Deadly Revenge

by Janet

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.

Plot Summary: A man tries to get revenge on Adam Howard with horrible results

Prologue

Adam Howard was preparing to leave his home for the office on a warm spring morning in May 1870 when there was a knock at the door.

“Who could that be?” he asked himself as he walked toward the front door.

His wife, Cora, was away visiting friends for a few days so he was all alone except for Matthew, who worked for them. Adam knew Matthew was busy in the kitchen so he decided to answer it.

“I’m not expecting anyone especially at this hour of the morning,” he said as he opened the door.

Adam was very surprised at who he saw on the other side of the door.

“David,” he said surprised at seeing a man he had known for eight years standing there, “this is an unexpected surprise. I would have thought you would be at your office this time of the morning instead of visiting me.”

Adam valued David Olson as a friend and colleague. He had also come to value his insight and trusted him with very pivotal matters that shouldn’t be discussed anywhere but in the office.

“Adam,” David Olson replied smiling, “I’m sorry to bother you so early in the morning but I need to speak to you a minute. It’s a rather important matter.”

“Sure,” he told him as he stepped aside to allow David to enter. “What can I do for you?”

David walked inside the house and they went into the study. David looked around to see who was at home.

“What’s the matter?” he asked as he watched David. “Why are you so nervous?”

“It’s what I can do for you,” David said looking at Adam with an expression of concern on his face. “Are you alone?”

“What on earth are you talking about?” he asked completely in the dark. “Yes, I’m alone. Cora has gone to visit some friends for a couple of days. And Matthew is busy in the kitchen. Would you mind explaining what is going on?”

“Does the name Ron Coble mean anything to you?” David asked as he watched Adam for some kind of expression.

“Of course,” he answered as he recognized the name. “I put him in prison eight years ago with my testimony. I tell you if it hadn’t been for you those other men and me would have been out quite a bit of money. I never trusted him the way he always smiled so much. It wasn’t natural. What’s this got to do with him?”

“He’s being released,” David said matter of factly. “In fact, he’s going to be released this morning.”

“What!” he cried looking shocked. “He can’t! He was supposed to serve at least ten years. Why wasn’t I notified?”

“According to what I have learned,” David said trying to be calm, “he is getting released early for good behavior. If you can believe that.”

“I didn’t have any idea he would get out now,” he replied shaking his head. “Good behavior my eye. He’s never been that good. I never trusted him the first time I saw him. Nobody is that polite. And that smile. I wanted to cram it down his throat. But what does all this have to do with me?”

“Do you remember what he said as the guards escorted him from the courtroom?” David asked remembering very well.

“Yes,” he answered. “He said he would get even with me if it was the last thing he ever did.”

“That’s right,” David said looking at Adam. “You need to get some protection from that man. If he were going to be freed, I wouldn’t doubt that he would try to get to you in some fashion. You need to be protected.”

“I’m not worried about him coming after me now,” he replied calming down. “He’s probably forgotten about the threat.”

“I don’t know,” David told him. “He was very angry at you. He’s also had eight long years to think about it. I wouldn’t put it past him.”

“I remember,” he said thinking back to how it all started.

The first time Adam had met Ron Coble was eight years earlier when he was an investigator for the city of San Francisco. A businessman named David Olson had requested that Adam come to his office near the San Francisco Stock Exchange. He had a business proposition for him. Adam was intrigued.

“I hope I’m not early,” he said as David Olson’s receptionist escorted him into David Olson’s beautiful office. “I like to see for myself what kind of client I have. There are so many dishonest people out there who would love to make a fool out of someone like me.”

“Mr. Howard,” Olson replied as he walked around his large cherry desk to shake hands, “I’m David Olson. Won’t you sit down? It’s no problem at all. I understand completely. In your place I would have probably done the same.”

“Thank you,” he told Olson as he took a seat. “Now, what is this all about if I can get right to the point? I’m sure you’re not interested in idle chatter.”

“About a week ago,” Olson said as he sat down behind his desk looking at Adam, “I had a visit from a man named Ron Coble. He told me that he had some stock certificates in real estate for sale. He asked me if I knew anyone else that might be interested in buying in. I told him I would have to ask some of my associates.”

“I see,” he replied jotting down some notes on a small pad he carried in his coat pocket. “Have you met with him yet?”

“No,” Olson told him shaking his head. “I wanted to speak to you first. I have eight other men who are interested in hearing his proposal. I want you to sit in on that meeting and then run a check on him and the certificates. Something about the man doesn’t set well with me. I can’t put my finger on it.”

“I can do that,” he said looking up. “When is the meeting? I agree that you should have this man’s background checked. That sounds like it could involve a great deal of money.”

“Tomorrow evening right here,” Olson replied somewhat nervous. “I have a bad feeling that this man may not have been completely truthful to me earlier. For one thing he told me that he worked at the stock exchange here in San Francisco and was going to sell these certificates for a client. I need someone who can check out his background and check to see if the certificates are real. From what I’ve heard about you, I’m very impressed.”

“Thank you for the comment,” he told him smiling. “I would be glad to sit in on that meeting and then see if Coble is for real or not.”

“I don’t have any idea at the moment how much he is going to ask us to invest,” Olson said. “But before any of us let a cent go, we want to make sure what we’re buying. We didn’t make it in the business world by investing in worthless stock.”

“I agree,” he replied nodding at the man. “I’ll be here tomorrow and in the mean time, I’ll start asking around about this Ron Coble. Maybe I can have some information for you then.”

“Very good,” Olson told him rising from his chair. “Until tomorrow evening then.”

“Right,” he said standing as well and heading out the door.

Adam went back to his own office, which was on the second floor of a building close to one of the more upscale hotels in the classier area of San Francisco and reviewed his notes. He wanted to be prepared when he attended that meeting. Then he went to ask a few questions to see if he could find out anything about the man himself.

“David,” he said as he looked at the man standing in front of him now, “you can’t believe that Coble would want to carry out that threat. I mean he just got through serving eight years in prison. Maybe he’s going to work at something legitimately.”

“Do you really believe that?” David wanted to know. “After what he said that night in my office.”

Adam remembered that night like it was yesterday.

“Mr. Coble,” Olson said as he gestured the man into his somewhat crowded office, “won’t you come in. We have been waiting for you to arrive.”

“I’m sorry I’m late gentlemen,” he replied looking at the ten men seated in the office which included Adam. “I had an unexpected emergency.”

“I hope nothing is wrong,” Olson told him looking slightly worried. “I mean if there is some kind of problem, we can have this meeting at a latter time.”

“No,” he said smiling. “Nothing like that. It was just an unhappy client. I had to calm him down and then make him realize that he wasn’t going to loose everything he had in the world.”

“I see,” Olson replied walking to his desk. “Well, the floor is yours.”

“Good evening gentlemen,” he told them smiling. “I am certainly glad that you have shown interest in my proposal.”

Adam sat in the back of the room watching Coble very closely. One thing that he didn’t like about the man was that he smiled too much. Another thing he didn’t like was a bold faced liar.

“I have a dozen stock certificates that I have been authorized to sell for my client,” he said continuing. “The gentleman that is wanting to sell these is in need of money and he has authorized me to sell these at a discount price.”

“How much?” Charles Martin asked stating the obvious question that hung in the air.

“And who are you sir?” Coble wanted to know as he looked at the older man. “I like to know exactly who I am dealing with.”

“I am Charles Martin and I own a cattle ranch in Nevada,” Martin answered looking at the man. “I want to know how much the owner is asking.”

“That is a reasonable question,” Jackson Barnett said speaking up. “I am Jackson Barnett and I know my way around stocks, bonds, certificates, you name it. There’s no way we can go into this deal without knowing all the facts.”

“All right,” he replied laying the twelve certificates on the desk. “I am authorized to sell all twelve for a small investment of $100,000 per each of you.”

“Are you crazy?” Donald Bently asked showing his shock. “We don’t have that much money at our fingertips. I’ll have to sell off some of my gold to raise that much.”

“Yes,” Scott Hayworth said agreeing. “I am a knowledgeable businessman and that is an awfully high price for real estate certificates.”

“Gentlemen,” he replied smiling, “I am only reporting to you what my client asked. Really, they are worth twice that much. It’s only a small investment and you will be getting some of the best land west of the Rocky Mountains.”

“I don’t know,” Reginald Stewart told him shaking his head. “I dabble in gold and sometimes silver but this is an awfully high price to pay.”

“I agree,” Alexander Gray said speaking up. “I know land and I agree that’s a good investment but it’s a little high for me.”

“I assure you that my client doesn’t mind a draft in the amount,” he replied smiling.

“In order to write a draft,” Frederick Harrison told him, “you have to have funds to cover it. And even though I do being that I own several hotels both here and in Sacramento along with Stockton, some of my partners in this room do not. It would take a little time to liquidate assets to get that much money together.”

“I agree,” Gregory Johnson said looking up at Coble. “I deal in precious metals not in cash.”

“Gentlemen,” he replied trying to calm their fears, “I will be willing to give you the time you need to come up with the money. Neither my client nor myself doubt that you need time to raise the funds. We are willing to wait as long as you need.”

“That’s very kind of you,” Olson told him speaking for the first time. “We would need a few days to gather the cash or bank drafts.”

“Take a week,” he said again smiling. “I will be here in one week to sell these certificates to you.”

“That will be fine,” Olson replied standing up and watching the man leave.

After Ron Coble left the office, David Olson turned his attention to Adam. Adam rose where he had been sitting in the back of the room walking to Olson’s desk. Then he turned to look at the men sitting in the room.

“What have you been able to dig up?” Olson asked looking at Adam. “This is Adam Howard and I’ve asked him to check into Coble’s background before we do something that we may regret.”

The other men in the room nodded.

“That’s not a bad idea,” Barnett said as he looked to Adam. “We can’t afford to lose a large amount like $100,000.”

“He’s not associated with the San Francisco Stock Exchange in any way,” he answered nodding. “No one there has ever heard of him. I asked several of the people who work there and none of them had heard of him nor recognized his description.”

“Are you sure?” Hayworth asked making sure he had heard the man correctly.

“I’m positive,” he answered looking at Hayworth. “I have my doubts about those so-called stock certificates he has. They are probably just a bunch of papers thrown together. If you invest $100,000 each, he’s going to pocket around $900,000. That’s a lot of money for one man.”

“Are you saying there isn’t a client?” Bentley asked. “I mean he kept talking about his client.”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” he answered trying to explain. “Ron Coble is a fraud gentlemen. From what I’ve been able to find out he doesn’t have a client that needs cash. It’s Coble who needs the money. And if you invest with him, you won’t get any land. The land that Mr. Olson told me he had seen during the first meeting with Mr. Olson is nothing more than an arid desert.”

“My goodness,” Stewart said stunned at Adam’s statement. “I won’t invest and I appreciate you informing me of your findings sir. You have saved me a great deal of money as well as my reputation.”

“You’re quite welcome Mr. Stewart,” he replied smiling. “I’m sorry my news couldn’t have been better. But I felt you needed to know the truth.”

“You did investigate,” Martin told him nodding. “And we appreciate you saving us each $100,000 and an embarrassment. It would be terrible to be guilty of investing in worthless certificates.”

“As I said before,” he said smiling, “it’s my job to investigate.”

“Now,” Olson replied looking at the other men, “we can tell Mr. Coble no to his proposition.”

“True,” he told them. “If I can ever help you again, just let me know.”

And with that said, Adam left the office heading home. It had been a very long day and he looked forward to spending the rest of the evening with his wife, Cora, who had returned that afternoon from her trip.

“I remember every bit of it,” he said as he came back from the past. “But David, I don’t believe there is anything to worry about. Coble won’t try anything now. He knows he’ll wind up back in prison.”

“Just be careful,” David replied as he headed for the door. “Don’t forget that he’s out there probably looking for you.”

“I’ll remember,” he told David. “Thanks for coming by and telling me.”

“I didn’t want you to be surprise and end up dead,” David said as he left the house.

Adam nodded, got his papers in order and headed for his office. He needed to warn Sandra and Jarrod about this man. He could come after one or both of them.

“If he wants me to pay,” he said as he left his house, “he could easily hurt one or both of them.”

Chapter One

At San Quentin, in Warden John Matthews’ office, stood Ron Coble. He was wearing the short legged, slightly large brown suit that every inmate received when they were released. The guard that escorted him in had removed the restraints. He was flexing his wrists and ankles to get the circulation back into them as he looked at the warden.

“Well,” the warden asked as he looked at Coble, “are you ready to leave here Mr. Coble? I do hope you will try to find a job on the right side of the law. Frankly, I don’t want you showing back up in here again. There are too many things that have happened over the last eight years to make me think they weren’t all accidents. I know you’re somehow in the middle of them but I can’t prove it.”

“You think I want to end up back in this hell hole,” he answered looking at the warden with eyes that had evil in them. “I don’t think so. I made it through the last eight years because I had only one thing on my mind. I’m going to take care of that and then disappear completely.”

“And that was?” the warden asked having an idea what Coble was going to say. “I treated you as fairly as I could. But you are in prison not on a picnic. Look, it’s not been easy for me. And I know it’s not been easy on you either but you didn’t have to try to bilk innocent businessmen with false stock certificates.”

“I don’t believe I want to tell you,” he answered smiling. “For now it’s my little secret. Adam Howard ruined me. He told those men I wasn’t on the level. He was dead wrong. He’s the one who made the mistake. I didn’t.”

“Don’t let me hear that you broke the law Coble,” the warden said looking at the man shaking his head. “I don’t want anything to happen to Howard because if it does, I’ll have the police on your doorstep.”

He couldn’t believe how calm, cool and collected this man had been for the last eight years. He never let anything or anyone bother him. But the warden knew there had been several so-called accidents over those same eight years to his fellow inmates and he doubted that they were accidents. But he could never prove anything. All he could do was to hope that Ron Coble if he did go back to his old ways was killed otherwise the warden hated to think what he would do to anyone else that crossed him in any way.

“All right,” the warden said as he once again looked at the prisoner. “You will be taken to the front gate and released. Again, let me warn you. Don’t do anything to wind up back in here. Because if you do, your stay this time will not be a pleasant one. I promise you.”

“Don’t worry about me,” he replied smiling as he turned to leave the office. “I’ll be just fine.”

The warden shook his head as the man walked out of his office. He knew from experience that Coble had something in mind and he bet it wasn’t something legal. But there wasn’t anything he could do at the moment. The man was free. And saying that he was going to do something wasn’t against the law.

Ron Coble walked to front gate of the prison smiling as he went. He waited while the large slide lock was removed and the large doors opened. Then he walked out of San Quentin knowing that before too much time, the man he hated would be dead and the law would never figure out who did it.

Billy Cline, a close associate of Coble’s had waited outside the prison for several hours. He was beginning to wonder if his partner was really going to be released. But then he saw Coble and stood waiting on him to walk over.

Coble breathed in the fresh air of once again being free. But there was still some unfinished business that had to be taken care of.

“Billy,” he said as he saw the younger man, “it’s good to see you again. I was afraid you wouldn’t come. After all it’s been eight years. I wouldn’t have blamed you if you hadn’t. But it would have meant I would have to do this on my own.”

“And why wouldn’t I come,” Billy replied smiling. “You didn’t do anything to me and as far as I’m concerned, you were set up by that Adam Howard. He’s the one you should be angry at.”

“I remember him in court,” he told Billy thinking back to that day in court.

“Mr. Howard,” the district attorney asked while Adam sat in the witness chair, “would you please tell the court in your own words what happened when you were asked to check into Mr. Coble’s background?”

“I found out that he was not employed with the San Francisco Stock Exchange,” he answered looking at the man. “Nor had he ever had any dealings with the exchange.”

“Why were you asked to intervene?” the district attorney asked.

“Several well-known and well-respected men here in San Francisco were approached and asked to invest in a scheme set up by Coble,” he answered. “They wanted me to investigate his background before they ended up losing a great deal of money.”

“And what was the outcome of the meeting?” the district attorney asked.

“The gentlemen decided not to invest,” he answered. “They didn’t want to end up humiliated and broke.”

“What was Coble’s reaction?” the district attorney asked.

“He was very upset and angry,” he answered looking at the defendant. “I’ve never seen that kind of hatred in my life.”

“Do you think he would have taken the money and left?” the district attorney asked.

“Yes,” he answered nodding. “He didn’t have anyone to share it with. And from what I’ve been able to learn, he lost everything when this scheme failed.”

“No more questions,” the district attorney said as he took his seat.

“He sat on that witness stand and lied through his teeth about me,” he said getting angrier as he thought about what Adam had done to him. “He not only lied but he ruined my reputation as well. My time of working for the San Francisco Stock Exchange is over and I will never forget him or forgive him for that. He has to pay for that. He has to.”

“What are you going to do now?” Billy asked having an idea of what Coble was going to do. “I mean we have to be careful. If something does happen to Howard, they may come looking for us. And I for one don’t look forward to lying to the police.”

“What do you think?” he wanted to know smiling. “I’m going to get my revenge. Adam Howard won’t live much longer and let’s say he’s going to die very horribly. I’ve had plenty of time to figure out how he is going to die. And no one will ever know it was me.”

“How?” Billy asked very curious. “You can’t get close to him without him recognizing you. After all you haven’t changed that much. And I don’t think you can get a job close by either. Everyone is going to be watching for any move by you and ready to pounce on you if you do.”

“You get the items I asked you to bring,” he said smiling that evil smile and ignoring what Billy had said. “That’s how I’m going to get my revenge. I’m going to hurt Adam Howard and anyone else close to him. Killing others doesn’t matter to me. I want Adam Howard and I intend to get him one way or the other.”

“Yes,” Billy replied nodding. “I have them at the old livery on the other side of town hidden. I don’t understand for sure what you are planning. What do you need with dynamite?”

“You don’t have to understand,” he told Billy looking at him with anger evident on his face. “All I want you to do is help me get even. I have waited eight long years to exact my revenge. And you nor anyone else is going to stop me.”

“All right,” Billy said starting to walk toward the livery. “Let’s get the items and get this over with.”

Billy wasn’t sure any longer that he wanted to help Coble kill a man. He had been able to stay out of prison but if he continued to be associated with Ron Coble, he doubted that would be true any longer.

“What’s the matter Billy?” he asked curious. “You are scared aren’t you?”

“No not really,” Billy answered but he didn’t think he sounded convincing. “I just don’t want to wind up in prison. I don’t think I could handle it very well. I don’t like the feeling of walls closing in on me.”

“You won’t,” he said smiling. “I’m going to take pride in getting rid of Mr. Adam Howard. And we won’t be anywhere around when it happens so no one will know it was me.”

“You are a devious man,” Billy replied shaking his head. “There’s no way I could have come up with a plan of this magnitude and then have the guts to carry it off.”

“I’ve had eight long years to think of what I was going to do,” he told Billy. “You can really detail your plan out with that much time. I haven’t thought about anything else since I was led out of that courtroom. All I want is Howard dead. Now that will become a reality very soon.”

The two men headed for the old livery stable and the items they would need to kill Adam.

Chapter Two

Eugene Barkley was sitting in a restaurant in Berkley, which is across the bay from San Francisco, having a cup of coffee. He was thinking about his upcoming visit to see his oldest brother, Jarrod, very shortly. He hated to bother Jarrod in the early morning but he had to be back at school that evening to get ready for his classes the following day. He was hoping to be able to spend some time with Jarrod being that they hadn’t seen each other much in the last several years. As he sat there, he thought back to the day before when he heard the news about Jarrod winning his first case.

At the University of California at Berkeley, Gene was leaving one of his classes when his professor stopped him. He had wanted to pursue a career in animal husbandry (veterinary medicine) and since he had lived on a ranch all his life growing up around animals, it seemed to fit.

“Mr. Barkley,” Professor Atwater asked looking at Gene, “did you see this write-up about your brother in the San Francisco Gazette? I was looking at it this morning and recognized the name. I thought it was your brother.”

“My brother Professor Marlowe?” Gene wanted to know not understanding what the professor meant. “What’s Nick done now?”

“It’s not about Nick,” he answered looking at the young man. “It has to do with Jarrod. Isn’t he the lawyer?”

“Jarrod?” Gene asked curious. “Yes Jarrod is a lawyer now. He should be working in Stockton now after he finished law school and passed the bar. What was it about? I can’t believe that Jarrod would have had his name in the paper so soon.”

“Here,” he answered handing the paper to Gene, “take a look for yourself.”

Gene took the paper, reading the article. He was certainly surprised. He didn’t even know that Jarrod was in San Francisco.

“Sir,” Gene said as he handed the paper back, “I didn’t even know Jarrod was here. I thought after he graduated from law school, he would work in Stockton. Of course, I haven’t spoken to him since I left for school.”

“He’s making quite a name for himself,” he replied smiling. “Taking on a high profile case as a murder as his first case. That took a lot of nerve.”

“You don’t know my brother sir,” Gene told him smiling at how tough Jarrod was. “He’s a bulldog when he wants to be. And I’m very proud of him. I just wish he had told me he was this close. Although it’s not that far to Stockton, I haven’t been home in a while. I’ve been very busy here trying to do extra projects to help my grades.”

“Why don’t you go see him?” he asked as he picked up his books. “I know how much you look up to Jarrod. You don’t have any classes tomorrow. I’m sure he would love to see you.”

“I think I will,” Gene answered smiling. “I’d love to see him. We don’t get to spend a lot of time together anymore. How do you know so much about Jarrod sir?”

“I have known your father for fifteen years,” he said smiling. “I met Jarrod when he was about ten years old on one of Tom’s business trips to Sacramento. He was a very knowledgeable boy then so it doesn’t surprise me that he would now be a practicing attorney now. I know your parents are very proud.”

“That’s the problem sir,” Gene replied unhappily. “They are always happy about Jarrod’s accomplishments and they tend to forget about me. In fact, so does Jarrod unless he is balling me out for doing something I shouldn’t have. It’s hard being the youngest son. You are constantly compared to your older brothers.”

“Do I detect a note of jealousy Mr. Barkley?” he asked looking closely at Gene.

“Not jealousy exactly,” Gene answered. “It’s more like just constantly being compared to both him and Nick. I can’t live up to either one of them.”

“You’re not supposed to,” he said smiling. “You are Eugene Barkley, not Jarrod or Nick Barkley. I’m sure your parents are very proud of you. You just haven’t given them a chance to let you know.”

“I guess you’re right sir,” Gene replied smiling. “But it still will be nice to see Jarrod. At least he doesn’t call me college boy like Nick does. Of course, I heard him starting to call Jarrod lawyer man a short time back. I don’t think he liked that too much. But you just have to overlook Nick. He’s not like us. He didn’t go to college. He didn’t need to. He’s the one who is going to take on the responsibilities of running the Barkley Ranch. And that is enough for a man to handle.”

Gene left the classroom smiling. Jarrod had won his first case as a lawyer. He bet his mother and father were proud.

“I wonder why he didn’t tell me he was in San Francisco,” he said out loud as he walked back to his room. “It doesn’t matter. Won’t he be surprised to see me?”

Gene put his books down, picking up a jacket and headed to see his brother. He had to first find out where Jarrod was staying in San Francisco and then catch him at home. He knew it would be the morning before he got there but he could wait. He really looked forward to seeing Jarrod. He knew he hadn’t been the nicest to Jarrod lately but he hated it when his two brothers bossed him around all the time. He had realized since he had been at Berkley, he really missed them.

Coming back to the present, he got up from the table heading out to Jarrod’s apartment. He had been able to locate the apartment fairly quickly once he arrived in San Francisco but he had no idea where Jarrod was working. He had asked if a Jarrod Barkley had an office here but no one knew of him. He would ask Jarrod when he saw him shortly. He didn’t know why he was so nervous. He was only going to see Jarrod not take a hard exam. He began to walk toward Jarrod’s apartment.

Jarrod was still at his apartment. It was eight o’clock in the morning and he didn’t have to be at the office till nine. He was still trying to get over all he had been through while he was in the desert. Although the headache had subsided, he was still weak and he needed to build his strength up again. He was still shocked at the number of potential clients that had scheduled meetings with him since he had returned from Carson City. He owed it all to Sandra. Since he had successfully freed her from a murder charge, the office had had a steady stream of people who wanted to hire him. He was overwhelmed but happy.

“But I’m glad it turned out very well,” he said smiling. “Otherwise, she could have ended up in prison for a very long time.”

There was a knock at the door. Jarrod looked at the time.

“Who would be visiting this early in the day?” he asked as he walked to the door. “Nobody that’s going to see me at the office knows where I live.”

Jarrod opened the door to reveal his youngest brother.

“Well just don’t stand there,” Gene said smiling. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?”

“Of course,” he replied as soon as he got over the shock of seeing Gene. “Come in.”

Gene walked inside putting his arm around his brother’s shoulders.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were working here?” Gene asked looking at Jarrod. “We could have gotten together long before now. You had to make me find out from the newspaper. I tell you Jarrod, I don’t know what I am going to do with you.”

“I meant to,” he answered showing Gene to a chair in his living room where they both sat down. “But I had to leave for Carson City and didn’t get around to it. I’ve been on the go since I started to work for Adam almost four months ago.”

“I read about you winning your first case,” Gene said smiling broadly. “A murder trial. You started off with a big one didn’t you? Who’s Adam?”

“It didn’t go to trial,” he replied looking somber. “And I almost lost my life. If it hadn’t been for Red Cloud, I know I would have died. Adam Howard is a friend of the colonel and he’s going to help me get set up here in San Francisco provided I work for him for six months.”

“Whoa Jarrod,” Gene told him. “Slow down. What are you talking about?”

“I thought you knew,” he said shaking his head. “Haven’t you spoken to mother and father?”

“Know what?” Gene asked again still not understanding. “And to answer your question, no I haven’t talked to the family at all. I’ve been busy with exams and haven’t had time. I was hoping to go home for a few days in a couple of weeks.”

“I was taken to the desert where I was left to die,” he answered looking down at the floor.

“You were what!” Gene cried not believing what he had heard. “You’re joking right? This is your idea of making me feel bad, isn’t it?”

“No,” he said looking over at Gene. “I was left in the desert to die. I was able to get a line on who might have been the murderer so I went to see him. And I guess I rattled him because the next thing I knew I was left in the desert after being ambushed from behind. I still don’t remember a lot of what happened.”

“I can’t believe it,” Gene replied shocked. “Who is Red Cloud?”

“He was a Payute Indian brave,” he told Gene thinking back to how Red Cloud had saved his life. “You remember all those trips that mother makes each year to a mission?”

“Yes,” Gene said nodding as he remembered, “I remember.”

“She went to his village to take medicine and supplies,” he replied nodding. “Red Cloud recognized my name and took me to his village where the medicine man helped cure me.”

“What was wrong with you?” Gene asked very curious. “I would guess exposure to the sun for one.”

“You’re partly right,” he answered. “I had also been beaten by two men who I thought would help me. My mind had begun to play tricks on me and I thought I heard horses coming so I waited. These two cowboys rode up and I asked them for water. Instead of helping me, they brutalized me. By the time they were finished, I could hardly move. I guess I passed out. I had a very bad concussion that produced a horrendous headache.”

“What about father?” Gene asked wondering. “Did he help?”

“Yes,” he answered smiling. “Father and Nick met Red Cloud on the way to his village. I guess Adam contacted them about my disappearance. I really don’t know. I haven’t asked them yet. Nick wasn’t too thrilled about me being taken to an Indian medicine man but father convinced him that I would never make it back to town.”

“I can see that,” Gene said laughing. “Nick doesn’t trust Indians. In fact, Nick doesn’t trust many people period.”

“No except if he’s going to wipe them out in a poker game,” he replied also laughing. “Anyway, Black River helped make me well.”

“And you were able to free the girl,” Gene told him very impressed. “That’s my brother.”

“Thanks,” he said standing up looking at the time. “Gene, do you want to have lunch together? I’ve got to get to work. I’ve got a lot of clients to see today. That’s the best thing to come out of what happened. I’m working steadily.”

“Where are you working?” Gene asked standing up too. “I thought you would have your own office by now.”

“For a man named Adam Howard,” he answered walking Gene to the door. “His office is in the classier part of town. You won’t have any trouble finding it. He’s going to help me set up that office as soon as I finish my six months working for him.”

“It’s a date Jarrod,” Gene said smiling. “I’ll see you then.”

“Right,” he replied as Gene left.

After Jarrod had closed the door, he smiled broadly. He would definitely look forward to seeing Gene at lunch. But right now he had to get to the office. So he grabbed his valise, hat and coat heading out the door. He didn’t want to be late. Jarrod tried to hurry to the office but he was still weak and it took all his effort to walk normally. By the time he arrived at the building, he was completely out of breath. So he sat down on the steps a few minutes to rest and catch his breath.

Chapter Three

Coble and Cline had gotten to the livery stable the back way so no one would see them.

“Why are we sneaking around Ron?” Billy asked as they walked into the old livery. “I mean you’re out of prison and now you’re sneaking. Won’t that show them that you have something to hide?”

“I’m not ready to be seen just yet,” he answered looking at Billy. “I want to make an impression when I finally make public what I’m going to do.”

“You’re going to tell it before we do it?” Billy asked not understanding. “That will only get us both arrested.”

“No stupid,” he answered getting a little angry. “I’m not going to say a word until it’s over and done. Then I’ll walk down the street looking at the damage I did. And knowing that Adam Howard is dead. That’s the only thing that means anything to me. The fact that Howard won’t be around to ruin anything else I do.”

“What are you planning?” Billy asked wanting to know. “If I’m going to help you with whatever this is, I need to know what I’m getting involved in.”

“I’m going to cause the biggest mass confusion that this town has ever seen,” he answered smiling. “People are going to be running around like they’re crazy. And I’ll be sitting back just watching the show.”

“I wish you’d tell me what you’re going to do,” Billy said wanting to know what he was getting mixed up in. “I’ve agreed to help you. The least you can do is tell me what I’m helping you do.”

“All right,” he replied going over to pick up the items Billy had hid. “I’m going to blow up Adam Howard’s office with him in it.”

“Are you out of your mind?” Billy asked not believing what he’d heard. “You’ll end up back in San Quentin. And this time there will be no early release for good behavior. They’ll probably throw the book at you.”

“Not if they don’t know who did it,” he answered picking up part of the items. “You see it will be set so we will have an alibi.”

“What?” Billy asked shaking his head. “How can we have an alibi if we blow up the building?”

“We’re going to be working at the livery near Adam Howard’s office,” he answered smiling. “And when the building goes up so does Howard.”

“I’m still a little nervous about the whole thing,” Billy said as they got everything together they would need. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“I’ve been sure for the last eight years,” he replied smiling that evil smile again. “And no one is going to stop me. So you make up your mind. Are you with me or against me?”

“All right,” Billy told him giving in. “Let’s get this over with.”

The two men left heading for Adam Howard’s office.

Chapter Four

Sandra Johanson, Adam’s secretary, arrived for work at fifteen minutes before nine. She was the first one in the office. Neither Adam nor Jarrod had arrived as yet. She went to her desk, getting started on the paperwork she had gotten behind on because of the murder.

“I’m such a lucky girl,” she said out loud as she started to work. “I could have ended up in prison for the rest of my life. But thanks to Jarrod, I’m not. He was able to prove that I was innocent and in the process almost died himself.”

She had a small picture of Paul sitting on her desk. He was smiling as she picked it up to look at it.

“Why couldn’t you have really been the man I fell in love with?” she asked as she looked at his face. “I really loved you Paul and wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. But you had to get involved in counterfeiting of all things. Why couldn’t you have been a book salesman like I thought?”

“Sandra,” Jarrod asked as he spoke for the first time, “are you all right?”

Sandra jumped slightly when Jarrod spoke. She didn’t hear him come in. She wondered how much he had heard.

“I’m fine Jarrod,” she said smiling and turning to look at him. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

Looking at him closer, she realized he was beaming.

“What are you looking so chipper about this early in the morning?” she asked looking at him.

“It shows,” he said looking a little embarrassed.

“Yes,” she replied smiling. “Although after what you’ve been through, I guess you have a right to be happy.”

“I had a visit this morning from my youngest brother,” he told her still smiling as he thought about Gene. “He’s at Berkley studying animal husbandry.”

“Really,” she said nodding. “What’s his name?”

“Eugene,” he replied looking at her. “I haven’t seen him much in the last eight years.”

“Why not?” she asked then thought better of it. “I’m sorry Jarrod. It’s none of my business.”

“That’s all right,” he answered understanding. “I was in Washington, D.C. during the war, then when I came home, I came here to San Francisco to attend law school and then he went to Berkley. So we haven’t had time to visit much.”

“I take it you are very proud of him,” she said smiling.

“Yes I am,” he replied smiling back at her. “Being the oldest of four makes me kind of like a father to my younger siblings. A task I feel I’m up for.”

“I know you are,” she told him nodding her understanding to him. “You sure kept me from going to prison. And I’ll never forget you for that. I know I’ve told you how much I appreciate what you did. But I really mean it. You saved me and showed what my fiancée really was.”

“I was happy to do it,” he said thinking back. “Although I didn’t much like being left in the desert to die. As for finding out what Paul was really mixed up in, I’m sorry I couldn’t have been wrong. But when I spoke to Radcliff, I knew he was guilty. I’m sorry about Paul.”

“I know that,” she replied understanding his remark. “When Mr. Howard told me what had happened, I was horrified and scared. I was afraid you might never get found but luckily you did and then you were able to free me. You don’t have to apologize about Paul. I should have questioned him more about what he did for a living but I didn’t and now he is dead.”

“You probably thought you would have to have another lawyer,” he told her. “And I wouldn’t have blamed you if you had.”

“Yes,” she said nodding. “But then you were rescued and you found the guilty men.”

“I realized who was behind it,” he replied as he thought back to everything that had happened to him. “Anyway, I believe we should get to work don’t you?”

“Yes,” she told him turning back to her desk.

Jarrod went into his office to prepare for the appointments he had scheduled for that day. Meanwhile, unknown to them, two men were in the cellar of the office building preparing to kill the man responsible for putting one of them in prison.

“All right Billy,” he said as he finished putting the dynamite where it would do the most damage. “Let’s get this stream of black powder out of here so we can light it and head to the livery stable. Then when the dynamite explodes, we will be far away. And Adam Howard will be dead.”

“Right,” Billy replied as he laid the line of black powder out the door and to an alley behind the building. “Are you sure about this?”

“How many more times are you going to ask me that?” he wanted to know getting angry. “I told you what I was going to do. So just do what I tell you to do. And shut up about it.”

Billy nodded as they walked into the alley. He stood there watching as Ron Coble lit the fuse and then they ran out of the alley. They hurried to the livery stable where they waited for the explosion.

Chapter Five

In the office, Adam had not arrived yet. Sandra was working at her desk when Jarrod walked out of his small office.

“Sandra,” he said as he walked out.

They both heard a loud explosion and then Jarrod saw the ceiling starting to come down on top of them. Instinctively, he grabbed Sandra pushing her under her desk. He tried to reach his own desk but he didn’t make it. As he started to turn, the entire ceiling came down on top of him. Sandra saw it happen.

“Jarrod!” she screamed as she saw him go down under all that debris. “Oh my God! Jarrod!”

She had to stay where she was because of all the falling debris. All she could do was watch as Jarrod was completely covered. He didn’t move. And she needed to get out of here so she could tell Mr. Howard what had happened. But she didn’t know how she would escape. There was still falling debris all around her. She knew in her heart he was dead. She sat there with her legs up in front of her and cried. She had really gotten to know Jarrod and now he was dead. Who could have done such a thing to another human being? Thank goodness Adam Howard was not here at the time of the explosion or he would be dead also.

Adam, who was just driving up, saw the immense burst of light and heard the loud noise. He stopped his buggy realizing that there was an explosion close by. As he rode closer to his office, he then realized that it was his office that had blown up. Or rather the entire building was coming down. He quickly jumped from the buggy, running as fast as he could toward the building.

“Sandra!” he called as he ran. “Jarrod!”

A crowd of people had begun to gather outside of the ruined building. They had also heard the explosion and had come to see what had happened. The police were brought in to control the crowd and keep them away from the building. When Adam came to a stop, his heart was racing. He knew that his secretary and his partner were probably dead. A police officer walked up to him.

“Adam,” Dan Scott said as he walked up, “you’re all right. I heard the explosion and then we were dispatched to help keep the people back. I didn’t know it was your office building until I saw the address. Do you have any idea who would have done something like this?”

“Yes,” he replied looking at Dan. “I was delayed by a visitor. Right now, I don’t have any answers. I will have to think about who had it in for me. But they could have been after someone else. I’m not saying they were but I’m not the only one who worked in that building.”

“Lucky thing you were,” Dan told him looking at what was left of Adam’s office. “Was anyone in there?”

“I believe Sandra and Jarrod are,” he said trying to hold his emotions in check. “As far as I know they both would have been here by now. And now they’re dead. Dan, I want you to find whoever is responsible for this. If I’m going to explain this to that boy’s family, I need to know what to say.”

“Oh no!” Dan cried shaking his head. “I’ll get some men to start a search. Adam, of course, as soon as we have figured out how it was done. I’ll get started on it right away. But I’ll need a list from you of anyone you think that could have had something to do with this.”

“All right,” he replied nodding. “I’m going to look myself. How am I going to tell that boy’s family that he’s dead? They trusted me to take care of him. Three times I have failed. And now he’s dead. God, why is this happening? He was a hard worker and I thought the world of him. This doesn’t go down easy.”

“You’ll think of a way,” Dan told him putting a hand on his arm. “I know you will. You are a strong man Adam. And you’re going to have to be strong to handle what you have to say. I’ll find the person responsible I promise.”

“I’ll have to have them come here to pick up his body,” he said trying not to cry. “He was only twenty-five. Just starting out in his law career. Why did this have to happen to him? Why!”

“I know Adam,” Dan replied trying to make Adam feel better. “I better get those men.”

Dan left and Adam just stood there looking at the mess knowing what they would find. He walked over to where the door used to be and started to sift through the debris looking for any sign of Sandra and Jarrod. He couldn’t quite bring himself to say that both of them were dead but he also knew it would be a miracle if they survived.

Gene had gone to get himself a bit to eat since he wasn’t hungry earlier and had had only a cup of coffee when he heard the loudest racket he had ever heard. He got up, walking out of the restaurant along with everyone else inside and that’s when he saw the smoke. A crowd of people was also heading in the same direction. He took off at a run. As he came into view of the destruction, he noticed a heavyset man digging in the debris. Gene walked over to him. He thought he might be of service to the man for it was obvious he was looking for something.

“What happened?” he asked as he walked up. “I heard a loud noise and decided to take a look. I have a little while before I’m supposed to meet my brother for lunch.”

“My office just blew up as well as the rest of the building,” Adam answered as he turned to look at Gene. “I think my secretary and my partner were killed. I hope they weren’t but I’m afraid that they were inside when the explosion occurred.”

“I’m sorry,” he said trying to be sympathetic. “Is there anything I can do to be of help?”

“Who are you?” Adam asked looking closely at Gene. “You remind me of...”

Adam couldn’t finish his sentence. It was too painful to say his name. He still couldn’t believe that Jarrod was dead. And now he was looking at a young man who looked somewhat like Jarrod. He was afraid to ask for fear he would be confronted with another member of a family that would be devastated by the news.

“My name is Barkley,” Gene answered looking at Adam. “Eugene Barkley.”

“Barkley,” Adam said shocked to hear that name knowing that Jarrod was dead. “Are you any kin to Jarrod Barkley?”

“Yes,” he replied nodding. “He’s my brother.”

Adam pulled Gene to a step and made him sit down.

“What’s the big idea?” he asked not understanding what Adam was doing. “What are you doing? I don’t know you.”

“Son,” Adam answered looking at Gene, “I’m Adam Howard. Your brother worked for me.”

“Wait a minute,” he said trying to figure out what was going on. “If you’re Adam Howard, then where is Jarrod?”

Adam hesitated as he tried to come up with the right words. He didn’t want to tell this boy that his brother was dead but he didn’t have a choice.

“I believe Jarrod is dead,” he said watching Gene closely. “He was buried in the rubble. I’m pretty sure he was inside the building when it exploded. I don’t believe he had a chance to get out.”

Gene just stared at him. Then he jumped up running to what was left of the office.

“Jarrod!” he cried as he tried to dig for his brother. “Jarrod!”

Adam followed him. He grabbed Eugene pulling him from the rubble. He knew how the young man felt but the notification needed to be made first. The police would eventually uncover the bodies.

“Son,” Adam said as he held Gene forcing him to look at him, “your brother is dead. You need to contact your family.”

“I can’t believe that Jarrod is dead,” he replied trying to break Adam’s hold on him. “I have to find him. Don’t you understand? I have to find him.”

Gene was crying harder now. He didn’t care about the tears. All he wanted to do was find Jarrod.

“You need to contact your family,” Adam told him again. “Come on. They deserve to hear the news from someone they know.”

“No,” he said pulling loose from Adam’s grip. “I’ll do it. You killed my brother. You killed him.”

Gene ran away from Adam. He had to get away from the killer. Adam watched him go.

“I didn’t kill your brother,” Adam said as he watched Gene run. “I thought the world of Jarrod. I didn’t want this to happen to him. Revenge. What a dreadful word and now its cost the live of a young man I cared about.”

Adam turned back to the ruined building as the tears began to fall down his face.

“What have I done?” he asked.

Chapter Six

Tom walked into the house after a busy day on the range. He was hot and tired. All he wanted to do was take a long bath and then sit down or even go to bed. Nick would be in shortly as he was tending to his horse in the barn. Victoria slowly walked up to him as he closed the front door. Her eyes were red and very swollen. She had obviously been crying. She was holding a telegram in her right hand. She just looked at him.

“Victoria,” he asked when he saw her face, “what happened? Why are you crying? Has something happened?”

She couldn’t tell him, so she handed him the telegram. She couldn’t say those horrible words that were written on that piece of paper. He took it, reading it and then he started to shake as he tried to keep the tears from falling. He couldn’t believe any of this. First, he disappeared twice and now this. Why had all this happened? He didn’t have the answer but he knew he would find out why.

It read: Jarrod dead.

Come at once.

Gene

“I can’t believe this,” he said as the tears fell freely down his face. “It can’t be true. Not Jarrod. Not my son. No! God no!”

“It’s true,” she replied continuing to cry. “We have to go to San Francisco. We have to bring Jarrod home. We have to know what happened. Was it an accident? Did someone kill him? I have to go.”

“Please not this way,” he told her fighting the angry tears that slid down his own face. “I don’t want to bury my son. Adam Howard is responsible for this. I’ll have his hide now. I’ve warned him and now I’ll beat it out of him. He has killed my son.”

“He’s gone Tom,” she said holding onto him. “ My little boy is gone. Eugene needs us now. We must go to San Francisco. Please try to control your temper. We don’t know what happened. He may not have had anything to do with it. We have to be strong for Gene, Audra and Nick. They will need us to help them through this tragedy.”

“First,” he replied starting to leave her, “I have to tell Nick. It’s going to tear him up. He was so close to Jarrod. I have to be the one to tell him.”

She nodded as she watched Tom leave. He walked like an old man. She knew he felt nothing but sorrow. She did herself. But she had to know what happened. They all had to know.

Tom left the house and walked to the barn where Nick was putting up his horse. When he saw his father, he noticed the tears.

“Father,” he asked as he looked at Tom. “Is something wrong? I haven’t seen you cry since grandfather died.”

“I have some very bad news,” Tom replied walking over to Nick. “I want you to sit down.”

“What?” he asked wanting to know what his father was going to tell him. “I can handle whatever it is.”

“Your brother Jarrod is dead,” Tom answered. “I don’t know any of the details but Gene wants us to come at once.”

“No!!!” he cried not believing what he had just heard. “It can’t be! Not Jarrod! Please no!”

Tom pulled Nick to him, holding onto him for support as much as trying to help him.

“We have to bring him home son,” Tom said looking into Nick’s face. “We have to know what happened. I don’t even know what Gene is doing there. There are so many questions and not enough answers.”

“I know,” he replied still crying. “Just give me a minute. I need to deal with this in my own way.”

Tom nodded and left the barn. He knew what Nick was going through. He was going through the same thing. He still could not believe that Jarrod was dead. No, it had to be a mistake.

Nick stood there letting the tears flow down his face. He still couldn’t believe that Jarrod was dead.

“How?” he asked trying to find the answers he desperately needed. “Why? I have to know! Adam Howard, you will pay for killing my brother. I swear it on his grave!”

After a few more minutes, Nick slowly walked into the house. He saw his parents waiting for him. Victoria came to him, hugging him. He didn’t return the hug. He was too numb to think.

“We need to leave as soon as possible,” she said speaking for the first time. “Jarrod will need to be brought here to put him to rest. I can’t believe this. I gave birth to him. I carried him inside of me for nine months. And now I’m going to bury him.”

“I know what you’re saying,” he replied trying to keep his emotions under control but failing in the attempt. “I raised him to be a man. He was so smart and he cared about everyone around him. Now, it’s hard to believe that he won’t come through that door any more with that smile that would make you smile whether you felt like it or not. God, I miss him.”

“You know,” Nick told him looking up at the ceiling, “I always thought we’d work side by side here at that ranch. We had planned on doing that from the time we were young boys. Now, it’ll always be hanging in the air. What could have been? Why Jarrod why? I need you!”

“We’ll tell Audra when we know the whole story,” she said as she started to walk upstairs. “There’s no need to ruin her trip now.”

“You’re right,” he replied as he walked up the stairs beside of her.

Tom and Victoria, instead of going to their room to pack, went to Jarrod’s room. Tom slowly opened the door to his son’s bedroom as he tried to keep from coming completely apart. He looked at the room. He saw the desk where Jarrod had done a lot of homework on. He saw his son’s bed. He walked over the chest of drawers picking up the smiling picture of Jarrod and Brett Schyler in their cap and gown grinning. He looked closely at his son’s face.

“I’m so sorry son,” he said as he cried even harder. “I would have been there with you if I had only known. But I swear I will find the person behind this and personally put them away for the rest of their life.”

Victoria came to the door, watching Tom. She knew just how hurt he was. It was hard to lose a loved one but when it was a child, it was terrible. Jarrod had a lot of years left in front of him. Now she would never be a grandmother to his children. She would never be a mother-in-law to his wife. She would never hear his masculine voice any more or see his bright blue eyes. She began to cry harder as well as she thought about her son. She walked over to his closet, opening the door and pulling out one of his favorite shirts. She held it close to her as she tried to deal with the pain she was feeling.

“It’s so hard,” he said as he turned to leave seeing her standing there. “He was so young. He had a lot of living to do.”

“I know,” she replied looking up at him. “How am I ever going to be able to go on without him? I loved him. Oh Tom, why? Tell me why?”

“We all did,” he told her pulling her to him trying to comfort her. “We’re going to find out why and I’m going to make sure the murderer pays for what he did. It’s time we need to leave. I am going to find out what happened.”

She nodded at him, laying the shirt on his bed. Then they walked very slowly down to their own room where they packed a small bag, then left the house heading for Stockton and the solitary train ride to pick up what was left of Jarrod Barkley.

Nick still couldn’t bring himself to believe that Jarrod was dead. He held onto a faint hope that someone had made a terrible mistake.

“Maybe it’s not true,” he said as they sat in their private car. “He could still be alive and this is somebody’s sick idea of a joke.”

“I’m afraid it isn’t son,” Tom replied looking at Nick. “The telegram was sent by Gene.”

“What is college boy doing in San Francisco?” he asked not understanding Gene’s involvement in all this.

“Nick,” she answered, “I wish you wouldn’t call your brother names.”

“He knows I don’t mean anything by it,” he said looking at her. “The same as Jarrod knew I didn’t mean anything when I called him lawyer man.”

The name almost caught in his throat. He looked away trying to deal with the death of his brother. But it wasn’t easy.

“I wish it weren’t true,” Tom said trying to convince himself. “But in my heart I know he’s no longer here. We have to accept it and go on.”

“I won’t accept it,” he replied becoming very bitter. “Adam Howard killed my brother and he is going to pay for what he did.”

“Nick,” she told him trying to calm the rage inside of her second son, “I know you’re upset but blaming innocent people won’t bring Jarrod back. I’m sure Adam Howard had nothing to do with Jarrod’s death.”

“I say he did,” he said with conviction. “And I’m going to make him tell me how Jarrod died. We didn’t even get to see him. I never got to say goodbye. I’ll never forget how caring and loving a brother he was.”

“We’ll all remember the good things that made Jarrod who he was,” he replied. “But we need to go to San Francisco, find out the cause of his death and then bring him home like your mother wants.”

“Yes father,” Nick told him but he swore that he would get even with Adam if it were the last thing he ever did.

They all knew how hard it was to know that Jarrod would never see them again. They missed him terribly and they would stop at nothing to find his killer and bring him to justice.

Chapter Seven

Gene had stopped running and was sitting on a step that was part of a set of stairs that went into the back of one of the buildings in one of the allies. He wasn’t sure where he was nor did he really care. He was hurt, angry and shocked over what had transpired over the past hour. He still couldn’t believe that Jarrod was dead.

“Did I do the right thing telling the family?” he asked as he sat there. “I know it had to hurt. I didn’t even put down how it happened. I only said that he was dead.”

He had stopped long enough at the telegraph office to send a very short wire to his family. Gene sat there a few more minutes then he realized that he had to find his brother. He stood up, heading back for the ruins of the building where his brother had worked. As he approached the ruins, he saw a group of uniformed police officers sifting through the rubble. They were searching, he knew, for Jarrod and the girl that Adam Howard had mentioned. Then Gene saw the heavyset gentleman that he had spoken to earlier also searching. Slowly, he made his way over to the ruins.

“Mr. Howard,” he said very softly, “I would like a word with you.”

Adam stood up, turning to look at the person who had spoken to him. He saw Gene standing there. He was red eyed and clearly upset but he knew that the boy didn’t really blame him.

“Yes son,” Adam replied looking at Gene. “I’m listening.”

Adam was covered with dirt and he was sweating. But he wouldn’t give up. He wanted to find Sandra and Jarrod.

“I want to apologize to you for the way I behaved earlier,” he told Adam trying to be calm. “It wasn’t your fault. I know that now. But the news was so upsetting that I let it take control of me. I’m sorry sir.”

“I intend to find the person or persons responsible for this terrible tragedy,” Adam said meaning every word of it. “Jarrod was a hard worker and I enjoyed having him working beside of me for the past three and a half months.”

“I know he enjoyed the experience and learned a lot from you,” he replied trying to stay in control. “I sent a wire to my family. They should arrive sometime today or tomorrow. Will you be available to help me explain to them exactly what happened?”

“Sure,” Adam told him. “Why don’t you help me look? It will help pass the time and then we can make the necessary arrangements until your family arrives.”

Gene nodded and began to search.

Late that afternoon, the police officers had made a large dent in the rubble and debris of the building. They were now down to the office where the bodies would be found. But none of them were ready for what they found.

“Over here!” one of the officers called as he had uncovered a desk. “I found something!”

Gene and Adam both hurried over to the officer that had called. As they walked up, they saw something they couldn’t believe. A young woman was being helped up from under that desk. She was dirty and scared but she was alive and seemed to be unhurt.

“Sandra!” Adam cried as he hurried over to her. “You’re alive. How?”

“It was Jarrod,” she said as she looked over at him. “He pushed me under the desk right after the explosion. He saved my life.”

“Where is Jarrod?” he asked as he looked at Sandra.

She looked at his face then she started to cry.

“You’re his brother, Gene, aren’t you?” she asked knowing it was true.

“Yes,” he answered waiting for her to continue. “How did you know?”

“He told me this morning how happy he was to see you again,” she said trying to hold herself together. “He was so proud of you.”

“Where is Jarrod?” he asked again.

“Over there,” she answered pointing to a pile of rubble and debris. “He didn’t stand a chance.”

Gene looked at the area she had pointed to. Then he rushed to it, frantically digging for any sign of Jarrod. Several of the police officers also started to dig. Adam helped Sandra out of the mess and to the hospital to get checked.

“I want you to go to the hospital and let a doctor have a look at you,” he said as he led Sandra away from the building. “There’s nothing you can do here and I’ll never forgive myself if there is anything wrong with you.”

“But I don’t need to go,” she replied trying to stop him from taking her. “I need to see Jarrod.”

“You’ll be able to see him after we’ve taken care of you,” he told her gesturing.

Sandra finally gave in allowing Adam to escort her to the hospital. Once he had her settled in a chair in the waiting room, he knew he had to go back.

“I’m going back to the office,” he said as he looked at her. “I have to know for sure about Jarrod.”

“I’m sure he’s dead,” she replied shaking. “All that rubble that fell on him had to have killed him.”

“I don’t want you worrying about that now,” he told her patting her on the shoulder. “I’m going back to help with the search. You stay here until I return and I’ll take you home.”

“All right Mr. Howard,” she said looking at him. “Please tell his parents how brave he was.”

“I promise I will,” he replied leaving the hospital heading back to the search.

Chapter Eight

Gene began to dig through the ruins of the office looking for any sign of Jarrod. He wanted to know for sure that Jarrod was indeed dead. He knew in his mind that it would be a miracle to survive the amount of rubble that had fell but in his heart he held out a faint hope that somehow Jarrod was still alive. He knew it was only a wish but right now he had to hold on to any shred no matter how small.

Adam returned and noticed Gene frantically digging. He went over to Gene, placing a hand on the younger man’s shoulder.

“Anything?” he asked as he looked at the dirty and sweating Gene.

“Nothing so far,” Gene answered looking up at Adam. “I’m not going to give up hope yet.”

“I know you’re not,” he said smiling slightly. “I have a matter to attend to and then I’ll be back to help.”

Gene nodded as Adam walked to the back of the building; Dan Scott caught his attention.

“Adam,” he said as he walked up to Adam, “come with me. I want you to see this.”

“I need to get back to the search,” Adam replied looking at Dan. “I only came here to get something out of the buggy. Can’t this wait until later?”

“No,” he told him gesturing for Adam to follow him.

Adam gave in and followed Dan to the alley a short distance away. There lying in the middle of it was a trail of burned black powder. Adam couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

“So this is how they did it,” Adam said as he looked at the trail. “They could have easily escaped after lighting it. It wouldn’t have gone off for several seconds which would be enough time to escape detection.”

“Yes,” he replied as he looked at Adam. “Who did it is the next question? And I’m afraid I don’t have any idea who it was.”

“Neither do I,” Adam told him shaking his head. “I do have enemies but I’ll have to sit down and think about it in detail. But right now I have to know about Jarrod. We found Sandra and she seems to be all right. I just left her at the hospital. She said that Jarrod was buried under a lot of debris. I don’t really hold out much hope that he will be found alive.”

“I thought you needed to know,” he said starting to walk back to the front of the building. “One thing I am sure of. It was murder. I’m glad you found Sandra safe. I hope you find that boy too.”

Adam nodded as he realized that now it was murder. Who had done something this horrible? And why had they done it? He didn’t take time to dwell on that right now. He hurried back to the front of the building where he had to know about Jarrod.

“Anything?” he asked as he walked up looking at Gene’s dirty face and clothes.

“Nothing yet,” Gene answered catching his breath. “It’s kind of slow with the large pieces of the ceiling and walls to move. But I won’t give up hope until I see him for myself.”

I understand how you feel,” he said starting to dig himself. “I have been giving it a great deal of thought. I have a list in my head of the men who might try to get even with me. Do you know if Jarrod had any enemies?”

Gene stopped digging, looking at Adam.

“You think someone was out to get even with Jarrod?” he asked not believing anyone would want to kill him. “He hadn’t been a lawyer long enough to make enemies.”

“We have to consider everything,” he answered. “I don’t know the reason this building was dynamited, but I intend to find out.”

“Dynamite?” Gene asked shocked at the news Adam just told him. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” he answered looking at Dan Scott and pointing to him. “That officer told me that dynamite was used. They found a trail of black powder leading into the alley behind the building. It was deliberate all right. Someone wanted to kill but we’re not sure who the intended target was.”

“I can’t believe anyone would want to kill Jarrod,” Gene said thinking about Jarrod. “He didn’t have any enemies that I know of.”

“Someone set this up,” he replied looking around them. “This was no accident.”

Tom, Victoria and Nick had arrived in San Francisco and were within sight of the ruined building. Victoria gasped as she saw what was left of the building. Tom quickly took her into his arms to comfort her as they made their way toward the ruins.

Gene hadn’t seen his family as of yet. Just as he stood up to wipe the perspiration off his face, he turned and saw them.

“I’ll be right back,” Gene said as he started to walk toward his own family. “I have to tell them. I have to tell them everything.”

Adam saw the Barkleys at the same time Gene did. He nodded his head in their direction.

“Go on,” he said as he turned back to continue searching. “I’m going to keep on looking.”

Gene headed off toward his family. At that exact moment, Nick seeing Adam, ran toward him. He sprang like a cat. He floored Adam with a right to the jaw and then he picked him up by his shirt to punch him again in the face. Tom, outraged at Nick, rushed over to pull his second son off of Adam.

“Nick,” he said very angry, “Jarrod wouldn’t want you to do this. He’s not here any longer to bail you out of trouble. Let him go.”

Nick didn’t want to let go. He wanted to take out all his aggressions on Adam Howard. He blamed Adam for Jarrod’s death. And no one was going to change his mind. Victoria came running when she saw what Nick was doing.

“Nicholas,” she said sternly, “you will release Mr. Howard. I mean it. Let him go. This is not going to help the situation. Jarrod is dead and Adam Howard is not responsible for it.”

“How can you say that?” he replied with anger and conviction. “It’s because of him that Jarrod died. I know it. He is just as guilty as if he had killed Jarrod himself.”

“Would Jarrod want you to hurt Adam because of him?” she asked hoping he would see what she was getting at. “He wouldn’t want you to hurt this man. Jarrod believed in discussing a matter until it was resolved. He wouldn’t want you to do this. He loved you and tried to help you control that terrible temper. Please Nick. Don’t do this. I beg you.”

Nick looked at her and realized she was right. Reluctantly, he released Adam and turned with his head down walking away. Victoria went to him and led him away from the ruined office.

“Nick,” she said as she looked into his face, “Jarrod loved you. You have to carry on for him. He’s still here, inside of all of us. You remember that.”

“I will mother,” he replied very quietly. “I’m sorry but I felt that Adam was to blame for killing Jarrod.”

“I know that you had to blame someone,” she told him holding his head in her hands. “But no one right now is at fault. Not until we know exactly what happened.”

Nick nodded and she knew she had succeeded in stopping him from making the biggest mistake of his life.

There was a cry from another one of the police officers.

“I found something over here!” the officer cried as he had uncovered something.

Tom, Nick, Gene, Adam and Victoria rushed over to where the cry had come from. When they arrived they saw Jarrod lying face down in the debris of the office. The officer was turning the body over. As the Barkleys turned to deal with the death, the officer cried again.

“You won’t believe this!” he shouted as he looked up. “He’s alive!”

The Barkley family turned around again. They looked at the officer who had kneeled down beside of Jarrod.

“He’s still breathing,” he said again. “I need help getting him out of here.”

Tom, Nick and Gene were beside of him in a flash. Gently, they removed the rest of the debris that covered Jarrod. Then the three of them with Adam’s help gently picked him up, carrying him to a clean area. They laid him down on a blanket one of the officers had placed there. Victoria hurried over to her son. She kneeled down beside of him, wiping away the dirt that covered his bruised face. She spoke very softly to him.

“Jarrod,” she said looking at his dirty face, “I’m here. You’re going to be all right.”

For a very brief minute, Jarrod’s eyes opened a slit and then just as quickly they closed. She looked up at Tom with relief on her face.

“Tom,” she said as she looked up at her husband, “he’s going to be all right. I know he is. I can’t believe this. Jarrod is alive. He’s alive.”

“I hope so,” he replied as he also kneeled down beside of his son. “He’s probably got a lot of damage inside. With all that debris that fell on him, he may not survive long. We need to take him to the hospital as soon as possible.”

“You’re right of course,” she told him trying to keep from crying with tears of joy that Jarrod was somehow alive. “Someone was watching out for him.”

“You can say that again,” he told her nodding his head. “I still can’t believe he survived that explosion.”

“It’s a miracle,” she said looking heavenward. “I know it is.”

Chapter Nine

“Is it true?” Nick asked as he walked over to stand beside of Jarrod’s body.

“It’s true sweetheart,” she answered looking up at him. “Your brother is alive. I don’t know how but he is alive.”

“Mother,” Gene said as he walked over, “I knew that he wouldn’t be dead. Something inside me told me not to give up hope. I wanted to be able to tell him just how proud of him I am. I haven’t been the best brother to him at times but I promise from now on, I won’t ever take him for granted. Life’s too short.”

“I believe you Gene,” she replied looking at him. “I don’t believe Jarrod thinks you have been mean to him. He understands that you are a grown man now. He’s always looked out for his younger brothers and sister. That’s just the way he is. And he is very proud of what you’ve accomplished as well as what you are doing now. You remember that. Now we need to take him to the hospital to see how bad he’s injured. He’s still not out of danger. After being buried under all that rubble, he’s bound to have some internal injuries. Now at least he won’t have to suffer all alone.”

“Yes we will,” Tom told her as he stood up. “And nothing will change that fact. I just hope that he will be able to heal. The thought of possibly losing him again is too much to bear.”

Adam, Tom, Nick and Gene picked Jarrod up carrying him to the hospital. They were very careful not to further injure him any more than he already was. Victoria followed them. As they walked in, a nurse noticed Jarrod and summoned two orderlies.

“I need help here,” she said loudly. “We have an injured man.”

Two men dressed in white appeared with a stretcher. Jarrod was eased down onto the stretcher and then the two men disappeared with him into the back.

“What happened?” the nurse asked as she looked at the assembled group. “We need the information for our records.”

“He was buried under debris from an explosion,” Adam answered looking relieved at finding Jarrod. “He was trapped at least half a day if not longer. That’s all we know for now. The police are still investigating and hopefully they will be able to fill in the rest.”

“Name,” she said as she wrote down the information. “I need this information so we can admit him and then treat him.”

“Jarrod Barkley,” Tom replied taking over. “He’s twenty-five.”

“Thank you for your help,” she told them starting to walk away.

“When can we see him?” Tom asked desperate to know how badly his son was injured. “We were led to believe that he was already dead. Now, to find out that he has survived is a very big shock. But a shock we can live with.”

“As soon as the doctor examines him,” she answered smiling slightly. “It will take some time and from the looks of him, he’s very lucky.”

“You can say that again,” Gene said looking around at his family. “After what I just saw, he should be dead but he’s not. Something kept him from perishing.”

“Father,” Nick replied remembering something that had happened nearly twenty years ago, “I know why Jarrod lived.”

“What are you talking about Nick?” she asked completely baffled. “How could you know? Granted, you and Jarrod have always been close. And I know you can sense when the other is hurt. But this is different.”

“I remember something that happened when we went to Denver to visit Grandfather and Grandmother Barkley,” he answered smiling. “It’s come true after all these years. I didn’t think of it until a few minutes ago.”

“What son?” Tom wanted to know not understanding. “I still don’t know what you are referring to.”

“You remember after grandfather was killed,” he said trying to explain, “Jarrod tried to die at the same place. Do you remember what he said when he woke up?”

Tom thought about the question Nick had just asked. He was there. Why couldn’t he remember? Probably because he was too angry to remember. He had been so hard on his son.

“No son,” Tom said shaking his head. “I don’t remember. Of course, that was a very rough period of time for me. And I had to hurt Jarrod. I have never forgiven myself for that. And I never will. I love my children and he almost died because of me.”

“He told all of us except for Gene and Audra who weren’t even born yet,” he replied looking at his parents. “He said that he had seen grandfather in a dream and that he had told him it wasn’t his time. He had a destiny to fulfill.”

“Yes,” Tom told him remembering. “I do remember that. And you think that Jarrod has still not fulfilled that destiny and that’s what kept him alive.”

“I’m not sure,” he said trying to come to a decision. “But I do think it’s very possible. Jarrod had just started in his law career. That must be what grandfather meant by destiny. I’m still not sure how he even knew. But he did and now I believe in my heart that he will survive and continue on.”

“I believe you’re on to something,” she replied understanding. “It may be possible. I don’t know. But the one thing I am positive about is that Jarrod’s alive.”

An older gentleman wearing a white coat walked over to the family. They stopped talking and looked at the man.

“I’m Dr. Williams,” he identified himself as he came to a stop in front of them. “Your son is a very lucky boy.”

“Then it is true,” she said looking at him. “Jarrod is alive.”

“Yes,” he replied nodding. “But he has some very serious injuries.”

“What?” Tom asked hoping that they weren’t too bad. “I know he was buried beneath a lot of rubble.”

“He has a very serious concussion,” he answered naming them off. “Being buried under that much rubble would cause a very serious head trauma. And he’s going to have a bad headache for several days as a result. Probably blurred vision until everything starts to heal. I’ll have to wait until he regains consciousness to see if there is any more damage to his head. As for the rest. He has damaged ribs, cuts and abrasions over half of his body, and a very bad leg and hip. The right leg is broken in several places and the hip is also damaged. I don’t know if he will ever be able to walk again.”

The statement hit them all like a slap in the face. They just stared at the doctor unable to speak until Tom broke the silence.

“Can you repair the damage?” Tom asked for the entire family. “He has to walk doc. He just has too.”

“I’m not sure as of yet,” he answered shaking his head. “There is a specialist here at the hospital that I would like to have look at the young man. And then we can go from there. I have him on pain medication to help with the headache along with his other injuries. It will take time for him to heal. As for the leg, we’ll have to wait and see as time goes on. He may be able to heal without surgery. Or he may need surgery to repair the damage. But right now he’s too weak. He needs to be stronger before I dare even think about operating.”

“Can we see him doctor?” she asked hoping to get to see Jarrod. “Do you really think you may have to operate?”

“Yes,” he answered leading them to Jarrod’s room. “The hip is the immediate problem. The specialist may have to go in there and work on trying to repair it so he can walk.”

“What is the damage?” Tom asked trying to understand.

“His hip is broken but the break is in a bad place,” he answered trying to explain. “I believe that if it doesn’t heal normally after being set that a surgeon will have to go in there and repair the break from the inside. It will be very delicate surgery and a specialist will have to do it. But that’s the cart before the horse. We’ll see just how much he heals in the meantime.”

“Thank you for being so truthful doctor,” she said trying to smile. “I know you’re going to do the best you can for him. And we’ll take it one day at a time. That’s all we can do for now.”

“Mother,” Nick replied sounding slightly angry, “you might be able to give it time but I can’t. Someone tried to end his life. We need to find whoever it is and put them away or better yet, beat the daylights out of them.”

“No son,” Tom told him. “We need to worry about Jarrod right now. Adam will try to find the guilty man.”

“Adam,” Nick said spitting the name out. “He’s the reason my brother is hurt. He has done nothing but hurt Jarrod.”

“Easy son,” Tom replied looking at Nick. “Adam is not the culprit in this. He’s probably the intended target. Jarrod didn’t know many people here. So I can’t see him being the one to kill.”

“He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Gene told them.

“Exactly,” Tom said nodding.

“Sounds good to me,” Nick replied finally understanding. “All right.”

The rest of the walk to Jarrod’s room was a solemn one. They each were lost in their own thoughts. As they entered the room, they saw Jarrod lying on the bed. His head was wrapped in a bandage, as were his ribs. His right leg was lying straight but they could see that there was indeed something wrong with it. He was so pale and he had bruises on his face as well as his chest, arms, legs and back.

“Doc,” Tom said as he looked over at Jarrod, “I am amazed that he survived this. Most of a building fell on him. How?”

“It’s quite simple,” he replied as he looked at the concerned family. “When some of the ceiling supports or wall supports fell, they kept the rest from hurting him. They acted as braces for the other debris to land on. It’s one of the supports that hurt his hip and leg. He was very lucky. However, he’s not out of the woods as of yet. He’s still in critical condition and will be monitored round the clock. This is Nurse Florsen. She will be in here at all times to monitor him. If there is any problem, she will come get me or another doctor.”

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for our son,” she told him trying to smile. “I really thought he was dead but to know that he has a chance to survive means a lot to me and my family.”

“I’ll come by later to see how he is,” he said as he left the room.

The family sat down around the bed. First and foremost, they were relieved that he was still alive but they also knew that it would be a long, hard road back to what he was before the explosion. But that didn’t matter to his family. They were just happy to have him alive. They would deal with the rest when the time came.

Chapter Ten

Jarrod remained unconscious for the next two days. Tom and Victoria were becoming very concerned that he may not ever come out of it.

“Tom,” she said as they continued to hope that Jarrod would wake up, “I’m getting very worried. It’s been two days and no change in Jarrod’s condition. Maybe he won’t ever wake up. Maybe we’ll bury him just like we thought before we came here. Maybe he’ll not be the same when he wakes up.”

“Victoria,” he replied looking at her, “we can’t give up hope. It was a miracle that he even survived. He’s a strong boy and will make it. I know he will. And if there is something wrong with him because of this, we will accept it and still love him as our son. One thing is for sure, we will never stop loving him.”

“You’re right of course,” she told him. “As a mother, I just constantly worry about my children. You can be so strong when I need you to be. That’s what I love most about you.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that,” he said smiling. “I have to be strong. I’m the head of the family and as the head I have the responsibilities of the family squarely on my shoulders.”

“But you have broad shoulders to carry that burden,” she replied smiling. “I love you so much Tom.”

“I love you too,” he told her kissing her. “But right now, Jarrod needs us. We have to be strong for him.”

“Yes,” she said looking at her son. “I just wish he would wake up.”

There was a very low moan from the bed and everyone turned their attention to Jarrod. Nick and Gene moved a little closer to the bed. They could see that it was Jarrod who had made the moan.

“Jarrod,” she said very softly turning her attention to Jarrod. “Can you hear me?”

He continued to fight to wake up. He tried several times to open his eyes and speak but nothing would work. Finally, he opened his eyes a slit.

“Jarrod,” she said again looking into his bruised face, “it’s mother. I’m here along with your father and brothers.”

“Mother,” he replied in a whisper.

“Yes,” she told him smiling. “I’m right here. You’re going to be all right.”

Jarrod looked at his father and then at his two brothers. He tried to smile but he was too weak and his entire body hurt. He didn’t think there wasn’t a place on him that didn’t hurt to some degree. But his head was the worst.

“Son,” Tom asked as he spoke to Jarrod, “do you remember what happened? Do you remember how you got hurt?”

“Tom,” she said as she watched Jarrod, “don’t do this to him now. He’s too weak to answer a lot of questions.”

“I’m only seeing if he can remember anything that could help the police in finding the person responsible for this,” he replied looking at her.

Jarrod thought about the question. Then he nodded. He still had a huge headache as well as pain from his other injuries. They noticed his face.

“Are you in much pain?” she asked watching his face for any expression. “The doctor can help you if you are. All you have to do is let us know.”

Jarrod again had to think about the question. For some reason his thinking capacity was way down. Finally, he nodded again.

“They will give you something to help,” she said as she looked into his bruised face. “You don’t have to suffer. And before you know it, you’ll be out of here and home. Would you like to come back home to heal?”

Jarrod couldn’t get any sound to come out of his mouth at the moment because it was so dry and that really frustrated him. But he did nod that he understood what his mother was asking.

“That’s wonderful,” she said smiling. “You can rest in your room as long as you need to and have all your meals in bed. Unless of course you feel well enough to join us.”

He nodded again. This time he even smiled although it was only slightly.

“Honey,” she said when she knew that he was angry, “just give yourself some time. You are very lucky just to be alive. Don’t try to rush it.”

“Your mother is right,” Tom replied patting his son on the shoulder. “You could have easily died.”

Jarrod looked at both of them then nodded that he understood. He couldn’t move much at all. He was in too much pain to try to move. But he wanted to move. And that made him angry.

“Jarrod,” she said as she continued to watch him, “you were very badly injured. You have to lie still until you can heal. If you don’t you could further injure yourself more.”

“Son,” he asked looking at the pain on Jarrod’s face, “do you remember the explosion? Do you remember the building coming down around you?”

“Yes,” he answered but it was only a whisper.

“You saved Sandra’s life,” Gene said as he came closer to the bed. “She said you pushed her under her desk.”

Jarrod nodded remembering. He wanted to tell them all he remembered but he was just too weak.

“Easy boy,” Nick said looking sternly at his brother. “You aren’t a horse. You need to take it easy for a while. But when we get you home, I’ll take you fishing if you want.”

“Thanks,” he replied but again it was barely a whisper. “Hurt.”

“You’re in pain?” she asked as she sat beside of him.

Jarrod nodded and then his face was nothing but a mask of pain.

“Nurse,” she said looking at the nurse sitting on the other side of the bed, “get someone. Tell them Jarrod is in a lot of pain.”

“Right,” the nurse replied heading out the door.

“Son,” Tom told him, “try to stay calm. The nurse has gone to get help.”

Jarrod tried to stay calm but he was in sheer agony. Every place on his body seemed to be in pain. He couldn’t move because of it. So that made him even more aggravated. He knew that he should do as his parents suggested but he couldn’t.

“Honey,” she said as she noticed his expression, “we’re here with you. If I could take away your pain, I would. But I’m afraid I can’t. We do love you and will be here through all of this ordeal.”

“I know,” he replied trying to be calm.

The doctor followed by the nurse walked in. He went straight to the bed to examine his patient. The family moved back away from the bed as they watched and waited.

“Nurse,” the doctor said as he turned toward the nurse who had recently walked in, “I want him prepped for surgery. Now!”

“Surgery?” Tom asked not understanding. “What’s happened?”

“His hip is in very bad shape,” the doctor answered not looking up. “I also want Dr. Smith standing by. He’s the best surgeon we have for this kind of injury.”

“Yes doctor,” the nurse said leaving the room.

“I can’t wait any longer,” the doctor replied standing up to look at the family. “His hip is deteriorating. If we don’t operate, he’ll never walk again. He may not walk even with the surgery but at least he will have a chance.”

“We understand,” she told him as she looked at Jarrod. “It’s going to be all right Jarrod. You will be home before you know it.”

“Where is your home?” the doctor asked.

“Stockton,” Tom answered looking at Jarrod. “I own a ranch there.”

“That’s what he will need,” the doctor said smiling. “I whole hardly agree. He’ll need peace and quiet for a while.”

“How long?” Tom asked dreading the answer.

“I’m not sure,” the doctor answered trying to explain. “He will have to stay here at least one week after the surgery to make sure there is not any sign of infection. After that, he may be able to go even if he has to use a chair on wheels at least for a while. I can’t be any more definite than that.”

Two orderlies came in with a stretcher. Gently, they laid Jarrod on it and then left with him. Jarrod almost cried out as the pain wracked his body. The family watched him leave. Then they turned their attention back to the doctor.

“I didn’t want to say this in front of him,” the doctor said with a straight face, “but it doesn’t look promising about him ever walking. There is just so much damaged about that leg. It will be a miracle if he does walk.”

“You don’t know our son,” Tom replied looking at his wife. “Jarrod won’t give up until he is able to walk.”

“I hope so,” the doctor told them. “I’ll let you know when it’s over.”

The doctor left. The family waited hoping that Jarrod wouldn’t spend the rest of his life sitting in a chair.

Chapter Eleven

Adam was sitting in Dan Scott’s office at the police station trying to list all his enemies. Right now his mind was a blank as he tried to think of people who hated him enough to want to kill him.

“Adam,” he said as he looked at his long-time friend, “I know how hard this is. I know you would rather be with Jarrod and his family. But this needs to be addressed.”

“I know,” Adam replied looking up from the paper. “I just can’t believe someone would deliberately try to kill any of us. Poor Jarrod. I wonder how bad he’s hurt.”

“I haven’t heard anything,” he told Adam. “I would assume that he is in pretty bad shape after seeing what he was buried under.”

At that moment, the door opened to Dan Scott’s office and a young man walked in. Adam recognized him immediately.

“Gene,” Adam said looking up, “this is Inspector Dan Scott. Dan, this is Jarrod’s brother, Gene.”

“I came by to give you an update on Jarrod,” Gene replied trying to stay calm.

“How is he?” he asked noticing how nervous the young man looked.

“Not good,” Gene answered lowering his head. “He’s in surgery right now.”

“What happened?” Adam asked with genuine concern. “I thought the doctor was going to wait to operate.”

“His right leg was broken in three places,” Gene answered trying to be as detailed as he could. “But they’re operating on his hip. The doctor said that it was broken but that it had to be repaired from the inside. Jarrod was in so much pain that the doctor said he couldn’t wait any longer.”

“That’s terrible,” Adam said as the words sank in. “Gene, will Jarrod walk again?”

“That’s not the worse news,” Gene replied trying to stay calm. “The doctor doesn’t think he’ll ever be able to again.”

Gene waited as those words sank in. Adam had to look away. He couldn’t believe this could be happening to such a nice young man.

“I don’t believe any of this,” Adam said as he realized just how badly hurt young Jarrod was. “How long?”

“He doesn’t know,” Gene replied looking at the two men. “He suggested that we take him back to the ranch to heal.”

“I think that is a wonderful idea,” Adam told him smiling. “It will take quite a while to rebuild the office. He can take as long as he needs. I’m so sorry that this happened and I promise you that I will find the person responsible and he will be dealt with.”

“I appreciate that sir,” Gene said as he turned to leave.

“Gene,” Adam replied causing Gene to turn back, “I know your brother is going to be all right. You have to have faith.”

“I do sir,” Gene told him. “It’s just so hard seeing him lying there in that bed in so much agony. He is such a vital part of my life although lately I haven’t treated him very nicely. I aim to change that I promise that.”

“I’m sure you are special to him,” he said looking at the young man. “He is a wonderful young man and I feel privileged to know him.”

“Again I thank you for the nice comments,” Gene replied, “but I have to go back to him.”

“Go on,” he told Gene. “I’ll come by when I’m finished here.”

Gene nodded and left. Adam and Dan Scott looked at each other.

“It will be a miracle if that boy ever walks again,” Dan said shaking his head. “The way he was lying I could tell that leg was not in the right position.”

“I know,” he replied hoping that Jarrod would walk again. “He didn’t deserve any of this. Somehow, I believe whoever did this was out to get me. When they discover that they missed, maybe I can force their hand.”

“And get yourself killed,” Dan told him. “I don’t think that’s wise Adam. You don’t even know who it is.”

“I may have an idea,” he said remembering his conversation that morning with David Olson.

“All right,” Dan replied leaning back in his chair. Let’s hear it.”

“This morning a man I’ve known for the last eight years came to see me,” he told Dan. “He had disturbing news for me. It seems a man that I help to put away has been released from prison. His name is Ron Coble. It’s just possible that he blew up the building thinking that I was inside and seriously injured Jarrod.”

“Ron Coble,” Dan said nodding. “I’ll see what I can find out. And you can tell me the whole story on this guy.”

“If you don’t mind continuing this another time,” he replied standing, “I believe I need to go to the hospital to see Jarrod and Sandra. Sure, I’ll tell you later.”

“I thought Sandra was all right,” Dan told him. “I’ll expect an answer from you in the next day or so. But in the meantime I can start a search to see if I can locate this Coble.”

“No,” he said turning back to Dan. “The doctor wanted to keep her over night. He was afraid that she might have some injuries after all. Thanks Dan for all your help. But I need to go. If Jarrod is in surgery, I need to be there.”

“I see,” Dan told him. “I’ll check out this lead and let you know what I find. Adam, you really care about that young man don’t you?”

“Yes I do,” he said as he stood up to leave. “Jarrod is a very bright and smart young man. He’s going to make a fine attorney. I aim to help him achieve that.”

“You will,” Dan replied smiling. “Now go.”

Adam nodded as he left the station heading for the hospital.

Chapter Twelve

At the hospital, the Barkley family waited for the news on Jarrod’s right leg and hip. Gene walked inside.

“Any news?” Gene asked as he walked over to his family.

“Not yet,” she answered looking up at him. “Did you see Adam?”

“Yes,” Gene said as he sat down beside of his mother. “He’s still trying to figure out if he might have known the person or persons who blew up the building.”

“Blew up?” she asked in shock. “Are you telling me that it was done on purpose?”

“Didn’t you know that it was deliberate?” Gene asked looking at her. “I thought Adam would have mentioned it to you.”

“No,” she answered still not wanting to believe it could have been done on purpose. “We haven’t seen Adam at all since Jarrod was found. I guess he’s been too busy with everything. Why?”

“Adam thinks it was for revenge of some kind,” Gene said looking up at his father. “Does Jarrod have any enemies?”

“Not that I know of,” he replied looking at his wife. “He’s not been practicing long enough to make enemies. And I don’t think my enemies would go after him.”

“Then it has to be Adam,” Gene told them. “Someone was out to get him and missed.”

“Missed my eye!” Nick spat still very angry. “He nearly killed Jarrod and the secretary. What do you call that?”

“Nick,” Gene said looking at his brother, “Adam is not responsible for Jarrod being hurt. He was just as frantic as I was when we realized that Jarrod was inside. At first, yes I blamed him. But after I had a chance to calm down and think about it, I realized that he was probably the intended target.”

Nick didn’t say anything for a few minutes.

“I guess you’re right,” Nick said as he came to the same conclusion. “But we have to find out who’s behind this. Someone tried to put Jarrod in a pine box and nearly succeeded. I want to know who that was and why they did it?”

“I think I already know,” Adam replied as he walked up to the family. “I just finished at the police station.”

“What are you talking about?” he asked confused. “We haven’t had a chance to talk to you since all this happened to Jarrod.”

“I had a visitor early this morning that made me late to the office,” Adam answered as he sat down. “It was a friend of mine who wanted me to know that a man I had helped put in prison eight years ago was being released.”

“What does that prove?” Nick asked suddenly angry again. “It doesn’t tell us who tried to kill Jarrod. And wasn’t that nice of him to keep you from being killed but yet my brother was almost killed.”

“Son,” he said looking at his son knowing how Nick felt, “let Adam finish. I’m sure he’ll tell us everything he knows.”

Nick didn’t say anymore but he still wasn’t happy about Adam.

“When he was convicted and sentenced to ten years in prison,” Adam answered calmly, “he swore he would get even with me. I didn’t take his threat seriously at the time but now it seems to fit. He could have easily found out where my office was and had someone waiting with the dynamite and powder he would need to blow the building to bits.”

“Have you notified the police?” she asked looking at Adam. “I mean if this wasn’t an accident and I feel that it wasn’t, the police should be notified.”

“Yes,” Adam answered nodding his head. “Dan Scott is checking on the man right now as we speak. I hope that we can stop him before someone else gets killed.”

“Who is he?” he asked curious. “I don’t mean to pry into your business but my son was almost killed by this man.”

“His name is Ron Coble,” Adam answered looking at Tom. “He was convicted on fraud. I really didn’t think he would carry his threat to this magnitude. I want you to know that I never intended for Jarrod or Sandra to become involved in this. I’m sorry that Jarrod was injured. I never meant for any of this to happen to him.”

“We understand Adam,” he said as he smiled slightly. “Jarrod was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Exactly,” Adam replied nodding.

A doctor none of them recognized interrupted them.

“I’m Dr. Smith,” the man said as he walked over to them. “I operated on your son.”

“How is Jarrod?” she asked very concerned. “Is he going to be able to walk?”

“He came through the surgery,” he answered looking very serious.

“But?” Tom asked knowing something was on the man’s mind.

“But,” he answered looking at the family, “he had a lot of damage to his right hip. In fact, I don’t know how it kept from being shattered under all of that debris. I had to do extensive repairs to that hip so he will not and I repeat will not be up on his feet for at least a month if not longer. His hip needs time to heal. So, I’m going to put him in a chair on wheels until I think he’s ready to try putting weight on it.”

“Can we see him?” she asked very concerned for her son.

“Yes,” he answered as he turned to lead them back to Jarrod’s room. “He’s going to be in discomfort for a few days because of the angle we have his leg. But in order for the bones to set, I have to keep it straight. You’ll understand what I mean when you see him.”

He led them back to a room where they could see Jarrod lying on a bed. His right leg and hip were straight and suspended in the air by a rope binding. The leg was straight. His face was still pale and bruised but he was resting. The family knew that Jarrod would be in agony when he woke up.

“I don’t want him to move his leg at all,” he said as he turned to leave. “If he doesn’t let it heal on it’s own, he will never walk again. I have the leg pulled taunt so that the bones will set and I don’t want him to try to move it at all. It will make his leg hurt but it’s the only way it can start to heal. I’m not sure he will walk now but at least he will have a chance to that he didn’t have before.”

“Doctor,” she asked looking at him, “do you think Jarrod will be able to use his right leg normally?”

“I can’t answer that right now,” he answered looking at her and Tom. “He’s going to heal but I don’t know how much and that will depend on whether or not the hip heals enough to support his weight. Time will tell. But for right now, he needs rest. I also have him on pain medication.”

“Thank you for what you’ve done for him,” she said smiling. “I know he’s very lucky to be alive.”

“Yes he is,” he replied looking at his patient. “The amount of debris that was on top of him could have easily killed him but it didn’t and I can’t tell you why. The only thing I can say is that he is going to be miserable for a while. He needs to remember that.”

“I’ll make sure he does,” she told the doctor. “But you won’t get a fight out of him.”

“Mother,” Nick said shaking his head at her, “you know as well as I do that Jarrod is going to fight this from the start. He’s not going to lie there and let his leg heal. He’s going to try to get up and then you’re going to have to get angry with him and make him listen.”

“Nick,” she replied looking at him with anger, “I know what your brother is like. And I say this only once. He will mind the doctor or else.”

“I trust you to see that he does Mrs. Barkley,” he told her. “I won’t have to post a nurse to monitor him then.”

The doctor left and the family moved around the bed. Nick looked at the way Jarrod’s leg was and cringed.

“Sweetheart,” she said as she looked at Nick, “it’s going to help him get better. It might look rough but Jarrod is strong enough to handle it I believe.”

“I don’t doubt that,” Nick replied, “but he’s not going to be very happy when he wakes up.”

“No,” he told his son, “but he will mind the doctor.”

Coble and Billy had decided to leave town right after the explosion. They realized that it wasn’t going to work out the way they had planned. They rode off in two separate directions but a day or so later Coble decided to ride back. He had to know if Howard was dead.

Chapter Thirteen

As Ron Coble rode back into San Francisco that evening to see if he had indeed killed Adam Howard, he ran into a man he knew very well.

“What are you doing back here?” he asked as he approached Coble in the livery stable close to the office building. “Don’t you know that the police are looking for you in connection with the explosion?”

“What business is it of yours?” Coble asked as he starred at the man standing in front of him. “And how would they know it was me? I didn’t leave any clues that suggested that I was out to get Howard.”

“I have a very large interest,” he answered smiling. “I also want Adam Howard dealt with for what he’s done to me. He thinks he’s Mr. Big Shot now that he has made a name for himself. I beg to differ with him.”

“Ain’t he dead?” Coble asked looking at the man. “He was inside that building. I know he was. I didn’t blow it up for nothing.”

“No he wasn’t,” he answered looking at Coble. “Only Howard’s secretary and partner were inside. A visitor delayed Howard that morning. That’s why he wasn’t inside. So you missed.”

“Are they dead?” Coble asked grinning. “Someone had to have died in that explosion.”

“No,” he answered. “But the partner is in the hospital and may never walk again. That’s what he deserves as well. Barkleys are nothing but trouble.”

“Dagnabit,” Coble said showing his anger. “That’s what I had waited eight long years for. And now you tell me Howard wasn’t even in the building. Barkley? One of them is a Barkley?”

“But there is a way to get even with him,” he replied smiling. “Yes. Why do you ask?”

“How?” Coble asked looking at the man. “I remember while I was in Quentin, all I heard was that Tom Barkley helped put me in there. He must be a regular Robin Hood. Helping the poor and putting the others in prison.”

“Frame him for murder,” he answered. “Barkley is a do gooder. But he will get his one of these days. The boy however could be a problem. He is a lawyer and when Adam Howard is framed for murder, he will undoubtedly want the boy to defend him.”

“Whose murder?” Coble asked curious. “I ain’t heard nothing about this Barkley.”

“Yours,” he answered pulling a revolver from his holster. “Barkley hasn’t had a case yet. He’s just starting out and now he will have to be taken care of just like Howard.”

“Now wait a minute,” Coble said as he started to back up. “I only wanted revenge. Why do you have to kill me? I didn’t do anything to you.”

“So do I,” he replied cocking the hammer. “And this is the best way to show Adam Howard how much I despise him. No you didn’t do anything to me. But now you’re a liability and you’re going to be much better to me dead. And when the time comes I’ll take care of young Barkley too.”

The man pulled the trigger and Coble fell backwards to the ground. A large red stain showed on the front of his shirt. The man next pulled a second gun from his coat pocket and placed in beside of the body. Then he went in search of the police.

“Before long Adam Howard,” he said smiling, “you will be rotting in prison and I will be gloating. And if that young buck lawyer sticks his nose in this, I’ll take care of him too.”

Chapter Fourteen

Jarrod began to wake up. The first thing he felt was intense pain coming from his right hip and leg. He reached out holding on tightly to the sheet trying to deal with the pain he felt.

“Mother,” he said very low, “my leg is killing me. I can’t stand it. Please do something.”

“Honey,” she replied coming over to the bed, “the doctor said that you would have to put up with this for a few days until your leg started to heal.”

“I don’t care what he said,” he told her. “I want it to stop. Can’t you understand? It hurts!”

Tom and Nick could see the amount of pain Jarrod was going through. Nick slipped out the door when Tom nodded at him.

“Jarrod,” Tom said coming to the other side of the bed, “I don’t want to hear you raise your voice to your mother. We know that you hurt. But there is nothing we can do to stop it. You’re going to have to be strong and handle it.”

“I can’t!” he cried looking at them. “I want to get my leg out of this contraption.”

“No!” Tom replied loudly. “You must let the bones start to heal. If they don’t, you will never walk again.”

Tom let that information sink into Jarrod. Then he softened.

“The doctor will be here in a few minutes to give you something to lessen the pain,” Tom said smiling at his son. “Now, will you calm down and listen to what he has to say?”

Jarrod looked up at his father.

“Yes sir,” he said very quietly.

“Good,” she replied smiling. “This isn’t going to go on more than a few days. Then you’re going to come home to the ranch where you can rest and get better.”

“I look forward to that,” he replied gritting his teeth to the pain.

The doctor walked inside followed by a nurse and Nick. He went to his patient.

“I see you are awake young man,” he said as he looked down at Jarrod.

“Yes sir,” Jarrod replied still trying to battle the pain. “My leg is killing me!”

“Jarrod,” Tom told him looking at him with disappointment in his face.

“I’m sorry sir,” Jarrod said looking away.

“It’s perfectly all right son,” he replied looking at the nurse. “I know what you’re going through. But before I give you the medicine, I want to tell you something.”

Jarrod turned to look at the doctor.

“Your right hip was nearly crushed in the explosion,” he said as he examined the hip and leg. “I had to practically rebuild the bone structure. You were a very lucky young man to have even survived the blast. Now, because of the severity of the damage to that hip, you are not to try to put any weight on that leg for at least a month. Then if everything goes well, I will let you try standing on it. Do you understand?”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod replied nodding. “I won’t try to walk before you let me. If I do I’ll have my mother’s wrath to deal with.”

“Good,” he told Jarrod. “Now, I’m going to have the nurse give you something for the pain. It might make you a little nauseated but that will pass.”

Jarrod nodded and the nurse came over with a bottle of dark liquid. She poured two spoonfuls and Jarrod swallowed them both. Then the nurse left.

“She will be back in four hours to give you another dose,” he said looking at Jarrod. “In the meantime, I want you to rest.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod replied nodding.

“I’ll be by later this evening to see how the leg is doing,” he told them as he left the room.

Victoria came back to the bed.

“Is it still hurting as bad?” she asked looking at his bruised face.

“No,” he answered trying to smile. “It’s eased off some.”

“That’s good,” she said running her hand through his hair. “It won’t be long before you’re going to be home in your own bed.”

“I’m looking forward to that,” he replied smiling slightly. “Only how am I going to go up and down the stairs?”

“You’re not,” she told him. “I will have Silas give you your meals in bed or at the table in your room. We’re not going to try the stairs yet. When you are ready, your father and Nick can help you down the stairs.”

“All right,” he said understanding. “I guess I can’t push it.”

“I would say not,” she replied looking at him. “You’re a very lucky boy.”

“I know that now mother,” he told her.

She noticed his eyes beginning to close.

“You get some rest and we’ll talk later,” she said as she patted him on the arm.

Jarrod barely nodded as he drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Fifteen

At the end of the week, the doctor removed Jarrod’s leg from the binding. They could all see the relief on his face when the leg was laid on the bed.

“Better?” he asked as he looked at Jarrod.

“Yes sir,” Jarrod answered able to relax for the first time in days. “It doesn’t hurt near as bad as it did.”

“I’m going to let you go home,” he said as the nurse brought in a brown chair with wheels attached to it. “You will be able to get around in this chair until that leg heals. I’m going to come to Stockton in four weeks and we’ll see if you’re ready to try to walk.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod replied smiling at the prospect of going home. “I’m glad to be able to go home to the ranch.”

“Now,” he told them, “here is pain medicine that he may need. I also want you to use your arms as much as possible so they don’t get weak and also flex your left leg. As for getting in and out of the chair, I want you to let your father or your brother help you. You can use your left leg but not the right.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod said nodding. “I hope I can walk again doc. I don’t want to think about sitting down all the time doing my work. I’m a lawyer and I don’t see myself rolling around the courthouse trying cases.”

“That’s a possibility,” he replied. “But you’ve come a long way in just a week. I’m sure by the time a month has passed, you’ll be ready to start using that leg.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod told him. “I’m looking forward to that day.”

“Don’t let him overdo,” he said looking at Tom and Victoria. “He’s still recovering from the explosion. He needs plenty of rest.”

“We’ll make sure he gets rest,” she replied looking at Tom who nodded.

“Good,” he told them. “I see no reason why you can’t go home.”

“Thanks doc,” Jarrod said smiling.

After the doctor left, Tom helped Jarrod from the bed to the chair. Tom and Nick had already helped him dress and he felt great to be in clothes again. He tried rolling it himself and got a little frustrated when it wouldn’t move like he wanted it.

“Take it easy son,” Tom said smiling at Jarrod. “You’re going to have to learn how to use it.”

“I know,” he replied smiling too. “Let’s go home.”

The Barkley family headed home to Stockton but there would be another crisis very soon.

THE END