A Difficult Choice

Chapters 9-18

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.

Chapter Nine

It had now been two full weeks since Jarrod had disappeared. Tom had not received a single answer from the telegrams that had been sent. He was beginning to wonder if he would ever see Jarrod again.

“This has been the hardest two weeks of my life,” he said as he stood in the study of the house trying to concentrate on work. “I can’t concentrate on anything. All I keep thinking about is Jarrod. I want to get on my horse, head out and start looking for him. This waiting is driving me nuts.”

“I know,” she replied as she tried to sew. “I haven’t been able to do much either. Tom, it’s been two weeks. Do you think Jarrod is still alive?”

“I honestly don’t know,” he told her. “Nick seems to think so but I’m not sure he even believes it any longer. It’s been so hard on him. He tries to be strong and not show it but I can see how much he’s hurting. Jarrod was his big brother, his friend, and his caretaker. He doesn’t know what to do without Jarrod around.”

“I wish there had been some word about Jarrod,” she said shaking her head. “It’s the not knowing that is so hard to deal with. If we knew for sure he was alive, I could deal with it. I just want him home where he will be safe.”

“I agree,” he replied nodding. “But we can’t give up hope of finding Jarrod. He’s out there somewhere all alone.”

“Why hasn’t he tried to contact us?” she asked looking up. “He could just tell us where he is and we could go get him.”

“I’ve been thinking about that myself,” he answered. “Either he’s not around a town with a telegraph office or he’s...”

“No!” she cried not wanting to consider that thought at all. “I won’t even consider the fact that Jarrod could be dead. There has to be another reason. Something we haven’t even considered.”

“Maybe so,” he said shaking his head. “But right now I don’t know what that could be. Maybe there will be word soon.”

Henry and Jarrod rode into Prairieville on Monday afternoon to get Jarrod a new hat. It was the first time Jarrod had been away from the farm since he had been rescued. He was a bit nervous about going to a new town.

“Pa,” he asked as they rode, “is Prairieville big? I mean will there be a lot of strange people who will look at me?”

“No boy,” Henry answered looking over at Jarrod. “It’s just a small town. But we do have a sheriff and a doctor. Don’t you worry about people finding out about you. The only ones that know are Sheriff Cagle and Doc Miller. To the rest of the world you are Jerry Baxter my son.”

“I see,” he said turning back to watching where they were going. “Pa, I appreciate that. I don’t think I could explain to people how I got here since I’m not even sure myself.”

“It’s not any of their business,” Henry replied smiling. “You’re my boy and that’s all they need to know.”

They rode into town and stopped the wagon in front of the general store. Sheriff Will Cagle came walking down the street.

“Henry,” he said as he stopped in front of Henry, “I haven’t seen you in town for over two weeks. It’s not like you to stay away for that long. You and Mildred been sick?”

“No we ain’t been sick,” Henry replied climbing down. “I’ve been busy out at the farm with a sick boy. You remember Doc Miller telling you about that don’t you?”

“Who is this?” he asked looking at Jarrod and then remembering what the doctor had said. “Oh right. I had forgotten about that since I hadn’t seen him.”

“Jerry,” Henry said looking at Jarrod, “this is Sheriff Cagle. He knows about you but he didn’t know your name.”

“Pleased to meet you sir,” Jarrod replied holding out his hand to the man. “I’m sorry I haven’t been in town yet. I haven’t been up to getting out much.”

Jarrod stared at the badge the man was wearing. It was something that he thought he had seen before.

“Jerry,” Henry asked him, “are you all right?”

“I don’t know pa,” he answered unsure of anything right now. “The badge on the sheriff’s shirt. I’ve seen one like that before. In fact, I think the man that wore it was a friend of mine. I can’t remember any more.”

“It’s all right boy,” Henry said smiling. “You are remembering bits and pieces of your life before the fall. It will come back some day."

“I hope so,” he replied nodding. “I don’t want to be scared every time I see something from my past pa. I don’t think I could handle that.”

“You won’t boy,” Henry said patting Jerry on the head. “It will be all right.”

“I’m sorry if I scared you son,” the sheriff replied shaking hands with Jarrod. “I didn’t mean to cause you any trouble.”

“You didn’t sir,” he told the man. “I just thought I remembered something that’s all. I am very pleased to meet you sir. “

Sheriff Cagle took a close look at Jarrod and remembered the telegram he had gotten two weeks ago about a missing boy from Stockton.

“Henry,” he asked turning his attention away from Jarrod, “can we talk?”

“Sure,” Henry answered looking over at Jarrod. “Jerry, you go on in the store and look at the hats. Then you tell Mattie to give you a bag of candy.”

“Yes pa,” Jerry said as he disappeared inside the store.

Henry turned back to the sheriff not sure what the man wanted to discuss in private.

“Now what’s going on,” he said wondering what the sheriff wanted to say to him. “What’s the idea of making me send Jerry into the store so we could be alone?”

“I got a wire a couple of weeks ago,” Cagle replied wanting him to know about the telegram. “It was a description of a missing boy from Stockton.”

“So what has that got to do with me?” he asked not understanding. “I don’t know anyone from Stockton. In fact, I’ve never even been near there.”

“Henry,” Cagle answered, “the description matches that boy to a tee. According to the wire, his name is Jarrod Barkley and he is the son of a wealthy rancher named Tom Barkley. The sheriff in Stockton is to be contacted if this boy is spotted. According to the wire, he disappeared on a train trip from Stockton to Abbottsville and his family has been looking for him ever since. Not having seen the boy until now I didn’t know that he could be the missing boy.”

“How can you be sure that Jerry is this Barkley man’s son?” he asked not wanting to believe any of this. “I know he can’t remember anything but that doesn’t mean he’s that boy.”

“I don’t know for sure,” Cagle answered. “But I need to wire the man so he can come here to see if that boy is his. If you were Barkley, wouldn’t you want to know? He’s probably worried sick about his son. It’s the least we can do. It might not even be his son. And if it is he has a right to know where his son is.”

“I know,” he replied nodding. “I just hope you’re wrong. Jerry is our son now and I don’t want to give him up to anyone. I’ve grown attached to that boy and it won’t be easy to let him go.”

“You may not have a choice,” Cagle told Henry. “But we’ll take it one step at a time. I’ll send the wire and then we’ll see what comes of it.”

“I guess I knew this day would come but now that it has I just don’t know if I can actually give Jerry up,” he said looking toward the store. “He’s a fine boy. And he’s taken to Mildred and me. It would be a shame to hurt him again. He’s felt so alone and we’ve tried to help him adjust to his new life.”

“I understand how you feel but like I said before if this boy is Barkley’s son, he has a legal right to him,” Cagle replied. “I’ll send the wire off right away and then we’ll see.”

“All right,” he told him.

Otto Waters, a neighbor of the Baxters, saw the boy go into the general store. He decided it was time to see just who this boy was and lay down the law to him about never venturing onto his property.

Jarrod was busy looking at the hats in the store when Otto walked in.

“I ain’t never seen you around here before boy,” he said addressing Jarrod. “Where you from?”

Jarrod turned to face the man.

“Are you speaking to me mister?” he asked very politely. “I’m very busy at the moment and don’t have time to speak to you. If you wouldn’t mind waiting until I’m finished here I will be most happy to answer your questions.”

“Yeah I am,” Otto answered looking angry. “Look, you’re going to answer them right now. Not in a few minutes or a few hours or a few days but right this minute. I’m not a very patient man.”

“I am Jerry Baxter and I live on a farm outside of town,” he said smiling holding out his hand to the man. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to offend you sir.”

“I don’t want to shake your hand boy,” Otto replied slapping the hand away. “I want you to know about some laws around here. Step outside and I’ll explain them to you.”

“I don’t have to,” he told the man. “I’m waiting on my pa.”

“I know who your pa is boy,” Otto said hatefully. “You get outside or I’ll throw you out that door.”

“Now just a minute,” Mattie, the owner of the store’s wife replied. “Don’t you hurt this boy Otto.”

Otto ignored Mattie grabbing Jarrod by the arm and jerking him toward the door of the store. Jarrod tried to stop him but he wasn’t big enough.

“Now just a minute,” he said as he was being pulled toward the door. “I’m not going anywhere with you. You let go of me this instant.”

“I’m going to explain some things to you boy,” Otto replied pulling him roughly out the door. “You’re going to listen or else.”

“I don’t have to listen to you,” he told the man. “I’m going to tell pa and he’ll take care of you.”

“Your pa can’t help you,” Otto said as he came to a stop. “You’re going to listen cause your pa is going to remember this for a long time.”

Otto pulled him roughly around to an alley beside of the store.

“You better listen to me boy or you’ll have to pay for disobedience,” he told Jarrod with anger in his dark eyes. “I mean every word I say. You better believe it too.”

Jarrod just stood there not saying a word. He was scared to death and wished he could yell for Henry but didn’t for fear that Otto would harm him. He had decided that it would be best if he didn’t argue with this man. He had seen hatred in Otto’s eyes that were scary to him.

“Your pa knows all about me,” Otto said still holding Jarrod’s right arm. “I don’t like for nobody to step foot on my property. If they do, they pay the price. Since you’re new here I’m only going to tell you this once. Stay off my land.”

“I won’t come onto your property sir,” he replied very scared. “I know better. I haven’t even been off the farm until today. You don’t have to worry mister. I won’t do anything I’m not supposed to do.”

“See that you don’t,” Otto told him. “Cause if you don’t you will regret it. I mean that.”

“I understand sir,” he said trying to get loose. “I need to meet pa. Please let me go.”

“You have to meet your pa,” Otto replied smiling menacing. “I bet you do.”

“It’s the truth,” he told the man. “I have to get back to the store. He’ll be looking for me and starting to worry.”

Jarrod tried again to free himself and accidentally stepped on Otto’s foot. Otto became enraged and grabbed Jarrod harder by the arm.

“Why you little whelp,” Otto said pulling Jarrod’s face to within just a few inches from his. “I’m going to fix you good for that. Nobody does that to me and gets away with it.”

“Please sir,” he replied looking at those evil dark eyes, “I didn’t mean to step on your foot. It was an accident. I’m sorry.”

“I don’t want your apologies,” Otto told him. “I want to take it out of your hide.”

Otto backhanded Jarrod across the side of the head. His head jerked back with the impact and tears ran down his face. But Otto wasn’t finished.

“I told you that you would regret wronging me boy,” Otto said looking down at Jarrod. “Nobody does that to me and gets away with it. Now you’re going to pay for what you did.”

“Please!” he cried trying to stop Otto. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m sorry. Please don’t hit me again. I won’t do it again I promise.”

Again, he backhanded Jarrod and again his head shot back with the impact. Jarrod prayed that somehow his pa would arrive in time to save him from this man.

“Pa!” he cried as he again tried to free himself from Otto’s grip. “Pa! Help me!”

“Your pa can’t help you boy,” Otto said backhanding Jarrod again and this time sending him into some empty crates.

Jarrod cried out as his head hit the crates. He just laid there, his head busting from the impact. All he wanted was his pa. He was crying and terrified at the same time. Otto was walking toward him. Jarrod knew that he had to do something before it was too late.

“Pa!” he cried again. “Pa!”

By this time, several people had gathered at the entrance to the alley. Otto realized that there were witnesses and he decided he better get out of there. He went out the back way but before he left he gave Jarrod one more warning.

“You stay away from my land boy,” Otto said as he left. “Or you’ll pay dearly. This will look like a square dance to what I’ll do to you if you disobey my warning.”

Jarrod tried to get up but the pain coming from his injured head was just too much. He had to lie where he was and prayed that his pa would arrive soon.

Henry had walked into the store right after Otto pulled Jarrod outside. When Henry didn’t see his boy he asked Mattie about it.

“Mattie,” he said as he looked for Jarrod, “where’s Jerry? I sent him in here to buy a hat and some candy.”

“Otto Waters has him Henry,” she replied looking scared. “He came in, started questioning the boy, then he grabbed him and pulled him outside. He had a look in his eyes that scared me. I’m afraid for that boy. Otto’s going to hurt him. I know he is.”

Henry flew out the door.

“Jerry!” he called as he started looking for Jarrod. “Jerry!”

A few minutes later he heard Jerry’s voice calling him. He ran into the alley. By the time he reached Jerry Otto was gone.

“Jerry,” he said as he squatted down beside of Jarrod, “are you all right?”

“No pa,” Jarrod replied trying to cradle his head in his hands. “He hit me so hard that my head hurts. Help me please. I’m so scared.”

“I’m taking you to Doc Miller’s,” he told Jarrod as he helped the boy stand. “I shouldn’t have let you go in there alone. I should have warned you about Otto.”

“It’s all right pa,” Jarrod said trying not to fall. “It was all my fault. I guess I stepped on his foot and made him angry. But he wouldn’t stop. He kept on hitting me and telling me not to do this.”

“I don’t believe that boy,” he replied realizing that Jarrod was hurt worse than he had first thought. “I’ll talk to you about Otto later after I get you home. You didn’t do anything wrong. It was all Otto’s fault. Let’s get you over to Doc Miller’s and then everything will be better.”

“All right,” Jarrod told him still shaking. “Pa, will you hold onto me. I’m still scared about that man.”

“Sure I will,” he said holding Jarrod tightly to make him relax. “It’s all right.”

Jarrod swayed in his arms until finally Henry picked him up and carried him to the doctor’s. He could still feel Jarrod trembling in his arms.

“Doc!” he called as he walked in carrying Jarrod in his arms. “Doc!”

“Henry,” the doctor said as he came out of the back room, “I was working in the back and didn’t hear you come in. What’s wrong?”

“Otto hurt Jerry,” he replied worry evident in his voice. “I think it’s his head again.”

The doctor motioned for Henry to bring Jarrod into the examination room and lay him on the table. He went to work checking Jerry’s head.

“He has another concussion,” he said as he looked up. “It’s not as serious as the first one but it’s bad enough. He’s going to have a headache for a few days. Maybe some dizziness too. I’ll give him something to help.”

“Pa don’t leave me,” Jerry replied reaching out for Henry.

“I’m right here Jerry,” Henry told him holding onto his shoulder. “It’s all right now.”

He could feel Jerry begin to relax and knew that he would let the doctor help him.

“He’s scared to death,” Henry said looking at the doctor. “I don’t know what Otto said or did but he’s terrified that boy.”

“It wouldn’t take much to do it,” he replied nodding. “Otto is a scary figure to adults.”

“True,” Henry told him looking at his boy. “Is he going to be all right?”

“Yes,” he said nodding. “Just don’t let him do too much for a few days. Keep him quiet and he’ll be feeling better shortly.”

The doctor gave Jarrod some medicine and his eyes eased closed.

“Take him home,” he said smiling. “Put him to bed today. If he feels better tomorrow you can let him up but don’t let him do too much until the headaches go away. They should subside in a few days. If they don’t just let me know.”

“All right,” Henry replied picking Jarrod up. “Thanks.”

“I don’t have to ask why Otto hurt Jerry,” he told Henry. “I can imagine.”

“Just because Mattie was waiting on Jerry,” Henry said shaking his head. “He couldn’t wait his turn. I’ll talk to the sheriff about this. Otto is going to have to pay for what he’s done.”

“That’s Otto for you,” he replied shaking his head. “He thinks the world revolves around him. I’ll come by some time tomorrow to see how Jerry is.”

“Thanks again,” Henry told him as he carried Jarrod out to the wagon.

Henry went into the store.

“Mattie,” he asked looking at her, “did Jerry pick out a hat?”

“Yes he did,” she answered nodding holding up a black one. “He really liked this one.”

“I’ll take it and the bag of candy I told him to get,” he said taking them. “Just put it on my bill.”

“I will,” she said writing it down. “How is the boy?”

“He’s pretty shaken and he’s got a headache,” he replied turning to leave. “But he’s going to be fine with some rest. I’m going to take him home.”

“I hope he gets better real soon,” she told him.

Henry climbed in and they headed for the farm.

Chapter Ten

Tom went into Stockton to pick up a few supplies. When he was climbing down from the wagon, Harry hurried up to him.

“Tom,” he said as he came to a stop in front of Tom, “you got a reply on the telegram.”

“What!” Tom replied shocked. “Where? Who? Is Jarrod alive? I have to know Harry.”

“Here,” he told him as he handed Tom the paper. “Read it for yourself. It doesn’t say much but you should be able to go there and see if it’s Jarrod.”

Tom took it reading it and then looked up.

“He’s in Prairieville,” Tom said smiling. “I’ve got to go get him.”

“Wait a minute,” he replied stopping Tom from leaving. “All the wire said was that there was a boy there matching Jarrod’s description. It didn’t say it was Jarrod.”

“I know in my heart that it is,” Tom told him. “This is what I’ve been waiting for. Now I’ve got to go to him and bring him home where he belongs.”

“Are you going to tell Victoria?” he asked wondering. “If it turns out to be someone else she could be devastated.”

Tom thought about the question.

“No,” Tom answered looking at Harry. “If it turns out not to be Jarrod, it would devastate her. I’ll go alone to see and if it turns out to be Jarrod I can always wire her.”

“I agree,” he said patting Tom on the shoulder. “I hope for your sake that it is Jarrod.”

“So do I,” Tom replied climbing back in the wagon and heading for the ranch.

Tom arrived back at the ranch and decided to tell Victoria he had to make a business trip to Prairieville. He knew that if she knew the real reason he was going she would want to come to and if it turned out not to be Jarrod, well he didn’t want to think about that. He walked into the house.

“You weren’t gone long enough to get supplies Tom,” she said looking at him with concern. “Did something happen? Did you get a wire about Jarrod?”

“I received a telegram from a man in Prairieville about some horses he wanted to sell,” he replied trying to come up with a story she would believe. “I have to go now. There is another man who’s interested in the horses. If I wait he might sell them out from under me.”

“What about word from Jarrod?” she asked very concerned. “I mean a wire could still come in. How would I reach you? What a time to go off on a horse buying trip. Don’t you even care about Jarrod any longer?”

“Victoria,” he said as he looked at his wife, “I won’t be gone more than a week. It’s just business and I don’t really think we’re going to get any wires about Jarrod. It’s been over two weeks and he’s probably...”

“Don’t you dare say that,” she replied getting upset. “I won’t believe that Jarrod is dead. I know in my heart that he is alive and that one day we will find him.”

“I know,” he told her. “I won’t be gone too long and if you hear from Harry, you can wire me there. I still have to keep the ranch going even if I’m still worried about Jarrod. I won’t be long and if I haven’t heard anything when I return I’ll start searching for him myself.”

“All right Tom,” she told him nodding.

He didn’t have the heart to tell her that Jarrod might have been found. He didn’t want to hurt her again if it wasn’t so he lied to keep her from hurting any more than she already was. He went upstairs, packed a few clothes and left for Prairieville.

Henry rode up with Jarrod and carried him inside the house where Mildred met them.

Henry,” she asked very concerned, “what happened to Jerry?”

“Otto Waters is what happened,” he answered seething with anger. “He got to Jerry before I could even stop him. I’m not sure what he did to that boy but Jerry is terrified of him. I ort to kill that man for what he’s done to us.”

“I don’t understand how that could have happened Henry,” she said looking at him. “Listen, calm down. Hurting Otto won’t help Jerry. He needs us right now.”

“You’re right,” he replied nodding. “I’m sorry.”

“I understand how you feel,” she told him. “Let’s get Jerry settled in bed and you can deal with Otto after that.”

Henry carried Jarrod to his bed laying him down, pulling off his boots and covering him up. Then he motioned for her to come to the living room.

“Look,” he said more forcibly than he meant to, “I sent Jerry inside the general store to pick out a hat. Before I could go with him, the sheriff stopped me.”

“What did he want?” she asked curious.

“He received a telegram from the sheriff in Stockton I think,” he answered trying to tell her what was going to happen. “It seems that there is a missing boy from there that matches Jerry’s description. He’s going to wire this sheriff to tell the boy’s pa that he might have been found.”

Henry had to look away from her. He didn’t want to lose Jerry.

“Henry,” she said putting her arms around him, “we knew the day we found him that this day might come. If he does belong to someone they are probably worried sick about him. I know I would be if he were my son. He’s a good boy Henry and I know that you love him."

“I do,” he replied smiling at her. “I know his pa would be worried but we’re not even sure Jerry is this Barkley boy. After what just happened in town, I love him more than anyone can imagine. I almost lost him Mildred. I won’t lose him again to anyone.”

“Barkley?” she asked looking at him. “They are those rich people aren’t they? We won’t lose Jerry. He’s ours until we learn different. Let’s just get him well and then we’ll worry about this man coming here to see him.”

“I guess,” he answered looking at her. “Why? You’re right. Jerry’s health is the most important issue right now. Who cares about some man that might not even know Jerry.”

“I didn’t realize the day we found him that he was wearing expensive clothes,” she answered. “I mean they didn’t come from the general store. I’m sure that doesn’t mean for sure that he is the missing boy but we have to be prepared for the worse.”

“I know,” he said shaking his head. “I want to be able to say take him but I don’t know if I can. I have come to really love and care about that boy. He’s an extra-special boy. I don’t know if I can just say good-bye to him especially now.”

“I understand,” she replied nodding. “I feel the same way. But we have to face the fact that Jerry could be a Barkley and if he is, we can’t keep him here just to make us happy. Think about Jerry Henry. He’s the one that will want to go home when he remembers home.”

“True,” he told her. “But there is also a possibility that Jerry is not this boy.”

“That’s also possible,” she said nodding. “We’ll just have to wait till this man comes to see for sure."

Tom arrived in Prairieville a few days later. He went to the sheriff’s office.

“Can I help you?” Sheriff Cagle asked as he looked up from behind his desk.

“My name is Tom Barkley,” he answered extending his hand. “I am here to see if the boy you sent the wire about is my son.”

“Ah yes,” Cagle said nodding. “I supposed to take you over to Doc Miller’s first.”

“Why?” he asked not understanding. “Is something wrong with the boy?”

“I better let the doc tell you,” Cagle answered rising from his chair.

The two men walked down the street to the doctor’s office. When they walked inside, Dr. Miller met them.

“Doc,” Cagle said as he walked inside followed by Tom, “this is Tom Barkley. He’s here about Jerry Baxter.”

“I see,” the doctor replied nodding. “Mr. Barkley, I asked the sheriff to bring you here so I could explain a few things to you.”

“Like what?” he asked not understanding. “Is there something wrong with the boy that I should know about? Is he sick?”

“Jerry Baxter,” the doctor answered, “is the boy you have come to see. He was found on the side of the road between here and the Baxter farm over two weeks ago. He had a very deep and long gash on the side of his head as well as a lump. It turned out to be a serious concussion, which has caused temporary amnesia. Jerry doesn’t remember anything of where he came from or who his parents are. He just barely remembered his name.”

“How did you come to call him Jerry?” he asked concerned if it did indeed turn out to be Jarrod. “I mean it’s hard to get Jerry out of Jarrod if he is Jarrod.”

“He tried to say a name,” the doctor answered looking at Tom. “To the Baxters it sounded like Jerry. So they called him that. Henry and Mildred Baxter are good folks and they have taken to Jerry. I see a love between the three of them.”

“So what you’re telling me is that if this Jerry turns out to be my son,” he said facing a hard truth, “he may not know who I am.”

“That’s correct,” the doctor replied. “And I don’t want you telling him who he is either. He’s had a lot of headaches as well as dizziness and that kind of news could push him over the edge. If he doesn’t recognize you, don’t push the issue. Back off and give him time.”

“I’ll do the best that I can,” he told the man. “I only want to see if that boy is my Jarrod. Then I can decide what to tell him.”

“Look,” the doctor said getting a little angry, “the boy has had another concussion only a few days ago. I don’t want him to be pushed into remembering. It could seriously hurt him.”

“I understand what you’re saying doctor,” he replied nodding. “I won’t jeopardize Jarrod’s health if it turns out to be him and from what I’ve already heard, I’m almost positive that it’s Jarrod.”

“You’ll know when you see him,” the doctor told him as he stood up. “Let’s go.”

“We’ll take you out there,” the sheriff said heading out the door.

“Why are you going along doctor?” he asked not understanding. “Don’t you trust me not to hurt the boy?”

“I want to be there if there are any problems from your meeting,” the doctor answered climbing into his rig, which was parked out front. “I have tended to Jerry since he was found and I feel responsible for him now.”

“All right,” he said nodding. “I’ll be careful.”

The three men rode out to the Baxter farm. Henry saw them coming and knew that the truth about Jerry was about to be revealed.

Chapter Eleven

Jarrod was now able to be up and around after his trouble with Otto Waters. Henry decided it was time to tell Jerry about Otto before the man that the sheriff contacted showed up to see if Jerry was indeed his son.

“Jerry,” he said as they sat at the table the day Tom arrived, “I want to tell you about the man who hurt you a few days ago.”

“What’s to tell?” Jerry asked not understanding. “He’s a mean man. That’s all I have to know. He hit me and hurt me. He’s mean and I don’t want anything to do with him.”

“There is a reason for his meanness,” he answered trying to remain calm. “He wasn’t always this way although that was a very long time ago.”

“I don’t care about his reasons,” Jerry snapped back. “I don’t want to hear them.”

“You will hear them Jerry,” he said looking angry. “You have to hear them to understand the way Otto is. He’s not really a vindictive or mean man. But things have caused him to be this way.”

“What things?” Jerry asked curious. “I mean what on earth could cause a good man to become so mean?”

“I’ll tell you,” he answered more calmly. “You see, Otto was one of the first settlers here in Prairieville. He arrived here with his beautiful wife, Beau, and a son, Caleb. She was a very pretty woman. She came from a well to do family in Boston. Caleb was a smart boy who loved Otto very much. He was only seven when it happened.”

“What happened pa?” Jerry asked wanting to know.

“About a year after they settled here, Caleb took ill,” he answered looking sad. “He died a short time later. No one was completely sure what killed him. He wasn’t sick long, maybe a week. Otto almost died when he lost Caleb but Beau pulled him through. Then she took sick from the same thing and died. Otto never got over that. The only reason he had lived through the death of his son was because he had his wife who had promised him another son but when she died, he lost all faith in people. He became like a hermit and very seldom even goes into town but when he does he wants to get through with his dealings with people quickly so he don’t have to stay there any longer than he has to. He has not let a single person here get close to him. And he refuses to let anyone step foot on his property. Jerry I hope you can see why Otto is the way he is.”

“Yes pa,” Jerry said realizing what the man had gone through. “I can’t imagine losing what he has lost. A wife and a son are hard things to lose I suppose. But he still didn’t need to be so mean to me.”

“I agree,” he replied patting Jerry on the shoulder. “But Otto is bitter at the world for taking away his most precious gifts. And he is going to take it out on anyone who gets in his way.”

“I understand pa,” Jerry told him smiling. “I promise not to ever step on his property or bother him any.”

“I know you won’t,” he said also smiling. “Now, I believe you have some chores to do.”

“Yes pa,” Jerry replied heading out to the barn with Shemp right behind him.

About that time, Henry heard horses and rose to see whom it was. He recognized the sheriff and the doctor but not the third man. He opened the door stepping out on the front porch.

“Afternoon Henry,” the sheriff said as he climbed down from his horse. “This is Tom Barkley. He’s here to see if Jerry is his son.”

“Jerry is in the barn doing his chores,” he replied looking Tom up and down. “Do you really think the boy is yours?”

“I do,” Tom told him nodding. “The description fits, the mannerisms fit and now I’ll know for sure when I see his face.”

Jarrod stepped out of the barn to throw some old water out. The minute Tom saw him he knew that he had found his son.

“Then it is your son?” the doctor asked after seeing Tom’s reaction. “There is no mistake in your mind.”

“Yes,” Tom answered nodding. “That’s Jarrod. I’ve finally found him. After two weeks of worry and fretting he is now going to come home with me.”

“Let’s see if he recognizes you,” the doctor said turning to Henry. “ I don’t want you to get too sure in your decisions because you may not be able to carry them out at least for now. Call him over here Henry.”

“Jerry!” he called to Jarrod. “Would you mind coming here a minute boy? There’s someone I want you to meet.”

“Sure pa,” Jerry said walking over to the men. “Is there anything wrong?”

“No,” he replied putting his arm around Jarrod’s shoulder. “I want you to meet someone. This is Tom Barkley and he’s from Stockton.”

“Pleased to meet you sir,” Jarrod told him shaking hands. “Do I know you? You look like someone I should know but I can’t place where I could have known you from. Have you ever been here? Maybe that’s where I know you from.”

“No,” Tom said smiling. “I just came to conduct a little business with your pa.”

Tom treaded easily so he wouldn’t jeopardize Jarrod’s health but he knew that somehow he had to try to get Jarrod to remember.

“Maybe your face is like the boy in my dreams,” Jarrod said as he looked at Tom.

“Boy in your dreams?” Tom asked confused. “What boy would that be?”

“Yes,” he answered looking down at Jerry. “Not long after Jerry came to live with us he had a dream about a boy’s face. He had dark hair and bluish green eyes.”

“I feel like I should know him but I can’t remember anyone that looks like that,” Jerry said. “He wasn’t mean or angry but he just kept looking at me. It was a little scary but I just put it in the back of my mind.”

Tom knew immediately that Jarrod was describing his brother Nick. And he knew that he had to get Nick here as soon as possible because he felt that Nick could possibly unlock the memories that Jarrod had locked away.

Chapter Twelve

Tom couldn’t believe that he had actually found Jarrod alive and well even if he couldn’t remember anything about himself. Now he knew that Nick was the key to unlocking the door that led to Jarrod remembering.

“I’m sure you’ll figure out who that boy is very soon,” Tom said smiling at Jarrod. “You know Jerry I have a son about your age.”

“Really,” Jerry replied interested in hearing about this man’s son. “What’s he look like?”

Tom hesitated not wanting to hurt Jarrod.

“Did I tell you he’s real smart and loves to read?” Tom asked changing the subject. “He loves school and spends most of his time reading or studying. I have a hard time getting him outside to get some fresh air.”

“No sir,” Jarrod answered still intrigued. “I like to read as well as fish. Doesn’t he like to be outdoors in the fresh air?”

“My two sons are avid fishermen,” Tom said smiling remembering the times he had taken Jarrod and Nick fishing. “Sometimes we all three go. Yes he likes the outdoors but he just prefers to read mostly.”

“What do you do sir?” he asked curious. “I don’t mean to pry.”

“You’re not,” Tom answered him. “I own a ranch. I buy and sell horses as well as cattle. I’m also head of the Cattlemen’s Association and a businessman. I hope one day to leave all I have to my two sons.”

“Wow!” he said not believing what Tom was saying. “I bet it’s nice.”

“It is,” Tom replied smiling again. “What do you like to do?”

“Um,” he told Tom thinking. “As I said before I love to fish as well as play with Shemp. I like to read I think. And of course helping pa is something else I enjoy.”

“I think your pa is a very lucky man to have a son like you Jerry,” Tom said wanting to win his son over. “You are so polite and considerate of other people.”

Jarrod blushed and turned his head.

“Well,” he said when he turned back to Tom. “I still feel like I know you sir but unless you were ever here I don't know how that’s possible.”

“If I had ever met you Jerry,” Tom replied careful of his answer to the boy, “I would have definitely remembered you.”

“I suppose,” he told Tom looking at the ground unsure of what to do next.

“Jerry,” Henry said looking down at his boy, “I don’t believe you’ve finished your chores. I think you should go on and do them.”

“Yes pa,” he replied turning to leave. “It was a pleasure to meet you sir.”

“The pleasure was all mine,” Tom told him as he watched Jarrod walk away.

“You did very well Mr. Barkley,” the doctor said speaking for the first time. “I’m glad you didn’t push your son to remember.”

“I didn’t see any reason to hurt him again,” Tom replied. “Maybe some day he will remember me. I don’t know for sure. The only thing I do know is that you have taken very good care of him.”

“Thank you for that,” Henry told him. “As you can see I am quite fond of Jerry and so is his ma. We wouldn’t want to see anything happen to him.”

“I promise you I won’t do anything to hurt Jarrod,” Tom said nodding. “I love him too. I better get back to town. I have some things I need to do.”

“All right,” Henry replied nodding. “Feel free to come by again to see the boy as long as you don’t hurt him.”

“I plan on doing just that,” Tom told him. “I want to remain here for a few more days to see if Jarrod might regain his memory. I’m not looking forward to going back to Stockton empty handed.”

“You may have to,” he said standing his ground. “I’m not going to let that boy leave here to go away with someone he doesn’t know. He feels safe here and I’m not going to hurt him.”

“I can see how you feel,” Tom replied remaining calm. “But Jarrod is going to remember eventually and I plan on being here when he does.”

Tom, the sheriff and the doctor returned to town. Mildred walked out of the house after the three men had left. Henry was still fuming.

“Was that Jerry’s real father?” she asked looking at her husband.

“I’m afraid so,” he answered turning to look at her. “He didn’t recognize the man though.”

“I guess it’s only a matter of time before Jerry remembers,” she said looking around for Jerry. “By the way where is Jerry?”

“He’s in the barn doing his chores,” he replied smiling at her. “I don’t know about you but it’s going to be hard to give him up.”

“I agree but we really don’t have a choice,” she told him. “Jerry is his son.”

“Maybe by blood but I’m not so sure that Jerry will want to leave here even if he remembers,” he said looking at her. “He seems so happy here with us.”

“He has another family that loves him too Henry,” she replied. “Think about how they feel at the possibility that they might never see that boy again.”

“I’m trying but all I feel is love for Jerry,” he told her. “I want the best for him.”

“I know you do,” she said smiling at him. “I better get supper going. I’ll have a hungry boy if I don’t.”

She walked back into the house. Henry looked toward the barn and smiled before he too walked inside.

Back in town, Tom went to the telegraph office. He composed a brief telegram to his wife. It said:

Victoria,

Have found Jarrod. Bring Nick and come to Prairieville. Will explain everything when you get here.

Tom

He handed the paper to the telegraph operator and then headed over to the hotel to get a room. He knew he wasn't going to leave without his son and he hoped that Nick would be able to open the door to Jarrod’s memories when he arrived.

Chapter Thirteen

Victoria and Nick arrived the next morning. She was very anxious to hear about Jarrod.

“Tom,” she said as he met her at the stage depot, “where’s Jarrod? Is he all right? How did he end up here?”

“Slow down,” he replied guiding her to the hotel. “I’ll tell you all about him as soon as we get off the street.”

Once they were in the hotel room, Tom turned to his wife and son.

“Jarrod is living on a farm a few miles outside of town,” he said motioning for them not to interrupt until he was through. “He was badly injured in a fall the day he disappeared. He has temporary amnesia according to the doctor and he’s not sure how long it will take for Jarrod to regain his memory.”

“Oh my God!” she cried. “How bad?”

“He didn’t recognize me when I saw him yesterday,” he replied continuing. “He goes by the name of Jerry Baxter. Unless we can unlock his memory, we will lose Jarrod forever and I don’t want that to happen.”

“Jerry?” Nick asked not understanding. “Why?”

“According to the doctor,” he answered trying to be as detailed as possible, “Jarrod tried to tell them his name but it came out as Jerry.”

“Who is this Baxter?” she asked wanting to know everything.

“Henry and Mildred Baxter found Jarrod lying on the side of the road,” he answered continuing. “They took him to their farm and then helped him along with the doctor to get back on his feet. They gave him a dog and he’s very happy. But I believe that he’s still curious about where he came from and who is family is. I’m hoping that with some time he will remember.”

“A dog!” Nick cried upset over the dog. “How come Jarrod gets a dog and I don’t?”

“Son,” he said trying to remain calm, “we can talk about that later. There is something I want you to do.”

“What?” Nick asked curious.

“Jarrod had a dream about you,” he answered looking right at his son. “I think you can help him remember. The only problem is that you can’t call him Jarrod. And you can’t refer to him as your brother.”

“Why not?” Nick asked not understanding. “His name is Jarrod and he is my brother.”

“I had a long talk with Dr. Miller who took care of Jarrod,” he answered. “He feels that if we make Jarrod remember it could hurt him. I don’t want that to happen. I’m asking you to help him Nick but not to recognize him as your brother.”

“I can try,” Nick said nodding. “It won’t be easy but I’ll try father. I want Jarrod to know who I am but if I have to act like I don’t know him I guess I can.”

“That’s my boy,” he replied smiling at his son. “We’ll pay the Baxters a visit this afternoon.”

“Tom,” she asked looking at him, “what if Jarrod never remembers?”

“I don’t know,” he answered shaking his head. “We’ll have to cross that bridge when we come to it.”

“Maybe we should discuss it now,” she said looking at him. “There is that possibility that he could be in this condition for the rest of his life. If that happens what are we going to do?”

“I guess we’ll have to leave him here where he is happy,” he replied looking at her. “It would be too cruel to take him away from people he has grown to love and care about to bring him back to the ranch where he wouldn’t be happy.”

“You mean I might never see Jarrod again,” Nick told him very sad. “Father, Jarrod has to remember. I can’t live without him.”

“Like I said son,” he said looking at his son, “we’ll cross that bridge if it comes to that. Right now we need to see if seeing you will jog his memory.”

“All right,” Nick replied nodding.

Jerry was outside playing with Shemp when Tom, Victoria and Nick rode up that afternoon. Nick hopped down walking over to Jerry.

“Jerry,” Tom said as he and Victoria climbed down from the buggy, “this is my son Nick. I sent him a telegram about you and he wanted to meet you in person.”

Jarrod looked up at Nick and started shaking when he realized that Nick was the boy he had seen in his dreams.

“I had a dream about you,” he cried tears running down his face. “I know you don’t I?”

“I don’t think so,” Nick said very calmly not wanting to hurt his brother. “I live in Stockton.”

“On a large ranch,” he replied trying to stop his crying. “With a lot of horses and cattle.”

“Right,” Nick told him smiling. “I even have a brother.”

Tom and Victoria both gasped at the mention of Nick’s brother. They prayed that Nick wouldn’t do anything to hurt his brother.

“You do?” Jarrod asked still not remembering. “Your pa didn’t say anything about that yesterday when he was here or at least I don’t think he did. He might have and I just forgot.”

“Yeah,” Nick answered smiling. “He’s ten and a real big help to me. He’s always there for me except he’s been missing for over two weeks.”

“What happened to him?” he asked curious. “I mean did he run away or something?”

“We don’t know,” Nick answered looking at his brother wanting to hug him but knowing that he couldn’t. “He went on a trip and never got there. We haven’t heard a word from him and I wish he would let me know he’s all right.”

“I’m sorry,” he said patting Nick on the shoulder. “I wish I could help.”

“Maybe you can,” Nick replied smiling.

Again, Tom and Victoria cringed with worry about what Nick was going to say. Tom was beginning to wonder if he hadn’t made a mistake in bringing Nick here.

“How?” he asked wanting to know.

“Well,” Nick answered walking over to the porch to sit down, “my brother is ten. He has dark hair and blue eyes. He’s real smart and loves to read. He has two close friends that he also plays with and even a horse.”

“I like to read,” he said sitting down beside of Nick. “I’m also ten. I have brown hair and blue eyes. A horse, what’s its name?”

“I noticed,” Nick replied continuing. “You’re a lot like my brother. The horse is named Cinnamon. Don’t ask me why he named the horse that unless it was because of the color. It’s kind of reddish brown in color but I still think it’s a funny name for a horse.”

“What’s your brother’s name?” he asked wanting very much to know. “I don’t know about that. That sounds like a great name for a horse. I don’t have a horse of my own. Pa lets me ride one but it belongs to all of us. We can’t afford to have that many.”

Nick hesitated before he answered. He still didn’t want to hurt Jarrod by mentioning his name but then he decided that maybe Jarrod should hear that name at least once.

“Jarrod Barkley,” Nick answered looking closely at Jarrod.

Jarrod began to physically shake at the mention of the name. Henry and Mildred, who had been listening at the door, came outside to be with their boy.

“I...” Jarrod began still shaking and crying. “I...remember that name from somewhere.”

“You do,” Nick said remaining very calm. “That’s not possible since you don’t know my brother Jarrod.”

“I told your pa yesterday that I thought I had met him before,” he replied looking up at Tom. “And I remember your face from somewhere.”

Then Jarrod’s eyes came to rest on Victoria. He looked at her face closely and then the tears burst from inside him.

“I’m your brother,” he said very low. “I’m the one you’ve been looking for aren’t I?”

Nick looked up at Tom for help. Tom nodded at Nick to agree.

“Yes,” Nick replied reaching over to place a hand on Jarrod’s arm. “You are my brother Jarrod. You have been missing for over two weeks and we’ve been so worried about you.”

Jarrod looked up at Henry and Mildred, then at Tom and Victoria. He was now crying so hard that Nick hurt inside because of the pain he saw on his brother’s tortured face.

“It’s all right,” Nick said putting an arm around his brother. “It’s all right.”

Jarrod continued to cry. Finally, Mildred reached down, helped Jarrod to his feet and took him inside the house.

“Jerry,” she said as she guided him to his room, “I want you to rest. This has been a big day for you and you need to rest.”

“Ma,” he replied still crying as he crawled into bed, “can Nick sit with me? I’m not sure why I want him near but I do.”

“All right,” she told him covering him up. “But I want you to get some rest. Agreed?”

“Yes ma,” he said trying to relax.

Mildred came back out on the porch. She saw that Nick was now standing with his parents.

“Jerry wanted to know if you would sit with him Nick,” she said looking at Nick. “Right now he could use a friend.”

Nick looked up at Tom who nodded.

“All right,” he said as he walked into the house.

She led him to Jerry’s room where he saw Jarrod lying in bed.

“Hi,” Nick said as he walked over to the side of the bed and sat down. “I came to keep you company.”

“That’s great,” he replied smiling slightly. “I’m sorry I cried. I don’t know what happened. I now know you’re my brother but I still can’t remember things.”

“That’s all right,” Nick told him smiling. “You will remember soon. Just give yourself time. "I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

“I know you will,” he said nodding. “Although sometimes you do like to argue and fight.”

Nick was shocked. He just sat there looking at his brother.

“How did you know that?” Nick asked hoping that Jarrod was remembering more. “I didn’t mention that I like to argue and fight.”

“I don’t know,” he answered shrugging. “I guess I must have remembered it. You mean you do like to argue?”

“Yes,” Nick said. “That’s what you and I do all the time. Father gets so mad at us for the arguing but we haven’t stopped yet.”

“Really?” he asked trying to remember more. “Why does he do that?”

“You see,” Nick answered remembering all the times that they would argue and how angry Tom would become, “you and I are special Jarrod. You know when I’m hurting and I know when you are. I knew you had been hurt but I didn’t know where you were hurt or what had happened to you or where you were.”

“That’s hard to believe,” he said shaking his head. “I mean knowing how the other one feels. It’s like a bond I guess.”

“That’s it,” Nick replied smiling. “We’ve always had it between us. I know I get on your nerves and some times you even get on mine but there is something there that we can’t shake.”

“I think I understand Nick,” he told him. “I’m older than you right?”

“Yes,” Nick said smiling. “You were a little over four when I was born. You looked down at me the first time and told me you would always...”

“Look out for you,” he finished. “I guess I am remembering some things especially about you.”

“Hey you remembered,” Nick said really smiling. “It’s coming back.”

“Slowly,” he replied getting sad again. “I don’t understand everything. But I do understand that you are a special boy Nick. You have a way about you that made me feel right at home.”

“Thanks,” Nick told him. “You’re a special boy too Jarrod. You are my big brother and I love you.”

“I love you too,” he said crying again.

Nick reached over hugging Jarrod. He returned the embrace.

“You better get some rest,” Nick said sitting back up. “Your mother might get mad at me for keeping you awake.”

“No,” he replied looking at Nick. “She’s a very understanding woman. She’s going to be sad if I leave here.”

“Why?” Nick asked not sure what Jarrod meant. “You are coming home aren’t you?”

“I don’t know,” he answered trying to explain. “I don’t remember much about the place you live. I don’t remember anything except you, mother and father. I guess I’m scared Nick.”

“You have a right to be scared,” Nick said smiling again. “I’ll understand if you don’t want to come home with us. I’ll miss you but I’ll understand.”

“Thanks,” he replied smiling too. “I’ll miss you also.”

Chapter Fourteen

Outside, the four adults stood unsure of what to do next. Tom finally spoke.

“Look,” he said looking at Henry and Mildred, “I don’t know how much Jarrod has remembered but we’re not going to take him away from where he feels safe and secure. I want to hug and hold him but I’m not sure he wants me to do that. I’m just glad we have found him and that he’s safe.”

“We appreciate that Mr. Barkley,” Henry replied nodding. “It has been very hard on Jerry not being able to remember where he came from or his name. He could remember some things but not others.”

“Do you know what happened to him that caused the amnesia?” Victoria asked curious.

“Well,” she answered trying to remember everything the doctor had said, “Henry and I were riding back from town when I saw something lying on the side of the road. We stopped and realized that it was a young boy. He was bleeding from a deep cut above his ear. We brought him here where the doctor tended to him.”

“The doc said he figured that Jerry must have been riding a horse and somehow was either thrown or fell off,” Henry continued. “Of course, Jerry couldn’t remember himself. He tried to say his name to us and it came out like Jerry. I never knew it was Jarrod.”

“Jarrod Thomas Barkley,” he said smiling. “When Nick was small he called him Jay but that’s the only time Jarrod was called anything else. Has he been happy here the past two weeks?”

“He’s had his moments,” she replied. “He would get upset when he couldn’t remember anything and we guessed that he felt very alone so we gave him Shemp to take care of. It seemed to make his adjustment a little easier.”

“We appreciate that,” Victoria told them. “Jarrod has always been a very private boy. He doesn't let his feelings show. I’m so thankful that he had you to lean on.”

“Thank you,” she said smiling. “Jerry has brought us happiness also. We haven’t been able to have any children of our own so when we found Jerry we realized just how much we missed children. We don’t want to take Jerry from you.”

“It’s not that,” he replied nodding with understanding. “We know that whatever happens now it will be Jarrod’s decision to make. He will be the one to choose where he wants to live. I may not like his choice but I will abide by it.”

“We agree,” Henry told him. “It will be hard to lose a wonderful boy like Jerry but if he wants to go back with you then we won’t stop him.”

Inside the house, Nick was sitting quietly watching Jarrod sleep. He knew that he might have to say good-bye to his brother but he also knew that he wanted Jarrod to be happy. After a few more minutes, Jarrod finally opened his eyes.

“I guess I must have dozed off,” he said yawning. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.”

“Look you have been through a lot Jarrod,” Nick replied smiling. “You have a right to be tired. I never really asked you which name you would rather be called.”

“Um,” he told his younger brother, “I’m more used to Jerry. Would it be a problem to call me that?”

“No,” Nick said nodding. “From now on I’ll call you Jerry. By the way how much do you remember about mother and father?”

“Well,” he replied thinking, “I know that they are my parents and that they raised me. But I don’t remember much about what father does or mother for that matter. I can’t remember where you live at all or the town its close too.”

“Jerry,” Nick told him smiling, “you don’t have to worry about where we live. You just concentrate on getting well.”

“I was thinking Nick,” he said. “Would you like to go fishing with me later this afternoon after ma lets me up?”

“Sure,” Nick replied grinning from ear to ear. “But I don’t have my fishing pole with me.”

“You can borrow my pa’s,” he told his brother smiling. “The fishing hole is a creek down behind the house near the property line. As long as we don’t cross that line, we’ll be fine.”

“Thanks Jerry,” Nick said standing up. “Let’s go find out if we can go.”

Jarrod slowly rose from his bed. He was still a little bit shaky but he managed to walk outside unassisted.

“Jerry,” she said as he and Nick emerged from the house, “I would have thought you would have slept a while longer.”

“I was wondering if it would be all right for Nick and me to go fishing,” he replied looking at Henry and Mildred. “I promise not to go any further than the creek.”

“All right boy,” Henry told him smiling. “Nick can use the other pole in the barn. You be back in two hours.”

“I will pa,” he said smiling and turning toward Nick.

“Nick,” Tom replied looking down at his youngest son, “you listen to what Jarrod says.”

“Jerry,” Nick told him interrupting.

“What?” Tom asked not understanding what Nick had meant.

“He would rather be called Jerry father,” Nick answered nodding toward Jarrod. “He doesn’t feel like being called Jarrod since he can’t remember much about where he came from.”

“I see,” Tom said looking at Jarrod. “All right if that’s the way he wants it then we’ll call him Jerry also.”

“Thanks father,” Nick replied following Jarrod toward the barn.

Chapter Fifteen

Jarrod and Nick went to a small creek about fifty yards behind the Baxter farmhouse. It wasn’t a very wide creek but Nick could see fish in it. He smiled at his brother.

“Won’t the dog scare away the fish Jerry?” Nick asked as they dug for worms along the bank of the water. “I mean with his barking and all.”

“No,” he answered smiling. “Shemp usually wanders off to do his own thing while I fish but he never goes too far.”

“Great,” Nick said standing up after he had dug up several worms. “This is enough to get me started.”

“Me too,” he replied also standing up to brush his pants off.

“One thing hasn’t changed,” Nick told him laughing.

“What’s that and what’s so funny?” he asked not understanding.

“You still don’t like to get dirty,” Nick answered continuing to laugh.

“Oh very funny,” he said smiling himself. “I just didn’t want to carry dirt into the house for ma to have to clean up.”

“Sure Jerry,” Nick replied bating his hook. “At the ranch you despised dirt of any kind.”

“I did?” he asked not remembering. “Why did I do that?”

“I don’t know,” Nick answered shaking his head. “I used to ask you the same thing.”

“What did I say?” he asked very curious.

“I don’t rightly remember,” Nick answered again shaking his head. “It don’t matter now. If we wanted to we could get dirty and we wouldn’t care.”

“I don’t know about that,” he said looking at Nick. “I don’t think I want to roll in the dirt and mud. It wouldn’t be proper.”

“Now that’s the old you coming through again,” Nick replied nodding. “I kind of like the new you in some ways and the old you in others.”

“I wish I could remember it all Nick,” he told him getting very quiet. “It’s very hard not being able to remember the little things. Maybe you’ll be able to help me piece together my life before I ended up here.”

“It will come back when its ready to come back,” Nick said smiling. “In the meantime we’ll just enjoy each other and have a good time. Sure. I’ll do everything I can to help you remember. Right now I want to catch some fish.”

“All right,” he replied also smiling.

After an hour of fishing in the same spot, Nick stood up and moved further downstream. Jarrod hadn’t noticed that Nick was just about to the property line.

“Nick,” he said as he looked up at his brother, “don’t go any further. Mr. Waters will get angry if you step on his land.”

“There’s more fish down here,” Nick replied looking for a good place to sit down. “I won’t hurt anything. I promise.”

“That’s not the point,” he told his brother. “You don’t understand about Mr. Waters. He doesn’t like people on his land.”

“I’ll be all right,” Nick said sitting down to fish.

Jarrod then saw Otto Waters coming toward Nick. He ran to stand in front of his younger brother as Otto came to a stop in front of Jarrod.

“I thought I told you to stay off my land,” Otto said as he looked down at the two boys. “Looks like you need to learn to listen.”

“Please sir,” he replied trying to talk to the man, “I didn’t mean to. My brother didn’t understand. He’s new here and he didn’t know to stay off of your land. I was trying to tell him when you walked up.”

“I don’t care about anyone but you boy,” Otto told him reaching out to grab Jarrod by his left arm. “You are going to pay now. You and your pa have caused me too much trouble lately. He had the sheriff out to my place after roughing you up the other day. I aim to take it out on you.”

“Don’t hurt my brother,” Nick cried as he saw the big man take hold of Jarrod. “He’s not done anything to you.”

“Nick,” he said looking at his brother, “get out of here now. Go!”

“But,” Nick replied but Jarrod wouldn’t let him finish.

“Get out of here now!” he yelled trying to save Nick. “Go on!”

Nick finally turned and ran back up the hill toward the house. Jarrod relaxed after he knew that Nick was safe. Then he turned back to Otto.

“Do whatever you will with me as long as I know my brother is safe from you,” he said steeling himself for what was to come. “I’m not afraid of you. I know about your wife and son. I’m sorry they died but you shouldn’t take it out on people. They are not to blame for the deaths.”

“You should be boy,” Otto replied smiling menacing and not paying a bit of attention to what Jarrod had said. “You will regret the day you ever crossed me.”

Nick ran into the yard calling for Tom as he ran.

“Father!” he cried running. “Father!”

“Son,” Tom said stopping Nick in front of him, “it’s all right. What’s your hurry? Didn’t you catch any fish?”

Henry looked around for Jarrod. When he didn’t see him, he looked at the boy.

“Where’s Jerry?” he asked concerned.

“A man came up to us,” Nick answered still panting. “He said some mean things to Jarrod father. I know he’s going to hurt him. You have to save him.”

“Otto Waters,” he said with worry evident in his voice. “I didn’t think he would try to get even with us for the other day when I told the sheriff about him hurting Jerry. Nick, where is Jerry?”

“Who’s Otto Waters?” Tom asked not understanding. “Where’s Jarrod?”

“Otto is our neighbor and he hates people stepping foot on his land,” he answered starting to head toward the creek. “I need to find Jerry. He may hurt Jerry bad for what I did.”

“I’ll show you where he is,” Nick said heading back the way he had come.

Tom followed Henry and Nick. When they arrived at the creek, they didn’t see Jarrod anywhere.

“Where is he?” Nick asked frantic. “He was right here. I left him right here in this spot. Now he’s gone.”

Henry looked down toward the water’s edge and that’s when he spotted Jarrod face down in the water. He ran down to him, quickly turning him over and then looking back up at Tom.

“He’s bleeding from a wound in his stomach,” he said as he picked Jarrod up. “He’s out cold. I think he’s still breathing but a few minutes more and he’d have been dead. Otto’s really done it now. I’ll have to report this to the sheriff. He meant to kill that boy.”

When Henry brought him to the level ground, he laid Jarrod down to get a better look at the wound. Tom and Nick both looked at it. Tom recognized the wound immediately.

“He’s been stabbed with something other than a knife,” he said as he tried to stop the bleeding. “It looks like it could have been a pick or something like it.”

“I knew Otto could be mean but I never thought he would try to kill Jerry,” Henry replied shaking with rage and worry. “I need to get him to the house and then get the doc.”

“I’ll ride to town and bring the doctor here,” he told them. “You get him to the house.”

The three of them went back up the hill to the house. When Victoria and Mildred saw Jarrod they were very upset but quickly went to work on trying to stop the bleeding.

“Where’s Tom?” Victoria asked concerned about her husband. “Has anything happened to him?”

“He went to town to get the doctor,” he answered as he laid Jarrod down on his bed. “He’s lost a lot of blood. He almost drown but I pulled him out of the water.”

“Henry,” she asked looking up from Jarrod, “was he on Otto’s property?”

“Yes,” he answered nodding. “I guess he must have been trying to protect Nick when Otto attacked him.”

“Was it because of the other day in town?” she asked genuinely concerned about Jarrod. “From what you told me, you had a right to involve the sheriff in this.”

“Yes,” he answered not taking his eyes from Jarrod. “I knew Otto could be mean but I never dreamed he would try to kill Jerry. He’s just a boy. An innocent boy in all this.”

“Nick,” Victoria said looking at her son, “I guess you didn’t know about this.”

“No mother,” Nick replied looking at his brother. “I moved a little ways downstream and Jarrod tried to stop me. In the next instant, there was a man standing in front of me. He was very angry. Jarrod stepped in front of me, trying to talk to him. He made me leave. I know he wanted to protect me from that man. I should never have left Jarrod. It’s all my fault. If I had stayed with him none of this would have happened.”

“No it’s not,” she told him. “Jerry knew about the line. I guess he hadn’t had time to tell you about it. It’s not your fault. He was just looking for a way to get back at Henry for having the sheriff out to Otto’s place over what happened in town the other day.”

The doctor walked in followed by Tom. He went straight to work on Jarrod. When he looked up, his face was grim.

“He’s lost a lot of blood and he’s still bleeding,” the doctor said continuing to work on the boy. “I’m going to have to try to stop the bleeding. I don’t know if I can. If I don’t he’ll die and if I do he might still die. One thing is for sure, he’ll need blood.”

Tom looked at Victoria. He knew what he had to do to save his son’s life.

“I’ve given him blood before,” Tom said looking at his son. “I can do it now. I know that I’m compatible to him.”

“Good,” the doctor replied continuing to work. “I’ll get you ready if I can just stop the bleeding. I have to get the bleeding stopped or the blood transfusion won’t work. He’ll just bleed more.”

After another thirty minutes, he looked up.

“I finally stopped the bleeding for now,” he said wrapping the wound with a bandage. “It’s a very deep wound. If you’re ready, I’ll start the transfusion. He’s a very lucky boy. None of the vital organs were struck but he has tissue damage.”

“I’m ready,” Tom replied sitting down in a chair beside the bed. “I’m just sorry that something like this happened.”

“I’ll talk to the sheriff about this,” he told them all. “Otto will not get away with what he has done to Jerry.”

“My main concern right now,” the doctor said still working on Jarrod, “is to make sure he stays quiet and that infection doesn’t set in. He’ll be in bed at least a week if not longer depending on how he heals.”

“Doctor,” Nick replied looking up for the first time, “I know you can’t make Jarrod well but if you can help him to be all right I would be most grateful. I love my brother with all my heart and inside I’m hurting just like Jarrod. Please do everything you can for him.”

“I will son,” the doctor told Nick. “You can help me if you would.”

“How?” Nick asked wanting to know what to do.

“Talk to him,” the doctor answered. “Let him know that you are here with him and that he is going to be all right. I think that way he’ll know he’s not alone in this battle and he might just respond to you.”

“I’ll try doctor,” Nick said turning back to Jarrod. “Jerry, I love you with all my heart. You are very important to me. I don’t want you to fight this alone. Here, take my hand. Maybe I can give you some of my strength to help you get better.”

Nick held Jarrod’s hand in his own never turning his attention from his hurt brother. Inside, Nick could feel Jarrod relax and sleep. He knew in his heart that his brother would be all right in time.

“He’s going to get better,” Nick said looking up. “I know he is going to be.”

“We hope so son,” Tom replied putting his arm around Nick. “The doctor is doing everything he can to help Jarrod.”

“I know father,” Nick told him. “I can feel it inside. I know that Jarrod is going to heal. He is going to be up and around real soon. You’ll see.”

Tom smiled at Nick. He wasn’t sure about Jarrod getting well but if Nick was he wasn’t going to argue with him.

Chapter Sixteen

Over the next few days, Jarrod remained unconscious. He was resting comfortably but he hadn’t woke up. They were all concerned about him.

“Doc,” Tom asked as the doctor checked on Jarrod’s condition, “if he’s resting comfortably why won’t he just wake up? It’s been three days and he’s still unconscious.”

“Mr. Barkley,” the doctor answered looking up for the first time since he arrived, “Jerry has been through a lot since he’s been here. His body is completely exhausted. He needs rest and when he’s ready he will wake up. You have to give him time to heal. This was just the latest in a series of blows to his body. The first is the time Henry and Mildred found him on the side of the road. The second being the confrontation in the general store and now this. Jerry has been weak from it all and has hid his condition from Henry and Mildred. I on the other hand knew just how much he hurt. I knew that he still had headaches and that he still had dizziness even if he wouldn’t admit it.”

“I never realized just how sick Jerry was,” Tom said shaking his head. “If I had known, I’d never have brought Nick here to try to get him to remember. It was wrong of me to try to push Jarrod to remember. I just hope that the damage I caused can be repaired.”

“Believe it or not,” the doctor replied facing Tom, “you did the right thing bringing Nick here. He’s been the calming force Jerry has needed. He took to Nick right away and Nick didn’t push him to remember. He’s a wonderful boy and you should be proud of him.”

“I’m proud of both of my boys,” Tom told him smiling. “It’s not been easy for Nick when Jarrod disappeared. He tried to be strong but I knew he was hurting inside for his brother. He never said a word other than that Jerry was alive. It’s also been hard on Jerry not remembering us much but trying to. I wanted to reach out to him but I knew I couldn’t without hurting him more.”

“I want you to give Jerry two spoonfuls of this liquid every four hours,” the doctor said turning to Mildred. “It’s to help him keep from getting an infection as well as help him heal. It might make him sleep. You can also start feeding him. I suggest liquid to start with and then work up to solid food. Jerry is a very lucky boy. Another inch or two over and up and he wouldn’t have to worry about anything.”

“I guess I need to speak to the sheriff about Otto,” Henry replied still showing his anger and frustration. “I can’t believe that man tried to kill my boy.”

“Henry,” the doctor told him, “I’m heading back into town. I can speak to him for you. I know what happened to the boy. That way you can stay here and be with Jerry who will need you now more than ever. I don’t want him up for at least a week. And then only in short stints. He needs to take it easy until he’s completely healed.”

“Thanks doc,” Henry said smiling. “I appreciate that.”

“We won’t let him up,” she replied nodding. “And I’ll see that he takes his medicine.”

Nick slowly walked over to the bed. He had kept his distance not wanting to disturb Jarrod. He reached out his right hand grasping hold of Jarrod’s left hand. He sat down still holding his hand. He never said a word but all the adults in the room could see Jarrod’s reaction even though he was asleep. He was at peace because he had his brother beside of him.

“Nick,” he said very low, “I know you’re here with me. I’ve known it since I was carried in. You are the best brother a boy could have.”

“Jerry,” Nick cried louder than he meant to, “you’re awake! I’m so glad you woke up. You had me scared to death.”

“I had myself scared too,” he said trying to smile. “I was so afraid when I saw Mr. Waters pull that pike out from behind him. I knew he was going to kill me. I prayed that you might bring pa here but I didn’t really think you would make it in time.”

“Jerry,” Mildred asked as she leaned over him, “how do you feel?”

“I hurt some,” he answered looking at her. “I’m tired but I’ll be all right.”

“Of course you will boy,” Henry said smiling. “You’re a tough boy.”

“Pa, ma, mother, father,” he replied looking at all of them, “there is something I need to say.”

“It can wait till later son,” Tom told him. “You need to rest.”

“No,” he said wanting to say his piece. “I have decided that after I get better I am going back to Stockton to live. I may not remember everything about my life there but that is where I belong. I want you to know that I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me ma and pa. You have made my life wonderful while I was here and I’ll always remember you. But my life is with Nick and my parents. They raised me and it wouldn’t be right to just leave them for someone else. I hope that some day you can forgive me for my decision but I needed to tell you.”

“Jerry,” Henry replied trying to stop the tears that threatened to fall, “I knew that you would probably go back with them. That’s where you belong. You have a life there. But you remember what I taught you. I loved having a son and will miss you with all my heart.”

“Jerry,” she told him crying, “you have been the best thing for me since I married Henry. You take care of yourself and if you ever get a chance please write or come to visit. I’m going to miss you but I know it’s for the best.”

“Son,” Tom asked speaking, “are you sure you want to go home with us? If you would rather stay here where you feel secure your mother and I will understand.”

“I am sir,” he answered nodding. “I’ve known it since I remembered Nick and knew that I couldn’t be without him. I considered staying here but I would have been very alone with Nick back in Stockton. I may not remember everything but one thing I do remember is all of you.”

“Oh Jarrod,” Victoria said hugging him. “When you get home, we’ll help you to remember. Don’t you worry about a thing.”

“Father,” he replied looking at Tom, “I would like a word with you in private sir.”

The rest of the adults left the room. Only Tom and Nick remained.

“What is it son?” Tom asked looking at Jarrod.

“I want you to see if you can get the Baxters a boy to raise sir,” he answered smiling. “They need a child and I know from what Nick and you have told me that you are an important man. You can find them a son that doesn’t have a family. Please father do this for me. I don’t want them to be alone.”

“I guess I can talk to Father Joseph at the orphanage in Stockton to see if he has any boys that would like to live on a farm,” Tom said nodding. “I can check into that when we get back.”

“I want you to ask him for a ten year old boy with brown hair and blue eyes that has a name similar to Jerry,” he replied smiling. “It would make them so happy. You can’t wait until we leave. You have to do it now. You can’t wait. I’m going to leave them soon and then they’ll be all alone. I don’t want that to happen. They have to have this boy before I leave to go back. Please father.”

“I tell you what,” Tom told him rising from his seat. “I’ll go to Stockton while you’re healing and talk to Father Joseph. If he has a boy that fits that description I’ll see if I can bring him here with me.”

“That would be great,” he said smiling. “Thanks father.”

Tom left the room explaining to the others that he had to make a trip to Stockton. Victoria questioned him but he told her he would explain when he returned.

“What do you mean you’re leaving now?” she asked very upset. “Jarrod is lying in the next room. He was nearly killed Tom and you’re leaving. I don’t understand you.”

“There is something very important I have to do,” he answered looking at her. “Try to understand. I’ll be back in a few days. It’s something Jarrod wanted me to do.”

“Jarrod wanted you to do?” she asked confused. “What on earth would be so important that you need to leave?”

“You’ll understand when I return,” he answered hugging her. “Just trust me.”

“All right Tom,” she said nodding. “I’ll stay with Jarrod. You be careful.”

“I will,” he replied as he headed out the door.

She made a mental note to ask Jarrod about the big secret when she got the chance.

Chapter Seventeen

Tom went to the orphanage to see Father Joseph the minute he arrived back in Stockton.

“Tom,” the padre said as he greeted Tom, “this is a pleasure. What can I do for you?”

“I need to ask you a favor,” he replied as he sat down in the padre’s office. “It’s going to sound strange but hear me out first.”

“Certainly,” the padre told him. “Go on please.”

Tom explained what had happened to Jarrod. When he was finished he looked at the padre.

“So Jarrod wants to let the Baxters have a son they can call their own,” he said understanding. “I believe you have a very caring and understanding boy Tom. Jarrod has a deep feeling for the Baxters doesn’t he?”

“Yes sir,” Tom replied nodding. “They took care of him and acted like he was their son. I was sort of upset at first when I saw the love between them but after I was around Jarrod I came to realize that he has a lot of love to give. He’s a very special boy.”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea and I have a young boy who’s withdrawn from the rest of the children,” he told Tom. “His name is Jacob and he is ten. He has brown hair and blue eyes. Both his parents were killed by outlaws in a holdup on a stage from Nevada. He doesn’t have any other kin. I can speak to him and let you know his answer. Tom, your son, Jarrod, is a gifted boy. That’s why I love for him to come visit the children. He has a way with them to make their fears go away. I hope that he will continue to visit after he returns.”

“That will be fine,” Tom said nodding. “I’ll be at the ranch until I hear from you. Yes I think he will. It may take a little time. He’s still not regained all his memories but they are returning slowly.”

“Good,” he replied smiling. “I look forward to seeing him then. You tell him from me that the children miss him and look forward to seeing him very soon.”

“I will,” Tom told him smiling.

The padre went to see Jake as everyone called him after Tom left. He knew that the boy needed a family to pull him out of his torment and that maybe this would be worthwhile for him.

“Jacob,” he said as he sat down beside of the boy, “I have some good news for you.”

Jake didn’t say a word. He just sat looking at the floor.

“I have some people who want you to come live with them as their son,” he said looking at the boy. “They have a farm outside of a little town called Prairieville. Their names are Henry and Mildred Baxter.”

“A home,” Jake replied looking up. “For me?”

“Yes,” he told the boy. “The boy they have staying with them was hurt and lost his memory. He has since regained it and wants to go home to live with his own parents. He wanted to find someone to take his place. He felt that they needed someone and I feel that you need someone. Maybe you three can become a family.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Jake said smiling. “I would like to have a home again. I miss my mama and papa.”

“I’ll tell Tom Barkley that you accept,” he replied smiling. “He will take you to your new home. I know you do but they are now with the Lord and they will be happy knowing that you are going to be well taken care of.”

“Thank you father,” Jake told him smiling. “I’ll get my things together.”

Sitting in the living room of the Barkley home, the padre relayed the good news to Tom.

“Jacob has agreed to go with you,” he said smiling. “He fits Jarrod’s description. I think he will be a wonderful addition to the Baxter family. He desperately needs a family and from what you’ve told me, the Baxters need a family. When do you want to leave?”

“I hope so,” Tom replied smiling. “We haven’t told them yet. Jarrod wanted it to be a surprise. He plans on telling them when I return. I want to leave in the morning if that will be all right.”

“I’ll have Jake here ready to go at seven,” he told Tom as he walked to the door. “I do hope this works out.”

“So do I,” Tom said nodding. “So do I.”

Tom and Jake made the trip to Prairieville. When they arrived in town, Jake looked around.

“It sure is a big place,” he said looking at everything. “Where is the farm?”

“Just a few miles outside of town,” Tom replied smiling at the boy. “I hope you like Henry and Mildred. They are good people Jake and need you as much as you need them. Try to give it a chance to work.”

“I’m sure I will,” he told Tom as they rented two horses for the trip.

Chapter Eighteen

Jarrod was now able to sit up in a chair. None of them would allow him to go outside and he was getting frustrated.

“Mother, ma,” he said as he paced the small living room, “come on. I’m not going to run just walk outside to get some fresh air.”

“There is no way I’m going to let you do anything until the doctor says you can,” she replied smiling. “Your mother and I discussed the matter and we feel that you are still too weak to do a whole lot right now.”

“You’re ganging up on me,” he told them both. “I thought one tough mother was bad but two is terrible.”

“You just remember young man,” Victoria said looking stern, “that you are not old enough to make your own decisions yet. You just take it easy or I’ll have to get your father to put his foot down.”

“Yes mother,” he replied giving in. “I know when I’m licked.”

They all heard horses ride up. Jarrod hurried to the window looking out. He smiled when he saw his father and the surprise.

“Where is pa ma?” he asked before he opened the door.

“Your pa is in the barn Jerry,” she answered pointing toward the door. “Aren’t you going to open the door for whoever it is.”

“Yes,” he said opening the door to allow his father and the surprise to walk in.

“Who is this?” she asked looking at Jake.

“Ma,” he answered looking at his father, “this is the reason father went back to Stockton. I didn’t want you and pa to be alone so I asked father to see if he could find a boy about my age with my color of hair and eyes. I see that he was successful.”

“I was,” Tom said standing behind Jake. “This is Jacob. He was orphaned when outlaws killed his family. He doesn’t have any relatives and he’s been very withdrawn from the other children until he found out about you and Henry.”

Henry had come in the back door and was listening to what was being said. He looked down at Jake smiling.

“You like to fish boy?” he asked as he squatted down in front of the boy. “We have a creek behind the house where there are a lot of fish.”

“I’ve never been fishing,” Jake answered still a little shy. “I never even seen a farm until today.”

“Jacob,” she said smiling at him, “we would love to show it to you. We have a dog named Shemp who could be your friend.”

“A dog,” Jake replied smiling as Shemp came to him licking him. “I never had a dog before. Oh, he’s the nicest dog I’ve ever seen.”

Jarrod smiled. He had fulfilled his wish. He looked up at his own parents. They had smiles on their faces as well.

“Sir,” Jake said as he looked at Henry, “I wish you would call me Jake. Jacob sounds so formal. I like Jake.”

“Then Jake it is,” Henry replied smiling even wider. “Jerry, I don’t know what to say.”

“Just say that you’ll give Jake a chance,” Jarrod told them. “This way it will be easier for me to leave knowing that you are happy.”

Mildred hugged Jarrod tightly.

“You are the sweetest boy in the world,” she said smiling at him. “Yes we’ll give Jake a chance if he is willing to give us a chance?”

“I am,” he replied smiling and petting Shemp. “I love it here and I haven’t even seen it all yet.”

Jarrod knew that he could go back home without worrying about his ma and pa. The only worry he would have would be how much he remembered.

Tom noticed that Jarrod seemed to be becoming sad.

“Son,” he asked looking at Jarrod, “you have something on your mind?”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod answered looking up at Tom. “I’m a little scared about going home. What if I don’t remember father?”

“You remember us and Nick,” he said patting his son on the shoulder. “We’ll just take it one day at a time until you do remember.”

“Thanks father,” Jarrod replied already feeling better.

Three days later, the Barkleys headed for Stockton. Jake had taken to Henry and Mildred. He was very happy and they had formally changed his name to Jacob William Baxter. It took several months for Jarrod’s memories to completely return but they finally did. Everyone was happy.

THE END