...Continued
The first sign his son-in-law had returned home were the new horses in the corral as he rode up the lane to his ranch. Stopping by the corral, the retired banker greeted Charlie Whitehorse and stood beside the quiet man as they leaned against the bars and marveled at the lines of the horses still nervous over their new surroundings.
“Charlie say what you will about Heath Thomson, one thing is for certain he knows horses.” stated Thad with a smile and eyes full of pride.
Nodding, the tall man glanced over and agreed, “He’s always had the gift, Mr. Thad. He was just a kid when he joined our unit, so quiet he gave a few of the boys the willies. Those first few days we saw the gift was in him, the way he had with horses, able to look deep into their souls. Not many can do what he does.”
“No they can’t.” sighed Thad, standing beside the man rescued from the liquor which was killing him.
Heath found the man who once stood beside him on the battlefield, lying in a street in a one horse town on the edge of the Texas border, passed out and filthy. He took him from that place and stood beside him during the period his body fought the withdrawals, then afterward he brought him back to the ranch and gave the older man a sense of purpose again.
Restoring the lost pride in the half Cherokee and not asking for anything in return. Simply helping his fellow soldier from a war of brothers, a place where no boy should have been but many were.
Charlie now was one of them, one of their family. He was solid as the massive rock pushing up from the ground behind the ranch. He could have left but he stayed, he watched over the family of the man who brought him back from the living hell he’d been in. The shame within him was gone and his eyes were bright, full of pride and satisfaction from contributing as an equal.
The sound of laughter coming from behind the house sent a smile across the older man’s face and he shook his head, squeezing the shoulder of the other man before untying the reins of his black.
“Have you ever noticed how much more laughter can be heard when Heath is home?” asked Thad with a smile.
“Yep, he sure gets the twins riled up. He’s like a big kid himself.” chuckled Charlie walking beside the rancher to the barn and helping him strip the gear from the horse.
“Mr. Thad, did you find out who was asking questions in town about Heath?”
Patting the shoulder of the horse, Thad sighed and closed the stall door, taking off his hat and wiping his forehead with a red kerchief. “It was a pinkerton agent. Did you say anything to him about it?”
“No, I knew if I did he’d ride straight to town and shake out whoever it was.” replied the light copper skinned man with a shake of his dark head. “Figured it could wait.”
“I’ll talk to him later after the kids have gone to bed.” agreed the retired banker. “I’ll see you at supper, Charlie. I have some paperwork to do before dinner.”
Leaving the taller man, Thad walked to the house and entered, putting his hat on the peg by the door with his gun. He could hear the laughter from his grandchildren as they played with their beloved papa, the blond’s voice sounding like the growling of a bear caused their small voices to break out in more laughter. Walking over to where his daughter stood in the doorway and watched, he placed a kiss on her cheek, smiling as the two small blonds tackled the bigger one in the soft meadow grass.
“Hi, daddy.” smiled Evangeline. “How was your meeting?”
“It was fine, honey.” said Thaddeus watching the playing in the back yard. “Ned won’t be joining us for dinner. The Thurman boy broke his leg so he had to go out to their ranch.”
“Oh, that’s awful. I hope John will be alright.” replied Evangeline.
Smirking Thad winked, “He’ll be okay until his father finds out he broke it jumping down from the Wesper’s hayloft after Mr. Wesper caught him up there with his daughter.”
Covering her mouth, the light blue eyes sparkled with amusement. “He didn’t!”
“He did.” chuckled Thad with a shake of his head. “I don’t think Johnny will be sitting too good after his father gets home.”
Giggling, Evangeline’s shoulders shook as she placed a kiss on her father’s cheek and walked into the house to see to the evening meal. Thad moved through the house to his study and took a seat behind the desk. Taking the papers from his coat pocket, he studied them again, his face turning dark with a frown.
Leaning back in his chair, he picked up the photograph of his daughter and her family, his eyes falling upon the muscular man holding his two children.
He could remember the first time he’d seen Heath Thomson, just shy of eighteen years old and waiting in the line at his bank. The thin wiry teenager looked far too young to wear the gun that was slung around his hips, the pistol seemed to weigh more than him and yet, it appeared to be an extension of the youngster.
He could remember that day as if it were yesterday, he could feel the heat of the scorching summer day trickling the perspiration down his face as he sat behind the desk in the bank lobby listening to his daughter who recently returned from back east complain again about living in the west. His only child had been sent to live with his sister back east and to attend school when his own wife passed on during a flu epidemic.
His child had stepped foot off the train and felt like she’d gone back in ages. Carson City didn’t have what the big cities back east offered, the culture, the museums, the theaters. The town which was growing, didn’t fill her dreams of being swept off her feet by a prince, her snobbish being couldn’t see past what he’d sent her back east to get.
It happened in the blink of an eye, the doors opened and three men entered, the lust for the riches stored in the bank boldly stated as they pointed their guns at all in the lobby. The scattergun pointed at the customers ensured none of the men would be foolish enough to grab for a weapon for in the close quarters the gun could do as much damage as a cannon. One of the other two men grabbed his daughter roughly by the arm and held onto her while they used her to ensure he would follow their demands.
He stood in place, helpless to help his child and the customers in the bank, his eyes looking over the group of people across the room trying to reassure them without speaking. Moving his eyes across the faces of the frightened customers, he stopped and stared at two eyes of blue ice watching every move the man holding his daughter made.
Suddenly the boy who’d been standing in line was replaced by a mountain lion on two legs. The young man didn’t lose sight of the foul looking man who caused his daughter to cry out in pain as he yanked on her arm. The eyes held a raw power unseen usually in one so young, the orbs sent a chill down his spine and were also a source of relief to him.
Somehow he knew they would be fine for he sensed a confidence in the young stranger, a confidence only found in those who lived with violence and knew violence like an old friend. A confidence unfortunately which made men old before their time.
“We’re taking the girl! Do anything and she’s dead!” threatened the leader dragging Evangeline to the door, watching his third man came from behind the counter with two sacks, one in each hand.
Walking to the man holding the shotgun, he handed one of the bags off and the end of the gun lowered. Evangeline stumbled and fell out of the man’s hold when the hem of her long dress caught on the heel of her boot.
Thaddeus Benton wouldn’t have believed if he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, if he hadn’t been witness to the smell of gunpowder which lingered after the blond’s hand moved and their ears rang from the bursting of guns in the small area, the lobby exploded in mass confusion as the rest of the customers lunged to the floor.
He took the man holding the scattergun out first, the man dead before hitting the floor with a bullet in his head. The second man fell with the bag of money still clutched in his hand. The leader off balance when Evangeline stumbled, righted himself and jumped through the window, twisting and aiming at the girl who had shakily climbed back to her feet.
He ran and screamed at his daughter to get down but his voice was drowned out by the two shots, one after the other. The leader laid dying in the street and Heath Thomson lay unconscious in his daughter’s arms, his side bleeding from the bullet he’d taken when he shielded her with his body.
Even now, it was hard for the older man to reconcile in his mind his son-in-law’s gentle nature with the deadly skills he had with a gun. Skills he used after the war in one form or another to earn a living in an economy limping along. It was a time of hardship for their country, a time when a man had to utilize whatever skills he had to survive, to put food on the table and to support an ill mother.
“Are you alright, sir?”
Looking up, the retired banker smiled warmly at his son-in-law and placed the photograph on the desk. Crossing the room, he made his way over to the blond who gazed at him with worried eyes and nodded before placing an arm across the broad shoulders, walking him out of the study.
“I’m fine, Heath. How was your trip?”
“Grandpa!” screamed the small blonds, rushing over to wrap their arms around the older man’s legs.
Smiling, Thad reached down and tussled the soft heads of hair, winking at his son-in-law, “With a return home like this maybe I should attend more meetings in town.”
Chuckling, Heath nodded before smirking, “Or it could be they think you maybe brought them something from the general store.”
Pouting, Heather looked up at her grandfather and whined, “Papa didn’t bring no candy home this time, grandpa.”
“Only a book.” sighed Evan dramatically with a slow shaking of his head.
“Well, a book won’t make your teeth fall out.” replied Thad seriously. “What kind of book did papa bring for you this time?”
“Girl tales!” scoffed Evan. “Yucky.”
Heath sat on the sofa, pulling his wife down beside him and smirked at his son. “Evan, it’s a book of fairy tales. They’re not just for girls, boys read them too. There’s all kinds of different stories in it.”
“I don’t wanna read ‘em.” stated Heather grabbing onto her grandfather’s hand and shaking it. “I like grandpa’s stories.”
“Me too.” declared Evan firmly.
Evangeline smiled at the rolling eyes of her husband and reached over to squeeze his hand. His own upbringing and inability to formally attend school in the town where he grew up made the desire for his children to be learned strong and top on his priority list for their upcoming years.
Heath smiled into his wife’s loving eyes and winked before turning his eyes back to the two youngest talking to the oldest in the room. He longed for his children to have what he didn’t have growing up. He hoped to afford his children every opportunity he’d never been able to be partake in.
The blue eyes were on his two children but his mind was suddenly miles away across another state. He felt a rush of anger knowing his father’s children grew up having on a daily basis as a normal part of their life what he lacked. He’d done without due to the circumstances of his conception and birth, from being ostracized in his own town.
“Heath, what’s wrong?” asked Evangeline drawing her husband back into the living room of the ranch in Carson City.
Heath shook his head and sighed, “Nothing Ange, I was just thinking. Sorry.”
Evan walked over and crawled into his father’s lap, trying to wrap his arms around the larger body. “Papa, don’t scrunch up your face and be mad. I’ll listen to the stories even if they’s girl stories.”
Chuckling, Heath smiled tenderly into the blue eyes of his son while he ran his fingers through the blond locks. “Evan, papa’s not mad at you. I was thinkin’.”
“I know you’re mad.” admitted Evan. “Heather looks like that at me all the time.”
“DO NOT!” screamed Heather, loudly denying her twin’s revelation and causing her brother to shout back. “DO TOO!”
“Children, enough.” ordered Evangeline firmly stilling the little voices shouting their debate and standing. “Let’s go clean up for dinner now. Come now.”
Thad motioned with his head and Heath climbed to his feet, following the older man outside onto the porch. Leaning against one of the wooden beams, Thad waited til the blond sat on the rail.
“How did it look?”
Taking a deep breath, Heath leaned back against the wood post and frowned, “I can see why he’s asking for a couple more partners in the mine. He’s gonna need more capital to improve the conditions. He needs a better grade of lumber for shoring, a stronger rail system. Without those things the ore buried deep within will stay right where nature put it.”
Listening carefully to his son-in-law’s expertise, Thad nodded his understanding before asking, “And what did you think of Dutton?”
“I think he’s more interested in the profit than the means.” replied Heath quietly. “People will die in the Midas mine if he doesn’t improve it. Those men have families, Thad. Everyone wants to get ahead but it shouldn’t be over the corpses of others.”
“No, it certainly shouldn’t be that way, Heath.” said Thad. “When I met his father those few times, he always seemed highly considerate and compassionate of those who worked for him in his mines. Since his death, I think Chad has only thought about how much richer he can get.”
“I know it’s a business and he needs to turn a profit but I hope the cost isn’t too high.” scowled Heath with a shake of his head. “I’ve seen too many men killed or maimed in the mines.”
Putting a hand on the broad shoulder, Thad sighed, “I know how you dislike entering a mine and appreciate you checking it out for me.”
Smiling and waving off the thanks, Heath smirked, “Just don’t expect me to work in that gopher hole. I half expected to grow a tail from being in them so much as a kid.”
Chuckling, the older man smiled at the ease in which his son-in-law was finally able to look back on his own hardships growing up in Strawberry around him. The strong blond could still be tormented by demons of his past but most were no longer dwelled on or forever loomed over his shoulders. He’d worked hard to try to break the hold they had on him since he was a child.
“When I stopped in Kearney on the way back from Midas, I was lucky to see those horses at an auction.” said Heath looking over to the corral. “They have some nice lines in them. I might keep a couple for breeding. What do you think?”
“I think you have more knowledge about horses in your little finger than I’ll ever have.” winked Thad. “I’m just a retired banker not a cowboy or wrangler like yourself.”
“Well, I could say the same thing about your knowledge of investing and stuff like that.” smiled Heath. “I’ll bring in the money and you do what you do with it to make it increase on paper. Unless of course you’re looking to take up a new profession like bronc busting, Thad.”
“Lord, no!” shuddered the older man causing the blond to chuckle before he waved to Charlie who was coming out of the bunkhouse.
“Speaking of investments, Heath, I was checking over yours today and we seem to be missing one. Seems it was liquidated” stated Thad quietly watching his son-in-law carefully. “Is there something I should know?”
Looking down from the knowing eyes, Heath let out a breath and nodded, “I was gonna tell you after dinner but now’s as good a time as any, I reckon.“
“It’s your money, Heath. I was just surprised you didn’t let me know.” assured Thad.
“I did it the day I left for Stockton only I didn’t go there right away.” informed Heath shifting under the older man’s scrutiny. “I went to Santa del Reyes to buy some land from someone and needed the cash.”
“I see.” said Thad before asking, “Are you planning to move? I wasn’t aware there were any parcels for sale around here.”
“I bought some land in California and no I’m not planning on moving.” assured Heath quickly watching his father-in-law relax slightly.
“Oh, so it’s for an investment.” suggested Thad.
Taking a deep breath and letting it out, Heath blurted out suddenly, “I bought the land the Barkley ranch sits on.”
“YOU DID WHAT!” roared Thad.
Staring into the eyes of his father-in-law, Heath watched the emotions in their depths change as quickly as a hummingbird’s wing. Squeezing his temples to stop the tension from bursting inside his head, the blond’s shoulders shook and he chuckled dryly.
“Boy howdy, I did it alright! I found out the man who sold them the land didn’t own it so I found the true owner and bought it!” stated Heath jumping up from his seat on the rail.
Thad stared at his son-in-law, the earlier laughter gone as the younger man paced the porch, shaking his head and mumbling. Stopping suddenly and grabbing onto the wooden rail with both hands, his grip turned the knuckles on his hands white from the force he was using and his shoulders were hunched with his head hanging down.
“I bought it just like that! In a matter of minutes, I had this piece of paper, it didn’t take longer than thirty minutes to settle the deal. All the time Tom Barkley’s spent building up that ranch and that empire means nothing now. It’s all for nothing because I have the power to take it all away and bring him to his knees.”
Closing his eyes for the briefest of moments, Thad rubbed a hand across his neck and was drawn back in time to the boy who suddenly reappeared before him. Gone was his gentle son-in-law, replaced by the angry tormented youngster he’d met in the doctor’s office on that fateful day. The deadly quick triggered boy who saved his daughter and the savings the citizens entrusted to the bank on the Texas Panhandle.
“You’re not seriously considering doing such a thing, are you? Taking his ranch away?” asked Thad incredulously. “Heath, what happened when you went to Stockton? Did you see your father?”
Trying to control the renewed anger inside him, the blond retorted, “I saw him, yes.”
“And?” queried Thad as the blond shook his head from the memory of the meeting. “Heath tell me!”
“He said I was lying and he didn’t care what proof I had. He said my mother was barren so I could forget about whatever I was after.” replied Heath bitterly. “I told him I was going to take it all and left him with copies of the deed and birth certificate.”
“Good lord.” mumbled Thad leaning against the post closest to his son-in-law who still had a death grip on the porch rail. “I should’ve gone with you, Heath. I just knew something like this was going to happen.”
Heath slowly released his grip and reached up to run his hand through his hair before sighing, his eyes looking out across the ranch yard, “It wouldn’t have mattered any if you were there, Thad. I expected him to deny it. Of course denial would be his first reaction to something like this. Denial and shock. I thought I was prepared but still when it happened…I…it..”
“He lit your short fuse.” offered Thad quietly.
“Yeah, he did at that.” mumbled Heath before adding. “When I left Stockton, I had the stuff we found at mama’s delivered to his oldest son, Jarrod, the lawyer. By now, he’ll know I’m his offspring.”
“Heath, they could destroy those letters.” stated the older man in exasperation. “That’s the only proof you have!”
“No, he’ll return the letters to me.”
“How can you be so sure? Without those things, you have nothing.” implored the former banker.
“Everyone I spoke to says Jarrod Barkley shoots straight as an arrow when it comes to integrity and honesty. Those principles are deeply engrained in him and he can be trusted explicitly. They can destroy them but I still have the deed to their land anyway.” shrugged Heath leaning his head against the post.
“What are you doing to do now? Go back to Stockton?”
After several quiet minutes Heath turned to glance at his father-in-law. Thad was taken back by the defeated look in the blond’s eyes before he shook his head negatively.
“I decided on the way to Midas, I can’t be chasing after something that’ll never be. It won’t give me my mama back and it won’t take away all those…that time in the past.” muttered Heath, his mouth twitching into a slight grin for a brief moment. “I gotta admit I did think about driving a herd of wild horses over that fine land while he had to stand by and watch. It was a nice thought at the time.”
“But you’re not going to.”
“No, I’m not. I just can’t.” admitted Heath with a shake of his head. “I won’t let Ange and the kids be stuck in the middle of some private war I’m waging. Their welfare means more to me than some man who was never there.”
“I’m sorry, Heath.” whispered Thad sadly.
The boy in the man whose shoulder he squeezed in support needed a father during his hard childhood and he deserved to have at least the recognition he knew deep inside the blond was craving. The recognition he was more than just the child labeled from his birth.
“I’m gonna check on the horses.” replied Heath jumping over the rail to the yard below making his way across the open area.
Watching his son-in-law, Thad quietly stated to his daughter who he knew had heard most of the conversation, “He’s hurting inside something fierce, Evangeline, even if he won’t come out and say it. It’s just not right.”
Moving beside her father, the ocean colored eyes were filled with anger and she agreed, “No, it’s not daddy.”
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The early stars of the twilight were just beginning to appear when Jarrod rode into the ranch yard and dismounted in front of the white barn. Leading Jingo inside, he voiced his appreciation to Ciego for his offer to care for the chestnut before taking his leather satchel and crossing to the house.
These past strenuous weeks, he’d found himself reluctant to return home at night, reluctant to enter the impressive door of oak. The strain of waiting, the lack of impatience and the tarnished image of the head of their family were taking their toll on all except Audra who hadn’t been informed yet to the existence of her new sibling.
The oldest son had delivered the package left for him by the youngest son as instructed. He’d placed it in his father’s hands himself and stood by while the letter from Heath’s mother was read, the certificate looked over and the jewelry items examined. Then his father gathered all the items without saying a word and left the study with Jarrod reminding his father as he walked out, his newest son expected the letters and birth certificate returned.
“Jarrod.” called Duke when he saw the attorney crossing the yard.
Stopping, Jarrod waited for the foreman to reach him and nodded, “Evening, Duke. Something wrong?”
Jarrod watched the older man hesitated and mull over his words for a moment before he crossed his arms over his chest, “Jarrod, I would never seek you out but in a way I haven’t been left a choice. When something affects the men or the working conditions it becomes my concern. Normally, I’d speak with Nick or your father but neither seems to be very…willing…right now.”
Letting out a sigh, Jarrod directed the foreman to the chairs on the stoop. Sitting his leather case on the porch and pushing his hat up on his forehead, he nodded, “Tell me Duke, what have they done now.”
“The men don’t wanna work with either of them. The two of ‘em are always snapping and snarling at each other with the boys in between.” replied Duke with a shake of his head. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think it was a power struggle between them. I tried to talk to both…course you can just imagine what that was like. After all, you have to live with them.”
Jarrod agreed, “Yeah, I’ve been debating on just working in Frisco lately. Running from a problem’s never been an option before, lately it’s sure mighty tempting.”
Chuckling softly, Duke leaned forward with his hands on his knees, his moment of amusement leaving and seriousness returning, “Jarrod, I can’t have them out there on the range working if they’re not at their best. It’s dangerous, for them and the rest of us. Even when your father’s not working with your brother, Nick’s mind isn’t on where he is. He’s somewhere else and I swear the boy’s been daydreaming.”
Nodding, Jarrod took off his hat and ran a hand through his hair before replying, “The family is going through a bit of a rough spot right now, Duke. I’ll talk to them tonight. I appreciate you looking out for the crew and letting me know.”
Standing and shaking the suave man’s hand, Duke winked, “This is not a cushy lawyer job, you know. We gotta keep our wits about us when we’re working.”
Laughing, Jarrod clapped the older man on the back. “I’ll keep that in mind, Duke the next time I find I’m day dreaming in court. Good night.”
“Night, Jarrod.” said Duke turning and walking down the steps, melding in with the shadows.
Standing for a moment and staring into the night sky, Jarrod felt his stomach clench in anger and he picked up his leather case. Entering the mansion, he placed his hat on the table walking into the parlor, seeing only his mother and sister on the settee with their backs to him, looking at something he couldn’t see.
Turning, he strode across the foyer into the study catching the sound of raised voices behind the door before he pushed it open and was met by the cloud of emotion hanging in the room. Entering, Jarrod quietly closed the door behind him and stood watching the two other males in the room banging heads.
“Father, what would it hurt to go talk to him?” asked Nick angrily standing in front of the desk with his hands on his hips. “He could’ve kicked us off the ranch already if he wanted to. He owns it!”
“I know that Nicholas! But we don’t know what type of person he is. He could be a convicted killer for all we know! You’re the one who thought we should wait for a pinkerton report before we do anything, remember?” challenged Tom.
Turning red, Nick leaned on the desk and glared into the brown eyes of his father, grinding out forcefully, “Don’t turn this around on me! I’m not the one rolling over and letting all we’ve worked for be taken just like that! This is our home, Father! You built this house, this whole ranch!”
“I am well aware of that.” hissed Tom through clenched teeth. “I have your mother and sister to consider also. Nicholas, we’re not some run of the mill family in this community. With power and prestige come responsibilities. This town has always looked to our family for support, for leadership. What kind of backlash do you think this will cause?”
“He’s your child, Father. You’ve always taught us to own up to our mistakes but you’re gonna turn your back on Heath Thomson because of the town? Who cares what the town thinks?” snapped Nick slapping his palm on the desk. “Go to Carson City and see him. If you don’t, I will!”
“You will not!” commanded Tom springing from his chair and leaning on the desk like his son. Closing his eyes, he took a moment before softening his voice. “We need to explore all the options before we do anything, Nicholas. This isn’t only about him, it’s about our whole family. You, Jarrod, Audra…your mother. I want to do what’s best for everyone, not just Heath Thomson.”
Shaking his head at the brick wall of stubbornness he’d run up against again, Nick let out a deep breath and straightened before running his hands through his black hair. Jarrod stepped further into the room, surprising the others and calmly walked to the desk, taking a file out of his leather case and slapping it on the desk while his father and Nick watched.
“Your report, Father.” stated Jarrod putting a hand on the file when his father reached for it, his blue eyes burning into the brown orbs before shifting to the hazel eyes of his brother.
“Your behavior towards each other is affecting the ranch crew. They’d prefer not to have to work with bosses who are at each other’s throats or whose minds are wondering. Whatever differences you have, leave them at home. They don’t need to be witnesses to it or be put in harm’s way.”
Both strong willed men let out a sigh and nodded, agreeing with the spoken truth. Jarrod looked down at the folder his hand was on and shook his head, glancing up at his father, his voice quivering from his anguish.
“Everything we own doesn’t even come close to what Heath Thomson deserves as retribution for what’s in this report, Father. I pray one day he can find it in his heart to allow me to be his brother.”
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Sitting in front of her small dressing table in her silk light purple robe, Victoria studied her reflection in the mirror. She didn’t feel old and yet her body had started going through the change, nature’s sign she wasn’t as young as she used to be, a sign of natural progression much like her hair. Once it was blonde like her daughter’s but it had slowly turned to silver.
Studying the corner of her eyes, it seemed the small wrinkles appeared out of nowhere and overnight. Her soft skin was lightly tanned from working amongst her flowers and the daily rides across the Barkley land.
Her small face spoke of a lifetime of experiences, good and bad. Those experiences over the years shaped the thin line of steel which ran through her inner body leaving her with a quiet confidence and determination.
Closing her eyes, she could see that time as if it were yesterday instead of over twenty three years ago. She felt the tears hovering behind her eyelids at the memory of the two small babies taken to a better place. The grief of losing her two children still had the ability to drive a bolt of pain into her heart.
She knew Mary and Mark would never be forgotten for they were in her heart as much as her other children. Her nightly prayers included the twins lost to them who were, she was certain, running and playing amongst the clouds in the world of light where only goodness lived.
Glancing over to the mantle clock above the fireplace in the master bedroom, Victoria shook her head and stood. Nick and Jarrod had left their father alone at his request to read the pinkerton file and he had yet to make an appearance out of the study.
She had overheard Nick questioning his brother about the report on Heath Thomson from the parlor after Audra had gone to bed. When she appeared in the foyer, the questions stopped but one look at her first born’s eyes left her with a queasy stomach.
Whatever was in the file her husband had been waiting for wasn’t good.
Jarrod hadn’t needed to say anything for his despair was evident in the cloud swirling around him. She knew Nick sensed it for his questions hadn’t been brusque or demanding, they’d been inquisitive and calmly asked. Placing a kiss on each of her sons’ cheek, she climbed the grand staircase and entered her room, waiting long after she normally would have retired for the night.
Moving from her dressing table, she walked to the bureau and hesitated before opening a box of mahogany and pulling out the letter. She’d read Leah Thomson’s letter before when Tom had shown her the package delivered to Jarrod’s office. Turning, she walked back to the bed and adjusted the pillows so she could lean comfortably against the headboard.
Pulling out the faded paper, she slowly opened it and reread the words again, her eyes lifting from the letter and studied the closed door of their room. The anger and hurt which once accompanied her mental picture of the unseen woman from Strawberry was gone years ago.
Tonight she felt the same emotions as she had the first time she read the letter dated so long ago. For this unseen woman she felt a sense of pride, compassion and a sense of awe.
Leah Heather Thomson must have known it wouldn’t be easy to be an unwed woman expecting a married man’s baby. She must have known the stigma the others in the community would attach to her and yet, she hadn’t posted the letter. She probably knew Tom would care for the child but Leah had kept Heath’s existence a secret. She knew Leah had done it to protect her and her children.
The news in the letter would have surely ripped their family apart those years ago for the raw wounds could not have taken more savagery from hurt. The admission of what happened had taken a long time to get over and even longer to rebuild the trust between them as husband and wife. No, she was sure they would not have survived the news of the pending birth.
Sliding the letter back into its envelope, Victoria studied the handwriting on the outside and sighed, “I don’t know if I could have done the same thing, Leah. I don’t know if I could have been as strong as you. I’m ashamed to feel thankful and grateful for the choice you made at the time. You gave us a chance to be a family again and I promise, I’ll do my best to see Tom does right by your son.”
Rising and placing the letter back in the box, Victoria opened the door and moved quietly down the hallway. Stopping and standing on the landing, she watched the man she’d married at sixteen climb the steps.
His shoulders were hunched, one hand on the banister and the other clutched a file while his legs moved as if he were struggling to raise them out of a thick substance. His face looked upward and she inhaled sharply at the paleness and the remnants of wetness on his cheeks.
Stepping back to give him room, she reached up and caressed his cheek, studying his brown eyes wet from crying and filled with guilt. Leaning down, he rested his head on her shoulder and shuddered at the anguish still wracking him hours later.
Victoria wrapped her arms around her large husband, rubbing her small hands over his back and listening as he mumbled against her shoulder.
“Why didn’t she tell me? I would’ve helped but she didn’t tell me. Why didn’t she?”
Moving her hands to hold his face, Victoria shook her head and whispered, “It could be she loved you too much to force you to accept Heath. Or perhaps Heath was the only way she had to keep you in her life. Perhaps he was a reminder of what you had. I personally think it’s because she didn’t want to destroy your family, Tom. I believe that’s why she didn’t post the letter. We’ll never know for sure but I honestly believe we owe Leah a large debt of gratitude for her sacrifice. We can’t repay her because she’s gone but we can take care of her son….your son.”
“Vic, what if I pushed him away too hard?” whispered the man who aged over the past hours. “I know he’s my son but how do I take back what I’ve already done to him?”
Drawing her stricken husband into her arms, Victoria whispered in his ear, “You can’t Tom. You’ve already done it but you can let him know he is your son as much as your other children. It’s not going to be easy, honey. Remember, the good things in life are never free or easy. When you work for something, the reward is so much sweeter.”
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Studying his big brother pour two glasses of scotch, Nick waited til Jarrod handed over his glass and took a seat in the overstuffed chair by the dormant fireplace. Sitting across from the man who’d always watched over him since he’d come hollering into the world, Nick tried to keep his curiosity and impatience under tight rein.
The contents of the pinkerton report had affected his older brother and the blue eyes looking out from the face lined with exhaustion didn’t reflect his presence, only a tortured gaze from the information he was privy to.
Shifting on the chair to lean his head back and stretch out his legs, Nick’s long fingers held onto the glass while he scrutinized his brother.
“Jarrod, you’ve been working too hard.” suggested Nick softly, his voice breaking through the fog of swirling facts in the legal trained mind.
Lifting his eyes to the concerned hazel orbs across from him, Jarrod heaved a deep sigh before leaning back against his chair, raising the glass and swallowing a mouthful of the smooth barley malted liquor.
“I’m fine, Nick.” assured Jarrod loosening the top buttons of his shirt after unknotting his tie and teasing, “Besides I thought you always said reading all day isn’t hard work.”
Nick had the good grace to turn red at the same words he’d hurled in anger towards his lawyer brother only a week before and put his glass on the table beside him.
“You know I didn’t mean it, Jarrod.” replied the dark haired man leaning forward and putting his elbows on his knees. “I know you’ve been busting your tail to find a loop hole and get us back the ranch, Pappy.”
Letting out a disgusted snort, Jarrod suddenly lost his taste for the exquisite liquor in his glass and placed it roughly on the bedside table. Running his hands through his hair, the first born rubbed his hands over his weary eyes.
“I can’t find a shred of anything for us to stand on except possession is nine-tenths of the law.” admitted Jarrod upset with his lack of obtaining a way to get the deed back to the ranch. “Even that’s grasping at straws and will serve no useful purpose other than to drag everyone through a lengthy trial which we will not win.”
“Does it really matter, Jarrod?” asked Nick shrugging his shoulder.
“It matters to Father, Nick.” stated Jarrod. “Aren’t you worried we’ll lose the land?”
“I’m not so sure lately that’s gonna happen. It’s been five weeks since he left. If he wanted the land, I think he’d have done something…anything by now to let us know.”
The same thought had crossed the mind of the only attorney in the Barkley family and Jarrod nodded, “Yeah I thought that myself, Nick. ”
“Do you think after reading that report Father will be more open to going to Carson City?” queried Nick and then adding with a frown, “I’m not so sure the report was a good idea.”
“If it changes Father’s mind, I’d say it was well worth it.” reassured Jarrod leaning over and pulling his boots off. “Let me ask you something little brother.”
Drawn from his brooding inner thoughts, Nick said, “Shoot.”
“Put yourself in Heath Thomson’s boots for a moment.” suggested Jarrod watching the hazel eyes fill with puzzlement before the dark head of hair nodded.
“Now, imagine you grew up without a father, were treated lower than dirt on a daily basis and done worse to by others because your mother wasn’t married. You went off to do a man’s job in the mines at the age of six instead of going to school, then worked in a livery before signing up in a war…when the war’s done you have to find a way to support your sick mother. It’s only you and her….
but the only work you can find is using your gun because you’re unlucky enough to be born with fast reflexes and a deadly aim to go along with the label of bastard….then your mother dies after you find out your absentee father was one of the richest men in California….You go to California with proof and are denied even a chance at a decent conversation with this man….what would you have done as Heath Thomson?”
Several minutes passed in the spacious bedroom on the second floor of the grand mansion while Nick closed his eyes and tried to put himself in the boots he found difficult for anyone to have walked in. Letting out a soft chuckle, Nick shook his head and glanced into the eyes of his waiting brother.
“I’d have gone to jail.” answered Nick confidently. “I don’t know if I could’ve controlled the anger at finding out he was well off and could’ve taken care of my mother. I might not have killed…my father…but I sure as hell would’ve tried to take what I felt he owed my mother outta his hide.”
Sighing, Jarrod nodded, “Me too.”
“Is that what’s in that report?” whispered Nick, his stomach clenching at the small nod of agreement. “Good lord.”
“That’s a brief overview, little brother.” stated Jarrod. “He hasn’t had it easy…ever, Nick.”
“Jarrod, that day in the church…I felt it. It was so strong and I know he felt it too. He just didn’t know what that feeling was. How could he know it? How could he know that’s the feel of brotherhood?” muttered Nick before looking up. “Maybe we can ask him to move here with us! On the ranch!”
Jarrod sat in his chair, staring at the younger man whose excitement reached out towards him. Holding up a hand to stop the rambling thoughts, Jarrod took a moment before talking.
“Nick, I didn’t give father all the report.”
“What? Why not?”
“Because I wanted him to see what Heath’s life was like without knowing all the details. I want Father to have to go and speak to Heath, his son.”
“So you’re gonna force Father to face up to what his…behavior has done and give him a reason to do what’s right?”
“I’m giving him a push in the right direction.” smirked Jarrod before reaching into his coat and pulling out some additional papers, handing them across to his brother. “We’re uncles, Nick!”
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Evangeline climbed the staircase wondering if her insistence of Heath keeping the gun he wore as part of his wardrobe at home was wrong even though he’d only hesitated a moment before unbuckling the belt from his waist. The weapon hung on a peg by the door along with its twin in another holster. She thought she had seen a moment of panic or uncertainty flash in his eyes before he’d headed upstairs to hurry their son along.
The frown faded and a smile spread across her face at the two male voices floating down the hallway as she neared Evan’s bedroom. Slowing her steps and reaching the doorway, she stood and observed the two unnoticed. Heath knelt in front of his son nodding and answering the excited boy’s questions while he adjusted the small size chaps.
“Not til you’re bigger and older, son.”
“But papa I can ride a pony. Can’t I race, please?”
“Not yet son. Do you remember what Charlie told you about handling the big horses?”
“Uh…no.”
“Evan.”
“He said ya had to be strong like a grizzly and when ya’ break ‘em ya had to be quick like a deer on their backs. Uncle Charlie said ya’ have ta be part tick too. Papa, I don’t like ticks.”
“Not many do like ticks but Charlie was right, Evan. There’ll be plenty of time for you to ride broncs when you’re older. You leave that to me and Uncle Charlie for now. You just worry about trying to hold on during your ride on that sheep today at the festival. If we see Joey’s parents, maybe we can see if he can stay the night.”
“Okay, Papa.”
Sitting back on his heels, Heath nodded in approval and smiled, “Looking mighty good, son.”
“Thanks Papa!” smiled Evan before a mischievous light sparked in his eyes. “Papa, Mama says havin’ a hard head don’t hurt none neither when ya’ bust horses.”
Chuckling, Heath plopped the tan hat on his son’s head and smirked, “Is that right my little buckaroo?”
Pushing the hat out of his eyes, Evan nodded. “Yep.”
“Got your gloves?” asked Heath.
“Yep.” confirmed Evan showing his small hands wrapped around an equally small pair of leather gloves. “I’m ready. Are we going now, Papa?”
Heath sighed, “Soon, Evan. We have to wait another hour or so for your mama to get ready.”
“Heath!” gasped Evangeline from the doorway. “We’re waiting on you two!”
“Papa was fixin’ my champs, mama.” explained Evan seriously, not sure if his papa was in trouble or not.
“Chaps, son. Not champs.” corrected Heath clapping the small back lightly. “Since your mama and sister are ready, we can go.”
“YEAH!” shouted Evan running out of the room and slowing when both parents called out as they walked out of the room.
Wrapping her arms around her husband’s waist, Evangeline smiled and shook her head, “He’s so excited!”
Heath shook his head at his son’s voice calling out to his twin as the door slammed behind him and he gazed into the azure colored eyes. “Boy howdy, he makes enough noise for three boys sometimes.”
“Heath, if you want to wear your gun it’s alright.” said Evangeline. “I shouldn’t have asked you to not wear it.”
Shaking his head, Heath smiled, “We have a rifle in the boot of the surrey if we need one, Ange. It’s fine. Don’t worry your beautiful head about it.”
“Why don’t we stay home and let daddy take the kids to the festival?” whispered Evangeline running her hands up and down his back. “Think of what we could do in this house all by ourselves.”
“Are you trying to seduce me, my wife?” whispered Heath in her ear and holding her against him. “I’ll have you know your womanly wiles won’t work on me.”
Evangeline pulled back and frowned, “Well, I was just thinking we could get so much down around the house without the kids underfoot. The new shelves you need to hang, the picture we need to put in Heather’s room, moving the bookcase from the attic to Evan’s room, cleaning…”
“No, we are not staying home alone!” replied Heath firmly. “If I did all that I’d be all tuckered out and not be able to play.”
“Play?” repeated Evangeline innocently.
“Hmmm…play.” whispered Heath capturing her lips in a lingering kiss, breaking their lips apart from the small voices calling from downstairs.
“Mama! Papa!”
“I’ll show you more later.” whispered the blond before sighing and wrapping his arm around her waist.
“Promise?” suggested Evangeline, his response was a tightening of his arm moving her closer into his side before they descended the staircase to the waiting carriage. Waving to Charlie who would be joining them later for lunch, the small family made their way to the fairgrounds for the town anniversary festival.
Sitting between her children in the back, Evangeline listened to the twins, their voices chattering nonstop, the excitement from the two small bodies filling the air around the adults. Glancing over, Thad smiled at his son-in-law who smirked and shook his head, the laughter in his pale blue eyes lightened the orbs.
Stopping the surrey, Thad jumped down and secured the horses while Heath reached up and helped his family down. Moving through the crowd of people, they walked to the table to sign Evan up for the sheep racing and spend the time greeting their friends and neighbors. Thad and Evangeline stopped to talk to the newest bank manager while Heath held onto his children’s hands and they walked towards the corrals.
Heath stood and watched the twins giggle after letting a four month old calf lick their hands before they petted his neck and face. Moving from each enclosure to another, the blond suddenly felt eyes upon him and he turned, the pale blue eyes turning to ice at the man appearing behind him.
“Heath, good to see you again.”
“What the hell do you want?”
The heat of the day couldn’t freeze the layer of ice encasing and coating the blond whose tender smile as he watched his laughing children disappeared in the blink of an eye. The three piece suited dark haired man appearing out of the crowd on the fair grounds smiled calmly into the cold pale blue eyes before him.
Shifting his own dark eyes downward, he nodded towards the two curly headed blond children, obviously twins and asked as his hand reached forward, “Your children, Heath?”
The question, an innocent one out of most people’s mouths, waved on the wind like a red flag to an enraged two ton bull. The large hands of the blond touched the heads of each of the twins as they huddled close to his legs afraid at the change they instinctively sensed in the papa they loved and worshipped.
Lowering his voice, Heath’s jaw clenched and his face muscle twitched, his words hissed out, “Don’t even think about it, Josiah. I’ll rip it right off your arm.”
The calm dark eyes burned for a moment at the veiled threat before he shrugged and pulled his hand back. Meeting the pale blue eyes, the richly dressed man shook his head and smirked.
“Heath, I saw you and only wanted to stop by to say howdy. Is that anyway to treat an old friend you haven’t seen in what? Five years?”
The subtle laughter in the deep voice wasn’t missed by the blond who’d moved his eyes to the man standing behind Josiah’s shoulder. The dead green eyes carefully watching the meeting between the two men, his face expressionless.
“Papa, can we go find mama?” asked Evan quietly tugging on his father’s hand.
“Sure, son.” replied Heath softly. “Wait for me over by the calf pen.”
Looking up the length of their father, the twins didn’t move until he knelt down and smiled into the frightened faces. “I’ll be right there kids. Go on now.”
Putting Heather’s hand in her brother’s, Heath turned his children and watched til they reached the calf pen ten feet away before standing to face the smirking dark haired man.
“You’ve said your howdy, now leave. Take your dog Masters with you.”
The sound coming from behind the suit was a growled mixture of fury and venom. Holding up his right hand, Josiah waited for the sound to cease before his black eyes void of any resemblance of friendliness met the blue chips of ice.
“You’re not being very friendly, Heath. It wasn’t too long ago that you were standing right behind me where Masters now is. Have you forgotten how well we worked together and how I took you in to earn money for your sick mother?” challenged Josiah crisply.
Crossing his arms, the blond retorted, “I have a long memory, Josiah of how you used the cover of eminent domain to threaten people and take their homes.”
...Continued
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