AN: To all my readers: thank you so much for continuing to read my story.

Kirsten: It's always a pleasure hearing your thoughts so thank you. I'm going to expand on the friendship between Lucas and Griff. We saw very little of them bond but enough for me to think they may very well have become good friends had they been given the chance on screen.

Tanith

Chapter 10

Bone weary and feeling utterly miserable, Griff kicked at the clumps of loose dirt as he trudged back to the stables. If his company and help wasn't wanted by Lucas and the other hands then at least the horses mightn't object. Just as he reached the door, a hand landed on his shoulder and he spun away out of reflex.

"Whoah! Easy there, Griff," Joe Cartwright chuckled. "What's gotten you so spooked today?" The laughter died on his lips when he saw the markings on Griff's face. "Rough day breakin' them horses?"

Griff nodded. "Yeah, I just….um…you're back early."

"Yeah, Pa's still in town. He's got a few more things to take care of but I figured I better get the paperwork for the new horses ready. Mr. Litterman is picking them up in a week and I'm heading over to Carson City day after tomorrow," Joe explained then when he noticed the faraway look in the young man's eyes, he added, "You alright, Griff?"

Griff shook his head to clear it of its musings. "Yeah, just tired, is all."

"Let's go to the house. I'll fix us a drink and your pay for the week. Whaddya say huh?" Joe gave the younger man a friendly slap on the arm.

"Sure," Griff replied as he followed Joe up to the main house.

When they reached the front door, a cart could be heard riding toward the house. Their initial reaction was to turn around and greet the visitors. Joe walked up to where the cart was pulling in while Griff lagged behind when he saw who it was riding on the cart. Marshall McCoy. Not far behind was none other than Mr. Howard, perched in his saddle.

Griff decided it was his cue to leave as he watched Joe conversing with McCoy. He turned to walk away quietly when Joe called out his name.

"Griff? Hey Griff! The Marshall wants to talk to you for a minute!" Joe called out then turned to face McCoy once again. "So what's this all about?"

"I just need to ask the boy a few questions is all. I know you're busy. This won't take long," McCoy pleasantly but firmly insisted. He climbed down from the cart and followed Joe to the front door where Griff stood waiting nervously.

"Let's go inside. I'll make some tea. Hop Sing's in town getting some supplies for the pantry," Joe invited both men into the house then left them alone so they could have some privacy. The Marshall's manner and tone didn't give him a reason to think that whatever he had to ask Griff was of a serious nature.

Griff started pacing in front of the lawman, his blue eyes fixated on the empty space ahead of him. He refused to look the Marshall in the eye, his gut clenching with anxiety.

McCoy studied the boy for a moment before he said, "Why don't you sit down. You're making me nervous."

Griff stopped his pacing and turned to face McCoy. "Say what you gotta say, Marshall. I've got places to be!"

"Is that so? Where've you gotta be, boy?" McCoy leered. "Your gang's hideout perhaps?"

"I don't know what ya talkin' about," Griff responded. His palm were beginning to sweat. He wiped them on his pants. He wasn't at all comfortable with where the conversation was heading but there was little he could do to stop it. Once again, Candy's voice echoed in his head. Just cooperate.

"You don't, do you? Where were you last night and the night before last?" McCoy interrogated. His tone darkened.

"I was sleeping!" Griff snapped.

"Where?"

"Bunkhouse night before last. You can check with the guys."

"And last night?"

"Under the stars."

"I don't suppose the squirrels can vouch for ya?"

Griff gave a theatrical shrug and a smirk. "Guess you'll have to ask 'em." Beneath the sarcasm, the ranch hand feared for what was to come. His heart thudded hard and fast in his chest, threatening to break free.

"Then I guess you'll be comin' with me to the sheriff's office." McCoy moved forward as Griff stepped back.

Joe returned from the kitchen with a tray laden with porcelain cups, sugar and a pot of tea. Seeing the tension and hearing the raised voices, he quickly settled the tray down on the nearest table. Jamie had chosen that moment to hurry down stairs to investigate what all the commotion was about. Joe caught the youngster by the shoulders and motioned for him to stay put by the staircase, ignoring his questioning look.

McCoy made a grab for Griff who stepped out of his reach and shoved the Marshall away.

The lawman lost his balance and fell onto the sofa. He bounded back up to his feet and reached for his gun. "Hold it right there!" He commanded threateningly.

"Hey, what's going on?" Joe called out as he lunged forward and stepped between the Marshall and Griff.

Jamie watched the scene, confused and afraid. He started to edge forward, wanting desperately to help diffuse the situation but not knowing quite how he was going to intervene without making matters worse. He chewed his lower lip, battling an inner struggle.

"Out of my way, Joe!" McCoy growled, wrestling his way past Joe. He drew out his pistol but Joe grappled for control of the weapon.

Griff took advantage of the distraction to escape out the front door but the sound of a shot being fired stopped him. At first he thought the bullet had found its mark but he felt no pain and he was still standing and breathing. It was Joe's anguished cry, however, that pierced his heart and froze him to the core.

"Jamie!"