by catgirl63
Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV program
"Big Valley" are the creations of Four Star/Republic Pictures and
have been used without permission. No
copyright infringement is intended by the author. The ideas expressed in this story are copyrighted to the author.
Not a person breathed, not
a person shifted on the hard seats in the room. They watched, they waited, they were fascinated with the scene
which’d been played out in the public forum of the courthouse. The room sparsely decorated, justice’s arena
didn’t need to be lavish, it didn’t need to be loaded with grandeur. Justice only needed the bare necessities to
carry out its duty.
Sitting at the table, eyes
staring forward were lost and full of shock, the man on his right side spoke in
his ear but his audience didn’t hear him.
The eyes stared at the brass lady holding the scales of justice, the
scene on the wall behind the bench of the judge had been his focus the past
three days.
Three days since the
parade of family, friends and witnesses to the brutality displayed, the scene horrific
to them, the blood spilled played over and over in their minds. Today was the culmination of an act which
sent the entire town reeling.
The entire room save the
defendant stood until he was pulled to his feet, his handcuffed hands in front
of him when Judge Howard Finster entered and seated himself behind the
bench. The man in the black cloth
watched the jury of twelve peers refile back into the room, their faces
unreadable, their eyes staying away from the two tables in front of the crowded
room. The honorable judge ran his eyes
over the jury and across the two tables, the shocked eyes of the defendant
again leaving him wondering.
Taking the paper the
bailiff handed him, the man practiced in the art of schooling his features read
the word on the paper before nodding.
The bailiff nodded to the defense attorney who again pulled his client
to his feet, the man hadn’t spoken a word since the trial for justice began.
All eyes turned towards
the bailiff and all ears listened for the decision.
Clearing his throat, the
bailiff opened the paper and held it in his trembling fingers. His eyes blinking to fight back the emotion
as he felt his heart shrivel at the sentencing of a man who’d befriended him, a
man he couldn’t believe was capable of such an act.
Taking a deep, shaky
breath his voice filled every inch of the courtroom as he spoke.
“Heath Thomson, this court
finds you guilty of the attempted murder of Jarrod Thomas Barkley.”
The room filled with a
dull roar of disbelief, cries of anguish from the silver haired and blonde
haired ladies in the front row, a cry of loss from the hazel eyed man seated
beside his mother, his hands clenching in anger, brown eyes of the grandfather
teared and the old man’s body shook.
Judge Howard Finster banged
his gavel bringing the roar to silence, his brown eyes softened for a moment at
the blonde blue eyed man who hadn’t moved, hadn’t given any indication he was
aware of all going on.
“Heath Thomson, you have
been found guilty by a jury of your peers.
Have you anything to say before sentencing is passed?”
“Heath?” questioned the
defense attorney, Jack Quinn. His words
again not recognized by his client, the hand he placed on the muscular arm had
no effect either.
Shaking his head, he
glanced back at the family before stating, “No, your Honor.”
“Your service to society
as a former marshal who was intimate with the laws of man, the laws of society
is recognized and appreciated. Your
standing in the community of Stockton has been firmly established, your
treatment of your fellowman highly exemplary.
It is because of these and the pleas of your family which have swayed me
to not sentence you to death.”
Pausing and banging his
gavel again to bring down the roar, the judge waited before turning his eyes
back to the man turned criminal.
“Heath Thomson, you are
hereby sentenced to life in the California State Prison. May God have mercy on your soul.”
Heath couldn’t get the
nightmare out of his head, his mind replayed the horror when his body responded
without his knowledge. Jumping down
from the train to greet his family, his eyes were void of everything except the
numbness in their depths. His arm
lifted slowly, the pistol appearing in his hand, steady and unwavering causing
shock to spread across Jarrod’s face before the color red stained the side of
his head after he moved, shifting to the left moving the bullseye the dead eyes
saw on his forehead.
The screaming of everyone
around him drowned out everything else, his fall onto the ground from the men
who tackled him and stopped any further assault on his family went
unnoticed. His mind shut down, the
shock of the nightmare wouldn’t leave.
He was in a cloak of darkness.
Lifting the former marshal
to his feet, Fred and Billy each held an arm firmly, making their way to the
pair of waist high swinging doors, the prisoner’s eyes stared straight ahead,
unblinking and uncaring.
Victoria and her other
three children stood at the end of the aisle, her small hand raising and
stopping the sheriff. Moving in front
of Heath, she again felt the kick in her stomach. Her son was there physically but he was somewhere else in his
mind.
“Heath!” pleaded Victoria,
her eyes filling with tears, their family was crumbling and she could didn’t
know what to do, how to bring her sons back.
“Please talk to us, Heath.
Please!”
Nick saw his mother’s lips
tremble and he wrapped his arm around her small body, hazel eyes bearing down
on his younger brother. He, too, like all
the other family members knew something was dreadfully wrong with the man
before them.
This wasn’t him, this
wasn’t the man who’d fought for them, fought for Jarrod all those months ago at
the mission by the sea, fought to bring himself and his oldest brother out of
the darkness. This wasn’t the brother
who’d lay his life down for any of them.
This was a stranger. This was a stranger who’d stepped off the
train and pulled a gun on his family waiting for his return on the depot.
Fred apologized before
pulling Heath forward leaving the family behind. Stopping briefly before Victoria, Hiriam held her hand.
“Victoria, has there been
any change at all?” queried Hiriam, his face seeming to have aged twenty years
since the horrific afternoon. “Anything?”
Shaking her head, Victoria
dabbed at her eyes, unable to speak from the mind boggling events. Nick took a deep breath and placed a hand on
the older man’s shoulder.
“Jarrod’s still
unconscious, Hiriam. Can you go with
the family to Dr. Merar’s?” informed Nick, his eyes filled with sorrow and
anger. “I’m going to try talking to
Heath again. Maybe I can get
through. We need to get him to
talk. I can’t stand here and let them
haul him off to prison. He wouldn’t
harm Jarrod like this! It’s him but
it’s not!”
“I agree, Nick and I hope
you can reach him. I’ll stay there til
you come back.” replied Hiriam.
Placing a kiss on his
mother and sister’s cheeks, the strong rancher followed the path of the lawmen
and prisoner, his brother. Fred and
Billy held Heath’s arms, the blonde rancher, their friend hadn’t uttered a word
since he felled his brother. He’d been
an example of a dead man walking, no emotion, no faltering.
The nightmare kept
flashing in his mind, the screams sounded in his ears. Suddenly, at the edge of the nightmare a
face showed itself and he felt a chill of fear rise up, choking him. The face on the edge of the crowd smiled,
the dark eyes in the midst of beauty were anything other than loving, they were
the ultimate of evil, the ultimate of revenge.
Fred and Billy stumbled
when the blonde fell to his knees and grabbed at his throat, his struggle to
breath startling them. The oxygen
seeking gasps the first sound he’d made since he opened the side of his brother’s
head with a forty five bullet. The
panic in his eyes the first emotion he’d shown.
Standing on the edge of
the gathered crowd, the dark eyed watcher smiled slyly and cast a last look at
the chaos in the hallway before turning and slipping out the side door of the
courthouse. Walking down the alley, she
was helped into a coach, the windows covered with dark curtains and her
laughter could be heard over the sound of trace chains and horses hooves as the
coach moved away.
Pushing through the crowd
in the hallway, Nick’s heart twisted in his chest at the yells of Fred, his
eyes seeing the lawmen holding Heath upright on his knees, restrained hands
holding onto his throat.
“HEATH!” screamed Nick kneeling
in front of the blonde, hazel eyes widening at the stark panic in the
previously void orbs, the lips of his brother turning blue.
Pulling on his brother’s
wrists, Nick was surprised at the power of the unexpected shove which threw him
back off his heels, the hands returning to their position, the gasps loosing
volume as his air intake decreased.
Pushing himself back up, anger flared up and Nick grabbed onto his
struggling brother’s face encasing it in his strong hands.
“DAMMIT, BREATH HEATH!”
shouted Nick several times afraid his brother’s life was slowly ebbing away in
front of him, the blonde’s eyes rolled upwards and he suddenly slumped forward
into his brother’s arms. “HEATH!”
Fred quickly laid two
shaky fingers against his prisoner’s neck, the officer removed his hand and
took a deep breath before placing his digits back on the pulse site. Nick held the blonde in his arms, his eyes
pinned to his brother’s face, unable to see any rising of his chest. Hearing a murmur in the crowd, Nick looked
up into the fearful faces of his family before hearing Fred sigh with relief.
“I can feel a weak pulse,
Nick. Help me take him to the
jail. Billy, get the doc.” ordered
Fred, taking the unconscious man’s feet and Nick took the upper half of his brother’s
body. The crowd parted amid whispers at
the drama they’d witnessed and the family followed the men cross the street and
enter the jail, heading to the back and placing Heath gently onto a cot.
“Take off these damn
cuffs.” said Nick, kneeling by the bed and running his hand over the blonde
hair, the sight of his brother in locks sickening him.
“Nick, Heath’s not himself
and I can’t take the chance. Sorry.”
said Fred, looking up at the sound of running feet. Howard and Billy rushed into the room, the physician asking what
happened, the puzzlement on his face deepening as the examination
progressed.
Nick stood outside the
metal bars, one arm around his mother and one around his sister. Hiriam stood holding onto one of the cool
pieces of metal, his eyes not leaving the young man who’d taken up all of his
heart. Brown eyes blinked away the
tears of frustration, concern, worry and anger. For not the first time in the past week and a half, the older man
found himself searching for his gentle strong grandson who left Stockton in the
monster who’d returned.
Howard sighed and ran a
hand over his face before closing his black bag and leaving the cell. Fred unlocked the handcuffs from the strong
wrists, placing Heath’s hands by his side and squeezing the closest one before
locking the door behind him.
“Victoria, there’s nothing
wrong with Heath.” sighed Howard with a shake of his head.
“What do you mean? He couldn’t breath!” blurted Nick stepping
over and gesturing into the cell at the still man. “His lips were blue! I
thought he was gonna die right in front of me!”
“I believe you, Nick.”
assured Howard glancing back into the cell, turning his eyes back to the
family. “There’s no obstruction in his
throat, his heart is strong, his color is back. I don’t know why he couldn’t breath, there’s no medical reason
for it that I can find. I can’t give
you answers for what I don’t understand.
I’m sorry.”
Placing a hand on her
friend’s arm, Victoria wiped the tears from her cheek and nodded, “Howard, we
know you’d do whatever you can to help Heath and Jarrod. We appreciate everything you’ve done for our
family, for the boys. If we can get
through to Heath, then maybe we can get to the bottom of why this is
happening.”
Patting the hand on his
arm, the physician took a shaky breath, “I’ll go back and sit with Jarrod. Do you want me to send Gene here?”
Shaking her head
negatively, Victoria held Audra’s hand, glancing towards her son. “We’ll come with you, Howard. I want to see Jarrod.”
Nick nodded his agreement
and held onto the bars with clenched hands, his eyes watching the rising of his
brother’s chest, his forehead against the bars, a chill climbing his
spine. Two brothers, both in dire straits,
both in need of help.
Hiriam reached over and
squeezed Nick’s shoulder, his eyes full of empathy and sympathy.
Fred called to Nick and
Hiriam, the men reluctantly leaving the cell area and entering the office where
Jack Quinn, Phil Archer and Hank Finster were waiting. Nick shook the men’s hands and informed them
of his brother’s condition.
“Nick, have you heard from
Nate or Jack?” asked Phil Archer.
“No, not yet.” admitted
Nick, running his hand through his hair.
“I want to thank you again for agreeing to this fake trial. If we can find out who’s behind this, we can
find out a way to find out what they did to Heath.”
Waving off Nick’s thanks,
Hank smiled slightly, “Anyone who knows Heath can see he’s not himself. Everyone knows he wouldn’t harm anyone in
his family at least not willing.
Besides, even when Jarrod wakes, I’m sure he’s not going to press
charges. I just hope having this public
trial has helped.”
Frowning, Nick’s reply was
stopped by the arrival of Nate Jackson.
Entering the jail, the marshal nodded to the men before looking at Nick.
“The only person I saw who
looked like they didn’t belong at the courthouse was a beautiful chinese girl
standing on the edge of the crowd.” said Nate with disappointment, all the men
had pinned their hopes on the culprits wanting to see the trial and its
results. “Sorry, Nick.”
Grabbing onto Nate, Nick
shouted, “WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?”
Months earlier…..
Mia Ling, daughter of Sam
Ling, deceased Tong leader smiled with satisfaction at the man sitting across
the table. It had taken months of
preparation, months of planning, months of endless waiting. It had taken months to perfect the
meticulous plan of revenge. It was well
worth the wait and the aggravation, the desire to seek revenge.
The man across from her
was a student of human traits, a student of human tendencies. He was a man who watched people
unobtrusively, blending into his surroundings, a master of his craft. He was a man who’d spent months learning all
he could for his employer about the wealthy Stockton family. He’d spent months learning their habits,
their friends, their passions. No
names were exchanged between the two in the business arrangement. She simply called him Tracker and he called
her Miss.
“Miss, as you can see here,
Heath Thomson has an appointment with a specialist in Houston the fifteenth of
next month. His doctor’s name is Matt
Stiles and his practice is at Houston General Hospital. Your contact confirmed Thomson’s
acknowledgment of the appointment by wire.
Thomson also sent a wire to a man named Nate Jackson stating he was
coming for a visit the week before his appointment.”
“Who’s Nate Jackson?”
asked Mia before taking a sip of her tea.
“Nate Jackson is a US
Marshal and friend of Thomson. He’s on
leave from the marshal service to run his family’s ranch in Garwood,
approximately halfway between Houston and San Antone. His father had an accident and is unable to work at this time.”
Nodding, Mia took an
envelope out of her bag and handed it to the man across the table. “Good work.
I may need you again after I have read what you learned.”
“Certainly, Miss.” agreed
the man taking the payment and leaving the house, not liking the two pairs of
eyes watching him before he closed the door behind him. He was never a person to take chances and
something told him tonight would be a good time to view the sights of a
neighboring town instead of returning to his hotel room.
Mia bade entrance at the
knock on the door, looking up in the lifeless eyes before her and simply
stated, “Kill the Tracker.”
Bowing slightly, the man
left the house intent on the duty his mistress decreed. While the tracker was good in observing and
his instincts correct, he wasn’t as fast as the man dogging his heels and
quickly catching up.
Mia carefully read each
piece of paper, each note the tracker left behind with her. The meticulous nature of the weasel like man
proved to be his greatest asset.
Putting all the papers away, she opened the door and motioned to the man
sitting outside.
Handing him the papers on
the former marshal turned rancher, the dark eyes read the account of the man’s
life, his struggles in the confederate prison, his will to survive in
conditions that would have killed lesser men.
After a half hour, he calmly straightened all the papers into a neat
pile, placing them back on the table.
“What do you want him to
do?” asked Liu Wong.
“I want him to take from
his family what they took from me.
Their father is gone, but this one, the eldest son stepped into his place. He is the father figure of this family. I want, Heath Thomson, the man who hid the
delivery boy, who helped bring about my father’s arrest and steal him from me
when he was killed in prison….I want this man to kill his brother.” stated Mia
calmly handing the two pictures to Liu Wong.
“When he leaves us, I want
him to go home and kill the eldest at first sight.”
“It will take time. Based on his history, his mind is strong,
very strong. He is also very
dangerous.”
“How much time?” demanded
Mia.
Thinking, Liu Wong replied
quietly, “At least two weeks, maybe more.
First, we will need to weaken his mind by weakening his body. We cannot leave marks on his face and we cannot
beat him into submission. We have other
ways to do this. When his body is
weakened, exhausted and he will be unable to form thought for his mind will be
weakened. Only after this will he be
susceptible and the drugs will further bring him to us. The suggestions will stay in his mind after
the drugs have left his body.”
“Will he remember?”
“He may but not until
after the deed is done. By then it will
be too late. He should be as close to
where you want the deed to happen. The
closer the higher rate of success.” suggested Liu tentatively.
“In one month, we will
have him at this address.” stated Mia handing the small man a piece of
paper. “If you cannot cloak his mind
with your darkness, I will consider it a failure and will take it personally.”
“Yes, Miss Ling.” agreed
Wong leaving the room, his insides trembling from her last words. A failure on his part would ensure his own
death and to run would be useless. This
woman and her men would track him to the ends of the earth.
Dark eyes filled with
anticipation and she smiled while her eyes gazed at her father’s portrait. Yes, Heath Thomson would be the one to
destroy his brother, Jarrod Barkley.
Once the eldest fell, the family would be in chaos as it was after the
death of their father. At the death of
the father, Jarrod Barkley had stepped in and saved his family from self
destruction. Upon the death of the
eldest son at the hands of one of his brothers, there would be no one to save
the family.
The shock of the killing
by the man pulling the trigger would destroy the family and her thirst for
revenge would be quenched.
Victoria smiled at the
teasing between her children, her gray eyes filled with happiness and love at
the scene before her. Heath pushed back
his chair, he walked to his mother’s seat, bending and kissing her cheek, his
hand squeezing one of hers.
“I’ll see you in two
weeks, Mother.” whispered Heath, winking before standing. “Hurry up, twit brain!”
Rolling his eyes, Nick
growled and pushed back his chair, placing a kiss on his mother’s upraised
cheek, mumbling to himself as he followed his brother out of the room. “Sure’s gonna be nice and relaxing around
here for two weeks.”
The remaining family
members laughed and shook their heads at the two close brothers, their
good-byes said the night before. Heath
was buckling his gunbelt when Nick walked into the foyer.
“Dang, Nick. Ya’ move like you’re a hundred.” teased
Heath grabbing his hat.
“Smart ass.” retorted
Nick, fighting to keep the smile off his face.
“We got plenty of time til the train leaves.”
Nodding and picking up his
bag, Heath flashed a lop-sided grin.
“Guess I’m maybe a tid bit excited about seeing Nate. Not that I don’t want to be here at the
ranch with you, Nick.”
Snorting, Nick opened the
door and lightly shoved his brother’s back to help him outside, “Just get in
the wagon, smart ass! I need a vacation
from your constant talking.”
Laughing, Heath threw his
bag in the back and climbed up, waving to the family who appeared on the outer
porch to watch the two brothers head into town. The drive passed quickly, the temperature of the spring day
perfect and the sun shining on the two men.
Reaching town, the sight
of the saloon made Nick wince and he said, “I’ll leave all the pleasant jobs
for when you get home, Heath.”
Hearing the words, Heath
groaned, “How many more fences you gonna make me mend til you’re not mad? Gees!”
Eyes wide with innocence,
Nick asked, “What are you talking about?”
“You know damn well what
I’m talking about!” growled Heath crossing his arms and sitting back on the
bench seat. “Can I help it if you
haven’t learn to play poker yet?”
“PLAY POKER?” shouted Nick
loudly. “YOU PRACTICALLY WIPED OUT MY
BANK ACCOUNT! I’M YOUR OWN BROTHER!”
Shrugging, Heath bit back
his smile and shrugged. “If you can’t
play with the big boys, then stay out of the saloon brother Nick.”
Nick rolled his eyes and
pulled the surrey to a stop at the train depot, climbing down and following
Heath inside.
“Ten minutes, Nick.”
sighed Heath placing his bag on the platform and taking off his hat to wipe his
sweatband.
Nick felt a sense of
sadness as he waited beside his brother, the two men looking down the tracks at
the sound of the whistle from the oncoming train. Heath shifted his feet, his heart clenching at the goodbye he was
about to do, it was only for two weeks and he didn’t know why it seemed like it
would be longer.
The train operator pulled
the handle applying the brakes, letting out the steam, slowing the iron beast’s
progress to a stop. Turning, Heath
smiled slightly and took a shaky breath.
“I’m gonna miss ya’ Nick.”
admitted Heath. “I probably won’t be
able to sleep without having a donkey braying.
It’ll be too quiet.”
Cuffing the blonde head,
Nick smiled and wrapped his arms around his younger brother and whispered, “Make
sure Dr. Stiles doesn’t put any woman’s undergarments on you.”
Laughing, Heath clapped
the black vested back, “If he does, I’ll be running all the way back to
Stockton. I won’t even stop to catch a
train.”
Holding the back of
Heath’s neck, Nick winked, “Say hello to Nate for me and have a good time. Don’t forget where home is though.”
Nodding and picking up his
bag, Heath drawled, “Sure thing, twit brain!”
Nick stood on the
platform, watching til the car holding his brother passed by, turning and
watching the black train til it was no longer in his view. Climbing back into the surrey, he headed
back to the ranch, not looking forward to having to spend two weeks without the
man who’d become attached to his hip.
Heath watched the
landscape passing before reclining back and placing his hat over his eyes,
electing to sleep and try to ignore the peddler sitting across from him. Two transfers later and Heath jumped down
from the passenger car.
“HEATH!” shouted Nate
leaping from the platform and grabbing his friend into an enthusiastic
hug. “Boy, you look great!”
Returning the warm
welcome, Heath smiled widely, “Ya’ look about the same, Nate!”
“Oh shut up!” snapped Nate
with a smile, gray eyes sparkling as he winked, “How’s that beautiful sister of
yours?”
Poking the other man in
the chest, Heath accentuated his words with a gentle poke, “Hey, you stay away
from my sister. I think I told you that
already.”
Laughing, Nate clapped the
strong back and directed Heath to the buggy waiting for them. Frowning at the mode of transportation,
Heath groaned, “Damn, Nate! All I’ve
been doing is sitting on my ass for three days!”
“Well, it doesn’t seem to
have hurt it any.” stated a feminine voice turning the blonde’s face red with
embarrassment. Nate chuckled and
motioned to the woman standing behind Heath.
“Heath, of course you
remember Cass?” suggested Nate watching the sapphire eyes open wide and his
mouth drop at the sight of the woman by his side.
“Cassidy?” whispered
Heath, his mind whirling at the beauty before him, blonde hair pulled back and
hanging with ringlets around her oval face.
Sienna colored eyes sparkled at the impact she had on her childhood
crush. “What? What happened to you?”
Laughing, the woman took
hold of Heath’s hand and smiled, “Seems I grew up while you were away.”
“Boy howdy!” smiled Heath,
pulling Nate to the side to help Cassidy into the surrey. “I guess so!”
Nate smirked to himself as
he moved the surrey towards his family ranch.
Listening to the two talk, Nate wondered if Heath Thomson, former US
Marshal and friend would be the man who would finally capture his wild sister’s
heart. She was now all grown up, no
longer a lanky preteen girl which followed the sixteen year old Heath around
like a puppydog.
A tomboy through and
through, able to ride and shoot as well as any man. Nate knew his parents finally breathed a sigh of relief when she
started wearing more dresses at least when going into town at their insistence. Up until now, Cassidy hadn’t shown any
desire to get to know anyone of the other species which made their homes in the
area.
One week later, Heath
stood on the platform with Nate and Cassidy, his appointment at Dr. Stiles
scheduled for later in the day. Smiling
at the brother and sister, he sighed, “I sure had a great time, Nate. I still can’t believe you’re related to this
wonderful family.”
“Ha! Ha!” retorted Nate, scrunching up his
forehead at Cassidy’s mouthed words behind Heath.
“What’s the matter? You got a headache?” questioned Heath
watching his friend’s face.
“Yeah! Yeah, I do.
I’m gonna see if they got anything for it inside the station.” stammered
Nate. “Be back in a minute.”
Heath shook his head and
glanced at the woman next to him, her eyes level with his, her smile lighting
up her face. Reaching up, Heath rubbed
his thumb over her cheek bone, the skin soft and smooth at his touch.
“Will you write me,
Cassidy?” asked Heath, his eyes gazing into hers.
“You can count on it.”
assured Cassidy holding his hand to her face.
“I’ll look for a letter every week.”
“Every week?” repeated
Heath with a wink. “I can do that
provided Nick doesn’t work me to a frazzle when I get home.”
“They sound absolutely
wonderful, Heath. I’m so happy for you.”
“I’m a lucky man, Cass.”
smiled Heath warmly, the sound of the
approaching train drew his eyes from hers.
Looking around the platform, Heath brushed his lips softly across hers. Pulling his face to hers, Cassidy placed a
lingering kiss on his lips only stopping at the clearing of her brother’s
throat.
Heath shook Nate’s hand
and stumbled down the platform’s steps, blushing at the laughter from the
siblings. Waving from the train steps,
Heath walked through the train and stood at the back, his eyes watching until
he couldn’t see her any more. His lips
tingled from the kiss and his heart pounded in his chest.
The memory of the kiss
passed the time he spent being re-examined by Dr. Stiles. The kind specialist was happy with Heaths’
health, his progress and relieved no problems had arisen. Heath spent the afternoon with the man and
his colleagues, enduring the one-time examination in hopes it would further the
research occurring on back injuries.
Leaving the hospital and walking
to his hotel, the blonde entered his room and freshened up. Heading to the hotel dining room, he had
dinner alone and read the latest Houston Gazette before returning to his room.
“Excuse me, sir?” queried
a bell man in the hallway outside his room.
“Yes?” asked Heath
curiously.
Feeling a prick in his
neck, his face became hot, his left hand reached out for the wall when he
became dizzy. Heath’s eyes blinked to
try to clear the fuzziness in his head and the man before him wavered in his sight. His right hand brought up his gun, only to
be stopped by a hand on his wrist. The
hand holding his wrist exuded pressure, forcing his hand to open and drop the
weapon. Heath’s eyes closed and they
rolled back into his head.
Two strong arms caught the
falling rancher and carried him into his room.
Placing him in a laundry cart, all his personal items were thrown in and
the cart wheeled to the back dock where an enclosed handsome cab waited.
Liu Wong stood at the
doorway of the barren room where the subject had been thrown in, unconscious
from the drug he received. The old
man’s dark eyes saw the movement beneath the eyelids and he summoned the two
men behind him.
The room was bare of
furniture, the width of the room and length of the room sufficient for the
conditioning needed to make the former lawman’s mind pliable and
susceptible. Placing the box with his
custom made drug on a table outside the door, he waited calmly, smiling at the
two eyes which opened and blinked.
Heath instinctively felt
eyes upon him during his rise to consciousness, the hard floor beneath his body
caused him to shiver with cold. The
hairs on the back of his neck prickled the more awake he became. His eyes opened and he rolled away from the
three men who stood across the room.
Leaning against the wall from a moment of dizziness, he looked down and
saw he was unclothed except for his underwear.
A motion of the old man’s
hand moved the two younger, stronger men towards Heath. Shaking his head to
clear the last of the cobwebs, the blonde watched them near, not understanding
what was going on but not wanting to stay around to find out.
Liu Wong felt an
admiration in him at the coolness and readiness of the subject. Yes, the paperwork was right, this man was highly
dangerous. He had survived many trials
based on the scars over his lean muscular body. This little test was devised to test his reflexes and strengths,
designed to give him an idea of how next to proceed.
Heath dismissed the old
man from his mind, concentrating on the two younger ones slowly edging towards
him. One on the left, one on the
right. Suddenly, Lefty lunged and Heath
dove forward, rolling and hunching on his legs, sweeping with a leg and
upending Lefty, sending him falling forward on his face. Instantly, Heath rolled back and onto his
feet, standing to meet the rush of Righty.
Ducking the fist headed
for him, the blonde missed his swing, catching the man with a kick to his leg
causing a groan to be heard when Righty’s leg buckled. Stepping back, Heath jabbed with a left which
split the man’s cheek open and sent him to the floor.
Lefty lunged and pushed
the subject back into the wall, Heath’s air taken out of his lungs and he found
himself thrown through the air, landing on his back, seeing momentary stars but
his will had him rolling over and lunging to his feet.
Liu watched the battle in
the room, the blonde loosing ground before regaining it against his two
adversaries. Liu Wong was puzzled, this
man was familiar with some of the fighting techniques known only to those from
the East. It appeared the Tracker did
not discover all of the subject’s past history.
Clapping his hands
suddenly, Liu saw the puzzlement on the blonde’s face, his chest heaving from
the struggles he’d been forced into.
Liu found himself being studied intently with sapphire eyes and he
smiled.
Heath watched the older
man, wondering at the smile on the wrinkled face, his sixth sense telling
him…this old one was more dangerous than the young ones…this man was not afraid
even though Heath towered over him by inches.
“What do you want?” asked
Heath calmly, his breathing back to normal, his demeanor relaxed, ready to
pounce.
Liu Wong ran his eyes over
the subject, the body showing red marks where blows had been struck, the red
would turn to bruises in a matter of time.
“What I want you will not
readily give.” stated the old man, his voice soothing, his hands held out in a
nonthreatening manner. “Therefore, I am
afraid I have to take it.”
Keeping the three men in
his view, Heath moved slightly to his right, the men moving with him but
keeping their distance. The blonde
looked quickly around the room he was in, his eyes taking in the lack of doors,
the lack of windows. It was empty
except for two metal bracelets which hung from the rafters above, the sight of
the devices reminding him of Carterson prison, the whipping stance he’d been
forced into as a boy.
“Well, if you wanted to
kill me you could have in the hotel or anywhere.”
Liu did not verbally
respond, preferring to just intently watch the subject.
What do you want?”
repeated Heath. “Why am I here?”
Mia Ling stepped into the
doorway and Heath’s eyes formed with hatred at the sight of the woman.
“You!” hissed Heath, the
venom rising in his blood at the sight of the nightmarish woman.
Smiling, Mia spoke in
Chinese and handed each of the men a whip.
Heath waited, his body was familiar with the weapon, his scars on his
back tingling at the sight of them.
The two men advanced towards him, the whips testing the air around
him. Liu watched as the subject didn’t
move from the close snapping of the whips.
The blonde simply glared into the black eyes of the female tong leader.
“You should have stayed away. Now I will be forced to kill you.” stated
Heath harshly, his words sending scorn through her and her shouted voice was
loud in the room of wood.
Striking out at the same
time, the whips wrapped around his left arm and pulled him off balance while the
other wrapped around his right leg and moved it from under him. Falling to the floor onto his side, Heath
reached over with his right hand and pulled on the whip around his arm.
Righty moved forward when
the attention of the blonde was diverted for a moment. Heath felt the lessening of the whip on his
leg and glanced over, rolling out of the way and rising to his knees, only to
be brought forward onto his stomach with a sharp yank on the leather weapon.
Working together, keeping
the blonde off balance with each tug of the leather, Heath fought against the
restraints being put on his legs. His
fight while admirable was not to be won.
With his legs out of commission, his arms soon followed and were held by
two strong pairs of hands behind his back.
Mia Ling smiled and walked
over to the kneeling man, his body perspiring from the confrontation, the
hatred in his eyes plain for all to see.
Running her fingernail across his chest, she yanked his head back with a
handful of hair.
“By the end, you’ll wish
for death.”
Snapping her fingers,
Heath gasped as a fist to his kidneys took the air and strength out of him for
a moment, long enough for the men to wrap the bracelets around each wrist,
pulling on the chains and raising him slightly onto his tip toes. His arms held outward, the pressure on his
shoulders immense, the pressure on his legs was only beginning.
Liu Wong nodded at Mia on
her way out of the room. The men
secured the chains and returned with lamps which they placed all along the
room, lighting the wicks and turning the flames up higher. The brightness a sharp contract to the
shadows which had filled the room.
Heath placed his heels on
the floor and felt a blow to the back of his legs, his automatic response was
to raise himself at the onset of the sharp pain. Taking a breath fighting to stay calm, he closed his eyes and
reopened them, receiving another strike.
Liu Wong sat at a table in
the doorway, watching the blonde struggle against the chains, fight the light
which burned his eyes. With each
closing of his eyelids, each lower of his heels, pain would greet him from a
bamboo cane stick.
Heath fought against the
metal holding him, he cursed his captors and the vile female leading them. His throat became hoarse, his words silent. His mind left the room and Liu motioned, the
strike bringing Heath from the memories he’d been in and he cursed again, his
bellow of rage loud in the room, his anger keeping him strong.
Liu watched two men
replace the first two and Heath’s eyes took in the changing of the guards. He didn’t understand why they didn’t whip
him, beat him or just kill him. He
wondered what Mia Ling had in mind and felt fear creep into his soul.
Whatever it was, Heath
knew he had to find a way to stop it at all costs. She must not be allowed to carry out what she wanted. She must not be allowed to continue walking
this earth.
While the reconditioning
of one brother was in full progress and into its sixth day, another brother opened
the oak door of the Barkley mansion, took the wire addressed to the family and
handed the delivery boy a tip.
Closing the door, Nick
made short work of opening the wire and reread the words several times, each
time a shot of anger made his hazel eyes darker. Jarrod entered the foyer and inquired, “Someone at the door,
Nick?”
“Damn right there
was! Read this!” growled Nick, handing
the paper to his older brother. “What
is that boy thinking? Heath didn’t say anything
about unfinished business before he left!
He say anything to you?”
Puzzled, Jarrod shook his
head, “No, nothing. Maybe something
came up with Nate and his family?”
Slapping his gloves
against his black jeans, Nick growled, “He knew we had all the branding to do,
the drive’s only four weeks away! We
have a lot to finish before we leave.
How can he put someone else over the ranch?”
“Nick, it must be
important. You know Heath wouldn’t
leave you in the lurch at a time like this.
He’s never let you down before.” scolded Jarrod firmly, placing a hand
on his angry brother’s back. “I’m
heading into town and I’ll send Nate a wire to find out what’s going on.”
“Why don’t you see if he
told Hiriam anything while you’re in town.” suggested Nick, pulling on his
gloves and hat, his anger was still evident from the oak door slamming behind
him on his way out. Jarrod read the
wire again and frowned before placing it in his pocket and leaving the mansion
behind.
The day passed and Jarrod
arrived home, stopping and dismounting in front of the barn. Leading Jingo in, he unsaddled the chestnut
and curried him. Stopping beside
Charger’s stall, he opened the door and talked to the stallion while he
scratched behind his ears.
“Bet you miss him as much
as us, huh?”
Jarrod chuckled when
Charger nodded and shook his mane out, the large horse rolling his eyes at his
master’s brother. Patting him one last
time, Jarrod left the stall, greeting Duke on his way out the door.
“Jarrod, if I was you I’d give Nick a wide berth
tonight.” suggested Duke quietly.
Stopping, Jarrod sighed,
“Long day, Duke?”
“Yep.” replied Duke. “Nick assigned me Heath’s crew. His bark is worse than his bite today.”
“I’m sorry about
that. He must still be put out about a
wire we received.” apologized Jarrod, placing a hand on the man’s shoulder and
walking beside him to the door.
“Hopefully things will be better tomorrow.”
Stopping outside the large
barn door, Duke shook his head. “Only
if Heath’s back by his side, Jarrod.
Night.”
Frowning Jarrod made his way
to the house, placing his hat and gunbelt on the round table, preparing himself
when he caught sight of Nick descending the stairs.
“Well?” questioned Nick.
Shaking his head, Jarrod
lead the way into the study and poured two drinks, handing one off and sitting
in a chair. Pulling out two wires, he
gave them to Nick and sipped his drink.
“He’s not at Nate’s and
not in Houston! Where the hell is he,
Jarrod?” asked Nick dropping onto the settee and leaning back in defeat. “Where could he have gone? What’s he doing?”
“I don’t know, Nick.”
admitted Jarrod. “I’m sure Heath has
his reasons and we’ll find out in time.”
“Reasons for what?” asked
Victoria, catching the tail end of her first born’s statement with Audra by her
side.
Greeting their mother and
sister, Nick handed his mother a sherry while Jarrod filled the ladies of the
house in on the telegrams.
“It’s not like Heath.”
worried Audra. “Do you think he’s in
trouble? Maybe it has to do with Jack
Larkin?”
“LARKIN!” shouted Nick
jumping up and pacing. “He promised no
more marshal business. If he’s doing
something for Larkin while he should be here working, I’ll...”
“Nicholas, stop pacing.”
commanded Victoria, interrupting his rant and waiting til her large son leaned
against the mantle of the fireplace before stating. “I agree this is not like Heath but perhaps he couldn’t elaborate
in the wire. At least we received a
wire. I feel reassured knowing he’s not
planning to be away too long. If he was
in trouble, he wouldn’t have been able to send word.”
Nodding, Jarrod and Audra
smiled, agreeing with the logic, “Of course, Mother. You’re right.”
Turning her eyes to Nick,
Victoria smiled slightly, “I know Heath’s being gone longer than planned will
affect the ranch, Nick. Perhaps we should
hire a man to replace him for the two weeks.”
“No, Duke can handle the
one crew and I’ll take the other. We’ll
just have to work harder and longer to get everything done in time.” sighed
Nick in resignation. “I’ll manage but
when that boy gets back, he’s gonna get an earful!”
Winking at his mother,
Jarrod replied, “I’m sure Heath will explain to your satisfaction, brother
Nick. Provided of course, you give him
a chance.”
Eyes wide with innocence, Nick
pointed to himself, “Why brother Jarrod, I’ll give him as much chance as he
gave me when he sent the wire.”
Chuckling, Jarrod shook
his head, not wanting to be in his younger brother’s boots when he returned to
Stockton.
While the family
conversed, dined and enjoyed the company of each other…their absent family
member was fighting against the shackles, his strength fading, his body weak
from exhaustion…he was losing, they were winning. Six days of nonstop conditioning, six days of no sleep, six days
of struggle, six days of cursing and wondering.
Heath fought to stay
coherent, his mind felt as if it were stuck in quicksand, his eyes moved
sluggishly in their sockets. The sight
of the old man approaching him with a needle sent a surge of adrenaline through
him. The needle brought full force from
his memory, the condition Jarrod had been in after he’d been held by Mia Ling
for those days.
Liu Wong nodded and a blow
to Heath’s midsection stole his breath away, his weak legs gave out and he
faltered to his knees. Crying out as
the fall pulled on his shoulder muscles, the entrance of the needle in his arm
not felt from the other physical pain he was suffering.
Liu Wong watched the drug
take effect, the blonde’s mind was betraying him with its fogginess and
inability to hold thought, the inability brought on by pain and
exhaustion. The sapphire eyes blinked
and the special concoction worked its way through his body. Wong spoke soothingly and clearly, the
blonde shook his head in denial at the suggestions, his hands clenched into
fists and he shook his chains in anger.
Heath thought he’d shouted
his words of denial at their wants. The
blonde didn’t know his denials came out of his mouth as mere whispers, the drug
and constant torture had already allowed entry into his mind.
He would not do what they
wanted.
He would never take the
life of a brother.
Never!
“HHEEEAAATTTHHH! HHEEEAAATTTHHH!”
Jarrod bolted out of bed
and flew down the hallway, his heart pounding in his chest, the screams of his
brother rang throughout the house.
Pushing open the door, he saw Nick sitting up in bed, face and clothes
soaked wet with perspiration reaching out with his hands, terror in his eyes.
Grabbing Nick by the
shoulders, Jarrod called to him, his voice trying to override the screaming of
their brother’s name. Victoria rushed
in, placing her hands on his face and calling to her dark haired son while
Audra held onto the doorframe, her hand over her mouth tears streaming down her
face.
Several minutes passed
before Nick blinked and became aware of his family around his bed, holding onto
him and calling his name. The concern
in the eyes spoke to him and he nodded he was okay before rubbing his hands over
his face, trying to clear the image which he’d seen in his mind.
“I’m okay, Mother.”
whispered Nick. “Please you and Audra
go back to bed.”
Hearing the meaning behind
the words, Victoria nodded and placed a kiss on his cheek glancing at Jarrod before
leaving the room with Audra, closing the door behind her.
Jarrod took the bottle
from Nick’s drawer and poured him a shot.
Handing it to him, he became worried at the slight shaking in the strong
hand taking the glass. Swallowing down
the dark liquor, Nick closed his eyes and felt it burn down his throat, his
breaths evening out, replacing the prior gasps and screams.
“You want to talk about
it?” asked Jarrod quietly sitting on the bed.
Closing his eyes and
leaning against the headboard, Nick took a shaky breath. Opening his eyes, he ran his hand through
his unruly hair.
“I’m almost afraid to,
Pappy.” admitted Nick, his voice trembling.
“God, it was horrible, so real.”
Jarrod worried at the look
in the hazel eyes, the courageous brother before him was truly afraid from what
he’d seen in his nightmare. The clothes
Nick wore were soaked and Jarrod walked to the bureau, pulling open the top
drawer and grabbing others.
“I dreamed he was dead
Jarrod. He never came back from the
trip and we never saw him again.” stammered Nick, shaking his head in
denial. “It was so clear. I could feel Heath’s pain. It was so real, so crisp! I’ve never had a nightmare like that
before.”
Handing Nick a dry
undershirt and sleeping pants, Jarrod frowned, “Do you think it was a dream or
do you think Heath could be in trouble?”
Sighing loudly, Nick
pushed back the covers and changed quickly, tossing the wet garments into a
corner, thinking on his older brother’s questions.
Shrugging, the large man
walked to the window and glanced up at the moon, “It wasn’t exactly the same as
when he was hurt in the mountains. I
can remember seeing what Heath saw and knew how to find him, Pappy. It was the same but it wasn’t. I felt pain and then I also felt nothing.”
Placing a hand on Nick’s
shoulder, Jarrod offered softly, “Tomorrow, I’ll wire Jack Larkin. He may have asked for Heath’s help. Either way, we’ll find out from him if he’s
seen Heath lately.”
“Thanks, Pappy. Sorry I woke you and everyone else.” smiled
Nick slightly, his hazel eyes turning back to look out the pane of glass.
“It’s okay, Nick. Perhaps our talking about Heath tonight, how
much we’ve come to love him and couldn’t imagine our lives without him, well,
it could have prompted your subconscious to twist it and make it a
nightmare. I think Mother was correct,
if Heath were in trouble he couldn’t have wired us.” assured Jarrod squeezing
one of the muscular biceps. “I can stay
here with you if you want.”
Nick’s smile widened and he
pulled his brother into a bear hug.
“It’s been a long time since big brother has had to stay with me after a
bad dream, Jarrod. Go on back to bed. I’ll be fine.”
Nodding, Jarrod left the
room, stopping to look back at Nick who was once again staring up at the
moon. Walking to his room, Jarrod felt
a chill at Nick’s words and said a prayer what he’d seen in his dreams was just
a nightmare and not a reality.
Heath heard the
suggestions and shook his head, forcing himself to stand, trying to force his
mind to stay focused. The room spun in
a circle, his body felt like it lacked substance, lacked the hard bones making
up his skeletal frame. He fell to his
knees when his legs wouldn’t support his weight, the euphoria and lightness
coming from the contents of the needle.
“No.” whispered Heath, his
eyes trying to glare at the old man before him. “I won’t!”
Liu Wong felt a grudging
admiration in him at the fight the man suspended by the two chains was
demonstrating, the blonde was still fighting and struggling. His face unmarred, only pale and sweaty,
however, the rest of his well muscled body showed the signs of the harsh
treatment. Bruises dotted most of his
skin, the bracelets chafed against his wrists.
It was only a matter of
time before the structured regiment of terror and torture would deliver what
Mia Ling desired. This man would
succumb, she would be his mistress and listen to her commands. Time was on their side and the lack of
freedom meant the former lawman couldn’t escape his fate.
“Why fight? We only wish two things of you. Two things and you will be taken down and
freed. This is what your mistress
wishes.” suggested Liu gently, his tone of voice calm and soothing on the
struggling man’s ears.
“Go to hell and take her
with you.” mumbled Heath pulling again on the chains, trying to break the metal
links, anything to bring his arms down and reach for the man in front of him.
“Perhaps more persuasion
is needed for you to see our side.” suggested Liu slowly turning and walking to
the table by the door, opening the crate and reaching inside, repeating the
procedure again, the older man’s approach with a needle spread fear across the
subject’s face.
Four days later, Mia Ling
walked in and watched as Heath’s arm was held only by the old man where before
two men had to hold him in place. The
drug was administered and the blonde’s head lolled forward, his chin on his
chest. Strolling through the room which
smelled of human perspiration, uncleanliness and sickness, the beautiful woman
was unphased. Her stomach had been
steeled against such things years ago under the tutelage of her father.
Standing in front of the
man, his eyes glazed from the drug, she brought his face up with a hand under
his chin. The eyes stared at her not
blinking and dazed while she caressed his cheek and ran her hand over his body
while she spoke firmly.
“I am your mistress, you
will do as I say.”
Repeating the phrases Liu
Wong suggested. The old man nodded and
she stepped closer, her body against the bruised one, her lips against his
ear. “I am your mistress, you will do
as I say.”
Nodding slightly at the
command, the sapphire eyes remained in their dazed state, his body betrayed him
with her nearness and Liu Wong smiled before nodding. Mia held his face in her hands and brushed her lips against his,
applying more pressure, her tongue moved through the opening of his parted
lips, his response automatic and without emotion.
The ultimate test of his
fractured will and the test of his mind bending to her desires had just been
passed and she felt laughed while she stood before him. His eyes remained unaware while she could
taste the quenching of her thirst for revenge within her grasp.
“AUDRA, HURRY UP!” shouted
Nick from the bottom of the grand staircase, his impatience evident by the
frustration on his face, the fist pounding against the post of the stairs and
his ever motion filled movements.
“Nicholas, must you
shout!” admonished Victoria with a shake of her head. “Your sister said she’d be right down.”
Rolling his eyes, Nick
growled, “Mother that was ten minutes ago!
What is she doing up there?”
Chuckling, Jarrod winked
at his mother, “I think she’s moving slower just to irritate you Nick.”
“SHE BETTER NOT BE!”
shouted Nick before smiling into his mother’s eyes. “Ah, sorry, Mother.”
Exasperated, Victoria
finished pulling on her gloves, trying to remember a time when her middle son
had ever been quiet. Smiling to
herself, she realized it’d only been when he was in her womb, well at least
vocally toned down. Even then Nick had
been the most active child in her stomach and this should have been a sign to
her of things to come after his birth she reasoned.
Audra smiled sweetly at
her waiting family and explained, “Sorry, I kept everyone waiting. I couldn’t find my gloves.”
‘She must have a hundred
pair’ muttered Nick under his breath, earning a raised eyebrow from his mother
when she heard the words.
“I still don’t know why
Heath wants us all to be at the station.” groaned Nick helping his mother into
the surrey while Jarrod assisted Audra before snapping the reins and starting
the horses towards town. “I have tons
of work to do!”
Sighing to himself, Jarrod
squeezed his temples with his right hand, the argument from Nick the same as
the night before and the morning of this day.
Leaning forward, Victoria placed a hand on his arm and asked, “Are you
feeling okay, Jarrod?”
Patting her hand and
glancing back over his shoulder, Jarrod smiled, “I’m fine, Mother. I keep hearing an echo in my head. Funny, it’s the same words I’ve heard since
last night.”
Snorting, Nick growled
quietly for Jarrod’s ears only, “I’m gonna call you smart ass from now on
instead of Heath, big brother!”
Laughing, Jarrod smiled widely
and winked at his scowling brother, “I’m sure brother Heath would appreciate it
twit brain!”
Smiling at the title
bestowed by their younger brother, Nick turned his eyes back to the road before
him and wondered at the queasiness suddenly souring his stomach. The family reached Stockton and dismounted
at the train depot, the train bearing their elusive member was to arrive in
twenty minutes. The ladies seated
themselves on the bench while Jarrod and Nick spoke with two other men who were
waiting for some freight on the train.
Liu Wong and Mia Ling sat
on either side of their traveling companion, his eyes downward, his gaze not
blinking. To those who glanced over as
they walked up and down the aisle, it appeared the man was deep in ponderance,
his thoughts weighing heavy on his mind.
To those who flanked him, he was locked in on his deed, he was ready to
exact her revenge in a means which would destroy the prominent family from the
inside out with only one bullet in his gun.
After the deed was done and if he looked in the dark eyes of his
mistress again, he would feel the air leaving the area around him and his
body.
Mia Ling worried about the
second suggestion as Liu Wong could not guarantee it’s success. It would go against a person’s will to live
and did not use subconscious thought, therefore, it may or may not work.
The mistress of the Tong
realized it wouldn’t matter either way for once Heath Thomson took the life of
his brother, the prominent attorney, he’d have sealed his death warrant with
his own action in front of witnesses.
The state of California
would hang him for the act he was about to commit.
Boarding the train in
Linden, the last dose of Wong’s concoction was given, the dazed man taking it
willingly and the suggestions spoken again.
The metal monster slowed its approach, the time was at hand and both
felt a rush of anticipation and excitement.
Three weeks of work was about to pay off and their eyes would witness
the destruction of a family, the weapon came in the form of the man whose mind
allowed them entry.
The steam let loose from
the train and the family stood on the wooden planked overhang of the depot,
their eyes scanning the departing people searching for the man they’d
missed. Jarrod stood beside his mother
and Audra on her right. Nick stood away
from the group exchanging words with the station master.
“There he is!” exclaimed
Audra clasping her hands in front of her, blue eyes fell upon eyes emotionless
and dead.
A scream from a woman
standing next to the departing man sent the crowd scrambling at the sight of
his gun raising. Nick stared open
mouthed and quickly looked to where the gun was pointing, his eyes only seeing
his family.
“HHEEEAATTTH!!!” shouted
Nick, too far away to reach his brother seemingly intent on murder.
Jarrod froze, his eyes
wide with shock before he felt a hand on his arm push him slightly before his
mother fell to her knees and grabbed onto her daughter, screaming her son’s
name in disbelief. Running towards his
brother, Nick’s terror filled scream paused the tightening of the finger on the
trigger for a fleeting moment before the report sounded and screams filled the
afternoon air.
The bullet found a mark
seconds before the two freight handlers tackled the non-struggling
shooter. Heath lay on the ground, his
eyes open to the blue sky, unemotional and void of reality.
Nick stopped his flight at
the sight of his captured brother and yelled at the men to keep hold of him,
turning his body towards Jarrod laying on the ground, his blood pooling and
soaking into the wood.
Fred Maden ran towards the
depot, his lungs bursting and his face stricken with shock at the sight of
Jarrod lying on the wooden depot, bloody and still.
“Jesus, what happened?” asked
Fred handing Nick a cloth from his pocket.
Nick glanced at his mother
and sister, the women crying and their eyes stunned, dresses stained with red
as they examined Jarrod beside them.
Nick looked back towards the train where the men held his brother down
with a hand on each of his arms, his mind unable to comprehend what he’d seen,
what he’d witnessed with his own eyes, the horror of his reality making him
sick.
Swallowing the bile rising
up in his throat, Nick choked out, “Heath…shot...Jarrod.”
If Nick Barkley reached
over and planted a kiss on the town sheriff, the man wouldn’t have been as
surprised as the three words he heard coming from the distraught rancher. The faces of the uninjured family members
were pale, the shock of the horrible deed not yet having reached them fully.
Nick glanced up at their
friend, his eyes torn between anguish and pain, his voice harsh, “Get Heath
outta here.”
Nodding, Fred stood and
saw Howard Merar rushing towards the depot with his bag in hand, the physician
knelt beside Jarrod and quickly examined him before instructing two of
Stockton’s finest citizens turned gawker to help carry the injured man to his
office.
The lawman watched the
three family members follow the physician, the group of people walked down the
center of main street, cleared of all traffic and lined with bystanders. The prominent family unaware of the town
scrutiny, the rumor mill already started slowly and then sped up with a ferocious
pace.
Walking over to the men
holding Heath on the ground, Billy appeared by his boss’ side and knelt beside
the prone man with Fred. Both men of
the law noted the vacant eyes staring upwards into the sky, no emotion, nothing
in their depths.
“He ain’t moved at all
sheriff.” stated one of the men. “We
hardly had to use any force at all.”
“Thanks boys.” sighed Fred
placing the metal bracelets on the strong wrists, his eyes narrowing at the
bruises he saw on the tanned skin hidden under his shirt. “Billy, get Heath’s bag.”
“Sure, sheriff.” stated
Billy grabbing the leather satchel which lay on the ground.
Pulling Heath to his feet,
the blonde’s eyes stared straight ahead, not acknowledging the old friend
leading him to the jail or the people watching. Entering the office, Billy opened the door to the cell and Heath
entered. Fred frowned and handed the
deputy his gun.
“Give us a minute, Billy.”
instructed the older man waiting til Billy closed the door but didn’t lock it
and left the holding area. Heath sat on
the bed, his eyes forward.
“Heath?” asked Fred
loudly, his deep voice echoed through the area, not causing any reaction. Reaching out slowly, Fred opened the buttons
on the blue shirt to reveal the bruising over the muscular chest, whispering
curses under his breath.
Standing back, he studied
the man for several minutes leaning against the bars of the cell before
Heath. Fred bent at the waist and
stared into the sapphire eyes, feeling sick at the vacancy there. Calling out to the blonde again and receiving
no response, he waved his hand in front of the blue eyes.
No reaction.
Quickly searching to
ensure this man he knew was capable of using most any type of weapon was
unarmed, he sighed with relief upon finding no other killing item on his
person. Taking out the key, he unlocked
the cuffs and took them off. Staying in
the cell with the former marshal, Fred tried to get a reaction from the young
man, his efforts useless.
Closing and locking the
metal door behind him, the older man stood outside the cell and whispered,
“What the hell happened, Heath? Why’d
you do it?”
The questions went
unanswered and Fred shook his head, leaving the holding area and closing the
inner door. “Billy, nobody sees him til
I get back here with Dr. Merar.”
“What about his
family? His grandfather?” questioned
Billy.
“Nobody.” stated Fred
firmly before leaving the office and walking down the boardwalk, the questions
in his mind swirling as fast as a cyclone.
Carrying Jarrod to the
physician’s office, the men gently laid him on the table and left the
room. Nick, Audra and Victoria stayed
in the room, none of them willing to leave, all praying as they watched the
skillful physician work. Victoria
assisted, her body trembling slightly, her eyes filling with tears. Suturing the wound, the family friend
glanced over to his wife at his side and Helen nodded before moving the family
from the room.
“Howard’ll be out soon,
Victoria.” assured Helen wrapping her arms around her old friend, her lips
placing a kiss on her cheek before leaving and returning to the room where her
husband was working.
Nick held both his mother
and sister close to him, one arm around each of their shaking bodies. Closing his eyes, he fought to clear the
vision of what he’d seen, unable to stop his own body from trembling.
“Mother, I’m gonna see
Heath.” stated Nick, his whisper loud in the quiet room. “I can’t believe this. It’s a horrible nightmare!”
“Why?” cried Audra,
breaking down in sobs. “Heath would
never do that. But he did! He shot Jarrod! GOD, WHAT’S HAPPENING?”
Drawing her daughter into
her arms, Victoria’s tears fell freely and she stroked the light hair of the
girl who could be a twin of her brother.
The head of the Barkley family was unable to offer any advise, she couldn’t
bring any wise thoughts to the forefront, she was as shocked as the rest of
them.
Nick saw the lost look in
his mother’s eyes and knew he felt the same.
With one shot, they’d been sent reeling, their worlds had changed, their
lives would never be the same. He sat
heavily in the nearest chair, his knees giving out and he bent over, his arms
wrapped across his stomach. The
physical pain of the shock stealing strength from his body, tearing him up
inside and he closed his eyes against the tears which threatened to fall.
Leading Audra to the sofa,
Victoria placed a kiss on her blonde hair before kneeling in front of Nick,
taking his face in her hands.
“What do I do? Stay with Jarrod? Go to Heath? Stay with
the victim or go to the perpetrator?” anguished Nick, his lips trembling from
the words, the reality suddenly hitting him.
“Mother? Please tell me what to
do? I love them both. I can’t lose them, Mother. Please.”
Drawing his head to her
shoulder, Victoria felt the tremors in her strong son, fighting the emotions
teetering on the edge. His arms wrapped
around her and he felt as if he were ten years old instead of almost thirty.
“We’ll all stay til we
hear from Howard about Jarrod.” whispered Victoria, feeling as if she’d aged
ten years in the last forty minutes.
“Jarrod first, Nick.”
Nodding against her
shoulder, Nick took a deep shaky breath trying to gather his strength and
courage. Victoria rubbed his back, her
hand shaking and she stood when Howard entered the waiting room. All four occupants looked at the door which
opened allowing the sheriff entry.
“Fred, I was about to tell
Victoria of Jarrod’s condition.” informed Howard receiving a nod from the
lawman who took off his hat and stood against the wall. Victoria clasped the hands of her children,
thankful for the warmth in their skin sending warmth through her chilled
soul. Taking a deep breath, she nodded
at their old friend.
“The sutures are in and I
have wrapped Jarrod’s head.” said Howard pausing briefly before
continuing. “I won’t lie to you,
Victoria. It’s bad. If the bullet had been even a hair’s width
closer, Jarrod wouldn’t be breathing.”
Three pairs of eyes closed
at his words, sending thanks upwards before reopening and staring at the
healer.
“I can’t get any pupil
reaction. Jarrod’s in a coma and he may
never come out of it. I’m sorry.”
apologized Howard, the family’s gasps ripping his heart to shreds, the words as
bad as a physical blow.
Fred motioned the
physician over and Nick broke away from his mother’s side, his voice
demanding. “What is it, Fred?”
“I’m not sure, Nick. Heath’s got bruises all over his body and
he’s not responding. He just keeps
staring ahead.” sighed Fred. “I want
doc to take a gander at him.”
“Mother?” asked Nick
turning back to the ladies of his family.
“Go. We’ll stay with Jarrod.” replied Victoria
still holding Audra’s hand and leading her to the room. “Nick, you’d best wire Gene and find
Hiriam.”
Nick’s hands were clenched
around the steel bars, his head hanging and his stomach fighting the repulsion
rising up. Fred and Howard redressed
the blonde, the man not objecting or agreeing to anything, just staring. Leaving the cell, Howard placed a hand on
the broad shoulder of the shaken brother, his voice low.
“Either Heath or someone
gave him drugs by those marks on his arms.” stated Howard, his words causing
the shaken man to bellow.
“NOT HEATH! SOMEONE DID THIS TO HIM!” shouted Nick
loudly, tears springing to his eyes and he pushed away from the cell, rubbing
his hands over his face. “God, those
marks on him, those bruises. He’s been
through hell!”
“I know, Nick.” agreed
Howard and Fred at once. Knowing the
man in the cell since his arrival in Stockton and his deep love for the family
he found, they knew he wouldn’t consciously destroy one of them.
“Nick, until we get Heath
to talk, we won’t have anyway of knowing what happened.” stated Fred. “He’s here physically but mentally…who knows
where he is.”
“I’ve never seen anything
like it. I don’t know how to help him.”
stammered Howard, his failure thickening his voice. “Maybe with time but I just don’t know, Nick.”
Biting back the sob which
rose up within him, Nick nodded and his shoulders lowered in defeat. Even his loud demands had fallen on deaf
ears, his loud tone of voice hadn’t even made the eyes blink.
“Nick, what’s happened?”
inquired Hiriam brushing past Billy and entering the holding area, his eyes
staring at his grandson behind bars, his wrinkled hands holding onto the
bars. “Heath? Nick, it’s not true. It
can’t be! Please tell me it’s not true!”
Five days later a haggard
looking, fierce tempered man stood down from the train depot, his discouraged
hazel eyes stared at a tree across the tracks.
Nick couldn’t look at the spot, the spot where their lives were turned
upside down, the spot claiming two of his brothers.
“Boss, train coming.”
informed Scotty quietly, standing to the right of his volatile boss, his eyes
shining with concern at the man before him.
The ranch crew was stunned and shaken to the core like the family they
worked for from the turn of events, the men under the leadership of Duke McCall
closed ranks around the family, seeking to protect them from the gossip mongers
and the unknown evil which the sheriff revealed he worried was about, lurking
in the background, watching and waiting.
Jarrod, the eldest son,
treated each member of the ranch crew with respect, his blue eyes always warm
and smiling. The prominent attorney’s
door was always open for any one of their men who needed help, an ear for
listening or advise. Scotty knew it was
not mere words from the first born but a genuine offer of friendship and
camaraderie by the champion for the underdog, the worker for justice.
Heath, the newest son of
the family, the former marshal. Their
marshal boss. This blonde, strong
bodied and strong minded, earned their respect and trust. In turn, the blonde received the same. He was a man who lived life, been through
challenges which would curdle most men and yet, he still believed in compassion
and sympathy. He hadn’t been tainted
horribly by his past experiences, the wrongs in his life. He was as gentle inside as the morning
breeze kissing your face. A man who
could be dangerous and quick but when his sapphire eyes sparkled with
amusement, you could see the small boy still hidden in the muscular man, the
boy who hadn’t been allowed to be a kid.
The train let our her
steam and Scotty left his boss’ side to walk to the depot. He knew the man they were waiting for and
he, like all the others, hoped he’d be able to help them out of this
nightmare. Waving, Scotty clasped the
firm hand in his and smiled slightly, “Thanks for coming, marshal.”
Nate saw the worry in the eyes
of the ranch hand and nodded, his eyes pulling over to where Nick stood hands
on his hips, eyes not meeting his, only staring at the train engine before him.
“Scotty, this is my
sister, Cassidy.” introduced Nate, the wire received at the family ranch was
read and his head strong sister wouldn’t be dissuaded from coming.
“Nice to meet you, ma’am.”
replied Scotty tipping his hat, receiving a warm smile before leading the
siblings toward his boss.
“Is Larkin here yet?”
questioned Nate.
“Arrived this morning.”
stated Scotty before stopping and watching the reunion.
“Nate.” sighed Nick, hazel
meeting gray eyes. “I’m glad you’re
here, he’s bad.”
“Let’s go.” said Nate
before feeling a hand on his arm.
“Sorry. Nick, this is my sister
Cassidy.”
Smiling slightly, Nick’s
eyes sparkled with memory for a brief moment.
“The girl who used to dog Heath’s heels? Not so much a girl anymore, I’d say miss.”
Taking the large hand in
hers, Cassidy smiled, “Nice to meet you, Mr. Barkley. Heath’s very proud of you and the rest of his family. He talked nonstop about you all. No matter what’s happened be assured he does
love you.”
Nodding, Nick’s short
smile was replaced with a frown, the moment of lightness gone with remembering
his brother’s vacant look and uncharacteristic act. Taking a deep breath, Nick motioned and lead the siblings to the
jail, holding the door to allow them entry.
Introductions aside, the
three entered the holding area where Hiriam sat outside the cell talking to his
grandson as if he were listening and able to converse back. Standing, the older man welcomed the marshal
and his sister with a hug before moving to stand by Nick and watch the reunion
of the three friends.
Nick stared and shook his
head several minutes later, Larkin had no effect and neither did the
Jacksons. Heath hadn’t moved, hadn’t
given any indication of awareness, his mind was locked somewhere and those
closest to him were at a loss as to what to do.
Cassidy felt tears
brimming at the sight of the handsome blonde, his warmth, his concern, his soul
wasn’t there, not at the moment. It was
almost as if he’d been wiped clean as a chalkboard with one swipe of an
eraser. Her eyes had recognized the
distraught, the broken spirit in the men who cared for him and she took a deep
breath.
“Nate, I’ll stay with
Heath. You and the others go somewhere,
get some food in them and decided what you’re gonna do.” suggested the blonde,
her sienna eyes meeting her brother’s.
“I think they need a break to clear their heads. You and Mr. Larkin can help them decide the
next step to take.”
Squeezing her hand which
held onto the metal bars, Nate smiled and nodded. “Okay, sis.”
It took several minutes of
talking, persuasion used to get the men to agree to her wishes. Cassidy was allowed entry into the cell
which closed behind her and Billy stood nervously outside the square room,
watching but also averting his eyes.
Taking hold of the rough callused hand, she sat beside him on the small
cot. Her eyes scrutinizing his profile
before she reached up and pulled his face towards hers.
His head turned willingly
and she smiled remembering their parting.
Taking a shaky breath to fight the lump in her throat, she talked
quietly, her words of the time when she first met him, when she first gazed
upon the angry teenager who brought their injured brother home. The soulful blue eyes sent her young heart a
flutter and started the ember of love which only glowed over the years,
igniting into a flame upon their reunion.
Her memories, her words
not reaching him either. Her nearness
had no effect on him and she realized he could be gone from her forever. This thought left her shaking her head and
she held his face in her hands.
“You will be back, Heath
Thomson. Hear me now! You will look at me again, you will smile at
me again and I will wait as long as it takes!” promised Cassidy firmly, placing
a tender kiss on his unresponsive lips before motioning the deputy over and
smiling warmly at the silver haired lady who appeared in the holding area.
“Mrs. Barkley, I’d know
you anywhere from Heath’s description of you.”
As Cassidy was meeting
with the Barkley matriarch, both women trying to come up with a plan in hopes
of stirring a spark within the man they both held in their hearts and a plan of
action for the caring of the other men who were being beaten down…a meeting of
the male minds formed a plan of hope, a plan of action as opposed to
inaction.
In the office of Phil
Archer, district attorney, a man who’d stood on opposite sides of the court
room from Jarrod Barkley, a man who’d often lost to the attorney, the plan was
formed. A mock trial, a mock jury of
selected friends who would give a mock decision. The jury would listen to the evidence, the jury would hold the
fate of the newest son in their hands but their decision would be fake. It would all be a diversion, a subterfuge.
A diversion with all there
basing their hopes on the guise about to play out. All there agreed they needed to find out who was behind the plot,
behind the scheme destroying the two brothers before a step forward could be
taken to right the wrong. A play the
family would partake in, a play the family must act out to help the man they
loved who sat in a cell unaware he’d almost taken his brother’s life.
Nick knew his younger and
older brothers were held in high regards but until that day, he’d never
realized just how much both touched the lives of those around them with just
their presence, their actions, their characters.
Standing outside the cell
later and staring into the vacant eyes, he prayed the Barkley luck would bring
the answer the family needed, the answer the community needed, the answer which
would open the lock and reveal the missing link.
As so it was a week later
with the newspapers building into a mountain the upcoming trial of one
prominent brother attempting to kill another, the tension built up, the
community sniped at each other, teeth barred in hopes of winning a first row
seat to the trial of the century.
The stage was set, the
scene real, the participants real people who played their parts well. The actors didn’t know if the cheese would
be taken by the rat, they didn’t know if all they did was for naught but they
played it out with all their hearts, their skills. The gasping of air by Heath in the hallway of the courtroom was
an act not planned, an act of spontaneity which shook them to the center of
their beings with fear.
As the gasps for air from
the blonde filled their ears, Gene stood over his oldest brother, calling to
him. The younger man’s eyes witnessing
the movement beneath the closed eyelids, the first movement since the bullet
parted the skin on Jarrod’s head and sent him into darkness.
“The only person I saw who
looked like they didn’t belong at the courthouse was a beautiful Chinese girl
standing on the edge of the crowd.” said Nate with disappointment, all the men
had pinned their hopes on the culprits wanting to see the trial and its
results. “Sorry, Nick.”
The head participant knew they’d
been successful and Nick’s heart filled with fear at the realization of the
party responsible for the nightmare of the past weeks. His hold on the other man’s upper arms would
later leave marks of deep bruising, the panic in him rising with each thought
of the despicable, evil, monster housed within a woman’s body.
Grabbing onto Nate, Nick
shouted, “WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?”
A scream of horror
overrode the shout of Nick and time stood still within the wood building.
“JJAAARRRROOOODDD! NOOOOOOOOO!”
The cloak of darkness
lifted slowly, his head turned from side to side while his mind slowly brought
forth when his body responded without his knowledge. He saw it as he if were watching from an eagle’s view. His jump down from the train to greet his
family, his arm lifting slowly, the pistol in his hand, the horror and terror
on the faces of his family. The screams
of the people close to him, their scamper away from the pistol wielding man to
safety.
The scream filled terror
of his name from Nick and the shock on the face of his oldest brother, the blue
eyes filled with horror at the sight of the gun pointed at him by his younger
brother. The sound of the report
echoed in his head and he gasped at the color which appeared when the projectile
found its mark.
Red.
Red was everywhere. It came from the head of his brother,
staining the walls of the depot, staining the boardwalk, the white dress of his
mother, the blue dress of his sister.
Red was everywhere.
He’d murdered his brother!
“JJAAARRRROOOODDD! NOOOOOOOOO!” screamed Heath his hands
reaching outwards, his eyes wide in his pale face, the repeated screams filled
the jail.
The screams brought the
men running from the office, Nick yelled at Fred to open the door, his brother sitting
up on the cot, sweating and screaming, his body shaking and trembling.
Fred flung opened the door
and Nick rushed inside, his movement sending Heath jumping up, his hands held
out in front of him, sapphire eyes filled with horror. Slowing his step, Nick calmly spoke to his
woken brother, the others held their breaths.
Taking a step closer, Nick cringed at the fear appearing on Heath’s
face, the blonde stumbling backwards and standing in the corner, the screams
finally ceased and his harsh breaths were the only sound.
“Heath, it’s me, Nick.”
informed Nick quietly, holding out a hand to his brother. “It’ll be okay, little brother.”
“NO!” shouted Heath, his
head shaking in denial, his hands moved down the wall as his legs slowly gave
out, his body lowering and he crouched in the corner on the floor. “I killed him. I killed my brother. God,
what have I done? What have I done?”
“Heath, Jarrod’s not
dead.” assured Nick moving closer.
“LIAR!” yelled Heath
pushing himself upwards and moving the cot towards the approaching man with his
foot making Nick stop in his tracks when it hit his shins, the small cell
becoming suffocating with the nearness of the larger man.
“I KILLED HIM! I DID IT!
I KILLED JARROD! THERE WAS BLOOD
EVERYWHERE!” ranted Heath.
“Nick.” worried Nate, his
eyes taking in the scene, not liking the wildness in his friend’s eyes, the
thin line he was walking, the torment in his eyes, the great distress he was
exhibiting. “NICK!”
The firm call of his name
made Nick step back to the bars and listen to Nate’s words, “Look at Heath,
Nick. Remember he can kill you with his
bare hands. Be careful.”
Surprised at the warning,
Nick took a deep breath and stood against the bars watching his younger brother
with a new set of eyes. Heath paced
back and forth keeping far away from the bars and Nick, his hands clenched
tightly, his knuckles white. Sapphire
loving eyes replaced with eyes of self loathing, self recrimination, horror and
anguish. Stopping in the farthest corner,
Heath leaned against the wall, his hands reaching up and holding onto his head.
“BITCH!” he screamed at
her whispers in his ears. “GET OUTTA MY
HEAD!”
“HEATH, JARROD’S ALIVE!”
shouted Nick angrily, his concern rising with each passing second, his fear for
the brother before him doubling with each passing second. “HE WAS JUST WOUNDED! HE’S STILL WITH US!”
“JUST WOUNDED!” raved
Heath, his pacing starting again, his hands reaching up to hold his head, the
echo of her words still could be heard, the voice of the vile woman close in
his ear. Unconsciously rubbing his
wrists at the feel of the metal bonds which held him captive and helpless, the
blonde shook his head, his mumbled words barely reaching Nick’s ears.
“I shot Jarrod. He’s my brother and I wanted to kill
him! What kind of a person does
that? My own brother!”
Taking a deep breath, Nick
ran a hand through his hair, his arms wanted to take the blonde and wrap him in
his strength, hold him and protect him from any more pain but the man before
him wouldn’t let him get close enough and would back away at any forward
movement.
Nick’s heart filled with
fear, Hiriam and the others watched helplessly while the blonde seemed to
disintegrate before their very eyes.
Heath’s waking from his catatonic state with the knowledge of the act
he’d committed was destroying him. The
horrific deed clashing head on with his strong values of right and wrong, his
strong feelings for his family and his guilt ridden soul.
“Heath, please.” pleaded Nick,
almost sobbing from fear. “Don’t let
her win, please.”
The pleas stopped the
blonde in his tracks, his face turned slowly to his brother before he leaned
his head against the cool wall, his hand reached up to rub his face before the
tortured words were spoke, eyes lowered in defeat.
“I did what they
asked. She’s already won.”
“No, she hasn’t won,
Heath. You’re alive, Jarrod’s
alive. She’s only won a battle.” stated
Nick firmly, stepping sideways to move closer to his brother cowering in the
corner.
“Get out!” hissed Heath,
his eyes burning with emotions, overwhelming and dangerous. “NOW!”
“Nick, do as he says.”
begged Hiriam, clenching the bars, unable to stop the pain for his grandson
rising within him, his brown eyes locked on the blonde, his hopes for his
grandson’s future looked shadowy like the fog of an early morning. “We need to give Heath time.”
Heath watched Nick
hesitate, the need for his older brother to stay by his side choking the former
lawman. He could feel the need in the
air of the jail cell, he could feel the need and he didn’t want it, he didn’t
deserve it. He deserved the hell he was
in, nothing less than that would be acceptable.
“LEAVE!” screamed Heath,
his fury making Nick jump from its intensity before the broad shoulders lowered
and he nodded. Fred opened the door and
closed it behind Nick, the pain in the hazel eyes too much for the lawman to
see and the older man lowered his gaze to the key in his hand.
“Lock it.” said Nate,
taking control in the room filled with indecisiveness. “When he calms down, we’ll try again. Nick, you’d best see to Jarrod.”
Slate gray eyes watched
the group of men reluctantly shuffle from the holding area before turning
inward to the cell. Heath sat in the
corner of the room, his head lying on his crossed arms which lay on his drawn
up knees. The position taking the
marshal back in time to Texas so long ago.
Back to a time when a beaten down, starved, lost teenager saved his butt
when it was in a sling.
Calling out to his friend
and not receiving a response, Nate shook his head and searched his mind for a
way to help Heath out of the darkness he’d been thrust into. It was all around the blonde, thick and
stifling, black as ink, staining your skin at its touch.
Closing his eyes against
the despair and trying one last time, Nate followed after the group of men
allowing the blonde the time alone to get a grip on himself. His last words before he left telling his
friend he’d be back and stand with him, he wouldn’t be pushed away and he’d
help him fight.
Entering the outer room,
Nate squeezed Nick’s shoulder. “I’m
going after that woman, you and Hiriam see Dr. Merar and see if he can come up
with something to help Heath, maybe he can send a wire to another doctor. I don’t know, but anything he can think of.”
“Yeah, he must know a lot
of doctors. Good idea, Nate.” agreed
Nick, a glimmer of hope showing in his hazel eyes before hatred hardened his
face. “Let me know if you find her. I’d like a few minutes alone with that
bitch.”
Hiriam placed a hand on
Nick’s other shoulder, his hope rising also at the suggestion from the
marshal. “Let’s go, Nick.”
The jail emptied of people
except Billy who stayed behind, his hands still shaking from the sight of the
blonde in the jail cell. The man who’d
taken him under his wing wasn’t there, only a man of despondency remained and
the young deputy put his hands over his eyes and fought the sobs wanting to escape.
Victoria, Cassidy and
Audra held hands while they watched Dr. Merar examine Jarrod, Gene stood by the
bed his big brother’s hand held firmly in his own.
“Jarrod, do you remember
what happened?” asked Howard cautiously, the blue blank eyes stared at him,
before they closed and a movement of the injured head up and down left the
physician worried.
Tapping the pale cheek to
open the closed eyes, the man of medicine’s concentration was all on his
patient, unaware two more watchers joined the crowd in the room. Several minutes passed before Howard
straightened and ordered Jarrod to sleep.
Waiting for the lawyer to close his eyes, Howard motioned with his head
and waved to everyone to move to the waiting area. Helen stayed by the bedside of the first born Barkley son,
holding his hand and brushing a hand through his black hair.
“Victoria, Jarrod can’t
see. He’s blind.” sighed Howard
thinking he’d prepared himself for the moment of truth, but the reactions of
those in front of him pushed him back physically from the pain and anguish. The questions tumbled out, stammered and
shouted amongst the tears.
“I don’t hold any hope
he’ll see ever again. I think you
should know Jarrod whispered he wanted to speak to Fred about pressing charges
against Heath.”
“NO!” shouted the family
in disbelief, turning and grabbing the older man who clutched his chest from
the explosion of pain before collapsing.
“HIRIAM!”
How much more pain can a
family take? How much more darkness
could they endure? How much longer til
a sliver of light cut the darkness? How
much?
Nick entered the sheriff’s
office, his eyes red rimmed from tears, tired and full of anguish. Nodding to Billy, he paused at the inner
door, his hand on the handle. Leaning his
forehead against the door, he inquired after taking several deep breaths.
“Has Heath said
anything? Asked for anyone? Anything?”
“Not a word.” answered
Billy quietly. “I’m sorry, Nick. Nothing.”
“Thanks, Billy.” said
Nick, hesitating and pulling open the inner door. Walking into the holding area, he stood outside the cell, his
hands clenching the bars, his eyes wide, the bile rising in his throat and
leaving his body at the sight of the cot in shambles. metal pieces
everywhere.
Red was the only color he
saw. Red everywhere.
“HHEEAATTHHH!”
“NNIIICCCKK! NNIICCCKK!”
Opening his eyes, Nick
cried out and grabbed onto the man before him, “HEATH!”
“Twit brain. You’re
scaring the hell outta me! You were
having a nightmare, Nick.” scolded Heath against the strong shoulder he was
yanked up to and held firmly against.
Putting his hands against the broad chest of his brother, Heath pushed
fighting the older man’s strength.
“Nick, I can’t breathe!”
protested Heath, his words reaching his brother and he gasped for air when he
was released from the viselike hug.
Hazel eyes looked around
his bedroom in confusion, his head reached up and touched the bandage wrapped
around it. “A nightmare? It was so real, it can’t have been one.”
Heath closed his eyes as
the large hands ran themselves over every inch of his face, the panic and
confusion in his brother scaring the blonde.
“It was that bitch Mia
Ling. She made you shoot Jarrod. She drugged you and then you couldn’t live
with what you’d done. God it was horrible!”
sobbed Nick, his hands covering his face as he lay against the pillows.
“Jesus, Nick.” gasped
Heath pulling the hands away. “I’m fine
and Jarrod’s fine. I didn’t shoot
anyone.”
The two strong hands
grabbed his blue shirt and the voice pleaded, “Are you sure? Where’s Jarrod?”
“Right here, brother Nick.”
replied Jarrod, the shouting bringing him rushing into the room from his
bedroom. Walking to the bed, two sets
of blue eyes filled with concern stared at him and Nick shook his head.
“What happened?”
“Remember, Nick. When we went to get the Christmas tree, it
fell on top of you.” informed Heath holding one of the large hands in his. “Ya’ been out for four days. Scaring everyone cause we thought your head
was harder than it apparently is.”
Staring at Heath, Nick
suddenly remembered the tree falling and he couldn’t escape from it’s
path. Taking a shaky breath, he fell
back and shuddered. “It was so real.”
“You visited with Nate in
Texas and then Mia Ling kidnapped you in Houston after your appointment. Everything after that was just horrible! There was a trial, Heath. You were like a walking dead man, no
emotion, you didn’t know what was going on.”
“It was just a dream,
Nick. Your mind conjured it all up.”
informed Jarrod. “Heath did go to Texas
and visit Nate’s family.”
“What?” questioned Nick
with confusion. “That’s in my nightmare!”
“Nick, I showed you
Cassidy’s picture when I got back, remember?
Before I left Kwai Chang Caine sent word about the kidnapping plot he
heard of from Liu Wong, an old apothecary friend of his. With Jack and Marshal Thane’s help, we were
able to catch Mia Ling in Houston at the hotel. She never got her scaly fingers on me, Nick. Never.”
Tears welled in the hazel
eyes and he sobbed openly with relief.
Jarrod ran his hand over the dark hair and shook his head, “The subconscious
is a powerful thing, Nick. There was a
trial over one brother shooting another a week before your accident, but it was
the Craddocks. Not us, Nick.”
Smiling tenderly, Heath
nodded squeezed the shoulder closest to him, “So you see, Nick your mind mixed
everything up while you were unconscious.
We’re all fine and we’ve been waiting for you to wake up.”
Pushing himself up in bed,
Nick wrapped an arm around each of his brothers, his tears still flowing down
his cheeks, his body trembling from the horrific nightmare which gripped him.
Patting the strong back,
Heath whispered in his ear, “Merry Christmas, big brother. Next time run faster when you see a tree
coming.”
Jarrod chuckled when a low
growl could be heard coming from deep inside their brother.
“Smart ass!”
Ps. After all kids – it is Christmas and you
didn’t actually think I’d be capable of injuring our boys so severely this time
of the year, did you?