No words were spoken on the ride to the ranch. Steely blue eyes shooting daggers and teeth set in suppressed fury were Heath’s message to Nick that he resented his idea of tethering his horse to Coco’s to prevent him from straying. A chilling silence accompanied the two riders to the gates of the ranch where Heath’s hardened features melted into a shellshock expression.

“What’s the matter?” Nick asked with a worried frown.

“This here’s your ranch?”

“Mine and my family’s.”

“This is huge!” Heath breathed out in wonderment.

“That’s why we need able bodies who aren’t afraid to do a hard day’s work. I think you’re up to the challenge.” He led Heath to the horse paddock where a few men were busy busting wild stallions. Both men observed Matt Barrett as he eased himself on the ornery animal and tightened his grip on the rope before giving a nod to swing open the gate. Not three seconds out the gate that that bucking horse hurled its rider to the ground. “That’s Barrett,” Nick pointed out with a tinge of embarrassment. “He insists he’s the best wrangler in the whole valley but he’s yet to break one stallion since he’s been working for us.”

“Why d’ya keep him on then?”

“He’s a good worker in other fields. We got a cattle drive coming up next month and we need him. He’s the best cow roper I’ve seen. We lose them he brings them back to the herd. Hey Barrett!” Nick hailed him over.

Peeved of having bitten the dust for the umpteenth time in front of his boss, the prideful man cursed his bad luck underneath his breath as he marched up to Nick. “Sorry Nick. Took me by surprise, is all. But don’t ya worry none. I’ll break him.”

“You’re goin’ ‘bout it the wrong way,” Heath stated offhandedly. “Ya ain’t s’pose to break his spirit, but gentle it.”

Barrett was appalled by this man’s impertinence. He didn’t take too kindly to a total stranger pointing out his flaw in front of his boss. “Oh and ya think ya can’t do better, friend?” he sassed.

Heath turned to Nick to seek his approval. “Go ahead Heath. Show us what you’ve got. But no funny business. Remember that wound of yours.”

The blond nodded his gratefulness and swung over the fence into the corral. He walked up to the two ranch hands holding the ornery stallion and with a wave of the hand he beckoned them away. Both men stared at each other in disbelief but complied with Heath’s wish. They released the rope and trotted up to the fence.

“Nick, this guy’s nuts. This horse will trample him to death,” commented one of the men, but Nick turned a deaf ear and concentrated on his protégé who was inching towards the skittish animal, snorting and thudding his foot against the ground.

“What in tarnation is he doing?” Barrett was most puzzled by the newcomer’s technique.

“Boss, maybe it’s not such a good idea to leave him alone.”

“Jim, let him be. Seems to me he knows what he’s doing. Look at him. He’s less than five feet away from the horse and it still won’t buck.” Contrary to Barrett whose antipathy for Heath grew to new proportions with his likely success at taming the wild beast, Nick burst out with pride. He was confident of Heath’s ability to turn a new leaf and trusted this feat would provide the troubled soul with a sense of accomplishment that would hopefully carry him on the road back to righteousness.

Nick’s grin hung on his ears as he witnessed the bond forming between horse and man. “Man! I never would have believe it had not seen it with my own eyes.” An involuntarily spasm crossed his face at seeing Heath swung on the horse’s bare back. He stood rooted to the spot with bated breath and one eye open, expecting the stallion to send its rider crashing against the fence, but the horse remained still. That is until Heath gave his flanks a nudge that he began rearing on its hind legs. Despite the searing pain in his side, Heath held in place by tightening his legs and gripping the mane. He allowed the horse to go into conniptions, confidant that he would soon tire and concede defeat to his new master.

As Nick and the men watched in amazement, Barrett cudgelled his brains as to the occasion he recalled seeing Heath’s face. ‘Something familiar about this guy,’ he thought to himself. Under other circumstances Barrett might have dismissed his hunch but Heath had humiliated him in front of Nick and therefore refused to let him off the hook.”

“Nick, where did you find this man?” Duke queried, having witnessed the entire scene before him.

“Just ran into him in Rosedale. Something about this guy I liked right away. So I convinced him to come back to the ranch and work for me.”

“What’s his name?”

“Heath Thomson.”

“Heath Thomson,” Duke wondered with a thoughtful expression. “That name sounds familiar.”

“Well before you figure it out let me just say that he got into some trouble in the past but that’s over now. He’s turning a new leaf and I aim to be the one to give him that chance.”

Barrett’s ears perked up at the mention of ‘trouble’. Although Heath’s face had yet to register he intended to investigate this new hand’s past to see if he could dig up any dirt that might help him worm himself into the boss’s favours. He snuck away as Nick beckoned Heath over to the fence, determined to follow through on his hunch.

“Nice work, Heath,” Nick exulted, patting his new hand on the back. “I’d like you to meet our foreman, Duke McCall. Duke, this is Heath Thomson.”

“Nice to meet you, Heath,” Duke said as he exchanged a hearty handshake with the young man. “This was quite impressive work you did there.”

“Thanks. Horses and me speak the same language.”

“Nick tells me you’re going to work for us?” His brows creased in suspicion at the annoyed glare Heath threw at Nick. “Whenever you’re ready I’ll be happy to show you to your bunk.”

“I want him to meet the family first.”

“No problem. I’ll see you later.” Duke took his leave, glancing back suspiciously at the blond as he headed toward the barn. Like Barrett he couldn’t shake the twinge that he’s seen that face before today.

“Come on, let’s go into the house.”

“Barkley look, I really ‘preciate what you’re tryin’ to do but…”

“You need money, don’t you?” Nick interjected before Heath could finish his thought.

“Yeah.”

“I’m offering you an opportunity to earn a few bucks.” To ensure Heath’s full cooperation, Nick added, “I tell you what. You try us out for a few weeks. If you still wanna go after that, I won’t stand in your way.”

Heath raised an eyebrow in incredulity. “Promise?”

“You’ve got my word.” He waited for a sign of acknowledgement that came in the form of a faint obliging smile before leading his protégé to the house.

“Mother! Jarrod! Audra! Anybody home?” Nick bellowed, his booming voice resounding throughout the foyer.

“Nick! How many times have I told you not to shout!” Victoria’s reprimand of her exuberant son elicited a chuckle out of Heath.

“Sorry, Mother,” he apologized before he turned to Heath standing to his right. “I’d like you to meet Heath Thomson. Heath this is my mother, Victoria Barkley.”

“How d’ya do Ma’am?” he greeted shyly; his fingers nervously creasing the rim of his hat.

“Mister Thomson,” she nodded in acknowledgment before glancing at Nick with inquisitive eyes.

“I just hired Heath here to be our new wrangler. He has a style on his own for breaking the wildest of them all.”

“Well, welcome to the ranch, Mister Thomson. I hope you like it here.”

“I’m sure I will, Ma’am.”

Victoria was somewhat disturbed by the fiery glare this new ranch hand was shot at Nick. She wondered just how this meeting came about and planned to worm it out of her son later.

As if on cue Jarrod made his way to the living room to greet his returning brother. “Brother Nick, how was your trip? Did you make any new acquisitions?”

“No. I didn’t attend the auction. Something came up at the last minute,” Nick improvised, glancing over at Heath with a knowing look. “By the way, this is Heath Thomson. He’s going to be working here for a while.”

As Jarrod and Heath exchanged a handshake Victoria couldn’t help but notice the stoned expression etched on the young man’s face, leading her to assume Heath had not come of his own accord. She slanted her head sideways as she eyed the blond discreetly from head to toe; his presence bringing a mystifying comfort to her.

Contrary to Victoria, Heath’s face jarred Jarrod’s inner alarm. It registered as one he recalled seeing on a wanted poster. Although he repressed his emotion in front of Nick’s guest he tactfully threw an inquisitive stare at his brother who responded with a discreet shake of the head.

“Mr. Thomson, we’d be honoured if you could join us for dinner tonight,” Victoria’s impromptu request threw Nick and Jarrod for a loop. Rarely were the occasions where she would extend a dinner invitation to a common ranch hand, least of all a new employee.

“Ma’am I don’t think that’ll be proper,” Heath replied sheepishly. This woman was stirring emotions within him that he had buried with his mama years ago. Never had he felt so awkward and speechless. Her stance, her eyes, her voice….all had a powerful effect that left him troubled and yet serene.

“I insist, Mr. Thomson. I would be happy to have you at the dinner table tonight.” Heath lowered his eyes to hide the blush mantling over his cheeks. “Am I to assume this silent reply is a yes?” she teased.

Heath glanced up at Nick who smiled responsively. “That’s a yes, Mother.”

Victoria acknowledged in Jarrod’s expression the urgency to speak with Nick in private. Nodding to Jarrod, she draped her arm around Heath’s to lead him into the living room, away from her two sons who retreated in the parlor.

“Nick! Do you have any idea who that is?” Jarrod reproved once he ensured the doors were shut.

“Yeah, I know who he is,” Nick sassed back with an exasperated sigh.

“And you hired him to work on the ranch? You’ve got a dead wish or something?”

“That kid just got in with the wrong crowd, Jarrod. You don’t know him like I do. He saved my life. I owe him.”

“Saved your life? How?”

“Cave in.”

“What cave in?”

Nick huffed out an annoyed sigh at Jarrod’s persistence. “Look! I’ve got a feeling about this kid. He deserves a chance.”

“And you’re the good Samaritan who has decided to take on his destiny, notwithstanding the heap of trouble you’re liable to bring to our doorstep.” Jarrod’s crushing cynicism was slowly raising Nick’s hackles. He looked away and drew in a deep breath to suppress the rage simmering just beneath the surface before staring his older brother fiercely in the eyes.

“Forget what you know, Jarrod. I know what I’m doing."

“Do you really? What if someone else recognizes him? Then what?”

“I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it,” Nick lashed back.

“You may drown before that and drag the rest of us with you.”

Nick left Jarrod on a warning glare that spoke volume. Although uneasy about the situation he made a vow to be lenient on both Nick and his young protégé; to follow his brotherly instincts urging him to step aside and let things fall where they may.

Nick introduced Heath to the rest of the men and no sooner had he entered the bunkhouse that he was summoned to come break a fight between two ranch hands.

“Smith and Donovan again,” Nick groused. “This is the last straw. I’m firing them!”

“Nick, don’t be too hasty. We’re going to need all available hand s next month on our cattle drive.”

“What good are they going to be to us if they keep jumping down each other’s throats?”

“We’ll figure something out. Rein in that temper of yours, boy,” Duke cautioned sternly; his implying tone urging Nick to heed his warning. Once Nick out the door, his icy stare melted into a friendly smile as he turned to Heath. “Heath, I want you to feel free to come to me with anything. Whether it’s just to get something off your chest; I’m here.”

“Thank ya Mister McCall.”

Duke broke into a hearty guffaw at the formality. “Please Heath, call me Duke. Everyone does. In fact most men here threat me like their father. Don’t know why. I’m not that old, am I?” he teased to lighten the palpable tension between the two; his reward coming in the form of a faint curl of the lips. “You’re going to like it here, Heath. The men are friendly…well most. They are honest to good hard-working men who don’t chase after trouble; just money and girls,” he ended with an elfish wink.

“Thanks Duke.” Heath sought the honesty in the old foreman’s eyes and what he read prompted him to verify his suspicion. “You know who I am, don’t ya?”

“I figured it out some time ago after Nick introduced us, yes.”

“I tried shakin’ Nick on the trail, but he kept pullin’ me back. I ain’t got no business here.”

“Why do you say that? I’ve seen you at work. You’re a natural.”

“’Round horses, maybe. Definitely not ‘round people.”

“I’m not so certain of that. You just haven’t been around folks who care. Outlaws aren’t exactly the best bunch. One false move and they beat you out like an old rug. Or worse.”

“Nick here, is he always like this?”

“Like what?”

“A pain in the neck?”

“Yeah, I’m afraid that’s Ol Nick for you,” Duke chuckled, nodding in agreement. “But I recommend him to you wholeheartedly. He may be loud, stubborn and temperamental but he’s the best friend you’ll ever have in life. That man would bend over backwards to help a friend in need. That’s Nick Barkley for you.”

“I’ll remember that. Thanks.”

“You’re very welcome, Heath.” Duke stepped over to the young blond to put a hand on his shoulder. “Remember, I’m your friend too.”

Heath nodded in gratitude. “I just don’t wanna drag anyone down ‘cause of my past. It’ll find a way to catch up to me eventually. And when it does, ya might get caught in the cross-fire.”

“You let us worry about that. You just do an honest’s day job. That’s all Nick is asking of you.”

“I hope to God you’re right,” Heath mumbled underneath his breath out of Duke’s earshot.

Meanwhile in town, Barrett stopped by the general store with a list of supplies. While the clerk filled up the order, the Barkley hand ambled down to the sheriff’s office to check out the wanted posters.

“Howdy Sheriff,” Barrett greeted with a tip of his hat as he casually stepped inside the office.

“Matt Barrett,” Sheriff Madden replied with an edge of sarcasm about his voice. “What brings you here?”

“Was wondering if I could take a look at your wanted posters.”

“What for?” Madden asked dubiously.

“Thought I might have seen someone who didn’t belong here.”

“And who might that be?”

“Don’t know yet, that’s why I wanna see those posters. See if I can put a name to the face.”

“Alright,” Madden heaved out in acquiescence and pulled out a folder from his top drawer. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.” Barrett took the folder and flipped it open. He studied the facial features of the first pictured outlaw as he made his way to a chair. Without lifting his eyes from the posters he took a seat across from the sheriff’s desk. Madden leaned back in his chair and returned to reading his papers, though his eyes occasionally wandered up to gauge Barrett’s reaction to the posters. Curiosity pricked him at the sight of an evil grin crossing the man’s face. Satisfied with his discovery Barrett shuffled the papers, closed the folder and handed it back to the sheriff. “Nothing,” he said with a feign pout. “Thanks anyway, Sheriff.”

“Yeah. Anytime.” Madden arched an eyebrow in suspicion at the man’s answer that didn’t match the smirk on his face.

Surprisingly enough Heath felt invigorated by his first full working day on the ranch, and hadn’t minded Nick constantly treading on his heels. He was entering the barn with his horse when he caught sight of a magnificent bay in the end stall. He tethered his chestnut to a beam and gave it a few pats before making his way to the object of his desire.

“Hey you. Might fine lookin’ animal, ain’t ya?” Heath cooed while brushing a firm hand against the horse’s neck. The bay responded by nuzzling him in the shoulder. “Yeah. I wonder who ya belong to?”

“She belongs to me,” warned the husky voice from behind. Heath shot a sidelong glance at Barrett he saw stomping towards him. “And I advise ya to keep away from her. I broke her; therefore she’s mine.”

“I don’t wann’her. Just makin’an observation, is all.”

Barrett stepped up to Heath from behind; his steely brown eyes bore a hole in the blond’s back. “I know who you are, Thomson.”

“So,” Heath retorted offhandedly.

“So you’d better not double-cross me if ya know what’s good fer ya.”

“Why would I wanna do that?”

“To take my job for one.”

“I don’t wanna your stinking job,” Heath huffed out in annoyance. “I didn’t wanna come here in the first place. Barkley made me.”

“He did?” Barrett asked quizzically, an eyebrow arched in suspicion. “Why?”

“I don’t know why. Ask him?”

“Oh I intend to do just that.”

“He took me in like his pet. He’s like a flea on a dog; can’t scratch him off me until I pay off my debt.”

“What debt?”

“Long story. Anyway I’ll keep out of your hair. Don’t want your job. Just wanna get the hell outta here.”

“Just as long as we understand each other.” Barrett tipped his hat insolently and turned to head outside.

With the fires of Hell dancing in his baby blues, Heath watched Barrett leave, keeping his eyes on his retreating back until he could no longer see the man. He then returned his attention to the mare and continued to pet her. “He don’t scare me. I’m just pissed off knowin’ he’s your master. Ya deserve better, girl. Anyhow I ain’t got nothin’ to be scared of. What if he tells Barkley on me. He already knows who I am. If anythin’ he’ll get an earful’,” Heath’s lips curled up at the thought of Nick jumping down Barrett’s throat for threatening to snitch on his beloved pet, for that’s how Heath felt around Nick; like a dog on a leash.

The next day, at her daughter’s request, Victoria dropped by the orphanage to meet sickly-shy six-year-old Meggie who was dropped on their doorstep seven mornings ago. The girl was alone and frightened and would remain mute. All efforts to find any living relative had come to a naught. Audra endeavoured to become her friend and confidant, hoping the little girl would confide in her, but to no avail. She put great stock in her mother’s charm to melt that steel armour erected around Meggie’s heart.

Victoria suggested taking the blonde orphan to town while she ran her errands. After picking up Audra’s dress at the ladies’ shop Victoria brought Meggie to Jarrod’s office where she was to meet with her son for dinner.

Victoria poked her head through the door to see Jarrod sitting at his desk, visibly absorbed in his case file. “I hope I’m not too early?” she said apologetically.

“No of course not.” He waved her in and stood from his chair. “Just in time.” He walked up to her to lay a wonted kiss on her cheek. Pulling back he noticed the little girl standing to her left. “And who have we here?” Jarrod squatted before Meggie to scan her features. “What’s your name, Lovely Lady?” Meggie bowed her head timidly to hide the flush washing over her cheeks.

“Her name is Meggie. She comes from the orphanage. You remember the little girl Audra mentioned?” Victoria hinted.

“Oh yes,” he winked in acknowledgement.

“I suggested letting her accompany me on my errands today so she and I could get better acquainted.”

“That’s a good idea. How about this dashing gentleman escorting you two ladies to the Cattlemen’s for a copious meal? My threat?”

Victoria glanced down at Meggie whose bright eyes were self-explanatory. “I think we would both like that.”

“Just give a few minutes to get my things in order then I’m all yours.” Jarrod went to his desk to stuff case files into his briefcase.

As for Victoria, she sat Meggie in an armchair and stepped up to the desk to speak her mind about the new ranch hand Nick had hired. “Jarrod, may I ask you a question?”

“Anything you want.”

“What do think of the new hand Nick hired?

“Heath Thomson?” He waited for a nod before continuing. “I don’t know him that well but Nick seems to think he’s a fine man and a good worker.”

“Be honest with me Jarrod. Does that young man’s presence on the ranch disturb you?”

Jarrod frowned at the implying overtone in her question. “Why are you asking me that?”

“Is he?”

“Like I said I don’t know him that well to pass judgement on the man,” Jarrod replied evasively so not to arouse her suspicion as to Heath’s true identity.

“Could you do me a favour?”

“For you Lovely Lady, anything.”

“See what you can find on Heath Thomson’s background. “ She stared into space, recalling the peculiar impression that young man first gave her. “There’s something awfully familiar about that young man.”

Jarrod hawked embarrassingly at her mother’s intuition. He dithered whether or not he ought to divulge the truth about Heath’s past. “Euh Mother, you may not know this but Heath is…”

“A young man who got entangled with the law. Yes I know,” she answered nonchalantly, taking Jarrod by surprise. “I overheard you and Nick taking about him the other day.”

“Does that bother you?”

“No, not really. Like Nick I sense him to be a decent man who unfortunately was deprived of a role model to guide him on the right path. He had to make a choice to stay alive. I can’t fault him for that.”

“I still think Nick was wrong to bring this outlaw on our ranch, but I’m known to give a man a fair trail; therefore I will give him the benefit of the doubt.”

“Thank you.”

“But I’m puzzled as to the reason why you would want me to investigate Heath’s past if you already know what he is.”

“Let’s just say I have a feeling I’ve seen that young man somewhere before, and I’d like to confirm my suspicion.”

“As you wish.” Jarrod leaned in the brush a light kiss on Victoria’s cheek. “Shall we go, Ladies?”

Following dinner with Jarrod, Victoria returned to the ranch with Meggie. Heath was by the corral gentling a newly broken mare when she halted the buggy in the barnyard. It was hard to miss the expression of wonderment etched on the little one’s face as she set eyes on the horses grazing in the paddock. She smiled mischievously at the thought of using the four-legged friends as a mean of communication.

“Would you like to go see the horses?” Victoria asked somewhat rhetorically for she already knew the answer.

Meggie nodded as he eyes shone with an ebullient enthusiasm. She clasped Victoria’s hand and willingly followed her to the horse paddock.

“Heath, you’re just the person I wanted to see.”

“Yes Ma’am. Sum’thin I can do fer ya?”

“As a matter of fact there is.” She turned to Meggie whose attention was riveted on the black mare standing at Heath’s side. “This is Meggie. She would very much like to see the horses. Maybe pet one. If you’d be so kind as to oblige her?”

“F’course Mrs. Barkley.” Heath sat on his heels in front of shy Meggie. “So ya like horses, do ya?” A faint nod of the head gave Heath the notion that the kid needed to be handle like porcelain. He offered her his hand that she took after much hesitation. “This here is Freckles,” he introduced as he ran a hand through the mare’s mane to gentle her. “We call her that ‘cause of all those whites spots on her legs…see,” he pointed to the hind legs painted black and white.

Out of the corner of her eye Victoria caught Nick exiting the house in a huff. She excused herself to walk over to her incensed son..

“Nick something wrong?”

“Yeah, It’s Barrett,” he sighed in exasperation. “Duke says he caught him slacking off work again. I hate doing this just before a cattle drive but I’m gonna have to let him go.”

“That’s too bad.”

“Yeah, well, can’t afford to have lazy hands on the job when there’s so much to be done.”

“What about Heath?”

Nick flashed a sly grin at her suggestion. “You like him, don’t you?”

“He seems like a nice man.” She motioned to Heath assisting Meggie onto the back of the mare. “You can tell a lot about a man’s integrity just by the way he interacts with others, particularly children and animals that are the most sensitive.”

“There’s something about him, Mother. I can’t jab my finger on it. You know I’m not into picking up strays; that’s Audra’s job.”

“You mind as well know that I’ve ask your brother to look into his background.”

Nick winced at what he believed would stir up a mess of trouble. “I wish you hadn’t done that.”

“Nick, I already know about Heath’s entanglements with the law.”

“You do?” She nodded. “Then why have him investigate?”

“Just want to confirm a suspicion. Beside Jarrod assured me he’d be discreet about it so not to draw any unwanted attention.”

“In the meantime I’m gonna ask Heath to fill in for Barrett. He’s a great worker. I’ve seen him; he does the job of ten men.”

“You really do like him, don’t you?”

“Yeah. Yeah I do,” Nick sighed; his eyes shining with a deep respect for the blond. Heath’s shady past had no bearing on his feelings. He had come to consider the troubled soul like a brother, much to Victoria’s relief who felt that her son’s camaraderie with the young man was a step towards acceptance as a full member of the family. “You know me. I don’t take strays and I surely don’t waste time trying to reform crap. But somehow with Heath it’s worth it. Don’t ask me why. Just is.”

Victoria’s thoughtful smile matched her heart’s delight at Nick’s statement. She also felt very drawn to Heath and hoped that the Pinkerton report would confirm her suspicion of Heath’s parentage. She bore no ill thoughts towards her husband whose affair with the young waitress in Strawberry, in all likelihood, engendered a son who was unfortunately dealt a bad hand from birth. Although she could not rewind time and right a wrong, she vowed to make up for all those lost years, though a lingering fear of Heath’s refusal to embrace this family as his own was casting a gloom over her elation. How would he take the news? She cast aside the grim thought for the moment as she hoped that her dear Tom would provide.

Nick made his way to the bunkhouse to discuss giving Barrett the boot with Duke. The aging foreman gave Nick his immediate approval, stating that the hand had been seen slacking off work more often in the last couple of days. His choice of Heath as his replacement met with high praises from the other ranchers who had come to appreciate the blond’s hard work.

Nick made his way to the horse paddock where Heath was already hard at work trying to gentle the latest Barkley acquisition. Nick stopped at the gate and observed the wrangler at work, shaking his head in wonderment at the special gift that was bestowed upon the blond. He bubbled over with pride at his stubbornness in winning over Heath’s, bearing no regrets in having impelled him into following him to the ranch. He waited until Heath was finished to call him over to the fence.

“Hey Heath! Could you come here for a sec.?”

Heath gave a single nod of the head and handed the reins over to a hand before walking up to Nick. “What is it?” he asked rather coldly.

“Just wanted to say that you’re doing one heck of a job. Everyone here is impressed with your work.”

Heath shrugged impassively “Ain’t nothin’ I ain’t done b’fore.”

“How would you like to get better paid?”

“How d’ya mean?”

“I’m about to fire Barrett for slacking off and I would like you to fill in for him. I discussed it with Duke and the other guys and they all agree you’re the best man for the job.”

“I wouldn’t do that if I was you,” Heath cautioned with eyes mirroring fear.

“Why? You don’t think you can handle it?”

“It ain’t that Barkley. I just don’t want any trouble.”

“I told you, the guys like you.”

“But Barrett don’t.”

Nick’s eyebrow raised in suspicion. He looked expectantly at Heath whose head hung low to avoid meeting his scrutinizing stare. “Heath, did Barrett say something to you?”

“Kindda.”

“Kinda what?” Nick sputtered between clenched teeth as he struggled to hold his temper at bay.

“Nothin’”

Nick grabbed a hold of Heath’s shoulder and angrily swung him round to face him. “Heath, tell me. I need to know.”

“No you don’t.”

“Did he threaten you?” Heath’s silence was as straightforward an answer as any spoken word. “He did. Why that…” Nick fumed, pounding his fist against the railing.

“See why I don’t wanna his stinkin’ job.”

“Whether you want the job or not, I’m firing him nevertheless.” Nick marched back to the bunkhouse with Heath on his heels.

“Barkley, you’re chasing after trouble.”

“My mind’s made up, Heath. I’m not keeping a slowpoke on the payroll. All he does is drink his pay. I need able-bodied men on this working ranch,” Nick spat resolutely as he strode up the steps to the bunkhouse where Barrett was lazily lounging around drinking coffee. Bits of splinters spurt off the frame as Nick kicked the door open. Startled Barrett leapt out of his chair, spilling his coffee in the process. One look at the boss’s dark blazing eyes shooting daggers told him that he was about to get a one-way ticket to hell.

“Barrett, don’t bother to get in gear. You’re not working here anymore.”

Barrett stood transfixed before Nick, his eyes catching a glimpse of Heath outside the door. His blood started to boil at the very thought of that bastard snitching on him. “I don’t understand.”

“Simple. You’re a lazy scum. I’m not paying you to loaf.” Nick caught Barrett’s stare roaming over his shoulder. “And before you start accusing anyone of tattling on you, don’t. Duke, the men and me all saw how lazy you were on the job.” Nick stoop down to sweep Barrett’s saddlebag off the chair. “Go see Duke, he’ll have your pay ready. Then clear out!”

“You’ll be sorry, Barkley,” Barrett threatened as he slung his saddlebag over his shoulder.

Nick stepped up to him to stand inches from his face; his nostrils flaring and his eyes ablaze with anger. “DON’T you threaten me, Barrett or you’ll live to regret it.”

With a defiant chin up, Barrett squared his shoulders and flashed Nick one last scorching look before heading out the door. Walking past Heath, he stopped to spurt out his venom. “Good luck, Thomson. You’re gonna need it,” he spewed out with malicious glee; the threat sending chills down Heath’s spine.

“Barkley, ya just bought yourself a heap of mess,” Heath said as he and Nick watched Barrett ride away.

“Nah!” Nick waved, casting aside the possibility that a coward such a Barrett could make good on his threat. “He’s full of talk and no action. I know his type.”

“I ain’t so sure. I think I’d be better hightail it outta here b’fore he brings the law on ya.”

“You’re staying right where you are.”

“I can’t figure ya out Barkley. I’m trouble. Why d’ya keep hangin’ on to me?” I ain’t worth it.”

“Stop whining that old tune, it’s annoying ” Nick groused. He slapped one hand on Heath’s shoulder and steered him towards the corral. “Come on! Let’s see if you can tame Ol’ Beelzebub.”

“Who?”

“The wildest, most ornery stallion we have. It took the men ten days to rope him and now none of them can break him. He’s the devil possessed. I’d like to see if you can gentle him.”

“I’ll give it a shot. Say Nick…”

“What?”

Heath’s lips curled up in a faint grateful grin. “Thanks for believing in me.”

“Don’t mention it, Heath,” Nick replied obligingly with a friendly squeeze on Heath’s shoulder.

Late one evening while Nick and Heath were matching wits and skills at the billiard table, Jarrod returned to the ranch with the Pinkerton report in his briefcase. Following a brief exchange of pleasantries, he beckoned Victoria out of the room to remit her the sealed document.

“I haven’t opened it, Mother. I don’t know what’s in there but I’m hoping it will answer your questions about Heath.”

“I hope it does too, Jarrod. Thank you for ordering the investigation. Did they encounter any problem?”

“Their messenger didn’t say. If they did, it must be mentioned in the report.”

She absentmindedly clutched the folder to her chest and drew in a deep breath. “I will go put this in a safe place.”

“Mother, are you all right?” Jarrod asked, concerned by the melancholia etched on Victoria’s face.

She laid a reassuring hand on his arm and strained a smile. “I’m fine, Jarrod. Perhaps a bit tired.”

“Maybe you should retire for the night? You’ll have plenty of time tomorrow to peruse the report.”

“I will follow your advice and do just that. Will you make my excuses to your brothers and sister for me?”

“Sure.” Jarrod watched his emotionally-drained mother climb up the stairs. Only when she disappeared in her room did it hit him. ‘She said brothers, not brother.” He shrugged it off as a simple slip of the tongue. In a short period Heath had charmed his way into their hearts, thus deeming it natural that she would unconsciously consider him as one of the family.

As he made his way to the game room, a knock at the door forced him to retrace his steps. “Fred! Good to see. Come on in,” Jarrod greeted jovially as he bade the sheriff enter.

Fred sheepishly removed his hat, creasing the rim as he nervously stepped inside the foyer. He hawked once or twice to clear the lump in his throat as the news he was about to the deliver was sure to knock the family senseless. “Jarrod, is Nick here?”

“Sure. Want me to get him?”

“Yeah. It’s important.”

“Okay. Anything wrong?”

“Well yes and no.” The solemn look etched on Fred’s face sounded Jarrod’s inner alarm. The sheriff’s visit this late at night could only be interpreted as bad news.

Audra filled in for Nick behind the pool stick as he followed Jarrod to meet with Fred. “What’s up, Fred?” Nick asked casually, the thought of his possibly enquiring about Heath not crossing his mind.

“Nick, I hate to bother you this late at night but this couldn’t wait. I need to know for sure.”

“What is it?”

“Do you have a Heath Thomson working for you?”

...Continued