"Hello," Victoria painted on her best motherly smile, "Thought you might be interested in something cool."

Darla put down her book and motioned for Victoria to sit on the edge of her bed. Darla and Jarrod married one year before and spent their time between their home in San Francisco and the ranch in Stockton. Darla was a war widow from Boston and met Jarrod while he finished his law degree. She and her daughter, Sara, easily fit into the Barkley's lives. Darla's first pregnancy was touch and go, but produced a strong, healthy, and happy daughter. Victoria was honored when Darla asked to spend the last few months of this confinement on the ranch. She had done well thriving on the fresh air, overwhelming attention, and good food.

"Thank you, mother. Can you sit for a few minutes?"

Victoria took the small girl's hand and offered a smile. She shook off her thoughts regarding Darla's frailty remembering her newest daughter was actually a bit bigger than herself and Victoria delivered multiple children without problem.

"How are you, mother? I've been worried."

"Darla," Victoria scolded, "The last thing you are supposed to be doing up here is worrying about me."

The women smiled and shook their heads. Victoria settled in for a talk.

"I'm fine, dear. Simply wish the railroad folks weren't trying to cause all this fuss when we have so many wonderful things to enjoy in our lives right now."

"There really isn't a good time for a fight, is there?"

Victoria smiled and leaned forward to kiss Darla's cheek.

"No, of course you are right. How did a native Bostonian become so wise regarding range wars?"

"I hate that term, war," Darla shook of her momentary sorrow and quietly giggled, "I've picked a few things up from some guy I met near Harvard yard."

"Thank heavens you did. I'd be lost without you. That reminds me, what did your mother's letter have to offer?"

Darla pulled the envelope from the back of her book and gently touched her Boston based mother's handwriting.

"Grandmother isn't much improved, but my aunt has promised to come up from Concorde by the beginning of the month. Mother should have time to be in California to help Jarrod and I settle back in San Francisco with Katie and the baby. Mother was thrilled with your offer to meet here at the ranch. Thank you again for your generosity. She seemed to have visions of the Wild West which are very outdated."

"Family is important and you know you don't need to thank us. I know my own family still thinks Tom and I live in a wasteland. I loved my time with your mother at the wedding, Boston was beautiful, but I'm anxious to introduce her to California."

"Oh, but I do need to thank you. You and father have been wonderful. Is it the railroad trouble making him so quiet lately?"

Victoria smiled at her daughter's always sharp observations, responding, "Some, but I think it goes deeper."

"In what way?"

"Well, you and Jarrod will be tied to San Francisco once you get busy raising TWO small ones. We've experienced the wonders of having small children and the busy life it provides. I know we'll miss your visits and I told Tom we're going to have to make the trip north more ourselves."

"Mother, that would be wonderful. I can't imagine you dragging father from the ranch, but if anyone can ..."

They nodded and smiled.

"What else?"

Victoria raised her eyebrow and was thinking before responding.

"I'm sorry, mother. I didn't mean to pry."

"Don't be silly," Victoria tapped Darla's hand, "

"Tom won't admit it, but I think he is sad way down deep inside. We fought long and hard for this ranch and our success. Most men assume they will have a son to take over when they pass. With Jarrod's law practice expanding dramatically and Nick moving to Katie's ...Well, it isn't what he planned. In a few years Audra will be married too. But life is supposed to make you grow and change."

"Makes sense you both would be sad. Who would have guessed Nick would fall for the wealthiest landowner in Sacramento. Katie's parents left her a magnificent group of holdings. She and Nick made the right decision in keeping them. In a few years maybe they will find someone Nick would trust to run the ranch for them?"

"No, in a few years Katie and Nick will be parents raising children on their Sacramento property. But we're young and I can't imagine Tom won't find a foreman he trusts after Jim retires in a year or two."

"You sound sad yourself, mother?"

"I am," Victoria stood and hugged Darla whispering, "A mother always wants all her children to stay near forever. But it is a modern world and children move away. Look how far away from our families Tom and I settled."

"Thanks for the milk and the chat too."

Victoria turned before she entered the hall and smiled.

"Thank you, sweetie. I'll send Jarrod the minute he rides in."

Darla nodded and scooted down for a nap. Victoria returned to her favorite pastime, Sara.

Nick caught Jarrod up on all the gossip from the ranch on the way back home. Jarrod was still stinging from his meetings in Sacramento and the talk of violence worried him. It was only two years before when five men died during similar violence and father was almost killed. The thought of his father's bravery as Tom Barkley remained committed to their neighbors even after fighting back from a near mortal wound sent chills up Jarrod's spine.

When they walked in the house Sara flew into her step-father's arms. Sara's father was killed in on one of the horrid battlefields of the Civil War before the man even knew his wife back in Boston was carrying his child. Sara loved Jarrod and he loved being her father. Victoria followed her granddaughter into the foyer and welcomed home her sons. After sharing the poor results from his latest trip to Sacramento Jarrod took Sara with him and headed for Darla's room.

"Father back?"

Nick poured a double shot and sat in the living room with his mother.

"No, but he was determined to stop the buildup of anger if possible."

Nick chuckled, adding, "Then I wouldn't expect him before supper."

Victoria smiled and nodded.

"I got a letter from Katie. Her aunts have arrived and brought the wedding dress she ordered with them. She won't tell me anything about it, but I can tell she is very excited."

"Are you excited, Nick?"

"Truthfully," Nick stared at his whiskey, "The whole event seems a dream. I know I want to marry Kate and September is only two months away. But the trip to Sacramento every other weekend is getting old and I feel like I should be here with you and father."

"Do you love, Katie?"

Nick laughed and met his mother's stare, "More than I ever imagined I could love anyone on the entire planet."

Victoria got up to check on supper's preparations, adding, "There isn't anymore to be said then Nick. Things will all work out ... You'll see."

Nick downed his drink and listened. A horse was coming up the drive and he rushed outside expecting to see Tom Barkley.

Heath hadn't slept well since his mother's death a month before, in truth he rarely slept well since the end of the war. Heath hated having his restlessness growing instead of shrinking for the first time in a year or more. Leah Thomson's last minute revelations regarding his heritage stunned the young man, but her death left no time for questions to be addressed. The young man vacillated between being heart-broken, confused, and angry.

His mother's best friends, Aunt Rachel and Hannah, were more than willing to provide information, answers to the boy's questions, and share Heath's grief, but the women could not ease his mind regarding Leah's choices. Coupling this range of emotions with finally having a name for the father Heath hated and his lack of sleep left him exhausted most of the time. Perhaps confronting Tom Barkley would bring Heath some peace.

The usually sure rider became twisted in the woods as his mind churned through his many thoughts and reviewed today's unexpected swim when some idiot wouldn't let him across a narrow bridge, plus sheer physical exhaustion from riding his Modoc hard to beat out the train. Heath gave his pony a break for water and some tall grass by a pleasant creek. Gazing around the boy quickly figured out which way to head once their break was over. He found a wonderfully cool shady spot and laid against a tall tree.

Suddenly a horse was hovering over the boy and a whip slapping his face. Startling Heath since his time in Carterson was never a good decision, but startling him by dragging the former POW from sleep with a whip was a BAD idea. With one swift movement Heath grabbed the whip, pulled himself up, and threw the attacker into the water. Heath collapsed on the ground watching water fly as his attacker splashed and found some footing in the shallow water. When she stood up Heath's gun was leveled her way.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING TRESPASSING ON OUR RANCH? DIDN'T YOU READ THE SIGNS?"

Heath lowered his gun and chuckled realizing the girl before him could not harm him.

"Yes, but then I got turned around in the woods and took a break. Any law against a man taking a nap on your land?"

"WHO ARE YOU?"

Heath stifled a laugh watching as the girl walked back up grabbing her whip from his hand.

"I was about to ask you the same thing. Suppose you're a Barkley since you seem a might put out over a trespassing sign."

"I DON'T HAVE TO TELL YOU A THING."

The girl sat down a few paces from where Heath was kneeing so he eased back and took a deep breath.

"That's true, ma'am, very true. My name is Heath and all I was doing was checking to see if there was any work for a cowboy on your spread."

"You a good cowboy, Heath?"

He turned and stared hard into the eyes of the girl. YEP! She was definitely flirting. If she only knew who he was and why Heath was on their ranch. Funny his half-sister had blonde hair and blue eyes just like Heath.

"Yes, ma'am. I'm the best. I better get back on the trail."

Audra stood up when the handsome young man did. There was something gentle in his being and she liked his coloring. What was so familiar about this stranger? Heath mounted his horse and tuned back her way.

"Sorry about the cold dip I gave you. I'm not used to being whipped out of a hot afternoon's nap."

Audra thoroughly blushed thinking of her actions. She had a habit of action before thought as did her brother, Nick.

"See my brother, Nick. He does the hiring."

"Thank you, ma'am," Heath spoke as he tipped his hat and turned away.

"Well, I guess it must be true what they say about bad pennies."

Heath pushed back his hat and both men shook their heads remembering the unexpected dip they took from the narrow bridge earlier in the day.

"Boy howdy, I was thinking the same about you."

Nick stood with his hands firmly placed on his hips, but the smile dropped from his face. A Barkley never thought of themselves as a bad penny ... Why would this kid?

"What can I do for you?"

"I'm looking for Mr. Barkley."

"You found him."

"Mr. Nick Barkley?"

"Yes, sir. What can I do for you?"

Heath sighed. It hadn't been the best of days and didn't seem to be getting any better.

"I was told you did the hiring."

"Yes, but we're full."

"Too bad, I'm the best cowboy ever to pass this way."

Nick chuckled and liked the young man's pride, "I'll assume from that statement you can do it all?"

Heath sat taller, answering, "Yes, but horse wrangling is my specialty."

Jarrod stepped out with Sara still in his embrace. He also hoped it was their father who rode up.

"Well, who's this Nick?"

"Don't know," Nick hadn't realized they weren't introduced until that moment, "He's looking for work, but we are full."

"Hire him, Nick. He did me a favor this afternoon."

"HIRE HIM?"

Sara put a finger to her mouth and giggled, "Uncle Nick, mama's sleeping."

"Sorry," Nick tweaked her nose, "What do you mean hire him?"

"He did me a BIG favor. Surely you have space for an extra cowhand."

Nick thought for a moment. They weren't full, but he wasn't sure if he should trust this young fellow with the railroad bringing in hired guns.

"Where did you work last?"

"Corning?"

"That's pretty far ..."

Jarrod interrupted, "Nick, I thought I was he one to cross-examine people."

Nick blew out an exasperated sigh, adding, "I'll tell you what, boy. There's a crazy stallion in the far corral. We're thinking of letting him go. If you're such a special horse wrangler ... Take a look and tell me what you would do to break him for me."

"Yes, sir and my name is Heath not boy."

Jarrod laughed out loud and started inside to find someone to watch Sara. He might not be a rancher himself, but he was a rancher's son and had no intention of missing the fireworks between his younger brother and this intriguing young cowboy. Silas gladly took Sara and her father rushed back outside.

By the time Jarrod reached the corral Nick was standing alone watching Heath. Heath started by talking to the horse from outside the fence. When Jarrod arrived the boy was sitting up on the fence still talking in a soft, low, gentle voice as if he and the horse were the oldest of friends. The stallion was snorting and pounding at the ground as his wild eyes took in this new human. Nick smiled at Jarrod as they watched the horse move from the livid anger it usually showed with any human approach and seemed as curious as they were about the new cowboy.

Slowly the young man lowered himself into the corral. Nick jumped up and pulled out his gun. Didn't that crazy cowboy know this stallion would love to kill him? Jarrod sensed Nick's intention to move into the stallion's vision and held tight to his arm. They watched as Heath walked slowly for one quarter of the fence then sat back up on the fence while he never stopped talking about the sky, the wind, other horses, and any other gibberish in a tone so soft the two men couldn't really make out the words.

The stallion watched the young man with great interest, snorted, and then turned and ate. He seemed to have decided the cowboy was harmless and not to bother getting all in a huff. Heath waited a few minutes after he lowered himself to the ground outside the corral before he quit talking. Then Heath told the horse he would see him soon and walked back to the Barkleys.

"You're hired, boy. Check in at the bunk house with Jim. We'll see what else you can handle starting at sun up tomorrow."

"Thanks, Mr. Barkley and my name is Heath not boy."

"Great show, Heath. Thanks," Jarrod offered his hand and Heath took it, but offered no smile or friendly response.

The brothers headed back to the house and filled the entire family in on the cowboy named Heath who was now their employee as they gathered for supper. Tom and Nick were involved in a long conversation about the fact there were some men simply graced with the ability to handle animals. If Heath was one of those men the Barkley ranch had indeed been lucky to hire him. Audra smiled and knowing Heath was the same handsome man she met up by the creek. There was something special about the cowboy and horses definitely weren't going to be the only ones in Stockton to notice him. It was a pleasant evening on the Barkley ranch.

Tom Barkley traveled to Sacramento two days after his granddaughter's birth to make a plea for the legislator's to exercise their ability to restrain the railroad's aggressive land grabbing. His original plan would have kept him in the state's capital for one week, but Tom ended up staying two. Nick and Jim tried to fill his large boots at the ranch while tension between the railroad's hired guns and area ranchers continued to increase.

Nick and Jim quickly noticed the value of their new hired hand. Heath worked well in a group, but flourished on his own. The cowboy was the best rider on the ranch and never balked or complained no matter the task he may be given. Nick himself dug a well with Heath one afternoon and although Nick would have enjoyed more friendly banter to pass the time his respect for the man Jarrod insisted be hired was growing. Hiring Heath gave the Barkley ranch the well done work of at least two men. Nothing earned respect from Nick Barkley more than a man's talent with horseflesh and the ability to work hard. Heath's respect for Nick was tempered by his disdain for Nick's constant referral of him as "boy," but other than that the cowboy was more than happy with his new employment situation. He and Jim quickly began to develop a close relationship.

At night Heath's abilities at card games were already becoming legend. Jim made it his policy to never play or get involved with the men's off-hour entertainment. He and his wife retreated to the small ranch house which was part of his contract with the Barkleys. Nick however spent most of his entertainment hours with the ranch hands. He loved to play poker, ride into the saloon, or sit talking around the bunkhouse fire. Throughout these activities he began to notice one thing about the new man, Heath rarely spoke unless answering a direct question and never offered any information about himself. Sensing this was a sign the boy had something to hide Nick talked to Jim and together they agreed to kept a firm eye on Heath.

Heath felt confused by his experience on the Barkley ranch. Rarely if ever had he known of a spread, which treated their hired men with so much respect, fairness, and dignity. The hands he slowly became friends with had worked for the Barkleys for many years and their loyalty was unshakable. There was not one man who did not speak with utmost respect and admiration for Tom Barkley as a man, a rancher, and as a employer. It was hard to equate the Tom Barkley they referred to with the man Heath planned on giving a piece of his mind before moving on to another place.

As was his habit wherever Heath worked since the war he rarely slept in the bunkhouse. The bunk beds seemed too small for his tall sturdy frame, even the Barkley's large facility seemed to close in on him at night, and Heath was easily embarrassed when the other men complained to the foreman about the new hire's often loud, restless, and horrific nightmares. Heath wandered outside and had scouted out a tree clump he camped under or in bad weather the boy slept in the barn. He wasn't bothering anyone and always began his day before the bunkhouse even noticed Heath moved outside once more.

"Morning, Heath."

"Good morning, Miss Barkley."

Audra was up early to get started on a ride to a friend's for the day, plus she was hoping to talk to the blonde cowboy Nick said kept the tack room and barn in immaculate repair.

"Here," Heath walked over and took the saddle blanket from his half-sister, "Let me do that. To bad you didn't tell me about your early ride last night. I would gladly have your horse ready so you didn't have to wait."

"Thank you," Audra knew he wasn't going to let her argue from his body language as Heath stepped in front of her and began saddling her horse, "You know after all these weeks I still don't know your name."

"Heath, ma'am."

"NO!" Audra chuckled, "You know I call you Heath. What's your last name?"

"Thomson, ma'am."

"Mr. Thomson, you sure don't like to talk do you?"

"Please, my name is Heath."

"Only if you call me Audra."

Heath turned and noticed Audra had moved closer to him. He pulled the horse away and finished.

"Thank you Miss Barkley, but I've worked on a lot of ranches and I find it a good policy NOT to call the boss' daughter or wife by their first name."

"Oh," Audra sat down on a haystack letting her disappointment show.

Heath finished getting her horse ready and walked it outside for her. He held the horse still while Audra mounted then handed her the reins.

"Will you be at the dance Saturday night? I'm sure most of the hands are going to show up. My friends and I have been working hard on this social. It is an end-of-summer tradition in Stockton."

"Yes, Jim told me about it and most of the boys are going."

"And you?"

"Well, I'm not one for dancing, but I might stop by to see what a Stockton social is like."

Audra smiled and Heath turned away to try and hide his red face.

"Good ... I have a few people I want you to meet."

Without giving Heath a chance to reply Audra took off at a fast cantor. When he went back inside the barn Jim was working on the day's chore lists while saddling his horse. When the two men's eyes met Jim started to chuckle.

"What?"

"I like your policy about the boss's daughter, son. She is a wildcat hankering for trouble. I think she knows exactly how pretty she is and Audra is still learning how to use the power that fact gives her. Audra's mighty young though, Heath. I fear for her safety and I know her mother does the same at times."

Heath didn't reply instead getting back to his work on a broken wheel. They worked in silence, but Jim knew Heath meant what he told Audra and found it one more reason to respect his new employee.

Saturday was a rough day for Nick and Heath. Their group was moving cattle from the farthest pasture and found a large section of fence down. Splitting the men up, Nick chose to dig fence postholes with Heath in an effort to get the boy to talk. It was a wickedly hot afternoon, but nothing seemed to slow the cowboy down embarrassing his employer into working hard too. When the two tired men finally rejoined the others still looking for the last few strays Nick didn't know anymore about Heath than before they started.

Nick did have more unease about the boy which upset the older cowboy to the point he'd been snapping nasty remarks the kid's way constantly by the end of their afternoon together. Heath never swayed from his job and ignored the remarks with a practiced ease. Finally Nick noticed a strong reaction when he mention the cowboy joining his family for Sunday supper so Tom Barkley could met the new hand. Tom was due in early Sunday morning and requested a meeting with Heath after hearing so much about him.

When Nick mentioned supper Heath stayed unchanged, but with the mention of his father Heath tightened considerably. Nick definitely saw the muscles in Heath's back spasm when he mentioned Tom Barkley's name despite the fact the boy refused to remove his shirt while enduring Nick's teases, comments, and suggestions regarding Heath's wardrobe and the heat. Nick Barkley hated to lose a good hand, but he was even more sure Heath was one of the railroad's hired guns. Why else would the boy react negatively to the mere mention of the elder Barkley's name.

When Nick told Jim about his afternoon with Heath the foreman tried to dissuade his suspicions. Jim genuinely liked the boy and felt his future on the Barkley ranch could be big especially with Nick moving to Sacramento after his wedding in late September. Nick wasn't convinced so Jim promised to watch Heath at the social. Jim gladly took the job figuring he'd use the time to think up a way to change Nick's mind.

The hands road into town in three large buckboards with Nick. Jim and his wife rode in the buggy with Victoria and Audra. When they pulled up outside the large area of Stockton's streets which was roped off for the annual event the group began to quickly disperse after Nick yelled out for the men to be back at the buckboards by midnight if they wanted a ride.

"HEATH!"

Audra ran over and caught the boy's arm as he started down the street with a few hands.

"Come back for a minute, please. I want you to meet my mother."

Heath had been dreading this moment. The only person talked about with more respect than Tom Barkley was his wife, Victoria. Every man had a tale of her birthday cakes, Christmas surprises, and other extra special ways she made sure the hands felt an important part of the ranch. When the men gossiped about their employer's family, Mrs. Barkley was always credited with raising Jarrod, Nick, and Audra well.

Heath couldn't fathom looking the other woman in his father's life in the eye. Tom Barkley lied to Leah Thomson with his silence on the existence of his wife and family in Stockton while engaging in an over two-month affair during a four-month stay in Strawberry. Aunt Rachel told Heath his mother allowed the lifestyle they led out of respect for this woman, Barkley's legal wife. His aunt gave Heath answers to his angry questions, but not peace of mind regarding Leah's choices. Heath simply couldn't tolerate visions of his mother scrubbing floors, cooking for jerks at the hotel, and crying because Heath had grown and needed clothes or shoes. Why she hadn't made Barkley share his wealth her son would never understand.

"Mother," Audra pulled Heath towards the group from the buggy, "This is Heath Thomson. Heath this is my mother, Victoria Barkley. I believe you already know Jim's wife, Martha."

Heath took off his hat and slightly dipped his head towards each woman while trying not to make eye contact with Victoria. She stepped forward to verify the feeling the young man looked familiar when Victoria watched Heath around the ranch. Victoria stuck out her hand and gave Heath a firm handshake.

"I'm so glad to finally meet you, Mr. Thomson. I've heard such wonderful things about your work. And I understand you have an unusual touch with animals."

Heath tried to avoid it, but finally raised his head and met her eyes. She was lovely, but even smaller than he assumed from his long distance observations. Her eyes locked intently on Heath's and he began to feel uncomfortable in Victoria's gaze.

"Thank you, Mrs. Barkley. Please, call me Heath."

Victoria was slow to respond and didn't let go of Heath's hand. Instead she held firm and took another step towards the cowboy taking in his face with complete concentration.

"Mother?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, Heath," Victoria dropped his hand and stepped back, "Are you sure we haven't met somewhere before?"

"No, ma'am. I've always worked farther north. Besides I'd remember being lucky enough to meet such a fine lady as yourself."

"Let's get going," Audra took Heath's arm and began to pull him toward the crowd while he nodded again to everyone.

"Have fun, Heath. You sure deserve it after the day you put in," Jim winked and then offered an elbow to each lady.

Victoria took a seat when they got to the party area. Jim went in to get punch for the ladies after such a long, hot, dusty ride into town. Martha noted her friend's shaken appearance and sat down next to her taking Victoria's hand.

"Are you all right, Victoria?"

"Yes," Victoria managed a weak smile, "Heath's eyes reminded me of someone that's all."

"OH, Heath's eyes!" Martha chuckled, "I imagine he does quite well with the ladies with his large, azure, bashful eyes. I've never seen such an unusual color. Have you?"

Victoria didn't answer and sent Martha off to dance with Jim when he returned. She got up to start socializing so her friends wouldn't worry, but her thoughts were on Heath's eyes. Those wonderfully bright LIGHT blue eyes Victoria Barkley had seen the same color before on only one other man's face. Jim Barkley was Tom's younger brother and inherited the same coloring as the cowboy including the very unusual Barkley blue eyes. It was a realization, which Victoria Barkley would never forget.

It was a wonderful evening. A cool breeze finally sifted through the crowd when the sun fully set. The recent tensions left everyone ready for a night to forget their troubles and relax. Jim occasionally wandered around to check up on Heath, but the boy was always alone or sitting with a group of Barkley hands. The entire crowd breathed a sigh of relief that none of the railroad's hired hands tired to crash the event.

Without knowing she was being watched Audra floated in and out of various dance partner's arms and blossomed all around the party she helped organize. Towards the end of the evening a friend snuck her a note explaining a "handsome" gentleman asked her to deliver. The note peaked Audra's keen sense of adventure by inviting her to meet a secret admirer half a block down the street behind the livery.

Audra worked hard to sneak away from the party without her mother or Nick noticing. She ran the last few feet before turning into the ally which lead to the back of the livery. Suddenly two men with bandannas over their faces jumped out in front of her. Audra turned to run and a third man who was behind her grabbed her arms as a gag was placed tightly around her face.

"Why if it isn't Tom Barkley's wild filly."

The men passed her around in a circle being sure to inappropriately touch Audra, which made her flinch and try to strike out. When she would go one way the tight circle they formed around her the man behind Audra would reach out and draw her attention his way.

"You need to remind your father that he ain't going to beat the railroad and we can come get Tom Barkley as easy as you pretty lady."

Audra decided to punch the man in front of her and try to run forward past him if possible. As she folded her hands together and swung to punch the man the entire group was swayed as someone jumped them from behind. Audra fell and managed to crawl further into the ally. When she turned Audra saw Heath doing quite well against her three attackers. Audra fought to remove her gag so she could catch her breath and go back to help Heath.

Without warning another man who must have been the lookout walked back toward the group and used a piece of wood from a crate, which had broken to knock Heath to the ground. After half landing an attempt to smack the board over Heath's head the man added a full force blow to Heath's back which caused the boy to fall. The four men rushed away as Audra ran up to help Heath.

"HEATH?"

"Are you all right, Miss Barkley," Heath let her help him up and stumbled over to lean against the wall.

"Yes, thanks to you. You rest here and I'll go for my brother."

"NO! They might be out on the street," Heath pulled himself up and Audra saw blood paint the wall as his head moved across it.

Audra heard voices and knew her screams must have gotten some attention. She ignored Heath's warnings and ran toward the street as Nick and a group of men bolted her way. Seeing his sister's bloody mouth and torn clothes Nick didn't stop when she grabbed his shoulder. Nick rushed forward and met Heath as he stumbled out of the ally to watch out for Audra. The boy never knew what hit him as Nick Barkley began to beat him. Jim and the other men pulled Nick away as Audra keep screaming for her bother to stop.

Victoria rushed and hugged her distraught daughter.

"OH, MOTHER. I THINK NICK KILLED HIM!"

"Who?"

"Heath Thomson. Some railroad men grabbed me and Heath helped me get away," Audra sobbed as Jim lifted her in the buggy, "Nick thought Heath was the one who hurt me and he attacked Heath."

Audra melted into a sea of tears in Martha's arms. Audra was frightened, but appeared unharmed. Victoria kissed her daughter's hand before walking over to the Barkley buckboard where Nick was having the men lay Heath.

"MY GOD, NICK!!! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?"

Victoria climbed in the buckboard and checked to see if the young man even had a pulse.

"I wasn't thinking, mother. What should we do?"

Stockton's doctor was away trying to find some cool air on an extended fishing trip. Victoria had the men provide her with a lamp, canteen, and a large stack of clean napkins from the buffet table. They headed the wagon back to the ranch while Victoria tried to clean Heath up enough to assess his injuries. When they arrived Jim and Martha insisted the boy be brought into their home instead of the bunkhouse.

Heath was semiconscious which pleased everyone and his wounds didn't seem life threatening. But even on her quick assessment in the wagon Victoria Barkley knew to assume the man had a concussion, broken ribs, and a cut on his scalp she would need to stitch up. It was a long night as she and Martha tended to the boy.

When they had Heath's head wrapped, his face clean and checked to find no broken bones other than two ribs it was time to give Heath a bath, plus check his back and legs for injury. The foggy man fought desperately as the women tried to remove his clothes. Jim joined them and easily overpowered Heath. Whenever the boy lifted his head or tried to move fast a wave of nausea and dizziness stopped him. The group moved him slow and steadily as they began to get the next step in his care underway.

Jim rolled Heath so Victoria could get his shirt off and check his back for injury. Both women gasped and stared. Martha left the room for air as Jim maneuvered to see what upset the women. Heath had an enormous red, swollen, and quickly blackening area across his lower back where the board was used on him. But what upset his caregivers was the constricted, tight, and horribly scarred skin, which covered his entire back obviously running far down his buttocks stopping somewhere on his lower thighs.

"This boy has been whipped multiple times and whipped with vengeance."

Victoria couldn't speak. She took some soap and water and began to clean Heath's back. Heath struggled, but moaned as his head began to swim. Jim leaned down close and once again assured Heath everything was going to be fine. Heath reacted positively to Jim's familiar voice, but remained highly tense to Victoria touching his back. Tears began down her cheeks as Victoria could only imagine the savagery, which would be needed to do this much severe damage to Heath's skin.

"Heath," Jim was fighting emotions himself, "Who whipped you, son?"

Heath looked up and saw the concern in his friend's eyes. He shook his head slightly and was very sorry for the move when nausea instantly welled up. Jim took the hand Heath put out and held tight.

"Heath," Jim knelt down and rubbed the shoulder he was using to keep Heath turned, "I'm sorry to pry, son, but I've never seen anyone's back look like ....."

Jim shook his head and dropped his eyes to the floor.

"Its okay, Jim," Heath barely whispered, "Don't be upset. It happened a long time ago when I was in Carterson."

Jim's eyes snapped back to Heath's and his shock was obvious to even Heath's foggy eyes. The foreman had asked Heath's age and believed twenty to fit when Heath offered it. If Heath was twenty now the boy was far too young to serve during the recent War Between the States.

Heath saw Jim doing his math, the younger man added, "I needed the money and the army needed a sharpshooter, Jim. We were a good match till I was captured in New Mexico. I was only fifteen while I rotted in that hellhole. But it's all in the past now."

Heath saw Jim's eyes look up. For a moment he had forgotten Mrs. Barkley was the one washing his back. Feeling like he said far too much and needing his energy to keep from losing his supper Heath closed his eyes and tried to sleep. When Mrs. Barkley finished bathing him, Jim helped Heath turn against some pillows with cool towels right where the black and blue area of his back would lie. The towels felt heavenly and Heath gladly let himself fall into a restless sleep.

Nick waited at the station early the next morning. Town was still a mess from last night's activities, but Nick hardly noticed. He was glad his mother was giving him the first shot at filling in his father on what happened. Besides his concern for Audra, Tom Barkley would surely continue the lecture Nick endured into the wee hours of the morning while his mother insisted her youngest son learn to think before he spoke, moved, or beat someone without reason.

He knew his parents were correct and Nick also knew his gut feeling the new hand's response to the mention of Tom's name wasn't right. Nick would gladly put up with his mother and father's anger to be present when Tom checked on Heath. There was no doubt after hugging Victoria and Audra, checking on Jarrod and his young family, and finishing his lecture on Nick's behavior Tom Barkley would head out to Jim's to see their sick young cowboy. Nick couldn't wait to see the boy's reaction.

The train pulled up to the station and Nick waved when Tom stepped onto the platform. Nick took a deep breath and accepted his father's hand before they headed back to the Barkley ranch. It was going to be an interesting Sunday afternoon.

"Heath?"

The boy moaned and moved to her quiet mention of his name, which made Victoria feel wonderful. If Heath had a concussion it was thankfully mild.

"Can you open your eyes, son?"

Heath strained against his weariness then opened his eyes while attempting to focus on the woman speaking to him. His eyes were foggy.

"Martha?"

"No, sweetheart, it is Victoria Barkley."

Heath noticeably stiffened.

"Mrs. Barkley," Heath went to sit up and then grabbed his left leg and moaned before resting back into the pillows, "I'm sorry, ma'am."

Heath's back and left leg were obviously in deep spasm.

"You shouldn't try to get up," Victoria quietly scolded as Heath continued to rub and move his leg, "Can I help you?"

"Is Jim around, Mrs. Barkley?"

"No, he and Martha are trying to rest. Why?"

Heath sat up slowly and pulled himself to rest back on the headboard with his head to the side so his suture line didn't have pressure on it. Taking a few breaths the boy then swung his legs over the side and looked around for his pants.

"Just exactly where do you think you are going, Heath?"

The small woman stood in front of him with her hands on her hips and Heath had to hide a laugh when he gazed at her.

"I'm sorry. My back acts up from an old army injury and getting hit tonight didn't help. The darn spasms start down my leg and if I don't get up and walk before it gets worse ... Well, let's put it this way, I'm getting up and trying to walk."

"I don't know, Heath. You should rest in bed after the beating Nick gave you."

"Believe me, Mrs. Barkley, if my leg gets worse I won't be resting."

Victoria made Heath wait long enough for her to run into the main house and bring back one of Tom's robes and a pair of slippers. The boy balked at what she wanted him to wear, but then realized Victoria Barkley had no intention of getting him a pair of pants. Wisely she didn't trust Heath not to go out without her if he had pants. Feeling odd, but desperate to get his leg moving they headed from his room and out into the night air. Heath tired by the time they made it to a bench by the back entrance to the main house. They rested together while Victoria goaded Heath into drinking more water.

"Does your leg bother you often?"

Heath hated talking personal, sharply, but quietly answering, "No, you didn't hire a broken cowboy, Mrs. Barkley."

Victoria snapped back, "I know we didn't and resent your implying that is why I asked."

"I'm sorry, ma'am," Heath felt ashamed and confused.

"I am too. Let's start over?"

"My back bothers me at dumb times. I can ride and be thrown from broncs all day, but then move laterally or twist around in the saddle and this fireball races from my back down my leg. Nuisance really. I end up overtired 'cause I have to stay up at night to walk it out. I promise I won't miss any work on account of it."

"I know you won't, son."

"Would you mind if we walked back? My head is giving me fits and your son, Nick, surely does pack a mean punch, Mrs. Barkley."

Victoria smiled and reached to steady Heath as he fought to his feet.

"I'm sorry, Heath," Victoria scanned the boy's bumps, bruises, and obviously sore body.

"You're sorry?"

"Yes, I'm sorry it took me until this very moment to realize I should thank you for helping Audra. I know Tom will want to thank you too."

Heath stood bolt upright, nervously replying, "That won't be necessary. I don't want to bother Mr. Barkley."

"It's no bother, Heath," Victoria noted Heath's reaction to Tom's name, "You did us a big favor tonight and got a beating for it. I am sorry and I am grateful. Tom will be too and he'll be hoping you'll stay on despite Nick's foolish behavior."

They walked back in silence with Heath not responding about his employment plans. A few times Victoria reached to steady the hurting boy and they exchanged smiles. As was Heath's habit with people he cared about the young man began to express more with his eyes and silence than he normally could with words. Heath didn't realize his use of silence erased further doubt about his heredity from Victoria's mind.

"Heath, sorry to wake you again so soon," Victoria rubbed his shoulder.

Heath had fallen asleep as his body hit the bed. It was a restless sleep and Victoria noticed his leg still seemed to be bothering him. She thought about what to do and then went to prepare her home remedy.

"Roll over for me, please."

Heath was so tired he didn't fight the small hands pushing him on his side. Victoria put pillows behind Heath and then placed a folded flannel sheet fresh from boiling in peppermint leaves, oil of lavender, and rosemary so the black and blue area of Heath's lower back would rest on the warm concoction.

"Com'on back real slow, son."

Heath rolled back as Victoria verified the placement of what she hoped would be an effective pain relief method.

"Mrs. Barkley, the pillow is hot!"

"I know, sweetheart, keep coming back on it. Its going to make your back feel better if I've guessed right."

Heath looked up at the woman who didn't know him, but was genuinely trying to ease his pain. He thought of the bunkhouse stories regarding Victoria Barkley. Suddenly deciding to add one more person to the list of people he trusted on the ranch Heath laid back on the pillows. The boy's list now consisted of Jim, Martha, and Victoria. Victoria tucked him in tight so Heath's weight held the heated sheet firmly against his back.

"Did we get the right spot?"

"Yes, ma'am. Its warm and making my skin tingle."

"Good, that is what we want. Give it a few moments. Try to relax into the heat."

Victoria watched as Heath closed his eyes and obeyed her instruction. He grimaced once, but then began to show less strain on his face.

"I can feel the warmth going down my leg. I don't know how to thank you ... Smells good too!"

Victoria gratefully accepted the crooked grin as it crossed the tired man's face. When he drifted off this time Heath really fell asleep. Victoria decided to let him go for two hours since he'd been up walking and the concussion appeared very mild.

Two hours later Heath was hard to arouse due to enjoying the best sleep he'd had in too long. When he did wake up to Victoria's face Heath rewarded her with another smile and a direct look at his wonderfully clear blue eyes.

"I'm sorry, Heath. But it's been two hours and you did take quite a bump on the head."

"Thanks. I don't mind as long as you don't ask me all those dumb questions."

"Dumb questions?"

Victoria reached down and took his hand. Heath held on and enjoyed the moment while feeling himself starting to really like the woman so willing to help a mere hired hand on her family's large ranch.

"Ya, like my name, my age, my birthday, today's date, who's the president, and all those dumb questions?"

"Oh, I see. Not the first time you've taken a knock on the head!"

They both chuckled, but Heath moaned when his ribs complained.

"No, not the first and I can only wish it would be the last."

"Okay, you seem aware of what's happening here. I'll let you rest. If I can't ask anything you mentioned .... I'm out of luck. I'm not supposed to ask questions I don't know the answer to."

Heath settled back and shut his eyes, but didn't pull back his hand.

"What questions do you wish you could ask?"

Victoria saw the opening Heath was offering and wondered if her understanding of this quiet man was correct. They had only spent a few hours together, but somehow Heath's gentle soul was very familiar. She held his hand a bit tighter and asked her questions.

"I'd ask ... Are you happy here? Will you stay? Where were you born? What is your mother's name? ..."

She stopped and dropped her head. Suddenly feeling she would cry Victoria fought for control. Heath opened his eyes and knew the question Victoria decided not to ask, the next question, was the one which frightened the gentle woman. He could lie and continue the silence his mother so carefully maintained or Heath could wait and see what Victoria Barkley did with his answers.

Perhaps it would be a sign of respect between the two of them if the young man took his signals on a plan of action from her. Obviously it was too hard to ask directly and she must also be wondering what Heath wanted from her family. Heath felt utmost respect and compassion for Victoria Barkley.

Quietly he closed his eyes, held her hand, and whispered, "I was born in a mining camp up north ... Strawberry. My mother's name was Leah Thomson."

Heath rested back and let the weariness take over. His last memory was Victoria sliding her hands carefully through his blonde hair then placing a soft kiss on his forehead. A few hours later Martha woke Heath and made him sit up for breakfast. Jim was already out doing his Sunday chores.

Tom Barkley knew his younger son well. He listened to Nick's defensive presentation of the previous evening's events. Then the angry father rode in silence until one mile from their home. Over the years Tom tendency to enjoy silence had been a major weapon in his fight to raise Nick into the fine man his son could be. Nick inherited a fiery temper with a quick trigger from his mother's paternal side. Jarrod was the complete opposite, but still favored his mother's family except he was a thinker like the maternal side of his mother's family and Victoria herself.

Tom often sat until the wee hours of the morning in deep conversation with his oldest son. Jarrod loved the debate as much or more than to win. But Nick was best gentled, aggravated, and controlled with the Barkley's irritating tendency to keep to themselves. When he knew Nick was truly listening Tom Barkley spoke with the firm, unwavering, and quietly angry voice which he used to reach Nick when screaming would have been ignored.

"Son, you are a twenty-four-year-old man. Heck, you'll be a married man in two months. All I can say about what happened last night is I'm thankful Heath Thomson was there to help your sister. I expect you to apologize to the man. As for myself, I intend to extend an apology myself and I'll probably have to do some finagling to get him to stay on this ranch. From what you and Jim have told me the boy is a true asset. Jim feels very strong about the man and his potential as a candidate for foreman."

Tom stopped talking and looked at Nick. Nick sighed and nodded his understanding. They raced to the barn which was their habit from when Nick was only a child. The two riders reached the barn together.

Tom stopped to offer his apologizes for disturbing Jim and Martha's Sunday dinner. They talked over the news from Sacramento, Jarrod's plan to move his family back to San Francisco before the range war heated up again, and Nick's inability to control his temper. Martha assured Tom the injured hand was improving and had been out walking with Jim after Victoria left earlier.

"Jim, I was thinking about creating a horse wrangler position for Heath. I know you need his strong back out there, but the army is offering us a great opportunity. I thought the young man could be put to good use caring for the horses while remaining available to assist on cattle drives, round ups, and during any of your heavier work assignment."

"Great idea, Tom," Jim smiled, "I know you haven't met Heath, but I'm sure you've watched him with the stock. Amazing seems too small a word."

"Yes, I've watched from a distance. I'll be glad when this range war is behind us and I can get back to running the ranch. Sure do miss something when you can't have it! Thank goodness for your help, Jim."

Jim and Tom chuckled then Tom's eyes fell on Martha sitting in front of her dinner without eating a bite.

"My goodness, forgive me again. I'll just go back and see if Heath is awake. You two get back to your dinner which smells divine."

Martha smiled and waved Tom away. He left them to their meal.

The windows were open and a breeze was moving the curtains. Heath was sitting up in bed with a tray in front of him. The soup, bread, and milk remained untouched as the young man gave in to the desire to lay his head back and nap. Tom thought he was eating and walked in to introduce himself.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Thomson, I'm Thomas Barkley."

Heath jumped and Tom reached forward to help him grab the tray before all the food flew to the floor. Tom moved the tray aside and smiled at his embarrassed employee. Heath couldn't believe what was happening ... This is not what the way he wanted or planned to meet Thomas Barkley.

"Mr. Barkley, I'm sorry."

Tom let go with a strangely familiar laugh.

"NO, young man, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were sleeping."

Undeterred Tom pulled up a chair.

"How are you?"

"Better, thank you. I'll be back to work tomorrow."

"YOU CERTAINLY WILL NOT!" Tom smiled then continued, "My wife would kill me. She's quite fond of you, grateful you helped Audra, and a good person to assess injuries. You're not to work for a week minimum. Understood?"

Heath kept his eyes on his folded hands, trying not to let his voice quiver, answering, "Understood, Mr. Barkley."

"May I extend my most sincere gratitude for your unselfish acts while protecting my daughter."

"No need."

"YES, there is and I'm grateful. I also would like to apologize for Nick's behavior and hope from your former statements you'd consider staying on here to work."

"I've enjoyed working here, sir. I plan on staying."

"Good! I won't keep you or I'll be in trouble with the ladies. May I call you Heath?"

"Yes, sir."

Tom Barkley stood up and offered his hand. Unable to keep from looking the man in the eye any longer Heath looked up and took his father's hand. Tom stared directly into Heath's face without a flinch then he rushed from the room. After saying his farewells to Martha and Jim, Tom ran into the garden and sat hard on the bench. Heath's face, coloring, and build hadn't been missed by Tom and when the boy did share his eyes .... Tom Barkley was sure. He wondered if his shock was as obvious as it felt?

After catching his breath Tom second guessed if it had been the correct decision not to share his plans for Heath's future. Jim would wonder why he didn't mention working with the Barkley horses to Heath. All Tom could think of was protecting his family and this ranch! What about Victoria? What did the boy want? Did Heath know who Tom was or was this a strange twist of fate? What should Tom do?

Tom raced up the back steps and pulled out a large chest from the back of a spare room closet. He opened the chest and began his search. A search for the picture Tom was sure Victoria stored in the chest. A picture of Tom's younger brother, James Barkley, when James was in his early twenties. The man's search was complicated by his racing heart, rapid breathing, and a million thoughts mingling in his head. For a brief moment Tom closed his eyes and saw her ... His lover, Leah Thomson. It was too unbelievable! Why wouldn't Leah have come to him?

He stopped looking through the box of pictures. Resting on the floor Tom realized he had broken out in a cold sweat. Was this his imagination? Perhaps a pang of leftover guilt? It was mere coincidence Heath looked so much like James ... Wasn't it? "This is nuts" he murmured as he got up off the floor and started to put the things back in the chest. He closed his eyes and reviewed Heath's battered face then Tom Barkley knelt down and continued his search for James' picture.

"Thanks, doc!"

Heath jumped up relieved to be heading out the door.

"David," Victoria added while watching the young man attempt an escape, "Tom and I are very concerned about Heath's back and those ribs remain tender. Could you check him out while I walk over to the dress shop? We hate to have Heath return to work before he should."

"Mrs. Barkley," Heath stopped abruptly, "That isn't necessary and I ...."

"Might as well let me check you out, son. It simply isn't worth trying to argue with Mrs. Barkley when she has her mind made up!"

The two men exchanged shoulder shrugs and Victoria left for the dress shop with a smile on her face. The doctor escorted Heath back to the exam table and waited while the young man took off his shirt. Heath waited while the doctor swallowed hard and then met the boy's eyes wanting an explanation. He gave a very short history of his scars and tried to hide the anger rising in him for having to once again review a very personal part of his past. This doctor, like all the rest, listened and had nothing new to offer the young man.

The railroad's intrusions into everyone's lives seemed as hot as the weather outside. Some mornings Tom woke up and thought the entire matter was a dream ... More a nightmare. Then one of the local ranchers would ride in with the latest on the railroad's hired men terrorizing a rancher and his family. In some ways Tom almost wished the matter would come to a head and be done.

Jarrod, Darla, and their young family left for San Francisco with Audra along to help out. Tom and Victoria were thankful for the opportunity to get their young daughter away from their home and Audra felt needed since Darla's mother had been delayed back east. Without Audra in the house Victoria began to plan a trip. She mentioned going to visit her friend, Sally Hicks, one night at dinner and Tom really liked the idea of her getting away for a few days. With her husband's blessings Victoria began to put her plan into action.

Heath began to move into the job Tom and Jim were creating for him. He noticed Tom never spoke to him alone. They always met in a group unless by accident Tom and Heath ended up in the barn by themselves. When these moments occurred Heath was stunned by Tom's nervous reaction to his presence. It wasn't an obvious nervous, but a tenseness Heath could feel in his bones. He walked away many a night trying to figure out what to do. Did Tom Barkley know who Heath was? How long did he give Victoria to make her move? They spent time together between supply runs, chores in the house, and her spoiling him with secret treats the other hands didn't receive? It was a puzzle, but Heath was in no rush although if Tom Barkley was going to kick his bastard off the ranch it would be nice if he did it before the upcoming fight. Heath could tell this range war was going to be bloody and cruel.

"Tom?"

"Sorry, Victoria. Did I wake you?"

"No," Victoria moved from the bed and stood behind the chair were Tom often spent his nights the past few weeks.

"Not a bit of air moving this evening."

"The joys of summer."

Victoria moved to Tom's side and slid down on one of the chair arms then leaned on her husband. He picked up her hand and kissed it. She realized Tom hadn't been staring into space. Victoria joined him as they watched Heath walk around the corrals, barn, and large yard area.

"He walks every night."

"Yes, I know. I tried to get him to stay in the house with Martha and Jim. They really like Heath and offered him their guestroom, but he refused. I know a nice soft bed would help him."

"In what way?"

"His back gives him trouble."

"My goodness, the young man won't even sleep in the bunkhouse what made you think he would move in with Martha and Jim?"

"Just a hunch I had, plus I'm sure his back bothers him more than he'll ever admit."

"Victoria, you worry too much! Heath puts in the work of two men everyday. If he had a bad back ..."

"Perhaps you should stop avoiding him and spend some time with him, Tom."

Tom turned and looked into her eyes. What was happening here?

"I haven't been avoiding him."

"Thomas, there isn't another hand on this ranch who hasn't worked a few long days alone with you. Jim and I always tease when you check them out. Is there something about this boy you don't like?"

Tom felt himself fight the desire to simply sit back and not speak. Victoria learned early not to let him get away with silences initiated by stifled anger.

"No," his mind began to swim, "I like Heath and Jim is over the moon to have him on the payroll. You never said why you're so worried about this particular cowboy's back."

Victoria wasn't fooled by her husband's attempt to change the subject. She also knew it was best to let Tom work a few things out and initiate a honest conversation about Heath with her, but she hoped Heath wouldn't move on, give up, or approach their family with angry demands while Tom wasted this quiet time the boy was offering them.

"Oh, I made David check out Heath's ribs and back before I gave Jim the okay for him to take on a full load."

"Smart move," Tom was relieved Victoria fell for his change of subject ploy, "What did he say?"

"Well, he said most of what he found and diagnosed was between himself and Heath. Then he added Heath could do as much work as he wanted. He had a strange smile on his face so I waited. Then he added 'You know, Victoria, we all see people in the paper and magazines being honored for their courage. Then I meet a quiet young man like your hired hand, Heath Thomson. Makes me feel ... Honored is the only word I can think of, but even that isn't right.'"

"Very impressive," Tom watched as Heath crossed and finally headed for his bedroll, "What the heck was he talking about?"

"I asked Heath when he helped me load up the buggy for my trip to Millie's a few days ago. He was stumped, but I pushed him. Finally, Heath admitted to not only being in Carterson, as I knew from the shape his back is in, but his lower back was broken among other injuries he didn't share. Doctors all tell him it didn't heal right and there is massive scar tissue which pinches nerves at times."

Victoria moved and kissed Tom before heading back to bed.

"You really should talk to him, Tom. He is an outstanding young man."

Victoria drove Tom to the train for another meeting in Sacramento. He left thinking her plan was to continue on for her visit with Sally Hicks. They would both be away from the ranch for a week or more. Tom felt a pang of guilt as he watched Victoria turn into a spec back by the station. There was no meeting in Sacramento, but there was a Pinkerton agent waiting with a report on Heath Thomson.

Tom didn't consciously doubt Heath's heredity, but he did question the boy's motives for suddenly showing up on the ranch twenty years after his birth. Late one night the week before Tom Barkley wrote a letter to Leah Thomson, but he never mailed it. Somehow writing after all these years seemed a half-hearted attempt at getting the matter figured out. Plus, Tom's main objective was to protect his family and Heath would have to understand this fact as would him mother, Leah. He burnt the letter, but kept images of Leah Thomson and their son in his mind day and night as he prayed for guidance. What was the right thing to do?

Victoria watched Tom's train until it rounded out of sight. She loved her husband, but over the years had been surprised by him at odd moments. Victoria remembered the horrid arguments they had the spring their son, Michael, died. They were both tired, hurt, and angry. She incorrectly assumed Tom would draw closer to her during their family crisis, but he withdrew and went away for four long months. When Tom returned their family crisis began to mend, but their marriage crisis began. She noticed her hands tighten on the reins simply thinking of Tom's infidelity.

It was a combined effort, which ended up strengthening their love for each other, which got them through those dark days. Over the years Victoria often wondered about the other woman, Leah Thomson. Now, knowing Heath, she almost felt as if she did know Leah. As a mother Victoria understood the strength of character a woman needed to raise sons and Leah might have been alone. They had so much to talk over. Victoria got in the buggy and turned from the station with hope, nervousness, and a bit of fear she headed the horse down the road to Strawberry.

Tom sat in his hotel room all through the afternoon and evening. He never moved. When it was finally completely dark he fumbled to light the lamp. With the light his eyes once more fell on the report from the Pinkerton agency. Funny a man, even a very young man, could be summed up on a few sheets of paper. Tom Barkley knew in his heart Heath Thomson was much more than what his file stated. He smiled thinking the information was already more than most men accomplished in their entire lives.

"Leah raised quite a son .... Our son?"

Tom heard the words fall from his mouth as a question. He didn't like the sound. Tom Barkley stood tall and looked in the full-length mirror behind the door. What kind of man was staring back at him? In all his days Tom never imagined himself as someone who would leave a child, his child, in the conditions described in the report. Strawberry was a boomtown when he walked its streets, but even then it was too rough for a man to raise a family. Strawberry, Carterson, army hospitals, a handful of good solid ranch work up north, working two jobs from the age of six, and on and on. Tom Barkley had Heath's history memorized.

He walked back over and pulled out a few papers. A copy of Heath's birth certificate with no father listed, a copy of his administrative discharge from an army he was too young to serve yet served with distinction, and as his hands shook Tom once more pulled out a copy of Leah's death certificate from six months before. It couldn't be mere coincidence the boy would suddenly appear on the ranch a few months after his mother's death. But what did Heath want?

Tom returned to the mirror. The money he paid for legal counsel earlier in the day proved Heath had no claim and no rights without Tom's consent, but what did the boy want? Was he after vindication, money, or simply to hurt Tom physically, mentally, or financially? The options were endless, but then he returned his thoughts to what he knew of Heath and ruled out most of his bad thoughts.

"Leah, Leah, Leah ..... What am I to do? Why didn't you tell me? Heath seems such a wonderful boy. I would have ..."

Would he? Tom Barkley wondered what he would have done twenty years before if Leah showed up with Heath. What would Victoria have done and what will she do? He walked closer and stared into his face. Tom Barkley knew what he must do ... It was the only option he could live with for the rest of his life. He was going to hurt so many people. People Tom Barkley would gladly give his life to protect, people who trusted him, and people who looked up to him. The future was even more dangerous for Tom Barkley than a mere range war.

Tom left Sacramento early and rode by train to the closest town before renting a horse from the livery and heading to Strawberry. Leah was gone, but he hoped Rachel Caufield and Hannah James were still living there. Tom knew what he wanted to do, but they may know what Heath would want ... What the boy knew.

He rounded the vaguely familiar road and rode into the dying town. The hotel, general store, and saloon were all the businesses still open on Strawberry's main street. Tom rode to Hannah's green cottage, but there was no answer. He left his horse by a full trough after buying feed at the general store. Walking through to the other end of town Tom's eyes fell on the familiar Caufield house with the dress shop on the side still looking marginally profitable.

After taking a few deep breaths Tom walked up to the front door and knocked. He heard women's voices inside and smiled to hear the lullaby of a South Carolina drawl sing through the air once more. In another moment Rachel was before him looking the perfect image of the world's best grandmother.

"TOM?"

"Yes, Mrs. Caufield. I'm surprised you remember me, but maybe I shouldn't be."

Rachel's eyes turned cold as did her voice, "No, Thomas Barkley, you should not be surprised. I'd know you anywhere. Being a Christian woman I won't tell you all the things I've planned to tell you for twenty odd years now."

"Yes, ma'am. May I?"

Tom fumbled with his hat and looked down while he waited for Rachel's answer.

"Follow me."

Rachel turned and walked towards the back of the house where other women were laughing and talking. Tom stepped in, closed the door, and the followed her. As he rounded the corner Tom Barkley stopped dead in his tracks.

"Hannah, do you remember Tom Barkley here?"

Hannah folded her hands and sighed while shaking her head.

"And Tom I realize you know our houseguest."

Victoria looked up at her stunned partner in life and managed a smile.

"Hello, Tom."

The conversation started out well. Victoria turned the picture of Jim Barkley towards Tom as Hannah and Rachel left for Hannah's house to give the Barkleys all the time they needed. Tom laughed heartily admitting to his frantic search for the same photograph and the fact it never occurred to him Victoria might have the photo pulled out already. They poured some coffee and started from the beginning.

"How long have you suspected Heath was my son?"

"I knew Heath was a Barkley the moment Audra introduced him at the dance. There was no mistaking those Barkley eyes. I was still trying to deny what I knew until Heath told me his mother's name and his hometown was Strawberry. What about you?"

Tom shrugged his shoulders and glared into his coffee, "When I met him at Martha and Jim's, but I did some checking anyway."

"What kind of checking, Tom?"

"Pinkerton's ran a background profile on Heath for me. Quite a few lives Heath has squeezed into twenty years on this earth."

"I see," Victoria could feel her anger rising.

"I had to be sure, Victoria," Tom recognized her change of tone, "I must protect our family in all of this."

"Why didn't you talk to Heath? I asked you to talk with the boy. Begged you to take him out and work with him."

"I know," Tom dropped his gaze back to his coffee, "I don't want to know him, Victoria. I don't want to like him. I have a duty to you, our children, and our business obligations to think of them first."

Victoria shook her head turning red faced, "And where were those same obligations when you spent four months living here in Strawberry bedding Leah Thomson for two long months of that time? You are an intelligent man, Thomas. Did it ever occur to you Leah was pregnant with your seed as you rode back to me so full of remorse and regret? Did it ever occur to you a child, your child, would pay dearly for your sins? When you confessed your affair Tom ... You gave me no idea of it's extend or I would have sent you back here to check on Leah's situation. Didn't it ever occur to you to do the same?"

Victoria stood and traded in her hot coffee for a large glass of cool water. She wanted to hurt Tom. All the pain, all the frustration, and all the desire to lash out which Victoria thought buried long ago rushed to the forefront of her mind. She slowly drank the water and tried to settle down. Tom simply stopped talking letting his wife decide the direction of the conversation.

"What happened twenty years ago happened ... We can't change our past mistakes, but we certainly can stop the cycle of denial, shame, and pain Heath has suffered his entire life for Leah and yourself," Victoria smiled and sat down across from Tom trying to look forward not back, "Heath is such a wonderful young man. He'll be a great addition to the family."

Tom looked up with shock showing on his face, asking, "Addition to the family?"

"Yes! What else can we do?"

"We can remember our place, Heath's rights under California law, and work out a proper agreement."

"By proper agreement ... I don't suppose I even want to know what you mean by that, Thomas."

They sat in silence for a long time. Tom reworked his decision to groom Heath for the ranch's foreman position, but openly accepting a bastard into the family simply wasn't done. The late 1800s were modern times, but not that free thinking. They'd do right by Heath ... Build him his own home on the ranch, see to his financial well-being, but his legitimate children had all the legal rights. Tom would face the music and accept the social ostracizing he knew would come, but he couldn't ask the others to do the same.

"Heath could be the third son I've always felt we should have, Tom. Think of the silent prayers you used to pray for a Barkley with obvious signs of Scotland in his face, hair, and features. This could be an incredible opportunity for us all."

"Heath is not a replacement of our boy that died, Victoria!"

Tom's anger began to break through.

"I know that, Tom. But he is a wonderful young man and Heath would be a grand addition. Tom, Heath is OUR son. We need to ask Heath to express his wants, needs, dreams, and desires. Besides if I've understood our marriage vows correctly then what's mine is yours and yours is mine. Heath is a Barkley and deserves to be treated as an equal member of the family. I'm working hard to understand why you don't see it as I do. Oh Tom, if you only let yourself come to know him ... Heath is a young man any man would be proud to call son. We simply must open our hearts, arms, and home to him."

"I don't see it that way because it isn't true, Victoria. He is my son, a product of a short term affair with a woman I met during a terrible time in our life as a family, and the law agrees with society ... Heath has no claim."

"Not unless you recognize Heath and ask him to live as a member of our family."

"Even then, Victoria, any of our other children could challenge him upon my death and Heath would lose everything."

"So you are doing this to protect Heath as well as the others?"

"In a way ...."

Victoria stood up and leaned across the table, "Thomas Barkley that is the biggest pile of crap you have ever tried to run by me. Since when have you cared what other people think about our decisions. The children will be hurt by this and I'm not promising our relationship will ever be the same, but these things are already a given. Don't you see the positive to be gathered from this entire mess is going to be Heath Morgan Thomson. I want to grab him, hold him tight, and offer him everything Heath should have had from the moment of his birth. HEATH DESERVES NO LESS, THOMAS BARKLEY!"

Victoria stomped out the door. She walked for hours and when she returned to Rachel's the house was empty. She walked across Strawberry one more time to thank Rachel for the use of her home. They walked back together in silence while each woman noted no sign of Tom remaining in Strawberry.

The two women spent a quiet evening talking about the situation. Their friendship grew over many topics including family, sin, Leah's choices, Heath's personality, Tom's normally strong sense of right and wrong, and Victoria's various family members reaction when Heath's heredity would be revealed.

As Victoria rounded the last curve before the ranch she still felt terribly angry with Tom. Her trip made her realize Tom still had a strong sense of what was right, but evidently his concept and Victoria's were miles apart. Normally time, talking, and compromise would eventually reunite them, but Heath was a human being and deserved better than to be bantered about while others attempted to determine his future.

Tom Barkley rode in the ranch late the next morning after a heavy rain. He was soaked to the core after sleeping out on the way home from Strawberry and then traveling for hours in the stuff. Victoria's arguments went round and round in his head, but Tom didn't think accepting a bastard son into their home would solve anything for anyone including Heath. Society would never accept him as a true Barkley ... The damage had been done long ago and no amount of kindness or remorse would fix what happened.

"Good morning, Heath."

Tom walked in on a mission and didn't see Jim when he briefly waved from the tack room.

"Morning, Mr. Barkley."

Heath took Tom's horse and began to care for it. Tom found a seat on a nearby stack of crates and really looked at sturdy young man before him.

"We didn't know to expect you, sir."

Tom chuckled, "I'm quite surprised to be here myself!"

Heath continued to work while Tom watched him taking extra care to note the boy was fully recovered from his run in with the railroad men and Nick. Heath was a fine figure of a young man and the next few years would see him add some bulk, another inch or two, and further define his already strong muscles which Tom could only imagine cementing Heath's resemblance to his uncle back in Philadelphia.

"Nick around?"

"No, sir. He went to Sacramento for a few days, but I was going into Stockton to pick him up late this afternoon for Jim. I bet he was surprised you left Sacramento without him."

"Pardon?" Tom was having trouble concentrating, which happened when he had too much on his mind.

"Nick has to ride the train in from Sacramento by himself, sir."

"Oh," Tom decided to get on with his plan, "I wasn't in Sacramento. Rode in from Strawberry, Heath."

Heath stopped working on the horse for a moment, but never turned towards Tom. Then he began to brush the horse faster to keep his emotions in check. How he wanted to take control, but Heath missed his opportunity when he decided to wait for Victoria's decision. Tom could make the first move ... Maybe it was better to sit back and hear what the man, his father, had to say. All his anger began to fight towards the surface of his being, but Heath wanted to listen to Tom.

"I suppose you knew when you rode on this ranch you were my son."

Tom watched, but there was no reaction from Heath.

"You understand you have no legal rights, but I would still like to be fair. We can talk to Jim about grooming you for foreman, seeing you have a share of the ranch's profits, and I'm willing to build you a home wherever you choose on the ranch. Of course if you would prefer to leave I will gladly provide financial compensation."

That was all Heath could take. He threw the brushes into the bin and walked over with every intention of punching Thomas Barkley. Tom rose and their eyes locked while Heath stood directly in front of him with his hands in tight fists.

"I rode to this ranch with every intention of telling you exactly what I thought of you. Problem occurred when I found out what a fine woman Victoria Barkley is and decided not to hurt her. I arrived feeling no respect for you, boy howdy, was I angry ... Had a nice chip on my shoulder too. Actually I've hated you my entire life even before my mother told me your name on her death bed!"

Their eyes burnt into each other's. Heath took a deep breath still fighting the urge to deck the man, but that would be way too easy and he had no intention of letting Tom Barkley off the hook.

"My feelings for you have done nothing more than grow deeper, but I'M MORE MAN THAN YOU'LL EVER BE, THOMAS BARKLEY. MUST BE ALL THE THOMSON BLOOD IN MY VEINS! I respect your wife and I would never hurt her. Don't worry ... I have no intention of screaming across the valley that Tom Barkley has a bastard hanging around his ranch ... Living like some charity case. I can't fathom why I'd go announcing a low down no account like you as my father to anyone," Heath voice turned to a guttural sneer, "I deserve better and SO DID MY MOTHER!

"You on the other hand have no concept of the words HONOR, DECENCY, DUTY, OR RESPECT! What a small man you are, Tom Barkley. I actually should be feeling sorry for you. But how can I feel sorry for the snake who left a young girl pregnant, penniless, and alone in that hellhole up north called Strawberry. DO YOU KNOW WHAT MY MOTHER SUFFERED BECAUSE OF YOU?"

Heath finally dropped his eyes and continued to take deep breaths. Tom suddenly saw Heath for the outstanding man he was and tried to reach out and touch his shoulder. Victoria was right ... Oh why hadn't Tom listened and merely spent time with the boy? The boy didn't want to take from them and Heath obviously had very much to offer. Heath pulled back at Tom's touch as his head snapped up and his cold eyes waved Tom away.

Quietly, in a voice which sliced right to Tom Barkley's soul, Heath managed to spit out, "You vile creature unworthy of calling yourself a man. I'm glad to know my anger would be wasted towards a thing so low as yourself. And to think after working here I thought ..."

Heath didn't finish. Tom watched as the young man stomped away. He turned finally aware of Jim's presence as the foreman moved across the barn.

"Jim?"

Tom Barkley's best friend walked up seething with emotions Jim would have sworn only five minutes before he could never feel towards the man he respected above all others. Tom stood staring at hatred, disappointment, and loath coming towards him from Jim's eyes. Without a word Jim let go with a forceful punch not looking back as Tom Barkley laid sprawled across the floor of his own barn.

There wasn't time to attempt any repair of the damage Tom had done. When he struggled to his feet Ed Anderson came charging up to the barn door. The railroad's hired hands were planning a shootout at the Sawyer's place. The Sawyers refused to sign a land deal earlier in the day and the railroad's hired killers planned on changing their minds. Tom rang the big alarm bell and men came running and riding from all corners of the ranch. A few men were sent riding for the hands working out of the bell's ear shot, but most saddled up and prepared to ride with Tom and Jim for the Sawyer ranch.

Before they left Tom gave the men a stern lecture about the fight being the land owner's problem. He offered each man the option to sit out the violence facing them. But the hands knew the railroad taking over ranches meant no work for cowboys ... They decided it was their fight too. The group rode out just as Heath was knocking on Martha and Jim's front door.

"Heath?"

Martha had obviously been crying knowing the danger her husband was riding to face.

"Afternoon, ma'am. I wanted to say thank you for all your kindnesses and good-bye."

"Good-bye?"

"Yes, ma'am. It is time for me to move on. Would you mind giving this letter to Mrs. Barkley when she returns from visiting?"

"No, I would be glad to help. I don't know what to say, Heath. Any chance you would reconsider and think about staying on here?"

Heath looked deeply into the kind woman's eyes trying to figure out exactly what she did and didn't know about his situation.

"You've been more than kind, but I've always had a feeling there's something out there waiting for me. Guess I better go find it for myself."

Heath smiled and didn't argue when Martha stepped forward and pulled the young man into an embrace.

"I'd feel so much better if you were at Jim's side today, Heath. He thinks the world of you and maybe your level head could stop this insanity."

Heath ran his hand across her shoulder and felt Martha hold on tighter, "I'm afraid things have gone way past common sense or reason ... There's going to be a fight and we can only pray the men we care about are kept safe by the good Lord above."

"Yes, yes, I know you are right."

Martha pulled back and Heath felt horrible to see her tears were now on his account. She looked deeply into the young man's eyes and held his hands tight.

"God be with you, Heath. May the Lord walk next to you and show you the way to the place you can make into a home," Martha took a hand and brushed it gently through his blonde hair, "I wish you happiness, peace of mind, and love. If you ever do settle down, find a girl, and start the family I can tell you truly long to have ... Drop Jim and I a line, please."

Heath laughed at the thought of him having children or a wife, smiling as he answered, "Yes, ma'am."

As the boy began to melt into one of the blushes Martha and Victoria often giggled about she pulled him in for one last embrace, whispering, "Walk tall, Heath. You are a good man, kind, fair, and honest. Any man, including my Jim, would be proud to call you son."

Heath didn't look up as he pulled away while feeling her lips whisper a kiss on his cheek. He walked back to his Modoc and rode away from the Barkley ranch. Feeling a mix of emotions swelling through his mind the boy worked hard, but finally made it over the horizon without taking even one brief glance back.

Two miles from the ranch Heath met another rider on the road. The big man was in a hurry and requested directions to the Sawyer farm. Heath warned him of the trouble out that way and the rider grinned while insisting he was on his way to stop any escalation of violence. Heath realized his life could be in jeopardy ... The man before him was a killer. Heath gave poor directions realizing they couldn't differ too much with the one's the man already had from folks in town. As he rode away Heath's eyes froze on the Spencer rapid fire with scope securely tucked in a calf skin case on the man's saddle.

The exchange had been brief and deadly. The sheriff tried to break it up, but only got a bullet in the gut for his trouble. The Sawyer yard was still full of tension, panic, smoke, and confusion as Heath rode through the broken gate. There were ten men down inside the yard and three others who couldn't make their escape and fell from their mounts to die on the road outside.

They all looked the same to Heath. He hadn't lived in Stockton long enough to know everyone. Luckily he didn't recognize any of the Barkley hands among the dead or wounded. Mrs. Sawyer and her three teenage children were around one body crying and wailing so Heath presumed Mr. Sawyer was one of the dead. The men left standing seemed in shock, but were slowly gathering their senses and checking on the men and animals in need of assistance.

"Heath?"

Jim ran up to the boy's side.

"I'm so glad to see you! Are you going to stay?"

Heath shook his head, adding, "No, Jim. Saw a sharpshooter back on the road and figured I better warn you boys to keep your heads down. Everybody is a target, but I'm guessing he'll go after Mr. Barkley and any of the other leaders."

Jim shook his head and waited as Heath dismounted. The confusion in the yard seemed to be growing stronger as the men began to move from their shooting positions and take in the magnitude of the fight's effects. The noise was deafening and there would be no way to simply call out a warning.

"I'll look this way," Jim knew what Heath was thinking; "You go around the other."

Heath began around the yard looking for Tom, but then stopped and looked out at the horizon. He was himself an accomplished sharpshooter and Heath scanned for the most likely spot to get off a good shot. Suddenly Heath heard his father's voice coming up behind him as Tom barked instructions for helping the wounded and getting the yard cleaned up.

The next few seconds all occurred as a bright slow motion hot flash in time to Heath. The seconds passed as long minutes and the highly trained military side of Heath sensed the complexity of his mission with utmost clarity. Heath saw the perfect tree out a couple hundred yards at the same instant Heath's trained eye saw the gun's flare. With his feet firmly planted in soft mud pointed one way the boy suddenly twisted his upper torso to his right in a panic to locate Tom. Tom Barkley was directly behind him and their eyes locked at the exact moment Heath threw himself in front of the man he claimed to despise while feeling his back crack in a familiar spot down low with a searing white flash of pain immediately racing down both of his legs this time.

Tom automatically reached to catch Heath as he jumped, fell, and floundered to carry through on his attempt to get Tom down out of harm's way. Tom struggled to hold Heath up and without any leg power Heath couldn't pull Tom over, but did fall across as a dead weight in Tom's strong embrace making Tom sway to adjust his balance. When the bullet smashed through Heath the impact did what the boy couldn't ... The two men tumbled to the ground leaving Tom holding the unmoving young man in his arms.

Martha and Victoria were standing by the barn trying to convince Nick to stay with them. He rented a horse at the livery when no one showed to bring him home and decided to stop at their ranch first since it was closest to town. He was angrily switching to Coco's more sure mount when they saw the hands coming over the horizon along with a buckboard. They raced to the front of the house knowing the buckboard's presence meant someone was hurt or worse.

The two women held hands and both were praying desperately. The speed of the buckboard told them all the person inside was alive, but badly wounded. After a fight like the one at the Sawyer's the doctor would be extremely busy and the Sawyers didn't have a large house or barn. It was damp, misty, and muddy outside which was not a clean situation. No, the injured person was being brought for Victoria's medical care, clean bed, and a good chance to hang on until the doctor could get to him.

Victoria hugged Martha and sent her inside to pull down the covers, pad, and prepare the guest bed once they saw Jim riding his horse and Tom driving the buckboard. When he pulled up Victoria realized she had never seen Tom such a horrible color. The front of his shirt was completely soaked with blood, but Tom jumped down and ran to the back of the wagon without sign of injury. Victoria ran behind her husband and grabbed Tom's arm when she saw the victim in the back of the wagon.

"HEATH!"

Two of the largest hands rushed into the wagon and carefully picked up their friend. The pressure dressing the doctor applied to get Heath back to the ranch was soaked, plus blood could be seen in a pool on the wagon bed where he had been lying.

"Where to, Mr. Barkley?"

"Inside, up the stairs ..."

Jim jumped down and went through the door first, calling back, "Follow me, boys."

For an instant Victoria and Tom felt very alone. They briefly embraced putting aside their earlier anger for a discussion later ... Much later.

Victoria stared in Tom's eyes, "Martha told me Heath left the ranch after a fight with you. I thought he was safe from this ridiculous range war."

Tom pulled her with him as he rushed inside and started up the stairs, answering, "He did, but Heath came back to warn me about a sharpshooter. Heath ..."

Tom stopped on the stairs absolutely frozen. His eyes were gleaming with wetness when they met Victoria's.

"Can you help him?" Tom pleaded.

Victoria took his arm and now she did the pulling. They rushed to the room where the men laid Heath. The hands were filling in Nick on what happened and then went back outside. Nick crossed to the bottom of the bed and watched his mother assessed the damage from the bullet's impact with Heath's left shoulder. Tom stood like a statue behind her with an occasional silent tear slowly rolling unnoticed down his face.

"You see, father. This is exactly what I was telling Katie before I left today. I can't be moving to Sacramento right now. Maybe I won't ever be able to go so far from home. You need me!"

Tom rested his hands on Victoria's shoulders as she and Martha discussed their next actions and what supplies they needed.

"GOD DAMN RAILROAD MURDERERS BRINGING IN SHARPSHOOTERS," Nick pounded his fists on the footboard of Heath's bed, "I SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE, FATHER. YOU NEEDED YOUR SON AT YOUR SIDE."

Quietly with his eyes still riveted on Heath's limp form in the bed, Tom murmured, "I did have my son at my side. My son willingly stepped in front of me and took the bullet meant to kill me. Oh dear Lord in Heaven ... MY son! Please, sweet Jesus, Heath ...."

Tom knelt down out of the women's way where he could keep his hands on one of Heath's bootless legs. Nick backed up while staring at the entire scene in disbelief. Jim helped him from the room and took Nick outside. Tom dropped his head and prayed.

In the fog Heath's mind began to see people and places from long ago. Mr. Miller at the general store in Strawberry, Mr. Corey at the livery, and Miss Applegate the pretty lady who was nice to a young boy working for pennies in the saloon. Suddenly Heath was back in Tennessee with his company close around him. They were ALL alive and the former sharpshooter strongly sensed his army company's presence. Jim Levy came running over to congratulate Heath on bringing down three officers on the other side as they ran to find the security of the Union line together. Heath's mind filled with smoke, heat, men screaming, body parts littering the breastworks, then suddenly an explosion to Heath's left which sent the boy flying through the air. When he looked back Jim Levy was no where in sight, but the Union soldiers huddled near where Heath landed wouldn't allow the young boy to run back across the field of fire to search for his friend.

Heath's heart was pounding, the familiar cold sweat during heated battle returned, and he couldn't catch his breath. Being a sharpshooter had many dangers, but working far forward of your army's lines was the worst. When the battle changed directions or the enemy advanced Heath's company was ordered to stay forward and take their last shots. After that you were on your own to find the Union lines without being killed by friendly fire or worse. Jim was the best at finding the way back ... The best! Now where was he?

Over there ... Heath saw Jim waving to him from far deeper in the fog. The joy of seeing Jim Levy after so many years lifted Heath's spirits and made him forget his fear due to the unearthly feel there in the fog. Heath was suddenly torn. He wanted to see Jim up close, touch him, and wrap his arms around the man, but somewhere back on the other side Heath sensed his mother's hands washing him and tending to his shoulder. The young man had no idea what was wrong with his left shoulder, but the pain convinced Heath it was serious.

Heath's mind raced back the other way as he anxiously worked against the mountain of pain in an effort to see his mother. As he neared the edge of the fog the voices grew stronger and he struggled once more to open his eyes to see. The pain grew unbearable and in addition to the shoulder he felt the familiar wrenching scream through his back with it's long arms of spasm flowing down both his legs. Heath knew he must fight the pain ... Leah was there he could feel her gentle touch on his face, arms, and chest. The struggled began to drain him completely, but Heath had no intention of missing an opportunity to see his mother.

What was that smell? Heavenly smell and his back started to feel hot followed within moments with a sensation of sweet relaxation. Heath remembered ... Victoria Barkley's wonderful peppermint, lavender, and rosemary took over his senses. A great sadness filled Heath's mind, heart, and soul knowing his mother wasn't on the other side of the horrible pain he was fighting. With a heavy heart the young man retreated back into the strange fog which offered a frightening but pain free rest. The struggle in and out of the fog raged for hours or maybe days in Heath's world.

Victoria, Martha, and Jim worked well as a team with an unspoken understanding of Heath's critical condition. These first few precious hours were the key to saving the young man's life. The wound was gratefully uncomplicated and the bullet passed through clean. Left shoulder was close to so many important arteries and veins the doctor could easily kill Heath if he survived the massive blood loss only to have an embedded bullet removed. The problem was the bleeding had been overwhelming due to the location. Victoria worked quickly and brought the bleeding under control after debreeding the wound, but was she fast enough? Only time would tell.

They figured if Heath could be coerced into living for the first six to twelve hours and the wound didn't get infected he might have a chance. It wasn't much to hold on to, but they grabbed hard on this thin possibility and prayed. Victoria kept Heath's upper body and shoulder elevated knowing this would make it hard for the boy to wake up after such extreme blood loss, but sensing one more round of bleeding from that shoulder would be his last. They took turns keeping constant pressure on the wound for the first four hours ... Eventually Heath's dressings stayed dry.

Victoria listened to Tom's explanation of Heath's sudden movement and seeming inability to use his legs when flopping towards his father in an effort to push him down out of harm's way. She assumed Heath's back had taken a twisting injury like the ones he told her gave him fits. Once every two hours as they turned and bathed him, Victoria applied her boiled flannel sheet remedy hoping the effort provided Heath relief wherever he was floating in his mind. Heath was weak, but constantly moved his eyes under his heavy eyelids, twitched his face, and every once in a while jerked an arm, finger, or leg. He wasn't resting easy, but even if the doctor appeared the boy was far too weak from blood loss to be medicated for pain.

Jim stayed right by Heath talking to him and always telling him what the ladies were doing. He struggled valiantly to get small spoonfuls of sugar water down Heath's throat. Victoria and Martha had never seen this enormous gregarious cowboy so deeply involved with a sick hand. When Heath would moan or twist his face in obvious pain Jim's hand engulfed the boy's making Heath appear small which he was not. As the evening and eventual night wore on Jim gained strength as Heath's other caregivers felt the long hours of care draining them.

Victoria took a break to check on Tom. He stayed for the first hour or more while they struggled to control Heath's bleeding, but then retreated to the study to face Nick. She had no idea what occurred between the men, but was aware a few hours later when Nick more than slammed his bedroom door shut. She found Tom sitting alone with his thoughts.

"How's Heath?"

"Not good, Tom. Heath is an incredibly strong young man just to be alive right now. The bleeding seems to be stopped, but I can't do much more to help him."

Tom reached out his hand and Victoria took it and sat close to him.

"I was thinking about my words to you in Strawberry."

"Which?"

"Yes," Tom reached over and pulled his wife close, "There are so many dumb, stupid, and ridiculous ones to choose from, I know. But, I was thinking of when I said I didn't want to know Heath or like him. I didn't admit even then having watched him out working for hours and realizing I respected his tremendous work ethic and knowledge of ranching, especially horses. I've been sitting here praying I'll have an opportunity to tell him."

"How's Nick?"

"Madder than an angry hornet. I know I deserve the worse he has to offer, but Nick and Heath were developing a good friendship the last few months. I hope Nick won't hold what he feels for me against Heath."

They sat quiet for a few moments while each of their minds swam in and out of various thoughts.

"I wrote a letter to Audra, Jarrod, and Darla. I'll be sure one of the hands rides into town at first light to post it. Would you like to send anything along?"

"No, I'll do that another day when I'm less tired. Thank you."

Tom held her tight and kissed her forehead.

"I'm sorry, Victoria. I've been such a fool. Can you ever forgive me?"

"I love you, Tom Barkley, but we have a lot of talking to do and this family is now forever changed. We'll get through, but I won't lie and tell you I'm not hurt, angry, and more than a little frightened by all that has happened."

Tom nodded his head, agreeing, "That's fair, darling, that is more than fair."

Victoria and Tom returned to Heath's room. Their concern for the injured young man ensured the two older men, although not speaking, would leave their fight outside until Heath's health status was settled. Heath restlessly fought through the long hours before dawn. His four caregivers held him, caressed him, gave him the few treatments available for his comfort, forced sugar water down his throat, and offered up their prayers. The room was silent except for them taking turns explaining to Heath what was happening to him and urging the young man to fight for his life.

By the time dawn was thinking of gracing the summer sky the house was quiet. Jim and Martha rested in the next bedroom. The ordeal drained Martha completely and Jim worked hard to make her rest, but she wouldn't leave to go home insisting on being near Heath's room. Tom settled in a chair by the door making it easy to assist Victoria when she required help in caring for the boy. Victoria Barkley sat on the bed close to Heath's left arm which she had bandaged to his chest to keep the boy from moving his shoulder. She held his hand and cooed gently as Heath remained severely drained, but refused to truly rest easy.

At first Victoria thought the change she noted was good. Heath became calm, peaceful, and relaxed back into the bed. The stress from his burden of pain eased from his face and Victoria smiled thinking Heath would finally sleep. The relieved woman cooed softly for him to sleep while telling Heath it was okay to rest and she would stay with him. Suddenly Victoria realized what appeared a beneficial move towards healing sleep was truly Heath's surrendering his struggle for life. Heath's breathing began to be a struggle when it had never been a problem since his arrival in the buckboard. There were long seconds which seemed like hours when the boy didn't breath at all. Then with great effort Heath would gulp in a breath of noisy air.

Victoria turned up the lamps, pulled the pillows out from behind Heath's upper body, and screamed Heath's name. Tom lifted up Heath's legs when she threw down the covers and they stuffed the pillows under his knees and calves. Victoria threw cold water at Heath's face, neck, and chest while calling his name loudly.

"HEATH! HEATH! WAKE UP ... FOR GOD'S SAKE HEATH, FIGHT!!"

"HEATH," Tom was yelling too as Martha, Jim, and Nick entered the room standing at the bottom of the boys' bed, "HEATH THOMSON, DON'T YOU DO THIS. BREATH, SON, BREATH!"

Their screams continued as Tom shook Heath's right shoulder with Victoria leaning over the boy clutching his right hand. For a long moment they stopped yelling realizing Heath was no longer breathing ......

Heath wandered through the fog with less and less fear. He saw familiar face after familiar face without always remembering their names or even where he knew them from his past. The people surrounding him were not frightening in any way and he felt more and more comfortable in their presence. Heath's heart filled with joy to see buddies from Carterson walk by appearing strong and whole again. They waved and greeted him, but no matter which way Heath ran he couldn't catch up to anyone or touch them.

Smelling Victoria's magic potion Heath briefly returned to that side of the fog. The fear he only hours before felt towards the strange mystery of the fog was now transferred to the growing pain Heath experienced whenever he tried to go back to what he understood was reality. The weary young man knew he had a decision to make. Go back to the pain, plus a life which in twenty years left him battered, tired, and wanting or walk into the fog in search of pain free peace surrounded by these elusive people who all seemed familiar in a pleasant way.

Heath suddenly felt very tired. His body was horribly heavy and his mind weary. If only he could rest for a few minutes while Heath tried to decide what to do. Heath turned back to the fog and away from the pain.

"Heath!"

The gentle voice made the young man twist completely around desperate to see the only person who said his name in that particular loving tone.

"Heath Morgan Thomson, where do you think you are going young man?" Leah Thomson chuckled and held out her arms.

"MOTHER!" Heath ran towards the edge of the fog and his mother forgetting the pain, which increased with each step he took into the light, away from the fog.

"Oh, ma! I'm so lost. I'm bone tired and I think I must be injured, but I can't remember how I got hurt. Please, help me mother?"

Leah smiled and Heath kept running for her arms, but she must be backing up because the harder he fought against the storm of pain the further away his mother appeared.

"Com'on, son. You are the bravest person I know. FIGHT! FIGHT WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT, HEATH!"

"I am, ma. Please, help me ... Oh, let me touch you, please."

Heath suddenly stood still at the edge of the fog. Leah was standing by the door of a room Heath had never seen before. People were shouting his name and the pain was unbearable. He looked around and saw Martha, Jim, and Nick holding on to each other then his eyes saw Victoria hovering over someone in bed while Tom Barkley knelt on the other side of the bed shaking a limp body, but calling Heath's name. Heath turned from the scene and tried to walk towards the door and his mother.

"No, Heath," Leah smiled and blew a kiss, "You can't come with me now. Its not your time. You fight and live. I promise I'll always be right here beside you."

Heath felt himself being drawn away.

"NO! PLEASE, MOTHER, PLEASE! I MISS YOU! IT HURTS SO MUCH ... I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG, BUT I'M TIRED ... SO VERY TIRED! PLEASE, DON'T GO AWAY, MA!"

Leah smiled and shook her head in a manner her son understood was final.