THE CASE OF THE MISSING BROTHER

by Janet

Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV program "Big Valley" are the creations of Four Star/Republic Pictures and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended by the author. The ideas expressed in this story are copyrighted to the author.

Plot Summary: Jarrod’s first case puts him in real trouble both physically and career wise.

Prologue

Jarrod Barkley had just started practicing law after spending the last six months working for Adam Howard in San Francisco after his graduation from law school. Adam thought it would be worthwhile for Jarrod to spend some time working for him before Jarrod went out on his own. However, there was an underlying reason for Adam wanting to help Jarrod. Bob Hodges and Adam had become very close friends over the past twenty odd years and Adam felt that he owed Bob. So he decided the best way to repay the debt was to help the young man by having Jarrod work for him in San Francisco. Jarrod had proved that he was ready to go out on his own.

Jarrod was looking forward to enjoying working in Stockton for a while before going back to the hustle and bustle of the big city. Although Jarrod loved the city life, his home was still the ranch and he enjoyed spending every minute he could there. And he missed his younger brother, Nick. They had been so close growing up and Jarrod regretted that of late he hadn’t been able to spend as much time with Nick as he wanted to.

“Jarrod,” Tom said as his son walked in the front door after his long ride from San Francisco, “it’s good to have you home. How did it go with Howard? We haven’t heard from you since that episode in Carson City.”

“Tom,” she replied hugging her son, “give him a chance to relax before you start questioning him. How was your trip?”

“I’m fine,” he told them as he sat his bag down in the foyer along with his hat and coat

“I am kind of tired,” he replied picking up his bag. “By the way, where’s Nick?”

“Your brother is out working in one of the meadows,” Tom told him. “He’ll be in by dark. He wanted to stay here to see you but with all the work we have to do, one of us had to go.”

And Gene?” he asked.

“He’s gone to Berkley to see about enrolling,” she answered. “He wants to study animal husbandry.”

“I’m glad,” he said walking up the stairs. “I’ll see you shortly.”

They watched as their son disappeared down the hall.

“It’s good to have him home,” he said smiling. “I just hope he will stay.”

“It sure is,” she replied. “And why wouldn’t he?”

“He loves the big city,” he told her. “I could see it in his face. He’ll go back.”

“It is his decision to make,” she said smiling. “I’m sure he’ll make the right choice.”

“I hope so,” he replied. “I love Jarrod and only want the best for him.”

“He knows that,” she told him.

Tom Barkley was very proud of his oldest son. He had even helped him buy the office space where he would conduct his law career from one of the wealthy men in Stockton who was happy to get rid of it. Jarrod had fell in love with the office the first time he had seen it.

“Father,” Jarrod had said that day in town, “I just love this office. It is roomy enough to be able to keep a great selection of books on these shelves. You know how I love books.”

“I’m glad you like it son,” he replied smiling pleased that Jarrod liked the office. “I know the man that owns it and he is wanting to sell it.”

“How much?” Jarrod asked.

“Don’t worry about the money,” he answered. “This one is on me.”

“But...” Jarrod started to say but his father interrupted.

“I want to do this son,” he said smiling even wider. “You get everything you’re going to need to furnish it.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod replied smiling.

Tom smiled as he remembered Jarrod’s face and the excitement in his voice as his dream was getting closer to a reality. Although he knew that Jarrod would be going back and forth between his two offices, he enjoyed having his son home at least for now. Tom was going to use Jarrod as the Ranch’s lawyer as well as his and Victoria’s family lawyer. That was one reason they had let him go to law school in the first place.

“Jarrod,” he said remembering the day he had asked his son to be the ranch’s lawyer, “now that you are almost a lawyer, I was hoping you’d have time to take on the responsibilities of the ranch.”

“You really want me to sir?” Jarrod asked very excited.

“Of course I do,” he answered. “You didn’t go to law school just to practice did you? I mean you did know that we wanted you to be our lawyer too.”

“No,” Jarrod said. “I’ll do anything I can to help you and mother. You have done so much for me. I want to help you.”

“I’m glad,” he replied smiling. “You’re going to be a wonderful lawyer. And haven’t I always told you that you were going to be a famous man someday? Well, that day is here. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks father,” Jarrod told him. “It means a lot. I’ll do a good job for you. I promise.”

“I know you will,” he said smiling. “And this way you and Nick will be together. I remember when you two would talk about the running of the ranch when you two were younger. Nick said he would do the actual manual labor part and you would do the financial part.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod replied. “I remember. I also know how happy Nick is going to be. He’s a great brother. A little loud but a brother none the less.”

“I know son,” he told Jarrod. “I know.”

Tom smiled as he stood there remembering. Victoria looked over at him.

“Are you all right?” she asked wondering what he was thinking about.

“Yes,” he answered. “I was just thinking about Jarrod.”

“You’re proud of him aren’t you?” she asked already knowing his answer.

“Yes,” he answered. “I am. It isn’t every father that has a lawyer for a son.”

“No,” she said also smiling. “He has made his dream come true. And I hope he will be happy in his new career.”

“You know that I asked him to be the lawyer for the ranch as well as our lawyer?” he asked looking at her.

“Yes,” she answered. “I remember his face after you asked him. He was so excited especially about working with Nick.”

“Yes,” he said. “Those two since they were young have always wanted to work together and now they will. It’s a dream come true for me.”

“I understand,” she replied. “You always hoped that your children would take over the workings of this ranch. Now two of them have.”

“I don’t expect Audra to have a whole lot to do with the ranch,” he told her. “She’s turning boys’ heads all over the state. But I do hope Gene will be there too.”

“I don’t know Tom,” she said. “Gene has always been different than his two brothers. He’s had that wandering eye. I expect he’ll move away from here and set up a practice.”

“You know you’re probably right,” he replied. “Gene always has been different. I don’t mean that in a negative way. He’s just not been interested in anything here.”

“But he has helped when he was asked,” she told him. “He’s still a part of this family.”

“I know that,” he said looking at her. “He’s not really like your side or my side of the family. He’s very independent.”

“But he loves his brothers and sister,” she replied. “He’s looked up to Jarrod and Nick even though Nick has a tendency to pick on him.”

“I think he likes to be with Jarrod because he won’t fuss at him like we have to do some of the time when he gets to daydreaming while he’s working,” he told her. “I don’t know why he wants to daydream when he has work to do. I have to prod him to get him to work.”

“Tom,” she said, “sometimes you are too hard on Gene. He’s not like Nick and he’s not like Jarrod. In fact, he hates being told to do anything by either one. He’s his own man. And if he wants to study at Berkley, then we should be proud of him.”

“I am proud of him,” he replied. “He is my son and he’s going to do fine at Berkley. I better get out to the barn. It won’t be long before Nick gets in and I want to get a report on what they were able to accomplish today.”

“All right,” she told him. “I’m going to help Silas prepare some of Jarrod’s favorite dishes tonight.”

“Sounds good,” he said as he went out the door.

When Nick stormed into the house after dark and after he had spoken to Tom about the day’s events, he almost ran into Jarrod before he saw him.

“When did you get home?” he asked picking Jarrod up in a massive bear hug.

“Nick,” she said walking into the foyer, “put him down. He can’t answer you if you squeeze him too hard.”

“Sorry,” he replied letting his grip loosen. “I’m just glad to see you. Father didn’t tell me you were home already.”

“I’m glad to see you too,” Jarrod told him smiling. “You working hard?”

“Working,” he said mocking. “You don’t know the half of it. There are fences that need mending, horses that need to be shod, and cattle to be branded. If only that younger brother of ours would quit sticking his nose in college and get back here.”

“You miss Gene?” Jarrod asked.

“No,” he answered. “Just the work he does. Now that you’re back, you can pick up the slack.”

“Now wait a minute Nick,” Jarrod said starting one of their arguments. “I’m here to get my office ready for business. I can’t do that if I’m here at the ranch helping you.”

“Your office,” he replied taking the bait Jarrod had thrown out to him. “You don’t need an office. You need the great outdoors.”

“I have a living to make for myself,” Jarrod told him smiling as he said it. “But if I get time, I’ll be happy to help you out.”

“Great,” he said smiling.

Tom had stood there listening after he had come in the house to the banter between his two oldest sons. He smiled at their quips to each other.

“Nick,” he said looking at his second son, “Jarrod has other things to do. We can do the work that needs doing.”

“I know,” Nick replied. “But it would be just like old times. Just the three of us working together.”

“I’ll try Nick,” Jarrod told him. “I’ll try.”

“One thing you need to remember,” he said. “Jarrod is going to be taking on the responsibilities of the financial part of the ranch.”

“Great,” Nick replied. “Working together like we planned.”

“Yes,” Jarrod told him.

Chapter One

Jarrod sat in his brand new office in Stockton the next morning behind his huge mahogany desk that had been delivered from San Francisco last week. He had found it in a catalog in San Francisco and ordered it from back east. He loved the color and the feel of the desk as he sat behind it. The shelves were lined with books, most of them law books, and he had a table set up to keep his liquor on. He wanted to be able to offer refreshments to his clients as they explained what they needed him to do. He was now ready to receive clients. He had a couple of appointments for that afternoon but the morning was free. That gave him a chance to relax before he had to start working. He knew he shouldn’t be but he was just a little nervous wanting to make an impression on everyone in Stockton. Jarrod wanted to do this without his famous last name or his father’s help. He wanted to do it as Jarrod Barkley, Counselor at law.

It was a cold day in October and he was wearing his brown jacket over a white dress shirt and brown bow tie. He wanted to look his best for his first full day in Stockton. This was going to be his livelihood and he wanted to make it work.

He had hired a secretary, named Sally Franklin two weeks ago when he came home to interview her. She was originally from San Francisco and he had run across her through Adam Howard. Adam had highly recommended her to him. So Jarrod decided to give her a try. Her credentials had impressed him and the way she handed herself during the interview in Adam’s office. She was an older woman who knew how to run an office very efficiently and Jarrod had hired her after thoroughly checking everyone of her references. He knew he shouldn’t have been so thorough but he needed someone he could trust and he knew he had her now.

Sally knocked on his office door, which drew him out of his remembrances. He looked at the papers spread out on his desk wondering what she wanted so early in the morning.

“Come in,” he said as he looked up from his papers.

He had been going over the will he had written for Henry Marvin a few weeks back. He had been quite ill at the time and he wanted to make sure it was properly written. It was. He wanted to put his copy in his new office safe so that Henry’s secret would never be revealed. He quickly folded the papers up laying them in the safe and closing the door.

“I’m sorry to disturb you sir,” she replied as she walked inside. “There is a gentlemen here to see you.”

“I didn’t think I had any appointments for this morning,” he told her trying to remember. “I know I have a couple for this afternoon.”

“You don’t,” she said looking a bit nervous. “But he seems to be a little nervous or upset. He’s very agitated and I’m not sure he’s stable.”

“Send him in and I’ll talk to him,” he replied smiling at her. “Don’t worry so much. It’ll be fine.”

“Yes sir,” she told him leaving the inner office.

Before Jarrod could stand up from behind his desk and walk to the door to open it, an older man in his early forties walked in. He nearly ran into Jarrod trying to hurry into the office. He was clean shaven with a brown mustache to go with his brown hair. He was several inches taller than Jarrod as well as being heavier.

“Sorry,” the man said as he finally noticed Jarrod standing there.

“No problem,” Jarrod replied looking closely at the man. “Please sit down.”

Jarrod gestured to a chair on the other side of his desk. Sally had been right about the man being nervous or upset. He knew his work was cut out for him.

“I’m Jarrod Barkley,” he said as he shook the man’s hand trying to be as calm as he could under the circumstances. How can I help you?”

“I’m Philip Winslow,” the man replied returning the handshake. “I want you to find my brother for me.”

“I’ll need some facts,” he told the man returning to his desk where he laid a piece of paper on it to take notes. “How long has it been since you’ve seen him?”

“My brother is George Winslow,” the man said as he got comfortable in the chair.

Jarrod continued to watch the man. He could hear the nervousness in the man’s voice. He had to stay calm so he wouldn’t cause this man to come apart on him. Although he couldn’t figure out why Winslow would be this nervous if he was only looking for his brother. There had to be more to it than that.

“He disappeared about six months ago or I lost touch with him six months ago,” Winslow said. “My father has been searching but to no avail. He hasn’t been seen by anyone we know and that has me worried. George is a very family oriented man and he is not likely to abandon his family.”

“I see,” he replied jotting down notes as the man spoke. “Your father? Where was the last place you saw him along with the date? Is your father going to be a part of this?”

“I saw George back six months ago,” the man told him. “He was in Abilene, Kansas. I was there on business and we ran into each other. He said he was worried about several deals he was working on. He’s into oil, mines. You name it and George is in there somewhere. Anyway, we said we’d keep in touch but when I tried to contact him a few weeks ago, he was nowhere to be found. Nobody had heard from him either. And then our father needed to speak to him and he couldn’t find him either. And to answer your other question, no my father will not be in on this. He’s in Boston on business for at least the next few weeks.”

“So you want me to locate him for you?” he asked. “Maybe he’s just gone on a vacation.”

“Yes,” the man answered. “I know what you’re going to say. That I would be better off going with a Pinkerton man or a private detective. I’ve already gone that route but they didn’t turn up anything. I need to see George and talk to him. I’m worried about him too. And no he’s not a man to do that without leaving some word with someone. I have heard that you are somewhat of a bulldog lawyer and that’s what I need.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” he said. “As for the comment, I haven’t been practicing too long so I’m not sure how you heard about me. How can I reach you if I discover anything?”

“You can’t,” the man replied. “As for hearing about you, your name is all over San Francisco. You worked for a very prominent man in Adam Howard. I’ll be in touch.”

“What about a description?” he asked. “Aren’t you staying in town? You know Adam Howard?”

“He’s about as tall as I am but a little thinner,” the man answered. “He’s got coal black hair and he talks with a slight accent. No but I’ll be around. Like I said, I’ll contact you. Adam and I know each other but let’s say it’s not a great relationship. We had a falling out.”

“I’ll get started on it right away,” he said standing up. “I’ll start with Abilene. I’m sorry that you and Adam are not friends anymore. He’s quite a man.”

“Thank you Mr. Barkley,” the man replied standing up. “I hope you can locate George for me. Adam helps who he wants to help. That’s the reason for the falling out. He didn’t want to help me but that’s in the past.”

“I understand,” Jarrod told him. “But that doesn’t sound like the Adam Howard I know. He would go out of his way to help anyone in need.”

“Don’t worry about it,” he said. “I’ll be in touch.”

The man left Jarrod’s office. Jarrod was struck by the feeling that this man wasn’t being entirely truthful with him. And for another thing, he was struck that the man wasn’t staying at the Cattlemen’s Hotel. It was the best place in town. He started to get a bad feeling about this case but he had promised the man that he would do the best he could. He sat there a few minutes jotting down notes and then he rose from his desk. Jarrod walked out of his personal office where he saw Sally hard at work at her desk.

“I’m going to the telegraph office,” he said as he left.

She watched him leave and she had the feeling that he was bothered by something. But it wasn’t her place to ask.

Jarrod walked into the telegraph office. George Watson was the telegraph operator and he smiled at Jarrod.

“What can I do for you counselor?” he asked with a smile.

Jarrod couldn’t help but smile. He couldn’t quite get used to being called counselor.

“I need to send several telegrams,” Jarrod said.

“Fill out what you want me to send and then I’ll find you when the answer comes in,” he replied.

“I already have them written out,” Jarrod told him handing him three separate sheets of paper. I need to know the minute you get an answer back.”

“Sure thing,” he said as he took the papers from Jarrod. “Where will you be?”

“In my office on Front Street,” Jarrod replied.

“Right,” he told Jarrod. “By the way, this town really needs another lawyer. With Judge Tyrone not practicing any longer, Stockton is in need of a good lawyer and now I think we’ve got a good one in you.”

“I appreciate that,” Jarrod said smiling.

Jarrod left the office heading back to his own office. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was not right with this whole situation.

After Jarrod left the telegraph office, a man walked in. He was a tall, muscular man with sandy blond hair. He looked over the counter at the operator.

“Can I help you?” George asked.

“Yes,” he answered pulling a pistol on George. “You can tell me what that lawyer wanted you to send.”

“I will not,” George said standing up to the man. “That is confidential.”

The man climbed over the counter, pulled the man up by his shirt and looked him in the eye.

“Now I want an answer,” he said smiling a very frightening smile.

George finally gave in. He handed the three sheets of paper to the man. The man read them then left but not before issuing a stern warning.

“You breath a word of this,” he said, “and your family won’t have to worry about you.”

“Yes sir,” George replied.

After the man left, George sent the telegrams. He was not afraid of that man, just worried for his family. He knew that Jarrod might be in some kind of danger but he felt that it was not his place to get involved. At least for his family’s sake.

Chapter Two

As he sat in his office around noon, leaning back in his comfortable chair, staring at the ceiling, Jarrod couldn’t get the feeling out of his head that this man wasn’t being completely honest. He had spoken to Adam about some of the people he had known along with being associated with and this man was not on Adam’s list. In fact, Jarrod doubted that he had even met Adam. But why would he say that he had known Adam if he didn’t? He had so many questions and not enough answers.

“Mr. Barkley,” Sally said as she stuck her head in his office.

“Yes Sally,” he replied looking up at her.

“I have the replies to your inquiries here,” she told him. “The telegraph operator just dropped them off. And he was quite bothered by something.”

“Good,” he said standing up and walking over to her. “You mean George?”

“Yes sir,” she replied looking at him. “He seemed very nervous. He kept looking over his shoulder.”

She handed him three separate telegrams. He walked back to his desk and sat down.

Now what would George be nervous about?

“Sally,” he suggested before she left his office, “Why don’t you go get some lunch? I won’t need you for a while.”

“Are you sure?” she asked. “I don’t mind staying here if you need me.”

“Quite certain,” he answered.

She headed out of the office, picked up her bag and left. Jarrod sat down and began to read. Before he began to read them, he was struck by what Sally had said about George. Why would he have been so nervous? Jarrod was positive that somehow he would uncover the truth. The first telegram was from the sheriff in Abilene. Jarrod had sent a wire to him to see if George Winslow had even been in Abilene. It read:

Mr. Barkley,

I have not had any dealings with George Winslow in my town. He was never registered at the local hotel during that time because I checked the records. Suggest you try elsewhere. Suggest you have been lied to.

Sheriff John Daly

Jarrod just shook his head. He could see a pattern forming. The second telegram was from a man in St. Louis. He wasn’t sure why this man was sending him a wire. He had not sent a wire to anyone in St. Louis and he was confused as to how anyone in St. Louis would even know about him. It read:

Mr. Barkley,

In reference to the sheriff’s inquiry about George Winslow in Abilene, there is no such man. I, however, may be able to shed some light on the subject. The man you are inquiring about is not named George Winslow. His name is George Brenner. He is an oil man as well as owning several successful mines. He lives in St. Louis and is very well to do. In fact, I am George Brenner. I was shocked to learn that you were searching for a George Winslow. I have not seen my brother for the last two years nor do I plan on seeing him. You have been lied to. My brother Philip is an ex-convict and he was recently released from San Quentin. I suggest you beg off. All he wants is money. That’s all he’s ever wanted from me. When he gets into trouble, the first place he comes is to me begging. I have helped him for the last time. He is a man not to be messed with. If you wrong him, he’ll come after you to get even. I also suggest that you watch yourself. As I said Philip is a thief as well as a conniver. He’s never earned an honest dollar in his life. He lives off of others too naive to see him for what he is. Don’t trust him. Although he has used force in the past, more often he uses someone else to do the physical work. Philip is the instigator He may even be capable of killing. Stay away from him if you can. He’s dangerous. I’m sorry for any inconvenience on your part.

George Brenner

Jarrod was completely shocked. He had been right about the man. An ex-convict. Now all he had to figure out was how to sever his ties with the man. He knew the man was trouble. He wanted to talk to his father about this but he was at the ranch. There was a knock on the door. Jarrod looked up wondering who it could be.

“Come in,” he said.

Tom Barkley walked in the door.

“Father,” Jarrod said standing up surprised to see him, “this is a surprise.”

“I was in town to pick up supplies and thought I would see how you were doing,” he replied seeing the expression on Jarrod’s face. “Something wrong?”

“I’m glad,” Jarrod told him sitting back down at his desk where the telegram laid open. “I wanted to talk to you.”

“Sure,” he said sitting down in the chair. “What’s on your mind?”

“I know I’m not supposed to tell anyone about the cases I work on but I have to tell someone about this one,” Jarrod replied standing up and pacing. “This case has me a little bit worried. I met a man this morning who wanted me to find his missing brother. He told me....”

Jarrod told Tom the story as well as letting him read the telegram. When he finished Tom sat there thinking. He now understood why Jarrod was a little jumpy.

“Son,” he said as he looked up, “you need to do what Brenner said. You need to tell him you’ve decided not to take the case after all. That’s all you need to tell him.”

I don’t know how,” Jarrod replied stopping to look at his father. “He’s not in town. At least I don’t think he’s in town. He said that he would be in touch. There’s no way to contact him.”

“I suggest you go on with your next one,” he told his son. “If this man contacts you, just tell him you’d rather not take the case as I said before. That way you won’t get into any trouble.”

“I’ll try father,” Jarrod said still shocked over the recent turn of events. “I hate to start off on the wrong foot. I wanted everything to start off well. But it’s not and I’m worried. I know I shouldn’t be. But I don’t know...”

“You’re not starting off on the wrong foot,” he replied smiling. “You’re just being smart. That’s what you learn as you get older. When to accept something and then when not too. You see what I’m driving at?”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod told him. “You make it all so simple. I hope I can do that someday. Thanks for listening. You’ve been a tremendous help.”

“That’s what fathers are for,” he said standing. “It will come with time. You’ve come a long way son. But you have a long way to go. Just follow your instincts and they’ll lead you in the right direction. And remember if you do get into a bad situation, use your gift of reason. You can argue with a fence post if you have too. You’re going to be a fine lawyer son. I know it and so will everyone else. You remember that. I’ll see you at home later.”

“Right,” Jarrod replied. “I’ll remember that.”

Tom left the office and Jarrod felt better. He was still new at this and his father had been right. It would come with time. He had to stop and reason before he jumped in headfirst. He went back to work. He laid the telegrams on the side of his desk out of the way. When Philip Winslow contacted him again, he would show him the one from the man’s brother and then tell him that he didn’t deal with liars. Then he picked up a stack of papers and started to go over them. Right now, Jarrod thought, he wished he hadn’t told Sally to go on a long lunch. He was a little worried about Winslow coming back and when he was told that Jarrod was not interested in his case any longer, what the repercussions would be. But he put it out of his mind. He had other business to conduct.

Chapter Three

Tom thought about what Jarrod had told him as he walked to his wagon where a hand had loaded some supplies. In the back of his mind, he was worried about his son. This man was dangerous. Tom knew that Jarrod was a grown man but even that couldn’t stop him from worrying about the safety of his son.

“You all right boss?” the hand asked as Tom walked up.

“Yeah,” he answered. “Just paid a visit to my son.”

“He’s the lawyer right?” the hand asked.

“Yes,” he answered with a smile. “Going to make a great one.”

The two men rode toward the Barkley Ranch. But Tom was still worried.

Philip Winslow had hired a man named Tyler Gregg to watch Jarrod. He suspected that this young lawyer hadn’t bought his story. He knew that the name Barkley was a powerful name in this state. That was one reason he had hired the boy. Now he wasn’t so sure. He knew that from what Gregg had told him earlier that Jarrod Barkley knew his secret. Now he would have to take matters into his own hands.

“Are you sure Gregg?” he asked as the other man stood in front of him in the alley behind the general store where they could talk without being over heard.

“Yeah,” Gregg answered. “I saw him get three telegrams. I had a long talk with the operator and convinced him to tell me what they said. Your brother contacted the lawyer and told him everything.”

“This changes everything,” he said. “Barkley will have to be taken out.”

“You can’t kill a Barkley,” Gregg replied. “They are too powerful.”

“I don’t mean kill him,” he told the man. “I want him out of the way. I have a plan.”

“Yeah,” Gregg said.

Over the next hour, Winslow laid out his plan to Gregg. Then they were ready to carry it out.

“You sure this is gonna work?” Gregg asked when they were about ready to implement their plan.

“Yes I’m sure,” he answered. “He won’t be expecting it. I need you to get a lock from the general store with a key. When we’re through with Barkley, he won’t be able to tell anyone what he knows.”

“I get it,” Gregg said smiling.

“Meanwhile, I’ll go to the livery to get the other item we’ll need,” he replied leaving.

Gregg went to the general store, picking up everything that Philip Winslow wanted. When he walked back into the alley, Winslow had a holster on with a pistol in it and a plate of something. He smiled at Gregg.

“Did you get it?” he asked.

“Right here,” Gregg answered.

“Good,” he said. “Let me put this down in here and then we’ll go.”

Winslow laid the plate down inside the cellar under the general store and then they went to carry out their plan.

“Won’t he be surprised?” Gregg asked as they walked.

“Yes,” he answered. “He won’t be expecting it and then we can take care of our other business.”

“True,” Gregg said smiling. “I can’t wait to see his face when we carry off that too.”

“Oh he’ll get his and everything will fix things so he will be ruined as a lawyer and the rest of his family too, he replied.”

“Yeah,” Gregg told him.

Chapter Four

When Tom and the hand returned from town, Tom went into the house. Victoria heard him come in. She met him in the foyer.

“Tom,” she said.

Then she saw his face and didn’t like the expression there.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“I’m not sure,” he answered. “I think Jarrod may be in trouble.”

“What are you talking about?” she asked. “You mean with his new career?”

“While I was in town,” he answered, “I stopped in to see him. I mainly wanted to wish him well and make sure everything was going fine. He was worried about a case.”

“So?” she asked. “Isn’t that what he does?”

“He told me about it,” he answered. “I’m now very worried about his safety.”

“His safety?” she asked. “You mean his career?”

“No,” he answered. “His physical safety. You see...”

He told her the story that Jarrod had told him. When he was finished, he saw the same fear on his wife’s face that he was sure was on his own.

“I think you should talk to Harry,” she suggested. “He can protect Jarrod.”

“What do I tell him?” he asked. “Jarrod told me this in confidence. I can’t break that. And besides there is no proof.”

“What about the telegram?” she asked.

“He has it,” he answered. “All the man did was warn him about his brother. I’ll talk to him more about it this evening. I’m sure that nothing will happen this afternoon. The man probably has already left town.”

“I wish I could be as sure as you are,” she said. “But I’m still very worried.”

“Frankly,” he replied, “so am I.”

Back in town, Jarrod was working at his desk when he heard the outer office door open and close. He just assumed it was Sally returning from her lunch. But his expression turned to one of shock when his office door opened and two men stood in the doorway, guns drawn. One he recognized right away. The other one he had never seen.

“Barkley,” Winslow said as he stood in front of Jarrod, “you’re coming with us.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Jarrod replied as he stood up. “I know who you are and what you are. I have all the proof I need right here.”

Jarrod was holding the telegram in his hand.

“Your brother spelled it all out to me,” Jarrod said looking right at Winslow. “I’m not going to continue with your case. So, I suggest you and your friend leave my office now.”

“I know about the telegram,” he replied getting angry. “That’s why you’re coming. You know my secret. A secret I’ve tried to hide but George won’t help me with it. He’s bound and determined to ruin my life and thanks to his telling you, your life.”

“You know about the telegram?” Jarrod asked. “How?”

“I saw you get it,” Gregg answered. “I convinced the operator to tell me what it said.”

“And he told Gregg,” he said. “He was very cooperative. I now have to get you out of the way so you can’t ruin my plans.”

“If you kill me,” Jarrod replied realizing why George had been so nervous, “the law will hang you. What plans?”

“I’m not going to kill you,” he told Jarrod. “I’m just going to get you out of the way for a while. It’s none of your business. Now move.”

Jarrod was now on his feet as Gregg went over to the side of the desk, drawing his arm back; he hit Jarrod hard in the ribcage. Jarrod doubled over from the impact. Winslow grabbed him by his shirt collar, dragging him from the office. Jarrod still couldn’t catch his breath. He was made to walk in front of Gregg with the pistol firmly in his back. His ribs were still aching from the impact of the blow. He was taken to a cellar under the general store and pushed inside.

“You can’t leave me here,” Jarrod said as he was shoved into the room. “This place is so dark and dirty. I won’t be able to breathe either.”

“You are going to stay here as long as I need you out of the way,” he replied. “Then I’ll let someone know where they can find you. What’s the matter counselor? You afraid? A big man like yourself shouldn’t be afraid of the dark. What you should be afraid of is us. And besides, you won’t be down here that long. I promise.”

“I’m not afraid of you or this place,” Jarrod told them. “I just don’t understand why you are doing this. Why is it so important to get me out of the way?”

“It’s not your place to understand,” he said. “Now if you’re a good boy, we’ll let you go. I’ll tell you when I’m good and ready to and not before.”

“Oh sure you will,” Jarrod replied. “Just as soon as I would walk out of here, you’d put a bullet in my back.”

“You’re a perceptive man,” he told Jarrod. “But the truth is, you are too well-known. People would ask questions.”

“Me?” Jarrod asked.

“I mean your last name,” he answered getting angry. “Your father is the main reason.”

“What about my father?” Jarrod asked.

“Nothing,” he answered.

“You know father,” Jarrod said. “Something happened and you want to get back at him.”

“I advise you to close your mouth before Gregg closes it for you.”

“I have a right to know,” Jarrod replied.

“No you don’t,” he told him. “You just be a very good boy and we’ll see.”

Sitting on the dirt floor was a plate of hideously looking food. Jarrod noticed it and it almost made him vomit looking at it. The room was small and dark along with a dirt floor. Jarrod was pushed against one wall.

“I want every drop of that food eaten by the time I return,” he said very angry. “And if you don’t, I’ll feed it to you.”

“Go on try,” Jarrod replied just as angry standing up. “I wouldn’t eat that slop if my life depended on it.”

“I will,” he told him smiling a hideous smile that scared Jarrod. “And your life does depend on it. So I suggest you eat it.”

“I will not,” Jarrod said standing his ground.

If it isn’t eaten by the time we return it will be a very unpleasant experience waiting for you, he replied.”

“Go on and try,” Jarrod told him again.

“Don’t worry,” he said smiling, “I will.”

The two men left the room, locking the door behind them. Jarrod looked around the small room. There wasn’t any furniture of any kind in it. And there weren’t any windows. It smelt of mildew and an odor he couldn’t quite place. There were a few crates thrown over in one corner. The only light in the room came from several holes in the walls. Unfortunately, they were not big enough to get out of nor were they big enough to yell through. Although, Jarrod doubted that anyone would here him even if he tried. Jarrod tried the door. It was locked. He looked at the plate of food and had to finally look away as it turned his stomach. He pulled one of the crates over to the wall and sat down.

Several hours later about four in the afternoon, the two men returned. Jarrod had looked up when he heard the lock turned. They looked at the plate of untouched food and then at Jarrod.

“I see you didn’t eat your meal,” he said shaking his head. “I guess we’ll have to feed it to you. Gregg, hold him down.”

“What are you doing?” Jarrod asked trying to stop Gregg from getting to him.

The other man approached Jarrod who tried to defend himself. One solid blow to his already damaged ribs sent Jarrod off the crate and to the floor. Gregg kneeled down on top of him, forcing his mouth open. Winslow poured the food into Jarrod’s mouth. He wanted to throw it up but Gregg clamped his mouth shut forcing him to swallow it. His stomach turned threatening to expel it. Finally, when the plate was empty, they released Jarrod. He looked up at them and wiped his mouth.

“What did you do that for?” Jarrod asked angry. “I told you I wasn’t going to eat that slop.”

“You’ll find out soon enough,” he answered smiling that hideous smile.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jarrod asked again not understanding what was so important about the food.

“It shouldn’t be long now,” Winslow said as they left.

Jarrod got up from the floor and sat down on the crate again. The two men left again. A short time later he felt awful and the worst stomach cramps he had ever experienced. He tried to cradle his stomach but it lurched sending all its contents out through his mouth. He couldn’t stop. He was covered in his own vomit. But the cramps wouldn’t stop. He couldn’t stop the vomiting either. He sat there trying to deal with what ever was happening to him.

A couple of hours later around six that evening, the two men returned. They again forced Jarrod’s mouth open even though he was still vomiting after forcing him to the floor once again. They shoved more of the food, which they had brought with them, into his mouth making him swallow it. He became even sicker than he had been. Jarrod was vomiting harder now. Every inch of him was in agony. But Gregg wasn’t finished. He kicked Jarrod hard in the stomach and rib area twice with his booted foot while Jarrod was lying on the floor. The force of the blow sent vomit back down his throat burning it as it went. He thought he had heard some ribs break but in the pain he was in, he couldn’t be sure. Jarrod couldn’t breath good. He was in sheer agony.

“That should do it,” Winslow said as the two men left this time leaving for the last time. “Have a nice day counselor.”

Jarrod continued to vomit as he felt the cramps. His ribs were on fire but he couldn’t even stand up. He did manage to climb up again on the crate. His clothes were covered in dirt and vomit. He prayed that someone would find him before he died in this place all alone.

Chapter Five

At seven that evening, Tom and Victoria realized that Jarrod had not come home yet.

“Tom,” she said looking at the clock, “I would have thought Jarrod would have been home by now."

“So would I,” he replied looking at her. “I’m going to town to look for him. I’m now worried even more than I was earlier.”

“Take Nick with you,” she told him. “Bring him home Tom.”

“I will,” he said getting up from his chair.

Tom walked out to the barn where his second son was unsaddling his horse. When Nick saw Tom, something about the way he looked frightened Nick and he wasn’t a man easily frightened.

“Father,” he asked, “what’s wrong?”

“I’m very worried about Jarrod son,” Tom answered. “He hasn’t come home yet.”

“He’s just got his head stuck in a book,” Nick quipped. “Like he does a lot of the time.”

“This is not a joke,” Tom said anger evident in his voice. “I know something about this.”

“What?” Nick asked becoming very concerned. “Has something happened to Jarrod?”

“I’m not at liberty to tell you,” Tom answered. “Just trust me on this. Will you ride into town to find Jarrod?”

“Yes father,” he said but he wanted to know what was going on. “I’ll saddle up.”

The two of them saddled their horses and then headed for town.

“Are you sure you can’t tell me?” Nick asked as they rode. “I have a feeling that whatever it is, Jarrod is in deep trouble.”

“I can’t son,” he answered. “I promised your brother. Just let me say this much. Jarrod is involved with a client that hasn’t been entirely truthful.”

“Jarrod can handle that,” Nick said. “He’s as tough as they come.”

“I don’t know about that son,” he replied. “This man is evil.”

“Evil?” Nick asked and something about the way his father had said that word made Nick realize that this situation was getting worse by the minute.

“Yes,” he answered. “I want to find Jarrod before he does.”

When they walked into Jarrod’s office a short time later, Jarrod was not there. His coat and hat were on the rack by the door. His papers were still on his desk. The only obvious thing was that several papers were on the floor.

“Something’s happened here,” Nick said as he looked around the office. “Jarrod wouldn’t leave without his coat and hat. It’s cold and he would wear them unless someone forced him out of here at gun point.”

“I know,” he replied also looking. “Let’s go. We have to find him.”

“Where do we look?” Nick asked. “Stockton’s a big town.”

“If you were someone who wanted to get another person out of the way, what would you do?” he asked.

“Lock him up somewhere,” Nick answered not understanding what Tom meant. “Or kill him.”

“That’s my feeling,” he said. “We need to search the town for Jarrod. I don’t think this man will kill him. He only wants to get him out of the way.”

“Father,” Nick asked really worried now, “what’s going on?”

“It has to do with a case Jarrod was working on,” he answered. “Your brother was lied to and I believe that this man and someone else has disposed of your brother.”

“Why not just kill him?” Nick asked.

“Because of the name,” he answered. “Think about it. Barkley is a very prominent name here.”

“OK,” Nick said. “I can understand that. Where do we look?”

“It has to be somewhere where there aren’t many people,” he replied thinking out loud. “A place out of the way where no one would look for Jarrod.”

“The livery,” Nick suggested.

“No,” he said, “too obvious. It has to be somewhere hidden.”

“The cellar under the general store,” Nick replied. “I don’t think they use it any more.”

“That sounds like as good a place as any to start looking,” he told Nick. “How do you know there’s a cellar under the general store?”

“I found it once when Jarrod and I were exploring,” Nick said remembering. “We were both young and you were busy.”

“Do you remember where it is?” he asked.

“Yes,” Nick answered. “I don’t think they have done away with it. They just don’t use it any longer.”

“All right,” he said. “Let’s go find Jarrod.”

The two men headed out of Jarrod’s office toward the cellar. Meanwhile, Jarrod was still vomiting. He was still having cramps. Nothing would stop it. He was covered in filth. But right now he didn’t care. He just wanted the vomiting to stop. He was miserable. His ribs were on fire as well. His throat was raw but the vomit continued to burn it as it continued to come out.

“Father...” he said hoarsely.

Tom and Nick arrived at the door to the cellar at eight. They drew their guns not knowing who they might run into in there.

“It’s locked,” Nick said. “It’s never been locked before. What could be in there that would need a lock?”

“Do what you do best,” he replied. “Bust that door down. Think about it Nick. Your brother is probably in there.”

“Yes sir,” Nick told him and kicked the door hard with his booted foot.

The door didn’t open but the lock loosened. Another kick by Nick and the door swung open. Peering into the dark room, Tom couldn’t see anything.

“What’s that smell?” Nick asked holding his nose.

“It smells like vomit,” he answered realizing that Jarrod had to be in there. “Get me a light.”

Nick hurried upstairs to the general store and retrieved a lantern from the front porch. He rushed back to his father handing him the light. Tom lit it and walked into the room followed closely by Nick. They weren’t prepared for what they saw. Jarrod was sitting on a crate leaning against the wall. He was throwing up and he was also covered in vomit. Tom rushed to his son cradling him in his arms.

“Jarrod,” he said, “my God. What happened?”

Jarrod couldn’t answer him. He couldn’t stop. Tom looked up at Nick, who was also shocked.

“Son,” he said very calmly, “go get Doc Merrar. Tell him that Jarrod is ill.”

Nick stood there a few more minutes. He couldn’t stop looking at his very ill brother.

“Now Nick!” Tom told him.

Nick finally pulled his eyes off his brother and left the room. Tom gently eased Jarrod off the crate and onto the dirt floor. He continued to hold his son’s head in his arms. He was getting covered with vomit himself but he didn’t care. All he was concerned about was Jarrod.

“It’s going to be all right,” he said. “I promise. He did this to you. I was afraid of something happening. I just wish you could tell me what it was.”

Chapter Six

Nick ran into Dr. Merrar in the street. He explained what he and his father had seen.

“Nick,” the doctor asked, “are you sure?”

“Yeah,” he answered. “He’s a mess.”

“Let’s go,” the doctor said as he went to retrieve his bag.

Nick and the doctor walked in a short time later. The doctor didn’t need to know what had happened. He could see it. He knelt down beside of Jarrod.

“How long has he been vomiting?” he asked.

Jarrod raised his right hand and held up three fingers.

“Three hours,” the doctor said.

Jarrod barely nodded. Tom was outraged.

“He’s been that sick for the past three hours,” he said angry. “I’ll have those men’s hides for this.”

“Tom,” the doctor replied, “just a minute.”

He turned to look at Jarrod.

“Did you eat anything?” he asked.

Jarrod barely nodded again.

“Can you tell me what it was?” he asked.

Jarrod pointed to the plate next to the door. There was still a small amount of the slop on it. The doctor retrieved the plate, looking closely at the food. He looked up and shook his head.

“What is it doc?” Nick asked.

“He’s been poisoned,” he answered. “This food has a few droppings from rats.”

“What!” Tom screamed. “They did that on purpose!”

“Yes,” he said calmly. “Now Jarrod, I want you to listen to me.”

Jarrod looked over at him in between his vomiting spells.

“You have been poisoned,” he said. “The only way to get the poison out of your system is to continue to let you vomit. I know it won’t be easy for you. But you have to.”

“Doc,” Tom replied, “he can’t do it any more.”

“He has to,” he told them. “If he doesn’t, he will be even sicker and it could kill him. If he’s already vomited for three hours, it shouldn’t take too much longer to extract the rest. Then I can treat him.”

“In the meantime,” Tom said angry, “my son is in agony.”

“That’s about the size of it,” he replied. “I wish there was an easier way but there isn’t.”

“It’s all right father,” Jarrod told them but it was barely a whisper.

“Son,” Tom said looking down at his oldest son, “I’m not going to leave you. I’ll be right here with you.”

Jarrod nodded and then he started again. Nick couldn’t stand to see his brother in such misery. He walked closer and spoke to Jarrod.

“You’ll be all right big brother,” he said. “I know you will.”

Jarrod looked at him with a very small smile. Nick smiled back.

“Nick,” Tom said, “I want you to go to the ranch. Tell your mother what has happened and bring her to the doctor’s. We should have Jarrod there by then. I believe he could use her now.”

“I will father,” Nick replied heading out the door.

After another hour of vomiting, Jarrod finally stopped. He was a mess and for that matter so was Tom. But that didn’t worry Tom as much as how sick his son was. Slowly, the doctor and Tom eased Jarrod up onto his feet. They had to practically carry him to the doctor’s office. He was so weak and he was still having spells of vomiting although they were small spells. He cringed each time as it burnt his already raw throat. Once they had him inside, the doctor thoroughly examined him.

“Jarrod has broken ribs,” he said looking up from his work. “As jagged as the breaks are, it looks like he was kicked.”

“Kicked!” Tom yelled. “What else did that animal do to my boy.”

“That’s about it,” he replied. “That’s enough. Tom, can you ease him up so I can wrap his ribs?”

Tom eased Jarrod up into a sitting position. His soiled shirt was thrown over in the corner of the room. Tom let his son lean on him. Jarrod could barely hold his head up. Tom could see how pale Jarrod was and how weak. He knew that Jarrod would be in bed for at least several days.

“All right,” he said after he was finished, “you can ease him down.”

Gently, Tom eased Jarrod onto the pillows. Jarrod was so pale and he looked so small to Tom.

“Son,” Tom said gently, “you rest. Your mother will be here soon.”

Jarrod let his eyes close. Tom looked over at the doctor.

“He will recover,” he said.

“Yes,” the doctor replied. “However, he will be sore for a few days. I need to get fluids into him. When your wife gets here, let’s see if she can get him to take a little water so he won’t dehydrate.”

Tom nodded. He stayed by his son’s bedside until he heard the door open and close. He knew it was Victoria.

Chapter Seven

Nick had rode so hard that he made it back to the ranch in record time. He jumped from Coco’s back and ran into the house.

“Mother!” he cried. “Mother!”

Victoria came out of the kitchen and she was shocked by the expression on Nick’s face.

“What?” she asked.

“We found Jarrod,” he answered. “He’s been poisoned. He’s vomiting. He’s covered in it. Father wants you to come to the doc’s.”

“How?” she asked.

“That man,” he answered. “He forced Jarrod to eat this slop. And then he started to vomit.”

“Does he need some clean clothes?” she asked.

“Yeah and so does father,” he answered. “He’s stayed with Jarrod.”

“I’ll get some things together,” she said heading up the stairs.

“I’ll hitch up the team,” he replied heading out the door.

Within thirty minutes, they were headed to Stockton.

“Nick,” she asked, “what was the reason for this?”

“I’m not sure,” he answered. “From what I could gather, the man who hired Jarrod found out that he knew his secret. Whatever that secret was. He couldn’t kill Jarrod because of the Barkley name so he devised this elaborate plan to get him out of the way. I think Jarrod would have probably died if we hadn’t found him.”

“How long has he been sick?” she asked.

“At least four hours,” he answered.

“He’s bound to be miserable,” she said. “Oh my Lord. He needs me.”

“He is,” he replied. “He was kicked in the ribs too.”

“My poor little boy,” she told him. “I want to know how are we going to find these men.”

“I don’t know right now,” he said. “We’ll have to wait until Jarrod can tell us.”

“Nick,” she asked, “is he going to be all right?”

“Yes,” he answered. “The doc said he would but that he would be miserable for a few days.”

“I can imagine,” she said. “Let’s hurry. Jarrod needs me.”

So they rode faster toward Stockton.

Jarrod had finally drifted off to sleep. He was still very pale and the doctor had injected him with medicine to help him feel better. Tom was sitting beside the bed watching his son as he slept.

“You know doc,” he said looking up, “I remember the first time he fell and broke his arm. He wasn’t over ten and he had done it to save my life. He was so small lying in that big bed. And that’s the way he looks now even though he’s grown.”

“That’s the way all parents feel about their children,” the doctor replied. “He’s going to be fine Tom. I think he’s over the worst of it but he still may have to vomit a few more times to get all the poison out of his system.”

“I don’t believe this,” he told the doctor. “He was only trying to earn a living and help people in the process. Why do people have to be so cruel?”

“I don’t know the answer Tom,” the doctor said. “But in the forty odd years I’ve been practicing medicine, I’ve seen it all. Some people are evil and mad. They don’t care who they hurt as long as they get what they want. You can think your lucky stars that Jarrod’s last name was Barkley. Because I believe had it not been, the boy would be dead.”

“I don’t doubt that in the least,” he replied. “But they knew they would hang if they killed him so they fixed it so that he would rather have been dead than face what he had to endure. I just feel so helpless. I should have stayed here and been with him.”

“What could you have done that he didn’t?” the doctor asked. “He stood up to them if I know Jarrod. He didn’t take anything off of them.”

“True,” he told the doctor. “But he’s always been a man who tries to reason with people rather than fight. I tried to tell Jarrod that was the best way. Nick always said that Jarrod could argue with a fence post. I believe it. But then Jarrod said that Nick would go right through that fence post.”

“It’s an equal,” the doctor said. “Both your sons have their own ways of handling things. For Nick, it’s fight with his fists. And for Jarrod, it’s reason. No wonder those two boys are so close. They are opposites of each other.”

“Yeah,” he replied. “But you know something doc. I’m proud of both of them along with Gene and Audra. They each have to make their own path in this world. I’ll be there to lend a hand but the hard work is theirs.”

“Nicely said,” the doctor told him. “He should sleep now for a while. If he gets sick again, just yell. I’ll be in the office.”

“Sure,” he said.

Victoria and Nick arrived as the doctor was going to his office.

“Doctor,” she asked, “how is he?”

“He’s resting,” he answered. “I see you brought some clothes. Tom is with him and could use a clean shirt.”

“Can I see him?” she asked.

“Certainly,” he answered.

Victoria followed by Nick slowly walked into the room. She could see Jarrod lying on the bed, his face pale, his breathing labored. She saw Tom sitting beside the bed. She reached into the small bag she carried and pulled out a clean shirt for him.

“Here,” she said handing it to him. “I thought you could use this.”

He smiled taking the shirt.

“I guess I do need to change,” he said as he removed the soiled shirt tossing it into the corner with Jarrod’s.”

“How is he?” she asked as she sat down on the bed.

“He’s over the worst,” he answered. “He’s going to be sore but the doctor said he would be all right.”

“That’s good to know,” she said as she took Jarrod’s hand in hers.

Chapter Eight

Victoria didn’t leave her son’s side. She took a cool cloth and laid it on his hot forehead. She was thankful at least that he was resting. But she knew what he would have to face when he woke up.

“Tom,” she asked, “why?”

“I don’t know all the details,” he answered. “But I believe that Winslow found out that his brother had contacted Jarrod.”

“It was a secret he wanted to protect and Jarrod threatened that,” Nick said. “I will break every bone in his body if I ever find him.”

“Easy son,” he replied. “We’ll let the law handle this.”

“I can’t do that,” Nick told him. “I want to beat it out of them. Look at what he did to Jarrod. You expect me to let him get away with it.”

“I understand your feelings,” he said. “But right now Jarrod needs us.”

“You’re right,” Nick replied as he looked at his brother. “You know, he’s a very special person to me. I never thought about it until now. But he’s been there my whole life to guide me in the right direction whether I wanted to listen to him or not. Now, I want to help him. I want to return the favor.”

“I know he’ll appreciate that,” he told Nick also looking over at his son. “Your mother and I are proud of all you children but Jarrod is special.”

“I know,” Nick said but he wasn’t angry when he said it. “He’s the oldest and of course your heir. But he’s more than that. He’s special to me too.”

“We know what you mean son,” he replied. “You don’t have to say it.”

“I’m glad,” Nick told them. “I remember all those times he had to bail me out of one fight after another. He never really got mad at me. He wasn’t happy but he wasn’t mad either. I know I was a nightmare to him. I really had a hard time controlling my temper there for a while.”

“You still do,” he said. “But you’re doing better. I know that it’s been hard on Jarrod being the oldest but he has done a great job.”

“Yes he has,” she replied from the bed. “He’s a unique individual.”

Several hours later, Jarrod opened his eyes. His throat was so raw and dry. His stomach still lurched but nothing came up. His ribs were sore and he was still very weak but he was able to look at his family and smile a little.

“Honey,” she asked, “how do you feel?”

“Like I went through a battle and lost,” he answered. “Every inch of me is hurting.”

“I’m not surprised son,” Tom said. “You’ve been pretty sick.”

“I know,” he replied as his throat took a spell of hurting more than it already had. “I never want anything like that to happen again.”

“I don’t blame you,” she told him. “I want you to try to drink a little water.”

“No,” he said. “I can’t. My throat already hurts. I don’t think I can keep it down.”

“The water will soothe your throat,” she replied reaching for a glass. “You need to keep up your strength so you won’t dehydrate.”

“All right,” he told her.

Victoria held the glass to his lips and he drank a few sips. His throat was still raw but he managed to keep the water down.

“Can you eat any thing?” she asked.

The mention of food caused Jarrod to have another vomiting spell. Victoria held his head gently in her hands as she gently ran her hand through his hair.

“I’m right here,” she said softly. “You’re going to get better.”

Jarrod wasn’t vomiting up much but it was sheer agony for him. He wished that he could stop but he couldn’t.

“Tom,” she said softly, “go get the doctor. He can’t stop and he’s very warm.”

“Right,” Tom replied as he left the room.

Victoria continued to hold Jarrod. She knew that he was very weak. It hurt Nick too to see Jarrod going through this.

“Mother,” he asked, “is there anything I can do to help?”

No,” she answered looking down at Jarrod. “He’s not vomiting anything up. But he’s in agony inside. Just stay out of the way so the doctor can work.”

Nick moved back away from the bed as the door opened and the doctor entered followed by Tom. He immediately went to the bed, looking at Jarrod.

“He feels very warm,” she said looking up. “He’s miserable.”

“I know,” he replied. “I’ll give him something that should stop the vomiting but I’ll have to give it in an injection.”

The doctor left the room. Tom moved over beside the bed as Jarrod continued to vomit.

“He’s got to be hurting inside,” he said looking at his son.

“I’m sure he is,” she replied. “He’s been through enough.”

Before Tom could reply, the doctor returned with a syringe full of medicine. Stepping around Tom, he went to the bed, and injected the medicine into Jarrod’s arm. After a few minutes, Jarrod quieted. His head lolled in his mother’s hands. She gently laid it on the pillows. He looked up at her and tried to smile but he was too weak.

“You try to rest honey,” she said as she held his hand. “You’ll feel better before you know it.”

Jarrod barely nodded. His eyes eased closed.

“What else did you give him?” Tom asked as the doctor stood up.

“Something to help him rest and to fight infection,” he answered. “He has an infection inside somewhere. I can’t pinpoint the location because of what he’s been through. That’s why he has a fever. But it should come down quickly when he begins to heal.”

“How soon?” Tom asked looking over at Jarrod. “He can’t handle much more.”

“By the morning he should be showing improvement,” he answered. “He’s been through a lot but he’s strong and should bounce back quickly.”

“I hope so,” Tom said shaking his head. “He has a wonderful career in front of him. That Winslow almost ended that before it got started.”

“Tom,” she replied looking over at him, “maybe you should talk to Harry. We want that man caught and punished. He did try to kill Jarrod.”

“Not really,” the doctor told them. “He just incapacitated Jarrod. Although he did carry it to the extreme with the amount of poisoned food he forced into Jarrod. It could have been life threatening if he had done it once or twice more.”

“Doc,” Tom asked, “are you telling me that Jarrod might have died?”

“If he had forced anymore of that poison into Jarrod’s system,” he answered. “As it was, he just made Jarrod very sick.”

“He tried to stop Jarrod,” Nick said angry. “He tried to take my brother away from me. I won’t stand for that. Jarrod is a good man who has always tried to stand up for what was right. Now, I’m going to stand up for him. I am going to track that man down and make him beg for his life.”

“Son,” the doctor replied looking at Nick, “you should let the sheriff take care of it. How do you think Jarrod will feel when he learns that you are in jail because you tried to kill a man. He’s going to feel awful and probably blame himself. Is that what you want?”

Nick stood there thinking and looking at Jarrod. Then he looked up at the doctor.

“No,” he said. “I guess not.”

“Good,” the doctor replied. “I want to keep Jarrod for at least a couple more days and then you can take him home. But he will have to take it easy especially with those damaged ribs.”

“That’s good news,” she told him.

Chapter Nine

Sometime around midnight, Jarrod opened his eyes. It hurt for him to swallow and his stomach was sore, as were his ribs but at least he wasn’t vomiting. He looked around the room but his normally bright blue eyes were dulled with what he had been through. He tried to speak but it was barely audible.

“Mother,” he said.

“I’m right here,” she replied getting up from a nearby chair to sit down on the bed beside of him. “You need to rest.”

“I need to tell you something,” he told her. “It’s important.”

“It can wait until you are stronger,” she said looking at his face.

“No,” he replied. “I wanted you and father to know that I tried to quit the case but Winslow wouldn’t take no for an answer. I did try. “

“We know son,” Tom told him trying to keep Jarrod calm. “Your mother is right. You need to rest.”

“I have to find him and put him away,” he said trying to get out of bed.

Nick was quickly at his brother’s side, gently pushing him back down on the bed.

“You look here Jarrod,” he said, “you are in no condition to go running off after a man that will be caught eventually. You are not thinking, you are reacting. And I thought I was the only one in this family who did that. You are Mr. Reason. Start acting like that. Don’t think with your emotions, think with your brain.”

Jarrod just looked up at Nick. He was in shock. He had never heard Nick talk like that.

“You sound just like me,” he said.

“And you’re acting just like me,” Nick replied. “I don’t think mother and father need two of me.”

“No,” he told his brother. “They don’t.”

Finally, Jarrod relaxed on the bed. Nick released his hold on Jarrod smiling. Jarrod smiled a small smile.

“Son,” Tom said moving over to the bed, “I’m going to talk to Harry. He’ll catch Winslow. You do as your mother suggested and get some much needed rest. Leave it to Harry.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod replied. “I’m sorry sir.”

“We know how you feel,” he told Jarrod. “But Nick is right. You need to stop worrying about Winslow and concentrate on yourself. And you have nothing to apologize for.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod said. “I think I do. I made a mistake. A big one and now I’m paying for it. How could I have been so stupid?”

“You were not stupid son,” he replied. “And mistakes happen. You’re not the first and you won’t be the last.”

“I agree,” she told him. “You learn everyday of your life. Sometimes what you learn is not pleasant. But you learn from it and from your own mistakes.”

“Thanks mother,” Jarrod said. “You know just what to say.”

Tom and Victoria could see that his eyes were drooping.

“Honey,” she said changing the subject, “close your eyes and sleep. That’s the best medicine for you and time.”

He barely nodded as his eyes slipped closed. She covered him up and then looked up at Tom.

“He’s afraid he’s disappointed me,” he said shaking his head. “But he hasn’t. I’m very proud of him. He handled this situation like a pro.”

“He did,” Nick replied. “Now it’s my turn. I’m going to see Harry and tell him what’s happened.”

“Would you mind doing that alone son?” he asked. “I would feel better if I stayed here with Jarrod.”

“No problem,” Nick answered. “And I promise to tell Harry and let him handle the situation.”

“Thank you Nick,” she said. “That’s a load off my mind. With Jarrod this sick, I don’t want to be worrying about you.”

“You won’t,” Nick replied. “I’ll see Harry first thing in the morning.”

Chapter Ten

Jarrod slept the rest of the night. When the first rays of daylight were making their way into his room, he opened his eyes. At first he was unsure of where he was. Then he remembered and he cringed at the thought.

“What’s wrong honey?” she asked seeing that he was awake.

“I just remembered yesterday,” he answered, his voice a little louder. “I thought it was a bad dream.”

“I’m afraid it wasn’t son,” Tom said smiling. “You’ve been pretty sick.”

“I know,” he replied. “I can feel how raw my throat is and my stomach is very sore. But that’s not what’s bothering me.”

“What is?” Tom asked.

“I was just going over in my mind the events of yesterday,” he answered. “I can’t figure out why he didn’t kill me.”

“You can figure that out,” Tom said. “Think about it a minute.”

Jarrod thought but he couldn’t understand what his father was trying to tell him.

“Look at the situation,” Tom said. “You are a brand new lawyer. You take on a case. Your first.”

“I understand all that,” he replied. “But...”

“Jarrod,” Tom told him, “you come from a very influential and power family in this valley. Winslow couldn’t take the chance on killing you. The entire valley would have been hunting him down.”

“The Barkley name,” he said the reason dawning on him. “Because you are so well respected and looked up to around here.”

“Yes honey,” she replied. “The Barkley name. I learned that not long after I married your father. He comes from a long line of Barkleys who have stood up for what they believe in. Just like you and Nick. Just like Gene and Audra.”

“I see,” he told them. “Now it makes sense. But if he didn’t want to kill me why do what he did?”

“He didn’t want you dead,” Nick said. “Just out of the way. You got any idea why?”

“No,” he replied. “He said he had to carry out his plan. I was in the way.”

“It doesn’t make any sense,” Tom told him. “What plan?”

“I don’t know,” he said getting upset. “He never told me. I asked but he wouldn’t answer.”

“Honey,” she replied trying to calm him down, “you need to stay calm.”

“I can’t,” he told them. “I need to find out what he’s planning. It could be something really bad and I’m partly responsible.”

“No son,” Tom said. “You are going to rest and that’s final.”

Jarrod finally nodded but he wasn’t happy. He knew his father was right. But he had to show the people in Stockton that he was worthy of being called a lawyer as well as a Barkley. He was determined to try and figure out what the plan was before it was too late.

“Jarrod,” she said as she saw his expression, “I don’t want you to get any ideas of trying to handle this on your own. You are still too weak and I know how stubborn you can be when you get an idea in your head.”

“I’m not going to do anything,” he replied lying to her.

“I don’t believe that,” she told him seeing right through the lie. “You are going to do something. Let Harry handle the situation. That’s his job.”

“No!” he cried before he thought.

“Son,” Tom said coming over to sit down on the bed, “why do you feel that you have to do this?”

“Tom,” she asked, “what are you doing?”

“Trying to get an answer,” Tom answered.

Jarrod looked up at his father. There was no way he could hide his thoughts from his father.

“I feel responsible,” he said. “I feel like it’s my fault.”

“And why do you feel responsible?” Tom asked.

“I feel like if I had been able to stop Winslow that none of this would have happened,” he answered.

“You are going to make a fine lawyer son,” Tom said. “But you once told me that a lawyer can’t win all of his cases. Sometimes he loses. I know that you are disappointed the way this one turned out, but you have to learn from it and go on.”

“Your father is right Jarrod,” she replied. “We are both very proud of what you’ve accomplished. We couldn’t ask for a better son.”

“I see your point father,” he told them. “I’ll stop worrying about Winslow, get better and get on with my life.”

“That’s all I wanted to hear,” Tom said smiling. “Your grandfather would be very proud of you.”

At the mention of his grandfather, Jarrod nodded. He remembered back to when he was nine years old and had visited his grandfather in Denver. And then what had happened. He smiled a small smile.

“I know father,” he said. “I know.”

Chapter Eleven

Nick walked into Harry’s office a little after eight that morning. Harry looked up and smiled at him.

“Nick,” he said, “I heard what happened to Jarrod. How is he?”

“Resting,” Nick replied. “We want Philip Winslow caught and punished. I promised father I would let you handle it.”

“I’ve been searching,” he told Nick. “But Winslow has disappeared for the moment. That doesn’t mean I won’t catch him.”

“Harry,” Nick said as he leaned over the desk, “Jarrod is going to try to stop him himself. He’s not able but he won’t let that stop him. He feels that this is his fault. I tried to tell him to stop reacting and start thinking but I don’t think it did any good.”

“Are you serious Nick?” he asked. “Jarrod has always been so dedicated in what he believed and did. Now you are telling me that he wants to hunt this man down himself. I just can’t believe it.”

“Yes,” Nick answered. “You didn’t see his face. He was serious. He can’t even hardly hold his head up and he wants to go after this man.”

“I know your brother,” he said. “And when he gets that attitude there is no stopping him.”

“Very true,” Nick replied. “I think mother and father have him waiting for the moment. But that won’t last.”

“I’ll do everything I can to catch Winslow,” he told Nick. “You can count on that.”

“Good,” Nick said smiling. “I better get back.”

“Tell Jarrod I said to get well soon,” he replied. “I look forward to seeing him around town.”

“I will,” Nick told him as he left the office.

Harry sat there a few minutes, and then he rose and left the office. He had several deputies around town searching. He ran into Preston Matthews on Front Street.

“Sheriff,” he said as he saw Harry, “we have a lead on Winslow.”

“What?” Harry asked.

“A man who was sweeping the front of the saloon off saw two men, one fitting the description of Winslow, ride out of Stockton about seven-thirty this morning,” he answered. “They looked to be in a big hurry.”

“Now we’re getting somewhere,” Harry said. “Did he say where they were going?”

“No,” he replied. “But what could they have been carrying dynamite for?”

“Dynamite?” Harry asked being sure he had heard correctly.

“Yes,” he answered. “A box of dynamite.”

“I’ll find out,” Harry said walking away from Matthews.

Harry walked to the general store to see the owner, Hank Gentry. When he walked inside, Hank’s son, Jeff, looked up.

“Morning sheriff,” he said as Harry walked up to the counter. “Something I can help you with?”

“Were you working in here yesterday morning when the dynamite was bought?” Harry asked.

“No sir,” he answered. “Neither was pop. It was our new employee, Oscar Jefferson.”

“Oscar,” Harry said. “What is Oscar doing working for you?”

“He asked for a job day before yesterday,” he replied. “Pop didn’t see any reason not to hire him.”

“Where is Hank?” Harry asked.

“He’s in the back,” he answered.

“Could I speak to him?” Harry asked.

“Sure,” he answered. “Go on back.”

Harry walked into the storeroom where he saw Hank working on opening some crates. Hank saw him and looked up.

“Harry,” he said standing up and extending his hand, “I thought that was your voice.”

“Hank,” Harry replied shaking his hand, “I need to know something.”

“All right,” he told Harry.

“I need to know first why you hired a man like Oscar Jefferson,” Harry said.

“Oscar is harmless,” he replied. “He said he needed some money so I saw nothing wrong with hiring him.”

“All right,” Harry told him. “Now do you know where Oscar is?”

“I suppose he’s over at the saloon,” he said. “He helps Murphy clean up some in the mornings.”

“Thanks,” Harry replied turning to leave.

“Harry,” he asked, “what’s this all about?”

“I need to know who Oscar sold that dynamite to?” Harry answered.

“He told me it was Jarrod Barkley,” he said.

“Are you sure?” Harry asked.

“Yes,” he answered. “I have his signature of the bill of sale.”

“Can I see it?” Harry asked.

“Sure,” he answered walking to the counter and getting the receipts from the previous day. “Here.”

Harry looked at the signature at the bottom of the paper. It sure looked like Jarrod’s handwriting.

“Thanks,” Harry said and left the store.

As Harry was walking down the street toward Dr. Merrar’s, Preston came running toward him.

“What’s your hurry Preston?” he asked.

“I have a wire for you,” Preston answered, handing him the paper.

Harry took the paper, reading it. His face showed his shock.

“Something wrong?” Preston asked.

“There was a gold shipment robbery outside of Fry’s Junction,” he answered. “Dynamite was used to stop the train which was taking the gold from Sacramento to San Francisco. It says that two men took the gold heading north in a wagon. That was three hours ago. Preston, I want you to get a pair of restraints and meet me at Dr. Merrar’s.”

“Why?” Preston asked not understanding.

“Just do it,” he answered.

“Yes sir,” Preston said heading for the jail.

Chapter Twelve

Harry went to Dr. Merrar’s. He needed to see Jarrod as well as talk to him. But he had one more stop to make. He went to the saloon to see Oscar.

“Murphy,” he asked when he walked in, “is Oscar Jefferson here?”

“Oh hi sheriff,” Murphy answered. “Yeah. He’s in the back unloading bottles.”

“Thanks,” he said as he disappeared into the back room. “Oscar. I need a word with you.”

“Sure sheriff,” Oscar replied looking up.

“You were in the general store yesterday morning when a case of dynamite was purchased.” He asked. “Who bought it?”

“I remember that,” Oscar answered. “It struck me as odd for him to be buying dynamite seeing as how his father and brother buy it most of the time.”

“Who?” he asked.

“Jarrod Barkley,” Oscar answered.

“Are you sure?” he asked. “You’ve had run-ins with Nick and Jarrod before. You’re not just trying to get even.”

“No sheriff,” Oscar answered. “I swear. Jarrod came into the store at ten and bought the case of dynamite.”

“Thanks Oscar,” he said as he left.

After Harry left, Oscar smiled a devilish smile.

“I told you I’d get even,” he said.

Harry then went to the doctor’s office where Preston was waiting on him with a pair of restraints in his hand.

“What’s going on?” Preston asked as Harry walked up.

“Just follow me,” he said as they walked inside.

“Harry,” the doctor asked when Harry walked in, “Preston, what can I do for you?”

“I need to speak to Jarrod Barkley doc,” he answered.

“He’s resting,” the doctor said. “I’d rather not disturb him. He’s had a rough night.”

“I’m sorry doc,” he replied. “I’m going to have to insist.”

“All right,” the doctor told him. “Just keep it short.”

“I will,” he said as he walked into Jarrod’s room.

Tom and Nick rose from their chairs when Harry walked in.

“Harry,” Tom asked, “have you found him?”

“Not exactly,” he answered as he walked over to the bed. “I need to speak to Jarrod.”

“He’s asleep right now,” she said looking up at him from the bed.

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to wake him up,” he replied gently shaking Jarrod’s shoulders. “Come on Jarrod. I need to speak to you.”

“Harry,” Tom said.

“Jarrod,” he replied shaking a little harder.

Jarrod slowly opened his eyes. Harry leaned over the bed looking at Jarrod.

“Jarrod,” he said, “someone saw two men ride out of Stockton. One fit the description of Winslow. And another witness saw another man buy a case of dynamite from Oscar Jefferson in the general store.”

“So?” Tom asked. “What does this have to do with Jarrod?”

Ignoring Tom’s questions, Harry turned his attention solely to Jarrod.

“What do you know about Winslow wanting a box of dynamite?” he asked.

Jarrod’s face showed shock as Harry’s words sank in. He shook his head.

“I don’t know,” Jarrod replied. “He said I was in the way of his plan.”

“Harry,” Tom told him, “Jarrod doesn’t know. He doesn’t have any idea what you are talking about.”

“He has to,” he said looking over at Tom. “He was part of it.”

“Harry,” Tom asked, “what are you saying? Are you saying that Jarrod is involved in this?”

“I have two witnesses and one places Jarrod inside the general store buying the case of dynamite from Oscar,” he answered.

“Harry,” Nick said coming to his brother’s aide, “you can’t believe that Jarrod would be involved in this. He’s been right here sick as a dog.”

“All I know is that a box of dynamite was purchased from the general store with a signature,” he replied looking at Jarrod. “Your signature.”

“Mine,” Jarrod told him. “I’ve not been any where around the general store.”

“Your signature,” he said again. “I know it’s only circumstantial but I have to look at all sides.”

“Harry,” Tom replied, “you know Jarrod wouldn’t do anything like this.”

“I know that Oscar described Jarrod perfectly,” he told them. “He said you came in yesterday morning, ordered the dynamite and then signed for it.”

“I was in my office yesterday morning,” Jarrod said getting upset. “I swear.”

“Besides Harry,” Nick replied, “you can’t believe Oscar. He’s had it in for Jarrod for the last several years. Ever since that melee in the street the night of the poker game.”

“What are you talking about Nick?” Tom asked.

“Father,” Nick answered, “you remember when Jarrod was home before heading off to San Francisco to law school, we came into town for the weekly poker game.”

“So,” Tom said.

“Oscar confronted Jarrod and me as we dismounted,” Nick replied. “He kept saying something about Jarrod had set him up for some jail time because he was supposed to have stolen $60 from Ed at the livery.”

“I knew he had,” Jarrod told them. “I had several witnesses and told Oscar that. But he pushed me down and I came up trying to control my temper. I wasn’t entirely successful.”

“They got into a scuffle in the street,” Nick said.

“And I broke it up,” he replied.

“Oscar swore he’d get even,” Nick told them.

“Why would he lie?” he asked. “I saw the bill of sale. The signature looked like Jarrod’s.”

“It wasn’t me,” Jarrod answered. “I was in my office except for going to the telegraph office.”

“Who was on duty?” he asked.

“George,” Jarrod answered. “He’ll tell you I was no where near the general store.”

“I’ll talk to him,” he said. “But in the meantime...”

The door opened and the doctor walked in.

“I thought I told you to make it brief,” he said.

“I have no choice,” Harry replied. “Jarrod, you are under arrest for helping a known felon commit a gold shipment robbery.”

“But Harry,” Tom told him, “my boy’s innocent.”

“I have no choice,” Harry said looking at Tom. “Until this is cleared up, a deputy will be posted at all times. Jarrod is not to leave this room unless I am notified.”

“But...” Tom replied but Harry cut him off. “I’m sorry Tom. I’ll have to restrain him too.”

“He’s not capable of leaving this room,” he told Harry. “I can state that as a fact.”

“I’ll leave Preston here,” Harry said and left.

Preston was dumb founded as he stood there after he had put the restraint on Jarrod’s left arm. The Barkleys were shocked. Jarrod looked like he had lost his best friend.

“Now what do I do?” he asked. “I’m sunk as a lawyer in this town now. My reputation is gone.”

“Not so fast son,” Tom said trying to encourage his son. “You’re not guilty. I know that.”

“But how do we prove it?” Nick asked. “They have Oscar.”

“Why would he lie like that?” she wanted to know.

“He wants to get even with me,” Jarrod answered. “I don’t understand why he picked now. Nobody else spoke to Winslow that I know of other than possibly George. Sally said that when he delivered the telegrams, he appeared to be scared or nervous. I meant to go talk to him. But I never got around to it.”

“You don’t have to explain Jarrod,” she said. “We believe you.”

“But the town won’t,” he replied. “My career here in Stockton is over before it got started.”

“Nothing is over until we find out what is going on,” Tom told him. “If you were with George when you were supposed to be in the general store, then we can have George tell Harry the truth.”

“I hope so,” he said but Victoria noticed that he seemed to be in some discomfort.

The doctor who was also in the room looked at Jarrod.

“Jarrod,” she asked before he could, “are you hurting somewhere?”

Jarrod didn’t answer.

“I need to know son,” the doctor said.

“Yes,” he finally replied. “My chest is throbbing and my throat is very sore.”

“Let me have a look at those ribs,” the doctor told him.

After thoroughly examining Jarrod, he looked at Tom and Victoria.

“He’s pulled those ribs loose,” he said looking over at them. “And he’s picked up a very bad infection in his throat again. Probably from all that vomiting. He’s running a fever. I’m going to set those ribs again and I don’t want you to move.”

Jarrod nodded.

“Also,” he said, “I’m going to give you some medicine to help the infection in your throat. I don’t want you to talk for the rest of the day. I want you to rest.”

“How can I rest when I’ve been arrested for something I didn’t do,” Jarrod replied cringing at the pain coming from his throat.

“I’m making that an order,” he told Jarrod.

“Son,” Tom said coming over to the bed, “you rest while Nick and I have a talk with George. All this will be straightened out once we talk to him.”

“All right,” Jarrod replied. “Just get me out of this.”

“Don’t you worry Jarrod,” Nick told him. “When you wake up, it’ll all be over.”

Jarrod nodded as the doctor went to work. Tom and Nick left the doctor’s office heading for the telegraph office.

Chapter Thirteen

Tom, followed by Nick, walked into the telegraph office. Andy Jones was on duty.

“Morning Tom,” he said, “Nick. “What can I do for you?”

“Where is George?” Tom asked.

“He’s gone,” he answered.

“Gone!” Nick said. “Where?”

“He left last night on the eight o’clock train for Sacramento,” he replied.

“That’s just great,” Nick told him. “Now what do we do?”

“I don’t have the foggiest notion,” Tom said shaking his head. “Without George, it doesn’t look too good for Jarrod.”

“What do you want with George?” he asked.

“He was here when Jarrod came by yesterday morning to send several telegrams,” Tom answered. “He’s a very vital witness.”

“I heard about the gold robbery,” he said. “I took the wire to Harry.”

“Harry has arrested Jarrod in connection with that robbery,” Tom replied. “Oscar Jefferson swears Jarrod was in the general store yesterday morning when he was here with George and bought the dynamite used in the robbery. We were hoping George could clear this up.”

“Why on earth would Jarrod want to help steal a gold shipment?” he asked. “That’s not like Jarrod.”

“He didn’t have anything to do with it!” Nick said loudly. “Jarrod is innocent.”

“Take it easy Nick,” he replied. “I believe you. Do they have any proof other than Oscar?”

“Yes,” Tom told him. “A signed bill of sale. Supposedly signed by Jarrod.”

“Easy enough to forge a name,” he said smiling.

“I know that Andy,” Tom replied. “But Harry won’t let us see it to tell whether it is a forgery.”

“When you go to court, he’ll have to show it,” he told them.

“I don’t want it to go to court,” Tom said. “If it does, it could damage Jarrod’s reputation and his law career will be over before it really got started.”

“That would be a shame,” he replied. “I was hoping he’d do well as a lawyer.”

“Thanks Andy,” Tom told him. “We better get back to Jarrod.”

They left the office and walked back to the doctor’s.

“Now what do we do?” Nick asked. “If we tell Jarrod that George is gone, he’ll probably hurt himself.”

“We don’t tell him,” Tom answered. “At least not yet. Maybe we can still find a way to prove he’s innocent.”

“I hope so father,” Nick said. “Without George, Jarrod is sunk.”

“Not entirely son,” Tom replied. “We have to question Jarrod again but we can’t let on that anything is wrong. If we do, it could set Jarrod back on getting better. We’ll have to be very careful.”

“I agree,” Nick told him as they walked

Harry walked up to them.

“How’s Jarrod?” he asked.

“What do you care?” Nick wanted to know angrily. “You’ve got him under arrest.”

“Nick,” Tom said trying to calm his son.

“It’s all right Tom,” he said. “I understand how he feels. I never wanted to do that. But the evidence is overwhelming.”

“It’s all circumstantial,” Tom replied. “And Jarrod’s one witness is gone.”

“You mean George,” he told them.

“Yes,” Tom said.

“I know about George leaving on the train last night,” he replied. “I’ve sent a wire to Sacramento, to the marshal there to stop George when he locates him and send him back here. It’s the least I could do for Jarrod.”

“Harry,” Tom told him, “I don’t know what to say. I know George can clear Jarrod.”

“There’s still the signed bill of sale,” he said. “Although I’m not sure it’s really Jarrod’s signature.”

“I wish we could see it,” Nick replied. “I know we could tell if it were Jarrod’s signature or not.”

“You really think you could?” he asked them.

“Yes,” Tom answered. “And if we couldn’t, Jarrod can.”

“All right,” he said starting to walk down the street. “Let’s go.”

“Go where?” Tom asked.

“To the general store,” he answered. “You want to see the bill of sale don’t you?”

“Sure,” Nick said excited. “I know we can clear Jarrod.”

They walked to the general store. Jeff was working behind the counter.

“Sheriff,” he said smiling, “Mr. Barkley, Nick. “What can I do for you?”

“Jeff,” Harry replied, “I need to see that bill of sale signed by Jarrod Barkley.”

“Yes sir,” he told them reaching into a box and pulling it out.

Harry took it from Jeff and then handed it to Tom. Nick looked over Tom’s shoulder at the signature at the bottom. The excitement that was on Nick’s face disappeared. He looked at his father shaking his head.

“Is it Jarrod’s handwriting?” he asked.

“I’m afraid it is,” Tom answered. “I was so sure it wouldn’t be. Now I’m not sure whether my own son is telling me the truth.”

“Father,” Nick asked, “how can it be his? He didn’t do it.”

“Nick,” Tom said as he looked at his son, “things happen. Maybe Jarrod didn’t know what he was signing. Maybe he was forced. I don’t know. The one thing I do know is that he signed this bill of sale.”

“I’m sorry Tom,” Harry replied taking the paper from Tom. “I’m afraid Jarrod will have to be locked up when he is released from the doctor.”

“Maybe by then George will be back and clear all of this up,” Tom told him. “But he could also say that he never saw Jarrod yesterday. This situation is getting worse by the minute.”

“Why would he lie?” Nick asked.

“Several other people have,” Tom answered. “I’m afraid that your brother is in serious trouble.”

“He hasn’t been in trouble like this since he was thirteen,” Nick said remembering back to that day when Jarrod had been arrested for bank robbery.”

“And then he was mixed up with the wrong crowd,” Tom replied. “This time he has to face it without worrying about getting hurt or killed.”

“Are you sure Tom,” Harry asked.

“What do you mean by that?” Tom wanted to know.

“If Winslow set all this up,” Harry answered, “why not use Oscar and the signature. He could easily ride back into town and get even.”

“Oh my God,” Tom said realizing that Jarrod’s life was still in danger. “I have to get back to him.”

“Preston is with him,” Harry replied. “He’s a good man.”

“But Preston is not me,” Tom told him. “I will feel better when I can see that Jarrod is all right.”

“Tom,” Harry said as Tom and Nick started to leave, “remember I’m on your side.”

Tom nodded and the two of them left the store.

Chapter Fourteen

When Tom and Nick walked into Jarrod’s room, they were relieved to see that Jarrod was all right. But Tom couldn’t get out of his mind what Harry had said about Winslow getting even with Jarrod. Sure he didn’t kill him the first time, but things were different now. Jarrod was an accomplice in another robbery. How could it happen twice?

“What took you two so long?” she asked. “I was beginning to get worried.”

“I have some bad news to tell you,” he answered sitting down in a chair facing her on the bed.

“What is wrong Tom?” she asked. “Jarrod’s asleep. It’s the first good rest he’s had today.”

“Nick and I saw the bill of sale,” he answered.

“And?” she asked fearing the worst.

“It’s his handwriting,” he answered. “Jarrod signed the bill of sale. I don’t know the circumstances. He might have been forced, or he might have signed something not knowing what it was. Either way, he’s in big trouble.”

“Oh no,” she said looking at her son. “Now what do we do?”

“I need to question Jarrod more about yesterday,” he replied. “Maybe he can remember something else from yesterday. He has too or he’ll spend some time in prison.”

“Tom,” she told him, “let him sleep. He needs the rest.”

“I’ll wait until he wakes up,” he said understanding how she felt. “Which I hope won’t be too long. We need to figure out what we can do.”

“Tom,” she asked looking at him, “do you think Jarrod is lying?”

Tom looked away.

“I...I don’t know,” he answered. “It sure looks like he’s guilty.”

“You can’t believe that your own son would be a party to this,” she said. “I don’t. I know him. He’s not that kind of man.”

“I thought I knew him too,” he replied. “But he’s been away for eight years. People change. He’s seen things that a normal man wouldn’t have seen. He’s been forced to kill. I just don’t know any longer.”

“Father,” Nick told him, “I’ll never believe that Jarrod is guilty or capable of doing this. I know my brother.”

“I don’t mean to be so negative,” he said looking at Nick. “But the evidence is overwhelming. He’s been so different since he came home. He’s not been entirely truthful.”

“Tom,” she replied picking up on what he had said, “I can’t believe you. You are standing there telling me that our son is guilty. Sure he wasn’t honest about his feelings for a man who helped him through four of his hardest years. He was 3,000 miles away from us. He didn’t want to hurt your feelings.”

“I don’t know what I’m saying,” he told her. “I’m trying to look at this from all sides. But one thing I do know. Jarrod is in serious trouble.”

Jarrod, who was supposed to be resting, heard his father’s words. They hurt him deeply. Not only did the town doubt him but now he found out that his own father doubted him too. He slowly opened his eyes looking over at his mother.

“Mother,” he said looking at her, “I’m sorry.”

Victoria turned her attention to her son. She could see the deep hurt on his face and knew he had heard every word.

“You’re supposed to rest your throat,” she said trying to be cheerful. “And you have nothing to be sorry for. This will be cleaned up soon and you’ll be home at the ranch.”

“No he won’t,” Tom replied cutting in on their conversation.

“What does that mean?” she asked hatefully as she looked at her husband.

“Harry said that as soon as Jarrod is released from the doctor,” Tom answered swallowing hard, “he will be locked up.”

“You can’t mean that,” she said. “He’s not guilty. He’s not. I know my son.”

“That’s what he said,” Tom replied. “I don’t want to think about it either. It won’t be like before. This time there are very serious consequences.”

“Oh that’s just great,” he told them with disgust in his voice. “I’m now a jailbird. That’s going to look great on my career. I can see the headlines. ‘Son of prominent citizen in Stockton Arrested for Robbery. Father won’t be able to stick his head out the door without being humiliated.”

“No you’re not,” she said looking at him. “Hang the reputation. This is all a mistake. Or some elaborate way of hurting you or me or your father.”

“But mother,” he replied.

“I’m serious,” she told him. “Think about it. First, a man who wants to find his missing brother approaches you. Second, you find out that his supposed missing brother isn’t really missing. Third, you are poisoned to keep you from interfering. Fourth, a witness says that you bought dynamite that you didn’t really buy. Fifth, your father now doubts your word. If Winslow wanted you out of the way, he could have stopped with the poison. Why set you up for helping in a robbery? It doesn’t make any sense.”

Tom stood there digesting what his wife had just said. Then something hit him.

“Jarrod,” he asked, “Nick said that you and Oscar had words. Do you think he’s capable of masterminding this?”

“No,” Jarrod answered. “But Winslow is. If he found out about the grudge Oscar has been holding for me.”

“I see where you’re going Jarrod,” Nick said picking it up from there. “If Winslow had found out about the trouble you’d had with Oscar, he might use that to get you completely out of the way.”

“Yes,” Jarrod replied nodding. “But how would he know? And why did George run?”

Tom stood there a few minutes before he answered. He was going over all the facts in his mind.

“Let me lay a scenario on you,” he said looking at Jarrod. “Philip Winslow is recently released from San Quentin, where he met his partner. He then hears about you or knows me from somewhere. He gets an idea of coming here to hire you to find his missing brother. In the process, he meets Oscar, who has a grudge against you. After learning about the altercation, he tells Oscar to get a job at the general store. He already has in his mind to steal the gold. Somehow they get your signature on a bill of sale. And then Harry has no other choice but to arrest you for helping. Winslow and his partner steal the gold, maybe planning to meet Oscar some time later. The partner scares off your only witness, George.”

“That sounds good to me,” Jarrod replied. “Except how did they get my signature?”

“I haven’t figured that out yet,” he told his son. “It’s a very neat package. The other reason is why?”

“You mean who were they after?” Nick asked. “It could be any one of us.”

“Yes,” he answered. “Were they after Jarrod or me?”

“That’s a good question Tom,” she said. “Now, how do we find out?”

“I don’t know,” he replied shaking his head. “We need George and Winslow to clear everything up.”

Jarrod was laying there thinking about the events of the previous day. He went over and over it in his mind.

“Son,” he asked pulling Jarrod out of his thoughts, “did Winslow say anything odd?”

“What do you mean odd?” Jarrod wanted to know.

“Something that didn’t make sense at the time,” he said.

“Well,” Jarrod replied, “he said that he had heard that I was a bulldog lawyer from Adam Howard.”

“Did he say he knew Howard?” she asked.

“Yes,” Jarrod answered. “He said they had had a falling out because Adam only helped those he wanted to help. I thought that was odd. Adam never mentioned ever knowing a Winslow or Brenner. And he goes out of his way to help people. Or at least he went out of his way to help me.”

“I think I’ll send a wire to Howard,” he said nodding. “Maybe he can shed some light on this.”

“Do you really think so?” Jarrod asked hoping that he wasn’t dead as a lawyer just yet.

“It’s worth a try,” he answered. “What have we got to lose?”

“Then you don’t believe I’m guilty,” Jarrod said looking at his father.

“No son,” he replied. “I don’t.”

Jarrod nodded as Tom left the room.

“Honey,” she said turning her attention back to him, “you rest while your father is gone.”

Jarrod nodded and let his tired eyes close.

Tom went to the telegraph office and sent a wire to Adam Howard explaining what had happened. He could only wait until he heard back. He knew it looked bad for his oldest son. And if he were convicted, he would spend some time in prison. The why kept bothering him. He couldn’t figure out who Winslow was trying to hurt, Jarrod or Tom. He didn’t recognize either name but of course he had come across a lot of people in his lifetime. Remembering one name would not be easy.

Chapter Fifteen

Over the next two days, nothing new happened. Then on the third day, Jarrod, who was going to be released at the end of the week, had a setback. His fever shot up to 101 and he slipped into unconsciousness.

“Doc,” he asked as he looked at his son, “what happened? He was doing so much better and now this. I don’t understand.”

“I’m not sure,” the doctor answered. “Something is definitely wrong. I have to isolate the problem and then deal with it.”

“Is he going to be all right?” she asked. “Is it life threatening?”

“I don’t know at this point,” the doctor answered. “The high fever and his weakened condition won’t help.”

The doctor examined Jarrod. When he looked up, he shook his head.

“I have narrowed it down,” he said looking at them.

“To what?” Tom asked.

“The amount of poison that Jarrod was forced to ingest has caused his system to react the only way it can. By sending an alert in the form of the high fever. Jarrod’s system has been so affected by this poison that it can’t tolerate it. So he’s unconsciousness again and fighting for his life.”

“You’re telling us that the poison is still in his body,” Tom wondered.

“Not exactly,” he said. “What I’m saying is that the amount was far greater than it needed to be. Jarrod has been carrying some of the remaining poison in his body and now it’s fighting him. It’s like he’s allergic to it. And the remaining amount is affecting him adversely. I’m not sure how to get the remaining poison out except by forcing him to vomit again.”

At the word vomit, Tom and Victoria both looked at Jarrod. He was still pale and hadn’t been eating much. He was still very weak to them and the doctor was now telling them that he would have to endure that course again.

“There are some worries in using this,” he continued. Jarrod’s stomach lining and his throat is still very irritated. More vomiting can cause problems there. Both his throat and his stomach could burst in some form from the added pressure of making him vomit which most likely would kill him. His weakened condition is another worry. I’ll leave it up to you.”

“What if you do make him vomit?” she asked.

“He’ll eventually die,” he answered. “You see he’s had so much of that poison in his system now for over a week. It’s been eating at him. In his weakened condition, he probably didn’t notice the symptoms until it was almost too late.”

“And if you don’t?” Tom asked again.

“He may die,” he answered. “Jarrod has endured a filthy room where he could have picked up any number of infections. He’s been deathly sick and he’s been told that he is under arrest.”

“You mean the arrest had something to do with this?” Tom asked.

“It didn’t help,” he answered. “He was very upset and that didn’t help him to be able to rest. He’s still very weak. I hate to be so blunt but there’s no easy way to tell you.”

Tom and Victoria looked at each other and their son.

“Do what is best,” Tom said and Victoria nodded.

The doctor nodded and went to work. He forced Jarrod to drink something that would induce vomiting. Then he waited until it started. It didn’t take very long. Jarrod’s throat threatened to close altogether but somehow he managed to expel. He was still unconscious but Tom, Victoria and Nick stayed by his side. They watched the effort it took for him to vomit and they wished there had been an easier way.

“Tom,” she said holding Jarrod’s head in her hands as he vomited, “he is in such agony.”

“I know,” he replied feeling for his son. “But he’s young and strong. He’ll be all right. We have to believe that.”

But Tom was also very worried. He could see the misery his son was in. He knew that Jarrod’s insides were raw and maybe even beyond healing.

“Son,” he said as he sat down beside his son, “I know this is difficult for you. But you have to try. If you don’t you will most likely die. If your mother or I could do this for you we would. But we can’t. Only you can. Try to fight. Please. Please.”

Jarrod continued to vomit most of that day. By midnight, he had stopped. His breathing was very labored and he was even paler that he had been the first time.

“He’s over the worst,” the doctor said. “Now I’ll give him something and then we’ll see what happens.”

“Is he hurt inside?” he asked wanting to know.

“I won’t know until I examine him again,” the doctor answered. “If he’s bleeding inside, there’s nothing I can do. You see all that vomiting could have ruptured his stomach or the lining.”

The doctor began his examination. The Barkley family sat and waited for the verdict. They each prayed a silent prayer that Jarrod would come through this. After what seemed like forever, the doctor finally stood up.

“Well?” Tom asked.

“He’s weak but he’s not bleeding,” he answered.

They breathed a sigh of relief.

“Then he will be all right?” she asked.

“He should if he gets plenty of rest,” he answered. “He may be unconscious for a few days as his body fights to repair the damage the poison has done.”

Tom nodded his head. They stayed close, talking to Jarrod and waiting.

Chapter Sixteen

Harry came by a few days later. He had the telegram from Adam Howard in his hand. Jarrod had still not come to but his color had improved and so had his breathing. His fever was down to a little over 100.

“Tom,” he said as he walked into the room, “here is the wire.”

“It’s about time,” Tom replied taking the paper from Harry. “Have you read it?”

“No,” he told them.

Tom read the wire and then looked up.

“Adam has been in Reno on business,” Tom said. “That’s why it took so long to get here. He only got back yesterday and when he read what had happened to Jarrod he went straight to the telegraph office.”

“What did he say about Winslow?” she asked.

“He said that he knew the name George Brenner,” Tom answered. “But that he had never met him or his brother.”

“Then he was lying,” Nick said nodding. “Jarrod was right about that.”

“Yes,” Tom replied continuing to read. “He said that Philip Brenner was involved in a scam in San Francisco a couple of years ago that netted him over $50,000. Adam said that after he received the information from the newspaper office, he knew he had to send it to us so we could help Jarrod. He was subsequently caught and sentenced to five years. But he only served two. Brenner met a man in San Quentin by the name of Tyler Gregg. Gregg had been a mastermind in a play to overthrow the president of Mexico years ago and was spending time in prison for that.”

“I remember reading about that,” Nick told them. “There was a big problem between the United States and Mexico over that.”

“Anyway,” Tom continued, “Brenner and Gregg concocted a way to ruin my reputation by framing Jarrod.”

“You?” she asked. “Why you?”

“It seems that these two were employees of one of the mines I had in Strawberry when the boys were young. You remember, I sold them when Jarrod was eight.”

Tom remembered what else happened around that time and tried not to let it bother him now. He had still not told his wife of his transgression then. He tried to get his mind back on the present and his son.

“They tried to steal a shipment of gold from one of the mines and were caught,” Tom said going on. “They blamed me for their bad luck and then set this plan into operation the minute they realized that I had a son who might be as prominent as me. The reason the names never hit me was because I didn’t have much time to spend at those mines back then. I was never around but I guess the management I had hired told the workers who owned the mine. And when these two were caught, I was the one that they blamed.”

“So that’s the reason,” she said. “Ruining Jarrod would eventually ruin you.”

“Yes,” he replied. “Harry, is this proof enough?”

“Yes,” Harry told them. “Jarrod is free.”

He removed the restraint and left with Preston.

“Now all we have to do is tell Jarrod,” Tom said smiling. “He’s got a reason to live now. He has his law career to worry about.”

“Do you think he’ll ever wake up?” Nick asked.

“Yes,” she answered. “But when he’s ready. And won’t he have good news waiting for him when he does?”

“Yes he will,” Tom said smiling. “This has been a nightmare.”

“But it’s finally over,” she replied.

Chapter Seventeen

That evening as the sun was setting, Jarrod opened his eyes. He was still very weak but he was alive and he was healing.

“Honey,” she said smiling at him, “welcome back.”

“Mother,” he replied but his voice was barely audible. “What happened?”

“We’ve got some good news,” she told him. “You’ve been very sick again but you’re on your way to getting better now.”

“What?” he asked. “I don’t understand what happened.”

“You are a free man,” Tom answered. “Adam cleared up everything. You still had some of that poison in your body and it seems that you were allergic to it. It almost killed you until the doctor made you vomit again.”

“How?” he asked.

Tom handed him the telegram. Jarrod tried to read it but his eyes refused to focus on the paper.

“Here,” she said, “I’ll read it to you.”

Victoria spent the next few minutes reading the wire to Jarrod. When she was finished, she looked at Jarrod. He had a smile on his face and he was so relieved.

“I’m glad it’s over,” he said. “I thought I was going to being spending time in jail.”

“So are we,” Tom replied. “Now you need to get well so you can get back to work.”

“Work?” he asked. “Who will hire me now?”

“That’s another surprise,” Tom answered. “Sally came by to see you.”

Tom moved over to reveal Sally sitting in a chair. She stood up smiling at her boss.

“I’m surprised you’re still having anything to do with me,” he said. “After all who would hire someone who almost went to prison.”

“Well,” she replied, “I know a man who cares about the law and others as deeply as you couldn’t be guilty. I know you sir.”

“I’m glad,” he told her smiling. “I knew you were special the first time I met you.”

“You’ll be happy to know that while you’ve been here,” she said looking at the family, “your office has been flooded with people who want to hire you as their lawyer.”

Jarrod just stared at her.

“Are you serious?” he asked shocked. “After everything that has happened.”

“Yes sir,” she answered. “I’m made appointments for the next two weeks provided you are able to come to the office to work. If not, I’ll just move them back.”

“I don’t know what to say,” he said. “This is wonderful.”

“It certainly is son,” Tom replied smiling. “You deserve this. You’ve worked hard for this and now it’s paying off.”

“Father,” he said, “I’m sorry if I did anything to ruin your reputation.”

“Hang my reputation,” Tom replied. “You are the one who could have been hurt. You are going to make a fine counselor at law.”

“I second that,” she replied smiling.

“And I agree,” Nick told him also smiling. “Remember you’re the one who always has his head stuck in a book.”

They all laughed at that.

Over the next few days, Jarrod healed and by the start of the next week, he was well enough to go home. He was pleased when he walked into his office two weeks later to the hustle and bustle of law work. Jarrod stayed very busy and seemed very happy.

THE END