Heath heard the suggestions and shook his head, forcing himself to stand, trying to force his mind to stay focused. The room spun in a circle, his body felt like it lacked substance, lacked the hard bones making up his skeletal frame. He fell to his knees when his legs wouldn’t support his weight, the euphoria and lightness coming from the contents of the needle.

“No.” whispered Heath, his eyes trying to glare at the old man before him. “I won’t!”

Liu Wong felt a grudging admiration in him at the fight the man suspended by the two chains was demonstrating, the blonde was still fighting and struggling. His face unmarred, only pale and sweaty, however, the rest of his well muscled body showed the signs of the harsh treatment. Bruises dotted most of his skin, the bracelets chafed against his wrists.

It was only a matter of time before the structured regiment of terror and torture would deliver what Mia Ling desired. This man would succumb, she would be his mistress and listen to her commands. Time was on their side and the lack of freedom meant the former lawman couldn’t escape his fate.

“Why fight? We only wish two things of you. Two things and you will be taken down and freed. This is what your mistress wishes.” suggested Liu gently, his tone of voice calm and soothing on the struggling man’s ears.

“Go to hell and take her with you.” mumbled Heath pulling again on the chains, trying to break the metal links, anything to bring his arms down and reach for the man in front of him.

“Perhaps more persuasion is needed for you to see our side.” suggested Liu slowly turning and walking to the table by the door, opening the crate and reaching inside, repeating the procedure again, the older man’s approach with a needle spread fear across the subject’s face.

Four days later, Mia Ling walked in and watched as Heath’s arm was held only by the old man where before two men had to hold him in place. The drug was administered and the blonde’s head lolled forward, his chin on his chest. Strolling through the room which smelled of human perspiration, uncleaniness and sickness, the beautiful woman was unphased. Her stomach had been steeled against such things years ago under the tutelage of her father.

Standing in front of the man, his eyes glazed from the drug, she brought his face up with a hand under his chin. The eyes stared at her not blinking and dazed while she caressed his cheek and ran her hand over his body while she spoke firmly.

“I am your mistress, you will do as I say.”

Repeating the phrases Liu Wong suggested. The old man nodded and she stepped closer, her body against the bruised one, her lips against his ear. “I am your mistress, you will do as I say.”

Nodding slightly at the command, the sapphire eyes remained in their dazed state, his body betrayed him with her nearness and Liu Wong smiled before nodding. Mia held his face in her hands and brushed her lips against his, applying more pressure, her tongue moved through the opening of his parted lips, his response automatic and without emotion.

The ultimate test of his fractured will and the test of his mind bending to her desires had just been passed and she felt laughed while she stood before him. His eyes remained unaware while she could taste the quenching of her thirst for revenge within her grasp.

“AUDRA, HURRY UP!” shouted Nick from the bottom of the grand staircase, his impatience evident by the frustration on his face, the fist pounding against the post of the stairs and his ever motion filled movements.

“Nicholas, must you shout!” admonished Victoria with a shake of her head. “Your sister said she’d be right down.”

Rolling his eyes, Nick growled, “Mother that was ten minutes ago! What is she doing up there?”

Chuckling, Jarrod winked at his mother, “I think she’s moving slower just to irritate you Nick.”

“SHE BETTER NOT BE!” shouted Nick before smiling into his mother’s eyes. “Ah, sorry, Mother.”

Exasperated, Victoria finished pulling on her gloves, trying to remember a time when her middle son had ever been quiet. Smiling to herself, she realized it’d only been when he was in her womb, well at least vocally toned down. Even then Nick had been the most active child in her stomach and this should have been a sign to her of things to come after his birth she reasoned.

Audra smiled sweetly at her waiting family and explained, “Sorry, I kept everyone waiting. I couldn’t find my gloves.”

‘She must have a hundred pair’ muttered Nick under his breath, earning a raised eyebrow from his mother when she heard the words.

“I still don’t know why Heath wants us all to be at the station.” groaned Nick helping his mother into the surrey while Jarrod assisted Audra before snapping the reins and starting the horses towards town. “I have tons of work to do!”

Sighing to himself, Jarrod squeezed his temples with his right hand, the argument from Nick the same as the night before and the morning of this day. Leaning forward, Victoria placed a hand on his arm and asked, “Are you feeling okay, Jarrod?”

Patting her hand and glancing back over his shoulder, Jarrod smiled, “I’m fine, Mother. I keep hearing an echo in my head. Funny, it’s the same words I’ve heard since last night.”

Snorting, Nick growled quietly for Jarrod’s ears only, “I’m gonna call you smart ass from now on instead of Heath, big brother!”

Laughing, Jarrod smiled widely and winked at his scowling brother, “I’m sure brother Heath would appreciate it twit brain!”

Smiling at the title bestowed by their younger brother, Nick turned his eyes back to the road before him and wondered at the queasiness suddenly souring his stomach. The family reached Stockton and dismounted at the train depot, the train bearing their elusive member was to arrive in twenty minutes. The ladies seated themselves on the bench while Jarrod and Nick spoke with two other men who were waiting for some freight on the train.

Liu Wong and Mia Ling sat on either side of their traveling companion, his eyes downward, his gaze not blinking. To those who glanced over as they walked up and down the aisle, it appeared the man was deep in ponderance, his thoughts weighing heavy on his mind. To those who flanked him, he was locked in on his deed, he was ready to exact her revenge in a means which would destroy the prominent family from the inside out with only one bullet in his gun. After the deed was done and if he looked in the dark eyes of his mistress again, he would feel the air leaving the area around him and his body.

Mia Ling worried about the second suggestion as Liu Wong could not guarantee it’s success. It would go against a person’s will to live and did not use subconscious thought, therefore, it may or may not work.

The mistress of the Tong realized it wouldn’t matter either way for once Heath Thomson took the life of his brother, the prominent attorney, he’d have sealed his death warrant with his own action in front of witnesses.

The state of California would hang him for the act he was about to commit.

Boarding the train in Linden, the last dose of Wong’s concoction was given, the dazed man taking it willingly and the suggestions spoken again. The metal monster slowed its approach, the time was at hand and both felt a rush of anticipation and excitement. Three weeks of work was about to pay off and their eyes would witness the destruction of a family, the weapon came in the form of the man whose mind allowed them entry.

The steam let loose from the train and the family stood on the wooden planked overhang of the depot, their eyes scanning the departing people searching for the man they’d missed. Jarrod stood beside his mother and Audra on her right. Nick stood away from the group exchanging words with the station master.

“There he is!” exclaimed Audra clasping her hands in front of her, blue eyes fell upon eyes emotionless and dead.

A scream from a woman standing next to the departing man sent the crowd scrambling at the sight of his gun raising. Nick stared open mouthed and quickly looked to where the gun was pointing, his eyes only seeing his family.

“HHEEEAATTTH!!!” shouted Nick, too far away to reach his brother seemingly intent on murder.

Jarrod froze, his eyes wide with shock before he felt a hand on his arm push him slightly before his mother fell to her knees and grabbed onto her daughter, screaming her son’s name in disbelief. Running towards his brother, Nick’s terror filled scream paused the tightening of the finger on the trigger for a fleeting moment before the report sounded and screams filled the afternoon air.

The bullet found a mark seconds before the two freight handlers tackled the non-struggling shooter. Heath lay on the ground, his eyes open to the blue sky, unemotional and void of reality.

Nick stopped his flight at the sight of his captured brother and yelled at the men to keep hold of him, turning his body towards Jarrod laying on the ground, his blood pooling and soaking into the wood.

Fred Maden ran towards the depot, his lungs bursting and his face stricken with shock at the sight of Jarrod lying on the wooden depot, bloody and still.

“Jesus, what happened?” asked Fred handing Nick a cloth from his pocket.

Nick glanced at his mother and sister, the women crying and their eyes stunned, dresses stained with red as they examined Jarrod beside them. Nick looked back towards the train where the men held his brother down with a hand on each of his arms, his mind unable to comprehend what he’d seen, what he’d witnessed with his own eyes, the horror of his reality making him sick.

Swallowing the bile rising up in his throat, Nick choked out, “Heath…shot...Jarrod.”

If Nick Barkley reached over and planted a kiss on the town sheriff, the man wouldn’t have been as surprised as the three words he heard coming from the distraught rancher. The faces of the uninjured family members were pale, the shock of the horrible deed not yet having reached them fully.

Nick glanced up at their friend, his eyes torn between anguish and pain, his voice harsh, “Get Heath outta here.”

Nodding, Fred stood and saw Howard Merar rushing towards the depot with his bag in hand, the physician knelt beside Jarrod and quickly examined him before instructing two of Stockton’s finest citizens turned gawker to help carry the injured man to his office.

The lawman watched the three family members follow the physician, the group of people walked down the center of main street, cleared of all traffic and lined with bystanders. The prominent family unaware of the town scrutiny, the rumor mill already started slowly and then sped up with a ferocious pace.

Walking over to the men holding Heath on the ground, Billy appeared by his boss’ side and knelt beside the prone man with Fred. Both men of the law noted the vacant eyes staring upwards into the sky, no emotion, nothing in their depths.

“He ain’t moved at all sheriff.” stated one of the men. “We hardly had to use any force at all.”

“Thanks boys.” sighed Fred placing the metal bracelets on the strong wrists, his eyes narrowing at the bruises he saw on the tanned skin hidden under his shirt. “Billy, get Heath’s bag.”

“Sure, sheriff.” stated Billy grabbing the leather satchel which lay on the ground.

Pulling Heath to his feet, the blonde’s eyes stared straight ahead, not acknowledging the old friend leading him to the jail or the people watching. Entering the office, Billy opened the door to the cell and Heath entered. Fred frowned and handed the deputy his gun.

“Give us a minute, Billy.” instructed the older man waiting til Billy closed the door but didn’t lock it and left the holding area. Heath sat on the bed, his eyes forward.

“Heath?” asked Fred loudly, his deep voice echoed through the area, not causing any reaction. Reaching out slowly, Fred opened the buttons on the blue shirt to reveal the bruising over the muscular chest, whispering curses under his breath.

Standing back, he studied the man for several minutes leaning against the bars of the cell before Heath. Fred bent at the waist and stared into the sapphire eyes, feeling sick at the vacancy there. Calling out to the blonde again and receiving no response, he waved his hand in front of the blue eyes.

No reaction.

Quickly searching to ensure this man he knew was capable of using most any type of weapon was unarmed, he sighed with relief upon finding no other killing item on his person. Taking out the key, he unlocked the cuffs and took them off. Staying in the cell with the former marshal, Fred tried to get a reaction from the young man, his efforts useless.

Closing and locking the metal door behind him, the older man stood outside the cell and whispered, “What the hell happened, Heath? Why’d you do it?”

The questions went unanswered and Fred shook his head, leaving the holding area and closing the inner door. “Billy, nobody sees him til I get back here with Dr. Merar.”

“What about his family? His grandfather?” questioned Billy.

“Nobody.” stated Fred firmly before leaving the office and walking down the boardwalk, the questions in his mind swirling as fast as a cyclone.

Carrying Jarrod to the physician’s office, the men gently laid him on the table and left the room. Nick, Audra and Victoria stayed in the room, none of them willing to leave, all praying as they watched the skillful physician work. Victoria assisted, her body trembling slightly, her eyes filling with tears. Suturing the wound, the family friend glanced over to his wife at his side and Helen nodded before moving the family from the room.

“Howard’ll be out soon, Victoria.” assured Helen wrapping her arms around her old friend, her lips placing a kiss on her cheek before leaving and returning to the room where her husband was working.

Nick held both his mother and sister close to him, one arm around each of their shaking bodies. Closing his eyes, he fought to clear the vision of what he’d seen, unable to stop his own body from trembling.

“Mother, I’m gonna see Heath.” stated Nick, his whisper loud in the quiet room. “I can’t believe this. It’s a horrible nightmare!”

“Why?” cried Audra, breaking down in sobs. “Heath would never do that. But he did! He shot Jarrod! GOD, WHAT’S HAPPENING?”

Drawing her daughter into her arms, Victoria’s tears fell freely and she stroked the light hair of the girl who could be a twin of her brother. The head of the Barkley family was unable to offer any advise, she couldn’t bring any wise thoughts to the forefront, she was as shocked as the rest of them.

Nick saw the lost look in his mother’s eyes and knew he felt the same. With one shot, they’d been sent reeling, their worlds had changed, their lives would never be the same. He sat heavily in the nearest chair, his knees giving out and he bent over, his arms wrapped across his stomach. The physical pain of the shock stealing strength from his body, tearing him up inside and he closed his eyes against the tears which threatened to fall.

Leading Audra to the sofa, Victoria placed a kiss on her blonde hair before kneeling in front of Nick, taking his face in her hands.

“What do I do? Stay with Jarrod? Go to Heath? Stay with the victim or go to the perpetrator?” anguished Nick, his lips trembling from the words, the reality suddenly hitting him. “Mother? Please tell me what to do? I love them both. I can’t lose them, Mother. Please.”

Drawing his head to her shoulder, Victoria felt the tremors in her strong son, fighting the emotions teetering on the edge. His arms wrapped around her and he felt as if he were ten years old instead of almost thirty.

“We’ll all stay til we hear from Howard about Jarrod.” whispered Victoria, feeling as if she’d aged ten years in the last forty minutes. “Jarrod first, Nick.”

Nodding against her shoulder, Nick took a deep shaky breath trying to gather his strength and courage. Victoria rubbed his back, her hand shaking and she stood when Howard entered the waiting room. All four occupants looked at the door which opened allowing the sheriff entry.

“Fred, I was about to tell Victoria of Jarrod’s condition.” informed Howard receiving a nod from the lawman who took off his hat and stood against the wall. Victoria clasped the hands of her children, thankful for the warmth in their skin sending warmth through her chilled soul. Taking a deep breath, she nodded at their old friend.

“The sutures are in and I have wrapped Jarrod’s head.” said Howard pausing briefly before continuing. “I won’t lie to you, Victoria. It’s bad. If the bullet had been even a hair’s width closer, Jarrod wouldn’t be breathing.”

Three pairs of eyes closed at his words, sending thanks upwards before reopening and staring at the healer.

“I can’t get any pupil reaction. Jarrod’s in a coma and he may never come out of it. I’m sorry.” apologized Howard, the family’s gasps ripping his heart to shreds, the words as bad as a physical blow.

Fred motioned the physician over and Nick broke away from his mother’s side, his voice demanding. “What is it, Fred?”

“I’m not sure, Nick. Heath’s got bruises all over his body and he’s not responding. He just keeps staring ahead.” sighed Fred. “I want doc to take a gander at him.”

“Mother?” asked Nick turning back to the ladies of his family.

“Go. We’ll stay with Jarrod.” replied Victoria still holding Audra’s hand and leading her to the room. “Nick, you’d best wire Gene and find Hiriam.”

Nick’s hands were clenched around the steel bars, his head hanging and his stomach fighting the repulsion rising up. Fred and Howard redressed the blonde, the man not objecting or agreeing to anything, just staring. Leaving the cell, Howard placed a hand on the broad shoulder of the shaken brother, his voice low.

“Either Heath or someone gave him drugs by those marks on his arms.” stated Howard, his words causing the shaken man to bellow.

“NOT HEATH! SOMEONE DID THIS TO HIM!” shouted Nick loudly, tears springing to his eyes and he pushed away from the cell, rubbing his hands over his face. “God, those marks on him, those bruises. He’s been through hell!”

“I know, Nick.” agreed Howard and Fred at once. Knowing the man in the cell since his arrival in Stockton and his deep love for the family he found, they knew he wouldn’t consciously destroy one of them.

“Nick, until we get Heath to talk, we won’t have anyway of knowing what happened.” stated Fred. “He’s here physically but mentally…who knows where he is.”

“I’ve never seen anything like it. I don’t know how to help him.” stammered Howard, his failure thickening his voice. “Maybe with time but I just don’t know, Nick.”

Biting back the sob which rose up within him, Nick nodded and his shoulders lowered in defeat. Even his loud demands had fallen on deaf ears, his loud tone of voice hadn’t even made the eyes blink.

“Nick, what’s happened?” inquired Hiriam brushing past Billy and entering the holding area, his eyes staring at his grandson behind bars, his wrinkled hands holding onto the bars. “Heath? Nick, it’s not true. It can’t be! Please tell me it’s not true!”

Five days later a haggard looking, fierce tempered man stood down from the train depot, his discouraged hazel eyes stared at a tree across the tracks. Nick couldn’t look at the spot, the spot where their lives were turned upside down, the spot claiming two of his brothers.

“Boss, train coming.” informed Scotty quietly, standing to the right of his volatile boss, his eyes shining with concern at the man before him. The ranch crew was stunned and shaken to the core like the family they worked for from the turn of events, the men under the leadership of Duke McCall closed ranks around the family, seeking to protect them from the gossip mongers and the unknown evil which the sheriff revealed he worried was about, lurking in the background, watching and waiting.

Jarrod, the eldest son, treated each member of the ranch crew with respect, his blue eyes always warm and smiling. The prominent attorney’s door was always open for any one of their men who needed help, an ear for listening or advise. Scotty knew it was not mere words from the first born but a genuine offer of friendship and camaraderie by the champion for the underdog, the worker for justice.

Heath, the newest son of the family, the former marshal. Their marshal boss. This blonde, strong bodied and strong minded, earned their respect and trust. In turn, the blonde received the same. He was a man who lived life, been through challenges which would curdle most men and yet, he still believed in compassion and sympathy. He hadn’t been tainted horribly by his past experiences, the wrongs in his life. He was as gentle inside as the morning breeze kissing your face. A man who could be dangerous and quick but when his sapphire eyes sparkled with amusement, you could see the small boy still hidden in the muscular man, the boy who hadn’t been allowed to be a kid.

The train let our her steam and Scotty left his boss’ side to walk to the depot. He knew the man they were waiting for and he, like all the others, hoped he’d be able to help them out of this nightmare. Waving, Scotty clasped the firm hand in his and smiled slightly, “Thanks for coming, marshal.”

Nate saw the worry in the eyes of the ranch hand and nodded, his eyes pulling over to where Nick stood hands on his hips, eyes not meeting his, only staring at the train engine before him.

“Scotty, this is my sister, Cassidy.” introduced Nate, the wire received at the family ranch was read and his head strong sister wouldn’t be dissuaded from coming.

“Nice to meet you, ma’am.” replied Scotty tipping his hat, receiving a warm smile before leading the siblings toward his boss.

“Is Larkin here yet?” questioned Nate.

“Arrived this morning.” stated Scotty before stopping and watching the reunion.

“Nate.” sighed Nick, hazel meeting gray eyes. “I’m glad you’re here, he’s bad.”

“Let’s go.” said Nate before feeling a hand on his arm. “Sorry. Nick, this is my sister Cassidy.”

Smiling slightly, Nick’s eyes sparkled with memory for a brief moment. “The girl who used to dog Heath’s heels? Not so much a girl anymore, I’d say miss.”

Taking the large hand in hers, Cassidy smiled, “Nice to meet you, Mr. Barkley. Heath’s very proud of you and the rest of his family. He talked nonstop about you all. No matter what’s happened be assured he does love you.”

Nodding, Nick’s short smile was replaced with a frown, the moment of lightness gone with remembering his brother’s vacant look and uncharacteristic act. Taking a deep breath, Nick motioned and lead the siblings to the jail, holding the door to allow them entry.

Introductions aside, the three entered the holding area where Hiriam sat outside the cell talking to his grandson as if he were listening and able to converse back. Standing, the older man welcomed the marshal and his sister with a hug before moving to stand by Nick and watch the reunion of the three friends.

Nick stared and shook his head several minutes later, Larkin had no effect and neither did the Jacksons. Heath hadn’t moved, hadn’t given any indication of awareness, his mind was locked somewhere and those closest to him were at a loss as to what to do.

Cassidy felt tears brimming at the sight of the handsome blonde, his warmth, his concern, his soul wasn’t there, not at the moment. It was almost as if he’d been wiped clean as a chalkboard with one swipe of an eraser. Her eyes had recognized the distraught, the broken spirit in the men who cared for him and she took a deep breath.

“Nate, I’ll stay with Heath. You and the others go somewhere, get some food in them and decided what you’re gonna do.” suggested the blonde, her sienna eyes meeting her brother’s. “I think they need a break to clear their heads. You and Mr. Larkin can help them decide the next step to take.”

Squeezing her hand which held onto the metal bars, Nate smiled and nodded. “Okay, sis.”

It took several minutes of talking, persuasion used to get the men to agree to her wishes. Cassidy was allowed entry into the cell which closed behind her and Billy stood nervously outside the square room, watching but also averting his eyes. Taking hold of the rough callused hand, she sat beside him on the small cot. Her eyes scrutinizing his profile before she reached up and pulled his face towards hers.

His head turned willingly and she smiled remembering their parting. Taking a shaky breath to fight the lump in her throat, she talked quietly, her words of the time when she first met him, when she first gazed upon the angry teenager who brought their injured brother home. The soulful blue eyes sent her young heart a flutter and started the ember of love which only glowed over the years, igniting into a flame upon their reunion.

Her memories, her words not reaching him either. Her nearness had no effect on him and she realized he could be gone from her forever. This thought left her shaking her head and she held his face in her hands.

“You will be back, Heath Thomson. Hear me now! You will look at me again, you will smile at me again and I will wait as long as it takes!” promised Cassidy firmly, placing a tender kiss on his unresponsive lips before motioning the deputy over and smiling warmly at the silver haired lady who appeared in the holding area.

“Mrs. Barkley, I’d know you anywhere from Heath’s description of you.”

As Cassidy was meeting with the Barkley matriarch, both women trying to come up with a plan in hopes of stirring a spark within the man they both held in their hearts and a plan of action for the caring of the other men who were being beaten down…a meeting of the male minds formed a plan of hope, a plan of action as opposed to inaction.

In the office of Phil Archer, district attorney, a man who’d stood on opposite sides of the court room from Jarrod Barkley, a man who’d often lost to the attorney, the plan was formed. A mock trial, a mock jury of selected friends who would give a mock decision. The jury would listen to the evidence, the jury would hold the fate of the newest son in their hands but their decision would be fake. It would all be a diversion, a subterfuge.

A diversion with all there basing their hopes on the guise about to play out. All there agreed they needed to find out who was behind the plot, behind the scheme destroying the two brothers before a step forward could be taken to right the wrong. A play the family would partake in, a play the family must act out to help the man they loved who sat in a cell unaware he’d almost taken his brother’s life.

Nick knew his younger and older brothers were held in high regards but until that day, he’d never realized just how much both touched the lives of those around them with just their presence, their actions, their characters.

Standing outside the cell later and staring into the vacant eyes, he prayed the Barkley luck would bring the answer the family needed, the answer the community needed, the answer which would open the lock and reveal the missing link.

As so it was a week later with the newspapers building into a mountain the upcoming trial of one prominent brother attempting to kill another, the tension built up, the community sniped at each other, teeth barred in hopes of winning a first row seat to the trial of the century.

The stage was set, the scene real, the participants real people who played their parts well. The actors didn’t know if the cheese would be taken by the rat, they didn’t know if all they did was for naught but they played it out with all their hearts, their skills. The gasping of air by Heath in the hallway of the courtroom was an act not planned, an act of spontaneity which shook them to the center of their beings with fear.

As the gasps for air from the blonde filled their ears, Gene stood over his oldest brother, calling to him. The younger man’s eyes witnessing the movement beneath the closed eyelids, the first movement since the bullet parted the skin on Jarrod’s head and sent him into darkness.

“The only person I saw who looked like they didn’t belong at the courthouse was a beautiful Chinese girl standing on the edge of the crowd.” said Nate with disappointment, all the men had pinned their hopes on the culprits wanting to see the trial and its results. “Sorry, Nick.”

The head participant knew they’d been successful and Nick’s heart filled with fear at the realization of the party responsible for the nightmare of the past weeks. His hold on the other man’s upper arms would later leave marks of deep bruising, the panic in him rising with each thought of the despicable, evil, monster housed within a woman’s body.

Grabbing onto Nate, Nick shouted, “WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?”

A scream of horror overrode the shout of Nick and time stood still within the wood building.

“JJAAARRRROOOODDD! NOOOOOOOOO!”

The cloak of darkness lifted slowly, his head turned from side to side while his mind slowly brought forth when his body responded without his knowledge. He saw it as he if were watching from an eagle’s view. His jump down from the train to greet his family, his arm lifting slowly, the pistol in his hand, the horror and terror on the faces of his family. The screams of the people close to him, their scamper away from the pistol wielding man to safety.

The scream filled terror of his name from Nick and the shock on the face of his oldest brother, the blue eyes filled with horror at the sight of the gun pointed at him by his younger brother. The sound of the report echoed in his head and he gasped at the color which appeared when the projectile found its mark.

Red.

Red was everywhere. It came from the head of his brother, staining the walls of the depot, staining the boardwalk, the white dress of his mother, the blue dress of his sister.

Red was everywhere.

He’d murdered his brother!

“JJAAARRRROOOODDD! NOOOOOOOOO!” screamed Heath his hands reaching outwards, his eyes wide in his pale face, the repeated screams filled the jail.

The screams brought the men running from the office, Nick yelled at Fred to open the door, his brother sitting up on the cot, sweating and screaming, his body shaking and trembling.

Fred flung opened the door and Nick rushed inside, his movement sending Heath jumping up, his hands held out in front of him, sapphire eyes filled with horror. Slowing his step, Nick calmly spoke to his woken brother, the others held their breaths. Taking a step closer, Nick cringed at the fear appearing on Heath’s face, the blonde stumbling backwards and standing in the corner, the screams finally ceased and his harsh breaths were the only sound.

“Heath, it’s me, Nick.” informed Nick quietly, holding out a hand to his brother. “It’ll be okay, little brother.”

“NO!” shouted Heath, his head shaking in denial, his hands moved down the wall as his legs slowly gave out, his body lowering and he crouched in the corner on the floor. “I killed him. I killed my brother. God, what have I done? What have I done?”

“Heath, Jarrod’s not dead.” assured Nick moving closer.

“LIAR!” yelled Heath pushing himself upwards and moving the cot towards the approaching man with his foot making Nick stop in his tracks when it hit his shins, the small cell becoming suffocating with the nearness of the larger man.

“I KILLED HIM! I DID IT! I KILLED JARROD! THERE WAS BLOOD EVERYWHERE!” ranted Heath.

“Nick.” worried Nate, his eyes taking in the scene, not liking the wildness in his friend’s eyes, the thin line he was walking, the torment in his eyes, the great distress he was exhibiting. “NICK!”

The firm call of his name made Nick step back to the bars and listen to Nate’s words, “Look at Heath, Nick. Remember he can kill you with his bare hands. Be careful.”

Surprised at the warning, Nick took a deep breath and stood against the bars watching his younger brother with a new set of eyes. Heath paced back and forth keeping far away from the bars and Nick, his hands clenched tightly, his knuckles white. Sapphire loving eyes replaced with eyes of self loathing, self recrimination, horror and anguish. Stopping in the farthest corner, Heath leaned against the wall, his hands reaching up and holding onto his head.

“BITCH!” he screamed at her whispers in his ears. “GET OUTTA MY HEAD!”

“HEATH, JARROD’S ALIVE!” shouted Nick angrily, his concern rising with each passing second, his fear for the brother before him doubling with each passing second. “HE WAS JUST WOUNDED! HE’S STILL WITH US!”

“JUST WOUNDED!” raved Heath, his pacing starting again, his hands reaching up to hold his head, the echo of her words still could be heard, the voice of the vile woman close in his ear. Unconsciously rubbing his wrists at the feel of the metal bonds which held him captive and helpless, the blonde shook his head, his mumbled words barely reaching Nick’s ears.

“I shot Jarrod. He’s my brother and I wanted to kill him! What kind of a person does that? My own brother!”

Taking a deep breath, Nick ran a hand through his hair, his arms wanted to take the blonde and wrap him in his strength, hold him and protect him from any more pain but the man before him wouldn’t let him get close enough and would back away at any forward movement.

Nick’s heart filled with fear, Hiriam and the others watched helplessly while the blonde seemed to disintegrate before their very eyes. Heath’s waking from his catatonic state with the knowledge of the act he’d committed was destroying him. The horrific deed clashing head on with his strong values of right and wrong, his strong feelings for his family and his guilt ridden soul.

“Heath, please.” pleaded Nick, almost sobbing from fear. “Don’t let her win, please.”

The pleas stopped the blonde in his tracks, his face turned slowly to his brother before he leaned his head against the cool wall, his hand reached up to rub his face before the tortured words were spoke, eyes lowered in defeat.

“I did what they asked. She’s already won.”

“No, she hasn’t won, Heath. You’re alive, Jarrod’s alive. She’s only won a battle.” stated Nick firmly, stepping sideways to move closer to his brother cowering in the corner.

“Get out!” hissed Heath, his eyes burning with emotions, overwhelming and dangerous. “NOW!”

“Nick, do as he says.” begged Hiriam, clenching the bars, unable to stop the pain for his grandson rising within him, his brown eyes locked on the blonde, his hopes for his grandson’s future looked shadowy like the fog of an early morning. “We need to give Heath time.”

Heath watched Nick hesitate, the need for his older brother to stay by his side choking the former lawman. He could feel the need in the air of the jail cell, he could feel the need and he didn’t want it, he didn’t deserve it. He deserved the hell he was in, nothing less than that would be acceptable.

“LEAVE!” screamed Heath, his fury making Nick jump from its intensity before the broad shoulders lowered and he nodded. Fred opened the door and closed it behind Nick, the pain in the hazel eyes too much for the lawman to see and the older man lowered his gaze to the key in his hand.

“Lock it.” said Nate, taking control in the room filled with indecisiveness. “When he calms down, we’ll try again. Nick, you’d best see to Jarrod.”

Slate gray eyes watched the group of men reluctantly shuffle from the holding area before turning inward to the cell. Heath sat in the corner of the room, his head lying on his crossed arms which lay on his drawn up knees. The position taking the marshal back in time to Texas so long ago. Back to a time when a beaten down, starved, lost teenager saved his butt when it was in a sling.

Calling out to his friend and not receiving a response, Nate shook his head and searched his mind for a way to help Heath out of the darkness he’d been thrust into. It was all around the blonde, thick and stifling, black as ink, staining your skin at its touch.

Closing his eyes against the despair and trying one last time, Nate followed after the group of men allowing the blonde the time alone to get a grip on himself. His last words before he left telling his friend he’d be back and stand with him, he wouldn’t be pushed away and he’d help him fight.

Entering the outer room, Nate squeezed Nick’s shoulder. “I’m going after that woman, you and Hiriam see Dr. Merar and see if he can come up with something to help Heath, maybe he can send a wire to another doctor. I don’t know, but anything he can think of.”

“Yeah, he must know a lot of doctors. Good idea, Nate.” agreed Nick, a glimmer of hope showing in his hazel eyes before hatred hardened his face. “Let me know if you find her. I’d like a few minutes alone with that bitch.”

Hiriam placed a hand on Nick’s other shoulder, his hope rising also at the suggestion from the marshal. “Let’s go, Nick.”

The jail emptied of people except Billy who stayed behind, his hands still shaking from the sight of the blonde in the jail cell. The man who’d taken him under his wing wasn’t there, only a man of despondency remained and the young deputy put his hands over his eyes and fought the sobs wanting to escape.

Victoria, Cassidy and Audra held hands while they watched Dr. Merar examine Jarrod, Gene stood by the bed his big brother’s hand held firmly in his own.

“Jarrod, do you remember what happened?” asked Howard cautiously, the blue blank eyes stared at him, before they closed and a movement of the injured head up and down left the physician worried.

Tapping the pale cheek to open the closed eyes, the man of medicine’s concentration was all on his patient, unaware two more watchers joined the crowd in the room. Several minutes passed before Howard straightened and ordered Jarrod to sleep. Waiting for the lawyer to close his eyes, Howard motioned with his head and waved to everyone to move to the waiting area. Helen stayed by the bedside of the first born Barkley son, holding his hand and brushing a hand through his black hair.

“Victoria, Jarrod can’t see. He’s blind.” sighed Howard thinking he’d prepared himself for the moment of truth, but the reactions of those in front of him pushed him back physically from the pain and anguish. The questions tumbled out, stammered and shouted amongst the tears.

“I don’t hold any hope he’ll see ever again. I think you should know Jarrod whispered he wanted to speak to Fred about pressing charges against Heath.”

“NO!” shouted the family in disbelief, turning and grabbing the older man who clutched his chest from the explosion of pain before collapsing. “HIRIAM!”

How much more pain can a family take? How much more darkness could they endure? How much longer til a sliver of light cut the darkness? How much?

Nick entered the sheriff’s office, his eyes red rimmed from tears, tired and full of anguish. Nodding to Billy, he paused at the inner door, his hand on the handle. Leaning his forehead against the door, he inquired after taking several deep breaths.

“Has Heath said anything? Asked for anyone? Anything?”

“Not a word.” answered Billy quietly. “I’m sorry, Nick. Nothing.”

“Thanks, Billy.” said Nick, hesitating and pulling open the inner door. Walking into the holding area, he stood outside the cell, his hands clenching the bars, his eyes wide, the bile rising in his throat and leaving his body at the sight of the cot in shambles. metal pieces everywhere.

Red was the only color he saw. Red everywhere.

“HHEEAATTHHH!”

“NNIIICCCKK! NNIICCCKK!”

Opening his eyes, Nick cried out and grabbed onto the man before him, “HEATH!”

“Twit brain. You’re scaring the hell outta me! You were having a nightmare, Nick.” scolded Heath against the strong shoulder he was yanked up to and held firmly against. Putting his hands against the broad chest of his brother, Heath pushed fighting the older man’s strength.

“Nick, I can’t breathe!” protested Heath, his words reaching his brother and he gasped for air when he was released from the viselike hug.

Hazel eyes looked around his bedroom in confusion, his head reached up and touched the bandage wrapped around it. “A nightmare? It was so real, it can’t have been one.”

Heath closed his eyes as the large hands ran themselves over every inch of his face, the panic and confusion in his brother scaring the blonde.

“It was that bitch Mia Ling. She made you shoot Jarrod. She drugged you and then you couldn’t live with what you’d done. God it was horrible!” sobbed Nick, his hands covering his face as he lay against the pillows.

“Jesus, Nick.” gasped Heath pulling the hands away. “I’m fine and Jarrod’s fine. I didn’t shoot anyone.”

The two strong hands grabbed his blue shirt and the voice pleaded, “Are you sure? Where’s Jarrod?”

“Right here, brother Nick.” replied Jarrod, the shouting bringing him rushing into the room from his bedroom. Walking to the bed, two sets of blue eyes filled with concern stared at him and Nick shook his head.

“What happened?”

“Remember, Nick. When we went to get the Christmas tree, it fell on top of you.” informed Heath holding one of the large hands in his. “Ya’ been out for four days. Scaring everyone cause we thought your head was harder than it apparently is.”

Staring at Heath, Nick suddenly remembered the tree falling and he couldn’t escape from it’s path. Taking a shaky breath, he fell back and shuddered. “It was so real.”

“You visited with Nate in Texas and then Mia Ling kidnapped you in Houston after your appointment. Everything after that was just horrible! There was a trial, Heath. You were like a walking dead man, no emotion, you didn’t know what was going on.”

“It was just a dream, Nick. Your mind conjured it all up.” informed Jarrod. “Heath did go to Texas and visit Nate’s family.”

“What?” questioned Nick with confusion. “That’s in my nightmare!”

“Nick, I showed you Cassidy’s picture when I got back, remember? Before I left Kwai Chang Caine sent word about the kidnapping plot he heard of from Liu Wong, an old apothecary friend of his. With Jack and Marshal Thane’s help, we were able to catch Mia Ling in Houston at the hotel. She never got her scaly fingers on me, Nick. Never.”

Tears welled in the hazel eyes and he sobbed openly with relief. Jarrod ran his hand over the dark hair and shook his head, “The subconscience is a powerful thing, Nick. There was a trial over one brother shooting another a week before your accident, but it was the Craddocks. Not us, Nick.”

Smiling tenderly, Heath nodded squeezed the shoulder closest to him, “So you see, Nick your mind mixed everything up while you were unconscious. We’re all fine and we’ve been waiting for you to wake up.”

Pushing himself up in bed, Nick wrapped an arm around each of his brothers, his tears still flowing down his cheeks, his body trembling from the horrific nightmare which gripped him.

Patting the strong back, Heath whispered in his ear, “Merry Christmas, big brother. Next time run faster when you see a tree coming.”

Jarrod chuckled when a low growl could be heard coming from deep inside their brother.

“Smart ass!”