Jarrod Barkley had been at the ranch for almost two weeks following his ordeal in the Mount Gable Sanitarium. He was getting restless because his mother had forbid him to do anything. She was only following the doctor’s orders concerning Jarrod’s activities. She wanted her son to get well and if she had to ride herd on him she would.

"Now Jarrod," she said as he stood in the living room of their home in Stockton looking like he would die of boredom, "I mean it. You are not going for a walk or a ride. You are still recuperating from your ordeal in the sanitarium. The doctor told you to rest for at least a month and I’m going to see that you do that. It’s only been two weeks and you still have two weeks to go. And I don’t want you to give me that ‘I’m going to die if you don’t let me out of here look.’ You are a grown man and you know just how sick you were. I don’t want to hear another word about it."

But mother," he replied looking very disappointed, "I’m fine now. I don’t have a headache any longer nor do I feel any pain. I need to get out of this house before I go crazy. And I don’t remember a lot of what happened in there. How could I?"

"You are not going and that’s all I’m going to say on this matter," she told him looking very serious. "I didn’t mean that you could remember everything. Some of the things are better not remembered. Now I suggest you go to your room and rest."

"Mother," he asked suddenly curious, "what are you not telling me?"

"I don’t understand what you mean," she answered looking at his puzzled face. "Jarrod, is something wrong?"
"I want to know what you’re hiding from me," he said looking right at her.

"I’m not hiding anything from you," she replied not completely understanding. "I’ve told you everything that happened."

"Mother," he told her getting slightly upset, "I know something happened during the time I was in the sanitarium. What?"

"Jarrod," she said trying to calm him down, "you were drugged. That’s all that happened. You banged your head once."

"How?" he asked wanting to know everything.

"I don’t think you need to concern yourself with that right now," she answered. "You are still recovering and you need to rest. Now, do I have to take you to your room or are you going by yourself?"

"I’m going," he said but he was still confused about several things. "I just wish you would tell me all of it."

"I have told you everything," she replied standing up. "Now, go rest."

Jarrod didn’t say anything else. He knew better than to try to sway his mother. She already had her mind made up and she wasn’t about to change it. He just turned walking back up the stairs and down the hallway to his room. He wasn’t happy. He felt like a prisoner. He wanted to go outside and just walk around but his mother had forbidden him from doing it. He thought about sneaking out of the house but thought better of it especially with his broken wrist. He decided to lie down on his bed for awhile. As he laid there, he thought about what his mother had said.

"What could she be hiding?" he asked himself. "What all happened in there that no one told me about? Did I do something that they are afraid I’ll do again if they tell me? All I have are questions but no answers.

Finally, he let his eyes close.

"Mother!" Nick yelled as he walked in the front door about thirty minutes later along with slamming the door, "Where’s Jarrod? I wanted to know if he wanted to come out to the corral and watch the hands trying to break Dynamite. He’s been in this house too long and he needs to get out."

"You have a horse named Dynamite?" she asked looking at him. "What kind of name is that for a horse?"

"He acts just like TNT," he answered as he stopped in the doorway to the living room. "You know, wants to explode. Anyway where is Jarrod?"

"Nicholas," she said very calmly, "first and foremost, you do not need to raise your voice when you walk in the door. Also, you do not need to close the door so loudly. I can hear you just fine if you would use your regular voice. Second, Jarrod is in his room resting."

"Resting!" he cried shaking his head. "I would have thought he would be so tired of his bed after two weeks."

"Will you please lower your voice?" she asked getting slightly upset. "Your brother is resting as per the doctor’s orders. You know I’ve told you and told you that one of these days you are going to shatter all the windows in this house not to mention my eardrums with your shouting."

"I’m sorry mother," he answered looking a little sheepish. "You know me. If I have something to say I don’t whisper it."

"I know that very well," she said looking at her second son. "Now to answer your question, I have already forbidden Jarrod from leaving this house."

"You can’t!" he cried. "Jarrod needs to get out in the fresh air. I bet he’s already going crazy."

"Nicholas," she said very sternly, "I will tell you what I told him. He is not going out to walk or ride or anything else. The doctor said for him to take it easy for at least a month. I intend to have him head those words."

"But mother," he replied looking at her, "Jarrod is much better. He is moving around without any problems. I’ll even keep an eye on him the whole time he is outside."

Jarrod, who had heard Nick’s voice, woke up, got up from his bed and left his room walking down the stairs. He smiled as he heard his mother telling Nick to be quieter. He was hoping that Nick could help him persuade her to let him out if only for a short time.

"Did I hear my name?" he asked as he walked up beside of Nick. "Nick, what are you doing in here in the middle of the morning? You can’t have run out of work."

"You are supposed to be resting young man," she said as she looked at him. "I’ve already told you that you can’t go outside yet."

"Come on mother," Nick replied looking at Jarrod. "He won’t do anything. I promise. It will do him good to get some fresh air. If he stays in here much longer, he might wilt."

"Please mother," he told her looking at her with hope. "I promise I won’t do anything. I’ll just watch Nick and the other hands. What’s the big idea of saying I’m going to wilt? I’m not a flower Nick."

"Didn’t mean anything personal Jarrod," Nick said smiling. "I was just trying to convince mother that you need to get out in the fresh air. I already know you’re going stir crazy in here."

"That you have right," he replied nodding. "I’ve seen those four walls in my room long enough. I want to live a little."

"Not too much," Nick told him. "You still better listen to mother and the doctor."

"That’s the first sensible thing you’ve said Nick," she said looking at both her sons. "I don’t know what I’m going to do with you two. You’re supposed to be grown men but you act like little boys. How am I supposed to treat you?"

"Mother," Nick replied looking at her, "we’re men but we’re still young and we do make mistakes. That’s how we’re supposed to learn. But if you lock us in our rooms till we’re old, we’ll never learn anything."

"Nick," he told his brother, "sometimes I need an interpreter to understand what you say. What in the blazes are you talking about?"

"I’m talking about you staying in this house for a month," Nick said getting a little bit angry. "Is that what you want? Or would you rather spend some of it outside in the wide open spaces breathing fresh air?"

"I see what you mean now," he replied smiling. "I just wanted to make sure what you said."

"Boys," she told them looking at both of them. "There is still the question of whether I will allow Jarrod to got outside in the first place. I’m thinking it over very carefully."

Victoria sat there contemplating what her answer would be. She looked from Nick to Jarrod and back. Finally, she nodded.

"Nick," she said very sternly, "you make sure he doesn’t do anything. I’m counting on you. And Jarrod, if you start to get tired, I want you back in this house to rest. Is that understood boys?"

"Yes mother," both Jarrod and Nick replied smiling.

"Mother," Jarrod commented smiling, "thank you. I’ll remember. Try not to worry."

"Come on Jarrod," Nick told him as he pulled Jarrod from the room. "Let’s get out of here before she changes her mind."

"You’re right," he said smiling as they went out the door. "You don’t know what this means to me. Mother wasn’t about to let me out for any reason. I was about to high tail it out of there. Even if I had to climb out my bedroom window."

"And get caught along with having to listen to mother’s I told you so," Nick replied laughing. "Although that would have been a sight."

"What would have?" he asked not sure what Nick had meant.

Sometimes Jarrod had a very hard time trying to figure out what Nick was talking about and this was another of those times.

"You trying to climb out of your room down that old tree with your broken wrist," Nick answered still smiling. "I can see you trying to slide down and ending up on the ground the hard way."

"Yeah," he said laughing. "I would then have to sit down for one of mother’s many lectures. You remember those don’t you?"

"That’s for sure," Nick replied as they walked. "At least I saved you that much. Oh of course. She used to give me one almost everyday when we were in school. Usually they were for fighting."

"You sure did," he told his brother. "I’m very grateful. I didn’t know how long I would have to stay in that house. You were a fighter when we were both younger. Sometimes I was glad you were and sometimes I wasn’t. When I wasn’t it was usually because you got me tangled up your problems."

"Mother’s just being very careful," Nick said looking at Jarrod seriously. "She doesn’t want you to get sick or have a relapse. I can see her point. And for your information, I still am a fighter. I’d rather put my fist into someone’s face then listen to what they have to say."

"You’re a lot of help," he replied looking hurt. "You sound just like mother. I know you do. That’s why I’m the level-headed brother remember?"

"Come on," Nick told him. "You want to see the hands break Dynamite or not?"

"Sure," he said hurrying to catch up with Nick. "I love being able to come outside for at least a little while. By the way, where’s father?"

"You’re going to get better," Nick replied as they walked over to the corral. "I know you are and then you’re going to put that maniac where he belongs, in jail. Father is working a crew of hands in the north pasture this morning. But he should be back by lunchtime."

"I sure hope so," he told his brother. "I don’t want him coming after me again. You, Audra, Gene, mother or father could get hurt."

"Don’t worry about us," Nick said smiling. "We can take care of ourselves. But we need to keep you safe. You’re the one that can put him away and he knows that too."

"I know he does," he replied looking somber. "Nick, he’s tried to kill me twice or at least keep me away from the courts. I want to put him where he belongs. For good."

"I know you do Jarrod," Nick told him. "But just take the time to heal now. The trial isn’t for several weeks. You’ll be ready and then you can take care of Henry Radcliff."

"True," he said as they walked up to the corral. "Isn’t that Steve Baker on the horse?"

"Sure is," Nick replied as he looked inside the corral. "He’s a good man if he don’t get stove up from riding Dynamite."

"Nick," he told his brother, "you really surprise me. You can really care about others or you can hate their guts. And when you care, you’ll go out of your way to help them. I guess that’s what I admire most about you."

"You are just know starting to understand me," Nick said laughing. "Boy are you behind the times. We’ve been together for the past twenty-one years and you’re just now starting to appreciate me. I’m going to have to give you a lesson in respecting your younger brother."

"Nick," he replied looking at Nick, "I don’t need to understand you. I already do. That’s the problem. I understand you too well and I know what you are thinking before you do."

"Oh very funny," Nick told him. "Let’s watch the hands."

But Nick knew that Jarrod was right. They did know each other almost as well as they knew themselves. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to help Jarrod when he was lost in the desert or again when he was lost in the sanitarium. He only had an idea of what Jarrod had gone through while he was left to die in both places. And he wanted to protect his brother. But he also knew that he couldn’t protect Jarrod from having to face that man in court. That would have to be done by Jarrod himself. Nick knew that Jarrod was perfectly capable of putting that man away for good but he also worried that he could try again. And there was no way he was going to let that happen even if he had to stay with Jarrod every minute of every day until the trial.

When they stopped at the corral, one of the hands was already on the chestnut horse’s back and he was trying to maintain his hold on the animal.

"Ride him Steve," Nick said cheering him trying to be happy for Jarrod even if he was still worried about his brother’s safety. "Hold on."

"Hold on," he replied smiling really enjoying himself for the first time in weeks. "Don’t let him get the better of you."

Nick looked over at Jarrod. He could tell that his brother was really enjoying himself despite the fact that he had almost died not once but twice. Nick hadn’t realized how much he relied on having Jarrod around until he almost lost him when Jarrod was in that sanitarium. If Radcliff had been able to cause Jarrod to remain afraid and not knowing whom anyone was, he would have walked out of court a free man but Jarrod had surprised him. For that matter Jarrod had surprised his brother too. Nick was frankly amazed that Jarrod had recovered as quickly as he had.

Steve was too busy trying to maintain his hold on the horse to acknowledge Nick’s presence or anyone else’s for that matter. He was trying to maintain his focus on the horse.

"What do you think about the horse?" Nick asked as he looked over at Jarrod. "Do you think father and I were right in buying him?"

"Looks like he is going to take a while to break," he answered watching Steve. "Maybe you should try. Yes I think you made a good choice. You’re the one who knows horseflesh. I don’t."

"Me," Nick said laughing. "I don’t break them any longer. I let the hands break them as well as breaking other things. Jarrod, you are a vital part of this ranch and don’t you forget it. I don’t know much about the financial side but you do. I know about how the work goes. You know. Getting the men to do it, etc. But don’t you let anyone tell you you’re not a part of this ranch. Or for that matter this family. You are and you can take that to the bank."

"What’s the matter Nick?" he asked trying to rile his brother. "You getting soft. Thanks for the comment Nick. It means a lot. I know you know everything else about the ranch but with my law business, I’m not going to have a great deal of time to help you and father but I will do whatever I can."

"I am not soft," Nick answered a little more forcefully than he intended. "I just don’t want to ride him that’s all. Jarrod, you are my brother and I love you even if I don’t say it much. You are a vital part of this family and don’t you ever forget it. Or I’ll have to remind you."

"Yeah," he said smiling. "You are afraid. You just won’t admit it. I know what you’re doing Nick. And I appreciate it very much. But you don’t need to worry about me. I’m going to be fine."

"I am not," Nick replied starting to get angry. "Just for that. I’ll show you. I know you are going to get well. Haven’t I been telling you that all along? Let me show you how it’s done."

Nick climbed up on the corral fence and then over onto the ground. He walked over to the two hands that had gotten a hold of the horse after Steve had been thrown to the ground.

"Let me have him," Nick said as he looked back at Jarrod. "Old Jarrod there doesn’t think I can break him. He thinks I’m too soft. I’ll have to prove it to him and you."

"I was only joking Nick," he replied trying to talk Nick out of trying to break the horse. "I didn’t mean for you to take it so seriously."

"I’m going to show you lawyer man," Nick told him as he climbed up on the horse’s back.

Nick held on with all his might. Jarrod watched as the horse tried to dislodge Nick from his back. Jarrod climbed up on the bottom fencing. His right foot slipped and he was forced to drop to the ground hard because he couldn’t grab a hold of the top fencing with his right hand because of the cast. He jarred himself but he didn’t notice any problems at the time so he decided not to mention it to Nick at least for now. If his mother found out about this, she would never let him out of her sight. Nick wasn’t about to be thrown because he wanted to show that brother of his just what he could do. He waved at Jarrod, who stuck up his right thumb toward his brother. After a few more minutes, Nick was sitting on a trotting horse. Jarrod smiled.

"Nick," he called, "you’ve still got it."

Nick dismounted walking over to his brother.

"Didn’t I tell you that I would break him," Nick said smiling broadly. "You’re the one who didn’t want to believe me."

"I’m sorry Nick," he replied lowering his head. "I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. Lately, that’s all I feel like I have done to everyone. I’m sorry for everything."

"You didn’t," Nick told him putting an arm around Jarrod’s shoulder. "You all right?"

"Yeah I guess," he said smiling. "I’m still confused about things and I’m trying to deal with what has happened to me even if I can’t remember it. I’m just relieved that you are still in one piece."

"Why wouldn’t I be?" Nick asked him. "I’ve been doing this since I was a very young boy. Jarrod, is something wrong?"

"No," he answered but Nick could tell that something was indeed bothering him.

"What is it?" Nick asked looking at Jarrod. "I know you’re still recovering from what happened in that sanitarium but there must be something else."

"I’m fine," he answered and turned away.

"Jarrod," Nick said as he walked closer to his brother, "I..."

"Just let it drop," he replied and changed the subject "I remember the first time you tried to break a horse. You scared me to death."

Jarrod thought back to the day that his brother had first tried to break a horse.

Jarrod shook his head as he came back to the present.

"You not only got yourself in trouble but me too," he said shaking his head. "I was never mad at anyone in my life as I was at you. I remember that week. It was so hard to stay in my room and father made me stay away from my books too. You really had me punished."

"Yeah but I proved to father what a rancher I was," Nick replied nodding. "He never stopped me after that. And I’m sorry you couldn’t read those sissy books of yours. No wonder you are starting to look fat, you never get out and exercise."

"He didn’t want to break all the windows in the house with your loud voice when you were yelling at him because he didn’t want you to do something that stupid. And I am not fat! I’ve never been fat in my life. You sometimes rile me up so much that I want to haul off and sock you. But I won’t. I know you and all it would do would be to get me into trouble and I can think of better things to do with my time."

"Stupid!" Nick cried. "That was a perfect ride. How can you call it stupid? Jarrod, if you weren’t hurt, I’d think about punching your lights out for that remark but since you are I’ll forgive you this time."

"Because you scared me half to death," he said looking at Nick. "I was afraid that you were going to get killed. It was a very stupid thing to do. You’re going to forgive me. I’m just being honest Nick. You’re the one that can’t deal with the honesty."

"I was all right," Nick replied looking back at the corral. "Let’s drop it now. Just watch the hands and enjoy your freedom."

Jarrod nodded and smiled.

In Carson City, Henry Radcliff sat at his desk and he wasn’t a very happy man.

"You let him get away," he said as he looked at the other man sitting in the room. "You let him get away. I had it all planned out. And you blew it. He had the mind of a child; he was scared to death and what did you do, you let another doctor help him."

"I’m sorry sir," Aaron Powell replied as he looked at his employer. "I tried but he was able to get help for that drug. I had him scared to death of his own shadow."

"You failed," he told the man. "I’m very disappointed in you. I’m sitting here looking forward to a trial where I could end up in prison for the rest of my life. I should take you out and shoot you."

"Please sir," Powell said trying to come up with a way to keep from getting killed. "I promise that I can still get rid of him. I have another plan."

"What is it as if I’m interested?" he replied shaking his head. "There is a saying and I think it applies here. If you want something done, you have to do it yourself."

"I was thinking that since he was in Stockton we could still get to him," Powell told him. "It would be simple just to shoot him where he stands."

"No," he said as he thought of a better idea. "I don’t want him shot just yet. It may come down to that later but first and foremost I want him to suffer to the end. I want him to know who did this to him and why."

"Are you going to send him a wire saying that his days are numbered?" Powell asked not understanding. "He would know that you were coming after him and he would be prepared when you arrived. It doesn’t make any sense."

"No you idiot," he answered shaking his head at Powell’s grasp of what he was planning. "Let me put this in words that someone as stupid as you can understand. Frankly, I don’t know why I ever hired you. I have a plan that will take care of our young Mr. Barkley once and for all and let me have the revenge that I’ve wanted for the last eighteen years."

"You’ve said that the last two times and the young cuss is still alive," Powell said looking at the man. "What could you possibly do to him that would kill him? I don’t think he can be killed. And what do you mean for the last eighteen years? What are you hiding? And let me tell you something. I shouldn’t have taken this job in the first place. It has been one headache after another since you hired me. Don’t you dare lay all the blame on me. You’re responsible too."

"What would you say if I was to tell you that I’m going to cause the young cuss to die in agony and suffer to the end?" he asked smiling. "It’s none of your business what I meant. I know what I meant and that’s all that matters."

"I would say how," Powell answered. "You’ve also tried that twice before and failed both times. You had him left out in the desert to die but he was saved by an Injun that shouldn’t have been out there in the first place and then you had him committed to that sanitarium where another doctor was able to repair the damage that you caused. What more could you do to him? I promise you this much. I will find out what you are referring to and then I’ll know your secret."

"Just suppose that he is riding along toward Stockton from the ranch on his horse," he said smiling as he talked. "A man is sitting on his horse on top of one of the many high rolling hills above the road to town. Young Barkley is riding along when a shot rings out to the back of the horse. Since he’s not expecting anything to happen, he would be surprised or startled. He wouldn’t have time to react. You try to blackmail me and you won’t live very long. I mean it Powell. You don’t mean a thing to me."

"You’re not going to shoot the horse are you?" Powell asked interrupting. "I mean that wouldn’t do any good. And how do you know so much about the landscape around Stockton. Have you been there before? Don’t threaten me. Remember I can go to the sheriff and tell him everything even though I will also be making myself liable for the wrongs I’ve done, you will be right there beside of me."

"I was getting to that," he answered showing his displeasure at being interrupted. "The horse would bolt and start to run very fast. Then the man could fire again at the front of the horse causing it to rear up throwing its rider off. But not just anywhere. I want him thrown off where he will fall to his death down a ravine or something similar. He will die out there all alone. And they will call it an unfortunate accident just like the one that killed his grandfather almost twenty years ago. No, I’ve never been to Stockton but Paul Davis has and so has a few other men who’ve worked for me. They have explained the landscape around the town. This idea will work if I can find the right man. You’re making it very easy for me to shut you up for good. I would advise you to do what you’re told and let the rest alone."

"Sounds like it just might work," Powell said as he thought about what Radcliff had just told him. "Who would you get? How do you know his grandfather died in a similar accident? All right. I’ll let it be for now."

"I have a man for just that purpose," he replied looking at Powell. "He is a perfect shot and that’s what it is going to take to pull this off. I have my ways of knowing. It seems that young Barkley was quite upset. He even tried to end his own life. I think this would be fitting. Don’t you? Good. I’m glad you’re seeing it my way."

"What about his family?" Powell asked realizing that his family could cause problems too. "They seem to know when he is hurt or missing. If you say so. How do you know so much about his family? "

"I’ve considered that too," he answered. "I believe I know how I can stop that from happening again. In the last few months, I’ve made it my business to find out everything I could about Barkley. His life is filled with problems. Not only did he blame himself for his grandfather’s death but he was angry with his own father. That’s not a very sane man. If he somehow makes it to court maybe my lawyer can just tear young Barkley’s life to shreds. But I’m hoping to stop him from even making it to court in the first place."

"Well?" Powell wanted to know. "Don’t leave me hanging."

"I am not only going to kill young Jarrod Barkley but his father and brother too," he commented very calmly. "And if I get a chance, I’ll just take care of the whole family. They’ll never be able to hurt me after I’m through with them. Especially after what happened those many years ago. I owe them big time and it’s time to collect. And no one will know that it was me that caused an entire family to die."

"No way," Powell said as he realized what the man was planning. "You can’t wipe out an entire family just to get one man. That’s premeditated murder."

"Yes it is," he told Powell. "But I’m tired of having to deal with any of them. I believe my plan will still work. And I’ll walk out of that courtroom a free man. And my other problem will be taken care of too."

"It will work but the authorities will not say it’s an accident," Powell said as he thought about what Radcliff was planning. "It will look like someone wanted them dead. You have to make it look like an accident."

"That’s why you are here," he replied looking at the man. "You come with that answer. That’s what I pay you for. And if you can’t, I know more that can."

"I’ll see what I can do," Powell told him as he rose. "I need to contact a man. He is an excellent shot and it might come down to just shooting all of them."

"If he won’t do it," he said standing also, "I also know someone who will."

"Of course sir," Powell replied heading out the door. "I will keep you posted."

After Powell left his office, Radcliff turned to the door that led into the back room of the office. Another man walked out only this one didn’t smile. He sneered as he made his way to the desk.

"You heard it all?" he asked as he looked at the man.

"Yes," the man answered. "Do you want it taken care off?"

"By all means," he said smiling. "I don’t want any slip ups this time. And tie up every loose end. I don’t want anything to implicate me in any way. And while you’re at it, take care of him too. He knows too much and that is a liability."

"There won’t be any," the man replied sneering. "There won’t be any witnesses either. He won’t know what hit him."

That said, the man left the same way he had entered. Radcliff sat there and smiled.

"It will soon be over," he said.

Before the man left Carson City, he shot and killed Aaron Powell leaving his body in an alley.

Jarrod came inside the house from the corral about two hours later. His mother met him at the door.

"Are you tired?" she asked as she met him in the foyer. "You’ve done enough for today. It’s time to rest.

"A little," he answered as he stopped in front of her. "All right. I am kind of tired."

She looked closely at him. His face was pale and he was breathing heavy. She caught his arm as he almost dropped to his knees.

"Jarrod," she said as she helped him to the couch in the living room, "I knew this was a mistake. You’ve overdone and now you’re ill."

"I’m just a little bit weak," he replied as he sat down laying his head back. "I have a small headache."

"You’re going straight to bed," she told him as she sat down beside of him. "I don’t want any argument from you either. I’m going to have your father or Nick help you to bed and that’s where I want you to stay for the rest of the afternoon. Is that understood?"

"Yes mother," he said trying to focus on her face. "I guess I’m more tired than I thought but I really enjoyed spending time with Nick outside. Nick broke Dynamite. I guess I dared him and he took the dare. I remember the first time he tried to break a horse."

"I remember it very well," she replied smiling. "Nick was only ten at the time. That was much too young to try to break an animal bigger than he was."

"I know mother," he told her trying to relax his aching head. "I was punished for letting him do it."

"You know why you were punished don’t you?" she asked looking at his pale face.

"Yes," he answered trying to think but not being able to. "I was supposed to stop him from doing it. But it was like arguing with a fence post. Nick wouldn’t listen then and he won’t listen now. He’s stubborn."

"I know someone else that is stubborn," she said looking at Jarrod. "He doesn’t want to listen to someone who is only concerned about his health."

"I’m sorry mother," he replied putting his left hand up to his head. "It’s a little warm in here too."

"Jarrod," she asked becoming very concerned, "is your head causing you pain?"

"I believe so," he answered but his facial features showed the amount of discomfort he was in.

She felt his forehead noticing that it was warm. She stood up realizing that the doctor needed to look at Jarrod. She wasn’t sure what was wrong with her son but whatever it was it was serious.

"I’m going to send for Dr. Merrar," she said as she started for the front door. "I want him to have a look at you. I don’t like the fact that you are in so much discomfort along with feeling like you have a fever."

"Mother," he replied trying to stop her, "I’m all right. I just need to relax a few minutes before I try to do anything else. I guess I overdid it outside. That’s all."

"No Jarrod," she told him continuing to walk. "I’m sending your father for the doctor and I don’t want an argument from you about it."

"Yes mother," he said as his eyes closed.

"You stay right there until I get back," she replied as she opened the door. "I don’t want you to get up."

"All right," he told her as he left.

She could tell that he was uncomfortable. She also knew he was running a fever probably from whatever was making him so weak. She wanted to be safe than sorry. She left the house walking out to the corral where she saw Tom and Nick talking. It was getting close to noon and they were undoubtedly getting ready for lunch.

"Tom," she said as she hurried over to him, "I need you to ride into Stockton to get Dr. Merrar."

"Why the doctor?" Nick asked not understanding. "Is someone hurt?"

"No," she answered still looking at Tom. "Jarrod is not feeling very well. He is very pale and he seems to be some pain from his head."

"He was fine when he was outside with me earlier," Nick said looking at her. "What do you think caused it?"

"I’m not sure," she replied looking worried. "I only know that he needs to see the doctor."

"All right," he told her as he headed for the barn to saddle his horse. "I’ll ride to Stockton and ask the doctor to have a look at Jarrod. Where is he now?"

"He’s resting on the couch," she said as she headed for the house. "He didn’t think he could make it upstairs by himself and I agree. One of you will have to help him. I better get back to him."

"I will when I get back from town," he replied as he walked out of sight in the barn.

Nick couldn’t understand what had happened but he knew one thing for sure. Jarrod was sick and he needed to be with his brother.

"Wait mother," he said as he caught up to her. "I want to see him especially if he is very ill. I want to be with him because I was afraid twice before that I was going to loose him. And I’m not going to let him go through this alone."

"All right," she replied as the two of them walked back into the house. "Nick, he’ll be glad you’re there with him through this. You’re a very special brother. I’ll need help getting him up to his room."

"Is he that bad?" he asked looking very concerned. "I mean I didn’t see him do anything that would have hurt him while he was outside with me."

"Yes," she answered hurrying toward the house. "He almost fell to his knees when he walked inside a short time ago. I’m very worried."

After his mother had left the house, Jarrod’s stomach lurched and he tried to stand. He wanted to try and make it to the front door. He thought the fresh air might help stop him from feeling like vomiting. But he didn’t make it. His legs became very wobbly and wouldn’t support his weight. He went down on his knees just inside the foyer and tried to cradle his head with his hands, which threatened to explode

"Nick!" he cried as he tried to deal with the pain he was having. "Help me!"

When Victoria and Nick entered the house, they both saw Jarrod on his knees on the floor of the foyer. She quickly ran to him, cradling his head in her arms after turning him over onto his back. She could tell he was very ill.

"Honey," she said as she looked at him, "I told you to stay put."

"I felt like I was going to throw up," he replied trying to hide his pain. "I tried to get to the door for some fresh air but I guess I didn’t make it. I’m better now."

Jarrod tried to sit up but he fell backwards into his mother’s arms. She shook her head at Nick.

"No you’re not," she told Jarrod as she continued to hold him in her arms. "I’m going to put you to bed until the doctor arrives and then we’ll see what we are dealing with."

"I wish I could argue with you," he said trying to hold his aching head up. "But right now I’m in so much pain that I can’t think."

"Jarrod," Nick replied as he knelt down beside of his brother, "you were fine when we were outside. What caused you to hurt?"

"I’m not sure," he told Nick trying to focus on his brother. "I was watching you riding the horse and I climbed up on the bottom fencing. My foot slipped and I dropped to the ground pretty hard because I couldn’t get a handhold on account of my broken wrist. My head starting to bother me then but it gradually got worse. By the time I walked to the house, I was in a lot of pain. Mother, I can’t feel anything other than pain. My head feels like it is going to explode. Please do something."

"Take it easy Jarrod," she said looking down at him knowing how much he was hurting. "I want to get you to your room. The doctor is going to be here soon. He’ll give you something to help you feel better."

"I don’t think I can stand up again," he replied trying to focus on her. "I’m still sick on my stomach and I’m dizzy."

"All right then," she told him looking up at Nick. "We’re going to put you up on the couch. When the doctor and your father arrive, then we can move you."

"Fine," he said as he tried to sit up only to grab his head with his hands. "I can’t."

"Don’t worry Jarrod," Nick replied getting onto his feet. "I can pick you up and lay you on the couch."

Nick gently picked up his brother laying him on the couch. Jarrod cried out as the sudden movement made him very sick.

"Oh no!" he cried trying to stay as calm as he could but not entirely succeeding. "I’m going to be sick."

"It’s all right," Nick said as he laid his brother on the couch. "Go ahead and throw up. It might make you feel better."

Jarrod had closed his eyes trying to curb his aching head. Nick looked at his mother and she had the same expression on her face that was on his. They were both very worried and very concerned about Jarrod.

"Honey," she asked as she looked down at him, "is your stomach settling down any? It won’t be long before the doctor will be here."

"I hope not," he answered as he closed his eyes again. "I think I’m going to throw up."

"You go ahead," she told him as she knelt beside of the couch. "I’ll be right here beside of you."

Jarrod nodded but he was able to keep it down. He breathed a sigh of relief, as he was able to relax a little.

"Mother," Nick said as he looked at Jarrod, "he looks like he is in a lot of pain."

"I know," she replied looking up at him. "I only hope that the doctor will help."

"I’m sure he will," Nick told her trying to cheer her up but not doing a very good job of it on himself. "He has to. I need him."

The doctor followed by Tom walked in a short time later. He went right to Jarrod. He didn’t have to be told about Jarrod’s condition, he could see it in the young man’s face.

"How long has he been like this?" he asked looking up.

"Since he walked inside the house about an hour ago," she answered trying to remember. "He’s gradually gotten worse since."

"His concussion is rearing its ugly head again," he said as he continued to examine Jarrod. "I’m going to give him something to help him deal with the discomfort."

"Doc," Nick replied as he looked at his brother, "Jarrod said he jarred himself while he was outside. I didn’t see him do it."

"It’s all right Nick," he told Nick. "You didn’t know. I don’t think he would have told you either. He’s too stubborn for that."

"Doctor," she asked looking at him, "will he be all right?"

"Yes," he answered. "But I want him to rest the remainder of the day and tomorrow. What has happened is that when he slipped, he jarred his entire body. His head, which is still recovering from not one but two serious concussions, fought back the only way it could. It made him ill. With rest, he will be fine. That’s why the doctor in San Francisco told him to rest for an entire month. Concussions can linger for several weeks. And Jarrod has had two of them within a very short period of time. He’s having to deal with the bruising that it caused and when he jarred his body, it caused his head to hurt."

"He will be all right," she said looking at her son.

"With time and rest," he replied looking at the family. "I mean rest. I don’t want him up for two days and then when he does start moving around, he is to take it very easy. Until his head can heal."

"We understand doc," Tom told him. "Now we need to get him to his room."

Jarrod opened his eyes looking at his family. He felt just a tiny bit better but he didn’t want to think about standing up.

"I don’t think I can," he said closing his eyes to the pain. "I’m feeling so sick."

"Son," he replied pulling out a bottle of liquid, "I’m going to give you something for the pain and to help you be able to rest. It will be rough for about an hour until the medicine starts to work but you will feel better."

The doctor gave Jarrod the medicine. Then Tom, along with Nick eased Jarrod up onto his feet. He was still very ill and he couldn’t stand up without help.

"Father," he said begging to be laid back down, "I can’t. I’m so sick. Please let me lay back down."

"Son," Tom replied holding onto Jarrod, "it won’t take that long to get upstairs to your room. I want you to lean on us."

Jarrod couldn’t hold his head up nor could he walk on his own. All he wanted to do was cradle his head and his stomach. Tom and Nick had to practically take all of Jarrod’s weight on them.

"Please," he begged again. "I can’t make it."

"It’s just a little further," Tom said trying to keep his son moving. "I know you’re miserable but we have to get you to bed."

"I know," he replied very quietly. "I am trying."

"We know you are," Tom told him continuing to help him up the stairs.

It took all the effort of Tom and Nick to get Jarrod up the stairs. Once they were in the hallway, Jarrod fell to his knees. The doctor was beside of him.

"He can’t make it," he said looking up. "He’s completely exhausted. If he tries again, he will be very ill."

"I can carry him," Tom replied as he put one hand under Jarrod’s back and the other one under his legs.

Tom carried his son the rest of the way to his room where he gently laid him on his bed. Nick helped his mother remove Jarrod’s boots. They didn’t worry about his clothes. Jarrod was just relieved to be still again. She covered him up and sat down beside of the bed.

"I’m sorry mother," he said very quietly. "I never meant to hurt myself."

"It’s all right," she replied pushing his hair out of his face. "You’ve overdone and now it’s time to rest."

Jarrod barely nodded as he closed his eyes drifting off to sleep.

"I’m going to leave this bottle of liquid with you," the doctor said as he handed her the bottle of amber liquid. "I want you to give him a spoonful every two hours for the next five days. It’s to help his aching head and the nausea that goes along with it. I also noticed that he appears to be running a slight fever. This will also help that."

"I will," she replied taking the bottle. "How long should he remain in bed?"

"I would like for him to stay in bed at least today and tomorrow," he told her. "If he feels like getting up the next day, allow him to but also make him rest some. He’s still dealing with a lot. But those two concussions really worry me. I don’t want him to overdo and hurt himself again."

"I sure will keep him in bed," she said looking at him. "And he’s not going to argue with me either."

"Doc," Tom replied looking at his son, "thanks for helping him. He didn’t ask for any of this. He was kidnapped and placed in there. I watched my own son afraid of me, his own father. Do you know how that made me feel?"

"I can only imagine," he told Tom. "One thing is for sure. Jarrod will recover with time."

"I’m glad to hear that," Tom said smiling. "The next thing he will have to deal with is the fact that he will have to testify against the man who caused all this to happen, Henry Radcliff. I still get very angry every time I hear his name mentioned. That man has done nothing but try to end Jarrod’s life."

"Tom," he replied looking very serious, "you know it’s just possible that the man could try again. You need to consider some form of protection for Jarrod until he does testify. He doesn’t need any further torture. He’s dealing with enough right now."

"I know," Tom told him. "Nick and I can keep him safe here at the ranch. As for anywhere else, we’ll worry about that when the time comes."

"I’ll come by some time tomorrow to see how he is," he said as he walked toward the door. "Remember, nothing except rest."

"We will," she replied looking at the doctor as he left. "Tom, I’m going to stay with him for awhile. You and Nick go on back to work. But be sure to get you something to eat. I’ll eat a bit later when Jarrod is feeling better. There’s no need for all of us to wait. If I need you, I’ll come get you. You have things that need to be done."

"All right," he told her as he headed for the door. "Let us know if there is any change."

"Mother," Nick said as he headed for the door, "tell Jarrod I’m here for him. If he needs anything all he has to do is ask."

"I will," she replied as she watched her husband and son leave.

Victoria turned her attention back to Jarrod.

"Honey," she said looking down at him, "I’m right here. You just rest."

Tom and Nick slowly walked out to the barn after picking up a sandwich from Silas. They were both lost in their own thoughts about Jarrod.

"Father," Nick said as they walked, "I had no idea he would do something like this when I asked mother if he could come outside to watch the hands break Dynamite. I only thought it might do him good to get out in the fresh air for a while. If I had, I would have kept a closer watch on him."

"It’s not your fault son," he replied looking at Nick. "We can’t watch Jarrod every minute of every day. He’s trying to heal but he’s going at it too fast. He needs to give his body the time it needs. The rest will come with time."

"I see what you mean," Nick told him smiling. "But I’m still worried. He’s been there for me and now I can be there for him. He doesn’t have to face this all alone like he did in that sanitarium."

"I know you are," he said putting his arm around Nick’s shoulder. "You and Jarrod are very close. In fact, if it hadn’t been for you, we would never have found him when he was left in the desert and in the sanitarium. You are a hero son."

"I don’t feel like one," Nick replied shaking his head. "I just feel bad for Jarrod. Like you said, he didn’t ask for any of this to happen to him. But he’s put up a battle to survive and I’m very proud of him."

"I am too," he told his son. "We had better get some work done."

Tom and Nick went to work but their hearts were still with Jarrod.

The man with the snarl rode into Stockton that afternoon on the stage from Carson City. He had already taken care of one problem and now he was ready to deal with the other one. He walked into the hotel where he got a room.

"Wonder if you might tell me where the Barkley spread is," he said to the hotel clerk.

"It’s north out of town," the clerk replied looking at the man after he looked at the man’s signature. "You got business with the Barkleys, Mr. Brown?"

"Yes," he told the man. "I’m here to conduct some business with at least one of them."

"You can’t miss the ranch," the clerk said smiling. "Biggest in the area. Ole Tom is the businessman. He has interests in five states I’ve heard."

"I see," he replied looking at the clerk. "My business is not with him. It’s with another member of the family."

"You must mean Jarrod," the clerk told him. "He’s a lawyer and has an office here in town only he doesn’t use it right now. Been out of town for the past few months I’ve heard working for some big shot in San Francisco."

"Yes," he said looking at the man, "my business is with him. I have a legal matter that requires immediate action. I had heard he was a pretty fair attorney and thought I would speak to him about it."

"I’m sure he’ll help you," the clerk replied. "He’s always been one to help others. Good man just like his pappy. In fact, a lot of people around here think that Jarrod is going to be a politician someday. His pappy wanted to be but things ain’t worked out for him. The boy would be a good candidate. He’s very well liked by most."

"Thanks for the information," he told the clerk as he took his key and headed to his room.

Once inside the hotel room, the man pulled out his rifle, which he kept rolled up in a cloth so he could clean it. He wasn’t ready to show the town what he was here to do. To him, this job meant the end of a problem once and for all. He thought about his intended target.

"Won’t be too hard," he said as he worked. "They can’t guard him every minute of every day."

He realized from what the clerk said that young Barkley was here. He was afraid that he had missed him somehow.

"Won’t be too much longer either," he said with that snarl on his face.

Late that afternoon, the man left the hotel and rode out to the Barkley Ranch where he looked closely at the road to the ranch as well as how the ranch was laid out. He didn’t want to make any mistake in what he was here to do. Unfortunately, he couldn’t shoot him the way Radcliff wanted it. There was no ravine anywhere on the road to and from the ranch. He knew he would have to just shoot him off his horse and let it go at that. He didn’t see any sign of the one he was looking for but he did see the old man and one of the boys. So he decided to bide his time. He was in no hurry. They couldn’t hide him forever. Sooner or later, he had to come out of that house. And Mr. Brown would be there waiting for him.

When Jarrod finally opened his eyes after sleeping for three to four hours, he saw his mother’s face looking down at him. He smiled but his face was still pale and he was still in some pain.

"You’re looking a lot better than you did this morning," she said as she sat beside the bed. "How do you feel?"

"I’m better," he replied trying to sit up. "I think I’ll get up and try to walk around."

"Oh no you don’t," she told him pushing him gently back onto the bed. "The doctor doesn’t want you up for at least a couple of days."

"But mother," he said trying to argue with her. "I’m all right. I was just weak but I’m fine now."

"No butts young man," she replied looking at him with a stern expression on her face. "I’m telling you Jarrod, that you have to rest. Your concussion flared up again. The doctor feels that you need to completely rest in order to heal. You are pushing yourself too hard too fast. You have to give yourself time to heal. And that’s what you are going to do even if I have to sit on you to do it."

"I see," he told her digesting what she had just told him. "Well, I guess I had better do what he says. I know just how angry you can get and I don’t want to listen to one of your lectures now."

"That makes perfect sense," she said smiling. "Would you like something to eat? You missed lunch and I had Silas save you a plate."

"Not right now," he replied as he thought about the question. "I’m still a little sick but it’s not near as bad as it was earlier."

"That’s good," she told him smiling. "When you’re ready I’ll fix you a plate. Why don’t you go back to sleep? Rest is the best medicine."

"I am kind of tired," he said letting his eyes close.

She covered him up and leaned back in the chair.

Tom and Nick had begun to watch a stranger riding the road between the ranch and Stockton.

"Father," Nick asked as he watched the man on horseback, "what’s with him? He keeps riding up and down the road. Do you think he’s lost?"

"I’m not sure," he answered as he too watched the stranger. "I’ve never seen anyone just ride the road back and forth. It doesn’t make any sense."

"You don’t think he’s trying to find Jarrod do you?" Nick asked suddenly concerned for the safety of his brother. "I wouldn’t put it past Radcliff to try to get to Jarrod before the trial."

"Let’s not jump to conclusions," he answered but the same thought had occurred to him. "Maybe he’s just lost or looking for something. He’s not come near the house."

The man disappeared an hour later.

"That’s strange," Nick said as he looked up. "He’s gone."

"Maybe he found whatever it was he had lost," he replied smiling. "We have work to do."

"I know," Nick told him, "but I’m not going to rest easy as long as Radcliff is loose."

"Frankly son," he said looking at Nick, "neither am I."

Victoria had dozed off until she heard the front door slam. She knew that Nick and probably Tom had come in. She looked at the clock noticing that it was nearly six. She rose from her chair after looking at Jarrod. He was still asleep so she quietly exited his room. When she walked down the stairs, she saw Tom and Nick.

"How is Jarrod?" they asked as they walked over to her.

"He’s still asleep," she answered as she stopped in front of them. "He woke up once but he was still sick so he went back to sleep. I’m very worried about him. His face is so pale. And I can still see the pain on his face even though he tries to hide it."

"I’m sure he’s going to be back up on his feet in no time," Nick said smiling. "You know Jarrod. You can’t keep a good man down."

"In this case," she replied looking serious, "we’re going to have to. He’s still a very sick boy. He’s been through so much and he is in such a big hurry to get well that he’s not allowing himself the time he needs to completely heal. I think he realizes that now. But I doubt that he will heed the doctor’s orders unless one of us rides herd on him."

"He sounds just like a Barkley," Nick told her smiling. "Stubborn."

"That’s for sure," she said smiling for the first time. "Takes that from his father."

Tom looked at her and finally smiled.

"You’re right of course," he said smiling. "But he’s also got a stubborn mother too."

"Mother," Nick asked looking at her, "can I go sit with Jarrod? I promise I won’t bother him. I just need to be close to him."

"All right," she answered understanding how Nick felt. "There are a few things I need to do. If you need me, you come get me."

"I will," Nick said as he bounded up the stairs.

"He really loves and cares about Jarrod," he replied as he watched Nick disappear down the hallway.

"He should," she told him. "After all they are brothers and have always been close. You should know that by now."

"I do," he said looking at her. "Remember the time Nick was trapped in that mine?"

"Yes I do," she replied remembering that day. "It was the longest day of my life. I didn’t know if I was going to lose one son or two."

"I remember the relief that I felt when those two boys came out of that mine," she said coming back to the present. "Now I believe that Nick wants to return the favor to Jarrod."

"He already has," he replied looking at her. "He found Jarrod when he was left in the desert to die and he was able to get Jarrod to respond to him in the sanitarium. There’s not many brothers who could do what Nick’s done for Jarrod, Gene and Audra."

"Yes you’re right of course," she told him remembering how Nick had found Jarrod. "And now he needs Nick to help him through this. I just hope that Nick can do it."

Tom nodded.

"My sentiments exactly," he said but inside he was praying that Jarrod would completely heal.

Nick walked into Jarrod’s bedroom. He noticed his brother’s eyes were closed. He sat down in the chair that his mother had used and watched Jarrod.

"I’m here big brother," he said as he sat down. "You’re not alone. Remember that. You’re going to have to lean on me now until you’re better. I did that to you the time I was trapped in that mine. And now it’s my turn to help you. You never gave up hope of finding me. I remember lying there wondering if I’d ever see the light of day again. And then I heard your voice calling to me. I was never more relieved to hear anyone in my life and I was so glad it was you coming to rescue me. Now I’m going to help you. So you get better big brother."

Nick remembered when he had found Jarrod in the desert being helped by that Indian. His brother was barely alive.

"Jarrod," he said looking over at his brother, "you fought to come back to us after being left in the desert to die and you fought really hard in the sanitarium and the hospital even though you were so angry because of the drug. I know you have the strength inside of you to pull out of this. Please come back to me now. I need you big brother."

Jarrod was dreaming or at least he thought he was a dream. But it all seemed so real. He was walking in a lush green pasture. He could feel the wind on his face and the ground beneath his feet. It was the most beautiful landscape he had ever seen in his whole life. All of a sudden he saw someone coming toward him. He started to turn and leave afraid that the person might be Henry Radcliff. But something told him to stay. He couldn’t put his hand on it but he wasn’t afraid any longer. As the person came closer, he couldn’t believe who it was. Charles Barkley came to a stop in front of Jarrod. Jarrod looked at him trying to make sure he was seeing his grandfather standing there. The man was the same age as when Jarrod had last seen him when he was nine. He couldn’t believe any of this yet here he was standing in front of a man that had been dead for years.

Nick was also listening to the conversation and his mouth dropped open when he heard Jarrod use the name.

"Jarrod," Charles Barkley said not understanding, "you’re not supposed to be here. It’s not your time. You have much work to do before you will come here."

"Is this heaven?" he asked not sure of anything at the moment. "I thought I was dreaming but this dream is too real. And why you? I haven’t thought about you in the last twenty years almost. Except for the other day. I mean before all this happened. But you wouldn’t know about that."

"Yes son it is," his grandfather answered smiling. "Your grandmother is here too. She came to me a few years ago. I know what you’ve been through son. I know you’re afraid and that you’ve been hurt. Whether you know it or not, I’ve been with you through it all."

Charles Barkley put a hand to Jarrod’s heart.

"I’m in there," Charles commented as he looked at his grandson. "Remember that."

"I remember," he said looking at Charles. "How do you know and why am I here?"

"I don’t know," Charles replied looking at his grandson. "I just do. You still haven’t completed your destiny Jarrod. You must go back. You have to carry on."

"Is law what you meant when you said that when I was a boy?" he asked wondering if he had been right. "I mean father said I would be a famous man someday. I always wondered if you and he meant law."

"Yes," Charles answered. "But you have a lot of work to do before you come here to join us."

"I’ve been hurt," he said looking at his grandfather. "I can’t seem to get better. I guess I’m at a crossroads sir."

"You’re not sure which way to go," Charles replied looking at Jarrod. "That’s quite understandable. You have to choose the correct path."

"Yes," he told his grandfather. "Tell me what to do."

"I can’t do that," Charles said smiling. "You will have to make that decision on your own. I will tell you this much. You have to testify. You have to show the people in Carson City that the man they look up to is nothing more than a murderer and bent on revenge. He uses people and he will continue to use people until he is stopped."

"I see sir," he replied nodding. "I’m supposed to testify in a few weeks. Do you really think I can do this?"

"I know you can Jarrod," Charles told him. "You are a Barkley and we never give up at anything. You prove to everyone that you are their equal. In that way, you will go far as an attorney and as a man."

"Thank you grandfather," he said smiling. "Again you have helped me. But I still feel responsible for what happened to you those many years ago. As I told my partner, Adam Howard, I caused your death. If I had thought about your feelings instead of wallowing in my own self pity, you wouldn’t have died."

"None of that was your fault," Charles replied looking at Jarrod. "You were very young and your father was having a hard time dealing with something that had happened to him. Thankfully, before you were hurt any worse, he realized what he was doing and turned his life around. I was glad I could help you two mend your relationship before it was too late. You didn’t kill me. You made my last weeks happy. I was thrilled when you and Nick agreed to stay. I knew before you left the farm, that you would be stronger inside. And I was right."

"We are a whole lot closer," he told his grandfather. "I’m sorry for your death."

"I don’t blame you or anyone," Charles said smiling. "It was my time to come here. I was finished on earth and now it is your turn to carry on. Remember that. I’m always there with you in spirit. You are not alone son. You have others that can help you. Your parents, brothers, sister and others whom you trust. Don’t be afraid to seek them out, lean on them and learn from them. You have a gift inside of you. Use it."

"I don’t understand," he replied looking up at his grandfather.

"Jarrod," Charles told him, "you are my grandson and I love you very much. But you are also a man and as a man you have to be strong in your convictions. Don’t let them tell you how to live, work, etc. You remember who you are and you will go far. Now, you had better go. You have a lot of work to do before you will join me here. Remember, look inside yourself and you will find all the courage and knowledge that you seek."

With that said, Charles Barkley was gone. Jarrod finally understood why he had died and he no longer blamed himself for his grandfather’s death. He smiled.

Nick had been listening to Jarrod talking and he realized that somehow Jarrod had been talking to a man who had died almost twenty years ago. Nick couldn’t understand everything he heard but he too realized that Jarrod was not to blame for Charles Barkley’s death. He also smiled.

"I wonder what father told grandfather that day," Nick said as he thought back to that day still vivid in his mind. "Something happened back then and I intend to find out what it was."

Victoria walked in a short time later.

"Nick," she asked as she walked over to the bed, "has he been awake?"

"No mother," he answered looking up at her.

"I’ll stay with him now," she said smiling. "You go on and get something to eat."

"I think I will," he replied standing up. "There’s something I need to tell father."

Nick left the room heading down the stairs to the study where he knew Tom would be.

"Nick," he said as his second son walked in, "your mother told me she was going to sit with Jarrod. Any change?"

"No," Nick replied looking at his father. "He’s still asleep. Father, can I tell you something?"

"Of course," he told his son laying down the pen and looking up at Nick. "What’s on your mind?"

"While I was sitting with Jarrod," Nick began still not completely believing what had just transpired in Jarrod’s room, "he began a conversation."

"With you?" he asked not understanding. "I thought he was asleep."

"No," Nick answered trying to explain. "With someone else. He was still asleep. Father, he was talking to grandfather."

"Nick," he said looking at his son, "your grandfather has been dead for nearly twenty years. There is no way that Jarrod could have been talking to him."

"I know that," Nick replied getting angry. "But Jarrod was talking to him. I didn’t get all of what was said but Jarrod and I both now know that he didn’t kill grandfather. Don’t ask me how I know but I do. Also, Jarrod is more at peace than I’ve seen him in years."

"Are you sure about this?" he asked not wanting to believe what Nick was telling him. "I mean he’s been so ill. Could it have been something connected with that?"

"Yes father," Nick answered. "I heard Jarrod’s side of the conversation. He was definitely talking to grandfather. What happened that day we went to Denver? Why did you whip Jarrod? Why were you so angry with him?"

"I would rather not answer that," he said wishing Nick had not reminded him of Strawberry and Leah. "It was a long time ago and I don’t think I need to explain anything more."

Tom knew he had to be careful. He didn’t want to get that angry again. Because he was afraid someone would get hurt again if he did.

"What are you hiding?" Nick asked wanting to know. "It can’t be that bad. Please tell me father. I know I can help you."

"I told you I didn’t want to discuss it with you at this time," he answered more forcefully than he meant. "I’m sure someday you’ll find out when I decide to tell you."

"Well whatever it was," Nick said looking at his father, "it almost cost me my brother. I’ll never forget that. Grandfather knew what it was and he didn’t tell me either. Maybe someday I’ll find out."

"I’m sure you will," he replied smiling. "You believe that your grandfather stopped Jarrod from feeling guilty in his death don’t you?"

"Yes I do," Nick told him nodding. "I can’t explain it."

"You don’t have to," he said smiling. "Jarrod has blamed himself for his grandfather’s death all these years. I never realized that until now. No wonder he’s had a hard time. Carrying all that guilt around inside of him. And now finally, he’s at peace because the guilt is gone. Maybe now he can heal and go on with his life."

"I hope he can father," Nick replied also smiling.

Nick would not find out the secret until after his father’s death and then when he did his life would change forever.

After Nick left the room, she sat down in the chair and looked over at Jarrod. She noticed a peaceful expression on his face. She wasn’t sure what it meant but she decided to discuss it with Nick at her earliest convenience. Something had happened while the two of them were here. Jarrod opened his eyes looking around. He noticed his mother sitting next to the bed.

"How long have you been here?" he asked but he wasn’t upset or angry, in fact, he was smiling.

"Just a few minutes," she answered not sure what exactly was going on. "How do you feel?"

"I feel better inside than I’ve felt in many years," he said smiling. "It feels like a giant weight has been lifted off of me. It’s hard for me to explain exactly how I do feel. But it’s the best feeling I’ve ever had."

"I’m not sure I understand what you mean," she replied looking at him.

"Mother," he told her, "I’m going to tell you something you might believe or you might not believe. But it’s the truth."

"All right," she said leaning back. "I’m ready.

"I had a dream," he replied looking at her. "Or at least I think it was a dream. I saw Grandfather Barkley again after all these years. He was standing in a lush, green meadow. I believe it was Heaven mother. He told me that I’ve not yet fulfilled my destiny but that law was part of it. He also made me understand that his death was not my fault. I now know that I didn’t kill him. I can’t tell you how I know but I do. I didn’t kill him. I’ve lived with that ever since that day I saw him at the bottom of that ravine. Now that pain is gone. All the hurt inside of me is gone. I can now look at him and not feel guilty. He told me that I have to testify and put Radcliff in prison so he can’t hurt anyone else. And I’m going to do it. I promise."

Victoria digested everything she had heard. Then she looked at her son. He was very quiet but he looked like he was finally at peace with himself.

"I’m glad you’ve been able to work all this out," she said smiling. "You deserve to enjoy life."

"Thanks mother," he replied smiling. "I know you don’t really believe me but thanks for agreeing."

"I do understand," she told him smiling. "You just rest."

"You know something else," he said sitting up in bed.

"Jarrod," she replied getting upset, "you’re supposed to stay in bed."

"Mother," he told her, "you don’t understand. "The headache is gone. I’m not sick any more. Everything is fine."

She looked at his face realizing that he really believed everything he had said. She also realized that he was indeed on his way to recovery.

"Honey," she said smiling, "I’m so glad that you are feeling so much better however I still want you to do as the doctor said."

"I will," he replied looking at her. "I also want to apologize to you for all I have put you and father through. I know it hasn’t been easy and I’m sorry that I had to become involved with a man like Henry Radcliff. But I will make you a promise. I will testify against him and put him behind bars where he belongs."

"Jarrod," she told him holding his hand in hers, "you have nothing to apologize for. You have almost died and I’m just thankful that you are home and recovering."

"You remember earlier when you asked me if I wanted something to eat," he said smiling as he looked at her face. "I believe I would like that plate now."

"Oh Jarrod," she replied smiling even wider. "That’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time. I’ll be right back. Now, you stay put."

"No need to worry," he told her. "I’ll be right here."

She left his room and she was very relieved for now she knew that her son was going to be fine. She walked into the study where Tom was working.

"Where’s Nick?" she asked looking around.

"He’s in the barn," he answered looking up. "He told me the wildest story I’ve ever heard."

"About your father and Jarrod," she said looking at him.

"Why yes," he replied looking at her with a puzzled look on his face. "How did you know?"

"Jarrod told me," she told him smiling. "Tom, he’s no longer sick. He’s hungry."

"What!" he exclaimed not believing what he had just heard. "You’re joking right?"

"No," she said smiling. "I couldn’t believe it either. He’s also at peace with himself. I believe that he has come to terms with his grandfather’s death and no longer blames himself."

"I think I’ll go see him," he replied standing up. "I need to see this for myself."

"I’m going to fix him a tray," she told him leaving the room.

Tom walked out of the room but he was still not willing to believe all that he had been told at least until he saw and talked to his son. He walked up to Jarrod’s room, opening the door. He was shocked to see Jarrod sitting up in bed.

"Son," he said as he walked in, "you look a hundred percent better."

"I feel better father," Jarrod replied looking at his father. "Did mother tell you about my dream?"

"No she didn’t," he told his son, "but Nick did."

"Nick?" he asked not understanding. "Oh wait. He was in the room when it happened. He probably heard my part of it."

"He said you no longer believed you killed father," he answered looking at Jarrod seeing the same peace that the others saw. "I never realized that you still blamed yourself for that. It wasn’t your fault. Your grandfather loved you very much."

"No sir," Jarrod said nodding. "I talked to him father. He told me it wasn’t my fault. He told me that law was part of my destiny but I had a long way to go. I now know that I didn’t kill him."

"Son," he asked looking at Jarrod’s face, "are you sure this wasn’t coming from your head? I mean you were a very sick boy."

"No father," Jarrod answered. "I know it was real. I saw him and talked to him. He helped me deal with everything that was wrong in my life. And now I can handle anything."

"I’m not going to say I believe you saw and spoke to him," he said trying to be truthful without hurting Jarrod. "What I am going to say is that something has happened to you. I wouldn’t have believed that you could be this well in a matter of a few hours. But here you are sitting up in bed."

"It’s a miracle," she replied as she walked into the room carrying a tray. "That’s what I call it."

She sat the tray down in front of Jarrod and he cleaned his plate. His parents were thrilled. Whatever had happened to Jarrod was a dream come true. And that was all they needed to know.

The next morning when the doctor came by, he was amazed at the change in Jarrod.

"Jarrod," he said as he looked at his patient, "I’m frankly amazed. There is no sign of the concussions. You are completely healthy. However, I still want you to take it easy for a few days. I want to make sure this is not something that is going to come back, which concussions are known for doing."

"I understand," Jarrod replied as he smiled broadly. "I think Nick and I will go fishing. It’s a quiet sport. Just the two of us."

"I think that’s a wonderful idea," she told him smiling. "You and Nick haven’t had a lot of time to spend together since you were younger. It’ll do you both good."

And I can do without him for a day," Tom said smiling. "What do you say son?"

"I’m in agreement," Nick replied also smiling. "Besides, if I remember right, it was my idea in the first place while you were in the sanitarium. I told you that I would take you fishing and that is just what I’m going to do."

"I don’t remember that," Jarrod told his brother. "Maybe I didn’t hear it and that’s why I can’t remember it."

"Oh you heard it all right," Nick remarked looking right at Jarrod. "You were as close then as we are now."

"It’s not unusual to forget some memories after a concussion," he said looking at Jarrod. "You had two concussions remember within a short amount of time. You’re bound to have some problems associated with that."

"No sir I don’t," Jarrod replied looking at the doctor. "In fact I don’t remember much of anything in the sanitarium. I do remember waking up in that small, dark room but not much else."

"You were being drugged at the time," Tom told his son. "That drug probably didn’t help you any."

"I would say not," he said looking at Tom. "Jarrod is lucky that the doctor there knew how to help him recover. If he hadn’t more than likely Jarrod would have been nothing more than what would amount to a vegetable for the remainder of his life."

"I guess I am lucky," Jarrod replied smiling. "I wouldn’t want to spend my days just sitting or lying around. That’s not living. That’s not really existing."

"Honey," she told him, "you were lucky but I believe that a miracle pulled you through. A higher power brought you back to us."

"Maybe it was grandfather that did it," Jarrod said looking hopeful. "I mean I did speak to him."

"What are you talking about?" he asked completely in the dark. "Did I miss something?"

"Doc," Tom answered before Jarrod could, "Jarrod swears in a dream he spoke to his grandfather who has been dead nearly twenty years. I think what he experienced was because of how sick he was at the time. And he dreamed that he saw and talked to his grandfather."

"You’re wrong father," Jarrod said looking at him sounding hurt because his father didn’t believe him and angry. "I know what I saw and what I heard. It was real and no one can tell me it wasn’t."

"Jarrod," he replied looking at the young man, "tell me what happened."

"I was standing as close to him as I am to you in a lush, green pasture," Jarrod told him. "First, he was surprised to see me. Second, he told me that it was too early for me to join him and grandmother. He said that I had to testify against Henry Radcliff to show the people in Carson City what they looked up to, a murderer who used people and would continue to use people until he was stopped. I plan on stopping him all right in a few weeks when I testify. He said something else that I don’t understand. He said that Radcliff was doing this for revenge. I’ve never ever heard of him before I met him that day. I don’t understand about the revenge factor. He said that I wasn’t responsible for his death those many years ago. I guess I had continued to blame myself for killing him in that fall from his horse but he told me it was an accident. I needed to stop blaming myself. It was like a giant weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. I felt so much better inside that I guess it showed on my face. Ask Nick, he heard it all."

Tom listened to Jarrod talk about revenge from this man. He had a bad feeling about this whole matter.

"It’s true," Nick said as he looked at the doctor. "I heard his side of the conversation and when he was through a peace came over Jarrod’s features. I can’t really explain it any better than that."

"I saw it too," she replied looking at both Nick and Jarrod. "He was happy, completely happy. I could tell that things were looking up for him. He’s hasn’t been that way for a long time. He’s carried that guilt inside of him all this time. No wonder he was miserable."

"See what I mean doc," Tom told the doctor still puzzled over something that Jarrod had said. "I don’t know as I buy all of this but one thing is for sure. He is better and that is a fact."

"Jarrod," he asked looking at Jarrod, "were you still blaming yourself? Did you believe in your heart that you had contributed to your grandfather’s death?"

"I thought I wasn’t," Jarrod answered thinking back to when he was ten. "When I was ten I tried to explain to grandfather that I was sorry for causing him to die. I had a picture of him that I had taken out to the barn. But for some reason, he wouldn’t accept the apology. I was so crushed. Father tried to help but he couldn’t do anything to really make me feel better. I thought I believed it but evidentially I didn’t. I must have continued to blame myself all of these years."

"I see," he said as he digested everything. "It’s just possible that’s what you did. Did you mention this to anyone in the last six months? Did you think about it any? I’m trying to figure out why it would have come to the surface so quickly if you weren’t either thinking about it or talking about it."

"Why yes," Jarrod replied remembering his conversation with Adam the day he was taken to the sanitarium. "Just before I was taken to the sanitarium, I was sitting in my office in San Francisco talking to my partner, Adam Howard. We got to discussing grandfather and I told him how I blamed myself for his death."

"It fits," he told them. "Jarrod did blame himself and now he is free from that blame."

"What fits?" Nick asked confused.

"All of this," he answered trying to explain. "Jarrod was under pressure at work. He was worried about being accepted for who he was not who everyone thought he was. He wanted to be accepted as Jarrod not another Tom or another Charles. Am I right?"

"Yes sir," Jarrod said but he wouldn’t look at anyone. "I’ve always been compared to father all of my life. I hear comments like, ‘he’s a chip off of his father. I wonder if he will have the business head his father does. I bet he goes into politics just like Tom wanted to.’ What was I supposed to do? Follow in your footsteps. I wanted to make my own mistakes and my own decisions. Can’t you see that?"

Jarrod was truly disappointed as he stood there. Everything he had tried to hide was out in the open and he couldn’t stop it.

"Son," Tom said as he walked over to Jarrod, "I never meant for that to happen. I’ve always wanted you to make a name for yourself. I guess I never realized that people would compare you to me. If I had it to do over, I would have done it differently. Can you understand that?"

Jarrod stood there looking at the floor. Finally, he looked up and smiled.

"Yes sir," Jarrod said smiling. "I know you didn’t mean to. I want you to know something. I’m proud to be your son. I hope I can live up to it."

"You have nothing to live up to," Tom replied hugging his son. "You are Jarrod not Tom and I want you to always remember that. I’ll always be here if you need me but the rest is up to you."

"Thanks father," Jarrod told him returning the hug. "I’m glad. I wanted to make you proud."

"You have," Tom said looking into his son’s face. "No father could have asked for a better family than I have. I have three fine sons and a beautiful daughter. I am so proud of all of you. You have made your own path in life and you’ve done it on your own. You are true Barkleys."

"I couldn’t have said it better myself," she replied smiling. "I’m proud of all of you. You have made me happy."

"We’re happy you’re happy mother," Jarrod told her. "Doc is there anything else? Nick and I want to get going soon. The fish won’t bite all day."

"I want you to stay on the medicine for a few more days," he said trying to keep Jarrod calm as he could. "Then I want to see you in my office in one week. I want to see how you are doing and then if you haven’t had any more problems, I’ll turn you loose."

"Fine," Jarrod replied smiling. "Let’s go Nick."

"Coming," Nick told him as the two of them left the room.

"Jarrod," she said as the two of them headed out the door, "be careful."

"We will," they replied as they headed down the stairs and out the door.

"Will you slow down?" Nick asked as he had to hurry to keep up with Jarrod.

"I’m sorry Nick," he answered looking at his brother. "I’m just happy to be free."

Jarrod and Nick grabbed their fishing gear and headed toward the stream in the south meadow.

The man with the snarl had been perched on a high hill sitting on his horse since early that morning overlooking the road from the Barkley Ranch. He had been there every day watching for any movement from the family at the ranch. He knew they had to let him out some time. So he waited. Finally, he saw his target emerge from the house, mount up on a horse and ride away with his brother. He waited until they were well away from the house before he took care of it once and for all.

"Jarrod," Nick said as they rode down the road toward the south meadow, "I’m glad you’re all right. I don’t believe I could have handled it very well if you had remained as you were in the sanitarium. I never realized how much I do depend on you. If you hadn’t gotten better, I believe I would have been lost."

"Me too," he replied smiling as he looked over at Nick. "It’s been a rough time for me of late but now I feel like I’ve been given a second chance and I intend to make the most of it. But there is one thing that bothers me."

"That’s the spirit," Nick told him smiling. "I’m just glad you’re you. What’s that?"

"And I’m glad you’re you too," he said smiling. "What was I like in there? Did I know who you were? Did I understand anything?"

"Well," Nick said trying to choose his words carefully, "at first, you didn’t recognize any of us. But I was able to win you over. You recognized me. I’m not sure how you did but you did. Then I got upset and mad. I left the room in a hurry and I didn’t realize that you would try to fine me. I guess I didn’t think. You tried to reach me but you ran headfirst into the door. That’s where one of your concussions came from. It was all my fault. I didn’t think about how you felt."

"I wish I could remember it," he replied shaking his head. "I’m sorry I got hurt. But it sounds like you were there the whole time urging me to get better. What made you run? I’ve never seen you afraid of anything."

"I tried but I don’t know whether I helped or not," Nick told him. "I was afraid of what a doctor had done to you. Injecting that other drug into you."

"Of course," he said smiling. "You were the one who helped me over the worst of it. I don’t understand Nick. What drug?"

"Not exactly," Nick replied hem hawing around. "Father forced you to remember some of it in the hospital. He made you realize that you had made him ashamed of you. And that’s what turned you around. You became yourself again. But up until then you were very angry."

"I don’t remember that," he told his brother. "Why was I so angry? Why would father tell me he was ashamed of me? I don’t understand."

"The drug you were on caused you to become addicted to it," Nick said looking away for a minute. "You were very angry. You even scared me. You were trying to get some more. And when you didn’t get it, you reacted angrily. Father said that to get you to respond to him. You wouldn’t respond any other way."

"I did!" he exclaimed very surprised. "Why would I do that?"

"You were injected with another drug that turned you into a madman," Nick said shaking his head. That’s how you broke your wrist. You fought against me, Gene and even father. You wouldn’t listen to anyone."

"Nick," he replied looking very sincere, "I’m so sorry. You know I would never hurt you or another member of the family. Can you answer another question?"

"I know you are," Nick told him smiling. "But you’re better now and that’s all that matters. What?"

"What did I do and why didn’t I hurt anyone else?" he asked very sincerely.

"The doctor in the hospital decided that the best way to help you was to restrain you," Nick answered trying not to hurt his brother.

"You mean as in tied," he wanted to know.

"Yes," Nick said nodding. "You pulled and tugged on those ropes. At one point I actually thought you were going to get loose and hurt us but you didn’t and that’s all that counted."

"How long did all this go on?" he asked but inside he was very shocked over these events.

"A few days while you were being taken off the drug," Nick answered looking at Jarrod. "When you were finally off of it you were back to your normal self. You suffered another concussion while you were in the hospital. I was never glad anything was over in my life as I was when you came back to us."

Jarrod still couldn’t get out of his mind that he had been so angry. He didn’t remember any of it. If he had, he had a feeling that he would have hated himself too.

"Nick," he said as he looked over at Nick, "all I can say is that I’m sorry. I would never hurt anyone on purpose. You have to believe me."

"I know that," Nick replied smiling. "It wasn’t really you. It was the animal that the drug made out of you that was behind it."

Jarrod nodded and they rode on.

"Nick," he said turning to his brother, "I really appreciate everything you did to help me. Even if I can’t remember the most of it I know that you were there helping me. You’re a terrific brother and I mean that from the bottom of my heart."

"Thanks," Nick replied smiling. "You’re not so bad yourself."

"Nick," he told Nick, "I remember something that grandfather told me and it bothers me."

"What was that?" Nick asked curious.

"He said that Henry Radcliff had done this out of revenge," he answered shaking his head. "I never knew the man prior to taking Sandra’s case. Why would he say something like that?"

"I don’t know," Nick said looking at Jarrod. "I have no idea."

"Maybe father will," he replied.

The two of them continued on their way.

The man still sitting on his horse on top of the hill followed the two boys with his eyes as they rode by. He knew he had to make this shot count because more than likely he wouldn’t get another chance. Then he slowly raised his rifle up, took aim and fired. He saw one of them fall from his horse and he fired again. The other one jumped from his horse running for cover.

"Jarrod!" Nick screamed as he saw his brother fall from his horse clutching his side. "I’m coming. Hold on."

Nick heard the second shot and looked up briefly at a man sitting atop his horse above them on a hill. He dove for cover behind a large rock afraid the man would fire at him. But he didn’t fire anymore. He rode away leaving behind another dead body.

Nick turned to look at his brother. Jarrod was lying very still on his back with a lot of blood on the left side of his shirt. He hurried over to him. Jarrod had been shot in the left side. He was unconscious and looked to Nick to be near death. Nick knew he had to do something or Jarrod would bleed to death. He quickly pulled his shirt off, despite the cool air holding it on the wound. He knew he couldn’t move Jarrod so he stood up, caught his horse and smacked its rear. The horse headed for the ranch and hopefully help. He prayed he could keep Jarrod alive until help arrived. Nick knelt down again beside of Jarrod.

"Hold on Jarrod," he said as he tried to stop the bleeding. "Help is coming."

The man calmly rode back to Stockton after making sure the target wasn’t going to get up, turned in his horse and left. He went back to Carson City on the afternoon stage to see a man about some money for a job well done.

"Radcliff will now be a free man," he said as he walked up the stairs to his room. "His problem has been eliminated."

He put his clothes together and took the stage out of town before the sheriff could get suspicious.

Back at the ranch, Tom and Sam Williams were coming out of the barn talking when Nick’s horse galloped in.

"Tom," Sam said as they walked out of the barn, "that new herd is getting restless. I think we need to post extra guards. One loud noise and off they’d go."

"I’ll let you take care of that," he replied as he looked at Sam. "That’s why you’re so valuable around here."

"Thanks," Sam told him smiling. "I just wanted to run the idea by you first."

A horse ran by them. It was saddled but there was no rider on its back. Then Tom realized whose horse it was and became very concerned.

"Something is wrong," Tom said as he realized whose horse it was standing outside the barn door. "This is one of the horses the boys took. There’s only one reason a single horse would come back here. Something has happened to one or both of them."

"What are you talking about?" Sam asked not understanding.

Sam hadn’t been paying attention to Tom for the last five minutes. He was going over in his mind who would watch the herd tonight.

"This is Nick’s horse," he answered suddenly looking very worried. "I’m going to ride the road toward the south meadow to see if I see anything. Probably one of them was thrown and the other one is staying with him. I’ll know more when I can see for myself."

"You want me to come along," Sam said already knowing what Tom’s answer would be. "I bet you’re right. But I hope it’s not Jarrod. He can’t take much more."

"No," he replied heading back into the barn to saddle his own horse. "That’s for sure. His head has already had two concussions. I don’t think it or I can handle another one. You take care of things here. I’ll be back as soon as I see what is wrong."

"Right," Sam told him as Tom rode away.

Nick continued to battle with the blood still seeping out Jarrod’s side. He prayed that someone would be here soon to help.

"Jarrod," he said as he worked, "I can’t stop the blood. If help doesn’t get here soon, you’re going to bleed to death."

Nick heard a horse and looked up to see his father riding toward them. He breathed a sigh of relief. When Tom saw Jarrod prone on the ground, he jumped from his horse running over to them.

"Nick," he asked as he came to a stop beside of them, "what happened?"

"Someone shot Jarrod from up on that hill," Nick answered pointing above them. "I can’t get the bleeding to stop. I took my shirt off to keep it from bleeding but it won’t stop."

"Has he been conscious?" he asked as he checked the wound. "Bullet must have hit an artery or something. I’m no doctor but it looks like he is hurt bad. We need to get him back to the ranch as soon as possible."

"No," Nick answered as he watched his father wrap the shirt around Jarrod. "The bullet didn’t come out either. I couldn’t find an exit wound so that bullet is still inside of him."

"We have to get him back to the ranch," he said as he looked at his son. "He’s losing blood. It’ll take too long to go back for a wagon. We’ll have to take him by horseback."

"How?" Nick asked not sure how to move Jarrod. "I doubt that he can sit a horse by himself."

"We don’t have a choice," he answered coming up with a plan. "I’ll sit him up on my horse with me. Can you bring his horse?"

"Yeah," Nick said as he helped his father pick Jarrod up. "I’ll ride his back. I sent mine back to the ranch so you’d send help. Am I glad you came. How are we going to tell mother? I hope we’re doing the right thing. If we lose Jarrod, I’ll..."

"I understand," he replied as he looked at his sons. "Your mother is a very strong woman. She can handle this. In fact, she can handle anything. Hand him up."

Tom mounted up and Nick sat Jarrod up in front of Tom with his father’s help. Then Nick mounted Jarrod’s horse and the two of them rode back to the ranch.

"He doesn’t look good," Nick said as they rode. "He’s so pale."

"Lose of blood," he replied trying to hurry. "His breathing is getting worse too."

Tom continued to hold his hand on the wound to try to slow the loss of blood but he knew that the chances of Jarrod surviving were dwindling. Still he wouldn’t give up hope that somehow his son would fight back and live.

"Nick," he said as they rode, "I want you to be prepared for something."

"You mean that Jarrod might die," Nick replied looking at his brother. "I knew that the minute he was shot off the horse. It also looked like the man that was riding the road in front of the ranch the other day."

"It is a possibility," he told his son. "Jarrod is hurt very bad and he might not make it. Are you sure it’s the same man?"

"I can’t be sure," Nick said thinking back. "But it sure looked like him."

"Radcliff," he replied angry. "It has to be his doing. I promise you that this will not go unchallenged. I intend to make that man pay for what he’s done to my son and family."

"One thing puzzles me," Nick told him.

"What’s that?" he asked curious.

"It’s something Jarrod said while we were talking earlier," Nick answered. "He said that in the conversation with grandfather, he said something about this being revenge. Jarrod commented that he hadn’t met the man but the one time when he was working on Sandra’s case."

"You know something," he said. "I’ve had the same feeling myself. I can’t explain it either. I don’t think it has anything to do with Jarrod."

"Then who?" Nick asked wondering.

"Me," he answered before Nick could.

"You?" Nick asked confused. "Why hurt Jarrod if they were after you?"

"Nick," he answered choosing his words carefully, "I’m not sure. But I believe that some where in my past there are those that would want to get even and if they had to use my son to get even, they would."

"I see what you mean," Nick said but he was not really thinking about who had shot Jarrod but about Jarrod.

"Son," he replied looking at Nick, "I know you’re very worried. I am too. We’re almost to the barn."

"I hope he’ll be all right," Nick told him.

"Me too," he said.

When they rode up to the barn, Sam, who had been discussing putting extra guard on the herd with the foreman, caught Tom’s horse as they stopped in front of the barn. He saw Jarrod and knew he had been shot.

"How bad?" he asked as he stopped beside of Tom’s horse. "Is he still alive?"

"Bad," Tom answered handing Jarrod down to Sam until he could dismount. "Ride to Stockton and bring the doc. The bullet is still inside of him. We can’t stop the bleeding. Here, take my horse."

"Right," he said as he jumped on Tom’s horse riding off.

Nick dismounted and between the two of them, they carried Jarrod inside the house as gently as they could. He never moved but continued to bleed. Victoria heard the door open and gasped when she saw them.

"What happened?" she asked as she came closer. "Jarrod looks like he’s been injured."

"Jarrod was shot on the way to the fishing hole," Nick answered trying to talk and walk at the same time. "I didn’t get a very good look at the man but I’ll bet it was the one we saw yesterday."

"I wouldn’t doubt it," he said remembering the man. "He did seem awfully interested in the ranch."

"What are you talking about?" she asked as they carried Jarrod to his room and laying him on the bed. "Has the doctor been sent for?"

"Yes," he answered looking at her. "Yesterday, Nick and I both saw a man riding up and down the road in front of the ranch. We thought he might be lost but he was watching for Jarrod. I’m sure of it. He came here to stop Jarrod from testifying. I bet he was working for Radcliff."

"Why would he shoot Jarrod?" she asked not understanding.

"One guess," Nick answered. "Henry Radcliff. That trial is in two weeks and Jarrod is the main witness against him. Without Jarrod there is no case."

"I agree," he said looking at the wound. "And right now he doesn’t look very well. I don’t know if he will get better or not."

"Tom," she asked looking at her son, "is he alive?"

"Barely," he answered. "The wound is still bleeding. I wish Sam would get back here with the doctor. He’s going to die without help very soon."

All they could do was watch and wait.

The doctor walked inside going straight to his patient. When he looked up a few minutes later, he shook his head.

"That’s a very deep wound," he said as he continued to examine Jarrod. "I can feel the bullet. It has to come out or it will kill him."

"Where is it?" Nick asked looking at Jarrod. "I couldn’t find it when I checked him out on the road. There wasn’t an exit wound so I knew it still had to be in him somewhere. I didn’t want the wound to bleed more or cause Jarrod more pain. He’s already had too much."

"It’s lying right next to his left lung," he answered continuing to work. "I don’t believe it has pierced the lung but it has cut a small artery. I’m tying it off now to stop the bleeding. Luckily the artery is not a major one. But he’s lost so much blood already. Nick, Jarrod doesn’t feel the pain yet. He’s still unconscious and from what I’ve seen it’s for the best that he is. If he survives, he’s going to deal with more pain and there’s not a whole lot I can do to stop it. Whoever shot him knew where to place the bullet to either kill him or keep him in bed for a long time."

"Would a transfusion help?" Nick asked rolling up his sleeve. "You mean there is a possibility that Jarrod will die?"

"Yes," he answered knowing what Nick was offering. "You want to give it to him. Jarrod is very ill. The bullet has done a great deal of damage to his body. I’m not sure that I can repair it or keep him alive."

"Yes," Nick said still unable to take his eyes off of Jarrod. "Doc, you have to save him. He has to testify and I need him desperately. Please."

"I’ll need to get this bullet out first and then I’ll take care of the transfusion," he replied. "I can feel it but I can’t get a hold of it. Getting the bullet out might not save his life. The transfusion might not save his life."

The family digested what the doctor had just told them. He continued to probe for the bullet.

"I’ve got it," he said as he pulled the bullet out of Jarrod. "Nick, he needs that transfusion now."

"I’m ready," Nick replied looking at his brother lying on the bed so pale.

The doctor began the transfusion and as Nick sat there, he remembered something. The doctor continued to clean the wound and then wrap it.

"Jarrod," he said as he sat there giving his brother the blood he needed, "I remember when we were in Denver visiting Grandfather and Grandmother Barkley, you said that you weren’t ever going to forgive father for what he had done to you. But you did."

Tom remembered that day very vividly and he remembered what he had done to his son. He would give anything if he could have gone back and changed what happened but he couldn’t. All he could do was live with the fact that he had beaten his son.

"Nick," he said very quietly, "I never meant to hurt Jarrod. I loved him but I was at a crossroads in my life. I needed guidance and I sought out my father for that help. He helped me choose the right direction to go."

"Father," Nick replied as he looked over at his father, "I don’t know the reason behind what you did to Jarrod but I still remember him screaming in pain from the belt hitting his bare skin."

"I remember it well too," he told his son. "I also was grateful that Jim chose that moment to knock me to the ground. If he hadn’t, there is no telling what damage I could have done to my son. When I walked into the living room where he was lying with his back to me, all that I saw were the whelps on his back. But when I got down on my knees and told Jarrod that I was sorry, he turned to look at me."

"He saw the love in your eyes Tom," she said looking at him. "The love he remembered from you. You were genuinely concerned for him. And that’s why he forgave you."

"It’s true father," Nick replied nodding. "I was there. I saw it too. You really loved him. And Jarrod knew it. Tell him father that you love him now. Maybe it will help like it did then."

"I don’t know son," he told them. "This situation is totally different."

"Not that much," Nick said trying to convince Tom. "You are his father and he needs you now."

Tom nodded and walked very slowly over to the bed where Jarrod was lying so still. He knelt down beside of the bed, lowered his face and spoke into Jarrod’s ear.

"Son," he said very low for only Jarrod to hear, "I love you and want you to get well. You have made me very proud becoming a lawyer. I know your grandparents are proud too. I only want to ask you to do one thing for me. Fight hard to beat this. Fight to heal."

As Tom started to stand something tugged on his sleeve. He looked down to see Jarrod’s right hand on his arm. He knelt down beside his son again.

"I’ll try," Jarrod said very weak.

"I know you will," he replied as he squeezed his son’s hand. "We’ll be right here with you all the way."

Jarrod barely nodded before he fell quiet again. Tom stood up and when he turned where they could see him, there were tears in his eyes. Victoria came to him holding him.

"He’s going to live Tom," she said as she looked into his face. "Jarrod is going to be fine."

"I know," he replied as he wiped his eyes. "I know."

The doctor stood up and looked at the family.

"The transfusion is complete," he said as he looked at them, "and the wound is wrapped tightly. I’ll have to watch to make sure infection doesn’t set up in it. I’m going to give him something to help him heal but he will need time. The wound is going to keep him in bed for at least a week if not longer."

"We understand," she replied as she looked at Jarrod. "The one thing to remember is that he is alive and he’s going to heal."

The doctor nodded.

"I’ll come by in a couple of days," he said as he picked up his bag. "Give him a spoonful of this medicine every four hours. If he is conscious, don’t let him up on his feet until I say so. He needs rest and plenty of it. He’s still very weak from the earlier episodes so with this one, he is going to rest. If you have any problems, just send for me."

"We will doc," Tom replied nodding. "Thanks."

The doctor left and the family stayed with Jarrod.

Sitting in his office in Carson City was Henry Radcliff. Another man was sitting there as well.

"You say the job is done," he said looking across the desk. "Are you sure?"

"I watched him fall from his horse," the man replied leaning back. "I know for a fact that he is still alive but he won’t be testifying any time soon."

"That is good news," he told the man. "This is money well spent. I told that young lawyer he would regret the day he first met me. I don’t like to be used and I sure don’t like to be set up for a fall. Looks like young Barkley has bitten off more than he can chew."

"Do you want me to go back and finish the job?" the man asked as he leaned forward. "If he lives he can still cause problems."

"No," he answered smiling. "You have stopped him from being able to testify and that’s all I wanted. But if young Barkley decides to pursue the matter, it will indeed be the last thing he ever does. I’m not going to have my life ruined by some snot-nosed boy who is trying to be a big shot like his old man."

"You know his father," the man said as he puffed on a cigar in celebration.

"Yes," he replied looking slightly upset. "I met Tom Barkley years ago in a small mining town called Strawberry. We both owned mines and we were at a meeting concerning one of the mines. I introduced myself then as Matt Simmons, brother of Leah Thompson. He was hurt shortly afterwards and my sister along with her good friend Rachel took care of him. But he made my sister love him and then he turned his back on her and the baby."

"Baby?" the man asked. "What baby?"

"He got my sister pregnant," he answered as he remembered. "Then he just disappeared. She had to raise that boy all by herself. But I did help with his punishment. He didn’t want to listen very well so I had to take a belt to him."

"Where is he now?" the man asked curious.

"Took off when he grew up," he answered trying not to use those undignified words he was made to use when he was living in Strawberry. "I guess he’s working somewhere by now. Don’t look for him to ever come back either."

"He got a name," the man asked.

"Heath," he answered nodding. "Leah is all alone and that man took advantage of her. I aim to see that he pays. I aim to make sure he suffers like he made her suffer."

"So that’s the real reason you wanted to get rid of young Barkley," the man said figuring everything out. "It wasn’t because of the death of Paul Davis."

"No," he replied smiling. "I set up Paul so I could get Barkley to come here. I realized when Paul began talking about his girl that I could get revenge against him. Paul mentioned that his girl worked in the office of Adam Howard. He also said that she had mentioned another younger man working there as well."

"Barkley," the man told him also smiling. "So you decided to get even for the father through the son."

"Exactly," he said nodding and smiling. "I’m only sorry that he didn’t die in the desert or in the sanitarium. Barkley needs to know exactly what he put my sister through. I thought if I hurt or even killed one of his children it would help me live with the fact that my sister fathered a son by a married man who then took off and left her."

"Why change your name?" the man asked.

"Because," he answered, "I came here to exact my revenge and now I have."

"Are you going to tell Barkley?" the man asked.

"Not yet," he answered. "I want him to suffer until I’m ready for him to know. And then there’s nothing he can do about it."

"What about you going to prison?" the man asked.

"I won’t be in there but a few years at the most," he answered looking at his visitor. "After all, I didn’t kidnap the boy."

"An elaborate trick," the man said shaking his head. "I don’t believe it. You came here to Carson City and changed your name."

"True," he replied. "I just told my wife Martha that I had to be away on business for a period of time. She knows nothing about this. She is still in Strawberry."

"Are you through with the Barkleys?" he asked very curious. "I mean they already know that you are behind what’s happened to their son. They’re going to be out to get you."

"I know that," he answered the man. "By the time the wheels are in motion to try to lock me away, I’ll be back in Strawberry as Matt Simmons. No one will ever know."

"I do," the man said as he looked at Radcliff. "But I’m also involved in this too so I won’t say anything because it will hang me."

"True," he replied as he stood up. "I just want to stay here long enough to see how the lawyer is. He won’t testify because I won’t be here when the law comes to take me to court."

"You are a very devious man," the man told him as he also stood up.

"Thank you," he said as he pulled a pistol from his desk drawer, shooting the man in the chest.

The man dropped to the floor of the office, his last minutes of life ebbing away.

"I also don’t leave loose ends," he said as he turned to see two men enter his office, picking up the body and disposing of it.

Then he began to pack up his belongings. By the next day, there was nothing left of the man who called himself Henry Radcliff except for an empty office.

Jarrod was still unconscious and the family was worried that he would never awaken.

"I don’t like it," Tom said as he looked down at his son. "Jarrod should be awake."

"Tom," she replied trying to get him to calm down, "you’re not giving him time. The doctor said it would take time for him to heal. It’s only been two days. He’s so weak."

"I guess you’re right," he told her nodding. "I just want him to get well. He deserves better."

There was a knock at the front door. Tom and Victoria looked at each other.

"Who could that be?" she asked as she looked at her husband. "It’s not time for the doctor."

"Silas will get the door," he answered turning his attention back to Jarrod.

Silas walked into Jarrod’s room a few minutes later.

"A telegram was just delivered Mr. Barkley," he said as he handed Tom the paper.

"Thank you Silas," Tom replied taking the folded paper.

Silas left and Tom opened the paper. As he read it, his face became angry.

"Tom," she asked wanting to know what was wrong, "what is it?"

"A telegram from the sheriff in Carson City," he answered looking up from the paper. "Radcliff has disappeared."

"What!" she cried louder than she meant. "How could that happen?"

"I don’t know," he said just as puzzled. "He said that the office was empty and there was no sign of the man anywhere. They have a wanted poster out for him. But the sheriff doesn’t hold out much hope that he will be found."

"At least Jarrod won’t have to testify," she replied looking down at him. "I’m thankful that he doesn’t have to face that man but I also feel cheated that Radcliff has gotten off scott free."

"I know what you mean," he told her. "It’s not fair to Jarrod. But life is seldom fair."

"That’s for sure," she said smiling slightly.

Jarrod began to fight through a haze as he fought to open his eyes. Then the waves and waves of pain hit him all coming from his left side. He moaned.

"Jarrod," he said as he kneeled down beside of the bed, "we’re here son. You’re going to heal."

Jarrod could hear his father’s voice but he couldn’t answer. He still hadn’t opened his eyes either. He continued to fight and finally was able to open his eyes a little.

"Father," he said but it was barely audible, "mother."

"We’re here honey," she replied as she sat down beside of him. "You need to rest."

"What happened?" he asked but it was only a whisper.

"You and Nick were riding to the fishing hole when you were shot," Tom answered as he came over to the bed. "You’ve been asleep for two days."

"I have," he said looking at them. "My side hurts."

"You have to rest son," Tom replied as he looked down at Jarrod. "The doctor said it’s a very bad wound."

"I guess I don’t have much of a choice," he told him trying to smile. "Where’s Nick?"

"He had something he wanted to do," Tom said smiling. "He said he would see you later."

Jarrod nodded drifting off again. Nick walked in the room a short time later.

"Has he been awake yet?" he asked as he walked in carrying a package.

"Yes," she answered looking at him. "He asked about you."

"What have you got son?" Tom asked as he turned toward Nick.

"After everything that Jarrod’s been through," Nick answered looking at his brother, "I wanted to go into town and get him something."

"Nick," she said smiling, "that’s so sweet."

"I hope he likes it," Nick replied laying the package on the foot of Jarrod’s bed. "It’s a new hat. Black in color. I hope he likes it."

"I’m sure he will son," Tom told him as he put his arm around Nick. "You are a very thoughtful brother."

"I know he will sweetheart," she said smiling. "He woke up a little while ago. He’s in some pain but he is going to recover."

"That’s great news," Nick replied walking over to the bed.

Nick knelt down beside the bed, holding the package in his hands and looked at his brother.

"Jarrod," Nick said very softly, "I have something for you."

Nick laid the package on Jarrod’s chest careful of the wound. Then he backed away.

"Nick," he said very hoarsely.

"I’m here big brother," Nick replied coming to where Jarrod could see him.

Jarrod felt the package. He tried to open it but with his broken wrist, he was having trouble. Nick came to his aid.

"Here," Nick said as he helped Jarrod open the package, "let me give you a hand."

"Thanks," he replied as he pulled out the hat.

Jarrod just laid there looking at the hat. His eyes became very moist. He looked up at his brother.

"Nick," he said still very weak, "this is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. I’ll be proud to wear this hat."

"I just wanted to do something for you," Nick replied smiling. "And besides, you looked like you could use a new one."

"I can and I’m very happy," he told his brother. "As soon as I’m out of here, you and I will definitely do something together I promise."

"I don’t want you to feel obligated to me Jarrod," Nick said looking at Jarrod. "I want you to get better and finish your job in San Francisco. Then you can start working here some too."

"I look forward to that," he replied trying to smile. "I’ve been away from here too long and I’m glad to be home although I don’t like having this bullet hole in my side."

"Jarrod," Tom told him as he came closer, "I have some news for you."

"What?" he asked as he turned his head toward his father.

"I received a telegram from the sheriff of Carson City," Tom answered choosing his words carefully. "Henry Radcliff has completely disappeared."

"What!" he cried as he tried to sit up only to be forced back down by the pain in his side. "How is that possible? I thought they had him in custody."

"According to the wire," Tom said as he made sure Jarrod was all right, "his office is cleaned out and it’s like he was never there."

"But I saw him," he replied still very upset.

"Jarrod," she told him coming to sit beside of him again, "you need to stay calm and rest. That’s the doctor’s orders."

"But mother," he said still not believing what he had just heard, "all I’ve been through is for nothing. I’ve suffered and the only thought that helped me cope with it was the fact that I was going to be able to put this man away for a long time. And now that is gone. There’s no reason to try anymore."

"Son," Tom replied trying to understand how his son felt, "I know you are disappointed and upset. You have a reason to be. But do you think your grandfather would be proud of the way you are thinking right now?"

Jarrod considered the question before he answered.

"No sir," he said very quietly. "He wouldn’t be very proud."

"That’s why you have to show this man no matter where he is that you are better than he is," Tom replied. "You have to get better and go on with your life. In that way you’ll have beaten him even if you didn’t get a chance in court."

"Yes sir," he told his father with a positive attitude. "I will and someday if I ever meet him again, I’ll be able to look him in the eye."

"That’s the spirit," Nick said smiling. "You do that lawyer man."

Jarrod grinned and so did Nick. The family knew that this hurdle had been jumped and now all they had to concentrate on was getting Jarrod back on his feet.

Two weeks later, Jarrod was up on his feet. The past incidents just a bitter memory. As he prepared to return to San Francisco for his final two months of working for Adam, he knew inside that he had made the right decision and he had his Grandfather Barkley’ s spirit inside of him helping him to pursue the right course of action. He knew that everything was right with his grandfather and his father. Now, he could go forward and do the best job he could for Adam and for himself.