Howard waited until everyone was seated before he spoke. “She can’t see because of the concussion. The impact of the fall has probably created some swelling that is more than likely affecting her vision.”

Looking up sharply, Nick shouted, “Probably? More than likely? What the hell does that mean?”

“Nicholas, please lower your voice!” admonished Victoria concerned his outburst would wake Sue.

“Nick, I can’t give you a guarantee that her blindness is from the concussion. All the symptoms point to it, however, we’ll have to see what happens in the future.” explained Dr. Merar calmly.

“Howard, will her vision return when the swelling goes down?” inquired Victoria her concerned eyes watched Nick pacing the room like a caged tiger.

Sighing, Howard replied softly, “I don’t know, Victoria. The human brain is a complicated organ and we don’t know enough about it yet. I do know that her eyes are undamaged and are not causing the blindness. I hope it will return, but I just don’t know.”

Punching the wall with his large fist, Nick strived to control the emotions raging through him. A sob shook his large frame and an unearthly growl was emitted as he leaned his head against the wall.

Heath squeezed his brother’s shoulders and spoke softly to him for several minutes. Chuckling, Nick wiped his eyes and entered the room where his wife was sleeping, closing the door behind him.

Heath saw the raised eyebrow and question in his mother’s eye and said, “Yes, Mother?”

“Heath, what did you say to your brother?” inquired Victoria curiously as the rest of the room’s occupants waited to hear the answer.

“I may have said something like, ‘Nick, remember how stubborn your wife is. I bet ya’ she’ll be the only rancher in the world using a cane while riding a horse.’” smirked Heath.

Jack laughed as he clapped Heath on the back in agreement. “I’m not taking that bet!”

Nick sat by the bed and watched his wife sleep. Her eyes moving restlessly beneath their lids and wondered if her dreams were darkened just as her days had been darkened.

Rubbing his hands over his face, he sighed deeply and again wondered, ‘Who is doing this?’ ‘Someone from her past?’ ‘Someone from my past hurting her to get to me?’

‘Why would a man who had only worked on the ranch a short period of time do such things?’ It didn’t make sense to him. Sue barely knew the man, how could he hold such hatred against her. Too many questions and not enough answers.

Sitting back in the chair, he closed his eyes hearing her panicked scream echo in his mind again. A shiver climbed his spine remembering the fear in her voice and the grip she had held on his hand by the fire. He didn’t know how he knew she was hurt or how her screams made their way to him and he didn’t care. All he cared was that she was alive and still with him on this earth, sighted or unsighted, she was with him.

Bowing his head, he sent a silent prayer upwards asking for the strength they would both need in the coming future.

Dr. Merar suggested having an instructor for the blind come to the house, but Sue had adamantly refused. Nick and Howard tried to change her mind, but they both met a wall of resistance, outrage and stubbornness. The men had acquiesced when Charity offered to assist her friend in lieu of a stranger.

Charity had experience with living with a blind person since her younger sister, Gail, had been born without the use of her eyes. Frightened at the lack of sight, Sue also realized that if she wanted to lead any kind of productive life, she’d need help to know how to function in the now alien world around her.

Charity taught Sue hints her sister used to do the simple tasks a sighted person takes for granted. The placement of the food on her plate, her drink on the table, how to pour without spilling, how to recognize the marks on her clothes to determine the color and how to use the cane to make her way around.

The lessons were grueling to the recently unsighted woman. Her frustration plenty in her small steps to learn the new methods for tasks that were previously performed without thought, when she had the use of her eyes.

Patient and loving, Charity listened to Sue’s anger and frustration at living in a dark world and firmly pushed her friend when necessary to reach the goals set for each day.

When Sue was resting, Charity taught the Barkleys so they could assist her when she returned home. All the family members delved into the lessons and practiced them diligently.

Charity had explained to Nick how Gail’s other senses were more heightened due to her lack of sight. To get his wife to increase her sense of listening and smell, Nick created a game. If she recognized someone by their steps or the perfume they wore, she was rewarded. No one knew what the prize was if she got the right answer, but the grin on both their faces could pale the sunshine.

The support of the family, her husband, her natural stubbornness and her anger at those responsible helped drive her to getting out of bed and tackle the darkness, trying to get back to a somewhat normal routine.

Three weeks later, grabbing her by the waist, Nick swung Sue off the surrey and set her on the ground. Taking the bag from the seat, he put her hand on his arm and slowly walked forward.

“Step coming up.”

Sue tapped the ground ahead of her and nodded as she felt the step. Raising her foot, she put it on the step and cocked her head listening to the approaching steps.

“Hi Heath.” replied Sue softly with Nick grinning widely.

“Boy howdy, how’d you know it was me?” asked Heath kissing her cheek.

“Probably your cologne.” smirked Nick, receiving a glare for his comment. “And stop kissing my woman, little brother!”

Sue replied with a slight smile, “I recognize your footsteps.”

Grinning, Heath nodded in surprise and Nick laughed outloud when Sue stated, “Heath, I can’t see you, remember. You’re gonna have to talk more, now.”

“Sorry, Sue.” apologized Heath squeezing her hand.

Walking into the house, Nick counted the paces for her to reach the foyer. Stopping in the foyer, he asked, “You want to try the stairs first, honey?”

Sue asked, “Where is everybody?”

“Sonja, Mother and Audra are over to the Miller place seeing the new baby. Jarrod’s at his office in town.” explained Heath.

“Okay, let’s try the stairs.” agreed Sue relieved the other family members were not present.

Heath watched as Nick and Sue made their way slowly up the stairs and down several times. His heart ached when he saw his friend trying to make her way around in the darkened world she was in. Leaving to work with a horse, he glanced back and smiled at the love and pride on Nick’s face as he watched her cross the foyer and walk to him in the parlor by the sound of his voice.

Having reached her destination, Nick tenderly kissed her lips in celebration of the steps his wife had taken. As the couple made their way back to the stairs, Nick grinned and nodded at his wave before he left the house.

Nick walked Sue into the bedroom they shared and put the bag on the bed. Opening it, he took out her clothes and set them on the bureau. Looking over, he watched her shut the door and fumble with the key until it clicked in the lock.

“Honey, why’d you lock the door?” asked Nick walking over to stand in front of her.

She smiled, let the cane fall to the floor and replied in a husky voice, “Because I can’t wait until later to claim my prize.”

Sue reached out and touched his face lightly with her fingers. Holding his face in her hands, she gently kissed him and he deepened the kiss in response. Starving for the feel of each other, Nick picked her up and laid her on the bed. Leaning over, he kissed her and moved his hands over her. Groaning with need, she ran her hands over his back and shoulders. Shedding their clothes, she explored him with her hands until he joined with her to satisfy their desires together as one.

Laying beside each other, Nick ran his hands over her soft skin and whispered, “I love you, Mrs. Barkley. Welcome home.”

Moving closer to him, she whispered, “And I love you, Mr. Barkley.”

Nick fell asleep with his wife held tightly in his arms. Sue relishing the feel of his strong arms around her, let sleep come and take the reality of the darkness away.

In Manteco, Eric Fletcher waited impatiently for Ramona and her brother to show up. Sitting at the table in the restaurant, he sipped his coffee and waved when he saw them. Standing, he pulled out the chair for her and nodded a greeting to Brad.

“What did you find out?” asked Ramona anxiously.

Leaning forward, he whispered to the attentive siblings, “She’s blind from that fall off the horse and I’ve been invited to dinner at the Barkley ranch on Friday.”

Shocked, the two siblings looked at each other and then grinned in delight.

Over the past weeks, Eric Fletcher had been a busy man. While Ramona and her brother were relishing in the ways they had hurt Suzanne Barkley emotionally, he was working on their plan of reaping the Barkley family of some of their fortune.

His art as a confidence man had been honed from the time of his teenage years. His parents were poor hardworking farmers who barely eked out a living on the homestead the government had given them. As a boy growing up, he had always hungered for the material things others had. Eventually, he had come to realization that wealth and power was more desirable than material items.

Ever studious of the habits of people, he had carefully watched the wealthier members in his community. He learned early the right way to dress and talk to open doors that were normally closed to someone of his low status in society. His looks had swooned many a damsel and kept her eyes on him while his hands stole her money.

His contacts in the criminal world of society were many. He knew where to go to get what he wanted, how much he would have to pay and who could not keep their mouth shut.

Obtaining the necessary documents had not been difficult, just costly. He had willingly paid the price for he knew the return would definitely be worth the investment. He had studied the file he had compiled on the members of the Barkley family, their substantial diversified holdings and devised his game plan.

Departing the train Eric walked up the street, smiling slightly at the looks he was receiving from some of the ladies of Stockton. His suit was tailored specifically to reflect his muscular frame, his gold cuff links and gold watch chain glistened in the sun. His boots were polished to a shine and his tanned skin revealed straight white teeth when he smiled.

Carrying a suitcase and leather case, he made his way to the Cattleman’s hotel and registered. He unpacked his bag and checked his papers again. Walking into the bank, a clerk directed him to the manager, who rose and introduced himself to the well-dressed young man.

“Good afternoon! John Thompson, Bank Manager.”

Eric took the offered hand and replied, “Eric Benson, consultant for the firm of Standish and Whitten, New York City.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Benson. Please have a seat.” smiled John Thompson, familiar with the firm’s name and excited at the possibility of conducting business with the well known financiers. “What may I do for you, Mr. Benson.”

Smiling widely, Eric stated, “Mr. Thompson, I am here on behalf of Standish and Whitten to look into the possible purchase of some timberland and a mine that are owned by a prominent family in this area.”

“May I ask who this family is?”

Taking out a paper from his case, Eric read the name, “The Barkley family. Derek Sloan, in San Francisco suggested I speak with you to arrange a meeting with the Barkley family so I may present our offer.”

Hearing the name of the manager of the largest bank in San Francisco, John Thompson sat a bit straighter in his chair. He had only met Derek Sloan once and that was approximately three years ago, before he had taken the position at this bank. His ego was bolstered by the fact the man had remembered him from the brief meeting.

“Mr. Benson, I’d be happy to arrange a meeting with the Barkley family for you. However, I will need to see some identification and papers which state you have the authority to act on behalf of Standish and Whitten.” smiled Thompson.

Opening his case, Eric agreed, “Of course, Mr. Thompson. I have everything here with me, please take your time in examining the documents.”

Sitting back in the chair, Eric watched as John Thompson carefully read and examined the paperwork, handing it back when he was finished.

“Thank you for your patience, Mr. Benson. One can never be too careful.”

“I understand, Mr. Thompson. I will be staying at the Cattleman’s hotel. Please feel free to contact me there. On behalf of our firm, I would like to thank you for your assistance in this matter.” replied Eric as he stood and shook the man’s hand.

Walking him to the door, Mr. Thompson smiled, “I will speak to Jarrod Barkley to arrange a time and send word to the hotel.”

Biding him goodbye, Eric walked down the street towards the hotel. Spying the buggy with Barkley Ranch written on the door on the street, he entered the general store. Walking over he scanned the selection of books, picked one up and stood patiently waiting for the blonde to complete her transaction at the counter.

“Thank you, Mr. Perkins. Have a nice day.” smiled Audra turning and gasping as she ran into the person behind her.

“Excuse me, Miss. I didn’t realize I was in your way.” smiled Eric into the crystal blue eyes looking back at him.

Her heart in her throat, Audra startled as she heard his deep voice speaking, “No, I’m sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

Bowing slightly, Eric stepped back allowing Audra to pass. “Have a nice day, Miss.”

Blushing, Audra smiled back and nodded before heading out the door. Climbing into the buggy, she drove to the dress shop and sat on the seat while waiting for her mother.

Spying Audra through the window of the dress shop, Victoria went to the door, “Audra?”

“Hmmm?”

“Audra, you have to come inside to pick out a dress.” smiled Victoria.

Audra climbed down, “Sorry, Mother. I’m afraid I was daydreaming.”

That afternoon, Jarrod entered the house and put his hat on the table. Walking to the kitchen, he paused and smiled at the conversation he heard.

“Sonja, have you ever eaten Heath’s trail food?”

“I haven’t been on any trails with my husband so how could I, Sue?” asked Sonja.

Smiling, Sue teased, “Well, you need an iron stomach, especially if he makes beans. Let me tell you, it is not for the faint of heart!”

Laughing, Sonja squeezed her hand, “Suzanne Barkley, you are so bad!”

Snickering, she whispered, “Nick’s ain’t much better, either!”

Silas hid his smile as he listened to the conversation between the two women. “Now, Miss Sue. It surely can’t be tat bad.”

“Boy Howdy, it is Silas!” stated Sue firmly tilting her head slightly. Sonja seeing the familiar stance turned and looked at the approaching man.

“Afternoon ladies. Silas.” smiled Jarrod at the greetings he received in return. “Sonja, would you mind if I steal my other favorite sister-in-law away for a few minutes?”

Sue rolled her eyes and retorted, “Oh, sure! Yesterday, I was your only favorite sister-in-law.”

Chuckling, Sonja replied, “Please take her away and give me a few minutes of peace.”

Walking over, Jarrod took Sue’s hand and put it on his arm, “That would be my pleasure!”

Leaving the kitchen, he led her into the study and to the sofa. Walking over, he closed the door and opened his case. Taking a seat in the chair across from her, he said quietly, “Sue, I have the report you wanted from the pinkertons on Brad Mason.”

“Oh. Have you read it, Jarrod?” asked Sue softly.

“No, it arrived in the mail today. When I saw what it was, I put it back in the envelope.” explained Jarrod.

Nodding, Sue smiled, “Reckon you’ll have to do the honors, Jarrod, since I haven’t learned Braille yet.”

“We can wait until Nick is home, if you’d like.” suggested Jarrod.

“No, let’s read it now.” sighed Sue.

Taking the report out, Jarrod read outloud the background on Brad Mason. Sue listened intently as Jarrod read the information contained on the pages. The report contained information on Mason as a child, the school he attended.

“According to this, he is wanted for murder, robbery and assault in the state of Louisiana.”

“Guess he’s not much of a church goer, huh?” smirked Sue.

Jarrod grinned and continued reading the background on Mason’s family to her.

“He has a half sister, Mona, from his father’s second marriage to a woman named Monique Lassister. Mona Mason also has a criminal record and has been known to go by the assumed name of Ramona Bouvier.”

“THAT WORTHLESS BITCH!” screamed Sue, her face contorted with fury, green eyes blazing with anger. “I’LL KILL HER!” Jumping to her feet, she grabbed her head, pain etched on her face and fell down to her knees.

Startled, Jarrod ran, opened the door and shouted, “Silas, get the doctor, hurry!”

Hearing the angry screams and Jarrod’s shout, Silas ran outside to send someone for the doctor as Sonja ran towards the study.

“God, it hurts!” moaned Sue before collapsing in his arms.

Rushing in, Sonja knelt beside Jarrod and her unconscious friend. “What happened, Jarrod?”

“She grabbed her head and passed out. Let’s get her upstairs.” replied Jarrod.

Picking her up, Jarrod carried her to her room with Sonja following. Covering her with a blanket, Sonja poured some water in the basin and wiped her face gently with a wet towel.

“Silas and I could hear her anger in the kitchen. Why was she so upset, Jarrod?” asked Sonja in a quivering voice.

“I’m not exactly sure myself, Sonja. I can’t tell you what we were discussing because of client attorney privilege.” stated Jarrod apologetically.

“You sure as hell are gonna tell me!” snapped Nick walking in and kneeling by the bed. Taking off his glove, he caressed her cheek and Heath wrapped his arms around his shaken wife.

Surprised, Jarrod looked at his brothers and inquired, “Where’d you two come from?”

“We promised Sue we’d take her fishing this afternoon.” explained Heath quietly. “Shorty met us on the way to get the doc.”

Nick stood in front of Jarrod at the end of the bed and asked through clenched teeth, “What the hell happened? What’d you do to my wife?”

Calmly, Jarrod stared into the furious hazel eyes, “Nick, I didn’t do anything to Sue. We were discussing something and she became very angry.”

“What were you discussing?” growled Nick, his voice low and menacing.

Sighing, Jarrod said quietly, “I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you, Nick.”

Grabbing Jarrod by the lapels, Nick yanked him closer, “TELL ME!”

“Nick, didn’t your mother ever tell you not to hit your elders.”

Stunned, Nick released his hold on Jarrod’s jacket and walked to the side of the bed. Taking her hand, Nick asked quietly, ”Sue, how’d you know I was thinking about hitting Jarrod?”

Sue winced from the throbbing in her head and replied, “It’s not clear, it’s more like shadows, but I could make out you grabbing Jarrod.”

“YOU COULD SEE THAT!” shouted Nick jumping up, hugging Jarrod as his excitement carried him away and swept through everyone in the room.

“Please don’t shout!” whined Sue holding her head. “My head’s killing me!”

Sitting on the bed, he smiled and caressed her temples, “Sorry, honey.”

Grabbing his hand, Sue held onto it and said quietly, “Jarrod, can you get the report? I want ya to finish reading it.”

Frowning, Jarrod said, “Sue, maybe we should wait til Dr. Merar has a chance to examine you before we read any more.”

“Sue, you don’t want to get upset again.” agreed Sonja .

“What report?” asked Nick puzzled.

“I asked Jarrod to request a report from the Pinkertons on Brad Mason. I could have sworn I’d met him before. Everytime I looked at him, it felt like someone was stepping on my grave.”

“WHAT!” shouted Nick in disbelief. “WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME THAT?”

Wincing, Sue groaned, “Nick, please lower your voice.”

Entering the room, Dr. Merar saw the pain on Sue’s face. “Everybody out!”

“But, Dr…” replied Nick.

“Out!” ordered Howard firmly setting his bag on the bedside table and opening it up.

Taking Nick by the arm, Heath pulled him from the room with Jarrod and Sonja following. Howard closed the door behind them. Running his hand through his hair, Nick grumbled, “Doctors!”

“Nick, the report is in the study.” said Jarrod quietly. “Let’s wait down there.”

Nodding, Nick led the way down the stairs and into the study. Sonja kissed Heath gently and headed to the kitchen. Walking towards the study to join his brothers, Heath stopped to answer the knock on the door.

“Jack! Charity! Come in!”

“Heath! I hope it’s okay but we wanted to see the boss.” stated Jack.

“Well, Dr. Merar’s with her right now. You can see her when he’s done.” grinned Heath at the concern in their eyes. “She’s seeing shadows!”

Relief and joy crossed their faces, “That’s wonderful!”

“I hope it’s a good sign, too. Sonja’s in the kitchen if you’d like to wait with her, Charity.”

“That’d be lovely. Thanks, Heath.” smiled Charity squeezing Jack’s hand before she left.

“Jack, come into the study. Jarrod’s gonna show us a Pinkerton report that you should know about. Sue had Jarrod request it on Mason.” explained Heath as they walked towards the room.

Entering they listened as Jarrod said, “This is the section that really upset her. I’ve never seen Sue so furious, Nick.”

“What’s it say?” asked Nick.

“He has a half sister, Mona, from his father’s second marriage to a woman named Monique Lassister. Mona Mason also has a criminal record and has been known to go by the assumed name of Ramona Bouvier.”

“Sonofabitch!” exclaimed Jack.

Shocked, the three brothers looked at her partner.

“What is it, Jack?” asked Nick.

“Ramona Bouvier is Sue’s stepmother.” stated Jack. “She’s in jail. I can’t believe it! Mason’s her brother?”

“So, Mason shows up here on behalf of his sister to cause problems for Sue after all this time?” said Heath thoughtfully. “It doesn’t seem right. Something’s missing.”

Jarrod nodded, “I agree, Heath. Something is missing, but what?”

Looking out the window, Nick turned slowly and suggested, “Maybe she got out of jail early. She finds out where Sue now lives. Then has Mason shot the horses that she loves just to hurt her because she had to spend time in jail for her crime.”

Jack clenched his hands and snarled, “That worthless bitch!”

Chuckling, Jarrod smiled, “Nick, that was exactly how your wife described her stepmother.”

Nick shook his head at his wife’s words and asked, “How can we find out if she’s still in jail, Pappy?”

“By sending a telegram, brother Nick.” replied Jarrod putting on his hat. “I do believe, I will head to town and do just that!”

Lighting a candle, Howard shut the curtains in the room. Walking over to the bed, he sat beside Sue and said quietly. “Keep you eyes open for me, okay.”

“Okay, doc.”

Staring ahead, Sue focused to block out the pain the in her head. Howard, finished checking her pupil’s responses, blew out the candle, opened the curtains and watched Sue rub her temples.

“Headache?”

“Yeah, it’s the worst one so far.” mumbled Sue.

Furious, Howard snapped, “You mean you’ve had others! Why didn’t you have someone get me?”

Wincing, Sue stammered, “Doc, they’re just headaches. I’ve been so focused on how to live in darkness, I didn’t think it was important, doc.”

Sitting back on the bed, Howard mixed some headache powders into a glass of water, added some liquid and sighed, “I want you to drink this.”

“Dr. Merar, what about me seeing shadows? That’s a good sign, right?”

Howard squeezed her hand. “I feel it’s a good sign, but I’m sorry, I can’t give you a definite answer.”

Nodding, Sue smiled, “I know, doc.”

Putting the glass in her hand, he watched her swallow the horrible tasting liquid. “Now, you’ll probably sleep til morning, since I also put some laudanum in it. I’ll stop over tomorrow and check on you. I’ll let Nick know what we talked about.”

“Laudanum! That stuff knocks me out.” groaned Sue pulling the blanket up and closing her eyes to fend off the pain. “Thanks for everything, Howard.”

“You’re welcome, Sue.” smiled Howard leaving the room and heading downstairs. Meeting Sonja and Charity on the stairs, he stated they could visit with Sue a few minutes before she fell asleep. Continuing on, he headed to the study where the ladies had directed him.

“Hi Sue.” said Charity quietly.

“Charity! What ya’ doing here?” asked Sue accepting her friend’s hug and stifling a yawn.

Holding her hand, Charity replied, “Jack and I wanted to ask you to do us a big favor.”

Squeezing her hand, Sue scolded her with a smile, “You don’t have to ask. You know I’d do anything for you guys.”

“I know, but this is really important.”

“Charity, I’m falling asleep here, you better just spit it out.” yawned Sue.

“Will you be the godmother to our child?” inquired Charity softly.

Shaking her head, Sue stated with a puzzled look, “You don’t have any kids, Charity.”

“We will in about six months.” said Charity quietly.

“Sorry, but laudanum makes me so groggy.” apologized Sue yawning again. Struggling to sit up, she suddenly shouted, “SIX MONTHS?”

Laughing, Charity said, “Yes.”

Pulling Charity to her, Sue hugged her tightly as the tears ran down her face, “A baby! You’re gonna have a baby!”

Nick hearing her shout, ran up the stairs and stopped in the doorway with Heath and Jack right behind him.

“Sue?” asked Charity supporting the woman in her arms.

Chuckling, Nick took his sleeping wife from her arms. “Doc must have given her laudanum. It always does that to her.”

Looking at the happy couple, Nick grinned, “Congratulations, you two! A baby!”

Heath and Sonja extended their congratulations and left Nick with Sue. Smiling with happiness for Jack and Charity, Nick sat beside his sleeping wife and ran his fingers through her hair.

Watching her sleep, he whispered sadly, “If we didn’t have that miscarriage, in a month, we would’ve had a baby, honey. I still wonder if it’d have been a boy or a girl.”

Leaning over, he tenderly kissed her lips and whispered, “You’re going to be a wonderful mother someday. I love you.”

....Continued