Always By Your Side
by
Janice Sagraves

Part I

ONE

He hadn’t just set and watched her sleep in far too long. Her heavy breathing raised and lowered her full bosom in breaths like the whisper of a child. Dense eyelashes lay against her alabaster skin in black fans. With a cautious finger, he pushed back a dark brown strand that had escaped from the long braid down her back. His precious Angel. It had been almost a month since she had had one of those horrid dreams that had tortured her sleep. It still sent shivers down his spine to recall that first one, and the screams that could curdle the blood. But to watch her now in gentle, serene slumber he let the memory go. Always by your side, he thought. He bent forward, placed a tender kiss on her forehead then got up to start his day.

*******

Angelica Cartwright looked up at the ceiling in the parlor of the big log house. She hadn’t heard the wind blow this hard in a long time, if she ever had. It lashed around outside like some fearsome beast that desired to get at those inside. Adam had warned her about September storms, and she had experienced more than a few, but none to match the ferocity of this.

Her shoes clacked against the plank floor as she went to look out the dining room window. Immense pines writhed as if in agony, and the sky had turned gunmetal gray. For a second an icy hand seemed to hold her in its grip, and her mouth went dry as paper.

Maggie O’Shea’s nutmeg eyes darted toward the window. “It certainly is kickin’ up a fuss out there.”

Angelica whirled as her Irish housekeeper came from the kitchen with a tray on which were a glass of milk and a plate of cookies. Still warm from the oven, their gingery aroma filled the air as the woman put them on the table.

“I thought you might like some o’ these. The children are fillin’ their little bellies nicely, and I thought their mum…” But her voice died away as she caught sight of her girl’s face. Maggie had been told all about the gypsy woman’s prophecy so she guessed what was going through Angelica’s mind. She stepped to the window, leaned closer to the glass and looked up at the tops of the trees as they twisted as if to be torn off. “From the color o’ that sky it wouldn’t surprise me to see snow.”

Angelica turned back to the window. “If we were back in Maine I would say you were wrong, but out here…” One hand pressed against a glazed pane. “And after all, it is close to October.”

Maggie went back to the table. “A week, give or take. Now come eat your gingersnaps while they’re still warm, and the milk is good and cold. I left it outside overnight and it had ice crystals in it.”

Angelica leaned forward so that she could see the sky better. The preamble to this storm unnerved her, and she knew why. It wasn’t like she had never experienced one of these run-ups before, but this one had a more ominous tone to it.

Men hustled around in an effort to get things battened down before the violent gale blew it all to parts unknown. Anything that wasn’t fastened down was put away or lashed to something like a tree or porch post. All animals were put out of harm’s way, especially the smaller ones. A big, brown wire-furred dog followed the men’s every move as if he could be of some kind of assistance.

A sharp gust caught Adam Cartwright and pushed him backward. He staggered and fell back over the animal to land with a grunt in a heap on the hard ground. With a startled yelp, the dog dashed away but – once he realized he wasn’t maimed – came back to lick his master’s face. Adam tried to push away that insistent tongue. “Doggone it, Buddy. Somebody come put this dog in the barn before somebody else gets tangled up with him!”

Eighteen-year-old Wyatt Donnelly rushed over and pulled the dog back. “Sorry about that, Boss. I guess he just wants to help.”

Adam’s expression soured as he got up and brushed himself off. “Well I think we can manage just fine without it. Now do as I said before he or one of us gets hurt.”

“Yes, sir, Boss. Come on, Buddy.”

Adam just shook his head as he watched them go, and allowed himself a faint grin. He pulled his hat down tighter around his ears then joined the others.

Alphonse Sweet and Juva Bailey had their hands full as they struggled to close the shutters on the bunkhouse windows. The force of the wind kept jerking them back. Once, Juva even almost got hit in the face. He cursed as the Boss ran over to them.

Fonse glanced around at him. “This is like tryin’ to hang on to one o’ them centerpedes. You get a hold o’ all them legs and one comes lose.”

“Wait, I think I know just the thing. I’ll be right back.” Adam gave both men a slap on the back then ran off for the work shed.

Juva’s eyes flicked after the Boss. “I hope so before I wind up spittin’ teeth.”

“I wouldn’t worry too much about it. It might improve your looks.”

Juva shot him a glare that could wither a railroad tie.

The door to the work shed came open and almost got jerked off its hinges. After a mad scramble of hands, Adam regained hold of it and got it pulled shut. The small building creaked and complained as invisible fists seemed to pummel its exterior walls. Dark hazel eyes rose as something thumped against the roof, a pine cone, he guessed. He had seen some blows in his lifetime, and this one had to rank in the top ten nastiest.

He moved into the room, cluttered with tools of all types and sizes, kegs of nails for different uses, rope and other work related items. He stood in one spot and his head swiveled as his eyes scanned the building’s contents.

The large pine – more massive than some of its younger brethren – twisted and shimmied as nature’s fury showed it no mercy. It had seen much in its years on Earth, and it had weathered all with grace. Its boughs rose and fell like immense green hands in waves of farewell. Small fragments of bark littered the ground from the weak spot near the base of its giant trunk. A bolt of lightening had come from a sky much like this one and showed no consideration to this monarch of the forest. The stage had been set years earlier and now it was time for the final act of the play.

TWO

Wyatt had just stepped out of the barn as the huge tree crashed down on the work shed. The door was the last thing on his mind as he stood in dumbfounded awe. Buddy shot out through the gap and ran like a brown streak to where the debris was quick to be blown away.

“Boss!” rose up from many throats as tools were dropped and boots beat the ground.

Angelica feared she knew what she had heard and it froze her like an icy blast. She spun on the ball of her foot and raced across the parlor. She yanked the sturdy front door open and bounded across the porch. As her deep violet eyes set on the remains of the building with the men as they clawed at it, her heart almost came up into her mouth. She tried to see her husband, but he wasn’t there. Her hands wrung together, and then she went stiff as Madame Consuelo’s forune hurled back at her. “I see trees, tall, dark imposing trees. It is almost as if they are reaching out for him.” Now she knew what the woman had head meant. “Adam!”

Juva went even more bloodless when he saw her. “Fonse, stop her! Keep her back!”

Alfonse Sweet was uncomfortable around women, always had been, but he didn’t have time to think about it. He made a dash forward as the woman ran toward him. She tried to evade him, but he managed to cut her off.

“Ma’am, I don’t wantta put hands on you, but you gotta stay back.”

“My husband, I know he’s in there.”

“Yes, ma’am, and we’re gonna get him out. But you gettin’ under foot ain’t gonna help a thing. Now please, ma’am, just stay here.” Fonse grabbed Wyatt’s arm as the kid ran past and pulled him back. “Wy here’ll stay with you, ma’am.” He lowered his head to the teenager and dropped his voice. “You keep her back, boy.” His blackened eyes darted toward the crushed building, and his pulse picked up speed. “We don’t know what we’re gonna find, but whatever it is it ain’t gonna be nothin’ for her to see. So you just keep her back.”

Wyatt nodded and Fonse took off. Angelica pranced in place until she couldn’t stand any more. She started forward, but the boy blocked her.

“Mrs. Cartwright, please don’t go over there. You need to stay here with me.”

Her eyes went even purpler as they flashed on him. “Wyatt Donnelley, I’m going over there, and you can’t stop me.” Again she tried to get past him.

And again he blocked her. “Mrs. Cartwright, there’s nothing you can do,” he threw his head back and took a deep breath, “but get in the way.” He reached out and put a gentle hand on her arm. “So please, ma’am, just stay here with me.”

The first thing Adam became aware of as oblivion began to give way to consciousness was something wet on his face. It came as a large, sloppy entity through the black void and helped to bring him around. He blinked against the fine dust that filled the confined space, and it took several to get his eyes into hazy focus. “Buddy.” He tried to reach out to the dog, but found he couldn’t move his arms. Something held him like a vise. He could move his head a little but not enough to see what.

“Boss.” Juva’s face appeared next to the dog. “You gave us one heck of a scare.” He took hold of Buddy and held him back. “We weren’t sure what we were gonna find.”

“Don’t let Angelica know.”

“I’m sorry, Boss, but she already does. She’s standin’ out here with Wy, and it’s all he can do to keep her back.”

Adam grunted as he tried to move again. “Whatever you do, don’t let her over here.”

“I won’t, Boss, I promise.” Juva looked around them. “You look to be pinned real good.”

“I can’t budge an inch in any direction. I can move my head some, but that’s it.”

“That don’t surprise me none. One o’ those big pines we left standin’ back o’ the shed come crashin’ down in all this wind. It’s a good thing this table was here or you probably woulda been squashed but good. But it’s what’s holdin’ you tight as a mother’s arms. But because of it it’s gonna take us a bit to get you outta here.”

“Well I don’t think I’m hurt, just caught like a wolf in a trap. In fact, everything’s just kinda numb.”

Then one of the men shouted. “Here comes Chris.”

“I’ll be back, Boss.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“I’ll leave Buddy to keep you company.” Then Juva gave him a pat on the arm and crawled back out.

“Well, Buddy, it looks like it’s just you and me again, at least for a little while.”

The big dog gave one more lick then lay down as close to Adam as he could get.

The second Chris McCutcheon caught sight of the men gathered around what had once been the work shed he went cold clean through. Then he saw Angelica, and he didn’t like what read in her face. He came out of the saddle even before his little dun mare stopped and was met by Juva and Fonse.

“Boy, oh, boy, are we ever glad you’re here.”

“I didn’t want to leave my family alone so I took them to…”

“Chris, the Boss is caught in there.”

Chris’ teal eyes shot straight to Juva then a quick glance caught at better look at Angelica’s face. Now he knew why it had troubled him so. He stuffed his reins into Juva’s hand and took off at a dead run.

Adam’s eyes fluttered open at the sound of another familiar voice. “Chris, you’re late.”

“Sorry about that, Boss, but I wanted Amelia and Sarah safe in town with the Bannings.” He looked around at the jumble of debris and tools and splintered wood. “Boy, you sure got yourself into a tight fix.”

“You might say that. Chris, do me a favor, and watch out after Angelica. You know how she gets when something like this happens.”

“Don’t worry, Boss, we’ll make sure she’s all right. And she’ll be a lot better when we get you outta here. Now I’m gonna go see what’s the best way to do that.” Chris reached over and ruffled Buddy’s fur. “So you just hang on.”

“Like I told Juva, I’m not going anywhere.”

With Juva and Fonse at his heels, Chris strode with great purpose to what had been the back of the shed. It was easy to see what had happened. The tree’s trunk had splintered less than a foot up from the ground as if giant hands had snapped it in two.

Fonse whistled through his teeth and cursed. “It’s a wonder the Boss is still alive.” His gaze ran along the trunk. “I’d be willin’ to bet that an old lightnin’ strike is behind this.”

“We’re gonna need help to get him outta there. That’s the biggest dang tree I ever did see.” Juva moved closer to Chris. “And we don’t know how bad hurt he is. He looks and sounds okay, but that don’t mean nothin’. I once seen a fella die who didn’t have a mark on him. Nobody even knew he’d been hurt.”

“All right, Juva. We’ll get started here, but I want you get Broomer saddled and light out. Go to Lee Haymes first then into town, and bring back as many men as you can. And Juva, bring back a doctor.”

“Chris, I don’t mean to tell you how to do things, but it might be best if I go on into town while Juva goes to the Haymes place. It’ll cut down on time.”

“Good idea, Fonse. Now get to it.”

As the two men ran off, Chris turned back to what lay ahead of him. He pushed his hat back as he surveyed the damage, and a heavy breath swelled his chest. He removed his sweat-stained hat and swiped at his caramel hair then put it back on. There was no straight way to go at this. If they did, the Boss could wind up dead, and that possibility he didn’t even want to think about. He tugged his hat down and went back into the yard. But he didn’t get very far before he found himself waylaid by Angelica Cartwright.

“I tried to stop her.”

“That’s all right, Wy.”

“Mr. McCutcheon, they won’t tell me anything.” She grasped his arm. “I don’t even know if he’s still alive.”

He made himself smile and hoped it was convincing. “He’s alive and talkin’ like he does any other time. Truth to tell, he don’t even seem to be hurt, just pinned. Far as I can tell, he just can’t move.”

“I want to see him. I want to talk to him for myself.”

“Now, ma’am, I’m afraid I just can’t let you do that. He made it plain that he didn’t want you in there. And if I know the Boss, he’d have my skin and nail it to the side o’ the barn if I did that. So please, ma’am, you just stay here with Wy, and I promise I’ll make sure you know what’s goin’ on. You have my word for that.” His eyes darted to Wy and conveyed silent instructions then he started off.

Angelica started after him, but a firm hand held her back. She turned a malignant scowl on young Wy, but it didn’t deter him. She turned her gaze back toward the men as they began to work to free Adam.

Chris had just reached the wreckage when Matt Twyer ran up to him, an axe in each hand. Matt was young and eager, and had been working for the Boss for a little over three weeks. “Hey, Chris, look what I just found squirreled away in the barn.”

Chris took one of the implements and ran his thumb along the blade. “This is probably why they weren’t in the shed with the others. It needs sharpening, buy we don’t have time for that now so it’ll just havta do. Come on, Matt, you and I’ll take the first turn at chopping.”

Chris slapped a hand onto the lanky young man’s back. Then he remembered his promise. He turned and gave Angelica another reassuring smile – which he didn’t feel any more than the other one – as he held the tool up for her to see. He gave her a nod then headed off with Matt.

THREE

Broomer’s feet thudded the ground as his rider steered him around trees and dodged wind whipped limbs. In the last twenty or so minutes since Juva had parted company with Fonse it had grown darker and continued to portend some sort of foul weather. He dug his heels into the horse’s sides and urged him faster.

Meanwhile, Fonse flew like a scalded crow toward town. Just up a head he could see where this road branched into the main one that led into Bantree. The big blue roan pounded on and almost took the corner halfway horizontal. As they straightened up, horse and rider became ever more one with the gale.

Broomer splashed through a small creek and it wet the lower part of Juva’s legs, but he didn’t have time to pay attention to it. They went up the slight embankment, which slowed their progress for only seconds then gathered speed as the ground evened out.

The roan’s long black mane stung Fonse’s face as he leaned close to the animal’s neck to cut down on the wind resistance. He whispered into the horse’s ear, and Goodin picked up speed.

Juva’s heart beat almost as fast as his horse’s legs churned. The wind lashed his face like a feather duster and tried to take his breath. He ducked his head, and managed to pull his hat down in front. He had to get help for the Boss. And he had to let Lee Haymes’ know what had happened. His hand whitened on the reins as he thought about it.

With every thud of the roan’s hooves Fonse’s mind raced. He didn’t want to think about what he had left behind. He should only concentrate on getting into town to get help. He had never worked for a man like the Boss before, and he didn’t like to think about… “Stop that.” He leaned down farther as the horse beat on.

Juva recognized right away where he was. Once he cleared the next clump of trees he would be within sight of his destination. He had just about made it. “Come on, Broomer!”

Against his wishes, Fonse’s eyes darted to the sky. It had become even more threatening than when they had left. If the clouds opened up it would make freeing the Boss just that much more difficult. He had to make it into town. He had to get back with all the help he could gather. And he had to do it all before the weather closed in.

Lee Haymes had just put a foot on the bottom front porch step when someone called out to him. He looked around but saw no one. Then a stocky bay bolted into the yard. The desperate expression on Juva Bailey’s face, and the lathered condition of the horse told him that something was wrong. “Juva.”

“Mr. Haymes, you gotta come, and you gotta come now. The Boss is trapped in what’s left o’ the work shed. The wind brought one o’ those big pines down right on top of it.”

Lee turned every shade of white known to man or woman before he went pale as death. He gripped Broomer’s bit. “He’s not…”

Juva shook his head. “No, he ain’t dead. So far he don’t even seem to be hurt that bad.”

“You should’ve gone into town instead of coming here.”

“Fonse is already on his way there.”

“Good. All three of my hands are out on the range. But I can swing an axe with the best of anybody.” Lee rushed up the steps but stopped halfway to the door and turned back to Juva. His eyes were wide and just the color of coal. He started to say something, but thought better of wasting time on an expenditure of useless words. Then he burst into the house.

The first building to present itself to Fonse as he drew closer to Bantree was the schoolhouse on this end of town. But more to the point it was the bell in the yard that got the focus of his attention. That was exactly what he needed. Goodin’ drove on, and the small white-washed clapboard edifice of learning grew more within reach with each thump of his hooves.

Miss Glee and her students poured out of the little one room schoolhouse, led by some of the more robust boys. A man – a cowboy from his attire – sat on a dark, speckled horse. If he saw them he didn’t let on. He just kept on ringing that bell for all he was worth.

It just so happened to be that Jack Huston – foreman at the lumber camp – and four of his best axe men where in town for a brief respite. Work at the sawmill had been going full tilt for the past week to fill an order. Now, with that order filled, the men were allowed to cut loose any way they wanted. And with a bonus burning a hole in their pockets Bantree offered the best outlet for spending it. They knew that the wild ringing of a bell could mean only one thing: trouble. They forgot about the frosty beers that had just been placed in front of them and rushed out, along with everyone else in the Double Eagle saloon.

As the bell continued its incessant clang, Siddon Banning and Mason Giles dashed out onto the rounded portico of the huge mansion at the other end of town. Out here the din was even louder, and had the tendency to be more unnerving. With only a glance between them, the men headed off at a run.

As had become the custom almost from the beginning, the town’s two doctors, Elias Robey and Graham Montgomery, had taken to sharing a touch of brandy and shop talk whenever they could. This day was no exception. As the urgent peal continued, they ran out onto the front porch of the house Elias called home and his office, each with a half full snifter. With a quick slug, they emptied the glasses, sat them on the table just inside the door and took off.

The Double Eagle wasn’t the only saloon to empty up. Men poured out of the Wooden Nickel like a swarm of hornets. Steve Balasco – longtime bartender of the establishment – led the way. Their feet struck the boardwalk like a cacophony of mallets as they ran toward the sound. They picked up others along the way as a spring torrent would gather flotsam and jetsam as it raced along a mountain pass.

Reverend Jonathon Fordyce had been sweeping up in a back room when the ringing of the bell pulled him away from his work. He rushed out of his little church that sat behind a lone pine not far from the Banning mansion. He had lived for fifty-one years, and this wasn’t the first alarm he had ever heard sounded. As the husky man ran along the street he caught up with Father Nolan Flannery and Rabbi Elazar Blum. They had all worked together many times before in the aide of others, and it looked like they maybe would again.

Sheriff Dan Jillian found running and trying to buckle on his gun belt at the same time near to an exercise in futility. Once he almost dropped it, but his nimble fingers managed to hang onto it. He had been caught unprepared by the frantic tolling just as he had finished cleaning his .45.

The feathers in their hair fluttered like multicolored birds as a herd of saloon girls raced along behind the sheriff. The short skirts of their frilled dresses rustled about the calves of their legs as they ran. They liked to boast that they could keep up with any man, and now they proved it as they kept right to the lawman’s pace.

By the time the bell struck its last clangorous note, the crowd joined the children and their teacher to close in on Fonse, who still sat atop Goodin. The first person of consequence to reach him was Siddon Banning.

As with most of Adam’s ranch hands, Siddon didn’t know this man what you would call well, but he did know enough to know that Alfonse Sweet wouldn’t have done this unless desperate. He let their eyes connect as he stepped to the big roan. The horse’s coat was wet and lathery beneath the palm of his hand as it rested against the animal’s neck.

But before Siddon could inquire about anything, the sheriff parted his way through the crowd. “You’d better have a very good reason for this.”

“The Boss is trapped. We need all the help we can get to get ‘im out.”

A collective gasp ran through those gathered.

“He’s caught under a big ol’ tree that this gale brung down.”

“We’ll need plenty of axes and saws.”

“We sure will, Mr. Banning.” Fonse stepped down. “The Boss was in the work shed when it happened. Plum nigh every tool on the place was with ‘im.”

Now the former lumberjack in Siddon Banning took over. He turned to the five lumbermen. “Jack, you and your men go about rounding up as many tools as you can.”

“Sure thing, Mr. Banning.” Then Jack and the four others headed off at a dead run back up the street.

“You’ll no doubt need a doctor.”

Fonse’s eyes flicked at Robey. “Don’t know, Doc, can’t tell if he’s hurt or not. But it wouldn’t hurt nothin’ for you or Doc Montgomery to come.”

The two doctors rushed off almost on the heels of the lumbermen.

Siddon turned to face the crowd. “All right, everybody, let’s get together everything we’re gonna need.”

The door to Luke Marsden’s mercantile burst open, and the reed slim storeowner dashed in accompanied by five burly lumbermen. He had only been in Bantree for just shy of a month, and this was the most excitement he had seen since his arrival. “The axes are over in that corner, but the saws are in the back. I’ll need help.” Then he rushed off with two of the men.

Jack and the remaining two lumbermen filled their arms with axes, and took them out to the wagon that had just pulled up outside.

Elias Robey finished helping his colleague stuff everything that might be needed into his worn medical bag. “I still think you’re the best choice to go. You’ve dealt with a lot more than I have, and you’re more agile than I am. I’m not used to crawling around like an ant. And Adam may need that.”

“I hope it turns out that I’m not even needed.” Graham snapped the clasp on his medical bag. The men just looked at each other. “I didn’t mean too late.”

Fiona Balasco paced the floor of the parlor with her young daughter in her arms. She would have been deaf not to hear the clamorous ringing that had run along the street, but she hadn’t left the house. She knew that her husband would come to her, but something told her to stay inside.

She has just turned away from the fireplace when she heard the front door slam open. Her feet froze to the floor and her gaze set on the doorway. The second Steve appeared; his expression forced a quick breath into her. He crossed and looked down at her and their daughter, and those charcoal eyes made her shiver.

With the gentlest hands, he took hold of her arms. “There’s been an accident out at the Angel. It’s Adam.”

FOUR

Angelica stood on the porch and one hand rested on a post. The other clasped around the silver locket suspended from the delicate chain around her slender neck. Adam had given it to her for her birthday that first year of their wedded life. It had been taken off but once since then, though it hadn’t been her idea. She could almost feel it jerked away by that odious man who – out of a misplaced sense of revenge – had come to kill Adam. She had been the perfect bait. Her grip squeezed harder. Now it was a lifeline that connected her to her beloved husband.

As he had been instructed, Wy hadn’t strayed too far from Mrs. Cartwright. He gave her her own space, but he remained close. He had no idea what kind of shape the Boss was really in. And if worse came to worse, she would need him like no one ever had.

Maggie came out onto the porch, and her nutmeg eyes flitted toward the frenzied activity of the men. “I got the babies down for their naps, though there wasn’t a one that didn’t fight me tooth-and-nail.” She went to stand with her mistress. “I think maybe it’d be best if ya come in the house.”

Angelica shook her head, but never looked from the flurry of activity. “No, Maggie, I want to be here when they get him out.”

“Now there isn’t a bit o’ good ya can do standin’ out here like this, and catchin’ a thorough chill.”

Angelica began to slide the locket back-and-forth along its chain. “No, Maggie, and I won’t argue about it.”

Under normal circumstances, Maggie would have pushed the issue, but these circumstances were far from normal. She pulled her girl’s hand down from the post and clasped it in her own. “Then we’ll wait together.”

Only some of the boughs had been chopped away from the sides of the huge tree. This was so they didn’t have to claw their way through. With just two single-bitted axes available, and dulled ones at that, the work was long and laborious. And Chris worked harder than anyone. Even after Matt’s shift had changed twice, the young foreman continued to hack away. One of the men had tried to get him to rest and let someone else take over for him. But Chris had almost bitten his head off, so it didn’t happen any more.

The pound of approaching hooves brought a temporary halt to the work, and all eyes went in that direction. They didn’t have to wait but a second for Lee Haymes and Juva to enter the yard.

The moment he saw the crushed shed, the pine still on it, Lee’s innards knotted. As his foot touched ground he looked toward the house. He had always known that his friend had married a beautiful woman, but now some of that beauty had faded. Her alabaster skin more resembled ash, and her violet eyes were stark and black. With his horse led behind him, he went to her.

“I’m so glad you came, Mr. Haymes.”

“We both know I could do nothing else.” He wrapped a rein around the hitch rail. “We’ll get him out.” Then he tipped his hat, turned and trotted away.

“And they will, mum.”

Angelica swallowed hard. “They have to.”

Adam had no idea how long he had been lying trapped. Maybe he had even passed out a time or two, he couldn’t be sure. Buddy still lay close, and Adam wished he could get his fingers into that wiry fur. Someone said his name and then a familiar face appeared. The dog’s head raised, and his tail began to beat up the dust as it thumped the ground.

“Hello, Buddy.” Lee gave him a scratch then turned his attention to Adam. “Chris told me you were jammed in here pretty tight,” his eyes roved around them, “but he didn’t even come close to preparing me for this. He said you can’t move at all.”

“Only my head.”

Lee didn’t care for Adam’s appearance. He was paler than Lee had seen him since that day when he had found an almost naked man bleeding to death by the side of the road. And his usual strong baritone bore a tinge of weakness. “Well, you just hang on. I brought a couple more axes from home which’ll bring the count up to four, and I sharpened ‘em just yesterday.”

“Lee, don’t let Angelica come in here. So far they’ve been able to keep her out, but you know how she is.” A grimace contorted his features. “And she might get hurt. I couldn’t live with that.”

Lee faked a grin and touched his wrist. “Don’t worry, she won’t get past us. Now let’s concentrate on getting you out of here so she won’t have to fret any more.”

Adam thanked him, and then Lee backed out. Once again outside, he pulled Chris aside, much to the foreman’s irritation. He glanced toward Angelica then lowered his voice so she wouldn’t here. “I’d like to know how long he’s been like that.”

Chris glanced around behind him. “I don’t know what you mean. I haven’t been in there in a bit.”

“He’s pale as a ghost, and he doesn’t sound like himself.”

Now Chris did some paling of his own. His teal eyes turned almost a dark turquoise. “I’ll tell the boys, but we don’t dare let the missus know.”

Lee’s eyes flicked toward her, and he nodded. “Maybe I could get her to go into the house.”

“Don’t waste your time. She’s one o’ the dangedest stubborn women I ever met. She’s set her mind, and she ain’t goin’ inside ‘til he’s out,” Chris snorted, “and a stick o’ dynamite couldn’t budge her.”

In the distance everyone became aware of what sounded like low, rumbling thunder. At first it sent them into panic that the dreaded storm was on the way. But as they listened they realized that that wasn’t what they heard.

A good sized body of people, horses and wagons moved along the road like a rolling tide in a cloud of dust. As they drew closer individual sounds broke apart from the solid din to become independent and distinctive. Now one could make out the pound of hooves, the creak of wood, the clatter of wheels, and the jingle of traces. And at the front the sheriff rode two men that made Angelica’s pulse bound.

“Siddon! Steve!” She pulled away from Maggie and dashed from the porch. Her shoes scuffed the dry earth, and she ran straight into Siddon’s massive arms just as he left his horse.

To hold Adam’s trembling wife felt as if to hold his own daughter. Siddon loved her as he would Amelia or Juliet or Marjorie, and it wounded him to see her this way.

Angelica pulled her head back from his wide chest and looked around at her brother-in-law. Then she reached out to him, and he grasped her hand. “I’m so glad you’ve come. I have been beside myself watching them try to get him out. And Heaven help me, I was beginning to fear you wouldn’t arrive in time.”

“Well we’re here now, and we will get him out.”

“Fiona wanted to come, but I thought the hard ride would be too rough on her and the baby. But when things get settled down…”

“Of course, Steve, of course.”

Siddon’s arms squeezed around her. “Tell us how he’s doing.”

“I don’t know. They’ve been too busy to talk to me, and they refuse to let me in to see him.”

Steve gave her hand a pat. “That’s for the best. It wouldn’t help either one of you if you got trapped, too.”

“I suppose you’re right, but not being able see him for myself and talk to him is like…” The words cut off.

“We understand.” Siddon lifted her face to him, and gave her his most encouraging smile. “Now I know it’d be futile to tell you not to worry, so I’ll just say to try not to worry too much.”

“All right, I’ll try, but I can’t promise anything.”

“Atta girl.”

At the sound of his name, Siddon looked around. Angelica knew Reverend Fordyce well and though she had only seen them around and spoken to them in passing, she recognized Father Flannery and Rabbi Blum.

“You gentlemen can go ahead when you’re ready. We’ll stay here with Mrs. Cartwright.”

“Thank you, gentlemen.” Siddon turned back to Angelica. “You’re in good hands now, so we’ll get to work. And remember what I said about worrying too much.”

“And I said I’ll try.”

The three religious leaders got on either side of her as they watched Siddon and Steve join the others.

As Siddon and Steve got closer to the remains of the building Lee and Fonse came to stand with them as Dr. Montgomery left the wreckage. And the face he wore wasn’t settling.

Graham’s eyes went from man to man. “We’ve got to get him out of there, and the sooner, the better. He’s bleeding to death.”

Fonse’s brow wrinkled. “I don’t see how you can tell, Doc. I didn’t see no blood.”

Lee took a heavy breath. “I do. I’ve seen it before, and I saw it again when I went in there.”

“I can’t tell how much time he has left before it’s too late, but we need to move faster if I’m going to have any chance of saving his life. I’m a good doctor, but I’m not a miracle worker.”

“What you need is a crosscut saw.” The men looked around as husky red-bearded Jack Huston joined them. “It’ll make the work go a lot faster than any axe. The only thing is a man could die in the time it’d take to go to the lumber camp to get one, and get back with it.”

“We got one.” Fonse’s face scrunched. “I’d clean forgot all about it just like I think everybody did. But it was in that durn shed or what’s left of it.”

Jack removed his cap and tousled his dense thatch of fiery hair. “Then we need to try to find it.”

The cluster of men just looked at each other, and spoke without words.

Adam didn’t even seem to notice Fonse crawling around in the wreckage like a squirrel looking for acorns. But Buddy did and his large, shaggy head popped up while his tail brushed back-and-forth over the ground. As far gone into oblivion as he was, though, the dog’s reaction did catch Adam’s attention. “You hear something.”

“It’s me, Boss.” Fonse snagged his foot on something – he didn’t see nor care what – and almost precipitated himself into a heap. Fortunate for him, he caught hold of a pine bough, and it kept him upright. “I’m tryin’ to find that crosscut saw, but I can’t rightly remember where it was the last time I seen it.” He got no answer. “Boss.”

“I’m here.”

Fonse didn’t think he had ever heard the Boss’ voice sound so frail, and it alarmed him maybe more than anything ever had. “That crosscut saw, maybe you can recollect where you last seen it.”

Adam’s eyes closed as he tried to think. Maybe if he could visualize were he had seen it he could remember. But it wouldn’t come to his more and more befuddled mind. He forced his eyelids to rise, and tried to move his head so that he could see Fonse. As he did, however, something blocked him. He blinked in an effort to see what it was. “Fonse, I found that saw.”

Fonse’s heart jumped in his chest as he scrambled closer to the sound of the Boss’ voice. He picked up anything that would move and tossed it out of the way. As he did, he uncovered a handle attached to a blade that protruded from beneath the table the Boss was trapped under. “Found it.” He grabbed the handle, and gave it a tug. It appeared to be lodged against something. He cursed under his breath. “I’ll be right back, Boss. I’m gonna get somebody to help me get this thing out.” After a second’s hesitation at leaving the Boss, he clambered back out.

Breathless more from excitement than exertion, Fonse rejoined the small clique. “I found the durn thing, but it’s caught under that blasted table right with the Boss. And it’s stuck fast just like he is.” He swallowed a breath, and his eyes darkened. “He’s gettin’ away from us. I could hardly get ‘im to talk to me. It was like part of ‘im wasn’t even there.”

The reverend, the father and the rabbi stayed close to Angelica as they all watched the activity become more frenetic as men entered the crushed building. They closed in more around her as someone cursed out loud, and she gasped. Rabbi Blum placed a gentle hand on her wrist, but she appeared not to notice. Father Flannery made the sign of the cross, and slipped a glance at the lady. Reverend Fordyce knew the Cartwrights best of all. They were members of his congregation, and two of the finest people he had ever been privileged to know. His eyes set on the frenzied commotion. He had never liked to conduct funerals.

FIVE

Juva managed to get down on his belly and worm his way under the work table. “I see what’s holdin’ it. It’s a leg off the table.” He grasped it with his hand and pulled, but it didn’t yield. He grumbled to himself then shinnied back out. His voice lowered. “It’s jammed in there real good.”

Chris nodded. “Then we’ll just havta cut it outta the way. Hand me that axe.”

The men backed out of the way as Chris took his first shortened whack in the cramped quarters. Wood splinters filled the space. He took another chop. And another. Through grim determination, it didn’t take him long to sever it at its widest point. “All right Juva, give it another try.”

Juva crouched and wiggled it until he worked loose the thick end. “Got it.” He flung it away from him.

Chris put down the axe. “All right, let’s see it we can get it loose now. But be real careful. We don’t know how close the teeth are to the Boss.”

Chris, Juva, Fonse and Wy began to pull on the saw. It fought them at first then it began to slide free.

Steve’s intense charcoal gaze stayed locked on their progress and his fingers tangled in the dog’s fur. “They’ve just about got it, Adam.” But he got no response, and he looked down. “Adam.” He touched his brother-in-law’s cool, clammy face and repeated his name.

Adam’s eyes struggled to open. “Still here.”

Steve blew out a breath through pursed lips. “They’ve just about got it.”

As the men continued to work the saw free, they had to curve its blade at its widest point. When they did an eerie, almost musical note sounded.

Steve’s hand rested on Adam’s shoulder as he continued to watch them. “Got it. Adam, they got it free. Now we can get you out of here.”

“Steve. Angelica.”

“She’s in good hands. Reverend Fordyce it with her, and so is Rabbi Blum and Father Flannery. Right now we need to concentrate on getting you out of here. She’d want us to.”

“Steve, when you go,” a deep breath caused a wave of pain to tighten his features, “take Buddy with you. I don’t want him hurt.”

Steve looked at the big dog lying so close to his master. “All right, but he isn’t gonna like it. I’ll have to lock him in the barn or he’ll come right back.”

“Okay, just so…” Adam’s breathing grew so heavy from exhaustion that he couldn’t finish.”

“Don’t worry, he’ll be fine.” Steve gave him a pat on the arm then he got the dog by the scruff of the neck and began to pull. “Come on, Buddy, this isn’t the place for you right now.” Buddy was reluctant to go, and he began to whine. “Sorry, old man, but it has to be this way.”

As Steve came out with the dog, Siddon met him. For a long second they just looked at each other then Steve led the dog toward the barn. Siddon looked up to where the crosscut saw had been put into action. Then, without a word, he went inside.

Being such a big man, Siddon found things a might on the tight side. But he felt that right now this was where he belonged, so that wouldn’t stop him. “Not the fanciest accommodations I’ve ever been in. Definitely not the Sinclair or something you’d find in New York.”

Adam had to struggle to open his eyes. “I wondered when you’d show up.”

“Well I couldn’t very well leave my best friend in here alone. And besides, I thought you could use the company.”

“I’m afraid you won’t find… me much of a conversationalist.”

Siddon rested a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about it; I’ll do all the talking. I’m pretty good at it.”

Adam managed a strangled laugh, but Siddon could see that it was painful. “You certainly are.”

Between Chris McCutcheon and Jack Huston the saw moved back-and-forth through the trunk of the tree as fast as they could make it. The teeth bit deeper and deeper and sent fragments of bark to shower down in a shower of saw dust.

Siddon eased his bulk around and leaned forward on his knees. “When we get outta here, you and Angelica are going to havta come for a visit and bring the children. Before you know it, it’ll be Thanksgiving and then Christmas, and I can’t think of two better times for friends to get together.”

“If I’m still here.”

This hit Siddon with a jolt. His friend thought he was going to die, and, to be truthful, Siddon thought it could happen. However, he wasn’t about to let on. “Don’t talk that way. Now that they have that saw, and a lot more axes, we’ll get you out in no time. Graham’ll fix you up and…”

“You’re a lousy liar, Sid.” Adam coughed. “Always have been.” He tried to focus on Siddon’s face. “If I don’t make it, promise me,” he had to catch his breath, “that you’ll take care of Angelica and the children.”

Siddon wanted to deny this, and all he could do was lash out. “Stop it, just stop it. You’re not a martyr yet.” The instant he said it he regretted it. “I shouldn’t have said that. I guess I just don’t like to hear talk like that.” He squeezed Adam’s arm. “You know, instead of concentrating on dying you should be thinking about living. My folks always taught us that where there’s life there’s hope. So don’t give up so easily, my friend.” He forced a laugh. “Angelica would have your hair if she heard you talking this way.”

“I guess she would at that.”

Outside Jack Huston shouted, “All right, that should do it.”

Siddon leaned closer to the ground. “Okay, here we go.”

When they moved away the part of the tree that had been holding everything down shifted. Adam screamed out. Siddon thrust himself under the edge of the table so that it rested against his broad back, and pushed up as much as he could. Steve, Chris and Jack appeared.

Siddon grunted as the weight bore down on him. “Get him out of here, but be careful.”

Being as delicate as they could, the three men slid Adam out. By this time he was close to unconsciousness, and wasn’t even aware as they pulled him free.

“All right, we’ve got ‘im.”

“You two go on.” Then Jack turned and jammed his thick shoulder against the table. “I’ve got it, Mr. Banning.”

When Angelica saw Adam she broke free from Reverend Fordyce and took off. People shouted at her, but all she heard was the thudding of her heart. And all she saw was Adam. She fell onto her knees at his side as they placed him on the ground. He was dusty and ashen and beautiful. She took one of his fine hands in hers, and squeezed it so tight. She heard voices bark around her, but she didn’t hear a thing of what they said. His name wavered as she spoke it, and her hand trembled as she smoothed his gritty hair.

Weakened eyes opened. As they set on her face, one side of his mouth quirked into half a feeble smile. He said her name, but it was so faint that she almost didn’t hear it.

“You’re safe now.” She took the handkerchief from her sleeve and began to wipe the grime from his face. “You’re safe and you’re with me.”

He tried to talk to her, but it just wouldn’t come. His eyes closed, and his grip slackened on her hand.

From behind, gentle hands took hold of her shoulders and began to pull her up and back, but she fought against them. “Mrs. Cartwright, you need to stand back with me so the doctor can help him.”

She looked around at Reverend Fordyce, but her eyes didn’t stay from Adam long.

Graham Montgomery gave orders like a seasoned commander on a battlefield. His voice was sharp, authoritative and loud. He knew what he was doing, and it wasn’t like he had never done this before. “Hurry up.”

Juva and Matt came out of the barn with an old door between them. Behind them rushed Chris and Fonse each with a sawhorse. But leading them all was a brown streak with floppy ears.

Angelica strained against the minister’s hands as she watched Adam placed on the door. She swallowed down the lump that thought to choke her.

“All right, let’s get him in the house.” Then Graham spun on his heel, and dashed for the porch.

Angelica came along with Reverend Fordyce behind the men who carried her husband. One of Adam’s hands dangled off the side, and it distressed her almost to the point of panic.

Maggie rose from the floor as the party came into the parlor. At the disturbance, the children forgot about their blocks. They huddled close to the housekeeper’s legs as the cavalcade headed around the foot of the staircase.

Graham flicked a glance around as Adam was carried into the bedroom. “I’m going to need help.”

Nolan Flannery came forward. “I did missionary work in the New York slums before I came out here. I helped the doctor many times.”

“All right, Father, it looks like you’re drafted.”

With purpose, Angelica headed to the bedroom, but Graham blocked her.

“You’d best stay out here, Angelica. I promise you that I’ll do my very best for him.”

Angelica’s fists clenched. “No, I belong with him, and you can’t make me stay away.”

“This is no place for you. Stay out here with the children.”

Again she tried to get past him, but was stopped as before. Purple daggers shot at him, but he wasn’t deterred and stood his ground.

“Angelica, there isn’t time for this. While I’m standing here arguing with you Adam is dying.”

Angelica went white as milk as the embers died out in her eyes. She just looked at him, and watched as he vanished into the bedroom. Through it all she had never allowed herself to give over to the possibility of Adam’s dying. There just hadn’t been time.

SIX

Instead of snow, the precipitation fell as rain, and it came down in washtubs. The wind continued to flay all in its grasp and drove the drops into the windowpanes like bullets. Thunder clashed like giant cymbals, and lightning split the blackened sky like bolts of yellow fire.

It had been over an hour since Adam had been pulled half unconscious from the wreckage. And a pall of silence had fallen over the house like a heavy mourning veil.

Rabbi Blum proved to be a marvel with children. He sat in the floor before the crackling fire with them gathered around. In a muted voice – so as not to disturb their mother – he told them stories that his parents had told him and his brothers and sisters. Four little sets of rapt young eyes stayed on his round, gentle face as small ears caught every word.

Maggie left the kitchen with a platter of sandwiches. Behind her came Siddon with the coffee pot and Steve with several cups.

Lee rose from where he had been sitting and joined them. His gaze narrowed on the food. “I don’t think anyone’s all that hungry.” He took a sandwich and checked to see what it was made of.

Maggie thumped the platter down on the table. “That may be, but starvation never helped anything.”

Siddon poured coffee into one of Steve’s cups and handed to him. “And I don’t think Adam would want us doing it on his account.”

“I suppose.” Lee took a slug of the hot brew. His eyes flicked toward the bedroom. “This is just like it was when I found him that first time. That’s how I knew when I saw him a while ago that he was in real trouble.” He glared at the sandwich. His nose wrinkled, and he placed it back with the others. “And while I’m worried about Adam,” he looked around, first at the children then Angelica, “this time he’s not the only one.”

Angelica stood at the window that stared out onto the wide front porch. The rain came down in sheets and blotted out everything beyond the posts. A blast of thunder shook the house, but it seemed to make no impression.

A hand rested on her shoulder. “I brought you a sandwich and a cup of coffee.”

She didn’t look around. “I really couldn’t.”

“I don’t think a tiny nibble would hurt anything.”

“No thank you.”

“Then maybe you wouldn’t mind if I ate.”

This time she looked around, and a poignant smile just tipped her eyes. “I know what you’re doing, but I’m really not hungry. But you please go ahead.”

Reverend Fordyce’s little ploy hadn’t worked so he just put everything aside. He wasn’t a bit hungrier than she was. His attention turned beyond the window. “It’s really coming down out there.”

“Heaven’s tears.”

An inquisitive frown creased his broad forehead as he looked at her. “What a beautiful thought.”

“When I was growing up with my brothers and sisters, our mother told us that rain was Heaven’s tears. Sometimes they fell because the angels were sad, and sometimes because they were happy.” Her shoulders sagged. “This time it’s from sadness.” Her breath shuddered. “I don’t know why I feel so alone.”

“You’re not alone. You have family and friends, and God is always with you.”

“I know that. But I…”

The sound of the bedroom door opening came as would the blast of a shotgun. All talk ceased and every eye turned to Dr. Montgomery as he came around the foot of the staircase. With a whimper, Angelica broke and ran.

Graham found himself surrounded by anxious faces. “He’s alive. I stopped the bleeding and fixed him up inside.”

Siddon’s dark eyes became darker. “Then he’ll live.”

“I can’t say. He was hurt worse than I’d hoped for, and he’s lost a lot of blood.” He reached out and took Angelica’s hand. “At one point I thought I’d lost him.” He gave her a pat. “But I guess he had second thoughts.”

Angelica’s voice came as a shade more than a squeak. “I hope he didn’t suffer.”

“No, I used chloroform, and I can safely say that he didn’t feel a thing.”

Angelica threw out her chin, and, as it had before, determination ensconced itself in her delicate visage. “I want to see him.”

Graham nodded. “I knew you would, but first there’s something I need to tell you, need to tell you all.” He watched as she became even more colorless. “There’s the possibility that damage was done to his back, to be more precise, his spine.”

Steve sidled closer to his sister-in-law. “You mean he might never walk again.”

“I’m afraid I do. Now at this stage I can’t be sure, shoot, I can’t be sure of anything, except that he’s still alive, and I intend to try to keep him that way,” his hold squeezed on Angelica’s hand. “But we have to be prepared for that possibility, and take it from there.”

“You must have a reason for thinking this way.”

“Yes, Reverend, I do. I saw a lot in the war, and I learned to be prepared for anything. Having something slip up on you because you didn’t take it into consideration teaches a lasting lesson. Nothing happened in there to make me believe it was so, but a good doctor thinks of these things and looks ahead to what could be.” He snorted. “And I like to think that I’m a good doctor. Now let’s take you in and let you sit with your husband for a little bit.”

The four men just stood there and watched after them. At the sound of a sniffle, they glanced around as Maggie disappeared into the kitchen. Lee’s eyes drifted to where Rabbi Blum sat in silence in the floor with the children, and thought of his own wife and sons. In all the tumult of freeing and then waiting to just see if Adam would live, no one had even considered this eventuality. And – as the doctor had said – it had a lasting effect.

The second she saw her husband, Angelica’s grip tightened on the doctor’s arm. She thought she would suffocate as they drew closer to the bed. She paid no attention to Father Flannery as he swabbed blood from the door that rested on the saw horses. And she didn’t even notice as Graham eased her down into the wingchair that had been placed at the bedside for her. Adam was the center of her attention, and nothing stood any chance of breaking through.

Graham stooped beside the chair, and turned her face to him. “I’ll be right outside if you need me.” His gaze flitted to his patient. “He should just sleep for a while yet.”

“I’ll be right here when he wakes.”

“A man couldn’t ask for a better sight to open his eyes to.” He took hold of her hand. “We’ll get him through this no matter what it takes. And don’t even give up hope.”

“I could never do that,” her attention turned back to Adam, “because it would mean giving up on him.”

Graham stood and motioned Father Flannery to follow, and they both went out.

When the door closed out the rest of the world, Angelica leaned forward. She picked up one of the cool hands, and its touch sent a shock of electricity through her. Her fingers twined with the longer, masculine ones. She brushed the other hand over his forehead, and pushed the characteristic black wisp away from his face. Then she caressed his pallid cheek. Yet he never awoke or even stirred. A stagecoach couldn’t have run her down any harder. With a stifled sob she bent down and rested her head on his arm. Now the crying – restrained though it was – could be denied no longer.

Graham had discovered the coffee and sandwiches. He ate like a man who hadn’t seen decent food in a month while Siddon, Steve and Lee sat around the table, their eyes right on him. Reverend Fordyce had gone to help Rabbi Blum attend the children, while Father Flannery had gone into the kitchen to freshen up.

“I can’t say much for your telling Angelica that Adam could be crippled.” Siddon thumped an elbow down on the tabletop. “It could have waited.”

Graham washed down a bite. “It’s been my experience that people want the truth right up front.” He took another bite, but continued to talk around it. “Imagine how she’d feel if I didn’t tell her, and she found out a different way.”

“Mr. Banning didn’t say not to tell her, he just thinks you could’ve waited a little bit. After all that she had just gone through she didn’t need another blow.”

Now Graham’s keen eyes zeroed in on Lee, who sat across from him. “Another county heard from.” He slammed the remains of his sandwich down in front of him. “You might rather he told her, if it comes to it.”

“That’s not what I meant, I just thought…”

“I think he did exactly the right thing, the right way.”

Every eye turned on Steve.

“I know my Fiona would want to know and, for that matter, so would Carolyn and Becky. And Graham’s right, it would be far worse if she heard it from Adam without being ready for it. This way she’ll be as prepared as she possibly can be.”

“You’re right.” Siddon began to fondle his dense black beard. “I guess it’s just our instinct to want to protect her. But that doesn’t give us the right to jump onto you, Graham. Of course you did the right thing.”

Graham started in on his sandwich again. “Forget it. I guess we all want to protect her from what could come.”

Nolan Flannery dashed the filmy water out the back door then closed it quick to seal out Mother Nature’s fury. It felt good to wash the feel of blood from his arms and hands. The towel had taken the stain, but not the sense that it remained. He sat the emptied pan on the table and began to roll down his sleeves.

Maggie stood at the stove stirring the bubbling contents of a small pot. Her nutmeg eyes were locked on the contents, and it seemed only her arm capable of moving.

“That smells good, but I really don’t think anyone’s all that hungry. Only Dr. Graham seems to have discovered the sandwiches. And he has done so with great relish.”

“This is for the children. Baby stomachs don’t understand such things.”

“This is true. And it’s a blessing from above that all too soon leaves them.” He watched her as she almost appeared afraid to look at him. “The Cartwrights are fine people.”

“That they indeed are.”

“Before I left town I lit a candle for them.”

“That was very good of ya, Father, them not bein’ Catholic an’ all.”

“It doesn’t matter. We’re all God’s children, and we all need His help and guidance in our lives, especially at times like this.”

All at once Maggie seemed to freeze solid. The stew continued to bubble, but now it wasn’t the focus of her attention. She looked around at him. “Father, I don’t know what we’ll be able to do for me girl if, Heaven forbid,” she made the sign of the cross, “she should lose ‘im. In all me life I don’t think I’ve ever seem a woman love a man any more. Sometimes I think that if he should go before her, she’ll follow soon after. Not that she would take her own life, but I believe that she would just wither away, an’ wouldn’t be long about it.”

“Once they find each other, some people just aren’t meant to be parted. But I think that maybe you underestimate the power of motherhood.”

She shook her head. “Not in this case. If he goes, we’ll lose ‘em both.”

SEVEN

Through the night the fierce storm had kept up its relentless onslaught. But around an hour or so before first light it had settled into a soft, though steady, rain. The wind, too, had eased off to a gentle puff to ruffle a baby’s hair. After the pastel tints of dawn had faded away the sky had returned to its oppressive gray overcast.

There hadn’t been a whole lot of solid sleep; dozing and pacing had been the greatest pastimes. Breakfast had been nothing more than a meal to take with little in the way of talk. And now – an hour later – people milled or stood in knots in unobtrusive corners and chatted in low tones. The ever attentive Rabbi Blum sat on the settee and regaled the children with another story – Elizabeth having fallen asleep in his arms – while Father Flannery helped Maggie in the kitchen.

Siddon, Steve, Lee and Dan Jillian stood close by the study door in a tight bunch. Here they were out of the way, and could talk free without disturbing anyone.

“I wish I knew what’s taking so long. He’s been in there all morning.”

Dan rested a comforting hand on Steve’s shoulder. “Take it easy. Graham’ll let us know when he does. Besides, this could be one of those times when no news is good news.”

“I suppose so,” Steve tousled his tick chocolate hair, “but I wish we knew something, one way or the other. This is like waiting for the hangman to drop the trap under your feet.”

Siddon’s eyes went past the staircase. “When I get back to town I’m going to send a wire to Ben. I know he and the rest of the family will want to be here.”

Steve groaned. “I’m glad I won’t be there to see it when they get it. We all know how Ben is over his sons. And Verina, especially since her first husband died, has watched over her children like a hawk. Joe and Hoss are gonna have their hands full.”

Siddon nodded. “I just hope that somebody’s there for them.”

“I thought you could use some coffee.”

They looked around as Reverend Fordyce came toward them with the pot and four cups.

Lee’s eyes darted at the man’s hands as he handed out the cups. “You oughtta have some with us, Reverend.”

The minister fostered a faint grin as he poured. “I got to talking with Nolan and Maggie so I lost count, but I think I’ve already had five. If you listen real close you can hear me when I walk. I sound like the New Jersey shore at high tide.”

Lee snickered. “You’ll probably be seeing a man about a horse after all that.”

“I just did, and a fine bay it was.”

Siddon, Steve, Lee and Dan couldn’t help but laugh, though they kept it subdued. Jonathon Fordyce certainly had not missed his calling. He knew how to soothe and comfort and to ease troubled minds, and wasn’t above getting down to a working man’s level. He was a fine shepherd to his flock and a true benefit to his avocation.

“I could use some of that,” came in the form of a soft southern accent.

The men had been so taken by the pastor’s joke that they hadn’t heard the doctor come out of the bedroom. Dan handed over his cup, and Graham took a good eye-opening slug.

“He’s still with us, but other than that there’s been little change since last night. Some of his coloring had returned, and he’s breathing better, but he has heated up some, and that’s to be expected. It’s not normal for the human body to go through what his has.”

Siddon stepped closer to him. “So you can’t tell us much more than you did before”

“I’m afraid not. We’ll know more when he wakes up, and that could be for any number of hours or days.”

Steve shoved himself away from the wall, and his hands balled into fists. “You might as well go ahead and say it, Graham, if he wakes up at all.”

“All right, I won’t pull any punches. Yes, there is the distinct possibility that he won’t, but there’s just as much of a one that he will. And the longer we have him here, the better the chances that he’ll make it.

Lee just shook his head, and ran his hand over his face. “I bet Angelica’s a mess.”

“To watch her one would think she’s as calm as a mountain lake. She just sits there holding his hand, and wiping the perspiration from his face. I tried more than once to get her to talk, but it was like pulling teeth. And I caught her crying, subdued as it was, a couple times, but she was quick to straighten up when she saw she’d been discovered. She’s a strong lady, but it doesn’t take a doctor to see the strain this is putting her under. But then that isn’t to be unexpected either.”

Siddon rubbed the back of his neck. “When I return to Bantree I’m going to notify their family.”

Graham took another drink. “That’s good. If ever there was a time when Adam and Angelica needed them, this is it. And it wouldn’t be right to keep this from them. Plus it’ll help Maggie out, too.” He held out his cup, and Jonathon topped it off. “I’ll let you know about any further developments as soon as I have any.” He took a sip then started back toward the bedroom.

“I’ll go tell Maggie and Nolan. I’m sure they’ll want to hear this, too.” Jonathon handed the pot to Steve then headed off for the kitchen.”

The four men just stood there then Siddon stomped over and retrieved his coat and hat from the rack near the large front window. He got into them and without a word jerked the front door open. The rain had slacked off even more since breakfast, but it was still enough to give a man a good wetting. That, however, was of no concern to him. “I’ll tell Fiona what’s going on, and if she wants to come out I’ll drive her myself.” He pulled his hat down around his ears then went out and closed the door behind him.

Dan turned back to Steve and Lee. “I think I’d better do the same, but I’ll try to get back if I can.” Then he got his hat and coat and went out after the big man.

*******

Angelica hadn’t noticed the progression of morning into afternoon. Even dinner – which Maggie had to almost force feed her, what little she ate – came and went as a shadow. Adam had become ever more the focal point, and few things outside his sphere of influence could penetrate its protective shell.

The times when she sat in the chair were infrequent. She stayed most on the side of the bed where she could be closest to him. Graham came and went, but she never seemed aware of him unless he entered her field of vision. She talked little, and when she did it was soft and clipped, as if she were in a hurry to get it over with. So when the door opened behind her, she paid it not the slightest bit of attention.

Her name seemed to drift in a haze that surrounded her. It came more than once then something touched her arm, and after an effort to drag her attention away from him, she looked up.

Pale gray eyes and a compassionate smile met her. A swell of emotion began to surge inside her, and then everything gushed out all at once. “Fiona.” She threw her arms around her sister’s waist, and found herself in an embrace that was as a rope to a drowning man.

The sobs were heart wrenching as Fiona held onto her as if she could protect her sister from this terrible thing. She rested the side of her face against the top of Angelica’s head. “Cry, Angie, cry, and get it out. I’m right here, and I’ll go through this with you.”

Then Fiona’s tear-filled eyes rose to her brother-in-law, and her heart added a few extra beats. She blinked away the film that floated over their surface. In all the years that she had known him; she had never seen him so pale and so still. It appeared as if death had already moved into him. Please, Adam, stay with us, stay with her, she thought. Then her arms squeezed around her sister, and she buried her face against Angelica’s neck.

*******

Cochise pounded around the side of the barn as if someone had set fire to his tail. He tore into the yard, and two hands just managed to get out of the way before they were run down. One cursed as a matter of happenstance, but as they got a good clear look at the rider’s face they knew something was wrong.

The horse’s tail drug his tracks as he slid to a stop and Joe Cartwright sprung from the saddle as if propelled by an immense spring. From the split second his boots hit the ground he bolted for the house. “Pa! Pa!”

EIGHT

They had missed the noon stage, and a pair of distraught parents didn’t want to wait for the evening run. So the only double brougham for hire in Virginia City, along with a team, had been rented, taken to the Ponderosa where it could be packed with luggage and food for the trip, and they were off. On the first leg of the journey, Hoss Cartwright took on the duty of driver while Joe rode inside with their father and stepmother.

Joe sat across from his parents as the big, boxy coach moved along the familiar road at a fair clip. The thud of hooves almost felt to vibrate through the cab, and one felt every bump and dip the wheels hit. His emerald eyes narrowed on the handsome couple before him. “Pa, I think you and Verina should try to get some rest. It’s gonna be a long three days before we get to the Angel.”

“That may not be such a bad idea, son.” Ben Cartwright squeezed his wife’s hands, and smiled at her. “And I think your mother needs it more than I do.”

Verina Cartwright tried to return the smile, but it was thin at best. “I’m all right, Ben, dear. I can manage as long as anyone can.”

“I’m gonna go topside and ride with Hoss for a while.”

“All right, Joe, if that’s what you want. But do be quick about it.”

Joe stuck his head and left arm out the window and pounded on the side. He shouted twice, as loud as he could to make himself heard.

Hoss stopped the horses and waited while Joe got out and climbed up beside him. Joe hadn’t even gotten his butt on the seat than they were off again.

Joe thumped down on the plush upholstered seat, and shot him an icy green glare. “You coulda at least waited for me to sit down.”

“Sorry about that, little brother, but we are, after all, in a hurry.” Hoss gave the reins a snap and shouted to the team. “So we ain’t got time to be worryin’ about accommodatin’ your back end.”

Any other time Joe would have argued with him, but this wasn’t the day for it. So he just sulled up and turned his eyes forward. But he stayed quiet for less than a minute. “Hoss, I’ve been giving something a lot of thought since we left. Siddon Banning’s wire only said that Adam was badly hurt, and had come through surgery, but little else. I can’t help wondering what we may be going in on.”

Hoss’ blue eyes flicked sideways. “I know what you’re sayin’, but they ain’t no use o’ puttin’ it right out in words. We both know our older brother, and he ain’t likely to just up an’ quit, so let’s not do it either.”

Joe snorted. “No, he’d never do that, that’s for sure. If he’d been that kind, Vince Decker woulda killed ‘im when he waylaid him coming outta Bantree. Lee Haymes told me that he’d never seen anybody fight so hard, first just to stay alive then for an identity.”

“Well one thing’s for danged sure; our brother is one of a kind.”

Joe laughed. “Truer words have never been spoken. And the way he handles things is strictly Adam.” The laugh became a giggle. “Like the time he encountered the knight, and we thought our brother had lost his mind.”

Hoss chortled. “An’ the time we brought Ol’ Sheba home.”

“Let’s not forget Annie O’Toole and Swede’s two claims. And to watch the way he handled himself in the miner’s court was worth money to see.”

Brothers’ laughter vied with the clatter of the coach, and the beat of the horses’ hooves. But all too soon it died away into the clamor.

Hoss gave the reins another snap. “I sure hope ol’ Adam don’t disappoint us this time.”

Verina had leaned her head over on her husband’s shoulder, and his arm had gone around her ample figure. Her eyes were closed, though she wasn’t asleep.

“I wish that Mr. Banning had told us more. All we know for sure is that Adam was hurt, and the doctor had to operate to save his life.” With a tiny moan, she pressed her face against him. “Oh, my poor Angelica, I know this is tearing her to pieces. How I wish we were there.”

“We will be as soon as we can, but until we are she has those who will look out for her.”

“I’m so glad Fiona and Steve are there,” she pulled her head back and looked at him, “but she needs her mother.”

He kissed her on the forehead, and squeezed her closer. “I guess there are times when we all do, but don’t forget that Maggie is there, too.”

“Our dear Maggie. She has always been more than just a servant. I’m so glad that Angelica has her.”

“We have to trust those that are there to take care of things until we arrive. She and Adam are in good and capable hands, so try not to worry too much.”

“I can never do that any more than you can.”

“I guess a parent never could.” He unfastened the ties under her chin, removed her bonnet and put it aside on the seat with his hat. “Now I think you should try to take a nap. Joe was right that this is going to be a long journey.”

“I don’t think I could.”

“All I ask is that you try. I’ll even be your pillow.”

Her eyes filled to overflowing as she watched him. “Our poor children.” She snuggled close to him. “And their babies, oh, Ben, their babies.”

“We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that they’re Cartwright’s and Angelica is her mother’s and father’s daughter. And let’s not loose sight of the strength that that brings with it.”

“I know, and I’m thankful for it.”

His arms tightened around her as she nestled her head into the hollow of his shoulder and closed her eyes. He had done his best at comforting her, but there was no one there to comfort him. No, that wasn’t altogether true. His eyes rose, and his lips moved in silent prayer.

*******

Hoss and Joe had alternated back-and-forth with the driving. When one got so that he felt his arms would fall off his brother would spell him. But the only respite the horses got was when they were allowed to slow down. And always after several minutes Ben’s head would poke out, and he would chastise them into picking up speed again. The brothers, however, knew that this couldn’t go on much longer, even if their father didn’t seem to.

So, after a brief confab, Hoss reined the horses to a halt. A look was exchanged – for they both knew what would come next – then the big man climbed down. As Hoss came around the side, Ben’s head came out as if on cue.

“We agreed that we weren’t going to stop.”

“You agreed, Pa, but if’n we keep pushin’ those horses without any consideration they’re gonna drop, and we’ll be stuck out here. That won’t do us, them or Adam any good.” His eyes flicked past his father to the interior of the cab. “An’ I don’t think a good rest in a proper bed is gonna hurt nobody.”

Joe came up behind his brother. “He’s right, Pa, and you know it. We all want to get there as fast as we can, but if we lose the horses, then it’ll take a lot longer, and that’s time none of us have to waste.”

Ben looked to the star sprinkled sky. “All right, you can walk them more.”

The brothers looked at each other then Hoss spoke. “We ain’t just thinkin’ o’ the horses. We could all use a good night’s rest.”

Ben didn’t want to stop, and if it were only him he wouldn’t even consider it. He nodded. “We can pull off to the side of the road and sleep in the brougham.”

“That ain’t gonna be so comfortable on Miss Verina.”

“I’ll be perfectly fine, Erik.”

“Maybe so, ma’am, but I been doin’ some calcalatin’ an’ the Lundberg mansion should be right up ahead. It shouldn’t take any more ‘n twenty or so minutes to git to it.”

Joe stepped closer to his brother. “I doubt anybody has told Annie and Swede what’s happened, and Hoss and I have been thinking that maybe they’d like to come with us.”

Ben had to give this some serious thought, but the need for expediency negated that. “All right, Hoss, get us there as fast as you can.”

“Sure thing, Pa.”

Hoss and Joe returned to the seat while their father settled back in with Verina. Hoss took up the reins again, and with one flick they were off once more.

*******

Sven Lundberg sat before the blazing fire in the white Italian marble fireplace in the back visiting parlor, his pipe clamped in his teeth. Annie O’Toole Lundberg had taken a seat in a pale green velvet upholstered ladies’ chair, her dark auburn head bowed over a book. From the mantle a small porcelain clock added its demure tick to the serenity. It was the kind of activity that the big, blond Swede railed against, but his Annie thought it genteel and refined so he had learned to keep his mouth shut. He rapped the bowl of his pipe on an arm of the chair, and drew a quick aqua glare.

Annie’s focus had just returned to the page when there came another rapping. The harsh eyes shot to him again.

“It wasn’t me this time.”

Again it happened and this time they realized what they had heard.

Annie marked her place with a delicate piece of lace then closed her book and laid it on the candle table. “There’s someone at the front door. Now I wonder who that could be this time o’ night.”

Sven rose from his chair. “I know only one way to find out.”

With a nod, Annie picked up the lamp and they went out through the darkened corridor. The sound of their shoes on the marble floor echoed through the stillness. They had just come around the foot of the grand staircase when a maid joined them from the other side.

“It’s all right, Molly, we’ll answer it. Ya can go on back to what ya were doin’.”

“Yes, mum.” Then with a slight curtsy the young woman turned and left the way she had come.

The second Swede opened the door; the lamp light fell over the four late visitors. Annie’s wide eyes competed with her husband’s for roundness.

Ben’s hand tightened on Verina’s. “I know this is a bit late and unexpected, but we’ve been traveling for hours and Verina is very tired. I’m sorry for the imposition.”

“There’s no imposition at all, Ben Cartwright.” Annie handed the lamp to Swede and pulled Verina into the foyer. “Now ya come in out of the night chill, and we’ll have no more apologizin’. I’ll have some rooms made up for ya, and some food brought right up.”

“That’s very generous.”

“It’s nothin’ ya wouldn’t do for us, and it’s not like we get to see ya all that much.”

“Still, it’s very much appreciated.”

As Swede closed the door Annie moved closer to the staircase. “I imagine you’re on your way to see Adam and Angelica and the little ones.” Her brow creased. “I know ya don’t get up there as much as you’d like, so I know they’ll be glad to see ya.”

It went so quiet that one could have heard a snowflake drop.

Ben’s somber eyes went to his family, flitted to Swede then returned to Annie. “I’m afraid this isn’t going to be a pleasure visit. We got a wire from Siddon Banning this afternoon.” He hesitated before he gave them the rest of it. “Adam has been in a very serious accident, and they don’t know if he is going to live.”

The crescendo of silence seemed close to deafening, and no one seemed to be able to move.

NINE

When Swede entered the kitchen his wife stood at one of two large iron stoves, still and lifeless as a bronze statuette. He had just opened his mouth when – in the cast of light from the single lamp – he perceived a minute tremble to her shoulders.

The cook had turned in for the night, so that left the cooking up to Annie. She could have roused the woman, but Annie didn’t do this as much as she used to, and she did so enjoy it. So whenever an opportunity rose for her to put in some time at the stove she took full advantage of it. And now she needed its comfort.

Annie wasn’t one for crying. This isn’t to say that she didn’t when she felt that the situation warranted it. Her father had always told her that life was too short to waste on tears and grieving. Living was to enjoy, not to be thrown away on the winds of sorrow. But there were times when it just couldn’t be avoided nor should be. This was one of those times.

Large, masculine hands rested on her back. In her lamenting and reminiscences she hadn’t heard him enter. She turned a slice of ham, and it sizzled and popped. “I just need to be finishin’ with the ham. I know they’re famished after all that long way with nothin’ to eat.” She turned another slice.

Like with Hoss Cartwright, the big Swede surprised those who didn’t know him at how gentle he could be. He took the long-handled fork from her and leaned it against the side of the skillet. He turned her to face him. At once he caught the redness of her eyes and the glisten of tears on her cheeks. He just looked down at her, but said nothing.

A faint smile turned the corners of her mouth. “All I havta do it get the bread.”

She started to walk away from him, but he stopped her.

“You don’t need to hide this from me. I know how you feel about Adam Cartwright. I know that he is your dearest friend, and it would be wrong not to cry for him now.”

For a second she just stood there looking at him then she allowed him to pull her to him. She put the side of her head against his barrel chest as his beefy arms went around her.

“I’ve been rememberin’ how it was when we all thought he had gone to his reward. And I can never forget what Ben Cartwright became. It tore the heart right outta him, just like I know this is.”

He began to stroke the back of her head. “Like I know it did you, and that’s why we’re goin’ with them tomorrow.”

She pulled back and looked up at him. “I would like so much to, but this is a time for family and not for us to go…”

“I had a long talk with Hoss and Joe. This was their idea, and their father agreed. If we’re goin’ to lose Adam they think we should get the chance to say a proper good-bye.” He cupped her chin in his hand. “But nobody says we’re goin’ to, and it will be good to be there when he wakes up.”

“I would like that.”

“Then it’s settled. We’ll leave at first light.” He pushed her head back against his chest.

Her eyes closed, and squeezed out more tears. Swede had never been so right about anything when he had said that Adam was her dearest friend. She sniffed, and felt her husband’s arms tighten around her. Tonight before she went to bed she would say a rosary for her dear Adam. It was all she could do, and sometimes it was enough.

*******

When Maggie stole into the bedroom she found Angelica curled up on the bed beside Adam. She had gotten as close as she could without touching him. Since the doctor had let her back into the room she hadn’t left Adam’s side. Everything she did she did in there, and the window was a far as she would get away from him.

Maggie got a blanket from a bottom drawer of the dresser, and used it to cover her girl. Angelica didn’t move, even when Maggie pushed a dark brown tendril back from the young woman’s face. As she looked down on two of the most precious people she had ever known, she tried to blink away the burning. Her breathing shuddered and she wished she could just break down and bawl. But it would have to wait until she got some time to herself, and even then she would use restraint. She had to always be ready for when she was needed.

She made the sign of the cross and bowed her head. Her lips moved in hushed prayer then she closed the window draperies, put out the lamp, and left the room.

“Maggie.”

As she reached the edge of the dining room she turned around. “Yes, Mr. Haymes.”

“Nothing has changed, I would guess.”

“No, sir. They’re both very still.”

“I just wanted to make sure before I left. I need to get home to my family. I’ll get back as soon as I can, but if you or Angelica need anything before then, just send one of the men, and I’ll be right here.”

“It’ll be done, Mr. Haymes.”

His eyes darted back toward the bedroom, and he smiled. He acted like he was about to say something but changed his mind. Instead of saying anything else he got his hat and coat and left. And as soon as the front door closed behind him Maggie returned to the kitchen. She had something to attend to.

*******

Carolyn Banning sat at a front window in the main parlor, her gaze directed outside into the darkness. She could see the lights from town and hear the music from the saloons, but it seemed so distant and unimportant. Siddon had stayed home only long enough to let her and the girls know what was going on before he grabbed a quick bite to eat and rode right back out.

Her thoughts were somewhere off at the Angel ranch, so it caught her unaware when a warm, soft bundle was placed in her lap. She looked down at her granddaughter, and all at once she wanted to cry. She cuddled the child – now just over a year old – close and pressed her cheek against the soft caramel-colored head. She kissed a rosy cheek then turned her attention to her daughter as the girl sat in the chair next to hers.

Amelia Banning McCutcheon was golden-haired and fair with azure eyes like her mother whereas her two younger sisters were dark with black hair like their father. She reached out and touched the back of her mother’s hand. “We have to believe that he will be all right.”

“I know that, and maybe it would be easier if I were there.”

“And maybe it would be harder. Seeing someone can often convince us of what we don’t want to believe. I remember when Daddy got shot last October. Every time I went in the room I couldn’t keep back the thought that I was watching him pass from us. I tried not to think such a thing, but he was so ghastly white and still that I couldn’t help myself.”

Sarah put her head against her grandmother, and her small mouth spread in a yawn as Carolyn played in her hair. “I prefer not to think of that dreadful time. It still suits to frighten me.”

She touched the back of her mother’s wrist. “I shouldn’t have brought it up. We’ll talk about something far more pleasant.” A fond smile turned her lips. “Oh, what an awful crush I had on Adam. To me he was the most handsome, the most wonderful, the most perfect man I had ever seen, next to Daddy of course. He never laughed at me or treated me like a child, but a grown young woman. Those times he took me to Tabler’s for my birthday were like fairy tales, and are among my most special memories.”

“I heard all about how you tricked him into letting you have Peaches Flambé.”

“Well he did say I could have whatever I wanted. What a perfectly wonderful sensation.” She smacked her lips. “It almost seemed to be alive in my mouth, like fiery bubbles that danced on my tongue. That was the year he brought me a special gift.” Her eyes twinkled with mischief in the light. “My Chris.”

“Adam often told me that he had as much fun as you did.”

“It’s too bad that we can’t go back and do it all over again.” Amelia’s eyes went black and foreboding. “That was also the year when we thought he had been killed. As long as I live I’ll never forget how empty I felt when I overheard Joe telling you and Daddy. I thought my life had come to an end, and I have no desire to go through that again.”

“None of us do, sweetheart, none of us do.” Carolyn looked down at her granddaughter who had given up the fight to stay awake. “But as hard as it is on us, I don’t want to think of what it is like for Ben.” She kissed the baby on top of the head, and turned her attention back outside. “I know this is killing him.”

*******

The remains of two half eaten sandwiches had been left on the plate, and a couple glasses of almost untouched milk sat on the bed table. The light had been put out and Ben and Verina held each other in the middle of the big brass bed. Since they were only going to stay the one night, it had been decided that the luggage would be left with the coach. So he had stayed in his clothes – removed his boots, of course – while she undressed down to her chemise and stockings.

“I wish we could get there sooner.”

“Hoss was telling me that we could cut off some time if we stopped in Reno and got some fresh horses. By the time we get there ours will be well tired, and it doesn’t take that long to change a team if more than one man is working at it.”

“Then by-all-means, Ben, we must do it. A time like this is when we need our loved ones around us so much. And I’m thinking of Fiona as much as I am Angelica. This is a hard thing for one so young to bear by herself.”

“I think she’ll do just fine until we get there. She’s a woman now, and she does have Steve, and I don’t think he’ll let her be by herself.” He snuggled her closer to him. “Now since we’ll be leaving early in the morning we need to try to get some sleep. The second part of this journey is going to be harder than the first, and we’re going to need all the rest we can get while we have time to get it.”

“Ben, I haven’t been this frightened in a long time.”

“I know, dear, I’m frightened, too. Now do try to go to sleep.”

He could tell that she nodded, and he felt her soft breathing against his throat. It was good to hold her, and to have her with him at a time so filled with uncertainty and dread. He closed his eyes against the anxiety, and let images of a black-haired boy come to him. And voices from the past came with them.

“Pa, I wish I coulda known my mother.”

“So do I, son, only it just wasn’t meant to be. But I know she would be as proud of you as I am.”

“Pa, it isn’t fair that Inger had to die.”

“No son, it isn’t, but life never asks us what we want or what we think is fair.”

“Pa, I miss Marie. I miss her so much that it’s as a pain in my heart.”

“I do too, son. And I have the same kind of pain.”

And Ben had that pain now, a pain that would only become more unbearable if the unspeakable should come to pass. “Wait for us, son.”

“Ben.”

“It’s nothing, dear, just go to sleep.”

He felt her head nestle more under his chin and a tear run down the side of his face.

*******

Fiona had gone into Adam’s study where she could have some private time with her daughter. In here it was so peaceful, and somehow she felt closer to her brother-in-law in this room. She sat in the chair at the corner of the large mahogany desk. The child nestled close to her mother and let the sandman take her to his house. Fiona’s pale gray eyes strayed to the floor-to-ceiling bookcases that covered the entire left wall. She tried to imagine Adam poring over the myriad volumes that lined their shelves. As she looked at the books she noticed something that came as no surprise. There were many familiar titles and well known authors, but what dominated were volumes of poetry, especially Shakespeare.

A light knock at the door interrupted her train of thought. “Come in.”

“I thought I might find you in here.” Steve closed the door behind him then crossed to his wife and crouched beside her chair. He rubbed his fingers over the child’s silken hair. “I’m glad she doesn’t understand what’s going on.”

“So do I.” She looked deep into his solemn charcoal eyes. “I don’t suppose you have heard anything.”

“No, the doctor says that nothing has changed, but that’s as expected. As badly hurt as Adam has been we can’t think that it will get better in just a few hours.”

“I know, but a girl can hope.” She looked down at her sleeping daughter. “I remember when Angelica first married him I wasn’t sure that I was going to like him. I didn’t meet him until a few days before the wedding, and to be quite frank, he scared me.”

“Adam can have that effect on people, especially women.”

“But the time that he and Angelica lived with me and Mother after we moved to Bantree I got to know him better, and it’s a time I wouldn’t trade for money.” She looked up at him. “He almost worked himself to death just trying to get their house built so they could be in it for Christmas. I’ll never forget when he collapsed out of sheer exhaustion. It was then that I knew that Angelica hadn’t made a mistake.” She reached out and touched his face. “Promise me that you’ll never do anything like that.”

“I promise. If we ever have another house somebody else can build it.” He grasped her fingers and kissed her palm. Then he stood and pulled her to her feet. “Let me take her. I think you should go upstairs and lie down. You’ve been going all day, and it won’t help anyone to run yourself down.”

“I’ll go only if you give me your word that you’ll let me know as soon as you hear anything.”

“You have it.”

Then he took their daughter – who didn’t wake – and they went out.

*******

Joe’s legs drove him with purpose along the cobblestone path that led to the Lundberg’s stable. As he got closer he could see that an orangey glow issued from a side window. One corner of his mouth crooked.

The soft light cast shadow to one side of the stable while it illuminated the other. Hoss stood near one of the stalls and ran a brush along the back of one of the horse’s they had rented. His low, gentle voice added a human quality to the quietness.

“I knew where you’d be.” Joe pushed the door shut then crossed to his brother. He took the horse’s muzzle in one hand and began to stroke between its eyes with the other. “Every time something bad happens I always know where to look for you.”

“Animals make good company, an’ they let you talk without interruptin’.” He started the brush along the horse’s withers. “An’ a stable’s always a good place to do some thinkin’.”

“About Adam.”

Hoss nodded and ran the brush in a long stroke. But after a few seconds he went still. “I just feel so helpless. Sometimes I wish Adam had settled on the Ponderosa like Pa always hoped we would when we got married.”

“So do I, and maybe for selfish reasons, but this is how he wanted it, and it is only three days away.”

Hoss began to toy with the brush. “A lot can happen in three days.”

“I know, but, like you told me, we can’t give up on him.”

“I ain’t givin’ up; it’s just that when you don’t know that much about somethin’ your head has a funny way o’ comin’ to its own conclusions. An’ dang it all, it always seems to run to the bad things, the worser the better.”

“This isn’t like you, Hoss. You’re the one that always looks on the bright side of anything that comes up.”

“I guess this is one o’ those times when you just cain’t do that. I s’pose findin’ what we thought was Adam buried on the Ponderosa an’ then thinkin’ he was dead for nigh onto a month left a mark where he’s concerned.” Hoss’ head bowed, and his shoulders drooped as he leaned his arms on the horse’s back. “What that felt like comes back, an’ I don’t wantta feel that again. An’ Joe,” he looked around and his eyes were as doleful as Joe could ever remember seeing them, “I just don’t think I could go through that again, ‘cause this time it really would be him, an’ we’d know he wouldn’t be comin’ back.”

Joe had no answer to this. All he could do was put a comforting hand on Hoss’ back, and not admit that the same thing seized him.

*******

When Lee Haymes got home he found his Becky sitting in a chair at the dining table, waiting up for him. Eleven-year-old Kip had fallen asleep in the floor near his mother’s feet, and three-year-old William slept in her arms. Their eyes met over their youngest as Lee removed his hat and coat, and spoke with as much clarity as any words. A heavy inhalation swelled his chest. “We don’t know.”

TEN

Most considered Reno a Podunk spot that wasn’t important enough to make it onto a map of Nevada. It wasn’t even what any stretch of the imagination could call a town, proper or otherwise. Four disreputable buildings – a livery, a saloon that doubled as a cafe, a trading post and a way station – comprised it and its only real function was for folks passing through on their way to more creditable destinations.

Hoss and Swede worked at a fever pitch to get the fresh team hooked up to the brougham. Ben stood off to the side with Verina and Annie, and his glare stayed on every move in front of him. Anyone could see his impatience grow in increments, and they didn’t have to strain to catch it.

Verina’s eyes flitted to her husband, and she squeezed his arm. “At this rate they will done before you know it, and we’ll be on our way again.”

As Joe sprinted down the street toward them – an array of canteens hung over one arm – he caught his father’s demanding gaze. He knew he was about to get a stern rebuke so he knew he had better speak up fast. “I thought I’d go ahead and refill the canteens while we’re here so we won’t need to stop so much.”

The edge of Ben’s glare softened. “That was a very good idea, Joe.”

Joe could feel some of the tension leave his body. “I’ll go ahead and put them in the coach.”

“All finished.” Hoss swiped his hands against each other. “All we gotta do is get aboard, an’ we’re off.”

Ben hustled the ladies inside, and Joe, who would rather ride outside, climbed in with them.

With a snap of the reins they were once again moving. This time Swede rode topside with Hoss. The seat was almost too small to hold two such big men at the same time. Hoss drove like a fiend, and Swede had to hang on for dear life lest he get pitched off.

“I think you could slow down a little bit, and it wouldn’t hurt anything.” Swede glanced over the side at the road that rushed past like a dirty brown snake in a frantic hurry to get somewhere.

Hoss gave the reins another flick. “I know you had to see the way Pa was watchin’ us the whole time we was changin’ the horses. Pa don’t offen get that antsy, but he’s got so’s that it comes real easy where it concerns Adam. He ain’t always been this way, an’ I don’t think I havta explain what caused it.”

Swede frowned, but didn’t say anything. Hoss didn’t need to explain a thing. He glanced over the side again, and held on tighter.

Inside the cab the passengers got bumped and jostled and almost pitched into the floor more than once. Had the road been smoother it wouldn’t have been so bad, but this was like riding over a giant washboard. Joe sat with Annie across from his father and stepmother. He held onto her hands to keep her next to him while Ben did the same with Verina.

“Pa, I don’t think it’s gonna make much difference if we slow down just a little,” he looked from Verina to Annie then back to his father.

Joe could see the wheels turning behind those somber coffee eyes. “You’re right, son. It won’t help Adam or Angelica if somebody gets hurt.” He swallowed hard. “Tell Hoss to slow down, but only enough so it’ll be more comfortable in here.”

Joe nodded then released Annie’s hands and leaned out the window. Just like before, he pounded on the side to get Hoss’ attention. Once he had, he conveyed their father’s instructions, and almost at once the killing pace lessened.

He leaned back in the seat, and gave Annie’s hand a pat.

“That was like the ship that brought us from Ireland. On the third day out we got caught in a wrath of a storm, and it pitched and creaked ‘til I thought it would go straight to the bottom of the sea.” She snickered. “And I don’t think I have ever seen himself so sick. Green as a shamrock, he was. Once we touched the shores of this wonderful country he vowed never again.”

Joe turned his attention to his father. “That sounds just like some of the storms you told us about when we were children. Why I remember…”

“Joe, you don’t need to coddle me. I appreciate it, but it isn’t necessary. I’m all right.” He leaned forward and gave his son a smack on the knee.

His father’s half-hearted smile, however, didn’t convince Joe, but he let it go. He looked out at the landscape as it sped past. “We’ve made good time so far. At this rate we’ll probably get there earlier than...” But when he looked around the only one that seemed to realize he was still there was Annie. She smiled and took his hand in her lap.

He gave her a nod then settled back into the seat. They yet had a long way to go.

*******

Angelica watched from the chair as Dr. Montgomery checked his handiwork. Adam didn’t wake. He lay too still to suit her, the color of his skin reminded her more of paper.

When Graham had finished he pulled the covers up over Adam then turned to the bed table. He poured water from the pitcher into the basin and began to wash his hands. “Everything is going as it should so far, and I’m hopeful that there’ll be no complications. And he’s strong as an ox, so he has that in his favor, too.”

“Then I don’t understand why he doesn’t wake up.”

“Each patient is different.” He turned to her as he dried his hands on a towel. “As a doctor you see all different aspects of humanity. I remember two I had during the war. They were both wounded at the same time at Shiloh. One was a big, fine, strapping lad, and the other a puny little fella you could hide behind a poplar sapling. The big one’s wound wasn’t as bad, but for close to two weeks he lay in bed and moaned like a whipped dog.” He snorted and shook his head. “The other was up and around in about five days and raring for another go at the Yankees. It just all depends on the man.”

“Then he should be awake. This isn’t at all like the Adam I know.”

He tossed the towel onto the bed table and stepped to stand in front of her. “You have to remember that his body is in control now, and it’s telling him what it needs to do to get better.” He stooped and took her hands. “So far I see no sign that anything is wrong, and after all, it hasn’t even been two days since the surgery. We’ll give him a little longer before we start to get too worried.”

“I know that you’re only saying this to me so I won’t suspect the truth.”

“That is the truth, my dear. I wouldn’t lie to you. And I guess that going through four years of slaughter hardened me more ‘n I care to admit, but it didn’t to the point that I’d lie to you. Now I’m gonna leave you two alone for a short bit. I haven’t eaten since breakfast, and I’m more than a trifle hungry.” He released her hands and stood. “Come to think of it, you haven’t either. Maybe I could bring you something.”

“No thank you, I couldn’t swallow a crumb.”

“All right, you can have something later, doctor’s orders. Starvation never helped anybody.” He got as far as the door then turned back to her. “I won’t be far away in case you need me.” When he got no acknowledgement he went out.

Angelica just sat and watched Adam as if afraid she would miss something. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Graham Montgomery, but she knew how men would stretch the truth to protect a woman’s feelings. She got up and transferred to the side of the bed.

For a long moment she didn’t even touch him as if she could hurt him if she did. But it didn’t take long for the urge to overpower her. She lifted a fine hand, and the sensation was magic. She examined the tapered fingers and each knuckle and traced the lines in his palm with her thumb. So many times she had been held here, and her heart always would be. Then she turned her focus to his face. A thing she had noticed about him when he slept; he seemed to age in reverse and looked younger than his actual years. She caressed his forehead and let her hand run down his temple to his cheek. To her Adam Cartwright was absolute perfection. Even his imperfections – not that she would ever admit that he had any – were perfect.

Then she touched his lips and desire swelled within her. She leaned closer to him – his hand still clasped in hers – and kissed him. A quick intake of breath ran into her at the coolness of his mouth against hers. And this was more than she could take. She bent down against his shoulder, hid her face in the pillow and began to weep.

He didn’t know what he heard. At one point it would sound like a bird, and at others more like the wind. As consciousness began to seep in he realized that it was close to his ear. He tried to turn his head in its direction, but soon found out that this wouldn’t work. So he just listened and let wakefulness build.

The sobs ceased almost like they had been cut off with a knife. Her eyes widened as she sat up. She looked down at his hand. His fingers had moved, she knew they had. She stared at them as if she could will them to do it again. But nothing happened, and defeat slammed into her. Then her sight rose to his face, and her heart pounded. His weak eyes were set right on her.

He had to work hard at it, but he managed to raise his arm and touched the moisture on her cheek. “Angel.”

The sound of his voice turned her to jelly. In her deepest recesses she had feared she would never hear it again. She grasped his other hand and held them together and kissed his fingertips. “Welcome back.”

He tried again to speak, but she covered his lips with her fingers.

“Shhh, don’t try to say anything else. You just rest while I get the doctor.” She kissed him on the forehead. “I love you.” Then she got up and rushed to the door.

Angelica dashed around the foot of the stairs and looked at those gathered before the fireplace. She then whirled toward the dining room. Graham sat at the table, and had already wolfed half his dinner.

“Dr. Montgomery, please come.”

Before anyone could say anything, Angelica spun and raced back to the bedroom. The chair scraped back over the floor, and Graham shot after her.

Everyone stood or sat in stunned silence. They exchanged anxious looks that conveyed what they didn’t want to put into words.

ELEVEN

Joe sat hunched over, his hands knotted on the reins, and his coat collar pulled up around his neck and ears. At his suggestion, they had stopped long enough for him to spell Hoss. Swede had moved inside to try to catch a wink or two, but Hoss had insisted on staying with his little brother. Joe looked to the other side of the seat where Hoss had fallen asleep – his chin rested on his chest – and grinned.

His eyes trailed up to the sliver of a moon that didn’t provide a whole lot of light, but it did keep it from being a total blackout. The team moved at a walk to allow them to get their wind and so as to not run up on any hazard that might hide itself in the darkness.

They had wanted to stop again for the night, but Ben had been adamant this time that they keep moving. And when the ladies had agreed with him it cemented the whole thing, so here he was, shivering in the dark.

Off in the trees somewhere an owl hooted. A more lonesome sound Joe couldn’t think of and it only added to the sense of aloneness that had ensconced itself in him. He glanced off in what he thought to be the right direction. “You, too. I know just how you feel.” He rubbed at the stiffness in his neck then settled back into the seat.

As they moved through the eerie stillness of the countryside with only the rhythm of the horses’ hooves and Hoss’ snoring for company, Joe’s mind began to turn back the pages of time. Feelings from the past bombarded him and ran the gamut of emotions. And while some were pleasant, some were not so much, the worst being shame and grief. The former for the way he had treated his oldest brother at times, and the latter because of that terrible June just over three years ago. Oh, how he wished he could forget the sense of sorrow and loss that had tortured them all.

He looked over at his brother in peaceful slumber. Saddened images flooded his mind, and all because of biscuits. Adam had become well known on the Comstock for his love of the golden morsels, especially when well slathered with butter and honey. But after the funeral of the man they had all thought to be Adam, Hoss had gotten so that he couldn’t touch one. Joe knew he would always be plagued by the sight of the big man that first morning after the day of the services. Hop Sing had gone into Virginia City, and in his absence Annie had taken over the cooking duties. Her biscuits were light as clouds and seemed to melt in a man’s mouth. But with the first bite Hoss had fled from the dining room sick as a dog. After that they had parted company until the day that he had found out that his older brother was still alive.

Joe smiled as he watched him sleep, and the corners of his eyes crinkled. Then another remembrance pushed its way through, and warmed the fringes of his heart. Because of the horrible beating he had taken Adam had lost his memory. He hadn’t known who he was when Joe happened onto him at the Haymes ranch. And as wonderful as it had been to find him alive, the day when Adam had remembered was the most magical. When Joe had heard that rich baritone call him brother for the first time in way too long – a sound he had never thought to hear again – he had almost busted with jubilation. Joe giggled at the mere thought of it.

Then the gloom returned to taint the good as he thought of their father. He could never erase the vision of Pa when he had raised the bandana meant to hide what he didn’t need to see. How he had crumpled into Hoss’ arms at the sight of what he had thought to be the body of his eldest son without a face. After that, Ben Cartwright had fallen apart. He had taken refuge in his first born son’s room and food had become a stranger. Memories and hard liquor had become his only companions, that is, until Sport’s homecoming. After that Ben would disappear on the big chestnut to spend hours at the gravesite. And when he did come back to the house he would go straight upstairs only to closet himself off in Adam’s room again. He had become a veritable stranger, and the worse thing was that he wanted it that way.

And then everything had culminated for him that day at the grave when he had confronted his father. Joe had tried to reason with him, and to soothe away some of the hurt, but Ben wanted nothing of it. And then he had done the unconscionable when he had called Adam human and sighted his faults. That had been more than Ben could stand, and he had backhanded his youngest son. Joe had known for sure then that he had to get away from the Ponderosa. He had ridden off at a full lope and hadn’t looked back.

A sudden urge to whip the horses into a gallop seized Joe, but he kept himself in check. At this date it wasn’t like he could run away from what had happened, not that he ever could. And it wouldn’t do him or anyone else any good if they all got killed or maimed because he had tried to outrun shadows. So he contented himself with letting his hands knot on the reins until his knuckles looked like they would break the skin.

*******

As always Angelica hadn’t strayed from her husband’s bedside. Sleep had come to her as she sat in the big wing chair. Since he had awakened earlier the previous afternoon – for the parlor clock had just struck midnight – the ability to doze off had become easier. As long as she stayed close to him, having been trained with the children, she knew the slightest sound would wake her.

She had just shifted in the chair when a feeble voice pulled her awake. Her eyelids batted against the soft orangey light of the lamp. He grunted and the sound disturbed her, and she flew to his side. His weary eyes met with hers, and it elicited a tender smile from her. “Awake again, I see.” She brushed his hair back from his forehead. “You took me at my word when I told you to rest.” She caressed his cheek with the back of her hand.

“I’ve been awake for a little bit. I just wanted to watch you sleep.” His nose wrinkled with distaste, and he smacked his mouth.

“Dr. Montgomery said that the chloroform often leaves a bad taste behind, but that it should go away soon.” She poured water into a glass from a small clear pitcher. With a gentle touch, she lifted his head and allowed him a few swallows then lowered him back into the pillow. “Everything is going to be all right. You’re back now, and I’m going to hang on tight.”

He managed a frail smile, and a feeble nod. “You’d better.”

She started to sit on the edge of the bed, and – out of habit – he tried to move to give her more room. But when he did it wasn’t the sharp pain that ran through his head that got his full attention. Fear striped his face and grew livid in his eyes.

Angelica’s heart beat so that she knew they could hear it in town. She grasped his hand, and his grip squeezed on her fingers until they throbbed. “Adam, tell me what’s wrong. And don’t tell me that it’s nothing.”

“My legs.” He gulped. “The doctor didn’t…”

“No, sweetheart, you still have them.”

But instead of relief his fear only increased as his gaze ran toward the foot of the bed. His fists bunched in the covers, and his breathing became more ragged. “But I can’t feel them. Angel, I can’t feel my legs.” His eyes snapped back to her face. “It’s like they’re dead.”

*******

Steve yawned as he filled his cup with piping hot coffee. He found it the next best thing to propping his eyes open with toothpicks. He had just thumped the pot back onto the stove when a voice caught him from behind.

“You know, if you drink any more of that and you’ll...”

“I know, I know,” Steve took a sip as he turned to face Siddon Banning, “but I have to do something to keep from falling over someplace. Right now I could curl up in the wood box and sleep like a log.”

Siddon’s face fell. Unlike Shakespeare, he had never had an over fondness for puns. “Well, while I’m in here I’ll just join you.” He got a cup from the breakfront and returned to the stove with it.

Steve took his watch from a small pocket in his vest, and opened it. His face scrunched, and he closed it and put it back. “Almost one-thirty. No wonder I feel like someone’s hit me in the head.”

Siddon cleared his throat as he filled his cup. “You might as well tell me what’s wrong.”

“Nothing’s wrong, other than the obvious.” Steve took a sip.

“You’ve been going around like a pinched squirrel ever since we found out that Adam’s awake. I would think you’d be more pleased than this.”

“I am pleased, but I guess I’m just waiting for the other boot to drop. It’s been my experience that nothing like this ever runs smoothly; there are always gonna be ruts in the road.” He shook his head and glared into the depths of his coffee. “I imagine what it all boils down to is what Dr. Montgomery said about his legs.”

Siddon took a sip and eyed him over the rim of his cup.

“And I’ll be this way until we find out, one way or the other.” Steve’s eyes narrowed on Siddon. “But if it turns out that he can’t…”

Siddon slapped a big hand onto his shoulder. “Don’t go borrowing trouble, wait until we know something. But if worse comes to worse, we’ll get through it, and we’ll help him and Angelica to get through it. She’ll need our help and support as much as he’s going to.”

“I know that.” Steve gave his head a shake. “I’ll be so glad when Ben and Verina get here. It’ll be easier on my Fiona when she has her mother to help her.”

“Well they should get here tomorrow, but it probably won’t be until late in the day.” Siddon chortled. “But knowing Ben…”

They were interrupted as the doctor came in.

“Graham, you look like…” Siddon went pallid as death. “Oh no, he…”

“No, he’s still with us.” He ran his fingers back through his hair. “But in his words not mine, his legs are dead.”

It felt like the air had been sucked out of the kitchen.

Siddon slammed his cup down, and coffee slopped onto the table. “This’ll finish Ben.”

*******

Adam held his Angelica, and he never wanted to let go. She wasn’t crying, but he could feel the tremble in her warm body. Her lips pressed against his neck, and she whispered something into his ear that he didn’t really hear. The only thing he heard was his own mind telling him that he had become a burden. Sure Graham had told him that maybe it wasn’t permanent. After the severe blow he had taken to his back this wasn’t unexpected. It could only be swelled, and would right itself in time. But Adam knew when he wasn’t being given the whole truth. Not lied to by the purest definition of the word, but he knew he hadn’t been given the entire picture. His arm tightened around her, and she kissed him again. However, instead of assuaging his troubled thoughts it only suited to heighten them. This was different from before. He now had a wife and four children to take care of not to mention a sprawling and growing ranch, and if he couldn’t do it, who would? He knew his friends and his father and brothers would do what they could, but they had their own families and lives to take care of. No, this was his duty and no one else’s, and if he wasn’t able to do it… He buried his face in the softness of her hair, and clamped his eyes shut to stave off the tears that weren’t for him. They never had been.

TWELVE

By the time Hoss drove the brougham into the clearing that surrounded the big log house dawn had just broke. Streaks of pink and orange tinted the fresh morning sky for as far as eyes could see. A nippy gust caught Joe just right and he had to grab his hat to keep it on his head.

Joe’s eyes stayed on the house as they drew ever closer to it. It was a magnificent dwelling and just right for a growing family, and so in keeping with the country around it. The sides of his mouth curled. Just like the one on the Ponderosa. “You know, Hoss, I don’t think we’ve ever fully appreciated our big brother’s talents.”

“You oughtta tell ‘im that when we git there.”

Joe’s throat tightened. I hope I can, he thought.

Hoss leaned a bit over the side so that his voice would carry better to those inside. “Pa, we’re almost there. It probably won’t be more ‘n fifteen minutes.”

“Good,” was all the answer he got from his father.

“You know, you could go faster. There’s no reason to spare the horses now.”

“I was just thinkin’ the same thing, little brother.”

With a slap of the reins and a hearty shout the horses moved without effort into a gallop. Joe clung to his hat with one hand, and the side of the seat with the other. One Cartwright injured was more than enough. “It’ll be less than fifteen minutes at this speed.”

“All’s the better.” Hoss gave the reins another jerk.

Maggie had just taken the last of the breakfast dishes from the table when Siddon parted the draperies on a front window to see who had just driven in. His dense black eyebrows rose. “That was fast.” He glanced behind him into the room. “They’re here.”

Hoss and Joe had just climbed down as Siddon and Steve came into the yard.

“We didn’t expect you this early. You made good time.”

Hoss glanced around at Siddon as he opened the coach door. “We had good cause to.”

The first thing Ben wanted to know as he stepped out, and helped Verina down was his son’s condition.

Steve’s eyes made a clandestine flick to Siddon. “He woke up yesterday afternoon. Dr. Montgomery said that the surgery went well, and he’s hopeful for his recovery.”

The move wasn’t clandestine enough for Ben caught it right now. “Now tell the rest of it.”

Siddon reached out and grasped Ben’s arm. “I think it’s better if we let the doctor do that. Let’s go inside, we can take care of the luggage later.”

After they went into the house, and hugs and kisses were exchanged, and outer trappings removed the small party was led into the study. As the door closed behind them, Ben felt like he had just been locked away in a cell in the deepest dungeon. He gave Verina’s hand a squeeze, and his coffee eyes set on the doctor’s face. “Don’t hold anything back on us, doctor.”

“I don’t intend to, but first I think the ladies should sit down.”

“Dr. Montgomery, I bore nine children and I lost two when they were small, and then their father. I’m not a flighty female that swoons at the first hint of trouble. So please tell us about our Adam, and I’ve found that the best way is all at once.”

Annie jerked her head back. “And that goes for me, too.”

“All right.” Graham’s eyes took them in one at a time and stopped on Ben. “There’s the possibility that Adam may never walk again.”

Though no one made a sound, one large gasp seemed to resound from the ceiling and every wall. For one of the few times in her life Verina’s legs failed her – though she would never admit that they ever had – and Ben held her up. Swede put an arm around Annie, and the muscles knotted in the faces of the brothers.

Once everyone had adjusted to the shock Graham went on. “Just like I told him, it could only be because of swelling and should right itself, but…” he leaned back against the desk, “if the spine was damaged then there’s nothing I can do. He’ll spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. But it isn’t only his body that we need to concern ourselves about. This sort of thing can take a heavy toll on the mind, and that we don’t want.”

Ben eased Verina down into a chair. “I and my sons know this so well, doctor. Adam was in a wheelchair once before after a severe fall from a ladder. But the doctor in Virginia City assured us that with daily exercise that he would walk again, and he did.”

Graham shook his head with a half frown. “I’m afraid exercise wouldn’t help this time. If there is damage it will be less than useless, and if it’s from swelling it could do more harm than good, but in either case it would put him through torture for nothing. And it would only bring with it false hope.” He crossed to the door and opened it. “Now let’s go see Adam. He told me that he wanted to see you as soon as you got here.”

Ben helped Verina up and held her close to him as they all went out, and Graham followed. The first thing that caught Ben’s eye as the doctor led them toward the bedroom was his grandchildren. He was glad they were too young to know what was happening in their lives. They were on the settee with Reverend Fordyce. As the minister’s gaze connected with his, Ben knew that this man would be there for the ordeal that awaited them, and he was grateful for it.

The moment Ben set sight on his eldest son everything he had left caved in on him. Adam looked more like a wan, injured child than the strong man he had grown into. As the weak dark hazel eyes met with his, Ben knew at once that they were all headed down a long road that led to goodness knew where. Then he found himself presented with the warm smile that he recognized so well and did so love.

As if unable to move of his own volition, Verina pulled him along with her as she entered the room. Then that wonderful baritone voice came, and it didn’t matter to Ben that it was weakened as well. This was his beloved first-born son, and he needed his father, he needed them all.

Ben reached out, and found himself quite surprised by the strength in Adam’s grip, though it wasn’t as strong as it had always been.

“We’re here, son.” Ben squeezed as tight as he could. “We’re here.”

THE END

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