Back in Stockton, while Nick hauls supplies onto the rig, he catches a glimpse of Cassidy "Cass" Hyatt (Michael Strong) walking past, a murderer who was granted pardon by the governor. Jarrod failed to mention it probably because he didn't want to worry the family. Nick hopes for the man's sake that his home is the only reason for returning to town.

           

A dog bark announces Jarrod's arrival. He is accompanied by Beth, whom he introduces as his new bride.

Nick and Heath go get a bottle of champagne to celebrate the happy occasion while Victoria leads Beth into the living room. Suddenly, she happily realizes that she has become a mother-and-law.

           

When everything is set and finally to her liking, Victoria picks up the tray. As she's about to carry the breakfast upstairs, Heath comes down, informing her that Jarrod and Beth left early to go into town and that he'd forgotten to tell her. Nick bursts into a guffaw.

           

In the kitchen, Victoria gets acquainted with her new daughter-in-law over a not stove, preparing one of Jarrod's favorite dishes. Beth realizes that she knows so little of her husband, like why he won't tell her about Cass Hyatt. Victoria reacts, but before she can say anything, Jarrod calls Beth into the foyer to ask her to go on a ride with him.

           

           

In the ranch living room, Beth's cameo in hand, a grief-stricken Jarrod sits alone, vengeance mirroring in his seething eyes.

Sheriff Madden drops by the ranch to inform Jarrod that Hyatt's alibi held and had to let him go. Jarrod argues that it was him who killed his wife and therefore intends to hunt him down and make him pay for what he did to Beth. Victoria tries to calm her son, convincing him that vengeance is not an answer. Beth wouldn't want him to destroy her love by destroying himself.

           

After the funeral, Jarrod arms herself with rifle and bullets to go on a manhunt despite Victoria's pleading.

Nick enters and asks Victoria to leave him alone with Jarrod. He tries to talk some sense into his seething brother but Jarrod is so incensed that he jabs Nick in the jaw, sending him crashing to the floor. He then leaves.

           

Jarrod’s hunch is right on the nose. Hyatt sought refuge at his brother Cliff's (Peter Hobbs) house. Cliff informs Cass that Jarrod Barkley is in town asking around about him. Cass swears he hasn't killed his wife but Cliff knows that his brother never comes for a visit unless he's in trouble, so he throws him out of his house.

           

           

At little later, Jarrod regains consciousness. Luckily the bullet only grazed his temple. Weak, he staggers back to his horse and heads into town.

In town, Jarrod slumps down his horse in the middle of the street.

           

Meanwhile, Nick and Heath are on Jarrod's trail.

           

Jarrod tries to convince the Sheriff to let Hyatt out of jail by bribing him with money. Fain is tempted but refuses. Jarrod leaves the money on the table, just in case he changes his mind and says he'll be waiting outside.

           

Across the street, Jarrod spots Cass walking out of the sheriff's office. He starts shooting at him. Cass dodges the bullets and hides behind a barrel, pleading with the sheriff to haul in back in jail. He admits to killing Beth. Jarrod's anger boils over and lunges at Cass, beating him to a pulp as Nick and Heath ride up.

           

Back at home, Victoria informs Jarrod that Cass Hyatt was just sentenced to life imprisonment, but the news is little comfort to her son who discovered he had a dark side lying dormant within him and that he prays to God to never rouse it again.