Becca

by smp4ever

Having completed the hard work of breaking the last of the wild horses needed to fulfill the army contract, Joe decided it was time to quit. He came into the house and figured he’d have a couple of hours to himself before his family returned home.  After washing up, Joe stretched out on the settee and began reading the paper. Hop Sing was out back working in his garden.  Hoss was riding fence and wouldn’t arrive at the ranch for a couple of hours.  Ben, most likely was on his way home after completing business in Virginia City.  Adam was on vacation for a few weeks in Boston visiting some former classmates.  Right now though, Joe was going to enjoy time alone. Every once in a while it was nice having these quiet moments to himself to just relax. 

Joe was floating in the air and enjoying the beautiful scenery below him. How nice it was rocking so gently on his fluffy cloud! 

Oh no, what’s happening?

 His cloud started shaking violently.

 Who’s calling my name? 

Down, down, down, the cloud crashed to the ground. 

“That must have been some dream, Son!” Ben said to Joe who was on the floor. 

“I kept calling your name and even gave you a shake! Then you fell off the settee! Are you okay?”

“Yeah, Pa. I’m fine. Just annoyed that you ruined a relaxing dream.  Guess I fell asleep!”

“Guess you did!”

“Why’d you wake me?” Joe asked as his father gave him a hand up!

“Hoss is getting washed.  It’s almost time for supper!”

“Wow, I’ve been asleep that long?  Must have been more tired than I realized!”

“Oh, by the way, Joe, a letter came for you.”

Joe took the envelope from his father and sat down on the settee.  He immediately knew who it was from.  Removing the letter, he began reading it. 

Joe told his father, “It’s from Becca and Jim Taylor. Becca said Jim broke his leg after falling off a ladder.  She was wondering if I could help out at their ranch for three or four weeks while Jim is recuperating. I’m caught up with all my work. The last of the horses are broken. Can you spare me for a few weeks, Pa?”

Ben, who was sitting in his red chair, saw the look in Joe’s eyes and said, “Of course, Son. Just try to get back home as soon as you can! We have a cattle drive coming up in less than two months!”

“Thanks, Pa. I’ll leave in the morning!”

Joe returned to reading the letter. 

Becca, what are you NOT telling me?

Ben smiled to himself remembering eight years ago that Joe and Becca at 15 had been smitten with each other. 

Joe was heartbroken when Mr. Griffin decided to move the family to San Diego. Joe and Becca’s last day together was most memorable. Little did those two know I’d be riding by the lake. I saw clothing strewn across the rocks and quietly dismounted.  I walked to the edge of the lake.

“What are you two doing?”  I bellowed.

Never had bodies plunged underwater as quickly as they did!

I waited knowing they had to come up for air! 

“Joseph Francis Cartwright, get out of that lake right now, and get your clothes on! Rebecca Griffin, after Joe is dressed and we leave, you get out and do the same. Then, Young Lady, get on your horse and hightail it home!“

Joe refolded the letter and returned it to the envelope.

 He looked at his father, “Pa, what are you smiling about?”

“Oh, I was just recalling two fifteen year olds caught skinny dipping!”

“ I certainly have more than one reason for remembering that, too!”

“I know you do! If I recollect, sitting was quite uncomfortable for a while!” Ben said smiling.

“Becca and I believed we’d never see one another again and wanted to memorize every square inch of each other!”

Hop Sing called the Cartwrights to the table.

“Perfect timing for you, Son!” Ben laughed. 

The family sat down to a delicious roast beef dinner. 

Hoss, who had heard some of the conversation between his father and Joe, said, “Hey Joe, how often did you and that little gal write to each other when she first moved away? Was it every hour?”

“Oh, very funny, Big Brother!  Becca and I wrote pretty frequently for a couple of years but then she met Jim and I, well I began to expand my horizons!  No matter, we’ve always remained friends!”

********

The next morning, after having had breakfast with his father and brother, Joe mounted Cooch, waved goodbye, and headed out! It would take him about two days to reach Jim and Becca’s ranch. Their place was roughly ten miles southwest of Placerville, just outside of a small town named Shingle Springs. Joe planned to stay one night on the trail. He and Cooch were going to take it slow since Joe knew the purpose of this visit was all work and very little play, if any! 

Looking forward to seeing his friends, eating a good meal, and sleeping in a comfortable bed after camping on the ground, caused Joe to spur Cooch into a cantor for the final leg of his journey!

A smile crossed Joe’s face as he knew the ranch would soon be coming into sight. Unfortunately, the smile turned into a look of horror as Joe saw flames shooting into the sky! Now in full gallop Joe reached the house. He jumped off Cochise and ran to Jim who was dragging himself out the door. 

“Where’s Becca?” Joe shouted as he pulled Jim all the way to safety. 

“My fault! Never should have joined them.  Lawmen evil! Took Becca. White slavery. Help her!”

With those final words, Jim succumbed to his injuries. 

Joe shook him and yelled,  “Took Becca where?” 

It was no use. Jim was dead!

Joe laid Jim back down on the ground and stood up. The light from the flames made it obvious it wasn’t the fire that killed Jim. Joe’s clothing was covered in Jim’s blood.

Becca, where are you? 

Thankfully the barn was far enough away from the house to not have been affected by the fire. It was too dark now to do anything else but cover Jim’s body and put it in the wagon. Joe would bring his deceased friend to town in the morning and report the death and fire to the sheriff. Joe not only would have to be very careful, he’d also have to be very clever to see if he could pick up any clues from these ‘evil lawmen’ as to Becca’s whereabouts . 

A gentle rain began to fall. Joe let the raindrops wash over him. It was difficult to distinguish between the drops of rain and his own teardrops.

Joe and Cochise got settled in the barn. After removing his wet, blood stained clothing, Joe wrapped himself in his blanket and fell asleep in a pile of hay. 

The next morning Joe washed up at the pump as best he could and changed into a new set of clothes. Then he headed to Shingle Springs with Jim’s body in the wagon and Cooch tied to the back of it. Joe chewed on some hardtack on the ride in. That would have to do until he could get something to eat in town.

*********

“I’m looking for the sheriff’s office,” Joe called to a miner as he pulled the wagon into Shingle Springs.

“Three doors down on the left after you pass the mercantile. Ya can’t miss it! If he’s not there, check his other office.”

Joe looked confused,  “His other office?”

“Yeah, the saloon! Just ask for Sheriff Stan Bolen.”

“Oh, okay. Thanks!”

Joe walked through the door.  Fortunately for him the sheriff was sitting at his desk. A well-dressed man in what appeared to be his early forties, was speaking with the sheriff.

“Excuse me, Gentlemen. My name is Joe Cartwright from a ranch outside of Virginia City.”

“What do you want, Young Man?” asked the frumpy looking, middle aged sheriff.

“I have Jim Taylor’s dead body in the back of his wagon outside your office.”

“What?  Come in here and sit down.  Where’d you find his body? How do you know Jim? Tell me exactly what you saw and what happened.  Was he already dead or did Jim say something before he died?”  

“Sheriff Bolen, I think I should leave,”  said the dapper man.”

We’ll continue our discussion later.   Good day, Mr. Cartwright.”

 “Good day, Mr.  um!”

 “Smith!”  Joe nodded his head in acknowledgement. 

Mr. Smith left, and Joe began talking . He knew he had to stay cool and unruffled, unlike the way the sheriff just acted.  Looking at Bolen, Joe told him about the letter he had gotten from Becca asking for his help while Jim recuperated from his broken leg. 

“Becca and I have known each other since we were little kids. Her family moved from Virginia City to San Diego when we were fifteen, that’s eight years ago, but Becca and I have kept in touch.  I met Jim about six years ago at Mr. Griffin’s funeral. He was Becca’s father. Three years later my family and I traveled back to San Diego to attend Jim and Becca’s wedding.  They moved here about eighteen months after that. Once in a while I’d stop in for dinner when I was in Placerville, but that wasn’t very often at all.”

 Joe then went back to telling the sheriff what happened yesterday. 

“It was early evening when the ranch came into sight and I saw flames shooting from the Taylor place!”

.  

Now the lies begin. Okay, you can do this, Joe!

“I jumped off my horse and ran to the house. Jim’s body was on the ground. He must have pulled himself outside.  When I checked him, he was dead.  I tried to get into their home to look for Becca. I yelled her name, but there was no answer.  The flames were shooting out of the door and windows.  I couldn’t get in. I got there too late!” 

Joe sincerely looked upset.  Then he continued the story.  

“I went over to the barn to get the wagon so I could load Jim’s body into it.  When I lifted him, blood from the back of his shirt got on my clothing.  After laying Jim in the wagon, I turned him over and discovered a number of stab wounds in his back. I covered him up.  It was too late to come to town last night, so I’m here now.  Who do you think could have done this horrible thing to Becca and Jim?”  Joe said with his eyes downcast, while shaking his head.  

The sheriff told him he would get to the bottom of the fire and the stabbing.

“What should I do with Jim’s body? Do you have an undertaker in town?  I’ll pay any expenses if the Taylors had money problems.”

The sheriff said,  “Money wasn’t an issue.  I’ll notify the bank and their lawyer. Also, I’ll take Jim’s body to Doc Brown’s office to be examined so an accurate cause of death can be determined. After he’s reported his findings,  I’ll take Taylor to Mr. Jenkins, the undertaker.  He’ll prepare the body.”

Joe thought the sheriff seemed too eager to take control of all of Jim’s affairs.

 “So, Mr. Cartwright, you planning on staying for Taylor’s services?”

“Yes, of course I am,” Joe emphatically answered, being somewhat surprised. 

“First, I have to stable my horse at the livery. Then I’m going to check into the hotel and grab something to eat before I pass out.  After that, I’ll be returning to the ranch to comb through the ruins. I want to see if I can find any of Becca’s remains.” 

Naturally, Joe mentioned Becca to the sheriff so Bolen wouldn’t suspect him of knowing something different.  Also, Joe wanted to see the sheriff’s reaction to his statement.  

Honestly, Joe wanted to return to the house to check if any clues were left behind that would lead him to Becca. 

Although in that inferno, it’s doubtful anything could be salvaged.There was a reason the house was set on fire.

He was quickly snapped out of his thoughts when Sheriff Bolen jumped in with a little louder and forceful voice than he wanted. 

 “NO, Mr. Cartwright, you can’t look for Becca’s remains!  I, I, I  mean, that’s my job and my deputy’s. You might destroy evidence without realizing it.  I’d appreciate it if you stayed away from the Taylor ranch.  I’ll contact you at the hotel as soon as we’ve had time to complete our search. Shouldn’t take too long!.

“I have to go back to the barn and gather my belongings that I left last night,” Joe said.

“Okay, just don’t go into the house. Understood?”

“Perfectly!”

“You know what, Cartwright, I’ll send my deputy with you. Since it looks like Jim was murdered, whoever did it might still be lurking around the ranch.”

All Joe could say was, “ Thanks, Sheriff!”

He wondered if the deputy was also involved in this master plan since Jim said ‘lawmen’ plural before he died.

“I’ll give you a couple of hours to get settled in and have breakfast before I send the deputy over.”

Joe said, “Give me about three hours. I also want to send a telegram to my family.”

“No problem!  My deputy’s name is Pete, Pete Rowland!”

“Thanks again, Sheriff!” 

Joe left feeling satisfied with his performance. 

Bolen thought, I’ve got to keep an eye on this kid! 

******

Having checked into the hotel and gotten settled in his room, Joe cleaned up and shaved. He then headed downstairs for coffee and for something to eat. He’d be no good to anyone if he didn’t keep up his strength. Joe was going to need all his energy and fortitude to find Becca.

He sat in the restaurant lost in his thoughts while staring into his cup of coffee. Joe was contemplating his next move when a shadow was cast over him.  Startled, Joe looked up to see the well dressed man from Sheriff Bolen’s office standing there. “Oh, Mr. Smith, right?  Would you like to join me?” 

“Yes, to my name.  It’s Paul Smith, but no, Mr. Cartwright, to joining you. I just finished my breakfast. Sorry if I surprised you.”

“Guess I was deep in thought! By the way, just call me Joe!”

“Okay, Joe. I saw you sitting over here from my table across the room and thought I’d come over to say hello.”  

Then Smith purposely knocked Joe’s napkin off the table.  As he and Joe bent down to pick it up, Smith spoke in a whisper,  “Don’t change your expression. “I’ll be in touch. Sit tight!”

Back to his normal voice, Smith said, “That was clumsy of me. My apology, Mr. Cartwright. I’m also sorry about your friends, Jim and Becca Taylor. They were wonderful people!  Take care now!”

Joe did as he was told and acted very naturally,  “You take care too, Mr. Smith. Thanks for your condolences!”

With that Paul Smith exited the restaurant. 

Who is this guy? 

Joe finished up his meal and then headed  to the telegraph office. He kept his message very generic, not sure of whom to trust. 

*****

Jim and Becca dead.  STOP

Sheriff investigating. STOP 

Home after services. STOP

Joe

Joe knew he was lying to his father but, under the circumstances there was no choice. 

As Joe walked out of the telegraph office, Deputy Rowland was there to meet him. 

“Sheriff done tell me to escort you to the Taylor ranch. Ya ready? I don’t gots all day! Has me a chicken dinner waitin’ for me when we git back. Missin’ meals makes me grumpy! Gots that?”

Joe shook his head. “I just have to get my horse out of the livery.”

“Then giddy up, Cartwright!”

Real pleasant guy. He sounds like his brains are in his ass!

Joe and ‘his bodyguard’ headed to the ranch

“Hey, Pete, ya don’t mind if I call ya Pete?”

“Na, that’s my name, ain’t it?” Pete guffawed.

“How long you’ve been working for the sheriff?”

“Since he comed here six months ago!”

“You like working for him? Not too much crime to handle? Guess up until yesterday you and the sheriff  had it pretty easy.  Anything else strange ever happen in Shingle Springs?”

“Listen here, Cartwright, stop askin’ so much questions. Git your stuff so we can git outta here!”

Must have struck a chord with Old Pete.

Then Joe disappeared into the barn to look around and collect his stuff.  He knew he didn’t have much time to check for clues that might lead him to Becca.  Talk about looking for a needle in a haystack. Disappointed, Joe walked out.

Maybe Pete will be the key to finding Becca. 

He had to come up with the right questions to trip up Pete. 

******

Back in his hotel room now, Joe laid down on his bed with his fingers clasped behind his head. He needed to work on a plan. A knock on the door disturbed that idea. A young boy was on the other side. He handed Joe a note and ran off. 

Meet me behind the cluster of trees in back of the livery just after sunset. 

P.S. Make sure you’re not followed! 

Joe thought. Hmm, could the note be from Paul Smith? Were the postscript letters cryptic for his name?

*****

Joe had a couple of hours to kill so he decided to grab a beer or two along with a sandwich at the saloon. He needed to unwind after the last twenty four hours. 

As Joe entered the bar through the batwing doors, he saw Bolen occupying a chair ‘in his other office’. Bolen caught Joe’s eye and motioned to him.

“Come join me, Cartwright.”

 Joe took a breath and headed over to the table.  Grabbing a chair he sat down. 

“So did you get all your stuff from the barn?   Hope my deputy was helpful.”

“Yea, Pete was ok.”

Joe got the bartender’s attention and ordered his beer and sandwich.  Raised the way he was, Joe asked the sheriff if he wanted another beer.  The sheriff didn’t refuse!

Bolen looked at Joe, “The Doc finished his exam of Jim’s body a lot sooner than I thought. By his estimation, Doc Brown doesn’t think Jim died immediately from the stab wounds. They definitely were the cause of death,  but it would have taken a little while for Taylor to bleed out. You sure Jim was dead when you found him?”

Joe was happy the bartender brought over the beers and sandwich just as the question was asked. Joe brought the beer up to his lips. 

Looking over the top of his mug, he answered, “Jim was dead!”

By the look on the sheriff’s face, Joe could tell he wasn’t buying it!

“Jim could have been stabbed earlier than you think.  So maybe his wounds, as the doctor said, didn’t cause immediate death, but we don’t know when he was stabbed, do we, Sheriff?”

Bolen just shook his head. Then told Joe that the undertaker would have Jim’s body ready for viewing tomorrow followed by the service and burial at the cemetery. 

“Jim can’t be buried on his property since we haven’t finished investigating.”

His beer and conversation finished, Bolen got up and started to walk out.  He stopped and turned around and said, “Thanks Cartwright!”

Joe nodded.  Then he contemplated everything the sheriff had just told him. He also thought about Becca. How was he going to track her? Where the hell could she be? She was already missing twenty-four hours. There was no more time to waste. Only problem now was that he had to wait until after the burial. He certainly had to be in attendance at Jim’s services.

Hold on Becca! I swear I’ll find you! 

*******

There was a knock on the door. Ben got up to see who it was since Hoss was snoring away in the blue chair.

“Hank, I thought you were in town with the other Hands?”

“I was Mr. Cartwright, but Mike from the telegraph office said you should see this immediately, so I rode in!”

 “Can I get you a drink or something?” 

“No Sir,  headin’ back out to the Silver Dollar after deliverin’ this here telegram!”

Ben handed Hank ten dollars for his trouble and thanked himl!

“Thank YOU, Mr. Cartwright! Night!

Ben read the telegram and woke Hoss. He told him what happened and said Joe would be coming home after the services. 

“No need for him to hang around there now. Wish we could have been with him. Must be real tough on Joe losing two friends, especially Becca.” 

“Guess even if we started out at sunup, we wouldn’t make it in time for the funeral, that’s figurin’ it’s tomorrow.”

“No Hoss. It’s better if we just wait for Joe to come home.”

Hoss shook his head in agreement.

*******

Joe walked out to the cluster of trees making sure he wasn’t followed. Just like he thought, Paul Smith emerged. 

“Thanks for meeting me. We don’t have much time! Joe, I work for the Pinkerton Detective Agency.  Several months ago, I was hired by George Brennan, a wealthy man from San Francisco to find his daughter. She was visiting her aunt in Placerville when she went missing. That happened almost six months ago. Mr. Brennan offered rewards and had posters displayed from coast to coast. You name it, he did it. When nothing panned out after three months of searching, he contacted my agency. I came here several months ago to Shingle Springs following some leads about other young ladies who had disappeared from within a fifty to one hundred mile radius.  Don’t know if they were kidnapped or just ran away.   When I arrived three months ago, I opened an assayer’s office.  My father was an analyst so I know a thing or two about testing the quality and composition of substances. Having the office in town, I knew I could keep my ears and eyes open without anyone getting suspicious.  There’s something dubious about the sheriff and his deputy, so I’ve become real chummy with them. Yesterday, I followed them late in the afternoon, followed them right to the Taylor’s ranch. I saw them talking to Jim on the porch but then they went inside. Who knows? I thought maybe it was just a friendly visit. Once they went into the house, it didn’t make sense to stay any longer since there was nothing to hear, so I left. But now I’m haunted by the fact that I heard you showed up an hour or two later and found Jim’s body and the house on fire… Well, I had no idea this terrible thing was going to happen.   

Is there a connection between the kidnappings and the Taylors’ tragedy? I don’t know! Haven’t come up with anything yet.

Thought you might want to get involved. Do you?

“Hell yes, what do you want me to do?”

Joe looked at Paul, “You know I lied to the sheriff. I told him Jim was dead.  When I got to the ranch, he wasn’t!  Before Jim died he said, “Lawmen evil and that he should never have joined! He died before he could say anything else. Do you think Jim was working with them?”

Paul just shrugged and shook his head.

Joe didn’t feel comfortable giving more Information. Something seemed to hold him back from mentioning Becca.

“Thanks Joe. Don’t speak to anyone else.  I’ll keep in touch! Watch yourself, Son!”

“Okay, Paul. Tomorrow’s the wake and funeral!”

“I’ll be there too! We have to get out of here now. You go first!”

“Ok Paul. See you tomorrow at the services.”

As Joe headed back to his hotel room he finally felt like there was some hope. He liked Paul and wanted to trust him, but not one hundred percent yet. It was too soon.

******

Two caskets, one with a body, one with what was left of a body, but unable to be identified. Sheriff Bolen said he and his deputy gathered whatever remains they could find in the rubble right after sunup this morning. 

The service was beautiful. So many townspeople came out to pay their respects. As everyone was singing Abide With Me, Joe couldn’t help thinking,

Why did Jim say, “took Becca, white slavery, help her” if her remains were found?   If they weren’t Becca’s then whose body was burned beyond recognition? More questions than answers. And I don’t know what white slavery is.

Time to start my own investigation! 

First, Joe cornered the deputy on the way back from the cemetery. 

“Hey Pete. How’d you know the remains were Becca’s? Did you see a wedding band or anything else that would identify them as Becca’s?”

“I dunno. It was a burnt body! Ya know. Just a skull and bones was left!”

“I’ll ask again. How do you know it was Becca?” You dumb ass! 

“Sheriff says it! I believes it. I listen ta whatever he tells me! Now leaves me alone!”

Well that went well! 

*****

Joe waited a while then decided to go back out to the house. It was almost dusk when he reached the ranch. He was positive he hadn’t been followed. Joe dismounted and tied Cooch to a tree before he got too close to the house. As Joe walked slowly and cautiously toward the ruins he made sure he stayed under cover.  He saw a figure holding a lantern in the midst of the rubble. 

What the hell?  Becca? 

That’s all Joe remembered! 

******

“You didn’t have to hit him so hard; you could have killed him!”

“But I didn’t.  We don’t need any other complications. Listen, Becca, there’s too much at stake.  Nothing can go wrong and interfere with our mission! There’s a lot of money involved in this business. Understood? 

If you’re worried about your friend, I checked him.  He’ll have a headache but he’ll be fine.  Get what you need and let’s get out of here! You know, Becca, it’s dangerous having friends in our profession. You’d better get your priorities straight! We have girls to get!”

*******

When Joe awoke, he was lying on the ground. He wasn’t tied up, but boy, did his head hurt. Joe had no idea how long he was out.  He slowly got up, feeling a little wobbly.  Looking toward the direction of what was left of the house,  Joe saw the area was completely deserted.  He had no idea who hit him or better yet why?  Right now, he just knew he had to get back into town before anyone got suspicious.

Did I really see Becca? Is she part of this white slavery scheme? I’m still not sure what that is. Oh, Becca. I thought I knew you better!

********

Joe walked into his hotel room just wanting to go to sleep.  It had been a long, emotional day burying Jim.  Getting hit on the head didn’t help his disposition.  Without warning, Paul stepped out from behind the drapes.  Startled, Joe  pulled his gun. Then he realized who it was.

“You should know better than to hide in someone’s room and almost frighten them to death,” Joe said, slightly annoyed!

“Sorry, Joe.  I’ve been looking for you for a couple of hours.  Where have you been?”

“I couldn’t wait any longer.  It’s forty-eight hours now and we’re no closer to finding out what happened to Becca and Jim.  My Pa would tell you I’m not the most patient person in the world!”

“So where were you?”

“I rode out to the ranch and all I got for my trouble was this egg on my head!  I have no idea who hit me or why.  I never saw or heard a soul!”

Joe still didn’t know who to trust. He didn’t dare say he thought he saw Becca. 

 Looking at Paul he said, “Why were you looking for me?”

“Let me take a look at your head first, Son, then we’ll talk.”

Paul really seems like a good guy. I’ve gotta trust someone!

As Paul began to clean up Joe’s head he said,  “I have information from the agency.  Seems we’re dealing with a notorious organization that takes young girls against their will and sells them into prostitution. It’s a lucrative business. Jim got mixed up with them thinking he was going to make a quick buck. When he realized what was really going on, he wanted out and they killed him.”

So that’s what white slavery is! It’s sex slavery! Joe thought.

“What are we going to do, Paul?” 

“The sheriff and deputy are the key to breaking up this ring. Pinkerton is sending some back up. Lay low. Don’t leave town again! Understood, Young Man?”

“Yes, Sir! Now you sound like my father!”

It’s late, Joe. You need rest after getting  knocked on your head. Now get some sleep. I’ll send a message to you in the morning and tell you where to meet me.  If you don’t hear from me right away, just sit tight. No more heroics from you! Lock your door after I leave. Have a good night, Son.”

“Thanks, Paul.  I’m gonna find a way to talk to Pete Rowland tomorrow, too. He knows more than he’s letting on. He’s a dumb Son of a Bitch, but he’s hiding something. I’m gonna find out what it is.”

“Don’t do anything foolish. I don’t want anything happening to you!”

“I won’t. I promise! Night, Paul!”

Paul nodded in the affirmative, and headed out the door.

*****

Joe lay in bed.  His head was spinning, not only from the clunk he took, but also from trying to piece everything together.  Tomorrow he would tell Paul the other information he had about Becca, albeit, it wasn’t much.

“I hope Becca’s not mixed up in this horrible business.”

 With that, Joe fell into a troubled sleep.

After his restless night, Joe got out of bed. The sun was barely up. He walked over to the window and was about to open it when he saw Paul and Bolen coming out of the sheriff’s office.  He watched them ride out of town together. 

Paul must have gotten some kind of lead and is using Bolen in his scheme. 

Joe quickly got dressed. Since he had no idea where Paul and the sheriff went, and considering Paul told him not to leave town, Joe decided he’d only go to the office and no farther.   He knew Pete would be there and that’s what he wanted.. 

“Morning, Pete. Was coming over to say goodbye to you and Sheriff Bolen. Told my Pa I’d be home after the services. He’ll be expecting me soon. 

Where’s the sheriff? Wanted to treat you both to breakfast to thank you for all you did. Just wish you had been able to figure out who killed Jim and Becca. Maybe you never will.

So where is the sheriff?”

“He gots called out early. He ain’t gonna be back fir a real long time.”

“Well, Pete, guess it’s just you and me.”

“I can’ts leave the office!”

“No problem, Petey. I’ll bring breakfast here!  You pour the coffee. Eggs and flapjacks?”

“Ok. Bacon too.”

“You got it!”

Joe knew he finally had his chance to question Pete alone. 

“Breakfast is served, Pete.

 Pete, where the heck did you go?” 

A cloth came in front of Joe’s mouth and nose from behind. Joe struggled but to no avail. 

His last thought, Chloroform! 

******

“Glad you’re waking up, Joe. We have to get you ready for your photo shoot!”

Still groggy, Joe said,  “What are you talking about? Where am I?” 

“All in due time, Son!”

“Paul? What’s going on? I don’t understand!”

“You don’t need to understand. All you have to do is follow instructions and do exactly as you’re told.”

“Are we working on the case?  Where’s Bolen?  I saw you with him earlier.”

“I’m right here, Cartwright! The girls are getting ready, Paul.  The photographer is with them now.”

“All right, you get back to the girls in tunnel A  and supervise positioning them for their photographs.”

It must be the chloroform!  What’s happening? Joe thought. 

“You’re up next, Joe.”

Two men came out of one of the other tunnels. 

“Okay, strip him down and hook his arms and legs into the wall shackles!”

Joe’s anger and fear were building inside of him.  He released these emotions on one of the guy’s jaws with his left hook. Then Joe lashed out at the other man with a solid punch right in the gut.  Two more men came from another tunnel and restrained him.  

Paul said, “Don’t make this more difficult than it has to be. The only reason we’re not beating the shit out of you is because we have to deliver you in perfect condition. 

Ok, guys let’s try this again. Clothes off. Wrists and ankles in the wall shackles!”

Joe struggled and cursed,  “Keep your fuckin’ hands off me!”

Unfortunately, it was to no avail.  Joe was completely naked with arms and legs outstretched in the shackles on the wall.

“I knew you were a really good looking young man,  but you’re like an Adonis!  You’re very well endowed! We are going to fetch a superb price for you!”

Then Paul instructed, “Get the photographer!”

In less than a minute, Jack appeared. 

“Camera set?  We’re going to start with the frontal shot. Wow, Joe, you are hung like a horse!  Ok Son, stand perfectly still.”

Joe was dying, but he did exactly as he was told. He wasn’t going to let these goons stare at him longer than necessary. Joe shut his mind to everything that was going on around him.

“Fantastic! Great shot, Jack. Can’t wait to see that photograph!  

Now turn him around for his rear shot.

Face him against the wall, but just stretch his arms out again and hook his wrists into the shackles. Joe, put your legs together. I want to get a good shot of your nice, tight ass!  Great!  Ok Jack, good job. Go  process those images.  We’re done!” 

Paul then ordered the men to turn Joe around again and shackle him until they were ready to make their move after they got the girls ready to leave.

“Gee, Joe, I wish I could keep you for myself,  but I have a few buyers who are already interested.  They are high powered people with wagon loads of money!  With these photographs the competition is really going to grow, just like you, Son!” 

 Joe sneered at Paul. Besides being mortified, he was shocked and hurt having been betrayed by him.

“You are really scum of the earth!” 

“True, but rich scum! I’ll miss you, Joe! Hope you enjoy your new life!”

“You’re not going to get away with this. You’ll be stopped one day!” 

“Girls are almost ready,” yelled Bolen from another section of the cave.

“Ok, Stan. Stay with them.” Paul hollered back.

“Well Joe, as much as we’d like to stay here enjoying and admiring this grand view, we have business to do.”

 With that Paul grabbed Joe’s penis and balls in his large hand, caressed them in a sensual and lustful way. Then Smith gave them a good squeeze. Joe released an involuntary moan.

“That’s just a preview. You’re going to make your buyer extremely happy, Joe!”

Then Paul gave the order to unshackle Joe so he could get dressed and get prepared for the trip.  Joe could see the chloroform!  

Before anything got done, commotion and shooting could be heard from another area in the cave.  Paul and the other men didn’t think twice. They had to make their escape.  Joe was left alone still attached to the shackles. 

Footsteps were approaching and a familiar voice spoke, “Wow, you certainly have grown up.  Looking really good, Joe!”

“Becca, do you mind? Get me out of these shackles! The keys are on that table!” 

 Unshackled,  Joe grabbed his pants and pulled them on.  

“You have a lot of explaining to do, Becca,  but right now I’m going after Paul.  You handle the others.  He’s mine.”  

*****

Joe and Becca sprinted through the cave to another escape route.  Becca joined some of the other detectives who corralled the group that tried to get away, including Sheriff Bolen.  Joe jumped on a horse and followed Paul’s trail.  He had bolted on horseback only moments ago. 

Joe was closing in on Paul.  Being the superb horse rider he was, Joe was able to weave and bob as shots whirled past him from Paul’s gun. Finally, there were no more bullets!  Joe was able to get close enough to Smith.  He hurled himself off his horse and tackled Paul to the ground. 

“Now I’m gonna show you how to beat the shit out of someone, Paul!  You’re a lowlife.  Get ready to find out what happens to bastards like you.”

 Joe pulled Smith up from the ground and hit him with his flying fists. Seething, the punishment continued with a left hook to the side of Paul’s head. Smith was able to get a few good jabs in, too.  Joe’s breath was taken away by a couple of strong punches to his ribs, but Joe’s adrenaline was pumping so hard, he felt nothing.  Back and forth the blows came fast and furious! Joe let loose with a flurry of punches, one that Joe knew broke Paul’s nose, and another that finished off Smith with a powerful uppercut to his jaw.  Before Joe tied the bloody and semiconscious Smith onto his horse, he gave Paul a good hard kick to his groin. 

“Now, we’re almost even, you disgusting piece of shit!” 

Showing no mercy, Joe threw a whimpering, tied up Smith over his saddle. Then they headed back to the cave.  

*****

Joe was looking for Becca,  when Pete Rowlands appeared out of the dark.  Joe didn’t have his gun. 

He was just about to head butt the deputy when Pete yelled, “Hey, Joe, I’m one of the good guys! I’ve been working with Becca.  When we get back to town, we’ll explain everything.  You’re bleeding pretty good.  Let’s get you to the Doc and this scum to jail. Becca’s with the girls and will get them back to town in one of the wagons.”

He must be telling the truth.  Pete doesn’t sound or even look so dumb now!

The adrenaline subsiding, Joe was ready to pass out. Pete grabbed Joe to steady him. 

“I have the rest of your clothes. Are you okay to finish dressing?”

“Just give me my boots and my jacket. Thanks, Pete!”  

Joe started swaying again, so Pete helped him dress without being asked.

With boots and jacket on,  Joe mounted his horse.  Pete gave an order to his other agents to get the white slavery ring into the second wagon.  He then yanked Paul off his horse and unceremoniously threw him in with the rest of the gang.  Making sure they were securely tied, the wagon headed back to town. Becca decided to wait a while so the girls wouldn’t have to see these monsters.

Pete stayed with Joe as they rode their horses.  He was concerned Joe might just topple over.  

Perhaps sitting on Cooch and breathing in fresh air helped to get Joe into town safely.

******

As they walked, well in Joe’s case, limped into the sheriff’s office, Joe was very surprised! 

“Pa, Hoss, what are you doing here?”

“Looking at you, it’s a good thing we changed our minds and decided to ride out to be with you, Little Brother.”

“Nothing is ever easy with you, Joseph! This is going to be an interesting story that I can’t wait to hear, Son.”

“Pa, please don’t call me Son for a while! I’ll explain.”

“Mr. Cartwright, I think  you should get him over to the Doc’s office right now,” Pete interjected when he had walked back into the office after locking up the vermin.

“Joe, Becca and I will come see you at the hotel tomorrow instead of talking to you tonight. Hope you’re ok.” 

“Becca? We thought she was dead?” Hoss and Ben said at the same time.

“It’s a long story. I’ll explain tomorrow.”

As they walked across the street, Becca was pulling in with the wagon. Joe’s and Becca’s eyes met, but the girls had to be her first priority. Becca headed to the hotel to get the five young ladies settled. She knew she’d talk to Joe tomorrow.

The doctor finished examining and cleaning up Joe. He taped his cracked and bruised ribs and stitched the cut above his left eyebrow. Doc Brown even checked the lump on Joe’s head from the night before. A mild concussion at best he concluded. Doc ordered lots of rest and a good meal for Joe. Hoss especially liked that last part. 

“Don’t worry, Doctor, I’ll make sure he follows your orders!” Ben said as he helped Joe on with his shirt.

Joe smiled hearing that familiar statement. 

Pa will always be both mother and father to us, no matter how old we get! 

Right now, Joe didn’t mind it at all.

*****

The three Cartwrights had a bite to eat at the restaurant. Joe did the best he could, and then they headed upstairs. Ben had already checked in. He reserved a room for Hoss so his snoring wouldn’t disturb Joe who needed as much sleep as possible. Secretly, Ben wanted peaceful nights for himself, too. He also booked a suite so the family had the option of having meals in the room, if that’s what they chose to do. Ben didn’t know how long they’d be staying and wanted his sons and himself to be comfortable.

Joe was very quiet as Ben helped him get settled into the bed. It was late. They were all tired so Ben didn’t press for information. Joe would talk when he was ready. 

“Goodnight, Joseph! Sleep well.” Ben said as he stroked his son’s hair.

“Night, Pa!”

Then Ben got into the bed and fell asleep.

*****

Moans and groans awakened him several hours later. Leaning over, he felt Joe’s head and wasn’t surprised that he felt warm. The doctor had said it was to be expected and not to be overly concerned unless Joe started spiking a high fever. Ben got up. He wet a cloth, although not cold, and gently wiped Joe’s face, neck, and upper chest above the bandages. He pushed Joe’s sweaty hair off his forehead. Feeling his father’s touch seemed to settle Joe again. 

Ben looked at his son with the moonlight streaming in the window and quietly said, “Oh, My Boy, your face really shows you were in a fight.  I can only imagine what you’d have looked like if you had lost!”

 Ben continued to care for Joe and check for a rising fever for another hour or so. Although still warm, Ben was satisfied with Joe’s condition and settled himself back in the bed. 

At sunrise, Ben heard Joe call him. 

“Pa? Pa,  before Becca and Pete and Hoss come in, I want to tell you what happened to me. I need you to understand that I didn’t have a choice!”

Ben got out of bed and sat down next to Joe after propping him up with pillows so he could sit comfortably.

Ben could see tears glistening in Joe’s eyes. He rubbed his arm, but didn’t say a word.  Joe proceeded to tell his father about his humiliating and frightening ordeal. 

Ben listened with great compassion and then responded thoughtfully and lovingly. 

“Joe, you, just like the young ladies were victims. Those evil people had total control over you at that time. It certainly doesn’t make you less of a man. You showed how courageous you were.  As soon as you were freed you went after that scum. You helped to save those young women and probably many future potential victims from this particular, wicked organization. Remember, none of this was your fault. You did nothing wrong.”

Ben lifted Joe’s quivering chin and looked him in his eyes,  “Joseph…I’m so proud of you!”

A tear trailed down Joe’s cheek. With the same hand, Ben caressed Joe’s face and wiped the lone tear with his thumb.  Joe looked at Ben through eyes of love and gratitude. The corners of Joe’s lips turned upward forming a beautiful smile knowing his pa would always be his rock.

“Now how ‘bout something to eat, Son. I mean…”

“Coming from you, Pa, the word Son is just fine!”

Hoss burst through the door, as if right on cue, “Anyone else interested in having breakfast?”

“Joe’s running a slight fever. Why don’t you go downstairs to the restaurant and order the food. Then we’ll eat up here! Joe, do you feel like you can hold something down?”

“I can now, Pa!”

Joe and Ben exchanged a wink and a smile. 

While Hoss headed for the restaurant, Ben quickly washed up and got changed. Joe did the same as best as he could, but did require some assistance because of his ribs, plus the fact he was feeling a little weak. As Ben was pulling on Joe’s last boot, Hoss walked in with steaming, hot coffee and breakfast!

“Mmm, smells good,” was the simultaneous response from Ben and Joe. 

*****

It was a little more than an hour later when there was a knock on the door. As promised, Becca and Pete had come to the hotel to speak with Joe. Ben and Hoss were getting up to leave but Joe insisted they stay. 

“Can’t wait to hear this explanation!” Joe said sarcastically to Becca and Pete.

Becca started with an apology. 

“Joe, I’m so sorry.  I never meant to get you mixed up in this operation. Things escalated so quickly and took a wrong turn.  Of course,  I know you involved yourself because of me. That made things more complicated and unfortunately you got caught up with these sick animals.  But, honestly,  I really am sorry I couldn’t keep you safe,  just like I couldn’t keep Jim out of harm’s way.”

“Becca,  do you work for the Pinkerton Detective Agency?”  

“Not really. Let me backup, Joe.  Jim had been acting very strange for the past couple of months.  He was hanging out in town more frequently, especially with Bolen.  The sheriff had become a suspicious character before he had even come to Shingle Springs.  When he was a sheriff in Folsom,  a couple of parents whose daughters had gone missing went to his office to file a report about them.  He was uncooperative and unwilling to help. His attitude was awful. The parents sensed something wasn’t right so they contacted Pinkerton. Bolen left Folsom fearing his organization might be uncovered.  Then Bolen came here and became sheriff of Shingle Springs. The agency sent  Peter to apply for the deputy’s position.  Peter was perfect for the job. He presented himself as an unlucky, scruffy bearded prospector who was tired of digging, panning and having little to show for it.  Acting like a dumb SOB, Bolen knew he found the perfect deputy.

Joe jumped in, “Pete, you did that really well!”

Becca gave Joe a sideways look and continued, “Paul arrived three months ago.  He is one of the big shots in the white slavery organization.  Peter, in his role, didn’t present any threat.  In fact they used him because he acted like such a big idiot.  Obviously, Bolen and Paul were working together. 

Then Jim got mixed up with them.  Things hadn’t been too profitable for us on the ranch. Jim allowed himself to get suckered into doing some minor jobs so he could make quick, decent money.  You know how good looking Jim was.  He only had to lure some pretty, young ladies new to Shingle Springs  to a house outside of town.  Jim thought Paul was helping them achieve their dream of independence by getting them jobs at some of the new high class saloons in Sacramento.  Feeling guilty after a while, Jim told me what he was doing.  He felt especially awful when he discovered the girls were really being brought to the cave where they awaited a wagon to take them to places where buyers would purchase these young virgins against their will.  The owners would use them or sell them to other people as prostitutes. Peter overheard Jim talking to Bolen in his office a couple of weeks ago saying he wanted out. Now it will make sense how I got involved. Peter came out to the ranch while Jim was in town and asked if I would work undercover to snare the ringleader.  We never said a word to Jim about my involvement. Then Jim broke his leg. That’s when I wrote to you, Joe.  I figured you would be working on the ranch keeping Jim company and undesirables away.  It would also free me to do what was needed to help these young ladies.  Pete was being sent to the cave with food for the girls.  Like I said he came across as a moran so Bolen knew he could be trusted.  Pete told the guards that I was there helping him.  Since they knew Jim worked for Bolen they weren’t suspicious of me.  My job was to reassure the girls and tell them we had a plan to save them.  They would be protected and they needed to stay strong. The one thing in the girls’ favor was that no one could touch them. They were being sold as virgins.  I cautioned them to just do everything they were told even if it made them uncomfortable.  I had to tell them about the photographs.”

Becca looked at Joe sadly and said,  “You know how that made them feel!”

She continued, “Photographs were distributed to men of wealth who would then bid for the girls and in some cases, bid for young men.”

Joe could feel his face turning a deep shade of red because of the shame he felt.  Ben laid a comforting, strong hand on Joe’s arm.  Hoss just looked shocked.

Becca continued, “I came home to find Bolen in my house.  He had just stabbed Jim.  Pete had been told to meet Bolen at my home after he finished giving out the food.  He walked in just as Bolen was going to kill me too, but Pete told him to get back to town and he would take care of it.  The sheriff figured he was gone long enough and he didn’t want  the good citizens getting suspicious.”

“First I gots ta has a little fun with her. OK, Boss?  Then I kill her and burn down the house.” Pete said.

Bolen looked at Pete with a sick, big grin on his face.  As Bolen started to ride away I was screaming to make it sound credible but mostly because of Jim. My heart was broken.  There was nothing to be done for my husband.  He told me to go and that he loved me!  Peter forced me out the back and then set the house on fire. Pete saw Jim dragging himself to the doorway but he also had to leave.” 

Tears slowly trickled down Becca’s face.

“That’s when I galloped up.” Joe added..

Becca continued,  “Last night when you rode out to the ranch, Pete was keeping guard outside so I could go through the rubble and see if I could find the broch Jim had given me on our wedding day.” 

“So you’re the one who clobbered me!”  Joe said, looking at Pete and rubbing his head.

“Sorry Joe.  I guess I don’t know my own strength. We couldn’t let you find out what was going on.  Unfortunately, you know now Paul was using you because a request had come for a well built, good looking young man. You certainly fit the bill.”

Joe blushed again. 

“Paul really fooled me. He was so believable!”

“That’s because fifteen years ago he was a Pinkerton detective. He got greedy and joined the bad guys,” Peter said.

“Paul was waiting to make his move to kidnap you when you gave him the perfect way.  You told him you were coming to the office in the morning to talk to ‘Pete’!

You made his job easy.  I apologize again to you but I had to go along with his plan.  He pretended to leave town with Bolen but actually had circled back. Paul chloroformed you and I helped him bring you to the cave.  Bolen had  gone to the hideout earlier in the morning.   This was now my detectives and my chance to move in.  The wagon was going to be arriving that night to take you all away to another location. Paul was meeting with the  buyers.  They would be given the photographs and then make their bids.  Then you would be released to the highest bidder.  At that point the buyer could check the merchandise in person before the final sale. Just so you understand, white slavery is a term used for sexual slavery.  It’s not a phrase indicative of race, but simply refers to the practice of organized coercion of unwilling persons into prostitution. That’s what was going to happen to you and the girls, Joe!”

Hoss on one side of Joe and Ben on the other, at the same time, instinctively placed a protective hand on him.

Joe asked Becca why Jim told him, “Took Becca. White Slavery. Help her!”  

“While Jim lay dying, he must have thought Pete was taking me to the cave to be sold along with the other girls. He saw that Pete hadn’t killed me and had pushed me out the back. Remember, Jim never knew Peter was a Pinkerton detective and he didn’t know I was working with Pete.  

 “I have one more question,  “Whose ashes did they find in the rubble?”

Peter and Becca looked at each other and Becca said,  “After Pete left the house the first night you arrived, he went out to Boot Hill and dug up the body of someone who had died a long time ago and put his bones into his saddlebags.”

Peter added, “When you were gathering your things from the barn when I came out to the ranch with you the next day, I  took the remains and threw them into the smoldering embers.  It sounds sacrilegious, but we had to make it real.  Lives were at stake.”

Then Joe said, “Paul talked about the daughter of this wealthy guy Brennan from San Francisco who was kidnapped. Did you find her?”

“Sadly Joe, many young people are never found. That’s why we’re working so hard to break the ring. This horrible, sick practice is happening in Europe and other areas also. So many children, teenagers, and young adults have their lives destroyed forever.

I’ll give you one more pathetic statistic. In some cases fathers are selling their own children!”

Joe, Ben, and Hoss were trying to digest all this information when Becca said, “ Joe, I have one more piece of bad news for you.”  The young ladies and you have to appear in court to testify.  The circuit judge will be here the day after tomorrow.  This envelope I have contains the photographs that will be used as evidence’”

“Oh no, Becca. Give me that envelope!”  

“Joe, I’m sorry.  I can’t.  This is the proof we need to expose them. Sorry, poor choice of words!

I know you feel like you’re being victimized again and in a way you are, but, Joe, the jury is made up of twelve men.  The worst for you is that they’ll be extremely jealous!”

“Very funny,  Becca!”

“Seriously,  Joe, those poor girls have to sit in the courtroom while those same twelve men are ogling their naked bodies posed in shameful  positions. Sadly, victims are victimized twice! It’s not fair, but you can console yourself knowing you’ve sent these monsters to a penitentiary doing hard labor for life.  Bolen will be hanged for killing Jim. That will be my satisfaction.”

****

After a couple of days, the trial was over. Just like Becca said everyone got their just due.

The doctor gave Joe a clean bill of health and permission to ride home. He cautioned Joe to stay out of fights. Ben and Hoss just rolled their eyes. 

The next morning the Cartwrights were meeting Peter and Becca for breakfast before heading out. 

Peter said, “Joe, we can’t thank you enough for all your help in this case. 

Mr. Cartwright, anytime you want to get rid of this young man, just contact me.“

“I’ll keep that in mind, Peter.” Ben grinned.

“Thanks a lot!” Joe said, pretending to have hurt feelings.

Then Joe and Becca excused themselves and walked outside.

“Becca,  do you want to come back home with me for a while so you can sort things out and take it easy?”

“It sounds real tempting, Joe, but I’ve decided to hire on.  Anyway, I have to stay. There are still two girls waiting to reunite with their families. The parents should be here by tomorrow.

There are so many more young women, and in some cases young men being taken against their will.  I have to do whatever I can to stop this horrible practice.”

Joe and Becca then hugged for a very long time. 

The rest of the group exited the restaurant and joined them to say their goodbyes.  Ben and Hoss went to fetch the horses from the livery, and Peter walked back to the sheriff’s office.

Joe turned to Becca and said,  Ok, now that the trial’s over,  I want my photographs!”

“Sorry, Joe.  I’m keeping these as a souvenir!”

“Becca I swear I will post it in the newspapers where you have that mole!”

“I can do the same with your pictures!”

“You wouldn’t dare!”

“Try me, BIG Joe!” Becca chuckled. 

Then her smile faded and tears welled up in her eyes.  Becca hugged Joe very tightly and said, “I will always love you.  Write to me and I’ll write to you, I promise.  Maybe I’ll even send the photographs back!” 

Joe picked up Becca and threw her over his shoulder.  He was just about to spank her when luckily Ben and Hoss rode up with the horses.  

“JO seph!” Ben said in his sing-song way. 

Joe put Becca down and gave her one more tender, lingering hug.  He took Cochise’s reins from Hoss and swung himself into the saddle.  

 “Take care of yourself and be safe, Becca.  I will always love you, too.”

Joe and Becca looked at each other and smiled in a way that conveyed a special bond of friendship that only the two of them understood, 

Becca turned and went back to the hotel to be with the girls as the Cartwrights rode away. 

Leisurely riding on the trail heading home,  Hoss said,  “Sure enough, Joe.  How much were they going to get for you?”  

Joe spurred Cooch into a gallop and yelled back, “You’ll never know!”

The End

Author’s Notes: 

This is certainly a departure from the type of stories I’ve been writing. I thought it was very relevant in today’s society. 

The term “White Slavery” in the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries referred to the practice of organized coercion of unwilling persons into prostitution regardless of race.

The conversation at the very end of the story between Hoss and Joe, as I’m sure you’ve recognized, is from San Francisco when Hoss asks Ben how much the little gal was going to get for him!

Episode referenced: 

San Francisco written by Thomas Thompson

 

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