Title: Who Me?
Author: Theresa
Rated: G
Warnings: None
***
"You're in big trouble, young man!" Ben boomed as he
saw his son sitting at the table enjoying a drink.
"Who me, Pa?" Joe asked gulping nervously.
"Yes you!" Ben put his fingers near his belt and
glared at his son.
"Pa, Pa.whatever it is.I either can explain or I
didn't do it," Joe stuttered out, trying to figure out
exactly what it is he could have done. Adam and him
had just gotten back from a two week cattle drive from
Yuma, and as far as he knew, everything had went well.
He had stopped off for a drink while Adam had went on
home to let Ben know how everything had went.
"It's too late for explanations, boy.get on home.you
and I are going to have a serious talk!"
"But Pa."
"Get!"
Joe quickly got up from the table, taking a final sip
of his drink.
"Now, Joseph!"
"Yes sir.yes sir." Joe replied, putting down the glass
and heading out to his horse. He quickly mounted
Cochise and waited for Ben to mount Buck. The two of
them road off in complete silence.
When they arrived back at the Ponderosa, Ben tied his
horse to the hitching rail and went inside. Joe tied
Cochise and patted him. "Seems like I may not be
riding you for a few days when Pa gets through with
me.just wish I knew what I coulda done to make him so
mad." He went over to the front door and took one
final breath before entering. Joe was immediately
congratulated with pats on the back from his brothers
and Ben. "What? Huh?"
"Adam tells me that you managed to get double the
price for the cattle, son."
"Oh yeah.I did do that, Pa."
"Son, I am really proud of you.you did a real fine
job."
"That you did, Joe.you should have seen him talking to
Mr. Ford, Pa. Our little brother is turning into a
real businessman." Adam tousled Joe's hair.
"Cut that out, Adam," Joe replied whacking his
brother's hand out of the way, but smiling slightly.
"So, I'm not in trouble, Pa?"
"No, of course not, son.I was just funning with ya."
Joe smirked. "Boy, Pa.you really had me going. I
thought you were about to tan the hide off of me for
something."
Hoss grinned. "I reckon this is the one time your hide
is safe, Little Brother."
"HA HA HA!"
Ben laughed and put an arm around his youngest. "Come
on boys.let's go eat and you can finish telling me
about your trip."
Adam smiled mischievously. "Well, Pa.you might want to
still tan Joe's hide when I tell you about what he did
in the saloon."
"Adam!" Joe shouted trying to silence his brother.
Ben winked at his oldest. "Oh really? Well, Adam.tell
me all about it."
Joe smiled nervously. "Pa, Pa.I think you would
rather hear more about the cattle deal.you see Mr.
Ford.he's a tough one, Pa, but I held my
ground..yup.just like you taught me..."