rona022

Susie

Written by: Rona Y.

Saturday night. The Bucket of Blood saloon in Virginia City was packed. The noise spilled out over the swing doors, and into the street. Inside, the air was full of the smell of tobacco and alcohol. Cowboys and miners alike were intent on spending their week’s wages on booze and girls. Some were engaged in losing it at the card tables. It was almost impossible to hold a conversation without shouting.

Propping up the bar were Adam and Hoss Cartwright. They each had a beer in their hands, and were leaning back against the polished wood, watching a table on the other side of the saloon, where their younger brother, Joe, was talking to Susie, one of the saloon girls.

In the packed room, Joe and Susie were the only ones who weren’t sharing their table. Quite how Joe had contrived that miracle, the older Cartwrights weren’t sure. Susie and Joe sat side by side, although Susie had started out the evening on Joe’s lap. Their heads were bent close, Susie’s shining brown curls beside Joe’s tangled chestnut ones. Every now and then, laughter would drift across the saloon to tantalise the brothers.

“I plumb dunno how he does it,” Hoss commented. “That there Susie is all but eatin’ out of his hand.”

“She’s a nice girl,” Adam agreed. “I’d like to know what she’s doing working in a saloon. Seems to me she could do better for herself.”

Dragging his eyes away from the couple, Hoss frowned at Adam. “How’d ya mean?” he asked.

“You’ve spoken to her,” Adam responded. “She’s educated, speaks well, and is obviously none too comfortable in her role as a saloon girl.”

“I guess,” Hoss agreed, uneasily. He didn’t want to tell Adam that he hadn’t spoken to Susie as such; it was more like Susie had spoken to him. Hoss had blushed, too tongue-tied to respond. He wasn’t at ease with pretty women. He turned his back, and ordered another beer, and found his eyes drawn back to Joe and Susie, rather against his will.

Over at the table, Susie ran her hand gently down Joe’s cheek, marvelling at her own daring. Adam was right; she wasn’t comfortable as a saloon girl, but she had no other choice. Joe made her feel safe. He was like any of the young men she might have met back home in Philadelphia. He didn’t treat her like a piece of meat, and Susie was grateful. “Joe, how did you get that black eye?” she demanded.

His green eyes twinkling, Joe caught her hand in his and brought it to his lips. “I told you,” he repeated, the laughter bubbling in his voice. “Hoss hit me!”

“Joe!” Susie scolded. “I’ve spoken to Hoss. He’s so nice. I can’t imagine him hitting you.”

“Oh, Hoss can get real mean,” Joe joked. “He’s a big guy.” He took a sip of his beer to hide the grin that wanted to break free.

Pursing her lips, Susie tried without success to look disapproving. She wasn’t to know that she was only the latest in a long line of people who couldn’t maintain that look with Little Joe. “If you don’t tell me,” she threatened, “I’ll go over and ask him myself!”

“Don’t do that!” Joe exclaimed, looking so horrified, that for a moment, Susie believed his story. Then Joe lost control of his hilarity, and giggled helplessly. Outraged, Susie hit him lightly on the arm. Then her lips twitched, and she, too, began to laugh. Joe’s giggle was so infectious, that everyone round about looked at him with a smile, even though they had no idea what he was laughing about.

“Joe!” Susie chided.

“Okay, I’ll tell you,” he submitted. “It was Hoss, but he didn’t do it deliberately. We were working in the barn, cleaning it up, and putting some hay up into the loft, as we were running low. There was this wasp buzzing about, right in front of Hoss’s nose. The big guy, he just hates wasps! Well, there he was swatting away at it like a mad man. I stacked the last bale he’d given me, and turned round to get the next. Well, Hoss hadn’t even picked it up. He swatted that wasp and missed.” With a brilliant grin, Joe told the climax. “He swatted me instead! Came near to knocking me out of the loft altogether!”

The look on Susie’s face was all that Joe had hoped for. She half laughed, then looked concerned. “Poor you!”

“Its not that bad,” Joe said, although it had been sore enough at the time. Hoss had grabbed Joe’s shirt just in time to prevent him tumbling backwards down the ladder from the loft. They were all laughing at the incident now, but it had left Joe and Hoss both shaken. Hoss had spent hours apologising, as the bruise had darkened and spread.

           ***********

Time ticked by, and finally the last drunks were thrown out into the street, and Susie and the other girls could finally make their way home. Joe had resisted leaving with his brothers, insisting that he was going to walk Susie home. Reluctantly, Adam and Hoss had agreed, and left. They both knew how Joe attracted trouble, and there had almost been an incident with a tall cowboy who drifted in quite late on. He had taken a fancy to Susie, and Joe had warned him off in no uncertain terms. For a moment, it looked as though there would be trouble, but Hoss had appeared at Joe’s shoulder like magic, and the other man had backed off and left.

Wrapping a cloak around her shoulders, Susie took Joe’s arm, and they strolled out into the night. It was cold outside, and the young couple walked briskly to Susie’s boarding house, where they lingered for a moment on the porch. “I might see you at church in the morning,” Joe said.

“Then I might see you, too,” she responded, and blushed. “Good night, Joe. Thank you for walking me home.”

“No problem,” Joe replied, and leant forward to kiss her. Susie responded shyly, not at all like an experienced saloon girl. Joe already knew she was different from the usual saloon girls, but this served to intrigue him even more. “Good night.”

He stood and watched as Susie went inside and closed the door. Smiling, Joe retraced his footsteps, and headed towards the livery to collect his horse. A hand reached from the darkness of an alleyway and grabbed Joe’s shoulder, dragging him off the street. Caught by surprise, Joe was unable to dodge the first punch.

Reeling across the alley, he caught his balance, and punched back. He vaguely recognised his opponent, but was too busy fighting to think where he’d seen him before. The other man was taller and heavier, and it wasn’t long before Joe was getting the worst of it. Blows hit him in the face and stomach, in the kidneys, and when he fell, the other man kicked him several times.

All but out on his feet, Joe fumbled for his gun. His fingers groped across the empty holster, for his gun had fallen out when he fell. But his distraction cost him dear, and it allowed the man to get hold of him again, and he pinned Joe to the wall as he punched him over and over again. When he finally stopped, Joe was lying bleeding, unconscious on the ground.

Dusting himself off, the man calmly walked away.

               ***********

Half an hour passed before Joe stirred back to life. He ached all over, as though he’d been run down by a stagecoach. He sat up slowly, and his head swam alarmingly. Something warm and sticky ran down the side of his face. Joe ran a hand under his nose, and looked with mild surprise at the red streak left behind. It was only after he’d levered himself painfully to his feet that he realised his gun was missing. Joe had no idea why he couldn’t seem to see very well, but it didn’t stop him searching the alley until he found his pistol. Sliding it back into the holster, he staggered out into the street.

There was no one to see his wavering progress along the street. At the livery stable, Cochise was already saddled, as Joe had sent word that he would be along soon. There was nobody in the stable. Joe led Cochise out, and tried to mount. He finally had to use the mounting block, and headed the horse in the direction of home.

It was lucky that Cochise had no mischief in mind that night, as Joe could barely stay in the saddle at a walk. He made no effort to guide the pinto. He simply hung on and endured.

               *********

The first faint traces of dawn tinged the eastern sky as Joe finally reached home. He couldn’t keep his eyes open any more, due to the severe swelling round them. His face felt puffy, and his nose seemed to be blocked. His breath whistled raggedly through split and swollen lips.

Coming to a gentle stop, Cochise just stood. Joe lay on his neck, not sure he could summon the energy to dismount. He wasn’t even sure they were at the ranch. Everything was simply too much effort.

Somewhere nearby, a door opened. “Joe!” exclaimed his father’s voice, sharply. “Where on earth have you been? Do you know what time…” Ben’s voice trailed off in horror as he got a look at his youngest son. “Joe, what happened?” Ben touched Joe, and eased him from his horse. “Adam! Hoss!” Joe’s knees started to buckle, and Ben supported him.

“What kind of state is he in now, Pa?” Joe heard Adam say, sounding amused.

“Help, me, son, I don’t think he can walk.” Ben had been trying to make Joe walk to the house, but Joe hadn’t been able to do so.

Swift footsteps, an indrawn breath, then someone lifted Joe’s feet. He couldn’t help it, he cried out in pain, the first sound he had made since arriving home. “It hurts, Pa,” he whimpered, and plunged into a welcome darkness.

“Get the doctor,” Ben ordered, as he and Adam carried the injured youth into the house. Both were appalled at the state Joe was in. Gently, they laid him on the bed, and stripped off the bloody, grimy, torn clothes. Joe was badly marked, the bruises already dark on his chest and back.

“Who could have done this to him?” Ben whispered. “Why?”

“I don’t know,” Adam answered. He took the cloth and basin of warm water that Hop Sing had brought, and gently began to wash the blood from Joe’s face.

The feel of the water on his face brought Joe round, and he groaned, moving his head. Ben took his hand. “Joe? Can you hear me?”

“Pa?” Joe breathed. “Why can’t… I open…. my eyes?” His hand tightened convulsively on Ben’s as a wave of pain hit him. He couldn’t contain a groan.

“Easy, son,” soothed Ben. He stroked Joe’s hair gently. “Your eyes are all swollen. Don’t worry. Joe, what happened to you?”

The battered youth on the bed sighed. “Man. Grabbed me…..hit me…..couldn’t stop him.”

“What man, Joe?” Adam asked.

Again the sigh. “Man from saloon. Man…..Susie.” Joe tried to sit up, but failed. Pain thumped him all over, and he turned green. “Gonna be sick.”

Moving quickly, Ben aided his youngest as Joe retched weakly into a basin. When he was lying back on the bed once again, Adam wiped his sweaty face while Ben cleared up. “Joe?” he said. “Was it the man who nearly caused the fight in the saloon?”

“Mmm,” Joe agreed. He twisted uncomfortably on the bed, and winced. Adam wiped his face again, but Joe moved restlessly away from the cloth. “Don’t. Hurts.”

“What man?” Ben asked, having been listening.

“I don’t know who he was, Pa,” Adam said, “But he seemed to want to spend time with Susie. Joe pointed out that she was already with him, and it looked for a minute like it would get nasty, but Hoss went over and asked if there was any trouble, and the guy left.”

“We’d better tell Roy,” Ben decided, frowning. “Maybe he can pick him up.”
“Pa,” Joe whispered. “Susie. Church.” He grimaced, and held his breath for a moment. Ben instinctively caught his hand, and held it, helping Joe through the pain, as best he could.

“What about Susie and the church?” Ben asked, when the spasm had passed. “I won’t be going to church this morning, Joe. The doctor is coming to see you.”

Joe made an odd sound, one that Ben couldn’t identify at first. It wasn’t until he looked at Adam, and saw the wry grin on his oldest son’s face that he understood. Joe had laughed. “’M all right,” he breathed.

It was such a typical ‘Joe’ statement, that neither Ben nor Adam could prevent themselves from laughing. Joe always assured them he was ‘fine’. He was a rotten liar, too. “Sure, Joe, you look all right, too,” Adam retorted.

“Church,” Joe repeated, his voice thin. “Susie. Meet… her.”

“You were going to meet Susie at church?” Ben repeated, finally understanding.

“Tell,” Joe insisted. “Warn.” He gave a sigh. “Danger.” He was exasperated. His family weren’t usually so slow to pick things up.

“You want us to warn her about that man, don’t you?” realised Adam.

“Mmm,” Joe agreed, his body relaxing. “So tired.”

“Don’t go to sleep, son,” warned Ben, his tone slightly alarmed. “Not until Paul has seen you.”

“’Kay. Susie.”

“He’s nothing if not single minded,” commented Adam. “But I think he’s right, Pa. I think Susie should be warned. It might be nothing, of course, just spite from a drunk, but it might not.” He and Ben exchanged glances. “I’ll go, and I’ll tell Roy about this, too.” Adam rose in fluid motion and reached down to pat Joe’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, buddy,” he said. “I’ll let Susie know.”

               **********

It was lunchtime before Adam returned, and with him, on a hired horse, was Susie. She had a valise strapped behind the saddle, and looked strained and white. Ben came out to greet them. He had never met Susie before, and was immediately aware of her good clothing, not at all what a saloon girl normally could afford.

“Pa, this is Susie Barlow,” Adam said, helping her down from the horse. “Susie, my father, Ben Cartwright.”

“How do you do, Mr Cartwright? I’m pleased to meet you. Joe has told me a lot about you.” Susie shook hands with him, and Ben could hear that she had an educated voice, and an accent from the East.

“Come in, Miss Barlow. We’re just about to have lunch.” Ben led the way into the house, consumed with curiosity as to why Adam had brought her.

“How’s Joe?” Adam asked, as they went in.

“Sleeping,” Ben said, casting a glance at Susie. She fixed Ben with a concerned look. “There’s nothing broken, thank goodness, but he’s badly bruised, and concussed.”

“I am so sorry that Joe got involved in this,” Susie said. “How could you ever forgive me?”

Perplexed, Ben looked at Adam. “Its not your fault, Susie,” Adam said, in a tone that suggested to Ben that he’d already said this a few times. “Come and sit down, and we’ll tell Pa and Hoss the story over lunch.”

They sat down at the table, and Hop Sing immediately began fussing with delight at having someone new to try his food. Susie found herself eating better than she had in months, and couldn’t praise Hop Sing enough. Once the first hunger had been satisfied, they began to talk. “I met Susie at church,” Adam said. “I’d talked to Roy first. He went looking for the man, but I haven’t heard whether or not he found him. So I went looking for Susie, and found her at the church.” He glanced at Susie.

“I was so sorry to hear about Joe,” Susie began. “I thought last night I had seen the man before, but I couldn’t remember where. I see a lot of men come in and out of the saloon. I thought perhaps that was where I’d seen him. But when Adam told me about Joe, I thought harder, and now I know who he is.”

“Who?” Ben prompted, gently, as she paused.

“He works for Mark Munroe of Philadelphia. I used to be engaged to Mark.” Susie looked down at the table. “I can only assume that Mark sent Hobbs to look for me. I’m so sorry, Mr Cartwright. Its all my fault.”

“Of course its not,” Ben replied. “But why would your ex-fiancé be sending someone after you?”

“My parents are dead,” Susie started. “They died last year, of a fever. I met Mark soon after, and he looked after me. My only other relative is a cousin in San Francisco. I thought I’d go there to live, but Mark asked me to marry him. I thought I loved him. But then, after we were engaged, I discovered he wasn’t the man I thought he was. He’d… hit me. I found out that he was marrying me for the money I’ll inherit when I’m 21. I couldn’t stay. I broke off the engagement. Mark was so angry. I thought he’d kill me that night. If guests hadn’t arrived, I might not have made it out alive.” Susie wiped tears from her face. “I gathered together what little money I had, and headed for San Francisco. But I was robbed, and had to get a job after I got here. The dress shop didn’t need me, and neither did the hotels or the restaurants. So I took work as a saloon girl. Joe was the first man who treated me like I was a nice girl, not a…. a piece of meat. I didn’t think Mark would come looking for me.” Susie fished for a handkerchief. “I’ll have to move on again,” she said.

“I told Susie she could stay here for just now,” Adam said, taking control of the conversation, to allow Susie time to recover. “She’ll be needed to make a statement after Roy catches Hobbs, anyway. I thought she’d be safer here than in town. We don’t know that Hobbs was working alone.”

“Good thinking, Adam,” Ben approved. “We’ll prepare a room for you after lunch.”

“I’m taking advantage of you,” Susie protested. “I could stay in town quite easily.”

“Nonsense,” Ben reproved gently. “You are very welcome here, Miss Barlow. And after all this is sorted out, we’ll make sure you get to your relative in San Francisco.”

“Mr Cartwright, how can I possibly thank you?” Susie asked, tears in her eyes again. “You’re so kind.”

               ***********

After lunch, when Susie was settled in her room, she went with Adam to see Joe. He had warned her about how badly hurt he was, but Susie still wasn’t prepared for the sight that greeted her. Adam opened the door, and went in first. “Joe? Are you awake?”

“Yeah, I think so,” Joe responded.

Laughing, Adam said, “I’ve got a visitor for you.” He beckoned to Susie.

“Hello, Joe,” Susie said, tremulously. Her heart pounded violently in her chest, as it suddenly occurred to her that Joe might be angry with her. After all, it was because of her that he was in this condition.

“Susie?” Joe asked, and there was pleasure in his voice. “Are you all right?” He lifted a hand, and Susie hurried across to take the seat Adam indicated for her, and took his hand.

If anything, Joe looked even worse than he had when Adam left that morning. The colour in the bruises had come out even more, and the scrapes were beginning to scab over. It wasn’t pretty. Adam couldn’t get used to the bruised, swollen eyes. Joe talked so much with his eyes. Adam stepped across to the other side of the room, allowing the young couple some privacy, while protecting Susie’s reputation.

“I’m fine,” Susie assured Joe. “But you! Oh, Joe! I feel so bad!”

“Why?” Joe asked. “You didn’t beat me up, did you?”

“Its my fault,” Susie began, but Adam interrupted and told Joe the story of who had beaten him, and why. Joe listened intently, nodding to show he understood, and hadn’t fallen asleep. He held Susie’s hand throughout.

“Well, that explains it all, I guess,” Joe commented after Adam finished speaking. “But he didn’t bother you, Susie?”

“No, Joe, honest. I didn’t knowing anything about this until Adam spoke to me outside church.” Susie looked at the young man in the bed, and smiled. “Your father says I can stay here until this is sorted out, and he even offered to help me get to San Francisco.”

“I asked Roy to call into the saloon and tell them you’ve quit,” Adam offered.

“Oh,” Susie said, very quietly.

“What’s wrong?” Joe asked, quick as ever to pick up on feelings.

“I can’t pay my way here unless I work,” Susie said, quietly, embarrassed.

“You don’t need to pay your way here,” Joe assured her. “You’re our guest. Guests don’t pay. Besides, you don’t really like working in the saloon, do you? It doesn’t seem like you, somehow.”

There was a note of genuine relief in Susie’s voice as she laughed. “No, I didn’t like working there. But I had to do it, or starve.” She shook her head. “How can I thank you for all you’re doing for me? Its so much.”

“Any friend of Joe’s,” Adam said, casually.

               *********

Over the next few days, Susie blossomed in the warmth of her surroundings. Joe was confined to bed for several days, and Paul Martin came in every day to check on Joe’s eyes. However, after a couple of days, the swelling was down enough for Joe to open them, and Paul spent quite a bit of time peering into them until he was convinced there was no permanent damage. In those first few days, Susie often sat with Joe, allowing Ben and the others to carry on with the ranch work, Hop Sing waited on her hand and foot, plying her with delicacies whenever he could.

It was apparent to all that Joe and Susie were very fond of each other. Susie was 20, and would be 21 in about 9 months. Ben did a little discreet probing, and discovered that Susie’s father had owned a large share in a big shipping company. The money she inherited would be quite substantial. He also found out about Mark Munroe, and what he discovered concerned him deeply.

Munroe was from a rich Philadelphia family, and had been married twice. At only thirty, it appeared he had been unlucky. His first wife had fallen downstairs, and died of internal injuries. His second wife had miscarried a baby, and died from the resulting fever. Neither death had been deemed suspicious, and Ben had to say, they both seemed totally plausible explanations. However, the one thing which gave him pause, was that in both cases, his wives had been heiresses, and Mark had been left with a fabulous fortune both times. Ben had the uncomfortable feeling that Susie had been intended victim number 3.

Joe’s attacker, Hobbs, had vanished without trace. Ben was concerned, for it would be only too easy for the man to find out who Joe was, and come to the Ponderosa looking for him. As Adam pointed out, it was unlikely. Joe had been given the message, and Hobbs had probably moved on. However, just in case he had discovered that Susie was at the ranch, Ben ordered a watch. He wired Susie’s cousin in San Francisco, as well, and received a reply, saying that there was an outbreak of cholera in the city, and it wasn’t advisable for Susie to travel at that time.

               **********

As the days went by, Joe regained his strength as the bruises faded. He and Susie spent a lot of time together, talking, playing checkers and walking close to the house. When Joe was finally allowed to ride, he took Susie out to show her some of his favourite places on the ranch. To the young couple, it was a pleasant time of healing, after the dark days that had preceded it. Susie shed her shyness, and the protective shell she had grown for the saloon work, and delighted the family with her laughter and kindness.

Two weeks after Susie’s arrival, Joe had to go for supplies. He was back on light duties, and this was one of them. “Take Susie,” Ben suggested. “She hasn’t been off the ranch since she got here.”

Joe hitched the buckboard, and asked Susie if she wanted to go with him. After a moment’s hesitation, she agreed. It was a lovely day, and Joe kept the horses to a slow trot. All the same, they arrived in Virginia City far too quickly for his liking. Pulling up outside the general store, Joe helped Susie from the buggy. “I’ll give the list to Mr Campbell,” he said, “then I have to collect the mail. Do you want to wait here, go shopping or come with me?”

“I’ll come with you,” Susie replied, conscious of the looks they were attracting.

Giving her a wide grin, Joe walked into the store to hand over the list. He was oblivious to the stares from the townsfolk. When he came out of the store, Susie was patting one of the horses’ noses with small, anxious movements. Joe frowned, and went to her side. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

Over the course of the last two weeks, Susie had learned that Joe was particularly sensitive to atmosphere and body language. So she wasn’t surprised that he had spotted her distress at once. “Everyone is staring at me,” she whispered.

“You’re a beautiful girl,” Joe replied. “Why wouldn’t they stare?” He looked round and met several pairs of disapproving eyes.

The Cartwrights were well known for treating everyone the same, be they Indians, Negroes, or saloon girls, rich or poor. Susie was a saloon girl, even if she wasn’t working any more. She wasn’t considered a good enough companion for one of the Cartwrights. It was an attitude that Joe had never been able to figure out. He had been raised to treat everyone with respect, and it angered him when others failed to do the same.

“Come on, Susie,” Joe said, and tucked her hand into his arm. Sparks flew from his eyes as they walked down to collect the mail. One or two people crossed the road to avoid them; a few others simply ignored them. Joe was furious at their bad manners, and determined to make it up to Susie somehow.

As they returned to the general store, they stopped to look in various shop windows. Susie was especially drawn to a pretty pink gingham day dress in the dress shop window. She looked at it closely, and said, “That’s pretty. Its so fresh looking.” She began walking again, and was surprised as Joe steered her into the shop. “Joe, what are you doing?” she hissed. “I can’t afford to buy that dress!”

“Ah, Mr Cartwright,” said the proprietress. “How can I be of service to you?” She pointedly ignored Susie.

“Mrs Johnston,” Joe said, whipping off his hat and turning on the charm. He gave her his most charming smile. “My friend, Miss Barlow, would like to try the dress in the window.”

“Ah, of course,” smiled Mrs Johnston, trying not to show her outrage. “One moment.”

“Joe,” Susie hissed. “What are you doing?”

“Buying you a dress,” Joe replied. “And anything else you want.”

“But you can’t!” Susie exclaimed in a whisper.

“Watch me,” Joe responded, and gave her a wink.

Exasperated, but flattered, Susie could only smile at him. This handsome, charming young man was out to prove something to the good folks of Virginia City, but Susie didn’t want to take advantage of their friendship. She knew she shouldn’t let him do this, but she had the impression that she would be in that shop until she chose something.

The dress fit her perfectly, and the colour flattered her skin. Susie knew it looked well on her, even before she saw the smile in Joe’s green eyes, and his nod to the snooty shop owner. “Do you have a bonnet that would match that?” Joe asked, casually.

“Of course, Mr Cartwright,” Mrs Johnston assured him, and bustled off to fetch it.

“What else would you like?” Joe asked, smiling at Susie.

“Nothing! This is far too much already!” She blushed. It was delightful, having someone to spoil her, but she was afraid that Ben would be angry. “Joe…”

“Here is the bonnet,” puffed Mrs Johnston, who was now quite enjoying having Joe and the saloon girl in the shop. She realised that Susie wasn’t quite the usual run of saloon girl. She could hardly wait to pass on the gossip.

The bonnet was wonderful, and suited her admirably. “I think a shawl, and some white lace mittens, too” Joe said. His interest in women had taught him quite a lot about what suited or did not suit people. He had an in-built sense of style anyway, knowing unerringly the colours and styles that would suit him best. He found it applied to Susie, too.

They emerged from the dress shop with Susie kitted out in her new outfit, her old one securely wrapped for her. Susie had been mortified as Joe paid for her clothes, but she couldn’t hide her delight in her new rig-out. Susie had never had to go without until her parents died, and she left Mark, and she had missed shopping.

Further down the street, Joe stopped again, at the gold smith’s shop. “Come in here for a moment,” he said, and opened the door for her.

Looking round, Susie was impressed with the quality of the things on sale. Many items were made from local silver. She was particularly taken with a silver belt buckle. She knew that Joe would like it, too, but she wasn’t sure how to buy it with him right there.

Consequently, she wasn’t aware of what Joe was doing, until he picked up a small parcel, and they left. “Here,” he said, and handed it to her.

Unwrapping it, Susie wondered what on earth it could be. Inside, lying on a scrap of blue velvet was a silver locket. It had intricate scrolls engraved on it. It was beautiful but simple; a gesture of friendship, with the hope of more to come. It was perfect. Looking up at him, Susie had tears in her eyes. “Joe, its beautiful! Thank you!”

Smiling, Joe said simply, “You’re welcome. Here, let me fasten it for you.” He closed the clasp under her hair, and stood back to admire her. “You’re beautiful, Susie.”

               ***********

“That there little gal’s quite a beauty, ain’t she, Adam?” Hoss asked, as they spied Susie and Joe walking near the lake, a day or so later.

“She sure is,” Adam agreed. “Joe seems very taken with her. Did you see that locket he bought her? I didn’t know he was as sophisticated as that.”

“Huh?” Hoss grunted, scratching under the brim of his hat with his thumb. “What d’ya mean, Adam?”

“Well,” said Adam, “I half expected him to propose to her and be done with it. It would’ve been a pity, because Susie isn’t ready for that yet. Its too soon. Too much has happened to her. It must have been quite traumatic working in that saloon, for a gently bred girl. She’s only beginning to relax now. But Joe, he showed her he cares for her, but he isn’t rushing her into a marriage she isn’t ready for. The locket was perfect. It showed he thinks well of her, but also shows that he’s content to wait until she’s ready for more.”

“Oh,” Hoss said, in a tone that implied he really didn’t understand. “Right.”

Amused, Adam smiled. Hoss might not understand the symbolism, but when his turn came with a girl, he would know instinctively what to do. “She’d make a nice sister-in-law, don’t you think?”

“I surely do, Adam,” Hoss agreed. “I surely do!”

               ***********
Their lives began to fall into a comfortable pattern. Susie, unasked, assumed some of the more domestic roles of the household, and managed to do so without offending Hop Sing – a major feat in itself. She accompanied the family to church on a Sunday, sitting with them in their pew, between Joe and Ben. If there was a dance on a Saturday night, Susie went as Joe’s date. The gossip never entirely died down, especially as one day, when Joe was busy working with the horses, Susie came into town with Adam, and bought Joe the belt buckle. She planned to give it to him later.

It was the happiest time Susie could remember for a long time. She sang about the house as she did the chores she’d taken to herself, and wished she never had to leave. Adam and Hoss were the big brothers she’d never had, and she grew very fond of Ben. Each day that passed, she seemed to fall more and more in love with Joe.

It was apparent that her feelings were reciprocated. Joe, who never lacked for love of life, positively sparked. His moods still swung from dark to light and back again in the twinkling of an eye, but he was happier than the family had seen him in years. Being in love suited Joe.

They made a very handsome couple. Joe, with his green eyes, handsome face and flashing smile had always turned the ladies’ heads. He knew how to dress to make the most of his slim, muscular body, and he could charm the birds from the trees, if he so wished. Susie had a lovely face and figure, her skin fresh, and her blue eyes sparkling with love and life. He brown hair curled enough to save her the bother of putting in curl papers, but not enough that it sat untidily. Ben, looking at them, decided they would have very handsome children. He made no more suggestions about contacting Susie’s relative, wanting the girl to stay with them.

               ***********

One afternoon, when Susie was out for a picnic with the three boys, Ben heard hoofs enter the yard, and when he went to see who it was, saw a stranger mounted on a flashy chestnut horse. “Can I help you?” he asked.

The tall blond man dismounted with casual grace, and removed his hat. “Mr Cartwright?” he asked.

“Yes.” Ben felt a prickle of unexplained unease creep up his spine.

“I believe my fiancée is here. Her name is Susan Barlow. I am Mark Munroe.”

“I see,” Ben replied. He didn’t care for Munroe’s manner. He seemed arrogant, although that could have just been nerves, Ben admitted, trying to be fair. “Susie told me that she called off the engagement.”

“Well, whatever she told you was untrue,” Munroe interrupted. “We are still engaged, and I expect her to come back with me and stop this nonsense.”

“Whether or not Susie goes back with you or stays here is up to her, Mr Munroe. If you tell me where you’re staying, I’ll let Susie know. I’m sure she’ll send you a message of some kind.” Ben nodded pleasantly, and half turned, as though to head back into the house.

Realising that he was being dismissed, Munroe became angry. “Here, I won’t be sent away like a child,” he protested. “I intend to wait right here until Susie comes back! She belongs with me!”

“Susie is her own person,” Ben replied. “I don’t know when she’ll be back, but you are not welcome on my land, sir. Please tell me where you are staying, and when Susie returns, I’ll tell her where you are. If she wants to contact you, that’s up to her.”

Munroe doubled his fist, and took a step towards Ben, who took a step back, frowning. Then they both heard the sound of hooves, and Ben cursed silently, because he knew it would be Susie and the boys returning.

Sure enough, the buggy appeared round the corner of the barn, followed by Chubb and Sport. Susie was laughing, and clinging to Joe’s arm, and he had his face turned to her, that glorious smile lighting his whole face. Ben winced.

“Susie!” Munroe bellowed, and his voice cut like a whip over her laughter.

The joy and laughter went out of Susie’s face like a lamp being extinguished. She paled. “Mark!” she breathed, real terror in her tone.

Reacting to Susie’s distress, Joe’s head went up, his brows drawing together. “Its all right, Susie,” he said. “He can’t hurt you now.” He glared at Munroe. “You’re not welcome here, mister,” he added.

With a couple of steps, Munroe was across the yard by the buggy. Susie shrank back on the seat, her eyes wide. Joe leapt from the buggy and intercepted Munroe. “Leave her alone!” he warned, his quiet tone signalling danger to his family.

Sliding from their horses, Adam and Hoss moved to stand with Joe. Joe was barely aware of them. He was shorter than Munroe, but he didn’t seem to notice as he squared up to his opponent. “Adam, take Susie inside,” Joe said.

It seemed like a good idea to Adam, too, and he turned to help Susie from the buggy. “Leave her where she is,” ordered Munroe. “I’m taking her back with me.”

“Do you want to go with him, Susie?” Joe asked, never taking his eyes from Munroe.

“No!” Susie declared. “I never want to see him again! Don’t you understand, Mark? Its over! I want you to leave me alone!”

“Come on, Susie,” Adam said, quietly, and helped her down. He made sure to stay between her and Munroe. Susie clutched his hand nervously.

“Oh no you don’t!” Munroe exclaimed, and went for his gun. Joe had been prepared for that, and his gun was out of his holster and pointing at Munroe before the blond man could get his more than half out.

“I suggest you get back up on your horse and get out of here,” Joe said, with deadly menace in his voice. Behind him, he could sense Hoss had his gun drawn. His angry green eyes never wavered from the hate filled blue ones in front of him. “Next time you come here, we’ll get the sheriff.”

Out numbered, Munroe had no choice but to back off. He dropped his gun back into the holster, and mounted his horse. He threw a glance at Susie, who stood by the door, looking round Adam’s broad shoulder. “This isn’t over yet!” he warned. “You’re mine, Susie!” He looked back at Joe. “We’ll meet again, boy!” he promised.

“I’ll be ready,” Joe answered. He followed Munroe with his gun until the man was out of sight, then relaxed, and slipped his gun away.

Running across the yard, Susie wrapped her arms round Joe’s neck. “Oh, Joe! I thought something awful was going to happen!”

Hugging her, Joe smiled. “Hey, I told you before, you’re safe here. Forget about him!” He met his family’s eyes over Susie’s head, and they all knew that it wasn’t over.

               *********

The incident with Munroe left the whole family shaken. “I don’t understand why he’s doing this,” Susie said. “Its been months since I left.”

“Some people have difficulty understanding what ‘no’ means,” Adam commented, shooting Joe a sideways look.

His brother was oblivious. “You’ll be safe here at the ranch,” he assured Susie. “We’ll make sure of that.”

“Perhaps I should go away,” she suggested, tearfully.

“No!” exclaimed the Cartwrights, in unison. “No, Susie,” Ben elaborated. “Joe is right. You are safe here. But if you left, he might follow.” He patted her hand. “Trust us, Susie.”

Watching as she climbed the stairs, Adam commented, “It might be wise to let Roy know what is happening.”

“I’ll tell him,” Joe offered, rising.

“Now, Joe,” Ben protested.

“Pa, I won’t go looking for trouble, I promise. But Susie is here because of me, and I feel responsible.” The sober expression in Joe’s green eyes reassured Ben, and he nodded reluctantly.

“Very well, but please don’t go looking for Munroe.”

Buckling on his gun belt, Joe promised, and left. Adam looked at Ben and Hoss. “He promised not to go looking for trouble,” he observed. “But will trouble go looking for Joe?”

               **********

The ride to Virginia City allowed Joe’s temper to cool off slightly. He rode straight to Roy’s office, and was disconcerted to find he wasn’t there. Impatient with inactivity, Joe hesitated, then hitched Cochise to the rail outside Roy’s office, and set out to look for him. Joe looked in all the usual places, but Roy wasn’t to be found, so he began to look into the saloons. Nothing. Deciding to go back to the sheriff’s office, he set off back up the street.

A man stepped out of an alley right in front of Joe, who had no chance to take avoiding action. He cannoned right into the man. “Sorry,” he gasped, and tried to walk round him. The man grabbed Joe’s arm, and began to drag him into the alley.

For a moment, surprise froze Joe’s muscles, and he was several steps into the alley before he started to fight back. He threw a punch at his assailant, who ducked, and swung Joe hard against the side of the nearest building. The air whooshed out of Joe’s lungs, but he managed to stay on his feet somehow, and fight back. It was turning into quite a scrap, with Joe coming off worst, when Roy Coffee happened to walk by. He spotted the trouble immediately, and rushed to Joe’s aid. Seeing the sheriff, Joe’s attacker let go of him and ran out of the other end of the alley. Joe fell to his knees.

“Joe!” exclaimed Roy. “Are you all right? What happened?”

“I’m all right,” Joe gasped. He accepted help from Roy to get up. “I was coming to see you,” he went on, and as Roy helped him out into the street, he told his story.

“Do you think that fella had something to do with this man Munroe?” Roy asked. He steered Joe past his office.

“I don’t know,” Joe answered, wondering where they were going. “But its too much of a coincidence that someone should decide to pick a fight with me on the same day, isn’t it?” He tried to pull away from Roy’s grip, and failed. “Say, Roy, where are we going?”

“We’re here,” Roy answered, and rapped briskly on the door of Paul Martin’s office and dragged a reluctant Joe inside.

               **********

It was almost dark when Joe arrived back at the Ponderosa. He took Cochise into the stable and curried him down, allowing the familiar ritual to soothe his still ruffled feelings. Paul Martin had given Joe a quick examination, and had agreed with his prognosis. “You’re fine,” he said, “aside from a few bruises.” He dabbed some stinging liquid onto a graze on Joe’s cheekbone, and left it at that. Now that the danger was over, Joe was noticing other little niggly discomforts. His knuckles were badly grazed, and stiff.

He arrived inside just as Hop Sing brought supper to the table. Joe washed his hands and sat down. Everyone was looking at him. Joe hastily hid his left hand. “I told Roy,” he said, and left it at that. He looked at the meal on the table, thinking how hungry he was.

Ben reached out and took hold of Joe’s chin, tilting his head to the light. “How did this happen?” he asked.

“I tripped,” Joe answered, but he wasn’t good at lying, and a blush spread up his neck, staining his face with vivid colour.

“And your hand?” Ben went on, relentlessly.

“I landed on that side,” Joe replied, his eyes pleading with his father not to make an issue of this. “I’m fine, honestly.”

“You didn’t get into a fight with Munroe, did you?” Adam asked, disapproval in his voice.

“No, I didn’t!” Joe exclaimed. “I never even saw him!”

“So what did happen?” asked Adam.

“I got knocked down by a drunk,” Joe all but yelled. “Happy now?”
“We were concerned, that’s all,” Ben said, reprovingly.

“Sorry,” Joe muttered. He looked desperately at Ben, and saw sudden understanding blossom in his father’s eyes.

“Let’s eat,” Ben said, bringing the interrogation to a close.

               **********

Later, after Susie had gone to bed, Joe told Ben, Adam and Hoss what had really happened. “Did Roy catch him?” Adam asked.

“What did Paul say?” Ben wanted to know.

Looking at them, Joe laughed. “No, Roy didn’t catch him, but is looking out for him. Paul said I was fine, apart from a few bruises. Any more questions?”

There was some laughter, then Adam toned the conversation down again. “How are we going to get rid of this guy, Pa?” he asked. “Susie can’t stay cooped up at the ranch all the time. Nor can we spare someone to watch the house all the time.”

“I don’t know,” Ben admitted. “But I’m sure we’ll think of something. In the meantime, its important that we don’t tell Susie how worried we are. First thing tomorrow, assign someone to watch the house. We don’t want to take any chances!”

               ***********

It was a sign of how badly Joe had slept that he was at the breakfast table without being roused. His mind had gone over endless possibilities for getting rid of Mark Munroe, all of which usually involved Joe shooting him, which was not what he wanted. He wanted a peaceful, permanent solution, but couldn’t think of one. He had been too restless to sleep much.

None of the rest of the family looked as if they’d slept that well either. However, Ben simply outlined the day’s work without further reference to the unpleasantness of yesterday. Joe nodded remotely when his father told him to check the fences on the pasture they were about to move the herd on to.

Still deep in thought, Joe kissed Susie goodbye as he left, then gathered his tools, and headed out. The ride did a lot to calm him, and when he arrived in the pasture, he found a few bits of fence that needed repair. The familiar work demanded a lot of his attention, and he found himself thinking less about Munroe.

Late on in the afternoon, Joe was wrestling with a particularly awkward piece of wire when he saw movement from the corner of his eye. The wire slipped from his hand as he turned to see what had attracted his attention. Galloping across the pasture were two strange horses.

Alarm prickled along Joe’s skin, and he dropped his tools, and reached for his gun. To his intense annoyance, it wasn’t there. Joe had taken off his gun belt earlier, and left it hanging from the pommel of his saddle. His rifle was in the scabbard on his gear, and Cochise had moved away slightly as he grazed. Joe whistled, and Cochise lifted his head, and obediently came towards Joe.

But before Joe could catch his horse, a shot fired, and the bullet whistled past Joe’s ear, and glanced off the glossy black and white shoulder of the gelding. Cochise neighed, whirled, and fled, limping. Joe whistled and called, hoping that the remembered comfort of his voice and scent would outweigh the pain from the bullet crease. Unfortunately, it didn’t. A second shot, wide of the mark, just encouraged Cochise to run faster.

Glancing back at the two men approaching, Joe wasn’t surprised to see one of them was Munroe. He’d have been astonished if it hadn’t been. Taking to his heels, Joe began to run, knowing he had no chance of escape, but unwilling to stand and wait.

The sound of hooves came closer and closer. Joe resisted another glance, concentrating on placing his feet. At the last moment, he sensed the horse getting closer, and swerved. Wrong way! his brain screamed. The horse’s shoulder crashed into Joe’s back, and knocked him flying.

Winded, Joe tried to get to his feet, knowing he was done for if he didn’t get up. His body refused to obey him, and he heard a horse pull up beside him, and then someone knelt on his back. Joe wriggled futilely. One man pinned him down while the other tied him up.

When the last knots were securely tied, Joe was flipped over onto his side. He glared at Munroe, who grinned at his furious expression. “Cat got your tongue?” Munroe jibed.

“I don’t see how this is going to get you what you want,” Joe retorted. “Susie made it quite clear yesterday. She doesn’t want you!”

“I think you might be surprised,” Munroe replied. “I’m sure your father would swap Susie for you.”

“Think what you like,” Joe replied. “You’re not getting Susie back! She’s told us all about you! The sheriff knows about you, too.” Joe turned his head to look at the other man. “And you,” he added. “The sheriff is looking for you.”

“We’re really scared,” Munroe mocked. “Let’s get him moved.”

They bent to pick Joe up, and he shot his bound feet into the second man’s midriff, catching him unawares, and knocking him on his rump. Munroe, who had lifted Joe’s shoulders, dropped them and straightened up angrily. He kicked Joe viciously in the stomach. Joe curled up, fighting not to groan out loud.

“Get up,” Munroe said to his sidekick, then lifted his head and looked away. The other man followed his gaze. He was on his feet in an instant, and turned to run to his horse. “Wait!” Munroe ordered. “We’ve got to take him!” He bent once more to Joe, grabbing him by the shoulder, and yanking him halfway to his feet.

Coming out of the haze of pain, Joe heard shots, and then Munroe broke and ran, dropping Joe and leaving him lying helpless on the grass. Twisting, Joe saw two more horsemen coming towards him, but this time he recognised the horses. It was Adam and Hoss. He let his head drop onto the grass, and breathed through his teeth to help conquer the pain.

Sliding from Sport, Adam knelt by Joe. “Are you all right?” he asked, panting.

“I will be,” Joe assured him. “Just untie me.” Now that the danger was past, Joe noticed his hands were numb, and the rope was chafing his wrists. His stomach ached unremittingly. “Where’s Hoss?”

“He’s chasing those two off,” Adam replied, slicing through the ropes binding Joe. “Here he comes.”

“Are you all right, Shortshanks?” Hoss asked, pulling up his horse, as Adam helped Joe to sit up.

“Yes,” Joe replied, but he couldn’t help clutching his stomach and curling over.

Collecting the canteen from his saddle, Adam gave Joe a drink, rubbing his back absentmindedly. “We heard the two shots,” Adam explained, “ and we thought something had happened. On the way, we saw Cochise, and knew that you were in trouble.”

“Cochise,” Joe said.

“Don’t worry about your pony none,” Hoss said, comfortingly. “He was heading for home. Limpin’, some, but I’ve seen worse.”

“Thanks, Hoss,” Joe said, gratefully.

“Let’s do that last bit of fence,” Adam said to Hoss, “then we can get Joe home. You sit there,” he added to Joe, who’d had no intention of doing anything else. He watched as his brothers efficiently mended the last bit of fence, and the pain in his stomach subsided a bit.

Ready to go, Adam helped Joe to his feet, and Joe was surprised at how shaky he felt. Adam mounted Sport, and Joe got up behind him.

They arrived home just before Ben set out with a search party. Cochise had limped into the yard only a few minutes before. Joe slipped down from Sport and walked slowly to the barn to see his horse. The pain in his stomach had settled to an uncomfortable ache. Ben followed Joe into the barn, after hearing Adam and Hoss’s story. “Are you all right, son?” he asked, quietly.

Stroking Cochise’s neck, Joe nodded. “I’m fine, Pa,” he assured him. “There’s nothing broken.”

“What did Munroe intend to do?” asked Ben.

“Ransom me for Susie,” Joe answered. “I told him you’d never do it, but he didn’t believe me.”

“We’ve got to report this to Roy,” Ben said, looking angry. “You could have been badly hurt, Joe.”

“I know,” Joe replied, soberly. “But I’m fine, Pa. Honest.” He looked at his father, and the unasked question rose in his expressive eyes. Ben read it without any trouble, and stepped closer to take Joe in a comforting embrace.

“I would have moved heaven and earth to get you back,” he said, leaning his head on the chestnut curls. “But I wouldn’t have handed Susie over to that man!” He hugged Joe close, and the youth returned the pressure, unable to say anything.

               **********

No mention of Joe’s close call was made to Susie. He told her Cochise had been injured by a piece of wire, and the wire cut he later discovered on his hand added authenticity to his claim.
Concerned for Joe’s safety now, Ben had him work near the house for the next couple of days, doing lots of small, time consuming, unimportant chores. Joe chafed under the restriction, but in truth, he had been shaken by the incident, and the cut on his hand was quite deep.

However, Susie wasn’t stupid, and could feel the unease in the atmosphere in the house. After a day or two of watching Joe working under the watchful eye of whichever hand was on guard duty, she put the pieces together.

“Joe,” she said, coming across the yard to where Joe was mending a broken rein. “Please tell me what happened the other day? Why are you not going out with Adam and Hoss? Is it something to do with Mark?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Joe replied. “I can’t go out without Cochise, and my hand is pretty sore still.”

“You didn’t get those rope burns from mending a fence,” Susie said, her eyes snapping with anger. “It was Mark, wasn’t it?” Tears spilled down her face. “I knew something bad would happen!”

Dropping the bridle, Joe rose and took Susie in his arms. “You’re safe here,” he said, softly. “Nothing will happen to you. Pa is meeting our lawyer, and is going to get a court order so Mark can’t bother you. It’ll be all right, honestly.”

Wiping the tears from her face, Susie stood passively in Joe’s arms. Her mind was made up. She would leave that night.

               *********

The big case clock had struck 1 a.m. when Susie tiptoed down the stairs. She had packed her belongings earlier, and was wearing a warm jacket over her riding habit. The house had been silent for some hours, and Susie had been reassured by Hoss’ steady snoring. She slipped out into the yard, easing the door closed behind her, and crossed to the barn.

The mare she had been riding was there, and Susie quickly brought across the saddle and began to tack her up. Cochise nickered, and Susie spared a moment to rub the pinto’s nose. The bullet wound on his shoulder was healing nicely, but Susie knew he would be off work at least another week. Joe’s reluctance to ride anything else hadn’t escaped her notice, and she assumed that he was unlikely to go after her.
Leading her mare, Susie left the yard before she mounted up and rode off. The house still looked peaceful, and she hoped they would forgive her for slipping away without saying goodbye. She looked back over her shoulder, and the mare let out a ringing neigh. From the barn, one of the other horses answered.

Horrified, Susie put her heels to the mare’s side and galloped off.

               *********

Startled from a shallow sleep, Joe heard the neighing, and wondered if some animal had got into the barn. He rose, and looked out the window. The barn door was slightly open. Joe shook his head, and swiftly dressed. Nobody else in the house was stirring, and he carried his boots as he went to the door.

Slinging his gun belt on, and shrugging into his jacket, Joe went cautiously outside, and eased round the barn door. It was empty, apart from the horses. Joe relaxed, and put his gun away. Then he noticed the empty stall, and realised at once what had happened. “Susie!” he exclaimed, annoyed, and swiftly threw a saddle onto the bay gelding that had been left for him to ride.

Within minutes, Joe was ready, and he mounted the gelding and sent him galloping from the yard. Even in the dark, Susie’s trail was quite clear, and Joe spotted her a few minutes later. “Susie!” he called, and she looked over her shoulder. She spurred her mare to go faster, but the bay gelding was longer striding, and Joe soon caught her up.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he demanded, grabbing her rein.

“I don’t know,” she threw back at him. “It doesn’t matter. I just have to get away before Mark hurts somebody.”

“I can take care of myself,” Joe asserted.

“Joe, I love you. You’re like a brother to me. I know you’d like more, but I’m sorry, I don’t feel it. I can’t stay and accept your father’s charity. I have to make my own way in the world. And I don’t want you or your family getting hurt because of me.” Susie drew a deep breath. “And if I stay, that’s what will happen. Mark thinks we’re lovers, and he’ll kill you if he can! I couldn’t bear that! Let me go!”

“What will happen when he finds you in San Francisco?” Joe asked, huskily, still holding Susie’s rein. “Where will you run then?”

“I don’t know,” Susie shrieked. “Please, Joe, just leave me alone. At least if I’m gone, he won’t hurt you!”

“Susie, I love you,” Joe said, intensely. “All right, you don’t love me like that. But I’m not going to let you ride away alone. That won’t solve anything. We have to deal with Mark legally, so you can go anywhere, and he can’t touch you. What happens if Mark finds you out here alone? He’ll take you to the nearest town, and force you to marry him. I can’t let that happen. You have a right to live your own life. Come back with me.”

Looking into Joe’s loving green eyes, Susie felt her shoulders slump in acceptance. Joe was right. She wished she did love him like that, for it would solve so many problems. “All right,” she replied. “I’ll come back with you.”

“Good,” Joe said, relief in his voice. He smiled at her, and returned the rein. She began to turn the horse’s head. A shot rang out. The mare reared.

“Ride!” Joe yelled, forcing his gelding against Susie’s mare. He drew his gun, and shot back, knowing he had no chance of hitting whoever it was.

They galloped flat out along the rocky trail, hearing their pursuer galloping behind them. An occasional shot rang out, and Joe was showered with rock fragments when a bullet hit near his head. “Keep going,” he ordered. He twisted in the saddle and fired behind them again.

The trail opened up slightly, and they galloped on. Joe knew it was madness to ride at that pace in the dark. The thought had barely crossed his mind when Susie’s mare stumbled into an unseen hole, and they fell. Joe dragged his mount to a halt, and jumped from the saddle. “Susie!”

Susie had been thrown clear, and was pushing herself upright. The mare was groaning on the ground, and Joe, giving her a swift look, saw the broken leg. He didn’t hesitate, but put the mare out of her misery. “Susie, are you all right?”

“Yes, I think so,” Susie gasped. “The horse…” She stopped when she saw the unmoving body on the ground.

“Come on,” Joe ordered, helping her up. “We mustn’t let them catch us!” He ran to his horse, dragging Susie by the hand, and threw her into the saddle. “Ride round the bottom of that bluff,” he ordered, “and you’ll head back towards the house. Get help. Tell them I’m on the Carson City trail. Hurry!”

“No! I’m not leaving you!” Susie protested.

“Yes you are!” Joe contradicted. He slapped the gelding on the rump, and it shot off. Joe didn’t stop to watch. He dived behind a large boulder and drew bead on the trail, waiting for whoever was chasing them.

It took Joe a moment to realise that the person wasn’t coming straight down the trail. He heard the hooves, and it dawned on him that they had seen Susie and were riding to cut her off. Joe scrambled to his feet, and ran, skidding on loose rocks, to intercept. He leapt up the last small rise, and threw himself down on the horseman below.

It was a terrible fall they took. Joe hit the man – Munroe – almost at the last minute, with just his right arm. He bounced off the rump of the chestnut gelding, pulling Munroe with him. He managed to pull his shoulder out of its socket at the same time. They crashed to the rocky ground in a heap.

Munroe recovered first. He shook off Joe’s arm, and got to his feet. Joe lay in the dust, groaning with pain. His arm was out flung, and he knew he couldn’t move it. He left hand was trapped under his body, and his gun was goodness knows where.

“At last, I have you where I want you,” Munroe snarled. “You’re not going to marry Susie, my boy! There won’t be enough left of you to marry anyone when I’m done with you!”

“You kill me, and you won’t marry Susie either!” Joe retorted. “Don’t you thinks she knows who’s chasing her?”

“I’ll get her. I have a paper which proves she insane,” he taunted.

“You’re the one who’s insane,” Joe grated.

Growling, Munroe kicked Joe in the side with enough force to knock him onto his back. The pain from his shoulder drowned out the pain in his ribs. Joe scrabbled frantically with his left hand to find a rock that he could throw. His fingers closed on one as Munroe jumped on top of him. Joe’s fingers opened reflexively, as the wind was knocked out of him.

“I’ll teach you to cross me,” Munroe muttered. He grabbed Joe’s injured arm and yanked it down. Joe couldn’t repress a howl of pain. He threw a punch with his left hand, which skidded off Munroe’s cheek. It didn’t hurt Munroe though, it just annoyed him more. He pulled Joe’s arm up and down, glorying in the pain it was causing. Joe dimly knew that if he didn’t do something, his arm would be damaged permanently. Clinging desperately to consciousness, Joe groped for his rock again and found it. He crashed it against Munroe’s head.

It took a moment for Joe to realise that Munroe was no longer sitting on his chest. Somehow, Joe pushed himself up, and gathered his scattered wits. His opponent was lying, eyes closed, on the ground. Joe dragged in a deep breath, trying to control the agony that bellowed along his arm. He glanced around for his gun, and saw it lying a few yards away.

Turning in that direction, Joe started to reach for it. But he never made it. Munroe hadn’t been knocked out by the blow to his head. He came up from the ground with a roar, and threw himself on Joe again. This time there was no sophisticated torture. This time, he was intent on beating Joe to death with his fists.

Joe knew he was fighting for his life. He was severely hampered by his injured arm, but the adrenalin pumping through his system gave him added strength. Twice, Joe managed to throw Munroe to the ground, and run a few paces. Both times, Munroe caught him.

As the first faint tinges of dawn lightened the eastern horizon, Joe was driven to his knees, dazed, bleeding and in pain. His mind screamed at his body to move, but he simply couldn’t. He had taken too many blows. His head swam with pain and he fell over. Through a red haze, he saw Munroe scoop up a fallen gun. Dimly, Joe realised that it was his own. He lay on the ground, wavering on the edge of unconsciousness, and knew he was going to die by his own gun. He closed his eyes.

               **********
Galloping along the trail, Ben, Adam and Hoss were astonished and alarmed to see Susie coming in the opposite direction, riding Joe’s gelding. She was covered in dust, and the shoulder seam of her jacket was torn. “Help!” she screamed, as they came into view. “Mark is after us! Joe stayed behind to cut him off! Please!”

“Oh no!” Ben exclaimed, and urged Buck to a faster pace. The others needed no urging. They flew along the trail, knowing they were putting their horses’ lives at risk, but knowing that Joe was in danger. Adam had been wakened by Joe galloping out of the yard.

It was Hoss who saw the tracks cutting off, and led them along the side trail. As the light grew, imperceptibly, moment by moment, they saw a horse standing further away. There was a cloud of dust, and as they drew nearer, they saw two men fighting on the ground. Then one man fell, and the other snatched up a gun.

Drawing his gun, Adam fired several times in the air. The man with the gun spun round and fired at the Cartwrights. His aim was hopelessly off, but they pulled up and dismounted. “I’ll go round,” Hoss said, and crept off. Adam drew the man’s fire, to cover Hoss.

“Its Munroe,” Ben said, ducking as a bullet whistled close overhead.

“Yeah, and that’s Joe on the ground. He must be hurt.” Adam fired again, and dropped down to reload. Ben took over, kneeling up to fire at Munroe.

A rifle shot rang out, and Munroe dropped to the ground. Warily, the Cartwrights left cover, and converged on the fallen gunman. Hoss knelt by him. “He’s still alive, Pa,” he said

“Tie him up,” Ben ordered, and crossed to where Joe lay, unmoving on the ground. He knelt down and felt for Joe’s pulse. It was there, banging away erratically. Joe’s face was scraped and bleeding in several places, and his right arm lay at an odd angle, even allowing for the displaced shoulder. “We need to get Joe home,” Ben said to Adam. “We need Roy and Paul.”

               *********

It took some time to get Joe home. Susie had been waiting for them on the trail, and when she saw the unconscious form bundled up in front of Ben, she promptly fainted. Worried about Joe, Ben decided to leave Susie in Adam’s capable hands, and rode on.

When she woke, disoriented, Susie was embarrassed. “Oh dear,” she said to Adam, blushing. “I’ve never fainted before. My nanny wouldn’t let me. She said well bred ladies didn’t go around swooning. I feel a little odd.” She put a hand to her head. “How’s Joe?” she asked, apprehension in her voice.

“He’ll be all right,” Adam said. “What about you? Can you get up now?”

“I think so,” Susie agreed, and was soon back on her feet. When he thought she was steady enough, Adam assisted her back onto the horse, and they rode back to the ranch more slowly.
On the way, Susie told Adam why she and Joe had been out there in the middle of the night.

“You should have trusted us,” Adam commented.

“I know,” Susie agreed, wretchedly. “But I knew your father hoped that Joe and I would get married, and I would stay around, and I don’t love him like that, so I thought it would be easier if I just slipped away. I never thought Mark would be watching the ranch.”

“He disappeared from town after trying to kidnap Joe the other day,” said Adam. “We didn’t tell you, because we didn’t want you to worry.”

“Its all my fault,” lamented Susie.

“Something would have happened, Susie,” Adam told her, in his no nonsense voice. “And things happen to Joe all the time. I’m sure he’ll be fine. And look at it this way,” he added, humour twinkling in his eyes. “Mark won’t be able to bother you for a very long time!”

After a startled pause, Susie began to laugh, and laughed until she was crying with relief.

               *********

By noon, Paul and Roy had both been to the house and were gone again. Paul had replaced Joe’s shoulder, and set his broken right arm. Joe was sleeping, with the help of some laudanum for pain. Paul had diagnosed broken ribs, too, and bound them up. The other damage was mostly bruising. Everything would heal, in time.

Roy had taken Munroe away, after Paul had checked him over. Hoss’s bullet had just creased his head, and the injury wasn’t serious. Roy was planning to throw the book at Munroe, and was eager to wire the circuit judge, to find out when the trial would be.

Coming wearily down stairs, Ben smiled at Susie, who was seated in front of the fire. “How are you feeling?” he asked.

“I’m fine,” she replied. “Mr Cartwright, I’m going to be leaving soon. I’m going to stay with my cousin in San Francisco. As soon as the trail is past, I intend to go. Thank you for your kindness to me. I wish I were in love with one of the boys. Then I would have a reason to stay.”

“You don’t have to leave, ever,” Ben assured her. “We love having you here. You feel like one of the family to us. Don’t feel you have to leave because you’re not in love with Joe.”

Tears welled in Susie’s eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered. “But I can’t stay. I can’t raise Joe’s hopes. He’s so special, but I’m not in love with him. Its like he’s my brother, a very special brother. So as soon as the trial is over, I’ll go.”

               **********

The circuit judge was in Virginia City within a week. Joe was still confined to bed with a slight fever, but the testimony of Susie and the other Cartwrights was more than enough to get Munroe convicted for a long spell.

               **********
Hesitating outside Joe’s door, Susie bit her lip. She didn’t want to say goodbye, but she was leaving town on the next stage, and couldn’t put it off any longer. She knocked briskly and went in.

Turning his head to see who it was, Joe’s face lit up. “Susie.” He gave her a beaming smile – the smile that always made Susie catch her breath. Then his eyes fell on her clothes, and he knew. “You’re leaving.”
“Yes,” she said, and the tears began to fall. “This afternoon. I’ve come to say goodbye.”

Gazing at her, Joe’s tears fell, too. “I love you, Susie,” he said. “There’s always a place for you here.”

“I love you, too, Joe,” Susie answered. “I’ll write.” She leant over and kissed him, pressing a small, tissue wrapped object into his hand. “Goodbye.”

It was quite a while before Joe could bring himself to look at Susie’s parting gift. He listened to the buggy pulling out of the yard, and the tears rolled down his face. Every now and then, he lifted his hand and wiped them away. His grief assuaged for the moment, he fumbled with the tissue and uncovered the belt buckle.

The tears began again. The buckle was exactly his taste. How well Susie knew him. He lay there and looked at it, his last link, for now, with the girl he had grown to love.

That was how he was lying when Ben looked in about an hour later. “Joe?” Ben said, softly.

Red-rimmed green eyes turned in his direction. “She’s gone, Pa,” he said.

“I know, son.” Ben sat down on the edge of the bed. “She’s given me her cousin’s address. Who knows, we might see her again some day.”

Moving awkwardly, Joe sat up and leant against his father’s strong shoulder, and wept out his heartbreak. Ben patted Joe’s back, wishing that Susie had loved him in return, but knowing that there was no way to order another’s heart. After a time, Joe’s sobs quieted. He sniffed loudly, and Ben fished in his pocket for a handkerchief. He wiped Joe’s eyes and nose for him, then settled him comfortable against the pillows.

“Look what she gave me,” Joe said, and held the buckle out for Ben’s inspection.

“Its lovely,” Ben said. “Joe, Susie may not be ‘in love’ with you, but she does love you. This buckle is ‘you’. Treasure this. It’s the type of gift a woman buys for a man who has a special place in her heart.”

Closing his fingers round it, Joe looked at the window, and the patch of blue sky he could see. “Goodbye, Susie,” he said.

The end

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