook his head. "Sorry, Hoss," he answered. "I don't think anyone of that description has been in here. Did you check at the hotel?"

"First thing," Hoss answered with a sigh. "Since I'm here, we need some fencing supplies, if you have some on hand. I'd like to get headed back home this afternoon."

The storekeeper flinched. "I'll do the best I can, Hoss," he said. "I'm a little short-handed right now. As you probably noticed as you rode in, there's hardly anyone left in town. Every able bodied man is out looking for the little girl."

"A little girl is missing?" Hoss asked, sympathetically. "Anything I can do to help?"

"No, and she don't need any sympathy," Jones responded. "It's a little orphan from the school just down the street. The little thing has only been there for two months and this is the tenth time she's run away. Frankly, the town's getting tired of her."

"She's probably homesick," Hoss said diplomatically. "I'll give you a hand loading the wagon."

The skinny storekeeper smiled in relief. "I'd appreciate that Hoss."

It was getting late in the afternoon when Hoss tossed the last of the supplies into the back of the wagon. As he turned, he spotted a group of riders coming into town. Most of them dismounted in front of the saloon and went in. One rider went past Hoss, and there was a smaller, indistinguishable figure in front of the man.

"Tracker Joe got her again," Mr. Jones commented, coming up behind Hoss. "He usually does. He can follow any trail, so it's a simple thing for him to catch Miss Shannon."

"Miss Shannon?" Hoss repeated with a frown. He watched as down the street the man hauled the small figure up to the porch of the school. A woman came out and then pulled the girl inside.

Jones was nodding. "Yep. Shannon Mallory," he explained. He gave a short laugh. "You know she told a wild story when she first got here. She said her last name was really Cartwright and that she'd been kidnapped from the Ponderosa. How about that, huh?"

Spinning, Hoss grabbed the man's arms. "This girl, is she a little bitty thing?" He demanded. "Big brown eyes and kind of red gold hair?"

"Yeah!" Jones answered, startled. "How'd you know that?"

Releasing the man, Hoss headed for the school. "Hey, Hoss!" Jones called out. "I thought you wanted to get back to Virginia City! Where're you going?"

Shaking his head, Dr. Paul Martin came out of the bedroom. He just waved his hand at Adam and Joe, who were waiting in the hallway. The doctor led the way downstairs where Sheriff Coffee was.

"How is he, Doc?" Coffee asked in concern.

"I made him take a sedative," Dr. Martin reported. "He just seemed very, very angry and kept saying he'd make Miss Mallory pay. I believe he'll be all right when he's had a chance to grieve. It's a terrible shock."

"He's right," Little Joe spoke up. He looked up, his eyes gleaming angrily. "Pa's right. Scarlet Mallory stole Shannon from us and dragged her across the desert. Is she even going to be punished for that?"

"Now just cool down there, son," Sheriff Coffee told him sharply. "Don't go off half-cocked and get itchin' for revenge. Let the law handle this. Sheriff Brigge is going to look into finding out where Miss Mallory went."

Adam shook his head. "What good will that do?" He asked. "We've been looking for these past three months and there's no trace of her. A three week old trail will be cold and useless."

"It's better than anything else," the sheriff told him. "I'm just as sorry as anyone about what happened, but there's no use being angry over what was obviously an accident. You're not going to bring your sister back like that."

"How're we going to tell Hoss?" Little Joe asked abruptly. "He'll be heartbroken when he hears."

"Where is that brother of yours?" Dr. Martin asked.

Little Joe sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "He went to Placerville," he answered. "He'll be back any day."

"Well, I'll keep an eye out for him," Sheriff Coffee said. "When he comes through town, I'll let him know."

Again, Adam shook his head. "No," Adam responded sharply. He walked over to the door and opened it. "He's our brother. We'll tell him. Thank you for coming, Paul. We'll take care of Pa."

The doctor and sheriff left the house reluctantly. Adam turned to his youngest brother. "Where did that come from?" He asked, his eyebrows raised. "I didn't think you even liked the girl."

Little Joe shifted under the look. "It's the principle of the matter," he answered. "No one should mess with a Cartwright and get away with it." He shot his own hard look at Adam. "What about you? You weren't any nicer to her."

"I saw Pa lose two wives he loved," Adam answered sharply. "He shouldn't have to go through losing one of his children, without someone paying the price."

"And you think I'm being hot-headed?" Joe demanded.

"Why you argue?" Hop-Sing snapped from the dinning room. "You no do father good."

The brothers went in opposite directions as the cook ranted in threatening Chinese. "I knew that girl would hurt our family," Little Joe muttered under his breath. "Just like her mother!"

The light from the sun was quickly fading. Hoss could hear yelling inside the large brick house as he walked up to the door of the school. He knocked on the door and played with his hat in his hands.

Several minutes passed before a young woman pulled the door open. "Can I help you sir?" She asked, sounding distracted and aggravated.

"Yes, ma'am, are you in charge here?" Hoss asked respectfully.

"No, I'm one of the teachers," the woman answered, brushing a lock of brown hair out of her face. She flinched as a door slammed somewhere in the house. "You want Mrs. Fletcher, but I'm afraid she's busy right now. Is there something I can help you with?"

"Well, ma'am, my name is Hoss Cartwright," Hoss informed her. Her eyes widened and her hand flew to her mouth. "I'm looking for my little sister, Shannon. Mr. Jones down the street told me you have a girl here by that name."

The woman nodded quickly. "Please come in," she invited, stepping back. Hoss walked in and she shut the door behind him. "I'm Maria. Please forgive me. I'm so surprised to meet you. I can hardly believe this is happening. Yes, we do have a girl here by the name of Shannon, and-."

She was cut off by a cold voice form the stairs. "You talk to much Miss Ryan." The older woman came forward, looking Hoss up and down critically. "Information regarding our students here is confidential, sir."

"Mrs. Fletcher, I'm looking for my sister," Hoss told her patiently. "She was kidnapped three months ago. It can't hurt nothing if I were to meet your Shannon and see if she's not my sister."

Mrs. Fletcher was shaking her head. "Absolutely not," she said firmly. "I don't believe you understand the institution we are running here. All our students are...difficult children and strict require is essential. The girl is being punished for running away and will not be allowed visitors."

"Tell me what your sister looks like," Maria Ryan spoke up kindly.

Turning to face her, Hoss frowned. "She's a small thing," he answered, gesturing in the air. "Her eyes are dark brown, just like our pa's eyes. She's got red-gold hair, like a sun about to set."

Miss Ryan turned to the headmistress. "It's got to be her," she said triumphantly. The older woman shook her head. "Shannon has been saying these past three months she was kidnapped from her family. She says her name is Cartwright, not Mallory. She matches Mr. Cartwright's description of his sister."

"You are out of line, Miss!" Mrs. Fletcher warned in a low voice.

"Mrs. Fletcher!" A young girl exclaimed from the top of the stairs. "Shannon's gone again! She climbed out the window."

Scowling, Mrs. Fletcher spun. "All of you to your rooms!" She ordered sharply.

"Excuse me, ma'am, Miss Maria," Hoss said, putting his hat on. He turned. "I've got to go find my sister."

Mrs. Fletcher glared at his back as he went out of the door. She turned and directed her glare at the teacher. "You are an incompetent fool," she said coldly. Miss Ryan flinched. "I just hope Tracker Joe gets to her first, for your sake."

Quietly, Adam opened the door to his pa's bedroom. He frowned when he saw the room was empty. He looked up and down the hallway quickly. He saw a door open and, sighing, he headed for it.

Ben sat on the edge of the bed. He rubbed his fingers against the silver chain and pendant in his hand. He didn't look up as his oldest son came into the room.

"Pa, what are you doing?" Adam asked awkwardly.

"Thinking," Ben answered vaguely. He sighed and finally raised his head. The expression in his eyes was far away and bleak. He waved his hand around the room. "This feels like it could be anyone's room. She wasn't here long enough to make it her own."

Adam couldn't think of anything to say. "Help me find her, Adam," Ben asked, his tone intense. "Help me find Scarlet Mallory and put her in jail."

"I'll do anything within the bounds of the law, Pa," Adam assured him seriously. "But we don't know where to look for her."

A grim smile crossed Ben's face. "I know where she went," he said. "She went to claim Shannon's inheritance. The Mallory's have an investment in Geyserton. Scarlet will be there, or we'll find her trail there."

"As soon as Hoss gets back, we'll go," Adam promised.

"NO," Ben shook his head firmly. "Tomorrow. I'm going tomorrow, with or without you boys. I don't want to risk losing her."

Hesitating, Adam gave in. "All right, Pa. I'll tell Joe."

Nodding, Ben looked back down at the necklace in his hand. Uncertain, Adam retreated from the room.

In the growing shadows, the little girl ran in the opposite direction of the town, she navigated her way through the trees and across a shallow stream. She slowed and glanced over her shoulder. There was no one in sight. Heaving a sigh, she kept moving.

A large body stepped out in front of her. "Where do you think you're going?" The man asked, grabbing her shoulders.

She recoiled, letting out a startled squeak. Tracker Joe sneered at her, twisting her arm. "You don't have permission to leave, Miss Shannon," he informed her. "Haven't you learned by now you can't escape me?"

Her dark eyes flashing in rebellion and anger, Shannon kicked his shin. Angered, he released her and backhanded her, letting her fall to the ground. She glared up at him, though there was a hint of fear in her dark brown eyes. Tracker Joe reached down and dragged her back up. He lifted his head, and froze.

"Let her go," Hoss said simply. He had his gun aimed at the man.

"Hoss!" Shannon breathed, twisting her head to see.

"Take her," Tracker Joe snapped, shoving the girl into the larger man. Hoss had to lower the gun to catch his sister. Tracker Joe lunged forward, his fists flying, not caring if the girl in his path was hit or not.

Swiftly, Hoss pushed Shannon away and took on the tracker. Landing hard, Shannon stayed on the ground as her brother took care of the cruel man. All it took was one well placed hit and the man went down. Shaking his hand, Hoss turned away. "Shan, are you all right?" He asked in concern.

Trembling, Shannon nodded. Kneeling down, Hoss pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight. "Everything's going to be just fine now," he told her. He stood, lifting her off her feet. "We've been looking everywhere for you, Shannon."

Shannon wound her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder. "I've missed you so much," she whispered. "I tried so hard to come home, but they wouldn't let me send a telegram. And every time I ran away, they dragged me back. No one would believe me!"

After a moment, Hoss set her down. "Come on," he said. "Let's get you home to Pa."

Keeping her hand in his, Shannon walked along side him.

It was dark when Hoss and Shannon walked into town. "Now, I was planning on driving the wagon back home tonight," Hoss said, looking down at the girl. "There's a full moon tonight. But, I'm thinking it might be better to stay the night and get an early start in the morning."

"I want to go home, Hoss," Shannon answered simply.

Hoss nodded. "All right, Shan, I understand," he replied as they stepped onto the boards of the walkway. "I'll get us some food for the trip. Is there anything you need to get from the school?"

Firmly, Shannon shook her head. "I don't want to go back there ever again!" She declared as they reached the wagon. Hoss started to lift her up into the wagon.

"Stop right there!" Mrs. Fletcher's voice rang out. Setting Shannon down, Hoss turned around to face the woman. The school mistress stood with the local sheriff behind her. "Sheriff, I want you to arrest this man for kidnapping!"

"I'm not kidnapping anyone!" Hoss protested. He put his arm protectively around his sister. "Sheriff, this is my little sister. You can just send a telegraph down to Roy Coffee of Virginia City and he'll tell you that I'm telling the truth."

Mrs. Fletcher put her hands on her hips. "Well, I never!" She exclaimed shrilly. "That girl is an orphan, and a mentally disturbed one at that, why else would she be at my school?"

"Ma'am, I can't answer that," Hoss said respectfully, tightening his arm around Shannon. "All I know is that this is my sister and I'm taking her back home with me. I ain't going to let you or anyone else stand in my way."

Eyes flashing, the woman turned to the sheriff. "Are you just going to stand there? Arrest him!" She demanded.

The sheriff scratched his head. "Why don't we all go into my office and talk about this peaceful like," he suggested amiably. "There's no sense standing out here and yelling at each other."

Nodding, Hoss willingly went into the jail. Shannon clung to his side like a burr, keeping her eyes on Mrs. Fletcher. Her nose in the air, the school mistress walked into the jail and took a seat.

"Now, let's start at the beginning," the sheriff said, sitting behind his desk.

"Well, it's very simple," Mrs. Fletcher began. "This girl was placed in my school because she is an orphan and has no other relatives. Her name is Shannon Mallory, not Cartwright."

Waving his hand, the sheriff nodded. "I know, I know," he said. "You've told me that a thousand times, Mize. Mallory." He looked at Hoss. "Take a seat. I want you to tell me your story, Mr. Cartwright. From the beginning."

"Well, Sheriff, some time back, my little sister was taken from our home," Hoss explained, sitting down. Shannon stood by him and he put his arm around her waist. "We've spent three months looking for her."

The sheriff shrugged. "I got a message some months back about a missing girl from Virginia City," he admitted. "But how does that prove that this girl is your sister?"

"Sir, he is my brother," Shannon spoke up firmly. "Why would I call him my brother if he were a total stranger? My mother's last name was Mallory. But my name is Shannon Cartwright. I've been trying to tell you that ever since I got here. You wouldn't listen and nobody else would believe me."

"Sheriff, I'm willing to wait here until you hear back from Sheriff Coffee," Hoss said firmly. "I'm not leaving without my sister."

Thoughtfully, the sheriff looked from one to the other. "Well, Miz Fletcher, it appears to me that their telling the truth," he drawled slowly. "I know Sheriff Coffee personally and he speaks mighty highly of the Cartwright family. Why would he kidnap a little orphan girl anyhow?"

Taken aback, Mrs. Fletcher stared at him. "You can go," the sheriff said to Hoss.

"Thank you sheriff," Hoss said, standing up. "I do appreciate this. Would you mind keeping an eye on my sister while I get some food for our trip?"

"You aren't thinking of starting out now are you?" The sheriff asked curiously.

"'Fraid so, Sheriff," Hoss answered. "It'll be safe enough with the full moon and all. We've been looking for Shannon for a long time, and I want to get her home to Pa as soon as possible."

"I can understand that," the sheriff said, nodding solemnly as Shannon joined him behind the desk. Mrs. Fletcher was still busy staring at the sheriff in shock. "Well, you just run and get what you need. I reckon I owe Miss Shannon an apology."

Rising sharply, Mrs. Fletcher marched out. Hoss hurried to get what he needed.

Just past dawn, Ben finished saddling Buck. There were dark circles under his eyes, evidence of his sleepless night. He led his horse out of the barn and mounted. Without looking at either of his sons, he left the yard at a full gallop.

"This is going to be a long day," Little Joe muttered, quickly mounting. He and Adam set off after their father.

Yawning, Hoss glanced up at the bright sun. He glanced over his shoulder and smiled. About halfway through the night, he'd made room in the back and Shannon was fast asleep back there, half hidden under the tarp.

He turned his attention back to the road. All the sudden three riders came out of the trees and surrounded the wagon. Their rifles were aimed at Hoss, who pulled back on the reigns and set the brake.

"Something I can do for you gentlemen?" Hoss asked pleasantly, keeping his eyes on their guns.

"Throw down your gun and get down off there," one of the men ordered.

Slowly, Hoss obeyed, casting a swift glance at the back of the wagon as he climbed down. Two of the men dismounted. "There's nothing here that could be of use to you," he said carefully. "This is equipment for a ranch."

"It'll still sell someplace," the man answered sharply. "What you got back there anyway?"

He dismounted and went to the side. Stepping on one of the wheels, he leaned into the back. Hoss eyed him apprehensively, but was mindful of the two other guns trained on him. The robber grabbed hold of the tarp and flung it back.

"Hello, my name is Shannon," the brown eyed girl said sweetly, smiling up at the surprised man. In her hand was her brother's rifle. Before the man could react any further, she swung it as hard as she could.

There was a dull thud as the rifle connected with the man's head. As their companion went down, Hoss lunged at the other two, swinging his fists. Shannon stood up and leaned over the side of the wagon. Hoss flung one of the unfortunate men against the wagon and Shannon watched him slid to the ground.

A moment later, Hoss knocked out the third man and let him drop. Wiping the sweat from his face, he turned around. Heaving a tired sigh, Shannon held up the rifle. "I think I broke it," she announced, mournfully, as he took it from her.

"It's all right, I'll get another one," Hoss reassured her, setting the rifle down. He helped her climb up onto the wagon seat. "I never thought I'd say this, but you're pretty handy in a fight. You're not hurt or anything, are you? Pa'd have my hide if I let you get hurt in a fight."

Shannon smiled and shook her head. "I'm fine, Hoss," she answered. She frowned. "But you interrupted my nap."

Hoss laughed and shook his head. "I'll be sure not to do that again," he answered.

"What are you going to do about those men?" Shannon asked, looking down at the three unconscious men. "We can't just leave them here can we?"

"Unfortunately, no, we can't," Hoss replied. He brought out some rope from the back and started to tie the men up. One by one, he tossed them into the back. "We'll take them into Virginia City and give them to the sheriff to handle. It's not very much farther."

He climbed up beside his sister and they set off again.

As they drove into Virginia City, Shannon was singing. Grinning, Hoss listened to her soft, sweet voice. Just as she came to the end of the song, Hoss pulled the horses to a stop outside the jail. Sheriff Coffee came out.

"Howdy, Sheriff!" Hoss called out, setting the brake and putting the reigns down. He jumped down. "I've got some occupants for your jail."

But the sheriff's attention was on the young girl on the wagon seat. She smiled at him. "Shannon Cartwright?" Roy said in shock as Hoss walked around to the back and hauled the first man out. "You're alive?"

"Yeah," Shannon said, looking puzzled. "Why?"

"These three tried to hold me up on the road," Hoss explained, pushing the still groggy man at the sheriff. He hauled the other two out and handed them over to the deputy. "I figured you'd take care them."

Forcing himself to focus on his responsibility, the sheriff called for Clem take the men into the jail. Roy then turned his attention to the brother and sister in front of him. "Hoss, a sheriff from Texas came to inform your family of a death. He said your sister was killed by the heat in the desert three weeks ago."

"What?" Shannon exclaimed, jumping to her feet. She scrambled over the side, her eyes flashing in anger. She put her hands on her hips. "Where would he get that story? Who told him I was dead?"

"As you can see Sheriff, Shannon ain't dead," Hoss said with a wide grin. "I found her at an orphan school in Placerville."

"Who said I was dead?" Shannon demanded again.

Scratching his head, Sheriff Coffee looked her over. "Your aunt, Scarlet Mallory reported you dead three weeks ago."

Shannon's eyes narrowed. "So that's why she paid those people to keep me in Placerville," she muttered.

"This is good news, Hoss!" Sheriff Coffee said, grinning suddenly. He became very serious as a thought came to him. "You better get to the Ponderosa. Your Pa took the news real hard. He's going to as pleased as can be to learn the truth."

Hoss nodded vigorously. He turned and hoisted Shannon back up. "We'll go as fast as we can," he assured the sheriff. He climbed up to his seat. "We'll be seeing you."

It was mid-afternoon when the wagon reached the Ponderosa. Shannon barely waited for Hoss to stop the horses before she jumped down. She ran to the front door and pushed it open. She ran in.

"Pa?" She called out, searching the quiet great room. "Adam? Joe? Is anyone here?"

Behind her, Hoss came into the house. Hop-Sing came hurrying from the kitchen. He stopped short as Shannon and Hoss faced him. "Lil' Missy!" He exclaimed, a wide grin crossing his face. "You alive!"

"Hop-Sing, where is everybody?" Hoss asked, concern written all over his face.

Hop-Sing shook his head. "They all leave this morning, vely early," he answered. "They go to track down Lil' Missy's aunt. Not say when be back. Mr. Cartlight vely angry and sad about Little Missy."

Gasping, Shannon whirled. "They went to make her pay for kidnapping me!"

The Chinese cook nodded in agreement. "Dadburnit, why didn't they wait for me?" Hoss grumbled. He shook his head. "Well, I'm just going to have to go after them and stop them before they do something they regret."

"They tell me to send you to Geyserton when you come," Hop-Sing informed him.

Frowning in determination, Hoss turned for the door. "Hop-Sing, you take care of Shannon," he ordered. "I'm going to saddle up. I'll need some food for the trip. I'll be back in no time with the rest of the family."

"Hoss!" Shannon cried out, stepping after him. "You're not going to leave me are you?"

"Shannon, it's a long ride to Geyserton," Hoss informed her, turning around. "I'm going to be riding all night to catch up to them. You'll be better off here with Hop-Sing."

Shannon shook her head, her eyes wide. "What if Tracker Joe comes and takes me away again?" She demanded, her voice trembling slightly. "Please, Hoss! Don't leave me behind. I don't think I could stand it if I was taken from home again."

Hoss hesitated, looking at his sister's bruised, thin face. "I can make the trip!" Shannon continued, her tone pleading. "I slept most of today anyway. Please Hoss."

"All right," Hoss gave in reluctantly. "Go get ready."

Smiling faintly, Shannon hugged her big brother and then ran for her room. Hop-Sing hurried to get the food ready for them. Hoss left the house to get Chubb saddled and to find a safe horse for Shannon.

Quickly, Shannon changed from the ugly school dress into her riding outfit. She took her never before used hat from its spot on the wall and set it on her head. She shrugged a jacket on and raced down the stairs.

"Lil' Missy!" Hop-Sing hailed the girl as he came from the kitchen. He held a large packet of food in one hand and in the other he had a small set of saddle bags. He held the bags out to her. "Used to be Little Joe's. You use now."

"Thank you, Hop-Sing," Shannon said, taking them from him. She went out and Hop-Sing followed.

Hoss was just leading the two horses from the barn. "Thanks, Hop-Sing," he said, stowing the packet of food in his saddle bags. He smiled when he saw the bags Shannon had. He put them in place for her. "We'll be back, Hop-Sing."

He and Shannon mounted up. Hoss led the way away and Shannon fell into pace behind him. She glanced over her shoulder and waved at Hop-Sing before they were out of sight. The cook waved back.

When the stagecoach office opened in the morning, Ben and his two sons were waiting. It had taken both Adam and Little Joe to convince their father it was too late the night before. They had stayed the night at the local hotel, though none of them had gotten much sleep.

"Can I help you, sirs?" the clerk asked, looking at the three anxiously.

"Yes, I'm looking for Miss Scarlet Mallory," Ben said roughly.

The clerk swallowed hard and took a step back. "You'd be Mr. Cartwright," he said without question. There was a note of fear in his voice. "Miss Mallory is no longer here. She left Geyserton about a week ago."

"Where did she go?" Adam asked, leaning against the counter.

Nervously, the clerk looked away. "I don't know."

Ben grabbed the front of the other man's shirt and pulled him close. "You're lying," he hissed threateningly. "Now you are going to tell me where Miss Mallory went. She's not worth your loyalty."

"She headed for San Francisco," the clerk stammered. He stumbled back as Ben pushed him away. He took a deep breath. "She left a message for you. She says she hopes you're prepared."

"She knew I'd be after her," Ben said, turning away. "I'm doing exactly as she wants."

"She's leading us on a goose chase," Adam answered, nodding. "Pa, we should just let the law find her. The last thing we want to do is play her little game."

Sighing, Ben shook his head. "No. I'm going to find her," he said firmly, stepping out of the office.

A gunshot sounded nearby and the bullet ricocheted off the wall inches from Ben's head. As one, the three Cartwrights dove for cover behind a horse trough. Innumerable shots sounded, bullets flying all around them.

"Yes, Mr. Cartwright," the desk clerk said politely. "Your family is staying here. They left not to long ago to go to the stage office just down the street. Would you like a room as well?"

Frowning, Hoss nodded. He glanced over to where Shannon was sitting on a settee. "I'd like a room right next to theirs," he told the clerk, laying the money down. He signed the book and took the key from the man. He walked over to his sister.

"You did good, Shannon," he said to the girl. She smiled wearily at him. "Now I've got a room for you. You're about to fall asleep on your feet."

Stubbornly, Shannon shook her head. "Not until I see Pa," she answered.

As she spoke, gunshots could be heard. Hoss whirled. "You stay here, Shan," he ordered.

Sighing, Shannon watched him leave. Taking a deep breath, she stood up and walked to the door.

"They've got us pinned down here," Little Joe complained, shooting at their unseen attackers. He ducked back down. "What did we do? We just got into town and haven't talked to anyone."

"Scarlet Mallory," Ben muttered. "She set this up. This is what she was talking about."

Adam flinched back as wood splintered over his head. "She couldn't have," he said logically. "What does she have against you anyway?"

Ben shrugged. At that moment, a large figure came barreling across the boardwalk at them, firing at the same time. "You fellers sure got yourselves in a mess," Hoss said, sliding beside his family. "Can't I leave you all for a few days?"

"Hoss!" Little Joe exclaimed with a grin. "It's good to see you."

"What are you all doing here anyway?" Hoss demanded, shooting back at the hidden men.

All the sudden, it was silent. Cautiously, Adam peeked out above the horse trough. Three men were walking into the street with their hands in the air. Behind them, the sheriff and his deputy was holding shotguns at their backs.

"Thank you, gentlemen, for your assistance in apprehending these men," the old man said in obvious annoyance. The Cartwrights stood and stared at him in confusion. "They were trying to get away with fifty thousand from the bank."

"Sheriff, these men-," Adam started to say.

"Are thieves," the old sheriff snapped irritably. "And they almost got away with it. Now you're all going to have to come to my office so I can get your testimony on paper."

Shrugging, Adam and Little Joe moved to obey. Ben went to his middle son and put his hand on the big man's shoulder. "Hoss, I have bad news," he said quietly. "It's about your sister."

Hoss started to shake his head. Little Joe and Adam turned back to listen. "Pa, you don't have to say a thing," he said earnestly. "Roy explained when I went through Virginia City yesterday. I don't understand why you came here though."

"Wait," Ben told him wearily. "You'll hear when I explain to the sheriff."

"Pa, first there's something you've got to know about-."

"I don't have all day, gentlemen," the grouchy sheriff snapped as his deputy escorted the three other men towards the jail.

Hoss' temper flared briefly. "We'll get there," he snapped back. Adam and Joe looked at him in surprise. "Now, I've had a long ride, and I'm tired and more importantly, I'm hungry. I've got something important to tell my pa before anything else happens."

The sheriff glared at him and crossed his arms. "Then tell him."

Nodding shortly, Hoss turned back to his father. "Pa, there ain't no easy way to explain," he began. "But Shannon ain't dead. She's here and she's waiting for you down at the hotel."

Little Joe walked up to him and put his hand on his big brother's forehead. "Are you feeling all right?" he asked in concern. Hoss pushed his hand away impatiently and glared at his little brother. "I can't think of any other reason for you to say something like that."

"Several people saw Shannon die," Adam added softly.

Hoss shook his head. "They saw a little girl die," he corrected. "But it wasn't Shannon."

"You're serious, aren't you?" Ben queried, peering closely at his middle son. He grabbed him by the shoulders. "Are you sure it's Shannon?"

"Pa?"

The four Cartwrights froze at the soft voice. Little Joe and Adam turned first. As Hoss turned, he stepped aside. Ben had a clear view of the small girl standing a few yards away from them.

"Shannon!" Ben exclaimed. He rushed forward and caught the girl in his arms. "I can hardly believe it! I thought you were dead!"

"Oh, Pa!" Shannon whispered. "I missed you so much."

Ben hugged her tightly. "I missed you too, sweetheart," he answered. Gently, he set her back and looked her over. Aghast, he lightly touched her bruised face. "How did this happen? Who did this to you?"

Without answering, Shannon rested her head against his chest. Clearing his throat, the sheriff got their attention. "All of you to my office," the sheriff ordered, watching them suspiciously. "I want to know what you're doing in my town. You better have a good story for all of this."

Eyebrows up, the old sheriff was shaking his head. "That's quite a story, Cartwright," he said. "A girl who was reported dead and isn't dead. A lady perpetrating fraud and setting up an ambush to kill you. It's hard to believe."

"It's the truth," Ben snapped, trying to keep his voice low. He adjusted his grip on Shannon, who was asleep on his lap. "You can contact Sheriff Coffee in Virginia City and he'll back me up."

"Well, for everything except the ambush," Little Joe spoke up helpfully. "That he wouldn't know about."

Still looking skeptical, the sheriff glanced over the group. "All right, I'll do just that," he said, standing up. He reached for his keys. "I've never had the cells so full when it's not Saturday night."

"You aren't seriously considering putting a little girl in a jail cell?" Ben demanded. "She hasn't done anything wrong."

"Yeah, she's had a rough time these past few days," Hoss added.

The old sheriff hesitated. "All right," he said. "I'll allow you all to stay at the hotel until I hear from Sheriff Coffee. But I'm going to have my deputy stand guard. You're not to leave the hotel without it being okayed by me."

"You'd think we were the criminals here, not the ones in your jail cell," Little Joe muttered.

Annoyed, the sheriff eyed him. "You know, I could lock three of you in my jail," he threatened. "It doesn't take all four of you to keep one small girl company. Just how did she end up here anyhow? I know she hasn't been here before."

Hoss ducked his head as his family turned and looked at him. "Yes, Hoss," Ben said. "I'd like to know just how you found her and where."

"She was at an orphan school in Placerville," Hoss answered, looking at the floor. "I found her by accident. See, she's been there these past three months and she kept running away. While I was there the search party was just bringing her back and the storekeeper told me her name was Shannon Mallory and had a wild story about belonging to the our family."

"Do you mean you had her ride here all the way from Placerville?" Adam asked.

Guiltily, Hoss nodded. "I couldn't leave her behind," he said earnestly. "There was a man who was hired to keep Shannon in Placerville. Shan was afraid that if I left her alone on the Ponderosa, he'd come and take her away and then we'd never find her. So that's why she's so tired. We rode all night."

"You tell as tall a tale as your father," the sheriff said skeptically.

"You can just telegraph the sheriff in Placerville," Hoss told him, his voice rising in emphasis. "And he'll tell the same story."

Sighing, Shannon shifted in her sleep. "I think we've done enough talking for now," Ben said in a hushed voice. He stood up carefully. "We'll be in the hotel, sheriff, if you need us. Hoss, you must be starving by now."

"Yessir, I sure am," Hoss answered. "I done ate everything Hop-Sing sent along."

Little Joe jumped to open the door for his father. Together the family left the jail and headed for the hotel.

Gently, Ben smoothed the red-gold hair out of Shannon's face as she slept. He turned slightly in his seat as there was a knock on the door. He stood up and went to the door. Opening it, he smiled at Adam.

"She's still asleep," Ben said, stepping outside and closing the door behind him. "Is Hoss done eating?"

"Yeah, he's snoring in our room," Adam responded with a slight grin. Faint snores could be heard coming from the next room over. "The sheriff is downstairs and wants to talk to you some more."

Reluctantly, Ben nodded and followed his son down the stairs. The sheriff held out his hand to Ben. "My apologies, Mr. Cartwright, for my previous attitude," he said. "I just heard back from Virginia City and Placerville. As fantastic as your story is, I have to believe it."

"No hard feelings, Sheriff," Ben responded, shaking the man's hand. "If someone would have come to me with a similar tale, I would have found it hard to believe. Is there anything you can do to help us find Scarlet Mallory?"

Frowning, the sheriff shook his head. "I'm afraid not," he answered, thinking carefully. "Miss Mallory left after selling the shares in the stage line. No one knows where she was going next, and I expect you know she's probably laid a wild trail for you to follow."

Sighing, Ben nodded. "I'm going to leave it to the law to catch her," he said. "I have my daughter back, and that's good enough for me. I plan on leaving for the Ponderosa tomorrow."

Adam and Joe grimaced at each other. "Fine," the sheriff said, in obvious relief. "If I should hear anything, I'll let Coffee know."

The next day, Shannon came down the stairs, dressed for riding. She smiled at her father, who stood up from the settee. "Ready for another long ride?" Ben asked.

"As long as there are no more similar trips planned in the foreseeable future," Shannon answered with a grin. Ben laughed and nodded. "Where are the others?"

"They're getting the horses," Ben told her. He put an arm around her shoulders and they walked outside together. "Shannon, I wanted to ask you something about your aunt. Do you know why she's so... set against me?"

Shannon sighed. "Jealousy," she answered, her voice low. "At least, that's what Grandmother told me. She wanted you first, but my mother got you. Then, when Grandfather died, his will stated that as long as she lives, Aunt Scarlet will get an allowance to live on, until she marries. But the bulk of the estate goes to me when I come of age." Shannon frowned. "At least, I think that's what it all meant."

"What does the part about the inheritance have to do with me?"

"I'm your daughter," Shannon pointed out. "If I hadn't been born, I wouldn't have been willed the Mallory inheritance. So it's your fault I was born."

Ben frowned. "So, let me see if I have this straight," he said. "Scarlet is jealous that I married your mother, instead of her. She's mad that you were born because she's out of a fortune that's going to you."

"That sounds about right," Shannon answered.

"Mr. Cartwright," the sheriff called, crossing the street. "I think I found out something you might be interested in."

Curious, Ben went to meet him. Shannon wandered to the edge of the sidewalk at the end of the hotel. She looked around for the stable, hoping for a glimpse of her brothers. Abruptly, a hand came over her mouth and she was grabbed around the waist.

"Hello, Miss Shannon," Tracker Joe hissed in her ear, dragging her backwards into the alley. "Did you miss me?"

"I was listening to those three who robbed the bank," the sheriff told Ben. "They were griping about not getting the rest of the payment for a job. I questioned them about it. Finally, one of them explained they'd been paid one thousand dollars to watch for a man named Cartwright. They would get three thousand more if they were to shoot you."

Ben stared at him. "Scarlet hired them to kill me when I showed up?" He exclaimed. "She hates me that much?"

The sheriff shrugged. "It's a good thing, you aren't going to follow her trail," he said. "She's probably set up ambushes like this all over."

"That's good to know," Ben replied, shaking his head. "If you would be so kind as to pass that along to other sheriffs, I'd appreciate it."

"If she ever shows up again, we'll have her for attempted murder," the sheriff agreed as Hoss, Adam, and Little Joe led the horses up. "You and your family have a good trip."

"Pa, where's Shannon?" Adam asked, looking around.

Tensing, Ben whirled around. "No!" he exclaimed. "I turned around for one minute!"

Quickly, Hoss looked up and down the street. "I'll go left, Joe you go right," Adam instructed. "Hoss, you and Pa, check down every alley."

"I'll get every man I can," the sheriff volunteered. "We'll find her."

Struggling, Shannon fought to get free, clawing to get free. Firmly, Tracker Joe dragged her away from the edge of town. "By the time they find you, I'm going to be long gone," he taunted in her ear. "I was told to keep you in one spot. Well, you keep running away and causing trouble, so I'm going to make sure you stay put right here."

Keeping one hand over her mouth, he pulled out a bandanna. Swiftly, he brought it around her slender neck. Shannon choked as he pulled back. She reversed attacks and rammed her elbow into his stomach as hard as she could.

Tracker Joe let out a grunt and the bandanna slackened. Shannon lunged away from him, gasping in air. She bolted for the town. Angrily, the man grabbed her from behind.

"PA!"

The shrill scream caught each of the Cartwrights attention. As one, they ran in the direction of the scream. Hoss took the lead and turned sharply from the alley outside town. The first thing he saw was Shannon struggling to get free from her captor. "Hey!" he shouted. "Let her go!"

Looking up, Shannon felt a surge of relief at seeing her big brother. She twisted and bit the man's hand as hard as she could. Kicking her captor as hard as she could in the shin, she tore away from him as his grip on loosened. She staggered for the safety of her family.

Furiously, Tracker Joe pulled his gun and aimed. "Shannon, look out!" Little Joe shouted in warning, drawing his own gun.

Tracker Joe pulled the trigger. Crying out, Shannon fell and sprawled on the ground. Seconds after Tracker Joe's shot, five gunshots rang out. The tracker jerked, spun, and hit the ground. The four Cartwrights and the sheriff lowered their guns.

"Someone go for the doctor!" the sheriff ordered, looking back at the crowd that had formed.

Ben skidded to a halt by his daughter and fell to his knees. Groaning, Shannon moved. "Ow," she croaked, pushing herself up. She winced and rubbed her nose. Lifting her head, she saw her father and immediately began to scramble to her feet. "Pa!"

Ben grabbed her and held her still. "Everything's going to be all right, Shannon," he said huskily. He looked beyond her to where Tracker Joe lay unmoving. "Don't try to move. The doctor will be here soon."

"Pa," Shannon protested, her voice hoarse. She swallowed hard and flinched. "I tripped. Over a rock." Ben glanced over and saw the rock protruding from the ground. Shannon glanced over her shoulder. "Is he dead?"

"Yeah," Ben answered as the doctor came pushing through the crowd. "We got him."

"Pa," Shannon said, looking up at him. "I want to go home now."

The Cartwrights rode across the countryside. The sun was getting low in the sky. "Only a few more miles," Little Joe commented. "Hey Hoss, can you smell what Hop-Sing has for supper?"

"No, I don't really care what there is," Hoss answered back. "As long as there is plenty of it."

Glancing at his sons, Ben shook his head. He looked back to where his daughter was riding behind them. She was very quiet, and Ben wasn't sure how to include her in the conversation.

Slightly in the lead, Adam was humming. "Hey, Shan," Hoss said over his shoulder, falling back some. He grinned at his little sister. "How about you sing for us?"

The rest of the family looked back. Blushing, Shannon just shook her head, dropping her gaze to the saddle horn. "Come on, Adam," Joe called out, anxious to break the monotony. "How about you sing? The rest of us will back you up."

"All right," Adam answered with a grin. He took a deep breath and began:

Early one morning just as the sun was rising

I heard a young maiden sing in the valley below

Together, Ben, Joe, and Hoss sang the chorus, not precisely in tune, but with gusto:

Oh, don't deceive me,

Oh, never leave me

How could you use a poor maiden so?

Grinning, Adam continued:

Remember; remember your vows to marry

Remember; remember your promise to be true

At the back, Shannon's eyes lit up as she listened. A smile crossed her face as the chorus was sung again. She hummed to herself as the next verse was sung:

Gay is the garland and fresh are the roses

I culled from my garden to bind upon thy brow

Hoss heard her and sent a grin at her as the chorus was sung again. Adam sang the last verse:

Thus sang the maiden her sorrows bewailing

Thus sang the pretty maiden in the valley below

All together the family sang the chorus one last time. As they did, they reached the top of a hill. The Ponderosa house stood in the distance. Letting out a whoop, Little Joe spurred Cochise and raced for home.

Unwilling to ignore the implied challenge, Adam and Hoss took off after them. Pausing, Ben laughed as he watched his boys race. Shannon came up next to him. Ben looked at her and smiled affectionately. "Welcome home, Shannon," Ben said.

Shannon smiled back. "I love you, Pa," she responded very softly.

"I love you to, Shannon," Ben answered. "Come on. If we don't hurry, there won't be any food left for us when we get there."

Smiling, Shannon followed her father to home.

Author's notes: I hope you liked it!

I will have part 3 up soon, I hope. Joe and Shannon have a lot to learn about each other.