Telegrams.

5th Story in the Alexandra Series.

Summary: You wanted to know the why, the when and the how Alexandra came about. Well here it is. Adam receives a wire from San Francisco. He embarks on a journey with Alexandra to bring Katherine home one way or another. He recalls the events of the past along the way.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bonanza, or any of its characters. David Dortort and Fred Hamilton created them and played with them for 14 years. The series is owned by NBC.

Warnings: CP Of a minor.

Re-cap:

Alexandra was stunned. She stood frozen on the spot as she watched the stage disappear and the dust start to dissipate leaving the muted images of ghostly forms in its centre moving away. When the dust finally cleared, no one was left on the street.

Alexandra was alone. A heart in pain; full of broken promises.

AN. Special Guest cameos; Brett maverick and Samantha Crawford from the 1950's/ 60's T.V. western 'Maverick'

End Flashback…

Chapter 12: Placerville to Sacramento; Steamboat Alex pt 1.

Alexandra and Adam were up early the next morning. After a quick breakfast of apple and cinnamon muffins with hot coffee for Adam and warm milk for Alexandra , they headed for the stage office.

By nine in the morning the stage coach was loaded and on the road, making its way to Sacramento. They would hopefully be there by lunchtime where they would have a good meal and do a little shopping; Alexandra needed some new shoes.

The trip, usually took no longer than four hours with its well maintained roads, which made the ride a smooth one, yet it was an uncomfortable four hours as the coach was usually full this leg of the trip. In actual fact the overland Stage Company offered two trips a day from Placerville to Sacramento and Adam had always found them both crowded; full of business men, politicians and distinguished ladies. So it was no surprise to Adam that an hour into their ride Alexandra became fidgety.

"Can I go up and sit with Old Henry?" she asked.

"Old Henry isn't driving this coach, Alexandra, he's does the trip back to Carson City," explained Adam.

"Oh, Da…ahh, drat!" she quickly corrected and then huffed. "It's hot in here, dad, can I sit by the window?"

Unfortunately Adam and Alexandra were among the last to arrive for the early stage that morning and therefore were seated in the middle of the bench seat, facing backwards. The majority of people hated those seats the most; very little air reached the centre and facing backwards with even a small sway of the coach and the few lunges and rolls could make one feel nauseous.

"Dad?" whispered Alex.

Adam looked down, and frowned when he saw Alex's pale face. He watched her lick her lips.

"I feel sick," she explained.

Adam looked opposite him and the large portly woman that sat there, then to the other corner where a business man sat. "Sir, could I ask you to swap places for a moment, my little girl needs some fresh air."

The big man turned and looked out the window and pretended not to hear Adam.

"Hey mister, I'm think I'm gonna v…

Adam stopped Alexandra, "Sir, I think it may be in everyone's best interest that my daughter get some fresh air."

The man looked back to Adam with an annoyed expression, and then went to say something, but before a discussion could arise the man sitting beside Adam and opposite the business man offered his seat. "Here, come to this side," he said and quickly stood up so Adam could slide Alex over towards the window.

The good looking man; tall with dark hair and dressed in grey pin stripped pants, dress shirt, string tie and satin double breasted vest under a black frock coat, smiled at Adam and Alexandra. Adam recognised his attire; that of a professional gambler. Alex on the other hand thought he was just a very kind man. When he stood up however, he needed to support his weight and in this case, his height also. He avoided leaning over the buxom woman opposite him and instead braced his hands on the roof of the carriage.

Alexandra made it in time to the window and revelled in the fresh air for a moment before the stage coached lunged due to the gamblers distribution of weight. The lunge immediately bought a rumble to Alexandra's stomach and the follow through of her hearty breakfast of milk and cinnamon muffins. Adam was glad she had made it to the window. Alexandra had been sick only a couple of times in her life, but when she was it was often like a dam busting. It never ceased to amaze him how much volume one little kid could expel.

The fellow passengers groaned on hearing the sound and getting a whiff of the smell, as Adam rubbed Alexandra's back. The kindly gambler banged on the roof to alert the driver that they should stop. When it didn't seem that the driver was attempting to stop, the portly man sitting opposite Alexandra; the one that had refused to give up his seat, stuck his head out the window .

"Diver, stop! This child is stinking out the carriage," he said disdainfully.

Alexandra was embarrassed, and turned to say something to the rude man. After all it was partly his fault. Had she been able to lean out that window, facing in the right direction, she may not have been sick, and the wind travelling past the carriage would have carried any fluid with its offensive smell well behind them. "Well mister… urrrr…" Alexandra's stomach rumble again and the last of her breakfast took flight, hitting the large rude man square in the face. He was fortunate his mouth was not open, though he didn't think so. He gagged immediately, and started dry retching out his own window.

Another collective groan came from the carriage occupants and the tall gambler, this time banged three times on the roof. Fortunately the driver heard and started slowing the carriage down. The driver pulled off the road and then bought the carriage to a complete stop.

As soon as the carriage stopped the portly man opened the door closest to him and exited. All the other passengers except the tall man, Adam and Alexandra, quickly disembarked from the other door and ran for the shady cover of trees some five yards from a small pond.

"After securing the break and the team of horses, the driver jumped down, and looked through the open door. He saw the small child leaning out the window and surmised the situation quickly.

"Okay, sorry folks, didn't hear ya the first time. There's a water hole over yonder, ya can clean ya selves up over there." He turned to the other passengers. "Ten minutes folks, and I suggest ya give the little girl the window seat for the rest of the journey; kids' stomachs can't always take a rocky ride."

"Are we going to be able to keep to our schedule, driver?" asked a distinguished looking lady, "I have an appointment."

"We're on time ma'am. Ten minutes won't cost ya anything, except a more comfortable trip for everyone. You want that kid sick again? Iffin she is, ya'll end up feeling the effects. I don't fancy having ta stop ta clean up a bigger mess. And believe me I seen a dam busting that don't cause as much mess. So take the time get yourselves a cool drink," He said before grabbing two buckets from the boot of the stage.

"Here," said the tall friendly man. "I'll get those filled, you tend your horses." The gambler took the buckets and made his way to the watering hole and behind a set of trees where he could reach into the deeper part of the pond. There he lowered the buckets into the water and filled them.

Meanwhile Adam was using his canteen to clean Alexandra up. He washed her face using his handkerchief and patted her brow, before coaxing her drink a few sips of water. "Slow now sweetheart, let your tummy settle."

"I'm sorry daddy," said Alex feeling on the verge of tears. She hated being sick. She couldn't control it and it hurt both her throat and stomach at the same time.

"Nothing to be sorry for, darlin; you couldn't help it. I should have noticed sooner that you weren't feeling well. The same thing used to happen to Little Joe when he was little.."

"You mean littler Little Joe," smiled Alexandra. "It came on real fast dad. Besides that fat man…"

"Alexandra," scowled Adam, "No name calling."

"Okay dad, but Molly always says, Roosters came home ta roost, when yer got a comeuppance comin' yer know get yer just deserts. Guess that fa… big mean old man that wouldn't let me sit in his seat got what was coming. My just deserts become his just deserts, hey dad? Guess he don't reckon its fair, but Molly says all's fair in love and war and whenever yer say it's not fair, she always would say and neither is a black gorilla's bum. Molly says iffin yer mean ta people, shooting ya mouth off like arrows shot into the air, thens theys are always sooner or later gonna fall down on yer own head. Molly says …."

Adam put his hand over his daughters' mouth before she could say anymore. "Yes Molly says a lot of things. Okay, I want you to hop down and go have a little sit down under those trees. I'll go help clean up the carriage." Adam ushered her out of the stage coach towards the trees before heading to the pond where he'd seen the tall man go with the empty bucket pales.

As Adam rounded the dense brush, he stopped suddenly and slipped back when he spied their new found friend being held at gun point. The gambler seemed calm and annoyed rather than in fear of his life as the bandit stood in front of him. Adam looked on; weighing up the circumstances. The bandit looked young, his slight frame representative of a youth. He was scraggly dressed in dusty brown pants an oversized coat with a red bandanna tied across his face. His hat met the sides of the bandanna leaving only a space for his eyes. Adam couldn't hear what was being said and watched as the gambler unpinned, what looked like a paper money note, from the inside of his black velvet frockcoat and handed it over.

Adam moved forward drew his gun and raised it at the thief. "I'd hand that straight back if I were you," he said evenly.

Adam could have sworn the young, and obviously inexperienced bandit slumped; his goal thwarted as he handed the gamble back his money.

"Good now put your hands up. I'm sure there is a sheriff in the next town who can deal with you."

The bandit didn't say anything, just shook his head from side to side and started backwards, most likely back to where he had hidden a horse on the other side of the pond. All the time the youngster kept his gun pointed at the gambler, hoping the standoff would give him a chance to escape.

Adam aimed his gun. Pointed at the thief's hand holding the gun, when suddenly the gambler yelled, "No, don't shoot, Mr Cartwright."

Surprised Adam looked up, which gave the misguided youngster a chance to turn and run. Within seconds they heard the galloping of hooves head off up the road.

"You know who I am?" asked Adam.

"I saw your name on the passenger list this morning when I arrived and yes I know who you are. Your family's ranch is well known in the territory. Names Brett… Brett Maverick. Thank you for your help. My pappy's thousand dollar bill has been pinned there in case of emergencies. I would have hated to lose it without it being a fair game."

Adam moved towards the gambler. "I was only going to shoot the gun out of his hand. The sheriff would have handled the rest."

"And that would have been a shame, Mr Cartwright. Her hands are her lively hood, I know who she is," said Maverick.

"She? What is it with women dressing up as men?" Adam grumbled almost to himself. "You have me at a disadvantage. I don't know who you are," he added.

"That's good; I suppose. I'm a professional gambler Mr Cartwright, and so is my little friend who just tried to jump me. She believes I owe her for her daddy's demise. I am not responsible for that and Samantha has put me in a couple of arduous situations, but I have a soft spot for the kid; she's also helped me out of a couple of tough situations. She knew I'd be on this stage, and knows of my pappy's bequeath, so to speak," he said patting his jacket lapel. "She must need a stake for something big. If my hunch is right I will most likely run into her again. Then Samantha Crawford and I will be having a little conversation."

"I could have shot her," worried Adam.

"I'll mention that when I deal with her Mr Cartwright, be sure of it," said Brett drawing his lips into a firm and determined looking thin line.

"Names, Adam."

"Thank you Adam. I'd also appreciate if you could keep this incident to yourself for the time being. Sam must be in a tight spot if she's willing to rob me in broad daylight like that."

"Consider it done, Brett. You travelling to San Francisco, perhaps that's where you'll find Miss Crawford."

"Oh I think it will before then. The steamer to San Francisco, the Chrysopolis is hosting an overnight poker tournament. My guess is Sam will be there. The entry is five hundred dollars; all players. One winner on the night takes the lot."

Adam took off his hat and carded his finger through his hair. "Great we're on that steamer."

"Oh, you nominating for the tournament?" asked Maverick.

"No, if I was on my own it would have been tempting, though I'm only a mediocre player. My little brother Joe would have jumped at the chance he considers himself a fine player."

"Well you don't have anything to worry about the tournament doesn't start until ten pm and finishes the moment we dock in San Francisco, if not before."

"You've met Alexandra? She may look as cute as a button, and very deceptive when she is unwell, but God help us if she finds her sea legs and finds out something so exciting as a poker tournament is going on. My daughter has only lived with me for two years. She spent most of her early life raised in a theater, come gambling house, come saloon. Believe me, I'll be on a twenty four hour watch as far as she is concerned."

"Oh," laughed Brett. "Well maybe we can share an early dinner before the Chrysopolis sails in her prestigious dining room. I'd appreciate being able to pay you back for your help here."

"Offer accepted, however we'll share the cost. You were very kind to us. Alexandra is a little nervy about stage travel. Most of us were very lucky she made it to the window in time."

"Most of us yes," smirked Maverick. "However, that large buffoon got what he deserved. Meet you at six in the big dining room."

"Six," agreed Adam and shook Maverick's hand.

Both Adam and Brett made their way back to the stage coach with fresh buckets of water and threw them over the side of the coach; washing all of Alexandra's mishap clearly away. Within ten minutes the stage coach with its passengers were on their way again. This time Alexandra sat at the window and her father beside her. The large man that had occupied her seat early went to sit opposite but then gladly gave up his seat to the only one willing to take it; Brett Maverick.

Maverick smiled; being a gambling man he took the long odds of Alexandra giving a repeat performance. She was now facing forward and had a fresh breeze blowing on her small face. Adam was right; she was a cute as a button. Surely butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. Then he remembered Samantha Crawford had the same characteristics.

'Yep maybe Adam was right; looks were deceiving when it came to cute females, big or small. Though Maverick still wondered what sort of mischief one so tiny could really get up to; surely nothing serious.

~oOo~

Adam and Alex boarded the Chrysopolis at 3:05pm. Adam decided to get a cabin for the night, that way he could count on the fact that Alex was somewhere safe and out of mischief. He paid for one of the bigger cabins middle deck not far from the Chrysopolis, restaurants and unfortunately close to the gaming rooms. He had their luggage and recent purchases which included new shoes for Alexandra and a dress as well as a new dress shirt for him, one he would wear when he appeared in court.

During the afternoon he had also had the opportunity to withdraw some extra funds from the bank, in case he arrived in San Fran and wouldn't get the opportunity before Katherine's appeal was heard. They would arrive in San Francisco by 6 am the next morning ready for the days and their purpose for being there to begin. Drew Kennedy had arranged to meet them at the docks and get them to their hotel room.

Once Adam and Alexandra had organised their cabin they left and went out on deck. Now, all there was to do was to enjoy the late afternoon on the Chrysopolis, and watch Sacramento's busy port from the safety of the paddle steamer and wait for it to sail.

Alexandra stood on the bottom rail of the deck so she could watch the passengers getting on.

"Hop down Alexandra, no climbing on the rails you could fall," warned Adam.

"But I can't see," complained Alex.

"Too bad, watch in between the rails."

Alex peered between the small gap between the top rail and the criss-cross of the cables that secured a thick wall of canvas to it.

"I see you've settled in," came a cheerful voice.

Alexandra looked up at the friendly man her father referred as Mr. Maverick.

"You look better too Alexandra. Are those new shoes?" he asked.

"Yup," Alex smiled and stood up. "I like them too. They's aren't as good as my cowboy boots, but they are very different than the black short boots I had ta ware day before yesterday. For starters they don't have a lot of buttons to fasten, just one buckle. They are also white and shiny. I ain't ever seen white shiny shoes before. Best of all is the heel, its small which means I can walk fast. And the sole makes a clickity sound when I walk." Alexandra demonstrated. She walked around in a circle lifting the hem of her dress with the knees of her full length pantaloons, so Maverick could see her feet under the lacy trims. "It reminds me of the character shoes the dancers wore in the theater. There once was a Spanish couple dancing at the theater and they wore shoes that clicked and stomped. It was funny dancing almost like they were singing with their feet, though sometimes it was more like they'd were yelling at each other and then trying to dance better than the other..." Alexandra stomped and scuttled tapping her feet as she turned on the spot. "The man dancing was very bossy, but then the woman was being stubborn, course when it looked like the man dancer was winning, the woman would twirl and look all sexy at him... Kinda like she was saying; okay so yer a bit of a show off and I knows yer can dance, but if fin yer wanna kiss me or get something good ta eat, yer better let me win. Then the man would pull her too him, he'd look real angry for a minute then he'd smile and lift the girl dancer into the air. Then just as quick, drop her to the ground and kiss her just before the dance was ended," Alexandra animated and gesticulated describing the dance and its characters, while Maverick tried to keep up with her flamboyant and extravagant narration.

Adam shrugged at Maverick... "You asked?" He said smiling.

Alexandra pulled on her dad's jacket. "Hey dad can, I go look around the ship?"

"You can look on this deck. Don't go any ware else but this level, Alexandra. Stay out of the saloon too."

"Oh, but, dad, I wanna see the whole ship," she objected.

"It's a pretty big ship Alexandra. For starters, keep to this deck; you know where our cabin is. We'll go for a longer walk after supper," said Adam, trying to compromise.

"Oh, okay," agreed Alexandra, though not very happy about it. The Chrysopolis was indeed a huge ship and just about brand new. Alexandra had never seen anything like it and the notion of a challenging adventure was beating in her heart and igniting her imagination.

Both Adam and Brett watched Alexandra skip away then stop for a moment before she started tapping her feet twirling and stomping again like the Spanish dance.

"No twirling while above deck, Alexandra you'll get dizzy," called out Adam.

"Oh dad, no I won't; I'm spotting, dancers do that dad. Theys keep their eye on one thing, before theys turn and then come back to that one thing when theys finished; that way they stay in the same spot and don't get dizzy," she explained.

"No twirling, Alexandra. If you are going to argue you can come back and stand beside me, and do no exploring at all," he offered in a warning tone."Those are your options," he added.

"Not much of an option dad. Can I Juba dance, then? TJ's Hopper, he was another dancer. He come from doin' a minstrel show with Barnum. Molly knowed him. He said he learnt a new dance from some black actor pretending to be white pretending ta be black. They kinda skip and drag and tap and shuffle then kick and tap again. Theses shoes are good for that too, dad, especially on the wooed deck."

"Yes I guess so, just don't bang intopeople," he said.

Alexandra happily walked off and every now and again did a quick time step, as she mumbled to herself. "Shuffle, kick, hop, ball change, shuffle… No, that ain't right, shuffle hop…"

Both men chuckled as they watched Alex shuffle her way to the bow. Maverick then pulled out a cigar from his coat inside pocket and offered it to Adam. "Smoke?" he asked.

"Yes don't mind if I do," said Adam.

Maverick pulled out an identical one and both lit up and drew deep as they turned their attention back to the view below to the passengers coming up the starboard gangplank.

"Well you have got my curiosity up Cartwright, young Alexandra seems to have a lively childhood. There's got to be a story there," suggested Maverick.

Adam nodded, and then drew on his cigar again.

"Sorry, didn't mean to be personal or dig up bad memories. Its none of my business," he apologized.

"No there's no big secrets, not anymore anyway," laughed Adam. " Alexandra was a big secret; one kept from me. And as far a dredging up bad memories, this whole trip has dredged up a lot of memories, but only some bad. The biggest question I ask myself is; am I doing the right thing by taking Alexandra to Sam Francisco. Her mother is dying, will most probably die there; do I expose her to that?"

"Seems to me you've got to play that one by ear. It's a gamble Cartwright, but life's like that. You little girl seems tough, though and from what I can gather has tackled a few problems in her short life already. You said she hasn't been with you long?"

"Just over two years. Now that was a day I'll never forget…"

Flashback

Alexandra was alone. A heart in pain; full of broken promises. She sunk down and sat on the edge of the boardwalk and started to cry. She looked at the prop gun in her hand," I didn't even get to say goodbye, I love you momma, and I'll be good I promise," she mumbled to herself in between the sobs. Alexandra scrubbed at her tears, and stood up," I should at least said goodbye…maybe I can catch up, maybe at the Sand Creek pass."

With a plan in mind Alex took off down main street, but had to stop when she spotted Hoss, leading to two horses towards the tall dark man that had promised to get her momma out of jail. Not wanting to be spotted, especially with the prop gun, that man had promised her a tanning if he caught her with it again, though what right he had to do that, Alexandra wasn't sure. Fact was, she wasn't going to take the chance the man had pretty big hands and seemed to be the type of person that kept his word… or was he. He didn't get her momma free. "Boy wouldn't I like to give him a piece of her mind." Still Alexandra, dropped back into the shadows and decided to wait until they went.

Hoss handed Sport to Adam, "Guess we best be going big brother. We got about three hours of daylight left we can make it to Spring Creek by then. You can't do no more here."

"True. Gilberts putting in an appeal. He's contacting a Drew Kennedy in San Francisco, they'll wire me when they have the details and appeal dates."

Alexandra couldn't hear what they were saying; she was well out of hearing range, but the two men were still on Elk's main street. She cursed wanting them to hurry; she needed to catch up to the stage. She took another peak, and then dropped quickly back when she saw Molly and Mr Thurne approach.

"Wait, wait, Adam," called Molly waving her arms. Both men stopped when they saw the exasperated expression on her face.

"I need you to come to my office there's something we need to discuss," said Gilbert Thurne. " It's about Katherine and her estate, and finances as well as the theater's."

"Oh, is there a problem. If its money I am happy to…"

Molly looked nervous and started biting the side of her mouth trying to find the words she needed to say to this man. " It's more than that Adam there's things I have too… well I should have told you, but I wasn't sure…"

"Not out here ,Molly, come back to my office will you; all of you," invited Gilbert.

All four then walked the two blocks up main street towards Gilbert Thurne's offices. Once they were inside, Alexandra took her chance and started down the road in the direction of the Sandy Creek pass. She could cut across the meadow and be there in at least five minutes, hoping she would be there in time to at least stop the stage so she could say goodbye. So she ran as fast as she could towards the edge of town. However, As she past Gilberts office, she noticed the horses tied up there. Alex had ridden a horse a couple of times, though not completely on her own. Often Father Sebastian would take her into town on the front of his old sorrel.

She looked at Chubb and Sport and wondered which would be the faster of the two. The large dark brown horse, half thoroughbred and half quarter horse was Alexandra pick. The child figured it to be most likely the fastest; big horse, big strides, thought Alexandra, it would surely cut a good two minutes of her journey. She untied the horse and quietly lead him out of town . Once underneath the towns Archway, she found a large boulder and lead the horse to stand beside it. Alexandra then threw herself over Chubb's wide back and wriggled and jostled as she got herself up and into a sitting position in the large; very large saddle. She then flayed her small legs out as far as she could and kicked the horse. Chubb took off, though not all that fast. He wasn't sure what was on his back, but from the feel of things they were small and probably just wanted a nice quiet meandering ride, just like the ones his master Hoss would give the kids at the founders day picnic.

"Can't yer go no faster," growled Alexandra.

Chubb ignored the child and just continued to plod away in the direction the rider obviously wanted to go.

Meanwhile Hoss, Adam and Molly had followed Gilbert Thurne into his small office. It was sparsely furnished ; a desk and two chairs and a large wooden desk that stretched nearly the width of the office just under the window .The desk was stacked high with papers and folders it looked like chaos, but Gilbert Thurne seemed to know exactly where everything was and had no trouble finding the file he wanted. Gilbert flicked open the folder, clearly marked; The Star And Garter Theater; Katherine De Foe.

"Please take a seat," he offered.

Instinctively Adam held out the chair for Molly and waited for her to sit before taking the chair next to her. Molly smiled at Adam, acknowledging his good manners but appreciating his acceptance of her even more so. Most men would give up their chair for a lady, though many reassessed their idea of a lady when it came to saloon girls, black women or Indians. Hoss stepped back and leant on a wooden filing cabinet near the closed door.

"How can I help, Gilbert," asked Adam, nodding to the file on the desk.

"Katherine came to see me just before the incident with Darcy, Adam, as you well know. She was concerned about the theater and her finances and had me fill out not only her final Will and Testament, l but also the a trust dependent on the earnings of the theaters, should anything happen to her."

"Katherine was as astute as her mother, that's good. If the trust prohibits her from withdrawing the financial assistance needed for her appeal, I'll gladly cover those cost, " offered Adam.

"The trust profits will cover her appeal, and any other expenses she may incur until she is of sound mind and body or …. though that's up to the new owners of The Star And Garter."

"She signed over owner ship, I thought you said she set up a trust?" frowned Adam.

"She did both Adam. Katherine signed over The Star And Garter to her next of kin. Molly owns fifty percent of the theater. Ivan is to still manage it as will be given ten percent of the profits, though he tells me he wants that to go to Katherine's appeal."

"Mine will too Adam," said Molly."We just need enough to keep it running, so I can add to it. Really its Katherine's Theater, her momma left it o her."

"I'm sure Willameena wanted you to have it too, Molly. If I remember correctly, from all those years ago, Willameena received enough money from your father for the care of both you and Katherine. Then with the extra money she earned on her tours, she paid for the theater. As far as Willameena was concerned and I know Katherine; you were family. You are Katherine's next of kin; her sister."

"Thank you, Adam," said Molly with tears in her eyes.

Adam turned to Gilbert. "Okay so who is the other next of kin, not that bastard Ardelle...Sorry, Molly, but Pater Ardelle has done nothing to help. He sent Willameena and Katherine back here for starters."

"Adam Cartwright has been named the second executor to Katherine's estate on behalf…"

"Wait, me; why me? I'm not related to Katherine. Our relationship ten years ago was brief. After the attack my father paid the families passage to somewhere safe; to her fathers. We didn't really even write to each other, well I tried, but I never received a return. Katherine and I talked of our futures, but we never talked of marriage.. Don't take all this the wrong way; my offer is still there, I'll help. No one should have been treated the way Katherine was; no one. I just don't understand why she chose me to give half the theater to."

"I didn't say she gave you half the theater, Adam. I said she made you an executor, a trustee to the other owner. Katherine's other next of kin; in this case a minor and you are in charge of the trust until she is of age."

"What minor? Did Willameena have another child? But why me… "

"Because you are that minors next of kin," stated Gilbert.

"What?"

"Adam!" interrupted Hoss, " Even I can figure this out. That means you and Katherine had a…"

"That's right Mr Cartwright; Mr Adam Cartwright is listed as the father to one, Alexandra Willameena Cartwright. Born to one Katherine De foe some nine years ago."

"That's impossible, How…"

Every eyebrow in the room went up.

Hoss moved forward and shook his head. "For a college fella, Adam, you ain't that smart. I'm sure you was the one that told me bout the birds and the bees, so I reckon yer jist in shock some… You know how babies are made," he chuckled and slapping his older brother on the arm.

Adam drew a breath and pursed his lips. "You're real funny, Hoss." he turned and looked at each of the occupants of the room, who all seemed to be staring at him. " But I can't be the father, Katherine and I we didn't…. Ohhh no…"

"Yer did," nodded Hoss, with his fingers hooked into his pants, his head at a tilt and a big smirk on his big round face.

"Yeah , our secret place… Hangover Ridge," whispered Adam, as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"That's place is poison," gasped Hoss.

"Not ten years ago, Hoss," said Gilbert.

"Oh yeah! Good. Hey, big brother, congratulations; it's a girl. "

Molly had sat there fiddling and playing with the hem of her skirts as Gilbert spoke to Adam. She then sat sideways in her seat and turned to look at Adam. " I don't know why Katherine didn't tell you about Alexandra, Adam. However, I do know she thought the world of you. She often spoke of you and we all wondered whether you had gone to college or not. There is no way to prove you are Alexandra's father, perhaps that's why she never told you. Perhaps she was embarrassed and ashamed, though her mother wouldn't let her be ashamed or put that onto her child."

"Why didn't you tell me. I've been in town for two days," scoffed Adam, "How many people know?"

"No one but us. Not many people even know that Alexandra is Katherine's child. Some would have caused a fuss if they did. To tell you the truth, I didn't trust you, Adam. I didn't know how you would react, whether you would be willing to take her ; whether you should take her. I didn't know what sort of man you had become, Adam. How could I know what sort of father you could be. I know different now," said Molly sincerely.

"We both do," said Gilbert. "The next step is up to you, Adam. Molly thinks it will be better for you to take Alexandra with you."

"But, if that is too much Adam, she can stay with me. I can't prove that she is yours, and well if you have doubts you shouldn't…" started Molly.

"I have no doubts. Even if she wasn't mine, Molly, I would never leave her, not if Katherine wanted me to care for her. I could never abandon Katherine's child. She can't live here; not with what's happened, and I'm not sure the theater is the best place for any child."

Molly stood up, "It's better than you think, Adam. Alexandra is very much loved," she said indignantly.

Hoss stepped towards the young woman, he put up his hands to placate her, "He don't mean ta offend you, Miss Molly. Adam here tends ta sound a little high and mighty every now and agin. He really is well meaning, ma'am. Though, he can be a bit of a yankeee…" Hoss' attention was suddenly diverted to a scene from the street. "Hey Adam ain't that Sport," he said pointing towards the window. "Hec, he's come untethered; he's wondering down main street towards the edge of town."

Adam jumped up and looked out the widow, "Damn" he called.

"Be back in a minute," said Hoss," I'll get him fer ya, Adam."

Hoss rushed out the door and within seconds was back in a again. "Hey someone done stole Chubb. I think Sport is tryin ta follow Chubb. Adam you'll have ta get him, I'm too heavy for Sport."

"Okay Hoss. You catch Sport, I'll chase Chubb down. I should be back soon." he turned to Molly. "We can sort this all out then," said Adam.

"Fine Adam, I'll go and get Alexandra. I have had her far away from here; a safe place while all this was going on. Why don't you and your brother meet me at the theater around Seven.

~oOo~

Adam made good time in chasing down what he believed was a horse thief. It wasn't so much his skill in riding, as it was sport's determination to catch up to his stable mate. Just the same, Adam didn't really care, he just hoped there wasn't going to be a standoff of any sorts. He wanted to get back to Elk and sort out this mess about a child; his child and how he was going to handle the situation.

Up ahead at the cross roads, he spotted Chubb happily munching on a some tuffs of grass in a meadow beside a cross road. A thief was nowhere to be seen, and Adam thought for a moment that perhaps Hoss had over reacted and his big lug of a horse had got loose and headed off to find some sweet tasting grub; "like rider like horse," chuckled Adam, as he got nearer.

It wasn't until he came to the cross roads did he notice a small boy running hell for leather up the dusty road. "Wait wait, yer gotta stop… ya dang, damn, bastard men, yer gotta stop. I'll find ya I'll find ya," he screamed.

Adam quickly mounted sport and could see the boy waving what looked a gun over his head. 'That's no gun,' thought Adam, "Damn fool kid what does he think he's doing, he grumbled before he spurred sport. Within seconds he was in front of the lad and bought sport to a skittling and prancing holt. Adam turned pulled in sports head, tugging the reigns tightly across the horses neck and turned him, trying to keep the horse's sure footing during the sudden stop. All the time he yelled at the boy."I thought I told you not to be playing with that gun. And now you're a horse thief. Kid you need your backside tanned good. I've got better things to do that chase you."

"No one asked ya. Get outta my way. Yer said yer was gonna help. Well, I'm gonna stop that stage."

"Kid that stage is long gone, gone for good you'll never catch it. Now why don't I take you back to town, it's going to be dark soon."

The boy, folded slowly to the ground and slapped his gun on the ground. " I can get back there myself," he sobbed.

Adam dismounted and came up to the child. "It's no bother come on, I'll take you back," he said quieter, both confused and perturbed by the child's distress. Katherine must have meant a lot to the boy, perhaps he was a good friend to Katherines daughter; his daughter, wait, no… before Adam could voice his sudden revelation, the tiny form, still on the ground looked up into his large brown eyes and yelled at him.

"Don't wanna go with you or anyone. I just want my momma. I just wanted ta say goodbye ta her. They took her away and you helped them. I just wanted to say goodbye to my momma."

"Your momma. Alexandra? Adam slapped his own head. "Of course…I'm so stupid, I … but you're a girl. You're Katherines little girl."

"Yeah I am," Alexandra stood up. "But I'd wish I was a boy. I wished I was a big boy and coulda shot them men, coulda shot them taking my momma away and I could shot you fair in the ass for making promises ya can't keep, so GO AWAY! and NEVER COME BACK! " with that Alex took off running back towards town.

Adam took off after her, but just as he got close enough, Alex aimed her prop gun sideways and threw it at Adam, then continued to run towards the only home she had ever really known.

Adam ducked and the gun landed on the grass next to Chubb. The horse filched then shied before taking off in the opposite direction. Then to make matters worse, Sport followed.

Adam threw down his hat, "Damn that kid." Adam didn't have time to weigh up many options. Sport and Chubb needed to be caught before dark. He could see Alexandra was well within the town gates, so deciding she was at least safe for the time being, he went after his horses, vowing the first thing he was going to do with his child was set a few rules. These would include; no stealing horses; no playing with guns; no cussing at adults and no throwing anything at anybody. Any further breach of these rules was going to result in some very necessary conversations.

~oOo~

Adam took a good hour to round up Chubb and Sport. He wearily led Hoss' mount back through town and towards the livery stable, surmising that he best board the horses there in case either one either got loose again, or Alexandra try another escape.

Hoss spotted him from the Saloon Windows, where he'd decided to wait out the late afternoon with a cool beer and a light meal. He had got a good view from the window. Elk seemed a pretty quiet place during the day and with the trial over everyone pretty much went about their business. The miners from the morning shift had meandered in for a drink while they caught up on the gossip of the day's events. Most people were in two minds about the whole ordeal. The General and his son, Darcy were good bosses and yet Katherine and The Star And Garter was also very much a favorite with them. So while some were sad that Katherine was still partly held responsible for Darcy's death, they were glad she was not hung. They were also pleased that the information about the tailing pools had come to light. Most of them had developed some sort of infliction over the lives as a result of their occupation, so they were pleased that the new Doc in town had their best interest at heart and The General was happy to close the pools. Many had to silently thank Katherine for that development, though they did not voice it out loud. It had obviously come at a cost for at least two innocent lives.

Hoss nodded silently by his chair at the window at that comment, adding a third casualty, well in his mind anyway; Katherine's child. He was sure Adam would not shirk his responsibility, positive of it, but he wondered what this little girl was like and what she had endured over her short life and now without her mother. He knew what it was like being motherless. All the Cartwrights did, though none of them had to live with the idea that their mother was insane and institutionalised. None them had to live with the malicious gossip that some folks could conjure up. There was a rime after Marie died that the nasty gossips of Virginia City blethered around; snipes about Marie's past and heritage. but Adam quickly put a stop to it and kept Joe pretty much clear of it. Yes, Hoss was sure Adam would do a good job, no matter how difficult it was going to be.

The saloon was now almost empty except for him when he saw Adam. he stood up and called him over from the batwing doors. Adam acknowledged and moved over to the hitching rails outside the Saloon, dismounted and then tethered both horses to them there.

"You got a window seat?" asked Adam. "I don't intend to let these two out of my sight. I'm not chasing them all over Utah," he complained.

"Yeah right there," said Hoss pointing to the window and the table behind it. "Good spot. Come on in, I'll by yer a drink. We got some time afore we gotta meet miss Molly. My shout, big brother," he offered.

Adam nodded, he knew that was Hoss' way of lettin him gather his thoughts and with any luck open up.

Hoss had lots of questions himself, but it was no use voicing them until Adam was ready, and considering the amount of information his brother has to come to terms with, it may take a lot more time than they had now. Either way, Hoss would wait while standing beside him all the way.

Adam stomped his boots and dusted himself off before entering the Saloon, while Hoss went a long and ordered them both a beer. By the time he returned, Adam was slouched in his chair pushed back from the table. One leg was bent, the other stretched out in front of him. His hands, palms slapped together, as if in prayer, were in front of his face while one finger tapped quietly at his lip as he pondered and stared out the window.

Hoss sat down beside him and slid his beer along. Both men took a swig and put their glasses back down, almost simultaneously.

"Yep good spot here, I kin see right up to The Star And Garter. Been pretty quiet since the miners left jist over an hour ago, ceptin that little boy from the orphanage. He came screaming down main street like the wind was on his tail. Most likely he's hiding from Brother Sebastian, I reckon."

"Nope, that boy is a girl. That boy is my daughter, Hoss. Alexandra."

"You're joshin!"

"Nope," said Adam again, as he took another swig of his beer.

"Well… I… yer know that kinda makes sense now don't it; the little tyke hanging around like that an all. He's got a lot a spunk about him, jist like a Cartwright."

"She Hoss, she's a little girl. Molly said she was somewhere safe and away from all this. Now… well I've got an angry little distressed kid, and I'm not quite sure how to go about explaining things to her. She feels let down. I don't even know if she knows I am her father."

"Seems most likely that she don't; you not knowing about her an all. Hec, you didn't even remember , you know…" Hoss was trying to find the right words. He didn't want it to sound crass. Oh, there were times he and Adam could talk of such things without censure, but of course this was very different. "You didn't even remember…"

"Making love to Katherine? I remembered, Hoss. I need to apologise to Molly for inferring that I didn't. I just put that part of our time together out of my mind, I guess. We had some wonderful days, and that was a wonderful day. But, it was also the day Katherine and Willameena were attacked. It was the day Frank Hallett tried to rape her. He tore at her dress. I never hesitated when I got there, but when I saw Hallett's lustful snarl… it was ugly so ugly. Later I wondered about men. I wondered about that side of men's sexual attitudes… I was ashamed of our encounter. I was ashamed and should have had more control at the time. We were young and Katherine and I both let out physical wants take over. Katherine honestly believed that she couldn't get pregnant the first time, and I naively hoped she was right. I didn't forget our love making ; it was beautiful, but I also didn't wanted it connected to the memory of what happened later that night. For weeks after the attack I couldn't remember anything , in any linear order anyway. But it eventually came back to me. The day I took my first love was also the day I killed my first man. I don't expect anyone to understand that. I never forgot about my love for Katherine, even if it was a brief encounter, it still reached my soul."

"I reckon you done put that right well, Adam. And it makes a sense to me, specially seein' I know how you think so deep on things. I'm here ta help. Help with Alexandra too."

Adam turned to the large sincere face that smiled at him. A warm and true smile that no one else on this world could project like Hoss Cartwright. He sat up straight and downed the lat dregs of the amber liquid in his glass, then slammed it on the table. "Come Uncle Hoss, let's get cleaned up and head over to meet, the offspring of two very interesting people, Alexandra Willameena Cartwright."

"Sure thing, I'm looking forward to it."

~oOo~

Both Adam and Hoss had just enough time to stable their horses and re-book their rooms for the night. They quickly washed up and headed over to the theater to meet Molly and finally Alexandra, under better circumstances, they hoped.

They walked into the front doors of the theater and went looking for Molly. The six o'clock show had been cancelled, so the hive of activity that was heard was coming from the gamming room and saloon further down the hallway. Molly met them just outside the Front Of House Office.

"Adam, Hoss. I'm afraid I can't find Alexandra. Brother Sebastian said she has been missing from this morning. I don't think she will go far, but I'm afraid she's probably gotten wind of what's happened. I'd say she's hiding."

"I'd say so too. In actual fact, Molly it seems that I have already met Alexandra, twice." said Adam.

"Me too," said Hoss.

"I remember Hoss, you ran into her yesterday outside the jail," confirmed Molly.

"And I ran into her here this afternoon and again not more than an hour and a half ago out on the road. She was chasing the stage," explained Adam.

"She knows who you are?"

"No, she never gave me the chance to tell her. I know you had good reasons for keeping her out of town, Molly, but she feels cheated. She was quite distressed that she didn't get a chance to say goodbye to her mother."

"I really didn't know what to do there, Adam. Katherine actually asked me to take Alexandra away, before Darcy was killed. She's been out with Brother Sebastian for over two weeks. Then of course when Katherine was charged with murder, well, I didn't think we should have her seeing that, what if they had hung her. And I like I have already mentioned, I don't know you Adam. I wasn't sure whether she should have been introduced to you. I really was only trying to keep Katherines wishes and Alexandra's best interests in mind."

"I'm sorry Molly. I'm not judging you; not at all. Sometimes I guess I just think out loud. It just appears to me that Alexandra has been allowed to run a little wild. That will change, but this afternoon, I didn't mean to infer that she was not loved and safe. You all did what they could; what you knew. I also did not mean to trivialise Katherines and our relationship; cheapen it, or demean Katherines character. I remembered our friendship and our love, albeit short, but in truth the incident ten years ago has plagued me also. Both Katherine and I did grow apart, we both changed. It may have been different had I known, and we kept in touch. Either way, Molly I want to be in my daughter's life and intend to show her as much love and care that I know you all have."

"Thank you Adam. I'm especially glad you want to take Alexandra home with you. You are right. Considering what's happened I think it best that Alexandra goes to live with you. Katherine spoke of you several times to Alexandra. The child doesn't know you are her father, but she knew that if anything was to happen to her momma or to me she was to find you. She was shown where to find your details. So, I'm sure that Katherine would want this, Adam."

"Yes, but will Alexandra?"

"Well…" sighed Molly, "Once e find her we'll know the answer to that."

"Tell me does she usually have so much free reign around the place?" asked Adam.

"Sort of. Alex spends a lot of time out with Brother Sebastian doing her lessons, but during the winter months and holidays, then most weekends are spend with us. While Willameena was alive that was a lot of the time, but Katherine wanted her to improve on her lessons. I'm afraid Brother Sebastian has had a hard job on his hands with her. She is a very active child and very creative. Her imagination often runs away with her. Here at the theatre shr often helps with the girls and their make-up, and she loves the prop room."

"I reckon she's hiding here ma'am, I saw Alexandra running down the street earlier, cause I thought she was a little boy," said Hoss.

"That was Willameena's idea. Most people don't like kids living in theaters, but they seem a little more accepting of boy children. Willameena also…"

"Didn't trust some of the gentlemen that hung around," finished Adam. "She had Katherine dressed as a boy when you first got here. She had good reason."

"Yes, that never left her, after… well after Hallett. I guess you could say we just kept the tradition going with Alexandra. The child would rather be a boy anyway," laughed Molly. "Well if you're willing to help, I think we should start our search, she shouldn't be too hard to find."

They started their search in Katherines dressing room. There was no sign of her there, so they moved onto the girls changing rooms. Molly entered and looked around. Delilah was there, repairing her costume ready for the nine o'clock show, but had not seen Alex. Next they tried the back stage door. Cracker had manned the door all day, while most of the cast and crew were at the courthouse. He'd not seen her either, including that afternoon when Mr Cartwright had asked to search Katherines dressing room. However Cracker frowned when he went back to his desk.

"Here look at this," he exclaimed and held up a small carpet bag. He opened it up and found some hastily packed items. These are Alex's fer sure said the old timer. I bet she hid it here. I've been out for some dinner not more than half an hour ago. I didn't see her in the alley way I would have passed her. She's got to be around here. Looks like she's making fer a getaway."

"Thanks Cracker, keep your eye out here will you?" Don't let her out of the building."

"Sure thing, Miss Molly."

"Let's check the back stage. Hoss why don't you go stage left, Adam we'll do stage right." suggested Molly.

The three parted ways and headed to the back stage corridors and wings. They crossed the stage, and meet upstage centre with no sign of the child. "It's too quiet," commented Molly. "She's here somewhere I can sense her."

"Really Miss Molly?" asked Hoss.

"Yep, the stage has a sort of energy, Hoss, even when its appears empty. It's like you can feel there someone waiting in the wings, waiting to suddenly appear. That energy is there and its very very quiet. "

"Alexandra !" called Hoss. "Hey pumpkin, you hidin?"

A sudden gasp was heard and all three adults trained their gaze downstage towards the footlight portals. A flash of a small blonde head was seen poking up through the hole in the stage and framed by the footlights reflective canopy, before it disappeared from view. Underneath their feet Hoss , Adam and Molly could hear a set of small feet running weaving their away around the larger sets and furniture props there.

Adam ran and slid downstage to the opening of the lighting canopy. There was just enough room for him to slide in backwards feet first, before kneeling down and lowering his shoulders through sideways one at a time. His face was now the only thing that could be seen, as it poked up from under the stage and framed by the footlights canopy. "Hoss, the alley way," called Adam. "There's a secret passage under the basement door entrance; Alexandra is heading there. Molly you head out to the front of the theater in case she makes it there." Adam then ducked down and gave pursuit under the stage.

Alexandra ran for the small door, that led to the lower basement and the corridor to the basement door that was level with the street. She heard Adam coming behind her and in her panic, slammed the door.

Adam had to draw back before it hit him in the face, but in doing so he'd straighten up to his full height and hit his head on a rather hard and thick beam. "Ahhh S# &, Damn!" he cursed. He then shook his head to clear the stars from his vision. At this point, he surmised that Alexandra was most likely closer to the alley basement door by now. He's only other option was the stage door where Cracker was. So, he headed back the other way, and up through the vomitory that took him to Katherines dressing room. There he made it out to the hall way and ran towards the back stage door.

Mean while Alexandra had indeed made it to the alley way basement door. She pushed it up with both arms. No sooner had she got her head up ready to climb out when she discovered that Hoss was there and almost on top of her; ready to grab her. She quickly closed the door and jammed the lock with the only thing she could think of; her new prop gun. On returning to town late that afternoon, she had gone straight to the theater and packed a few things , including one of Ivan's magic wands. She then went to take off, intending to find her mother one way or another. Alexandra got to the back stage door and then decided that she should really take a weapon, but she had thrown her prop gun at the tall man that afternoon. She hid her bag behind Cracker's desk and headed to the prop room for a replacement. It was there that she had suddenly heard a voice; the man named Hoss, the one who liked bears, called her name. She peeked through the footlight light canopies down stage and could see the three adults standing on the stage. The tall man was there again, she was mad at him. He hadn't helped liked he'd said he would, and not only that, he had threatened to spank her. Alexandra did not intend for that to happen. She hated being spanked more than anything in the whole world.

Alexandra had pushed the wooden nose of the prop gun through the locks pin, hoping it would hold when Hoss started trying to pry the door open. She didn't have much time; she was sure it wouldn't hold for long. She looked around, hoping the tall man she'd seen on the road that afternoon had stopped following her, she was sure she'd heard him hit his head under the stage, and the curses that followed. He sure sounded mad she thought; another reason she was intending to steer clear of him, but he sure was a stubborn fellow, but then so was she.

Alex decided that backtracking was her best option when she could no longer hear the man behind her. But she didn't get the chance to even move as suddenly the basement door was almost ripped off its hinges as Hoss pulled it open; snapping her prop guns nose to boot.

Alexandra thought for sure she was a goner, but the inertia of the door flying open, had Hoss reeling back and falling on his butt. Before he could get up, the flying remains of Alex's prop gun hit him square in the head. Hoss Cartwright was laid out flat; sure chirping birds were fluttering around his head.

Alexandra saw her opportunity; she climbed out through the door and scrambled towards the alley's entrance. But, she had to get pass the backstage door and Hoss Cartwright's large form blocking her path. She shrugged her shoulders and ran, stepping onto Hoss' stomach as she went. The largest Cartwright 'dooffft' with the wind knocked out of him, just as she got to the stage door and only feet away to freedom. Unfortunately, Molly then appeared at the end of the alley way. Alex pulled up and flicked her gaze to the stage door, hoping she could get past old Cracker, who was sure to have returned from supper. But, before she could make a decision, she heard the voices of the stage door manger and the tall dark man.

"She ain't come this way; I'd a seen her," yelled Cracker as Adam walked past him.

Adam made it to the door in time to see Alexandra finally caught in their trap. Though, what was Hoss doing laying down? An effective means of blocking the alley, perhaps, though a little unnecessary, thought Adam.

Alexandra thought quickly. With no other place to go, she double back towards the basement door. Hoss was starting to sit up, but once again Alexandra stepped on Hoss' stomach and used the man's large soft expanse to give her a bounce off. Hoss 'dooffft' again, and gave up trying to sit up, choosing to concentrate on getting air back into his lungs.

"Hoss stay there," shouted Adam, before heading back into the theatre, hoping to catch Alex at the other end of the vomitory.

"Sur…reee…" gasped Hoss.

While Molly had ran to Hoss and was helping the poor man, Adam had made it to the entrance of the vomitory, but there was no sign of Alexandra. He stopped and turned around in circles, "Surely she couldn't have gone through yet. She had to come this way there is nowhere else to go," he said to himself.

Suddenly Adam heard the sounds of footsteps, but they weren't coming towards him. Instead, he could hear them climbing; climbing the rungs of a steal ladder to the lighting catwalk and fly bridge. That was the place Katherine had taken him to all those years ago, to watch the play high above the stage.

By the time Adam got the stage left rungs, the child was on the lighting drawbridge that ran expanse of the stage. On the other side was another ladder. He quietly growled; he and this child could ply cat and mouse all day; running from one side then the other, and not even get close to each other.

Hoss and Molly and now Cracker had finally joined him. "Where is she Adam?" asked Hoss.

"Up there," he pointed.

Molly looked Up. " Alexandra you come down from there right this minute," she demanded.

"No, I won't. You tell than tall dark man ta go away, then I'll come down."

"What about me Pumkin?" asked Hoss.

"You can too, iffin yer his friend. I like ya an all, and I'm real sorry I jumped on yer tummy, but id didn't have time ta go around ya. And I'm sorry I stole yer horse, I wouldn't have taken him with me all the way ta find my momma, cause he's yours; I jist borrowed him, so I could say goodbye. And I would bought him back iffin I had got the chance, iffin that man there…" she accusingly shot her finger at Adam, "hadn't said he was gonna give me a tannin'. So, iffin yer any friend of his yer best be on yer way too."

"He's no friend, Pumkin; he's my brother. He ain't gonna hurt ya, he jist wants to meet ya."

"I already done meet him, and I'm not impressed!" scoffed Alexandra.

"I'd like to start again, Alexandra," offered Adam, wanting just that and to have Alex down from there and safely on the ground.

"Don't call me that!" she shouted back. "My names Alex, you ain't supposed ta call me that; only my momma, and Molly and Grandmamma, no one else! Yer hear me, now git! Grandmamma always says iffin yer want a job done proper ya got do it yerself. I'm going ta find momma. "

"Your mother has been taken to San Francisco, Alexandra. If you come down I'll explain everything to you," bargained Molly.

"Well I ain't coming down; Not until the tall man with the grouchy eyebrows goes away and he kin take his bear loving brother with him," said Alexandra with determination.

"Alexandra come down this minute. We will not negotiate anymore," said Adam calmly but firmly.

"Alex shook her head, "ahh ahh," then crossed her arms over her chest.

Hoss started to giggle. The kid had to have Cartwright blood in her, those crossed arms and stubborn demeanour was a Cartwright trait through and through.

"Hoss, take the ladder on stage right. Cracker you take the stage left," suggested Molly, thinking if she had someone come from both ends the child would have to give up on her standoff.

"Which is which?" asked Hoss.

"Your right facing the audience," instructed Molly.

Hoss turned around and face the auditorium seats then worked out his left from his right. Cracker just moved fluently to stage right and started climbing the ladder.

Alexandra saw what they were doing, there was nowhere to go except the suspended platform and with its pulley above that the crew used to hoist up the lighting cans into the ceiling . It was only six inches away from the catwalk so she climbed through the railing and crawled onto the swinging platform. It swayed precariously for a moment, which made Molly scream and Adam gasp.

Before Molly could say anything Adam spoke loudly and firmly. "Alexandra Willameena, do not move! Do you understand me; do not move. Hoss is coming to get you and you will let him," he ordered.

"Why I ain't scared. I knowed how to work the pulley," explained Alexandra.

"You won't be able to hold the pulley, Alexandra your too little," warned Molly.

"Am not, Molly, Dexter done showed me. The platform goes up and down real easy."

"Alexandra do as Molly says, or so help me young lady you and I are going to have a serious conversation," threatened Adam.

"Yeah about what, Mister? You can do all the talking yer want I won't be listening!"

"That won't matter," growled Adam, "You will feel it!"

"Huh. What so are you a mime artists or something?"

"No Alexandra, he's Adam. He's the Adam Cartwright your momma told you about. Remember she said; if anything ever happened to her you were to find Adam Cartwright."

"Yeah I remember Molly. You sure it's him? "Hey Mister where do yer live?"

"Nevada."

"What's the name of yer place, then?"

"The Ponderosa."

"So what do yer do fer a job?"

"I help my father and brothers run a ranch," answered Adam.

"Huh! Yer wrong. Momma said Adam Cartwright was and Archietext."

"Architect, corrected Adam.

Yeah one of them. Momma said he was probably the best one of those in the world. He built buildings and bridges and hospitals. Why I bet he even built the London Bridge.

"No I didn't . I've designed houses and built them too, but no bridges."

" He built a windmill, added Hoss. A real big one."

"Alexandra it really is Adam. He has something to tell you. He is here to help. Go to cracker please," pleaded Molly..

"He ain't gonna spank me is he?"

"Maybe, whispered Adam, then called up to her. " Not unless I have to come and get you, now…"

"Okay, Okay," gripped Alexandra. She a grabbed the rope to the pulley and released the knot.

"No!" screamed Adam as he lunged for the bottom of the pulley rope, secured to the side wall. He made it just in time, before the platform dropped too fast as Alexandra tried to control the decent.

Hoss cracker and Molly all breathed a sigh of relief as Adam slowly lowered the platform with Alex 's help, or so she believed.

Alex jumped from the platform as soon as it settled on the stage. "Ta Daaa," she chorused, then with all smiles took a bow.

However, Alexandra never got the chance to revel in any applause those watching may have indulged her in, because her father; one very angry, relieved and a nervous wreck of man, scooped her up before she could perform another bow and marched off towards Katherines dressing room with her tucked tightly under his arm.

It was now, Alexandra turn to 'dooffft' with the sudden impact of Adam Cartwrights arm around her. She regained her composure when his intentions dawned on her. " Hey, Adam Cartwright. What!... Hey, you said yer weren't gonna spank me!" she tried to remind him.

"That was before you nearly plummeted to your death, young lady." Adam entered Katherine's dressing room and with his spare hand grabbed the chair that had always sat by the window. He sat down and put the child over his knee.

"But you said, you wouldn't unless you had ta come a get me. Well yer … Oweee..." yelped Alexandra as Adam laid down his first hard swat to the seat of her britches.

"But, Owee… didn't Oweee… Now you jist hold it there, owee… Mister. I got down, yer didn't , owee… have ta, … oweee, get me down I done it all by… oweee, ownself."

Adam stooped listening, and just kept paddling the small upturned bottom in front of him. Alexandra kicked and punched, but to no avail, sure she must have used up all her strength controlling the pulley.

Both father and child were panting when Adam finally stopped and flipped her over and stood her on her feet. "Alexandra Willameena Cartwright, we are going to have to set a few rules for you. The ponderosa can be a dangerous place and you need to obey a direction when it is given. Do you understand?"

Alexandra rubbed at her stinging backside, wanting to cry and jump up and down and yell at this man all at the same time, but she couldn't think straight. 'And did Mr. grouchy eyebrows just call her Alexandra Willameena Cartwright. "Why did ya call me that? why'd ya called me your name for?"

"Because that is you name. That is the name your mother put on a birth certificate that is Mr Thurne's office, " divulged Adam.

"Why she go give me that name; your name?"

"Because I'm your father," owned Adam.

"You are not! My daddy's a pirate, why he…"

"What! Who told you that?"

"Momma, said my daddy was a pirate. Then one time she said you were a scout for the army, then one time you were an oprie singer; said you had a nice voice an all. Then one other time you was a explorer and discovered the hidden treasures of an ancient civilization and that you gave it all away to the museum of fine arts and some poor people who lived by the river, who wore rings in their noses. She says my daddy was a good man, jist like Adam Cartwright, and I asked her come yer never come ta see us then and she said with all them different jobs yous was really busy and that sometimes yer did come back and kissed my cheek when I was sleepin', but she said you always sung me a song at night and iffin a north wind was blowin' I most likely could hear ya, cause the wind would blow your song right across the equator an all."

"Well Alexandra…" started Adam.

"Don't call me that, Adam Cartwright."

"Well Alex, conceded Adam, for the time being." I am your daddy. I am Adam Cartwright and I am your daddy and I'm going to take you home to the Ponderosa to live with me, my father and mu brothers."

"But, what about Molly, What about momma? You promised ta get her off the hook," declared Alexandra.

"I said I'd try, honey. At least your momma wasn't hu… isn't hurt. Mr Thurne and another lawyer in San Francisco are going to put in an appeal."

"What's that mean?"

"It means they are going to try and get her home. But, until then I want you to live with me . Your mother and Molly want you to live with me, that way we can work hard on that appeal together, and I get to know you."

"Is she in a Jail?"

"Yes, sort of, It's a more like a hospital, but she can't come out until the laws says so."

"So it's like a jail. People rot in jail. I heard them say that all the time. I heard some people say that they hoped my momma rots in jail. She ain't gonna rot is she. She won't like that, honest Adam Cartwright yer gotta not let that happen. I'll be good and I'll help. Please don't let that happen," begged Alexandra now getting herself worked up.

"Hey, now…" Adam drew her close and pulled her up onto his lap. "I won't ever let that happen. The lawyers and even the doctors won't let that happen. Doctor Williams you know him don't you?" Adam waited for Alexandra to nod. She did so and sniffled, before he could hand her his handkerchief. Adam helped her blow her nose as he continued to talk, his voice smooth and comforting , but most of all confident. "Well Doctor Williams is going to make sure she gets some help and gets better, so she won't rot at all. And then before you know it, we will be able to go and bring her home. "

"Back here or back to the Ponderosa?" asked Alex.

" That depends on what your momma wants to do. We can sort that out when the time comes. But, I really think that its best you come and live with me. I want you to; I would very much like you too, Alexandra."

"Okay… maybe…" Alexandra scrubbed at her tears. " I'll give it a try an all. But, can ya really sing, cause momma could and well sometimes when I am sacred she sings ta me. And right now, Adam Cartwright, I'm scared," she sniffed.

" Maybe tonight you can tell about me some of your momma's favourite songs. I won't let anything happen to you."

"And no more spankings!"

"I can't promise you that, little lady." Adam levelled her with one raised eyebrow, wishing he could make that promise, but the child had a mischievous nature about her, not so unlike Joe, but her adventurous pursuits and unruly behaviour that he had witnessed so far meant that he was not about to make another promise he was unlikely to keep.

"I hate spankings!" She declared.

"I'm sure you do, that's why they are effective."

Alexandra grimaced as Hoss and Molly quietly came around the corner of the open door and smiled at the sight of Adam with his child on his knee.

"Hey, Molly I'm going to stay with him," said Alex.

"Alex, him is your papa," chastised Molly.

"Well he keeps calling me Alexandra. Tell him my names; Alex, then I'll call him…hmmm daddy, like a daddy long legs, they's spiders, not the hairy kind so much, though them eyebrows of his could give a tryanchuwala a run for their money."

"Tarantula," corrected Molly.

"Yeah, big hairy buggers…. owee! What was that for ?" pouted Alex as she stared intently at Adam.

"language, Alex, scolded Adam.

"You mean bugger?"

Adam nodded.

"Sorry dad."

"Well then, how about some supper, its late." said Hoss.

"Good idea," replied Adam, "Molly join us?"

"No that you for the invite, but the curtain call is at eight fifty. You go ahead."

"Fine. See you in the morning perhaps. We've taken a room at the hotel. Is it all right if Alexandra stay with us there?" asked Adam.

"Of course. It will be a late night here. we put the show time forward, so we won't finish until well after midnight."

"Good then. I'll come at get Alex's things in the morning. I'll book the stage for midday tomorrow."

"So I'll get to say goodbye this time?" asked Alexandra.

"Yep," said Adam.

Alexandra smiled up at her father. Two small tears pooled in her eyes. "Thank you," she said sincerely. she quickly wiped her nose on her sleeve, and took a huge breath. "But I ain't going on no stage," she said with determination before jumping down from Adam's lap. "And yer can't make me no matter what!"

"Why don't ya wanna go on the stage, Pumpkin it's the quickest way," explained Hoss.

Alexandra looked at Adam, looked at Molly and then back at Hoss. More tears started to pool in her eyes. "I ain't a scaredy cat, I jist don't wanta go in one of them things. Momma went in there, she couldn't see me from in there… she just got taken away. And grandmamma Willameena, she went on a stage, but when she came back she… she…"

Adam remembered what Molly had told him about Willameena's stage coach being attacked by Indians. He stood up and went to Alexandra. "Not a problem. No stage Alex, we'll take our horses."

"You can ride up front with me iffin you like pumkin," offered Hoss.

" Your hose the big one; right?" queried Alexandra.

"Yep,"

Alexandra looked at Adam. "Is your horse faster?" she asked.

"Yes, he is," declared Adam.

"Oh, well, shucks, no that ain't quite fair; Chubb is part quarter horse he's got heavy bones." defended Hoss.

"Okay I'm going on the fast one," laughed Alexandra. We gonna eat at the restaurant down a ways?"

"Yes, let's go," said Adam and turned then started to lead the way.

Alexandra skipped to catch up to him and quietley slipped her hand in his. Adam stopped and looked down at her he smiled. Oh Hoss he turned back as Hoss walked to catch up to them. Better send a telegram to Pa," he suggested without taking his eyes off Alexandra.

"What should I say?"

"Oh…keep it simple but clear." Adam looked at Hoss and rubbed his chin with his free hand, the other held tight to Alexandra's small one. " I'll have a lot of explaining to do once I get home, I suspect. Just calm the waters a bit before I get there. Let him know we're coming home."

Hoss nodded before Adam turned and winked at Alexandra. Then father and daughter and walked down the corridor together.

~oOo~

Overland Telegraph Company...

To: Benjamin Cartwright

Ponderosa Nevada

Arriving home Saturday stop Bringing a surprise stop All good stop

Hoss

Elk

Utah Territory

End Flashback

TBC Chapter 13; Steamboat Alex pt 2

A.N. Okay so half of this chapter hasn't been betaed. Lajoci suggested that I should write Adam's and Alexandra flashback meeting now, as Brett Maverick was an Ideal candidate to hear the story. So we've split the chapters up, and as you can see this was a rather long segment. I didn't get the flashback betaed, so there will be a surprises for Lajoci as well, and I thought I should post it as soon as possible; Islaboe would have hunted me down, if I didn't get this out. So any mistakes… blame her…LOL.

Anyway I hope I've done it justice. I only ever had two scenes in my head, the one on the dusty road and the one on the lighting catwalk at the theater. Alex, Hoss and Adam steamed rolled in with everything else in between, kept me up till midnight with it all.