Unsettling Consequences

Chapters 1-18

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 1

Victoria glanced at the clock which graced the mantle of the fireplace in the parlor. The clock a gift from her children to their parents on their wedding anniversary, many years ago. The sight of the clock always brought a smile to her face except for tonight.

The pacing of Nick in the room from his place in front of the fireplace to the window was wearing on everyone’s nerves in the room. The room was large but Nick’s anxiety filled three quarters of the room.

“I don’t understand why he’s not here yet.” stated Nick for the fifth time in twenty minutes. “He should’ve been back two days ago and why hasn’t his aunt wired us back.”

Jarrod schooled his features to keep the worry out of his eyes and said calmly, “Nick, maybe one of the horses came up lame. There are not a lot of telegraph places between here and Pine Crest. Maybe his aunt went out of town. There are lots of plausible reasons, Nick.”

Standing at the window, Nick sighed and leaned his arms on the window frames, his mind going over the past few months. He and his little brother, Heath, were finally partners on the ranch and in their hearts. It had taken a while for each of the strong men to come to an understanding and knowledge of each other’s ways.

The trip to Pine Crest was to be a two week event. Heath was going to visit his aunt, who had married the town doctor, John Martin. While in the area, he was going to visit a couple ranches and look over the horses they had for sale.

Over the months, Heath trained two other men to work the horses in the training area which was built away from the main ranch site. The quiet of the area allowed the men to focus on the horses only and increased the demand for the gently broken horses, opening the way for more contracts.

A knock on the oak door found Nick rushing to the front foyer. Opening the door, he stepped back and let Fred Maden into the foyer.

“Fred, kinda late for a ride, ain’t it?” asked Nick shaking the lawman’s hand.

Nodding, Fred sighed, “Fraid this isn’t a social call, Nick.”

The rest of the family entered the foyer and nodded their greetings to their family friend. Looking at Victoria, Fred stated, “Mrs. Barkley, it seems there was a bank robbery in Pine Crest.”

“That’s terrible, Sheriff. Was anyone hurt?” inquired Victoria, a sense of dread filling her being.

Shuffling his feet, Fred returned Jarrod’s intense stare before turning back to Victoria, “Heath was in line at the bank. According to a witness, four men came into the bank. Heath may have recognized one of the bank robbers but before he could say anything, the man knocked Heath out and when they left the bank, they took him as a hostage.”

The shock of the news drained the color of the four faces looking back at him. Nick regained his voice and demanded, “Where’s Heath? Have they found him?”

“Sheriff Moreland and a posse are out looking for him. They haven’t found anything yet.” informed Fred quietly. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Barkley. The longer it is, the less chance we have of finding Heath.”

Chapter 2

Fred Maden left the mansion after relaying all the information he’d been given from Sheriff Moreland by wire and left the stunned family standing in the foyer. Audra burst into tears and Victoria felt salty droplets leaving her eyes while she comforted her daughter, leading the distraught girl upstairs.

Jarrod didn’t remember walking back into the parlor but found himself in front of the small bar, pouring a drink, his hand shaking uncontrollably. Setting the crystal canister back onto the tray, he grabbed hold of the edge of the cart and took deep breaths, fighting the tears which threatened to explode.

Nick stood rooted in his spot, his stomach twisting and churning, guilt crawling up and stealing his breath away. Four nights ago, he’d woken from a nightmare, wide eyed, drenching of sweat and rushed into Heath’s room, only to find the bed made, the room empty.

It had taken him a few seconds to remember where his brother was and why he wasn’t sleeping in the room next to his. Relief flooded through him when he came to the realization it was only a nightmare. It’d taken another hour before sleep would claim him, the vision of the nightmare still flashing before his eyes.

While waiting for sleep to come, he remembered the terror he felt upon waking and wondered if his own awaking compared to the terror of the horrible nightmares he’d seen Heath through many nights. He had a feeling it didn’t even come close to what Heath experienced in his mind at those times.

Heath Thomson Barkley, his blonde little brother, rancher, friend and confidant. The man who would have walked away from all it meant to be a Barkley at one time was now firmly encased into their lives, into their hearts and their very souls. The man who reminded the family every day what it meant to be Barkley.

Leaning his head against the oak door, Nick’s body shuddered, his thoughts screamed out at him.

The nightmare was telling you something.

The nightmare you didn’t listen to.

The nightmare which left you trembling with fear.

The nightmare was your brother telling you he needed you.

Wiping his face of the tears, Nick took a deep breath when he felt Jarrod’s hand on his back.

“You coming with me, Jarrod?” whispered Nick, his voice a shadow of it’s former volume.

“Let’s tell Mother and start out tonight.” suggested Jarrod anguish reflecting in the light blue eyes in his pale face, turned his brother and wrapped his arms around him. If the eldest son hadn’t been so distraught by the evening’s events, he’d have caught the haunted, guilty look in the hazel orbs and wondered about the cause.

Accepting the gesture of comfort, Nick led the way up the staircase, the concern of one foremost in both the brothers’ minds.

Victoria sat on the bed while Audra dried her tears, “Oh, Mother. What if they can’t find Heath? I feel awful, just horrible.”

Stroking the long silky blonde hair, Victoria murmured, “We all feel awful Audra. No one ever expects to receive this kind of news about someone they love. Don’t worry, they’ll find Heath in time. We have to keep hope and pray for his return.”

Shaking her head, Audra’s tears started again and she grabbed her mother’s hand, “Mother, they have to find him! I was horrible to Heath before he left.”

Puzzled, Victoria saw the fear in her daughter’s eyes, her voice soothing, “Whatever it is, Heath loves you. I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think, honey.”

“It is and it’s all Mary’s fault. I accused Heath of playing with her emotions. Mary said he was leading her on.”

“WHAT?” shouted Nick angrily from the doorway. “HEATH WOULD NEVER DO THAT!”

Shame flew across Audra’s face and she stammered, “I know, Nick. When I asked Heath he didn’t deny it and I assumed that meant he was guilty. I found out after he left she was exaggerating.”

“Oh, Audra. Heath was probably so embarrassed by what Mary was saying and didn’t know how to respond. He’s never really cared for her since he’s met her.” explained Victoria. “Mary can be very overwhelming.”

“OVERWHELMING! THAT GIRL IS A MENACE AND A MAN CHASER!” exclaimed Nick causing Audra to burst out in tears again.

“Audra, we’ll find Heath. Then you can straighten all this out with him.” assured Jarrod softly. “Nick and I are leaving tonight, Mother.”

Looking into the two determined sets of eyes, Victoria nodded. “I’ll have Silas help me pack some provisions for the trail.

Chapter 3

Two weeks prior…

Whistling as he put his clothes in the bedroll, Heath shook his head at the giddiness he felt rising within him at the thought of heading to Pine Crest. He hadn’t seen his aunt in five months and the upcoming visit put an extra spring in his step.

A knock on the door interrupted his whistling and he grinned after he opened the door.

“Boy howdy, Nick. I didn’t expect ya’ to be up and see me off.”

“Boy, how many times do I have to tell you this is a working ranch.” growled Nick, smiling when Heath rolled his eyes and groaned loudly from his personal motto. Standing in the doorway, he watched his little brother gather the rest of his stuff, grabbed the saddlebags and walked down the stairs by the blonde’s side.

“If I don’t see any horses at the ranches, I could see if there’s any wild ones left in the mountains at Strawberry.” suggested Heath, sitting across from Nick in the kitchen after the brothers finished their breakfast.

“No!” barked Nick loudly, his cup banging down on the table, causing Silas to jump slightly on his way to the dining room.

Heath sighed, “Nick, we need more horses for the contract. What difference does it make where we get them?”

Pointing his index finger at his brother, Nick snapped, “It matters cause he’s there! I don’t want you going there alone!”

“My mama and Hannah are there too, Nick.” replied Heath softly. “Not just Uncle Matt.”

The anger in the hazel eyes faded and was replaced with concern at Heath’s reminder of his mama and Hannah’s final resting place.

“I know, Heath. I’m sorry. I don’t like the idea of you going back to Strawberry alone. Promise me you won’t go alone.” pleaded Nick beseeching the blue eyes and remembering the worthless vile man who’d have shot Heath if he hadn’t been there to stop him from reaching for a gun after the blonde almost choked the life out of him by his mother’s and Hannah’s graveside.

The black eyes which burned with hate for his little brother, a hate Nick found out later, Heath’s uncle held for him since birth. How can anyone hate a baby? A baby born into circumstances he couldn’t control? A defenseless baby?

“Okay, Nick, I promise.” pledged Heath, his heart full with the concern and love in his brother’s eyes.

Heath looked over at the tense man across the table and grinned slightly, “Probably be good if I don’t strain myself chasing wild horses considering all the work I’ll have to do when I get back.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” retorted Nick following Heath out the back door with Silas shaking his head and smiling at the two brothers.

“Now, brother Nick, you know I do more work in one day than you do all week.” teased Heath, grinning at the shout of indignation coming from his side.

“Boy, I think you musta smoked some loco weed or something.” gruffed Nick, hazel eyes sparkling.

Chuckling, Heath saddled the bay stallion while Nick took care of Coco. Leading the horses over to the house and tying them to the hitching rail. Nick grabbed the blonde by the back of the neck and gave him a little shake.

“I’ll see you in two weeks.”

Nodding, Heath clapped the strong black vested back. “Peace and quiet for two weeks? Boy howdy, my ears can’t wait.”

Laughing, Nick wrapped the blonde in a quick hug before gathering the crew and heading out to work.

Heath headed back into the barn to check one last time on his modoc’s leg. Running his hands over the right foreleg, he frowned. “Another pack for you girl, then I’ll head out.”

Entering the tack room, Heath threw the items together and walked out of the room with his hands full, his progress stopped abruptly by the appearance of Mary Dorley, a friend of Audra’s who had spent the night.

“Excuse me.” apologized Heath politely, stepping back and to the side of the girl. Mary’s brown eyes took in the handsome face of Audra’s brother and she stepped into Heath’s path, blocking his way.

“Heath, don’t you like me?” asked Mary assured her pretty features and figure were the desire of all men, even rich bastards such as this one. She tried to capture the attention of Audra’s other brothers in the past, but none of them rose to the occasion.

An image of red flags being waved in front of a bull flashed in his mind and Heath stated firmly. “Pardon me, but I have to get this pack on my horse’s leg, Miss Dorley. I’m already running behind schedule this morning.”

Inching closer and running her fingernail across his hand, Mary smiled, her words dripping with sugar which didn’t reach her eyes, “I think I’m more interesting than a horse, wouldn’t you agree?”

Many who knew him would say Heath Barkley had the patience of a saint. However, there were times when even the most patient person could be stretched to the limit. Heath didn’t like people who played games with other’s emotions and good name. He also didn’t like women who flaunted themselves outrageously or threw themselves at men’s feet.

“Actually, Miss Dorley, if I had to choose..” paused Heath, watching her eyes lit up with anticipation at the rest of his statement. “I’d choose my horse over you any day of the week.”

Shocked, Mary took a step back and sneered, “To think, I thought a half bastard Barkley was worth my time!”

Heath shook his head to clear the girl’s furious words out of it, inwardly chastised himself for losing his temper and entered the stall. His sure hands placing the pack around the tender leg. Leaving the barn, he stood by the horse trough and washed his hands under the pump.

Hearing the swishing of skirts, he steeled himself for a continuation of the barn conversation with the menace of Stockton’s singles club. Audra’s voice greeted him instead and he turned in surprise.

“Morning, sis.” grinned Heath, his grin fading as Audra started talking.

“Mary’s in the house crying her eyes out, Heath. She said you’ve been leading her on. She said you told her she wasn’t good enough for you. Is that true?” asked Audra firmly.

Heath stared at his sister, stunned at what she was asking, his mind sent reeling over the idea Audra’d think he was capable of such a thing . Audra waited and grew angry when Heath didn’t respond to her questions, not realizing the other blonde was shell-shocked at the unexpected barrage.

“I can’t believe you, Heath. How could you? That’s a horrible thing to do!”

Turning, Audra rushed back to the house, not stopping when Heath called out to her. Staring at the fleeing back of his sister, a small flame of anger crept up within him. He couldn’t believe Audra would think such a thing. After all the time they had spent together, she let the word of that trollop take over her common sense and throw away all they’d built up as siblings.

Clenching his fists, he stalked angrily over to Charger. Untying the reins, he mounted and rode out at a gallop, angry over his little sister’s accusation. Heading down the trail, his mind turned the problem over and he grew more sure when he returned Audra would have come to her senses. Once Audra thought clearly about it, she’d realize the trouble Mary Dorley was trying to cause.

Reaching Pine Crest, Heath enjoyed the visit with Rachel, John and Hope. Four days later, he rode to the designated ranches to look over the animals for sale. Heath purchased some horses and made arrangements for the animals to be shipped to Stockton by railcar.

Returning to Pine Crest, he bypassed the home of his aunt knowing she and her husband were on their way to Nevada to visit John’s sister. Hope would be working and Heath thought he could perhaps persuade her to have dinner with him later. Stopping at the sheriff’s office, Heath looked forward to visiting again with his friend, Jonas Moreland but he was out of town and the deputy stated he’d be back later on that afternoon.

Entering the bank, Heath stood patiently in line to cash a check when four men burst into the bank, bandannas around the bottom of their faces, only their eyes and foreheads were exposed. Startled from his thoughts, Heath’s eyes narrowed and his hand moved at the sight of the man on his right.

The man’s eyes widened in surprise before he quickly swung his rifle, the butt connecting with the side of Heath’s head, sending him down to the floor unconscious, his ears not hearing a woman scream at the sight of the large gash and flowing blood.

“What the hell?” yelled one of the bank robbers at the unexpected move from the dark haired man.

“He’s coming with us.” ordered the leader, his cold tone leaving no room for argument. “Pick him up.”

Two of the men grabbed the still man between them and dragged him out to the waiting horses. Putting him in the saddle, the robbers mounted and left town at a frenzied ride down the street, sending bullets flying at the deputy and any citizens brandishing a weapon.

Riding hard for several miles, the men rode into the mountains through the maze of canyons and wild animal trails. Reaching an abandoned mine entrance, the red head holding the unconscious hostage in front of him, dropped the blonde to the ground before dismounting.

“What’d we need him for?” asked the redhead while he and another dragged Heath into the mine.

The leader smiled while he tied Heath’s hands behind him around a post, “This is one of the rich Stockton Barkleys.”

“Dammit, they’ll have all the law looking for us!” stated a man name Hatch angrily. “What the hell are we gonna do with him?”

“The Barkleys will pay a lot of money to get him back, even if he’s only half a Barkley.”

Puzzled, Hatch looked over at the others, “How do you know he’s only half a Barkley?”

“I know cause he’s my nephew.” stated Matt Simmons bending down, examining the bruising on the pale, bloodied face. “After we get the money, we’ll kill him. He should’ve been drowned at birth twenty five years ago anyway.”

The words crept out of his mouth like a snake, hissing his intent, his black eyes gleamed with anticipation, the ransom money would only be an added bonus. The others stared at each other as their leader’s words shivered their souls.

Chapter 4

Small snatches of conversation, spoken words reached into Heath’s mind before he was aware enough to remember what happened to cause the melody of pain playing the unknown song in his head.

A moan escaped when Heath slowly lifted his head up and leaned it back against the post. Struggling to open his eyes, he found he was unable to open his left eye and his right lid crept slowly open.

The brightness of the fire ten yards away burst through his pupil, causing sharp agonizing pains to shoot through to the back of his head. His insides lurched, the bile rising up from inside him. Closing his eye, he turned his head to the side losing his battle to stop the retching and emptying of his stomach.

The heaving stopped and he was unable to move away from the smell of sickness hovering around him. His head rolled to each side while he tried to make sense of what happened, why he couldn’t move his arms. His shoulders screamed from the unnatural position forced upon them, he couldn’t feel his fingers, they felt numb like when his leg would fall asleep.

Keeping his head turned to the right, Heath slowly opened his eye and stared, his eye widened at the glistening rock wall, a sign of where he was being held. The terror quickly rose up and choked him, his legs moved, he tried to stand, tried to force his way away from the post.

A sheen of terror formed sweat covered his face, his movements from the panic rising within left him gasping for air and control. His efforts stinted by his lack of freedom, his heart raced in his chest while he came to the realization he was unable to escape the nightmare he’d been thrust into, the blackness of mines and tunnels which caused his deepest fear.

He took deep breaths to counteract the rising terror, forcing his mind to latch onto something else other than the blackness, rock walls and putrid air. Listening, he could hear words being spoken towards the entrance and he closed his eye, seeking the sounds of the voices, trying to hear all the words to keep his panic in check.

Hatch glanced across the fire, between Red and Matt, his eyes catching the movements of the man in the shadows outside the ring of light. Lowering his eyes, he stared into his coffee cup while he listened to Matt Simmons talking about his only living relative.

“The bastard somehow convinced ‘em he was a Barkley.” stated Matt with a shake of his head. “I don’t know how he done it.”

Red frowned, “If he ain’t a Barkley, then whose his pa?”

Shrugging, Matt smirked, “Hard telling, but I’m guessing Charlie Sawyer, my no good brother-in-law. Everyone thought he died, but he didn’t. At least not til after the bastard was born. He’s his pa, not Tom Barkley.”

Boyd, the fourth man walked back into the mine and knelt by the fire. “No unusual sounds. Everything’s quiet.”

“Good. Did you deliver the note?” inquired Matt.

Nodding, Boyd poured some coffee, “Yep, I left it at the sheriff’s office like ya’ said to.”

Matt smiled, “Now all’s we gotta do is wait.”

“What if they don’t pay?” asked Red. “What if the Barkleys’ won’t pay?”

“Nah, they’ll pay. After all, they think he’s one of them.” assured Matt firmly, glancing backwards at a gesture from Boyd.

Heath’s head was pounding, his body nauseous and quivering while he tried to digest what he’d heard. Closing his eye, he winced in pain and clenched his jaw tightly.

The sound of steps approaching turned his head slightly towards the front. He was careful to keep the light from his eye, not wanting to invite the additional burst of pain the light caused.

Matt walked over, slightly to the side of his nephew and saw the opened eye. Grabbing Heath’s chin, he forced the blonde to turn his head and chuckled at the gasp of pain when the light filtered into the pupil before the lid closed over it.

“You’re not lookin’ too spry nephew.”

“Go to hell.” replied Heath angrily.

“Well, now, I’m guessing you’re already there.” sneered Matt releasing the blonde’s chin, studying the pale face in the light.

“I’d almost forgotten how much ya’ like dark places.” taunted Matt in a cool voice.

Heath turned his head away and stated, “I should’ve killed you long ago.”

Smiling, Matt ignored the threat, his deep voice filling Heath’s ears, “Places where you can’t see your hand in front of your face. Places where it’s dark as coal. Places where you can’t walk cause you can’t see where you might fall. The darkness is all around you. The darkness wants to grab you, almost like it’s gonna suffocate ya’.”

Heath trembled uncontrollably while he tried to control his panic from the voice in his ear. He tried to shut out the feeling of despair and focus on anything but the descriptions of darkness. Unable to reach his uncle with his hands, he pushed the man away with a thrust of his leg and kicked out with his boot. Howling in pain when the boot connected with his side, Matt’s shouted curses filled the mine, echoing down the tunnels.

A small measure of relief flowed through Heath at the halted descriptions until he felt his unprotected ribs cave in from the blows to his side. Stars floated in his vision and Heath wondered how that was possible for a brief second before he succumbed to a place of unawareness.

Chapter 5

Sheriff Jonas Moreland’s shoulders sagged with weariness and disappointment. The posse followed behind the man they elected to protect their town from the scourge of society. The trip back to Pine Crest found the group of men not conversing, their thoughts kept to themselves, their bodies and horses exhausted, their efforts ineffective.

Jonas had returned to Pine Crest ahead of schedule, a scant thirty minutes after the robbery occurred. His deputy had gathered a posse and was in the midst of deputizing the group of citizens when the sheriff returned to town.

The man had been stunned to learn of the hostage taken and his name. Heath was a friend from many years past, the quiet man had earned the older lawman’s respect and friendship, when he was a deputy under Frank Sawyer. He couldn’t believe the turn of events in his friend’s visit to their quiet town.

Before heading out, he stopped the group in front of the telegraph office and wired the sheriff of Stockton. The Barkley family would have to be made aware and Jonas hoped he’d be able to return their son and brother to them, alive and well, in short order.

Now, his stomach churned from the thought Heath was still out there somewhere. The group of men lost the trail in the vast mountains which stretched from Pine Crest to Strawberry. The hills were full of box canyons, gullies and passes. It was the proverbial search for a needle in a haystack. It was frustrating and disheartening.

Stopping at the outskirts of town, the sheriff thanked the men in the group for their part in the search and the group disbanded going their separate ways. Riding up and dismounting in front of his office, Jonas’ eyes glanced briefly at the two horses tied to the rail bearing the well known Barkley brand.

Taking a deep breath, he entered his office and nodded to the two brothers who stood up from their chairs. Handing his things to his deputy, Jonas shook the hands of the brothers. “Jarrod. Nick. I’m sorry. We lost the trail in the mountains.”

The sheriff could almost feel the despair which jolted through the two brothers at the news. The lack of progress hit them hard and both men sank back into the chairs, their eyes haunted with their thoughts.

Several minutes passed before Jarrod looked up, “Jonas, your wire said Heath may have known one of the bank robbers.”

Nodding, the sheriff opened his drawer and took out a report of the eye witness account.

Handing it to Jarrod, Jonas replied, “Mrs. Timms. She’s our school marm. She was waiting in the line next to Heath. She said she could tell by Heath’s eyes he recognized the leader even though they had bandannas wrapped around their faces.”

“I wonder if it’s someone from before we knew Heath or after?” spoke Nick outloud, his face darkened with worry and fear.

“Could be anyone, Nick.” sighed Jonas sorting through the mail on his desk. “JACK!”

Both brothers jumped when Jonas bolted from his chair and screamed for his deputy. The younger man rushing into the office from the back room.

“Yeah, sheriff?”

“How’d this envelope get here?” asked Jonas holding the white object in his hands.

Looking it over, the deputy’s face scrunched up with puzzlement, “Sheriff, I ain’t seen that before. I don’t know.”

“What is it?” demanded Nick not liking the look on the older man’s face. Jarrod sat still, his heart beat he was sure could be heard outside his body.

“It’s addressed to the Barkley family.” informed the sheriff holding the object out to the brothers.

Nick reached up and took the paper from the sheriff, his gloved hand trembling as his fingers grasped the paper. Opening it, he and Jarrod read the note their faces draining of color.

“They want $500,000 ransom for the return of Heath.” stated Nick.

“$500,000.” repeated Jarrod incredulously.

“They’re gonna kill him.” agonized Nick, staring at the note in his hand.

“Nick, we’ll pay anything to get Heath back. We will get him back!” urged Jarrod grabbing Nick by the shoulder.

Shaking his head, Nick’s voice cracked, his hazel eyes glittered with tears, “They can’t let him live. He can identify one of them. Jarrod, they’ll have to kill Heath to keep their identities hidden.”

“He’s right, Jarrod.” admitted Jonas, turning to stare into the hazel eyes. “Nick, they’ll also have to keep him alive to ensure they get the ransom. We still have time to find Heath.”

Standing, Nick paced the small office, his movements fraught with emotion. “We only have three days. How are we gonna find where they have Heath in three days?”

Pointing to the report in his hand, Jarrod suggested, “We have to find out who this man with black eyes and a jagged scar on his forehead is. That’s how we find our little brother.”

Nick’s frantic pacing stopped and he grabbed the report out of Jarrod’s hand. His eyes read the description again and he swallowed to clear his throat of the lump of fear threatening to choke him.

“It’s him.” gasped Nick staring at the paper.

Jarrod jumped up and grabbed his stunned brother by the shoulders, his cries to Nick not reaching his ears through the roaring sound.

Shaking him by the shoulders, Jarrod shouted, “WHO NICK? WHO IS IT? ANSWER ME!”

Anguished hazel eyes met frantic blue eyes.

“Matt Simmons. Heath’s uncle.”

Chapter 6

“Simmons, the drunk?” questioned Jonas in surprise after hearing the name.

“My god, this is bad. Heath’s in real trouble.” whispered Nick shrugging out of Jarrod’s hold.

Nick sat down when his knees threatened to dump him onto the floor, his elbows on his knees, hands rubbing his tanned face. Jarrod and Jonas looked at each other with confusion, waiting for the reason for the fear in the hazel eyes.

“Jarrod, remember when Heath and me buried Hannah James?” asked Nick quietly.

Thinking, Jarrod perched himself on the edge of the desk and nodded, “I remember, Nick. Heath and his uncle tangled by the graveside. Right?”

“Yeah. After Heath realized he was choking the life out of his uncle, he rolled off him and lay on the ground. Heath was stunned, he didn’t know he was choking him. He was so full of rage those days.” relayed Nick quietly. “Anyway, afterwards Simmons got this look in his eyes and reached for his gun. I stopped him, but I’ll never forget that look. It bothered me for a long time.”

Leaning forward, Nick stared into his brother’s blue eyes, “When Heath was recovering from Barrett’s attack, I asked ‘em about his uncle and that look. I knew sometimes his uncle was in his nightmares, but he’d never talk about them. I kept after Heath and he finally told me when Matt wasn’t drinking, he’s the most dangerous man he knows. Sober, he’s cold as the northern wind. Heath’s always suspected his uncle changed his last name to Simmons because he killed someone.”

“Matt Simmons?” repeated Jarrod. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure!” snapped Nick angrily, jumping to his feet and clenching his fists. “Now, he’s got his hands on our little brother. Simmons used to beat Heath when he was a boy, just a boy! What the hell do you think he’s gonna do with him now he’s got his filthy hands on the boy turned man? One he still hates with a vengeance!”

Jarrod’s face paled, his blue eyes tearing, “Nick, I don’t want to consider the possibilities. We send a wire for the ransom and then we head to Strawberry.”

“Jarrod, we don’t have that kind of money.” snapped Nick running his hands through his hair.

Jarrod wrapped his explosive brother in a hug, his words of reassurance not dousing the flame of fear, “Not in cash, but they don’t know that and hopefully we won’t have to prove we have the ransom. At least, not if we find Heath in time. I’m betting he’d take Heath somewhere familiar, close to his stomping grounds. Somewhere around Strawberry.”

“Let’s get going.” muttered Jonas grabbing his hat and rifle, heading to the door with the brothers following.

Time ceased to exist in the darkness of the mine which surrounded the confined man. The fire burned no more, the light taken away from him. His existence was based on pain and fighting off the terror reawaken with the blackness. Old memories merged with recent memories, names formally left in the past were spoken out of bruised lips amidst the battered face of the battered man.

Hot and cold flashed through him quickly, one after the other, deep breaths couldn’t be taken, the action would send screaming amounts of pain through his chest and sides. The lack of deep breaths, the air of the deathtrap, the lack of care and the cruelties of his only living relative forced the blonde’s body to revolt against him.

Falling into pain free oblivion was looked forward to and anticipated with great welcome. The fevered man thought he’d been tied to the post for several weeks, he’d have been shocked to learn it’d only been six days. He had long since gave up in his mind the thought of possible escape, his body too weak for it now after the beating from the last attempt.

In his brief moments of lucidity, he still defied his captors, earning the respect of three but never any such emotion from the fourth. That one would never give his bastard nephew anything other than pain and terror.

In the longer moments of delirium, his past would haunt him, the violence would rush back and the battles would be fought again. His words mumbled in his fevered delirium of the time spent in the renown Carterson prison sent a chill through three of the watchers. The scenes dredged up by the snatches of conversation caused the three to compare the nephew to the uncle. In two of their minds, the uncle fell short by several miles when compared to the blonde hostage.

In the longer moments of delirium, his mind wondered who exactly he was. How could he have forced himself into a family that wasn’t his? They accepted him and gave him love, but he wasn’t one of them. His whole being would be overcome with despair and humiliation. The sense of loss left him gasping for air from the physical pain it created.

During his time of captivity, the man didn’t know he was being sought by those who called him brother, son and friend. He didn’t know men were moving heaven and earth to find him. He didn’t know how long he could hold on, how long he could keep the terrors from taking him into the past and not releasing him to the present day.

Heath struggled against the hands pulling him upwards, his struggles were no more than tremors in his arms and legs. Hatch and Red held Heath up between them, the man unable to support his weight.

“Dammit, Red. He’s sicker than I thought.” whispered Hatch, the two dragging the blonde out of the mine to the waiting horses.

Red’s eyes dodged around the outside of the mine seeking the other two men of their group, afraid they’d return before they could leave with the man they were jeopardizing their lives for. The man who even in his delirious state proved he was more of a man than their chosen leader.

Putting Heath into the saddle, Hatch climbed up behind him and wrapped his arms around the unconscious man, whispering in his ear. “I’m taking you home, boy.”

“GO!” shouted Red slapping the mare on the backside and pulling his pistol at the returning Boyd and Matt.

Chapter 7

There are times in one’s life where decisions are made for you. There are times when you make the decisions. Decisions based on events, occurrences, emotions, reactions and fact.

When Hatch left the farm of his parents many years ago, he’d made the decision out of his desire for a life away from boredom, away from the simplicity around him. His desire for adventure created a wanderlust in him, the emotion carrying him away from the small rural community in Ohio.

Hatch hadn’t made a conscious decision to follow the criminal path, it had been made for him by the acquaintances he held with others, the desire to show he was more than a simple farm boy from Ohio. Ohio was sure a far cry from the mountains and the situation he was currently in.

In the late afternoon of the fifth day, while trying to coax water into the feverish blonde, Hatch and Red were startled into stillness by the whisper of a single name.

Hatchling.

The nickname Hatch had given to his younger brother who mimicked his every move while tagging after his idolized older brother on the farm. His younger brother who had died from injuries received during the war. Red who’d grown up in the same community with Hatch knew the nickname well.

The spoken name flashed the face before each of the men’s’ eyes. A smiling youthful face with deep brown eyes. Eyes which always held friendliness and laughter in them. Eyes, Hatch missed looking into and the smile which warmed his heart. His younger brother’s life torn away by the war which split a country.

Heath’s head turned away from the cup and he shivered uncontrollably. “Hatchling, they’s comin’. Get ready, farm boy.”

Both men listened in, their ears shutting out all sounds except the rambled words out of the man locked back in time, in his mind. “Ya’ keep your head down.”

“Ya’s makin’ me old, farm boy.” drawled Heath with a slight smile before a grimace flew across his face.

Hatch felt a fleeting jolt of disappointment when Heath’s mind shifted to another time and he moaned. “Okay, Nick.”

Red put a hand on Hatch’s arm and pulled him back from the mumbling man, “Mama? Was it a lie? Why, mama? Nick? Nick?”

Keeping his voice to a whisper, Red gestured to Heath and stated, “He knew Sammy!”

“How many Hatchlings could there be? How many were farm boys?” whispered Hatch, a catch in his words signified his emotions. “He’s got to be the kid sharpshooter Sam wrote mom and dad about in his letters. My god, what’ve we done?”

Matt’s voice sounded from the entrance, “What the hell’s taking so long?”

“We’re coming.” yelled Hatch turning to his friend, “Not one word to him or Boyd, okay?”

Agreeing, Red followed Hatch outside where the others waited, “He’s real sick.”

Simmons sneered, “What’s the difference? He’s dead anyway. Tomorrow, we pick up the money and get rid of him.”

Shrugging, Hatch sat and leaned against his saddle, “Makes no difference to me. Just making conversation, is all.”

Red sighed and lay down on his bedroll with his hands behind his head. Even outside the mine, they could hear Heath in his delirium, although his ramblings seemed to be broken by longer periods of unawareness, the condition of the blonde was deteriorating.

Looking over at his friend, Red stared into the brown eyes and nodded slightly. The decision taken out of the hands of both men with a simple name spoken in a moment of delirious ramblings.

The man who befriended and stood beside another’s brother in the middle of chaos creating horrific scenes of war.

The man who in his mumbling held affection for a brother who was deeply loved by another brother.

The gratitude of the time spent with one brother would be repaid to another’s brother.

The man in the mine had to be taken back to his family.

This man had to be saved at all costs.

The two friends waited until Matt and Boyd rode out the next morning to look over the meeting place where money was to be exchanged for the blonde. After the backs of the two men were no longer visible, they rushed into the mine and freed their captive.

Red’s shout and slap across the mare’s hindquarters startled both man and beast. Digging his spurs into the side of the horse, Hatch held on firmly as the horse jumped forward, his muscles moving under the riders.

Shots sounded behind him, but Hatch didn’t look back. He kept his eyes on the trail, his breath was taken away when a red hot searing pain in his back almost toppled him out of the saddle. Determination and fear kept him hanging on, kept his eyes open, his hands clinging to the saddlehorn.

The shots echoed through the mountain pass stopping the searchers heading up the trail to reach the drop off point. Urging their horses on, the men hastened the pace anxiety flowing through them at the sounds of the reports.

Several pairs of eyes stared at the horse galloping down the trail, watching as two bodies fell off the horse and tumbled down the side of the mountain.

Chapter 8

Satisfaction flowed through Heath briefly remembering the kick he delivered to his uncle’s body. He didn’t remember all the blows afterwards but knew the one moment of satisfaction ended up costing him dearly.

The terror of the darkness and blackness which surrounded him left Heath taking great shuddering breaths. His right eye was open, he felt the spasms of pain from his deep breaths and he couldn’t stop the groans from escaping.

The light from the lantern caused pain in the blonde’s head. Heath closed his eye, his mind saying the pain from the light had either lessened or the other injuries were speaking louder than his head.

Matt watched the sweat break out on his nephew’s forehead, the facial features were deepened by pain and blotted by bruises, blood was dried on and blood ran freely.

Heath sensed the repulsive man’s nearness while he fought to control the bolts surging in his upper body. Realizing, he couldn’t breathe deeply, he took shallow breaths of the stale air.

“I always thought you were on the right side of the law. How’d you con the Barkleys to thinking you’re kin?” asked Matt quietly.

“What are ya’ talkin’ about?” mumbled Heath keeping his face turned away.

Black eyes bored into the weary blue eyes as he turned the bruised face, his hand causing Heath to gasp from the pain of the hold.

“Barkley didn’t whelp you, Sawyer did. He was there long before Barkley.”

Jerking his chin out of the larger hands, Heath’s eyes blazed with fury, “You’re a liar! I’d never believe anything ya’ say.”

Standing, Matt smiled, “Believe what you want. I ain’t got a reason to lie about it. Sawyer was married to your whore mother.”

“You’re a sonofabitch.” spat Heath furiously. “I’m gonna kill you!”

“Ask Rachel Caulfield.” suggested Matt, kicking an extended leg causing Heath to grunt. “I guess you’ll have to take my word since you’ll never get a chance to ask her. Before long, you’ll be in hell with your mother.”

Heath’s eyes burned a hole in the retreating back and he lay his head back against the post. Anger flew through him and he struggled against his bonds, the effort a futile one, only earning him more pain. Closing his eye, he took shallow breaths to calm himself. He had to keep a clear head if he wanted to get outta here.

Hearing footsteps, he opened his eye and watched a man approaching him. Boyd cut the ropes and hauled Heath onto his shaky feet to lead him outside to the river as Matt ordered. Falling to his knees, Heath wrapped his arms around his stomach, seeking to curtail the jolts which left him gasping.

Bending over to grab Heath, Boyd grunted when an unexpected fist caught him in the groin, his knees giving out when he fell over and called out, his eyes seeing only a curtain of red. Heath grabbed for the pistol in the moaning man’s holster, his numbed hands fumbled for the item.

Matt ran into the mine after hearing the painful shout from inside. His black eyes narrowed at the sight of Heath trying to bring the gun around. Kicking out, the gun flew from the wooden hands, clanging against the wall before it fell to the dirt.

Picking up the already injured man, Matt slammed two fists into the unprotected stomach, his blows stealing away the small amount of air in the blonde’s body. Boyd had risen to his feet, his eyes filled with rage at the sight of the escapee. Heath was on his hands and knees, gasping for air, fighting the retching which wanted to start.

“He’s mine.” roared Boyd, pulling Matt back and picking up the limp blonde.

Blue eye filled with pain and confusion, widened when he was pulled upright by the infuriated man. Backhanding the blonde, Boyd pushed him back into the rocky wall. Stars danced around again when his head hit the rock wall, his knees bent and his progress towards the dirt was stopped by the mammoth hand grabbing hold of his shirt.

Reaching upwards, Heath pushed at the hand holding him in place while the other left their marks on his body. Matt stood across the way watching the angry punishment Boyd was handing out, leaning casually against the wall with his shoulder. Boyd stepped back, letting Heath fall to the ground. Matt shouted a warning when the blonde lunged to his feet with his left hand holding the gun.

Boyd grabbed the slower man’s wrist and bent til the gun was dropped. The snapping of bone filled the air and the scream of pain ringing out in the mine was silenced by a right which stole the blonde into a merciful pain-free darkness, his fall into the filth on the mine floor unnoticed by the damaged body.

Placing two kicks into the still man, Boyd was pulled back by Matt and stopped. “That’s enough. We can’t kill him, not yet. We still got a few days to go.”

Boyd grunted and wiped his forehead, “Bastard’s got some spunk in him.”

Dragging the unconscious man back to the post, Matt tied the bonds around the hands again. “If he’d caught you with a bullet, there’d only be three of us to split the ransom.”

Heath didn’t know how much time passed each time he was able to force his eye open, making himself wake up to the pain which caressed him with its greeting. He wanted to stay in unawareness but knew if he did, he’d never return. It’d never been in him to quit, but he knew he was losing the battle and the war.

Each time it was harder to wake, each time it was harder to welcome the pain which signified he was still in the living nightmare. His mind was slowly stealing his sanity away, the fever high, stoking his delusions, his thoughts of Carterson stronger than they’d been in a long time.

In the darkness, his uncle’s voice mixed in with the voices of his family. Nick’s baritone pleading for him to hold on. He and Jarrod were close. We’re coming! Hold on, little brother!

He’s not your brother. You’re not one of them.

I’m a Barkley.

You’re a Sawyer.

No! NO!

Heath instinctively rolled when he fell off the horse down the side of the grassy knoll, his weak body hitting the ground causing him to cry out in anguish until he stopped. Lying on his stomach, the green grass tickled his left cheek and his sluggish blue eye widened at the sight of the man pulling himself over to his side.

Hatch knew his life was draining out of him, his end was near. Landing a few feet away from the blonde, he saw the blue eye watching him. The heat radiated off the blonde, his face a myriad of bruises which covered the pale of death white.

Heath fought to speak, his mind not able to make his brain put the words together. Reaching the blonde, Hatch groaned as he fought the pain which had stolen the use of his legs.

“You gotta hide, boy.” called Hatch pulling out his gun.

Putting it in Heath’s right hand, Hatch yanked on the blonde’s right arm, moving Heath closer to him. “Com’n boy, your uncle’s coming! You gotta move!”

The words sent a jolt through the disoriented man, his fear propelling him onto his knees and he stared at the other man. “Hatchling?”

Hatch’s eyes showed confusion at the question. “No, I’m not Sammy. I’m his big brother.”

“If’n..hucker..those..deadfalls..may..miss..us.” suggested Heath, his words intermixed with gasps of pain, no more than a whisper.

Hatch forced Heath to look into his eyes, “Go, I’m right behind ya’. Don’t let him get ya’, boy! You’re free, stay free.”

Nodding, Heath staggered to his knees and then pulled himself upwards. Hatch waved for him to go when he looked back at his friend laying on the ground. Heath’s legs trembled, his fear sent one last bit of adrenaline through him.

The strength left Hatch’s body, his face turned upwards towards the sun, a wide smile on his face when his eyes spied the deep brown eyes of his little brother.

Nick leaned over the man on the ground, his dead eyes turned upwards to the sun. Jarrod put the nearby hat over the dead man’s face. Jonas grabbed Nick by the shoulder at the sight of Heath sitting against a tree further down the hill.

The three men rushed down the hill, stopping at the sight of the raised pistol. Heath’s words barely heard through his gasps of pain.

“Stop..there!”

Nick and Jarrod stood staring at the man who didn’t resemble their little brother who left their home almost three weeks prior. If it wasn’t for his blonde hair, familiar clothes and one pool of blue, Jarrod wondered if they’d have recognized him. Jonas cautiously backed up the hill and made his way around the trio of brothers, working his way behind Heath’s position.

“It’s Nick and Jarrod, little brother.” said Nick quietly watching the pistol which shook in their direction.

Shaking his head, Heath moaned and shuddered. His confusion reflected in the tormented blue eyes, signs of fever and the visible injuries tore at the brothers who slowly inched closer.

“Don’t!” pleaded Heath, his whisper of fright stopping the two strong men. “Stay..away.”

Jarrod urged firmly, “Heath, put the gun down. It’s us, your brothers.”

Nick watched the pistol lower slightly, his hazel eyes not leaving the black weapon. Heath felt his strength leaving and tears of frustration trickled out of his eye.

“I’m..not..going..with..ya’” stated Heath, his body shaking from the strain of keeping the heavy pistol pointed at the two men who were with his uncle. “I’m..free.”

“HEATH!” screamed Nick, hazel eyes staring in disbelief as the finger on the trigger tightened. Jonas froze at the sight of the two brothers falling to the ground and the sound of shots echoing in the mountains.

Chapter 9

Shouting out in disbelief, Nick pushed Jarrod to the side at the tightening of the trigger finger. His leg became engulfed in flame as a bullet pierced his thigh, buckling it and throwing him to the ground as the second shot rang out. Jarrod grabbed Nick and dragged his cursing brother behind a log, taking out his handkerchief, tying it around the bleeding wound.

“My god, he pulled the trigger!” stammered Nick, holding onto his thigh and sucking in his breath when Jarrod tightened the knot. “He shot me!”

Stunned, Jarrod gasped, “He doesn’t know what he’s doing, Nick. He didn’t know it was you!”

“Really, Jarrod?” retorted Nick sarcastically, his tone of voice earning him a flash of anger in the blue eyes staring at him. “Thanks for pointing that out!”

The recoil of the pistol after the first pull on the trigger jerked the weapon upwards in Heath’s weak hand, causing his second bullet to harmlessly sail into the upper atmosphere. Trying to get to his feet, the frightened man slumped to the ground sideways and lay still.

Jonas was gasping for air from his frantic run up the mountain side when he knelt beside his friend and took the gun out of the limp hand.

“Nick! Jarrod!” shouted Jonas, turning Heath over onto his back. “Heath’s out. You okay?”

Jarrod stood up and pulled Nick onto his feet, putting his arm across his shoulder and walked him over to their younger brother. “Nick caught one in the leg.”

“It’s nothing.” gruffed Nick, falling down beside his brother, running his fingers over the sweat drenched, blood crusted, filthy hair. Tears formed in the hazel eyes at the condition of his brother, his deep voice soft as he spoke in the blonde’s ear. “Heath, we’re here, boy. You’re safe now.”

Cutting away the clothes which smelled of sickness, blood and bodily fluids, the others washed Heath down with water from their canteens. The boy’s body was a mass of coloring, only his feet were left without bruises.

“Jesus!” whispered Nick wrapping a blanket around his brother. “How’d he think he was gonna get away from us?”

“I think fear of his uncle was giving him the strength, Nick.” sighed Jarrod with an angry shake of his head.

“Boys, we need to splint this wrist before we go anywhere. Looks like it was snapped. Thank god it didn’t break outta the skin but I don’t like the looks of the swelling in it.” informed Jonas out of clenched teeth, the anger coming off the older man increasing the air around them in temperature as his gentle hands revealed the extent of the injuries. “When I get my hands on those sonsofbitches…”

Jarrod stated firmly, “You’ll have to wait in line, Jonas.”

Holding Heath’s arm straight, Jarrod cringed when Jonas pulled the bone back in place, the only response from Heath was a tossing of his head from side to side, a moan of pain which escaped his lips. Nick held the splints while Jarrod tied the pieces in place with cloth torn form his shirt.

“Jonas, we need to make a travois.” sighed Jarrod looking around for some suitable wood.

Nick glanced up from where he was wiping the blood off Heath’s face, “That’ll take too long, Jarrod. He needs a doctor now!”

“I know, Nick but if he’s got some fractured ribs, another ride on a horse could drive one into his lung.” explained Jarrod calmly, kneeling beside his brothers. “Nick, his uncle’s still on this mountain somewhere. If Heath’s on a travois, we can keep our eyes on what’s around us and our guns ready in our hands.”

“After you two get off this mountain with Heath, I’ll take after his uncle.” stated Jonas. “Heath’s more important right now.”

The tanned face darkened with rage at the thought of Matt Simmons, the gloved hands flexed wishing his neck was in between them. Nodding, Nick growled, “Make it. I’ll stay with Heath.”

Jonas and Jarrod rushed to make a travois while Nick kept watch over his shivering and disoriented brother. Taking off his gloves, he gently ran his fingers over the bruises on the blonde’s cheek.

“Heath, can you hear me?” asked Nick watching closely for any sign of recognition, any sign the blonde knew who he was. “Heath? Open your eyes for me!”

The sound repeated and echoed in his ear, moving his level of awareness a small step at a time. Flames singed him everywhere he turned, his body protested every move he made, but the words shimmered through like a foghorn signaling a ship. Walking slowly towards the sound, Heath gasped and stumbled when his uncle appeared before him by the side of Matt Bentell, Carterson built in Strawberry, the mine entrance signifying the way into the hell.

“No!” he shouted trying to back away from the two monsters. “No!”

Nick grabbed onto the frantic blonde and pulled him into his arms, the heat soaring off his struggling brother taking Nick’s breath away with fear. Heath was mumbling and shouting, his words laced with fright and terror, he was fighting to get away.

“It’s Nick. I’m here, Heath!” shouted Nick in his ear over and over, tightening his muscular arms around the smaller man.

Jonas and Jarrod came back with a travois when the frantic thrashing was slowly stopping. Nick cradled Heath in his arms and watched as one eye lid lifted, revealing a small spot of blue beneath it. The spot of blue moved slowly in its socket and pain flew across the paled face.

“Heath, you’re safe now.” assured Nick tenderly, his hand caressing his brother’s face. “I got ya’ little brother.”

The small shake of the blonde head and the quiet anguished gasp, the lost look in the pool of blue, shook the brothers to their very cores.

“Not...Barkley…Sawyer.”

Nick and Jarrod stared at each other when the lid closed and Heath slumped back into the darkness. Nick leaned over and shouted into the ear of the feverish blonde, his words thick with love and fear.

“BOY, YOU ARE A BARKLEY! I AIN’T GOING THROUGH THAT AGAIN! YOU HEAR ME?”

Chapter 10

Reaching the bottom of the trail, the three riders let out a collective sigh of relief when their descent was unhindered by anyone or in any way.

Stopping their horses, Jarrod refilled the canteens in the stream while Jonas knelt by the travois. Jonas’ eyes flickered once over the face of his friend before he glanced up, towards the protective bear hovering on the other side of the travois. Nick smiled slightly and nodded before limping away to the stream where Jarrod knelt.

Picking up the right hand of his friend, Jonas leaned over, “Heath, I can’t think of a finer man I’d rather have for a friend. You keep fighting and I’ll be there when you open your eyes.”

Glancing at the pale face, Jonas reached up and wiped the sweat away with a shake of his head, “No matter what that no account uncle of yours put in your head Heath, mark my words. You’re a Barkley as much as your brothers are!”

Squeezing the hand one last time, he stood up and pulled the blanket up further on the bruised chest. The gasping for air by his friend sent a sliver of fear into him. Jonas knew the gasps, he was familiar with the signs and he was worried. Saying his good-byes to the two brothers, Jonas mounted and headed back up the mountain.

Nick and Jarrod carried the canteens back to the travois. Nick gently lifted the blonde head trying to coax some of the precious fluid into his brother, his efforts getting no more than a teaspoon full into the fiercely sweating man. Frustration flowed through the strong man and he grimaced slightly from the fist he hit against his wounded leg.

“Nick, you best not start yourself bleeding again.” warned Jarrod calmly. “Remember, a small amount of water is better than no water at all.”

Biting back the angry words which almost spewed from his mouth, Nick clenched his jaw and nodded instead. He knew his older brother wasn’t who he was angry with, however, he was the only person in the near radius who was cognizant enough to understand the words he wanted to scream at the top of his lungs.

Running his hand through his hair, Nick took a deep breath and sighed, “Let’s get moving.”

Jarrod mounted after Nick painfully climbed into the saddle. The blue eyes saw the pallor beneath the tan and knew the wound must be hurting like the devil.

Nick lead the way towards Pine Crest, his eyes watching the area around them, wishing he could get Matt Simmons in his sights for a second, enough time to rid his little brother of one of his nightmares. His mind kept asking questions, repeating themselves in his head as he rode.

What happened during those six days?

Was the doubt only due to his feverish state?

Couldn’t his little brother see he was a Barkley?

Why would he think he was anything other than a Barkley?

Would the man he couldn’t think of other than as a brother leave because of the doubt?

The scowl on Nick’s face deepened and he shook his head, trying to overcome the fear which suddenly constricted his chest. Nick may have been surprised to find the same questions and fears were flowing throughout the eldest Barkley son whose eyes kept falling onto the still brother who lay on the travois ahead of him.

Jonas rode back up the trail, rifle in hand as he backtracked the horse Hatch Thames rode with Heath. He’d heard of the wanted Hatch and knew of his reputation. He was a hard man but not hardened, not immune to human decency. Though he was a criminal, he’d never been accused of cruelty to another.

Jonas knew where ever Hatch Thames was, his friend Red Bowles wouldn’t be far behind. The two were inseparable and watched each other’s backs. Red had followed his boyhood friend down the same path in life.

The sun was lower in the sky when the sheriff found the camp of the bank robbers. Watching the location for a half hour, Jonas left his hidden post and walked around the perimeter of the camp.

Red lay on the ground, his pistol in the dirt inches from his stretched out arm. He was riddled with bullet holes. On the other side of the encampment lay another man.

Studying the man who bled to death from two bullets to his gut, Jonas surmised he fit the description of Boyd Baker. No waste of life there, he thought grimly. Baker was a man without compassion for anyone, even women and children.

Satisfaction reflected in Jonas’ eyes at the realization of the slow death Boyd had suffered. Casting about, he found tracks of another horse leaving the area on the other side. Kneeling, he studied the earth darkened with spots of blood and smiled slightly.

‘Good shot, Red’ thought Jonas with admiration. The signs in the campsite and the wound to Hatch’s back telling him the story without the need of words.

Grabbing the two horses grazing nearby, he tied them to a tree and undid the bedrolls. Wrapping the criminals in the blankets, the sheriff lashed them into the saddle. Standing in front of the mine entrance, Jonas lit a lantern and entered the dark hole. His eyes turned cold at the ropes which lay by the post and the smell of vomit in the area.

‘Jesus, what a heartless sonofabitch that Simmons is.’ whispered Jonas outloud, his stomach tightening at the blackness of mines and tunnels he knew could send his young friend quivering to his knees.

Leaving the mine, the sheriff looked around one last time before leaving the mountain with the two dead men. Pushing the horses, he reached Pine Crest shortly after eight. Waking up the undertaker, he handed over the business and headed up the street to the doctor’s office.

Chapter 11

Opening the door, Jonas was nearly knocked into the street by Jarrod who ran into the returning sheriff. Grabbing Jonas by the arm, Jarrod apologized as he steadied the lawman.

“Sorry, Jonas. Dr. Martin needs some ice for Heath’s fever.” explained Jarrod, his words firing off as fast as a gatlin gun in his worried face.

“I’ll help ya’” stated Jonas leading Jarrod down the street to the ice house. “I thought the doc and Mrs. Martin were in Nevada.”

Grabbing chunks of ice, the two hurried back through the dark streets. Jarrod quietly informed the puzzled sheriff of the return of the Martins due to a wire sent by Hope when the men left for Strawberry.

“Good thinking on Hope’s part.” admitted Jarrod opening the door to the office. “It’ll be good to have Heath’s aunt there with him.”

Nodding, Jonas followed Jarrod’s steps into the examination room where the physician took the ice and broke it into several pieces. Placing them in strategic places around the sheet clothed blonde, hoping the ice would do what the sponge baths hadn’t.

Rachel directed Jarrod and Jonas to the next room. Entering, Nick was in the process of getting his pants back on.

“Don’t you knock!” growled Nick buckling his belt.

“Sorry, Nick.” sighed Jarrod. “What’d Dr. Martin say?”

Turning red, Nick snorted, “I didn’t see him yet.”

Jarrod snapped, “Then why are you getting dressed! That wound needs to be looked after, Nick. I can’t have you getting an infection and getting worse. We already have Heath to worry about, I don’t want you sick too!”

“For pete’s sake, Pappy!” shouted Nick. “Miss Martin took care of it! OKAY?”

The anger seeped out of Jarrod and he stared at the crimson faced man, a smile turned the corner of his lips up, “Miss Martin, huh?”

Glaring at his brother, Nick turned and spoke to the sheriff. “Jonas, you find him?”

“No, but I did bring in two of the others. From what I can see, Red Bowles held off Simmons and the other one, Boyd Baker, while Hatch Thames escaped with Heath. That’s how Hatch was shot in the back. Red killed Boyd and wounded Simmons before he was killed himself.” explained Jonas quietly and then frowning.

“Dammit, his uncle could still be alive.” growled Nick.

“Boys, they kept Heath tied to a post in a mine.” whispered Jonas. “As far as I can tell, there was no light for him.”

Two sets of eyes held the same look of anguish at the darkness their little brother’d been subjected to. The terror he must have felt brought tears and twisted their hearts.

Nick stalked out and entered the next room, walking to the bed and grabbing Heath’s right hand. The others watched the tall man wipe his eyes and call into his brother’s ear.

“I won’t leave you in the dark, Heath. I promise.”

Chapter 12

The crying of tears from the eyes of a woman could signify a variety of emotions. Pain, love, happiness, sadness, grief. So many emotions could be the reason for tears.

The crying of tears from the eyes of a woman was also a release of the various emotions. Emotions which took over a woman at a particular time.

There are times in a woman’s life when not even tears can release the emotion of pain.

Such as it was when Victoria and Audra Barkley arrived in Pine Crest two days later. After greeting her two exhausted sons, they were lead into the room where Heath lay fighting and winning, a small step at a time.

Audra cried tears of sadness for all her brother had gone through. His fever reduced slightly, his body weak, his mind still trapped somewhere else in his feverish state.

Victoria’s hand shook when she stepped to the bedside of her blonde son, his breaths still coming in gasps. His handsome face at this moment was a patchwork of colors. Colors signifying the horrid treatment one person handed to another.

Running her fingers slightly through his wet hair, she bit her lip to stop from crying out.

A small hand squeezed her shoulder and her gray eyes looked into Rachel Martin’s brown ones, reflecting understanding and compassion.

“Our Heath’s a fighter, Mrs. Barkley.” assured Rachel.

Squeezing the hand on her shoulder, Victoria smiled softly, “I know, Mrs. Martin. I wish he didn’t have to fight so hard again. Heath doesn’t deserve such treatment nor does anyone else in this world.”

Rachel smiled sadly, “I know, I wish that also. His strength will see him through.”

Leaning over, Victoria placed a tender kiss on the sizzling forehead and caressed his bruised cheek. Her voice quivered with emotion interwoven with a mother’s firmness. “Heath Barkley, you will open your eyes and you will continue to fight.”

Rachel gasped when her unconscious nephew’s head turned towards the mother’s voice he heard in his ear. Everyone in the room saw the immense struggle he underwent to try to heed the spoken words, the firm order from his mother.

His head turned from side to side from where he was propped up with pillows to alleviate his breathing, his complexion turned paler, his hands clenched the sheet with a white knuckled grip and his moans followed the shuddering movements of his body.

Nick’s hazel eyes brimmed with tears and his knees weakened slightly. Jarrod grabbed his rocky brother and led him to a chair at the side of the bed, reminding himself to scold the exhausted man later for not heeding the doctor’s orders of rest.

Dr. Martin and Hope took their positions on both sides of the bed ready for the effects of consciousness.

Everyone in the room held their breath when they spied the slow opening of an eyelid. The dazed eye rolled around in its socket, it’s owner sucked in his breath at a bolt of pain assaulting him, his sharp intake of air causing a fit of coughing to occur.

The physician held Heath up, a pillow cradling his ribs while Hope pounded on his back. With each solid hit between the shoulder blades, Nick flinched physically at the necessary pain inflicted to remove the buildup of phlegm in the lungs weakened from years of abuse, driven on by the infection.

The exercise over, John wiped the drenched forehead and laid Heath back onto the pillows. Hope replaced the chunks of melting ice with bigger ones and smiled when the dazed sky blue eye looked upon her.

“Hey, brother.” welcomed Hope with a wide smile at the recognition which flashed in Heath’s eye before it moved around the room at the other faces.

The effort to even move an eye had Heath moaning in pain. The blue orb widened in shock when it fell upon Nick’s pale face. The whiteness in the tanned face frightened Heath and he fought to speak.

The words no more than a whisper, forced out at great expense. “Nick..needs…bed.”

All eyes turned towards the chair housing the tall man and Hope’s eyes flashed at his pallor. Wiping Heath’s face, Hope put herself in his line of vision. “Don’t worry, Heath. We’ll take care of your stubborn brother.”

The corner of Heath’s lip turned up slightly at the loud protest from the other man which was quickly silenced by Victoria’s admonishment. Heath’s gaze took in his aunt and the blue orb’s expression turned to confusion.

Rachel stared at the lost look in the eye staring past everyone in the room. Heath’s body started to shake uncontrollably, his mind locked in a memory. Nick pushed Hope out of the way, sat on the bed and grabbed the trembling shoulders, his loud voice calling out.

“HEATH! HEATH!”

“Dark…no…light” gasped Heath caught in the memory. “I…Nick…Nick!”

Two strong hands turned the bruised face towards him, the hazel eyes bored into the blue orb, lost in time.

Nick’s frantic shouts matched the frantic gasps, “I’m here, boy! Look at me, Heath!”

The shaking stopped and the blue eye filled with tears, the whisper cut through everyone in the room before Heath passed out into his brother’s arms.

“Not...Barkley”

Tears fell freely from the hazel eyes while he held the blonde to his chest and stroked the drenched hair, his promise bringing tears to all around.

“You are a Barkley, Heath! I’m gonna prove it to you!”

Chapter 13

Sheriff Moreland led a group of men into the mountains and on the trail of the wounded Matt Simmons. After several days, they were unable to find Simmons alive or signs of his dead body. The group rode to Strawberry questioned Heath’s aunt and thoroughly searched the town but ended up empty handed.

Returning to Pine Crest, a wanted poster was printed and distributed by mail to the other lawmen throughout California and the neighboring states. Everyone was concerned at the freedom Matt Simmons enjoyed but the matter was out of their hands. Their efforts were concentrated on the injured man left behind from the ordeal.

A cycle of caring for the injured, weakened man was established, the regiment strictly followed to ensure the return of Heath to full health. The regiment helped the blonde’s body to heal, but the emotional damage, the doubt, the uncertainty couldn’t be dispelled in this manner.

The seed of doubt planted in the blonde grew, the roots taking hold and the doubt festering in his confused mind while he lay in his fevered state of existence.

When the fever broke, Heath’s body drifted into a deep healing sleep. His family took a breath and braced itself for the backlash the doubt created.

Dr. Martin firmly stated until Heath was stronger, no conversation would be held regarding his doubt as to who his father was. The Barkleys protested but their words were ceased by the physician’s concern over his patient and the turmoil the conversation would create in Heath’s already weakened state.

“Heath doesn’t need more to deal with right now, Mrs. Barkley. Talk with him, let him know you love him but hold off the conversation for now.” stated John quietly.

“He needs to rest and we all know Heath won’t rest if he knows any of you are upset. Right now, his body is weak and forcing him to rest. Rest is the best thing for him.”

The others nodded at the physician words knowing how true they were. Agreeing, the family would hold true to their word no matter how difficult it may be to do so. Nick had grudgingly given his agreement and all knew the man of action only did so out of his concern for his little brother.

“Once that boy is stronger, he and I are gonna talk.” growled Nick firmly before leaving the room, his tone an indication of the inner torment he was undergoing.

Days later, Audra sat by Heath’s bedside holding a magazine. Her mind not on the articles about the latest fashion, her eyes not seeing the pictures of the dresses for sale. Her mind concerned over the pain in her mother’s eyes, the anger in Nick’s, the disheartened look in Gene’s and the fear in Jarrod’s.

Sighing, Audra frowned at the turn of events no one would have ever foreseen. Her own sapphire eyes held guilt at the actions she’d accused Heath of before he left on the ill fated trip.

“Your face could freeze like that, Audra.” grinned Heath, his blue eyes clear and affectionate.

Audra’s face lit up while she sat on the edge of the bed. Placing a kiss on the yellowed bruised cheek, she held a glass of water to his lips. Taking several sips, Heath smiled his appreciation.

“How are you feeling?” asked Audra straightening the blanket which lay across his chest, her movements belaying her nervousness.

“I’m okay.” sighed Heath, grinning at the rolling eyes. “Where’s everyone?”

“Mother’s resting. Jarrod and Nick went back to Stockton to take care of some things on the ranch. They’ll be back in a couple days. Gene left for school four days ago.”

Surprise flew across Heath’s face, “Gene was here?”

“He could only get away for two days. He didn’t want to go back but Mother made him.” stated Audra.

“Sorry, I missed him.” replied Heath sadly, his words causing Audra to chuckle.

“What?” inquired Heath suspiciously at the glittering blue eyes.

Audra giggled uncontrollably. “Heath, you didn’t miss him. In fact, you were quite happy to see him.”

“I don’t know if I want to hear this.” groaned Heath, almost afraid to ask what caused the sparkle of amusement in her eyes. “What happened?”

“Gene leaned over and you grabbed him. You were speaking in spanish. We didn’t understand the words but the tone of your voice was quite, well, amorous.”

Heath’s face burned with red as Audra’s teasing continued. His embarrassment clearly showing in his eyes.

“Boy howdy, what’d Gene do?”

“After the initial shock, he calmly removed your arm from his neck and patted your cheek. Then he said, ‘Heath, I didn’t know you knew spanish, however, now is not the time for such things.’”

Heath rubbed his hand over his face. “Oh, lordy.”

The amusement faded from Audra’s eyes, replaced slowly with guilt as she took hold of the large hand and squeezed.

“Heath, I want you to know how sorry I am.” stammered Audra, her eyes spilling out tears.

Reaching up, Heath brushed the tears from the silky cheeks. “For what, Audra?”

“For what I said to you before you left. What I thought you’d done. I know you’re not capable of doing such a thing. Can you ever forgive me?”

“Audra, there’s nothing to forgive. Don’t cry.” pleaded Heath pulling the crying woman into his arms. “It was just a misunderstanding. Everything’s fine now.”

Pushing herself out of his arms, Audra’s hand wiped at her tears and she shook her blonde mane furiously, “Everything’s not fine. It’s all such a horrible mess and I don’t think it’ll ever be fine again. I’m sorry, Heath.”

Audra rushed out of the room, Heath’s calls to her went unanswered. Swinging his panted legs over the edge of the bed, he set his feet on the wood floor. Gritting his teeth against the pain in his ribs, he pushed upwards and took four shaky steps before falling to his knees, furious at the weakness in him.

“Heath!” exclaimed Rachel rushing to his side and grabbing his arm. “What do you think you’re doing?”

The blue eyes flickered with quickly changing emotions. Anger, confusion, guilt, anguish. Heath’s voice broke and he bit back a sob of anguish, the questions spilling out.

“Was Tom Barkley was my father? Did I just assume he was my father cause of that newspaper clipping in mama’s bible? Maybe she just admired the man for all he did in the valley and didn’t know him at all. I gotta know, Aunt Rachel. It’s killing me inside! I can’t stand the pain it’s causing!”

Holding her distraught nephew in her arms, Rachel placed a kiss on the shaking man’s hair. “I’m sorry Heath. I wish I could say I’ve known since you were born Tom Barkley was your father, but I can’t.”

Finally gaining control, Heath sat on the floor and looked at his aunt, “Could it be Charlie Sawyer?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. He was married to your mother, but we all thought he had died when the river flooded.” explained Rachel brushing his bangs off his forehead.

“I can’t remember exactly when, but I think he came back right before Leah found out she was pregnant. If I knew for certain, it’d be the answer to all your questions.”

“I keep going over everything in my mind and I feel as if I’m missing something. It’s on the fringes of my memories.” whispered Heath with a shake of his blonde head. “If only she’d told me in words, I wouldn’t be doubting what I want so much to be true.”

“I wish that too, Heath. Your mama had her reasons and we will never know those reasons.”

Sighing loudly, Heath asked, “What do I call them? Nick? Jarrod? Audra? Gene? Mrs. Barkley? What?”

Entering the room, Victoria knelt beside the two on the floor, her hands took Heath’s face and she smiled, “Mother is a title which thrills me each time you say it, Heath.”

“But, I may not have the right.” whispered Heath, his clear blue eyes tormented.

The gray eyes sparked with anger and Victoria said firmly, “No matter what we find out or don’t find out, Heath. You are my son! I don’t need proof to know that which is in my heart!”

Wrapping her arms around him, Victoria felt his arms tighten, his body was quivering with emotion.

She knew he was a man of honor.

She knew he was a man of integrity.

She knew he was a man who wouldn’t take a name that wasn’t his.

She knew he was a man who had captured all their hearts.

She knew the answer he was seeking may end up ripping all of them to shreds.

She knew this and she knew he would always be her fourth son, no matter what the future held.

Chapter 14

“DAMMIT!” shouted Nick angrily, turning and hitting the fireplace mantle with his clenched fists. “WHAT THE HELL ARE WE GONNA DO NOW?”

Jarrod waited until Nick grabbed the mantle in both hands and took several deep shaky breaths. Walking over, he stood behind his brother and put his hands on the tense broad shoulders.

“Nick, it’s not hopeless.” stated Jarrod quietly. “There’s always a way.”

A negative shake of the dark head was his only answer, the other’s voice non-existent from the emotions strangling him.

“We’ll ride to Strawberry to see if there’s any old timers left around there.” suggested Jarrod. “They may remember when Charlie Sawyer came back to life. They could possibly remember the exact time frame. We can speak to Heath’s other aunt. All we need to verify is when Charlie Sawyer actually returned to Strawberry.”

“I can’t lose him, Jarrod. I can’t.” whispered Nick. “I thought when we got the birth certificate...”

Nick stopped, unable to finish with his thought, a frown creased Jarrod’s face and he sighed, “I know, Nick. I was hoping Heath’s mother had listed Father’s name on it. I wasn’t prepared for that section to be left blank either.”

Nick pushed away from the fireplace and walked over to pour a drink. Handing a whiskey to his brother, the two sat in the parlor lost in thought.

Jarrod sipped his drink and cast a glance over towards Nick. His concern for his two brothers was overshadowing everything else. Nick was struggling with the pain Heath had been subject to, his fear of losing a brother and the lack of proof he had promised his brother he’d find to bring him out of his darkness.

Nick’s anger at Matt Simmons had gone way past boiling over to the murderous rage point. If Heath’s uncle showed up at this moment, he’d be a dead man and Jarrod knew he wouldn’t be able to stop his brother from committing the act.

Jarrod, himself was frustrated and scared. If they didn’t find proof, Heath’d leave. This whole thing was ripping them apart and they hadn’t even broached the subject of how to let Heath know he’d shot Nick. Everything was such a mess and there didn’t seem to be a way to clear it up for everyone involved.

Jarrod mentally chastised himself. ‘A big fancy lawyer and I can’t come up with a way to close this open wound and answer my younger brothers’ questions.’

“It’s all my fault, Nick.” suggested Jarrod softly.

“What is?” puzzled Nick, glancing over to the eldest son.

“When Heath arrived, I wanted to have him investigated. If I had, all this wouldn’t be in doubt now. I should have followed my lawyer instincts.” sighed Jarrod, laying his head back against the soft fabric of the chair.

Nick snorted, “I remember Mother’s reaction when you made that suggestion, Pappy. I think I can still see her footprint on your behind.”

Chuckling, Jarrod nodded, “I’m not the only one who felt Mother’s wrath at that time, Nick. If I remember correctly, you did too.”

A smile flashed across Nick’s face, “If I listen, I can hear Heath’s voice claiming who he was after we fought in the barn. Remember how he broke that bottle in the study! His eyes were wild that night! I swear you can see his soul when you look in those damn eyes of his.”

“Well, I couldn’t believe it when he put the money I offered him in the scotch. Here was this man who didn’t have anything and he was shoving the money back in our faces!” smiled Jarrod, his eyes filled with admiration. “Then he flashes his lop-sided grin at us and salutes before he leaves! Boy, he was cocky!”

“And he was so full of rage those days. After he left the first time, I couldn’t figure out why he did it. How come he was going to give up everything that came with being a Barkley.” whispered Nick with a shake of his head. “It took us a long time to get to where we are.”

“If you’d told me that first day how much I’d end up needing him now, I’d have said you’re crazy!” admitted Nick sadly, wiping the moisture appearing in his eyes. “It only took Simmons six days to undo everything we worked so hard for! There’s gotta be a way to find out, Jarrod.”

Clearing his throat, Silas waited until the two men looked at him in surprise, unaware he was in the room with them.

“I’s heard Mr. Heath when he ta fever talkin’ bout his mama’s puttin’ som’thing in her secret box. He mighta knowed it durin’ ta fever but not when he’s well.” suggested Silas quietly. “Sometimes folks minds recollect durin’ fever what theys forgot o’her times.”

Looking over at Nick, Jarrod asked, “Heath, ever mention his mama’s secret box to you?”

“No, never.” replied Nick, his hazel eyes lighting up with hope. “Guess that’s a good question to ask when we talk to our little brother day after tomorrow.”

Standing, both brothers took turns wrapping their arms around their old friend and thanking him for the hope he offered.

Silas waved off the thanks, smiled and said quietly, “Mr. Heath’s a good boy and a good friend.”

Chapter 15

Heath shook his head. “Sorry, I don’t know what Silas is talking about.”

Jarrod and Nick sighed in unison, the hope slowly fading from their eyes. Heath felt a pang of guilt and suggested. “Maybe Aunt Rachel knows.”

Smiling, Jarrod patted his younger brother’s hand, “I’ll go ask her, Heath.”

After Jarrod left, Nick studied Heath intently, his scrutiny causing the smaller man to shift slightly in his seat. “What is it, Nick? Did I grow horns or something?”

“You just look better than last time I saw ya’.” admitted Nick, then winking. “Course you’d never win a beauty contest or anything.”

Rolling his eyes, Heath snorted, “At least I wouldn’t have to worry about any competition from you.”

Chuckling, Nick grabbed the back of the blonde’s head and shook him slightly, the familiar gesture bringing tears to Heath’s eyes.

“Heath?” worried Nick.

Standing, Heath swiped a hand over his face and walked over to look out the window of the room, his eyes not seeing the glory of the day.

“Damn, I swear I’m part old lady. Can’t seem to keep my emotions under control lately.” drawled Heath sarcastically, taking a deep breath to quell the battle going on within him.

“Yeah, me too.” admitted Nick quietly unsure of what to do, watching the back of his brother.

“When I came to Stockton I really did believe he was my father.” stated Heath, not turning from his spot in front of the window.

“Heath, he is your father.” snapped Nick. “We wouldn’t be having this conversation if it weren’t for that damn uncle of yours. I’d sure like to get my hands on that worthless piece of, well, on him.”

Heath crossed his arms, his casted wrist laying over his right arm and turned back towards the angry man. Taking a deep breath, Heath tilted his head slightly. “Nick, you gotta understand something. If I don’t know for certain, I can’t go back.”

Jumping up, Nick stared at the blonde. “The ranch is your home! That’s where you belong!”

“I can’t trade or live on a name that I don’t know is mine.” replied Heath calmly. “Surely, you can understand that.”

Frustration and anger warred against each other in the hazel eyes which stared at him. The anger won out and Nick’s long legs reached the other man in three steps. Glaring at Heath, Nick poked his finger into the blonde’s chest.

“You need to understand that you are my brother, no matter what anyone thinks, says or does! I don’t need proof to know what’s in my heart!” stated Nick firmly.

“Nick, I need to know for me! Hell, I didn’t even know my mama been married! I feel like everything’s a lie! Could be Sawyer is my father and then what?” snapped Heath pushing the irritating finger away from his chest.

“YOU’RE A BARKLEY AND THAT’S ALL THERE IS TO IT!” shouted Nick. “I DON’T CARE IF YOUR MAMA WAS MARRIED TEN TIMES, I KNOW!”

“WELL, I DON’T!” shouted Heath right back, the look in his eyes reminding Nick of the first night they had tangled.

“BOY, I’D LIKE TO KNOCK SOME SENSE INTO YOU!” threatened Nick, stepping back and pacing the room.

“GO AHEAD, IF IT’D MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER!” taunted Heath, unable to control the urge to strike out at someone.

“I SHOULD JUST CAUSE YOU SHOT ME!” yelled Nick, turning pale after he realized what he’d shouted.

Heath stared in shock, his mind comprehending what he thought he’d heard, the silence of the room rushed into his ears.

“What did you say?” gasped Heath, his stunned eyes taking in Nick’s getting-his-hand-caught-in-the-cookie-jar wide eyed look.

Nick rushed over and put his hands on Heath’s shoulders, “It’s not what you think, Heath. Let me explain!”

Stepping away, Heath stared into the hazel eyes and shook his head. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me! Were you hoping I wouldn’t remember?”

“Heath, you didn’t know what you were doing.” urged Nick. “You were out of your head!”

“THAT’S SUPPOSED TO MAKE IT OKAY THAT I SHOT YOU?” shouted Heath in disbelief, opening the door and slamming it behind him causing the pictures on the wall to fall and the door to bounce back on its hinges when the latch didn’t catch.

After picking up the pictures, Nick hit the wall with his fist and muttered to himself, “Nice going, big brother.”

Hope stood in the doorway of the room and stated calmly, “Heath had to find out sometime, Mr. Barkley. Perhaps it’s best now when everything is so mixed up for him.”

Shaking his head, Nick smiled slightly, “Somehow I don’t think the rest of my family will agree, Miss Martin.”

Heath stalked down the street, his boots ringing loudly on the boardwalk and jerked open the door. Jonas looked up from his desk and cringed at the look in his friend’s eyes.

Pointing to the chair, he waited until Heath sat down, leaned back in his chair and then sighed.

“Okay, here’s what happened.”

Chapter 16

Jonas cleared his throat, the sound echoed through the air in the room, it’s vibration turned the wide blue eyes towards him. Heath’s mask of unhidden incredulity had formed before the sheriff’s watchful eyes as he relayed the missing pieces for the blonde.

“Sammy Thames’ brother?” repeated Heath for the fourth time, before shaking his head. “Sammy worshipped his older brother, talked bout him all the time. He was only five years older than me and wanted to be a doctor. He was a good man, Jonas. I can’t believe his brother was with Matt.”

“I’d say it was lucky for you and us, he was there. He and his friend, Red, got you away from your uncle.”

Heath bent over and held his head in his hand, “Can you find out if their parents are still in Ohio? I’d like to have their bodies sent home. They should be with their families.”

“I’ll take care of it.” promised Jonas.

Leaning forward in his chair, Jonas stated firmly, “Heath, you didn’t know it was your brothers standing in front of you. Maybe you thought they were some of your uncle’s men. Maybe you thought you were in the war. Remember, if you had been WITH us that day, you never would have pulled the trigger. But you weren’t there, at least NOT IN YOUR HEAD. They don’t blame you. Don’t blame yourself.”

“I should’ve known, Jonas.” whispered Heath, standing up and pacing the room.

“I should’ve heard it in their voices! I’ve lived over a year and a half with them! Worked by Nick’s side almost everyday! I could have killed ‘em! Their voices should’ve told me they were my bro, uh, Nick and Jarrod.”

Jonas frowned at the conscience effort Heath used to avoid saying brothers. His temper rising slightly at the man responsible for the turmoil searing the family.

“Don’t you mean your brothers.” said Jonas quietly watching the words cause the pacing to falter.

“No, I mean Nick and Jarrod Barkley.” snapped Heath, stopping his movement and tipping his head back to look at the ceiling, a deep sigh shook his body.

“I’m sorry Jonas. God, this is so hard. If I don’t prepare myself for the worst, I won’t make it.” admitted Heath quietly.

Jonas stood up and walked around the desk, leaning against it, he folded his arms waiting until control was refound by his friend. “Think hard, Heath. Did your mama ever lie to you whilst growing up that you know of?”

Sitting in the chair, Heath’s eyes looked back into the past, his mind searching for the answer. Jonas waited patiently, through the window his eyes caught sight of the two Barkley brothers, across the street looking up and down.

Walking over, he opened the door and spoke to his deputy who was sitting on the chair on the boardwalk, observing the happenings in the street. “Okay, sheriff.”

The deputy crossed the street, stopping by the brothers who glanced across the street. Jonas waved to the men before closing the door to the office.

Retaking his place, Jonas stared at his boots and looked up at the quiet voice, “No, not even once.”

“Heath, don’t you think that counts for something?” inquired Jonas. “Why would she lie on her deathbed?”

“Jonas, mama never outright lied to me, but she didn’t tell the truth either. She’d whitewash things, answers to questions I’d ask. Not a lie and not the whole truth.” stated Heath, sighing loudly and squeezing his forehead before standing.

“I think every mother does that Heath. It’s a way of protecting their children.” informed Jonas.

“Yeah, I know. She deserved so much better, Jonas. She didn’t deserve to raise a boy alone in that place. It was hard for her, at night she’d cry a lot when she thought I was asleep. I didn’t know why until I was older. Once I knew what bastard meant, then I knew why people treated her like they did. I wouldn’t care how they treated me as long as mama was treated decently. She deserved more than the hand life dealt her.”

“Your mama was a fine lady who did a fine job of raising you, Heath. She was always mighty proud of you.” smiled Jonas. “I think your uncle was just trying to mess with ya’.”

Extending his hand, Heath nodded, “Maybe you’re right, but pandora’s box’s been opened and now I need to know. Thanks for filling in the blank spots, Jonas.”

“Poker later?”

“I didn’t win it all last night?” teased Heath receiving a shove out the door for an answer.

Turning, he was met by worried blue eyes and tormented hazel eyes. Their eyes clenched his heart, he wanted nothing more than to take the looks away, to make things how they were before he’d left.

“I’m on my way to see Aunt Rachel, you boys wanna tag along?” suggested Heath offhandedly.

Smiling, Jarrod squeezed the blonde’s shoulder, “Be our pleasure, little brother.”

A slight smile turned up his lips before Heath winked and clapped Nick on the back, “Boy howdy, Nick. You’re lucky I didn’t shoot ya’ six inches further to the right. Ya would’ve been the lead singer at the opera.”

“THAT’S NOT FUNNY!” exclaimed Nick following his chuckling brothers down the boardwalk.

Chapter 17

Sitting on the rail of the porch, Heath leaned his head back onto the post. The afternoon spent going through his mama’s things Aunt Rachel stored in the attic didn’t quench the thirst for answers to the doubt spreading within him. The roots of the doubt spreading outwards, firmly taking hold.

The evening was spent in the company of Aunt Rachel and his Mother, going over things from his past, trying to discern if anything could be remembered from conversations of the past. Sighing, Heath’s thoughts turned to the afternoon which had started out full of hope.

Jarrod and Nick stayed by his side, sitting at the table and systematically examining the items in the crate. Each piece of paper read, each envelope opened and the contents laid bare for the world to see. Each container carefully scrutinized for hidden compartments, the lining inside studied for any sign it had been pulled away from its home, the secret box could not be found.

At last, the crate was empty and frustration pierced the sapphire eyes and his hand clenched tightly into a fist. Standing up abruptly, he walked to the window and shook his head, turning back to the concerned men at the table.

“There’s one other place we haven’t looked.” frowned Heath. “I gotta go to Strawberry.”

Nick jumped up and proclaimed loudly, “Not without me, you’re not!”

“We will all go together.” stated Jarrod firmly, blue eyes staring intently into blue eyes.

Slowly nodding his agreement, Heath walked back to the table, picking up the items of his mama’s life, he carefully started to pack them away. Two set of hands joined him, their touch on the delicate memories, soft and gentle with a feel of reverence.

Picking up a small cross, Heath ran his thumb over it, the wood was smooth and worn. His mind was taken back to his job of setting charges in the mine causing his fear of darkness to came rushing back, his last harried escape from a cave-in stealing his breath as it had in the past when he was just a boy.

“HEATH!” called Nick and Jarrod seeing the terrified look in the non-seeing blue eyes. Blinking, Heath was startled back to the present, his eyes took a moment to register the fear in the others, his mind rushed back to the current moment of time.

“What?” asked Heath, glancing down at the cross worn by his mother’s fingers while she waited for her son to return from work.

Nick put his hand over the cross in the shaky hand, his words soft as a gentle breeze, “Where’d you go just now, Heath?”

Looking into the inquiring hazel eyes, Heath laid the cross on the table. Sitting in the chair, he sighed, “When I was a charge boy, mama’d hold this in her hands til I came home. I think this cross was her saving grace from going crazy with worry. It was hard to have me work in the mines, but we needed the money cause she was sick. Anyways, mama about rubbed the pattern off, see?”

Pointing to the small cross, Nick and Jarrod could barely make out some letters which were carved into the wood. The only letters distinguishable were part of a ‘L’ and a ‘H’.

“I see now.” said Jarrod. “It said Leah, didn’t it?”

Heath nodded and Nick grinned, “I think Leah’s a beautiful name.”

“Yeah, I’m kinda partial to it myself.” smiled Heath softly, his eye loaded with fond remembrance. “She told me one of the happiest days in her life was when she was able to put the cross away knowing I was gonna be at the livery.”

The fond remembrance disappeared and Heath drawled, “I appreciate you offering to go to Strawberry with me.”

“Boy, we didn’t offer!” growled Nick, “I’m going whether you want me to or not! I’m stuck to you, right by you. You’re not going anywhere without me!”

Rolling his eyes, Heath snorted, “Gee I didn’t know we were married. I don’t even remember you proposing!”

Jarrod laughed heartily and Nick retorted, “You’re full of bad jokes today, aren’t you?”

With a slight grin, Heath closed up the crate and put the cross in his pocket. “I was thinkin’ of going tomorrow to Strawberry. Is that okay with you?”

Nodding, Jarrod and Nick left the blonde, heading to the hotel to take care of renting horses for the trip the next day.

Victoria put a small hand on the shoulder of her unaware son, giggling when he had to steady his position on the rail. “I didn’t mean to startle you, Heath.”

“It’s okay, I was lost in thought.” replied Heath turning to face the woman he called Mother. The moonlight glistened off her silver hair, encasing her features in a warm light. The thought of losing another mother kept him awake at nights until a tormented sleep would claim him.

Lifting a small hand, Victoria caressed his cheek and said quietly, “I hope you find what you need tomorrow when you travel to Strawberry, sweetheart.”

Holding her hand to his cheek, Heath smiled, “I hope I do, too.”

“Whatever you find remember we all love you, Heath. I know you’re Tom’s son without a doubt. I can see him in you whenever I look at you.”

“Please I..” whispered Heath, his heart in his eyes, torment in his soul.

“I know, Heath. I know you need to find the definite answer for yourself. I wish you didn’t have to go there.” admitted Victoria softly.

The tears in the gray eyes shone in the moonlight. Pulling her into an embrace, Heath whispered, “I have to know. The need to know is taking over everything else and I have to put it to rest.”

Returning the hug, Victoria nodded, “Promise me you’ll take great care of yourself and your brothers when you leave tomorrow. You may feel unsettled now, but I have a feeling your trip to Strawberry will erase those doubts and emotions. I love you, Heath.”

“I love you, too.” whispered Heath pulling out of the hug. “I’d best get you back to the hotel before they send out a search party.”

Victoria walked back to the hotel on her son’s arm. Long after she dressed for bed, she stood by the window staring up into the stars, eyes closed, sending her pleas upwards to the two souls in the heavens.

‘Leah and Tom, please help our boy find the light to take him out of the darkness of doubt. He’s a son to all of us and his family needs him. Please help him and us find a way. To lose him would be to lose a part of all our souls.’

Chapter 18

Rising early the next morning, Heath saddled Charger and met Jonas at the sheriff’s office before the two friends headed to the hotel dining room for breakfast. Taking a table by the wall, the two were enjoying their meal when Nick and Jarrod entered the room.

Sitting down, Nick’s eyes widened at the metal on his little brother’s shirt, growling as he pointed, “What’s that?”

Shrugging, Heath said quietly, “A deputy’s badge. Jonas deputized me this morning.”

“FOR HOW LONG?” exclaimed Nick loudly, his burning hazel eyes searing into the cool sapphire ones.

Putting a hand on the tense arm, Jarrod smiled, “I think what our brother is trying to ask, Heath, is why?”

“Well, when you boys go to Strawberry, there’s no telling who you might run into.” suggested Jonas nonchalantly. “There’s no law in that town to call upon in case any criminal element is being harbored there.”

Nick slowly exhaled, his question loaded with hesitation, “So, you’re only going to wear the badge til we get back from Strawberry?”

“I’m wearing the badge and will do whatever duties are required of the badge.” drawled Heath simply. “As to how long, well, that depends on what we find or don’t find.”

Jarrod and Nick glanced at each other, their eyes turning back to the blonde sitting across the table. Jarrod cleared his throat and leaned on the table, his voice soft, “Heath, are you saying if we don’t find proof, you’ll stay here and be a deputy?”

The answer was in the blue eyes which stared back at him. Nick’s face darkened, his frustration rapidly sizzling towards the point of explosion, the words were bit back when Heath suddenly stood.

“I’ll be ready to leave when you’re done.” drawled Heath, grabbing his hat and walking away from the two stunned men at the table.

Jonas walked outside with the blonde stopping by the bay stallion and rubbed his neck. “Heath, I hope you find whatever proof you need and I hope you don’t find your uncle.”

“Well, if he is there, what this badge represents and the responsibilities it demands, will stop me from choking the life outta him.” sighed Heath checking the girth on his saddle. “Course, I can’t promise the same of Nick or Jarrod.”

Smiling, Jonas nodded, “Yeah, you may have to protect your uncle from your brothers.”

“Brothers? God, I hope I find what I need to keep calling them brothers til the last breath has left my body.” whispered Heath quietly. “The thought they may not be brothers is making me feel lost inside. If I find out Sawyer’s my father, well, I don’t even want to imagine what I’ll feel like if that’s the truth.”

Squeezing the sad blonde’s shoulder, Jonas stated firmly, “Well, you can stop thinking cause I know you’re a Barkley. Only another Barkley could put up with Nick!”

Chuckling, Heath grinned, “Being part deaf helps too.”

Laughing together, the two friends quickly sobered when the two brothers stepped out onto the boardwalk. Heath’s blue eyes sparkled when he shook Jonas’ hand and accepted the well wishes on his journey.

Untying the reins, he led the stallion down the street to the livery, two puzzled men walked by his side, each wondering if the laughter in the blue eyes would stay as they went on this last ditch effort to find proof of his beginnings.

The answer to the questions they prayed were housed in the town.

A town where he was born out of wedlock to a woman.

A woman who, they prayed, had been associated with their father.

A father who didn’t know of his existence in his own lifetime.

A father who the two brothers once held firm on a pedestal.

A father who, they prayed, did commit the act of sin which produced this blonde man.

This blonde man, this brother, who was fully entrenched in their hearts, their lives, their very beings.

Continued…