Too Much Love Will Kill You
By: Rona Y.
“How’d
you manage that?” Hoss asked, admiringly. “They ain’t bin in town but a couple
a weeks.”
“Natural
charm, big brother,” Joe Cartwright responded, with false modesty. “Just my
natural charm and good looks.” He stuffed a forkful of food into his mouth and
chewed innocently, avoiding his brother’s eyes.
“You
mean you were the first one to ask,” Adam, the oldest son responded, dryly.
“That
too, perhaps,” Joe agreed, after swallowing. “But Lucy’s the prettiest girl,
ain’t she?”
“Who
are we talking about here?” Ben asked, perplexed. “I don’t believe I know this
family.”
“The
Watsons, Pa,” Adam said, snaffling the last chop from under Hoss’ fork. He gave
his brother a smile. “They moved into Peterson’s old place a few weeks ago.
He’s got something to do with one of the mines, I forget which one.”
“How
did you meet them, Joe?” Ben asked. He did recall hearing about their arrival.
“Lucy
and her mother were in the store when I went in last week,” Joe said. “Mr Cameron,
the storekeeper, introduced us. I met Lucy again when I was in yesterday and
asked if she’d like to go to the dance tomorrow night. She said yes, and when
her mother came in, her mother agreed, too.”
“Just
goes to show that your reputation hadn’t preceded you for a change,” Adam
remarked, hiding a smile as his younger brother spluttered into indignant
denials. “Mrs Watson would never have let you near Lucy other wise.”
“Adam,”
Ben said, in gentle reproof, but he couldn’t help smiling. “So, are there more
children?”
“Not
that I’ve seen,” Joe said, shooting Adam a dark glance that promised vengeance
at some future date. “But I’ve only met her twice,
“You’re
slipping, younger brother,” Adam said, rising to his feet. “I bet you don’t
knew how old the young lady is.”
“That’s
where you’re wrong, older brother,” Joe rejoindered. “She’s 19, as it happens.”
He grinned. “I always get the pertinent facts.”
“Well,
get these pertinent facts,” Ben said. “Time and chores wait for no man.”
Taking
the hint, they all went back to work.
**************
Next
evening, Joe carefully dressed in his best and bore his brothers’ teasing with
equanimity. The buggy was already hitched and he set off in plenty of time,
wanting to impress his date’s parents. He knew the house they lived in well, as
it had previously belonged to the family of one of Joe’s schoolmates.
He
knocked on the door and was delighted when Lucy opened it herself. Joe allowed
himself a moment to savour her beauty before he said, “Lucy, you look
wonderful!”
“Thank
you, Joe,” she responded. “Won’t you come in while I get my wrap.”
Following
her inside, Joe cast a quick look round, noticing the changes in the house
since he had last been there. It also allowed him the chance to drink in Lucy’s
beauty again. She was small, her head barely clearing his shoulder, and
slender, with long red hair and green eyes. Her skin was fair and she projected
an air of extreme fragility that Joe found enchanting.
“Ah,
you must be young Cartwright,” said a voice from behind Joe, and he turned to
see an older man standing there. “How d’you do, young man.”
“Fine,
thank you, sir,” Joe replied, shaking hands. He could see at once that Lucy
bore a strong resemblance to her father, and from him she got her green eyes
and red hair. Mr Watson’s colouring was fading, but his hair still had a
reddish tinge to it. “Thank you for allowing me to take Lucy to the dance. I
promise to get her back at a decent hour.”
“By
11.30,” Watson said, genially. “Lucy isn’t so delicate that she’ll wilt if she
stays out late.” He smiled and so did Joe, instinctively liking this man. “Have
a good time, young man. I’ve heard a lot about you and your family, and I’m
told Lucy is in safe hands.”
“Thank
you,” Joe said. He crooked his arm towards Lucy, who had reappeared with a dark
purple wrap over her lilac dress. “11.30,” he said. “Good night, sir.”
“Have
a good time, Lucy,” Watson said, kissing his daughter’s cheek. He watched them
go, and then turned to his wife. “I like that young man,” he said. “I hope it
all works out.”
************
After
a few moments initial shyness, Lucy soon thawed to Joe’s charm and by the time
they reached the hotel, they were fast friends. By then, Joe had discovered
that she was an only child, although an older brother had died in infancy. Her
father was part owner of many mines around the country, not just in
Once
inside the hotel, Lucy’s shyness returned for a few minutes, until Joe began to
introduce her around. The young men Joe’s age were smitten with her at once,
and many of them tried to persuade her to abandon Joe for a dance, but she
resolutely refused them all. Joe was flattered.
Finally,
he spied his family arriving, and took Lucy over to meet them. “Pa, Adam, Hoss,
this is Lucy Watson. Lucy, my father and brothers.” Joe beamed with pride as he
saw Ben’s eyes open a bit wider.
“How
d you do?” Ben said, taking her hand and smiling gently at her. As the boys had
said, Lucy was a beauty. “I’m so pleased to meet you.”
“Likewise,”
Lucy said, eyeing Adam and Hoss askance as Joe joked with them about their late
arrival. “Joe has mentioned you to me.” Lucy smiled at Adam as he took his turn
bowing over her hand, and Hoss blushed as he muttered something that she didn’t
catch.
“Yeah,
yeah, all right, family, this is my date, hands off,” Joe said, jokingly, and
Lucy gave him her best smile. “We’re going to dance. See you folks later.”
“Your
family seem nice,” Lucy said, as they headed back to the dance floor.
“Yeah,
they are I guess,” Joe agreed. “Pa is the best, and so is Hoss. Adam and I
don’t always see eye to eye, but he’s always there for me. Guess we’re pretty
lucky that we get on so well, working together an’ everything.” Joe smiled at
her. “But I don’t want to talk about my family tonight. Tonight, I want to talk
about you.”
Smiling,
Lucy instantly felt more secure. She had had a moment of panic when his family
appeared, but she was reassured by his interest in her. “Flattery will get you
everywhere,” she said, coyly, and was delighted when Joe laughed.
*****************
“Not
Lucy again,” Adam said, as Joe came downstairs after supper in clean clothes.
“Have you run out of other girlfriends, or is this serious?”
“You’re
jealous, big brother,” Joe said, cheerfully, as he buckled on his gun
belt. “You weren’t quick enough off the
mark, and you hate to admit it!”
“Well,
I don’t know about that,” Adam responded, rising and joining his brother by the
credenza. “I would say that its you who wasn’t quick enough off the mark this
time. I think the young lady has set her hat at you, and you’ll be the next Mr
Lucy Watson in no time at all.”
“Haha,
very funny,” Joe responded. “She’s a nice girl, and I liked being with her, but
its not love for either of us. We’re just having fun.”
Tapping
Joe on the shoulder with the book he was holding Adam warned, “Just be sure
Lucy knows that, all right?”
“Adam,
trust me,” Joe said, grinning. “Just because you have problems handling women
doesn’t mean that I do. Lucy and I are just friends.”
“Just
remember to invite me to the wedding,” Adam said, as Joe sailed out of the
door. Little did he know that his words would come back to haunt him.
****************
The
summer evening was scented by the many fragrant flowers growing in the
Watson’s’ garden. Joe didn’t know the names of most of them, but he didn’t
care. He gave his attention to Lucy, not the blooms that surrounded them as
they sat by a little table and sipped lemonade. Joe was a little surprised that
Lucy didn’t have more friends, as they had been living in
The
one thing that seemed to endlessly fascinate her was Joe’s life at the ranch.
She wanted to know all the details of his days, and asked questions so she
could understand more clearly what it was he did. Joe was flattered. Now, Lucy
said, “What are you doing tomorrow, Joe?”
“Its
my day off,” Joe answered, grinning. “Mitch and I are going fishing.”
“Mitch?”
Lucy said, sharply. “Who’s Mitch?”
Somewhat
surprised at her tone Joe said, “He’s my best friend. We were at school
together. He works on another ranch, and we made arrangements to go fishing on
his next day off. That’s tomorrow.”
“I
see,” Lucy said, coolly. Joe looked at her. This was something he had seen
periodically over the last couple of weeks, and he had put it down to the fact
she didn’t know many people and found it difficult to picture the people he
mentioned. Now, he wasn’t so sure. She gave Joe a smile, which he returned. “So
what’s he like, this Mitch?”
As
he described his friend, Joe wondered about Lucy’s change of attitude. To begin
with, she had wanted to know everything about the people he knew, but as she
realised how wide Joe’s circle of friends was, she had stopped asking. Joe
wondered if she was jealous, but it wasn’t something he felt he could ask her
yet. “We’re meeting near my mother’s grave,” Joe said, having already shown
Lucy the grave.
“I
hope you have a nice day,” she said, but her tone wasn’t convincing.
“What
are you doing?” Joe asked.
“Visiting
with the minister’s wife, I believe,” Lucy answered. She laughed. “I’d rather go
fishing with you.”
“My
next day off, I might just take you up on that offer,” Joe said, teasingly. “Or
we could go on Sunday after church?”
Before
Lucy could say anything, Mrs Watson appeared. Joe recognised this for the
signal that it was time he went home. He rose politely as Mrs Watson joined
them. “It’s growing later, Joseph,” she said, reprovingly, as she had developed
the habit of doing. “You won’t be able to get up for work tomorrow.”
“No,
ma’am,” Joe said. “Thank you for your hospitality. Good night, Lucy. I’ll see
you soon, I hope.”
As
he wove through the garden to where he had left Cochise, Joe could feel the
women’s eyes on him all the way. He wondered if they talked about him after he
had gone. Mounting, he grinned into the growing darkness. Adam would chide him
for having a big head, and Joe wondered if in this case, his older brother
might not just be right. Joe patted the black and white neck in front of him.
“Well, let’s not tell him, huh, Cooch?” he said.
The
pinto snorted in agreement.
***************
There
wasn’t much fishing going on the next day. Joe and Mitch were more in the mood
for just relaxing. They each had their poles with them, and they were dangling
in the water, but very little attention was paid to them.
“I
heard about the new girl you’re seein’,” Mitch said. “I hear she’s a beauty.”
“You
got that,” Joe said. “She sure is. Little bit of a girl, slim as a wand, and
gorgeous. Her folks are nice, too.” Joe then amended that. “Well, her Pa is. He
likes me real well.”
“Hasn’t
he heard about you, Joe?” Mitch teased. “You belong the to the girl of the week
club!”
“I’m
not that bad,” Joe returned, lazily, then shot Mitch a sideways look. They both
burst out laughing. “You’re just jealous, Mitch. The girls all prefer a
good-looker, like me!”
Making
an outraged noise, Mitch jumped on Joe and they wrestled for a few minutes
before both breaking off and laughing again. Joe thumped Mitch affectionately
on the back. “Come in to the next dance and I’ll introduce you.”
“I
might take you up on that,” Mitch replied. He rose to tuck his shirt back in,
and there was a sudden singing in the air. Before either of them could react,
an arrow struck Mitch in the back, knocking him off his feet.
In
an instant, Joe was covering his helpless friend, his gun drawn, peering warily
around. There was no movement, and no one to be seen. For several minutes, Joe
crouched there, waiting for the next arrow to come his way, but when nothing
happened, he gradually relaxed and turned his attention to getting help for
Mitch.
***************
“There
was no way I could leave Mitch to try and find who shot him,” Joe concluded. He
looked tired and worried. Paul Martin said Mitch would be all right, that the wound
wasn’t too serious, but Joe had had a worrying few hours as he got his injured
friend to help.
Sheriff
Roy Coffee nodded. “Course not, Joe,” he agreed. “You couldn’t leave Mitch. We
all understand that. You go an’ get some rest. We’ll have a look around, but I
don’t think we’ll find anythin’.”
Wearily,
Joe rose and headed back out to his horse. Ben, who had come into town to be
with Joe, followed closely behind, his hand resting on his son’s shoulder,
giving him support. Outside in the street, Joe paused and looked at Ben. “I
don’t understand this, Pa,” he said. “Who would want to shoot Mitch? Why?”
“I
don’t know,” Ben answered, troubled. His unspoken fear was that the arrow was
actually intended for Joe, not Mitch. But he couldn’t add to his son’s burden.
He pulled Joe towards him and cradled that curly head on his shoulder for a
moment. He could feel Joe lean into his warmth and start to relax. After a
moment, Joe straightened up and smiled at Ben.
“Thanks,
Pa,” he said, and Ben nodded.
“Let’s
go home,” he said. Together, they mounted up and headed back towards the ranch.
From
the shadows, Lucy watched, her mouth tight with anger.
*************
Over
the next few days, Joe was very subdued. He performed all his chores, but his
mind clearly wasn’t on them. Every night, he rode over to visit Mitch, who was
at home and on the long road to recovery. Both young men spent hours puzzling
over who had shot at Mitch and came up with no answers. But it was Mitch who
finally voiced Ben’s fears. “What if they weren’t shooting at me?” he asked.
“I
can’t think of anyone who’d be shooting at me,” Joe returned. The thought had
crossed his mind a few days earlier, although he hadn’t said anything to
anyone. “I haven’t fallen out with anyone recently.”
“It
can’t even be a jealous lover,” Mitch said, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
“Because the only person Lucy has gone out with is you!”
“Guess
I’d better be getting back,” Joe said, glancing out of the window and seeing
that it was getting dark. “Take care.”
“You,
too, Joe,” Mitch said, and his voice was deadly serious. For the first time,
Joe realized how vulnerable he was, riding home alone in the growing darkness.
“I’ll
be fine,” he said, more to convince Mitch than himself. “I’ll see you soon.”
He
stood for a moment on the porch, gathering his courage to ride home. Joe much
preferred to face danger head on. He hated this kind of insidious threat. Joe’s
way was to have a confrontation, deal with the problem and accept the
consequences. Taking a deep breath and squaring his shoulders Joe walked to his
horse, mounted and rode home with his head held high, defying the mysterious
shooter to do their worst.
He
arrived home unmolested.
**************
“How’s
your friend, Joe?” Mr Watson enquired, when Joe came to collect Lucy for the
dance on Saturday night. Although Joe had seen Lucy mid-week, Mr Watson hadn’t
been at home.
“He’s
getting better, thank you,” Joe replied. Mitch was now allowed out of bed, and
seemed to be recovering quickly.
“It’s
a terrible thing,” Watson said, shaking his head. “Has the sheriff any idea who
is behind this?”
“No,
sir,” Joe admitted. “All we know is that it wasn’t an Indian.”
“How
do you know that?” Watson asked, interestedly.
“The
arrow was made by a firm who specialise in archery equipment,” Joe said. Beside
him, Lucy caught her breath. “They are quite common, I’m told. Manufactured by
the hundreds.” He sighed. “That doesn’t help us.”
“No,
I can see that,” Watson said. The tall case clock began to chime and he started.
“Well, I mustn’t keep you young people from your fun. See you later.” He gave
Lucy his customary kiss on the cheek and they left.
“It
was nice of your Pa to ask after Mitch,” Joe said, as he handed Lucy into the
buggy.
“I
suppose,” Lucy said, ungraciously and Joe frowned.
“What’s
wrong?” he asked.
“All
I seem to hear about these days is Mitch!” Lucy burst out petulantly. “Everyone
is talking about it!”
Taken
aback, Joe struggled to find words. “Well, its worrying,” he said, finally,
thinking that perhaps she was reacting like this because she was scared. “But
it seems to be a one off incident. Please don’t worry, Lucy, I won’t let anyone
harm you.”
“I
know you wouldn’t, Joe,” Lucy said, and smiled softly at him.
****************
Their
evening passed pleasantly, although Mitch’s name was mentioned more often than
either Lucy or Joe liked. However, the young couple did their best to forget
and enjoy themselves, and they mostly succeeded.
When
the time came for Joe to take Lucy home, she was rather taken aback to find
Ben, Adam and Hoss waiting for them by the buggy. She slowed suspiciously, and
shot a questioning glance at Joe. Before he could say anything, Ben spoke up.
“Good evening again, Lucy. I hope you don’t mind us joining you, but I’m sure
you understand that we’re a little concerned for Joe’s safety right now, and we
thought we’d accompany him.”
“I
would think Joe’s perfectly safe in the town,” Lucy said, haughtily, and Ben
made a deprecating face.
“Its
not a chance I’m willing to take,” he said. “But don’t worry, we won’t cramp
your style.”
“I’ve
heard that one before, Pa,” Joe said, and Ben laughed.
“But
aren’t you safe in town?” Lucy demanded as they drove home. True to his word,
Ben and the others kept a discreet distance behind.
“I
don’t know,” Joe answered. “But you can’t blame Pa for being worried, I guess.
It would be worse if he wasn’t worried about me.” He made a face. “You gotta
remember that he does all the worrying alone. My Mama died when I was small,
and we’re real close.”
“You
can take care of yourself, Joe,” Lucy said.
“Yes,
I can, when I can see the trouble coming,” Joe agreed. “But something like this
– well, all I can hope is that one of them sees the arrow coming and sings out
in time for me to duck.” He laughed. “I’d rather they weren’t playing
gooseberry, too, but I’d sooner that than an arrow between my shoulders!”
Stopping
the buggy at her door, Joe assisted her down. She tilted her face up to him.
“You may kiss me if you’d like,” she said, softly.
Smiling
at the innocence of the remark, Joe bent his head and gave her a chaste kiss on
the lips; a kiss of friendship. He liked Lucy, but he wasn’t in love with her,
nor did he think he would ever be. They were friends, nothing more and he
thought Lucy felt the same way. She had never led him to believe otherwise.
That
kiss told Lucy many things too, and she glared back at the shadowy figure of Ben
and his other two sons. It was their presence that was inhibiting Joe. She knew
it was. Somehow, she had to make sure that she and Joe were alone in future.
“Good night,” she whispered, and slipped in the door.
********************
“Come
on, Pa, I’m a big boy,” Joe said, impatiently. “You can’t keep following me
around. There hasn’t been anyone else shot, and we can’t still assume that
whoever it was is still around. I need to get back to normal.”
“I
know that, son,” Ben replied. “I just find it hard not to worry.”
“Pa,
I know that. But what are you going to do? Follow me around for the rest of my
life?” Joe smiled at Ben. “I know you’re worried, but we can’t go on like
this.”
“All
right, Joe, you win,” Ben capitulated and watched as Joe went out to mount his
horse and ride into town alone. He was still uneasy about Joe’s safety. Just
because there hadn’t been another attempt simply meant, to Ben, that his
surveillance was working. But it wasn’t fair to Joe, and he knew it wasn’t fair
to the girl Joe was seeing. Lucy had made it quite plain that she didn’t
approve of one or another of Joe’s family following him about all the time.
“Did
you let Joe go on his own?” Hoss said, as Ben came back into the house.
“Yes,”
Ben said, dryly. “He has a point. I can’t follow him about for the rest of his
life. Joe’s an adult, he can take care of himself.” He went over to his desk
and drew out a letter he had to answer, but his mind wasn’t on the closely
written pages in front of him. He was thinking of Joe, riding off alone. He
abruptly came to a decision. “Hoss, I’ve got to go into town. I’ll be back in
time for supper.”
“But,
Pa…” Hoss protested. He was too late, Ben was already out of the door and gone.
***************
“Now
this is more like it,” Lucy teased, as she walked arm in arm with Joe along the
main street.
“What
do you mean?” Joe asked, looking down at her. After almost a month of seeing
her, Joe was seriously thinking of breaking off the relationship. He felt that
he knew Lucy no better than he had that first date, and he didn’t want to lead
her on.
“No
chaperone,” she said, gesturing behind them. “What happened? How did you
persuade them to leave you alone?”
“Pa
isn’t unreasonable,” Joe said, “ and he knew he couldn’t follow me around for
the rest of my life.”
“I
thought he was going to though,” Lucy said, tartly, and Joe frowned.
“Lucy,
he’s my father. He’s worried about me, and I can’t blame him. We never have
found out who shot at Mitch.” Joe couldn’t understand Lucy’s unreasonable attitude
towards his family. He supposed it was a natural reaction to having them close
by all the time. He decided a change of subject was in order. “What have you
been doing with yourself since I saw you last?” he asked.
“Oh,
not much,” she replied evasively. Joe was frustrated. She never told him what
she liked to do, or who her friends were. As though sensing this, she said, “I
have been practicing my pianoforte more recently. Mama thinks I might be good
enough to play for some of the Sunday services in time.”
“I
didn’t know you played,” Joe said, delighted that she’d finally opened up and
told him something about herself.
“Do
you play?” she asked.
“No,”
Joe replied, laughing. “Adam’s the musical one in our family. He plays the
guitar.”
“Adam,”
she repeated, wishing that Joe didn’t keep mentioning his family. “Joe, I
promised Mama that I wouldn’t stay out very long, as I have to practice some
more. Mama wants me to play for some ladies who are coming round tomorrow.”
“All
right,” Joe agreed, and Lucy wished he hadn’t agreed so quickly.
However,
she did want to practice, but it wasn’t the pianoforte. Lucy was an expert
marksman with rifle, pistol and arrows. She had been honing her skills for many
years, as her father taught her all the things he would have taught a son. For
a long time, she couldn’t see any use for her skills, but when she fell in love
with Joe, they were suddenly the most useful things she had. True, her shot at
Mitch hadn’t killed him as she had intended, but he was still off work, and Joe
hadn’t been seeing as much of him as before.
As
they neared Lucy’s home, they were both surprised by a voice hailing, “Joe!”
Turning,
Joe said, “What are you doing here, Pa?”
“Oh,
something came up I needed to deal with. I just thought I’d see if you were
about ready to head for home, that’s all.” Ben smiled to cover his true
feelings. “Hello, Lucy. How are you?”
“Fine,
thank you,” Lucy answered, shortly. “Goodbye, Joe.” She left him without a
backward glance, and when Joe called her name, she didn’t look back.
Retrieving
Cochise, Joe wondered what to say to Ben. He had seen through his father’s lie
at once, and clearly so had Lucy. “Were you just worried about me, or do you
want me to stop seeing Lucy?” he asked, sourly as they cleared the city limits.
“Joe…”
Ben began.
“Its
all right, Pa, I know the answer,” Joe said. “But I thought we’d agreed that
I’m old enough to take care of myself?” He spurred Cochise to a gallop, leaving
Ben behind, rueing his impulsive decision to follow Joe.
**************
All
that evening, Joe was sulky, despite Ben’s apology. However, Joe knew that his
father meant well, and came out of the sulks as he went to bed. By morning, Joe
had decided that if his father’s interference had brought his relationship with
Lucy to a close, he wouldn’t complain too much. Joe hated to end relationships,
and he sensed that Lucy would be very upset. However, when he went in for
supplies a couple of days later, Lucy was at the store and she greeted him just
the same as always.
“No
escort?” she asked, and Joe overlooked the snide tone of voice.
“No,
I’m all alone,” he replied.
“Goin’
to the dance, Saturday, Little Joe?” asked the storekeeper. “Takin’ this little
lady, if I’m not mistaken.”
Turning
her green eyes up to him, Lucy was smiling slightly in anticipation. Joe cursed
Cameron’s interference, for he hadn’t planned to ask anyone to the dance,
preferring to let it be seen that he was finished with Lucy, and ready to start
a new relationship. Now, he had little choice but to ask Lucy. She accepted
with alacrity.
As
Joe packed the last of the supplies onto the wagon, Cameron said, “Will I be
seein’ your father at the Cattleman’s Association Meetin’ tonight, Little Joe?”
“Yes,
sir,” Joe responded. “Pa said he’d be there. Starts at 7, don’t it?”
“Tell
him not to be late,” Cameron said, jokingly. “I want an early night tonight!”
“I’ll
tell him,” Joe assured him with a grin.
“See
you on Saturday, Joe,” Lucy said, before walking away. Joe watched her go, and
sighed. Well, he would finish it with her on Saturday. She was obviously
expecting it too, even though she didn’t want it to happen. Joe wondered if
Cameron had been primed to ask him about the dance. Sighing again, he shook up
the team and headed for home.
*****************
“Isn’t
it time you were thinking of going to bed, Joe?” Adam asked.
“Pa
isn’t home yet,” Joe responded, not taking his eyes from the checkers board in
front of him. “It can’t be that late. Besides, Adam, I’m a big boy now, I can
please myself what time I go to bed.”
“Its
nigh on
An
inexplicable fear rose in Joe’s throat and choked off his breath. He swallowed
frantically, and with relief was able to gasp in a lungful of air. “Oh no,” he
whispered.
“It
might be nothing, Joe,” Adam said, crossing to crouch beside Joe. “Don’t go
borrowing trouble.” He shot a glance at Hoss.
“Adam’s
right, Shortshanks,” Hoss said, but his voice was less than convincing.
“We’ve
got to look for him,” Joe whispered. His breath was still coming in short,
panicky gasps. “We’ve got to.”
Troubled,
Adam rose to his feet, and they all heard the hooves galloping into the yard.
As one, they went to the door, and opened it to find Clem Foster, the deputy,
there. Joe sagged the moment he saw Clem’s face and Adam caught him before he
fell. “What’s happened?” Adam asked.
“Your
Pa was shot by a mystery gunman as he left town tonight,” Clem said, his face
grave. “He’s with the doc right now, but he’s been hurt bad. Hurry.”
********************
The
ride into town was agonising for the brothers. Joe was so pale that Adam feared
he wouldn’t be able to keep his seat, but they arrived in
“How
can I face Pa?” Joe whispered. “This is all my fault. What if he’s…?” Joe
couldn’t bring himself to say the word ‘dead’.
“This
isn’t your fault,” Adam said, roughly. “How can it be, Joe?”
The
face that turned to look into Adam’s was strained and white. “Mitch got shot,
and now
“You
don’t know that at all,” Adam chided, but he secretly thought Joe’s reasoning
was spot on. He couldn’t imagine why
anyone would want his baby brother dead, but that was what it seemed like at
the moment. “Come on, we’ve got to see how Pa is.” He put his arm round Joe’s
shoulders and compelled the younger man inside.
The
waiting room was dimly lit, but the lights blazed in the inner room. Adam and
Joe went through to join Hoss, their hearts in their mouths.
Ben
Cartwright lay on the bed, his face pale. Paul Martin, the town doctor was listening
to his heart as the boys went in. He nodded, seemingly satisfied, and took the
earpieces out of his ears. “Adam, Joe, Hoss. Well, he’s stable, which is more
than I hoped for when he was brought in here.”
“Clem
said he was shot,” Adam said. He sounded totally calm, but Joe could feel his
brother’s arm trembling.
“He
was hit in the back,” Paul said. “Your Pa was lucky. The bullet missed all his
vital organs and his spinal cord. But I won’t lie to you. He’s lost a lot of
blood, and I can’t guarantee that I didn’t do any damage when I was digging the
bullet out. He’ll be here for the next week, at least, till I see how he’s
doing.”
“Thanks,
Paul,” Adam responded, although he was horrified. “Has
“
*****************
“You
want me to go to the dance?” Joe said, disbelievingly. He stared at Adam as
though his brother had lost his mind. “Pa’s lying in a bed at the doctor’s and
you want me to go out dancing? How shallow do you think I am?”
“I
don’t think you’re shallow at all, Joe,” Adam answered, impatiently. “But it’ll
do you good to have a break. Pa told you to go, too, so what’s the problem?”
“I
just don’t want to,” Joe muttered. He felt a curious reluctance to spend time
with Lucy right now. He could appreciate that he needed a break from sitting by
Ben’s bedside, but he didn’t think taking a girl dancing was the answer.
“I
already told her you were coming,” Adam said. “It’ll do you good, Joe. Trust
me.”
“All
right,” Joe said, but the rebellious set to his mouth told Adam that Joe was
heading for a temper flare-up of mammoth proportions. “But next time, let me set up my own date,
all right?”
“All
right, I’m sorry,” Adam said, hoping that if he backed down Joe would calm
down. “I won’t interfere in your love life again.”
*******************
It
seemed incredibly unreal to Joe that he was standing in the hotel, dressed in
his best, while his father lay seriously ill a few streets away. Ben was doing
better than anyone could have hoped for, but he was still not quite out of the
woods yet. He was very weak, and the three boys spent hours each day by his
bedside, encouraging him to get better. Ben had urged Joe to go to the dance,
but Joe felt completely detached from his surroundings and wished he were at
home.
“What’s
the matter, Joe?” Lucy asked, as he stumbled once more as they danced.
“I’m
sorry,” Joe apologised. “I just don’t feel like I should be here.”
“Oh,
Joe, why not?” Lucy asked, sounding hurt.
“It
just seems wrong, with Pa so ill, that’s all,” he said. Lucy’s attentions seemed
very cloying tonight, and Joe knew he couldn’t go on seeing her much longer.
“Is
that all?” Lucy scoffed, and Joe could feel the heat rising in his face. He
took a desperate hold of his temper.
At
that moment, the music stopped, and Joe led Lucy outside and along the balcony
a bit. “Don’t you understand?” he said. “My Pa was shot! My best friend was
shot! It could be me next!”
Shaking
her head Lucy said, “I know, Joe. But don’t you realise? I love you, and I know
you love me. My love will keep you safe.”
Taking
a step back, Joe knew this had to end here. “Lucy, I’m sorry, but I don’t love
you. I think it’s best if we don’t see each other again. Shall I see you home?”
“You
can’t make this kind of decision now,” Lucy said, aghast. “Your emotions are in
a turmoil, you don’t know what you feel.”
“I
do, and I’m sorry if you are hurt, but I don’t love you. Shall I see you home?”
Joe wanted nothing more than to get out of there.
“No,
don’t bother!” she snarled. “But you’ll see, Joe Cartwright, that you belong
with me! You’ll see!” She stormed off along the balcony and Joe let her go. He
was drained and shaken by her venom. A promising friendship had been ruined
because he hadn’t had the sense to end the relationship before Lucy got hurt.
Later,
Joe wasn’t sure how long he sat perched on the balcony rail. Finally, he stood
up and made his way to where his horse was, and rode home. More than ever, he
wished he hadn’t gone.
***************
Answering
the knock on the door, Lucy was surprised to find Adam Cartwright standing
there. He had his hat in his hand and he smiled. “Lucy. I wondered if I might
have a word with you?”
“What
do you want?” Lucy asked, coldly.
“I
wanted to apologise,” Adam said. “I persuaded Joe to go to the dance last night,
and I really should have left him alone. I understand that things didn’t go too
well, and I feel responsible.”
“So
you should!” Lucy said, venomously. “Joe can make up his own mind, and he was
in love with me! You pushed him into coming when he wasn’t feeling like it, and
now he thinks that he doesn’t love me! Well, it’s not true, I know its not!
When he’s feeling less wound up, he’ll realise that it’s me he wants, not you!”
“I
hope Joe does feel as you think, for your sake,” Adam replied, quietly. “But
Joe will always need his family, just as we’ll always need him. Just as you
need your family.”
“Joe
is my family now,” Lucy said, and shut the door in Adam’s face.
Wishing
that he’d never come, and let well enough alone, Adam walked away.
***************
That
afternoon, as the boys all rode home together, several shots were fired at them
from the trees by the road. They scattered, taking cover where they could and
shooting back, but the marksman proved elusive, and escaped. They were all
shaken, but Joe especially. Until now, he had more or less kept the worry for
his brothers’ safety at bay. Now, it seemed his brothers were at risk and he
knew that somehow it was all his fault.
“I
don’t understand,” Joe said. “Who is trying to kill me? Is everyone I talk to
at risk?” He looked at Adam, unshed tears in his eyes. “How are we going to be
able to bring Pa home with this hanging over us?”
“We’ll
figure something out, kid,” Adam said, giving him a rough hug.
“Yes,
but what?” Joe demanded. “And don’t tell me
“What
is it?” Adam asked, suddenly afraid that Joe had been injured in the shooting
and was just feeling the effects of the wound now. Hoss joined Adam at Joe’s
side, and they both gaze at their younger brother with undisguised worry.
“What
about Lucy?” Joe breathed. “I know I’ve broken off with her, but she’s the
other person I’ve been seen with most often.”
“Lucy
is probably the most protected of us all,” Adam said, soothingly. “She’s hardly
likely to be wandering the streets after dark, or to go out riding alone. You
can’t go back into town, now, Joe and you certainly wouldn’t going alone. Lucy
will be all right, I’m sure.”
“Adam’s
right, Punkin,” Hoss agreed. “You’re plumb tuckered out, an’ need a good
night’s sleep. Lucy’s folks will keep her safe, you c’n be sure o’ that.”
Realising
that they were right, Joe subsided. He was exhausted, and went off to bed
shortly after supper. But his sleep was anything but restful, for his dreams
were peopled with dark shadows and a profound sense of unease. When morning
came, Joe felt like he had barely slept at all.
*************
It
was with a certain amount of trepidation that the brothers set off to ride into
town that day. By unspoken agreement, Adam and Hoss kept Joe between them, but
they arrived in town unscathed. First stop was Roy Coffee’s office, where they
reported the shooting. As Joe had said, there really wasn’t anything that
After
that, they went to visit Ben, and found him looking much better. Paul was
pleased with his progress, too. “You can take him home tomorrow, boys,” Paul
announced.
“About
time, too,” Ben growled, but he was smiling. At last, he felt as though he
would survive Paul’s’ treatment, as much as the bullet wound. He looked at his
sons. “Now, why doesn’t this news fill you boys with Joe? What have you done to
the ranch that you don’t want me coming home?” Ben frowned. “Tell me,” he
ordered.
“We
were shot at on the way home last night,” Adam replied, reluctantly. “Don’t
worry, we’re all okay, but we’re just a little concerned about your safety on
the journey home.”
“This
is somehow my fault,” Joe said, miserably. He sat down beside his father’s bed.
“Son,
its not your fault that some maniac is gunning for you,” Ben assured him,
grasping Joe’s shoulder. “But I’m sure Adam can come up with an idea to keep me
safe on the way home, can’t you, Adam?”
“I’m
sure I can, Pa,” Adam answered. He had given the problem a lot of thought, and
had a glimmer of an idea, but he wasn’t going to mention it until he had it all
worked out. “Don’t worry, Pa, we’ll get you home safe.”
Rising,
Joe said, “I’d better go and warn Lucy, assuming she’ll talk to me.”
“Be
careful,” the others chorused, and Joe cracked a grim smile.
“I’ll
be back soon,” he said.
*************
For
a moment, Joe thought that there was no one at home, but just as he was about
to turn away, the door cracked open and Lucy looked out. “Joe,” she said,
flatly. “What do you want?”
“I
need to talk to you, Lucy,” he said. “Can I come in?”
“All
right,” Lucy said, ungraciously and opened the door wider. She led him into the
sitting room, and gestured to him to take a seat. Joe resisted, and stood, playing
nervously with the brim of his hat. “What do you want to talk about?”
“I
came to warn you,” Joe said. “Someone is after me, and my friends and family. I
came to tell you to be careful, in case whoever it is comes after you, too.”
“So
you do care for me after all, “ Lucy said, brightening. “I knew you did. Oh,
Joe, I love you!” She threw herself into his arms.
“You’re
my friend, Lucy,” Joe said, dismayed. “But I’m sorry, I don’t care for you in
that way. I came to warn you, because I’d hate to see anything happen to you.”
Joe glanced round. “Are your parents in? I’d better tell them, too.”
“No,
I’m here alone,“ Lucy said, stepping back. “And don’t worry, Joe, I’m quite
capable of taking care of myself.”
“I’d
better go,” Joe said, realising the implications for her reputation if he
didn’t leave. He turned to let himself out and was completely unprepared for
her next move. Lucy snatched up the vase that stood by the door and smashed it
down on Joe’s unprotected head.
Caught
by surprise, Joe crumpled, dazed. He felt a hand on his gun and made a grab for
it, but he was too slow. Clutching his head, which seemed to be bleeding, Joe
turned and glanced up. Lucy had his gun in her hand, and there was no doubt
that she knew exactly how to use it. “Get up, Joe, and do exactly as I say,”
she told him. She clicked the safety catch off.
Warily,
Joe did as he was told.
“Now,
walk slowly upstairs and don’t try anything. I won’t hesitate to use this and
I’m a good shot.” She laughed. “You should know that by now, darling. I shot
Mitch and I shot your father. Yesterday, I tried to kill your brothers.”
“You?”
Joe gasped.
“Upstairs,”
Lucy repeated and Joe did as he was urged.
Once
into the attic, Lucy smiled at Joe. He stood looking at her in disbelief. “I
can’t believe it, Lucy,” he said. “Why?”
“Because
you’ve got to be mine, Joe. I love you. You can’t give your love to anyone but
me.” She smiled and Joe could suddenly see the madness in her eyes. “Now,
carefully, put down your hat and take off your jacket. Don’t try anything,
because I wouldn’t like to shoot you by accident.”
Trying
to repress a shudder, Joe did as he was told, although his every instinct told
him to fight. Lucy smiled at him throughout. She moved round, still keeping him
covered, until she was beside a small table with a box on it. Without looking
away, she opened the box and withdrew a pair of handcuffs. They were open and
ready for use. “Turn round and put your hands behind you,” she instructed.
“Don’t
do this,” Joe pleaded. “Please, Lucy, for your sake, don’t do it.”
“I
told you you loved me, Joe,” she whispered, and this time he couldn’t repress
the shudder. Wordlessly, he did as he was told.
The
cold steel bit into his wrists as she closed the handcuffs. Then she clicked the
safety back on his gun and laid it aside. Joe looked round, trying to figure
out how he would get out of there. Lucy was between him and the door, and Joe
wasn’t sure he could hit a woman, even to save his own life. He had once struck
a woman, and he had felt very bad, although she had been trying to kill him at
the time.
“Alone
at last,” Lucy purred and began to unbutton Joe’s shirt. Repulsed, Joe pulled
away. Lucy punched him.
Shaking
his head, for the punch had been a good one, Joe tried to back off and put some
space between them. Lucy simply smiled. As well as marksmanship, Lucy’s father
had taught her to fight when she was a little girl. It wasn’t something she’d
ever had to use, but she still remembered her lessons. She pursued Joe
relentlessly.
“Don’t
resist, darling,” she said. “You love me, and me alone, and we’ll have such a
wonderful life, just the two of us. You’ll be so happy with just me to love.”
“I
don’t love you, Lucy,” Joe said, ducking aside. He dodged towards the door, but
Lucy was there again.
“Don’t
deny it, Joe. You don’t need to lie to me,” she said. She grabbed his
shirtfront again, and tried to kiss him.
Jerking
his head back, Joe threw his weight against her, and made a run for the door.
He fumbled with the handle as she regained her balance and came for him again.
She snatched up his gun, and Joe abandoned his attempt to open the door and ran
towards the small window. He had no idea what he hoped to accomplish, but he
never reached there. Screaming her fury, Lucy crashed the gun down on Joe’s
head and he toppled to the floor, out cold.
Panting,
Lucy stood looking at him for a minute. “Oh, Joe, you foolish boy,” she
whispered. “But if this is how you want to play the game, I can do that.” She
went back across to the box on the table and took from it some rope and a gag.
It didn’t take her long to tie Joe’s feet and gag him. Then she left and locked
the door behind her.
******************
“Why,
Adam, I don’t know what to tell you,” Lucy said, looking up at him, wide-eyed.
“Joe was here earlier, but he left some time ago. Oh dear, I do hope nothing
has happened to him.”
“I’m
sure he’s all right,” Adam said, but his eyes were worried. “I just need to
talk to him, that’s all. Sorry to trouble you.”
“No
trouble,” Lucy assured him and closed the door. Snatching up her skirts she
raced upstairs and burst into the attic. Joe flinched at the sudden movement
and winced as his head began to throb anew. “Your brother is looking for you,”
Lucy hissed as she snatched up her bow from the corner of the room. “The only
person you can love is me, Joe.” She opened the window and leaned out. She
aimed and fired in one smooth movement. There was a cry from outside and Lucy
swung the window shut, and turned to Joe with a triumphant smile. “Got him!”
Horrified,
Joe frantically fought his bonds. Lucy watched him closely, and laughed. She
crossed over to his side and stood looking down on him. “Joe, darling, don’t
you understand yet? This is what you wanted. You want to have only me to love.”
She knelt by his side and Joe’s struggles subsided as he watched her warily.
She ran her hand down his cheek, then tugged the gag from his mouth.
“You shot Adam!” he gasped. “How can you think
I’d love you when you’ve shot and maybe killed my brother?”
“Darling,
you don’t have to pretend with me,” Lucy assured him, and reached down to
capture his mouth with hers. The kiss was deep and showed an experience that
Joe hadn’t expected from her. But he didn’t accept it passively, or enjoy it.
He fought as best he could, until Lucy abruptly tired of his struggles. She let
him go and swung an angry punch at his face. Joe was knocked back a bit by it.
Rising,
Lucy fought the urge to hut him some more, but she lost. She kicked him
viciously in the stomach four or five times before jamming the gag back in his
mouth. “You love me,” she said, and it sounded like a warning.
She
left, and locked the door behind her again.
****************
The
pain made it difficult to think, but all he had to do was concentrate on
putting one foot in front of the other. Not far now, and he’d reach help, he
told himself. Not far now. He put his hand on the door and as it opened, he
fell into the room, unable to stay upright any more.
Coming
form the inner room, Paul Martin gaped in disbelief at Adam’s still form lying
on the floor and at the arrow that protruded out of his back. “Adam?” Paul
rushed over to kneel by his side and was relieved to find a steady pulse.
“What
is it, doc?” Hoss asked, coming out. He hurried over to Adam, too.
“Help
me,” Paul ordered, and they carried Adam into the other room. Ben started up in
horror, only to be told, ”Stay there!”
Quickly
examining Adam, Paul breathed a sigh of relief. “Its not too serious,” he said.
“The arrow isn’t in too deeply. I’ll get it out before he comes around.”
Paul
was a good as his word, and when Adam opened his eyes a short time later, the
arrow had been removed and he was firmly bandaged up. “Adam?” Hoss leaned in
close. “Who did this to ya, Adam?”
Licking
his dry lips, Adam said, “Don’t know. Someone shot me as I left Lucy’s. She
said Joe was gone, but...” he stopped and swallowed. Hoss gave him some water.
“I think Joe is in there, and they are both in trouble.” Adam grasped Hoss’ arm
weakly. “Don’t go alone, Hoss. Get help.”
“I
will,” Hoss assured him his face grim. He clasped his hand over Adam’s for a
moment before turning to leave. Ben put out a hand to stop him.
“Be
careful, son,” he said.
“I
will, Pa,” Hoss said. “An’ I’ll bring Joe home.”
****************
It
seemed to Joe that Lucy couldn’t keep away from him. He had barely recovered
from the kicking she’d given him when she was back, gloating about having shot
Adam. Misery permeated Joe’s being as he thought about his brother. They often didn’t
see eye to eye, but Joe certainly never wanted him dead!
“You
are a sweet boy, Joe,” she said, stroking his cheek gently. “So handsome. No
wonder I love you.”
Jerking
his head away, Joe could hear his own ragged breathing. He was helpless, and
had no idea what to do next. “Joe, stop playing the game,” Lucy chided. “I know
you want me, just me. And I promise I will get rid of the last of your family
for you. We’ll be happy living here, I promise.” Once more her hand caressed
his cheek. Again, Joe jerked his head away.
“I’m
beginning to believe that you enjoy teasing me too much,” she said, sounding
angry, and raked her nails down his cheek, digging her fingers in. Joe felt
fire running down his cheek and Lucy’s nails were red with blood. “You mustn’t
tease me, Joe. I don’t like it.” She planted a kiss on his brow. “I don’t want
to have to punish you again, but I will.” She tapped her bloodstained finger
against her lip, leaving a mark there. Joe shuddered. “Should I blindfold you
as well? Would that be punishment enough?”
Unsure
if she was just being sadistic, Joe stayed absolutely still. He swallowed
against the dryness of his mouth. Lucy smiled. “Oh, you don’t like that idea?
Oh, my love, you should behave yourself then. Promise you you’ll behave and
I’ll take the nasty gag away.”
Warily,
Joe nodded, and Lucy removed the gag. Joe licked his lips, trying to get some
moisture back into his parched mouth. “Why are you doing this?” he said, his
voice scratchy.
“Darling,
I love you, but you were distracted by all those other people who wanted your
attention. You can only love one person at a time, you know.” Lucy smiled at
him. “Once you agree to love only me, I’ll let you go. But you have to learn,
darling. You love only me.”
“I
can’t love only you,” Joe said, rashly. “I need my family, too. I can’t choose
between you!”” A pang shot through his gut as he thought of Adam. “You shot
them!”
“Oh,
darling, don’t let that worry you,” Lucy said, with a light laugh. “I shot my
parents, too, so we could be alone. There’s no one here but us, and we’ll be
together forever.”
For
a moment, Joe thought he was going to throw up all over her. Horror and shock
raced through his brain. Instinctively, he tried to back away. The movement
wasn’t lost on Lucy.
“You’re
never going to love just me, are you?” she cried. “I can’t share you with
anyone, don’t you understand? You love only me. And if you can’t love only me,
you have to die!” She jumped to her feet, and snatched up Joe’s gun, aiming at
him, and cocking it. “Love just me, or die!”
Frozen
in place, Joe could make no move. He just stared at her in horror. “Don’t,” he
whispered as fear thumped through his gut. “Lucy, no!” he shouted.
It
made no difference. Lucy pulled the trigger.
***************
“Hurry,
“Hoss,
you can’t go chargin’ in there like a bull in a china shop,”
They
approached the Watson’s place quietly. It was dusk and the growing gloom helped
to hide them in the shadows.
Drawing
his gun, Hoss glanced into each of the downstairs rooms. There was no one to be
seen. A shadow came from the back of the house, and Hoss raised his gun. To his
relief, it was Roy and Clem, but they both looked sick. Hoss raised an
enquiring eyebrow and
“Nothing
down here,” Hoss whispered, and
The
shout startled them, but Hoss recognised Joe’s voice instantly and raced
upwards, casting caution aside. He was almost at the attic when the shot fired.
Heedless of his own safety, Hoss barrelled through the door. He dodged as the
slim figure standing there swung around to fire at him. The bullet sang over
his shoulder and out into the hall, where it narrowly missed Roy Coffee.
By
then, Hoss had thrown himself on Lucy, and wrestled the gun from her hand. Lucy
was screaming at Hoss. “He’s mine, and I have to kill him! He’ll only be
faithful to me if he’s dead!”
Hurrying
into the attic, Clem and Roy took charge, subduing Lucy. Hoss spared her no
more than a glance. Joe lay on the floor, bound and bleeding, his eyes closed.
“Joe!” Hoss exclaimed in anguish, throwing himself down beside him.
After
a second, Joe’s eyes opened. He said nothing, but the look of relief that
passed over his face did much to reassure Hoss that his brother would live.
“He’s
mine!” Lucy sobbed, as
*******************
The
Cartwrights went home to the Ponderosa from Paul Martin’s office in penny
numbers. Ben was first to leave, much against his will, as he wanted nothing
more than to stay with Joe. Adam was next, and Joe went last, two days after
he’d been shot.
Not
that Paul was keen to let the youngest Cartwright travel that soon, but Joe
missed his family, and Paul knew he’d get better quicker at home. Joe had been
remarkably lucky. The bullet wound he’d sustained in his left side had been
comparatively minor, and they could only speculate that Lucy had intended to
shoot him more than once. However, Joe also had a couple of broken ribs, plus a
concussion and several nasty scratches on his cheek.
Both
Ben and Adam were up to a little light exercise and both were waiting for Joe
when he came home. Joe was delighted to see them, but he was exhausted and
depressed. His sleep over the last few nights had been badly disturbed by
nightmares and he was reluctant to use the sleeping powders that Paul forced on
him. They always left him feeling hungover the next morning.
“Joe!”
Ben said, coming slowly out to greet him. “How are you, son?”
Blinking
back the tears that welled in his eyes, Joe said, “Fine,
“On
the mend, almost as good as new.” Ben smiled, not seeing how uncomfortable Joe
was. “Let’s go inside. Adam’s waiting for you.”
The
meeting with Adam was as difficult as the one with Ben. Joe didn’t know what to
say to them. His guilt over the shootings inhibited their normal warm communication.
Finally, Joe said, “I’m tired,
“All
right, Joe,” Ben said. “Do you need any help?” For it was apparent that Joe was
in some discomfort.
“I
can mange, thanks,” Joe said, although he wasn’t sure if that was quite true.
However, he had no intention of asking for help. He felt his family had enough
to deal with without his adding to their burdens. He mounted the stairs slowly
and carefully and shut his room door with relief.
When
Ben looked in later, Joe was sound asleep.
*************
The
nightmares returned that night. Joe was lying helplessly on the floor as Lucy
shot his family in front of him, one by one. Joe pleaded, screamed and begged
her not to, but each time she ignored him. Finally she turned the gun on him,
as he crawled over to his dead family.
Adam opened his dead eyes and said, “Too much love will kill you.”
“No!”
Joe was sitting bolt upright in bed, his body throbbing with pain, his breath
coming in ragged gasps. He shook his head, trying to dispel the images from his
mind.
“Joe?”
Ben came in the door, belting his robe around him. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.
It was just a bad dream,” Joe said, avoiding Ben’s eyes.
Frowning,
Ben lit the lamp on Joe’s dresser. “Paul said you’d been having nightmares,
Joe. Do you want a powder to help you sleep?”
“No,”
Joe said, disgust in his voice. “They don’t help. I’m all right,
Not
sure what was wrong, Ben just cradled the curly head on his shoulder and let
the tears come. “Its all right, Joe,” he crooned. “Its all right, son. Whatever
it is, we’ll deal with it together.”
“How
can it be all right, Pa?” Joe cried, lifting his head. His eyes were luminous
in the lamplight. “Because of me, you and Adam nearly died! How can that be all
right? How can we face it together? I’ve got to face this alone.”
“No,
Joe,” Ben denied, preventing his son breaking free of his loving hold. “You’ve
been facing this alone for far too long. Its not your fault that Lucy tried to
kill us.” Joe shook his head, denying Ben’s words. “Joe!” Ben shook the curly
head gently. “Did you want us to die?”
“No,
Pa!” The anguished denial cut through the silent house like a knife. “No!” The
tears overflowed again.
“Then
how is it your fault?” Ben demanded. “You weren’t responsible for Lucy’s mania.
You are as much her victim as we are.”
“That’s
easy to say,” Joe muttered.
“Its
easy to say because its true,” Ben said, and Joe looked him in the eye for the
first time. “Tell me about the dream, son,” he coaxed.
Slowly,
Joe told him the details, shuddering, for they were still vivid. Ben sat
silently, never taking his hand away from Joe, squeezing his neck gently as he
told the last horrid bit about Adam.
“Too
much love will kill you,” he repeated, thoughtfully. “Maybe, Joe. But I think
you should qualify it. Too much of the wrong kind of love will kill you. But
there’s no such thing as too much of the right kind of love.”
That
seemed to be absolution come too cheaply for Joe. “I should have read the signs
better,” he said, bitterly. “Then I would’ve seen this coming.”
“Joe,
hindsight is always 20-20 vision,” Ben chided him gently. “None of us saw this
coming. Even when Adam was shot, he thought both you and Lucy were victims of a
crazy man who had you held as hostages. How could we know that a slip of a girl
like that was a crazy killer? She even murdered her own parents. Let’s get one
thing straight, young man.” Ben’s tone was stern. “You aren’t to blame for
this. The only person to blame is Lucy.”
Feeling
the warmth of his father’s hand on his head, Joe finally began to let go of his
guilt. “Oh, Pa,” he said, and that was all Ben needed to know that Joe was on
the road to recovery at last.
“We
all love you, Joe,” Ben said. “Do you know that the first thing Adam did when
he wakened at Paul’s? He insisted Hoss get help and rescue you. Does that seem
to you like he’s blaming you? And wasn’t he pleased to see you this afternoon
when you got home?”
“I
guess,” Joe responded, thinking back. At the time, he’d been too preoccupied to
notice, but as he reflected, he saw that Ben was right. Adam had been smiling
and pleased to see him, teasing him gently about being a crock, as Joe had
eased himself into a seat. A yawn suddenly shook Joe, and he looked surprised.
“Get
some sleep, son,” Ben said, and settled Joe once more. “You’re home, and we’re
all safe.”
Safe.
The word resonated in Joe’s brain as the right kind of love permeated itself
into every fibre of his being. He slid into the first dreamless sleep he’d had
since the whole thing began.
Next
morning, Joe took his first steps to full recovery, surrounded by the love of
his family.
The
End
The
inspiration for this story came from the Queen song of the same name.
Many thanks to Brian May, Frank Musker and