rologue      Jarrod Barkley, sixteen-years-old, was out of school for the summer. Then he would begin his final year before graduating and starting college.

Tom Barkley had some business in Sacramento and decided to ask Jarrod if he wanted to go with him.

"Jarrod," Tom asked after dinner in the study where Jarrod was reading a book while Nick was going over the work schedule for tomorrow with his father, "I have to go to Sacramento on business. Would you like to go with me?"

"Yes sir," Jarrod answered and smiled at his father. "When do you want to leave?"

"In the morning," Tom said and smiled at his oldest son. "We’ll be gone about a week."

"What about Nick?" Jarrod asked looking at his younger brother.

"He’s got to stay here and help with the ranch," Tom answered. "Isn’t that right son?"

"Yes sir," thirteen-year-old Nick said. "You won’t have to worry about a thing father."

"I know I won’t," Tom replied and smiled at his younger son. "You also help your mother with Eugene and Audra."

"I will," Nick told him and smiled at his mother.

"He’ll be a big help Tom," Victoria said and smiled at both her sons as well as Tom.

"Now that that’s settled," Tom replied, "we had better turn in. We’ve got a big day ahead of us."

"Yes father," Jarrod answered. "Goodnight mother, and Nick."

"Goodnight honey," Victoria said "I hope you rest well."

"Goodnight big brother," Nick replied.

Tom and Jarrod left the room after saying their goodnights. They headed upstairs together.

"Son," Tom said while they walked upstairs, "I’m glad you decided to accompany me on this trip. We haven’t had a whole of time to spend alone in a long while. I’m looking forward to spending time with you son before you go off to college next summer."

"I might learn something father," Jarrod replied. "And I would love to spend some time alone with you too."

"Yes," Tom told him, "you just might. Goodnight son."

"Goodnight father," Jarrod said and headed for his room.

Tom walked into his room and smiled to himself. He was happy that Jarrod was going with him. But little did they know that this trip would almost cost Jarrod his life.

"Tom," she said as she walked downstairs with him, "you take care of our boy."

"I will," he replied and smiled at her. "Nothing will happen I promise. All we’re going to do is look at that string of horses and I’m going to look up an old friend of mine."

He kissed her and waited for Jarrod. He walked down the stairs a few minutes later. His mother hugged and kissed him.

"Jarrod," she said, "you and your father have a wonderful trip. I’ll look forward to seeing you at the end of the week."

"Yes mother," Jarrod replied. "Don’t worry."

Tom and Jarrod left the house, mounted their horses and rode to Stockton. When they arrived they left the horses at the livery stable with Hank and walked to the train station, which was only a street away. They boarded the train and began their trip. Tom took a long look at his oldest son while they were riding on the train. Jarrod had become a handsome young man and Tom was extremely proud of him. Tom was disappointed that Jarrod chose not to follow in his footsteps. He knew that whatever Jarrod chose to study in college, he would do his best. From Tom’s point of view Jarrod was destined for greatness.

They arrived in Sacramento two hours later and left the train. They went to the hotel where they registered.

"Can I help you?" the hotel clerk asked.

"Yes," Tom answered. "We would like a room please."

"Sign the guest book," the clerk said.

Tom signed the register. The clerk looked at the name and then looked up at Tom.

"Are you the Tom Barkley from Stockton?" he asked.

"Yes I am," Tom answered. "And this is my oldest son, Jarrod."

"You have room eighteen," he said. "It is a pleasure to have you here Mr. Barkley."

"Thank you," Tom replied.

Tom took the key and they walked upstairs to the room. After they had unpacked, Tom and Jarrod went to a lawyer’s office. The name on the shingle said: John J. Douglas Attorney at Law.

"What is it Ben?" she asked.

"Charlotte," Ben answered, "Tom Barkley and his son are in town. They arrived a few minutes ago."

"What room are they in?" she asked.

"Eighteen," Ben answered.

"Good," she said. "Thanks."

She closed the door and Ben went back to the desk in the lobby of the hotel. A few minutes later, Charlotte left her room and went to see Danny Smith, a tall man with dark hair and eyes. Danny was a sharpshooter, in his mid twenties and he was also in love with Charlotte.

"Danny," she said as she walked into the general store where he worked, "I need your help."

"What is it Charlotte?" he asked.

"Not here," she answered. "Come outside into the alley."

"Tad," Danny said, "I’m going out back for a few minutes. I’ll be right back."

"OK," Tad, the son of the owner of the general store, replied and Danny followed Charlotte to the alley.

"What is so important that you couldn’t tell me in the store?" he asked.

"Tom Barkley and his son are in town," she answered.

"The man that killed your father," he said.

"Yes," she replied. "I want him to pay Danny."

"All right," Danny told her. "How do you want it handled?"

"I want to kidnap them tonight and then make the old man watch his son suffer and die before we kill him," she said.

"Right," Danny replied. "What time?"

"Midnight," she told him.

"I’ll be there," he said and went back to work. "I’ll get Hank to help me take them."

"Good," she replied and left.

Charlotte walked back to the hotel with a smile on her face. After ten long years, she would finally get the man that had killed her father. She remembered back to the day it happened. She was twelve and her father worked as a miner for Tom Barkley. There had been a collapse in the mine and ten men were trapped. When they had finally been rescued, her father, Arnold Tate, was badly injured. Charlotte had sat with him and watched as he suffered until he finally died two days later. She had made a promise to her father. Tom Barkley would pay for what he did. Now was her opportunity to get even.

"Tom," John said as he walked up to his old friend, "it’s been too long."

"Yes it has," Tom replied as he shook hands with John. "This is my oldest son, Jarrod."

"Pleased to meet you sir," Jarrod told him as he shook the man’s hand. "I see you like books."

"Son," John said. "If you’re going to be a lawyer you need to have a lot of books on the law readily available. What brings you to Sacramento?"

"Business," Tom replied. "I’ve got to meet a man about purchasing a string of horses. I thought I would come by and say hello."

"I’m so glad you did," John told him. "Tom, how about having dinner together tonight?"

"Sounds good," Tom said.

"Great," John replied. "Let’s say eight at the hotel."

"All right," Tom told him.

Tom and Jarrod walked out of John’s office.

"I’ve known John for over twenty years son," he said. "He’s a great friend and a pretty good lawyer."

"He’s also got a lot of books," Jarrod replied.

Jarrod had loved books since shortly after he was born. When he ran into someone who also liked books they were a friend for life. Tom was proud of his oldest son. They headed back to the hotel. Jarrod relaxed in a chair and read a book that he had brought from home. Tom went over some papers. At seven forty-five, they cleaned up and walked down to the dining room in the hotel. John was waiting on them. They sat down.

"Tom," John asked, "you still have that big spread outside of Stockton?"

"Yeah," Tom answered. "You know I’ll never part with it."

"Right," John said. "So this is your oldest son?"

"Yes," Tom replied. "Jarrod is sixteen and will begin his last year of school before going to college next fall."

"Where do you plan on attending?" John asked Jarrod.

"The University of San Francisco sir," Jarrod answered.

"Do you know what you want to study?" John asked.

"Not yet," Jarrod answered.

"You might consider law," John said and smiled.

"John," Tom replied, "quit putting ideas in his head. He’s going to decide for himself what he wants to study."

"All right," John told him.

But the seed had already been planted in the mind of the sixteen-year-old boy. The three of them enjoyed the meal and the time together. At ten o’clock, Tom and Jarrod bid John good-bye and headed back to their room. They were tired and decided to go to bed.

"Get up old man," he said.

Tom came awake with a start. He looked around and when he saw Jarrod being held by a man with a gun in his back he shot from the bed. Danny stopped him from attacking Hank.

"Hold it," Danny said. "That’s far enough."

"What is the meaning of this?" Tom asked.

"Let’s go," Danny answered.

The four of them left the hotel room after Tom and Jarrod were allowed to get dressed and their arms were tied behind their backs. The two men took them to an old barn on the outskirts of town. Tom and Jarrod were both tied with their arms above their head with ropes tied to the supports in the barn. They were side by side.

"What do you want?" Tom asked.

"You’ll find out in due time," Danny answered.

A short time later, Charlotte Tate arrived. When she walked into the barn and took a look at Tom, she spit in his face.

"You are going to die Barkley," she said. "But first you are going to watch your son suffer and die."

"Who are you and why do you want to kill us?" Tom asked.

"My name is Tate," she answered. "Ten years ago you killed my father. Now I’m going to kill you."

"Tate," Tom said. "Are you Arnold Tate’s daughter?"

"Yes," she replied. "Release the boy."

"Please," Tom begged, "don’t hurt my son."

Jarrod was released and brought to stand in front of Charlotte. Tom could see his son clearly. Hank and Danny each had an arm. Charlotte looked at the boy.

"You are going to suffer boy," she said. "I want your father to watch you suffer and die slowly just as I did with my father."

"Your father tried to save those other men," Tom replied.

"Shut up old man," she told him. "Gag him."

Hank walked behind Tom and placed a gag over his mouth. Then he walked back over to Danny, Jarrod and Charlotte. The two men had Jarrod by the arms. Charlotte walked over to him and unbuttoned the young man’s shirt. She ran her hand across his chest. He tried to pull away but the two men held him in place.

"I wish we could have a good time boy," she said. "But you have to die."

"Please," Jarrod replied, "don’t hurt my father."

She slapped him hard across the left side of his face.

"Remove his shirt," she said.

The two men pulled Jarrod’s shirt off. Charlotte again ran her hand over his bare chest.

"Tie him to the stall," she said.

The two men tied Jarrod to the stall with his back to his father. Then Charlotte pulled out a whip. She smiled at Tom and walked over to the boy. She began to whip him. Jarrod yelped in pain. The whip was eating into his flesh and whelps were showing up on his back. Finally, she stopped. Jarrod’s back was raw and bleeding. Tom cringed when he saw his son’s bare back. Jarrod’s shirt was put on and he was retied to the post. Tom noticed that Jarrod was in considerable pain. Charlotte smiled at her captives.

"I’ll return in a hour," she said. "That was just a sample of what your son is going to endure."

She and the two men left the barn. Tom kept working on the gag and managed to get it off of his mouth.

"Son," he asked, "how bad do you hurt?"

"My back is hurts Jarrod answered, "but I’ll be all right."

"That’s my boy," Tom said. "We’ll get out of here."

"Nooooo!" he cried.

The derringer fired and Jarrod fell backwards to the ground. A large red stain was showing through his shirt. He had been shot in upper left arm. Tom thought he heard the bone break but he couldn’t be sure. Jarrod was tied again. He was in agony. His face was a complete mask of pain. The weight on his broken arm was almost too much for him to bear. His arm was continuing to bleed. Jarrod’s face was beginning to turn very pale. Tom knew his son was in a bad way. He had to figure some way to get out of here and get help for his son.

"Please," Tom begged, "let my son go."

"No," Charlotte said. "He’ll hang there until he bleeds to death and finally dies. I told you that you would watch your son suffer and die."

Charlotte and Danny left the barn to celebrate their good fortune. Hank stood guard over Tom and Jarrod. Tom tried to talk to him.

"Listen," Tom said, "if you let me go you won’t hang. But if my son dies you will hang."

"What are you talking about?" Hank asked.

"If my son dies," Tom said, "you, Tate and the other man will hang for murder. Is that what you want?"

"No one said anything about murder," Hank replied. "All Charlotte said was that she wanted to teach you and your son a lesson."

"Then let my son and me go," Tom told him. "I’ll make sure the judge knows that you helped us."

"I don’t know," Hank said. "Charlotte will be very mad."

"Please," Tom replied.

Tom was listening to Jarrod’s labored breathing and he had begun to sweat as well. He knew he didn’t have a lot of time left.

"All right," Hank told him. "I’ll put the knife where you can reach it. Then I’ll leave. If you escape so be it."

"Thank you," Tom said.

Hank stuck the knife a few inches above Tom’s hands in the support. Then he left the barn. Tom had to work at it a few minutes to reach the knife. But finally he got a hold of it and cut the ropes. Then he rushed over to Jarrod. He was on the verge of passing out. Tom cut the ropes and eased his son to the ground. He checked his left arm. The bone was broken and he was still bleeding. Tom wrapped a cloth around his arm to cut off the flow of blood. Then he helped Jarrod to his feet. Tom slid his left arm around Jarrod’s waist and his left shoulder under Jarrod’s right arm. Tom took his son’s weight onto himself and guided Jarrod out of the barn. He helped him to the hospital, which was a thirty-minute walk from the barn. Jarrod was almost out on his feet. Tom managed to reach the hospital.

When he walked up to the hospital door, he kicked it open with his foot. He helped Jarrod inside and over to the desk where a nurse sat. She looked up as they walked up.

"Can I help you?" she asked.

"I need a doctor," Tom answered. "My son has been shot and he’s bleeding."

"Just a minute," she said and left the desk.

Tom sat Jarrod down in a chair. His head lolled around and his breathing was shallow. Tom tried to talk to him.

"Jarrod," Tom said, "it’s going to be all right. You’re at the hospital."

Jarrod didn’t respond. The doctor walked out a few minutes later. He took one look at Jarrod and summoned two orderlies and a stretcher. They took Jarrod to an examination room. Tom followed them.

"He was also whipped across his back," Tom told the doctor.

The doctor, whose name was Paul Walters, a middle-aged man with dark hair, went to work with a nurse on Jarrod’s arm. He removed the bullet and then set the broken bone. Then he wrapped the arm and placed a sling around Jarrod’s neck. After he was finished tending to the arm, he checked the boy’s back and winced. The nurse applied ointment to the whelps and Jarrod was taken to a room. He was still awfully pale. The doctor finally looked up at Tom.

"Your son has lost a lot of blood," he said. "He needs a transfusion."

"All right," Tom replied.

The nurse prepared Tom. While she was working the doctor continued.

"He has a badly broken arm," he said. "The bullet severed the bone. I removed the bullet and set the arm so he won’t be able to use it until it heals. He needs to keep it as still as possible for at least a week. He is going to be in a lot of pain. The bullet wound was deep. His back will heal. I’m going to give him some morphine for pain as well as something to help him rest. Nurse will you prepare a syringe?"

"Right away doctor," she replied and left.

Tom began the transfusion of blood to his son. Jarrod was so still. He would glance over at him to see if he was all right. Tom made a decision while he was sitting in the chair. He would wire Victoria and tell her what happened. She would probably catch the next available train here. She had a right to know. After the transfusion was over, the doctor injected Jarrod with the medicine. Tom covered him up and left the hospital to send the wire.

"I would like to send a telegram," he said.

The operator handed him a piece of paper and a pencil. Tom jotted down a quick note to Victoria. It read:

He handed the paper to the operator and asked him to send it as soon as possible. Then he went back to the hospital and his son.

When Tom walked into Jarrod’s room, he was still unconscious. His color had improved slightly. Tom slowly walked over to the bed and sat down beside his son.

"Son," he said with tears falling down his face, "you’re going to be all right. You just rest. Your mother will be here soon."

While Tom was sitting on the bed with his son, the marshal walked into the room.

"Mr. Barkley," the marshal said. "I’m Marshal Reed. I understand your son was shot."

"Yes he was," Tom replied and stood up.

The marshal was a tall man with brown hair and a beard. He was middle aged with graying sideburns.

"Can you tell me who shot your son?" Reed asked.

"Yes," Tom answered. "It was a young woman named Charlotte Tate. She did it because she blamed me for the death of her father."

"I’m very familiar with Charlotte," Reed said. "She has a boyfriend named Danny Smith."

"There was a young man with her," Tom replied. "She whipped my son and then shot him in the arm. The bullet broke the bone. He’s going to live but he’s going to be in pain."

"I understand," Reed told him. "You say that she shot your son because she blamed you."

"Yes," Tom said. "Ten years ago, I owned a mine called The Victoria. We had just opened a new shaft and the relief crew had just gone in. There was some kind of explosion and then the shaft collapsed. Ten men were buried alive. Charlotte’s father, Arnold Tate, one of the best miners in the state, rushed inside. He was able to open the shaft and the men were rescued. As Arnold was leaving, the roof collapsed again. He was trapped. When he was finally rescued, his chest was badly injured. The doctor said that he wouldn’t live long. Arnold insisted on being taken home where he could spend his last hours with his little girl, Charlotte. He died two days later. I guess she blamed me for the injury to her father. "

"I’ll arrest Charlotte and Smith," the marshal replied. "When your son is better, he will have to testify along with you against them."

"I understand," Tom said.

The marshal left the room. Tom looked down at his son. That woman would pay for what she did. Tom realized after the marshal had left that he had forgotten to tell him about Hank. He decided to let it go. Hank had helped them escape.

Victoria arrived that afternoon along with Nick. When they walked into Jarrod’s hospital room, Tom stood up.

"Tom," Victoria asked, "what happened?"

"Jarrod and I were kidnapped and taken to an abandoned barn," Tom began. "We were tied, Jarrod was shot and whipped. The girl said she did it because I killed her father. The girl’s father was Arnold Tate."

"Wasn’t he the man that saved ten men during that mine collapse before he became trapped himself?" Victoria asked.

"Yes," Tom said. "She shot Jarrod Victoria and then tied him up again. The weight on his injured arm was more than he could endure. He started to pass out but she slapped him across the face."

Tom cringed when he remembered the sight of Jarrod hanging there with the pain etched on his face.

"Anyway," Tom continued, "she and one of the men left. The other man I convinced to help us escape. I brought Jarrod here and the doctor worked on him. He has a badly broken arm and a bullet wound. His back is raw from a whipping. The doctor said he would be in a lot of pain when he woke up. I gave him a transfusion. He hasn’t come to yet."

"Oh Tom," Victoria said. "He probably won’t be able to use that arm for awhile either."

"I agree," Tom replied. "Oh the marshal came by. He was going to arrest Charlotte and her boyfriend, Danny Smith. He said we would have to testify."

"I understand," Victoria told him.

She slowly walked over to the bed and sat down beside her son. She looked down at his pale face. His breathing was still labored.

"Jarrod," she said, "it’s mother. Can you hear me?"

Jarrod’s eyes began to flutter and finally opened a slit. He grimaced in pain.

"Calm down son," Tom said. "Try not to move your left arm."

"What happened?" Jarrod asked in a whisper.

"You were shot honey," Victoria answered.

Jarrod’s eyes closed and he was unconscious again. Victoria knew that rest was the best thing for him. The doctor walked into the room and checked his young patient.

"Jarrod woke up for a moment before he passed out again," Victoria said.

"The best thing for your son right now is to sleep," the doctor replied. "He’s going to be in a lot of pain with his arm when he does wake up. He will heal and be all right. But it will take time especially with his left arm. The bullet wound has to heal and then the broken arm needs a chance to heal. I don’t want him to use that arm at all for the next four weeks. He can try to flex his fingers but as far as using it to pick up items or carrying items no."

"All right doctor," Victoria told him. "When can he leave the hospital?"

"In a few days," Walters said. "He needs time to rest after having the transfusion. Also, if he has a lot of pain I can stop it with morphine."

"Thanks doc," Tom replied.

The doctor left the room. Tom and Victoria looked at their son.

"Son," Tom said, "you can’t move or touch your left arm for a while. It’s broken and has a bullet hole in it."

"I remember now," Jarrod replied. "How did we get here?"

"I brought you here," Tom told him. "Hank helped us escape."

"Father," Jarrod asked, "we have to testify don’t we?"

"Yes son," Tom answered. "But not until you’re stronger."

"All right," Jarrod said. "Can I have some water?"

"Certainly," Victoria replied.

Tom picked up the glass of water and carried it over to the bed. He sat down beside his son and gently lifted Jarrod’s head. Then he put the glass to his mouth. Jarrod took a few sips and Tom laid his head back on the pillows. He smiled up at his father. Tom smiled at his son.

"You rest," Tom said. "Your mother and I will be right here."

"Yes," Jarrod replied. "I am tired and starting to hurt. Oh, my arm."

Jarrod began to grit his teeth as the pain in his left arm increased. Finally, Tom couldn’t stand it anymore. He sent Nick to get the doctor. Dr. Walters walked in a few minutes later. He went to the bed and could see that Jarrod was in pain. He signaled for a nurse to bring him a syringe. She walked in and handed it to him. Walters injected Jarrod with pain medicine and something to help him rest. Jarrod began to close his eyes and finally fell asleep.

"He’ll have more pain as the arm begins to heal," Walters told them. "He should be in less pain by the end of the week."

"All right doc," Tom said.

"I’ll check on him in a couple of hours," Walters replied and left the room.

"Get up," one of them said and gestured to Tom.

Tom stood up. The second gunman walked around behind Tom and tied his hands. Then he walked over to Victoria and Nick. He tied their hands too. He went to the bed and slapped Jarrod across the face. Jarrod’s eyes shot open and he was staring into the barrel of a gun.

"Get up boy," the headman said.

Jarrod didn’t move fast enough to suit the men and the one that had tied everyone up grabbed him luckily by his good arm and pulled him to his feet. Jarrod winced at the pain in his left arm. The man pulled his arm from the sling and then pulled Jarrod’s arms behind his back and he yelped in pain when his broken arm was tied.

"Get moving," the man said.

Tom and Jarrod walked in between the two men. Victoria and Nick watched them being led away. The group went back to the barn on the outskirts of Sacramento where Tom and Jarrod were again tied. Jarrod’s arm had begun to bleed and he was in a lot of pain. A short time later Charlotte walked in.

"I thought the marshal had arrested you," Tom said.

"He did," she replied. "I am out on bail."

"You’ll be back inside if you go through with this," Tom told her.

"I understand your son’s arm was broken," she said as she walked over to Jarrod. "I believe it was the left one."

She reached out, grabbed his arm and pulled very hard on it. Jarrod closed his eyes and gritted his teeth as a pain shot through his left arm. She laughed at the boy.

"Don’t worry boy," she said. "You won’t be suffering for long."

"Please," Tom begged, "don’t hurt my son. Do what you want to me."

"Shut up Barkley," she replied. "I intend to make you watch your son suffer as I had to watch my father suffer and finally die. "Let’s see. He has a broken arm. What else would be painful? Ah yes. Curt, release the boy."

Curt, the man who had done all the talking, released Jarrod.

"Tie him with his left hand to the stall wall," she said.

Curt and the other man pulled Jarrod over to the stall and tied his left arm so that his left hand was where she could see it and reach it. Charlotte walked over to Jarrod. Tom was watching in horror as she picked up a plank that was lying nearby. She looked at Tom and then swung the board with all her might onto Jarrod’s left hand. Jarrod cried out. Tom knew by the sound that his hand and maybe his wrist were broken. Jarrod was writhing in pain. The two men untied him. He tried to cradle his injured hand and arm but they tied him.

"Now Barkley," Charlotte said, "your son has a broken arm and a broken hand. The weight on that arm and wrist will be unbearable for him. You can watch him suffer."

"Please cut him loose," Tom begged. "He hasn’t hurt you."

"He’s your son," she replied. "That’s enough."

Tom looked over at his son. Jarrod’s face was contorted in pain and he was on the verge of passing out. Charlotte walked over to them.

"No boy," she said. "You are not going to pass out."

She reached up and pulled hard on that arm. Another wave of severe pain shot through Jarrod. He cried out. About that time the barn door burst open. Marshal Reed and several deputies charged in. The two men drew their guns and fired. They were shot and killed. Charlotte tried to run away but Reed caught her. Once she was in restraints, the marshal turned his attention to Tom and Jarrod. He cut Tom loose and then freed Jarrod. Tom eased him to the ground. He found a piece of cloth on the floor and made a sling out of it to hold his son’s damaged left arm in.

"Marshal," Tom said, "I don’t know how you found us but I’m glad you did. My son’s arm was broken again along with his hand and maybe his wrist."

"Your wife told us," Reed replied. "A nurse freed her and your other son. She came and told me that the two of you had been kidnapped."

"Marshal," Tom asked, "can you help me get my son back to the hospital?"

"Certainly," Reed answered. "Wilkes, you take Charlotte to the jail and lock her up. Don’t let her have any visitors and if that lawyer of hers’ comes by, tell him that her bail has been revoked."

"Yes marshal," Wilkes said and left with Charlotte.

Reed and Tom helped Jarrod to his feet. Tom put his left arm around the boy’s waist and his left shoulder under Jarrod’s right arm. Reed got on the other side of Jarrod very careful of his left arm. Between the two of them, they got him back to the hospital. When they walked into Jarrod’s hospital room, Victoria and Nick were on their feet.

"Nick," Tom said, "go get the doctor. Hurry son."

"Yes father," Nick replied and left.

Reed and Tom eased Jarrod onto the bed. A few minutes later, Walters entered the room. He went straight to the boy. He summoned two orderlies and a stretcher.

"I’m going to have to operate and set his arm and repair the wrist and hand," he told them and left with the orderlies and Jarrod.

Tom told Victoria and Nick what had happened. They were both appalled by what had been done to Jarrod. They quietly waited for word on Jarrod’s condition.

"Your son has a broken arm, a broken wrist and a badly bruised hand," he told them. "He is going to be in a lot of pain when he wakes up. But he will heal. He will be without the use of his left arm and hand for at least six weeks. That will give it time to heal. He will be in the hospital a week. With the blood loss he has already had along with the injuries, he needs to rest at least a week before he can be released. The arm had been broken again."

"Thank you doc," Tom replied.

"One more thing," Walters told them. "You need to get protection for him. I can’t have him beaten anymore. Talk to the marshal."

"I will," Tom said. "How did she miss breaking his hand?"

"The boy must have bent his wrist enough for it to take the brunt of the attack," Walters replied. "If he hadn’t, his hand would probably have been shattered. Luckily, it’s only bruised badly. He’ll sleep for several hours. If he is in a lot of pain when he wakes up, send for me and I will give him some morphine. I’ve already given him a dose right after I finished setting the bones."

"How’s the bullet wound?" Victoria asked.

"It’s beginning to heal," Walters answered. "But the bone was broken again and I had to set it for a second time. I’m still afraid to splint it so he’s going to have to keep that arm as still as possible until the bone has a chance to heal."

"Thank you doc," Tom said.

"I’ll come back and look in on him later," Walters replied and left.

"Tom," Victoria told him, "the doctor is right. You need to get protection. I don’t want you or Jarrod put in anymore danger."

"All right," Tom said. "I’ll go talk to the marshal."

"Father," Nick asked, "can I go with you?"

"Certainly son," Tom answered.

The two of them left the hospital room and went to the marshal’s office. Reed stood up as they walked in.

"Mr. Barkley," Reed asked, "how’s your son?"

"He’s going to be all right," Tom answered. "He’ll be in the hospital a week. That’s why I’m here."

"I know," Reed said before Tom could finish. "You want protection for your son."

"Yes," Tom replied. "She’s already taken us twice and she’s hurt my son."

"I’ll assign Deputy Charles Rice," Reed told him. "He’ll meet you at the hospital in an hour."

"That will be fine," Tom said. "Marshal, Jarrod and I will testify. We want her put away where she can’t hurt anyone else."

With that, Tom and Nick left the marshal’s office. Reed got in touch with Rice and told him to go to the hospital. When Tom and Nick arrived at Jarrod’s room, Rice was already there.

"Are you Deputy Rice?" Tom asked.

"Yes sir," Rice answered.

"My son on the bed is the one in jeopardy as well as myself," Tom said.

"Don’t worry sir," Rice replied. "Everything will be fine."

"Son," Tom asked, "are you in a lot of pain?"

"Yes," Jarrod answered. "How bad is it?"

"Your arm was broken again," Tom said. "Your wrist was also broken and your hand was badly bruised."

Jarrod was trying to be brave and tolerate the pain but Tom and Victoria could tell that he was miserable. Tom nodded to Nick who left the room to find the doctor. A few minutes later, the doctor and a nurse entered. She had a syringe in her hand. The doctor injected Jarrod with the medicine and he finally relaxed. His eyes closed and he slept.

"For the next couple of days he’s going to be in considerable pain," Walters said. "But over time the pain will lessen."

"Doctor," Victoria asked, "when can he try sitting up?"

"Whenever he feels like it," Walters answered. "Just be aware of the arm."

"All right," Victoria said and smiled.

"I’ll be back and check on him," Walters replied and left with the nurse.

Jarrod slept the remainder of the night. The next morning his color was much better and his breathing was steady and strong. Tom knew that Jarrod would be fine but keeping an active boy quiet was not going to be easy. Jarrod’s eyes began to open and he looked around the unfamiliar room until his gaze fell on Tom. He smiled. Tom walked over to the bed and sat down.

"Son," he asked, "how do you feel?"

"I’m a little sluggish," Jarrod answered. "But I’ll be all right."

Then he made the mistake of moving his left arm. A wave of pain shot through the arm and Jarrod closed his eyes to the pain. Finally, the pain began to ease. He breathed a sigh of relief.

"Jarrod," Tom said, "you can’t be moving that arm until it has a chance to start healing. When you feel like getting up, let me know and I will help you."

"Thanks," Jarrod replied. "But not right now. I’m a little dizzy."

"That’s probably coming from the medicine the doctor gave you for pain," Tom told him. "Do you need anything?"

"No," Jarrod said. "I don’t feel up to eating anything right now. Maybe later."

"Whatever you feel like you can do," Tom replied.

Victoria walked over to the bed and smiled at Jarrod.

"Mother," Jarrod asked, "what are you doing here?"

"Your father sent me a telegram right after you were injured," Victoria answered. "Nick and I caught the first available train."

Jarrod looked around and spotted his younger brother. He smiled and Nick returned the gesture.

"You doing all right big brother?" Nick asked.

"Yeah," Jarrod answered. "Don’t worry about me. I’ll be up and out of here very soon."

"Great," Nick said. "There’s ranch work to be done boy."

"I hear you," Jarrod replied.

"Jarrod," Walters said as he walked into the room, "I believe you are well enough to leave the hospital. But I want you to remember what I said about taking it very easy with using that arm and hand. It will be another five weeks before the splint can come off."

"I’ll remember sir," Jarrod replied and smiled.

"If he has any pain Mrs. Barkley give him a spoonful of this laudanum every four hours."

"I will doctor," Victoria told him. "Thank you."

"You’re welcome," Walters said. "I want to see your son back here in one week so I can check the progress of the injuries."

"We’ll be here doc," Tom replied.

The Barkley family left the hospital and went to the hotel. Deputy Rice accompanied them. Tom changed rooms and got a larger room with two bedrooms. The family relaxed. Jarrod sat up but he began to doze. Tom walked over to him and helped him maneuver to the bedroom and lay down on the bed. He fell asleep. Tom sat down in a chair beside his son’s bed. He looked at his son. Jarrod was resting comfortably. Tom thought about the time that Jarrod went with him to visit his brother, Jim Barkley.

"Tom," Jim said as he opened the front door of his home, "it’s been too long."

Jim grabbed Tom in a bear hug. Jarrod stood behind Tom and looked up at his uncle.

"Come in," he replied.

Tom and Jarrod walked inside. Jim pointed to some chairs in the parlor. They all sat down.

"What brings you to this neck of the woods Tom?" Jim asked.

"To see you," Tom answered. "Jim, this is my oldest son, Jarrod."

"He looks a lot like you did when you were younger," Jim said and smiled at his nephew.

"Pleased to meet you sir," Jarrod replied.

"How many children do you and Victoria have now?" Jim asked.

"Two boys," Tom answered. "Jarrod who’s ten and Nick who’s seven."

"Two boys," Jim said. "I remember when we were boys Tom. The trouble we got into. Father spent the better part of our youth getting us out of trouble and then telling us that we should be good boys and not get into any more trouble. And what would we do? We’d go out and do it again."

"Yeah," Tom replied. "I spent a great deal of that time in my room or the woodshed."

"You did," Jim told him. "I’m sorry Jarrod. I didn’t mean to ignore you son. I just remember all the good times your father and I had as boys."

"That’s all right sir," Jarrod said. "I’m enjoying hearing about father when he was a boy."

"You can tell he’s your son Tom," Jim replied.

"Well," Tom told him, "he has his mother’s mannerisms but he’s got the Barkley temper."

"Tom," Jim asked, "how is Victoria?"’

"She’s fine," Tom answered. "She’s at home with Nick. They didn’t want to come."

"Nick loves to spend time with the horses and the cattle," Jarrod said. "He’s a rancher just like father."

"What do you want to do?" Jim asked Jarrod.

"I don’t know," Jarrod answered. "I know I don’t want to be a rancher."

"Jim," Tom said, "Jarrod’s going to be a very famous man when he is grown. You can mark my word on that."

Tom came back to the present. He was going to make sure that Jarrod had a chance to become that famous man.

In the parlor of the hotel room, Victoria was sitting and thinking about Jarrod. She remembered a day when he was thirteen and Nick was ten. The two boys were in the parlor of the house when they got into an argument.

"Jarrod," Nick asked, "why do you want to waste your time picking a bunch of weeds for mother on the way home from school?"

"Nick," Jarrod answered, "they are not weeds. They are wildflowers. I think mother deserves them for putting up with you for the last ten years."

"Oh really," Nick said. "Well living with you hasn’t been the most rewarding experience brother. Always being compared to you and everyone saying why can’t Nick be more like Jarrod."

"I’m sorry," Jarrod replied. "You’re not me."

"I know I’m not," Nick told him. "I’m Nick Barkley and I am a quick-tempered boy who likes to fight."

"That’s for sure," Jarrod said. "Look, if it’s all the same to you I don’t want to be compared to you either."

"How would you be compared to me?" Nick asked.

"Everyone says you’re Nick’s brother," Jarrod answered. "He’s a wildcat. You can’t be related to him."

"They do?" Nick asked.

"Yes," Jarrod answered. "I’ve had it."

"Well," Nick said, "so have I."

"You go your way," Jarrod replied. "And I’ll go my way."

"Agreed," Nick told him.

Victoria came back to the present and looked over at her younger son. Those two boys were as different as night and day but they were brothers and nothing would change that.

"Barkley," Ed Lackey said, "you’re not going to get away from us this time."

"Yeah," his brother, Greg replied. "We’re going to take care of you."

"No you’re not," Nick told them.

"I see two of us and only one of you," Ed said. "That’s pretty good odds."

"Look again boys," Jarrod replied as he walked up beside of Nick. "I like these odds better."

"This doesn’t have anything to do with you Jarrod," Greg told him.

"It does if it has something to do with Nick," Jarrod said and smiled. "I love my brother and I’m not going to stand by and let the two of you jump him."

"All right," Ed replied as he and Greg walked away.

"Thanks Jarrod," Nick told him.

"You’re welcome," Jarrod said.

Nick came back to the present. He promised himself that he would stand beside his brother against that girl and even the odds just like Jarrod had when Nick was out numbered.

As Jarrod laid on the bed resting, he thought about the wonderful family that he had. His father had accepted the fact that Jarrod was not going to be a rancher and take over the running of the ranch someday. His father had told him that he was proud of him and whatever he decided to do with his life he would accept. His mother had always been there whenever he was sick or hurt. With the exception of one time, the time he came down with pneumonia. She had been pregnant with Nick and the doctor would not allow her to even see him. His father had taken care of him. Then there was Nick. He loved his younger brother with all his heart but he could be a handful at times. His quick temper and his fighting spirit sometimes got the best of him. His little brother, Gene and his sister, Audra, were special too. He was indeed lucky to have a wonderful family. He made a promise to himself that he would make sure that girl paid for trying to hurt his father and himself.

"Father," Jarrod asked, "would you mind if I walked down to see Mr. Douglas?"

"No son," Tom answered. "You go right ahead. Do you want me to go with you?"

"No sir," Jarrod said. "I promise I’ll be careful."

"All right son," Tom replied.

Jarrod left the room and walked to the law office of John Douglas. He knocked on the office door. John opened the door and was surprised to see Tom’s son.

"Jarrod," he said, "come in. How are you feeling?"

"I’m fine sir," Jarrod replied. "I just have to be careful with my left arm for a few weeks."

"That’s wonderful," John told him and ushered him inside the office. "What can I do for you?"

"I wanted to speak to you about the law profession," Jarrod said. "I’m very interested in learning about what a lawyer does sir. I might decide to pursue a degree in law."

"I’d be happy to tell you," John replied. "But I’ve got a better idea. Why don’t you come to the courthouse in the morning? I’ll let you sit at the table with my client and me. You can see first hand how I do my job."

"Thank you sir," Jarrod told him.

"I would love it if you called me John," John said.

"All right John," Jarrod replied. "I’ll see you in the morning."

"At nine," John told him.

"Nine," Jarrod said and left the office.

While Jarrod was walking back to the hotel, he was unaware of the man that was trailing him. When he walked by the alley that ran beside the general store, someone grabbed him from behind. Jarrod was pulled into the alley where he was face to face with a man that was tall and thin with a scar across the left side of his face.

"You’re the Barkley boy?" he asked.

Jarrod did not answer.

"I said you’re the Barkley boy?" he asked again.

Jarrod just stared at him in defiance. The man pulled Jarrod close to him. Then he wheeled the boy around and grabbed his injured arm. Jarrod was sweating profusely with the pain coming from his injured arm. The man wrenched it up behind his back and held it there.

"Now I’ll ask you one more time," the man said. "You’re the Barkley boy?"

"Yes," Jarrod replied in a voice that betrayed his pain.

"I’ve got a message for your father," the man told him. "If he testifies against Charlotte, his family dies."

"You won’t hurt my family," Jarrod said still trying to fight the pain.

"What are you going to do boy?" the man asked. "You’re in no position to do anything. Remember what I said and just so you won’t forget."

The man pulled Jarrod’s arm higher up his back. Jarrod was writhing in pain. The man threw him to the ground and stomped on his injured hand. Jarrod screamed out in pain and grabbed his arm. The man left him lying on the ground trying to cradle his arm. Jarrod managed to get to his feet. He staggered out of the alley and started walking toward the hotel. He was in a great deal of pain and still trying to cradle his injured arm. Jarrod dropped to his knees when the pain became too much. Before he could get to his feet again, he felt someone help him up. He looked up into the face of his father. Tom had become concerned when Jarrod hadn’t returned and had gone to look for him. Tom put his arm around the boy’s waist and took Jarrod’s weight on himself. He helped him to the hospital to see Dr. Walters. The doctor checked the boy’s arm. After the examination, he looked over at Tom.

"The arm is damaged," he said. "The bullet wound has begun to bleed and the broken bone has separated again. His hand has swelled. I’m going to set the broken arm again and stop the bleeding. Then I’m going to work on the hand. If you’ll wait out in the lobby, I’ll let you know when I’m finished."

Tom nodded and left his son. After what seemed like hours but was only an hour, the doctor walked out from the back. Tom rose to his feet.

"How is he?" Tom asked very concerned.

"He’s going to be fine," Walters answered. "I was able to repair the damage that had been done. However, he’s going to be without the use of his left hand for at least eight more weeks."

"What’s wrong with his hand?" Tom asked.

"The hand was not healing properly before the attack," Walters answered. "I’ve repaired the damage to it and tightly wrapped it. The boy cannot and I repeat cannot use that hand at all for the next eight weeks. The ligaments and muscles have to heal after the violent attack on his hand and wrist. He will be able to move around but he has to be extremely careful with the hand and arm."

"Can I see him?" Tom asked.

"Certainly," Walters answered. "As soon as the pain eases you can take him to the hotel. But I want him to rest the rest of the day."

"I will," Tom said and followed Walters back to his son.

When Tom walked into the room, he saw Jarrod lying on the table. His left hand was heavily bandaged and so was his arm. He was also wearing a sling. Jarrod was awake and looked up when his father walked in.

"How do you feel son?" Tom asked as he approached the table.

"I’m in pain but I’ll be all right," Jarrod answered.

"Of course you will," Tom said. "Did the doctor give you anything for the pain?"

"Yes," Jarrod replied. "It’s starting to work. The pain is beginning to ease. Father, John asked me to come to the courtroom in the morning at nine and watch him at work."

"All right son," Tom told him. "If you feel like it."

"Thanks," Jarrod said.

Walters walked into the room.

"Jarrod," he asked, "is the pain easing?"

"Yes," Jarrod answered.

"Good," Walters said. "You rest a while longer and then your father can take you back to the hotel. I want you to stay in bed the rest of the afternoon."

"Yes sir," Jarrod replied. "Thank you."

"You’re welcome son," Walters told him and left.

"Tom," Victoria said, "we now know that this girl will stop at nothing to end the life of our son."

"You’re right," Tom agreed. "The sooner this trial starts the better. Even from jail she is still able to get to us."

"Tom," Victoria asked, "what are we going to do?"

"I’m going to protect my family," Tom answered.

A couple of hours later, Tom walked into his son’s room. Jarrod was still asleep so Tom pulled a chair beside the bed and sat down. He looked over at his sleeping son. He smiled.

"Jarrod," he said softly, "if you want to pursue law, I am not going to stop you. It’s your decision to make."

Tom then stood up and left the room. He walked out of the hotel room and went to see his friend, John Douglas. When Tom walked into John’s office, he looked up at his friend and smiled.

"Tom," John said as he stood up, "what are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you John," Tom replied.

"Certainly," John told him. "Sit down."

Tom sat down in the one of the chairs and John sat on the corner of his desk. John could tell Tom was upset.

"What’s wrong?" John asked.

"I know you’ve heard about what happened to my son when we were kidnapped," Tom answered.

"Yes," John said. "Your son came by here earlier today and talked to me about the law."

"Jarrod was attacked after he left your office," Tom replied. "His hand and arm were injured again. I found him on the street on his knees trying to cradle his hand and arm. I took him to the hospital and the doctor had to work on his hand and arm again. He’s going to be fine but he’s in bed for the rest of the day. John, I can’t take it anymore."

"It’s all right Tom," John told him. "You’ve been under a lot of strain with the injury to your son. You need to vent your anger. Let it out."

"John," Tom said, "that girl has tried to kill my son three times. He’s being so brave with the pain he’s been in. I want to make him well but I can’t."

Tears had begun to fall down Tom’s face. John reached over and put a hand on his friend’s shoulder.

"Tom," John replied, "you have had to be so strong and not show the pain that you are feeling because of what happened to you and your son. I know you’re miserable seeing him with his injuries. That’s what a father does. But he also has to deal with his own feelings and you haven’t done that. Tell me what you’re feeling."

"I...I feel so helpless," Tom told him. "I was unable to protect my son from being hurt. I want to put that girl away so she won’t ever be able to hurt Jarrod or any of my children again."

"You will Tom," John said. "When is the trial set for?"

"Two weeks," Tom replied. "The judge and the district attorney wanted to give Jarrod plenty of time to get better before he confronted that woman."

"Have you talked to the marshal about protection?" John asked.

"Yes," Tom answered. "He assigned a deputy to stay with us."

"Good," John said. "I asked Jarrod to come to the courtroom in the morning and watch me. He seems genuinely interested in pursuing a career in law. I thought if he could see first hand how a lawyer does his job, he could see if that is what he would like to study in college."

"I appreciate that John," Tom replied. "Jarrod is looking forward to watching you. He’ll be there in the morning."

"Good," John told him. "How are you now?"

"Better," Tom said. "Thanks John."

"You’re welcome," John replied and Tom left his friend’s office.

Tom went back to the hotel. He felt a lot better inside. When he entered the hotel room, Victoria smiled up at him.

"Jarrod’s awake Tom," she said. "He’s been asking to see you."

Tom walked into his son’s room. Jarrod’s head turned when Tom entered and he smiled at his father. Tom smiled at his son.

"Your mother said you wanted to see me," Tom said as he sat down beside his son.

"Yes," Jarrod replied. "Father, I wanted to apologize for this afternoon."

"What are you talking about son?" Tom asked.

"I should never have left the hotel alone," Jarrod answered. "I put myself in danger when I went to John’s office alone."

"Yes you did," Tom said. "But that girl is never going to stop trying to get to you until she is put away for a long time. You don’t need to worry about that now. I want you to rest and get better. You’ll be needing your left arm and hand if you’re going to be a lawyer."

Jarrod’s face was shocked. He looked at his father.

"How did you know I was interested in law?" Jarrod asked.

"I saw John and he told me," Tom answered. "Son, it’s your life and your decision to make. But there is one thing I know for sure. If you do decide to become a lawyer, you’ll be the best one in the state of California."

"Thank you father," Jarrod said and smiled. "I haven’t decided for sure but I am interested."

"Good," Tom replied. "If you’re going to court in the morning, you had better get some rest so you won’t fall asleep in front of John."

"Yes sir," Jarrod told him and laid down in the bed.

"Deputy," Tom said, "you accompany my son to the courthouse. Make sure nothing happens to him.

"Yes sir," Rice replied.

"Father," Jarrod told him, "I’ll be back for lunch."

"You have a good time," Tom said.

"Jarrod," Victoria replied, "you listen to John."

"I will," Jarrod told her.

Jarrod and the deputy left the hotel and walked to the courthouse. John was already seated at the table when Jarrod walked in.

"Jarrod," John said, "I’m glad you could come and watch the proceedings."

"Thank you sir," Jarrod replied. "This is Deputy Rice. He’s keeping an eye on me."

"Deputy," John told him. "Jarrod sit down here and my client will be on my other side."

Jarrod sat down beside John and his client was ushered in a few minutes later. The district attorney arrived and the courtroom began to fill up. Jarrod remained quiet and watched intently everything that transpired that morning. When court was dismissed for lunch, Jarrod stood up and shook John’s hand.

"Thank you for letting me watch you in action," Jarrod said. "It was very enlightening."

"I’m glad you could come," John replied. "What do you think about the law?"

"I am very interested in pursuing a career in law, John," Jarrod told him. "But I want to give it some more thought over the next year."

"I understand," John said and smiled.

Jarrod and Rice walked back to the hotel. Jarrod’s arm and hand were beginning to throb and when they walked in, he went to the bedroom. Tom followed him inside. Jarrod went to the bedside table and picked up the bottle of laudanum that the doctor had given him.

"Son," Tom asked, "you in pain?"

"Yes," Jarrod answered. "I thought I would take some medicine and lay down for a while."

"Do you need some help?" Tom asked.

"Yes sir," Jarrod answered.

Tom gave him a spoonful of medicine and then helped him lay down on the bed. Jarrod’s tired eyes closed and he fell asleep. Tom smiled at his son. He knew that Jarrod would be all right in time.

"Good morning son," Tom said when Jarrod walked out of his room.

"Morning father," Jarrod replied.

"Are you ready to get some breakfast before we go to the courthouse?" Tom asked.

"Yes," Jarrod answered.

The Barkley family went downstairs to the hotel dining room and ate breakfast. Then they headed over to the courtroom. Tom and Jarrod sat beside one another with Victoria and Nick on the other side of Tom. When Charlotte and her boyfriend were escorted in, Jarrod became more subdued and wouldn’t look up.

The district attorney stood up and called his first witness.

"I call Jarrod Barkley to the stand," he said.

Jarrod stood up, looked at his father and slowly walked to the witness stand. He turned and faced the bailiff.

"Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you are about to give will be the truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?" the bailiff asked.

"I do," Jarrod answered and sat down.

The district attorney walked to the boy. He smiled at Jarrod to try and ease his fears.

"You are Jarrod Barkley, the son of Tom Barkley of Stockton, California?" he asked.

"I am," Jarrod answered.

"You and your father arrived in Sacramento about two weeks ago on business?" he asked.

"Yes," Jarrod answered.

"What happened the night you arrived son?" he asked.

"My father and I were in bed," Jarrod began. "We were kidnapped by two men and taken to an abandoned barn. We were tied."

"Did anyone else arrive at the barn?" he asked.

"Yes," Jarrod answered. "A woman, the defendant, Charlotte Tate," Jarrod answered.

"Were you injured by Miss Tate?" he asked.

"Yes," Jarrod answered. "I was whipped and shot."

"Did you have another occasion to meet the defendant again?" he asked.

"Yes," Jarrod answered. "A day or two later two men came into my hospital room and kidnapped us again. We were taken back to the barn where my wrist was broken. The marshal rescued us."

"Had you ever seen Miss Tate before?" he asked.

"No sir," Jarrod answered.

"Did she give you a reason for the kidnapping?" he asked.

"Yes," Jarrod answered. "She said that she wanted my father to suffer as she had. The reason she gave was that my father had caused the death of her father ten years earlier."

"Thank you son," the district attorney said and sat down. "Your witness."

Charlotte’s lawyer stood up and walked toward Jarrod. He looked hard at the young man.

"Son," he asked, "isn’t it true that Charlotte never touched you?"

"No sir," Jarrod answered.

"Isn’t it true that your father caused the injuries you said were caused by my client?" he asked.

"No sir," Jarrod answered. "My father is not that kind of man."

"Son," he said, "you don’t have to protect him. Just tell us the truth."

"I am telling you the truth," Jarrod replied. "My father did not hurt me."

Jarrod started to get a blank look on his face. He stared straight ahead. Tom became very concerned when he saw his son’s expression. He started to rise and go to his son but Victoria held him back.

"Jarrod," the lawyer asked, "have you ever been punished by your father?"

"Uh," Jarrod said. "I...I..."

"Son," the judge asked, "are you all right?"

Jarrod continued to stare and he began to get a terrified look on his face. When Tom saw how scared his son was, he shot from his chair and rushed to his son’s side.

"Jarrod," Tom asked, "can you hear me son?"

"Father," Jarrod muttered.

"Son," Tom asked, "what’s wrong?"

"Wrong?" Jarrod asked.

"Your honor," Tom said, "I need to get my son out of here. I want the doctor to check him."

"Court is adjourned until nine o’clock tomorrow morning," the judge replied.

"Come on son," Tom told him. "Let’s go."

"Go?" Jarrod asked.

"Nick," Tom said, "get on the other side of your brother. We’ll take him straight to the hospital."

"Yes father," Nick replied.

The two of them helped Jarrod up and led him to the hospital with Victoria right behind them. Tom walked up to the nurse’s desk.

"I need to see Dr. Walters," Tom said.

"Just one moment," she replied and left the desk.

A few minutes later the doctor walked out. When he saw Jarrod, he knew something was wrong.

"Mr. Barkley," he asked, "what’s wrong?"

"I don’t know," Tom answered. "Jarrod was testifying and then he became very scared and somewhat addled."

"Let me take him back to the examination room and check him," Walters said. "I’ll let you know when I’m finished."

Walters helped Jarrod to his feet and guided the boy to one of the examination rooms. He helped Jarrod up onto the table. Then he began to check the boy. After an hour, the doctor walked out to the lobby to see the boy’s parents.

"How’s Jarrod?" Tom asked when the doctor came out.

"He’s resting," Walters answered. "I had to sedate him."

"Why?" Victoria asked.

"Because your son was terrified of what he remembered happening to him when you were kidnapped," Walters said. "He was being forced to relive everything that had happened to him in that barn. The strain of remembering was too much for him. He’s going to be all right but I want him to stay here tonight."

"All right doc," Tom replied. "Are you telling us that Jarrod couldn’t remember what had happened earlier?"

"No," Walters answered. "What I’m telling you is that your son blocked out the details of what was done to him by that woman. When he was being questioned, he began to remember vividly everything that had happened to him and became very frightened. That’s why he couldn’t acknowledge you in the courtroom. His mind was completely focused on the events that happened in that barn to him."

"I see," Tom said. "Can we see him?"

"Certainly," Walters replied.

He showed Tom, Victoria and Nick to Jarrod’s room. Jarrod was asleep when they walked in. His face was relaxed and he looked a lot better than he had just a couple of hours earlier.

"Son," he asked, "how do you feel?"

"Where am I?" Jarrod asked.

"You’re in the hospital," Tom answered. "I brought you here this morning."

"What’s wrong?" Jarrod asked.

"You weren’t feeling very well," Tom answered. "And the doctor thought you’d rest better here where he could keep an eye on you."

"What are you not telling me father?" Jarrod asked pointedly.

"Son," Tom answered, "you had a rough time testifying and you became very scared. The doctor had to sedate you until you could calm down."

"Am I going to be all right?" Jarrod asked.

"Yes," Tom answered. "You started remembering everything that had happened to you while we were kidnapped and you were having a hard time dealing with it."

"Oh," Jarrod said. "Do you think I can finish testifying?"

"Yes," Walters replied as he walked into the room. "Jarrod, you had blocked the memory of the injuries you sustained while you were kidnapped. While you were being questioned, you began to remember and you couldn’t handle the memory. You became very frightened. I gave you something to help you relax."

"I see," Jarrod told them. "I’m sorry father."

"It’s all right son," Tom said. "You went through a very rough time with your arm and hand. It’s not surprising that you blocked out that memory. Her lawyer was pretty rough on you."

"You rest and you can leave in the morning," Walters said and left the room.

Jarrod laid his head back on the pillows and closed his eyes. He drifted off to sleep. Tom, Victoria and Nick stayed by his side.

"How are you feeling this morning?" he asked.

"I feel a whole lot better," Jarrod answered.

"Good," Walters said. "I don’t see any reason for you to stay here any longer. Just remember to take it easy with your arm and hand for another four weeks."

"I will sir," Jarrod replied. "And thanks."

"You’re welcome," Walters told him.

The Barkley family left the hospital and went back to court. Jarrod was not recalled to the stand. Tom was the next witness. Jarrod sat and listened to what happened from his father’s point of view. He hadn’t realized how much his father had suffered knowing that his son was injured. Jarrod smiled at his father’s ability to handle the cross-examination from the girl’s lawyer. He was very proud of his father. Tom was excused and the two sides gave their closing arguments. Several hours later the jury returned with a verdict of guilty on two counts of kidnapping, and attempted murder. The judge sentenced Charlotte Tate and Daniel Smith to fifteen years in prison. The Barkley family left the courthouse satisfied with the verdict.

The next morning the Barkley family went to the hospital for Jarrod’s checkup. They were hoping to leave for Stockton that afternoon.

"I’m sorry Mr. Barkley," Dr. Walters said after he had examined Jarrod’s arm and hand. "Jarrod’s not ready to go home yet. I want to keep him here in Sacramento so I can see that his injuries heal up nicely. Maybe in a few weeks but not now."

"Whatever you think is best doctor," Victoria replied. "We’ll keep the room at the hotel and keep in touch with you."

"Good," Walters told them. "As for you young man, I want you to continue to take it easy with that arm and hand. It’s coming along very nicely but it’s still got a long way to go."

"Yes sir," Jarrod said.

"I’ll expect to see you in another week," Walters replied.

"I’ll be here," Jarrod told him and the family left the hospital.

The bullet wound had healed nicely and now the break was healing. It was still very tender and he couldn’t put any weight on it yet. The wrist was also healing and so were the ligaments and muscles in his hand. Everything was on schedule.

They walked back to the hotel. Tom and Victoria went up to their room. Nick and Jarrod decided to take a walk around town.

"You boys be careful and stay out of trouble," Victoria said as they walked off.

"We will," Nick hollered back. "Where to first?"

"I don’t know," Jarrod replied. "Let’s just walk and look around."

"All right," Nick told him.

The two brothers began walking and looking as they went. The residents of Sacramento were nice to the brothers, speaking as they passed. Except for one man and his buddy. They stood right in the walkway and wouldn’t let the brothers pass.

"We heard what you did to Miss Charlotte," one of them said. "We don’t like it one bit, do we Hicks?"

"No we don’t," Hicks replied. "You might be high and mighty in Stockton but here you’re very small."

"That’s right," the man told them. "And do you know what we do with small Barkleys?"

"We stomp ‘em," Hicks said.

The two men grabbed both boys. Nick tried to fight back but he was just too small. Jarrod on the other hand got in a few licks until Hicks grabbed him by his injured hand and squeezed. Jarrod dropped to his knees but Hicks wouldn’t let go. In fact, he went a little bit further. He laid Jarrod’s bandaged hand on the ground and put his foot on it. Jarrod cried out in pain. Hicks just stood on his hand. Jarrod was desperately trying to free himself. Hicks wouldn’t let him go. The other man picked Nick up and threw him into the nearest horse trough. Nick was all right, just wet. Jarrod, on the other hand, was in pain. He was writhing in pain actually but Hicks just laughed at him. He was on the verge on passing out. Nick saw the pain etched on his brother’s face and flew out of the trough. He hit Hicks right in the stomach and he fell backwards to the ground. Jarrod, having been released, was clutching his hand and trying to get to his feet. Nick grabbed his brother by his good arm and they both took off running. Jarrod was still in pain and the running was making his hand hurt worse. The two boys ducked into an alley and sat down. Both of them were out of breath. Jarrod was also hurting. Nick looked over at his brother.

"How’s your hand?" he asked.

"It hurts really bad," Jarrod answered. "We’ve got to get back to the hotel. I think I may pass out from the pain."

"Stay with me big brother," Nick said.

Nick stood up and looked to the left and then to the right. He motioned for Jarrod to follow him. Jarrod was barely able to get to his feet. The two boys keep their eyes open and headed back to the hotel. When they arrived, Tom and Victoria knew there was something wrong. Jarrod was barely on his feet and swaying badly. He was still holding his hand. Before he could say a word, he passed out in his father’s arms. Tom eased him over to the couch.

"Nick," Tom asked with concern, "what happened?"

"We were walking and looking when these two men blocked our path," Nick answered. "They were angry about what had happened to Charlotte. One of them grabbed me and threw me in the trough and the other one grabbed Jarrod and stood on his injured hand until I was able to knock him off. He’s in bad shape."

Tom looked down at his son and then looked closely at the bandaged hand. It was very dirty and Tom could tell it had swelled up. He left the room and went to the hospital to see Dr. Walters. When the doctor walked out, Tom told him what had happened. He grabbed his bag and summoned a nurse and they went to the hotel. The doctor and Tom managed to move Jarrod to the bed. The doctor examined the boy’s hand and breathed a sigh of relief that not too much damage had been done. He and the nurse worked on it and then bandaged it. The doctor gave Jarrod an injection and he relaxed but did not wake up.

"He’s all right," Walters said. "It was just bruised. I’ve given him some pain medicine and something to help him rest. Keep him in bed today and he can get up tomorrow. And please keep him out of trouble."

"We will," Victoria replied and they left. "We’ll have to keep him in the room unless you’re with him Tom."

"Yeah," Tom agreed. "He’s got a bulls eye painted on his chest. That’s goes for you too Nick."

"Yes sir," Nick told him.

"That’s a fine string of horses Mr. Potts," Tom said after he had looked at them. "Wouldn’t you agree Nick?"

"Yes father," Nick replied. "A fine string."

"We’ll take them," Tom told him. "Can you deliver them to the Barkley Ranch?"

"Yes," Potts said. "I heard about the trouble you and your son had. How is your boy?"

"You can see for yourself," Tom replied and gestured at Jarrod who was beside of Nick looking at the horses."

"I’m glad he wasn’t hurt any worse," Potts told him. "That girl is a devil. She can really put a hurtin on anyone if she has a mind to."

"Her days of hurting people are over," Tom said. "She’s on her way to prison."

Tom and his sons went back to the hotel. On their way back, they ran into the two men who had attacked them the day before.

"That’s the two men who hurt Jarrod," Nick said and pointed.

Tom walked over to the men. Jarrod and Nick were right behind him.

"I understand you have to pick on boys to get your fun," Tom said as he walked up to the men. "Why don’t you try picking on someone a little bigger?"

"So," one of them said, "you’re their father, big deal. You can hit the ground too."

He swung at Tom who ducked and hit him with an uppercut. Hicks charged at Tom who sidestepped him and Hicks hit the side of the trough and was knocked out. Tom then began to punch the other man until he was lying on the ground knocked out.

"That will teach you to mess with Barkleys," Tom said. "Let’s get back to the hotel."

When they walked into the hotel room, Victoria took one look at Tom and shook her head.

"You’re supposed to set a good example for your sons Tom," she said. "Not go around picking fights."

"It was the two men that hurt Jarrod yesterday," Tom replied. "You think I’m going to let them get away with it."

"I hope you gave both of them a black eye," she told him.

"Well almost," Tom said and smiled. "They’ll both have a headache for a couple of days."

"Any pain?" he asked.

"No," Jarrod answered. "It’s just stiff."

"That’s to be expected," Walters said. "Let’s check the hand next."

Walters removed the bandage from Jarrod’s left hand. He had Jarrod move his fingers.

"Any pain?" he asked.

"No," Jarrod answered. "It’s stiff too."

"Well, "Walters said, "if you keep exercising them they will begin to work normally."

"Yes sir," Jarrod replied.

"You’re fine son," Walters told him. "I hope that everything goes well for you."

"Thank you sir," Jarrod said.

"Thanks doc," Tom replied.

The Barkley family left the hospital and went back to the hotel room. They packed and caught the late afternoon train to Stockton. When they arrived at the ranch, they were happy to be home. Tom checked with his foreman, Chet Hill. Nick went to see the horses. Victoria unpacked and Jarrod just took a walk. He wanted to do some thinking.

That night at dinner, Jarrod announced his decision.

"Mother," he said, "father, I going to study law when I go to college. I’ve given it a lot of thought and that’s what I want to do with my life."

"I’m very happy for you honey," Victoria replied. "You’ll make a very good lawyer."

"Son," Tom told him, "I told you whatever you decided would be all right with me. And it is. I’m very happy for you."

"Thanks," Jarrod said and smiled.