In Rode a Cowboy (by Linda B)

Summary: Sheriff Roy Coffee warns Adam about a stranger in Virginia City who’s asking about the Cartwrights.
Category: Bonanza
Genre: western
Rated: General|
Word Count: 2950

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In Rode a Cowboy

Summer heat rippled along Virginia City’s main street. Barefoot children dashed across the hot, parched earth hunting scraps of slightly cooler shade as they made their way home from school. Their loud voices echoed along the empty streets.

Horses tied to hitching rails stamped their hooves and swished tails in an effort to keep the annoying flies away. Here and there a head would shake, flinging mane, forelock, tack and insects into the air, only to have the flies settle on another victim.

A stray dog drank from a water-trough, its front paws rested on the rim as the pink tongue licked the warm water. Then it too hurried to a patch of shade and flopped on the ground, its scrawny flanks rising and falling as the animal panted.

Sheriff Roy Coffee reached inside his shirt pocket, pulled out his damp bandana and slowly wiped the sweat from his forehead. He had spent most of the day settling trivial incidents all over the town. Short tempers became shorter in the uncomfortable conditions and flared at the slightest provocation. The last incident left one saloon bartender with a broken nose, beer glasses and bottles shattered over the floor and two drunken cowboys locked in a jail cell. Who started the brawl would be settled the next morning after a good night’s sleep.

A cold beer tempted him to calm his growing irritation and thirst, but the chance never arose. Instead, he swallowed a glass of water once the cowboys were hauled down the street and safely behind bars. His town temporarily quiet, the sheriff grabbed his newspaper and settled into his comfortable chair on the jailhouse landing for a few minutes of peaceful reading.

At the sound of trotting hooves, Roy glanced over the top of the newspaper and smiled wryly as Ben Cartwright’s three sons slowed their horses to a walk. They knew better than to ride hell for leather up the main street of Virginia City – his town. He was the peace officer and that also meant he would keep the peace and quiet for the townsfolk no matter who they were. The Cartwright boys rarely broke the law and if they did they usually had a good reason to do so – and it was a long ride from the Ponderosa.

The lawman openly studied the young men as they drew closer. Three men he would have been content to call his own had circumstances been different. Too busy being a sheriff to marry, Roy looked upon his friend’s sons as his own and had watched them grow into young men. Each son added his own strength to the Cartwright name and reputation.

Joe, the youngest, was by far the most mischievous. Always in trouble as a child, Joe had matured into an excellent horseman, but there remained a troublesome glint in his eye.

Hoss, the middle son, taller than most men in Virginia City was a gentle giant. Roy could count on him to keep Little Joe Cartwright out of trouble or follow him into trouble.

Then there was Adam Cartwright. Out of the three men, Roy relied on Adam the most. Sensible, a scholar, Adam had studied back east and returned to his father and the Ponderosa. All those attributes any man would be proud of, yet there remained a part of the Adam which was stubborn and Roy admired him for that. A sense of fairness, a conviction of right from wrong so strongly that Adam had suffered for his ideals and yet he remained with his father and brothers. Small incidents in the past had Roy wondering how long it would be before Adam returned to the world he used to know, where books were carried in a hand instead of a gun.

Three different men, from different mothers, yet in an instant the three would stand side by side for each other and for their father.

The Cartwrights had been working hard. Lines of glittering sweat ran down their faces and etched trails through the dirt. Dust clung to every piece of clothing, from the top of a hat to the saddles and mounts. Patches of sweat darkened the armpits and front of their shirts and around the bands of their hats.

Although they didn’t slouch in the saddle, Roy could see they were bone tired. He also knew they had been driving a herd of cattle for two weeks and no one escaped riding drag, not even the Boss’ sons.

As they drew closer Little Joe tipped his hat back off his forehead, grinned and waved cheerfully, “Thirsty, Sheriff? Adam’s buyin’.”

The paper rustled in Roy’s hands as he folded it carefully before returning the grin to the likeable young man, “Don’t mind if I do, Little Joe, but later.”

Roy eased himself forward in the chair. ‘Adam,’ and inclined his head towards the office door, the grin gone, “if you’ve a minute…” he said quietly. The three brothers reined each horse in, so close their stirrups and boots touched.

The abrupt change of tone caught Adam’s attention. The lack of urgency in the Sheriff’s voice puzzled him, but his instinctively knew something was wrong.

“You two go on ahead,” Adam replied, his eyes remaining on the sheriff.

Hoss nudged Adam in the ribs with his elbow. “You still want me to set up them two cold beers for you?” he grinned and licked his lips.

Roy’s head barely shook, but enough for Adam to notice.

“You and Joe have ‘em instead. In this heat, they’ll be hot before you’ve paid for them and I want mine cold.”

“Thanks, big brother and don’t mind if I do,” Joe smacked his brother on the shoulder and held out his hand, “but we’re gonna need something to buy them with.”

Adam drew coins from his pocket and deliberately leaned over Little Joe and placed them in Hoss’ hand.

“I know you’ve earned this but keep some money for a bath.”

“I plan on getting myself wet on the inside first, then the outside,” remarked Hoss.

“And keep yourself out of trouble will you? I mean it.”

Little Joe scowled at his brothers. “Trouble and me ain’t no where to be seen, Adam.”

“Trouble and you are right in front of my eyes,” laughed Adam, “now get. I’ve kept the Sheriff waiting long enough.”

Hoss and Joe nudged their horses towards the Bucket of Blood, their favorite saloon. Roy and Adam watched in an uneasy silence until the two brothers had dismounted and pushed and shoved each other into the saloon. Hoss looked over his shoulder at Adam before he followed Joe inside. The saloon doors slammed against the doorway and Joe’s laughter could be heard from inside the building.

Roy carefully straightened the crease of his newspaper and looked up at tall man still seated on his horse. The dust covered black clothing matched the Sheriff’s mood.

“Inside, Adam,” he said and briskly entered the jailhouse, holding the door ajar for Adam.

Adam braced himself and dismounted. He ran up the stairs, two at a time, sliding through the doorway into the slightly cooler room. The door thumped behind Adam and he spun around, his right hand hovering over the butt of his gun.

“Sit down, Adam.”

Adam nodded, confused as he had never seen the Sheriff so troubled.

Roy strode to his desk and threw the paper on the clutter of wanted posters. He hesitated, his hands gripping on the back of his chair, the fingers curled and white against the dark wood.

Suddenly, Roy thrust the chair under the desk. The glass oil lamp threatening to topple over with the force until it wobbled into silence. The sheriff ignored the potential accident and walked around the desk and sat down on the edge in front of Adam. He slid his gun-belt into a comfortable position on his hip and unconsciously stroked the butt of the handgun.

“Where’s your pa?”

Surprised by the question Adam replied slowly, “Um, at the Ponderosa. He and Hop Sing will be coming along once…”

“Keep him away,” interrupted Roy.” And get yourself and your brothers back to the Ponderosa right now.”

“What? Why?”

Roy Coffee wiped his hand across his brow before he continued. “A cowboy, not much younger than you, rode in a week ago.”

Adam frowned. “Plenty of cowboys ride through…”

Roy cut in, “Since then he’s been asking around for anyone called Cartwright.”

“He’s looking for Pa? Why?”

“Don’t know yet, Adam. Says he’s a cowboy, looks like a cowboy, but the way he wears his gun says something entirely different.”

Roy let Adam have a moment to think before continuing. “Cartwright isn’t a common name, but it’s not uncommon either, not if you were back east.”

“But we’re not back east are we, Roy and the only Cartwrights around here are Pa, Hoss, Joe and me.”

Roy watched the emotions play over Adam’s face. Adam would not assume it was his father the cowboy was looking for. It would be any one of them.

Adam strolled over to the window, lent against the frame and stared through the glass. The stray dog scuttled between the legs and boots of a man who ventured out into the street, nearly tripping him over. The mutt narrowly avoided the vicious kick, grabbed the scrap in its teeth and scampered away. “What do you want me to do?” Adam asked softly, the determination unmistakable.

“I told you what to do. Get your brothers out of town and keep your pa away.”

“For how long?”

“Don’t know. He’s done nothing yet except ask questions.”

Adam turned to face the sheriff. He crossed his arms and lent back against the frame again. His outward appearance calm and relaxed, but Roy Coffee knew different. He knew that Adam Cartwright could look innocent and charming, but inside be ready to strike as swiftly as any momma bear whose cubs were in danger.

“If Little Joe hears someone’s after Pa, he’s going to put two and two together and get five.”

“And you haven’t, Adam?” Roy continued.

Adam ignored the question, “Then he’s going to ride hell for leather back here.”

“You’ll see to it that he doesn’t. You’re also assuming your father is the Cartwright he wants. What if it’s you or Hoss or Little Joe?”

Adam smiled, but it didn’t touch his eyes. “I’ll be at the Ponderosa with my hands full keeping those three out of Virginia City, Roy. I won’t have time to get in your way.”

“You remember that, son,” muttered Roy.

Adam reached out to open the door and looked over his shoulder at his friend, a wry grin on his face. He shrugged his shoulders.

“You know I won’t be able to keep them there for too long, maybe a day or two at the most.”

“That’s all I’ll need, Adam. I’ll do what I can to move him on, but unless he does something illegal, there’s not much I can do if he won’t.”

They paced side by side, shoulders nearly touching, towards the saloon. On the landing, Adam drew his pistol. He checked the cylinder was fully loaded, then slid the gun back.

Roy copied Adam’s actions before he quickly went down the alley beside the saloon.

Adam pushed the swing doors open, waited until his eyes became accustomed to the light and glanced around. His brothers lounged at a table in the middle of the room. Two empty glasses in front of them, two more full of beer and two empty chairs.

Adam continued glancing around the room as he lithely wove between tables and chairs to them, his right hand casually beside his gun.

“You want those beers now?” asked Hoss. He grinned and waved his hand towards the barkeeper. He drank his beer in three gulps and belched.

Adam bent closer and whispered sternly, “No. I want you two to get home – now!”

“What for?” Joe slammed his glass on the table. Liquid slopped over the rim and onto his hand and dribbled onto the table. He flung his hand wildly around the room. “We’ve been here drinking, nothing else. Just ask anyone.”

“Yeah, Adam, me and Little Joe ain’t had no time to make any ruckus.”

“Keep your voices down. I don’t have time to explain now, Little Joe.” Replied Adam as he glanced around the room. “Get back to the Ponderosa and make sure you stop Pa from coming into town. If he’s already on the way, make him turn back.”

“Why?” Joe’s curiosity got the better of him. He was enjoying relaxing with a drink and was not content with his brother ordering him to leave. “What’s going on? Why do you want us home? Why…”

Hoss calmly interrupted Little Joe. “Why do you want us gone? Is that why the Sheriff wanted to talk to you? He wants us and Pa out of town? What about you?”

Adam sighed, “Hoss, please, just do what I say and no more questions. I’ll explain it all soon, just not now.”

“You’re stayin’?”

Adam didn’t reply. His brothers knew him enough to know the answer.

“Then we’re stayin’ too.” The determined expression on Joe’s face as he slid the chair back and stood up, warned Adam he was in for a fight. This was neither the time nor the place for him to tangle with his youngest brother.

Adam shook his head and put his hand on Joe’s arm. Joe shrugged it off and glared into his brother’s face. “I’m staying. Hoss can warn Pa.”

Hoss stood up, his eyes intently watching Adam. “Warn him about what, Adam?”

Adam sighed in exasperation. “Stop it, both of you. Roy Coffee wants all of us out of town, especially Pa and to stay out until he says otherwise.”

“But you’re not doin’ what he said, are you?” asked Hoss.

“No, and I don’t want to be worrying about you two and Pa.”

“Why would you be worried about me, Adam?”

As one the three startled brothers answered. “Pa!”

So engrossed in their discussion, they hadn’t noticed their father enter.

Adam glanced around the room. He grabbed his father and tried to push him towards the door, “Pa…”

The chair slid across the wooden floor and Adam heard it strike the floor as it fell. He spun towards the sound, shielding his father behind him.

“Little Joe, get the Sheriff. Now!”

“No, I’m staying.”

Adam’s eyes narrowed. He resisted the urge to glare at his brother. Somehow, he knew he’d found the cowboy and wasn’t letting him out of his sight.

“Me too, Adam. You ain’t facin’ him alone.”

Adam groaned.

Ben pulled at Adam’s shoulder, half turning him, “Adam, what’s going on?”

“Mister Cartwright?”

“We all are,” replied Adam guardedly, “which one do you want? And why?”  He felt his brothers, Little Joe, on his left and Hoss on his right, tense. They didn’t know what was worrying their brother, but it made no difference. He wanted to protect their father, so they would protect him together – one impenetrable wall of Cartwright flesh, blood and if needed – lead.

The cowboy lifted his left hand and pointed at Ben. “There’s only one I’ve been hunting for, and I’ve found him. I’d recognize that voice anywheres.”

The cowboy slowly wiped his right hand against his thigh.

Adam tensed. Beside him, Hoss on his left and Joe on his right did the same.

The cowboy grinned, snatched his hat from his head and shyly stepped towards Ben, his right hand stretched out.

“I’ve been looking for you all my life, Mister Cartwright. You be Mister Cartwright ain’t ya?”

Ben pushed a startled Adam aside and shook the cowboy’s hand. “Yes?”

The cowboy pushed Hoss and Adam aside and flung his arms around Ben almost smothering him.

Startled, Ben asked, “What? Who are you?” as he half-heartedly stroked the cowboy’s back. He looked over the top of the man’s head to his surprised sons and a relieved Roy Coffee who had slipped in the rear door of the saloon, gun at the ready.

Embarrassed, the cowboy let go of Ben and smiled. “I’m Tim… Timothy… Little Timmy Johnson. Adam, you used to call me TJ.”

Ben frowned and shook his head. “I don’t remember…”

“TJ? You’re TJ!” shouted Adam, “You were in the wagon train when Hoss was born and…and Ingrid died.”

“And you took me in when my ma and pa was killed in a river crossing.  You jumped into the water when I was drowning, Mister Cartwright… I couldn’t remember your first name, but I always remembered the sound of your voice. I never forgot it. I wanted to find you and thank you for saving my life.”

“Yes… yes, I remember now,” grinned Ben, “you’ve grown some.”

Tim laughed, “an’ you ain’t so tall no more.”

Roy Coffee tipped his hat back and smiled, “Doesn’t look like you need my help, Adam…Ben.”

Adam returned the smile, “Not now, and thanks, Roy.”  Roy and Adam watched as Ben and Tim sat at the table, smiling and laughing.

Adam grinned at his brothers. “I could do with those two beers now, Hoss and get another two.”

“You buying?” asked Little Joe as he nudged Hoss with his elbow.

Adam placed his arm around his little brother, “Yep, and while we’re enjoying our drinks, I’ll tell you the story of how Pa saved a little boy’s life.

 

***The End***

 

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