"Fella down the street said you could recommend a good lawyer."

Jarrod smiled warmly, recognizing the voice. He turned and greeted his youngest brother, slapping him on the back.

"HEATH, you're back early."

"Well I thought, now should I ride straight through and sleep in a nice soft bed after eating a good meal or camp on the hard ground and eat beans and bull frog stew again. It was an easy decision. Have you eaten yet?"

Jarrod shook his head no and told his blond brother of his hectic schedule and many missed meals.

"Good, big brother, you can buy me a nice, thick steak at Cattlemen's."

The two walked over to the hotel and were soon enjoying juicy steak dinners. Jarrod enjoyed Heath's company. Time had allowed his youngest brother to relax on these encounters and Jarrod could count on good conversation. He also enjoyed Heath's dry wit. He looked over to see Heath raise a glass.

"How about a toast."

"What are we celebrating?"

Heath took a thick envelope out of his jacket and slid it across the table to the handsome lawyer.

"How about celebrating the newest Barkley land acquisition!"

"YOU DIDN'T!" Jarrod said astonished, looking over at the silly grin on Heath face. After opening the letter and quickly scanning its contents, he gave a triumphant cry.

"HA-HA! You did it boy!! How did you ever talk the old curmudgeon Carter out of that land? He's turned us down for years."

"I talked to the old curmudgeon's wife first. He wasn't at home the day I arrived, but his wife was and offered me some lunch. So I sat down and visited awhile. Guess she took a shinin' to me, yesterday morning he arrived before I was even down for breakfast and was ready to sign."

"Boy do we ever have reason to celebrate." Jarrod said raising his glass. "To Brother Heath's charm, long may it last."

Sheriff Fred Madden read the wire and quickly ran down to Jarrod Barkley's office. Dismayed at finding it darkened, indicating the lawyer was gone for the night, he called out to his deputy.

"Billy, ride out to the Barkley ranch. Don Wilson died in jail last week and his brother Dace is gunning for Jarrod, out for revenge. He's gonna try to kill him."

"Where is Wilson?"

"I don't know Billy, he could be up the street or 10 miles away. The state marshal's office sent the wire, they're looking for him now."

Jarrod and Heath left the hotel and walked down the street to Jarrod's office, where Heath left his horse, Charger. Jarrod's horse was still at the livery, Heath offered to get it for him, while Jarrod waited out front of the office.

Heath was returning with Jingo, Jarrod was several yards away, standing directly in front of him. Heath saw a figure in the shadows, directly behind Jarrod draw a gun. His years as a sharpshooter have honed his instincts to a fine point and he fired at the same time as the gunman. He cried out in dismay as he saw Jarrod crumple to the ground. Racing to his brother's side, he dropped to his knees and cursed the darkness. He couldn't see Jarrod very clearly. His hands were shaking as he tried in vain to find a pulse. He picked up Jarrod's brown wallet and put it in his pocket as he ran up the street to find the gunman.

Heath arrived at the spot where he saw the figure, but there was no one there. He looked up the alley and still came up empty. Had he imagined the gunman?

He ran back to Jarrod's side, lifting his body carefully and cradled his older brother in his trembling arms.

"NO! NO! OH GOD NO! JARROD, CAN YOU HEAR ME? PLEASE SAY SOMETHING."

Heath tried desperately to coax his brother awake. Shaking badly, he still found no pulse.

"PLEASE WAKE UP JARROD, PLEASE BE ALIVE. MY GOD WHAT HAVE I DONE. I'VE KILLED MY OWN BROTHER."

Seeing people running towards him and cries of "get a doctor", his sobbed as he kissed Jarrod's cheek and apologized. Looking skyward, he begged Jarrod's forgiveness and gently laid him back down. Jumping on Charger he rode swiftly into the night.

Hours later in a nearby small town

"Ben, Ben wake up," Emma Adamson said shaking her husband.

"What is it Emma?"

"There is someone in the yard, lying on the ground."

Dr. Adamson put on his robe and looked at the second story window and down into the front yard. There was a man in the yard, half-lying and half sitting against the white picket fence. He lit a lamp and started down the stairs, he worried wife right behind him.

"What do you think you're doing? He could be armed."

"Emma, he's not even moving. I think he's hurt. If it makes you feel better, I'll take the pistol with me."

He went out into the cool night and knelt beside the prone figure, setting the lamp on the ground. He could see it was a young, fair-haired man, no more than 22 or 23. He was pale, gasping for breath and seemed dazed.

"Son, can you hear me," he said shaking the boy. There was no response at first. Then Ben saw him raise his head and the confusion and pain in his eyes and bent his head in to hear what the boy was trying to say.

"He's dead. He's gone. All my fault. My own brother, what have I done?" He passed out and fell over. Ben carried the boy inside and laid him on the examining table. He saw blood covering the front of his shirt and assumed that the irregular pulse, pale color and cool and clammy skin was due to a gunshot wound. Undressing the boy, he found no wound and realized the he was in shock. The only thing he found on the unconscious man was a brown wallet with "TOM" tanned on it.

"My he's young. Did he say anything? Who is he?"

"I don't know Emma, but he's in shock. I'll stay down here with him tonight. Maybe in the morning, he can tell us what happened."

Heath woke up and looked around the strange place. Frowning, he found nothing at all familiar, including the kindly face of the gray haired man who now looked down at him.

"How do you feel son?"

"Shaky, a little light headed maybe. Kinda queasy."

"I'm Dr. Ben Adamson. I found you out front during the night, in a state of shock. Do you know what happened to you?"

Heath thought hard for several minutes. The Doctor first saw confusion than a panic-stricken look cross his fair features. He looked up at Ben and was more than a little scared.

"I don't know, Doc, I can't even remember my name."

Doctor Merar's office in Stockton, 2 days later.

"Coffee Victoria?"

"Thanks Howard."

Victoria had been at Jarrod's bedside since he was brought in the night before last. He was too weak to be moved so he remained at the Doctor's. Audra and Nick would spell her during the day and she would rest in the Merar's guestroom.

"Morning, Mother," Nick as he came through the door and kissed his mother.

"No word from Heath yet," the Doctor asked Nick

"No, Doc. I can't understand what could have happened to him. It just doesn't make any sense, him not coming home by now."

The family had originally thought Heath's flight was driven by pursuit of a second suspect. When Dace was found dying in a storage room off the alley where he'd shot Jarrod, he confessed to acting alone, revenging his brother's death. Jarrod was unable to defend Don against a murder charge several years earlier and had sworn to get even, upon his death in prison, Dace tried to follow through.

Victoria looked up at her second son, the lack of sleep and great worry was catching up to him, he looked awful. Almost losing Jarrod was enough of a scare, but when Heath hadn't returned by morning Nick sent out some men to find him. It was as if he'd vanished. They felt like they were living in a nightmare.

Nick sat down beside his mother and squeezed her hand.

"He looks a little better."

"Yes, I think so too, but I am worried about you. Nick you need to rest, you look awful."

"I'm fine. How can I sleep, every time I close my eyes I see Heath's or Jarrod's face? It so frustrating. Why hasn't he come home."

"Nick you don't think he's..."

"No, Mother," Nick said looking out the window, "I know he's alive, out there somewhere, I can feel it. As soon as Jarrod is stronger, I'm gonna find him."

There was a knock at the door, and the Sheriff entered.

"How's he doin' Doc?" the sheriff asked.

"He's stable. He's lucky that bullet went right through him, missing any vital organs. His blood loss was what caused the extreme shock that nearly killed him. Nick's donation probably saved his life. With lots of rest, fluids, food and care, he will make a full recovery."

"Thank God. Has he come around at all."

"No, not yet. He's been so weak, I wouldn't have expected him to, but his color has improved overnight, and his breathing is more even, he's a little stronger."

"Nick, Victoria, we might have a lead on Heath."

"WHAT?" they both exclaimed, Nick jumped up and approached the sheriff.

"What is it Fred?"

"We found his horse, or rather Billy found a drifter outside town, he was riding Charger."

"Where is he?" Nick growled, clenching his fists "I wanna talk to him now."

"Nick settle down," Fred said "He found the horse, the morning after the shooting, about 25 miles south of here. He said there was no rider. Heath's saddlebags are intact and the horse is fine."

"And you believe him, a lousy, stinkin no good drifter. He coulda killed Heath and stole that horse."

"Look Nick, we got no proof of any foul play. We questioned him at great length. He's a weak, old prospector, he don't have the strength to hurt anyone. I think he's telling the truth. If you want to do something to find Heath, I got an idea."

"What can we do Fred?" said Victoria, rising and taking Nick's arm.

"Well, from where on the map, the drifter claims he found the horse, I figure that Heath rode that horse till it was spent and then kept going on foot. If that is the case, roughly in that area there are only 5 or 6 little towns where Heath may be. I can send the sheriff's in those towns a wire with Heath's description and see if I get any leads. I'll show you the area Nick, maybe you will recognize one of the towns, maybe it's one Heath once told you about."

"Let's go Fred, I want to get started as soon as possible"

"Boy Howdy, is it ever hot out today"

"Tom, you work too hard, please come in now, lunch is ready."

He reminded her so much of Mark, the son they'd lost to the war. He was a quiet one too, with the same kind of shy smile. Tom didn't talk much but he did love to eat, she smiled.

"You sure love to eat, your wife must be a good cook"

"I'm not married, ma'am" Tom said then looked up surprised.

"I know I'm not married." he marveled, the first real thing he'd remembered.

"Is there anything else?" She said hopefully.

"No," he said fingering the name TOM on the wallet, sighing. Why couldn't he remember? It was so frustrating.

"Well maybe this is a good sign, a start"

"I'd best get back to work. Thanks for lunch Ma'am"

Nick and Victoria sat at a table across the room and sipped coffee. Of the 6 wires they had sent 3 came back with a negative response. That left 3 possibilities, Nick was determined to leave in the morning, his restlessness was driving him crazy. The two discussed his plans and were startled when a third voice filled the air.

"Mother." Jarrod said weakly. They both ran to his bedside, Victoria tears spilled over Jarrod's neck as she kissed him. Jarrod smiled up at Nick, who was getting him water.

"How do you feel honey," she asked.

"I've had hangovers worse, don't worry Mother, I'll be fine."

"Boy it's good to hear you Jarrod," Nick said tightly, "this one was a little too close. Is there anything you want."

"Maybe some broth."

"You got it brother," Nick said as he went to find the Doctor.

"Well Jarrod, it's about time you woke up, I was gonna start charging the same rate for this bed as the hotel." the Doctor teased "How do you feel?"

"Tired, sore, a little weak. I'll live Doc."

"I hope so, I'd miss your chess matches," he kidded.

Nick returned carrying a bowl of broth on a tray. Jarrod was eased up into a sitting position and make quick work of the broth.

"Jarrod, do you remember anything?" Nick asked

Jarrod thought for a moment

"Everything's a little fuzzy. Let's see, I remember eating with Heath," he stared ahead trying to concentrate, "and leaving the hotel. Ummmm," he paused taking some water, "I remember waiting by my office, and...." he closed his eyes.

"That's okay Jarrod, please don't upset yourself, rest," Victoria said worried.

"My God!" Jarrod said his blue eyes opened wide in shock. "Heath!"

"What about Heath?" Nick leaned in, his hazel eyes alert. "Where is he, Nick? I must see him." Jarrod said alarmed as he saw Nick and Victoria exchange a glance.

"Is he okay?"

"We don't know Jarrod, he disappeared."

"Oh my God, then it wasn't a dream, I thought I'd dreamt it." Jarrod uttered painfully, falling back against the pillow and looking distressed.

"Dreamt what, dear?"

"After I fell, Heath held me, I was too weak to speak, but I heard him, he was overcome with grief, sobbing and begging my forgiveness." Looking at Nick, "You have find him, he thinks he's killed me."

Next Morning, Sheriff's office

Nick studied the map, and each time was drawn strongly to one small town, Rosedale.

"Fred, I'm gonna head down to Rosedale. If you get any other news, wire the sheriff there, I'll see him first."

The sheriff bade him good luck. As he walked over to the doctor's office, he thought of Heath, alone somewhere full of pain and guilt. Entering, Nick found Jarrod eating breakfast and looking even better.

"You look about ready to go home."

"As a matter of fact, I am going home later today. You heading out, Nick."

"Yeah. Gonna go down to Rosedale. I got a strong feeling I'll find him there."

Victoria thought that maybe Nick should wait for to be sure, but before Nick could argue, Jarrod intervened.

"Let him go Mother, when it comes to Heath, Nick's gut instinct is always on the mark."

"Please, Nick, bring him home," Victoria said kissing Nick goodbye.

"Ya know Jarrod, there is plenty of fences that need mending if you get bored," Nick smiled as he left.

Sheriff Office, Rosedale, midday

The Sheriff looked up as Nick entered his office.

"How do you do. I'm Nick Barkley, from Stockton. My brother has been missing for several days. We sent a wire the other day and..."

The sheriff looked up from his desk surprised.

"I just sent the Stockton sheriff a wire. I think we can help you," he said walking around his desk

"Dr. Ben Adamson, lives just on the edge of town in a nice white house. Several nights ago, in the middle of the night, he found a young man in his yard. Matched your description to the letter."

"Oh, here is a picture of Heath," Nick said opening his wallet and handing the sheriff a photo. "What do you mean 'found'? Is Heath all right?"

"Yeah, that's him, nice boy. Well, he is fine physically, but..."

"But what!" Nick demanded.

"When Doc found him, he was in shock, confused and mumbled something about being responsible for his brother's death, before he passed out. Sit down Mr. Barkley."

Nick sat down and felt a cold fear racing through his veins.

"Your brother has amnesia."

"Amnesia?" Nick said stunned. "Where is he? Can I see him?"

"Well, I think maybe you need to talk to the Doc first, get an idea on the best way to handle this. Amnesia is a tricky thing. I'll send the Doctor in Stockton a wire and fill him in, get his advice as well."

"Thanks sheriff:" Nick said, still not believing what his ears heard.

"If you wait here, I'll get the doctor."

It couldn't have been more than 15 minutes but it seemed like forever to Nick before the door opened and a pleasant gray haired man walked in behind the sheriff.

"Nick Barkley. this is Dr. Ben Adamson. Heath has been staying with Ben and his wife Emma since he arrived."

Nick stood and grasped the Doctor's hand, thanking.

"Doctor, how is my brother?

"Nick, your brother has what can be called 'Traumatic Amnesia' it is usually a loss of memory as a result of a emotionally trying or traumatic event. Your brother feels that something so appalling and intolerable has happened to him, that the only way for him to survive such a horrific pain is to dissociate from the event. By assuming a new identity he can suppress what his conscience considers unbearable, unsurvivable."

Nick sat back in the chair and swallowed hard.

"He calls himself Tom, the only clue we had was a brown wallet with TOM on it. He is a fine boy, strong, hard worker. My wife has become very attached to him. I get the feeling he is a very special young man."

Nick smiled "He sure is Doc, they don't come any better than Heath."

"Nick, before he passed out, he told me he killed his brother, he was in shock. What exactly happened to him?"

Nick filled them in on the events of that night.

"When will his memory come back?"

"Nick, there are no sure answers for amnesia. The brain is just too tricky an area. He could look at you and remember everything or nothing at all. It might be 10 minutes from now or never."

He saw the dejection and pain on Nick's face and leaned across the table resting a hand on Nick's arm as he continued.

"Listen son, I believe your brother will get his memory back. I really feel strongly about this, don't lose heart. In most cases like this it can be a few days to a week"

"What can I do to help him? Should I tell him who I am or show him the family picture?"

"I told the sheriff. I'll send the wire to Doctor..."

"Merar." Nick interjected.

"He knows your family and I'll take his advice on the matter. If he sees your brother his memory may return or be pushed away forever. I can tell Heath that before he passed out, he mentioned the Barkley Ranch in Stockton and that I sent for you. Then maybe he'll feel comfortable going with you. If he doesn't recognize you maybe seeing his home, mother, or anything familiar might help him more. Maybe giving him a couple days to be back home will help the pieces to fall in place on their own, without us forcing the issue. Why don't you stop for supper, say 7 PM."

Nick exhaled deeply and nodded.

"Okay Doc, I can't thank you enough."

The Doctor smiled, "Son helping people is what I do. Helping people I care about, like your brother, is my pleasure."

Apprehensively and stomach churning, Nick knocked on the door and took a deep breath as Emma Adamson greeted him.

"Please come in Mr. Barkley."

"It's Nick and thanks Ma'am for all you have done for my brother."

"Nick, it's been our pleasure. He is such a nice boy and has done so much work for us." she showed Nick into a warm, cozy living room and he sat down, looking around.

"He is getting washed upstairs," she said, sensing he was looking for Heath.

Nick heard Heath whistling and his steps coming closer to the doorway. His heart was pounding, felt like horses' hooves trying to push through his chest. He smiled and jumped up when the too familiar blond head and lopsided smile greeted him.

"Howdy Mr. Barkley, I'm Tom. Doc told me you came for me. I can't tell you how grateful I am, you coming out all this way for a ranch hand. You sure are a good man to work for, I guess." he said still smiling and extended his hand.

Nick had tried to prepare himself for this moment but nothing could have equipped him for the ripples of shock waves that he now felt. He tried hard not to let his face show the incredible aching his heart felt.

"Mr. Barkley, are you okay? You look a little funny."

Nick looked up and saw Heath's blue eyes full of concern.

"Yeah," Nick said recovering "I 'm fine Hea..er Tom"

"Mr. Barkley, do you know what happened to me? Do I have any family? I don't want to be a worry on anyone," Heath said he blue eyes imploring Nicks hazel ones for an answer.

"You live at the ranch. No Tom, I am not sure what happened. It was late at night and you were guarding the herd and maybe surprised a couple rustlers and took off after them. We figured you tangled with them. We found your horse but..."

"Is Charger okay? I remembered his name!" he cried in excitement.

"Yeah," Nick said happily "that it his name and he's fine."

"If it's okay with you, Tom, we go home tomorrow."

"Boy Howdy, I can't wait."

Heath recalled the night's events as he tried in vain to sleep. He felt a little apprehensive about returning to Stockton. Would going home help to bring his memory back? Why did Nick Barkley seem so familiar, more than a boss should? He recalled Nick's face and there was something else, something just on the edge of his mind, just out of reach. Nick was the last image he had as he fell into a fitful sleep. The dream seemed to be in slow motion. He was walking down a street, it was very dark and heavy fog rolled waist high. He could feel his heart pounding, his nerves on edge and the sweat pouring off his trembling body. A terror took control of his belly as he saw a figure in front of him. This was someone very familiar, someone he knew well. He couldn't see the man's face. He saw himself raise the gun, aim and fire.

"NO! NO! NO!"

Heath tossed in the bed and was screaming when Ben woke him up. He was covered in sweat, trembling and panting when he looked up to see the doctor.

"It's okay, Tom, it's just a bad dream."

Heath sat back, closed his eyes and caught his breath. He felt the doctor wiping his face with a cool cloth and accepted a glass of water. He told the doctor about his dream. His blue's eyes were wide with anxiety and he wanted to know what the dream meant.

"I think it's part of the healing process. Your memory is slowly returning. Sometimes a dream can reveal what the conscience can't find. You get some sleep."

Heath didn't sleep, he was too terrified of the awful nightmare returning.

Victoria was in Jarrod's room when the Doctor arrived. Audra showed in him and turned to leave. He asked Audra to stay, as what he had to tell them required the whole family.

"Howard, we didn't expect you till sometime this afternoon."

"Victoria, I need to speak with all of you. It's about Heath."

"Oh No!" Audra said fearing the worst.

"What about it, Doc?" Jarrod intervened.

Doctor Merar took a deep breath before proceeding.

"Heath was in Rosedale, Nick is bringing him home today."

Putting his hands up to stop the loud cries of glee in the room he continued.

"This is very important, please. Heath has amnesia."

The three looked stunned and murmurs of "Oh my God!" filled the air.

"It's a traumatic amnesia."

He continued and told them of what Doc Adamson had told Nick about this condition.

"Nick went to dinner at Adamson's last night. Heath didn't recognize him. He is getting bits and pieces of his memory back and we feel the best thing for the next few days is to let him remain as Tom, a Barkley ranchland. In cases like this, often the memory returns with the first several days to a week. Nick wants you to tell the crew at the bunkhouse, all the hands help, everyone here, that he is Tom. We will take it one day at a time. Nick also said to tell you Heath has your lucky wallet, if that means anything to you Jarrod."

"Jarrod, I know this is and will be hard on you, but for the next few days it would be better if you didn't see Heath. If he sees you before he recovers, it could erase his memory permanently."

The doctor saw the pained look that crossed Jarrod's face as he exhaled deeply and nodded.

"Okay, Doc."

Victoria looked skyward and sent a prayer. "God, please Heath back to us. We love him so.

Suffering from amnesia, Heath returns home.

COMING HOME - PART II

Heath bid a heartfelt farewell to the Doctor and his wife. As the pair road home, Nick tried to bring up subjects that might spark something: ranch events, accidents, cattle drives, but nothing came back. Sensing that Heath was getting upset, he stopped. He turned the conversation towards all the work that awaited them.

"Boy, I hope you got plenty of rest back there, 'cause you're sure gonna need it."

Heath wished he could remember more. Mr. Barkley was sure a great boss, coming all the way out to find him. Looking at Mr. Barkley and got the feeling they liked each other. It felt good to be with him. He hoped when the got home, his memory would return. He thought about telling Nick about he dream, but decided against it. Heath suggested that they stop to eat the lunch Mrs. Adamson packed.

"Can I ask you something Mr. Barkley?"

Nick smiled "It's Nick, Tom, sure go ahead."

"Since we been riding, I get the feeling we work together a lot. Ummm.... And I sorta been feelin' that we are friends. I hope I ain't outta line, I mean you bein' the boss and me just a hand."

"Now look here, I won't have anymore talk like that." Nick commanded a little harsher than he intended, he paused then continued in a milder tone.

"Tom, you are my friend, and we do great work together." Nick patted Heath's knee "Let's finish up and get home."

"Boy Howdy, is this good, sure is nice to eat something besides beans on the road."

Without thinking Nick responded.

"Anything is better than them awful beans you make, Heath."

Both men look at each other startled.

"What did you call me?" Heath asked perplexed.

"Umm... Uhh.. I meant to say ...them awful beans that Heath makes."

"Whose Heath?" he asked.

God this is hard, Nick thought as he got up, pretending to clean the dishes, while thinking of how to respond.

"Heath's my younger brother. He ain't much of a cook. But we love him anyway."

"Do I know him? What's he like?"

Nick ruffled Heath's hair and smiled.

"You like him fine. You and him are a lot alike."

Heath gave Nick his best lopsided smile.

"Must be a handsome devil, this brother of yours."

Nick laughed and the two rode towards the ranch. Nick took Heath to the bunkhouse first and introduced was surprised that the hands made such a fuss about 'Tom' being back.

Taking Dan McCall the foreman aside, Nick said to Heath

"Tom you get settled in I gotta go over some things with Dan and head up to the house. Everyone's been so worried about you, I want to fill them in."

When they were outside Nick asked Dan to look out for Heath awhile till he got back. Dan was visibly upset, and told Nick how badly they felt. He said that Victoria had filled them in and they would all protect Heath. Nick patted him on the back.

"Thanks Dan, I knew I could count on you."

Nick went right up to Jarrod's room, and was surprised to see his older brother looking much better and sitting at a table reading the newspaper.

"NICK!" Jarrod exclaimed "How is he?"

"How are you?" Nick said, "You look better. Must be my blood donation, it being such high quality."

Jarrod chuckled "I'm okay. So tell me, how is he?"

Nick sat on the bed across the room and sighed. Jarrod saw the troubled look on his brother's face as the worry lines appeared.

"Jarrod, I gotta tell you, this is one of the hardest thing I have ever done."

"Is it that bad?" Victoria said, entering the room and kissing Nick, with Audra behind her.

"Mother, Audra, I gotta warn you. You can't know how awful it is.... I mean...last night, at Adamson's, I heard his voice, saw that dopey grin of his."

A smile crossed Nick's face and disappeared just as quickly as he looked downcast and proceeded in a hollow tone.

"And he looked right through me, called me Mr. Barkley, said how grateful he was that the 'boss" would come that far to help a ranchand." Nick spat out, getting emotional.

"I am warning the two of you, it's an unbelievably difficult thing to have someone you love, look back at you without any kind of recognition. It will break your heart."

Walking over to his mother and sister, he took each of their hands.

"Seeing him like this is not gonna be easy. You're gonna have to be strong, really try hard not to breakdown, cry or get upset. He won't understand. I almost lost it last night and he saw that right away. I going to ask him to dinner."

Nick kissed each woman, on the cheek and left.

Silas answered the door and smiled when he saw Heath, how he cared for this boy and how he worried while he was gone.

"Welcome home, Tom, come right in."

"Hello. Mr. Barkley, I mean Nick, invited me to dinner. I'm sorry " Heath said rolling his hat brim in nervousness and blushing slightly "I can't remember your name, I have..."

"It Silas, I don't you go frettin' none." he said smiling so warmly that Heath felt better.

Nick bounded down the stairs and greeted Heath.

"Hope your hungry Mother made wild duck" he said, knowing it was Heath's favorite.

"She shouldn't have gone to no fuss, I ain't much for fancy food. She shouldn't have gone to no extra work for me."

Heath stood in the foyer and looked around. What a beautiful home, he thought and got the feeling it was a warm and welcome place as well.

Nick led him into the parlor and indicating for him to sit.

"Whiskey." Nick offered, watching in amusement as Heath played with the buttons on his shirt, trying to calm his nerves. Heath declined the drink and stared at the fireplace.

Hearing voices, Nick walked into the foyer and grabbed his Mother and sister with each arm.

"Ready." he asked.

They both nodded and he led them into the room. Heath stood up as the two beautiful women entered. He saw them both stop in the doorway.

"Tom, this is my mother and sister Audra"

Nick's mother seemed upset at something and didn't respond. Heath felt bad maybe she didn't want the help eating supper with them. Before he thought on it anymore, Audra walked over to him and gave him a brilliant smile and warm hug. Heath thought she was one of the prettiest girls he'd even seen.

"Tom, we're so glad you came back to us safely. We were so worried about you."

He looked down at her lovely blue eyes and saw nothing but warmth and sincerity. He returned her smile and released some of the fluttery butterflies from his stomach.

"Thank you. You've all been so good to me. Nick comin' all that way to bring me back. Invitin' me to dinner. I am so grateful."

His face fell and he started to flush when he looked at Mrs. Barkley who still seemed upset.

He walked over to her and bowed his head. "I'm sorry if I upset you ma'am, I didn't mean to. I told Nick you shouldn't have gone to all this fuss, me bein only a hand and all. If you don't want me to stay, it's okay I understand."

Victoria watched painfully as her youngest son shifted around and looked very uncomfortable. Heath saw her staring right in his eyes and didn't want her to get more upset. He took both of her small hands into his and smiled.

"You have a beautiful home Mrs. Barkley and a wonderful family." looking at Nick and Audra he added, "You sure are lucky."

Sensing his mother needed a moment to collect herself, Nick steered Heath away from her.

"Lucky, hell, we couldn't have our best worker wandering around out there. We'd miss those 'hands of gold' of yours too much!"

Victoria turned towards the fireplace and wiped away the tears. Nick had warned her but she was not ready for the crushing pain that engulfed her. Here was her son, upset for her because he felt out of place in his own home. She wanted to hug him, drive the amnesia away, but she looked at Tom's picture, silently asked for his strength and turned back, walked over and taking both of Heath's hands she smiled up at him warmly.

"Tom, you'll have to excuse my bad manners, I was so worried about you and seeing you back home was a shock, a happy shock. You are not just a 'hand' Tom, you're a friend, a very special friend and always welcome in this home."

Taking his arm she led them the dining room. He turned and looked down.

"Will Heath be eating with us?"

A startled Victoria stopped, but Audra quickly grabbed Heath's other arm and led him to his seat.

"Heath is away right now, but he'll be home very soon."

Dinner went better than Nick expected. Heath seemed especially relaxed and at ease with Audra. She kept the conversation light and pleasant. He was so proud of her; she saved the night, so strong. He knew his mother's heart was broken, she didn't eat much and although she kept up with the chatter, she seemed a little distracted.

Heath had enjoyed the dinner and told his host so. "This sure was good Mrs. Barkley, I don't know when I've had better food or finer company. It sure made my insides tickle," his smile lit up the whole room.

"I am kinda tuckered out. I think I be headin' home now."

Victoria winced slightly when Heath's mentioned having to leave to get home. They all walked him to the door. He turned and looked at the grand staircase, glittering chandelier and the kind people who had received him so well.

"I can't thank you enough Nick for bringing me back, inviting me to this fine house and letting me share your table. I get the feeling somehow I've done this before, maybe that's why you all seem so warm and friendly, almost like family."

Nick smiled and shook Heath's hand.

"Anytime Tom, you'll need that sleep. We have a lot of ground to cover tomorrow."

Victoria eyes were full as reached up and kissed his cheek, causing him to blush red to the ears, and causing a smile for her.

"You're more than welcome." was all she could get out.

Audra led Heath to the door "Tom I am so glad you came tonight. I always enjoy your company. I hope I'll see you tomorrow around the ranch."

The door closed and the three walked back into the parlor. Audra collapsed on the sofa in tears, Nick held her close and praised her.

"Honey, you were great, you saved the night. I'm so proud of you, the strength you showed. I know how much you love him and how it had to hurt."

The three sat silent, each thinking on the nights events and how to go on.

Heath was tired and the bed felt good. He smiled as he contemplated the night's events. Nick sure had a wonderful family. It seemed the more he thought on it, the more familiar the house and the people in it were to him. Their faces filled his head as he drifted off to sleep. The dream started as it had the night before. The cold terror crept up his body and its claws dug in deep. He felt his heart pounding as he took aim at the figure shrouded in mist and fired. He started screaming as he bent over the dead man.

"Heath had a real bad dream last night. Woke us all up with some awful screaming."

"What kind of dream?" Nick demanded, his features wearing concern.

"He didn't say much, he was real incoherent, gasping, sweating and dizzy. I got to him before he woke up. It was about Jarrod and the night of the shooting. He was in so much pain, I woke him up. It took him awhile to settle down, and he said the dream was fuzzy, not clear. He remembered shooting someone and looking at the person, but he saw no face."

Nick paced restlessly in the barn, cursing and stomping in a frustrated huff. Dan waited until Nick turned to face him, a little calmer.

"Nick, he told me that he had the same dream before, only last night it got a little clearer. The only thing left is for him to see..."

"Jarrod's face." Nick finished, grimacing and thinking to himself that he'd sleep in the bunkhouse tonight. He wanted to be near Heath.

Heath's first day didn't started out well. Waking up all the hands, screaming and carrying on like a kid sure had him riled up. All those faces staring at him, like he was crazy. He could feel the hot anger and frustration building in him as he approached Charger. Why couldn't he remember? Hadn't he been patient? Hadn't he tried as hard as he could? I'm so damned tired of waiting, waking up screaming every night, cold sweats. Enough was enough. So lost in his fury was Heath that he never saw Nick approaching.

"Ready to go boy, we got a full day ahead," Nick boomed

Heath gave no response. Nick stared at his back, as the blond man stood by Charger, not responding. Nick walked up behind him and slapped him on the back.

"Let's go! Saddle up."

Heath's battle needed an outlet and Nick was the unfortunate receiver. Heath turned and shoved Nick so hard that it caused the tall, dark cowboy to all hard into the fence.

"What the hell's the matter with you?"

Nick growled, jumping up both fists ready for a counterattack. Then he stopped in his tracks when he saw the painful, confused mask that Heath wore and the terrified look in his brother's eyes. He realized Heath had no idea what he had done.

"Nick, I...I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong. I didn't mean to...God I hate this." he said pounding the fencepost with a tempered fist.

Nick mounted Coco and waited until Heath's tensed shoulders relaxed and he mounted Charger.

"Come on, let's go. We got a lot of branding to do."

Heath followed Nick to the corral and was unable to meet his boss's eye. He was embarrassed by his reckless actions. Nick hadn't done anything to deserve that shove. What if he'd been hurt? Nick looked over and saw Heath's red face and confused blue gaze as he assisted he held the calf down. Releasing the struggling animal, he patted Heath's back.

"Forget it. It's okay. I need your head out here today."

Heath gave a grateful smile and the rest of morning went well. After the branding was through the headed up to the North Pasture to round up strays. Heath saw one of the hands attempting to catch a steer, while turning on a difficult downgrade.

"Frank, get out of there, you know that busted shoulder of yours ain't fully healed." Heath said.

"What?" he said to Nick's broad grin.

"You remembered Frank's shoulder!" Heath grinned and the pair finished their work.

Nick told the others he Heath would be meeting Dan at Spring Creek to fix a part of the bridge that had collapsed. Dan had arrived with the wagon and supplies and the trio went to work. The bridge partially collapsed in the center and the wooden slats had to be replaced and the support line reinforced. It was a hot day and the sooner they finished the better.

Heath was in the water replacing the slats; Dan and Nick were on the shore pulling the line taut.

"Nick, I need more slats," Heath said as he bounded up the creeks edge.

"You just stay put and keep pullin' on them lines."

He had just reached the cart when he heard a woman screaming, turning he saw Audra down the road, horse out of control. Nick and Dan heard the scream as well.

"Her horse spooked!" Heath cried jumping on Charger "I'm gone after her."

Nick threw his line down and scrambled up the bank towards his horse.

Heath rode hard and fast to catch the runaway horse. He finally reached Audra and grabbed her, pulling her onto his horse, so that she half lay, half sit across the middle of his saddle. He was concentrating so hard on holding onto Audra and trying to slow down Charger, that he almost never saw what hit him. He heard Audra's warning cry and ducked just enough so that the tree branch frightfully smacked his forehead, above the left eye. Audra screamed as he was thrown and landed in a heap, under the tree. Pulling the reins in on Charger, she slowed him down and turned to ride back to her injured brother.

Nick watched the whole horrible scenario develop in front of him as he raced to catch his brother and sister, fearing the worst. Nick jumped of Coco and knelt by Heath's side.

Heath lie stunned for a moment and then felt pain, instinctively clutching his injured eye, he rolled over into a fetal position.

"How bad?" Nick inquired, carefully turning Heath over and trying to inspect the damage.

Heath gave no response and wouldn't let Nick pry away the bloody hands that covered his eye Audra jumped off Charger and joined her two brothers, alarmed at the amount of blood on Heath's face, hands and shirt.

" Come on, let me see. I'm just trying to help" Nick pleaded in a stern voice.

"I'm okay." Heath tried unsuccessfully.

"LET ME SEE!" Nick stood firm.

Heath relented and allowed Nick to ease him back against the tree and pry the bloody hands off the injured eye, then wash some of the blood away with water. Nick winced as he surveyed the damage. The eye was already swollen shut and the cut above was bleeding profusely, running down his brother's face.

"It could be worse, but you are gonna need quite a few stitches."

Nick took off his kerchief and placed it on the cut, commanding Heath to press it tightly. He then took Audra's scarf and tied it as tightly as he could around Heath's head. He hoped this pressure would stop the bleeding.

"Now Audra you stay with him, I'll ride back for the wagon and..."

Heath cut him off, shaking his aching head.

"Don't need a wagon, I can ride. We can double up." he muttered.

Nick furrowed his brows in concern as he looked at Heath. Looking around he realized it would be closer to go into town, right to the doctor. It would waste time to take Heath home and then ride to town.

"Okay, if you're sure you're up to it, I'll take you to Doc Merar's office on Coco. Audra, you ride back to the ranch and tell them what happened."

Tears were streaming down Audra's face as she knelt and kissed Heath's bloody cheek, thanking him for saving her.

"That's okay miss, saving damsels in distress is my specialty." he groaned.

Nick kept a close hold on Heath as they rode, talking to him and trying to keep him awake. Heath finally passed out just as they approached Stockton. Billy was leaving the sheriff's office and spotted Nick riding by.

"What happened?" he exclaimed

"Audra's horse spooked. Heath got a hold of her, but didn't have time to dodge a tree branch."

He and Billy carried the unconscious battered cowboy into the doctor's office and placed him carefully on the examining table.

Nick filled the doctor in on the event and watched as the stitches added dimension to the swollen colorful left side of Heath's face.

"How long has he been out?" the doctor asked.

"About 20 minutes," Nick answered as Heath stirred and opened his good eye.

After conducting a basic vision test and insuring that Heath was able to travel, he allowed Nick to take Heath home. He was confident the damage was contained to the cut, the swelling on the eye would recede, and the eye itself was not damaged.

"You're sure nothing else hurts young man?"

"Yup. Just a little stiff and sore."

Nick helped Heath sit up and steadied his swaying brother. The doctor handed Heath 2 pills and some water. He gave Nick the rest as well as 2 blue pills. The aspirin would help with the headaches that Heath would have for several days. The blue pills were to help him rest.

Heath staggered as he climbed down and Nick grabbed him. He threw his arm around Nick's broad shoulders and allowed himself to be lead out to the horse. Heath stopped and asked the doctor about the bill. Nick shook his head advising the young man not to worry, he took care of Audra, they would take care of the bill.

Nick was glad when he they finally arrived home. Heath was groggy and needed to rest. He helped the injured man down and handed the reins over to a worried Ciego. Nick filled him in and was about to go inside when he noticed Heath staggering in the other direction.

"Where do you think you're headed? You heard the doctor's orders. Rest and take is easy."

Nick caught up to Heath and not a minute too soon as his knees buckled a little.

"I gotta get cleaned up. I'm a mess," he said pointing to his bloody face and shirt.

Nick turned Heath toward the door and led him inside the kitchen.

"You can use the bathroom upstairs. A nice hot bath, some clean clothes and a good long nap is will make a new man out of you."

"Mother. Audra," Nick's bellow brought both women into the kitchen.

Victoria looked aghast at her youngest boy's horrid appearance. Nick filled them in on what the doctor said and Heath held up a hand in protest.

"I'm fine. I just need a little cleanin' up is all"

"And a nice rest," Nick said leading him upstairs.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Victoria called up behind them.

"Yes ma'am, a hot bath and nap is all I need. Please don't worry after me."

Nick showed Heath the bathroom and went to get come clean clothes. When he returned, he laid the clothes and clean towels on the sink and turned to Heath.

"After you're done, you take a nap, the bedroom's just down the hall, I left the door open."

Heath looked at Nick and nodded

"Thanks Nick, for everything."

As Heath soaked in the hot, sudsy water, he felt his stiff, sore body ease up. Nick went to join the family downstairs. He saw Victoria and Audra each carrying a tray up the stairs. Victoria asked Nick to join them on the balcony outside her bedroom to have lunch with Jarrod.

Nick filled the trio in on the day's events and concluded with Heath's awful nightmares.

"He so close to remembering. I can feel it. The next dream is gonna put him over the edge. What if he sees it's Jarrod and thinks the worst? Should we tell him now or wait?"

"Which is the bigger risk?" Victoria thought aloud.

Victoria and Nick felt Heath should be told. Audra voted to wait. Jarrod couldn't decide. The debate continued.

Heath finished his bath, cleaned up after himself, dressed and looked into the hall. He spotted 2 bedrooms with open doors. He was tired and his head ached. Deciding the closest door would win; he stumbled into the room across the hall. He was asleep as soon as he hit the bed.

Audra had exited to take the dishes downstairs. Nick and his mother walked from the bedroom with Jarrod following very slowly on his cane. Nick scowled as they passed Heath's room, which was still empty.

"Where is he?"

Victoria started for the stairs and Nick raced to check the bathroom.

It was then that they heard the screaming.

"NO! NO! Oh God what have I done. Jarrod, Jarrod please look at me. No, Jarrod, No..."

Nick warned Jarrod not to hurry as he and Victoria raced toward the source of the tortured cry.

"Whatever it is, we'll handle it. You take it slow or you'll start bleeding. No fast, fancy moves."

Nick flew into the room and pulled Heath upright, shook him and sat down next to him.

"Wake up boy. Can you hear me? It's okay, you're okay!"

Heath gasped and gave Nick a wide-eyed startled blue stare. He was panting, sweating and shaking terrifically. Nick held onto him until he calmed down and Victoria guided the shaking hands to drink some water. He looked around confused.

"Nick, Nick my God I killed him. Oh God what'll I do. I don't know where to go. I can't ..."

Nick held his shaking, confused brother and quietly addressed his fears.

"It's all right now. You have to calm down. You're fine."

Turning Heath's face and staring into his eyes, he directed a question. "Do you know who you are and where you are?"

Heath shook his head and looked up at Nick totally confused.

"Answer me!"

"I'm Heath Barkley and I'm in...Why am I in Jarrod's room?"

Heath seemed even more confused when Nick smiled and his Mother both hugged and kissed him and started crying. Didn't they understand? What was wrong with them? He lowered his gaze to the floor.

"Mother, I don't know what to say. I shot...Jarrod is...It's all my fault."

Victoria started to answer but someone beat her to it.

"No Heath, you didn't shoot me, you saved me."

Heath turned stunned at the sound of the voice. Jarrod's smile quickly disappeared when a panic-stricken Heath scrambled up and against Nick.

"No, No" he cried, "You were gone. You had no pulse...you can't be."

"Heath, I was shot in the back, you shot the assailant, he crawled up the alley into a hole and died."

"But how can you be here, last night you were ...I thought you were dead."

Heath shook his head back and forth, really puzzled.

"Heath," Nick said as gently as possible. "That wasn't last night. You've had amnesia for almost a week now."

It seemed like too much for an injured man to absorb all at once. His head ached, the room was spinning a little. Jarrod was alive, his having amnesia, lost days. He felt Jarrod ease onto the bed and saw the concern in those bright blue eyes. He looked at his oldest brother, he reached up and felt the bandage above his swollen eye.

"How'd I get hurt, did I get shot too?"

"No, dear," Victoria said kissing his face "that hard Barkley head of yours got whacked by a tree branch. Audra's horse ran wild, you saved her."

Heath couldn't remember anything. But he was home, safe and with his family. That was enough.

Heath looked over at Jarrod, who's emotional gaze now rested on the brown wallet lying on the nightstand.

"I don't even remember picking it up."

Jarrod smiled as Nick handed him the beat up, good luck charm. He fingered the word 'TOM' and remembered out loud how he came by it.

"I made it for father when I was about nine years old. He had it the day he made his most successful purchase, a very profitable silver mine. He gave it to me the day of my first trial, I won and I've used it as a good luck charm ever since. Thanks Heath."

The rush of the last events was wearing on the blond man. The room started to spin just a little bit, causing him to sway into Nick.

Nick smiled, helped him rise and lead him to the door.

"Come on Goldilocks, let's get you to the right bed."

He woke up near dawn and despite a splitting headache, he felt much better. Sitting up quietly, biting back the waves of pain that shot through him, he managed to find the water glass a take a slow drink. It tasted like champagne to his parched, dry throat. As he sat thinking he saw the dark sky lighten slightly and got an idea.

Standing up was the first hurdle and he almost failed when the room started to spin. He stood fast and clung to the bedpost then staggered to the door and actually made it into the hall. The gaslight lamps were low, but gave enough illumination to get him to the steps.

He got halfway down and decided this was not a good idea. His dizziness caused him to sit down and contemplate his next move. Before he could think on it, he felt a presence and knew instinctively who it was, before he felt the arm around his shoulders. A gesture once so familiar was now very welcome and wouldn't be taken for granted again.

"Ain't you a little old to be running away from home." Nick chided.

Heath smiled but didn't answer.

"Well," Nick asked sitting down next to Heath "Where are you headed?"

"Watching for the sunrise."

"Well, Heath if you can see that from here, with one good eye, you doing good." Nick laughed.

"This is as far as I could go, I got dizzy. You're up early."

"I told Audra if Lady came back, I'd go and have a look at her."

"Mother's gonna skin us alive if she catches us," he said helping Heath up and flanking him as Heath held the railing the rest of the way down. They made their way out front to a nearby bench, where they could see the sunrise over the corral.

They sat for a moment and as the first golden rays of the new day extended it's fingers through the trees and light up the yard, Nick noticed Heath's eyes were full of emotion.

"What is it?" he said quietly.

"All this Nick," he said pointing over to the bunkhouse, corral, barn, "I wanted to see the sunrise cause I guess I feel sorta reborn. How good it feels to be home, have your family, this ranch. All those years, I wandered only as far as the next payday would take me. Now I'd be so lost without my home." he stopped and looked at Nick

"What if I never came back? What if I was lost forever? What if my memory never returned."

"Heath, I found you in Rosedale, same way I always find you. I would have kept going till I did find you. You won't ever be lost. I brought you home, I'll always be there, to guide you, care for you. That's what us big brothers do, ya know" he said teasing Heath.

Then more seriously he continued.

"The doctor's were pretty sure your memory would return. But you got plenty of people here who care about you, you could never be lost."

Smiling devilishly he added:

"If worst got to worst, I'd have Audra cook for you for a couple days, you'd have remembered real quick."

They both laughed as the sun was now up and the sounds of a new workday were starting.

"Come on boy," Nick said helping Heath up "Let's get you back to inside before Mother serves ME up for breakfast."

Heath took the hand up and met the hazel-eyed gaze.

"Thanks Nick."