Many thanks once again for your lovely reviews. I hope the story will meet up with your expectations.
Chapter 13
The following morning a new Susan emerged from her room for breakfast. No eye-patch in evidence. Adam was pleased to see she had taken his 'advice'. There were stares from Hoss and Joe.
"My," Joe couldn't contain himself, as per normal, "he did a grand job."
"Joseph, that's enough." Ben admonished.
"It's all right Joe, get it off your chest. You too, Hoss or indeed anybody else," she said as she stared at each of them in turn. Everyone could tell from her tone that she was not best pleased, having to display her black and puffed up eye.
"Take it easy, Sue." Adam encouraged. "Joe didn't mean anything by it."
"No?!" She replied.
"That's enough now." Ben interjected. "Once Hop Sing gets to work on you, you'll feel a lot better and will start looking like your beautiful self very soon."
"I hope it works quick. I just love him to bits and promise to do all that he tells me. Is that all right, Adam?" She turned to face Adam and gave him a full smile.
Adam stared at her and said, "Be careful Sue. Sass is not appropriate at this moment. You're going to do what Hop Sing tells you, understand, or you'll have me to answer to."
"Yes, Sir." She couldn't resist saluting.
Joe started giggling and Hoss elbowed him in the ribs. Even Ben had all he could do not to laugh too, but managed to control himself.
"You three should get going; there's a lot to do today," Ben informed his boys.
"Right, Pa. I'm done here." Hoss said as he stood up and made his way to the credenza. Joe stood, drained his coffee cup and followed Hoss. When they were both fully equipped, they left.
"I should be home for lunch, if all goes well, Pa."
"Fine, Adam." Ben thanked him.
Susan was suspicious that something was not being said. "Where are you going today, Adam?" She asked.
"To Virginia City."
"What to do?"
"Let's let Adam go, or he'll never be back in time for lunch," Ben said, trying to avoid the question.
"It's my turn to get supplies and see if there's any mail. We all take it in turn." Adam rose from his chair and went around the table to Susan, bent down and gently kissed her. "I'll be back before you know it. I need you well so please do what Hop Sing wants you to do. He's an expert when it comes to looking after all of us, and he'll want to do the same for you."
"All right, I want to look presentable as soon as possible. I'll do whatever Hop Sing wants."
"Good girl." Adam gave her one more kiss and held her face. "See you soon." With that he left them. Ben
could tell by what he just witnessed that these two were in love and it pleased him greatly. …
It was as Adam was riding through main street that he saw Roy slowly walking along, obviously engrossed in what he was reading.
"Roy." Adam called. Roy took no notice. "Sheriff Coffee." Adam tried again, but louder this time. It worked. Roy looked up.
"Adam. Just the man I need to see. Come with me to the office, will ya?"
"Of course, Roy; give me a few minutes to leave our supplies list with Bob at the general stores and I'll be right with you."
"Okay. Don't take too long, it's important."
Around five minutes later Adam arrived at the jail house. "Okay, Roy, what's so urgent?
"Sit down and I'll explain." Adam did so. "You remember I told you I'd be making enquiries of similar deaths in nearby towns?"
"Yeah, I remember. What have you found out, Roy?"
"Well, I'll tell you. I've had some answers to my telegrams, but one reply gives me concern. I've had four in total so far, three of them tell me there have been other murders of young females, all stabbed to death, and all on a course by anyone travelling here from the east."
"Fine. That seems to confirm our suspicions that this man had likely killed before."
"Yep." Roy was showing a nervousness Adam hadn't seen before.
"What is it Roy? Get on with it. What else should I know?"
"I received one telegram from the sheriff in Carson City telling me of a man who sent a telegram to Denver, which stated 'Davies had found his quarry at last but was now dead."
"Was it signed?" Adam asked, showing his grave concern.
"Yes, but it was signed only as 'Seth'."
"This man must have been here in Virginia City to know this Davies was dead."
"Yes, I agree, Adam."
"Can we get a description of this man so we can be on the look out for him. It's possible he'll come back to try to finish the job this Davies started and failed at."
"I already sent another wire asking that very thing."
"Many thanks, Roy. I shan't forget this. I owe you."
"You don't own me anything, Adam. I'm only doin' my job and mighty glad I was in time to prevent… well you know what."
"Sure do, Roy. Now what advice can you give me so I can stop this man gaining access to Susan?"
"I suggest you don't take on any new hands for a while. Let's get us a description of this Seth. I'll alert everyone in town to keep an eye out for any strangers arriving in Virginia City, especially one who may ask any questions about females seeking a doctor's attention and I'll ensure no one passes on any information as to Miss Susan's whereabouts. Keep her at the Ponderosa, Adam, she'll be safer there than anywhere else."
"She'll go nowhere even if I have to tie her down."
"Okay, Adam. I know you'll do all you can to keep her safe." Roy paused and studied Adam's expression of concern. "You care very much about her, don't you?"
"I believe I do, Roy. She's captured my heart, but we've decided to take it slow so we can both be absolutely sure about how we feel about each other, before we make any firm commitment."
"Well, I wish you all the very best in that venture; she'll be good for you. Sparks will fly, I think."
"That's for sure." Adam thought how interesting his life could be and laughed. Roy joined in. Then Roy became serious again.
"Now, Adam, I need you to get back home and work out a plan of action to keep Miss Susan safe. But you should keep all this from her."
"Oh no, Roy. I will be telling her everything. We promised no more secrets."
"Alright. I'll leave that in your hands then."
"You'll keep me informed, Roy?"
"'Course, Adam. Try not to worry."
"Not an easy task, but thanks, Roy."
"I'll come out to the ranch as soon as I have more news, hopefully with a description of this man Seth."
"Fine; thanks again. Perhaps you'll stay for a meal when you call."
"I'd like that. One of Hop Sing's meals would go down a treat."
"I'll be off now. Mail to get, pick up the supplies and work out how to tell Susan what's been going on." They shook hands. "Bye, Roy."
"Bye, Adam."
…
Adam arrived home and quickly gave Hop Sing the supplies he'd asked for and asked how Susan was doing.
"She's sleeping. I give her small poultice to cover her eye while she sleep."
"Did she argue with you?"
"No Mista Adam. She good lady. I tell her we do this twice a day and swelling goes down quick."
"Thanks, Hop Sing. Thanks for taking care of my Susan." Hop Sing smiled at Adam's remark. He like this lady very much, he thought.
"Lunch in about half an hour."
"We'll all be ready." Adam then made his way to the downstairs bedroom, opened the door and peeked in. Susan was laying on the bed with a small pouch balanced on her affected eye.
"You can come in, I'm not allowed to move or this," pointing to her eye, "will fall off. And if I do move Hop Sing says I'll feel his wooden spoon."
"Oh no! That really hurts." Adam laughingly said, as he came further into the room, and up to the bed, leaving the door open.
"He's used it on you?"
"Oh yes, often when I was a lot younger."
"What offence did you commit?"
"Goodness, I don't remember now. Hop Sing tells me you have behaved yourself this morning, so I think you deserve a reward." He reached into his jacket pocket and produced a bag of candy. "Some sugared almonds."
"Oh, I love those." Susan made to sit up, but Adam held her back down.
"You don't move 'til Hop Sing says to."
"Mr Bossy!"
"Don't spoil your record or I'll take the candy away."
At that moment Hop Sing entered the room. "Time up. Missy Susan, we take away the pouch and you get up now."
"Wonderful, Hop Sing." Susan immediately sat up and she caught the pouch as it fell.
"Wow," Adam said, with a look of amazement on his face.
"What! Get me a mirror." She cried, assuming something was wrong.
"You look in big mirror over there," Hop Sing pointed to the vanity table. She did so.
"Hop Sing! It's gone down! You're a miracle worker." She calmed right down.
"A few more days and it will be back to normal and maybe the colour fade by then too, if not I'll give you something to clear the colour away." She threw her arms around him in a great big hug.
"I think a week and all will be gone." Hop Sing said.
"A week! Can't be that long, I've things to do."
"You'll do as Hop Sing says and no argument." Adam admonished. Susan poked her tongue out at Adam.
"Nice. Very ladylike."
"We do again this afternoon before dinner. You rest for one hour." Hop Sing ordered.
"I will, Hop Sing, but do you really think it will take a week?"
"Maybe only few days." He replied.
"I hope so. It feels so much easier after just one sitting, so to speak."
"Good." With that Hop Sing left them alone.
"We'll have to wait and see. How about when you're laying down this afternoon I read to you?" Adam suggested.
"That would be nice. What are you reading at the moment?"
"Nothing. I've not had any time for reading since meeting you." Adam jokingly said.
"Oh!" She said, through fake tears. "I've caused you to disrupt your life."
"I'd say! And your tears are not effective enough to be genuine. Now let's go and have some lunch." He gestured for Susan to go before him through the door. She put her sugared almonds on the bedside table and went through the door and sat at the table after Adam held out her chair.
"Always the gentleman, but then, when I think about it, not always." Susan teased.
"Now Susan," Ben interrupted before it went any further. Hoss and Joe were already sitting waiting to eat. "We're going to have a pleasant lunch with no arguing. Understand? And I mean both of you." He stared at both of them.
"Yes, Pa." "Yes, Sir. They answered together. Susan was about to salute Ben, but saw Adam's expression and decided against it.
Hop Sing brought in a plateful of sandwiches. "Thank you Hop Sing," Ben said as he immediately offered the plate to Susan. She took two. And was about to bite into one when she heard a stifled cough warning her to wait. Once all them had taken a couple of sandwiches Ben offered a short blessing.
"We thank you Lord for the food you have provided for us this day. And we pray for a quick recovery for Susan. Amen."
They all bit into their sandwiches and once Susan had emptied her mouth she asked Ben, "perhaps, Ben, you could regale us with a story or two of Adam's transgressions as a child. I would like to know he was not always a goody two-shoes," Susan said, giving Adam a great smile.
"Oh there are quite a few, especially as we travelled west."
Then, Adam with a pout said, "Pa, you don't have to do this. It will only give Sue fuel to throw at me whenever she feels like it."
"Come on now Adam, it's just a story and I suspect Susan has plenty of her own she could tell US." Joe said, ready to enjoy this tale, as was Hoss.
"Oh sure I have, but I'll not tell you anything of those until I hear about Adam."
Ben suggested they finish their sandwiches first and get comfortable with coffee afterwards. Not long after that Hop Sing brought in the coffee pot and chinaware.
"Would you put the coffee down on the low table for us. We'd like to relax over there with the coffee."
"Vely good, Mr Cartwright." Hop Sing did as was requested of him and the others followed him across. Hop Sing left them to it, cleared the plates from the table and made his way back into his sanctuary.
Susan reminded Ben that he had a tale to tell. Adam was still pouting.
"Right." Then after taking a sip of his coffee, Ben began his narrative. "We were travelling within a wagon train and I tried to instil in Adam the danger of leaving the security of the train, but on this occasion he did not heed my warning and did just that."
"Pa, I think I remember this, not one I relish you telling.
"Shhh, don't interrupt," Susan admonished.
"Quite right, Susan," Ben said, but with a smile at Adam. Adam remained quiet after that. This story was
coming out whether he wanted it to or not. So he concentrated on his coffee.
"Oh, Adam, what a naughty boy. How old was he, Ben?"
"About five I think. Anyway, well now, let me see. Adam always liked to look for adventure and even with the many warning of not going off on his own, his curiosity got the better of him that day. He took off on his adventure, and it wasn't until Inger, Hoss' mother, realised Adam wasn't there to help her build the fire for cooking the supper, that she called for me. Told me Adam was nowhere around and I and few other men from the train went in search of him."
"Oh dear!" Was Susan's only comment but smiling at Adam, nevertheless, as were Hoss and Joe.
"We hadn't gone very far when we saw Adam and a friend approaching with two rabbits in their hands. He saw us stand still, my hands on my hips and I could tell straight away from the expression on Adam's face that he knew he was in trouble, and who would, no doubt, be having a necessary talking to."
"Necessary talking to?" Queried Susan.
Adam answered her then, "It means the hand does the talking on one's backside."
"Oh so you gave Adam a well deserved spanking for disobeying you? Hah! Nice to know he too has been on the receiving end of a spanking."
"Yes, very funny. Perhaps I should tell Pa EXACTLY how we first met." Adam said with a smirk.
"Oh no, Adam, don't," she cried.
"You started this, now take the consequences." He reproached.
"Doesn't anyone want to hear the end of my story, or not?" Ben asked, enjoying both their embarrassments.
"Yes, I suppose so," Susan answered.
"Yes, Adam was well spanked and reminded of the seriousness of going away from the train without an adult. He didn't do that again in a hurry and he had trouble sitting for the next couple of days, I remember."
"That happened quite a few times, right Pa?" Joe laughingly joined in.
"I'm afraid so. But now, Adam, tell us of your first meeting with Susan. The bits you missed out, that is."
"My pleasure," Adam said, rubbing his hands together.
"You're loving this, aren't you?" She stared at him.
"Of course. This is called payback and you know all about that."
"Don't push it, Adam Cartwright."
"Adam, get on with it please, I have book work to get on with today."
"Sorry, Pa. Well, our first meeting. Yes. I'd just unsaddled Sport and was about to settle for the evening when I heard splashing coming from the nearby pond and went to see what it was. It was Susan taking a bath. I remember she called me a Peeping Tom, so I turned around, after offering her something to eat, and went back to my camp site, when I heard Sport cantering off with Susan on his back."
"That was a very daring this to do, Susan." Then Ben looked across to Adam. "You obviously caught up with her at some point, Adam?" Ben was now amused, knowing how Adam would react to that.
"I'm afraid my temper was up, she'd made me walk lugging my saddle on my shoulder and finally found
her at the Durston farm where she was taking care of Sport in the barn. But that didn't deter my mission. I shucked off my saddle and made straight for her, dragged her over my knee and spanked her hard."
"Brute!" Susan was now glaring at Adam and her face turning red in embarrassment.
"You deserved it and well you know it."
"I remember once before when Adam lost his temper and spanked the person who had annoyed him." Ben stated.
"A woman, no doubt."
"It was warranted. So beware." Adam warned.
"Now if you two can refrain from arguing," Ben drained his coffee cup and stood, "I'll get on with my bookkeeping." He then left them and made his way over to his desk.
Hoss and Joe then left to finish off the work they had been doing in the south pasture.
Adam looked over at Susan who looked to be calmer now, addressed her. "Susan, would you care to step outside for some air?" He said.
"Well, yes, I could do with some fresh air after my confinement. Will there be anyone working out there to see me?" She tentatively asked.
"I shouldn't think so, but I'll check before we step outside and if someone comes along, just turn and come back into the house."
"Fine, I'll do that."
"You'll want a jacket, it's starting to turn colder. Pa?" he called, "may Susan borrow your jacket to go outside?"
"Of course. Enjoy the fresh air."
"We will." Adam helped Susan on with the jacket, which of course was rather large for her, and they left Ben in peace. ….
After a little walk around the yard, Adam showed her the inside of the barn and introduced her to Buck. "Buck is Pa's horse."
"You all have such lovely looking horses, but I think Sport is the more handsome."
"As is his owner." Adam teased her into replying. But Susan wasn't going to be drawn into the expected answer.
"I didn't know you needed your ego boosting."
Adam smiled at her. "Touché."
"Will you let me ride Sport some time?"
"Maybe, but you'll not go anywhere on your own," and before Susan could object, Adam went on to say, "I'll explain. Why don't we go sit on the porch. I have something to tell you."
"Sounds serious, Adam."
"It is. Let's go and sit." Adam guided her with his hand on the small of her back. Adam then related all that Roy had told him. "I have left nothing out. So now I hope you understand my concern for your safety and the rules I will be setting."
"Just like your Pa set rules for you to follow?"
"Right."
"And will you deliver a necessary talking to if I don't follow these rules?"
"Right again. Please don't test me over this. It's too important. Now, Roy will keep me informed of any new information. I asked him to ride over if and when he gets some news."
"So, this other man is in Carson City." Susan stated.
"It's possible, or he might be making his way back to Virginia City. We don't know what he looks like, but Roy has set in motion for everyone to keep their eyes peeled for strangers asking questions and to report back to him. Sometimes revenge can occupy a man's life."
"What am I to do, Adam?" She nervously asked.
"You'll do what I asked. I'm doing this for your protection. Please obey me in this."
"I'll try."
"You'll do more than try. Nobody else but Roy, you and me know what I just told you, but I plan to tell Pa and my brothers after supper. Then we will work out a protection plan for you. And the first one will be that I'll expect you to stay here until this matter is settled one way or another. No leaving the ranch, especially on your own. I hope you understand me."
"Yes, Adam. I know you are doing this for my safety, and I truly thank you for that. But won't this put your family in danger? I don't want this for you."
"It'll be alright; together we will sort this out." He held out his hand and Susan got up and sat on Adam's lap and he immediately put his arms around her. She kissed him then, passionately.
When she drew out of the kiss, she said, "I hope you don't think me forward doing that."
"Not at all. In fact I believe I'll reciprocate." And they once more kissed. They could tell how strong their feeling had become towards each other. Then they just sat there, Adam with his arms secured tightly around her. How safe she felt in his arms. But the moment was interrupted when Hop Sing came out of the house to call Susan in for her afternoon session.
"While Hop Sing sorts you out, I'll go fetch a selection of books from my room."
"You have a lot of books, Adam?"
"Quite a few. What do you fancy. Factual or fictional?" Adam asked as he lifted Susan from his lap.
"Oh, you choose please. It's been a long time since I've had a book in my hands."
"Okay. You go off now with Hop Sing and I'll see you when you're ready." They kissed once more and went their separate ways. ….
A little later, Adam was reading to Susan from his chosen book, Typee by Herman Melville. It was new to her and was listening to Adam as she lay down with the poultice once again over her eye. But the sweet sound of his deep resonate tones brought about slumber for Susan. He left quietly and joined his father.
"Susan has fallen asleep. Can I help you with anything?"
"Yes. Would you look over this new contract we have with Travers. It looks okay, but I'd like your opinion on it, if you'd double check it."
"Sure, Pa." There followed silence as the two worked.
"An hour later, Susan walked into the living room and over to the desk just as Ben and Adam were finishing up.
"I'm sorry, Adam, to have fallen asleep. I hope you didn't mind."
"Not at all. Sleep always helps with healing. What has Hop Sing said?" Adam asked.
"You can see for yourself. Hop Sing is well pleased."
"Oh yes, Ben praised. What an improvement, the swelling has almost gone. You are a quick healer."
"Hop Sing certainly knows his herbs. Except for a little colour still, it almost looks normal." Adam said, agreeing with his father. "Come 'ere." He beckoned her with his index finger. She walked over to him, and sat on his lap and he kissed her. "A day or two at the most and you will be back to your beautiful self."
"Well you two, I'm going to rest, wash and change in that order in readiness for supper. So if you'll excuse me." Ben made his way up the stairs thinking how open Adam was being with his affections. Susan must certainly be the one for him.
"Joe and Hoss should be back soon and remember what I told you, I'll inform everyone after supper and we'll make those plans. Now, I think I'll follow Pa and wash up for supper. You just make yourself at home, I won't be long."
"Take your time, I'll have a good look around if that's alright."
"Of course, my home is your home." Adam stood her up and left her then to wander around, which she did.
When she was here before she hadn't notice too much of the house; the house where Adam lived with his family. As she was near the desk she could see the many books within a large bookcase. She studied them, the majority were educational, perhaps they keep their own books in their bedrooms. I'm going to have to sneak into Adam's room one day and have a look around, she thought.