Jenna

by  Karen F.

She had sparkling blue eyes, and long shiny dark curls tumbling down her back. When she smiled, as she was doing now, an intriguing dimple appeared in her cheek. She was smiling at a young cowboy, who was doing his best to impress her. She had gotten off the stage in Virginia City, and checked in at the International House. After asking a few discreet questions of the desk clerk, she had set out on a tour of Virginia City. She had meandered down the main street of the dusty mining town looking into shop windows, ending up heading in the direction of the Silver Dollar Saloon. As she walked in front of the saloon, the young cowboy was walking out, the swinging doors swaying behind him. He had started to walk by her but had done a double take that almost made him fall off the sidewalk. He had immediately swept off his hat and introduced himself, and then invited her to lunch at the hotel. She had produced that dimpled smile and agreed. They made a handsome couple walking down the street, with the young man gallantly holding her by the elbow. His name was Joe, Joe Cartwright to be precise, and her name was Jenna Mackay. You might say it was love at first sight.

Little Joe Cartwright rode home to the Ponderosa in a daze. A pair of sparkling eyes dancing in his mind. He kept replaying his conversation with her over and over in his mind. Jenna had told him she was 19, and had come to Virginia City to help in her aunt’s dressmaking shop. Her parents had run into hard times in St. Louis, and thought it might help to have Jenna off their hands for a while. So here she was in the Wild West as she called it, and Little Joe was madly in love. He rode into the yard of the ranch house and whistled as he stabled his horse. Then he almost floated into the house. 

Ben Cartwright was sitting at his big desk in the great room of the Ponderosa, and he watched in some bemusement as his youngest son walked right past him and headed for the stairs without saying a word. Ben’s eyebrows shot upwards as Little Joe not only walked right past him, but also right into his brother Hoss. Clearly Little Joe’s mind was elsewhere, because Hoss was hard to miss. At 6 feet 4 inches tall he tended to be very visible in any room. 

“Whoa, little brother,” Hoss exclaimed as he grabbed Joe, and set him back on his feet. “Watch where you’re going, Joe!”

Little Joe just gave his brother a dazzling smile and drifted up the stairs to his room leaving two startled men behind him. 

Hoss rolled his eyes and looked over at his father. The two shared a knowing grin. “Dadburnit, Pa it looks like Little Joe done fell in love again.” Hoss commented in amusement.

“Yep, Hoss.” His father replied, an indulgent smile on his face. “I’d say he has at that.” The two men burst out laughing. Little Joe fell in and out of love so many times that it had become something of a family joke.

Ben stood up from his chair and stretched. “Go get washed up, Hoss. I heard Hop Sing banging those pans of his in the kitchen. Dinner will be ready any minute now. Then we can hear all about Joe’s new lady love.”

The men went their separate ways and for a few moments peace descended on the ranch house.

That night at supper, Little Joe regaled his father and brothers with stories about his new love. The three older Cartwrights listened and exchanged smiling glances, but humored Joe for the most part. Little Joe had just celebrated his 20^th birthday and he had an almost boundless enthusiasm for life. His older, steadier brothers sat and regarded Joe like they would an energetic puppy bouncing through the room. He certainly knew how to make life interesting. 

When Adam could finally get a word in edgewise he asked, “So are you taking her to the dance tomorrow night, Joe?”

“I sure am, older brother. You’ll get to meet her then.” Joe replied with a huge smile. “I’m going to pick her up at the dress shop.”

The Cartwrights got up from the table and moved into the great room for coffee and dessert. Hoss and Little Joe launched into a game of checkers, and Adam read his latest novel from New York. Ben surveyed his sons, and a soft smile played on his lips. How long could this peace last he wondered.

******************************

The dance in Virginia City was in full swing when the Cartwrights arrived. Adam was escorting a woman he had dated casually for some time, and Hoss had chosen to come to the event without a date. It was hard for him to work up his nerve to ask a girl out on a date, and he just hadn’t felt up to the challenge this time. He planned on spending his evening by the refreshment table. Ben Cartwright also chose to attend the event dateless. It was often more enjoyable socializing with his neighbors and watching his sons enjoy themselves than to bring a date. Besides, that left him free to partner all of the unattached women at these events. 

Little Joe stopped by the dress shop to pick up Jenna, and he arrived a few minutes after his father and brothers. As they entered the crowded room, many eyes turned in their direction. They really did make a handsome pair. Joe had a look of absolute adoration on his face as he proudly escorted the pretty young girl into the room. He made a beeline for his family, and introduced Jenna all around. The rest of the Cartwright men were as impressed as Little Joe seemed to be. Jenna was sweet and charming, and she appeared to be as interested in Joe as he was in her. 

After several minutes of conversation Little Joe led Jenna onto the dance floor for the first of what promised to be many dances. Adam looked at them indulgently for a few moments and then turned to his father and brother. “Well, he sure picked a good one this time didn’t he?” Adam remarked, an approving smile on his lips. “She might be a keeper, Pa.”

Ben also looked at his son twirling the pretty girl on the dance floor. “You know Adam” he responded. “That might not be such a bad thing. A pretty little girl like that just might brighten up the Ponderosa for all of us.”

The older Cartwrights watched a few minutes longer and then they all set off to enjoy themselves for the evening. Little Joe continued to dance with Jenna. He refused to look at another girl, and gave Jenna no time to be introduced to any other men. If someone tried to cut in on them, Joe gave him such a fierce look the other man would quickly back off. It was soon evident to the whole town that Little Joe Cartwright had put his brand on this new little filly. 

During a brief intermission, Little Joe led a gasping Jenna outside for a breath of fresh air. He leaned against the porch railing and looked at her profile in the moonlight. She was beautiful. He leaned in and took possession of her lips in a long kiss. Jenna responded instinctively. The couple broke apart reluctantly. Joe knew that if he didn’t stop soon, he wouldn’t be able to keep from taking things to a higher level. She was intoxicating.

“Oh, Jenna,” he groaned. “You are so beautiful. It was sure my lucky day when you got off that stage.”

“Don’t be silly, Joe” she replied. “I was just thinking that I was the lucky one. I only have the handsomest man in town taking me to the dance tonight.” Her lips parted in a soft smile, and she leaned against his chest. “It’s been a wonderful evening, Joe.”

Joe held her close to him and inhaled the fragrance of her hair. Again he bent his lips to hers. He jerked suddenly away from her when a shrill feminine voice behind him could be heard saying loudly “Well, I never! What is this town coming too?”

One of the town busybodies could be seen hurrying past with her nose in the air. Joe smiled ruefully. “I guess we better get back inside” he said reluctantly. “We don’t want to have the whole town gossiping in the morning.”

Jenna smiled at him softly. “That might not be so bad” she replied, but she allowed him to lead her back to the dance floor. The couple once again joined the throng.

******************************

It soon became an accepted fact in Virginia City that Little Joe Cartwright and Jenna Mackay were a couple. They were seen everywhere together. Several other young cowboys in town had tried to make a play for her, but she wouldn’t give them the time of day. Little Joe’s reputation as a fierce fighter kept most of them from even trying. When Little Joe was seen in the jewelry shop looking at rings, rumors swirled through the town.

For the most part, Joe’s family sat back and watched the proceedings with interest, but kept themselves from interfering. They all approved of Joe’s choice, and they knew that he would make things happen in his own time. Ben Cartwright was starting to think happily about weddings and grandchildren, in his own imagination at least. Adam and Hoss had made some joking comments about cradles and buying their nephew his first pony. Little Joe walked through life with a blissful expression on his face. He couldn’t remember ever being so happy before.

A month after the dance, Adam Cartwright rode into Virginia City. He had several errands to run for his father, and he was looking forward to having a beer at the Silver Dollar saloon. He hadn’t been to town in a few weeks, and it seemed a lot longer. He tied his horse to the hitching post in front of the bank and went in to confer with the bank manager. Several hours later he was heading down the street towards the saloon, all of his errands completed. He spied the dress shop where Jenna worked and wasn’t surprised to see her exiting from the front door. He was about to cross the street to say hello, when he saw her greet a man that Adam didn’t recognize. The two looked around furtively, and then moved quickly into a side street out of view of the general traffic in Virginia City. Adam’s curiosity was piqued. He casually walked across the street and slipped to the entrance of the alley. He saw Jenna standing with the stranger a few feet from the entrance of the alley. They didn’t see him, and continued with their intense conversation. Adam moved a little closer so that he could hear what they were saying. This girl was probably going to be his sister-in-law and if she was in trouble he wanted to know about it.

The stranger spoke in a rough tone. “You got him hooked pretty good now, Jenna. When are you gonna get him to marry you? We don’t have too much more time you know.” 

Jenna smiled back at him serenely. “It’s going according to plan, Frank. Don’t worry. I know Little Joe is going to give me a ring soon, and then we can proceed with our plans. I don’t know what you are so worried about.” She laid a soothing hand on the man’s arm. “You don’t doubt my charms, do you?”

The man laughed, a short unpleasant sound. “Not you, Jenna. If you get your hooks into someone, they don’t usually get away.” He sobered abruptly. “It’s just that we don’t have too much more time. Someone is going to recognize you soon, and then where are we going to be?”

Jenna hesitated, and then said “I’ll tell Little Joe that I’m thinking about going back to St. Louis. That’ll make him propose, I know it will. Don’t worry, Frank. This is going to work. I promise.” 

The pair moved towards the main street. Adam silently ducked behind some crates, and they didn’t see him as they passed. He stood as if turned to stone. He felt a sudden surge of anger rise, fierce and hot. It seared through him like a fire. This girl had set out to snare his brother as a part of some sort of plot, and it was going to kill Little Joe to find out that she wasn’t the sweet little girl that she appeared to be. Adam was furious that she had fooled him as well. He had really thought she was perfect for Little Joe, and had been ready to welcome her into the family. Adam had seen Joe with enough girls to know that what Joe felt for this one was different. The thought of the heartbreak waiting for his little brother made Adam want to weep. He headed for his horse, forgetting about his desire for a beer. He needed to think about what he was going to do. It was obvious that Little Joe needed to be warned away from Jenna, but Adam was wary of Joe’s temper. This needed to be done in the right way or Little Joe was going to react in a fury and do something that the whole family was going to regret. The only thing Adam knew for certain was that the conniving little bitch wasn’t going to be allowed near his little brother again. Adam’s head throbbed as he pondered the problem all the way back to the Ponderosa.

********************************

Adam entered the ranch house slowly. Little Joe’s pinto wasn’t in the barn, indicating that his little brother was still out on the range. As Adam walked into the great room he saw his father sitting at his desk, and Hoss lounging in the blue chair munching on an apple. Both men looked up and smiled cheerily at Adam.

“Hi, son, how was your day?” Ben asked in a jovial tone. “Did you get the banking done?”

“Yeah, Pa,” Adam answered distractedly. “Where’s Little Joe?”

“He’s not back from riding fence yet. I’m expecting him any time now, though.” responded Ben. “Do you need him for something?” Ben looked expectantly at his oldest son. It was obvious that Adam had something on his mind, and it wasn’t good. If whatever it was concerned Little Joe then Ben wanted to know about it. Little Joe and Adam had a tendency to be at odds with each other, and things had been too quiet between them for too long. Ben wasn’t ready for warfare to erupt again. 

“What’s Little Joe done now, Adam?” asked Hoss, a perplexed look on his face. “Far as I know he ain’t done nothin’ but visit with Miss Jenna lately.”

“That’s the problem.” Adam answered grimly. He proceeded to fill his father and brother in on what he had overheard in the alley.

Hoss’ face fell, while Ben’s features took on a resemblance to chiseled stone. When Adam was done talking, Hoss let out a long low whistle. “Whadya’ think it means, Adam?” he asked, his usually placid features starting to resemble a thundercloud and his beefy hands knuckling into fists. Hoss didn’t take kindly to threats against his little brother. The thought of that pretty little girl hurting Little Joe was just too much for him to bear.

“That’s just it, Hoss” moaned Adam. “I just don’t know. Jenna obviously arrived in Virginia City with the intention of meeting Little Joe. She and this fellow, Frank, have some sort of scheme going, but just what is anyone’s guess.” He started pacing up and down. “The obvious solution is to have Little Joe stop seeing her. But I can’t see our little brother taking that one lying down.”

“You’re right about that, Older Brother” agreed Hoss. “He loves her. I know for a fact he’s bought her a ring, because he’s showed it to me. In fact, he’s got a date with her tonight. He’s probably planning to ask her to marry him tonight.” Hoss turned a troubled face towards his father. “What are we gonna do, Pa?”

Ben Cartwright had been standing stock still, digesting Adam’s words. A cold fury boiled in his veins. He too had been duped by Jenna Mackay. He knew that Joe was going to be devastated by the turn of events. The thought of the pain in store for his youngest son made Ben see red. He sighed, and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I don’t know, Hoss. Adam, I think I had better be the one to have a talk with Joe. If it comes from you, we all know how he’s gonna react. I might be able to make him see reason. The last thing we need for him to do, is to run off half-cocked.”

Ben turned and leaned heavily against his desk. He heaved a sigh, then turned back to look at his older sons. “I really liked that girl.” He murmured sadly. “I thought she was going to be a fine daughter-in-law.” He turned and walked away into the kitchen. A somber silence filled the Ponderosa.

******************************************

Little Joe entered the ranch house whistling. He threw his hat onto the sideboard, and began unbuckling his gunbelt. As he untied the string that secured the gun to his leg, he caught sight of his father sitting at his desk. Ben had a distinctly forbidding air about him. “Uh-oh,” thought Joe. “What have I done now.” Deciding to get the ordeal over with he strode over to his father and cheerily called “Hi, Pa. Where are Adam and Hoss?”

Ben looked up at his youngest son. Little Joe’s eyes were sparkling, accentuating their green tone, while his cheeks were flushed from his long days work. With his tousled dark curls, Ben realized that Little Joe was handsome enough to attract the attention of any girl. Why was Jenna Mackay setting out to destroy his son? Pain and anger coursed through Ben, and his agony was reflected in his eyes. 

Little Joe took a step backwards at the intensity radiating from his father. His jaunty smile faded, and was replaced by a look of concern. “Pa, what is it?” he asked hurriedly. “What’s wrong? It’s not Adam or Hoss is it?” Joe paled at the thought. 

Ben shook himself out of his reverie. “No, son. Your brothers are fine, just fine.” He tried to sound reassuring, but his words had a hollow ring to them. “...Joe...sit down a minute, I have something I need to discuss with you.” Ben continued. He stopped unsure of what to say next.

The sight of his father at a loss for words shook Joe. Joe unconsciously drew strength from his father’s unerring ability to be in control of any situation, and the sight of Ben floundering made Joe realize that something serious had happened. “Please, Pa, you’re scaring me.” Joe said quietly. “What’s going on.” His voice rose in pitch, as his anxiety increased.

“Joe, Adam overheard something in town today that has us all very concerned.” Ben finally managed to say. He groaned softly, “Joe, I just don’t know how to tell you this.”

“For God’s sake, Pa, just say it.” Joe snapped. “If it’s something you think I’ve done, then I want to know about it. I swear, Pa, I haven’t gotten into any trouble lately. When I go to town, I just go to see Jenna, really, Pa.” Joe’s voice trailed off, as he looked anxiously at his father. 

Ben’s look of misery deepened. “It’s about Jenna, Joe.” he choked out. “I wish I didn’t have to tell you this.” Ben stood up and came to stand next to Joe’s chair. He laid his hand on Joe’s arm.

Joe stood up, abruptly, sending the chair flying over backward. He angrily shook his father’s hand off his arm. “Tell me what, Pa! Tell me what about Jenna!” His green eyes had become as hard as emeralds. He glared up into his father’s face. 

Ben squared his shoulders. “Joe, she isn’t what she appears to be. Adam overheard her plotting with a man.” He again attempted to touch Little Joe’s arm. “Joe she deliberately set out to meet you and trap you into marrying her. We aren’t sure why.” Ben saw the anger coursing through his son’s slight frame and took an involuntary step backward, dropping his hand from Little Joe’s arm as if it had been burned.

“That’s not true, Pa!” Joe tone was scathing, and he practically hissed the words. “I don’t know what my big brother’s problem is, but I love Jenna, and I’m going to marry her. And you know what, Pa? She loves me too!” Joe was so furious that he couldn’t stand still any longer. He turned and strode towards the door. “She’s going to be my wife, Pa. I won’t stand here and listen to you talk about her anymore.” He grabbed his gunbelt and hat, and almost sprinted out the door.

Ben Cartwright was left standing, staring at the door that was reverberating from being slammed. He put out his hand, reaching for his son, but Joe was gone. Ben’s hand fell, and he went back to his desk where he sat down and dropped his head into his hands. “Oh, Joe,” he thought. “What am I going to do now? I won’t let this woman hurt you, I just won’t.”

************************************

Little Joe strode angrily towards the barn. He hastily saddled Cochise and rode out of the ranch yard at a gallop. He headed in the direction of Virginia City, and the woman he loved. Joe’s thoughts were in a turmoil. It couldn’t be true about Jenna. Adam was just causing trouble again, as usual. But why, Adam didn’t have any reason to dislike Jenna. Why would he make up a story about her? Around and around the arguments swirled in Little Joe’s mind. He loved Jenna, she was a sweet, wonderful girl. She would never hurt him. But he also loved Adam, and one of the most secure beliefs of Little Joe’s life was that Adam would never consciously hurt him. Adam looked out for him, protected him. Too much sometimes, the way he hovered could be overwhelming. Enough! Little Joe slammed a door in his mind. He couldn’t think about any of this yet. He needed to talk to Jenna. He would see what she had to say before he made any decisions. 

Little Joe rode Cochise up to the boarding house where Jenna had moved several days after her arrival in Virginia City. Tying the reins to the hitching rail, he vaulted up the steps and knocked on the door. After a few terse words with the landlady of the establishment, Joe was left in the parlor to wait for Jenna. He paced back and forth in the small room until he heard a light step in the hallway. He turned expectantly as Jenna appeared in the doorway. He drew in a quick breath, she was so beautiful. 

Jenna smiled as she walked forward and took Little Joe’s hand in hers. “Why, Little Joe, I didn’t expect to see you till later tonight.” she said in her soft voice. 

Joe snatched his hand back, as if he had been burned. “Jenna, I need to talk to you.” he managed to gasp out. “Is there some place where we can go to talk privately?”

Jenna’s beautiful smile wavered for an instant, and then it was back full strength. “Why, sure Joe.” she said calmly. “If that old biddy of a landlady isn’t looking we can go up to my room.” She peeked into the hallway, and then looked back at Joe and nodded. She then led the way up the stairs.

Joe had never seen Jenna’s rooms before. The set of rooms consisted of a small sitting area, furnished with two chairs, and a tiny table. On one wall was a closed door, which presumably led to Jenna’s bedroom. The room seemed rather bare, lacking any of the personal touches that would reflect the occupant’s personality. Joe looked around curiously. This just wasn’t what he would have expected.

Jenna shut the outer door, and turned to face Little Joe. “Now, Joe, what did you want to say to me that needed all this privacy?” she questioned.

“Jenna, Adam told my Pa some things...” Joe ground to a halt. He really didn’t know how to proceed. When Jenna just smiled at him, he floundered on. “Adam said he saw you with a man.... and that you... You were....” Again Joe’s voice trailed off. 

“I was what, Joe.” Jenna asked.  Her voice suddenly seemed a little harsh, and her smile slipped. She stood, arms crossed, waiting for Joe’s answer.

Joe paced around the room, coming to rest at the window. He stood and stared out at the street with unseeing eyes. “Adam seems to think that you came here to trap me into marrying you for some unknown reason.” he blurted out. “Adam says that you don’t really love me, Jenna.” Joe’s voice broke on the last couple of words. He closed his eyes in pain.

Joe didn’t see or hear the door to the bedroom open softly. A man slipped into the room, a pistol in his hand. He crept up behind Joe, who was waiting for Jenna to say something, anything, in her own defense. Jenna locked eyes with the man, and cried out “No, Frank!” Joe started to turn, but it was too late. Frank brought the pistol down on his head with a thud. Joe dropped like a stone.

*****************************************

Adam Cartwright walked slowly down the stairs into the great room of the Ponderosa. He saw his father sitting at the desk, his head in his hands. He hesitated slightly, and then continued across the room, and to his father’s side. “Pa?” He questioned.

Ben started slightly, and looked up at Adam. “Oh, Adam, I’m sorry. I was just thinking about Joe.” He sighed heavily.

Adam grimaced. “I guess it didn’t go so well with my little brother, huh, Pa?” He shrugged his shoulders ruefully. “I didn’t really expect him to be overjoyed with the news, did you?”

“Of course, I didn’t think he’d be overjoyed” Ben snapped. “I did hope that he might stop to listen calmly. Instead he stormed out of here in a fit of temper.” Ben stood up and thrust the chair back. He strode to the sideboard next to the front door and reached for his gunbelt. “I’m going after him. If that woman is out to get Little Joe, then I don’t want him seeing her alone.”

Adam quickly moved to his father’s side. “Pa, let me go.” He put a restraining hand on Ben’s shoulder. “I know where Jenna’s boarding house is, and I’m the one who overheard her with that man.” He began buckling on his own gunbelt. “He can’t be any more angry with me than he already is, Pa. I’ll go get him and bring him home.”

Ben wasn’t altogether happy with the idea of both of his sons riding into town, and possible danger, but he acquiesced grudgingly. He wanted Joe to come home, and maybe he would react better to Adam fetching him. If his father dragged him home, Joe would take it as an insult to his manhood. He tended to lash out at his father for treating him like a child. Even as a little boy, Joe had wanted to be treated as if he was as old as his brothers. Yes, it just might be better if Adam went after him.  

Ben clapped Adam on the back. “Be careful, son. And don’t take no for an answer. I want that boy back here, and I want him back here now.” 

Adam just nodded and left the house quietly. He quickly saddled his horse and started after his little brother. Adam was more apprehensive about Little Joe’s safety than he had been willing to admit to his father. He had seen the man Jenna was talking too, and he looked like a pretty tough customer. If Joe ran into him.... Adam didn’t want to think about the possibilities. He quickened his pace.

**********************************

“Frank, why did you hit him like that?” Jenna said sharply, as she knelt over Little Joe’s limp body on the floor. “You’ve ruined everything. Did you think that I couldn’t talk my way out of this?” She shook her head in disgust. 

“I panicked, Jenna.” Frank responded. “I’m sorry. When that kid barged in here asking all those questions, I panicked. I didn’t mean to ruin things. Now what are we going to do?” 

“For starters, you’re going to tie him up.” Jenna snapped. “When he wakes up he’s going to be furious. I want him under control. Then we’ll have to rethink our plan.”

Frank went out to Little Joe’s horse and pulled a coil of rope from its place on Joe’s saddle. He quickly returned to Jenna’s room and tied Joe’s hands behind his back, and then for good measure, trussed his feet as well. Just as he was finishing Joe stirred, and moaned weakly. 

Joe struggled to fight back the gauzy unconsciousness that he was wrapped in. He tried to move, but moaned again as a sharp pain lanced through his head. He opened his eyes to see Jenna sitting watching him, calmly surveying his struggles. “Jenna,” Joe gasped. “What’s this all about? What’s going on?” Joe turned his head slightly and froze at the sight of Frank, who was standing next to the window. Joe turned his gaze back to Jenna, his eyes now asking the question his lips wouldn’t form.

Jenna followed his gaze, and laughed bitterly. “Oh, Joe, if you only knew how long I have been planning this. Months of planning, hours of working out details. Do you know how many times I had to walk in front of that stupid saloon until you came out of it. And now the whole plan is ruined!” She stomped her foot in frustration.

Joe looked at her, his heart sinking rapidly. “What did I do to you, Jenna that made you come after me like this?” He asked softly, the realization that Adam had been right sinking into his mind. 

Jenna gave him a smile, this one a parody of her sparkling dimple. Joe felt a wave of nausea wash over him. How could he have loved this woman, how could he still love her?

Jenna was speaking harshly, her eyes glinting like steel. “Wouldn’t you like to know, Joe Cartwright? Why should I tell you? Maybe I should just kill you and let you die wondering why I hate you so much.”

Joe flinched, as if he had been struck. “If you’re going to kill me, Jenna, there’s nothing I can do to stop you. But I would like to know why I’m going to die. You owe me that much at least.” he stated calmly.

Jenna was about to answer him when a knock sounded on the door. The three occupants of the room jumped. Frank moved to stand close to Little Joe, and pointed his pistol at Joe’s head. “Make a sound Cartwright, and I’ll kill you.” He hissed.

Jenna moved to the door, and called out “Who is it?” in the sweet voice that Joe had heard for so many weeks.

A mellow baritone voice answered “It’s Adam Cartwright, Jenna. I’m looking for my brother.”

Adam’s voice caused a flurry of motion to erupt in the room. Joe jerked and kicked out at Frank with his bound legs. Frank stumbled, but maintained his hold on the pistol, which discharged into the wall. Adam hearing the noise of the gunshot flung himself at the door, “Joe,” he bellowed.  

The door flew open and Adam fell into the room. He stopped short at what he saw. His little brother was lying on the floor, hands and feet bound tightly with rope, a silver pistol gleaming against his temple. The pistol was in the hands of the man that Adam had seen in the alley with Jenna. 

Adam slowly raised his hands into the air. “Who are you,” he growled to the man threatening his brother. “What are you doing to my brother?” Adam moved a step forward and again halted abruptly, as the pistol stabbed towards Little Joe.

Joe winced as the barrel of the gun glanced into the side of his head, reawakening the pain from the earlier blow. He smiled shakily at Adam. “I’m okay, Adam.” he said quickly, trying not to let the fear he felt show in his voice. “Jenna was just about to tell me what this is all about  when you arrived. I’m sure she’d be happy to fill us both in.” Joe continued.

“Tie him up, too, Frank” Jenna commanded, gesturing at Adam. “I don’t want any surprises out of him.”

As Frank was tying Adam’s hands together, Jenna continued, “I came here to marry Joe Cartwright, and become a rich widow.”

Adam and Joe exchanged long measured glances. Adam was watching Frank and Jenna carefully, looking for signs of weakness that he could exploit. Joe was simply listening in despair as all of his bright dreams crashed down around him. 

Jenna continued to pace around the room as she told Adam and Joe about her plan. “I read about you Cartwrights in the newspapers. All about how much land you have and how rich you are. Frank and I have never had any money, except for what I have been able to get for us. So I decided that I would come out here and get you to fall in love with me and marry me. As soon as I had you and your family eating out of my hand, you would have had a tragic accident and I would have inherited part of the Ponderosa. It was a perfect plan, until your brother here, found out about us.” Jenna practically hissed at Adam. “How did you know about me? What gave me away?”

Adam looked at Jenna, anger smoldering in his dark eyes. “I saw you go into the alley with your friend, here. And I overheard what you said to him.” He smiled without a trace of humor. “You gave yourself away, Jenna.”

Joe spoke up quietly, the question almost impossible to hear. “What did I do to make you choose me, Jenna? There are lots of rich men out there. You could have had any one of them.” He closed his eyes in pain.

“That’s one thing you aren’t going to find out from me, Joe Cartwright.” Jenna snapped, her eyes flashing. “I came here for your money, and I’m going to get it one way or another.” She paced around the room, her thoughts churning, the turmoil showing itself clearly on her face.

Finally she stopped, and beckoning to Frank, she ordered him to untie Joe. Frank looked at her in some confusion. “Untie him!” he asked. “Have you gone crazy, Jenna? Why do you want him untied?”

“Because, you fool, he’s going to take me over to the bank and withdraw a large sum of money.” Jenna paused, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. “And then, you and I are going to ride off, with Little Joe as our hostage. That way no one will come after us, because Adam here will want to make sure that his little brother stays alive.” 

A slow smile spread over Frank’s face. “That’s perfect, Jenna. That way we still get the money we came here for.” He reached for the ropes that held Little Joe’s hands together.

“I’m not getting any money out of the bank for you, Jenna.” Joe said boldly. “You might as well forget that idea.”

“Oh, I think you’ll be only too happy to get us whatever we want, Little Joe, darling” cooed Jenna sweetly. “Otherwise Frank will kill your brother.” Jenna laughed at the expression on Joe’s face. “I thought that might change your mind, Little Joe. Now let’s try to be more cooperative, shall we.”

Joe swallowed convulsively, and looked in desperation at Adam. Adam shrugged slightly, and said, “Do what they say for now, Little Joe. We’ll track them down as soon as they try to get away.”

Frank finished untying the ropes that bound Little Joe, and then hauled him roughly to his feet. As if to forestall any move that Joe might make, he immediately moved to Adam’s side and held his gun to Adam’s head. “Don’t get any funny ideas, Cartwright, or your brother here will get it,” he said unemotionally.

It was obvious to everyone in the room that Frank meant what he said. Joe sucked in his breath, and then growled. “Let’s get this over with then.” And he turned to leave the room. He turned back suddenly and said menacingly. “You better not get trigger happy with that gun of yours. If anything happens to my brother, I’ll kill you.” Then he turned again and strode out the door, Jenna following in his wake.

When they reached the door of the boarding house, Jenna tucked her hand into Little Joe’s arm, looking for all the world like a woman walking with her lover. Joe felt her fingers burning through his shirt. He would have sooner held a rattlesnake in his bare hands than touch her. But Adam’s life was in danger, and Joe wasn’t going to do anything to jeopardize his brother. He submitted to Jenna’s demands, and walked to the bank. 

When they arrived at the bank Little Joe summoned the bank manager, Charles Dyson,  and asked if he would authorize a large withdrawal from the Ponderosa accounts. 

“Little Joe, your father usually signs a bank draft if he wants money out of the accounts.” Dyson replied. “Did you bring one with you this time?” He looked at Joe expectantly.

“No, Mr. Dyson. My father is out of town on business and he wired me to get the money to buy some stock. He wasn’t able to sign a bank draft this time.” Joe smiled winningly at the banker. “We’d be obliged if you would let us withdraw the money on my say-so, just this once.”

Dyson hesitated, the withdrawal would be somewhat irregular. But the Cartwrights were his best customers, and he didn’t want to offend them. If Ben Cartwright wanted money for stock, and Dyson refused to give it to Little Joe, then Dyson might just lose the Ponderosa business. Weighing his options, Dyson decided to err on the side of caution. “Hold on for a minute, Little Joe, and I’ll go get the money for you.” he said pleasantly, bustling off to gather the funds together.

Joe heaved an enormous sigh of relief. He really didn’t know what he would have done if Mr. Dyson had refused to give him the money. Little Joe was determined that nothing was going to happen to Adam because of him. It was bad enough that Jenna had tricked him, but she wasn’t going to hurt his brother too. Joe tried to keep himself from pacing around the bank manager’s small office.

After what seemed to be an eternity, the bank manager returned carrying a small canvas bag. It was stuffed with bills. “This is an awful lot of money, Little Joe.” he said curiously. “Are you sure your father wants you to take so much out in cash?”

“I’m sure Mr. Dyson,” Little Joe responded carefully. “Thanks for getting this money together so quickly. We’d better be going Jenna.” He tugged on Jenna’s arm, and the two headed for the entrance to the bank. 

“Have a good day, Little Joe.” the bank manager called out cheerfully.

Little Joe nodded, and tipped his hat slightly, and then walked out into the street, Jenna hanging breathlessly onto his arm.

“It worked,” she gloated, “Give me that bag, Joe.” She all but snatched the canvas sack from him. “This is going to work out after all,” she cried.

As Joe watched her with the sack of money he felt a surge of anger well up in him as he allowed himself to realize the depth of his betrayal by this beautiful young girl. His hands unconsciously tightened into fists. “Let’s go, Jenna.” he snarled. “I want to get back to Adam.” He set out a rapid pace towards the boarding house.

***************************************

Little Joe banged open the door to Jenna’s room, and heaved a sigh of relief. Adam was sitting on one of the chairs in the bare little room, his hands bound securely behind him. Adam also looked relieved to see Joe. Both brothers had spent their time apart worrying about what was happening to the other. Now that Little Joe knew his brother was unharmed, he vented some of the anger that had been building inside him. “Okay, Jenna,” he spat. “You’ve got what you came here for. Now, why don’t you and your friend, Frank, here ride out of town, and leave us alone?” He moved towards Adam, intent on untying him.

The click of a pistol being cocked sounded in the room. Joe froze, looking up to find Frank leveling a gun at his chest. “Hold it right there, Cartwright.” Frank commanded. He gestured with the gun, and Joe backed up a few paces, away from Adam. “Are we ready to ride, Jenna?” Frank continued, looking at the girl. 

She gazed at him,  a savage grin spreading across her beautiful face. Joe saw the look and cringed. How could he have fallen for this woman? Jenna’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “Gag Adam, and make sure that he can’t move, Frank. When that’s done, we’re ready to go.” She held up the bag she carried. “Little Joe, I can’t thank you enough for this, and I didn’t even have to marry you to get it.” She gloated.

Rage consumed Joe, and he lunged toward Jenna only to stop abruptly when Frank placed his gun to Adam’s temple. “I wouldn’t, if I were you Cartwright.” Frank sneered. “Unless you don’t care for this brother of yours.” 

Joe stood still, chest heaving, as he tried to control himself. He was furious with Jenna, but he was also furious with himself. He felt like such a fool, and because of his stupidity Adam’s life was being threatened. Joe was determined that Adam wouldn’t pay for his mistake. “So what happens now?” he asked, the words fighting their way past his clenched teeth.

“We go for a little ride, Joe.” Jenna cooed. “You are going to make sure that Frank and I get a long way away from here.” Her tone changed abruptly. “Unless of course, you prefer to die here with your brother.”

Frank finished gagging Adam. He had checked the ropes binding Adam’s arms and made sure that they were tight. He then tied Adam’s legs to the chair as well. “All set, Jenna, let’s get out of here.” he cried. Just as they moved towards the door, Frank turned and with all his strength cracked Adam over the head with the butt of his pistol. Adam, bound to the chair, felt the explosion of pain in his head as he and the chair crashed to the floor. Then he knew no more.

Little Joe saw his brother fall, and calling out Adam’s name he lunged forward toward his prone body. Frank immediately turned and pointed the pistol at Joe, effectively halting him in his tracks. “Uh-uh, Cartwright.” Frank said calmly. “Keep walking out that door.” He gestured with the pistol as he spoke.

Joe was brought up short by the movement of the gun. He gazed at Adam in dismay, and his hand stretched toward his fallen brother. “You didn’t have to do that.” He growled at Frank. “He was tied and gagged. You knew he wasn’t going to follow us. Please, just let me check to make sure he’s okay.”

“I don’t care if he’s dead, Cartwright.” Frank responded, curtly. Again he motioned with the gun. “Out, now! Or you can watch me shoot him.” He pointed the gun in Adam’s direction again, and made sure that Joe heard him cock the trigger.

Joe gave one last despairing look at Adam, and then turned and moved abruptly toward the door. He was determined that no further harm was going to come to Adam because of his foolish love for Jenna.

Jenna, clutching the satchel of money and a small bundle containing her meager belongings, followed him closely. Frank swiftly brought up the rear, keeping his gun trained on Little Joe as they walked. Silence descended on the room. 

**********************************

A sharp knock sounded on the massive door of the Ponderosa ranch house. Ben Cartwright strode briskly across the room and pulled the door open. His face broke into a smile as he spotted his old friend, Virginia City’s sheriff Roy Coffee, standing before him. 

“Hello, Roy. It’s good to see you”, he cried, ushering the other man into the room. “I hope this isn’t official business. My boys haven’t been getting into trouble in town, have they?” Ben’s hearty laugh filled the room.

“I’m afraid it is official business, Ben.” Roy responded quietly. “I wanted to show you this telegram that I got from St. Louis.” He handed over a folded slip of paper. “The sheriff there has sent this wire out to every stop on the stage line.”

Ben looked at the paper a moment and then slowly unfolded it. As he read the words printed on the paper, the color drained out of his face. Hoss, seeing the look on his father’s face, got up from the chair he had been sitting on and walked quickly across the room.

“What is it, Pa”, he asked, fear evident in his voice. He reached out for the telegram that was hanging limply in Ben’s fingers. Hoss scanned the words quickly, and his face grew harder with each word. “Pa,” he whispered, “This says that Jenna...” His voice trailed off.

“That’s right, Hoss”  the sheriff piped up. “Jenna Mackay is wanted in St. Louis for the murder of her husband. According to the sheriff who sent the wire, this isn’t the first time Jenna has been suspected of killing her husband, either. He’s heard from several other towns as well where she has married and buried a husband very quickly. They’ve got her face on wanted posters from St. Louis to Sacramento. I think I’ve even got one in my office.” Roy stopped as he looked at the stricken men before him. He forced the words out quickly, trying to cause a minimum of pain. “Ben, where’s Little Joe?”

Ben Cartwright turned pain filled eyes toward the sheriff. “He went into town to see Jenna, Roy. Adam rode after him. We suspected that Jenna wasn’t what she seemed, but Little Joe wouldn’t believe us, and he stormed out of here. He and Adam haven’t come back yet.” Ben pinched the bridge of his nose and took a shaky breath. “Why, Roy?” he whispered. “Did they tell you why she kills these men?”

Roy smiled grimly. “Apparently the fellas she marries all have quite a bit of money, and they get killed right after the wedding. Jenna has inherited quite a heap of money that way. Turns out that maybe she had a hand in the killing of these poor men. She’s been seen in the company of a man named Frank Miller. He might have a hand in the killing of her husbands.” He reached out to put a reassuring hand on his old friend’s shoulder. “I’m sure Little Joe is just fine, Ben. Adam’s probably bringing him home now.”

Ben and Hoss exchanged worried glances, and Hoss began buckling on his gunbelt. “Well, Roy”,  he drawled in a hard voice. “I aim to go to town and find out what’s going on. It just might be that Adam is going to need a hand bringing that little brother of mine back. I’m going to drag that boy home, if I have to hog tie him to do it.”

“Wait Hoss,” Ben commanded. “I’m coming with you.” He also began putting on his gunbelt, turning to Roy as he did so. “Thanks for the warning, Roy. Want to ride back to town with us?”

“I surely do, Ben.” Roy replied. “I need to make a little visit to Miss Jenna Mackay. We don’t hold with murderers operating in our town.” He followed the two Cartwright men out of the house, thanking his lucky stars that he wasn’t the one they were aiming to find. Nothing was more frightening than a Cartwright out to protect one of their own. 

The three men mounted their horses and headed for Virginia City at as fast a pace as the darkness allowed.

******************************

Little Joe was mounted on Cochise. His feet were tied to the stirrups, effectively preventing him from dismounting. His hands were tied tightly behind his back, while the horse’s lead rein was held firmly in the grip of the man riding in front of him. Joe had spent the last several hours working at the ropes that held his hands, but he could tell he was making little progress with them. In spite of his efforts, they hadn’t loosened at all. Although his body was occupied with keeping astride the horse, and working at the ropes that held him, Little Joe’s mind was back in that bleak boarding house room. He kept seeing Adam lying on the floor, blood seeping from a deep cut in his scalp. Remorse, and shame filled Joe, sending his spirits plummeting. He felt so stupid to have been taken in by this scheming woman. How could he possibly have thought he was in love with her. If anything happened to Adam it would be his fault. Over and over the thoughts swirled through his mind, until his head throbbed with a physical pain. The endless ride continued on long into the night.

Finally, the trio stopped beside a cluster of rocks, and made camp for the little that remained of the night. Joe’s arms were bound tightly around a slender sapling, his feet also tied together. Again, he tested the restraints, and in despair realized that he couldn’t loosen his bonds. Finally, succumbing to exhaustion, Little Joe drifted into an uneasy sleep. 

***********************************

Ben Cartwright banged on the door to Jenna’s room. His fist reverberated off the wood. There was no response. Jenna’s landlady fluttered nervously in the hallway. Wringing her hands, and wailing she quavered, “Really, Mr. Cartwright. I know that your son couldn’t possibly be in Miss Mackay’s room. He was here earlier, but I’m sure he’s gone by now. I never allow my tenants to have men in their rooms.” She added a feeble tap on the door as she spoke, but to no avail. There was no answer from Jenna Mackay’s room.

Ben exchanged a long, measured look with his son, and the sheriff. He turned to the nervous little woman at his side. “Mrs. Jenkins,” he said with a visible effort at self-control. “Both my son, Joseph and my son, Adam rode into town tonight with the intention of visiting Miss Mackay. Neither one of them has returned. If you have a key to this room, I would like to open this door, and check to make sure that everything is all right.” He made an effort at a reassuring smile. “We just want to look, Mrs. Jenkins. If there’s no one here, well, then, we’ll leave you in peace.”

Mrs. Jenkins sighed again, and pulled a large ring of keys from her pocket. She extracted one from the mix and inserted it into the lock. With a triumphant smile she swung open the door of the darkened room, and said “There, Mr. Cartwright, as you can see....” her voice broke off in a shrill scream. 

All eyes in the room were riveted at the sight of Adam Cartwright lying on the floor, tied hand and foot to an overturned chair, blood streaming from a gash on his head. Mrs. Jenkins dropped to the ground in a dead faint, while Ben and Hoss Cartwright moved quickly to Adam’s side. Roy Coffee was left to deal with the stricken woman, while Ben reached for his oldest son. Hoss had already pulled a knife from his pocket and was slicing through the bonds that held his brother to the chair. Ben felt for Adam’s pulse, and heaved a sigh of relief when he found a steady beat. “Hoss, find some water, quickly.” he ordered.

Hoss found a pitcher of water, and a glass, on a table in the bare little bedroom. He brought them back to his father, and Ben quickly wet his kerchief, and then gently dabbed Adam’s face. Adam stirred, and moaned. Hoss filled the glass with the tepid water, and held it to Adam’s lips. “Here, Adam, drink this,” he murmured, his large hands gently holding his brother’s head up so that he could drink.

Adam sipped the water obediently, trying to quell the throbbing in his head. A small moan escaped his lips before he ruthlessly clamped them together. It was enough to bring a frown to his father’s face, and Ben instinctively moved to stroke his son’s dark hair. “Easy son,” he said soothingly. “Hoss, go get Doc Martin, please. I want him to take a look at Adam.”

“Wait.” The word held a sharp command. “Hoss, no... “ Adam struggled to continue. “Joe... we’ve got to find Joe.” He reached out to halt Hoss’ movement out of the room.

Hoss crouched down beside Adam again, and said harshly. “Where is Little Joe, Adam? What’s all this got to do with Miss Jenna?” 

Ben spoke grimly, fear coalescing in his heart at the thought of his youngest son. “Hoss, go for Doc Martin now. Adam, can you tell me where Joe is?” 

Hoss hesitated briefly, but then turned and left the room, his massive form moving at a surprisingly rapid pace. Ben watched him go, then he glanced back at Roy Coffee, who had his hands full with Mrs. Jenkins, who was still lying back in a swoon. He passed the pitcher of water to Roy, who accepted it gratefully. That done, Ben turned his full attention back to his eldest son. “Adam.” It was almost a whisper. “Where is Little Joe?”

Adam struggled to sit up, Ben grasping his shoulders and easing him back to lean against the wall. “Jenna, and a man.... the one I saw in the alley, Pa..... they forced Joe to go to the bank...” A wave of dizziness washed over Adam, and what little color he had left drained from his face. A soft moan escaped his lips. 

“Adam” Ben tightened his grasp on his son’s shoulders. “That’s enough for now. Rest, until the doctor can look at you.” Ben felt a surge of anger race through him. He wanted to rage, to put his fist through a wall. One son hurt, another missing. And all because of a scheming little girl. Ben ruthlessly suppressed the feelings that were rising in him. He needed to be calm, for Adam’s sake. 

Adam fought back the weakness that was trying to claim him. “Pa, is there any more water,” he asked, and quickly took a sip from the proffered glass. “Pa, they took the money...and Little Joe. They said he was going to be their hostage until they felt they were far enough away to be safe.” Adam pushed himself back against the wall and attempted to stand. “We’ve got to go find them. They’ll kill him as soon as they are far enough away, Pa.” 

Strong hands held Adam down. “We’re not going anywhere until the doctor has had a chance to look at you, Adam.” Ben said as calmly as he could. “And after that, you are going to go to bed at the hotel. Hoss and I will go find Joseph.”

“Not alone, you won’t!” exclaimed Roy. He had brought Mrs. Jenkins around, and she had been listening avidly to the conversation between the two Cartwrights. Now Roy stood and crossed the room to the other two men. “I’m going to gather a posse together, Ben. You’re going to need some help finding Little Joe. We don’t even know which direction they went when they left town.” He nodded to Mrs. Jenkins, and then looked at the Cartwrights. “You two sit tight. I’m going to make sure that Hoss found the Doc, and then I’m going to start getting the men ready to ride.”

A heavy tread outside the door reassured the Sheriff that Hoss Cartwright was on his way back with the doctor, and he left the room. Mrs. Jenkins threw herself on the doctor as soon as he and Hoss appeared. “Oh, Doctor Martin, thank goodness you’ve come,” she shrilled. “I’ve been through the most awful ordeal.” 

Doc Martin took a cursory look at the woman, and realized that she was weathering her “awful ordeal” rather well. “Ah, yes, Mrs. Jenkins,” he responded in his best bedside manner. “I think you should go to your room immediately and lie down. I’ll be in shortly to check on you.” He shooed her out the door, and firmly shut it behind her. Then he turned back to the Cartwrights, and exchanged wry grins with them. “Now for my real patient.” he exclaimed, and he began to carefully examine Adam Cartwright.

******************************

Little Joe Cartwright awoke with a start. Every muscle in his body screamed in protest. He tried to stretch, to work out some of the kinks in arms and legs, but then realized that he was still bound to the tree. Memories of the previous day flooded back to him, and he bit back a moan. Thoughts of Adam filled him, and he breathed a silent prayer for his brother. Little Joe heard Jenna and Frank stir, and begin the process of waking. He lay quietly waiting to see what the new day would bring from his captors.

Jenna stood and stretched. She glanced at her prisoner, and strolled across the campsite towards him. “Good morning, Little Joe.” she said quietly. “I hope you slept well.”

Joe didn’t bother to answer her, biting back the sharp retort that had risen to his lips. He schooled his features to impassivity, hoping that a calm facade would keep him alive a while longer. Little Joe had no illusions about his ultimate fate with Jenna and Frank. The pair could not afford to let him live. He was going to be their ticket away from Virginia City, and the inevitable posse that would be following them. As soon as they were far enough away, Little Joe would become expendable. It remained to be seen how far Jenna was going to go before she considered herself far enough away from the trouble in Virginia City. So for now, Little Joe just watched the beautiful women warily and said nothing.

“Aren’t you going to ask me again about why I picked you, Little Joe?” Jenna asked, with a touch of venom in her voice. “I would think you would want to know why you’re going to die.” she continued, a small smile playing about her lips.

Little Joe looked at Jenna calmly. “I figure you’ll get around to telling me sometime, Jenna.” he replied. “I’m not going to beg.” 

Jenna’s lips tightened in annoyance, and she paced in front of her prisoner. “All right, Little Joe,” she said through gritted teeth. “Don’t beg, but I’ll tell you anyway. I want you to know how I feel about you.”

Her pacing continued unabated, as she visibly tried to control her wayward emotions. “Do you remember a girl named Patricia Wharton, Little Joe?”

Little Joe thought briefly, but drew a blank. He couldn’t remember anyone by that name. He shook his head negatively. “No, I don’t, Jenna. What’s she got to do with this?”

Jenna laughed harshly. “I didn’t think you would. You broke her heart, and tossed her aside, and you can’t even be bothered to remember her. She was just one of the crowd to you.” Her eyes flashed with anger, and she looked at Joe as if she would like to kill him with her bare hands.

“I don’t know her, Jenna.” Joe replied, trying to keep his voice as neutral as possible. Jenna was in such a volatile state that one wrong word could set her off. Joe knew that he couldn’t defend himself, bound the way he was. “Please tell me why you’re so sure that I broke her heart.”

“She was my sister.” Jenna hissed. “I said ‘WAS’ my sister, Joe. She killed herself when you rejected her. She wrote to me, and told me all about you. How she met you, fell in love, and how you broke her heart. It was the last letter I ever had from her. When I got the telegram telling me about her death I vowed that you would pay.” Her frantic pacing stopped, and she knelt so that her face was inches from Little Joe’s. “It makes it sweeter that you were able to provide me with the money I wanted as well. Every penny I spend will bring wonderful memories of watching you die.”

Little Joe recoiled from Jenna’s intensity. The rage in her eyes was terrifying. He grasped frantically for something to say, anything that would deflect the woman’s anger. “Jenna, I never met your sister.” he insisted quietly. “Please believe me, if I had known her I would have told you.”

“Then why did she write to me about you?” Jenna screamed hysterically. She scrabbled frantically in her pocket and withdrew a wrinkled piece of paper. She unfolded it with shaking hands, and smoothed it lovingly. “Look!” she insisted, her voice rising. “Look at this, and tell me that my sister lied.”

Joe scanned the crumpled, obviously well read letter. It told the tale of unrequited love and heartbreak, and none of it was true. He had never met Patricia Wharton. Her name was completely unknown to him. And he knew that there was no way to ever prove to Jenna Mackay that he was telling the truth. He tried desperately to formulate a plan, something that would convince this woman who teetered on the edge of madness that she shouldn’t kill him. “Jenna, I’m sorry about your sister.” he said as calmly as he could. “But I didn’t know her, I swear. I don’t know why she would write these things to you. They aren’t true. I never dated anyone by that name, and I certainly didn’t just cast her aside the way she says.” Joe’s green eyes were soft and pleading. “Please, Jenna, you have to believe me.”

Jenna’s eyes dropped from the soft gaze, and her anger wavered briefly. Then she caught sight of the crumpled letter, and the rage built anew. “Of course you would say that Joe Cartwright.” she snapped. “But you’re a liar, and I’ll never believe that you didn’t know my sister. She wouldn’t have made any of this up. And you are going to pay for every word that she wrote.”  

Jenna stood abruptly and stalked away from Joe. She approached Frank who had been watching the proceedings from a distance, obviously wary of diverting Jenna’s anger onto himself. “Get ready to ride, Frank.” she commanded. “It’s time we put some more distance between us and Virginia City.”

***************************

Back in Virginia City, Adam Cartwright lay in a bed at the International House, and his worried thoughts centered around his missing brother. He prayed that Little Joe was all right, and he cursed his inability to go to his brother’s aid. The doctor had diagnosed a severe concussion, and had insisted that Adam not ride with his father and Hoss when they left with the posse. He vowed that if anything happened to Little Joe, Jenna and Frank would pay. Now all Adam could do was waiting.

***************************

Once again tied to his horse and riding to an unknown destination, Little Joe Cartwright was trying desperately to come up with a plan of action. He struggled with his bonds as much as he could without drawing the attention of the two riders. He could feel a slight loosening of the ropes, but not enough to allow him any freedom of movement. He thought of the letter that Jenna had shown him. Why would her sister have written about him, Little Joe had never met her. He racked his brain almost frantically, trying to dredge up the memory of every girl he had ever dated. None of them had been named Patricia. Little Joe’s head throbbed. He redoubled his efforts with the ropes.

After several interminable hours passed, the trio of riders halted in the shadows of a large cluster of rocks. Frank and Jenna dismounted and stretched wearily. At Jenna’s signal Frank roughly dragged Little Joe down from his horse. Little Joe staggered momentarily, his aching muscles screaming in protest. Frank hauled him unceremoniously to a small outcropping, and shoved him to the ground.

“Don’t move, Cartwright.” Frank snarled viciously. He turned to look at Jenna. “What now, Jenna?” he asked.

“We haven’t seen or heard any signs of a posse following us,” Jenna replied. She eyed Joe speculatively. “It might be time to get rid of our excess baggage,” she said in a hard tone.

Little Joe said nothing, but his body tensed. He pushed back against the boulder and started to rise. Frank immediately drew his gun and pointed it at Joe. “I said don’t move, Cartwright, and I meant it,” he cried angrily as he cocked the gun.

Joe froze, his eyes darting back and forth between Frank and Jenna. “Jenna, don’t do this,” he said quietly. “I didn’t know your sister. Please believe me.”

Jenna laughed hysterically. “That’s just it, Joe!” she gasped. “I don’t believe you, and you deserve to die.”

Jenna looked at Frank, her hysterical laughter stopping abruptly. “Do it now, Frank,” she hissed. “I want this vermin disposed of now. I’m sick of looking at him.”

Frank’s arm rose and he aimed the gun at Joe’s chest. Little Joe swallowed and licked his dry lips. Again he tensed, deciding that it was worth trying to jump Frank. If he was going to die, he was going to die fighting.

As Frank moved his finger on the trigger, Little Joe leaped forward, his hands still bound tightly behind his back. The gun roared, and Joe felt a searing pain in his left shoulder, but he kept moving forward,  plowing head first into the other man. Frank fell backward, with Joe falling on top of him. The gun flew out of Frank’s hand, and landed against the rocks. Joe tried to struggle to his feet, but the agonizing pain in his shoulder drove him back to his knees. Frank jumped to his feet, and lunged for the gun. A distant sound of drumming hooves intruded on the scene. Three pairs of eyes tracked back towards the trail, with different emotions running through each of them.

Little Joe felt a sudden surge of hope, and a rush of adrenalin allowed him to stagger to his feet. Frank felt fear leeching through his system, draining him of his forward momentum. Jenna was consumed by a sudden anger, and she let out a shrill scream. She began scrambling frantically toward the rocks, determined to find Frank’s gun. Joe saw her move and he staggered toward her, intent on stopping her. Frank visibly jerked himself out of the grip of despair and reached out to grab Little Joe. Jenna swooped on the gun with a cry of exaltation, while Frank held a struggling Joe in his grasp. Little Joe could feel the strength leaving his body, along with a constant stream of blood from the wound in his shoulder. Spots flashed in his field of vision, and he swayed. Little Joe tried to push back the darkness that was creeping over him, as he struggled to remain conscious. Jenna moved towards him the gun in her hand.

As if from a great distance, Little Joe heard shouts, and then a shot rang out. He moaned softly, blackness rushing to enfold him and he crumpled softly to the ground.

****************************************

Little Joe Cartwright lay propped against the pillows of his bed, fidgeting uncomfortably. He was waiting impatiently for Dr. Martin to finish the examination of the bullet wound in his shoulder. A week had passed since the shooting, and Little Joe was full of impatience to be up and around. He was bored with the inactivity of lying in his bed, but his father was determined that he wasn’t going to get up until Doc Martin gave his approval. 

A heavy tread in the hallway heralded the arrival of his father and brothers. Little Joe looked up with a frown. “Pa, can I get up now?” he pleaded, ignoring the doctor’s probing fingers.

“How is he, Paul?” Ben queried, raising his eyebrow at the doctor. 

“He’s doing fine, Ben.” Paul Martin responded with a chuckle. “I guess we can allow him to get up, but he’s to go no farther than the settee downstairs. I want another full week’s rest for this young man before he even thinks about moving around.” The doctor patted Little Joe’s shoulder and began packing up his instruments. “I’ll be back to check on you next week, young man.” he said fondly. “See that you follow my instructions.”

“Oh, don’t worry, Doc,” Adam replied. “We’re used to riding herd on this one.  We’ll see to it that he stays put, even if Hoss has to sit on him.”

Laughter erupted in the room, even Little Joe finally joining in with his distinctive giggle. The doctor said his goodbyes and took himself out of the room, leaving the Cartwright family alone. 

Joe immediately shifted his position, preparing to get up and go downstairs. He winced at the pain in his shoulder, but continued trying to rise. He wasn’t about to miss the opportunity to get out of his hated bed. Adam, seeing Little Joe’s grimace of pain, quickly moved to assist him. Hooking gentle fingers under his brother’s arm, he helped raise him to a sitting position. “Take it slow, Joe.” he murmured. “Don’t be in such a hurry.”

“I can’t help it, Adam,” Joe responded, but he did take a moment to gather himself together. “It feels like forever since I’ve seen anything but this bedroom.” Joe glanced up just in time to intercept a meaningful glance that was passing between his father and his older brothers. “What is it? You look like you’ve got some news.” he asked curiously.

Ben hesitated before answering. “We’ve had some news about Jenna.” He stopped, watching the fleeting look of pain that crossed Joe’s face.

“Well, what is it?” Joe asked impatiently, seeing that his father wasn’t continuing. “Did you find out why she came here, and what made her think I knew her sister?” 

“Roy’s managed to piece together some information, and he’s gotten what he could out of the Sheriff in St. Louis,” Adam interjected. “We still aren’t sure about some things, but we do know more than we did before.” He kept his hand on his brother’s arm in a gesture of sympathy and support.

“Turns out that Patricia Wharton did live in Virginia City for a while last spring.” Hoss spoke up. “She worked in that hat shop on the edge of town. You probably saw her at some of the dances, Little Joe.” He too reached out and gripped his brother’s shoulder, so that Joe was encircled by loving arms.

“I never knew her, Hoss!” Joe exclaimed. “I know I never met her.” Joe’s voice rose, his distress evident.

“We know, son,” Ben replied soothingly. “But Patricia Wharton knew you, or at least she had seen you. Apparently she spent a lot of time watching you, thinking about you, she even wrote about you in her diary.”

Joe’s face showed his puzzlement. “But why, Pa? We never even talked to one another. Why would she do that?” He felt a wave of queasiness wash through him, and leaned into his brothers’ supporting arms, just a little. Their grips tightened just a bit in response.

“We may never know why Patricia wrote and told her sister about you, Little Joe.” Ben continued after a moment. His eyes were sympathetic, and clouded with worry. “But, apparently, she wasn’t...well emotionally. She fell in love with you, and concocted this whole fantasy about your returning her feelings. When it didn’t happen in real life, she decided that you had rejected her. Her body was found in the lake just before summer. She had apparently drowned herself.” Ben stopped when he saw the misery in Little Joe’s eyes. 

Gesturing to Adam and Hoss, he moved in to take their place and encircled his son’s shoulders with his own strong arms. “It wasn’t your fault, Joe. There was nothing you could have done to stop Patricia from doing what she did. You can’t go back and change what happened.”

“But, Pa...” Joe stopped, his green eyes swimming with unshed tears. He swallowed and then continued. “Pa, Jenna thought that I did those things that her sister said I did. That’s why she acted the way she did. And now she’s dead because of me. Two women, dead, Pa!” The tears began to trickle down Little Joe’s cheeks, and he wiped them away with an unsteady hand. “I wish...” Again he stopped, unable to continue.

“Joseph, listen to me,” Ben said urgently. “You can’t change what happened. You didn’t do anything wrong. All you did was fall in love with a pretty girl. You had no way of knowing what had happened to her sister. You can’t take responsibility for Jenna’s actions, Joe. She could have found out the truth if she had checked. But she didn’t want to. She was blinded by hatred.” 

Ben held his son to his chest, stroking the soft curls on his head. Joe’s shoulders shook with sobs. Adam and Hoss discreetly slipped from the room, leaving father and son alone. They knew that it would take time, but with the love and support of his family, Little Joe would be all right. For now, Joe needed to work through his grief and his anger, but time would heal the wounds, and the Little Joe that they knew and loved would soon emerge again.

*****THE END*****

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