Meanwhile in the tumbleweed town of Strawberry, Josh halted his horse in front of the hotel. He slid down his mount, heedful to keep his balance with the basinet in one hand. He tethered the horse to the hitching post and entered the run-down establishment. He approached the front desk and after placing the basinet on the counter, he hollered his aunt’s name.

“Aunt Martha! Are you here? Aunt Martha. It’s Josh.”

“Josh!” the bedraggled woman exulted upon seeing her nephew. “Josh, you’re back. How did it go?”

Josh motioned to the hosier basket on the counter. “See for yourself.”

She edged up to the desk and risked a peek inside the basinet. “You did it! No trouble?”

“No trouble at all. I just snuck in the house last night, snapped the bastard and rode out of there. No one saw me.”

“I’m proud of you, Josh.” She gripped his head and planted a big passionate kiss on his cheek.

“Want me to take him to the orphanage?”

“No I want to be the one to do it. I’ve waited four months for this. I don’t want anything to go wrong,” she crowed with malicious glee. “Leah was clever to leave him at Tom Barkley’s doorstep thinking he’d be safe there. I would hate for this bastard to grow up in a world of opulence; not wanting for anything. He doesn’t deserve that.”

“Are you going to tell Leah?”

“No!” she shrieked at the question. “And don’t you dare breathe a word to her either or she’ll tell Barkley where he is.”

“What about Uncle Matt?”

“He’s drunk out of his mind most of the time. The less he knows the better.” She took the basinet with the slumbering baby and handed it over to Josh. “Here. You take him to your place while I get ready to ride into Rideau. I don’t want Matt or anyone to know.”

Josh suffered from an acute case of hero-worshiping when it came to his aunt Martha. He venerated her from the first day she gave him a pony for his seventh birthday. Naïve and gullible he would cater to her every whims and fancies, feeling a bulging pride whenever she would ask him for a favour, when in reality she was using him to do her dirty deeds when Matt would refuse to get involved in her schemes.

Josh mounted his horse and started down the street to his cabin a few miles at the outskirts of town. Unbeknownst to him that Rachel had inadvertently caught glimpse of him and the familiar basket as she exited the general store.

“Oh God! No!” Numbed with fear at the notion of Heath caught in the claws of this despicable witch, she dashed over to the telegraph office to notify Tom Barkley of the kidnapping.

A young messenger was quickly dispatched to relay the message to Tom Barkley at the saloon where he, the sheriff and a posse comprised of friendly neighbours devised a plan of action.

“Mister Barkley. Mister Barkley,” the young telegraph clerk shouted from the door, waving the telegram in his hand.

Tom stood from his chair and went to meet the kid halfway. “What is it, Charlie?”

“An urgent telegram for you.” He handed Tom the piece of paper. “It’s from Strawberry.”

“Strawberry,” he wondered aloud, bemused as to who would be contacting him. As he unfolded the telegram, it dawned on him that Leah Thomson could be sending him this wire. His suspicions were confirmed when the name Rachel Caulfield jumped out of the page. “Tom, Leah needs you. Stop. Child kidnapped by vicious sister. Stop. Come quick. Stop. Need to find him. Stop. Rachel Caulfield. Stop. His heart leapt to his throat at the mention of Leah’s child. His mind swiftly drifted back to the three months he spent at her house being nursed to health and at the brief affair that followed.

Tom reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a silver dollar that he tossed at Charlie. “Thanks Charlie.” He returned to the men and showed the telegram to Sheriff Madden.

“I know where the boy is and by the same token, his mother,” he said confidently, putting on his hat and gulping down the last of his beer.

“Tom, there’s no law that forbids a mother who abandoned her child to return for him.”

“He wasn’t kidnapped by his mother.”

“Then by whom?”

“That young fellow I hired. I know where he took the boy.”

“You want us to tag along?” The sheriff offered.

“No need. I can handle it from here. Do me a favour, though. Could you ride by the ranch and tell my wife that I’ll be gone for a while. Just say that I have a lead on where the baby might be.”

“Sure thing, Tom, but she’ll want to know where you went.”

“I know. Just tell her you don’t know yet.” Tom flashed a grateful smile and crossed the room to the batwing doors.

“You want one of us to follow him, Sheriff?”

“Might be a good idea, Ross. We don’t know what kind of trouble he might run into.”

“Me and Jason will go.”

“You be very discreet; you show yourselves only if there’s trouble,” the Sheriff cautioned the two exuberant men who were known to be foolhardy at times.

Tom made good time riding into Strawberry. He slowed his horse to a canter as he passed through town, taking in the sights that brought back memories of his stay. His spine shivered at the sight of the alley where he was beaten to a pulp and where the darling woman had found him near death. He closed his eyes to dispel that horrific image as he trotted onwards to Leah’s cabin.

He paused briefly in front of the run-down abode to garner his courage before he edged up to the front door. Two knocks later and the door opened.

“Tom!” Rachel shrieked in delight. “Please, do come in.” she bad the visitor enter.

Tom removed his hat and scanned the cabin for Leah. “I received your telegram,” he said distractedly, his gaze still sweeping the room. “You said it was urgent.”

“Yes. It is. Won’t you sit down,” she said, beckoning him to take a seat in the living room. She followed him to the couch where they both sat. “Where do I begin?”

“You can start by telling me where Leah is.”

“She’s in her room sleeping. She hasn’t been well lately and…well,” she faltered at having to break her promise to Leah.

“What? Rachel is Leah going to be all right?” he asked with trepidation as to the answer already written in her forlorn expression.

“I’m afraid not, Tom. She’s dying.”

Tom’s face fell to the floor at the news. He stood from the sofa and began pacing the floor in silence. “Is that why you sent me that telegram?”

“That’s part of it.”

“What’s the other part?” he queried with a similar apprehension.

“The baby that was left at your front door a couple of days ago?”

“Leah’s?” Tom deduced. Rachel’s shy nod was all the confirmation he needed. He sank into an armchair and plonked his head in his hands. A few heavy sighs later he ran them over his face and stared blankly in front of him. Then it dawned on him and stared quizzically at Rachel. “Mine?”

Rachel could only hang her head at the question.

“Oh my God! Why didn’t she tell me?”

“Tom, you have a family and in no way she wanted to stir up trouble for you and your wife.”

“But why now?” Again he stared at Rachel to read her eyes. “It’s because she’s dying, isn’t it?”

“Yes. And the fact that her brother and his wife had threatened to take the boy to an orphanage and I believe that’s what happened. I saw Martha’s nephew Josh ride out of town towards Rideau with the baby. That’s why I wired you to come. You are Heath’s father and the only one who can get him out of there.”

“A baby,” he breathed out in utter bewilderment. “I never would have thought…oh God.”

“It’s true, Tom,” came the weak voice from behind.

“Leah!” he bolted upwards and drank in her beautiful features. “Leah, you’re even more beautiful than I remembered.”

“That’s nice of you to say,” she smiled in delight.

“Leah, you shouldn’t be out of bed. The doctor said…”

“I know what the doctor said,” she abruptly interjected. “But when I heard Tom’s voice,” she stepped up to him and caressed his cheek, “ I had to explain about our son.”

“Leah, how could you have kept him from me? Why didn’t you tell me you were with child,” Tom chastised.

“Rachel told you the reason why. It had initially intended on raising this child on my own but unforeseen circumstances have compelled me to alter my decision. For one my failing health and there’s the problem of my brother and his wife.”

“Rachel told me they want to put Heath in an orphanage?”

“Matt won’t stand for my raising a bastard as he so delicately put it.” She clasped his arms and with imploring teary eyes, she beseeched, “Please Tom, don’t let that happen. Don’t let my baby be raised in an orphanage. I beg of you. I want you to take care of him. He needs a stable home with loving parents. Please Tom. Do this for the boy; our son. You don’t have to tell your wife he is your flesh and blood, I don’t mind. You can just say that you couldn’t locate his mother.”

“My wife Victoria is already smitten with the baby. We lost a baby boy at birth just a few weeks before I came to Strawberry and she’s been depressed ever since. Our doctor and I discussed having her committed to an asylum when the baby appeared on our doorstep. He had an instant effect on her. She’s back to her old self.”

“Then leave it the way it is. She loves the baby. Don’t take him away from her. I know how painful it is to lose a child because that’s how I feel right now, but I don’t have a choice

He gently took her hands in his and brought them to his lips to breathe in her delicate fragrance. “I won’t Leah. That’s a promise. I’m going to find our son and bring him back to the ranch to be raised in a family that will love, protect and cherish him for the rest of his life. I guarantee he’ll never want for anything. Ever.”

Leah flung her arms around Tom’s waist and hugged him with all of her remaining strength. “Bless you, Tom. Bless you.” She heaved out in a heavy sigh before she collapsed into his arms.

“Leah! Oh my God, no!” Tom wailed, grabbing the dainty frame to keep it from crumbling onto the floor.

Rachel hurried over to check the woman’s pulse. “She just passed out. Could you carry her to her room?” Tom lifted the limp form into his arms and carried it to the bedroom where he gingerly laid it on the bed. Rachel quickly spread a quilt over her friend’s body and looked up at Tom with pleading eyes. “Find the boy, Tom. I beg of you. Bring him home to Leah. She needs to know he is safe before…” she faltered at the word she was about to utter.

“You can count it,” Tom spoke resolutely, his voice cracking with emotions. “Where did you say Josh was heading?”

“Most likely to Rideau. That’s where the nearest orphanage is. I’ve heard Martha Simmons mention it once.”

Tom bent down to place a feathery kiss on Leah’s forehead. “She’s burning up, Rachel,” he quavered.

“I know. Tom, she doesn’t have much time. Please hurry up.”

“I will. He stepped up to Rachel and left her with a warm hug. He dashed outside and mounted horse. “I’ll be back real soon. You can count on it!”

“Be careful, Tom.”

Barely half a mile down the road that Ross and Jason rode after Tom, hailing him to stop. Tom reined in his mount and glowered at the two young men. “What the hell are you doing following me?”

“Sheriff’s orders. He though you might run into some trouble.”

“As you can see I’m fine,” Tom snapped. “I don’t need any an wet nurse,” he spat rather insolently.

“Mister Barkley we only want to help. We promise we’ll keep from under foot.”

“All right,” Tom conceded, realizing the two boys meant well. “Make sure you do. I don’t want any trigger-happy fools with children around, you got that?”

Both bashful boys hung their heads and gave a nod of acknowledgement.

The threesome made good time to the bustling town of Rideau. Tom scanned the surroundings while ambling through the main street to spot any sign of trouble, namely Josh Simms. A noisy saloon came into view, which brought a contented curl on his lips as he saw the perfect opportunity to unload his two watchdogs at the door. “Why don’t you boys go treat yourselves to a nice cool beer? I’m buying.”

“You sure Mister Barkley?” Ross asked with some reservations.

“I’m positive. I’ll just be a couple of blocks down the road to the orphanage. Once I’m done I’ll pick you up.”

Both men nodded in acquiescence and dismounted while Tom went on his way. Minutes later he was trotting across the street from the impressive establishment, his eyes warily sweeping the area to spot any sign of trouble brewing. He tethered his horse to the hitching post in front of the building and stepped up to the front porch.

“May I help you?” spoke the soothing feminine voice.

Tom’s head snapped to the side to see a nun standing a few feet away.

“Yes, as a matter of fact you can. I’m looking for my son. I was told a young man dropped him off a few this morning.”

“Your son?” she stepped up to him with a dubious eye. “Why would your son be in an orphanage?”

“Someone who thought he was an abandoned child brought him.”

“Why would he do that?”

“It’s rather delicate, Sister. I would appreciate if I could look around and see if I can find him.”

Distrustful of the elusive answers he provided, Sister Therese kept on her guard as she invited him to step inside the building. With a warning glare she instructed him to remain by the door while she went to notify the director. Tom obliged and took a seat on a bench. Minutes passed and still no sign of Sister Therese. He continued fiddling with the rim of his hat; tension rising with each tick of the grandfather clock, until he could no longer bear the waiting and stood to head down the corridor.

“Sister Therese tells me you are looking for your son?” interrupted Sister Diana, a tall, intimidating woman of the cloth who stood on his path.

“Yes I am.”

“And what is your name, sir?”

“Tom Barkley.”

Sister Diana paused to carefully study the strong features staring inquisitively at her. She then flashed a knowing smile and dismissed Sister Therese. Thereafter she clasped Tom’s arm and beckoned him to follow her.

She led him to a nursery where dozens of infants were peacefully slumbering in individual cribs. She padded up to one on the left and lifted the tiny angel cocooned in a white blanket. She returned to Tom with the baby. “Is this your son?”

Tom took a peek at the chubby face and smiled. “Yes it’s him. But how did you know?”

“Your features. This child has them.”

Tom stared wide-eyed in amazement. “You could tell just by looking at me?”

“In my twenty odd years as head of this orphanage, reading facial features has become second nature to me. A young man dropped him off earlier in the day saying that his parents had died in a stagecoach accident. Before I could question him further he was gone.” She handed him the child that he gently cradled in his arms.”

Tom brushed a light kiss against the baby’s cheek and turned to follow Sister Diana leading the way to the exit. She placed a hand on his arm and fashioned a meaningful smile. “God be with you both.”

“Thank you Sister.”

Baby Heath was placed in a hosier basket to allow for a smooth ride back to Strawberry with the two young friends in tow. They parted ways once they reached the outskirts of town with Tom taking a left turn to avoid having to go through Main Street.

With a bounce in his step he walked up to Leah’s cabin with his infant son cradled in his arms. “I know you’re anxious to see you’re mama,” he replied in answer to the constant gurgling and occasional shrieks of delight. “Just a few more steps and we’ll be there.” He knocked twice then nudged open the door. Seeing how the living room was deserted he made his way to Leah’s bedroom where he gasped in horror at the pitiful sight that greeted him.

“Tom!” Rachel exulted, running to his arms. “You have Heath. Thank God.”

“Is she?” he hazarded to ask, frightened by the ashen face staring back at him from the bed.

“She’s alive. She’s desperately clinging to life until she can see her son one last time.” Rachel took the baby from Tom’s arms and brought him to Leah. She gingerly laid Heath in the crook of his mama’s shoulder to elicit some response from the dying woman. A piercing squeak slashed through the thick mist that enfolded Leah’s mind. Slowly and painfully she prised open her eyes to gaze at her infant son smiling at her.

“Y…you found him. Thank…thank God,” she breathed out weakly. “My prec…precious little b…boy.”

“I’ll take care of him Leah,” Tom pledged. “That boy will never want for anything. He’ll have a home with a family that will love and protect him all the days of his life.” He raised his teary eyes to meet Leah’s. “I promise you, Leah.”

She lazily raised her hand to caress Tom’ cheek and with a grateful smile, whispered, “Thank you.”

He leaned forward to lay a tender kiss on her lips. Seconds later, Leah rendered her soul.

Tom took a few minutes to cry over his lost, after which he lifted the baby boy and cradled him in his arms. “Heath Barkley, I will hold my promise to your mama. I’ll try to be the best father to you.”

He kissed Rachel goodbye and walked over to his horse, covering the sleeping bundle in his arms with dozens of feathery kisses.

“That’s as far as you go, Barkley,” threatened the voice from behind.

Tom held the baby close to his chest and slowly turned round. “Martha Simmons, why are you doing this?”

“That bastard belongs in an orphanage,” she spewed out, thrusting her shotgun at his face.

“You don’t mean that. I can’t believe that you would harm an innocent child,” Tom temporized while elaborating a safe escape plan to avoid any harm coming to the baby.

“I don’t want to hurt the baby. Just take him where he belongs.”

“He belongs with his mother and father.”

“His mother’s dying and his father already has children.”

“So? I take it you know all too well how it is to grow up without a family, don’t you”

Tom’s statement struck a delicate chord with the woman. He was right on the nose and to Tom’s misfortune, that painful truth only added fuel to the fire. “I’ll take him now.”

“What do you intend to do with him?” Tom said, holding the baby closer.

“I told you. Get rid of him. He’ll be taken care of.”

“You know I will hunt you down wherever you take my son.”

“Then perhaps I should kill you right here to keep you from under foot,” Martha quipped, cocking her rifle as Tom turned his back to her and inched up to his horse. “Give me the baby, now.”

Tom scanned the area for any sign of a Good Samaritan willing to lend a hand but to his despair, none were forthcoming.

“I swear I’ll kill you, Barkley. Now give me the bastard, NOW!” Martha ordered, cracking a devilish grin at the sight of Tom slowly handing him the bundle.

A loud report rent the air. Tom and Martha stood frozen facing each other in utter shock, not realizing what had just occurred. Martha’s eyes bulged out of their sockets as the rifle slid out of her hand. She crumbled to the ground, revealing the identity of the mysterious shooter behind her still holding a smoking rifle in her hand.

“Rachel!”

“I had to do it or she might have killed the boy,” she quavered with tears welling up in her eyes. With trembling hands she lowered the rifle and motioned for Tom to mount his horse.

“I’ll tell the sheriff what happened,” Tom assured as he gently removed the weapon out of the distraught woman’s hands. “Rachel, I….”

“Just go, Tom. Before her husband finds out what happened.”

“I’ll send two men to guard the house while I return to Stockton. Then I’ll be back.”

Rachel could only nod to Tom’s offer. Pursing her lips together to prevent from dissolving into tears, she hugged him tight and kissed the squalling baby on the forehead.” “Take care of him, Tom. He’s precious.”

“I will.” With one last kiss on the woman’s dewy cheek, Tom walked to his horse and placed crying baby Heath in a hosier basket to allow for a smooth ride back to town. There he advised the Sheriff of the shooting and asked Ross and Jason to keep a close eye on the cabin while he returned to Stockton.

“I’ll be back in two days to see about the funeral,” Tom informed his to companions all too eager to help. “I told the sheriff everything. There shouldn’t be any problem with Matt Simmons, but just in case. Keep your eyes peeled.”

“Don’t worry Mister Barkley. We will,” Ross assured as he and Ross waved goodbye.

Victoria dashed over to her husband the second he trotted into the front yard. Tears of joy pearled down her cheeks as she held the gurgling baby in her arms.

“He’s home, Torie. Heath Barkley is home.”

“Heath?”

“I thought of that name. I hope you don’t mind?”

“Of course not. I like it. Heath it is. Where did you find him?”

“An orphanage in Rideau. Josh Simms was the one who took him.”

“But why?”

He shook his head. “I don’t know and frankly I don’t want to know. It’s obvious the boy is an orphan so,” he wrapped his arm around her waist and smiled at the pretty picture, “If you want to adopt him I’ll have our lawyer draw up the necessary documents and we’ll make it official.”

“Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” exulted Nick coming out of the house. “I heard what you said. Baby Face is going to be my little brother?”

“Yes and his name is Heath.”

“He’ll always be Baby Face to me.”

And that proved true in later years as Nick continued to call Heath Baby Face Barkley, much to the blond’s despair, but he didn’t mind much as he knew it was his big brother’s affectionate attribute. Since both Nick and Jarrod were aware of how Heath came to the family, Tom and Victoria decided, albeit reluctantly, to tell Heath about his adoption. The shock rapidly wore off with Nick’s reassurance that he never considered him as a stranger, but as his own brother from the very first day he was found on the doorstep.

And that is the story of how Little Orphan Boy changed the lives of the Barkley family for the better.