At breakfast one morning several weeks later, the family was sitting in the dining room eating.

"What have you got planned for today Nick?" Victoria asked.

"I'll be working in the north pasture most of the day," Nick answered. "With Heath gone for two weeks, I'll be spending most of my time with the hands."

"What about you, Jarrod?" Victoria asked.

"I'm going to the office," Jarrod answered. "My caseload has gotten so large, I'll be spending most of my time in Stockton. And my poor secretary hasn't been able to see the top of her desk for the last month."

"Well at least Jarrod, you won't have to get your lily white hands dirty working in your office," Nick said.

"I'll think about you, Nick, out working on post holes while I am in my office working on briefs," Jarrod replied and smiled.

Nick smiled at his older brother.

"Yeah," he said, "I just bet you will. You'll be so busy you'll forget you have a family."

"Oh really," Jarrod replied. "Well brother Nick you can always come into Stockton and remind me if I forget."

"Don't worry brother Jarrod," Nick told him. "I may just do that."

Both brothers chuckled at their remarks. There was a knock at the front door and Silas walked to the huge, brown door and opened it.

"Can I help you?" Silas asked

There were three men wearing deputy badges and they were carrying rifles and pistols. They were unshaven. They were dusty and dirty from their long trip from Coryville. They held their guns on Silas.

"Yeah," one of the three men said. "We want the Barkley brothers. Where are they?"
"They are in the dining room having breakfast," Silas replied.

"Show us," he told Silas.

Silas slowly walked to the dining room where the Barkley family was still eating. When Silas and the men entered, Victoria was surprised and angry.

"What do you want?" she asked obviously angry. "What is the meaning of coming in this house with your guns drawn?"

"We want the brothers, one of the men answered. "They are under arrest."

"For what?" Audra asked.

"Murder," he answered.

Jarrod and Nick had slowly rose to their feet. Two of the deputies walked behind them and tied their hands behind their backs.

"Who were my sons supposed to have murdered?" Victoria asked.

"Matt Coulter," the deputy answered.

"Then you are from Coryville?" Victoria asked.

"Yes," the deputy answered.

"My sons shot in self-defense," Victoria said. "They told me all about it after they returned home. Matt Coulter fired first. They were only defending themselves."

"Not according to Judge Coulter," he replied. "I have wanted posters on all three of them."

"You're crazy," Nick told him and was hit in the ribs by one of the deputies with the butt of his rifle.

The air momentarily flew out of Nick's lungs and he bent over. Jarrod tried to come to his brother's aid but a pistol in the back stopped him.

"Hold it right there Barkley," he said as he pushed his pistol into Jarrod's back. Let's go. Mrs. Barkley, if you try to follow us, your sons will be killed."

"You aren't taking my boys anywhere," she replied still very angry.

"I don't want to hurt you," he told her, "but I will."

"Mother," Jarrod said, "it's all right. We'll go with them."

Victoria, Audra and Silas watched as the three men took the two brothers out the front door. They walked to the barn where two horses were saddled. Before the brothers mounted up, the deputies had a little fun with them.

"We're supposed to bring you to Coryville to hang," one of them said. "The judge didn't say what condition you were to be in when you arrived. I think we'll have a little fun with these two rich Barkleys. Don't you agree?"

"Whatever you say Wayne," one of the other two said. "I'll take the taller one. "Dace, you can have the other one."

"Thank you Sid," the third one said.

Wayne and Dace held Nick while Sid beat him. His ribs had been broken or cracked and his face was bloody by the time they were finished. Nick dropped to his knees and tried to catch his breath. Then they turned to Jarrod. Instinctively, Jarrod began to back up but Sid and Wayne grabbed him by both arms. Dace walked over to him and punched him right in the mouth, which began to bleed. Then he hit Jarrod in the ribs and the back. Then when Jarrod dropped to his knees, they kicked him over and over with their boots in the face, ribs and back. Jarrod finally passed out from the beating. The three men threw Jarrod over the saddle and tied him.

"You can't leave him like that," Nick said. "Riding like that will probably break or crack or bruise the rest of his ribs."

"He rides like that," Wayne said. "Now you shut up or you'll be riding that way too. Let's go."

Nick was able to sit on his horse and the group rode off for Coryville. Nick was very worried about his brother and kept glancing over at him as they rode.

Back in the house, Victoria and Audra were preparing to ride into Stockton and talk to the sheriff about going after Jarrod and Nick. She knew that if they made it to Coryville, they would die. They waited until they heard the horses leave before they left the house. When they walked into the barn to hitch up the buggy, they could tell that there had been a struggle. They saw drops of blood on the dirt floor and knew the boys were in bad trouble.

"Come on Audra," Victoria said. "We need to get to town. I'm afraid your brothers will be dead if we don't get to them soon. We'll wire Heath while we're in town."

"I agree mother," Audra replied and the two women rode for town.

"I wouldn't worry about him," Wayne said. "He's going to die anyway when we get to Coryville."

"He's not going to make it to Coryville if he doesn't see a doctor," Nick replied. "He's busted up bad inside."

"Well he ain't seeing no doctor," Wayne told him. "Now sit down and shut up."

Nick did as he was told. He stayed right beside of Jarrod. When he was given a few rations, water and hardtack, he shared them with his brother. At least he shared the water. Jarrod was not up to eating anything but Nick did force some water into his injured brother. Nick kept a very close eye on Jarrod. He knew that they had to get lose or Jarrod would probably die before they made it to Coryville.

In Stockton, Victoria and Audra had ridden to the sheriff's office to talk to him about rescuing her sons.

"Sheriff," Victoria said as she and Audra entered his office, "you have to go after my sons, Jarrod and Nick. I believe that one or both of them are injured and they won't live long after they get to Coryville."

"What's happened to your sons Mrs. Barkley?" he asked. "I've heard of Coryville and Judge Benjamin Coulter."

"Three so-called deputies entered our house this morning while we were eating breakfast," she told him. "They tied Jarrod and Nick. They said they had wanted posters for their arrest for the murder of Matt Coulter. They told me what happened when they returned home from Coryville. They shot him in self-defense. We have to go after them."

"Now wait a minute," the sheriff said. "Coryville is out of my jurisdiction. Besides, if your sons are taken there, the only person that can keep them from being killed is Judge Coulter."

"Well, I'm not going to stand around here and wait while my sons are hung," Victoria replied. "Judge Benjamin Coulter is the one who sent those men here. It was his nephew that the boys shot and killed. I'll wire Heath in Modesto and we'll go after them."

"You'll be killed," he told her.

"I'm not going to stand by while my sons die," Victoria said.

"I want to wish you good luck," he replied. "I'm sorry that I couldn't help you."

"Thanks anyway," Victoria told him.

Victoria and Audra left the sheriff's office and went to the telegraph office. Victoria sent a telegram to Heath in Modesto explaining what had happened and for him to return home as soon as possible. Then they returned to the ranch to wait for Heath.

"Time to go," Wayne said and waved his gun at Nick.

Nick slowly got to his feet and watched as Jarrod was again thrown over the saddle and tied. Nick stayed as close as he could to his brother as they made their way toward Coryville. Two hours later, Nick noticed that Jarrod was beginning to come to.

"Hey," Nick said. "My brother's awake."

The three deputies stopped and Dace dismounted. He walked back to Jarrod and cut him loose. Jarrod slid to the ground and moaned. Nick jumped from his horse and ran to his brother. He cradled Jarrod's head in his arms.

"Jarrod," Nick said, "take it easy. You're hurt."

"Nick," Jarrod whispered. "Where are we?"

"On our way to Coryville," Nick replied. "How do you feel?"

"My ribs are on fire," Jarrod told him. My head...I can't think straight."

"I figured as much," Nick said. "One of those so-called deputies kicked you in the head a couple of times when we were in the barn."

"How long have I been out?" Jarrod asked.

"Several hours," Nick answered. "Can you stand?"

"I don't know," Jarrod said.

Jarrod tried to climb to his feet but his ribs were hurting and his head was dizzy. Nick grabbed a hold of him and held him upright until the dizziness passed. Then he helped Jarrod mount his horse. Jarrod wavered in the saddle and Nick stayed right beside of him as they headed for Coryville. Several hours later, they camped for the night. The two brothers were tied to trees. Nick kept looking over at his brother and didn't like how he looked. Jarrod tried to smile at him but he was in too much pain. The pain from their ribs was getting worse with every breath they took. They tried to rest as best they could since they were tied. Jarrod fell into a fitful sleep and Nick refused to sleep because he was so worried about Jarrod.

At the Barkley Ranch, Heath arrived from Modesto early the next morning. He had ridden all night. Victoria and Audra filled him in on what had happened the day before.

"From the blood we found in the barn," Victoria said, "one or both of them are badly injured. You have to find them and bring them back."

"I will mother," Heath replied. "Try not to worry."

"I'm not because Audra and I are going with you," Victoria told him.

"You can't," Heath said. "It's not safe. You could be killed."

"Yes I can," Victoria replied. "They are my sons and I'm going."

"All right," Heath agreed.

He knew better than to argue with his mother. Besides he knew he could use the help in freeing his two brothers.

"We'll take four of the hands with us," Victoria said. "McColl, Rasby, Mason and Simms."

"All right," Heath replied. "We'll have to be very careful. We don't know what we'll run into in Coryville. I wonder if the marshal is still working for Coulter."

"I guess we'll find out when we get there," Victoria told him.

The group saddled up and rode off. They knew that if Jarrod and Nick made it to Coryville, they wouldn't live very long.

"He can't go any further," Nick told the three men.

The three deputies dismounted and walked back to the brothers. Wayne looked down at Jarrod.

"Tie him to that tree," Wayne said. "We're going to leave you loose, but if you try something stupid, your brother will pay for it. Do you understand?"

"I do," Nick replied.

Dace and Sid pulled Jarrod over to a nearby tree and tied his arms to it. Being tied to the tree put more pressure on Jarrod's already damaged ribs. Nick was pushed over to the tree and sat down beside his brother.

"Please," he begged, "can I have some water for him?"

Sid looked at the two brothers. Finally he threw Nick a canteen. Nick forced Jarrod's lips open and poured a few drops down his throat. Then he poured some of the water on his bandana and placed it on his brother's heated face. Jarrod moaned but he did not come too.

"Do you have to tie him like that?" Nick asked. "In his current condition, he's not going to escape."

"He's a wanted criminal," one of the deputies answered. "He has to be confined."

"Please let him go," Nick begged.

"I'll tell you what Barkley," Dace said, "I'll fix him right up."

He walked over to Jarrod, raised his head up and looked right into his face. Then he took his boot and kicked Jarrod as hard as he could right under the chin. Nick was at his side. He knew that if he didn't do something soon, Jarrod would die. He had to bide his time.

"Why you no good," Nick seethed.

"Watch it Barkley," Sid said. "Or you'll be next."

Nick backed down but he was still very angry inside. He turned back to Jarrod. He had a mark on his chin where the boot had cut it. Nick knew that Jarrod was really in bad shape. He wished that his brother, Heath, was here. Between the two of them, they could take these so-called deputies.

"Heath," she asked as they rode, "do you think we can catch up to them before they get to Coryville?"

"I hope so," Heath answered. "They are going to die when they get to Coryville."

"Let's move faster," she said.

The group picked up their pace. They were gaining on the others but would they make it in time?

Jarrod was beginning to come to and Nick was by his side. He couldn't move because he was tied to the tree. Nick, whose hands were tied in front of him, was trying to control his anger.

"How do you feel?" Nick asked.

"I hurt all over," Jarrod whispered. "I'm so hot."

"Hang in there," Nick said.

"You get out of here," Jarrod replied. "I can't make it but you can."

"I'm not leaving you," Nick told him.

"You have to," Jarrod said. "It's the only way."

"No," Nick replied. "They would take it out on you. I'm staying and hopefully Heath will be here soon."

"What makes you say that?" Jarrod asked.

"Because mother has probably already sent him word that we are on our way to Coryville," Nick answered. "And if I know Heath, he's on his way to rescue us right now."

"I hope you're right," Jarrod said. "I don't know how much longer I can hold out."

"I know what you mean," Nick replied.

The three men walked over to the two brothers. They looked down at them. Dace lifted Jarrod's head up.

"How are you two doing?" Wayne asked.

"How do you think we are doing?" Nick shot back. "We are both in bad shape and getting worse by the minute. If I wasn't worried about my brother, I'd knock your head off."

"Why don't you try Barkley?" Sid asked. "Of course, your brother would probably get hurt."

"I'll tell you what," Nick replied. "I'll fight one of you for the chance to get out of here if I win. If I lose, I'll go with you and face whatever you have in store."

"What about him?" Dace asked, pointing to Jarrod.

"He's goes with me," Nick answered.

"All right," Wayne said.

"Nick," Jarrod replied weakly, "don't be stupid. They're not going to let us go."

"We'll see about that," Nick told him.

Nick came out punching. He sent one man to the ground and then gave a right cross to another one. Jarrod got his right leg up and kicked the third man. Nick continued to hit all three of them. He was slowly wearing down but he wouldn't give up. He knew he had to win to save his brother. Dace had gone behind the tree and grabbed Jarrod's arms and pulled backwards. Jarrod screamed out in pain coming from his already damaged ribs.

"No!" Jarrod yelled. "Oh please stop!"

"Hold it Barkley," he said, "unless you want me to break the rest of your brother's ribs."

Nick stopped and looked at his brother. Jarrod was writhing in pain and he was on the verge of passing out. He held up his hands and Dace released the hold on Jarrod. Jarrod's head lolled down on his chest and he was out cold. Nick stood there as Sid retied his hands and he sat down beside his unconscious brother.

"Please," he said, "untie him. He's going to die."

"If it will shut you up," Wayne said.

They freed Jarrod and Nick cradled his brother in his arms. The men knew that the brothers wouldn't try anything else because one of them was already near death.

Audra was also thinking about her two brothers. They were as different as night and day but she wouldn't trade either one of them. She knew that Nick would probably try to kick and claw his way out of there. And Jarrod would try to make those deputies feel guilty about taking them in the first place. But she also knew that her brothers' lives hung in the balance and she wanted to make sure they would be all right.

Heath was thinking about Nick and Jarrod. In the months since he had come to live with his new family, he had become very close to Nick. They worked together every day. He loved Nick. Jarrod, on the other hand, he had not had a chance to become that close to. But he didn't want to see him harmed or even killed. He vowed he would save his brothers and if they were hurt, he would make those deputies pay.

The three deputies and their two captives began their trek to Coryville. Jarrod had not regained consciousness so he was again tied after being thrown over the saddle. Nick winced with every movement of Jarrod's horse. He knew that Jarrod's ribs would be a lot worse after having to ride thrown over the back of the horse. Soon the men stopped to camp for the night. Dace cut Jarrod loose and he pulled him to the ground. Nick checked on his brother and realized that his fever was much worse. Of course, he wasn't doing much better himself. His own ribs were on fire and he had also begun to run a fever. He made Jarrod as comfortable as possible.

"Heath," he said very low, "where are you little brother? We need you."

Jarrod moaned and opened his eyes. Nick looked down at him and tried to smile.

"How you doing?" Nick asked.

"Not so good," Jarrod answered. "I'm so hot and my ribs won't stop hurting. How are you?"

"All right considering," Nick said. "I know that Heath is on his way. We have to hold on a while longer."

"I just hope that I can," Jarrod replied. "If I have to ride on that horse again on my stomach with my ribs hurting, I'll scream."

"Maybe tomorrow you can sit up and ride," Nick told him.

"I hope so," Jarrod said.

"We had better get some rest," Nick replied.

"All right," Jarrod told him and his eyes closed.

The three deputies didn't tie them this time. They knew that the two brothers weren't able to do anything so they left them free. Jarrod began to shiver during the night and Nick scooted up as close to his brother as he could to give him heat and warmth. Finally, Jarrod stopped shaking but Nick knew their days was numbered.

"You in the camp!" Heath hollered. "Throw your guns down!"

The three deputies came awake with a start and drew their pistols. Simms shot one of them. Mason shot the second one. Dace, the other one, threw his gun down and raised his hands.

"Don't shoot," Dace yelled. "I give up."

Heath and the men walked into the camp. Heath checked to make sure that two of the deputies were dead and they were. They tied Dace up and McColl rode back to where Victoria and Audra were.

"Come with me," McColl said. "We've found your sons."

Victoria and Audra mounted their horses and rode to the camp. When they arrived, Heath was checking on his two brothers. Victoria and Audra jumped from their horses and ran to Nick and Jarrod.

"How are they?" Victoria asked when she reached Heath.

"Pretty bad," Heath answered. "From what I've been able to ascertain, both of them have broken ribs, abrasions, and a fever but Jarrod is worse. He is burning up."

Victoria knelt by her two sons. She felt Jarrod's forehead and he was indeed running a high fever. She felt Nick and he was running one too but it wasn't as high. Nick opened his eyes and when he saw Heath he smiled.

"I knew you would come," he managed to say. "Thank you."

"How do you feel son?" Victoria asked.

"Not good," Nick answered. "My ribs are pretty bad and I think I have a fever. How's Jarrod?"

"Not good," Heath said. "He's unconscious with a high fever and broken ribs."

"You get a doctor Heath," Nick replied and passed out.

Heath looked up at his mother.

"He's right," Heath said. "We need to get them to a doctor."

"Where's the nearest town?" she asked.

"I would say Pinewood is the nearest town before you get to Coryville," Heath answered. "But they are in no condition to travel."

"We'll send one of the hands to get the doctor and bring a wagon to take them to town in," Audra said.

"McColl," Victoria replied, "you ride to Pinewood and bring a doctor back here. Also bring a buckboard. Hurry."

"Yes Mrs. Barkley," McColl told her, mounted his horse and rode off.

Victoria, Audra, Heath, Simms, Mason and Rasby tried to make Jarrod and Nick as comfortable as possible. They were both shivering and were wrapped in blankets. Heath decided to send Simms, Mason and Rasby back to Stockton with Dace.

"Simms," he said, "you, Mason and Rasby take this one back to Stockton. "We'll be along when Jarrod and Nick are well enough to travel."

"Right away," Simms replied.

They saddled their horses and the four of them rode off toward Stockton. Victoria kept working on bringing her sons' fevers down. She put cold cloths on both of her sons' foreheads to try to keep the fever in check. There was a small stream nearby. Audra tried to get Nick to eat something but he couldn't. Heath wrapped their ribs as best he could from one of the blankets they had brought with them. Jarrod was still out. His breathing had become a lot more labored. Nick was also unconscious.

"Mother," Heath said, "I'm very worried about Jarrod. His breathing is very labored and his fever is high. He may not make it to see the doctor."

"He's a Barkley Heath," Victoria replied. "And Barkleys never give up. He'll make it don't you worry."

"I hope so," Heath told her.

"When did you get here?" he asked.

"Last night," Heath answered. "We surprised the deputies. Two of them are dead and the third one is on his way to Stockton."

"How are you feeling Nick?" Victoria asked.

"I'll do," Nick answered. "How's Jarrod?"

"Not good," Heath said. "He's still unconscious and he has several broken ribs."

"He may have a head injury," Nick replied. "When we were taken into the barn, they beat on us. Jarrod was kicked repeatedly in the ribs and head. Then day before yesterday, he was kicked right under the chin. Last night he was shivering."

"Try not to worry Nick," Audra told him. "McColl's gone to get a doctor. He should be back soon."

"Mother," Nick said, "I'm sorry about all of this. I had no idea when we went to Coryville looking for Jarrod we would end up killing the judge's nephew. But he fired first and we were only defending ourselves."

"It's all right sweetheart," Victoria replied. "You just rest."

Nick laid his head back against his saddle and drifted off to sleep. Jarrod's eyes began to flutter. Victoria leaned over close to him.

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

"Yes," he whispered. "I hurt everywhere."

"I know you do," she said. "You rest and save your strength. You're going to be fine."

"I hope so," he whispered and his eyes closed.

McColl and the doctor arrived the middle of the morning. They were riding in a buckboard. The doctor climbed down and walked over to his patients.

"I'm Dr. Alex Brady," he said as he knelt down beside the brothers."

"I'm Victoria Barkley and these are my sons, Jarrod and Nick," Victoria replied. "They are both running a fever and both complained of injured ribs."

The doctor examined Nick first. He bound his ribs tightly and gave Nick some laudanum to help with the pain coming from his damaged ribs. Then he turned his attention to Jarrod. He examined Jarrod and wrapped his ribs tightly. He wrapped his head in a bandage as there was a bad cut on the back of his head probably made when he was pulled back around the tree by Dace. He gave Jarrod a spoonful of laudanum to help ease his pain. But he was very worried about the fever that both men had.

"Help me load them in the wagon," he said. "I've got to get them back to my office. Both of your sons have broken and bruised ribs. Both of them have a fever but Jarrod's fever is higher. Nick has abrasions on his face and Jarrod has a concussion. That is a bruising of the brain caused by a severe blow to the head."

"Will they make it doctor?" Victoria asked.

"They should but they will be laid up for several weeks until those ribs have a chance to heal," Brady answered. "Let's move to the wagon."

The men began the task of moving Nick and Jarrod to the wagon. Nick walked with assistance from Heath to the wagon and climbed aboard. Heath and McColl had to carry Jarrod to the wagon. Victoria climbed in the back and sat between her two sons. She placed Jarrod's head on her lap. Audra rode with the doctor and Heath rode his horse. They tied the horses to the back of the wagon and headed for Pinewood and the doctor's office.

"They are both in really bad shape," he said. "Nick has two broken, three cracked and numerous bruised ribs as well as abrasions on his face. Jarrod has four broken and five cracked ribs plus a concussion that resulted from a severe blow to the head. I've given them both laudanum for the pain and they will be put to bed. I'm still very worried about the head injury Jarrod has."

"Will they be all right?" Victoria asked very concerned.

"They should," he answered. "Right now they need plenty of rest."

The doctor with Heath's help moved the two brothers to beds. Victoria stayed with Jarrod. Audra sat with Nick. Heath went back and forth checking on one and then the other. Nick had woke up and was hungry.

"Audra," Nick said, "is there anything to eat around here? I'm starved."

Audra hugged her brother's neck.

"What was that for?" Nick asked.

"Just because I love you Nick and the fact that you're going to be all right," she answered. "I'll see what I can find for you to eat."

"Audra," he asked, "how's Jarrod?"

"He still hasn't woke up," she answered. "The doctor is very worried about the concussion he sustained."

She walked out of his room and ran into the doctor.

"Doctor," Audra said, "Nick's hungry."

"That's a very good sign," Brady replied. "There's a cafe right down the street."

"I'll go get him something to eat," she told him and left.

The doctor went into Nick's room. He was surprised that the cowboy was awake but that he was sitting up with the aid of several pillows.

"Well now," Brady said, "you're looking a whole lot better. How do you feel?"

"I'm sore and I have a headache but otherwise I'm all right," Nick replied. "How's my brother?"

"Not good," Brady told him. "I'm very worried about his head injury and the high fever."

"Don't you worry about Jarrod," Nick said. "He's too ornery to die. He'll be fine."

"I hope you're right," Brady replied. "Your mother is with him."

"When can I get out of this bed?" Nick asked.

"In a few days," Brady answered. "I want those ribs to heal first."

"All right," Nick said.

Heath walked in as the doctor was leaving.

"Well," he said, "you're looking a might better big brother."

"I'm felling a might better little brother," Nick replied and laughed. "Heath, thanks for rescuing us. If it hadn't been for you, we'd probably already be dead."

"No thanks are necessary big brother," Heath told him. "I just didn't want to have to break in a new hand to take your place."

"Oh is that right," Nick said. "I'll have you know that I'm going to be around for a very long time. And when we get back to the ranch, I'll show you about breaking things. I'll break old Banter myself."

"And end up with more busted ribs," Heath replied. "You're just asking for more trouble if you try to break Banter. Mother will tie you to the bed."

"She probably would," Nick told him and smiled.

Audra walked in with a tray for Nick. She sat it down on his lap and smiled at her brother.

"Now this looks good," Nick said. "I didn't realize how hungry I was."

"I want you to eat all of it," Audra replied. "You need to build up your strength."

"All right nurse," Nick told her and smiled.

"I'll go check on Jarrod," Heath said and left the room.

"Nick's awake and eating," he said.

"That's wonderful news," she replied. "I knew Nick was too hard headed to stay down for very long. I wish Jarrod would wake up."

"How is he?" he asked.

"His fever is down some," she answered. "But he hasn't woke up and I'm starting to get worried."

About that time, Jarrod's eyelids fluttered and opened. Victoria shot from her chair and went to the bed. Jarrod looked around the unfamiliar room and when his eyes fell on his mother he smiled.

"Son," she said, "take it easy. You have broken ribs and a head injury."

"Oh," he replied as he shifted in the bed. "Where am I?"

"You're in the doctor's office at Pinewood," she told him. "We brought you and Nick in earlier today."

"How is Nick?" Jarrod asked.

"He's resting," she answered. "He's going to be fine."

"That's good," he said.

"How do you feel honey?" she asked.

"I'm in a lot of pain," he answered, "but I'll make it. I'm so tired."

"You rest," she said. "Can I get you anything?"

"Some water," he replied.

Victoria picked up the glass of water beside the bed on the table. She lifted Jarrod's head up slightly and let him drink some of the water. Then she laid his head on the pillows. He smiled up at her before his eyes closed. She covered him up and looked up at Heath.

"He's going to be all right," she said.

"Looks that way," he replied.

"Well now," Nick said, "you're looking a whole heap better than you did a few days ago."

"I feel a lot better," Jarrod replied. "I wanted to thank you for saving my life. If you hadn't been there, I would have died."

"You'll have to pay me back somewhere down the road," Nick told him and smiled. "Seriously, I wasn't about to let those so-called deputies get the best of the Barkleys. Now don't you think I won't let you forget that I saved your life? You'll be owing me for a long time lawyer man."

"I hope that mess with Coryville is behind us," Jarrod said. "I don't want to be put in that position again. If I know you brother, Nick, you'll remind me everyday for the next year."

"I'm sure it is big brother," Nick replied. "He wouldn't dare try again."

"Mother," Jarrod asked, "when can we go home?"

"As soon as the doctor says you are able," she answered. "It shouldn't be too much longer."

"I'm really getting behind on my caseload," Jarrod said.

"What caseload?" Nick asked. "You talk about being behind. I'm so far behind on ranch work, it's pitiful."

"Ranch work," Jarrod said. "You're worried about ranch work. You've got twenty men working for you. They can take care of the ranch for a few days. I only have Evelyn. She's snowed under with work."

"Boys," Victoria replied, "that's enough. Jarrod, you need to rest and Nick so do you. Now you go back to your room. Jarrod, you scoot down in that bed and sleep."

"Yes mother," Nick told her and headed back to his room.

"Yes mother," Jarrod said and eased down in the bed.

He closed his eyes and was asleep.

"Mother," Audra replied, "you're amazing. When those two get started, you're the only one who can get them to hush."

"Why thank you Audra," Victoria told her. "I know when my boys need to rest and if I hadn't put my foot down they would still be arguing with each other. Let's get out of here and let Jarrod rest."

Victoria, Audra and Heath left Jarrod's room. Victoria checked on Nick and was satisfied that he was resting. She joined Audra and Heath in the lobby of the doctor's office.

"We're very lucky to have Jarrod and Nick back safe," Victoria said. "They could easily have ended up dead."

"You're right mother," Heath replied. "They could have been killed at any time."

"Now Mrs. Barkley," Brady said, "I want you to have your family doctor examine your sons when you get back to Stockton. Jarrod is still having a lot of pain from his ribs and head. Nick is not complaining but I know he is also experiencing pain."

"I will doctor," Victoria replied. "Thank you for everything you did."

"You're welcome," he told her.

The Barkley family left the doctor's office and walked outside to their horses. They mounted up and rode off toward home. After riding for several hours, Victoria decided to stop and let Jarrod and Nick rest. Both of them were wavering slightly in the saddle. Heath helped his brothers dismount and they sat down under a tree to rest.

"Nick," Victoria asked, "are you in any pain?"

"Not much," Nick answered.

"What about you Jarrod?" she asked.

"My ribs and head ache but I'll be all right," he answered.

"We'll rest here for a while," she said.

Victoria stood up and walked over to her horse. Heath walked over to her.

"Is there anything wrong mother?" he asked.

"I'm still worried about your brothers," she answered. "They are still weak and in some pain. We'll rest here for a while before we go on."

"All right," Heath said.

Two hours later as the Barkleys were getting ready to head for home, four men walked up to them.

"Afternoon," one of the men said.

"Good afternoon," Victoria replied. "Can we help you with something?"

"You sure can," he told her and drew his pistol.

The three other men with him drew their pistols also.

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

"All we want are your sons," he answered.

"You can't have them," she said. "Two of them are injured."

"That's all right," he replied. "They'll all die when they get to Coryville."

"Coryville again," she told him. "Why can't you leave my sons alone? They didn't break the law."

"Yes they did when they killed Matt Coulter," he said. "Let's go."

The four men herded Jarrod, Nick and Heath together. Their hands were tied and they were marched to their horses. Victoria and Audra tried to stop them.

"Please," Victoria said, "don't hurt my sons."

The man that had done all the talking, who was unshaven, with blond hair and blue eyes, walked over to the three brothers.

"You mean like this," he said and hit Jarrod on the back of the head with his rifle butt.

Jarrod dropped to the ground unconscious. He didn't see the attack coming. His back was to the man. Victoria ran to him and turned him over. She untied his hands. His head was bleeding from a cut on the forehead he received when he hit the ground. She knew that he was in serious condition because he had already had one concussion and now he probably had another one.

"Why?" she asked very angry. "He didn't do anything to you."

"He's a rich Barkley," he answered. "Throw him over his saddle and tie him."

The other three men started to come toward Jarrod. Nick and Heath stood their ground after Audra had slipped over and untied their hands. They wouldn't let the men near their brother. Between the two of them, they were able to get the upper hand and take care of all four of the men. They were so angry at what had been done to their brother. Then they dropped down beside of Jarrod and their mother.

"How is he?" Nick asked, concern evident in his voice.

"Not good," Victoria answered. "We've got to take him back to the doctor but he can't ride on a horse."

"Yes he can," Heath said. "Nick, do you think you can help lift him up to me and I'll hold onto him and ride to the doctor's."

"I can try," Nick replied.

The two brothers got Jarrod on his feet, then Heath mounted up. Nick lifted Jarrod as high as he could without putting too much of a strain on his damaged ribs. Heath hauled his brother up and sat him down in front of him. The rest of the family mounted up and they rode as fast as they could back to Pinewood and the doctor. When they arrived, Nick helped Heath ease Jarrod down. Then Heath carried his injured brother inside. When the doctor saw who it was, he motioned for Heath to bring Jarrod to the bed in the back room. Victoria explained what had happened and Brady began to examine Jarrod. After thirty minutes, he looked up at Victoria and the rest of the family.

"It's not good," he said. "He has another concussion. He is not responding to any kind of stimuli. What I mean by that is that when I pinch him or tap him there is not any kind of movement. His eyes are rolled back in his head. I don't know if he will ever wake up."

"Please doctor," Victoria replied. "Do everything you can to help my son."

"I will Mrs. Barkley," he told her. "The rest is up to him. One thing you can do is talk to him. Tell him stories about when he was a boy or memories from his past. That may help him to wake up."

"All right," she said.

The doctor finished working on Jarrod. His head was bandaged and he was lying in the bed so still.

"Jarrod," she said, "you were always a smart boy. You loved books almost from the day you were born. I started reading to you right after you were born. When you were almost fifteen, your father, your two brothers, Audra and I went camping in Sky Meadow. Gene was only four but he loved his oldest brother."

"Jarrod," Tom replied, "you take your two younger brothers to the stream and see if you can catch any fish for dinner. I'll stay here with your mother and sister. We'll get everything ready for the fish."

"All right father," Jarrod told him. "Come on Nick, grab your pole. You too Gene."

Nick picked up his fishing pole and then looked at his younger brother.

"Come on Gene," Nick said. "Time's awasting."

"I'm coming," Gene replied.

The three boys picked up their fishing gear and headed for the stream. As they went Nick turned to Jarrod.

"Why did we have to bring him along?" he asked. "He can't even bait his own hook."

"Yes I can," Gene answered. "I just have trouble part of the time."

"You have trouble all of the time," Nick said.

"That's enough Nick," Jarrod replied. "Gene is still a Barkley. And he's our brother."

"He may be a Barkley and he may be our brother, "Nick told him, "but he certainly doesn't act like one."

"You take that back," Gene said getting angry.

"I won't," Nick replied. "It's the truth."

Gene charged at Nick who wasn't ready for his attack. The two boys fell to the ground. They rolled one way and then the other. Finally, Nick got the upper hand because he was bigger. As he was raring his arm back to punch Gene in the face, Jarrod grabbed his arm. He pulled Nick to his feet.

"What are you trying to do?" he asked Nick. "He's just a little boy. If you hit him, I'll bust you one."

"You," Nick answered, "the boy with the lily white hands. You couldn't hit me on your best day."

"Yeah," Jarrod shot back.

"Yeah," Nick shouted at him.

The two boys ended up getting into a knockdown drag out fight. By the time, Gene had run back to camp, told his father what had happened and both of them had gone to the stream, Jarrod and Nick were really fighting. Tom and Gene stopped and watched the brothers for several minutes.

"Aren't you going to stop them father?" Gene asked.

"No," Tom answered. "Nick has been picking at his brother for several days. I think it's about time Jarrod dealt with Nick himself."

Finally, after what seemed like hours but was only a few minutes, Jarrod and Nick stopped. Both boys were dirty and both had been cut open.

"Both of you," their father said, "go down to the stream and clean up."

Jarrod and Nick walked down to the stream together but they wouldn't look at each other. They were still pretty mad. Tom knew that would stop when they both were cleaned up. After several minutes, both boys were cleaned up. They both had black bruises on their faces and both were out of breath.

"Let's head back to camp," Tom said as father and sons made their way back to Victoria and Audra.

When Victoria saw her two oldest sons, she looked at Tom.

"Didn't you stop the fight?" she asked.

"No," he answered. "Nick had been aggravating Jarrod for the past week about Gene and this trip. I let him take care of it."

"Tom," she said, "our boys don't need to fight. They need to love each other and help each other."

"You just wait Victoria," Tom replied. "They'll work it out."

Victoria began to watch her three sons. Gene sat down beside of Jarrod.

"Thanks Jarrod," he said.

"You're welcome little brother," Jarrod replied. "Nick was getting too big for his pants anyway."

"Yeah I guess I was," Nick told them. "I'm sorry Gene. I'm sorry Jarrod. I should never have gotten so mad at you. After all, you are my brothers and brothers should stick together."

"Yeah," Jarrod said. "We should."

"I agree," Gene replied.

The three boys sat together, talked and laughed. Tom looked over at Victoria.

"What did I tell you?" he asked. "I told you they would work it out and they did."

"Yes they did," she answered.

"After that fight, you and your brothers were even closer," she said. "Please son, come back to us."

Nick walked into Jarrod's room. He looked down at his brother who was so still. He began to think about Jarrod.

"Jarrod," Nick said, "I remember a time when you and I tried to help father with a small round up. You were about eleven and I was seven."

"Jarrod," Tom asked, "Nick, do you two want to help me move some cattle from the north pasture to the south pasture?"

"Yes sir," Jarrod told him.

"Yes," Nick said.

"Get your horses saddled and we'll be off," Tom replied.

The two boys went to the barn and were saddling their horses. Nick was having some trouble because of his size.

"Jarrod," Nick asked, "can you give me a hand?"

"Sure," Jarrod answered.

Jarrod walked over to him and gave him a hand getting his horse saddled.

"Thanks Jarrod," Nick said and smiled at his brother.

"You're welcome," Jarrod replied and returned the smile.

Tom and his sons rode out to the north pasture. There were about twenty head of cattle they were going to move.

"You two be very careful," Tom said. "You can get hurt if you are not very careful."

"We will father," Jarrod replied.

The three of them began to move the herd. Several of the cows went the wrong way. Jarrod and Nick went after them while Tom kept the rest of the herd going toward the south pasture. Nick charged in like a bull in a china shop and ended up causing the cattle to stampede. Jarrod noticed that Nick had dismounted and was picking up his hat, which had blown, from his head. He had noticed that the cows were charging toward him. Jarrod saw that his brother was in danger. He rode as fast as he could and tried to turn the cows away from Nick.

"Nick!" he yelled. "Look out!"

Jarrod's horse stumbled and threw him to the ground. He was dazed and in the path of two of the charging cows. Nick, realizing what was going on, after his brother yelled, mounted up and rode to Jarrod. He put his horse right in front of Jarrod as protection from the cows.

"Jarrod," he yelled, "stay behind my horse. Don't move. Maybe I can get them to turn."

Jarrod did what Nick had told him to do. Tom had heard Nick and Jarrod holler. He rode as fast as he could to where his sons were. He watched in amazement as Nick protected his brother from being hurt anymore than he had been. When the cows were rounded up, Tom went to check on his oldest son.

"Son," Tom asked, "are you all right?"

"Yes sir," Jarrod answered. "I just had the wind knocked out of me."

"That's good," Tom said. "Nick, thank you for saving your brother's life. That was a very brave thing to do."

"It was nothing father," Nick replied. "I didn't want to lose my brother to a bunch of cows."

"Anyway Jarrod," Nick told him, "you were all right and we finally got those cows moved. You never forgot what I did. Of course, you have repaid the debt over and over."

Heath walked into Jarrod's room. He hadn't known Jarrod for very long but he had love and admiration for his oldest brother. He sat down beside the bed.

"Jarrod," Heath said, "I remember one incident that made me proud to have you as my brother. It was right after I showed up at the ranch with that newspaper article in my pocket. I was bound and determined to have what I felt was owed to me: a heritage and a proud name. After the fight at Sempleworth's farm, you walked over and handed me a cigar. That night when we were talking about my birthright, you acknowledged me as your brother."

"Nick," Jarrod said while the family was sitting in the parlor talking after the gunfight at John Sempleworth's farm, "he's our brother. I can see father's eyes in him and the way he holds himself is father."

Jarrod's left arm was in a sling after the bullet had been removed. It wasn't a bad wound but the doctor didn't want him to use that arm for a couple of days.

"Jarrod you can't be serious," Nick replied. "He's no more our brother than Silas is."

"Nicholas," Victoria told him, "that will be enough. We are going to discuss this in a calm manner."

"Yes mother," Nick said.

"Nick," Victoria replied, "Heath is the spitting image of your Uncle Jim. It's uncanny the resemblance between them. He's Tom's son. There is no doubt in my mind. That also explains why your father was so distant when he returned from Strawberry twenty-four years ago. He wouldn't look at me or talk to me about his trip."

"He didn't hug us either," Jarrod told them. "Remember Nick?"

"Yeah," Nick said. "But if he's our brother, why didn't father go get him earlier?"

"He didn't know," Heath replied. "My mother didn't know she was pregnant when he left. She told me that my father was a wonderful man but that he had drown in some creek. He had been injured in some kind of mining mishap. She nursed him back to health."

"That was why he was gone so long," Victoria told them. "When he came back, he was torn between a love for me and a love for Heath's mother. But he had no idea that he had a son by Leah. If your father had known, he would have gone to see them and hopefully brought Heath and his mother here."

"She never told me my father's name," Heath said. "Not until the day she died and I found that newspaper article in her bible. She really loved him. I know that now. Many nights after I had gone to bed, I could hear her crying and calling a name. She would say Tom, why did you leave me? I love you."

"Oh Heath, I'm so sorry," Victoria replied.

"It's not your fault," Heath told her. "I don't really blame him anymore. But all I wanted to do was let you know that I existed. I am his flesh in blood."

"If you're a Barkley boy," Nick said, "you've got a job to learn. But don't ask me to help you learn it."

Nick stomped out of the room and went upstairs to his room.

"Give him some time Heath," Victoria said. "He'll come around."

"All right Mrs. Barkley," Heath replied. "I don't want to come between you and your sons."

"You're not," Jarrod told him. "I knew from the time you rode to the Sempleworth farm and helped us battle with the railroad that you were my brother. I want you to know that I'm proud to call you brother."

"Thanks Jarrod," Heath said and smiled.

"You accepted me right there as your brother," Heath replied. "I never forgot that you took me into your heart. Please get well Jarrod."

Audra walked into Jarrod's room and looked down at her oldest brother. She began to think about Jarrod.

"Jarrod," she said, "you are almost thirteen years older than me. So you were practically grown by the time I was born. But I remember the time you took me to that play in San Francisco."

"Audra," Jarrod replied, "hurry up. We'll miss the train."

"Coming," Audra told him and almost ran down the stairs.

"You two be careful," Victoria said. "Jarrod, you watch out for your sister."

"I will mother," Jarrod replied and hugged her.

Jarrod and Audra rode to Stockton and boarded the train for San Francisco. They arrived a couple of hours later. Jarrod took Audra to his apartment where they would spend the night. Jarrod had a small apartment he rented when he spent time in his San Francisco office. That evening they went to the play. When they returned to the apartment several hours later, Audra was on cloud nine.

"Oh Jarrod," she said excitedly, "that was a wonderful play. I believe when I get a little older, I want to be an actress."

"You can be whatever you want to be," Jarrod replied. "If you want to be an actress, you be an actress."

"I'm so glad I have you for a brother," she told him.

"Why thank you madam," he said and smiled.

"You've had to become my father as well as my big brother since father was killed," she replied. "I don't see how you managed to do it. You were hurting too. After all, he was your father too."

"Yes," he told her. "I tried to step into father's boots and take over as head of the family. But it almost destroyed me. I was afraid to grieve and show any emotion in front of you, Gene and Nick. But Nick pointed out that I was Tom's son and I had just as much right to hurt as you did. At that moment with Nick standing in front of me telling me actually begging me to grieve for father, I was finally able to let go. I cried for a long time and Nick held me close. After that night, I was able to handle things better. I stopped trying to fill father's boots and decided to be Jarrod Barkley, eldest son of Tom Barkley."

"I never realized how much you hurt," Audra said. "I'm glad you're my big brother."

"Thanks Audra," he replied. "That really means a lot."

"So you see Jarrod," she told him. "You were there for all of us. Now we want to be here for you. So, please wake up. You have a family who loves and cares about you. You have a wonderful law career in Stockton and San Francisco."

Victoria, Nick, Heath and Audra stayed beside Jarrod's bed.

"Audra," Victoria said, "I remember that day very well. Harry came by to tell me that Tom was dead. When I walked into the study and told Jarrod, he said something that made me realize he was trying to be strong for his family."

"Jarrod," Victoria said after she walked into the study, "your father is dead. He was shot by the hired guns of the railroad."

Jarrod just stood there stunned. He didn't cry or show any emotion on his young face.

"Mother," he said, "I have to tell Nick, Eugene and Audra. I have to be strong for them."

"Jarrod," she replied, "you need to grieve son. You can't keep it bottled up inside of you."

"I have to fill my father's boots," Jarrod told her.

"I knew that he was going to be the man of the Barkley house even if it destroyed him and it almost did. He wasn't sleeping and he was becoming very quiet."

"Mother," Nick said at the breakfast table one morning several days later before Jarrod came down, "I don't like the looks of Jarrod. He's locking his feelings about father's death up inside him. If he doesn't let go, he's going to destroy himself."

"I know," she replied. "I need to talk to him and try to get him to open up."

"No," Nick told her. "I'll do it. He might listen to me. I'll talk to him tonight."

"All right," she said.

"Nick cornered Jarrod in the study that evening," Victoria replied. "He wouldn't listen to Nick."

"Jarrod," Nick told him as he walked into the study, "we need to talk."

"About what?" Jarrod asked.

"You need to grieve for father," he answered. "If you don't you're going to destroy yourself."

"Don't worry about me," Jarrod said. "I'm all right."

"No you're not," Nick replied. "You aren't sleeping. "Your temper is short."

"Listen," Jarrod told him, "just leave me alone."

"No!" Nick said loudly and walked around the desk.

He grabbed Jarrod by the front of his shirt and pulled him to his feet. Nick made Jarrod look at him.

"Jarrod," Nick said, "he was your father too. You loved him as much as we did. Just let it go."

Jarrod tried to turn away from Nick but he couldn't. Finally, Jarrod looked right at Nick.

"I failed in filling his boots," he said. "I'm the oldest and it's my responsibility."

"No it's not," Nick replied. "You're his son and you have feelings too."

"Oh father," Jarrod told him, "why did you have to die?"

Jarrod began to cry. Nick held his brother close. They stood there in the study for a long time. Finally, Jarrod looked up and wiped his face.

"Thanks Nick," he said.

"You're welcome 'Pappy,'" Nick replied.

"Thanks to Nick, Jarrod was able to grieve for his father and then he was able to take over and be the man of the house," Victoria told them.

"I remember the incident that Heath was talking about," Nick said. "The next morning after we stayed up and talked about whether or not Heath was a true Barkley, I remember walking into the dining room. I was still hot about Heath."

"If that boy is a Barkley, he has a job to do," Nick said.

"Heath walked into the dining room," Nick replied. "Everyone sat down at the table. He and I both speared the same steak with our forks. Neither one of us was going to let go. I remember Jarrod looked from Heath to me and then he picked up the knife and cut the steak into. We both took our half and smiled at each other. That was when I accepted Heath as my brother and it was a decision I have never regretted making."

"Why thank you big brother," Heath told him and smiled.

"You're welcome little brother," Nick said and smiled.

"I remember Audra the day you were born," Victoria replied. "It was a very cold day in November. Your three brothers were home. Jarrod was almost thirteen, Nick was nine and Gene was only two."

"Tom," Victoria told him as they sat in the parlor, "I think this baby is ready to make its debut into the Barkley family."

"Nick," Tom said, "you ride into Stockton and get Dr. Merrar."

"Yes father," Nick replied and left the house.

"Jarrod," Tom told him, "you stay close and keep an eye on your baby brother."

"Yes sir," Jarrod said.

Tom helped Victoria up to their bedroom and into bed. He stayed right by her side. Nick and the doctor arrived about thirty minutes later. Within the hour, the sound of a baby crying could be heard. Jarrod and Gene went upstairs to see the baby.

"Jarrod," Tom said, "meet your little sister, Audra."

"Audra," Jarrod replied and walked over to the bed and his sister.

Jarrod stood there and looked at his beautiful baby sister. Nick sat down on the bed beside of his mother.

"Can I hold her?" he asked.

"Yes," Victoria answered and handed Audra to Nick.

He was smiling at his little sister. She smiled back.

"Nick," Jarrod asked, "can I hold her too?"

"No," Nick answered. "She's my sister."

"Nick," Victoria said, "she's Jarrod's little sister too. Let him hold her too."

"All right," Nick replied and handed Audra to him.

Jarrod looked down at her sweet little face. Tom and Victoria watched as Jarrod smiled at her and she smiled back at him.

"Jarrod really loved his sister and still does," Victoria said. "So does Nick, Heath and Gene for that matter."

"I remember when I caught Korby Kyles red handed after he had stabbed Colonel Asby," Heath replied.

"Yeah," Nick told them, "and Jarrod decided against our objections to defend Kyles."

"He really thought that Korby was innocent," Audra said. "I remember when Korby admitted that he killed Asby the look on Jarrod's face. He was really shocked."

"He went with his gut feeling," Victoria replied. "He thought Korby could be innocent and he decided to defend him. I know that hurt him very much when he lost that case. But I think what hurt him even more was the fact that he thought he had let us down in taking the case in the first place. That's why he made that toast when he came home."

"We told him that we didn't know what he was talking about," Heath told them. "And we all smiled and then ate supper."

"That's Jarrod," Audra said, "always standing up for what he believed. I'm proud to have him for a brother."

"Me too," Nick replied. "He's always been there when I needed him even if I didn't want him there."

"Yeah," Heath told them. "He's a very special person."

"And a wonderful son," Victoria said and smiled.

"Jarrod," she said, "come on son. Wake up."

His eyes finally opened and he looked around the room. When his eyes settled on his mother, he smiled.

"Mother," he replied, "where am I?"

"You're in the doctor's office in Pinewood," she told him. "You were injured on the way home."

"I barely remember," he said. "My head hurts."

"I don't doubt it," she replied. "You were hit with the butt of a rifle."

"How long have I been here?" he asked.

"Several days," she answered. "Nick, go get Dr. Brady. Tell him Jarrod is awake."

"Right away," Nick said and left the room.

A few minutes later, the doctor walked into the room. He walked to the bed and looked down at his patient.

"How do you feel?" he asked.

"I have a very bad headache," Jarrod answered.

"Let's have a look," he said and examined Jarrod. "You have a pretty good sized bump on the back of your head. I want you to stay in bed and let me keep a close eye on you for a few days before you get up."

"Whatever you say sir," Jarrod replied. "I'm kinda tired."

"Well," he told him, "rest is the best thing for you right now."

Jarrod closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

"Is he going to be all right?" Victoria asked.

"I don't see why not," he answered. "I want to keep him in bed a few days to see if there any problems from his concussion. Then he can get up and eventually go home."

"All right doctor," she said and smiled.

Victoria sat back down in the chair after the doctor had left. She smiled at her oldest son and knew that he would be all right. She drifted off to sleep a short time later.

"Just where do you think you're going?" Nick asked.

"I was going to the dining room after getting dressed for breakfast," Jarrod answered.

"We're not at home 'Pappy,'" Nick said. You're in the doctor's office in Pinewood. You've been asleep for several days."

"I have?" Jarrod asked. "What happened?"

"What's the last thing you remember?" Nick wanted to know.

"I remember eating breakfast one morning and three men came in," Jarrod answered. "We were taken to the barn where we were beaten. I remember being tied to a tree. I remember having hurt ribs. I don't remember anymore."

"Jarrod," Victoria said as she walked over to the bed, "you and Nick were kidnapped by three so-called deputies from Coryville. They beat you very badly. We brought you and Nick here while you healed. Then we left to go home when we ran into four more so-called deputies who were going to take you to Coryville. One of them hit you on the back of the head with his rifle and you've been unconscious ever since. Until last night."

"I don't remember any more mother," Jarrod replied. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault son," she told him. "How do you feel now?"

"I have a very bad headache," he said. "I also have very bad sore place on the back of my head."

"That's where you were hit," Nick replied.

"Mother," he asked, "when can I go home?"

"I don't know son," she told him. "Let's see what the doctor says."

"Whatever you say," Jarrod said and smiled.

The doctor walked into the room and checked on his patient.

"How are you feeling son?" he asked.

"I have a really bad headache and a sore spot on the back of my head," Jarrod answered.

"Let's have a look," he said.

The doctor examined Jarrod's head. When he pressed on the bump on the back of Jarrod's head, Jarrod cried out.

"Ow," Jarrod said. "That hurts."

"There's a fair sized bump on the back of your head," the doctor replied. "I want you to stay quiet for a few days to see if it's going to heal on its own."

"All right doctor," Jarrod told him.

"Jarrod," Victoria said, "I think you need to rest. You've been a very sick boy. Now you lay back and rest."

"Your mother's right," the doctor replied. "Rest is what you need right now."

"All right," he told them.

Slowly his eyes eased closed. Victoria looked over at the doctor.

"Your son has a bad bump on the back of his head," he said. "I'm going to keep a very close eye on it. I don't want it to turn into trouble."

"What kind of trouble are you talking about?" Victoria asked.

"I'm talking about severe headaches," he answered, "blurred vision, blackouts and his equilibrium could be affected."

"Will he recover?" she asked.

"He should," the doctor answered. "Don't let him get up. It's very important."

"All right doctor," she said.

"Oh please!" he cried. "Stop hurting!"

Nick heard the cry and came running. As he opened the door and hurried in, he saw Jarrod on the floor holding his head. He rushed to his brother's side.

"Jarrod," he asked, "what's wrong?"

"My head," Jarrod answered.

Nick went in search of the doctor. A few minutes later, the doctor and Victoria along with Nick rushed into the room. The doctor kneeled down beside of Jarrod.

"Jarrod," he asked, "can you hear me?"

"Yes," Jarrod answered through clenched teeth.

He helped Jarrod to his feet and then deposited him back onto the bed. Jarrod's eyes showed the immense pain he was having. The doctor left the room and returned a few minutes later with a syringe. He injected some medicine into Jarrod and his eyes closed and he began to relax.

"Doctor," Victoria asked, "what happened?"

"The minute he stood up," the doctor answered, "his head rebelled against him. He has to stay quiet and continue to rest so the trauma to his head can heal. I want someone with him all the time. He is not to be left alone."

"All right doctor," she said. "I'll stay with him."

"Good," the doctor replied. "I've given him a dose of pain medicine and something to help him rest. He'll be asleep for several hours. When he comes to, let me know."

"I will doctor," she told him and the doctor left the room.

Victoria looked over at her oldest son. He was resting more comfortably now. She was worried about him though. Very worried.

Several hours later, Jarrod began to come around. He was very sluggish. His eyes finally opened and he looked around the room. Victoria rose from her chair and walked over to the bed. She sat down on the bed beside of Jarrod. He barely smiled at her. She smiled back at him.

"Jarrod," she said, "you slept a long time. How do you feel?"

"I'm a little sluggish," he replied. "What happened?"

"You tried to get up earlier," she told him. "You had a problem with severe pain in your head which caused you to fall to your knees. The doctor put you to bed and gave you something for pain."

"Mother," Jarrod asked, "what's happening to me?"
"What do you mean son?" she wanted to know.

"Why won't my head get better?" he asked. "I can't get up and I can't think straight."

"You were severely injured Jarrod," she answered. "You have to give yourself time. I'm sure you'll be better soon."

"I want to get out of here and go home," he said matter of factly.

"I know you do," she replied. "But you can't right now. You're not physically ready."

"How long before I am ready?" he asked becoming more upset with every word.

"Son," she answered, "I can't answer your questions. But you don't need to get upset. You'll only make yourself hurt more."

"Please," he begged and started closing his eyes to the pain coming from his head.

"Jarrod," she said, "calm down."

"No!" he replied loudly. "I can't take this anymore. Father, help me. I need you."

He began to grab his head and gritted his teeth to the pain. Victoria became very concerned.

"Nick!" she called. "Nick!"

Nick walked into the room a few minutes later.

"Did you call me mother?" he asked.

"Find Dr. Brady now," she answered. "Your brother is very upset."

"Yes mother," he said and left the room.

"Jarrod," she replied, "please calm down. You're only making yourself sicker."

"I want it to stop," he told her. "Don't you understand?"

"Yes son," she said.

Victoria had to physically hold him down in the bed. Jarrod was thrashing around in the bed. The doctor walked in a few minutes later and went to the bed. He got hold of Jarrod's shoulders.

"Jarrod," Brady said, "stop it. Do you hear me? Stop."

Jarrod finally calmed down a little. He opened his pained eyes and looked up at the doctor. He was completely exhausted. Victoria looked down at her son. She stroked a hand through his hair.

"It's all right son," she said. "Just take it easy."

"I hurt so much," he replied in almost a whisper.

"I know you do," she told him. "The doctor can help you if you give him a chance."

"All right," he said.

"Jarrod," Brady replied, "you have to take it easy for a little while longer. Your head has had a severe shock. It needs time to recover. I know you're in a lot of pain. I'm afraid to give you too much pain medicine right now. Try to stay as calm as you can and the pain will ease. Do you think you can do that?"

"I'll try," Jarrod told him. "I'm just tired of hurting."

"I know you are," Brady said. "Just give yourself a few more days."

"All right," Jarrod replied and laid his head back on the pillows.

As soon as he relaxed his head, his pained eyes closed and he drifted off to sleep. Victoria looked up at Dr. Brady.

"He's going to recover," Brady said. "He just needs more time to heal. His head has not recovered sufficiently to warrant him getting up. It shouldn't be too much longer."

"It's so hard to see him in such agony doctor," Victoria replied. "He's in pain and he's miserable."

"I know how you must feel," he told her. "Jarrod is your son. You have to watch him suffer and there's nothing you can do to ease his pain. What those men did to him was terrible. We need to go forward and try to get him well."

"I know you're doing the best you can to help my son," she said.

"Thank you," he replied. "Try not to worry. He will get better."

She smiled at him and he left the room. Nick, Heath and Audra walked in. They went to the bed and looked down at their brother.

"Mother," Nick asked, "what's wrong?"

"Your brother is in a lot of pain and discomfort," she answered. "He's not handling it right now. He became very upset and finally the doctor was able to calm him down. He is asleep now."

"That's what he needs," Audra said with tears in her blue eyes. "I'm sure he'll be better soon."

"Yes," Victoria replied. "We need to encourage him when he's awake. Your brother needs all the support we can give him right now to get through this."

"All right," Nick told her.

Nick sat down on the bed beside of his brother and looked down at him. He reached over and took Jarrod's hand in his.

"Jarrod," Nick said, "I know you are hurting big brother but you're not alone. I'm right here with you. We've always known that we have a special bond between us that we know when the other one is sick or hurt. I remember one time when we were just young boys you had ridden off with your friends on horseback. I was in my room when I had this feeling you were calling out for help. I ran downstairs and out the door. I rode toward where I thought you were. I was right. You were unconscious on the side of the road. Had I not found you, you would probably have died. Anyway, what I'm getting at is that I'm here for you right now. I know how much pain you're in. You just remember that I'm right here."

"Nick," Victoria replied, "that was so sweet of you. You and Jarrod have always known when the other one is hurt. Your father used to say, if Nick or Jarrod get hurt the other one knows right away. I wish your father was here now. He could always help me through these rough times when one of you is hurt. I miss him as much now as right after he was killed."

"I do too mother," Nick told her. "He was always there when we were hurt or sick. But he's not here anymore and we have to accept that. Jarrod will be fine."

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

"I knew that you needed me son," Tom answered. "I came to help."

"Father," Jarrod said, "I have failed in my quest to take your place as head of the Barkley family. Now I'm lying in bed in a lot of pain."

"Son," Tom replied, "you don't have to fill my boots. I want you to remember that you're my oldest son and as the oldest you have to help your younger brothers and sister during their times of need. But don't forget you also need them and must allow them to help you in your time of need. Your mother is now the head of the Barkley family. She is quite capable of this. You need to go on with your life."

"But father," Jarrod told him, "it's so hard. Everyone in the valley looks up to us and I feel that I have failed my family and everyone because I haven't been able to fill your boots."

"Son," Tom said and put an arm around Jarrod's shoulder, "you are a wonderful son. As a father I couldn't have asked for a better son than you. Now you need to go on and live your life. The Barkley family will survive. Now, what you need to do is concentrate on your law career. Your mother will be fine. She is a very strong woman."

"Thank you father," Jarrod replied. "I hope I can continue to live up to your expectations."

"The only expectations you need to live up to are your own," Tom told him. "Now I want you to go back. You are very much-needed son. I'll be here if you ever need me again. And remember I'll always be a part of you in here."

Tom pointed to his heart and smiled at his son.

"Take care," Tom said and slowly walked away.

Victoria, who had been sitting in the chair beside the bed, heard Jarrod talking. As she began to listen closely, she realized that Jarrod had been talking to his father. She wasn't sure how but she noticed a calm come over her son as he slept. His face was more relaxed and he was resting very comfortable. She smiled.

"Thank you Tom," she said very quietly. "You've brought our son back to me."

Nick, Heath and Audra heard their mother's words and looked at each other. They knew that somehow their father had helped their brother. They weren't sure how and it really didn't matter because in their hearts they knew that Jarrod was going to recover and be fine.

"Mother," Jarrod said, "I want to apologize for my behavior earlier. I shouldn't have taken it out on you."

"It's all right son," Victoria replied. "You were in a great deal of pain and were having a very hard time dealing with it. How do you feel now?"

"I have a dull ache in my head," he told them. "But it's nothing that I can't handle now."

"Jarrod," Victoria asked, "who were you talking to while you were asleep?"

"I had a dream or at least I think it was a dream," Jarrod answered. "I was in a beautiful, green meadow and a man walked up to me. It was father."

"Your father?" Victoria asked.

"Yes," Jarrod answered. "He knew that I was in pain and having a hard time taking over as the head of the Barkley family. He told me that I didn't need to try, that you were a strong woman and that you were the head of this family. He wanted me to continue with my law career and be there when my brothers and sister needed me. But he didn't want me to forget that they were there when I needed them like now."

"Oh Jarrod," Victoria said. "You are a fine son. You've helped to hold this family together through a lot of trying times. Now we want to help you."

"You have," Jarrod replied. "You've stayed right beside of me and kept me from feeling so sorry for myself. Nick was there when I was badly injured and wouldn't let me give up. Heath saved both of our lives. What more can I ask for? You are a wonderful family and I love you all very much."

"Son," Victoria told him as she hugged him tightly, "you are a special man. Your father and I both knew you were destined for greatness when you were a small boy."

"Thank you mother," Jarrod said.

"Jarrod," Nick replied, "you have been a wonderful big brother for me. I've always looked up to you. We have our arguments and disagreements but I have never stopped loving you."

"Thanks Nick," Jarrod told him and smiled.

"Jarrod," Heath said, "when I first came to this family, you were the one I most admired. The way you handled yourself, even when you weren't sure yourself about father and my mother. I still admire and look up to you. I love you big brother."

"I love you too Heath," Jarrod replied and smiled at his blond haired brother.

"Jarrod," Audra told him, "ever since I was a little girl, I have always thought of you as my second father. Then after father was killed, I really leaned on you. I think I forgot that he was your father too. We all leaned on you. You on the other hand had no one to lean on. You lost father too. I want you to lean on me now. I'll help you in any way I can. Sometimes you get on my nerves but I still love and admire you."

"Thanks honey," Jarrod said and smiled.

Audra hugged Jarrod tightly. From that moment on, the Barkley family was a closer knit family. Jarrod gradually improved and finally came the day when he finally was allowed to get out of bed.

"Jarrod," Dr. Brady asked, "are you ready to try standing up?"

"Yes sir," Jarrod answered.

"All right," Brady said.

Jarrod pushed back the covers and swung his legs over the side of the bed. He sat there a minute giving his head a chance to stop throbbing so hard. Then he gingerly stood up and almost fell. Heath grabbed hold of him and helped steady Jarrod. Heath finally let go when Jarrod shook his head. Jarrod gingerly walked across the room. His head was still aching but he was determined to do this. By the time he had walked to the door, he was completely exhausted. Nick caught Jarrod as he almost fell. Jarrod let Nick help him back to the bed and he sat back down. He rested his head in his hands. Then he slowly looked up at everyone and smiled.

"That was very good," Brady said for the first time. "I want you to rest for a spell before we try again."

"All right doctor," Jarrod replied.

Nick again helped him lay back on the bed and laid his legs up on the bed. As soon as his head hit the pillow, his eyes closed. Victoria reached over and covered her boy up.

"You're going to be all right son," she said and smiled.

"Jarrod," Brady said, "I want you to have your family doctor in Stockton examine you when you get home. Take it easy for at least a week before you get back into the everyday grind."

"I will," Jarrod replied. "Thank you doctor."

"You're welcome son," Brady told him.

The Barkley family began their trek home. Every two hours Victoria would stop to let Jarrod rest. She could tell the journey was still hard on him. She could see the pain etched in his blue eyes. Jarrod would sit down under a tree and close his eyes trying to stop the pain that had come back.

"Son," she asked, "are you in very much pain and discomfort?"

"I'm hurting some," he answered. "But I can make it."

Jarrod stood up and fell down on his knees. He was holding his head in his hands. Victoria leaned him against a rock and he closed his eyes. He drifted off to sleep.

"We'll camp here tonight," she said. "Jarrod's not able to go any further."

They made camp and Jarrod's head was laid on his saddle by Heath. Jarrod never moved. The family fixed a bit to eat and waited patiently for Jarrod to wake up.

"Mother," Nick asked, "when Jarrod was in Pinewood, he said he had talked to father. Do you really think he did?"

"I don't know Nick," she answered. "It's very possible. Whatever happened I know that Jarrod was more relaxed than I've seen him in for six years. The day your father died, he began the up and down ride to try to handle everything that came his way and our way. I even forgot that he was hurting just as bad as the rest of us. I think your father helped him realize that he didn't need to take on everyone else's troubles. He just needed to deal with his own."

"I guess you're right," Nick said. "Goodnight mother."

"Goodnight son," she replied.

Victoria sat up and watched her oldest son. He was sound asleep. He had been completely exhausted.

The next morning, Jarrod woke up refreshed and ready to go home. The family packed up and headed out for Stockton. Victoria kept a close eye on her oldest son who started wavering in the saddle as the morning worn on. Soon he was fighting to stay awake and she had the family stop to rest. Jarrod climbed down from his horse and sat down with his back against a large boulder. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. He was asleep in no time. The family rested for a couple of hours and then started out again. After two days travel, they finally arrived home. When they walked into the house, Silas met them at the door.

"Welcome home Mrs. Barkley," Silas said. "I see you found Mr. Jarrod and Mr. Nick."

"Yes Silas," she replied. "Now, I want to get Jarrod settled in his room. Then later this afternoon, Heath I want you to ride into Stockton and have Dr. Merrar come out and check Jarrod."

"Yes mother," Heath told her.

Victoria walked slowly up the stairs with Jarrod. They went to his room where she helped him in bed and covered him up. He drifted off to sleep.

"He's just completely exhausted," Merrar said. "Keep him in bed for a few days like Dr. Brady said and he should be fine. I'll check on him at the end of the week."

The doctor left and things started to get back to normal. Jarrod continued to improve and by the next week, he was able to go to the office. Victoria was very happy to have her family home and fine.