A/N: This was a request from islaboe who wanted to see how Shannon would react to Ben having a love interest. Naturally, I had to use the episode The Magnificent Adah as my base for this. I've taken some liberties with the timing of events in the episode so that it makes more sense.


"Shannon, look!"

Blinking, Shannon pulled her head back from the multi colored poster that was suddenly in her face. It took her a moment to focus on what she was seeing. She clapped a hand over her eyes. "Amelia Jackson!" she exclaimed. "Where did you get that? Why do you even have it? Why are you showing it to me?"

Her friend lowered the poster, a wide grin on her face. "I found it this morning," she explained, pride in her voice. "I'd heard there was a famous actress coming to town and this is the play she's performing in. Isn't that exciting? Did you ever think someone famous would come to Virginia City?"

Shannon spread her fingers enough to peek through. "Amy, she's naked!" she protested in a horrified whisper.

"I don't think so," Amy responded, turning the poster around to look at it herself. "Why would anyone let them put these up all over town if she really were naked?"

Reluctantly, Shannon considered that. "I guess that's true," she said slowly. "But I don't think you should let Miss Jones catch you with it."

Amy glanced over her shoulder to check. Their teacher hadn't come in yet, and the girl gave a visible sigh of relief. "You're probably right," she said, folding the poster. "She wouldn't appreciate it, would she?"

"What are you two looking at?" Jimmy Walters asked, throwing himself into the seat next to Shannon.

"None of your business, Jimmy," Shannon told him, scowling at him with all the dislike she could muster.

Swiftly, the boy reached out and grabbed onto the folded poster, pulling it out of her grasp. "Hey!" Amy exclaimed, trying to snatch it back. "Jimmy! Give it back!"

Twisting away, the boy unfolded it. "Whoa!" he said. He glanced at the girls. "I have to show this to Jake!"

He bolted for the door in search of his friend. "Jimmy!" Amy wailed, moving to go after him. Shannon caught her friend's wrist. "Shannon, he's taking-!"

Before she could finish her protest, Miss Jones stepped into the doorway, blocking Jimmy's exit. "And just what do you have there, Mr. Walters?" the teacher asked, raising an eyebrow. She deftly took the poster from his hand and examined it. Jimmy stared at her, horror and embarrassment making his face turn red. "Why, Jimmy Walters!"

"Miss Jones, I-," Jimmy tried to explain.

"I am ashamed of you! I will speak to your father this very instance! The very idea, having such a disgraceful poster! And bringing it to school!"

"Miss Jones, Amy and Shannon had it!"

Miss Jones shook her head, catching hold of the boy's arm. "I will not have you blaming this on them," she said sternly. "Why would innocent young girls have something like this?"

Jimmy was still protesting as Miss Jones pulled him outside. Amy and Shannon exchanged looks, and then they both burst out laughing.


If there was one thing Shannon knew with absolute certainty, it was that her brothers were up to something. She walked to Hoss door, which was open just a crack. She pushed it open further and leaned her head in. Her large brother was dabbing something on his neck, and the girl watching him wrinkled her nose at the smell that came her way.

"What are you doing?" Shannon asked.

With a start, Hoss spun around. "Shannon," he exclaimed, dropping the bottle of cologne. His hair was slicked back. "What are you doing up?"

Raising an eyebrow, Shannon shook her head and crossed her arms. "Why wouldn't I be up?" she countered. "We just finished eating and it's not late at all. Are you going somewhere?"

Hoss became even more flustered. "Shannon, could you keep your voice down?" he begged. "Have you done your homework already? Pa won't like it if you haven't."

"Pa isn't back yet, so I have plenty of time," Shannon pointed out. She caught sight of a brightly colored poster that was on Hoss' bed. It looked very familiar and she darted forward to grab it. "Hey, what's this for?"

Before she could get a clear look, Hoss snatched it from her grasp. "Its nothin' you need to see, Shannon," he said. "Its not like you to be prying in my things. Now, just go find Adam if you want someone to talk to, alright?"

"Are you trying to get rid of me, Hoss? What's on the poster?" she asked as if she hadn't seen it earlier that afternoon.

Her brother took her by the shoulders and lifted her off her feet. "Do your homework," he said, carrying her to the door. He firmly setting her in the hallway. "Or play some chess with Adam. You two haven't had a game in a couple weeks. You'll enjoy that."

He closed the door. "Well, that's going to be a little difficult since he's already gone," Shannon muttered, giving the door a narrowed eyed look. Huffing, she turned and continued down the hallway. She passed Adam's open door. She wasn't sure why he'd left the lamp burning when he left but decided it was none of her business.

When she reached Joe's door, she rapped her knuckles against the wood. "Hey, Joe. You in there?" she called after several seconds. Getting no answer, she pushed the door open. The only sign that her brother had been there was the dirty work clothes that were scattered around the room. "Why am I not surprised?"

Sighing, she pulled the door closed and made her way downstairs. She threw herself into the red chair and stared at the fireplace. She could hear the clatter of dishes in the kitchen as Hop-Sing cleaned up from supper. She drummed her fingers on the arm of the chair, frowning as she thought.

Supper was when she first knew something was up. Joe and Hoss hadn't been able to keep from sending glances at each other, as if they shared a secret of some kind. Adam had paid a little more attention to Shannon's tales from school, but he'd been distracted as well, watching Joe and Hoss attempt to act normally.

As soon as the last bite was taken, Joe and Hoss had bolted from the table, offering excuses of chores needing to get done. Adam hadn't said anything, just went up to his room. Left on her own, Shannon had helped hop-Sing clear the table before she went to figure out what her brothers were trying to hide from her.

"Lil Missy, why you not with brothers?"

Pulled from her thoughts, Shannon looked up. Before she could respond to Hop-Sing's question, there was a crashing sound outside. "Because, unless I'm very much mistaken, my brothers are going somewhere they know Pa wouldn't like," Shannon said with a sigh. She pushed herself up and went to the study area.

Dragging the chair over, she climbed up to look out the windows. She could see horses at the far end of the porch. Hoss was pulling his best suit jacket on and Joe was doing Hoss' tie for him. They didn't realize they were being watched as they rode away.

"Pa's not going to be happy when I tell him about this," Shannon said, jumping to the floor.


"Why would Pa be with an actress?"

"Joe, for the last time, Pa is a grown man," Adam responded as he walked through the doorway. He paused to take his gun belt and hat off. He set them both on the credenza. "And he's not as old as you would make him out to be. If he wants to spend some time with a beautiful, talented woman, who are we to complain?"

Joe shuddered as Hoss pushed past him. "It just doesn't seem right, that's all."

"Hey, you two," Hoss said in a hushed voice. "Keep it down before you wake up Shannon."

Heaving a sigh, Adam walked further into the room and joined Hoss next to the arm chair. Shannon was curled up there, a book dangling precariously in her loosened grip. "She must have realized we were gone and tried to stay up for us," Hoss commented.

"We can't tell her where we went," Joe said, looking suddenly alarmed.

"Because I was going to wake her up and tell her right now," Adam responded with no little sarcasm. He shook his head and knelt down. He took the book from her limp hand and set it aside. "Shannon, it's time to go to bed."

He gently shook his sister's shoulder. She mumbled something, curling up tighter. "You'll be more comfortable in your bed, Shannon," Adam told her patiently, shaking her shoulder again. "Come on, little sister."

Shannon lifted her head slightly and her eyes opened just a crack. "Adam?" she said sleepily.

"Yes, let's go," Adam said, pulling her into an upright position. "You should have been in your bed hours ago, little sister."

"Hmm," was the only sound that Shannon made in response. Her eyes remained half closed as she held her arms up. Shaking his head, Adam leaned down and scooped her up.

"Isn't she getting a little old for that?" Little Joe asked he trailed his brother to the staircase

Hoss lightly cuffed the back of Joe's head. "Pa and I were putting you to bed the same way when you were the same age," he told him. "You were about the same size too."

Rubbing the back of his head, Joe scowled over his shoulder at his amused brother. Once they were upstairs, Joe and Hoss split off to their rooms while Adam carried Shannon to her bed. "...night," Shannon mumbled as he set her down. Adam untied her boots and pulled them off her feet. Deciding to leave her other clothes on, he pulled the quilt up over her.

"Good night, Shannon," he said softly before leaving the room.


Chickens clucked around Shannon's feet as she scattered grain for them. As the fowls rushed after the food, the girl entered the coop to gather the eggs. Her basket filled quickly. As she was finishing, she heard the barn door open, and she hurried to the coop entrance to look out. Adam and Hoss were leading their horses out.

Carrying her basket of eggs out, Shannon left the coop. "Adam, Hoss!" she called out. She set her basket down before she ran over. "When did you get back last night? I didn't hear you come in. Where did you go?"

Adam chuckled. "I had a feeling you wouldn't remember. It was very late, Shannon," he told her. He closed his saddlebags. "And never you mind where we went."

Unsatisfied, Shannon frowned at him. "I'll just ask Pa about it then."

Her threat drew another chuckle from her oldest brother while Hoss looked up quickly. "Shannon, you wouldn't do that, would you?" he asked.

"She won't, Hoss, otherwise we'll have to tell Pa about how she was up past her bedtime again," Adam said, sounding more than a little amused. Shannon narrowed her eyes at him. "Shannon, why don't you just keep your nose in your business and get yourself to school. We'll see you at supper tonight. Try not to get into any kind of crisis before then."

Crossing her arms, Shannon glared at her brothers as they mounted. "I will so tell Pa," she informed them stubbornly.

"See you later, Shannon," Adam called as he rode out.

"Brothers," Shannon muttered. Spinning on her heel, she stalked back to her basket of eggs, scooped it up, and then headed for the kitchen. Hop-Sing was already hard at work, moving from table to stove and back. "Hop-Sing, here are the eggs. Has Joe had breakfast yet?"

The cook shook his head. "He not come down yet, older brothers already get to work," he explained. He held out a full plate. "Lil' Missy go eat. Hop-Sing have no time for talking. Have to send Mistah Cartlight's clothes to town and cook big dinner for Miss Menken."

Accepting her breakfast, Shannon frowned as she remembered waking up fully dressed in her bed. "Pa didn't come home last night? Who's Miss Menken?"

"He stay at International Hotel and is bringing important lady to supper tonight. Now, go eat, Lil' Missy."

Puzzled, Shannon went out to the dining room to eat it. By the time Joe came down the stairs, she'd finished eating, even though she'd eaten slowly as she considered what was happening. "Morning, Shannon," Joe greeted, yawning. He slumped into his seat and poured himself some coffee.

"Did you have fun last night?" Shannon asked.

Joe eyed her with suspicion. "I don't know what you're talking about," he responded. "Did Pa eat with Hoss and Adam?"

"Pa didn't come home last night," his sister informed him unhappily. She picked up her books from the table. "And I guess he's going to be staying there for awhile. Hop-Sing is sending his clothes into town today."

Joe's hand clenched on the cup of coffee he held. "He what?"

"That's what Hop-Sing told me," Shannon said. "He also said Pa is bringing some lady, a Miss Menken, home for supper tonight." She wrinkled her nose. "Do you know who this Miss Menken is? Did Pa say anything about having a friend coming to town?"

The feeling that something was going on grew stronger as she watched the expression on Joe's face turn from mild concern to almost outrage. "Joe, what's wrong?" Shannon asked when her brother didn't say anything.

"Don't worry about it, Shannon," Joe told her. "Adam will sort it out. Just get to school, alright?"

"That doesn't make me feel any better, Joe," Shannon said with a sigh. "I'll see you for supper."


"And everyone is talking about how this actress practically was naked on stage! Can you even imagine?"

Startled, Shannon looked up from where she'd been stacking her schoolbooks. Her thoughts had been going around and around the whole time she rode to school. The outrageous statement her best friend had made, though, had finally registered in her mind. "What did you say, Amy?" she asked, blinking at her best friend.

Amy Jackson laughed and shook her head. "Goodness, did you really not hear a word of what I just said?" she teased. "Remember that poster I showed you yesterday? The actress' name is Adah Issacs Menkens. Everyone in town is talking about her and the play she's brought here. All the ladies are outraged."

"Menken? Did you say Menken?" Shannon said slowly.

Her friend nodded, blonde curls bouncing. She took a seat at the next desk over. "She's from the East," she continued. "I don't think the play can be as bad as my mother seems to think since so many ladies in town went to see it. Most of the town was there."

"Most of the town, wow," Shannon repeated half heartedly. Why was her father bringing an actress to have supper at the Ponderosa "When did she get into Virginia City?"

"Two days ago, I think," Amy answered. "Her first performance was last night."

And that explained where her brothers had been, but Pa? Shannon closed her book less gently than she normally would have. "And she was practically naked?" she asked, remembering that point very clearly but wanting to be absolutely sure. "Just like it showed on the poster?"

Amy nodded and then frowned. "What's wrong, Shannon?"

"Nothing," Shannon responded absently. She stood up. "I need to go see my pa."

"Shannon, school isn't over yet."

Shaking her head, Shannon bolted for the door. She heard Miss Jones calling her name but ignored her teacher in favor of getting into town as quickly as possible. She was out of breath by the time she reached the door of the International Hotel. She was so intent on finding her father that the new glass in the door didn't even make her pause.

"Miss Cartwright?" Sam asked from behind the desk. "Is there something wrong?"

Trying to gulp in as much air as possible, Shannon sagged against the desk. "What...room...is my pa...in?" she asked in gasps.

"201," Sam answered, frowning at her. "But he's already gone out, Miss Cartwright."

"Miss Cartwright?" a deep, gravelly voice spoke up. Tensing, Shannon turned to see a tall, well built man standing nearly in the middle of the room. His face was bruised as though he had been in a fight. There was a strange expression in his eyes that Shannon couldn't figure out. "Any relation to Ben Cartwright?"

Hesitating, Shannon bit her lip, somehow not wanting to answer this stranger. "This is his only daughter, Mr. Regan," Sam answered, making her flinch. She moved closer to the desk, expecting him to make some kind of move towards her. "Is there something I can do for you, Mr. Regan?"

The man just turned on his heel and continued on his way to the front door. Uneasy, remembering the evening that had happened not even a month ago, Shannon turned back to Sam. "Who was that?" she asked.

"That's John C. Regan," Sam explained. "He used to be a champion in heavyweight boxing. Not sure why he came to town but it's really none of my business." He shook his head. "Did you want to leave a message for your father, Miss, Cartwright?"

Shannon shook her head, pulling her thoughts away from the encounter. "No, I need to talk to him in person. Thanks anyway, though, Sam," she answered. She pushed away from the desk and hurried out of the hotel.

"Miss Shannon, shouldn't you be in school?"

Looking up, she found Sheriff Coffee next to her. "Probably," she responded reluctantly. "I wanted to find Pa, though, since I haven't seen him since yesterday."

The sheriff's gaze shifted away. "He came and spoke to me earlier about a matter," he answered, clearing his throat several times. "He mentioned that he was taking Miss Menken to the Ponderosa tonight for dinner. You'll see him then. You'd best hurry on to school, Miss Shannon, before Miss Jones gets mad unless there's some crime you need to report."

"No," Shannon admitted. "And I think that Miss Jones is already mad at me."

Sheriff Coffee chuckled. "I don't doubt that she is," he said. "How about I walk back with you?"

Wrinkling up her nose, Shannon guessed that he was going to make sure she made it all the way to schoolhouse. "Alright," she said with a sigh, not seeing anyway to politely decline.


Forced to stay late and write one hundred lines on the chalkboard as punishment for running off during school hours, Shannon was very late arriving home. She was both relieved and concerned that Buck wasn't in the barn when she unsaddled Star. The girl groaned as her haste made her tangle things up worse than before and it took longer than usual to put her tack away. She ran from the barn to the front door.

"Shannon, where have you been?" Joe asked when she rushed into the room. He was adjusting his tie. "I thought we were going to have to send a search party out after you. Pa's going to be here any minute, you know."

Annoyed, Shannon stuck her tongue out at her brother as she moved across the room. "You better get upstairs and get changed, Shannon," Adam advised from the desk. He too was dressed in his best clothes. "You can explain where you've been later."

"You're not my pa, Adam!" Shannon snapped, taking the steps two at a time. At the top, she ran into Hoss.

"Whoa, slow down there, Shan," her brother said, catching her by the shoulders and keeping her from losing her balance. "Where have you been?"

"Why does everyone keep asking me that?" Shannon demanded, jerking free and dodging around him. She stomped down the hallway to her room and gripped the edge of the door with the full intention of slamming it shut with as much force as she could put into the action.

"Shannon, if I hear that door slam, there will be consequences!" Adam's voice called up before she could actually do it.

Scowling, Shannon closed the door without making a sound. Tossing her books onto the bed, she flopped face down onto the quilt and screamed into the mattress, certain the sound would be muffled. After a moment with all of her frustration gone, she heaved a tired sigh and forced herself to sit up n the edge of the bed.

"Why is something always happening?" she muttered, getting to her feet. She unbuttoned her dress and pulled it off. She pulled her best dress from the wardrobe. The sight of the dark green dress brought back a flood of memories from the first and last time she'd worn it.

Thinking of the man who had chased her through the town brought to mind the man in the hotel who had asked if she was related to Ben Cartwright. "John C. Regan," she said aloud. She shuddered and shook her head. "I'm going to have to remember to ask Adam about him."

Slipping her dress over her head, Shannon finished getting ready. She ruffled her hair and decided it was good enough. She twisted in front of the mirror, delighted at how the long skirt billowed around her feet. She almost forgot her frustration and annoyance at being kept in the dark about what was going on.

"Shannon, we can see Pa coming! You best get down here!"

At Hoss' call, Shannon grimaced at her reflection. "I'm coming, Hoss!" she shouted back. She left her bedroom and walked as slowly as possible to the stairs.

Her brothers were lined up at the bottom. Adam glanced up at her, looking unamused. "Shannon, we really don't need one of your tantrums right now," he told her.

"Tantrums?" Shannon repeated in offense. She resisted the urge to stomp down the steps. "When do I ever throw a tantrum? I'm not three years old!"

"Could have fooled me," Joe spoke up. Huffing, Shannon sat on the bottom step and crossed her arms. "See that? That's throwing a tantrum."

"It is not!"

"Enough," Adam hissed at them. "Pa expects us all to be on our best behavior tonight, so you two better not start fighting in front of our guest."

"But Adam, our guest is just a-," Joe began to protest.

"Not another word, Joe," Adam interrupted, sending a pointed look in Shannon's direction. "We'll talk to Pa about this later."

Joe closed his mouth, looking sullen. Before Shannon could tell them that she knew very well who Adah Issacs Menken was and what the woman did for a living, the front door opened. Shannon scrambled to her feet, curling her fingers around the bannister.

"Welcome to my home, Adah," Ben said loudly as he led the beautiful woman in.

Glancing at her brothers, who hadn't made a move to approach, Shannon stayed where she was and focused on carefully studied the newcomer. The actress had only a slight resemblance to the portrayal on the poster. Her blue dress was edged with black lace and was one of the prettiest Shannon had ever seen.

"And these are your children?" Miss Menken asked, turning her attention to the four figures gathered at the staircase. She offered a warm, friendly smile.

"My sons, Adam, Hoss, and Joseph, and then my daughter, Shannon " Ben introduced, pride in his voice. "This is Miss Adah Issacs Menken, recently arrived from the east."

"Miss Menken," Adam responded politely, inclining his head. Hoss echoed him while Joe muttered something incomprehensible. Shannon bit her lip, caught between liking the woman and resenting her very presence in the house. "Welcome to the Ponderosa."

"Its a pleasure to be here, Adam," the actress said graciously. "You live in a beautiful part of the country."

A broad smile on his face, Ben escorted the woman to the chair by the fireplace. "I'm sure Hop-Sing will have dinner ready momentarily," he said as she sat down. "In the meantime, would you like a drink, Adah?"

"Yes, thank you," Miss Menken answered, placing her hands in her lap.

Ben sent a look at his oldest son. As Adam went to the sideboard where a bottle of champagne had been chilling, Joe and Hoss shuffled forward, spurred into that action by their father's sharp glare. Stubbornly, Shannon remained where she was, tightening her fingers around the wood.

An awkward silence filled the room as Adam brought a glass of wine to their guest. "How was school today, Shannon?" Ben asked.

"It was fine," Shannon said evasively, keeping her tone sweet. She edged her way to the back of the other arm chair and stood behind it.

Adam raised his eyebrow at her but didn't say anything. Ben cleared his throat. "I hope you're enjoying your visit here, ma'am," Hoss said, his face a bright shade of red.

"Oh, I am," Adah assured him, glancing from one to the other. "Its a very different world out here." She held her hand out. "Miss Shannon, let me see your lovely dress. You look like quite the young lady."

Reluctantly, Shannon stepped away from the chair. "Mrs. Kelly in town helped Pa when he bought it for me," she informed the woman bluntly.

"Of course," Miss Menken responded quickly. "I've never known a man to have the expertise to outfit a young lady correctly."

Tempted to mention the gossip that had gone around town about how Mrs. Kelly and her pa were courting, Shannon saw Adam shake his head slightly in warning. Biting her lip, she moved to the settee and perched on the arm. She reached a hand out in an attempt to steal Joe's glass of champagne.

"Shannon," Ben chided, spotting her action. "No."

"Surely a sip won't do her any harm, Ben," Miss Menken exclaimed in sympathy.

Part of Shannon knew she should appreciate someone taking her side, but instead she felt resentful. How dare this stranger get involved with something that was between her and her pa?

Ben didn't seem to take offense at Miss Menken's objection. "I have no desire for any of my children to grow up too quickly, Adah," he responded with a chuckle.

Miss Menken sent a glance at the others, who had kept close to each other and were watching her. "I think they are more grown up than you've noticed, Ben," she remarked. She shook her head and laughed. "I never imagined you with children, Ben. How old it makes me feel!"

"Now, Adah," Ben teased. "I believe you will always be young and full of life."

Shannon's hands clenched in her lap. "Come, dinner ready," Hop-Sing announced, coming from the kitchen preventing the conversation from continuing.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Shannon followed her brothers to the dining table. She narrowed her eyes as she saw Miss Menken be seated at her father's right hand. She slipped into the seat at Adam's right hand, sending a look across the table to Joe. Her brother shrugged a shoulder and then turned his attention to his plate.

Unsettled, Shannon did the same.


If Ben noticed that all four of his children were quiet during the meal, he didn't mention it or give any sign there would be repercussions. Not saying anything, Shannon watched her brothers give one word answers to any question put to them. Miss Menken finally addressed her questions about the workings of the ranch to Ben, who gladly expounded on the different operations that he and his sons were a part of.

Hop-Sing had put a great deal of effort into the meal, but Shannon couldn't bring herself to truly enjoy it. Even Hoss, sitting beside her, seemed to moving more of his food from one side of his plate to the other.

"Oh, it's a man sized spread, the Ponderosa," Ben declared as the meal came to an end. There was no doubt about the pride in his voice. "A thousand square miles of the finest timber and grazing land west of the Salt Lake. At last count, we had more than ten thousand head of cattle grazing in the lowlands."

"Its an empire, Ben," Miss Menken declared, her tone impressed. "And to think it all belongs to you."

Out of the corner of her eye, Shannon saw Adam and Joe exchange glances. "It belongs to the boys and Shannon too," Ben corrected.

Miss Menken looked down the table. His expression neutral, Adam sipped his champagne. Joe was intent on poking the food in front of him. Hoss continued eating as if was ignoring the entire conversation. Shannon stared at their guest.

"They're very fine children," the actress praised. She turned back to Ben with a smile. "You should be very proud."

Ben cast a quick look at his children, an amused expression on his face. "Oh, they'll do," he decided. Joe and Hoss both lifted their gazes and almost smiled.

"I envy you Cartwrights," Miss Menken commented, her tone serious. She made sure that everyone at the table was included a she glanced from one to the other. "It must be wonderful living so close to the land as you do."

"Well, we have our problems," Ben informed her honestly.

"Protecting what's ours from outsiders," Adam expounded simply. He watched the woman over the rim of his glass. He'd been the most observant through the meal, Shannon had noticed, never taking his eyes off their visitor.

Miss Menken's eyes showed that she'd caught the warning hidden in Adam's words. "You do that very well, I imagine," she commented, striving for lightness in her voice.

"Yes, ma'am."

The added 'ma'am' held an air of politeness, but also a promise that he had every intention of following through on his warning. Miss Menken dropped her gaze first. Ben's forehead creased with concern as he finally realized the underlying tension that had been present ever since he'd arrived, and he took in the unsmiling faces of his children.

Hop-Sing hurried in at that moment to begin clearing the dishes away. Miss Menken smiled up at the cook, seeming to forget about the tension. "It was a delicious supper, Hop-Sing," she complimented enthusiastically. "Really superb."

The cook's face glowed with pride and pleasure. "Oh, you lady got sense," he responded. "Hop-Sing all the time break back, cook fancy grub. Nobody appreciate! You come supper all the time!"

Shannon scrunched up her face in distaste at that prospect. Even though he wasn't even looking at her, Adam kicked her foot under the table, and she quickly wiped the expression from her face before anyone else could see it. Something that was difficult as she heard her pa say, "Well, that makes it official, Adam You're part of the family now."

Horrified, Shannon bolted to her feet and reached to start taking dishes out, if only to escape the table. Ben checked his pocket watch, not seeing his daughter's actions. "Oh, I better get you back to the theater now," he realized, regret in his voice. "Hop-Sing, bring the carriage around to the front, would you please?"

Hop-Sing's eyes widened and he took on an offended stance. "No eat dessert? Hop-Sing make special!"

But Ben was already on his feet. "Well, Miss Menken has a performance to give tonight. Now get the carriage around."

"Rush! Rush! All the time time, lickety split!"

Miss Menken laughed as the cook stormed back to the kitchen. "He is delightful," she said.

"He needs a woman's discipline," Ben responded as he helped ehr to his feet. "We all do, don't we boys? Shannon?"

Pursing her lips, Shannon walked out of the room with a handful of dishes. Hop-Sing wasn't in the kitchen, presumably out getting the carriage to the front door. She deposited the dishes into the ready dishwater and crossed her arms. "No, we do not need 'a woman's discipline'!" she muttered rebelliously, knowing she was safe from her pa hearing her.

She could hear Miss Menken bidding good bye to her brothers and knew she needed to get back out there. Heaving a sigh, she walked back into the dining room just as Joe said, "Hey, Pa?"

"Yes?" Ben responded.

Having a pretty good idea what her brothers wanted to discuss, Shannon leaned over far enough to see them walk closer to the door. She watched as they exchanged uneasy looks now that they had their father's attention. "Well, Pa," Hoss began, hesitating after those two words. He forced himself to continue, "We want to talk to you, Pa. Private like."

"Oh?" Ben glanced at Miss Menken, who looked concerned. "Can't it keep?"

"No, Pa," Adam responded firmly. Even he looked a little nervous, which under different circumstances might have amused Shannon.

Moving to the red armchair, Shannon climbed onto the cushion and peered over the top of the chair. She watched as understanding dawned in Miss Menken's eyes. "I'll wait for you in the carriage, Ben, just tell Shannon I say goodbye," she offered. She strode to the door, and slipped out when Ben opened it for her.

Frowning, Ben closed the door and then stepped back to his sons. "Well, what is it?" he asked. The three exchanged another look,, and Adam gestured with his head. It was obvious none of them wanted to actually speak up. Raising his eyebrows, Ben said, "Well? Out with it."

Hoss hunched his shoulders, like he did when he was nervous. "Pa, promise you ain't going to get mad now."

Looking both concerned and impatient, Ben shook his head. "What's on your mind?" Adam, Joe, and Hoss looked at each other again. Shannon hid her face into the cushion of the chair for a moment and then peeked back up. "Speak up."

"Well its, uh...Well, its about what's been happening to you, Pa," Joe finally blurted out.

"Yeah, Pa, we know you're still a young man and, well, you must get lonely sometimes," Adam continued quickly as Joe scuffed his feet on the floor. "And well I know you're sick and tired of having us around and...but, well, we-."

His voice trailed away as he looked down. Ben focused on Hoss. "Do you know what your brothers are trying to say, Hoss?" he asked. "Or should I find Shannon to explain what this is about?"

Shannon prayed that she wouldn't be spotted and dragged into a conversation she already knew wasn't going to end well. "Now Pa, you promise not to get mad," Hoss said again.

"Speak out plain."

Heaving a sigh, Hoss looked at Adam, who nodded encouragingly. "Pa, she's an actress," he stated bluntly, nodding slightly in the direction of the door Miss Menken had gone out. There was a note of condemnation in his voice that sounded odd coming from Hoss.

"I see," Ben responded slowly. "So that's what's been bothering all of you this evening. You don't think Miss Menken is good enough for your father." His sons glanced at each other, unwilling to either agree or disagree with that assessment. "Well let me tell you something. Adah Menken is all the woman a man could want, and I am very proud to be seen in her company."

Biting her lip, Shannon kept from protesting. Adam fidgeted. "Yeah, but Pa," he started to say.

"Don't say it, Adam," Ben said, raising his hand. "Don't you boys think I'm old enough to take care of myself?"

"Pa, we was just doing it for your own good," Hoss said defensively.

Their father chuckled slightly. "Well, thank you. Thank you very much," he replied. "Now, with your permission, I will accompany Miss Menken back into town." He turned to leave but paused to say one last thing. "You boys should know better than to set such an example in front of Shannon."

Hat in hand, Ben left the house. Sliding down, Shannon scowled at the fabric in front of her and crossed her arms. "That went well," Joe declared. "What are we going to do now, Adam?"

"I have to think on it," Adam answered. "What I want to know right now, though, is which one of you told Shannon about Miss Menken being an actress."

"Now Adam, you know I wouldn't tell her anything that would worry her like that," Hoss responded indignantly.

"Don't look at me," Joe said. "I told her not to worry about it when she was asking questions this morning. Maybe Pa's right and she just picked up on our...concern. Or maybe she just doesn't like the idea of Pa courting someone. Who knows? She's odd like that."

"I can hear you, Joe" Shannon snapped, provoked into making her presence known.

There were footsteps. Slowly, Shannon leaned her head back and found Adam looking down at her. "You have something you want to tell me, Shannon?" her oldest brother asked as he leaned against the chair.

"If I say no, will you let me go up to my room?" Shannon asked, widening her eyes in an attempt at innocence. Adam shook his head and she sighed. "I didn't think so. Alright. What exactly is it you want to know about?"

Bringing his hand up, Adam pinched the bridge of his nose. "Let's start with why you were late home tonight and move from there. What did you do?"

"What makes you think I did something?"

That prompted a chuckle from Hoss who had come over to join them. "You were kept after school, Shan," he pointed out.

"Oh, right. Well, Amy showed me the poster from the new play yesterday and then at school today she was talking about what everyone was saying about Miss Menken and the play," Shannon answered honestly. She tilted her head. "Is it true Miss Menken was almost naked on stage in front of everybody?"

Hoss turned a bright shade of red. "That isn't important, Shannon," Adam said quickly. "What does this have to do with why you were late?"

"Well, I didn't think it could be true, Pa bringing an actress for supper, especially not one who'd been naked in front of the whole town," Shannon blurted out. "So I went to find him and learn the truth. Miss Jones wasn't happy that I left the school grounds during recess."

"Is Miss Jones going to be sending a note?" Adam asked.

Shannon shook her head emphatically. "I promised not to do it again, and I wrote a hundred lines on the chalkboard after school, " she explained. "Miss Jones said she'd consider the matter closed and not tell Pa."

"Good," was all Adam said in response to that news. He started for the stairs. "Good night."

"That's it?" Joe asked. "Adam, what are we going to do about Pa and Miss Menken?"

"Maybe tomorrow, when I've had a chance to think about it."

Frowning, Shannon straightened up in the chair. "Adam, there was a man in town today," she said. She suddenly had the attention of all of his brothers. "He was in the hotel when I was talking to Sam there, and he made a point of asking me I was related to Ben Cartwright. Sam answered that I was before I could figure out how to not tell him who I was. He kind of scared me."

His foot on the first step, Adam turned. "Someone knew in town?"

"Yeah, I think so. Sam said his name was John C. Regan, a prize fighter," she responded. "I was going to tell Pa, but I didn't have a chance."

Seriously, Adam walked to her and put his hand on her shoulder. "It might be nothing, but don't go anywhere alone, alright?" he requested. Shannon nodded. "I'll see what I can learn tomorrow when I'm in town."

"You're going to town tomorrow?" Joe asked. "To talk to Miss Menken?"

"Whether I do or not is my business," Adam responded. "Good night."

With that, the oldest Cartwright son went upstairs. Scowling, Joe shook his head. "I'm going out to give Cooch some attention," he decided.

Shannon flinched as the door slammed shut. "Do think Pa is going to ask Miss Menken to marry him?" she asked, looking up at Hoss.

"Men don't usually ask actresses to marry them," Hoss responded, looking more than a little flustered.

"So, why is Pa spending so much time with her?" Shannon demanded, watching her brother's face turn as red as a tomato. "Why does he look so...happy with her if he isn't going to marry her? It doesn't make any kind of sense!"

"You should ask Adam," Hoss told her before rushing out the front door.

Hop-Sing hurried into the dining room and took in the fact that only Shannon was left. "Where everyone go?" he demanded. "No one want dessert? I make special!"

Sighing, Shannon faced him. "I want it, Hop-Sing."

The cook nodded, the expression on his face softening. "Rest of family always rush, Lil' Missy good girl," he said. "I bake cake. I bring out for you."

Shannon walked to the table and sat down. She looked at the vacant place settings and shook her head. "Alone again," she commented.


Only Hoss was at the table when Shannon came down the next morning. "Do you have any plans for today, Hoss?" she asked as she took her seat.

Her brother swallowed his mouthful of food. "Nothing specific, though I should probably finish some of the clearing we were supposed to do yesterday," he answered. "I don't know where Adam is. Joe hasn't shown himself either."

"And Pa isn't back?" Hoss shook his head and Shannon frowned. "I wish she would just go away already."

Hoss shrugged. "That's probably not going to happen for awhile, Shan," he told her. "After all, she's only been here for a few days and she can't leave in the middle of her play. It'll be easier to get Pa to come home before she goes away."

Her appetite gone, Shannon pushed her plate away and drank her milk. She drummed her fingers on the tabletop, trying think. "I want to go see Amy today," she announced, coming to a decision. Maybe if she talked to Miss Menken she could figure something out. "She said their dog just had puppies and she wants to show them to me."

"Well, you can't ride into town alone," Hoss said immediately. "I'll go with you."

"Thanks, Hoss," Shannon responded, plotting how she'd be able to get away from him long enough to go to the theater. "Do you think Adam will learn who that man is?"

"I intend to, when I'm in town later," Adam answered as he came down the stairs. He joined his siblings at the table and sat down in his usual seat. "He probably just heard the name Cartwright and was just curious. But Roy will probably know."

Shannon mentally kicked herself for not having done that herself. "Are you going to try talking to Pa again?" she asked.

Adam shook his head and poured himself some coffee. "You heard him last night. He doesn't want to hear it," he answered. "I'm going to try another angle."

When he didn't say anything more, Hoss asked, "Are you going to tell us what that is?"

"No."

Hoss and Shannon exchanged looks. "Hoss and I are riding into town today," Shannon told him slowly. "I want to see Amy's puppies and I can't go alone.

Their older brother sighed in a long suffering way. "I won't be going until later this afternoon," he said. "If you want to wait until then, you're welcome to ride along, since I'm sure you'll find some way to get into trouble, but I'm speaking to Miss Menken alone."

Turning her glass around, Shannon held her tongue. "Pretty sure none of us have any objections to that, Adam," Hoss responded quickly.

"What do none of us object to?" Joe asked as he came down the stairs. He had his boots in his hand.

"If you were up at a consistent time every morning, we wouldn't have to repeat the conversation," Adam told him with a quick smile. "We're all riding into town later on today. Once we have everything looked after here. You can either come along or not."

Joe grumbled as he took his seat. He dropped his boots by his chair. "It's too early in the morning for you to be preaching at me, Older Brother," he said. "Did Pa come back last night?"

"What do you think?"

"You don't have to snap at me, Adam. It was just a question."

"No one's snapping at anybody," Hoss aid quickly, eager to head off an argument. "None of us are happy with what's happening but that ain't no reason to be mad at each other."

Huffing, Joe poured his coffee. "Well, I'm just saying that something has to be done about this," he responded. "We need Pa here on the ranch, and he's been gone three days now. How much longer are we going to have to make do without him?"

Adam found himself facing his siblings' worried looks as all three turned to him as the oldest to fix this problem. "It will work out," he said. "That's all I can say on the matter right now."

Silence fell at the table.


"You didn't come all this way just to see puppies."

Looking up from the wriggling puppy in her lap, Shannon grinned at her friend. "Have my brothers left yet?" she asked, her tone conspiratorial.

Frowning, Amy went to the barn door. "I don't see any of them," she reported a moment later. She came back to the barn stall where the mama dog and puppies were currently living. "What is this about, Shannon?"

"I need to speak to Miss Menken, and I can't do that with my pa or brothers around," Shannon told her, setting the puppy back with its siblings. She stood up and brushed her dress off. "Do you want to make a trip to the theater with me?"

"My parents would be so furious if they found out I went to the opera house," Amy responded uncertainly. She grinned a moment later, her eyes glinting with mischief. "I've always wanted to meet someone famous. Let's go!"

The two girls left the barn and walked the short distance from the Jackson residence that was on the edge of town to the theater in the middle of Virginia City. The side door was ajar and the girls stepped in without encountering any kind of trouble. Men and women were rushing around, preparing for the night's performance.

"They must be rehearsing," Amy said, keeping her voice hushed as she watched the organized chaos that was happening around her. "Where do you want to go now? We're not going to find Miss Menken in her dressing room."

Frowning, Shannon glanced around. "Let's go around to the auditorium and wait in the seats," she suggested uncertainly. "We can watch the performance and then I'll figure out how to get Miss Menken's attention."

"I see how it is," Amy said with a mock scowl. "I have to come along so you don't get in trouble, but I'm not going to be able to meet Miss Menken."

"Well, you can meet her," Shannon told her apologetically. "I just have to talk to her alone. I can't tell you why but it's important."

Reaching over, Amy looped her arm around Shannon's. "You don't have to explain a thing. You're my friend and I know you have your reasons. Come on."

No one seemed to notice the two girls who crept out to the seats. Wide eyed, the pair watched the story unfold on the stage, gasping when the white horse raced away with Adah Menken tied to its back. So they were so enthralled that they both enthusiastically applauded when the curtain fell at the conclusion to the play.

"Who's there?" a nervous, heavy set man demanded. The curtain was pulled back up as the girls ducked down. "Is someone in here?"

"Stay here and I'll distract him while you talk to Miss Menken. You can repay me for this later," Amy whispered to Shannon. Before Shannon could object, her friend jumped up and bolted down the aisle.

"Hey, kid!" the man exclaimed. "Somebody stop her! Come back here!"

Sinking down, Shannon stayed where she was as the cast members laughed. One by one, the director dismissed them and the theater emptied. Breathing a sigh of relief, the twelve year old girl stood and walked down to the front. She moved to go backstage, but her eye was caught by the upright piano that was in the pit.

Glancing around, Shannon jumped down and ran her fingers over the keys.

"Do you play?"

Gasping, Shannon looked up to find Miss Menken standing on the stage. "Yes, ma'am, I do," she said, relaxing slightly. "I don't have an instrument to practice on so I can't say that I play very well."

The woman tutted and shook her head. "Well, that simply won't do," she said decisively. "Practice is a must if you want to expand your talent. I'll have to have a word with your father and have him see about getting you your own."

Being indebted to this woman was the last thing she wanted. "Please don't."

Tilting her head, Miss Menken frowned at her and then breathed out a soft, "Oh." She sighed and then took a seat on the edge of the stage. "So, that's why you came, is it? You want me to stop seeing your father."

"Yes, ma'am."

"You don't want your father to be happy?"

Shannon sank onto the piano stool and clasped her hands in her lap. "I don't think you're the one who would make him happy," she answered honestly.

"I see," Miss Menken said gently. She leaned forward, her expression serious. "Shannon, your father and I have been friends for a very long time now. I think he and I are the only ones who can decide if we would be happy together. Not you or your brothers. I don't believe any of you are so selfish you would stop your father from being happy."

"I am!" Shannon blurted out, surprising herself. "I am that selfish! He's my pa! And I've only had him for a short time. I don't want to share him with someone who will hurt him."

Miss Menken's eyes glinted with irritation. "How can you be so sure I would hurt him? Is it because I'm an actress?"

"N-no," Shannon stammered. The actress raised an eyebrow. "Maybe. It doesn't matter why I know you will. Its just something I know, and I won't let you do it. You can't marry him. You can't take him from me"

"I'm disappointed. I expected better of Ben Cartwright's daughter."

Furious, Shannon surged to her feet. "How dare you judge me!" she exclaimed. "You have no right to say that!"

"And you haven't judged me?" Miss Menken responded. She got to her feet. "If you've said what you came to say, I suggest you find your friend and go home, Shannon. The theater is no place for a girl your age."

The actress moved to walk away. "My mother didn't love Pa," Shannon told her bluntly, staying where she was. Miss Menken faced her again. "Oh, she was fond of him, in her own way, I think. But the short time she was here, Adam said she nearly destroyed the family. That's what would happen if you married Pa."

Miss Menken stared at her for a moment. "So, your father is to remain a widower for the rest of his days?" she asked. "Is that what you want for him? A life of loneliness?"

"No, that's not what I want at all but-," Shannon said slowly. She hesitated. "You're not understanding what I'm trying to tell you. Pa has already had his heartbroken because of an unwise marriage. He thought he loved my mother and that didn't end well. I don't think our family could survive it happening again."

"Is that all you have to say?"

Shannon slowly uncurled her fists. "I guess it is," she answered. "Good bye, Miss Menken."

Turning, Shannon climbed out of the orchestra pit and walked aisle to the lobby of the opera house. She took a deep breath and stepped out into the afternoon sun. Before she even had a moment to enjoy the light, a hand grabbed her arm and jerked her around.

"You again," the deep voice of John C. Regan said. "The little Cartwright girl."

"M-Mr. Regan," Shannon responded, nervously. She tried to pull away. "Please let me go."

"Why am I not surprised that you're here," Regan commented, tightening his grip. "You Cartwrights just won't stay away from her."

"You're hurting me!"

Regan's left hand came up as though he was going to hit her and she flinched as far back as she could. "Hey, Shannon," Amy called out. She came running up. "You ready to get back? Mother's going to have dinner ready soon and...is everything alright?"

Shannon couldn't pull her eyes away from the man who held her captive. After a moment, he let her go and walked away. Rubbing her sore arm, Shannon watched him go. "Shannon, are you alright? Who was that man?" Amy asked in concern.

"I'm fine," Shannon assured her. "I'm just glad you came when you did. Let's just get away from here. I'm sorry you didn't get to meet Miss Menken."

Amy shrugged. "She's going to be here for awhile, so I'll figure out a way to meet her later."


The two girls got back to the Jackson house right before Hoss arrived to pick up Shannon. Saying nothing about her meeting with Miss Menken, the girl followed him into town to the cafe for dinner with all of her brothers. Conversation was sparse as each one of them seemed preoccupied with their own thoughts and none of them ate much.

Adam was the first to leave, saying only that he had an appointment at the theater to keep. Shannon found herself left at the hotel less than an hour later when Joe and Hoss decided that they wanted to wait for their oldest brother at the theater. Sam was reluctant to hand over the key at first, but when Hoss threatened to leave Shannon in the lobby, the desk clerk quickly handed it over.

As she paced in the room, Shannon thought about her day. She didn't know if her conversation with Miss Menken had been enough to convince the woman to stop seeing her pa. She hoped it was, or if it wasn't, that whatever Adam had to say would work.

She spun around when the door opened. Her pa stepped in and gave a start on seeing her. "Shannon, what are you doing in town?" he asked. He was dressed in his best clothes, so he'd been at the theater. "Where are your brothers?"

"Pa, I miss you," Shannon said, rushing to him. She wrapped her arms around him and rested her head against the silky grey vest her had on. "When are you coming home?"

Her pa's arms came around her and held her close. "Soon," he promised. He took hold of her shoulders and set her back a step. "You shouldn't be in town this late. Its not safe. Which one of you brothers said you could come?"

"Well, they're all here somewhere, and I didn't want to get left behind since Hop-Sing took a day off," Shannon told him, deciding that he really didn't need to know that she had asked to come in to town. "I don't know where they went to but since it's not safe for me to be alone, they left me here. I kind of think they forgot about me."

The expression on her father's face hardened. "And why isn't it safe for you to be alone?"

"I ran into a man yesterday," Shannon answered. "He asked if I was related to you. Adam thinks it might just be nothing, but said I shouldn't be by myself just in case." And she wasn't going to explain that she'd ignored Adam's decision already. "He just scared me."

Ben's eyes narrowed and he gently took her arm. "Did he do this to you?" he asked, running his finger lightly over the dark bruise that was on her arm.

"Yes."

Before any more questions could be asked, there was a loud voice nearby, the exact words muffled by the walls. Pulling her close again, Ben kissed her forehead. "You stay here," he instructed. "I have something to take care of."

As he left the room, he pulled his jacket away from his gun and Shannon caught her breath. She swallowed hard and sat down to wait. She didn't hear anymore shouting, and no gunshots, which was a bit of a relief. Still, she felt on edge and worried.

Then she heard it, a big voice, one that was familiar and full of worry, say, "Pa!"

"Hoss," Shannon breathed. She bolted her feet and ran to the door. It only took her a moment to get to the stairs and from there she could see Hoss lowering the limp form of Joe down. "Joe! No!"

She ran down the stairs and crossed the lobby. Hoss grabbed hold of her before she reached the settee. "Just stay back, Shan," he told her. He looked over at Sam, who had come out from behind the desk. "Go get the doctor, or send someone."

Nodding, the man hurried away. Shannon stared at the beaten face of her brother. "Is he going to be alright?" she asked.

His movements gentle, Ben was dabbing at the blood that streaked across Joe's face. "Of course he'll be fine, Shannon," Hoss said, his grip shifting from one of restraint to one that was more comforting. "Nothing keeps Joe down for long. You'll see."

The worry in his voice didn't convince Shannon at all. Nearly ten minutes passed before Dr. Martin's colleague, Dr. Williams rushed in. Reluctantly, Ben stepped back so that the doctor could get close. Pulling Shannon along with him, Hoss moved to the end of the settee to make sure there was plenty of room.

"Where's Adam?" Shannon whispered.

"He'll be along soon, I'm sure. Don't worry," Hoss told her soothingly.

Sure enough, not a minute later, Adam came through the door. He skidded to a stop and hurried to the settee. He squeezed in behind Ben and leaned over. "How is he?" he asked, concern lacing his voice. He glanced from Ben to Hoss.

Ben just shook his head, unable to answer. "That gash over his optic nerve," the doctor muttered.

Shannon frowned, not understanding those words. "Your brother may be blinded, Adam," Ben clarified. Hoss' arms tightened around Shannon, but she didn't mind.

Pushing back, Adam focused on Hoss. "Anybody know who did it?" he asked in a tone that promised vengeance for the attack on their family.

"Little Joe couldn't say," Hoss answered.

The news was unwelcome and Shannon wrapped her arms around Hoss'. Joe shifted slightly, his head moving. "He's coming to," the doctor reported. He looked surprised as Ben grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the way.

"Easy, son. Now don't try to move," Ben said, his voice thick with emotion. He leaned over his youngest son as Joe forced his eyes open. "Can you see me?"

"Pa?" Joe managed to say, sounding so young and in pain.

"Don't try to talk. Everything is going to be alright. If you can see me, blink your eyes," Ben instructed, keeping his tone gentle. Joe repeated that single word he'd said, only weaker than before. "Easy. If you can see me, blink your eyes two times."

For a moment, Shannon felt as though she couldn't breath as she waited for Joe to obey. Slowly, Joe blinked his eyes, a tear running down his cheek. He reached hand up to his father's face. Ben grabbed it. "That's good, son," he praised. "That's good. Now, everything's going to be alright. Your pa's right here. Now, you just rest easy."

Relieved, Shannon squeezed Hoss' arm, sniffing as she tried to keep from crying in relief. Adam leaned closer. "Pa, ask him who did it," he requested.

Joe's eyes slipped closed and the tension brought by pain vanished. Ben breathed out and stood up. "I know who did it," he said, anger in his voice. He turned and walked out of the hotel lobby.

"Stay here with Joe," Hoss instructed as Adam hurried after their pa.

Wrapping her arms around herself, Shannon stayed at the end of the settee as the doctor moved back to care for Joe. "Is there anything I can do?" she finally asked, not liking the silence that had filled the room.

Dr. Williams glanced over at her. "FInd me a basin of water," he instructed. "And I assume you Cartwrights have a room here? We'll need to move him to a bed once I'm sure there are no dangers in doing so."

Nodding, Shannon hurried to the desk, where Sam had returned. "I'll be right back, Miss Shannon," the man said before she could say a word. He vanished through the door to his right, appearing a minute later with a pitcher of water and basin. "You still have the key to your father's room. He said he was going to be checking out, but I'm guessing that's not the plan anymore."

Remembering the key she'd left behind when she'd rushed downstairs, Shannon bit back a growl of frustration and thanked the clerk for his help. She carried the water to the doctor and sat on her knees near Joe's head. Just in case he woke up again, she'd be there to let him know everything was going to be fine.

The doctor quickly cleaned the blood from Joe's face. He was probing the injured man's ribs when Shannon heard the rustle of fabric. She looked up to find Miss Menken stepping off the last step of the staircase.

"What happened?" the woman demanded in horror, rushing over.

Surging to her feet, Shannon put herself between her brother and Miss Menken. "Someone beat him up," the twelve year old said. "Pa, Adam, and Hoss have gone to get the guy. And I'm pretty sure they weren't going to tell Sheriff Coffee first."

She saw the actress' eyes widen right before Miss Menken turned and ran from the lobby. Surprised, Shannon blinked. Shaking her head, she returned to her brother's side. That's where she stayed until her pa and brothers stepped back in.

Hoss' face was almost as much a mess as Joe's. "Good, you're back," Dr. Williams said, straightening up. "He's badly bruised, that's about the worst of it. A few days of rest will put him right, but I don't recommend a long trip out to your ranch."

"We'll stay here," Ben responded, sending a look over to Sam. "Adam, help me get him upstairs."

Standing up, Shannon moved to Hoss. "No need to look so worried, Shan," he told her, trying and failing to smile reassuringly at her. "I got him. He won't be bothering any of us again."

"John Regan?" she asked, finally voicing the name she'd been worrying over since she heard Ben's angry declaration that he knew who'd beaten Joe. Hoss nodded. "Why? Why did he do this, Hoss? How did we ever hurt him?"

"Its a long story," Hoss told her. "I'll explain later."


Unable to sleep, Shannon left her bed. It was still pitch black out, and she could hear Hoss' snores in the next bedroom over. She tiptoed to the room that had originally been her Pa's. A light was still on there, and her pa was sitting next to the bed. Joe was sleeping, not having woken up after his brief time conscious.

"You should be sleeping," Ben said to her, looking over his shoulder. Tiredness made his face look old. "What are you doing up?"

"I couldn't sleep," Shannon answered honestly, moving to him. Without waiting for an invitation, she sat on his lap and wrapped her arms around her father's neck. "I just don't understand why this happened."

Ben hugged her, resting his head on top of her's. "Like I told Hoss, there are different kinds of love," he told her, keeping his voice low. "Adah probably didn't even realize that she still loved Regan, not until she realized that he was hurt. Joe just got caught in the middle. We all did."

Shannon gave an unhappy huff and sighed. "At least they're going to be gone," she muttered.

"Adah told me about how you stopped by to talk her out of marrying me."

Lifting her head, Shannon looked at her pa. "Are you mad at me?" she asked apprehensively.

"No, I'm not mad," Ben told her. "I'm disappointed you didn't give Adah a chance or try to get to know her. She's a good woman, Shannon, and any man would be lucky to have her as his wife."

"Like my mother was a good woman?" Shannon asked, unable to keep the bitterness from her voice.

Ben frowned at her. "What kind of a question is that?" he asked, studying her face. "Your mother was a fine lady, Shannon. She may not have been suited for life here, but that doesn't mean I think any less of her."

"Then you don't regret marrying her?"

"Why would I?" Ben responded, his expression softening. "If I'd never married her, you wouldn't be here." She started to protest but he interrupted her, "Yes, it didn't end well between Carolyn and I but that doesn't mean I wish I hadn't. All of my wives may have died and life wasn't easy but I will never regret the time I had with any of them."

Sighing, Shannon rested her head against his chest again. "Are you disappointed Miss Menken didn't marry you?"

"I just want her to be happy, and if Regan is the one she thinks will make her happy, I have nothing to be disappointed about."

Shannon wasn't sure if she really believed that but decided she would have to be content with that answer. She closed her eyes, making herself comfortable. "I love you, Pa."

"I love you too, Shannon."