What Has Happened to My Family?

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.

Prologue

In late January of 1846, Tom Barkley and his wife, Victoria, were the proud parents of a thirteen-month-old son named Jarrod Thomas. However in the months since Jarrod’s birth, Victoria was having a hard time being a full time mother. She wanted to enjoy life and that meant belonging to the Women’s Society of Stockton, California. Her attitude about motherhood had angered her husband but he tried to overlook it as stress until he came home from Stockton with news that would forever change their lives.

“Victoria,” he said as he walked into the house, “Victoria.”

“I’m right here Tom,” she replied as she met him inside the door. “You’re home early. Did you get finished with everything?”

“I don’t want to upset you but I have to leave for Carson City in the morning,” he told her. “I’ll be gone about two weeks.”

“Tom,” she said not believing what she was hearing, “you can’t leave now. You know that I have meetings coming up in Stockton. What do you propose I do with Jarrod? He’s too young to go with me.”

“Stay home with him,” he replied looking at her. “I don’t have a choice but you do. You are now a mother and as a mother you have responsibilities to your son. Some of these frivolous activities will have to stop.”

“Not if I’m going to be part of this organization,” she told him. “It wouldn’t look very well for me to miss them on account of the fact that I have to stay home with Jarrod. This is not frivolous Tom. For one thing I enjoy the ladies and the activities they have going on. For another, it gives me a chance to do other things besides sitting at home all day taking care of a child.”

“Look Victoria,” he said shaking his head, “you are now the mother of a thirteen-month-old son. I think you need to think of him instead of yourself. This was fine when we were first married and didn’t have a child but now we do and the first thing you should do is tend to Jarrod. I’m sure a lot of the other women have children. What do they do with theirs while they’re at these meetings? Do they just go off and leave them with a stranger? This trip is vital to us and to the ranch. I have to go. I forbid you to go off and leave him with any stranger. Do you understand me?”

“I do think about Jarrod,” she replied beginning to show her anger. “But I also have a life outside of this house Tom. Why don’t you stay here and keep him? And to answer your question, I don’t really know what they do with their own children. I haven’t asked them yet. But believe me, I will. Don’t you dare forbid me to do anything Tom Barkley. You are not my master. I am capable of taking care of my son and still having a life. You just go on your trip and I’ll deal with Jarrod.”

“I have a series of very important matters to attend to,” he told her. “I’m going to be gone at least two weeks if not longer. I’m sorry but it can’t be helped. If there was anyway to postpone this trip I would but I can’t so you’re going to have to give up something to take care of Jarrod. And don’t get on your high horse with me. I am your husband and Jarrod’s father. And as such, I’m the one who makes the decisions here. My decision is that you will stay home with him until I return. For another thing, don’t be talking about him like he’s a sack of grain. He’s a living, breathing boy. He deserves a happy life.”

“Why is it that I’m the one who has to always give up something?” she asked very angry. “It seems to me that you never ever give up anything. Why is that? I don’t treat Jarrod like an object. I know he’s a living and breathing human being but I also have a life outside of this ranch Tom. Just like you do and you can’t stand there telling me what I can or can’t do. Do you hear me?”

“I’ve told you this a thousand times,” he answered looking her in the eye. “I have a ranch to run and sometimes that means trips. I wish I could make it easier on you but I can’t. In the meantime, the least you could do is to help me out. You should readily agree to take care of Jarrod. He needs his mother. He’s growing and learning everyday. And he needs guidance as he grows and learns. The least you can do is give him that much.”

“I understand all of that,” she said still angry. “But do you understand where I’m coming from? It’s lonely here at the ranch all the time. And it’s very aggravating sometimes to try to talk to Jarrod who can’t even carry on a conversation yet. I’m not making fun of him. There is no one else here for me to talk to other than the hands. I don’t feel very open with them. That’s why I joined the Women’s Society. It gives me a chance to enjoy other things.”

“Yes,” he replied nodding. “I know it’s not been easy since Jarrod was born but you are a wonderful mother and he’s a wonderful son. Maybe those ladies will let you start after I get back. I understand how you feel. But this is just one of those things I can’t help. I wish I could stay here so you could go but I can’t.”

“I’ll see,” she told him but she wasn’t happy.

Victoria realized that she wasn’t going to get anywhere with Tom so she decided to see what she could do to find someone to stay with Jarrod. She knew that neither she nor Tom had ever left Jarrod with another sole but she also had an obligation to the ladies to attend these functions.

Tom was hoping that Victoria would not skirt her responsibilities when it came to looking after Jarrod. He knew she wanted to go on with her life just like it was before Jarrod was born but he also knew that she had an obligation to their young son. He hoped she would realize that and very soon.

“Victoria,” he said as he headed out the door, “you remember what I said. Jarrod is your first priority. You can let your responsibilities to the women go until I get back. It’s only going to be for two weeks maybe less.”

“I can’t Tom,” she replied shaking her head. “I’ve already promised them I will be there. I’ll see if I can get Wally and Jenny Miles to keep him for a little while. After all they are his godparents.”

“I wish you would reconsider,” he told her. “That boy needs you. I guess leaving him with Wally and Jenny won’t hurt. But it’s not the same as staying with his mother whom he needs now.”

“I’m not abandoning him Tom,” she said looking at his face. “I’m just doing things that have to be done. Just like you are doing.”

Tom shook his head as he mounted up and rode off.

“I just wish you would think of Jarrod and me when you want to do all this other stuff,” he said as he rode toward town. “Sometimes I feel like we don’t even exist. Other times you are the best wife and mother. I truly hope you find your priorities or Jarrod and I will both suffer.

Victoria rode over to Wally and Jenny Miles to see if they could keep Jarrod not long after Tom left. She looked at Jarrod sitting beside of her in the buggy. She knew she shouldn’t have gotten so upset at Tom. After all he was only thinking about Jarrod’s well being.

“Jarrod,” she said as they rode, “I want you to know that I love you very much. You have brought me a lot of joy.”

“Love mama,” he replied smiling as he looked up at her. “Love papa.”

“I know you do honey,” she told him smiling. “We’re going to see Uncle Wally and Aunt Jenny.”

“Oh boy,” he said grinning even wider. “Me glad.”

“I hope I will be too when I ask them this huge favor,” she replied nodding. “Otherwise I’ll have to make other arrangements.”

Jarrod didn’t have any idea what his mother had meant by that statement. All he knew was that his mother had been a little short with him at times. A short time later, they arrived at the Miles’ ranch. Victoria helped Jarrod down and they walked to the door.

“Victoria,” Wally said as he opened the front door, “this is a surprise. Come in. There’s my boy. How’s my favorite buddy doing?”

“Me fine,” he replied smiling at Wally.

“Wally,” she told him as they walked inside the house, “I have a huge favor to ask of you and Jenny.”

“Sit down,” Wally said gesturing toward a chair. “What can I do for you?”

“I was hoping that you and Jenny could keep Jarrod for a few hours this week,” she replied sitting down and setting Jarrod in the floor in front of her. “I have several meetings to attend and Tom is out of town. So I have no one to leave Jarrod with. I was hoping that you would watch him.”

“Victoria,” Wally said as he sat down beside of Jenny, “I’m sorry but Jenny and I are leaving in the morning for a trip to St. Louis. We’ll be gone around a month. We’ve been planning this trip for the last several months. You know we’d love to keep Jarrod. We think the world of him.”

“I see,” she replied looking down at Jarrod who was sitting in the floor. “Well, it was just a thought. I can make other arrangements. Tom wasn’t too happy about me leaving him with a stranger but when I mentioned your name he calmed down a bit. Now he’ll probably hit the ceiling. But I’ll deal with that when he returns home. For now anyway, I’ll see if I can find someone else to keep him.”

“That boy is sure growing,” he told her smiling. “He’s quite a boy. I’m not saying that just because I’m his godparent. It’s true. Someday soon Jenny and I hope to have a son of our own. And I bet he’ll be just like Jarrod.”

“Thank you Wally,” she said smiling. “Yes, he’s quite a boy. I’m sure you and Jenny will have a child before too long. I better go.”

“Sorry we couldn’t help,” he replied walking her to the door. “Jenny’s brother is living in St. Louis and she hasn’t seen him in years. It will be a very good trip for her.”

“I understand,” she told them and left with Jarrod.

“I’ll just have to find someone else,” she said as she and Jarrod rode back to the ranch.

Jarrod looked up at his mother and he could tell she was not happy.

“Mama mad me,” he said looking at her. “Me sorry for mama mad.”

“No honey,” she replied looking at him with a smile on her face. “I just have something I need to do. I love you and could never be mad at you.”

“Good mama,” he told her smiling. “Me good.”

“Of course you are,” she said nodding. “You are the nicest boy in the state.”

Jarrod smiled at her. But she was still angry about the possibility of missing these meetings. She knew that Jarrod sensed her anger and thought it was aimed toward him. But it wasn’t.

Chapter One

A few days after Tom had left for Carson City, Victoria had a visitor. She had still not had any luck in finding someone to stay with Jarrod and was running out of time. The first meeting was set for the next afternoon and she was determined not to miss it for any reason.

“Victoria,” Ann Bailey said as she and Victoria sat in the Barkley living room, “I’m so sorry to hear that you won’t be able to attend the meetings this week. I was so hoping you’d be there because we were going to take nominations for secretary and treasurer. Someone had suggested that you would be perfect for either job. And I tend to agree. We would have nominated you for president or vice president but felt that you needed some time to learn how we work in order to do the job sufficiently. Isn’t there any way you can make some kind of arrangements for someone to look after Jarrod for a few hours?”

“I was so looking forward to attending,” she replied smiling at Ann. “But with Tom out of town, I don’t have anyone to leave Jarrod with. I’ve asked several people but they weren’t available. He’s a very good boy but he’s too young to sit through a meeting.”

“I may have an idea about that,” Ann told her. “I may know of someone who can help. Let me check with her and I’ll let you know something. And he wouldn’t have too much fun because most of the women want to get away from their children so that’s why we don’t allow anyone to bring their children to the meetings. We decided that after several of the children got very unruly and nearly tore up the place.”

“All right Ann,” she said standing up. “I hope you can. Being a mother is hard. You don’t have time to do anything for yourself. I know I shouldn’t fuss about Jarrod but ever since he was born, I’ve not really had a moment to myself. It’s been one thing after another. I love him and I’m glad he’s my son but sometimes I would just rather spend time by myself or with other ladies and not with a one-year-old.”

“I understand completely,” Ann replied smiling. “I went through that myself when Paul was born.”

“What did you end up doing?” she asked very curious.

“I finally got so tired of being a mother and looking out for him that I took off for about a week,” Ann answered. “My husband was not happy but he took care of Paul for that week. When I returned home, I was fine. You will be too. You just need some time to yourself.”

“I understand,” she said nodding. “I’ll look forward to hearing from you.”

Victoria knew in her heart that she shouldn’t have said anything about Jarrod. But at the moment she was not happy about the situation at all. All she wanted to do was to enjoy herself and if she had to leave Jarrod with a stranger so be it.

Chapter Two

The next morning around ten o’clock, there was a knock at the front door of the Barkley home. Victoria opened the door to reveal a very young woman standing there. She had no idea who the woman was or why she was here.

“Mrs. Barkley,” a fairly young woman said as she stood at the door to the Barkley home, “I understand you are looking for someone to keep your son for you for a few hours this afternoon. Ann Bailey told me of your predicament and I thought I would offer my services to you. She said you were quite desperate about finding someone.”

“I am,” she replied as she looked at this young woman closely. “My husband is out of town and I have no one to leave him with. I need to be in Stockton for several meetings over the next couple of weeks. Won’t you come in?”

Victoria led the young woman into the living room where she sat down.

Jarrod was sitting in the floor looking at a book and looked up when Sarah walked in. He didn’t know what was going on so he listened to see if he could understand what was being said. He was having a very hard time understanding why his mother didn’t want to be around him any longer.

Victoria looked very closely at the woman who sat across from her. She seemed to be a very neat and clean young woman of about twenty-five with reddish-brown hair and brown eyes.

“My name is Sarah Peters,” the woman said as she sat down on the couch to look at Victoria. “I have only been in Stockton for a short time. I came here from Nevada where my father ran a mining company. I guess you could say I wanted to spread my wings and see what the world is like away from home. I was hoping to find some work when I heard you needed someone to watch your son. I know this is out of the blue and you’ll probably want time to think about it. But I thought I would at least offer my services to you for as long as you need someone to look after the boy.”

“Jarrod is a little over a year old,” she replied wondering if she should even consider this. “He’s a very good boy and just started to walk. He’s not talking as much but he seems to be a fairly bright boy. I’m not sure whether I should even consider leaving my son with a complete stranger. After all I no nothing of your past. But I’m also getting a little bored with staying at home all the time. I want to get out and enjoy myself without having to drag a child with me. Now don’t get me wrong. I still love my son and I’ll be a good mother to him but I also want time to myself.”

Jarrod was shocked at what he heard. He didn’t realize that his mother didn’t want him around any longer. He vowed to try to change her mind.

“I have been around children all my life,” Sarah told her. “I used to keep my sister’s three children while she worked as a dressmaker in Reno, Nevada. I’ve also kept some of the neighbors’ children. If I had wanted to, I could have opened up a nursery. I had a lot of people wanting to use my services. I completely understand your predicament. And that’s why I’m here. I can look after your son and that will give you the freedom to do what you want to do.”

“I’m not sure if I should even consider this Ms. Peters,” she said again shaking her head. “My husband and I have never left Jarrod with anyone before. I’m not sure how he will react. He wasn’t too happy about the prospect when we discussed it prior to his leaving. But I also know that I have a life and I want to enjoy myself too.”

“You won’t have a thing to worry about,” Sarah replied smiling. “He’ll be just fine with me. I promise. I have a way with children and they feel very safe with me. And besides, he’s not even here. You don’t even have to mention it to him if you don’t want to.”

“I don’t know about that,” she told him as she looked over at her small son. “Tom is just looking out for Jarrod. Come here honey. I want you to meet someone.”

Jarrod slowly stood up, walking over to his mother and the other lady. He didn’t understand exactly what was going on but he got the impression that for some reason his mother wasn’t very happy with him. He wondered what he had done to make her mad at him.

“This is Ms. Peters,” she said pointing at Sarah. “This is my son, Jarrod.”

“Hi Jarrod,” Sarah replied holding out her hand to him. “I’m very happy to meet you.”

“Me too,” he told her taking her hand. “Mama, book.”

“Jarrod,” she said looking at her son, “I want you to get to know Ms. Peters because she might be keeping you for a little while. Yes, you can go back to your book. Jarrod loves to look at books.”

“Me good mama,” he replied smiling. Me happy.”

“I know you are honey,” she told him. “You think you would be happy with Ms. Peters.”

“Yes mama,” he said but he was still very unsure of the entire situation.

Jarrod went back to his book but he still didn’t understand why his mother wanted to make him stay with someone he didn’t know. He also didn’t know what he had done to anger her but he told himself that he would be a very good boy so that she would not make him stay with this woman.

“I know you are,” she told him. Ms. Peters let me ask around town and I’ll let you know something by the end of the day. I hope you don’t mind but I feel that I must make some inquiries.”

“That will be fine,” Sarah said standing up. “I look forward to working for you. Not at all. In your shoes I would do the very same thing.”

Victoria sat down on the couch after Sarah had left. She really didn’t want to leave her son with a stranger but she really wanted to go to the meeting. She decided to ride into town to inquire about the young woman.

“Jarrod,” she said as she stood up, “we are going to Stockton.”

Jarrod stood up and went to his mother. She took him by the hand and they left the house. But he was still a very confused little boy.

Chapter Three

The next afternoon, Jarrod was crying when he was told he would have to stay with Sarah Peters and he didn’t want to come out of his room.

“Now Jarrod,” she said as she looked at her small son, “there is no reason to get so upset. Everything will be fine. I’m only going to be gone for a few hours. You will do fine with Sarah. I know you will. I want you to give her a chance. You might come to really like her.”

“No!” he cried still crying. “Mama mad me. Me sorry. Mama stay.”

“I’m not angry at you,” she replied trying to calm him down. “I just have a few things to do and I can’t take you with me. I don’t know what would make you think that I was angry with you. You have never made me angry.”

“Mama not mad me,” he told her looking at her with his tear-streaked face.

“No I’m not angry,” she said smiling. “After I get back, we’ll have a nice evening together just the two of us. We’ll have a good dinner and then I’ll read something to you.”

“Yes mama,” he replied finally smiling. “Me happy. Me good for her.”

“I’m so glad you are going to do this for me honey,” she told him. “I’m so lucky to have a little boy like you. A lot of other children wouldn’t do this but you’re a very special boy.”

Jarrod smiled and hugged his mother.

“Me good,” he said smiling.

“Yes you are,” she replied also smiling and hugging him tightly.

A short time later, Sarah walked in. Jarrod had calmed down considerably and Victoria was very relieved to know that he would be all right.

“He’s been fed,” she said as she led her to the living room, “as well as changed. He’s not had his afternoon nap yet. I didn’t want to put him down too early. He usually lays down about two. He sleeps around two to three hours. I really appreciate this Sarah.”

“Don’t worry about a thing,” Sarah replied smiling. “You just go and have a good time. Jarrod and I will be fine. I look forward to having a great time with Jarrod. And I’m sure he is looking forward to having a good time with me.”

“All right,” she told Sarah as she walked out the door.

Jarrod watched his mother leave. Then he saw something on Sarah’s face that he didn’t understand and it scared him. He knew that the afternoon was not going to a pleasant one.

Victoria was still concerned as she rode into Stockton but when she arrived at the meeting her fears went away. Too bad she didn’t know what was waiting for her when she returned home.

Chapter Four

Two weeks later, Tom had just walked into the house from his business trip to Carson City. He found Victoria quite upset. He could tell she had been crying and he hadn’t seen Jarrod as of yet. He felt he needed to hear what was on his wife’s mind before he took the time to see his son. He listened to her explanation and couldn’t believe that she had done what he had told her not to do.

“Tom,” Victoria Barkley said as they stood in the living room of their small home, “this is the third time in two weeks that something like this has happened. I don’t understand it. Jarrod has never done anything like this before. I never meant for anything like this to happen to him. You have to believe me. You have too.”

“Slow down Victoria,” he replied looking at his wife not understanding what she was talking about. “What in the world are you talking about? Remember that I’ve been gone for the last two weeks. Did Jarrod do something wrong to get in trouble or is he sick?”

“I’m talking about Jarrod falling again,” she told him. “While you were gone to Carson City on business, I left him for a couple of hours with Sarah Peters on separate occasions. She said he fell down Tom. He’s hurt his ribs and bruised his head.”

“When did all this happen?” he asked trying to understand what his wife was telling him. “Who is Sarah Peters? Why in the world would you leave Jarrod with a complete stranger in the first place? I told you to stay home with him. I only agreed that you could ask Wally and Jenny Miles and that was it. I see you didn’t heed my advice and now Jarrod is paying the price. I knew in my heart something like this could happen but I prayed that it wouldn’t. I see that I was indeed very wrong.”

“It all started two weeks ago right after you left,” she answered trying to be very accurate with her recollections. “I had several important meetings in Stockton and no one to leave Jarrod with. And there wasn’t any way I could take him with me. You know how those women are when it comes to children at the meetings. I asked Wally Miles but they were leaving for St. Louis and couldn’t do it. I had a visitor one morning. It was Ann Bailey who told me about this young woman who was looking for work.

Victoria told Tom the entire story of Ann recommending Sarah to keep Jarrod and her subsequent inquiries into the woman’s past. She could see Tom’s expression change from concern to anger back to concern. She knew he wasn’t happy with the way she had handled things.

“I left Jarrod at the ranch with her the next afternoon to meet several women about some very important matters,” she said coming back to the present. “Jarrod seemed to like her. At least he didn’t cry when I left. Of course, he didn’t seem very open with her too. In fact, he seemed somewhat confused about the entire situation. When I got back to the ranch, Jarrod was hurt. She said that he had fallen and hit the side of his face against a one of the corral fences. She said that they had taken a walk outside and he tripped.”

“What in the world is wrong with Jarrod?” she asked as she noticed the pain on Jarrod’s face. “Did he fall or get pushed?”

“He fell outside earlier,” Sarah answered smiling. “I don’t think it’s anything to worry about. Boys will fall trying to be boys. He didn’t cry. I looked at his head and he seems fine now. He just has a badly bruised cheek.”

“I still think I should have the doctor examine him,” she said shaking her head. “I’m not the kind of mother to sit back and watch her child suffer.”

“I don’t really think that’s necessary,” Sarah replied standing up. “You have to let them grow. And in growing, accidents will happen.”

“Grow yes,” she told Sarah, “but not get hurt. Jarrod’s always been careful. This is totally out of character for him.”

“Listen,” Sarah said looking at Victoria, “I’m telling you that Jarrod is going to be fine. Now, I’ll be by in a few days to see how he is and to see if you might need my help again.”

“Was he hurt bad?” he asked very concerned about his son. “Did you have the doctor look at him? I think Jarrod had a right to be confused. He probably thinks you don’t love him anymore because you put him off on someone else.”

“Jarrod,” she said as she walked into his room, “I’m sorry you got hurt. Let mother see.”

“No,” he replied turning his head away from her.

“That’s no way to act in front of your mother,” she told him reaching down and picking him up. “I just want to see how badly you were hurt.”

“You no care,” he said showing his anger. “You no love me.”

“I do care and I do love you,” she replied turning his head toward her. “That’s a pretty nasty bruise. Did it hurt much?”

“No tell,” he told her. “No tell.”

“What do you mean no tell?” she asked completely baffled. “I don’t understand Jarrod. Did Sarah say something to you?”

“No,” he answered having to look away.

“Well,” she said smiling, “we’ll just keep an eye on this for a few days and if it gets worse we’ll see the doctor.”

“He had a very bad bruise on his right cheek but he seemed to be all right,” she answered trying to be as detailed as she could. “I didn’t call the doctor. I took Sarah’s advice and he seemed to be fine. I’ve not abandoned Jarrod Tom. I just had some things to attend to and they didn’t include Jarrod.”

“Then what happened,” he said looking at her face. “There’s more isn’t there? I can tell by your expression. You surprise me. You are not acting very much like a caring mother going off and leaving him with a complete stranger. I don’t understand any of this. I begged and pleaded with you to stay home with him. But no you wouldn’t listen and now look what’s happened. Jarrod’s been hurt.”

“Several days later,” she replied remembering that day like it was yesterday, “I again left Jarrod in Sarah’s care and when I came home, he seemed to be limping slightly. Don’t you stand there and judge me Tom Barkley. You are just as guilty as I am. You left and I was stuck. If you had stayed here, none of this would have happened. It’s just as much your fault as it is mine.”

“Maybe so,” he told her. “But go on. I want to hear the rest of it.”

“Sarah,” she asked as she noticed that Jarrod wasn’t walking normal, “did something happen to Jarrod’s leg?”

“He was trying to run,” Sarah answered looking Victoria in the eye, “and he tripped over a rock outside. He landed awkwardly and started crying. I took him inside and looked at his right leg, which only seemed to be badly bruised. I didn’t think the doctor needed to be notified. He seemed to be all right. He was more scared than anything else. He did ask for you however.”

“I don’t believe he could fall again,” she said shaking her head. “Are you sure he’s all right? This is the second time that it’s happened.”

“Yes,” Sarah answered smiling. “He’s all right and he’s a tough boy. Don’t be such a worrying mother. Things like these are going to happen and he has to be ready for them.”

“I appreciate you telling me about the fall,” she said not sure what was going on. “I guess I should have the doctor look him over anyway.”

“He’s fine,” Sarah replied looking at Victoria. “He’s just growing up. You don’t need to bother the doctor with a minor bruise. This is not going to be the last time that he falls and gets hurt. Just leave him alone and he’ll be running around before you know it.”

“Maybe you’re right,” she told Sarah. “I’m sure he will be all right.”

“Tom,” she said looking at her husband, “Jarrod has never had two accidents in the same week before. In fact, he’s never had an accident before. Or at least one like these. I’m at a loss as to what to do. I let Sarah influence my judgement as far as the health of my son was concerned. In fact, I let her influence me about other things too. Maybe I’m not being a very good mother but I still love that little boy. Now I know I should have stayed home with him.”

“He’s also not been walking,” he replied looking at her. “Sarah is probably right about it being just an accident. I’ve known all along when Jarrod started to walk he would probably fall and get hurt. It’s just natural when a child learns to walk.”

“I was ready to believe that until day before yesterday,” she told him. “Tom, I’m so sorry any of this happened. From now on I promise to be there for my son.”

“What happened then?” he asked becoming concerned. “I don’t think I like where you are going with this.”

“Jarrod broke three ribs,” she answered shaking her head. “I didn’t know it at first. At least not until I went to put him to bed and saw the bruising. I felt his chest and could tell they were cracked maybe not completely broken. He wouldn’t tell me what had happened. I asked but he refused.”

“How in the world did he break three ribs?” he asked surprised. “He’s too young to be breaking ribs. That’s when you’re older and breaking horses. Why didn’t you keep asking him about how it happened?”

“Don’t you think I know that,” she answered hatefully. “Sarah said that he fell out of his chair while he was eating and hit his ribcage on the leg of the table. Tom, I’m worried about Jarrod. He’s not accident prone. Do you know of any time in his life when he’s fallen so much? Tom, he’s only thirteen months old and he can’t answer questions very well yet. He’s acting as if he is scared of something. I didn’t want to press the issue.”

“Have you had Dr. Merrar look at him?” he asked again very concerned about Jarrod. “I understand what you mean. He is just a little boy. Maybe he’ll tell me.”

“No,” she answered not sure what to do. “He seems to be over the worst of all his falls. And Sarah seemed to feel that none of the injuries were serious. At least he’s not crying.”

“I know but something is not right,” he said not liking what he was thinking. “I would feel better if the doc would look him over. I’m not going to take the word of a complete stranger either. You should know that by now.”

“Maybe you’re right,” she replied nodding. “I started too but Jarrod would cry and not want to go so I didn’t push him. He’s been through so much already. And for another thing, he’s been jumpy of late. I can’t explain it other than he acts like he’s afraid of someone but I don’t know who.”

“Where is Jarrod?” he asked wanting to see his son.

“He’s playing in his room,” she answered looking at the closed door to Jarrod’s bedroom. “He’s been in there all afternoon. He’s really missed you.”

Tom went to his son’s room, opening the door and peering inside. All of a sudden he was hit by two legs and arms.

“Papa,” Jarrod cried as he saw his father, running to him. “Papa.”

“Hello son,” he said as he scooped up his boy and hugged him tightly.

Jarrod flinched with pain from his broken ribs, injured head and leg. Tom noticed it immediately.

“He’s going to see the doc,” he said turning to look at his wife who had come into the room. “I don’t think those ribs are healing. In fact, I don’t think any of his injuries are healing. I want him checked and right now.”

“No papa,” Jarrod replied looking at Tom. “Hurt.”

“I know you hurt son,” he told his young son. “The doctor will make the hurt go away.”

“No papa,” Jarrod said again, “hurt.”

“It’s all right Jarrod,” he replied carrying his son toward the door. “I want the doc to make sure there’s nothing else wrong with you.”

“No!” Jarrod cried starting to cry as Tom carried him out the barn.

“Jarrod,” he said as he looked into his son’s frightened face, “you’re going and that’s final.”

“Yes papa,” Jarrod replied not happy at all.

Jarrod didn’t want her to be angry with him and take it out on him again. He didn’t think he could take another one.

Tom carried his son out to the barn where he hitched up the buggy.

“Mama no,” Jarrod said as he looked at his mother. “Mama no.”

“It’s all right honey,” she replied comforting him. “Your father is right. I should have taken you to see Dr. Merrar. We don’t want you to be hurt badly and not know about it.”

“Yes mama,” Jarrod told her nodding but he was still very afraid.

Victoria held Jarrod and they headed for town.

“Victoria,” he asked as they rode, “are you sure these were just accidents? I mean this sounds very odd. I don’t understand how he got hurt. She didn’t exactly give the best of details. Didn’t you question her further about what happened?”

“That’s what Sarah told me,” she answered. “I didn’t question her anymore about them. Maybe I should have but she seemed so sincere. She didn’t seem worried and I didn’t think I should either. I didn’t think. I know I probably shouldn’t have continued to leave him with her but I had no choice.”

“What you should have done,” he said showing his anger, “is to have stayed home with him in the first place and none of these would have happened. You didn’t need to run off anyway. Jarrod is too small to be left with a stranger. He needs his mother.”

“I understand how you feel Tom,” she replied trying to explain. “But I had no choice. I have a life too. You need to remember that.”

“You had a choice,” he told her still very angry at what had happened to his son. “You made the wrong one.”

“Maybe I did,” she said looking angry herself. “Where were you? Running all over the country. You should have been here to help me. I’m new at being a mother and I had no one else to leave him with. I never meant for this to happen.”

“I had ranch business to take care of,” he replied looking at her also showing his anger. “You can’t expect the ranch to run on its own. There’s a lot of work to keeping a ranch going. And sometimes I have to be out of town. I don’t want to be away from Jarrod but sometimes I have to.”

“I don’t want to argue with you Tom,” she told him. “I just want to see how Jarrod is.”

The rest of the trip into town was a quiet one. Jarrod didn’t understand why his parents were angry with each other but he knew what he had to do.

Chapter Five

“Tom,” Dr. Thomas Merrar said as Tom and Victoria walked in his office in Stockton with Jarrod, “Victoria. This is a surprise. I thought you were out of town Tom.”

“I got back earlier today and got hit with some news I wasn’t prepared for,” he replied still holding his son. “We want you to examine Jarrod. Victoria said that he’s had several accidents and I don’t want to take any chances. He seems to be in pain and I want to know exactly what is wrong with him.”

“Certainly,” the doctor told him as he took Jarrod from his father to one of the exam rooms. “What kind of accidents?”

“No,” Jarrod cried as he reached for his mother. “No.”

“It’s all right honey,” she said as she watched the doctor take him. “We’ll be right there in a minute. He’s had three bad falls. I wasn’t at home at the time but the lady who stayed with him said that he wasn’t hurt much.”

“Yes mama,” Jarrod replied not taking his eyes from his mother and allowing the doctor to work on him.

Tom and Victoria followed them into the examination room. After a thorough examination, the doctor looked up and shook his head.

“What in the world has been going on?” he asked looking angry. “These were no accidental falls.”

“What are you talking about?” she wanted to know. “I don’t understand doctor. That’s what Sarah told me. Jarrod had fallen on three separate occasions. She assured me that he wasn’t hurt very badly and I believed her. What reason did I have not to?”

“Jarrod has a slight concussion, three broken ribs, several bruises and abrasions on his body along with a badly sprained ankle on his right leg,” he answered shaking his head. “I want to keep him here tonight to keep an eye on him. Why wasn’t he brought in earlier? The broken ribs and concussion are serious especially for a boy the age of Jarrod. A child’s skull is not strong enough to take abuse like his has. It won’t be good and strong until he’s at least two. I don’t understand you Victoria. You should have brought him in the minute you knew what was wrong with him. Luckily, he hasn’t experienced any brain damage from the blow or a punctured lung from the ribs.”

“Are you telling me the truth doc?” he asked completely shocked. “I only thought he had some busted ribs. Where did the rest of the injuries come from?”

“Absolutely,” the doctor answered nodding. “I’m frankly shocked to see so much wrong with a little boy like him. He’s never had injuries before like this. How long has it been since he got them? None of this makes any sense. A child Jarrod’s age is very fragile. Any kind of blow can seriously hurt or even kill.”

“No,” she said wondering what he was driving at. “What do you think caused them? Some as long as almost two weeks. I didn’t think they were that serious or I would have brought him in.”

“From the way the three ribs were broken,” he replied trying to choose his words, “I would say that Jarrod didn’t fall. You say he’s had some of these for two weeks. That’s not good at all.”

“If he didn’t fall, then how did he get hurt?” she asked not understanding what he meant. “Yes two weeks.”

“To me it looks like these injuries were inflicted on him by someone else,” the doctor answered looking at the shocked parents. “I’m pretty sure that neither one of you would hurt your son intentionally. The concussion should have been checked immediately and so should these ribs. He’s lucky not to have had any problems from these injuries. As for his sprained ankle, he’ll limp for a few days but it should heal. Jarrod is trying to grow but his body hasn’t become as strong as it will in a year or two. Whoever did this knew he was vulnerable.”

“No way,” he said realizing what the doctor had meant. “Then how did he get them?”

“Someone deliberately hurt Jarrod,” the doctor replied looking down at Jarrod who was still on the exam table. “I would say that he was pushed or dropped. He was probably pushed or dropped from a pretty good height. I would also say that possibly the person didn’t even know they were doing it. The only one who can tell you who it was is Jarrod.”

“Are you telling me that someone broke his ribs on purpose?” she asked very shocked. “I can’t believe that anyone would deliberately hurt a little boy on purpose. It’s not possible.”

“That’s exactly what I’m telling you,” the doctor answered. “I’m amazed that he didn’t puncture a lung with these jagged breaks. He’s extremely lucky. I want him to be extremely careful until those ribs heal.”

“The only other person around him other than his father or me has been the young lady who’s been staying with him while I took care of some things,” she said looking grim. “I can’t believe that Sarah would hurt Jarrod. She doesn’t seem like that kind of person.”

“Nevertheless,” the doctor replied, “these injuries were caused by another person. I’d stake my career on that.”

Tom and Victoria looked at each other. The doctor carried Jarrod to the back room and laid him gently on the bed.

“Doc,” he asked very quietly, “can we see Jarrod? I want to ask him what happened. I know at his age he can’t tell me straight out but maybe he can answer yes and no questions.”

“Of course,” the doctor answered leading them to the back room where Jarrod was lying on a bed. “That’s a good idea. It would be better to know who did this and why. I’ve wrapped his ribs, head and given him something for the pain. He’s going to have to stay quiet for a few days though.”

Tom walked over and looked down at his small son. He could see the signs of the injuries in the small face. He knew that his son had to been going through a lot right now.

“Papa,” Jarrod said as he opened his eyes reaching for his father.

Tom looked at the doctor who nodded.

“Just be careful with him,” the doctor said as Tom picked Jarrod up. “I’ve wrapped those ribs but he’s going to be sore for a few days. Remember that.”

“It’s all right son,” he replied as he held Jarrod. “No one is ever going to hurt you again. I’m sorry that I wasn’t here when you were hurt.”

Jarrod looked at Victoria.

“Mama hurt,” Jarrod said looking at his parents.

“Jarrod,” he asked wanting to make sure he had heard his son correctly, “are you saying that your mother hurt you?”

“Yes,” Jarrod answered looking his father in the eyes. “Not mean to. Mad at me.”

“Did your mother tell you she was mad at you?” he asked looking at Jarrod.

“Yes,” Jarrod answered. “Bad boy.”

“She said you were a bad boy,” he said looking at his wife with anger all over his face. “How could you do that Victoria? Why? What could he have done to make you that angry at him that you would deliberately try to injure him so severely and then try to blame it on someone else?”

“Yes,” Jarrod replied nodding. “Bad boy.”

“Tom,” she told him, “I didn’t say anything of the kind. I’ve never raised a hand to him. Jarrod, you tell your father the truth. You tell him that I didn’t hurt you. Why are you lying?”

“He’s telling me different,” he said standing up still holding his son. “What am I supposed to believe? And you stop threatening him for telling me the truth.”

“You can’t think that I would hurt him,” she replied looking at him with pleading eyes. “For God’s sake he’s my child Tom. I love him.”

“Until I can get all this straightened out,” he told her still not wanting to believe all of this, “you are not to be alone with him. I don’t know what to believe any longer. You act like you don’t want to be his mother any longer and then you say that you love him. Which is it?”

“Jarrod,” she said kneeling down to look into her son’s face, “I didn’t hurt you. Why are you saying that I did? You know better than to lie.”

“That’s enough Victoria,” he replied pulling her away from Jarrod. “I don’t want him to be hurt any more. From now on, unless I’m in the room, you are not to go near Jarrod.”

“You can’t take him away from me,” she told him. “I didn’t hurt him. I didn’t.”

“Jarrod said you did,” he said showing his anger and hurt. “Why would he lie?”

“I don’t know,” she replied shaking her head. “But I didn’t hurt him.”

Jarrod was looking from his mother to his father not understanding what was happening. He could tell that they were mad and he started to cringe at the thought of being punished again.

“Son,” he said as he looked at Jarrod, “you don’t have to be afraid again. No one is ever going to hurt you.”

“Mama,” Jarrod replied looking at his mother. “Mama hold.”

“I’m sorry son,” he told Jarrod. “She can’t hold you right now.”

“Mama hold,” Jarrod said again not understanding.

“Your mother can’t hold you son,” he replied getting angry himself. “You’ll have to rely on your father.”

“Mama!” Jarrod screamed and reached for his mother. “Mama!”

Victoria squatted down in front of her son.

“I’m sorry honey,” she said as she looked at his face with the tears flowing down it. “Right now it’s best if I don’t hold you. I still love you and will one day be able to cuddle you. In the meantime you be sweet to your father. All right?”

“Yes mama,” Jarrod replied looking at her. “Papa, hold me.”

Tom picked Jarrod up holding him. Jarrod was still looking at his mother. He didn’t understand what was happening.

Chapter Six

Tom finally after several hours of coaxing got Jarrod to sleep. He leaned back in the rocker after he had sat back down from laying his son down on the big bed in the room.

“I guess you’re angry with me,” she said looking at him from across the room. “Tom, we’ve been married for three years. You can’t believe I would ever harm my own child.”

Tom didn’t say anything at first. He just looked at his wife.

“I’m not sure of anything right now,” he said shaking his head. “I just don’t understand why you would do something and then lie about it.”

“I didn’t lie about anything Tom,” she replied with pleading eyes. “You just jumped to conclusions when you heard the doctor and then Jarrod telling you that I hurt him.”

“What am I supposed to believe?” he asked shaking his head. “Why would Jarrod lie?”

“I don’t know,” she answered. “All I know is that I didn’t hurt him. He was already hurt when I came home. I wanted to make him better but I let someone tell me that there was nothing to worry about.”

“What do you know about this woman?” he asked changing the subject. “I mean did you ask anyone about her?”

“Yes,” she answered nodding. “Jarrod and I went to Stockton to inquire and all the people that I spoke to told me nothing but wonderful things about Sarah. She seemed to get along well with Jarrod.”

“Where is she from?” he asked still curious. “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen her around here.”

“Nevada,” she answered remembering what Sarah had told her. “She said she had kept her sister’s children as well as many of her neighbors and that her father ran a mine or something like that.”

“Funny,” he said thinking, “I don’t remember anybody with the name Peters running a mine anywhere in Nevada.”

“Tom,” she replied looking at him, “you don’t know everyone. I’m sure she’s not a liar.”

“I’m not saying she is,” he told her. “All I’m saying is that we should find out a little more about her. Especially now that Jarrod has been injured under her care supposedly.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked very hatefully. “You don’t believe a word I’ve said do you do you? I’m surprised at you Tom. You’re taking the word of a stranger over your wife’s.”

“I didn’t say that,” he answered. “I’m taking Jarrod’s word over yours. The facts show that Jarrod was hurt at the hands of someone. He says you. What am I supposed to believe?”

“You didn’t have to,” she said not believing that her own husband believed that she could hurt her child. “Your body told me. Everything about you told me that you didn’t believe me. I’m tired Tom and I don’t want to discuss it any more tonight.”

Tom watched her lean back in her chair after checking on Jarrod. He didn’t mean to disbelieve her but the evidence was overwhelming. Finally, he nodded off. But he didn’t sleep very much. The thoughts of the previous day kept going through his mind over and over again.

After a very restful night for Jarrod, Tom and Victoria were allowed the next morning to take him home.

“Don’t let him do too much,” the doctor said as they were ready to leave. “I want you to give him a small spoonful of medicine every two hours to help with the pain of his broken ribs and the concussion. It might make him sleepy. But without it, he’s going to be miserable.”

“We will doc,” he replied taking the bottle and handing it to his wife. “Thanks for fixing Jarrod up.”

“Any time,” the doctor told them. “I strongly suggest you get to the bottom of what exactly happened to Jarrod. I know that the two of you are not seeing eye to eye on this. Remember that Jarrod will sense that and it could mean problems for him.”

“Don’t worry,” he said nodding. “I will. That’s a promise.”

Victoria rode in the back of the buggy and Jarrod sat in the front beside his father. He was still very upset and Tom was trying his best to keep his son calm.

“Jarrod,” he said as they rode, “I’m sorry about this but it’s the only thing I could do after you said that your mother hurt you. I don’t want you to be hurt again. I know you love your mother but it can’t be helped. I hope that you can understand and let me take care of you until we get to the bottom of this.”

“Tom,” she replied butting in, “I want you to know that I never touched him to hurt him. I love him and want to hold him but I also don’t want to lose him or you. Maybe in time we can get this matter cleared up. At least I hope so. I realized that I love being a mother and having Jarrod as my son. I want to be the best mother that I can to him.”

“I don’t know what happened either,” he told her. “I know you love and care about Jarrod. I just don’t want to take any chances right now until I can have a chance to talk to this woman.”

“What good will that do?” she asked not understanding his motives. “If she is behind it which I believe she is, she will deny it or blame me.”

“I want to see her facial expressions to see if I can tell if she is lying or not,” he answered looking back at her. “Jarrod is too small to be used as a pawn in this game that’s being played. I’m going to stir the pot so to speak.”

“I just hope it doesn’t backfire on you,” she said shaking her head. “Because more than likely Jarrod will be the one to get hurt.”

Tom nodded.

Chapter Seven

Over the next few days, Jarrod healed and things began to get back to normal. Tom began to let Victoria tend to her son and she was doing a terrific job.

“Victoria,” he said as he walked into the house, “Victoria.”

“Yes Tom,” she replied walking out of Jarrod’s room to meet him.

“I’m going to ride into Stockton and I wanted to know if Jarrod wanted to go with me,” he told her. “He’s been cooped up here and I thought he might feel better to get out a while.”

“He’s in his room and unfortunately he’s not feeling very well,” she said as she looked at her husband.

“What’s wrong with him?” he asked hoping that nothing had happened to him.

“All he will tell me is that he hurts,” she answered. “I’ve not been able to get anywhere with him so far.”

“Let me talk to him,” he said heading for his son’s room.

As Tom walked to his son’s room, he hoped in his heart that he hadn’t made a mistake of letting Victoria take care of Jarrod. He still didn’t know who had hurt his son those two weeks he had been gone and if it turned out to be Victoria, he vowed he would take his son and leave.

“Jarrod,” he said as he came into the room, “I want to see you son. Your mother said you weren’t feeling...”

Tom never finished his sentence. The moment he saw Jarrod he was in complete shock. Jarrod had a dark, purple bruise under his left eye and he was holding his left arm in his right. Tom immediately ran to his son.

“Jarrod,” he said looking at his son, “my God. What happened son? Who did this?”

“Mama,” Jarrod replied looking like he was going to pass out at any moment. “Bad boy.”

“Victoria!” he screamed for his wife.

“Tom,” she said as she walked into the room, “I didn’t hurt him. I found him like that a little while ago.”

“You and Jarrod were the only two people in the house,” he replied showing his anger. “Get out!”

“What!” she cried not believing what he was saying. “You don’t mean that Tom.”

“Yes I do,” he said looking at his son. “I don’t want to see your face. Get out! You’ve hurt him for the last time.”

Victoria turned to leave, and then she turned back looking at Jarrod.

“I’m sure sometime you’ll tell the truth Jarrod,” she said shaking her head not believing any of this. “I’ll be at the hotel in Stockton if you should need me.”

Victoria packed a small bag and left the house. Jarrod watched her go.

“Mama!” he cried trying to go after her. “Mama!”

“It’s all right son,” Tom said trying to comfort his son. “Your mother is gone and you need to see Dr. Merrar.”

“No!” Jarrod screamed. “Mama! Mama!”

“Son,” he replied looking at Jarrod, “your mother is gone. She will never hurt you again. I promise that. We’ll wait to go see Dr. Merrar. Maybe you will feel better after you eat. Besides your arm doesn’t seem to be broken. It’s just bruised. You are a very lucky boy.”

Jarrod realized that his father was telling him that he would never see his mother again. He started to cry.

“It’s time for dinner,” he said as he picked Jarrod up to feed him.

Tom warmed the milk just enough so his son wouldn’t think it was too cold. Jarrod just pushed his hand away as he tried to put the bottle in his mouth. The bottle was clear glass and slightly flat. It had a rubber nipple on the end of it filled with milk. Tom knew he needed to have that left arm checked but he didn’t want to push his son.

“Jarrod,” he said trying to get him to take his bottle, “you have to eat.”

“No,” Jarrod replied pushing his hand away. “Mama.”

Tom realized after trying for over an hour that Jarrod wasn’t going to eat. He put his son down and sat down.

“I don’t understand you,” he said as he looked at his son. “I have saved you from your mother hurting you again. Now, you won’t eat. You’re going to get very weak if you don’t try. Why does this have to happen to me? What did I do to deserve any of this?”

“No,” Jarrod replied still crying for his mother. “Mama.”

Tom threw his hands in the air. He didn’t know what else to do. He tried several more times that evening but each time Jarrod would just push his hand away and refuse to eat.

“Son,” he said as he tried again before changing Jarrod, “you have to eat. You’re getting very weak from not eating.”

“No,” Jarrod replied and turned away from Tom still crying. “Mama. Mama.”

Tom just shook his head.

“What have I done?” he asked himself.

Chapter Eight

Tom changed Jarrod into his nightshirt and again tried to get him to take his bottle but he refused.

“Well,” he said looking at his son who was still crying, “it’s time for you to go to sleep.”

“No,” Jarrod replied refusing to close his eyes. “Mama. Mama.”

“Look,” he told Jarrod, “you can’t keep this up. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to eat and sleep.”

“No,” Jarrod said looking at him still crying. “Mama.”

“I’m going to ask you something Jarrod,” he replied looking at his son’s face, “and I want an honest answer from you. Did your mother really hurt you?”

Jarrod wouldn’t look at him. He started to cry harder.

“It’s all right son,” he said as he tried to calm his son. “I just want to know the truth.”

“No,” Jarrod replied very low.

Tom was shocked. He couldn’t believe that his son would lie to him.

“Why did you lie?” he asked completely shocked. “Why didn’t you tell me the truth before I made your mother leave?”

“Mad me,” Jarrod answered. “Hurt.”

“Who son?” he asked wanting to know who it was. “Who was angry with you? Who said they would hurt you?”

“Miss Sarah,” Jarrod answered still crying.

“Sarah Peters hurt you,” he said shaking his head. “She told you she would hurt you if you told anyone.”

“Yes papa,” Jarrod replied not looking at Tom. “Hurt mama, papa.”

“I see,” he told his son. “She threatened our whole family. You didn’t know what else to do. I understand son. Would you like to see your mother?”

“Yes,” Jarrod said perking up. “Mama. Mama.”

“All right,” he replied standing up. “Maybe she can get you to eat. And while we’re in town, I’ll have Dr. Merrar check that left arm.”

“Mama no hurt arm,” Jarrod told him. “Me fall. Hit arm.”

“I see,” he said shaking his head. “Sarah Peters has evidentially done something to you to make you lie. I’m going to find out what that is and get my son back.”

Tom dressed Jarrod and the two of them headed for Stockton and Victoria. Tom put the bottle in his coat pocket just in case Victoria could persuade him to eat. Jarrod could barely hold his head up during the ride. Tom could see that his son was exhausted as well as hungry.

“Maybe your mother can help,” he said looking at Jarrod.

Victoria couldn’t sleep and was sitting in a chair trying to read. Her heart was with her husband and son. She knew that somehow she had to right this terrible wrong. She heard a knock at the door. Rising from her chair she went to the door opening it.

“Tom,” she said shocked to see her husband and son. “What in the world are you doing here this late? Jarrod should be asleep.”

“He won’t eat or sleep,” he replied walking into the room. “I’ve tried ever since you left and all he’ll do is push my hand away. I know he’s tired and hungry. He told me the truth. He told me that you didn’t hurt him. Sarah did.”

“What!” she screamed. “How dare that woman lay a hand on my son. She claimed they were all accidents. She also said that he wasn’t hurt that badly. Why would she lie like that? None of this makes any sense.”

“He told me that she had threatened him as well as us,” he said sitting down. “I see now why he lied. He was scared to death. My guess is that she told him what to say and hurt him until he agreed. Then she told him she would hurt us unless he blamed you. The thing I can’t figure out is the reason why.”

Jarrod reached for his mother. Victoria took him hugging him tightly.

“I can understand why you would lie now Jarrod,” she said smiling at him. “I bet you’re hungry. Would you like mother to feed you?”

Jarrod nodded and smiled. Tom handed her the bottle.

“I brought it along in hopes that you could get him to take it,” he said smiling. “I’m sorry Victoria. Can you ever forgive me?”

“Of course Tom,” she replied taking the bottle from him and giving it to Jarrod who took it and drank. “Sarah really tried to break us up and I wonder why. There’s no reason for it as far as I can see. But I’m sure she had a reason for it.”

“I don’t know,” he told her. “Maybe she was jealous of you.”

Victoria sat there feeding Jarrod and thinking about Sarah. Then something dawned on her.

“Different color hair,” she said thinking out loud. “The same eyes though. The voice. Yes. It makes sense now. Tom, you are wonderful.”

“What are you talking about?” he asked completely in the dark.

“When you said that she might be jealous,” she answered, “it got me to thinking. There was a girl I grew up with. Her name was Anna Mae Grath. She and I were as close as sisters until I met you in St. Louis. All of a sudden she stopped talking to me.”

“If it is her,” he asked picking up on what she was saying, “then why come here?”

“To ruin me,” she answered nodding. “It would make perfect sense. Anna changed her name. She came here where she found out that I needed a babysitter. She offered her services to get close to Jarrod.”

“Why hurt him?” he asked confused. “If she was angry at you.”

“To make it look like I’m an unfit mother,” she answered nodding at him. “She had to hurt him. But she didn’t have to nearly kill him. He’s just an innocent person in all of this. Don’t you see Tom? She did this on purpose so you would doubt me. She hoped that you would either leave or make me leave.”

“You still haven’t told me why,” he said looking at her.

“To have you,” she replied looking at him.

“What?” he asked completely baffled.

“When you and I first met,” she answered remembering that day, “Anna told me you were the most handsome man she had ever seen. She knew of your reputation too. I believe she was in love with you and when you showed no interest in her, she was devastated. Somehow she concocted this whole thing to get you.”

“I was and am in love with you,” he said smiling. “You and Jarrod are my life.”

“Tom,” she replied, “Sarah has to be stopped or I’m afraid she might try to kill one of us.”

“This is crazy Victoria,” he told her shaking his head. “Why would anyone want a married man?”

“Because of your name and reputation,” Sarah said standing just inside the door holding a gun on all of them. “You see Tom, when Victoria and I were both young, we used to fantasize about the man we wanted to marry. I wanted a very rich and important man. When you walked into that store that day, I knew I had found my husband. But you only had eyes for Victoria. You didn’t even notice me. I tried every way in the world to get you to notice me.”

“I was in love with Victoria,” he replied leery of the gun in her hand.

Victoria sat very still trying not to scare Jarrod who was just about asleep.

“What are you going to do now Anna?” she asked looking at the young woman who used to be her friend. “You can’t shoot us down like dogs. Then where will you be?”

“I’m going to kill you Victoria,” Sarah answered smiling. “And then I’m going to take Tom for my husband. With his money and reputation no jury in the world will convict me.”

“Oh no you’re not,” he said angrily. “The only thing you’re going to do it is go to jail. Remember you hurt Jarrod. I won’t stand by and watch my son injured.”

“I don’t care about him,” Sarah replied looking only at Tom. “You are the one I want. I will get rid of the others and we can be together forever.”

“I don’t think so,” he told her. “You are a mad woman. You need help.”

“Tom,” Sarah said, “bring the boy here.”

“Why on earth do you want Jarrod?” she asked shocked. “You just said that you didn’t care about him.”

“I want him right here where you can watch him die,” Sarah answered. “Now Tom. Bring him here.”

“No,” he said standing his ground. “If you are bound and determined to kill Jarrod, you will have to do it while he is in his mother’s arms. Because of you, she has been unable to love and care for him. Because of you, we almost broke up. Because of you my son lied to us for the first time in his life. Because of you Jarrod came very close to dying.”

“It looks like I will have to kill you all,” Sarah replied pointing the gun at Victoria.

“Noooooooooo!” he screamed as he lunged at Sarah.

Sarah was taken off guard and Tom was easily able to subdue her. The shot missed Victoria by mere inches. Once she was in custody, he turned back to Victoria.

“This has been a terrible nightmare,” he said as he held his wife and son in his arms.

“It’s all over now Tom,” she replied smiling. “We’re all fine.”

“I’m so glad you didn’t hurt Jarrod,” he told her. “I don’t think we could have survived without you.”

“I’m sorry for the way I’ve acted too Tom,” she said looking at him. “I never meant to put other unimportant things ahead of Jarrod. He’s my life now. I want to raise him to be a fine man.”

“You will my dear,” he replied kissing her. “I know you will.”

Tom smiled as he escorted his wife and son out of the hotel and headed toward home.

THE END