"Joe?"
"You just take it easy, Adam," Joe said as Adam opened his eyes.
"What happened?"
"You passed out for a moment," Joe replied. "Whoa, easy there Adam," he said, placing a restraining hand on Adam's chest. After he was sure Adam wasn't going to try and sit up again, Joe reached over to pick up the fallen cup. Adam suddenly grabbed Joe's hand and pushed his sleeve back.
"Joe are both your wrists this bad?"
"It's nothing," Joe said testily, pulling his hand back.
"Joseph, let me look at them." Adam sounded so much like Pa, Joe reluctantly rolled up his sleeves and held out his hands. Adam's face darkened at the sight of bright red rope burns, dried blood, and slightly swollen hands. "Is there water in that bucket?"
"Yes."
"Bring it over here."
Under Adam's watchful eye, Joe set the bucket in front of him and submerged his hands up to his forearms, the cool water bringing relief to his aching wrists. After a few blissful minutes, he dried his hands and allowed Adam to apply the same salve Joe had used earlier in the day. Carefully, Adam wrapped Joe's wrists with clean bandages.
"There. That should help," he said tiredly.
"Thank you, Adam," Joe said quietly. "Please get some rest."
"Yeah, alright Joe." Joe cleaned up their supplies while Adam fell asleep. Setting out his bedroll close to Adam, Joe laid down and pulled the blanket up, a tiny shiver running down his spine when he looked over and caught Red watching him. Locking eyes for a moment, Red smiled coldly and Joe reached out to lay his hand on Adam's shoulder, his silent message of protection as clear as if he had shouted it. Something changed in Red's eyes as Joe glared at him, and he abruptly turned to stoke the fire, leaving Joe to wonder just what Red was thinking. Keeping his hand on Adam's shoulder, Joe drifted off to sleep.
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A low groan caught Joe's attention and he quickly checked on his brother. Something wasn't right. Adam's hand was across his abdomen, his eyes tightly shut, and he was trying to roll onto his side. Sensing what was about to happen, Joe grabbed the nearby bucket and hastily pulled Adam up into a half-sitting position as his brother lost the fight with nausea and heaved into the bucket. When he had finished minutes later, Joe offered a canteen for Adam to rinse his mouth out, and helped him lay back down.
Adam lay still, breathing heavily. Joe pulled up the blanket and laid a gentle hand on his older brother's shoulder. "Adam, I'll be right back. I'm going to get some more water," he said.
Keenly aware he was being watched, Joe ignored Red and walked towards the rocks. Emptying the bucket, he rinsed it out, then refilled it with cool water from the spring. Upon returning, he wetted a cloth and dabbed at Adam's feverish forehead.
"I'll be ok, Joe," Adam said breathlessly.
"Yeah, I know," Joe said. "Get some rest, will ya?" Adam nodded slightly and closed his eyes as Joe pulled the blanket up around his shoulders. Laying the cloth aside, Joe made sure everything was within easy reach, then laid his head down to try and rest.
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What was left of the campfire was emitting a soft red glow when Joe awoke again. Disoriented, he was unsure what had awakened him until he heard Adam moan softly. Everything snapped into place as he kicked the blanket aside and checked on Adam. Reaching for the bucket, he quickly rinsed the cloth out and laid it on Adam's forehead, reflecting on how their roles had now been reversed. Always, it was Adam who was levelheaded and calm. Adam who kept things under control. Adam who took care of Joe when he was injured or in trouble.
Now it was Joe's turn. He had to be the practical one. He was responsible for his older brother. Adam stirred and began muttering incoherently as Joe bathed Adam's face and chest, trying to bring the mild fever down. Pausing momentarily, he pushed the sweat-soaked hair back, gently stroking Adam's forehead in an attempt to calm him the same way he had seen Pa do. Joe knew what delirium was, having experienced it too many times himself and knew a familiar touch and voice were sometimes all that was needed. "Shhh, take it easy Adam," Joe soothed quietly. "It's going to be all right, brother."
As he continued his ministrations, Joe was pleased to see his brother gradually calm down and settle into a more peaceful sleep. Once he was sure Adam was quiet, Joe climbed back into his bedroll for what was left of the night.
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A sharp jab to the ribs and loud shout made Joe roll over to one knee to get up and fight whatever threat it was. Halfway to his feet, the sharp click of a hammer cleared the last of the cobwebs and he froze in place. Red. Whip. The hellish ride of yesterday. All of it was startlingly clear when Red's voice drawled lazily, "Just hold it right there. You wouldn't want to get shot before breakfast now, would you?" Red gave that cold smile again. "You two had best be getting up. We'll be leaving shortly."
Joe eyes bored into Red's back as the outlaw sauntered away. Turning his attention to Adam, Joe was pleased to see his brother looking back at him. "Morning, Adam," he said as he checked for fever, surprised to find none there. "Looks like we're in for another ride today, brother," Joe fretted, helping Adam sit up.
"So I heard," Adam replied. "How far. . ." he stopped talking as Doren approached with two plates of food and coffee. Joe accepted the meal, waiting until the man was out of earshot before replying.
"I don't know where we're headed today." Adam turned his head away as Joe handed the plate to him. "Adam you've got to eat something."
Reluctantly, Adam took the plate from Joe and began to pick at his food. Beef and beans for breakfast wasn't appetizing, but it would have to do. Adam looked up to see Joe waiting for him to start eating. With a small sigh, Adam began to choke down his food while Joe practically devoured his.
Ten minutes later Joe saddled their horses under Red's watchful eye, and helped Adam mount. Again, Joe's hands were tied, but this time, Adam's were not. With one last look around, Red signaled them to move forward and they rode out into the early morning light.
