Chapter
New Light
"Adam. Adam. Wake up." His middle brother roused him with the whip of his 10 gallon hat. "Dabburnit. We slept in."
His body felt as heavy as steel. He remembered something important they had to do. What was it? Then it hit him and he jolted upright. Why hadn't his father woken them? He hadn't tried this fools run on his own? Had they slept in too? They'd slept later than they wanted to. Even still not long enough. In haste fashion they both donned their days wear and boots, slipping on their gun belts as they walked out the door. Adam went to his father's door while Hoss went to wake up Clancy.
"Pa, you in there?" He knocked.
"Joseph, don't open the door." He could hear his father bellow from the other side.
"It's just Adam, Pa." His pa was sitting on the edge of the bed as he put on his boots. Though relieved at the sight of Adam at the door, his patience was thin for Little Joe. Probably more so taking into account his lack of sleep. Adam gave his little brother a sympathetic smile as he came through.
"What time is it?"
"10 till 9. We slept in."
"Where's Hoss?"
"Waking up Clancy." Another knock at the door. Joe went to move. "I got it." Adam assured. He pulled his gun and put his ear to the door. All for show as he already knew it was Hoss.
"State your name?" He commanded, feigning seriousness. Little Joe smiled impishly.
"Stop jousting, Adam. Open up." He gave his little brother a crafty smirk and opened the door as he re-holstered his pistol. Ben has had just about enough of the lot of them.
"Where's Clancy?"
"He wasn't in his room." Oh why didn't he wake them?
"Adam, Hoss; get the horses from the stable, then try to find him. Meet me back at the Sheriff's station."
"What are you going to do pa?"
"I've got to make a stop."
~.~
"I'd like to settle our bill."
"Right away, Mr. Cartwright."
"I'm going to check the hall." Hoss patted his older brother on the shoulder. He returned a nod as he stood at the desk-clerks counter waiting for him to add up the charges.
"Good morning, Hoss." Mrs. Jones greeted as he came in. She sat in the near empty hall with the bartender across from her. Cash between them, both counting out last night's profit. "Care for some breakfast?"
"I sure could use some mam, but first we got to find someone."
"The same men your pa was looking for last night?" He didn't know the word had gotten around.
"No mam, I ain't reckon it is, but if you got any information on them as well, we sure would like to hear 'bout it."
"No, but the girls know what to look for. Who is it you're looking for?"
"This one's a dark haired man, about mid-thirties, walks with a cane. Goes by the name of Clancy."
"The one your father bought a room for last night?" Sometimes it feels like this towns too small for its own good.
"That'd be him."
"He came down a couple of hours ago. I fixed him something to eat."
"You know where he went off to?"
"He was asking about the bank hours."
"Thanks mam."
"They're getting the horses." Adam informed as he came through.
"Good morning Adam."
"Good morning Ms. Jones. Mr. Sutters."
"Morning son."
"Ms. Jones here said Clancy was askin' bout the bank."
"The bank?" Hoss nodded.
"Tom said he bought a ticket for the 1:30 stage to Silver Springs."
"What do you reckon?"
"We should find him."
"Let's mount up."
"We could walk there."
"Walk? Why walk when we got some pretty good horses that'll do the walkin' for us?"
"With as much time as you've spent in the saddle lately, I'd have figured you'd welcome the idea of a good stroll."
"Gosh darnit Adam. Walkin; or no walkin', I'm about wasting away with all this exercise I'm getting." He tugs at the waistline of his pants for emphases. Adam snickered in amusement.
"It'll be another minute still. Besides, a nice stretch of the legs would do you some good. I sure know I could use it."
"Dab burnit, if you weren't my older brother."
"Come on. The horses will be waiting for us when we get back."
"Ma'am. You go head and fix sumpin up for us." Hoss said with the tip of a hat. "We'll be back."
"I'll make it real nice. Wouldn't want you to go fluttering off in a good gust." She said with a smirk. His smile was as grand as the Mississippi.
~.~
He was surprised to see his hand open the door.
"Sam? Your still here."
"Yeah. Sir, come in." He stood aside granting them in.
"Where's Martin?"
"He left about an hour ago to do his morning rounds."
"I thought you would have gone back to the ranch."
"Like I said sir, he didn't have no one to stay with him. I thought somebody should be here."
"You've been here all night?"
"Yes sir." Ben peered into the room. All Joe could see from where he stood were the deputy's feet. That's all he cared to see.
"How is he?"
"Fever struck, just like we thought it would." He guided Ben to the patient's room. Joe stayed behind in the waiting room. "He's been suffering from deliriums all morning. Doc gave me instructions how to fight it. I'm not sure I'm doing him any good."
"I'm sure whatever you're doing is helping. You're here for him. That's valiant enough."
"I'm not sure it is, but that's kind of you to say, sir. I told Doc, I'd be here when he got back. I'll head back to the ranch when he returns."
"There's no rush. I was just wondering. Has anybody else been by?"
"Sheriff Coffee. When I told him the wife couldn't be here cause of the baby he decided to ride out to her. Try to help her make the arrangements with her family."
"How long ago was that?"
"Oh, he came in about 7. Left a little after. If all goes well, he should be getting back soon."
Little Joe found the room was getting a bit stuffy. The stale air made it difficult to breathe. Felt a bit like the walls were closing in. He needed some fresh air. He snuck out the door taking a seat at the edge of the porch. He leaned his head against the post and stared out at the street, sitting like this for several minutes.
The ranch hand appeared weary and worn. "How are you holding up?" Ben asked supportive. He looked down at his open palms, then closed them closing off whatever image he was seeing.
"I ain't never done nothing like this." He answered. "I'm a cattle wrestler. That's what these hands were built for. Wrangling bulls and steers. Fighting wolves and rain; summer heat and winter floods. I reckon yesterday these hands did a lot more than they were cut out for. I'm not a gunfighter. I ain't too good at getting shot at and I'm even worse at shootin'. I was shootin' at men. Not bulls or wolves, men. I couldn't kill them. I wasn't much sure I wanted to. Even though they were shooting at me. They're still men. It's a strange thing taking a life. I don't think I was ready for that. Maybe I am a coward. Maybe I'm the reason this lawman's laid up. Because something inside me was making me throw off my aim. They was men up there in them hills. Not wolves, men. Misguided men. That was a man I had my hands inside of too. My hands were inside a man. Can't say I've ever done that before neither. Can't say I'm keen on ever doing that again. I just don't have it in me. I wasn't bred for this like you were." His voice was sullen but sure. "Daniel was a good kid. I came out here for him. I wish I could have done more. It's just not something I'm cut out for. I'm sorry. I'm going to join up with Dan and the others on the drive. I won't be coming back out. I'll send someone back if you need me to."
"That won't be necessary. Clancy and I have decided to pay." He turned back to him. His voice broke.
"I'm sorry. I hope you tell him that sir, when you see him."
"You did well, son. Don't count yourself short." He didn't feel like he did well. He felt like a coward. Like he failed the boy and he failed the lawman. "You've done a lot more than anyone could have asked for." Was it true? "I'll tell him all of what you did, and how good of a friend you were."
"Thank you."
"Make sure you get some rest. I don't need you pushing cattle half awake. That leads to accidents."
"Yes, sir."
Ben walked back into the waiting room. He was surprised to see it was empty. His heart went to his throat. "Joe." Came out as a hoarse whisper. He bolted for the door. Opening it up he was all at once relieved to see him sitting on the porches edge. "Joe, why are you out here." Anger replaced terror as he was working to resettle his nerves. Somewhere along the way the boy had buried his face in his palms. He snapped up at the coarse tone. He was shocked his pa would be barking at him. "Did I not make myself clear to you boy?" What'd he do wrong? "I told you, you were not to go anywhere on your own." The boy furrowed his brows. He remembered no such words, but didn't want to challenge his pa, in case he might have been wrong. He could have been wrong. Its sounds like something his pa could have said. Perhaps when Joe was fighting through a headache or something. Like what has been threatening to form for the last ten minutes or so.
"I'm sorry."
The moment he said it he recalled that Joe was in bed when he told this to his older two boy's. His heart softened for his youngest who was appearing now a bit green.
"No. I'm sorry, son. I just got scared when I came out and you weren't there. I wasn't thinking. I forgot that when I told your brother's this you weren't in the room." So it wasn't just him. "Just, now that you know, don't go anywhere without an escort."
"Yes pa." He was in no mood to debate. He was feeling like half a man right now anyways. Ben was half expecting Joe to argue, when none came. He continued.
"It's just that, if they try to come after you. I want you to be protected."
"I'm sorry Pa."
"Come on. Let's get to the jailhouse."
~.~
"We're looking for a feller. About 5'9", dark hair, goes by the name of Clancy."
"He was just here, not too long ago."
"Do you know where he went?"
"Nope can't say that I do."
"What was he doing?" Adam asked.
"Now you know I can't discuss personal withdrawals." The young clerk said.
"He was withdrawing?" McClure overhearing the clerks blunder came over to support.
"Adam Cartwright. How's your father?"
"He's good Mr. Mclure."
"Perhaps there's something I can help you out with."
"Well, I was just asking about a man that came in here this morning. He's a friend of ours and I wanted to know his business here."
"If he's a friend of yours, why don't you ask him?"
"Well, at the moment we can't find him."
"Unfortunately, like my teller says, all financial transactions are confidential."
"Thanks Tom."
"So he withdrew money and he's trying to board the stage." Adam said as they were out the door.
"You think we should get ourselves some tickets?"
"I sure would like to Hoss. I sure would, but I think what he's planning is risky enough. I think we should talk to pa."
"Hey Hoss, Adam." McClure's daughter came out from the bank interrupting their thoughts.
"Elle." Adam tipped his hat to the cute reddish blonde. "Is Little Joe okay?"
"Yeah Elle, why you ask."
"Oh, Tom from The International, said he saw him yesterday head all wrapped up like a mummy."
"Oh that. You know Little Joe, he's clumsier than a one legged ostrich." Hoss responded. "He just fell off his horse. Doc said he'll be up and at 'em in no time."
"Oh." She smiled shyly.
"I'll let him know you asked about him." Adam offered.
"Oh don't do that. Just tell him," She considered. "I said hi." She stood proper and went back inside.
"You think she'll ever tell him how she feels?"
"She sure is a pretty little thing. Little Joe's gonna have some men to fight off if he don't snatch her up right quick."
~.~
"Clancy." He looked up at his name. Ben spotted him coming out of the hotel. "I'm surprised you didn't wake us."
"I was just in there to go do that. Morning Little Joe. The clerk just told me you guys checked out."
"Have you run into Hoss or Adam?"
"No. Did you lose 'em?"
"I sent them out to find you."
"Why? Have you heard anything?"
"Not yet. I was just on my way to the jailhouse."
"Pa, look at that." Joe pointed down the street. Hoss and Adam were making their way towards them.
"There you boys are."
"I see you found him already." Adam observed.
"Yeah, we found him." Little Joe responded. "While you guys were out gallivanting around." He meddled playfully. Adam smirked in mock discontent.
"We were just on our way to the Sheriff's office."
"Doesn't look like he's in. His horse isn't hitched."
"He rode out to Toller's place a couple of hours ago. He should be back soon. We can wait for him."
"You mind iffin we wait for him at the hotel?" Hoss asked. "We got a couple of hot plates waitin' for us."
"That's a good idea. We've got some time we should get some food in us. Clancy. Would you like to join us?"
"I had breakfast already, but I think I could use some more coffee."
~.~
"So you've been busy this morning Clancy." Adam remarked over a plate of hotcakes.
"Yeah," Hoss added. "I'm surprised you didn't wake us."
"Well, the stage isn't supposed to be leaving out until 1. I figured we still had some time and I figured you all could use the extra rest."
"And you couldn't?" Ben asked.
"I got the rest I needed."
"Word is, you've kept yourself pretty busy while we were all sleeping." Adam circled back. Clancy glanced at Adam then lowered his eyes uncomfortably as the other men stared on. Curious at what Adam was driving at. "You want to tell us about it?" Clancy thought back to the morning before when he sat at the Cartwright's dining table being grilled with scrutiny. Adam again was asking him to answer for himself with his kin staring on.
"I went to the bank." He answered.
"Withdrew some money." Adam averred. How did he know that? Clancy wondered. Them Cartwright's and their ways. What money can buy.
"That's right." Clancy admitted. Ben was curious. He looked to him to explain. "Something you said last night sir. You said, it's my money that's being asked of. You were right and I got to thinking that wasn't a very fair thing to ask of you. Something else you said. You said, he was my boy. That rang a bit of truth too. I've taken responsibility over him in the absence of any real father figure. It should be me paying not you."
"Clancy." Ben tried to intercede.
"Unfortunately I don't have all of what they're asking. But I can certainly give you what I do have, which right now is two thousand dollars saved up and some change."
"Clancy, when I said that, I didn't mean that you..."
"No. It's okay sir. I know you didn't, but I should. It's only right."
"You want to hand over your whole fortune for this kid."
"Nothing I could spend it on would be a greater reward for me than this."
"Clancy this is everything you have."
"I'll get more."
"It's taken you years to acquire this."
"Has it not taken years for you to acquire your fortune?"
"But they're not asking for my whole fortune. They're asking for a mere percentage of it."
"Okay." Adam stepped in. "Let's think about it this way. They took Danny thinking he was somebody else. Somebody whose father could pay fifty thousand dollars without breaking a sweat. A mere five percent of what we own. If they took Danny on the same principles then they would only be asking you for about a hundred dollars or so." Adam grossly underestimated their net worth, knowing that any dollar amount less than what he just said Clancy wouldn't agree to. As it was he was on the fence.
"But he's my kid. You shouldn't have to pay a thing."
"He is your kid and when we get him back, he's going to need someone to care for him. How do you expect to do that with nothing left?"
"I'll figure out something."
"Nonsense. This is not up for negotiation. It's my son they think they have." Ben adduced. "Danny risked himself for my son. I'm going to pay. If for no other reason than to honor Danny and continue to keep Joseph safe. For all my boys. To keep them all safe."
"But I already got out the cash?"
"Then, we'll put it right back in. I'm going to the bank soon, you can come with me."
"Not too soon I hope." Adam advised. "You probably shouldn't be parading around town with that kind of money for any longer than you need to be."
"Yeah, good thinking Adam." Hoss supported. "We could see if the Sheriff is back in now."
"I'll get the tab." Clancy offered. "I already have the cash."
"All you had was coffee."
"Mr. Cartwright you've been getting everything else so far. Please let me get this. Let me feel like I'm contributing." He could argue this gesture too. Tell him that what he has done for this boy is bigger than what any man could have done but it was probably more important to Clancy to give him this. Ben nodded and Clancy returned a soft but sure smile.
~.~
"Morning Ben." The sheriff was there with his two deputies as they came in.
"Roy. Heard you rode out to Toller's place."
""That's right. Mrs. Toller is finally back with her husband." Roy informed.
"How's he doing? Clancy asked.
"He's still suffering from deliriums but Tucker says he's going to stay with them until Martin returns." Clancy nodded appreciatively. "I assume you're still planning on paying." Roy asked of Ben and Clancy, remembering the instructions that they would both be involved in the decision making. "I mean you two haven't changed your minds yet or anything?" Ben looked to the younger man before answering.
"No, we're still paying."
"Do you have the money?"
"Not yet. I was going to hit the bank soon. I would have hit it already but Adam made a good point that I probably shouldn't be walking around with it for any longer than I need to be." Roy nodded, agreeably.
"That's smart. Listen, I just got a telegraph from Sheriff Sanders in Wellington. I sent him a request early this morning before I rode out to Toller's place. I asked the sheriff if he'd be willing to look in on the Milligan boy to see what information we could get from him. I figured, on the off chance you came back empty handed Ben, at least we might have something else to go on." Clancy didn't want to believe that not bringing him back could be an option. "If he's in in this, maybe we can get this thing from the other side. The telegraph was waiting for me when I got back."
"What's it say?" Hoss asked.
"He said he can spare a man or two to go out and talk to him."
"Actually," Adam stepped forward. "I'd like to speak to him myself, if that's alright with everyone else. You know the sheriff over there isn't as involved in this thing as we are. I'm afraid he won't ask the right questions or seek the answers we seek. It would be difficult to convey to him what it is we're looking for with just a few lines of telegraph. If I'm there, I'd be able to pick up on body language and face ticks or anything else that might give him away. I'd just feel better if I could be there."
"That's a good idea." The men agree.
"But I don't want you riding alone." Ben reminded. "Little Joe isn't the only one they're after. They made it quite clear they were willing to take any one of you."
"That goes for you too pa." Hoss iterated.
"That's right." Adam supported. "Having you on that stage alone puts you at risk. There's no saying they won't try to take you. They could do just as much damage to you as any of us and get just as much out of us making us pay for you."
"He's not going to be unprotected. I'm going with him." Roy stated.
"Roy, they'll spot you a mile away for sure. They'll definitely kill Danny then."
"I'll send a deputy then."
"Which deputy do you have here that they won't recognize?"
"The note says come alone."
"Yeah, but Ben."
"If they spot any sign of law, they'll kill him for sure."
"Well I can't have him going by himself. I can't leave him unprotected."
"He's not going to be unprotected." Clancy assured. "I'm going. I already bought the ticket." Adam pursed his lips. He was told this but had forgotten. I guess now he knew what his plan was.
"What's to say they won't spot you too? If they've seen us, they've seen you with us."
"I've got the best chances of going unnoticed. I'm not the law and I'm not kin."
"He's got a point there." Hoss admitted.
"Adam. I know you want to protect your Pa. This is the best way to do so. I'll keep him safe." Adam considered then reluctantly agreed.
"Alright, so that's settled. Clancy is riding with Ben. Who's riding with you Adam?" Roy asked.
"I can take Hoss." Hoss nodded in agreeance.
"I'll wire the sheriff. See if he can't still spare some men. Just in case that boy tries to start some funny business you'll be protected when you go out to meet him."
"Thanks sheriff."
"How soon can you leave?"
"I'd like to see my pa off first. When you ride out we will. That should put us there about five."
"I'll let him know to expect you." Roy offered.
"Tell them not to give the Milligan boy any forewarning we're coming. I'd like to surprise him. If he is in on this I'd like to catch him with his hand in the cookie jar, so to speak."
"You're supposed to be on that stage at 1. You think it's about time you get to that bank?"
"I think you're right."
"I'll send Harper and Jeb out to keep an eye on you. Make sure that money goes nowhere but right back here." He nodded to his two deputies who stood obediently.
"I'll go with them." Adam volunteered.
"I can too." Hoss added.
"We can all go." Little Joe said. They all looked to Joe. "Light labor. There ain't no harm in me watching a corner." The boy just wanted to feel as useful as the rest of them.
"I don't want any of you boys out of view. Remember no one alone."
"Alright, here's what we'll do." Adam took charge. "Clancy, you're going in with my pa right?" He agreed reluctantly. "That leaves Hoss, Joe, Jeb and Harper and myself. Hoss and Joe, you two can watch him from the land office. Jeb, you watch the back of the bank, if for any reason my pa gets convinced to walk out that way, you can be there to intervene and call us for help if needs be. Harper and I will watch from the market. Everybody know what you're doing?"
~.~
The scouts left first to get themselves into position. Spreading themselves out among the street. All within view of each other and in view of the bank. After a few minutes, Clancy and Ben left Roy who was the only one left in his office to make their way down the street.
"Remember Little Joe, anyone or anything that looks out of place." Hoss iterated. "Anyone that looks like they're watching Pa, or that's staring back."
"I'm not stupid." Joe snapped. Hoss was taken-back by Joe's tetchiness. His mood has been on a short fuse. Something was wrong.
"You're squinting." Hoss observed. "Is the sun hurting your eyes?" He hated to admit it. 'Light labor.' That's what the doc said. As long as they kept it light, Little Joe would be out of danger. No harm in watching a corner. That was about as light as it gets. So then why was his head hurting?
~.~
"Mr. McClure was surprised to see Clancy back at the bank, this time with the cattle baron at his side. Their request did nothing to alleviate his concerns at the abnormality. Clancy wished to put his money back and Cartwright asked to take out an even larger sum. Gauging them both for signs of distress, he took them to the back room to complete the transactions when none presented. He took a little longer than they wished to complete their request. Having them sign documents and asking odd questions disguised as small chat but with the hidden agenda of looking for further signs of distress or abnormalities.
Ben knew what the bank manager was doing. He didn't disguise himself very well. He asked about his boys and particularly of the youngest who rumored had it, was sporting a head bandage. That couldn't be just coincidence. There was definitely some funny business going on here. McClure was that close to signaling for the sheriff, but the men before him were giving him nothing to go on and with nothing to tell the sheriff decided to let it be and fill their request. He could always talk to the sheriff about it later.
~.~
Adam kept his eyes peeled. From the broad window of the market where he feigned shopping, he had a good view of the banks front as well as his brothers. Little Joe sitting against the wall and Hoss standing over him. Joe, he noticed held a scowl. His pa was taking longer than he was comfortable with but so far Jeb hasn't made any sort of a signal so they likely hadn't gone out that way.
~.~
"Hey there Hoss, Little Joe." O'Brian tipped his hat, then abruptly stopped before stepping up onto the porch. "Whoa. What happened to you?" The drunk Irishman asked. Well a lot. Joe thought. But no need to talk about what can't be seen.
"I fell off my horse." O'Brian smiled keenly.
"Well if you ask me, it ain't the horse that's the problem." He slurred and staggered. "That horse is as tame as they come. You little Joe are the wild one. Perhaps someone needs to reign you in, maybe a little breaking of your own needs to be done." He finished with a boisterous laugh. Joe responded with an abstract smile. Hoss came out to the edge of the porch and leaned against a post. Subconsciously acting as a block. O'Brian was a good guy. Jolly old soul. He didn't mean anything bad by his words, but he could be a bit much at times, especially, Hoss could imagine, to someone who's got a headache. "Ah come on Little Joe, I was just joustin ya. You know that. Tell him Hoss, I was just joustin." Hoss's smile was just as elusive. "What's the matter Little Joe? It don't still hurt, does it?"
"A little, maybe, but the doc gave me something for it." Not caring to tell him that was almost a full day before and he was way overdue for another dose.
"Well perhaps you ought to be in bed. Rest up a bit before you head back out."
"I think you're right."
"Of course I'm right. Hoss here could handle your work." He gave the big man a hearty slap on the bicep.
"That's right, Mr. O'Brian." Hoss humored. O'Brian felt the heaviness among them. He knew when his welcome was overstayed. He grinned at the pair.
"Well, if you'll excuse me gentlemen, I was just going in to settle a land deal."
"You buying more land?" Hoss kept up the conversation. Making up for their shortness and keeping up appearances.
"Another mine." O'Brian answered boastfully.
"Congratulations. Looks like you're doing well for yourself." The praise came with effort. Even in his jovial, inebriated state he could see this. The brothers seemed to be uncomfortable, nervous about something. Big ranch stuff no doubt. He thought it best to leave them alone. They'll be back to their old self in a couple days no doubt. When whatever it is blows over.
~.~
Anything strange Adam told himself. There was something strange but as he was distracted with watching O'Brian's interaction with his brother's, he almost missed what was right before him. Sally, Mr. Ridley's youngest daughter, had passed the market for the third time now. She'd gone into the bucket of blood only to come right back out again. She went up and down the street looking into doors and shop windows. She was looking for something or someone. Coming out of the saloon she spotted exactly who it was she sought.
"Mr. Cartwright!" She saw him before they did. "Mr. Cartwright!"
"Harper." He called to the deputy feet away both going for the door. His pa was coming out of the bank and Sally ran right to him.
"Little Joe." She nodded to the boy who was the first to reach them. Hoss right behind him. Before she knew it, men came out of nowhere to join them. She flushed and turned away from the group.
"What is it Sally?" The girl wasn't a saloon girl but with her father being the stable owner, the family had a close business relationship with the International House Hotel and the adjoining saloon. Perhaps it was this relationship that gave the pretty young girl as well as her elder sister, the excuse to spend more time than girls like them should be spending at the saloon.
"Mrs. Jones sent me to find you."
At that moment Sheriff Coffee came striding up towards the group. They hadn't known but he'd been watching too.
"Sally?" Ben could see her distress. He urged her to continue. She didn't know how much to say in front of the other men. She was told this was of upmost secrecy and now the sheriff was here towering over the group.
She leaned into the baron. "It's about Ms. Mae." He understood her hesitation to speak. He wasn't exactly clear with the girls as to who else might have been involved in this little secret of theirs. Ben looked around at the crowded streets and at faces both familiar and strange to them whose attention they'd drawn.
"Come into the jail."
~.~
He ushered her to Roy's office and the men crowded behind her.
"It's alright. Go on." In the privacy of the jailhouse Ben urged her on. Roy listened, as intently as the others.
"The man you were asking about. Bogs?" She looked to the others to insure it was alright to continue. They all shared a strange interest. Ben urged her on with a nod. "The stable boy saw him in the alley."
"Which alley?"
"Our alley. The one next to Ridley's stables. It was our stable boy, Chang sir, that saw him. When he went to ready your horses, he was there."
"Is he there now?"
"No sir. Chang confronted him. Asked him if he needed help. He didn't know if he had a horse stabled there or not. When he asked if he needed help, he said the man made some rude remark and sauntered off. Now Chang's kind of used to that sort of thing if you could imagine, but he said there was something else about this man that gave him a weird feeling."
"What was it?"
"He said, it was almost like he walked up on him doing something he wasn't supposed to be doing."
"What was he doing?" Adam asked.
"Well that's just it. He said all he was doing was standing there staring out at the street."
"What could he see from that position?"
"Well, from there, he's got a pretty good view of the Grand Hotel. Because of that, I thought I should head over and let Ms. Jones know that somebody might have been watching them. Thought that's something she might like to know. Honestly, she was might's more interested in this than I thought she would be. Like she might have been expecting information like this. After I described the fellow, as Chang had described him to me, she knew exactly who it was I was talking about. She said I should come over right away and tell you Mr. Cartwright. She said that's what Ms. Mae would want me to do."
"Roy, can you see the alley way from out front?" Adam asked.
"Yeah, I think we can get a pretty good view of it."
"That means from that position, he would have had not only a good view of the hotel, but also of here. He could see the jail." The room fell silent as they let the inferences sink in.
"Thanks Sally." Ben excused her and she left the jailhouse. A single curious glance back as she did.
"While we were watching pa, they were watching us." Hoss stated.
"If this is true Ben," Roy said. "Then you've got to stop hanging around with Little Joe. That goes for the rest of you."
"Nonsense. We need to be there in case they try coming for him."
"Ben. Little Joe's been on your heels ever since you got into town. You're not thinking about this other boy. If it's true that they're watching, don't you think at some point, they're gonna start wondering who he is?"
"He's just a hand. Just like Danny told them he was. We had two more hands here yesterday and we still have Clancy."
"That's fine Ben, but if somebody, anybody called him Little Joe, just once so someone else could over hear, that could be the end of this Danny boy."
"I did it." They look to Clancy. "This morning. Don't you remember? When I ran into you guys. What if he was watching then?"
"It could have been anyone of us." Adam assured. "We've all called Little Joe by name."
"As well as a handful of citizens." Hoss added.
"Admittedly, we've all been reckless." Roy came back. "But not anymore. We are going to change the name of the game. Little Joe needs to disappear for a while. Get him out of the public eye. Even if you guys start calling him Danny doesn't mean the towns folk are going to follow suit."
"Are you going to hide him away?"
"If we get caught trying to smuggle him out that could be the end of Danny too. I think it's best to be casual. We're going to start acting like this boy is exactly who Danny said he is. Little Joe you're nothing more than a hand. Somebody Ben here hired."
"Good luck getting him to do any work." Hoss jousted.
"I'm injured anyways." He retorted snootily.
"Which is why you need to be in bed. I can't think of anyplace better than your own bed."
"But he's a hand. Which means you gotta sleep in the bunkhouse, Shortshanks."
"You've got a guest room. Isn't that where you've let injured hands sleep before?"
"So he's got to sleep in the guest bed?"
"Once he's inside the home, he could sleep wherever he wants."
"What if they know? What if it's too late for Danny?" Clancy asked diffidently.
"Then we deal with it then. Alright? But right now that boy's got a chance. He's got the same chance this morning as he did last night. We're not going to count him dead just yet."
"But if they do know," Adam adduced. "What would that mean for Little Joe? The house wouldn't be safe for him."
"It would be as safe for him as anywhere else we've got to take him. Not to worry. I'm not going to have him out there unprotected. We'll get round the clock security for him until these men are brought down."
"You don't have the resources for that."
"I'll deputize some men if I have to. You've got plenty of friends Ben. Plenty of people who would do this for you."
"I'm not sure there's that many." Ben responded.
"What about your hands?"
"Most of them should be out on the drive." He thought of Tucker and what he would be asking of his men if he brought them back. He'd be asking hired ranch hands to risk their lives to keep his family safe. Is that a fair thing to ask of them?
"We'll find some men, Ben. In the meantime Harper will take him back to the house."
"Is it alright if he gets him to the docs first?"
"I'm fine Pa." Joe retorted.
"You're not fine. You look awful."
"Pa's right Joe. You're looking a bit green. Looks like you could use another dose." Hoss cautioned.
"Harper. Straight there and straight to the house. No dilly dallying."
"Yes sir."
"Can't I wait for you at the hotel or something? How do you expect me to wait at the house all worried for you?"
"Now son," Roy stepped in. "We've talked about this. We've got to get you out of town. For Danny's sake." Joe reluctantly agreed. "Harper, you've got first watch. I'll have Jeb relieve you in the morning."
"Yes sir."
"It's about time you get to that stage Ben."
"Good luck out their Pa."
"Same to you."
~.~
The wiry man draws his gun as the rider comes in. The brothers were on alert. Chapman gazed out the window.
"Its fine put it away." He goes out to meet the stout drunk. "You're late. We should have been gone already.
"We're not going anywhere."
"That's not what we agreed on."
"Nobody's going to pay for him."
"He's a Cartwright of course they'll pay."
"That boy in there ain't worth a dime." Chapman smelled the strong odor as Bogs pushed past.
"What are you talking about?" He slammed through the door catching the attention of everyone in the room. His focus was on just one though.
"What's your name?" He towered over the young man, sitting on the floor at the foot of the bed. "I asked you what your name was, boy."
"Ju, Joseph." His hand came down on him like a flash. The brothers shot up from the settee on the opposite wall. They looked to Chapman who was just walking in, to do something. He watched Bogs keenly waiting for his next move. Wanting for answers.
He felt like his face caved in. The force tore some muscles at the back of his neck. Like whiplash but a hundred times worse. A few more blows like that and he wasn't sure his head wouldn't come clean off. The fear coursed through him with the pain. His eye watered at the sight of the blow.
"What's your name?" He barked again.
"Joseph, Joseph Cartwright." His voice cracked in fear. He struck him again. Blood burst from his nose and mouth.
He's going to kill the kid.
"Barnes. Stop this!" Chapman ran forward and grabbed his arm. "Have you lost your mind?"
"Let go of me!" He fought out from his hold and Chapman shoved him back standing between him and the boy.
"Barnes, you're drunk."
"I know what I'm doing."
"What's this about?" He demanded for an explanation.
"This boy is not Joseph!" There was just as much accusation expressed in his pointed finger as there was in his booming voice. "He is a liar!" The room was still. Chapman looks back at the boy bleeding in the corner.
"What are you talking about?" He turns back.
"I saw him. I saw the real Joseph Cartwright. He was with his family."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying this isn't the real Joe Cartwright. The real Joe Cartwright is in town right now with his family."
"How can you be sure it was him?"
"They called him Little Joe." Chapman became enraged but stifled it coolly. "The one they called Little Joe, had a white bandage wrapped around his head. He's the same boy this one carried in the night we took him." They let him slip right through their fingers. He didn't want to believe it. This boy, this boy told them he was Joseph. Why would he do that?
He turned his attention to the lad.
"Is this true? Is it true what he's saying?" This time he didn't answer. He was trembling violently, terrified of being hit again. The warm iron liquid filling his mouth. Asking himself, is it worth it to keep up this farce? They know now, the jig is up. What good would it do to continue to lie? His silence spoke volumes. Chapman knelt next to him. "What is your name?" His eye at the site of the blow, was watery beyond his control. "We know you're not Joseph. Tell us your name." He swallowed his fear, bidding his silence. "Why would you lie to us?" A terrified defiance stared back. Chapman lowered his head almost sympathetically, mournfully of what must be done. He stood up and turned back to Bogs giving a subtle nod. Bogs stepped forward again drawing back his fist as he did.
There was a flash of white followed by a high pitched squealing in his ears. No, not squealing, laughing. It was laughter. A child's laughter. Which cut through this den of heavies. From where it came, he didn't know. Yet, there it was. Almost defiant. In spite of. The boy laughed again. It was coming from inside the room. Did this boy know where he was? Stop. They're going to hurt you. He wanted to cry out to him but his mouth wouldn't work. One more blow and suddenly the voice did stop. An oddly enough he kind of missed it when it was gone, but it wasn't gone.
~.~
"Danny!" It called to him. "Danny. I want to play." He lifted his head to look at the small child. He was back at home again. The pain now was distant but prevailing. Subtle but constant. He played with his mouth again pressing his tongue against his lips. He found himself lying in the tall grass. He got hurt. How'd he get hurt?
He glared out at the open field. Whatever it was sure wasn't going to be enough of an excuse not to finish his task. The buckwheat was calling to him, albeit not as vocal as his baby brother, but there was a pull, a draw. The beauty of it, but more so the responsibility in it.
"I can't play right now Thomas. I've got work to do." His mouth was sore but functional. He couldn't think of why. Wasn't it a moment ago it didn't work, but why? Something hurt him. What was it? He felt like it was important to know. He should know, lest it happen again, or to his family. Did something knock him out? Is something a danger to him or to Thomas? Thomas seemed none the wiser to his quandary.
"But I want to." He looked around as he sat up. Nothing seemed out of place. He stared back at the crop. Oh Pa's gonna be mad if he don't finish his chores. No amount of explaining or half-truths are gonna save his hide from a whipping. Still something plagued at him.
"Oh Thomas. Leave the boy alone! Can't you see he's busy?" The new voice drew his attention.
"Simon. I just want to play." He watched as he approached from the hillside at the back of the house.
"I'll play with you, Thomas."
"How about, Blind Man's Bluff."
"Sure." He giggled ecstatically and ran off towards the house. Simon smiled softly at Danny. His face was so beautiful. He missed it as if he hadn't laid eyes on it in such a long time, more so like he wasn't going to see it again for even longer. There was kindness in his eyes but also intelligence. Simon knew something important that he wasn't telling him. His face glowed reflecting the evening sun. Simon looked back at the house as if half expecting their ma to come charging out with a long list of expletives. "You better get going." He nodded.
"Yeah." He smiled. Simon looked back at the running boy and took off after him. Danny looked back towards the river and the buckwheat beyond. He had a lot of work still needing to be done before day's end, noting the setting sun.
Authors Notes:
I had fun filling up the town with known characters. Tom McClure the bank owner and his young daughter Ellie you might recognize from Showdown 2x1. Joe is of course courting Ellie when her father's bank is robbed by a man working on their ranch.
O'Brian is a fun little character from Bank Run 2x19. Greedy San Francisco bankers wants O'Brian's money which they can't get to unless they close down their bank in Virginia City. Joe who gets word of the plan enlists his brother Hoss to rob the bank, in order to save the peoples money of course.
Sally Ridley and their stable boy Chang both come from The Fear Merchants 1x20, where Chang is accused of poor Sally's murder.