The Hand of Destiny

Chapters 36 - 51

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.

Chapter 36

Nick sighed and shrugged at the raised eyebrow his mother directed his way. The seat at the breakfast table opposite him remained empty and for the second morning in less than a week, Heath failed to make an appearance to dine with the family.

Jarrod frowned and pushed the food around on his plate, his happiness at arriving home early last night was quickly tempered by his middle brother’s fears and panic. The anguish at the thought of the newest member in their family leaving was clear in the hazel eyes. A late night conversation with his mother left no doubt in his mind as to the validity of the fears. The college educated man was at a loss as to how to keep the younger man on the ranch and in their lives.

Nick kissed his mother on the cheek before leaving the dining room, the boisterous member of the family effectively silenced by the lack of his younger brother at the table. Audra felt the despair in the room and covered her mother’s hand with her own, squeezing it gently.

“Heath just needs more time, Mother. This is all so new and strange to him.” offered Audra, her voice positive and reassuring.

Gray eyes filled with tenderness smiled at her young daughter who was to turn eighteen in a few months. Her compassion and love for her family shined for everyone to see.

“I know, Audra.” admitted Victoria, placing her other hand over her daughter’s, grateful for the support she was offering. “I wish there was some way to make it easier for him, to make everyone else see what we see, the man inside. If they saw him for who he is inside and not just his birth, it would make Heath’s adjustment easier.”

Nodding her blond head, Audra sighed, “You can’t always get people to see past their prejudices, Mother. Heath knows that as well as anyone, perhaps more so than any of us.”

Jarrod placed his cup on the table and tilted his head slightly, his sister’s words puzzling him. “Audra, has Heath spoken to you about how he feels? I know Nick tried to get him to open up but he hasn’t been successful.”

Turning towards her oldest brother, Audra shook her had negatively, “Not directly, no. But he says a lot without saying many words.”

Jarrod smiled and nodded his agreement, “Yes, he does, honey. With Heath, actions are better than words.”

Three faces frowned while deep in thought, their minds conjoined, focused on the young man whose past life was now nipping at his heels. Their hearts held him there securely and they wouldn’t give him up without a fight.

After leaving the breakfast table, Nick climbed the staircase, taking two steps at a time, his heart pounding rapidly in his chest, afraid of what he’d find after knocking on the closed door. Reaching down, he turned the knob and entered the room next to his, going to the closet and opening the door. His breath of relief was audible in the room at the shirts which hung there and the extra pair of boots on the floor.

Closing the closet door, his eyes fell on the paper by the bedside and he walked over, picking up the letter with the Sheriff’s signature on it. Warring with himself internally for a moment, the need to know what the letter contained won and his hazel eyes read the note.

Sheriff Brad Tucker

Pine Crest, CA

Dear Mr. Thomson,

As requested, I returned the body of Matt Simmons to the hotel in Strawberry and into his widow’s care. At that time, I suggested it would be best for all parties concerned if she took the opportunity to relocate to a place other than the deserted town of Strawberry. Mrs. Simmons declined my suggestion.

I am writing to advise you of my discovery on my last check of Martha Simmons in Strawberry. The Strawberry Hotel was still smoldering from a fire and a check of the ashes revealed a body burned beyond recognition.

There is no way to identify the remains, however, I am under the assumption it is of the proprietor, Martha Simmons. I have taken it upon myself to take care of the disposal of her remains and to advise you, her only known relative of her last resting place. She is buried in the Strawberry cemetery.

Sincerely,

Brad Tucker

“What the hell are you doing, Nick?” asked the voice harshly from the doorway, startling the older man and instantly sending the red to creep up his neck.

Turning with the letter in hand, Nick nervously cleared his throat and offered a slight smile at the fury in the blue eyes of his blond brother. The angry eyes looked at the letter before moving back to the hazel eyes causing Nick to drop the letter back on the table as if it were burning his fingers.

“I was looking for you. We missed you at breakfast.” stammered Nick sheepishly.

Glaring into the hazel eyes, Heath stated quietly, “So that gives you free rein to enter this room and read my mail?”

“No, it doesn’t Heath. I’m sorry.” apologized Nick sincerely before taking a deep breath. “Actually I looked to make sure your clothes were in the closet first cause I wanted to make sure you were still here and saw the note by the bedside.”

Crossing his arms, Heath motioned silently to the door with his head asking the man to leave while his hands clenched into fists as they rested under his arms. Nick hesitated before gesturing towards the letter.

“Why didn’t you tell us about this? You can tell us things, we’re your family.”

Heath looked past his older brother, his eyes seeking the ranch which lay outside his window, the view of the corrals helping to calm him slightly but the words were still hissed out through his clenched teeth.

“Tell you what? That I’m happy she’s dead! That I hope she suffered and felt every bit of the flames as they scorched her skin? That I hope to god she screamed in agony until her last dying breath? That I hated her as equally as him? Is that what you want to know?”

“Heath.” whispered Nick, the fury palpable in the room and he stepped closer, placing two hands on the stiff shoulders. “You got every right to wish those things. Every right to feel like you do. Every right to feel the anger you do.”

Pulling the hands off his shoulders, Heath shook his head and moved to the window, turning back slightly at the door he heard closed by his brother before the sound of his spurs signified he was still in the room.

“You’re thinking of leaving, aren’t you?” queried Nick, noting the sudden stiffening of the back covered by a blue shirt, realizing this was a now or never situation. “Don’t leave, Heath.”

“I can’t…” said Heath before stopping his words, reaching up with one hand to grip the side of the window, shaking his head. “Do you know how long I’ve fought Nick? How long I’ve struggled? Every day, I struggle to try to find some kind of peace within me. Every day, I have to fight for balance inside.”

The torment in the softly spoken thoughts moved Nick closer to the man who hadn’t turned around, his steps stopped short of the younger man.

“Heath, you don’t have to struggle alone.” said Nick firmly. “You’re surrounded by family and we’re not going anywhere.”

Pounding his fist on the side of the window, Heath turned and held out a hand to stop him when Nick moved to step closer. “There’s my problem, Nick.”

“What do you mean?” questioned the older man intently studying the younger one.

“It’s not right your mother and Audra have to hear the ugly whispers, see the pointing. It’s not right for them and not for you or Jarrod. If I wasn’t here, it would stop and your lives could be returned to normal.” sighed Heath, the pain in the hazel eyes before they glanced downward making him want to take his words back, no matter how much truth they held.

“The whispers will never stop, Nick. There’s too many small minded people who need to make themselves feel good. Maybe not as bad as Matt and Martha, but bad just the same. If I could turn back the clock, I would.”

Taking a shaky breath, Nick looked up and asked, “Are you saying you wished we hadn’t found each other, hadn’t found out we’re brothers?”

Chapter 37

The wounded look in the hazel eyes tore right through him and Heath sighed, wiping a hand across his face before turning to grab the letter from the bedside table. Folding the parchment and putting it in his shirt pocket, Heath drawled. “Just forget it, Nick. Sometimes my mouth talks before my brain catches up.”

Grabbing onto the blue sleeved arm as the blond walked past, Nick growled while he stared into the blue eyes. “You can’t expect me to just forget, Heath! We need to talk about this. We’ve been through too much for you to just leave.”

“NICK, YA’ MAKE IT SOUND LIKE I OWE YA’ OR SOMETHING.” snapped Heath brusquely, pulling his arm out of the larger man’s grip, blue eyes filling with anger.

“DON’T TRY TO TURN THIS AROUND ON ME!” shouted Nick, the fear of his little brother leaving the ranch and the blond’s uneasiness within the community spotlight fraying the nerves of the larger man. "THAT’S NOT WHAT I’M SAYING!”

“I’M TELLING YA’ WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE, IS ALL. JUST FORGET IT, OKAY?” hollered Heath, a knocking on the bedroom door causing both men to shout out.

“WHAT!”

The door opened and Victoria stood in the entry, her hands on her small hips, the sight of the petite woman turning both male faces red with embarrassment and shame at the shouts to her knock.

“Are you two going to need a referee?” asked Victoria firmly, hearing the raised voices and the words through the dark wooden door. “Will I need my liniment bottle?”

“No, Mother.” stated Nick running a hand through his unruly hair, his hazel eyes darkening with emotion.

“No, ma’am.” replied Heath quickly, brushing past her and heading down the hallway. “I was just going back to work.”

“Heath?” queried Victoria, her voice stopping the blond in his tracks, his back stiff before he slowly turned around to face her.

“Yes, ma’am?”

“I’d like a moment of your time please.” requested Victoria with a smile. “I was wondering if you’d mind riding with me this morning. I’d love the pleasure of your company.”

Opening his mouth to refuse, Heath’s shoulders slumped and he nodded, “Sure, Mrs. Barkley. I’ll saddle Misty for ya’.”

“Thank you, Heath.” smiled Victoria watching as the blond walked down the hallway, waiting til she heard the front door closing with a little more force than necessary.

Nick entered the hallway and offered a slight smile to his mother before leaning up against the wall, his gaze on his boots. Victoria ran a hand over his down turned cheek, pulling his head up with a hand under his strong chin.

“Shouting won’t make him stay, Nick.” chastised Victoria softly. “If you watch how Heath reacts when you yell, you can see him barely keep himself from running or jumping.”

“I never noticed. It probably reminds him of his uncle. My god!” whispered Nick, his eyes glistening with moisture. “I don’t want to lose him, Mother. I can’t!”

Holding his face in both hands, Victoria placed a kiss on the tanned forehead. “I know sweetheart, none of us do. We’ll do what we can to make this a place Heath calls home, Nicholas. But sometimes when a person’s been wounded so much inside, they never fully feel safe anywhere.”

“He felt safe at the cabin, well, before his uncle found it.” sighed Nick, wrapping his arms around his mother and leaning his cheek on the top of her silver hair. “Mother, Heath got a letter from Sheriff Tucker in Pine Crest and it had news in it about his aunt.”

“He told you?” asked Victoria surprised, pulling back and looking at her son, well aware of Heath’s seemingly fanatical need for privacy. The guilty look in her son’s eyes caused her to take a deep breath. “Nick, you didn’t.”

“I did.” admitted Nick with a shake of his head. “I came into his room to make sure he hadn’t left and saw the letter on the table by the bed. I couldn’t help it, I had to read it.”

“Oh, Nick.” admonished Victoria softly.

“Mother, I know.” stated Nick leaning his head back against the wall, his eyes searching the ceiling for answers. “It was wrong of me and I shouldn’t have done it. The hotel where his aunt and uncle lived was destroyed in a fire. They found a body in the fire but can’t identify it. It was burned too bad. The sheriff’s assuming its his aunt.”

“It could be Heath’s aunt.” informed Victoria, shivering a bit at the image of the hateful cruel people the law assigned guardianship of a small boy to. As a mother, she couldn’t imagine how an adult could hurt a child in the manner they’d subjected Heath to since the tender age of five.

“Could be or maybe it’s not.” mumbled Nick, looking into his mother’s concerned eyes. “I hope it is cause it scares me to think she’s still alive, Mother. It’d be best for Heath if it was her.”

Nodding, Victoria leaned into her son’s strong arms again before reaching up and placing a kiss on his cheek. “I need to change into my riding clothes before Heath comes up with an excuse not to leave the ranch yard with me.”

Chuckling, Nick smiled, “He wouldn’t dare, Mother. He’s scared of you, too.”

“Me?” repeated Victoria, puzzled. “I know he’s nervous around me but I don’t think I scare him.”

“I think he’s afraid he’ll be an embarrassment to you. Especially in front of your friends and the women’s circle.” shrugged Nick, frowning suddenly. “I get the feeling he feels very much like a duck out of water. Afraid of doing the wrong thing or saying the wrong thing. He probably thinks we’ll throw him out if he messes up.”

Patting the strong chest of her rancher son, Victoria nodded in agreement. “You may have something there, Nicholas. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Smiling at his mother, he started down the hallway before turning to ask, “Where are you riding to?”

Stopping in her doorway, Victoria smiled, “To the place where it all started.”

“YOU’RE NOT GOING TO STRAWBERRY, MOTHER!” exclaimed Nick loudly, rushing back towards her. “NOT WITHOUT ME!”

“Nicholas.” warned the small woman in a firm voice. “IF I wanted to go to Strawberry, I WOULDN’T need your permission. Is that clear?”

“Mother..” protested Nick, stopping when she placed a hand on his arm.

“Nick, we’re going to where I first saw Heath.” assured Victoria. “To where I first met him and he saved my life. Our first bit of common ground.”

“Oh.” said Nick, letting out a shaky breath then winking, “Okay, you have my permission then, Mother.”

Chapter 38

Duke entered the barn and stopped at the sight of the blond saddling Misty, the small black. “Morning, Heath.”

Glancing upward, Heath nodded, “Morning.”

“Mrs. Barkley riding this morning?” questioned Duke rubbing his hand over the velvet coat of the horse.

“Yep.” mumbled Heath.

“When you’re done there, the boys are ready to head up to the north ridge.”

Heath tightened the girth and sighed, “I can’t go, Duke. Mrs. Barkley asked me to ride with her this morning. If’n we’re done early, I’ll meet ya’ up there.”

Nodding, Duke turned to leave then stopped, turning to stop in front of the young man whose blue eyes were filled with apprehension and his movements stiff from nervousness.

“Heath, I’ve known Victoria for longer than you’ve been alive. You’ll not find a finer woman or person on this earth.” assured Duke quietly, the younger man studying the reins he held in his hand intently. “If you take a chance and open yourself up, you won’t be disappointed.”

Clapping the shoulder closest to him, Duke turned and exited the barn, meeting Nick halfway across the yard. Stopping and talking for several minutes, the two parted to lead the crews to their appointed job sites.

Leading the horses to the house, Heath tied them to the hitching rail and entered the oak door after standing outside it for a minute. The impulse to knock to be allowed entry still surged through him and he had to remind himself, he could simply walk in. Taking off his hat, he played with the brim while he waited in the foyer for his riding partner, listening to the words of the older man which echoed in his head.

The sun was shining when the two riders pulled up, the destination reached and Victoria glanced over towards the puzzled man beside her. No words had been spoken on the ride over by the silver haired lady and Heath patiently waited, casting glances from the corner of his eyes at her. Victoria knew he’d been puzzled by her lack of conversation but she used the time to gather her thoughts and enjoyed the stillness of the open area, the feeling of vastness to wrap itself around her, to remind her of why she loved this part of the country.

“How about a break?” asked Victoria, receiving an answer in the form of Heath’s jump from the saddle and his appearance at the side of her horse, ready to offer his assistance in her dismount.

Smiling her appreciation at his gentlemanly offer, Victoria patted his arms after her small boots hit the ground and pulled off her hat. The sunshine glistened on the silver highlights in her hair and she took his arm, leading him to the deadfall.

Sitting down by each other’s side, Heath pushed his hat back on his forehead, pulling at one of the long grasses leaning up against the dead log. Taking a deep breath, Victoria sighed with contentment as the fresh air filled her lungs, the action sending a brief smile across the tanned face beside her.

“It’s going to be a beautiful day, Heath.” smiled Victoria.

“Yes, ma’am.” agreed Heath quietly. “Not too bad in temperature.”

“I’m glad you could spend the day with me.” said Victoria, her statement showing shock on his face.

“Ma’am, I didn’t know we was spending the whole day together.” protested Heath, before shifting on the log. “I, well, I assumed it was only for a short while this mornin’.”

Turning to face him, Victoria took one of his strong hands in hers, happy when he didn’t try to pull away.

“Heath, I know you must have questions about the time of your mother and father.” suggested Victoria, gray eyes searching blue. “I want you to know I will answer whatever I can and help you find whatever answers you’re looking for.”

Staring down at the hands holding his, Heath frowned and swallowed the lump in his throat, his voice low and barely reaching her ears.

“It don’t matter, Mrs. Barkley. What’s done is done. It can’t change anything.”

“No, it can’t but perhaps just perhaps, it may help both of us.” stated Victoria, trying to look into the down cast face. “Heath, look at me.”

Several minutes passed before his face turned upwards, his eyes meeting hers. “Do I scare you?”

“What?” stammered Heath in confusion, the turn of questioning throwing him off.

“Do I scare you?” repeated Victoria. “I know I can be forthright and strong in my opinions, Heath. I’ve had to be strong to help build an empire out of this country which was once just wilderness. I can be overbearing too.”

Shaking his head, Heath let out a shaky breath and smiled slightly, “You’re not overbearing, ma’am.”

Chuckling, Victoria reached up and cupped his cheek. “You’re a very loving and caring young man but a poor liar.”

Laughing despite the nervousness in his stomach, Heath blushed and looked out across the range. His smile disappearing as his mind tried to bring forth the face of his mother and Victoria sensed the sudden deep sadness within his very soul, her hands tightened her hold on his.

“I can barely remember my mama.” whispered Heath, his voice sounding as if it were miles away from his own ears. “If I try to remember real hard, I seem to recall a soft voice singing me to sleep and her fingers brushing through my hair. I seen a picture of her once and I even had one for a while. I don’t have it no more.”

“What happened to it?” asked Victoria, keeping her voice soft afraid to disturb his sudden desire to talk.

“She took it from me and burned it as a punishment for spilling a glass of his whiskey.” hissed the blond before physically shaking himself stopping the bad memories which were seeking a way to take over. “I think my mama was good though. I’d like to think she was an angel who was called home to help in a world better than this one.”

“I imagine your mother must have been a very special person, Heath.” replied Victoria. “From her is where you inherited your compassionate and caring personality, your gentle soul. She saved your father’s life, did you know that?”

“No, I didn’t.” admitted Heath. “That’s when they met, ma’am?”

Nodding, Victoria pulled him up and encased her arm through his, leading him slowly across the range, walking by his side while relaying the story of the meeting over twenty years ago.

“So, you see, Heath. I am as much to blame as anyone. I should have insisted your father go back to Strawberry and check to see if your mother was with child.” sighed Victoria as they stood on a small hill, two sets of eyes gazing out over the grasslands. “I was afraid of losing the only man I’d ever loved. So afraid, I forbade him to go back and because of it, we didn’t know about you.”

Letting out a deep breath, Heath shook his head, “No, if anything we’re victims of circumstances, ma’am. That’s all and wishing won’t change anything. That’s one thing I’ve learned over the years.”

Holding onto his arm and turning him to look at her, Victoria stared into the blue eyes, “I know it’s difficult now, Heath. But remember this when you it gets hard…when the next scandal in town rears its head, you’ll be old news. Those people don’t know you and quite frankly, that is their loss. We are proud to have you in our family and so proud to know you.”

“Mrs. Barkley…”

“Heath, if you were my son, I’d tell you fight for your birthright. Fight with everything you’ve got. No one, NO ONE, can deny you what is rightfully yours. A family who loves you and all which comes from being Thomas Barkley’s son. If you were my son, that’s what I would tell you to do.”

Chapter 39

The silence gathered around them on the small hill, her words echoed across the air and Heath nodded, unable to speak. Her words stunned him and left him speechless. She, the wife of the man who was his father, was offering so much in those words, offering him everything monetarily and emotionally.

He knew she was extending her hand to him and yet, he hesitated inside. His mind was becoming muddled with conflicting thoughts, conflicting desires. His desire to be a part of a family had him edging towards acceptance and yet, he knew more than anyone else, how difficult such a path would be. He made a self-conscious effort to stop and take a deep breath, not sure if he was ready yet to wage the campaign for acceptance or even if he were strong enough to put up a valiant fight.

The warring inner turmoil inside her husband’s son was clear for Victoria to see in his sky blue eyes. She smiled and weaved her arm through his again, leading them back to the horses, deciding to no longer discuss the matter but leave it up to him to sort it out in his mind first. He needed to do some searching deep within him and figure out what he valued more, what he wanted to fight for or if he would even fight for a future which he should have been given from the time of his birth.

“Heath, would you like to come to the orphanage with me?” asked Victoria from her seat on Misty as she watched him vault into the saddle. “Audra’s spending the day there and we could lend her a hand with the children. She would be so surprised.”

“Nick says Audra’s got all them kids wrapped around her little finger and they treat her like the queen.” drawled Heath appearing to be in deep thought. “Sure be interestin’ to see how the queen spends her day.”

Laughing and shaking her head, Victoria nudged Misty into a cantor with Heath quickly catching up. The ride to the orphanage was spent with Victoria leading and when their pace slowed, the Barkley matriarch gave a brief history of the Stockton orphanage, the donations needed to keep it open and the time contributed by various people in the community. Audra spending a great deal of her free time to help the children and be a big sister to all the children.

Reaching the orphanage, Heath stared at the monstrosity of a building, the outside was in need of work. The dwelling reminded the blond of an asylum for the insane he’d once seen when he was delivering horses down Monterey way, the building home to the lost souls inside. The sound of laughter from behind the brick building barely reached their ears as they dismounted and tied the horses to the rail.

Victoria smiled and took his arm, happy to be able to enjoy more time with the young man who’d graced their family in more ways than he knew. She’d been afraid Heath would have denied joining her here and yet, she somehow felt confident he’d bend over backwards to do whatever she asked. Almost like a son would for his mother and like a mother would for her son.

Heath scanned the area as they walked through, his eyes picking out the disrepair on the building and the parts of the environment around the monstrosity which needed help. He found himself stopping his mind for a moment and asked himself what he was doing.

Why make a list of chores when you’re not planning to stay? Why decide which ones were necessary and which could wait if you’re riding on? Am I riding on? Is that what I think I should do or want to do?

Are you thinking of staying longer and hope another scandal rocks the town, taking you out of the spotlight? Are you staying or going? Where would you go? Back to your ranch where your uncle’s ghost may be or find another place for a ranch? Leave with your tail between your legs or stand and fight like you’ve always done in the past? Take the easy way or the hard way?

Victoria placed a hand on the arm of the blond who was frowning while he was deep in thought, the young man not hearing her voice, lost in his own reverie, unaware of the blond girl who was now standing with them.

“Heath?” queried Victoria softly, her words reaching through his thoughts.

“Sorry, Mrs. Barkley.” apologized Heath with a slight blush. “I’m fraid I wasn’t listenin’.”

Audra smiled and took the other arm of her new brother, telling him how surprised and happy she was to have him arrive with her mother. The two women took Heath on a tour of the building before introducing him to the children playing out back under the watchful eyes of the head sister.

The morning passed quickly and Victoria leaned against a tree, listening intently as Heath pointed out the immediate problems his quick eyes picked up to the Head Master and one of the Board Members. When the idea of perhaps involving the gentle man with the orphanage came to her last night, she’d known instantly it was perfect. From her sons’ descriptions of the care and skill used to build his ranch, she knew the community would benefit from his skillful hands and talent. The community would see the blond as a man with a talent for building and hopefully it would put the label he’d carried since birth into the background.

“Take some doing but it’d be worth it.” sighed Heath, his eyes studying the building again. “If there was a fire or something, it’s dangerous not to have another exit other than the windows. Jumping from two stories can hurt or kill someone.”

John Timmons listened carefully and nodded, his eyes turning to look at the building he was in charge of and the children entrusted to his care. The older man knew who the blond was from his name and description. The whole town was whispering and the gossip mongers’ tongues were wagging so much, they hung down to the floor. The suggestions made by this new member to their community and the prominent Barkley family were well thought out and solid.

“You’re correct, Mr. Thomson. The second and third exit must be done right away. How many men do you think we’d need for this project?” worried Timmons running over the finances of the orphanage in his mind. So many other things were needed, clothes and shoes, school books and supplies, food for the children. “We’d have to do a cost analysis first to decide how much of our funds will have to be used. I’m afraid we don’t have a lot of extra money to spend on upkeep.”

“We could have another fund raiser, John.” suggested Victoria. “Either a dance or carnival? The safety of the children and your staff are of the utmost importance. I’ll speak with Nick and perhaps some of the ranch hands could help with the work.”

“The children are our first priority.” agreed Timmons absently, his mind cringing at the thought of the meager budget they’d manage to survive on in the past. “We need to ensure they are kept safe in case of a disaster. Victoria, I appreciate you’re offer of speaking to Nick but wouldn’t your ranch suffer if men were pulled away?”

“I could do it, Mrs. Barkley.” stated Heath quietly, shifting on his feet at the two sets of eyes studying him. The sudden need to feel the satisfaction and calm working with wood brought him urged Heath to make the offer. “Mr. Timmons, I could take care of the exits and building the staircase.”

Glancing at Victoria, John Timmons smiled at the look of pride in her gray eyes which sparkled with happiness.

“That is most generous of you, Mr. Thomson.” replied the older man. “Won’t you be needed on the ranch?”

“I can do both, Mr. Timmons. Mornings at the ranch and afternoons here. This way, neither loses out.” answered Heath quickly, his eyes meeting the gray eyes of the tiny woman and receiving a slight nod from her.

Holding out his hand, John Timmons’ smile was friendly and honest, “Your generosity is most welcome, Mr. Thomson. We are indebted and will help in anyway we can.”

Heath’s hesitation was only for a slight moment before he took the older man’s hand in his and nodding. Victoria watched and felt the hope rising in her at the exchange between the two men, forty years apart in age and both born into the world without knowing their fathers.

She relaxed inside knowing for the moment, Heath Thomson, her husband’s son would be staying in Stockton, staying in their home. For he was a man of his word and he wouldn’t leave without finishing the task he promised to handle.

Saying their good-byes, Heath looked over at the small woman and sighed, “Boy howdy, do you think Silas has any cotton balls in his cupboards?”

“Whatever for, Heath?” puzzled Victoria.

“For the loud protests of Nick tonight, ma’am and his reminders of how it’s a working ranch.” winked Heath, flashing a lop-sided smile at the sound of her laughter.

“I might join you in raiding Silas’ cupboard.” teased Victoria as they started back to the ranch, the excitement of the blond reaching out across the gap between their horses and bringing a twinkle to his eyes which had been missing the past weeks.

Chapter 40

It was late afternoon when Heath reached up and helped Victoria from the saddle before grabbing the reins of the horses, leading them into the barn. Victoria leaned on the stall door watching as his sure hands made short work of unsaddling the horses and grooming the mounts. The twinkle in the blue eyes faded after they’d changed direction and headed to Stockton after leaving the orphanage.

The town was buzzing with citizens hurrying like small ants rushing from one destination to another, anxious to finish their shopping or chores, scurrying about in an orderly fashion. Riding beside the prominent woman, Heath watched her expression as more than once person stared openly as they rode down the street, side by side. Feeling his eyes on her, Victoria glanced sideways and smiled at her husband’s son, the reassurance in her eyes alleviating some of his discomfort. Her inner strength increasing his and he relaxed slightly, giving her a shadow of a smile in response.

“Why don’t we see if your brother would like to join us for lunch?” posed Victoria turning her horse and stopping in front of Jarrod’s office. Heath jumped down and helped her from the saddle, following in her wake as she entered the building.

“Good morning, Helen.” stated Victoria politely, greeting the middle aged woman behind the desk who was more than capable at her duties but her strong righteous views and harsh personality grated on her nerves. "Is Jarrod free for a moment?”

“Mrs. Barkley.” acknowledged the woman whose cold looks were extremely intensified by the dark rimmed glasses and tautly pulled back hair, the bun piled high on her head, no strand out of place. The dress with the high starched collar looked as if it could scratch and draw blood as it moved against skin, but it seemed to fit the matronly woman behind the tidy desk. “He has a client with him right now but it should only be a few minutes til he’s free.”

“We’ll wait.” replied Victoria catching Heath’s study of the outer office. “Oh, I’m sorry. You two haven’t met yet. Helen Frankle, this is my stepson Heath Thomson.”

Holding his hat in his hands, Heath’s face showed surprise at the title bestowed on him, smiled slightly and quickly took the hand of the older woman. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Frankle.”

The older woman corrected his greeting. “Ms. Frankle, Mr. Thomson.”

Blushing slightly, Heath nodded and twirled his hat in his hands after he took a place on the leather sofa beside Victoria. Leaning over, he whispered quietly. “Mrs. Barkley, I’d like to go to the lumber yard after lunch, if that’s okay with you.”

Reaching over and squeezing his hand, Victoria whispered back, “Why are you whispering, Heath?”

“I don’t know.” whispered Heath with a frown. “This room makes me feel like I shouldn’t be here. Everything’s, well, so perfect. It’s all in order and not out of place, it looks like everything belongs in this room. Very neat and kinda cold. It needs something to make it look alive.”

Gray eyes moved from his and took another look at the outer room which she’d graced many times in the prior years, her eyes studied the room and she saw the room through his eyes, surprised she hadn’t taken the time to notice before.

Leaning over, she cupped her hand against Heath’s ear and whispered through her sudden burst of giggles, “Even Helen Frankle looks like she belongs in this room.”

“Mrs. Barkley!” exclaimed Heath in a loud whisper, blushing and chuckling at the same time, making sure he kept his eyes away from the secretary after she glared at the chuckling people disturbing the serenity and orderly quiet of her space.

“I’m sorry.” smiled Victoria, amusement lighting her eyes and she winked at the young man beside her, the twinkle in his eyes a wonderful sight as he squeezed her hand.

Jarrod opened the door and walked a young couple out of his office, smiling in surprise at his mother and brother on his way to the door. Closing the door behind him, the suave attorney greeted his mother with a kiss and clapped his brother on the back.

“Mother! Brother Heath!” exclaimed Jarrod happily. “To what do I owe this wonderful surprise visit?”

“Heath and I are here so you can buy us lunch.” teased Victoria.

“Is that right?” asked Jarrod with a smile and a wink at his little brother. “Now, we know where Nick learned that phrase from, right Heath?”

Heath nodded, “It does sound familiar. I reckon I mighta heard it a time or two.”

“Now, Jarrod, you wouldn’t begrudge your mother and brother a small lunch, would you?”

“I might be tempted but I’d be afraid of what would happen if I said no.” smirked Jarrod playfully, placing his arm around his mother and kissing the top of her head. “Where to, lovely lady?”

Heath smiled at the ease of the relationship between mother and son, his heart pinching for a moment and sadness filling his eyes before he thrust it down deep inside. Victoria followed Jarrod into his office when he remembered some business papers which needed his mother’s signature. Heath waited in the outer room studying a framed picture on the wall.

“They say Jarrod Barkley could be governor someday.” offered Helen Frankle, startling Heath who was so engrossed in the oil painting he hadn’t realized she was beside him.

“Yes, ma’am. Jarrod’s a smart, honest man and would be a good choice.” replied Heath before stepping back from the woman whose eyes suddenly grew full of spite.

“Do you think his dreams will ever come true now that you’re here?” asked the woman harshly, the trueness of her colors coming to the surface, her own dreams as secretary to the governor, the highest power in the state gone with the appearance of the blond before her. “No party in their right mind would want to back him now. Everybody’s always known he was destined to be a great man but you took it away from him, away from the hopes of the town. How do you sleep at night?”

Heath stood stunned in place, his jaw clenching and his hat brim crumpled in his fist, the knuckles white from tension. She was the first who’d openly slandered him to his face in the town and he was unprepared. This woman worked for his oldest brother and must have felt solid in her employment in his office as she didn’t hide the scorn on her face. She didn’t keep it hidden away and point from a distance. She didn’t whisper her outrage from behind her hand.

The nineteen year old wasn’t sure how to handle the tension of the situation. He was a gentleman and couldn’t ram his fist down her throat, he couldn’t cuss her out. He felt the outer office closing in and he fought the desire to run, the words of Victoria Barkley urging him to fight for his birthright rang through his head. He wanted to shout and deny what the woman said was true, but he couldn’t for he knew in his heart it was true, he knew his arrival and the family’s acceptance made it true.

Jarrod and Victoria exited the office, sensing a change in the office by the chill in the air and the storminess in the blue eyes of the blond. Helen Frankle smiled sweetly on her way back to her desk, picking up her pencil and watching the trio as they left. Her mind wondered how an upstanding family such as the Barkleys could ever welcome a product of sin in their home and lives. To the piteous woman, it seemed the family was intent on self-destruction.

Lunch had been an uncomfortable affair for the trio. Heath’s lack of communication and obvious distress a mystery to the other two. His unwillingness to talk and his request to head back to the ranch before the meal was finished, showed the depth of his upset. Seeing his mother and brother off, Jarrod entered his office and leaned over the desk of his secretary, his blue eyes demanding as he put the older woman through an inquisition.

Clenching his jaw, Heath shoved the curry comb into the wooden box, opening the stall door after Victoria stepped to the side, allowing him space.

“Excuse me, Mrs. Barkley, I have work to do.” whispered the blond when Victoria put a hand on his arm. “I need to work with the stallion ‘fore Nick gets back.”

“Heath, I know you’re a proud and private man. Remember, we all stand united beside you. You are a part of our family and always will be!” stated Victoria firmly, receiving a nod before the blond man, stiff with emotion and tension left the barn.

Entering the house and climbing the grand stairs to her bedroom, Victoria sighed and shook her head. The promise of the morning taken away and she chastised herself for assuming if she appeared with the blond in town, it would send a clear message to those who pointed fingers and gossiped. She’d been wrong and Heath’d been hurt again.

Standing in the window and staring out over the land of their ranch, she let her tears of frustration fall. One step forward and four back from the lesson learned for today. But at what expense was the lesson learned?

Chapter 41

Standing on the boardwalk, Jarrod felt the anger which was simmering increase to a boiling point. The normally calm collected man of justice’s steps rang out as he stalked down the boardwalk to his office. The man whose deeply engrained passion of righting the wrongs in the world and being the voice for those who couldn’t fight for himself didn’t try to shove his anger down or calm himself.

The past weeks of treatment of his newest sibling, his recently found brother by those they considered friends, colleagues and neighbors sickened him. The blond was being treated worse than some of the criminals he’d tried in the court of justice. All because Heath couldn’t prevent the circumstances of his birth. All because his father had amnesia and loved Heath’s mother. A child created out of mutual love of two people was treated with anything but love.

Thrusting open the door, Jarrod turned the sign on the door to the closed side and stalked to his secretary’s desk. Helen Frankle swallowed the lump of fear rising up inside at the blazing fire in the blue eyes of her employer. Jarrod put both hands on the desk, his arms stiff with emotion as his voice rang out in the outer office which was suddenly closing in on the older woman.

“Would you care to explain what happened between you and my brother, Ms. Frankle?”

Unconsciously moving back from the anger, Helen’s eyes nervously darted in their sockets before replying after clearing her throat. “I’m not sure what you mean, Mr. Barkley.”

Raising his hands to pound down on the desk, his force shook the items on the top of the desk, his words were cold with fury, “Do you think I’m blind?”

Shaking her head in denial, Helen met the glare of the blue eyes. Jarrod stared into the beady eyes within the pale perspiring face, his voice low and forceful, “I will give you one chance to explain what happened when you were left alone with my brother. What did you say to him?”

The atmosphere in the office was as cold as the icehouse behind the mercantile. The older woman shivered slightly, her hands trembled in her lap and she suddenly saw the line she’d stepped over. The line had always been clearly defined but her own ambitions faded it to her eyes and her mouth was the weapon used in her zealous to protect her own goals. The need for survival of her only source of income made her hesitate, her mind searching frantically for a way to backpedal and salvage her place outside his office and in his career.

“I mentioned how everyone in town knew you were destined for great things. How everyone thought you’d someday be governor.” whispered Helen in a trembling voice, the fury in his blue eyes frightening and she couldn’t hold his gaze.

“What else?” demanded Jarrod fighting the urge to pull the middle aged woman from her chair and shake her til the teeth in her head rattled. “WHAT ELSE?”

The shouted question caused her to jump in her chair, her eyes suddenly filling with tears. The spring of moisture inside her releasing the true contempt bottled with her, the true contempt masked by her self righteousness.

“He ruined everything! All your dreams for the future. Your family destroyed themselves when they took him in. He’s a byproduct of sin and always will be. No matter what name you give him, he’ll always be the Barkley bastard!” declared the vile mouth housed in the female form.

“GET OUT!” hissed Jarrod grabbing hold of the desk and yanking it to the side where it landed against the wall, her gasp of terror was loud in the room and she pushed backwards in her chair, widening the area between them. “YOU ARE NO LONGER EMPLOYED HERE!”

Pushing herself from the chair and grabbing her small drawstring bag, her knees were shaking uncontrollably at the fury pushing against her from where he stood four feet away, fists clenched at his side, face red from anger and indignation. Turning to the door, she stopped with her hand on the latch when he spoke again.

“My brother, Heath Thomson, is a man whose fought all his life against small minded people like you. He’s a generous, compassionate man and his gentle spirit is a true testament to the goodness in this world. YOU, who were given every opportunity since birth has chosen to squander it away with hatred and prejudice. I almost feel sorry for you, Ms. Frankle, for you’ll never understand the true meaning of those words and therefore, will never comprehend the true definition of love and family.”

“The day Heath came into our lives, our family will honor for the rest of our lives. His greatness lies within him, within his very soul and his heart.”

Staring at the broad back of the now sobbing woman, Jarrod shook his head and smiled to himself. “Knowing the inner man of my brother, Heath, he’ll probably pray for salvation of your soul. For HE is an example of humanity that you self-proclaimed hypocrites should be. Now, get out and take your warped soul with you!”

Fumbling with the door knob, Helen Frankle fought for gasps of air after escaping the contempt and anger which pushed her out the door, even though the man in the office hadn’t physically touched her.

Passing by the church on the way to her small house, the Christian woman felt deep shame rising within her and hurried her steps as if to escape the censure she felt as she passed the house of the lord. The church, the symbol of goodness and love for the fellowship of man, all creatures created equal in his eyes. The teachings learned from birth finally filled her with understanding of the wrongness of her actions of the day and the past years.

Entering her house and falling back against the door, the woman who’d gone to church every Sunday for the past forty seven years of her life fell to her knees and prayed for forgiveness, the shame spilling out from within her depths and shaking her large frame.

The closing of the door and several deep breaths finally calmed him and Jarrod’s shoulders sagged from weariness. Rubbing his hand over his face, he glanced around the outer office before moving and grabbing his briefcase, shoving papers into it. Locking up his office, the attorney mounted and turned his horse towards the ranch. He had to speak with his younger brother and his sense of urgency nudged Jingo into a gallop.

Chapter 42

His stomach was twisted in agony, his mouth barren of moisture and he rode with fear on his left shoulder. His mind tortured him with visions of a home no longer graced with a lop-sided grin and reaching the ranch, he jumped out of the saddle, thrusting the reins into Ciego’s waiting hands before dashing to the front door.

“MOTHER! HEATH!” called Jarrod uncharacteristically loudly and noisily throwing the briefcase onto the round table in the foyer. The sound of rushing feet were heard before his eyes beheld her. “Mother, where’s Heath?”

“Jarrod, what’s wrong?” worried Victoria, her first born’s unusual entrance and his frantic eyes concerning her. “Is it Audra? Nick? Are they hurt?”

“No, Mother.” replied Jarrod puzzled for a moment before shaking his head and placing a kiss on her cheek. “I’m sorry, Mother. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Placing a hand on his arm, Victoria sighed with relief and smiled slightly. “It’s okay, Jarrod. When you shouted like that, I took it the wrong way. You don’t normally announce your arrival home in such a manner.”

“I know, I’m sorry.” apologized Jarrod reaching over and squeezing her hand. “Is Heath in the house?”

“No, he’s at the corral working with Charger.” advised Victoria, studying the blue eyes as they lost their frantic look. “Something’s happened. What is it?”

Taking a deep breath, Jarrod replayed the scene in his head before answering, “I’m in the market for a secretary, Mother. I let Ms. Frankle go. We had a clashing of viewpoints. She thought her viewpoint was right and I know she was wrong.”

“Over Heath?” questioned Victoria, although she’d already felt something had happened between the blond and the older woman while she was signing the papers in Jarrod’s office, waiting til her son nodded before continuing. “What happened?”

Letting out a shaky breath after Jarrod explained what occurred, Victoria moved to sit on the settee in the parlor, the swishing of her material the only sound in the room. Leaning back into the seat, the tiny woman shook her head and admitted, “I was wrong today, Jarrod. I thought if people saw Heath and I together in town, united and beside each other…I hoped it would stop some of the talk, some of the whispering. In my desire to help Heath, I may have just provided the last straw. The one which broke the camel’s back.”

Sitting on the table in front of her, Jarrod reached over and picked up his mother’s hands in his. “I think if that were true, Mother, Heath would have left as soon as he brought you back home. As you said, he’s still here, down at the corral.”

Tears sprang to her eyes and she whispered, “No, he gave John his word about fixing up the orphanage. Heath wouldn’t have left today cause to do so would mean he’d have to break his word, go back on his promise and he wouldn’t do that.”

“No, he wouldn’t.” agreed Jarrod, reaching up and wiping away the tear which escaped her eye. “I’m going to talk to Heath and see if I can somehow repair the damage done. I won’t lose him Mother over pointing and whispers from small minded people.”

Standing, Jarrod bent down and placed a kiss on his mother’s silver hair leaving her on the settee and heading out the front door, his steps taking him to the corral furthest away from the rest of the buildings. He could see Heath inside the corral, his arms crossed over his chest and his head slightly tilted as he stood in front of the red stallion.

Quietly stopping outside the corral, Jarrod leaned against the wooden rails and watched, unable to hear the soft words being spoken by the blond. The words he whispered were only for the two large ears on the head of his captive audience.

Brown eyes rolled in their sockets as they watched the man whose voice calmed the uneasiness at the unfamiliar weight on his back. The leather seat was in place, securely fastened and on top were two sacks of grain tied in place. The two sacks weighed approximately the same as the man who stood before the animal, however, the equine was unaware of the significance of the weight…all it cared about was the unfamiliarness of the items.

Shaking his head at the soft murmurs, Charger snorted and stomped his foot. Heath chuckled softly at the gestures which appeared to be a response to his question. Reaching up, Heath ran a firm hand down the long nose of the horse, murmuring softly. His thoughts were only for the animal in front of him, his mind was focused only on the chose he was assigned to do. His escape from the world lay within the corral and he let his growing association with the stallion take him to a place where he was the whisperer.

Jarrod felt a hand on his shoulder and looked sideways into the profile of his other brother, his eyes intent on the scene in the corral. Glancing down, Jarrod nudged Nick and lifted an eyebrow at the boots which were minus spurs. Nick shrugged and winked, gesturing to the pump at the water trough where the spurs dangled, glistening in the sun.

“Too noisy.” whispered Nick after leaning close to his eldest brother’s waiting ear. “They bother little brother while he’s wrangling.”

Nodding his understanding, Jarrod turned his head back and stood with Nick, watching the training going on in the arena before them. It was a slow deliberate method of changing the fears of the animal and building its confidence, building its trust in an animal of a different species.

Heath sensed their arrival before he realized they were there, his brothers. Adding another sack on top of the others, the blond murmured as Charger shifted, shying at the increase of weight, steadying at the hand on his neck which reached up behind his ears and scratched a delicate spot. The soft voice was reassuring and he nodded, the large head of the horse moving up and down. Still murmuring, Heath took the reins and walked the horse around the corral, nodding to the men as they passed before them.

Neither brother standing outside the training area moved from their spot, they were frozen in place as they were mesmerized. Twenty minutes later, Heath stopped the large horse and removed the weight from the saddle, holding onto the saddlehorn and placing his left foot in the stirrup. Nick stiffened and tightened his hold on the corral bar, ready to vault into the training area if need be. Jarrod held his breath and couldn’t pry his eyes away.

Pulling himself up to stand with his weight in the stirrup, Heath murmured as the powerful muscles bristled and quivered. His voice and the trust he earned calming the stallion. When the quivering stopped, Heath put his right leg over and settled his body into the saddle. Charger was confused and turned his head back, brown eyes studying the man who was on his back, his ears twitching from the familiar murmurs. Nudging the horse gently, Heath walked him around the paddock while Nick and Jarrod let out their collective breaths and smiled at each other.

“Can ya’ open the gate, Nick?” requested Heath softly as he rode past his brothers. Nick unlatched and stood holding the gate open, coughing as Heath suddenly nudged the horse into a gallop, the dust flying up from the churning hooves and settling over the dark haired man.

“HEATH!” protested Nick loudly coughing and waving the dust away. His words not reaching the blond who let the horse run with all its might out of the ranch yard with the crew watching in admiration and across the grassy meadow before turning him back and returning to the corral. Dismounting, Heath patted the soft coat and murmured again, the horse nudging his shoulder in response before he was lead into the barn, unsaddled and put in his stall. Currying the animal, Heath blushed slightly at the compliments from his brothers, his hands only stopping for a moment at Jarrod’s words.

“When you’re finished, Heath can I have a moment of your time? I’d like to talk to you about this morning.” requested Jarrod, his words receiving a puzzled look from Nick.

Taking a breath, Heath replied, “There ain’t much to talk about, Jarrod. Just leave it be.”

“I can’t, little brother.” stated Jarrod, shaking his head when Nick opened his mouth, silencing him with a look. “Ms. Frankle told me what happened.”

Stopping and leaning against the seventeen hands high horse, Heath studied the face of his older brother before looking down at the comb in his hand. “Willingly?”

“No.” admitted Jarrod. “I want you to know she’s no longer employed by me. I won’t tolerate such behavior.”

Snapping up his head, Heath growled, “Jarrod, you can’t fire her over something that!”

“Over what?” asked Nick wanting to know what happened as his eyes moved from brother to brother. “What happened!”

“Ms. Frankle was too free with her personal opinions.” stated Jarrod, unsure of the reason for the anger in the blue eyes of his youngest brother.

Leaving the stall, Heath threw the comb into the wooden box and spun around on his heel. “Hire her back, Jarrod!”

“WHAT HAPPENED!” demanded Nick, neither blue eyed brother answering his question, the men were locked in a world of their own, squared off like adversaries in their corner of the ring.

“Hire her back?” repeated Jarrod in disbelief. “After what she said? No!”

“Don’t you get it, Jarrod!” snapped Heath angrily, “She has a right to her opinion, no matter what I may think about it! This is still a free country and the problem is not them, it’s me!”

“Heath…”

“I’ve always had people talk about me and say things, Jarrod. All my life it’s happened and I realized something today. I realized it’s not so much their voices or their looks which bothers me the most.” stated Heath with a deep sigh and troubled eyes. “Ever since I got out of Carterson, I’ve been hiding out from the world. Almost four years and I’ve been living in a world of my own with no one around. On my own terms, in my own space. Only dealing with people when I wanted to. It’s not so much what she said, it’s that I didn’t know what to say, how to handle it. I spent the last years hiding and now I realize what a mistake it was. I have to find some way to handle the whispers and whatever else they throw my way.”

Shaking his head, Heath looked up at the rafters and smiled to himself before bringing his eyes back to the two shocked faces. “If I’m to fight for my birthright and the right to be in this family, I need to be prepared to wage this war. I wasn’t prepared and Ms. Frankle won the first battle. But, her and those like her won’t win the war. I may be a lot of things but I’ve never been a quitter.”

Walking past his brothers, Heath left them standing in the barn, his words ringing out and entering the minds of the stunned men. They’d never heard the blond string so many words together at one time.

“Did he say when he got out of Carterson?” whispered Nick, his mind conjuring up the scarring on his brother’s back and he held onto the stall door at the sudden sick feeling overwhelming him. “My god.”

Jarrod’s eyes widened suddenly with understanding, “Did he say he was going to fight for the right to be in our family and he wasn’t going to quit?”

Chapter 43

“Nick, did you hear what Heath said?” asked Jarrod, his eyes brimming with hope before turning to concern at the brother who held onto the stall door with a death grip, his lungs bursting and sucking in oxygen as if he’d run two miles. “Nick, you okay?”

Negatively shaking his head, Nick trembled as facts and pictures assaulted his mind, his stomach felt as it he’d been kicked by a horse, the pain stabbed his insides. Jarrod bent slightly to stare at the face which paled under its tan.

“Nick, what the hell’s the matter?” stammered the attorney, the sudden condition of his strong brother frightening him, putting his hand on the black clothed back. “Do you need the doc?”

Shaking his head in denial with a mind shocked as much as his body, Nick forced out between his search for air. “Carterson..Heath..in Carterson.”

“I know, Nick.” admitted Jarrod quietly, his words bringing the tortured hazel eyes slowly upwards, the emotion of shock leaving.

“You knew?” hissed the rancher, anger rising up to overtake the shock, unable to comprehend his brother not sharing the knowledge. “You didn’t tell me!”

The accusation in the hazel eyes caused Jarrod to sigh and grab hold of the trembling shoulders, his eyes keeping hold of the other pair, “On the way to Heath’s cabin, he, well, he was lost in the past from his fever and called me Major Binginton after he asked for his orders. When you were sleeping from your head wound after we got to the cabin, he was talking about Carterson in his delirium.”

“You knew?” repeated Nick again, his hands clenching the lapels of the suit jacket in front of him, his face regaining color quickly as his inner thermometer increased from the surge of red. “Why the hell didn’t you say anything? Do you have any idea what he must have went through in that place? How could you not tell me, Jarrod!”

“Nick, it’s not my place to tell something I learned when our brother wasn’t aware. I couldn’t, it would be almost like betraying him with his unconscious thoughts. I’m sorry but it was Heath’s place to tell you if he wanted you to know.” explained Jarrod calmly before taking a deep breath. “Yes, I have an idea of what he went through, Nick. He’s been through hell on earth twice. First in Strawberry and then in Carterson. Twice and he’s not even twenty years old.”

The anguished look in the blue eyes and the emotion choking the older man’s words loosened his grip on the suit. Nick realized the truth behind his older brother’s words and he leaned against the stall door, bending at the waist and putting his hands on his knees.

“Jarrod, you’re right. I’m sorry.” apologized Nick taking deep breaths before straightening, running a hand through his hair. “I’ll do my damnest to make sure Stockton isn’t his third hell on earth.”

Jarrod pulled his still trembling brother into a hug, whispering in a firm voice. “Me too, Nick. Whatever it takes.”

Feeling the trembling leaving his body, Nick patted the back of his older brother and shook his head, “Let’s go find Heath, Jarrod. I think we all could use a drink.”

Nodding, Jarrod released his hold and together the brothers walked up to the house, searching the domicile they found their blond brother in the study seated at the desk. Glancing up at the sound of their boots, Heath raised an eyebrow when they entered, the looks on their faces making him put down the pencil and lean forward on the desk.

“Ya’ alright?” questioned Heath watching as Nick walked to the drink cart and poured three drinks, handing one to Jarrod and the other to Heath.

“To brothers and hopefully a very short war against small-minded people.” toasted Nick tossing back his drink with Jarrod following. Heath’s tumbler sat untouched on the desk and Nick frowned, suddenly realizing when they had before dinner drinks, the blond didn’t participate. “Heath, do you drink?”

“Not for the past two years.” stated Heath quietly, pushing himself out of the chair and picking up the crystal glass, handing it to Nick before picking up his cup. “Ya’ look like ya’ need this more than me.”

Jarrod perched himself on the corner of the desk and asked, “Why didn’t you tell us, Heath?”

Shrugging, the blond sighed as he stared into his cup, “I don’t know, maybe cause this all still feels strange and I have to sometimes remind myself we’re brothers.”

Intrigued at the bared thoughts, Nick grabbed a chair and straddled the back of it, his arms crossed over the back, the glass in his hand. “What do you mean it feels strange?”

Thinking for a moment, Heath gestured towards Nick’s black boots. “Most times it feels like a pair of boots that over the years are formed to your feet and then, well, sometimes it’s more like when ya’ buy a new pair, uncomfortable and hard. Eventually the new pair become your old pair. Does that make sense?”

Jarrod nodded, “Perfect sense, little brother. I’ve had twenty four years to get used to Nick and it took twenty three years before he felt like the old pair.”

Chuckling, Heath smiled at the protests from the dark haired rancher and shook his head, his eyes finding the french doors and the falling light outside. “I’m not much for talkin’ about myself and I know there’s questions ya’ want to ask…”

“It’s okay, Heath.” whispered Nick watching the profile of the blond whose eyes closed briefly, the uneasiness at sharing any of his past always left him feeling skittish and ready to run . “We have the rest of our lives to ask questions, little brother.”

“That’s right.” agreed Jarrod with a smile. “While we want to know everything about you, we know you’re a private person and we respect that. Someday when it feels right, you’ll let us know.”

Tilting his head slightly, Heath wrapped his hands around the cup and looked at the two older men who’d taken him in as their brother without hesitation. If he asked them a question, he knew without a doubt they’d answer without hesitation. To the two men before him, he also knew if he didn’t answer, they would wait as long as it took til he felt secure enough. It wasn’t fair to them. They’d readily share but he’d hold back.

Letting out a shaky breath, Heath flashed a slight grin before stating. “I ran to escape my, uh, Strawberry when I was fourteen. Long story short, I was in the war, captured and went to Carterson for what seemed a lifetime. Eight months after I was released, I left the hospital.”

The quiet voice glided across the room from the face which turned downward, blue eyes studying the pattern in the oriental rug on the floor before he continued. “I drank then, too much. I was struggling to just make it through one day at a time and the nights were spent in saloons, drinking, playing cards and fighting with anyone over anything. A simple remark could set me off, I was so angry. I could’ve drank myself to death and would’ve if Jim hadn’t found me. With his help, I built the ranch and that’s why I’m a tea toddler today.”

“You actually like to drink that crap?” asked Nick with a grimace and shiver while Jarrod rolled his eyes upwards as if searching for strength and guidance with the younger man.

Heath felt as if a part of his soul was lightened from the confession and he lifted his cup towards Nick. “Coffee, Nick. I like coffee.”

Nodding, Nick smiled at his two blue eyed brothers before scowling, “Now, will someone tell me what the hell happened today?”

Chapter 44

Glancing sideways at Nick’s question, the eldest watched the youngest’s eyes fall to look into the opening of his cup for several minutes. Nick studied Heath’s head, his eyes not leaving the blond hair as the story haltingly came out and he met the gaze of his newest brother when his chin raised upwards.

Heath swallowed at the look of disgust appearing on the face of Nick, his stomach suddenly filling with excessive acid, his heart pounding thunderously in his chest, his eyes widened with disbelief when Nick snorted and stood up.

“Welcome to the club, little brother.” smirked Nick with a shake of his head.

“What club, Nick?” asked Jarrod.

“The ‘you’re not good enough to be Jarrod’s brother’ club!” stated Nick tossing back his drink and putting the empty glass on the desk.

“Nick, what are you talking about?” questioned Jarrod in exasperation with Heath watching and listening. “Now, you’re giving me a headache!”

“That old battle-ax always made me feel I was lower than dirt every chance she got! The only difference was she didn’t come right out and say it like she did to Heath here. No, she’d pussyfoot around it. She’d say how someone mentioned I was casting a shadow over you after I’d get in a fight at the saloon. She’d mention how hard it must be for Mrs. Barkley to have such a wild son like me. Especially since Jarrod was rising quickly in the public eye and how proud our mother must be of you.”

Heath was no less shocked than Jarrod who stood with a perplexed look on his face, not quite sure how his astute nature missed what was right outside his office door. Clapping Jarrod on the back, Nick grinned, “I was tempted to belt her a few times but figured if I did that even the great Jarrod Barkley couldn’t keep me outta jail. NO matter how much the old bit…uh, witch deserved it.”

Wiping a hand across his face, Jarrod sighed deeply, “I had no idea, Nick. I’m sorry. Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I told you I thought you needed someone nicer as your secretary.” replied Nick after waving off Jarrod’s apology.

“NICK!” exclaimed Jarrod throwing his hands in the air. “That’s not telling me! I just thought you wanted me to hire someone prettier and younger so you could date her! How was I supposed to know that was what you meant about Ms. Frankle?”

Shrugging at the exasperation in his older brother’s voice, Nick looked at Heath and winked, “Guess you know now, don’t you big brother!”

Mumbling to himself, Jarrod squeezed his temples and groaned. Nick leaned on the desk, his eyes studying the drawing on the paper.

“Hey, is that the orphanage?” asked Nick reaching over to turn the paper around, studying it with interested orbs.

Suddenly nervous, Heath put his cup down and walked behind the desk, pulling the paper back away from the intense eyes and biting the inside of his cheek. “I rode over there this morning with Mrs. Barkley and I, uh, I…”

Looking upward at the hesitation, Nick suggested, “You wanted to draw a picture of the building afterwards for your wall or something?”

Blushing slightly, Heath snarled, “No, Nick!”

“Then why’d you draw it?” asked Nick, not sure again of what was happening, feeling again out of the loop.

Unconsciously tapping the pencil against the desk, Heath frowned, “Have ya’ seen the building lately, Nick?”

Shaking his head negatively, Nick replied, “No, I haven’t been there in months. Why?”

“It’s in real bad shape and they only have one exit.” informed Heath quietly.

“And?” prompted Nick glancing at Jarrod before looking back at the nervous younger man.

“Well, Mr. Timmons is right nice and I noticed if anything were to happen, like a fire or something, those kids ain’t got anyway out except through the front door.” blurted Heath. “A person should always have an escape plan in case of trouble cause well, uh, you never know what could happen.”

Tilting his head slightly at the hidden thoughts behind the words, Nick nodded in agreement and hesitated before asking, “Did you have an escape route at your cabin, Heath?”

Blue eyes drifted away for a moment before the blond head moved slightly, signifying the positive answer to the question and he whispered, “A tunnel under the kitchen table. You know, just in case they ever…”

“Yeah.” whispered Nick gazing into the troubled blue eyes. “Good idea to be prepared, little brother, just in case.”

Sighing loudly, Heath turned his eyes to the outside where the darkness had fallen while the brothers talked, unaware of the change in time. ”As a sniper in the war and at the cabin. I always tried to have a way of escape, just in case I needed it. I don’t like tunnels much but it would have served its purpose.”

Physically shaking himself, Heath offered a faint smile at the supportive looks on the faces of the older men before taking a deep breath and stating. “I’ll work the ranch in the mornings, Nick but I’d like to fix up the orphanage in the afternoons. It’d only be for a little while and this way they don’t have to pay no one. The extra money can be used for the kids and stuff they really need.”

Jarrod sat on the corner of the desk and offered, “I think…”

“Jarrod. The handling of the work on the ranch is my decision.” stated Nick, his eyes fully on the nervous blond behind the desk, the blue eyes belaying the younger’s need to handle the renovations on the old building. Remembering the furniture at the isolated cabin in the mountain and the hands which took the time to carefully cut, sand, nail and build the pieces, Nick pursed his lips before asking, “You’re not planning on dragging all our tools over there, are you?”

Shaking his head, Heath let out a shaky breath and his eyes light up, “No, Nick. I’m sure they have some there and I won’t need many.”

“Hmmm…that’s good.” said Nick offhandedly and then offering, “There’s some extra wood in the barn up in the loft we’re not gonna need. Why don’t you take it over there tomorrow?”

Jarrod smiled at the glow in the blue eyes, the excitement pulsating off the younger man and he leaned over sideways, catching Nick’s eyes and letting him know how proud he was of his middle brother with a single look. Nick smiled and looked down at the paper on the desk.

“What do you have in mind for the orphanage, Heath? I could maybe help on some Saturdays and Sundays.” offered Nick, unaware of the surge of emotion his acceptance of the plan raised in the younger man.

The immense pride burst forth inside the woman who stood outside the door of the study, shamelessly listening in as her sons helped their new brother one step at a time with the hand of destiny gently guiding the men along.

Chapter 45

She lifted her head from the pillow and listened, the house was silent, the dwellers had retired to their rooms for the evening. She thought she’d heard something and she sat up in her bed, swinging her legs over the side and walking to the window, her bare feet on the cool wooden floor made no sound.

Looking down, Victoria watched the shadow which made its way from the house. Hesitating just a moment, she turned from the window and slipped into her robe before sliding her feet into the warm slippers.

Opening the door to her room, she made her way silently down the grand staircase and through the front door. The moonlight glimmered in the clear sky, the night air touching her bare skin was cool but not cold. She could see him leaning on the corral and made her way closer, the moonlight shining on his blond head seemed to lighten its color, almost as if it were golden.

Heath watched the unbroken mustang under the moonlight, nervous and shying away, ears twisting and turning at the soft words before he stood up on his back legs and flailed out with his front feet, almost as if he were preparing for a fight with the two legged creature outside the corral.

“Heath?” said Victoria softly, not wanting to startle him and announcing her presence before she reached him.

Turning at the sound of his name, Heath sighed, “Mrs. Barkley, ya’ shouldn’t be out here in the middle of the night.”

Reaching the corral, she smiled and touched his arm with a small hand, “And you should be asleep, young man. You have a big day tomorrow with working the ranch and starting on the orphanage.”

Shifting on his feet, the blond stated quietly, “I’m used to not sleeping much at night, ma’am.”

“How about some pie and coffee? I’m having trouble sleeping myself.” suggested Victoria pleased when he nodded and allowed her to take his arm, the two walking back into the house and into the kitchen.

Victoria set the coffeepot on the fire while Heath grabbed two plates and secured the peach pie from the icebox. Placing the two plates and utensils on the table, he waited for her to finish pouring the cups and placed them on the table before pulling out her chair. Sitting across from her, no words were spoken for several minutes while the mouth watering dessert was savored, followed by a few sips of coffee.

“Heath, I think what you’re wanting to do for the orphanage is a fine thing.” stated Victoria reaching over and patting his hand. “I was impressed with your plan.”

Tilting his head slightly, the blue eyes sparkled for a moment before he answered, “Now, Mrs. Barkley, ain’t that kinda what ya’ had in mind when ya’ took me to the orphanage?”

Gray eyes twinkled and she nodded, holding her hand up to cover the laughter wanting to escape. “I should’ve known you’d figure it out, Heath. Your insight and ability to read people are wonderful assets.”

Shrugging, Heath studied the pattern on the plate for a moment before glancing upward. “I’m guessing Nick or Jarrod told ya’ about the furniture I made on my ranch when we came back since I nev’r told ya’.”

“Yes, they did. Your brothers are very impressed with your skills.” admitted Victoria cupping her hands together and leaning forward on the table. “It is a talent to work with your hands and from their descriptions, I felt you could benefit as much as the orphanage from your talent.”

Taking a deep breath, Heath stood up and grabbed the pot, refilling the cups and giving each person time to gather themselves. Taking the plates he placed them in the sink before sitting back at the table, meeting the gray eyes across from him.

“Mrs. Barkley, I had a lot of time alone on the ranch and working with wood helped keep my mind busy.” explained Heath with a small smile. “There is nothing quite like taking a rough piece of wood, seeing in your mind what you want and shaping it into something useful. It’s more than just building…it’s creating and designing.”

Victoria squeezed the larger hand and offered a smile. “Perhaps your talent with shaping wood is the same as mine with my rose garden. It’s satisfying to both of us deep inside to watch what we start take on a life of its own before our very eyes. I use the time in my rose garden to clear my mind and ponder on life.”

Nodding slightly, Heath felt an inner calm settle over him, his gaze was lost in the gray eyes loaded with trust and promise. It was almost as if his soul was shared with this woman, he knew he would do anything for her, the same as Jarrod and Nick would.

“Heath, you do realize some in the community will never accept you or accept that we accept you, don’t you?” queried Victoria.

Shrugging, Heath sighed, “I know cause if everyone liked everyone else, there wouldn’t be wars or fights. Jarrod would be out of a job if that happened.”

Snickering, Victoria smiled at the amusement in the blue eyes across from her. “Somehow, I don’t think your brother would want to work the ranch all day. He was always destined to be in a courtroom. Ever since he could read, Jarrod was working towards the day when he’d take his bar exam. When Nick was small, he’d read to him from law books and put your brother to sleep instantly.”

Frowning, Heath whispered as he stared into his cup, “What Ms. Frankle said was true, wasn’t it? They was talking him up to be governor someday? My being here’s changed it.”

“No one can tell the future, Heath. Not you, me, Jarrod or this community.” replied Victoria firmly, knowing she’d been correct when she thought the youngest son had something on his mind that evening. “Heath, look at me.”

Waiting til the ocean eyes found hers, she questioned, “Do you think Jarrod would give you up for the governor’s mansion or even the presidency? If you look deep into his eyes, into his soul, which do you think he would place more value on? A brother or a political office?”

“Why can’t he have both?” sighed Heath, his shoulders drooping suddenly from the weight of his thoughts. “It ain’t right, ma’am.”

Reaching over, Victoria placed a hand on his, her smile warm and full of understanding. “No, it’s not right and it’s not fair, Heath. Jarrod’s political dreams can still happen. I know he wanted to build his law practices before throwing his hat into the ring. Your brother is a smart, honest man who has a wonderful family to support him when that time comes. Just as he supports you now, I know you will be there for him in the future.”

“Yes, ma’am.” agreed Heath with a nod.

“I suggest we head upstairs. We both need our sleep.” smiled Victoria, holding onto his arm and leading him from the kitchen, slowly ascending the staircase and stopping outside her room. Looking up into the blue eyes, Victoria held one of his hands and whispered.

“Remember in the days, weeks and months to come Heath, your family stands by you not out of obligation but out of pride and love. You are a man who if given a chance will build strong relationships and strong friendships with those who are your greatest stumbling blocks now. In fact, I have faith with time, many of those who oppose you will become your greatest allies. Given enough time, the community will forget when you came to be with us. Given enough time to them, it’ll seem like you’ve always been here. Time will be your friend and not your enemy. Time is all we need to help us fight the wrong perceptions. Good night, Heath.”

“Night, ma’am.” replied the blond absently, her words already whirling around in his head.

Touching his cheek briefly, Victoria reached up and brushed a kiss on the tanned face, his blue eyes filled with surprise at the gesture. Heath turned and walked to his room, reaching up with one hand to touch the spot on his face tingling from her chaste kiss. The same motherly gesture she bestowed on her children and he felt a wondrous feeling growing inside from her caring and generous soul.

Chapter 46

The sound of a hammer reached his ears and John Timmons made his way to the area where the ringing of the metal reached him. Pushing open the plastic tarp separating the work area from the remainder of the orphanage, the older man made his way to the far corner where the blond young man was pounding the nails into the final step.

It was over a month since Heath started on the project, his diligence and skill reflected in each step, each piece of wood, each nail driven into place. It was obvious to Timmons and those who came by on occasion, the man outcast by the community he lived in placed great pride in his work and his need to provide the residents of the orphanage with a safe environment were first and foremost in his mind.

The majority of the work was started and finished by Heath with his brothers joining on occasion when their schedules allowed. The two female members of the Barkley family supported their male counterparts fully and lent a hand where ever they could.

Finishing the last step, Heath wiped his forehead and stepped back, studying the steps which lead upwards to the second floor were set in the middle of the monstrosity of a building. Now, there were three exits in case of emergency. The original exit of the front door, a new exit at the end of the building which was built outside. The new outer steps were broken by a landing heading up to a new door on the second floor. The final exit was placed in the middle of the building in the event one of the other two exits was compromised and unusable.

Putting his hammer in the crate on the floor, Heath climbed the stairs to the top and sighed with satisfaction at the solid construction beneath his boots. Waving to the kids who were walking single file in the hallway, the blond turned and walked back down the stairs, smiling at the sight of the older man.

“All done, John.” informed Heath indicating to the piece of construction before bending to pick up the extra lumber. “The boys can start sanding the rails tomorrow so I wouldn’t let any of the kids use this set of stairs til they’ve smoothed the edges.”

“Thank you, Heath. An excellent job.” smiled John. “I imagine the boys will be wanting to know when you’ll be back to inspect their handiwork. They’ve grown quite fond of you.”

“They’re good boys.” said Heath flashing a lop-sided grin at the older man. “Hard workers, too. I’ll come back in two days that should be plenty of time.”

“I’ll inform our little men of their deadline.” said John helping the blond carry the extra lumber to the basement where it was stored. Working together for several minutes, the two quickly and efficiently cleaned up the work area before Heath carried the tools out to the waiting wagon, placing the box in the bed.

Following the blond outside, John leaned against the wagon and hesitated for a moment, “You okay, Heath? You seem, well, not yourself today.”

Taking a breath, Heath pushed his hat back on his forehead and smiled slightly, “Got some things on my mind is all, John.”

“My offer still stands. If you need to talk or any help, think of me first.” offered the older man, his first instincts of the type of man the younger man appeared to be were only further solidified by the time they spent together. “I know if I needed anything, I could count on you. You’ll remember that, won’t you?”

Nodding, Heath shifted on his feet and drawled, “I know John. I appreciate it and I won’t forget.”

“I’ll hold you to that, Heath.” teased Timmons with a wink. “You want some coffee before you go?”

“No, I gotta run some errands and get back to the ranch.” replied Heath with a negative shake of his head, taking the hand extended in friendship before climbing up onto the front seat, waving before the reins flicked and the wagon moved.

John watched the wagon leave the yard of the orphanage and turn towards Stockton. Sighing deeply, the older man entered the building and went into his office, taking a seat behind the desk, he picked up his pencil and studied the books before him. His eyes not seeing the numbers in the ledgers and he sat back, his gaze looking out the window towards the town buildings and he snarled to himself thinking of his town citizens.

“Damn hypocrites.”

Heath stopped the wagon in front of the post office, climbing down and entering the small building. Looking upwards, the spinster woman behind the counter glanced around uneasily, searching for the blond’s brother, the loud mouthed and frightening one as she tossed the mail on the counter as if afraid to near the young man. Heath took a deep breath and picked up the mail before he touched the brim of his hat, forcing a smile to turn up his lips.

“Lovely to see you too, Miss Pickens. My brother sends his regards.” stated Heath softly turning on his heel and leaving the building, remembering the last time he’d come to town with Nick and gone to get the mail while his brother spoke to the town sheriff on the boardwalk.

Reaching the post office building, Nick’s loud angry words to the woman when he overheard her rudeness and unpleasantness towards his little brother was one of many times in the past when the blond wondered if time was really his friend or was this town just his enemy.

While he knew the family would champion their support of him til the last breaths left his body, Heath struggled internally with the acceptance of allowing others to fight for him and the need to take care of matters for himself. The warmth in him when he thought about the members of his family helped to keep his feet planted in Stockton.

The sense of security and happiness as he worked by Nick’s side helped him through some difficult times in the past month. His brother was willing to take on everyone and everything which threatened to cast anything but a friendly look his way. His brashness and insolence was only an outer coat, the true treasure to the man lay within his large heart. This man’s heart was the strongest part of him and he was not afraid to show his little brother he held a place in it.

Audra’s unwavering support of her new brother, her fierceness in protecting him and the gentle nature in her found a special place in his heart. She was the one closest to his age and often would entice him into a ride or a walk. She considered her blond brother a confidant and a friend. She trusted him with her dreams, her wishes for the future.

Jarrod’s keen ear was there, ready to listen and offer advise while he floundered his way through. The past years of nonsocialization worked against him as he searched for a way to handle himself during the rough times from the criticism and harsh tongues of those in the area who continued to oppose him. The man who wore a three piece suit as easily as he wore range clothes fought by his side and guided him with a strong hand on his shoulder and a twinkle of brotherly love in his eyes.

Mrs. Barkley was like a giant oak in the forest, bending with the wind threatening to destroy it but standing strong with deep roots and branches outstretching welcoming all into her shade. She offered what no other could. She offered what he often prayed for all those years. She offered unconditional acceptance and love only as a mother could. She offered it to him, the son of her husband’s by another woman.

How long would the war go on and could he stick it out to the end? These questions plagued him when he was left alone with his thoughts. He’d known it wasn’t going to be easy but he’d have thought by now, some of the tongues would stop wagging and their snarling teeth would have found something else to latch onto.

Putting the mail in the box under the seat, Heath stopped and pulled out the letter he’d seen his name on, shoving it in his shirt pocket before starting the wagon out of town. After he was on the trail back to the ranch, he pulled out the envelope and scanned the writing, his eyes glancing around as he made his way down the trail.

Reaching the yard of the ranch, Heath sighed with relief and climbed down, nodding to Ciego who came over to take care of the wagon. The blond’s nerves were stretched tight as a guitar string, his body rigid with tension when he opened the front door.

“Hey, Heath!” greeted Nick walking out from the study, glancing upward from the ledger he was reading, teasing loudly. “You’d best get ready for the dance tonight, little brother! You wanna smell pretty for all them ladies, now.”

Nick stopped suddenly, when the blond stood still not responding to the brotherly bantering and his hazel eyes studied the blond’s face as he neared closer. “What’s wrong?”

“It wasn’t her, Nick.” whispered Heath, the letter clutched in his hand and his voice shook with fear. “She’s alive. God help us, she’s still breathing.”

Chapter 47

“Who?” asked Nick, the darting of the blue eyes in their sockets frightened him and he gripped the smaller man’s shoulders tightly. “Who are you talking about, Heath?”

“I’ll never be free. It’ll always be there.”

The defeat in the anguished whisper stabbed the larger man in the heart, the light colored eyes were looking backwards at a past quickly catching up to the blond.

Heath blinked as Nick shook him to bring his eyes back to him, the deep voice repeating again.

“Who little brother?”

“Her.” whispered Heath. “My aunt.”

“What about your aunt, Heath?” questioned Jarrod hearing the shocked whisper from the shaken man as he walked into the open foyer from the kitchen, startling both of his younger brothers.

Nick released his hold on the shoulders and gripped the nape of Heath’s neck, his eyes narrowing in confusion and concern. Taking a great gulp of air to calm himself against the raging fear pouring off the younger man, Nick released a shaky breath.

“Heath, she’s dead. Your aunt died in the fire.” stated Nick calmly. “She’s not here.”

Shaking his head negatively, the blond who seemed to step back in time was no longer the man who could protect himself with weapons made of metal. He was replaced by a small boy, tortured eyes staring out of his pale face, beads of perspiration dotted his forehead.

Jarrod saw the paper clutched in Heath’s hand, his knuckles white from the grip on the wood pulp and he placed a hand on the blond’s arm, raising the limb from his side and pulling the paper from his hand after several requests to the stunned man.

Nick led the blond to the parlor and set him on the divan, the legs of the man shaking as he was encompassed from the nightmares of the past and he sat with his head in his hands. From his position by his little brother, Nick glanced up into his older brother’s eyes before Jarrod took a seat on the table in front of the two men.

“Heath, why do you think this is from your aunt? It’s not signed.” pointed out Jarrod, handing the paper to Nick who quickly read the words. “Hey, little brother, look at me.”

“She’s coming here. I know it.” mumbled Heath, lifting his head to reveal the despair in his eyes.

“Heath, you have to help us help you.” stated Jarrod, reaching over and holding the trembling man by the shoulders. “This could be from anybody, Heath. How do you know it’s from her? Why would you think your aunt is still alive?”

“It’s her words.” hissed Heath, shivering uncontrollably, causing a lingering memory to take shape in his lawyer brother’s mind. “I can hear them in my head. They’s her words!”

“Heath, anyone could say these words.” protested Nick reading the lines on the paper. ‘You will pay for what you took from me. You have broken a rule and must be punished.’

“That’s her! It’s the same, the same when I was a boy.” informed Heath, his voice barely above a hushed whisper, unable to stop the torrent of fear, the fear not felt since he’d received the letter from Sheriff Tucker advising of the fire. Suddenly he knew for certain, she’d not go after him but those he now felt the closest to. The family of his father who stood up and hailed him as one of their own. “I can’t stay here. It’s best I go.”

“NOW JUST A DAMN MINUTE! YOU’RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE!” shouted Nick, the statement of leaving thrust the rancher into his own panic and he jumped to his feet, causing Heath to flinch from the explosion of words, hazel eyes filled with guilt and pain at the gesture.

“Stop yelling, Nick.” censured Jarrod firmly, turning back to Heath and holding up a hand to calm the wild look appearing in the eyes of the teenager. “Let’s all calm down. Heath? Nick? I want you both to take some deep breaths and listen to me.”

Jarrod waited while the two youngest tried to follow the orders of the oldest, his blue eyes studied each man before him. Nick ran a hand through his hair before reaching over and keeping hold of the blond’s shoulder, leaning over and whispering.

“Sorry, I yelled at you little brother.” apologized Nick squeezing the strong shoulder. “I didn’t mean it.”

Heath reached up and patted the hand with one of his own which was shaking slightly, taking breaths to stop the fear which threatened to send him to his knees. The strong hand on his shoulder didn’t leave and he so wished he had the infinite courage the owner of the hand possessed. He was a coward inside and he couldn’t met the hazel eyes, for fear the man he’d come to worship would see him for what he truly was.

Yes, he’d survived a confederate hell hole of a prison, been forced to live in conditions cockroaches would protest and bared degradation and whippings handed out by those who tried to break the inner strength of their prisoners.

He’d lived through that hell but the woman who should have been the female to replace the mother he’d lost…was the one capable of sending him cowering in the corner. Her eyes were without compassion, they were without love or decency. She thrived and seemed to grow in strength when others quivered from fear of her. He’d seen it with his own eyes, the eyes of a child, wide with fear.

“Heath, do you remember the article in the newspaper after you first came back with us?” queried Jarrod receiving a slight nod from the man who’d been filled with embarrassment and shame as he read the story.

The account in the newspaper written for all of the state to read, the details laid out in black and white typeface for the community to devour. Any news on the prominent family, however significant or insignificant, was a newspaper man’s dream. One particular reporter learning of the newest son had gone to great lengths to satisfy his curiosity over what had happened to the Barkley brothers, Nick and Jarrod when they arrived back in Stockton with the younger son.

All three men were hurt and their physical states sent him on a mission, sent him sniffing out the information in his lust for the story. He’d honed his craft over the years, researching, bribing and eavesdropping to put together his story. Plastering it in the Stockton Gazette and sending it to the outlying papers to widen its distribution.

The family hadn’t known how he obtained information only contained in the report of Sheriff Tucker kept in his office. The story not graphically detailed about the abuse suffered at the hands of his caretakers, however, did contain several phrases the Simmons couple would say to a young boy to send him cowering in fear. Heath, himself had reluctantly divulged the information to the sheriff so the lawman would understand why an uncle hated his nephew to such an extent and why his death was in self defense.

The reporter wouldn’t divulge his source of information, however, two weeks later the deputy in Pine Crest left the state after quitting his job in the middle of the night.

“What about it?” whispered Heath not sure of what connection the article had to the letter he’d received.

“These sentences are in that article, remember?” stated Jarrod watching the blond’s forehead deepen in thought as he tried to bring the news article into his mind. “This letter could be from anyone who wants to see you leave Stockton, anyone who wants to find some way to hurt you or us. It doesn’t mean it’s from your aunt, Heath. If you were to leave after getting this letter, they’d win and our family would lose so much. I think someone thought this would be a way to get at you and us.”

“Dammit!” growled Nick, meeting the eyes of his big brother. “When I find out who did this…”

“How can you be sure of that Jarrod?” interrupted Heath, shaking his head. “I hope to god it’s someone’s idea of a sick and cruel joke but what if it’s not? What if she is alive?”

Leaning forward, Jarrod reached down and lifted the blond’s face with his hand, his eyes staring into the young man he felt he’d been entrusted with, the last gift of his father, the one who shared his father's physical traits and habits.

“I can’t be sure, Heath. None of us can be.” agreed Jarrod. “Just remember, you’re not that little boy any more. You’re our brother and you’re not alone. You’re surrounded by family and we’d never allow anything to happen to you. We’ll try to find whoever sent the letter. Don’t let them win, Heath. I know you’re tired from fighting but let us in, we can help. We’re never going away, trust us.”

Closing his eyes for several minutes, the blond nodded slightly and exhaled a shaky breath, before meeting the blue eyes across from him. “I am tired, Jarrod. I’ve been fighting for the last fourteen years and I feel every inch of it inside me. I’m so doggone tired.”

Chapter 48

The admission of internal exhaustion from the battering the blond’s soul and heart experienced over the last years was more than a statement, it was an opening. Heath’s final barrier of keeping himself at arms length had crumbled, his hesitancy in opening himself completely to those who around him faded and he took a deep breath before searching the eyes of the men with him.

Nick squeezed the shoulder under his hand, his hazel eyes burned with more than brotherly love, they burned with a promise to rise to the challenge of protecting the man under his hand, the man who needed to heal the boy inside before he could go forward.

The first born would have sworn that day instead of a young man before him, he saw an old man who’d fought time and wars over the years. The physical body may be young but Jarrod knew Heath’s soul was as old as the mountains. His gentle, compassionate nature had lived with the filthiest and most horrific experiences mankind could conjure up on another and inside he needed to rejuvenate, he needed to put salve on the wounds.

Jarrod met the blue searching eyes and cupped the blond’s cheek in his hand, his smile of assurance and encouragement all his little brother needed to understand the older man’s thoughts.

“Brother Heath, we are at your service.” stated Jarrod seriously before winking at the youngest of the three. “Though you might find a certain middle brother maybe be lacking in gentleness and filled with grumpiness…he’ll do in a pinch.”

The lop-sided smile which sprang to the blond’s face and the chuckle filled the room with a bit of levity. Nick scowled at the eldest in the room and protested.

“I’m not grumpy! I’m exuberant!” replied the dark haired rancher with a smile before sitting back against the divan.

“Exuberant? Boy howdy, that’s a big word for ya’ Nick.” suddenly teased Heath, the statement surprising both of his brothers before Nick snorted and pulled the blond towards him, his arm around his neck and his knuckles rubbing against his head.

“Hey now, little brother, it’s bad enough I gotta listen to Pappy. Don’t you go joining his bandwagon.” growled Nick affectionately at the giggles escaping the younger man before he allowed him to sit up with the blond hair all askew.

Jarrod’s eyes twinkled with amusement at his younger brothers and he sent a heartfelt thankful prayer to the person who wielded destiny’s hand, the hand which brought the lost young brother to them, the one who completed the circle which was their family.

Nick chuckled at the blond hair, sticking up and electrified from his knuckles. His laughter was stopped at the words of their sister when she entered the room.

“Hey, you’re not ready!” complained Audra in her new dress made of light blue satin, her hair pulled up away from her face, the color of the dress a perfect match for the blues in her eyes. “We’re going to be late!”

Heath stared at the girl before him and was suddenly filled with a fierce sense of pride, the deep sense of brotherly protectiveness and honor. This beautiful, gentle, caring creature was related to him. She was his sister and his friend.

“Audra, we’re not going…” informed Nick, unable to complete his words.

The look of hurt which sprang into her blue eyes twisted Heath’s heart and he quickly stated before the moisture filling her eyes fell out.

“to be late, sis.” insisted Heath quickly, casting a glance at his surprised brothers. “We got caught up talkin’ is all. Right, brothers?”

Nodding, Jarrod stood up, “That’s correct, Heath. Don’t worry little one, we’ll be ready before you can blink. Come along my brothers.”

Placing a kiss on his sister’s cheek, Jarrod waited for his brothers who both uttered apologies to their little sister and headed upstairs. Victoria tilted her head at the sight of the three standing in a group at the top of the stairs, whispering to each other. Heath listened to the concerns of his brothers.

“It’s important to Audra, Nick. This dance is all she’s talked bout for weeks. I don’t wanna be the cause of her sadness and besides I know I won’t be alone. You’ll be there.” insisted the blond with a look pleading for his brothers’ understanding.

“Damn right, boy.” growled Nick firmly before quickly stammering to change his words, “I didn’t mean to say boy, I, uh, meant Heath.”

Looking into the hazel eyes, Heath smiled slightly and shrugged. “It’s okay, Nick. When ya’ say it, I know ya’ mean it in a different way. Ya’ just acting like a big brother, is all. It’s not said in a way to make me feel..…”

Lowering his eyes a bit, Heath struggled to find the right way to express the differences in the way the two words sounded when they came from two different men. One laced with affection, the other laced with venom and cruelty. Jarrod placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled.

“We know, little brother.” assured Jarrod when the eyes lifted to his and filled with relief.

“BOYS!” scolded Audra from the bottom of the grand staircase, turning their eyes from each other.

“Boy howdy, she sounds just like moth…uh, Mrs. Barkley.” replied Heath, his face turning red at the slip of his tongue and he hastily added. “We’d best get ready if we want to make it on time.”

Turning towards the hallway, Heath’s mouth dropped open at the tiny woman who suddenly appeared in front of him, a smile on her lips. Jarrod and Nick moved away as one leaving him with the head of their family, patting his back on their way past.

“Ma’am.” whispered Heath shifting his feet and dropping his eyes from the gray probing ones. “I’d best get ready, excuse me.”

Stopping his flight with two tiny hands on his arms, Victoria gazed at the youngster before her, the wonder left behind by her husband and his mother. Her small hand moved to tilt his head upwards by slender fingers under his chin.

“Don’t ever feel ashamed to let others know what’s in your heart, Heath. I’d be honored if you’d call me Mother for I think of you as my son.” replied Victoria, with a tender smile before moving her small hand upwards to hold his cheek against her palm. “You will always be my son and have an equal share of my heart, just like your brothers and sister.”

Holding the hand against his cheek, Heath let out a shaky breath, his eyes storming with emotions before a look of wonder appeared in his eyes and a smile lit up his face, “Mother.”

Chapter 49

The sounds of the musicians warming up their instruments filtered into the street outside the hall, the party lanterns decorated the overhang beckoning the citizens towards the party spot. Jarrod with his mother and sister attached to his arms walked in front of his two younger brothers who smiled at each other, the excitement in Audra’s voice was far better than the sadness they’d have heard if they had stayed home.

Though growing more nervous and tense the closer they neared the hall, Heath knew he’d have felt worse if he’d allowed his fear to dampen his sister’s spirit. The girl turned young woman was popular not only for her beauty but for the person she was inside. Nick nudged Heath with his elbow and motioned with his head to the well dressed young man who stood to the side of the door, his face lighting up with happiness as the family approached.

Heath nodded to the son of the banker as he passed him on his way through the door following Nick. Mason Franklin greeted the family and stopped Heath with a hand on his arm. Nick glanced over to say something and not seeing his brother, turned back to see the missing man talking to the banker’s son. In three strides, Nick was by the blond’s side.

“I mean it, Heath.” stated Mason.

“What do you mean, Mason?” growled Nick taking a step closer to the young man, his movement stopped when a hand appeared on his broad chest.

“Easy, Nick.” warned Heath softly, turning the hazel eyes towards him. “Mason here was just saying how he admired the work I did on the orphanage building.”

“Oh? Really?” questioned Nick with surprised narrowed eyes.

“I couldn’t believe the quality of the work, Nick. I didn’t know Heath was so adept at building and shaping wood.” admitted Mason with a shake of his head and a smile at the blond.

“The orphanage has a special place in my heart since I lived there for several years before I was adopted, Heath. While it was a difficult time because I’d lost both of my parents to the fever, it was also a good time filled with lots of friendships. I always thought we were more like a family than a group of homeless children thrown together. I was lucky enough to be adopted by two wonderful people who wanted to be my parents, however, I’ll never forget what the people of the orphanage did for me.”

Heath nodded and returned the smile of the other man while sensing the relaxation of his brother beside him. “I agree. The staff at the orphanage are caring and giving people. Stockton is lucky to have them running the orphanage and taking care of the kids.”

“Yes we are, Heath.” replied Mason holding out his hand to the man ostracized by some around them. “Again, let me say how much I admire what you did for them. Nice work.”

Taking the hand of the banker’s son, Heath shook it firmly before suggesting, “I’m guessing Audra’s waiting for a certain someone to put his name on her dance card and seeing how you two smiled hello to each other, maybe ya’ should head over there afore there’s no dances left open.”

Blushing slightly, Mason groaned, “Am I that easy to read?”

Studying the young man for a moment, Nick smirked, “I wouldn’t try my hand at poker, Mason, if I was you.”

Chuckling the brown haired man smiled and moved across the floor, seeking out the men’s younger sister, his eyes sparkling as he admired her beauty. Nick and Heath watched the two together and made their way to where Jarrod and Victoria sat.

“How is Mason this evening?” inquired Victoria as she glanced around the table at her three handsome sons.

“He’s fine, Mother.” replied Heath. “He was telling me how much he liked the work at the orphanage we did.”

Nick scanned the crowd of eligible females as he talked. “He’s a nice kid and seems to have a good head on his shoulders. Not like that last boyfriend of Audra’s.”

“Nick.” scolded Jarrod. “Watch what you’re saying.”

“What?” scowled the rancher looking over to his big brother and stating emphatically. “He is better than the last one.”

Heath leaned over to Victoria and whispered, “What was wrong with her last beau, Mother?”

Snorting at the question he over heard, Nick’s words were cut off by Jarrod’s explanation, “The same thing that was wrong with Nick’s last girlfriend, Heath.”

Victoria lowered her head and studied the lace hanky in her hand, her smile hidden from her sons, the amusement in her gray eyes hidden from their view.

“There was nothing wrong with Tildy.” protested Nick in a hushed whisper, lowering his voice as the room filled with citizens and his finger jabbed the table. “Name one thing she had in common with Horace.”

Heath leaned forward intently after hearing a small giggle escape from the woman at his side and his eyes filled with curiosity. Jarrod rolled his eyes and smirked, “Well for one thing neither knew which end of the horse was the as…uh.. back end and I swear they both used the same cologne, ‘Ode de Offensive’. I think it was from a skunk. Now, tell me I’m lying, Nick!”

Heath turned his eyes to Nick who scowled and grumbled, “Oh shut up, Jarrod.”

The other three broke out in snickers and Nick sighed, before grinning and winking at his brothers. Victoria shook her head and placed a hand on Heath’s arm as the music started playing.

“I hope you’ll save a dance for me tonight, Heath.” suggested Victoria with a smile.

“I ain’t much on dancing but if ya’ don’t mind me having two left feet, I guess I could try not to step on ya’.” sighed Heath with a small smile.

“I’ll take my chances, Heath.” assured Victoria with a smile before Jarrod led her onto the dance floor.

Heath nudged Nick who was eyeing a dark haired beauty across the room and stated, “I see Duke with some of the men, Nick. I’m gonna go talk to them.”

“I’ll come with you.” offered Nick.

“Nah, you go have a good time.” stated Heath patting the strong back as he left to skirt the crowd and left his brother watching him make his way to the foreman and the hands. Waiting til Heath was safe with the men, Nick made his way to the group of ladies across the way, gallantly taking the hand of the girl he’d seen and lead her to the floor.

“Coffee, boss?” asked Tim pouring a cup after receiving a nod and handing it to their blond boss.

“Thanks but I’m not a boss tonight, Tim.” said Heath with a grin as he took the cup, talking with the men glancing every once in a while to keep an eye on the members of his family throughout the conversation.

“Heath.” said Tim under his breath at the woman approaching, catching the blond’s eye with a movement of his head.

Heath turned and physically straightened as if preparing himself for a gale force wind. The round body of Helen Frankle made its way to the group of men, her hair stretched upwards into the familiar style, her dress simple but neat. Heath’s hand unconsciously tightened around the cup he was holding as she neared and finally stopped before him.

Duke caught the eye of Jarrod after he left the dance floor with his Mother. The attorney quickly deposited his mother at the table and started towards them but his progress was hampered by the people in the way. Nick saw the expression on Jarrod’s face and glanced over to the men before stammering an apology and leaving the dark haired woman standing alone.

“Ms. Frankle.” acknowledged Heath through his clenched jaw, unaware as the men stepped closer to him as if to shield their boss.

Taking a deep breath, Helen Frankle twisted her hanky in her hands and gulped down the lump in her throat. “Mr. Thomson, I don’t ride horses and I’ve never driven a buggy in my life so I haven’t been able to see you til tonight. I would have written, however, this is not something which should be done by a letter.”

“What would that be, Ms. Frankle?” questioned Heath hesitantly.

“I’d like to sincerely apologize for my behavior, Mr. Thomson. It was horrid and I will understand if you do not wish to accept my apology.” stated the matronly woman, her eyes filling with tears. “I really am not a bad person, Mr. Thomson. Truly, I am not.”

Heath saw the deep shame in the eyes of the older woman before she dropped her gaze from his, the sorrowful tone of her words and the sincerity was clear for the young man to hear. Relaxing at the realization she wasn’t going to attack and start another battle, Heath took in a shaky breath.

“Tell me something, Ms. Frankle.” stated Heath waiting til her eyes met his before proceeding with a look of puzzlement. “How is it someone can live in the west and not know how to ride a horse or drive a buggy?”

Surprised by the question, Helen Frankle sighed, “I’ve always lived in town and never had a need to use either modes of transportation, Mr. Thomson. I realize how strange it must seem.”

Smiling slightly, Heath nodded, “What may seem strange to me may seem perfectly normal to someone else, Ms. Frankle.”

“Funny, I never thought of it that way before, Mr. Thomson.” agreed the older woman with a decisive shake of her head.

Shrugging slightly, Heath offered, “Sometimes all one needs to do is take a step back and think of what truly is important, Ms. Frankle. What truly matters most in a person’s lifetime.”

“I found myself doing that very thing several weeks ago, Mr. Thomson.” informed the older woman with a sigh. “It’s very enlightening and can be very hard, especially when one doesn’t like what they see in themselves.”

“Yes, I know.” agreed Heath softly suddenly aware the hall had become a place of subdued talk as the others in the room were tense and waiting for the explosion.

“I’d best be going, Mr. Thomson.” said Helen starting to turn away before she paused and held out her hand. “Let me introduce myself. I am Helen Frankle.”

Tilting his head a fraction, Heath took the hand in his and bowed slightly, “Heath Thomson, ma’am.”

Chapter 50

“Thank you for your time, Mr. Thomson. ” replied the older woman before turning and leaving the group of men. Nick watched the former secretary walk across the room before he reached his brother’s side and the men surrounding their boss moved back.

“You okay, Heath?” asked Nick concerned and worried, kicking himself for not staying by the younger man’s side.

Distracted by what just occurred, Heath kept watching the retreating woman and replied, “Yeah, everything’s fine, Nick.”

“What happened?” questioned Jarrod, breathless from weaving his way through the dancers without barreling through them and afraid of the damage the woman may be inflicting on his youngest brother.

Looking at his brothers, Heath’s eyes reflected his sense of wonderment. “Ms. Frankle wanted to apologize for what she’d said.”

“She did?” queried both older men incredulously.

“Yep.” assured Heath with a nod. “She said it was something she needed to handle in person. Guess she took a hard look at herself and found she didn’t like what she’d become inside.”

Nick and Jarrod turned their eyes to each other and sighed with relief, both men hopeful from the turnabout of the older woman and both were hopeful the trend would continue throughout the community. Victoria made her way to her sons who were huddled together. The smile on the face of Heath swept her worries away as she neared. The boys smiled at her and moved aside to give their mother access to her newest child.

“Heath, I believe this is our dance.” said Victoria softly, weaving her arm through his and leading him away from the group of men.

Heath smiled tenderly at the woman he held in his arms, his eyes searching hers as she gazed upwards at him. “Ms. Frankle really ain’t a bad person.”

Victoria shook her head and agreed, “No, she isn’t, Heath. There are a lot of good people in Stockton. Sometimes it is easier to lash out or hold someone at arm’s length rather than get to know them. It is difficult for some to overcome a whole lifetime of prejudices, Heath.”

The couples dancing around them faded into the background and both were lost in their thoughts, in their mutual desire for all to accept the son of the late Thomas Barkley as one of the community’s own but both also understood the future may very well not hold their wishes.

“Mrs. Barkley?” asked Heath gaining her attention and raising her eyebrow at the formal title causing him to turn a light red at the silent incrimination of his use of the formality. “Mother?”

Smiling with love in her gray eyes, Victoria answered, “Yes, son?”

“I want ya’ to know how much it means to me. How much ya’ and the rest of the family standing by me, well…I’ve nev’r had that before and I imagine if things been different…that’s just how my life woulda been had my mama lived and…uh…if I’d known my father.” said Heath quietly, his words becoming thick with the emotion surging through him.

Leading the blond from the dance floor when the music stopped, Victoria felt his body shaking with emotion and led him out into the cool night air onto the boardwalk giving him time to take some shaky breaths before replying.

“It’s easy for us to stand by you because we love you, Heath.” assured Victoria holding his hand under the moonlight sky. “Nothing and no one will ever change our support of you. I wish things had been different. I wish you had grown up playing with your siblings, grown up wrapped in your mama’s arms and love. I wish a lot of things but I know for some reason this is what destiny had planned for you and us. For some unknown reason, the hand of destiny decreed the events which happened in all of our lives before you came to be with us.”

Squeezing the small hand, Heath leaned against the post and sighed, finally getting himself back under control. The sounds of the music played in the background and he gazed upward at the sparkling stars before he smiled down at the woman who’d become the mother he lost, the mother he longed to have all his life.

“I love ya’ all too, Mother.” acknowledged Heath quietly, holding both of her hands and welcoming the warmth which spread through his inner soul. “Whatever happens I now know hiding will not make life easier and in fact, it only serves to make things worse. Only destiny knows what will happen and with you by my side, I’ll try to rise to any challenge it throws my way.”

Giving the blond a quick hug, Victoria patted his back and nodded, “We’ll rise to the challenges, Heath as a family.”

Nodding, Heath led the petite silver haired lady into the hall and relinquished her to the waiting arms of Nick who smiled at the returning family members. Audra whispered to Mason and took the hand of her blond brother pulling him onto the floor with Nick and their mother. The message from the prominent family throughout the evening was loud and clear to their friends, neighbors and colleagues. The family was reunited as one and the blond wrangler was one of them.

Standing on the edge of the dance floor with Duke, Jarrod glanced at the foreman who clapped the attorney on the back and sighed loudly.

“Your father would’ve been proud of him, Jarrod.”

Smiling widely, Jarrod looked back at his family on the dance floor and nodded, “As proud as the rest of us Duke. Heath is his father’s son in every way and no less than me or Nick.”

Watching the people on the dance floor, Jarrod silently prayed the hand of destiny would keep any further obstacles out of the way as they walked the path through life with the blond by their side and in their family. Seeing the entrance of Sheriff Maden, Jarrod made his way to the man of the law, hoping for any news as to who sent the letter to their younger brother.

Chapter 51

Jarrod sat back in his chair, the pencil between his hands and his eyes looking upwards to the ceiling. The capable attorney sighed with resignation and worry. The departure of Sheriff Maden from his office left more questions than answers. Neither men were any closer to finding who the author of the note was than when it arrived two weeks ago.

Tossing the pencil on the desk, Jarrod pushed himself out of the black leather chair and moved to the window, the street bustling with activity as he stared out with eyes not seeing what was in front of them on the main street. Over the past two weeks, it seemed some of the dissension over Heath’s arrival in Stockton finally quieted down and the community was returning back to normal.

A smile spread slowly across his face as the blond’s face popped into his mind, the young man still in his teens was definitely a welcome addition to their family. Since the admission he was tired of fighting, the blond allowed the family around him in and closer to his heart.

The opening strengthened the bond between all of the family members with their newest member. The only bone of contention was the denial of Heath’s request to reinstate his former secretary, Helen Frankle. Wiping his hand across his eyes, Jarrod shook his head at the morning conversation and again found himself questioning his hard stance on the issue.

“Jarrod, can I ask a favor of ya’?” questioned Heath hesitantly, standing in his oldest brother’s office, two of the walls filled with legal books and the blond was in awe the man before him used the knowledge in the bound items each day.

Smiling, Jarrod nodded, “Sure Brother Heath, what can I do for you? Do you need money? Time away from Nick’s loudness?”

Chuckling, Heath shook his head and wandered to the book cases running his finger across the soft leather covers before taking a deep breath, turning to lean his hands on the back of the winged chair.

“Well, Jarrod I’ve been thinkin’…ya’ haven’t been able to find a qualified secretary yet.” said Heath with nervousness, watching his brother lean back in his chair, his index fingers touching at their tips as he was scrutinized intensely by the light blue eyes of the family attorney.

“I have a few candidates I’m considering, however, I haven’t made a final decision yet, Heath.” stated Jarrod leaning forward with his forearms on the desk. “Did you know of someone you’d like to suggest for the position?”

Biting his lip, Heath nodded slightly, “Helen Frankle.”

Jarrod’s surprise reflected in his eyes and he stated firmly, “No.”

“But Jarrod…”

“Heath, I will not hire her back!” interjected Jarrod, cutting off his brother’s words. “She would not be a good fit for my clientele.”

“What’s that mean?” asked Heath before frowning. “She was good enough before, Jarrod.”

Moving around to sit on the corner of his desk, Jarrod sighed before saying, “I’m grateful Ms. Frankle has looked within herself and saw the ugliness inside but I am not grateful enough to hire her back.”

“Jarrod.” protested Heath. “She knows she was wrong!”

“It’s not that simple, Heath.” informed Jarrod holding out his hand to stop his brother’s words. “Heath, please listen to me for a moment.”

Closing his mouth, Heath nodded and moved his arms to cross them across his chest, the pose of the blond so similar to their middle brother, Jarrod had to fight to keep the smile off his face. Looking down at the floor, the attorney gathered his thoughts and himself before meeting the eyes of the blond.

“One of my greatest joys and most satisfying work in the legal profession is helping those who could be considered less fortunate than most of us. Those who could be thought of as the underdog, the small person fighting the big corporation. Those in our society who for some reason or another are not considered to live on the right side of the tracks.”

Nodding that he understood, Heath smiled at the passion in the words of the man before him, the man who’d so willingly offered his advise and more to him. Jarrod took a deep breath before continuing.

“Helen Frankle is a qualified woman with excellent secretarial skills. There is no question of her skills, however, her reaction to you has brought to my attention what she is lacking. The ability to make those who come to me for help, those who may be deemed unworthy by society, comfortable and secure. Whoever sits outside my office is a direct reflection on myself. While we may be two different people, if my employee is inconsiderate and judgmental of those who seek my advise, I am labeled as such by association as her employer. The person outside my door needs to be a direct extension of my own personal views. As they say perception is everything.”

“Oh, I see.” acknowledged Heath quietly with a small nod. “I didn’t think of it that way, Jarrod. I didn’t realize the importance of the job in that way.”

The sound of sadness in the blond’s voice made Jarrod sigh and move beside his little brother, squeezing his shoulder with a large hand.

“I can see this is very important to you.” said Jarrod meeting the blue eyes of his brother before adding. “I’ll see what I can do about finding Ms. Frankle a job. I’ll talk to some people I know but I won’t promise anything else. She has to get the job on her own, Heath.”

Smiling, Heath’s blue eyes twinkled with happiness, “Thanks Jarrod! I’d feel a lot better if she were able to get a new job. I feel kinda responsible..”

“WHAT?” exclaimed Jarrod angrily, turning the blond and glaring into his eyes. “YOU ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE, HEATH! THAT WOMAN HAD NO RIGHT TO SAY THOSE THINGS TO YOU AND I DON’T WANT YOU TO THINK THAT EVER AGAIN.”

Stunned for a moment at the anger in the older man’s eyes and tone, Heath stammered, “Whoa Jarrod, hold your horses! I was gonna say I feel kinda responsible for the destruction in your office cause ya’ threw the desk against the wall, is all. I see it hasn’t been fixed yet and was gonna offer to patch it up for ya’. Geez and they say Nick flies off the handle!”

Jarrod stared at the blond who flashed a lop-sided grin and the attorney laughed out loud before pulling the smaller man into a hug and patting his back.

“I’d appreciate your help with patching up the wall, little brother. Thank you.” said Jarrod with a wide smile.

“I’ll fix it tomorrow.” said Heath heading to the door and glancing backward with a smile. “I’d best get back to the working ranch. Thanks, Pappy.”

Sitting back at his desk, Jarrod smiled and shook his head at the unexpected early morning conversation before studying the file in front of him, his pencil making several notations. Several hours passed and the afternoon waned away before he heard his name shouted and his door flung open to reveal his black clothed brother, frantically looking around.

“Jarrod, is Heath here?” questioned Nick frantically.

“No, I haven’t seen him since this morning, Nick. Why?” asked Jarrod, standing at the anguish in the hazel eyes.

“No one’s seen him since he rode to town this morning!”

Continued…