I wrote a couple of little stories that somehow fit into the time frame of my story Spirit Thief. The first two are the ones that made me write SP, the other ones came into existence because I wasn't able to let go of my favourite family. :)))

Hope you enjoy.

Nanuk

Disclaimer: No, don't own any of them, except perhaps Little Jamie. :)

xxx

Cookies in the Bowl

x

Hoss Cartwright tiptoed through the door, holding the little boy's hand tightly in his, determined to get past HopSing and to the bowl of cookies standing in plain sight on the kitchen table.

His stomach almost rumbled with anticipation but with sheer power of mind he willed it to be quiet. HopSing was known to hear mice sneezing under the floorboards, and the last thing he wanted was to draw attention to himself before he was ready.

Steadily he made his way nearer and nearer to the bowl, ignoring the constant tugging at his hand that tried to get his attention, his whole line of thought on the treat in front of him.

Then, all of a sudden, the floor creaked. With a small yelp of surprise, HopSing whirled around, holding a large kitchen knife in his outstretched hand. Hoss froze where he stood.

With a deep sigh, HopSing lowered the knife and threw the boy a sharp glance before he glared at Hoss.

"You teaching boy nonsense?" he demanded to know. Hoss went bright red.

"Uhm, no, see…little Jamie here was hungry an' I thought I'd get him something nice an' warm and …," he finished lamely and avoided looking at Jamie who, although he didn't say anything, stared at Hoss with eyes that promised retribution later. Hoss gulped.

HopSing smiled. It was clear from the little scamp's expression that he didn't like being used – no matter what the reason. Another thing he did just like …

He took the bowl from the table and offered it to a beaming Jamie. The boy took two, politely thanked HopSing and gave one to Hoss who didn't think he could feel more embarrassed.

From the doorway came a deep laugh. Startled, all of them turned. Ben grinned and lifted his hands in apology.

"I happened to stop by and just wanted to see whether HopSing needed any help."

Fondly he stroked the little boy's cheek.

"Why don't you go out and see whether Joe needs any help with the horses?" he asked.

Jamie eagerly looked at him. "May I?"

Waiting for Ben's nod, he turned to the door, but stopped halfway and turned to HopSing.

"May I have another cookie," he asked, "for Joe?"

The cook grinned and offered the bowl, then watched with Ben and Hoss as the dark head disappeared through the door.

Hoss shook his head in wonderment. He looked at Ben and noticed the faraway look on his father's face. He smiled sadly.

"He's a lot like him, isn't he, Pa?" he asked quietly. "A lot like Adam."

Ben, startled awake, lifted his gaze and Hoss could see that his eyes were wet. He had been thinking of the grave on the hillside, too.

Ben sighed and gave Hoss a tiny smile.

"Yes. Very much like him.

So very much."

xxx

The End

The end