Lies Lies and more damned Lies

By Beppina

It was almost sunset; the sky was darkening rapidly, as day rushed towards night. Evenings drew in too quickly in the late fall month of November.

The few people still on the street hurried toward their homes. Their purpose was to get out of the rain, and into the comfort and warmth of their hearth. Stores were beginning to clear their goods from the boardwalk ready for closing their doors for the night.

A chilly wind blew along Main Street, Virginia City, causing the smoke to coil and bluster from the many chimneys, and bringing with it, the first hints of snow in the air.

Sheriff Roy Coffee ventured out from the warmth of his office. He winced as the frigid air gusted across his face and pulled the thick woollen scarf closer to his cheeks.

“Winters on its way.” he grumbled to himself, “Not my favourite time of the year!”

He glanced across to the Bucket of Blood saloon. Garish yellow lights shone like beacons against the gathering gloom, throwing pools of light onto the main street. Chatter and laughter rolled through the swing doors, and the smell of stale cigarettes filled the air.

“Looks like it could be a quiet night,” he mused, “still early doors though, so anything could happen.”

“Evenin’ Roy.” a voice called from the other side of the street. “I’m off home if anyone wants me.”

“Sure thing Doc, have a good evening.”

“And you.”

Sheriff Coffee stepped down onto the mud-covered road; checking where he was putting his feet to avoid the various potholes and wagon tracks filled with rainwater from the earlier storm. He almost missed seeing the two riders approaching from the Carson City Road.

The two riders eased their way along Main Street. They wore foul weather slickers over their clothing trying to stay dry. One sat astride a big bay. The horse looked and was tired, as was his rider. A black hat was pulled low over his eyes and his collar pulled up round his ears. At his side rode another young man, similarly attired except for a beige-coloured hat and riding a distinctive black and white Pinto.

Sheriff Coffee stopped in his tracks at the approaching riders, raised his hand in greeting and called out to the men.

“Joe, Joe Cartwright, is that you?”

The riders reined in level with the Sheriff as the one on the Pinto leaned across to speak.

“Sheriff Roy, you still the law here?” the younger of the two greeted.

“For my sins, yeah. Did you get my telegrams? I’ve been trying to find you for over a year now.”

“What’s happened, is it Pa?” panic edged into the young man’s voice.

“You’ve not been home yet? No, obviously not, come on into the office I need to talk to you, it’s important.”

“I’ll get the horses settled then find us a room.”  The dark hat man said as he took the lead rein to the Pinto. “Meet you back here in a while.”

“Thanks Candy. What’s up Roy?”

“Come on in…”

The heat of the office soon brought steam from their damp clothing: both peeled off their topcoats and hats before sitting at the cluttered desk.

“Come on Roy, what’s goin’ on? Is there a problem with Pa, my brothers?” Joe’s voice rose in anxiety as he waited for the Sheriff to begin his news. “What d’you mean did I get your telegrams?”

“Slow down boy, let me explain. There are problems at the ranch. Big problems!”

“So, you’ve been tryin’ to find me? Couldn’t Adam or Hoss deal with it? I haven’t had any contact with them for coming on 7 years. Since that woman, an’ her son turned up.”

“No easy way to tell you Joe, but Hoss died two years back, his heart gave out. Adam’s been gone for four now. There’s just you and Edward left.”

Joe sat back, completely stunned at this news.

“Both of them? Hoss and Adam. I…I… I need to go home, now. I need to see my father.”

“There’s the main problem Joe, the reason I’ve been trying to find you. No one has seen Ben for over a year.” Roy ran a hand through his sparse hair: “Every time someone goes out to the Ponderosa, they’re told Ben’s not seeing anyone. I don’t know if he’s even on the ranch! Claudia’s boy, Edward, seems to be running the show and making a fine mess of it. Almost all the old hands have gone an’ he’s got a team of bad’uns workin’ for him.”

“I need to get out there, find out what’s happening…”

“That’s not all, Joe…”

“I think you’d better tell me everything Roy, everything!”

“They’re tryin’ to get you declared dead. She’s got an attorney working on it. Another few months an’ you’ve been away seven years. She’s pre-empting it and looking to get it done as soon as the seven years are up. Hop Sing over-heard her and her boy discussing it a while back. He’s here in town now, left the Ponderosa when things went wrong for your Pa.”

“I knew she was a bad ‘un! He’s rotten right through. I need to get out there an’ find out what’s happening. I suppose she’s handling the money?”

“Both of ’em Joe. He gambles it an’ she just spends it. I’ve tried to intervene, but she’s got power of attorney. Hiram Woods has tried but without any luck. We need a plan son. We need to find your Pa!”

The office door swung open allowing a rush of icy air to blast through. The other cowboy shook himself free of the rainwater clinging to his long coat.

“All sorted Joe, a bed for the night an’ the horses settled. We just need to eat eventually.”

“Thanks Candy. Roy, this is my friend Candy Canaday. Candy, meet Roy Coffee, Sheriff of Virginia City.”                                            

The two shook hands, Candy pulled up another chair and then flopped down into it.

“You gonna fill me in or do I guess what’s goin’ on?”

Joe and Roy soon explained the gravity of the situation as it stood.

“Any suggestions gratefully received Candy.” Joe commented as he wrapped his hands around a mug of strong hot coffee.

“Well, one of us needs to go an’ see where your Pa is. Will the woman remember you, Joe?” Candy mused.

“Probably, she didn’t like me back then so I’m pretty sure nothing’s changed if she wants me declared dead. What’ve you got in mind?”

“I could go, she doesn’t know me. I can say I met your Pa an’ he offered me a job. Maybe get useful information outta her.”

“That could work.” Roy nodded. “Edward spends hours playin’ poker here in town. We could rig a game to keep him here an’ out of the way. How’s your poker these days Joe, I seem to remember you losin’ a lot back in the day?”

“Better than it was Roy, better than it was!”

Between the three of them a plan was hatched. Getting Edward into a game of poker would not be difficult. Joe just needed to keep him busy and losing.

He was out for justice and revenge!

The three sat in companionable silence for a few short minutes. The heat of the room lulled them into a somnolent state until Roy Coffee sat up straight in his chair and stretched his arms along with a deep yawn. Joe and Candy soon followed with yawns of their own.

“Guess you boys want to get some shut eye before we get too involved tomorrow?”

“Something to eat first.” Joe announced. “You coming over the International with us Roy?”

“Don’t mind if I do.” the Sheriff agreed. “And I’m waiting to hear your story, Joe!”

Pulling their still damp slickers back on, hats rammed low onto heads, the three men stepped out into the inclement weather. The rain continued to pour from the oppressively dark, cloud-filled sky. Thunder could be heard rumbling around somewhere in the distance, though lightning wasn’t yet visible. No doubt the storm would make its way across to Virginia City during the night.

The three jog-trotted along to the hotel and clattered onto the front veranda before shaking the rainwater from their coats.

Candy pushed the door open, and they piled through once more in the warm environment. The young, uniformed server soon found an empty table in the elegant and busy dining room.  Then invited them to sit whilst she fetched drinks and menus for their perusal.

Joe looked around the plush room, taking in the changes made. He could remember it well from the days before he had run away from his home, family and the oppression of the current Mrs Cartwright and her son.

Beers soon appeared at the table, ready to be savoured whilst waiting for their food.

“Well Joe,” Roy Coffee started, “are you ready to tell me what happened?”

“Not really Roy, but I guess it would be best for you to know. I’ll try an’ keep it short! Remember when Claudia and Edward appeared? She was only visiting, was gonna get a place here in town. Pa invited them to stay at the ranch.” Roy chuckled softly, knowing Ben would have asked them to stay, it was so typical of him.

“Well Edward started in on me from then on. Called me names, insinuated things about my Ma. Said I was not worthy of the name Cartwright an’ that I was the same as my Ma. I punched his lights out a couple of times, which got me in bother with Pa, big time!”

Again, Roy chuckled, Joe had often been in trouble for fighting as a youth, ‘high spirits’ he’d always called it. Not so Ben Cartwright, who often resorted to ‘a necessary talk’ in the barn, though once Joe hit sixteen, that wasn’t considered a fitting punishment. Being barred from town was, much to Joe’s everlasting chagrin.

“Well, it came out Pa had been romancing her sometime before he met and married Ma, an’ Edward was his son. They started up again an’ decided to marry. Adam an’ Hoss were happy about it, an’ having another brother. I wasn’t. She didn’t like me an’ made it obvious. Edward constantly picked fights, stole stuff an’ blamed me an’ then tried to get Pa to give him Cochise.”

Roy raised his eyebrows in surprise at that statement. Everyone knew just how important Cochise was to Joe Cartwright. He wouldn’t give him up without a fight!

“It went on for three months. Pa started ignoring me, giving me the worst jobs and not letting me come into town. It was like I was bad news. Adam an’ Hoss were getting like it too. Always took Edward into town for a beer or to a dance, but never asked me anymore. I just got fed up with being ignored by them all, an’ the day Pa married her I just rode out. I headed into California then down to Arizona. I had a couple of problems an’ got slung in prison. I was innocent but no one cared, I was there and an easy target. Two years of my life were wasted behind bars for something I didn’t do.”

“How old were you, Joe?” Roy asked softly, knowing what prison would have been like for a good-looking young man like Joe.

“19, I was just 19. I got out just after my 21^st birthday.” The young man shook his head at the memories of his time incarcerated with murderers and villains. No one would ever hear of the abuse he had suffered at their hands for the whole two years.

“After that. I just kept travelling. Found work at both good and not so good ranches. Managed to save a bit of money and just drifted. I knew I would come back home someday but, on my terms, an’ when I had accomplished something without my father’s name.”

Now Candy picked up the story, “I hooked up with Joe on one of the ranches. He was running the horse-trading side and I was ramrod on the cattle side. We hit it off and decided we’d work as a team. It seems to have paid off. We’ve got money and good reputations, and the offer of more work when and where we want it. Joe wanted to come home, see his Pa and brothers so here we are.”

“I did some checking up on that woman,” Joe continued, as he ran his hand through the long greying curls, then rubbed at his tired eyes, “Seems she’s not what she says she is!”

Roy’s eyebrows jumped at this remark, his curiosity piqued now as he too didn’t think Claudia Cartwright was quite what she made out to be.

Before Joe could share more of his thoughts, the server, along with another young woman, stopped by the table. They had plates filled with steaming hot food in their hands that were placed before the three hungry men. The odour of freshly cooked steaks, mashed potatoes and gravy filled their senses, their hunger now reasserted itself as all three began to eat. Joe’s story was put to one side for the moment

After clearing their plates of the steaks, apple pie, and coffee soon followed. Finally replete, they sat back to enjoy a glass or two of brandy. Now Joe would continue his story.

“I knew she’d been living in Sacramento, so I made some enquiries. The local Marshall was real happy to help me out. Of course, he knew the Cartwright name so was willing to do a bit of digging for me. It turned out everything she told my Pa was an out an’ out lie. Yeah, she’d been widowed, but her husband died in a shoot-out after a bungled bank robbery. The rest of his gang were all caught, arrested, and hung as they’d shot a couple in the bank. On top of that, Edward isn’t my Pa’s son. She wasn’t pregnant when the wagon train reached its destination in California. The whole story is a pack of lies!”

“Can you prove it son?” Roy asked, his mind working overtime to see how this situation could pan out.

Joe cast a side glance at Roy as if to ask, ‘Do you think I’m stupid enough not to get evidence?’

“I’ve got sworn affidavits backing everything up. I’ve just to confront her with it all.” he told him, a might testily.

“Just askin’ Joe, we don’t want to get in so deep an’ then fail for lack of evidence.”

“Sorry Roy, my temper’s running a bit short with all this latest news.”

Roy nodded his understanding and poured a final brandy.

“I’ll get a game set up for tomorrow afternoon. Candy you can go see what you can find out at the ranch an’ Joe, you can see if you can get anything from him while you’re playing. D’you reckon he’ll remember you?”

“I gotta risk it. Hairs longer now,”

“An’ greyer!” Candy chimed in.

“Yeah, an’ greyer. I’m not so skinny, an’ I’m six years older!”

After finalising their plans to the Sheriff’s satisfaction, Joe and Candy finished their brandies, bid the Sheriff goodnight, and climbed the stairs to their shared room.

It took just minutes to sort out their meagre possessions. A brief perusal of the room revealed an adjoining room with indoor facilities. A large bathtub stood against one wall, basin, and toilet against another. Large white towels were folded on a sturdy dresser along with soap and shaving equipment.

“Things have improved here since my last visit.” he informed Candy, waving his hand in the general direction of the bathroom. “No need to go a wandering down the hall at night or queueing for the bathroom. I’m gonna take advantage an’ have a bath, probably warm up a bit too.”

“I’ll wait then, an’ get the fire going. D’you want anything more to drink?”

Joe thought for a moment, then screwing his nose up declined. “Nah, a bath then bed for me, feels like I’ve not slept for a week.”

Candy chuckled, “That’ probably cause we aint!”

Ablutions completed, both young men retired to the comfort of their soft beds.

“Night Candy…”

“Night Joe…”

Within minutes the only sound heard was the soft purring of their snores as both had succumbed to the waiting arms of Morpheus.

Morning broke, still raining and feeling colder. There definitely was a sense of Fall in the air. The young men ventured to the dining room for a quick breakfast before splitting up to get their plan underway. Candy made his way to the livery stable to collect his mount while Joe prepared himself for a serious game of poker.

“Morning Joe.” Sheriff Coffee greeted as Joe Cartwright stepped into the small over-warm office.

“Roy.” Joe tipped his hat back on his head, grey curls peeking out across his forehead. With a sign, he wiped the rain from his face, “Another beautiful day!”

The Sheriff stifled a laugh as he looked up at the damp young man. “Still don’t like the rain eh Joe?”

“Nah, I can live without it. Have you got it all set for the game?”

“I’ve got four men ready an’ willing. All skilful players but prepared to cheat if necessary.”

“Good! We’ll let him win for a bit then I’ll take him for every cent he’s got. If your men drop out along the way, he’ll think he’s doing well.”

“Candy?”

“On his way to the Ponderosa as we speak. He knows what to do, an’ he’ll report back as soon as he can. What time does Edward get to town?”

“Normally before lunch, he don’t do too much out on the ranch, other than spend money an’ play the big boss.”

Joe shrugged, “I’m gonna have to go to the bank an’ see what the damage is. That’ll wait till we’ve got some news on Pa.”

“I’m goin’ to see Judge Halliday later, I’ll tell him you’re back but to keep it quiet for now, an’ I’m getting a warrant to go through the ranch house to see if we can get an idea where your Pa is. Hopefully, Candy’ll have good news.”

Candy rode through the now torrential rain out towards the Ponderosa Ranch. He’d been on the ranch property for about an hour and knew it would be another half hour to forty minutes ride before arriving at the house. So far, he hadn’t seen a soul but was very aware he could be under surveillance from any direction. He fought the urge to glance back over his shoulder, although he could feel eyes boring into his back as he kept his mount at a gentle canter.

The house came into view, it was far larger than he expected. Joe had described the house, but not the scale of it, to him. Fortunatly, he had an idea of the layout inside and where the main rooms were found.

“Hello, the house.” he called out; waiting still mounted, by the hitching rail.

The door swung open; a middle-aged woman stepped onto the decking. Joe had said she was attractive, with long auburn hair. Quite tall and well-shaped. This woman fitted that description and appeared to be Mrs Claudia Cartwright.

“Morning Ma-am,” Candy gave his best wide smile, “I’m looking for Mr Ben Cartwright, am I in the right place?”

Edward appeared in the doorway, just a step behind his mother.

“Who are you, what do you want?” he demanded before his mother could respond.

“Canaday,” Candy offered, “I’m looking for work. I met Mr Cartwright some years back, he said if’n I was over this way an’ wanting work to come see him. So here I am, looking for work.”

“We don’t need anyone so you can leave.” Edward said.

“Could I see Mr Cartwright an’ check with him?” Candy persisted.

“No, you can’t,” now the woman spoke, “he’s not here. My son deals with all the ranch business these days. We are fully staffed so please leave.”

Candy turned his horse back towards the trail and the two-hour journey back to Virginia City.

“Thank you for your time!” he called out as he wheeled away, sarcasm filling his words.

“I’m going into town now Ma,” Edward informed his mother, “I’ll be back after supper so don’t wait on me. I’ll make sure that drifter is off the ranch.”

Back in Virginia City, Joe and his fellow poker players were already in place in the Bucket of Blood saloon. They were passing the time with friendly low stake games of cards until Edward made his appearance. To the casual observer, they were just a bunch of cowhands passing the time until the rain let up. They all nursed a mug of warm beer, with a plate of beef sandwiches as their lunch.

Their conversation was light, nothing serious was discussed and occasional laughter would roll around the table. Now they were just waiting for their prey to appear.

Money changed hands as their game progressed, all was good-natured with plenty of joshing flying across the table. A couple of ranch hands had sat to one side watching the game, along with two of the saloon girls in all their frivolous finery. All was going exactly to plan.

Eventually, just after the lunch hour, Edward Cartwright strode into the saloon. He pushed his way to the counter, demanding a whiskey. Sam, the bartender, quickly obliged then continued with his task of washing and polishing the various glasses held behind the bar.

Edward soon noticed there was a poker game in progress, and more interestingly, the pot of money in the centre of the table. He moved forward, eyes greedily taking in the growing pile of notes and coins.

“Any chance of a game?” he questioned as he pulled a chair closer to the table.

“$50 ‘ll buy you in.” one of the players announced without looking up from his cards.

“Fine, I’m in.” Edward all but threw the $50 onto the table. He dragged his chair forward, then picked up his first hand of cards. A slight smile formed as he saw his hand. Not a particularly good hand but good enough to win.

The game progressed as they had planned earlier. Time drifted by as the money in the table centre shifted from player to player as all had wins along the way. At a pre-arranged sign, the first of the players dropped out.

“Too rich for me.” he complained as he placed his cards face down in front of his pile of money.

“Shouldn’t play with the big boys if you ain’t got the money!” was Edwards’s snide comment.

A short while later another two folded, leaving Joe, Edward, and one other at the table. Candy had come into the saloon and was watching the proceedings from a slight distance. He’d given Joe a frown when he caught his eye, wordlessly telling him that Ben was still unaccounted for.

“Let’s up the stakes.” Edward suddenly announced, obviously thinking he had the winning hand.

“What have you got?” Joe asked, looking at his cards.

“I’ll give you a bank draft for 5000 dollars.”

“No, I want money or something substantial.” Joe announced, his voice low and threatening.

“OK, OK, I’ll sign over some of my ranch, how’s that?” Already he was planning how he would get the land back if he should lose the game.

Joe didn’t look at his cards again, he knew he would win, it was just a matter of time.

“One of you men, go get Hiram Woods, I want this done legally. ” Joe requested from the surrounding observers. “You don’t mind, do you?” With a nod of his head, Edward agreed to Joe’s request. Albeit grudgingly, but he did agree.

Hiram Woods soon stood at the table edge, paper, and pen in hand. He’d been warned off that he may be needed and had been waiting patiently in his office with Judge Halliday, Roy Coffee and Dr Martin. The other three now stood to one side waiting to see the end game. Candy had made his report about Ben and more plans were to be made. They would find Ben Cartwright, one way or another.

Hiram filled out the terms of the land transfer, the value of the land and its location. He had already named Joe as the beneficiary. He was just waiting for the final play from Joe, then the fun could begin.

Joe placed more cash on the pot.

“It’s now or never…” were his only words.

Edward turned his cards up, a grin spread across his face. He had a good hand of cards, one he thought would be the winner.

“A straight flush.” he announced, reaching for the healthy pot of money.

“Not so fast,” Joe’s voice low and menacing now, “that’s good, but not good enough! A Royal Flush beats your straight flush. I guess that means I won Edward!”

Edward sat dumb struck. He was so sure he had won. His face was thunder as he turned to Hiram to take the land deed. He was unaware that the Sheriff, Judge and Candy were now standing in a semi-circle behind him just waiting for the next reaction.

“Who’d I make it out to?” he stormed.

“I’ve already done it.” Hiram interrupted the rant as he handed the stamped document across to him.

Edward took the paper. He read it through checking the details. “What…” he exclaimed loudly, “it can’t be, you’re supposed to be dead you were supposed to die in prison!”

“Then you’ve just been had by a ghost.” Joe chuckled, “Thank you for the first refund on the Ponderosa. Now where’s my father?”

Edward laughed hysterically, “You’ll never find him believe me. He’s well hidden away.”

Roy stepped forward, he had heard enough and without hesitation arrested Edward for the attempted murder of Joe Carwright whilst being held in the Californian prison and the kidnapping and disappearance of Ben Cartwright.

Edward was swiftly hustled away to the Sheriff’s office and a prison cell. The pot money from the poker game was shared out amongst the other players who then made their way out to either their homes or places of work. They knew they would be getting a financial reward for their participation in the takedown of the man known as Edward Cartwright and were more than happy with their expected pay out.

Joe, meanwhile, sought out Candy. He wanted all the information relating to the Ponderosa. Unfortunately, Candy couldn’t give him all he wanted to know but he did share that he was not made welcome and told to leave quickly.

 He’d seen there weren’t too many hands around the house or on the land approaching the house, so he reckoned they weren’t being overprotective and were feeling quite confident of their safety.

“We’ll be going out there first thing in the morning. I’m gonna find out where my Pa is if it’s the last thing I do.” Joe told Candy as they crossed the muddy Main Street towards Roy Coffee’s office.

“We’ll need the Judge an’ Hiram Woods to come with us, maybe even Doc Martin?” Candy suggested.

“Yeah, an’ a couple of deputies. I’ll ask Roy to organise it all. The Judge’ll have to bring all the paperwork on the ranch an’ about declaring me dead. I want that woman off the ranch an’ in prison as quickly as possible!” Joe spoke quickly and angrily. “I want the Ponderosa back in true Cartwright hands!”

Dawn brought a small convoy of riders and a carriage making their way towards the Ponderosa Ranch House. The rain persisted, as fog hung in the air giving the procession an almost spectral feel as they travelled from fog bank to fog bank. Roy Coffee and his main deputy Clem led the way. The couple of volunteer deputies flanked the carriage carrying Judge Halliday, Hiram Woods, and Dr Martin. Following at the rear rode Joe Cartwright and Candy Canaday. Both watching and waiting for any sign of an attack. The inclement weather gave them a sense of security, and the hope that any hands patrolling the road from Virginia City were taking shelter. Progress was slow due to the fog and the carriage, but they were on their way to take Claudia Cartwright into custody and find Ben Cartwright.

Mid-morning found the party less than a mile from the house. Joe hung back as he pulled his hat further down over his eyes. He didn’t want Claudia recognising him before they had the information they required. Both he and Candy rode point as they pulled into the yard.

The sound of riders and carriage soon had the front door opened. Claudia stepped out onto the deck, smiling a greeting at the Sheriff.

“Why Sheriff,” she called out, “what a pleasant surprise, I wasn’t expecting you to call. Is that Judge Halliday with you. Good morning, Judge, good news for me I hope.”

“Mrs Cartwright.” Judge Halliday climbed down from the carriage, one hand gripping a sheaf of paperwork, the other his small briefcase. “I have a warrant here allowing Sheriff Coffee and his deputies to search this property, inside and out. We have reason to believe you and your son Edward are behind the disappearance of Ben Cartwright.”

“You can’t do this…” she protested loudly “I have my rights.”

Sheriff Coffee stepped forward, “Clem, you start downstairs, you two, check out the barn and the outbuildings. I’ll start upstairs. Excuse me Mrs Cartwright.” The Sheriff and Clem pushed through into the large living space. Neither knew what they were looking for but were hoping to find obvious signs of where Ben was being hidden.

“Your case for declaring Joe Cartwright dead has been refuted.” the Judge informed Claudia. “You have no proof he is dead, whereas I know he is alive.”

She stepped back, her hand covering her mouth in surprise. “He can’t be alive. We set it up for him to die in prison in California. He can’t be. Oh no… Edward must know…”

“Edward knows, he’s in Virginia City jail at this very moment.” the Judge announced, “Now will you please tell us what has happened to Ben?”

“Never! He can rot in hell so far as I am concerned” she stormed across the decking, skirt swishing noisily on the rough wood floor.

Silently Joe slipped from his horse, he walked across to his home and stopped directly behind the ranting Claudia. He reached out and grabbed her firmly by the elbows then turned her to face him.

“You will tell me where my father is.” his voice low and menacing.

“You! I thought, hoped, we’d got rid of you. You were supposed to die in that prison. You were so easy to track you know. Ben believed you hated him. I told him that you did. It was so easy to turn him against you and get Edward in your place. He’s so weak and trusting where women are concerned!”

 Spitefully, she laughed in Joe’s face. His hand came up ready to slap her, though changed his mind before making contact.

“Why have you done this?” he asked, “What did my father do to you to make you do all of this?”

Claudia stopped the maniacal laughter.

“What did he do?” she repeated sarcasm dripping from every word, “He didn’t marry me when we were on the trail. He married the whore that was your mother. He just said goodbye and left me.”

“Maybe he didn’t love you?” Joe suggested.

Claudia just glared at him, “What would you know/” she demanded.

“If my father had loved you, he would have married you. That’s the kind of man my father is!”

Again, she laughed, “The kind of man he was Joseph, the kind of man he was.”

Judge Halliday motioned for her to re-enter the house. The Sheriff and his deputy had been through the rooms but found nothing. Most of Ben’s clothes were still in his hanging robe, very few were missing. His guns were still hanging from the hook above the credenza behind the front door. There didn’t appear to be any clues as to either his whereabouts or if anything had happened to him.

Joe crossed to the captain’s desk in the office area. Paperwork was scattered over every inch, piled up and thrown everywhere. He picked up one sheet, it looked like a bill for a dress from San Francisco. Another was an unpaid bill for winter fodder. Yet another was a receipt for services given.

He sat down in his father’s chair and surveyed the mess before him. Claudia watched closely as he moved piles of paper from one spot to another. He riffled through the sheets glancing at each one before discarding it. He opened the top draw, this had always held the current ledgers. Maybe he would be in luck, and nothing had changed. The first ledger gave up nothing, likewise the second, until he flipped to the very back. There on the very last page, sat a notation completely unrelated to ranch business. It was an entry for an asylum in Sacramento. Joe’s heart skipped a beat as he read the address and information alongside the numbers. He quickly scribbled it down on a piece of paper and then rammed it into a pocket.

“I’ve got something Judge.” he announced as he stepped back into the living area, “You can arrest her now!”   

Sheriff Roy Coffee wasted no time in hustling Claudia Cartwright out to the waiting carriage. Clem climbed up beside her ready to restrain her if necessary. She sat stony-faced and silent at his side, all her lies and evil ways had finally caught up with her.

“What have you found Joseph?” The Judge asked as he leant over the desk to see the ledger Joe was examining.

“There are payments here to an asylum in Sacramento, quite a large amount. I wonder who she’s had committed there?” he mused as he scanned the rest of the page.

“Do you think it could be…” the Judge questioned.

“I wouldn’t put it past her. Pa hasn’t been seen for a year at least, I’ll head over there tomorrow and find out.”

“I’ll come with you. You may need a court order to get him released if he’s there. I’ll deal with that when we get back to town.”

“Joe…” Candy pushed into the room, “a few of the hands are prepared to stay on if you want them to. They didn’t think too much to how the Ponderosa was being run, but now you’re back, well…”

“Yeah, I need men here, so if they’re loyal to Pa they can stay on. Tell them thank you. I’m going to Sacramento, d’you think you can look after things here for me for a few days?”

“Little Joe, Little Joe!” a Chinese accent was heard calling out excitedly, “Little Joe, you back.”

“Hop Sing!” He greeted, rising to hug the little Chinese man who hopped from foot to foot like an excited child at seeing his favourite Cartwright son.

“Hop Sing stay here and get house back to normal for Little Joe. You find Mr Ben now you are back?”

“That would be great Hop Sing, you can show Candy here everything he needs to know about the house. He’s going to be staying here while I go find Pa. You’ve no idea how pleased I am to see you here!”

Leaving Candy and Hop Sing to get acquainted, Joe, the Sheriff and the posse mounted up and made their way back to Virginia City.  They were finally taking Claudia to her destiny, a prison cell to await trial with her son.

Three days later, Joe Cartwright, Judge Halliday and Hiram Woods presented themselves at the ‘Sacramento Respite Home for those of Unsound Mind’. Once inside the dull and depressing green and grey main reception area, they met a man at the front desk. He was surly and very unwelcoming, a scowl obvious on his face. He was also very unwilling to share any information with Joe when asked if Mr Ben Cartwright was a ‘patient’ in the facility.

Joe leaned across the desk, his face almost touching the other.

“I asked you nicely, is Ben Cartwright here? I won’t be so nice next time!”

“I ain’t telling you anything! You need permission from a family member for any information.” the man spouted as he backed off from Joe.

“I’m his son!” was all Joe replied, though now Judge Halliday stepped forward, and placed a hand on Joe’s shoulder.

“If I may Joseph? I’m Judge Halliday from Virginia City. I have a court order here saying we have the right to search this establishment in our efforts to find Mr Cartwright. May I suggest you give every assistance possible in this task, or you will find yourself in-front of me for contempt of court!” The Judge stepped back and waited for the expected reaction.

“Fourth floor room 12.” the clerk blurted quickly, deciding he didn’t want to find himself in court, or worse in jail.

“Now that was easy wasn’t it.” the Judge smirked, “Off you go Joseph, find your father.”

Joe didn’t need a second telling, he ran to the wide staircase and taking the steps at least two at a time, he raced up the four floors. He stopped briefly at the narrow hallway marking the fourth floor. Getting his bearings, he made his way towards room 12.

Room 12 was a small desolate space. Barely room for a single bed, a small table and one chair. A wash basin sat at the foot of the bed; a mirror fixed to the wall above it. An old oil lamp being the only source of lighting during the darker hours.

Ben Cartwright sat lost in thought. Remembering his sons, now all lost to him and the ranch he had built and developed with those sons. He had asked himself so many times how he could have been so deceived by a woman he thought had loved him, and that he had genuinely loved.

He heard footsteps approaching along the long corridor. Wearily, he rose and took his position facing out of the small barred window of his prison. This was his protest at being kept captive in this place. He refused to look at, speak to, or in any way acknowledge the people keeping him here against his will.

The footsteps ceased, right outside his door. He heard the simple latch twist as the door was unlocked. His concentration was now totally on the rooftop opposite his room.

Footsteps entered the room, stopping just behind him.

 A soft, familiar voice broke the silence, “Pa… papa…”

Ben refused to turn; he had heard his sons’ voices every day since his incarceration. His mind would not let him forget them.

“Papa…it’s me…” Joe spoke again moving closer to his father’s turned back. He took in his father’s stance. Always an upright man, now he seemed bowed and smaller. The once gunmetal grey hair now looked almost snow white. The stance was one of rebellion, a refusal to accept his current situation. But for how much longer he could continue like that was doubtful.

“Pa, please…”

“Joe.” Ben breathed, “I’m dreaming…go away.”

“No Pa, I’m here.”

Ben turned to face the insistent voice, staggering sharply as he saw his youngest son before him. A young man with long curly hair, tear-filled eyes, a smile to break your heart and the living image of his much loved and long dead third wife Marie.

“Joseph, is it really you?”

Joe moved open-armed to his father, “Yes Pa, it’s me. I’m sorry, so sorry…”

Ben took his son into his arms and wrapped them tightly around the younger man. He held him close wanting to believe he truly was his son.

“They told me you were dead. They said you died in a prison fight.”

“It was all lies Pa, everything was lies.”

“Let me look at you son. Oh Joseph, you have no idea how happy I am to see you.”

Ben pushed him away, his eyes taking in every nuance of the younger man’s face. The changes from the eighteen-year-old to this twenty-five-year-old. The subtle changes in his face, the more defined jaw, the brightness of the green eyes. The fact Joe had grown an inch or so taller but still nowhere near the height of himself or his other sons. He was still slight of build, but now broad-shouldered, an obvious sign of hard physical labour.

“Let’s get you out of here Pa, let’s go home to the Ponderosa. Hop Sing is waiting for us.”

“Oh yes please! Hop Sing. He will be so happy to see us.” Ben let his son go and took a longer look at him, “You’ve grown up son, you’re in need of a haircut too.” the final words said with a wide grin.

Joe laughed at his father’s comment, “So do you Pa,” he stroked the beard covering half his father’s face, “and a trip to the barbers if I’m not mistaken!”

Ben pulled his son back into his arms for another hug, he whispered just two words as he held him close “My Joseph.”

Voices could be heard approaching along the hallway; Hiram Woods, the Judge and one other voice.

“Room 12 is just down here.” Judge Halliday announced as they neared the now open door.

The third person stepped into the room, both Ben and Joseph stood stock still in surprise, mouths open in shock.

“Hello Pa, little brother.” the now balding, dark bearded man greeted, “Finally, we meet again!”

“Adam!” both exclaimed as one and went to him with open arms.

Father and sons stood arms wrapped around each other. Tears streamed from Joe’s eyes, and Ben struggled to stifle his sobs. Adam, as stoic as ever, just held both tightly afraid to let them go.

“We went through the register and that extremely helpful clerk found ‘A Cartwright’ amongst the entries.” Hiram announced with a smile, “Now there could only be one Adam Cartwright being kept prisoner here if Ben Cartwright was here, so we went to check and here we are.”

“I can’t thank you enough.” Ben started.

“No Ben, it’s this boy of yours, he’s done it all. We just followed up with the legal bits and pieces. Now let’s get out of this place, find a hotel for the night, a decent meal and a good night’s sleep before we head back to Virginia City.”

“That sounds very good Hiram, Adam, do you have everything from your room?”

“There’s nothing I want from there Pa. Come on, let’s go home.”

Ben too left the few possessions he had. He just wanted to forget the last twelve months of incarceration and go home.

Less than a week later Ben, his sons, and those that had secured his freedom sat around a large, white linen-covered table in the centre of The International Hotel’s dining room. Champagne flowed like water and food was abundant as they finally celebrated Ben and Adam’s freedom and the return of Joe Cartwright.

Ben stood, a glass of champagne in hand. “A toast,” he started, “to a loved one no longer with us. To Hoss.”

“To Hoss,” they all echoed raising their glasses and drinking the sparkling wine in honour of Hoss Cartwright.

Eventually, more would come out about the sudden death of Ben’s middle son. That in turn would lead to the hanging of Edward, and a life-long prison sentence for Claudia. But for now, the Cartwright family were back together for the first time in too many years.

Time would see them rebuild the damage done by Claudia and her son, and the Ponderosa regain its position as the most important ranch in Nevada. Ben too, soon repaired his reputation and along with Adam, Joe, and Candy, they put behind them the lies and mischief that Claudia had caused.

                                           The End.