It’d only taken minutes to cover the body of their little brother’s aunt, only minutes to cave the bank over and cover the body of a person who’d lived more than just minutes. She’d lived years and had spent years creating a world of crippling pain and angst for a small boy. It’d only taken minutes to ensure this abomination of a woman without a soul was forever prisoned in a place far different than the breathtaking blanket of nature’s which surrounded them.

When finished with the chore of finality, both men turned as one and proceeded up the slope, walking away from the woman’s last resting place without so much a tinge of sadness or regret of a life which passed from this earth. No words were spoken as there was no desire to allow the spiteful being to steal any more time away from the brother they refound.

Nearing the blond who was slumped sideways onto the ground, Nick silently wondered if his big brother was correct in his assumption. When the youngster said home…was he referring to the ranch or perhaps, he’d made a home for himself in the period of their separation. Perhaps he was referring to Berlin where he worked as a deputy.

‘A deputy.’ A smile spread across Nick’s face as he knelt in front of the slumped blond checking the bandages, the badge catching his eye. For some reason he hadn’t paid attention to it before. The silver circle was dulled by grime and blood but nothing would ever lessen what the circle stood for in the minds of all whose eyes fell upon it.

With a mixture of pride and sadness, the older man could say with certainty the blond would make a fine peace officer. His past experiences with the darkest of human nature, the innate good and gentle spirit flowing through him and even his capabilities with weapons would all work together, like the spokes of a cog entwining and moving, working as one to move the gear.

Yes, he would make a fine deputy and he would be faithful to those who relied on his position to keep them safe. He would treat the citizens who paid his salary with the respect and fair treatment. He’d treat strangers better than his own family had treated him.

“Nick?” said Jarrod placing a hand on the broad back, the first born watched the emotions spreading across the tanned face of his brother, ending with a dark despair.

Looking sideways, Nick didn’t even try to conjure up the control to erase the tortured look from his face and eyes. He found comfort in the tender blue eyes searching his and the firm hand on his back which moved upwards to pull him into the older man’s side with a one armed hug.

The rancher, the man capable of bursting eardrums when angered allowed himself to be pulled into his brother’s side. This man who didn’t allow his vulnerability show to the outside world felt as if he were four years old again.

Just like the four year old who’d run into his big brother’s bedroom after a bad dream, the boy turned rancher sought out the presence of his older brother. Wrapping his arms around Jarrod, seeking the comfort and safety Nick knew was always there for him for it would never leave.

Jarrod returned the hug, his mind taken back to the small boy with unruly hair and wild behavior. The small boy was constantly moving, forever questioning, testing the boundaries of life and family to the max. The small boy turned into a man, loud and brash, caring and sensitive, proud and fierce. A large man whose even larger heart was somehow contained in his broad chest cavity.

This man in his arms was the small boy of so long ago. Placing a kiss on the head of dark hair, Jarrod gave what Nick was seeking without question, without words. He held onto the black clothed man releasing him only after he sensed Nick had regained control over his runaway emotions.

“We’d best get going.” stated Nick quietly, wiping his face before holding the back of his hand against the sweat laden forehead of the blond. “I think he’s hotter than before, Jarrod.“

Reaching over, Jarrod sighed and nodded in agreement. “When we make camp, we’ll see what we can do about lowering his temperature. He’s been through a lot Nick so a fever is to be expected.”

“I know.” admitted Nick squeezing his big brother’s shoulder before standing and mounting. “I’ll feel better when we can get him to a doctor though.”

Carefully lifting the youngest of the three, Jarrod handed the unconscious man over to his brother’s waiting arms. Untying the reins and placing them in the large hands tenderly holding the injured man back against the muscular chest.

The blond head rolled to the side and Nick laid his cheek against the drenched forehead watching Jarrod mount and turn Jingo towards the ridge. Nick would never be able to recall exactly what he’d said to his little brother on that ride. He simply opened the floodgate and let what was in his heart escape, rushing out and down a channel before spilling into the vast ocean.

All the man knew was he wasn’t going to lose the blond without a fight, without giving it his all. The ranch was where the younger man needed to be, needed to live the rest of his days, wrapped in the arms of family and the older man needed the youngest beside him. Perhaps the older needed him more than the youngest needed them but they were connected forever by their souls.

As they slowly topped the ridge and descended the other side, the two hearts of the younger men beat as one. Even in the comfort inky blackness, the younger could sense his soul felt complete as the dull roar which was a constant in his head didn’t let up. The pain would threaten each time he fought to rise to a higher level above the blackness. Nick grabbed the hand which was searching and could have sworn he heard his name sighed from the blond’s lips.

“I got you, little brother.” reassured Nick, brushing his cheek against the wet forehead. “Trust me, Heath. You’ll never have to question our love again.”

Stepping down from the train in the gathering dusk, Victoria sighed slightly with exhaustion before finding a porter to take care of their luggage. Heading down the street to the hotel, both sets of female eyes scanned the faces hoping to see a familiar sight.

Entering the only hotel in the town of Dardanelle and obtaining two rooms, the Barkley women parted company to freshen up before partaking in the menu offerings within the hotel restaurant.

Putting on a fresh dress, Victoria sat on the bed running a brush through her silver hair and sorting out the thoughts in her mind. She and Audra had both felt it as soon as they stepped onto the platform of the depot.

It was a static charge in the air, a surge of electricity which turned both sets of eyes to the mountains and found the women holding hands. It was powerful, the tug of the hills in the horizon which were made smaller by their distance.

Holding the brush in her hands, Victoria wondered if her other sons had felt the connection when they disembarked from the train. They must have, otherwise they would have continued onto Berlin. It would make no sense to start the search if they weren’t even positive this man was their family member. However, there was no doubt within her the missing deputy was Heath and he must be injured or he wouldn’t have been reported as missing.

How was it she seemed to be able to feel this connection with the son from her husband and another woman? How could that be since she wasn’t a biological parent? Was it possible he could feel the same connection to her or had she severed his blossoming love for her as a mother? Had she destroyed him with her tunnel vision?

Shaking her head, she reached up to brush the tear which escaped from the corner of her eye onto her silky cheek. The powerful force calling to her was Heath. He was near and she prayed to find the words and the way to bring him home.

They needed him, he was the base to their foundation and without him, they’d been swaying from side to side, waiting for the final breeze of destiny’s wind to topple their family tower over.

“Mother?” called Audra twenty minutes later through the closed door after lightly knocking. The door opened and after sending a brief ray of sunshine smile her mother’s way, they walked to the dining room together.

Escorted to a table, neither woman could hold a conversation and neither wanted to. Both of their minds were on the blond member and wondering if his dark haired brothers had found him. Both returned to their rooms, entering their separate dwellings but together silently praying for his return.

The night in the hotel was torturous and their sleep was filled with dreams, uncontrollable tossing and endless turning. The morning woke the town with a glorious sunrise and a promise for the day. Sitting at the same table as the previous night, the mother and daughter discovered neither had slept restfully, their faces held a hint of exhaustion and worry.

“Audra, I’d like to speak with the sheriff.” stated Victoria suddenly as she sipped her cold coffee.

“Mother, you don’t think the boys were arrested do you?” puzzled Audra, her lack of sleep keeping a haze in her thoughts.

“No, dear.” smiled Victoria with shake of her head. “I’d like to talk with the sheriff and see perhaps if he found anything out since we left Stockton. It was too late for us to speak with him last night.”

“Okay, Mother.” agreed Audra setting her cup down. “I’m ready whenever you are.”

Frowning slightly at the uneaten food, Victoria reached over and held the hand of her beautiful girl. The older woman knew her gray eyes held the same concern and worry as the blue sapphire orbs across from her.

“Please Audra, you must try to eat something.” instructed Victoria. “Your brothers may need your strength when they return. You wouldn’t want them to worry about you, would you?”

Shaking her head, the blonde girl picked up her fork and her mother nodded in approval with each mouthful consumed. Victoria felt terrible using guilt on her youngest child when she, herself, didn’t feel like eating. Putting her cup on the table and picking up her utensil, Victoria’s eyes sparkled with amusement when Audra nodded her approval just as she’d done mere minutes before.

The town was slowly coming to life under the scorching sun in the sky when they entered the sheriff’s office and were redirected to the livery where the man they sought went. Walking down the boardwalk, the goods in the windows of the stores went unnoticed by the two women, the display of jewelry and clothes wanting to be claimed by someone didn’t deter them from their path.

Nearing the livery, Audra suddenly stopped and gasped, “Mother, look there’s Gal!”

“What!” exclaimed Victoria grabbing onto the arm of her daughter, running past the sheriff and the livery owner to stand on the bottom rail and peer into the corral.

“Hey!” called the livery owner as the women ran past and straight to the corral. “Stay away from that horse she’ll try to take a bite outta ya’!”

The man’s shouts were ignored and the sheriff ran to the corral with him, pulling the women away from the railing.

“Sheriff!” protested Victoria angrily.

“Sorry, ma’am but Joe here says that’s a wild one. You shouldn’t get so close, you might get hurt.” replied the sheriff firmly.

“That’s my brother’s horse!” exclaimed Audra. “He’s missing!”

“Your brother or the horse, miss?” questioned Joe skeptically.

Rolling her eyes, Victoria shushed Audra’s angry reply and took a deep breath, “Sheriff, my name is Victoria Barkley and this is my daughter Audra. We arrived from Stockton last night.”

Tipping his hat the sheriff remembered the name and asked, “Do you have two sons, ma’am?”

“I have three sons, Sheriff…” stated Victoria with a raised eyebrow.

“Jacobs. Macon Jacobs.” acknowledged the lawman before gesturing to the liveryman. “This here is Joe, he owns the livery.”

“Nice to meet you gentlemen.” stated Victoria before continuing. “Two of my sons arrived here yesterday and they were looking for their brother who disappeared. His name is Heath Thomson.”

“The deputy.” informed the lawman to the liveryman. “You say this horse belongs to the missing deputy?”

“Yes, he does.” stated both women emphatically.

“Sheriff, we can tell by her markings she belongs to Heath.” explained Victoria pointing out the distinctive blaze on the hindquarters.

“We have a devil of a time with her, she’s mean tempered.” grumbled Joe, his comment angering both women immediately.

“She is not mean tempered.” declared Victoria firmly. “She’s gentle as a lamb!”

“Can’t sell her if no one can ride her.” mumbled Joe defiantly. “You ladies are probably mistaken, is all.”

“Joe, where’d you get this horse?” queried the lawman, trying to redirect the conversation and stem the outrage in the two females.

“Dalton brothers sold her to me a couple days ago.” stated the liveryman. “Gave them twenty five dollars for her. I thought it was a steal til I tried to get near her.”

“I’ll give you thirty for her.” offered Victoria watching the wheels turn in the entrepreneur’s head. “Twenty five to cover you for the loss and five dollars extra for boarding her the last two days.”

“Well, this horse must be pretty important to you and she does have some fine lines, and I was thinking more around the figure of….

“JOE!” growled the lawman in a threatening tone, turning the liveryman’s face red and he hastily agreed to the offer, taking the money and leaving the area promptly.

Watching the liveryman slither off to safer parts, the sheriff shook his head and scowled, “Joe’s not a bad guy but some people are just greedy, ma’am. Sorry about that.”

“There is no need to apologize, sheriff.” assured Victoria before asking. “Who are the Dalton brothers?”

“Couple of brothers who like to cross boundaries, ma’am.” sighed the sheriff. “I do believe I’ll have those two rounded up so they can answer some questions.”

Audra stood on the bottom rail, whistling as she’d heard Heath do so many times before. Victoria and the lawman watched the horse move around the corral for several minutes before making its way to the hand held out in friendship. The velvet nose sniffed the offering and moved to stand by the corral welcoming the familiar fingers which scratched behind her ears and rubbed her neck.

Wiping the beads of water off the hot forehead, Nick methodically repeated the steps for dousing the fire inside the younger man with the instrument they had available. The water in their canteens from the cold mountain stream.

“Hot.” mumbled Heath, his blond head moving from side to side as he tried to push the blanket from his body.

Grabbing onto the searching hand, Nick soothed calmly, “I know, little brother. Just leave that blanket alone now.”

“mmm…hurts”

“Shhhh…it’s okay, boy. I’m right here.”

More incoherent mumblings mixed with flashes of pain on the flushed face tore into the heart of the man kneeling beside him. The features on the tanned face were haggard from a night of endless doctoring and no sleep. The sound of movement in the bushes stopped the cool cloth against the sizzling skin and Nick scowled when Jarrod reappeared from the forest.

“Where the devil have you been?” snapped Nick, irritable from his worry over the younger man was enhanced over their big brother’s disappearance into the early morning light.

Ignoring the snapped question, Jarrod knelt beside the fire pouring water from their canteen into a small pot. Nick glanced over between wiping the wet cloth over the blond’s body and murmuring to the man locked in a feverish world all his own.

Hazel eyes scrutinized as his big brother took off several leaves of the plant and parts of the stem, placing them carefully into the water which was heating up.

“This plant is called Chrysanthemum Parthenium. Two of its more common names are Feverfew or Wild Chamomile.” stated Jarrod, glancing upward and smiling after the parts of the plant were pushed further into the water with the blade of Heath’s knife. “It’s an antipyretic. It helps to reduce fevers.”

Nick felt another flash of irritation and grumbled, “Why didn’t you say you were going to get some herbs? I’m already worried about Heath here without needing to wonder where you took off to, Jarrod. One injured brother is all I can handle right now!”

“I’m sorry, little brother.” apologized Jarrod sincerely. “It was dark when we made camp and I wanted to look for it as soon as I could this morning. Besides, I wasn’t even positive I could locate it. I didn’t want to get your hopes up in case I couldn’t find any, Nick.”

Massaging the back of his neck, Nick sighed and shook his head, “I didn’t mean to bite your head off. Sorry.”

“I’m worried too, Nick.” replied Jarrod quietly before pulling the simmered mixture off the fire and putting it to the side. Pouring some of the brewed concoction into a tin cup, Jarrod set it to the side and moved over on the other side of the blond.

“After it cools down some, we’ll see if we can get Heath to drink it.” informed the first born reaching over and taking the wet cloth from Nick’s hand.

“I’ll do it, Jarrod.” said Nick holding out his hand for the cloth. “I’m not tired yet.”

Blue eyes pierced the hazel orbs but the cloth was not passed back. Hesitating for a moment, Jarrod let out a shaky breath before glancing down at the trembling young man.

“I missed him deeply too, Nick. Just like you, I need to let him know I’m here. I need to be by him, Nick.” suggested Jarrod, raising his eyes in a silent plea into the face of his younger brother which suddenly dawned with understanding.

“You never were any good at sharing and I see adulthood hasn’t changed it one bit.” teased Jarrod with a wink.

Despite the buildup inside of concern, worry and guilt, a grin flashed on the worn tanned face and a chuckle escaped. Snickering, Nick sat back and watched Jarrod’s hands follow the same pattern with the cloth as his and listened to the one sided low conversation spoken soothingly and tenderly to their shivering brother.

Nick studied the profile of both his brothers, one fair haired and the other dark. Both were good men, decent and caring, compassionate and sensitive to others. He was proud to be able to tell the world who they were and what they meant to him, what they meant to his heart and soul.

Blinking his eyes to fight the rising signs of emotion in them, Nick lowered his face and gazed at the ground, silently raising a thank you to the weaver of destiny who saw fit to give him these two men as brothers.

Wiping the back of his hand across his eyes, he took in a shaky breath and closed his eyes seeking the guidance of both fathers in the heavens, requesting both their strengths and wisdom to show him the path to helping his fair haired brother find forgiveness in his heart for their unjust action.

Jarrod glanced over and saw Nick struggling with his inner turmoil. His brother, the loudest man in the county was now quiet as a mouse and meek as a lamb. The man who others saw as tough as nails was pliable as putty when it came to those he loved, those who filled a large portion of his heart.

Allowing his younger brother the time to fight for control, Jarrod kept on with the cooling steps. Spending ten minutes using the wet cloth, he stopped and tested the temperature of the tea he had brewed.

“Nick, let’s get some of this in Heath before we start down the trail.” instructed Jarrod holding the cup. “You hold him up and I’ll try to get him to drink it.”

Moving to where Heath’s head lay, Nick gently lifted the blond’s upper body with his left arm, his right hand stroking the flushed cheek at the low moan of pain. Jarrod knelt beside the injured man and held the cup to his lips.

“Heath, you have to drink this.” said Jarrod loudly, moving the cup away when a right hand reached for it. Nick capture the moving limb and nodded to Jarrod when he had a firm hold of it.

“I’ll hold the cup, you just drink Heath.” commanded Jarrod gently.

The voices echoed through the fog in his head and he couldn’t seem to find the power to reply. He wanted to obey their wish for him to drink, his body wanted the moisture and was crying out for it. His mind was so hazy from pain and fever, he couldn’t hold a rational thought for more than a second. He fought to do as they asked but he wasn’t sure if he had.

Jarrod was relieved as the tea was slowly consumed by the youngest of them and the middle brother encouraged him on. He saw the movement under the closed eyelids slow as the contents of the cup were swallowed down. Every last drop was taken in and Nick smiled when the tea didn’t promote a coughing bout. A bout of coughing was torture on the injured man, the reflux motion tore waves of agony through the battered body and through those watching the stark pain.

After getting another cup of the tea into their brother, Nick quickly saddled the horses and broke camp. The sun had risen above the horizon an hour ago and both men knew because of the slower pace they’d be traveling, if they made it to the doctor’s office by nightfall they’d be lucky. The ride over the ridge and partway down the trail had been excruciating to their younger sibling the previous day.

Taking a deep breath, Jarrod brushed a hand over the blond hair and encouraged firmly, “Hold on, little brother. We’ll have you back to town in no time at all.”

Glancing upward, Jarrod silently cursed the flaming circle in the sky, the heat from its rays reaching down and sapping away the moisture gained from the storm of yesterday.

After forcing two cups of the feverfew tea into the incoherent younger man, they quickly mounted and headed down the side of the mountain, the painful moans mixed with unrecognizable mutterings were overrode by his middle brother’s soothing words.

With each step of the horses, they were taken closer to the town of Dardanelle and closer to care for their injured brother. Anxiety rode on the older men’s shoulders urging them onward.

As he led the procession down the mountain trail, Jarrod couldn’t stop the fear of the future from stealing up within him. The unknowns of how Heath would react to them when his mind wasn’t cluttered with pain or a feverish fog frightened the first son.

It was easier to think he’d be glad they’d found and rescued him from certain death. It was easier to picture a wonderful heartfelt reunion with welcoming arms than the very reality which loomed in the background.

The reality was Heath could very well turn his back and walk away. If he did, could they truly begrudge their newest member if he did that?

For Heath hadn’t given his love to them and then demand they live up to a person they never knew. They demanded he show them some of Tom Barkley’s guts…a man he never knew, a man who never checked to see if he’d left his mark behind and was responsible for the life he was forced into by the lack of a father’s presence in his childhood.

In a way, Heath had shown what he was made of, the pride and courage he inherited as a Barkley, the traits deeply engrained in all of Thomas Barkley’s children from the time of their birth. Traits which transcended physical means, traits which passed from generation to generation within their genes.

Yes, Heath had these traits, he had guts…for his blond brother had taken the crippling, lonely path away from those he loved to save himself. Of this the oldest son was sure. Heath had no choice and to keep the inner demons of the time spent in Bentell’s prison from stealing his soul away, he sacrificed the love he yearned for and walked away.

They made their bed and now must lie in it. Had he and the rest of the family, save for Audra, willingly made their bed on broken glass, each chard cutting into them as they lay on it? Would they all lose because of their inability to comprehend at the time what they challenged him to do?

They would walk across fire for him…but would it make a difference when his mind was clear and the painful memories reopened?

“How’s he doing, Nick?” asked Jarrod stopping to allow Coco to halt beside him, taking his canteen off the saddlehorn.

Nick glanced down at the man leaning back against him and scowled, “I’m worried Jarrod. He hasn’t made a sound for a while and he’s still feverish.”

Reaching over, Jarrod held the back of his hand against the sweaty forehead and sighed. “I think his fever hasn’t risen any, Nick. Let’s try to get some water into him before we go on. Another hour and we should be there. Just one more hour.”

Nodding, Nick adjusted the blond in his arms and called as Jarrod uncapped the canteen. “Heath! Heath!” Tapping his fingers against the pale cheek, Nick raised his voice higher to reach through the darkness his brother was in.

Nick swallowed the lump of fear in his throat, his loud voice falling silent when his calls couldn’t rouse the blond. Leaning his forehead against the top of the drenched head, Nick whispered, “I just found you, Heath. Don’t leave me again, please. Wake up, little brother. I know you can do it.”

Jarrod bit the inside of his cheek to stop the sob wanting to escape at the despair and pleading in Nick’s whisper. The rancher was uncaring of who heard his pleas, the man needed comfort and it could only be gained from the blond’s wakening.

“Nick, tilt his head back over your arm. If we put water in his mouth, maybe he’ll swallow it by impulse.” suggested Jarrod, the tenderness in the movement of his well muscled brother amazing him as it always did when he took care of an injured being. Large calloused hands became soft as a feather in the duty he took seriously.

Moving the smaller man slightly as he sat in front of him, Nick moved the blond head to allow the back of Heath’s neck to recline in the crook of his arm. The unaware man’s mouth opening slightly from the position and Jarrod reached into his saddlebag and pulled out one of the tin cups.

Pouring a small amount of water in, he held it over Heath mouth. Both men let out sighs of relief when the droplets were forced downward into the injured body by the instinctive movement. Able to get a small amount of fluid into their injured sibling, Nick slid Heath upwards to recline back against his chest again.

The blond head moved slightly against the broad chest and a barely audible moan reached their ears. Jarrod studied the closed lids at Nick’s request and shook his head negatively when no movement occurred.

“Getting more fluid into Heath will help but a doctor would be the best thing right now. Let’s get back to town.” said Jarrod.

“Hold on little brother.” ordered Nick softly, nudging Coco forward and alongside Jingo.

Sheriff Jacobs shook his head and apologized, “Sorry, Mrs. Barkley. I had no choice but to let the Dalton’s go. I don’t have any reason to hold ‘em. Finding a loose horse isn’t against the law.”

Victoria nodded and moved to the window of the sheriff’s office to stare unseeing into the street. The morning had been fruitful in a certain way. She and Audra had groomed Gal in a manner Heath would be proud of and they retrieved his saddle from the ranchhand who had purchased it from the Dalton brothers. Now all they needed was a certain blond haired, blue eyed man to go with the horse and saddle.

“Mrs. Barkley?”

Turning, Victoria sighed slightly, “I’m terribly sorry, Sheriff Jacobs. I know you did what you could and I appreciate your efforts.”

Standing from his seat on the corner of the desk, the burly man frowned, “Wish I could do more, ma’am.”

Holding out her hand, Victoria smiled, “Thank you, Sheriff Jacobs. It would be best if I returned to my daughter at the hotel. If you see my sons before I do, I’d appreciate if you’d let them know where we’re staying.”

“I will, Mrs. Barkley. Just a moment and I’ll walk you back to the hotel.” offered the lawman grabbing his hat and opening the door to allow the silver haired woman to exit first.

The heat of the day met them full force as they stepped out onto the boardwalk and turned left, walking down the faded planks of wood. Victoria was startled from her reverie when a strong hand suddenly grabbed her forearm.

“Mrs. Barkley!” stated the sheriff, pointing to the riders coming up the street.

“NICK! JARROD!” screamed Victoria running towards the riders with the sheriff beside her not stopping til she reached the side of Coco, one hand covering her mouth and gray eyes filling with tears. “My god, Heath! Oh, Heath!”

“Mother, he needs a doctor.” declared Jarrod, dismounting and questioning the lawman. “Where’s the doctor’s office, Sheriff?”

“We don’t have a doctor in this town.” stated Sheriff Jacobs, not liking the look of the deputy’s pale sweat ladened face. “Nearest one is in Pine Crest and the train won’t be here til morning.”

“No! Dammit!” exclaimed Nick loudly wrapping his arms tighter around the unconscious brother in his arms, “That’s too long! He’s burning up!”

The distress in her middle son’s voice broke through the shock of seeing the pale imitation of her blond son with his flushed cheeks and raspy breathing signs. Quickly glancing up at Nick, the Barkley matriarch was sure not all the wetness on his cheeks was from perspiration. Victoria straightened her shoulders, turning to Jarrod and Sheriff Jacobs.

“Take Heath to my room in the hotel. Room six. Nick, go ahead of us and fill the bath tub with cool water.” instructed Victoria, watching as Nick reluctantly handed the limp blond down into the waiting hands of Jarrod and the lawman after the oldest son grabbed his saddlebags.

Seeing the liveryman on the fringes of the small crowd, the sheriff ordered him to care for the horses as he helped with the injured deputy. The two men struggling to carry the dead weight of the blond, following the tiny silver haired woman through the dusty street and into the hotel.

The sound of running footsteps, the jingling of spurs and the flash of black which disappeared into her mother’s room stunned Audra for a moment as she looked into the hallway before she rushed forward. Hurrying into the room, she headed for the watercloset where the sound of water splashing upon the porcelain covered cast iron tub could be heard.

“Nick!” gasped Audra at the sight of her dust and sweat covered brother filling the tub. Her smile quickly faded at the anxiety in the face darkened by the sun. Opening her mouth to ask questions, she stopped at the sound of their mother’s voice calling instructions and darted into the adjoining room. “HEATH!”

Victoria stopped her daughter from going to her brother, her small hands holding the beautiful face in her hands and capturing the tearing blue eyes.

“Audra, go to the general store and get bandages, liniment and any other first aid supplies they have. Get some clothes for your brother and have the desk clerk send up a bottle of whiskey. Hurry now!”

“Yes, Mother.” swallowed Audra running out of the room and down the hallway.

Sheriff Jacobs left the small water closet, stopping when Victoria held his arm before instructing her sons to unclothe their brother and place his heated body in the cool water.

“Sheriff Jacobs, thank you for your help.”

Tipping his hat, the peacemaker nodded, “It weren’t nothing ma’am. I’ll check on your sons’ horses before I wire Pine Crest to let the doc know you’ll be coming tomorrow.”

Smiling gratefully Victoria shook his large hand before entering the room, moving to sit on the edge of the tub while her two older sons undressed the third. Picking up the younger man who had only his under drawers on, Nick and Jarrod carefully placed him in the slow filling tub.

“Mother, how did you..”

“Not now, Jarrod.” said Victoria with a shake of her head, her eyes not leaving the blond as she wet a cloth and used it to clear away the dirt and grime, her voice quivering with fear as she asked. “Do you know what happened to Heath?”

Having moved to the other side of the tub and grabbing a washcloth to help with the cleansing, Nick scowled. “He’s got a bullet wound in his thigh and a stab wound under his collarbone. He’s been running a fever. Jarrod brewed up a tea for the fever and it seemed to be getting better til a little while ago.”

The layers of mud, dried blood and grime slowly turned the water in the tub muddy as the covering was washed away. Audra entered the watercloset unnoticed after gathering the items as told, standing against the wall and staring, watching silently as the water was for the third time drained and replaced with clean water.

A gasp from Audra filled their ears as the sets of eyes fell upon the dark purple bruise covering the right side of the blond. The crease going up his side was angry and inflamed.

Inhaling a shaky breath, Victoria ran the cloth over the wound, scrutinizing it before moving making her way to the knife and bullet wounds. The trembling of her injured son was torturous but signs of shaking and shivering meant his body was fighting the infected wound using the only resource it had.

Looking up at her dark haired sons, Victoria saw the guilt on their faces before her eyes turned back to the young man in the water.

“Boys, I need you here, your minds as well as your strength. When Heath is better, we have some serious talking as a family to do.”

“Mother, it’s our fault.” anguished Jarrod. “If we’d seen the crease, we could have taken care of it.”

Shaking his head, Nick replied in a low voice, “Not we, me Jarrod. I was checking Heath over. Not you. You had your hands full with her.”

“Her?” questioned Victoria, her head snapping up and her hands stilling for a moment. “Who?”

“Martha Simmons.” advised Jarrod draining the water and replacing the plug, filling up the tub again. “She’s the one who stabbed Heath. Probably the person who shot him too.”

Closing her eyes for a moment, Victoria squeezed the cloth viciously in her hands before pushing down the anger at the woman who could have raised a small boy with love, instead of hatred and foulness. The woman was given a blessing in the form of a child who desperately needed a mother and she twisted the honor into a vile form of cruelty with her diseased actions.

“My god, I thought she was dead.” whispered the silver haired woman, opening her eyes and running her fingers through the wet blond hair, speaking only to her unconscious son.

“Oh, Heath our prayers were answered for you’re here with us. But at what price? Please sweetheart, feel how much we love you. Let that guide you back. Don’t stay where you are, we need you.”

...Continued