A LAWYER AT THE CROSSROADS

by Janet

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

Prologue

The Barkley family arrived in Stockton from San Francisco where Jarrod had spent the past week in the hospital recovering from injuries he sustained in the explosion of Adam Howard’s office building, late in the evening. Jarrod was exhausted and could hardly hold his eyes open. He was still very weak and it would take time for his strength to return.

“I’m going to see Ted Baker at the general store to see if he can get us one of those chairs on wheels,” Tom said as he stood up after the train came to a stop. “You stay here with Jarrod until I get back. He looks like he’s worn out.”

“Tom,” she replied looking at her husband, “it’s awfully late to see Ted. Couldn’t you see him in the morning? We need to get him home so he can rest. It was a very long trip for him and I want him in bed as soon as possible.”

“I need to get Jarrod one of those chairs,” he told her as he walked toward the door. “And Ted at the general store is the only one here in Stockton who can get us one. It shouldn’t take too long and then we’ll head on home. I know it’s late but if I don’t see him soon, I don’t know how Jarrod is going to be able to get around without help.”

“All right,” she said as she stood up. “We’ll wait here until you return. It shouldn’t take too long.”

“No,” he replied heading out the door.

“Jarrod,” she told him as she sat down beside of him, “I know you’re tired. It won’t be long before we’ll be home and you can go to bed.”

Jarrod only nodded. Victoria could see that he was trying to stay awake.

“Honey,” she said putting her hand on his face, “you are a little hot. I hope you’re not coming down with an infection.”

“I don’t think so,” he replied but the effort it took for him to speak was almost more than he could handle.

“You lean your head on my shoulder,” she told him easing his head onto her right shoulder. “Now you close your eyes and rest until your father returns.”

Jarrod closed his tired eyes and Victoria covered him up with Nick’s help. They waited for Tom to return.

“Mother,” Nick asked after they had covered Jarrod up, “do you really think he’s come down with some kind of infection? I mean he just got out of the hospital for Christ’s sake.”

“I’m not sure,” she answered looking at Jarrod. “But I don’t like the looks of his face. He’s very warm and his face is turning red. We might have to get Dr. Merrar to have a look at him.”

“That’s not going to make Jarrod happy,” Nick said shaking his head. “He just spent a week in the hospital. I know he doesn’t want to have to stay in bed more than a day or two. He sure doesn’t want to see another doctor. I bet he’s so tired of seeing doctors that he would scream.”

“It might not,” she replied. “But if he does have an infection, we had best find out now before it can get any worse.”

“True,” Nick told her.

Tom immediately went to the general store to see Ted Baker, who ran the store, about getting Jarrod a chair on wheels.

“Tom,” he said as he unlocked and opened the door, “you’re out late. I just closed up a short time ago. Can it not wait till tomorrow? My wife and I were just about to sit down to dinner.”

“I need your help Ted,” Tom replied as he walked inside the store. “And no it can’t wait until tomorrow.”

“What can I do for you?” he asked as he gestured Tom over to a couple of chairs. “Come on in and sit down.”

“Well,” Tom answered as he sat down, “I need to get a chair on wheels for Jarrod for four weeks. He was injured and he can’t walk on his right leg. The doctor in San Francisco suggested that we get one for him to use. He’s lucky just to be alive.”

“I don’t have one in stock,” he said as he stood up walking over to the counter to check a catalog he had lying there. “But I’m sure I can get one in a couple of days. There’s not a large demand for these.”

“As soon as you can,” Tom replied standing and turning to leave. “Jarrod is already glad to be out of the hospital and when he finds out he will have to wait a couple of days to get up and move, he’s going to be annoyed.”

“I’ll order it first thing in the morning,” he told Tom. “By the way, what happened to Jarrod?”

“It’s a long story,” Tom said as he turned back to Ted. “I’ll tell you all about it when I pick up the chair.”

Ted nodded and Tom went back to the train but he made one other stop.

“Luke,” he said as he walked into the livery, “I need a buggy to go home to the ranch.”

“Yes sir Mr. Barkley,” Luke replied heading over to get one hitched up. “Right away.”

“Good,” he told Luke. “Have it brought to the train that just came in from San Francisco.”

“Yes sir,” Luck said as he went to work.

Tom left and went back to the train where the rest of the family waited.

“Ted said he would have to order one,” he said as he walked inside. “Son, you’re going to have to get along a few days without it.”

Jarrod looked at him and he wasn’t very happy. But one thing that bothered him was the fact that he was so tired all the time. He wanted to feel better. He wanted to get up on his feet and walk.

“Jarrod,” she said seeing that expression, “what did I tell you in the hospital? You do look a little bit better. I believe the fever has gone down some.”

“What fever,” Tom asked totally shocked. “Is Jarrod running a fever? Should I get Doc Merrar?”

“He was warm to the touch right after you left the train,” she answered. “But he seems to be a little bit better right now. I may have the doctor check him just to be sure. But I want to get him to the ranch first. He may just be tired from the long trip. He’s still very weak.”

“I don’t blame you,” Tom said looking at his son. “It’s by a miracle that Jarrod is even here among us today. He could have been killed.”

“To be patient and let my leg heal,” he replied looking at her. “But it’s not only the fact that I won’t have any way to move around. I want to walk. I don’t want to wait. I know I’m lucky but I’m not going to see another doctor. I’m tired of seeing doctors and being punched and prodded. I want to forget about what happened and go on. I have my career to think about.”

“Yes,” she told him smiling. “And if you have to wait a few days you will. We’ve been through this once. You’re going to have to be patient. Your leg has to heal. Is that understood? If we say you’re going to see a doctor young man, you will. Is that also understood?”

“Yes mother,” he said nodding. “I’m just glad to be home. I’m sorry for getting upset. But I want to be myself again. I don’t want to wait around for everything to get better.”

“That’s the spirit,” she replied smiling too. “It’s all right. But you will listen to the doctor as well as your father and me. Now let’s get you home.”

Tom and Nick carried Jarrod off the train and loaded him into the buggy.

“Jarrod,” Nick said as he helped carry his brother from the train to the buggy, “you’re going to have to go on a diet. You weigh a ton!”

“Very funny Nick,” he replied looking at his brother. “You know as well as I do that I haven’t gained an ounce. You’re just being sarcastic.”

“Maybe I am,” Nick told him smiling. “But I’m going to have more muscles if my arms don’t fall off first.”

“Nick,” he said looking at Nick with a straight face, “all you’re going to have is a fat lip if you don’t quit making jokes. I am not fat!”

“Who’s joking?” Nick asked trying to be serious but failing. “I mean it big brother. You aren’t light.”

“All right you two,” Tom said looking at his sons. “Let’s just get Jarrod home. There’ll be enough time to go on with your foolishness.”

“Right father,” Nick replied continuing to help carry Jarrod to the buggy.

The family rode to the ranch and along the way Jarrod spoke to his mother.

“Mother,” Jarrod asked as they rode,” would it be possible for me to sleep on the couch in the study while I’m recovering? If I have to stay in my room for a month I’m going to be crazy. I don’t want to be cut off from everything and everyone. Please. I won’t be able to go outside or anything. I’ll just sit there, watch everyone and be miserable.”

“Now Jarrod,” she answered looking at him, “I don’t think that is a very good idea. First, it’s much too narrow and you could fall off and damage your leg more. I think the best thing to do is put you in your bed and then maybe in a few days you can come down stairs.”

“I guess,” he said but she could see how disappointed he was. “I was just hoping. What am I going to do to stay busy?”

“I don’t know son,” Tom remarked looking at his wife. “Let me think on it and I’ll try to find you something to do.”

“I wish there was a way to keep Jarrod on the main floor of the house,” she replied looking at Tom and speaking low where Jarrod couldn’t hear her. “It is going to be hard to carry him up and down the stairs.”

“I don’t know what we could do to change that,” Tom told her also speaking low. “It won’t be for too long and he’ll be all right.”

“I guess you’re right,” she said nodding.

Silas met them at the door when they arrived at the ranch. He was smiling as he saw Jarrod.

“Welcome home Mr. Jarrod,” Silas said as they came inside. “I’ve missed you.”

“It’s good to be home Silas,” he replied smiling even though he was still tired and still had the slight fever. “I’m glad to be back. It’s been too long. I just wish it wasn’t on account of my leg.”

“I know what happened and I wanted to offer you my room until you’re back on your feet,” Silas told him. “Your father sent me a wire to expect you today and it went through my mind that you could use my room for the time being. That way you can move around and not have to stay cooped up in your room.”

“That’s very nice of you,” he said smiling. “What about it mother?”

“It’s up to you,” she replied looking at him. “If you stay down here, you can move all over the house. Silas, that’s very kind of you to give up your room. But it won’t be forever.”

“I’ll do it,” he told Silas. “And thanks.”

“I’m glad to do it,” Silas said as he helped the Barkleys get Jarrod settled in his new room. “I think the world of Mr. Jarrod and if this will help him then I don’t mind doing it.”

“In the meantime you can use my room,” he replied looking at Silas. “It’s the least I can do.”

“Thank you Mr. Jarrod,” Silas told him. “I would be happy to use your room.”

“Then it’s settled,” Tom said smiling.

Once Jarrod was lying in bed, his mother sat down beside of him.

“I think you should get some rest,” she said smiling. “You’ve had a long day and I know that you are tired.”

“I am,” he replied scooting down in bed. “Mother, I’m going to walk again. I promise you that.”

“I know you will,” she told him covering him up. “You just rest.”

He nodded and let his eyes close.

Chapter One

Jarrod still couldn’t walk and he was mad. It had been a week since he had come home. He slammed his right fist into his left palm as he sat in the chair on wheels that had arrived just a couple of days ago. He was sitting in the living room looking out the window at everyone else walking around doing their work. Victoria walked in from the kitchen where she had been going over the menu with Silas.

“Jarrod,” she said as she looked at her oldest son, “you can’t keep this up. Your body is healing as fast as it can. You know that you need to give yourself more time. I don’t want to see you acting like a little boy throwing a temper tantrum. You are a grown man. Do you want me to have to punish you for acting this way?”

“Mother,” he replied looking at her, “I don’t mean to get upset but I just want to walk again. Can’t you understand that?”

“Of course I can,” she told him trying to understand how he felt. “But you’re not giving yourself the time your body needs to heal. Remember that you were buried under a lot of debris. You are lucky to be alive.”

“Yes I know,” he said relaxing slightly. “I’m sorry mother. I guess I’m not thinking. I am reacting and I know better than that. I’ve had it drummed into my head since I was a young boy. I remember a couple of times it really got the best of me. I’ll try to be patient.”

“That’s my boy,” she replied smiling. “It won’t be too much longer. The doctor will be here to examine you in three weeks and then he can tell us what to expect. In the meantime, I want you to continue to take it easy and get plenty of rest.”

“I promise,” he told her smiling. “By the way, where is Nick? I haven’t seen him all day.”

“He’s out working with your father,” she said sitting down beside of him. “You know you should thank Silas for the use of his room. I think it was very kind of him to do that.”

“Yes it was,” he replied looking at her. “I’ll tell him again how much I appreciate what he did. I would like to go outside and sit if that’s all right.”

“I don’t see why not,” she told him standing up.

Victoria carefully rolled Jarrod’s chair out the front door onto the porch. Tom had made a small ramp to help the chair roll up the one step to the front door. He had still not mastered rolling it very well. She put him where he could see what was happening in the corral, the barn and the road to the house.

“I don’t want you to move from here until I or someone else in the family comes out to help you back inside,” she said looking at him. “I want your word Jarrod.”

“I won’t,” he replied looking at all that was happening on the ranch. “I can’t believe how much father and Nick have done here since I’ve been gone. I hope to be able to help them before I go back to work. I miss spending time with Nick.”

“Jarrod,” she said kneeling down in front of him, “about work, I don’t think you should go back. You can go ahead and set up your office here. There has been too much heartache since you first went to San Francisco to work for Adam. I would feel better if you agreed to stay here and work.”

He looked at her knowing that she was right but he didn’t feel right in abandoning Adam when he needed help the most.

“I just feel like I should give Adam the entire six months,” he said looking at her. “I believe he will be back in business soon and be in need of a partner like me. Please understand mother. I don’t want to hurt you but I owe Adam something for giving me a chance and for helping to save my life. I know that the explosion was meant to kill him.”

“I know you do,” she replied smiling. “You just concentrate on getting well right now. We can discuss the matter in more detail later on.”

“I will,” he told her smiling.

Victoria headed into the house leaving Jarrod to enjoy the outside. As Jarrod sat there, he became even more frustrated than he had been. He wanted to walk but he knew that he couldn’t at least for the present time. He prayed that he would be able to walk again soon.

Chapter Two

Tom walked into the house through the seldom-used back door late that afternoon. He was hot and tired but he wanted to see how Jarrod was doing. He knew that his son was still having a hard time dealing with the fact that he had to sit in that chair when he would rather be up walking. He was concerned that Jarrod might be depressed and he didn’t want him to do something that he would later regret. He looked around for his wife and his son.

“Victoria!” he called as he walked into the house. “Jarrod!”

Victoria walked out of the dining room where she had been polishing the silver after hearing her husband’s voice. She thought that cleaning the silver would help her deal with the fact that Jarrod had been very moody today and she was worried that he might do something to jeopardize his chances of walking. She didn’t want to hover over him all the time showing that she didn’t trust him not to try to put weight on that right leg and ruin all the hard work the doctor had done in San Francisco.

“I’m right here Tom,” she said as she walked up to him. “Jarrod is sitting on the front porch. I wish you would talk to him. He is so frustrated and angry. I tried to tell him to take it easy so he can heal but I don’t think he listened to me. Right now he is very unsure of what his future is. I even suggested that he don’t go back to San Francisco to work for Adam any longer but he refused.”

“I can understand how he feels,” he replied looking down at her. “Didn’t you tell him that he needed time to heal? Didn’t you tell him that he would one day walk again?”

“Of course,” she told him getting a little angry with her husband. “But he is trying to wait. I can tell that he wants to walk right now. He is getting angry because he can’t and I’m afraid that he will do something that he will later regret.”

“I’ll talk to him,” he said heading for the front porch.

“I just hope he’ll listen to you,” she replied as she watched her husband leave.

Jarrod looked around. He didn’t see anyone looking at him. So he made up his mind. He didn’t care that it had only been a little over a week since he had come home. He put his feet on the floor and pushed up with his arms. He stood on very wobbly legs and before he could try walking, he heard that familiar voice. He knew he was in trouble.

“Jarrod!” Tom called seeing his son trying to walk. “What are you doing?”

Jarrod jumped at Tom’s voice causing him to loose his balance. Tom seeing his son starting to pitch forward rushed to him in time to catch him. He eased Jarrod back into the chair.

“What are you trying to do?” he asked very angry. “You know better than to try this now. Do you want to spend the rest of your life in that chair? Is that what you want? You realize that your mother and I would have to tend to you day and night because you wouldn’t listen to reason.”

“I’m sorry,” Jarrod answered looking very sad. “I just thought...”

“You could have done serious damage to that hip young man,” he said not letting Jarrod finish his sentence. “I am very surprised at you. Come on.”

Tom pushed Jarrod into the house. When Victoria saw them, she knew something was wrong. She hoped it wasn’t what she feared it was.

“What happened?” she asked seeing Jarrod’s face. “I could hear you yelling in here. What did he do?”

“Your level-headed son just tried something very stupid,” he answered still showing his anger. “He tried to stand up and walk. I don’t understand what made him do it. It’s like he wants to sit in that chair for the rest of his life. Maybe he’s just given up. I don’t know any more. I’m very surprised at him.”

“Jarrod,” she said very shocked, “you didn’t. I thought we had agreed to give yourself time. It’s not even been two weeks yet and the doctor told you it would be at least four if not longer.”

“As I sat there looking at the hands walking,” he replied trying to explain, “I just thought I should try. You don’t understand how I feel. You can walk. I have to sit day in and day out in this chair. It’s not fair. God, it’s not fair!”

“You heard what the doctor said,” Tom told him still very angry. “He said it would take a good month if not longer. Do you realize what might have happened?”

“Yes sir,” he replied not looking at his father. “I guess I reacted again instead of thinking. But I want to walk.”

“Jarrod,” Tom told him looking at his son, “you are not considering everything. If you try too soon, you can ruin everything the doctor has done to help you. Is that what you want to do?”

“No,” he said finally looking up at Tom trying not to cry. “I’m sorry father. I’m just in a hurry I guess.”

“Let me ask you something,” Tom replied choosing the right words. “Do you think you can practice law from that chair? Do you think you can do what you want to do from that chair?”

Jarrod thought about the question.

“Jarrod,” she said looking at her son, “your father is only thinking about your future.”

“I know that mother,” he replied understanding. “And to answer your question father, the answer is no.”

“All right,” Tom told him smiling for the first time. “Why don’t we start over and you take the time to heal before you try walking? I love you son and I want you to get well. I’m sorry that I yelled at you. You’re right. I don’t know how you feel. But I do know that you are going to walk again.”

“Yes sir,” he said smiling too. “I was just frustrated and I let it get the better of me. Maybe I should stay busy and keep my mind off of my leg. But I don’t know what to do.”

“I may know how to keep your mind occupied,” Tom replied deciding this would be the perfect time for Jarrod to help him.

“How?” he asked intrigued.

“Well,” Tom answered smiling as he looked at his son, “as you know there are expenses to running a ranch. I was hoping that you would take the time to go over the books for me. I’ve been so busy lately and I need someone to add sales and buys. I need you Jarrod.”

“Really?” he asked perking up. “Nick and I did say we wanted to run the ranch together. He would do the hard work and I would handle the finances.”

“Yes,” Tom answered knowing he had accomplished what he wanted. “You can use my desk in the study and by the time you’re finished it should be fairly close to time for the doctor.”

Jarrod sat there a moment before he said anything.

“I’d like a chance to try sir,” he said at last. “I want to learn everything there is to keeping the finances of the ranch going. I may not do everything right. But I’m willing to try.”

“You’ve got it,” Tom replied kneeling down in front of his son. “We’re going to get through this son. You have to believe that. And I’m going to be there with you every step of the way.”

“I do,” he told his father. “And I promise to give myself the time I need to heal.”

Tom hugged his son and Jarrod returned the hug. Victoria looked on with a smile on her face. Jarrod had made it over the first hurdle.

Chapter Three

In San Francisco, Dan Scott sat in his office looking like he had just lost his best friend.

“Dan,” Inspector Frank Wiseman said looking at his friend, “you’re going to have to arrest him. There’s no other way. The evidence is lying there on your desk. You can’t let your friendship with him stop you from doing your job.”

“I don’t believe he would kill Ron Coble,” he replied looking at his fellow officer. “It’s just not in his make up. He’s a descent man.”

“He hated the man after what happened to his office and his partner,” Frank told him. “He has a motive. He had opportunity. And we have the murder weapon.”

“Sure he hated the man,” he said looking angry. “Coble tried to kill his secretary and his partner. Now, I have to go and arrest him. I know that he didn’t do it.”

“I know how you feel Dan,” Frank replied looking at Dan. “But you’re a police officer and you swore to uphold the law.”

“Yes I did,” he told Frank. “I’ll do it. It might be easier with me. At least I hope so.”

Frank nodded as Dan walked out of his office. Frank knew how hard it was on Dan but it had to be this way until someone could prove that Adam Howard was innocent.

Sitting in his study at home, Adam was restless. He was worried about Jarrod. He hadn’t heard a word from him since the Barkleys headed back to the ranch almost two weeks ago. He desperately needed to know how the young man was but he didn’t want to push. He had realized when they left that Tom and Nick were not too happy with him and he really couldn’t blame them. In a way this whole situation was his fault.

“Adam,” Cora, his lovely wife, said as she opened his study door interrupting his thoughts, “Dan Scott is here to see you.”

“Show him in,” he replied standing up.

Dan Scott walked into the room but he wasn’t smiling.

“Dan,” he asked looking at his friend, “what’s the matter? You look like you’re here to tell me someone I know is dead.”

“Adam,” Dan answered looking at Adam, “there’s no easy way to do this. It’s a whole lot worse than that.”

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

“Adam,” Dan answered steeling himself, “I’m sorry to be the one to do this. But you are under arrest for the murder of Ron Coble.”

“What!” he cried not believing what was happening. “You can’t be serious. I didn’t even know the man was dead.”

“I am,” Dan said looking at Adam. “Coble was shot almost a week ago but we didn’t find his body till the day before yesterday. Your gun was beside of the body.”

“How do you know it was my gun?” he asked still unable to believe any of this.

“I recognized it when I saw it,” Dan answered shaking his head. “Adam, you’re going to have to come with me.”

“My lawyer is in Stockton recovering from the explosion,” he said shaking his head. “I’ll have to wire Jarrod to come here as soon as he can. I still don’t believe this.”

“If there was any other way,” Dan replied as he escorted Adam out of the study.

“Adam,” she asked as she saw her husband and Dan Scott come out, “where are you going?”

“Cora,” he answered very quietly, “I’m afraid I won’t be home for dinner this evening.”

“What?” she asked completely baffled.

“I’m under arrest for the murder of Ron Coble,” he answered looking at her. “I’m not guilty but Dan has no alternative but to arrest me. I did have a motive and opportunity.”

“I can’t believe this,” she said looking at her husband. “And your lawyer is injured in Stockton. He’s got to be told Adam. You need legal help.”

“Go to the telegraph office and send a wire to Jarrod,” he replied as he walked toward the front door. “Tell him what has happened and that I need help.”

“I will,” she told him as she watched him and Dan leave.

Cora picked up a shawl, wrapped it tightly around her shoulders and went to send a telegram to Jarrod.

Chapter Four

Tom rode into Stockton to pick up some supplies that afternoon. He was so relieved that Jarrod would now have something to occupy his time. He knew just how angry and frustrated Jarrod had become and he wanted his son to have the time he needed to heal. He was coming out of the general store when he ran into Harry Lyman, the sheriff.

“Tom,” Harry said as he stopped in front of Tom, “I’m glad I ran into you. I received a message that a telegram arrived for Jarrod. The operator wanted to make sure whether or not you wanted him to give it to Jarrod.”

“No,” he replied looking at Harry. “Jarrod is in no condition to do any work at this time. He’s still recovering from that explosion. I don’t want him to get it. At least not right now.”

“Tom,” Harry told him, “he told me that it was from a fellow named Howard.”

“That’s Jarrod’s partner in San Francisco,” he said shaking his head. “I hope he doesn’t expect Jarrod to return this early. He’s in no shape to go to San Francisco especially now to see Howard. It’s Howard’s fault that Jarrod’s in the condition he’s in. I should never have allowed Jarrod to start working for Howard in the first place. He’s done nothing but let my son be injured.”

“I don’t know what’s inside,” Harry replied looking closely at Tom, “but he did say it was important. I don’t know exactly what you are talking about but you can’t blame him. The man didn’t know a man from his past would try to kill him and hurt Jarrod. You’re too emotional right now. Take some time and calm down before you deal with this Howard. Tom, just how is Jarrod?”

“I’ll go by the telegraph office and pick it up,” he told Harry and he turned heading for the telegraph office. “Thanks for telling me. Jarrod is having a hard time. I frankly don’t know if he or I will make it another week and a half. He’s already tried to walk but it’s too soon. Thanks for listening too Harry. You are a good friend.”

“Any time,” Harry said. “Tom, do you think Jarrod will ever walk again? Anytime I can help. Just remember to be patient with Jarrod. You have a short temper. Don’t let it explode on that young man.”

“I don’t know anymore,” he replied looking at the ground. “I try to be positive for Jarrod but I don’t know if he believes me. I don’t know if I can do this any longer. It’s so hard to watch him sitting in that chair everyday, wondering if he will ever be able to walk again. I know for a fact that he is angry and upset. I’ve tried to occupy his mind and hopefully that will help. I will Harry.”

“Tom,” Harry told him, “I think you should be honest with Jarrod. He’s a grown man. He can understand.”

“I know he can understand,” he said looking at Harry. “But I don’t know how he will react. He may give up completely.”

“Now that doesn’t sound like Jarrod,” Harry replied remembering the two-year old boy he met for the first time. “Jarrod is level-headed. I’m sure he will be able to deal with what has happened to him.”

“Maybe you’re right,” he told Harry smiling. “I’ll do it.”

“I’m glad I could help,” Harry said as he walked away from Tom.

Tom thought about what Harry had said. He knew that Jarrod had to be told the truth. And he decided he would talk to his son as soon as he returned to the ranch. Tom walked inside the telegraph office and saw Mark Edwards sitting behind the telegraph. Mark looked up as Tom entered.

“Mr. Barkley,” Mark said as he stood up walking over to the counter, “I have been looking for you.”

“Harry told me that you have a telegram for Jarrod,” he replied walking over to the counter. “I wanted to pick it up to give to Jarrod.”

“Sure thing,” Mark told him as he walked back to his desk to get the wire. “It sounded very important.”

“I’m sure it is,” he said taking the piece of paper from Mark. “I’ll see that Jarrod gets it.”

“Yes sir,” Mark replied as he sat down behind the telegraph. “I didn’t know whether you wanted me to deliver it or not.”

“I was in town and I’ll be happy to take it out to him,” he told Mark.

Tom left and when he was sitting in the wagon, he pulled the paper from his pocket. It read:

Jarrod,

Adam has been arrested for murder. Please come at once. He needs your help.

Cora Howard

Tom couldn’t believe what he had just read. He decided not to tell Jarrod about this right away. Tom knew his son and he knew that Jarrod would try desperately to go to San Francisco whether he was able or not. Tom headed for the ranch.

“Mother,” Jarrod said as he sat behind his father’s desk in the study, “I may have bit off more than I can chew. I never realized that there was so much involved in running and maintaining a ranch. I don’t see how father does it.”

“Jarrod,” she replied sitting on the couch looking up from her reading, “your father is a very talented man. He’s built this ranch up from the bottom into a respectful business. It’s bound to have its share of ups and downs.”

“I know that,” he told her shaking his head. “Maybe I’m not cut out to handle the financial side to running this ranch. Maybe I should stick to law. In fact, maybe I’m not capable of doing anything at all. Maybe I should just lock myself in my room and feel sorry for myself.”

“Honey,” she said as she walked over to him, “you’re not giving yourself enough time. You have to deal with a lot right now. You need to sit down and think about your life. If you do decide to give up law, your father and I will understand. But you’re the one who has to decide. This is a lot for you to deal with and maybe your father shouldn’t have asked you to help him with the ranch.”

“I hope so,” he replied lowering his face to his work. “But it certainly isn’t easy. As far as a career, I don’t know any more. If I have to spend the rest of my life sitting in this chair I don’t know what I will do. I’m just very confused right now.”

“Life seldom is,” she told him as she sat back down to continue her reading. “That’s why you have to go out there and grab what you can. Even if that means that you have to try harder. I’m sure with time you will get the hang of it and do fine. And when you are better you can decide what you want to do with the rest of your life.”

“I do hope I can,” he said shaking his head.

Victoria heard the wagon realizing that her husband was home.

“I hear your father,” she said as she started for the door. “I’ll go give him a hand.”

“All right,” he replied continuing to work.

When Victoria walked out to the corral and barn, she could tell something was bothering Tom.

“What’s wrong Tom?” she asked as she stopped in front of him. “I can tell something is on your mind.”

“Read this,” he answered handing her the telegram.

Victoria took the paper reading it. When she looked up she was very concerned.

“Adam’s been arrested?” she asked still not believing. “Tom, we can’t show him this. He’ll want to go to San Francisco to help Adam. He can’t even walk yet. And he’s still having a hard time coming to grips with his situation.”

“Don’t you think I know that?” he answered with more force than he meant. “If I hadn’t run into Harry, Jarrod might have gotten this wire. Can you imagine what would have happened then?”

“Tom,” she said looking at him, “we can’t keep this from him for long. He’s bound to become suspicious. And Adam might try to contact him again.”

“I tell you what,” he replied thinking. “Let’s not tell him for at least a week. Maybe at the end of that week, he’ll be ready to read it and wait until after the doctor comes to see how he’s progressing.”

“I agree,” she told him. “Where are you going to put it?”

“I’ll put it up where he won’t find it,” he said smiling. “How is he doing?”

“Jarrod said he’s in over his head,” she replied shaking her head. “He doesn’t think he’ll be able to keep the books for you. In fact, he doesn’t think he even has a future any more. I’m frankly worried about him.”

“I know he can do it,” he told her. “What’s the problem?”

“I think you should ask him that,” she said starting to walk toward the house. “He’s in the study.”

“I’ll talk to him,” he replied as he followed her.

Chapter Five

A preliminary hearing had been set for a week from Friday. Adam Howard remained in jail because his lawyer had not appeared to see about setting bail.

“Adam,” Dan Scott said as he stood before the cell door, “Jarrod has not contacted you at all and it’s been almost a week. I think you should consider getting another attorney.”

“I can’t,” he replied as he looked at his friend. “Jarrod is my attorney and that’s the end of it.”

“But how long are you going to wait in here until he decides to show up?” Dan asked looking at Adam. “I know the judge would grant bail if you had an attorney that cared.”

“Don’t go there Dan,” he answered trying to control his temper. “I’m putting my trust in Jarrod Barkley and no one is going to tell me different.”

“Suit yourself,” Dan said as he turned to leave. “But I think you’re making a big mistake.”

Adam sat down on his small cot putting his face into his hands.

“Adam,” she said as she stood before the locked cell door, “you look terrible.”

“Cora,” he replied as he stood up and walked to the bars, “I’m happy to see you. I wish it were a different situation though.”

“Adam,” she told him, “Dan said that Jarrod hasn’t come yet. How long are you going to wait sitting in here?”

“You don’t understand,” he said trying to smile. “I know Jarrod will be here. I know the boy and he won’t let me down. He’ll be here.”

“When?” she asked looking angry. “You realize you’re in here for murder. They will put you in prison for the rest of your life.”

“If they don’t hang me first,” he answered. “I know you’re worried and so am I. But I won’t abandon Jarrod. He’ll be here. I know he will.”

“I hope you’re right,” she said looking at him. “Is there anything you need?”

“As a matter of fact,” he replied putting his hand through the bars to hold her hand, “there is something you can do.”

“Wire Jarrod again,” she told him before he could finish.

“Please,” he said smiling slightly.

“All right,” she replied smiling at him. “I hope it works this time.”

“So do I,” he told her as she left.

Adam sat down again on the cot.

“Please Jarrod I need you,” he said to himself.

Chapter Six

Jarrod was hard at work and didn’t hear his father come into the study.

“Jarrod,” Tom said as he walked inside.

“Father,” he replied as he looked up from his work, “I didn’t hear you come in.”

“Your mother seems to think that you can’t handle this,” Tom told his son. “She said that I might have made a mistake asking you to do this.”

“Well,” he said trying to decide the best way to tell his father.

“Son,” Tom replied as he pulled up a chair and sat down, “the reason I gave you this responsibility is because when you were a young boy you showed an interest in the ranch. You told me that you would never be the rancher I thought you were but that you wanted to be a valuable part of this ranch. Jarrod, I know that you are an attorney by trade but your brother Nick is not a businessman. He needs help to keep everything going after I’m gone. It would make me the happiest man alive to see my two sons running this ranch together.”

Jarrod just sat there quietly after Tom had stopped talking.

“I don’t know what to say sir,” he said looking down. “I never thought about it that way. Nick and I would love to do this together but I don’t know if I can. I can’t think anymore or concentrate. All I see is the fact that I can’t walk and probably never will.”

“Hold it right there,” Tom replied looking at his son. “First, you are going to get well. You are going to walk. I’ve never been around a Barkley who gave up so quickly. Why just before we came home from the hospital you told me that you would walk. Are you going back on your word?”

“I don’t know,” he told his father trying to hold his emotions in check. “I’m so confused and I just don’t know.”

Tom stood up, moved over in front of Jarrod and knelt down. He looked right into Jarrod’s piercing blue eyes.

“Son,” Tom said as he looked at Jarrod’s face, “you’re not alone in this. You have your mother, Nick, Gene, Adam, and me to help you deal with this. I’m going to tell you something I’ve never told anyone before. Let it out son. Let it all out. We can deal with this together.”

Jarrod couldn’t look at Tom. The tears started to fall down his face and he buried his face in his hands. Tom held him close trying to help him deal with what had happened to him. Victoria walked in and was immediately concerned.

“What’s wrong?” she asked as she walked inside. “Has something happened to Jarrod? Is he sick?”

“It’s all right,” Tom answered looking at her. “Jarrod is just dealing with his frustration and his anxiety. He'll be all right.”

She watched as Tom held his son tightly. After a few minutes Jarrod looked up.

“Father,” he said looking at Tom, “I’m not going to give up no matter how hard it is. I am going to walk. I promise.”

“I know you’re going to try,” Tom replied smiling. “Would you like some help?”

“Yes,” he told his father. “I’m not sure how you figured some of the items.”

“Here,” Tom said pulling his chair over beside his son, “let me show you.”

Father and son worked for the remainder of the afternoon together. Victoria watched as her husband and son became even closer. This ranch was going to be a family owned affair. And she was happy that it was.

In Stockton, Mark had received a second telegram for Jarrod. He immediately left the telegraph office riding out to the Barkley Ranch. He knocked on the front door. Silas opened the door.

“May I help you?” Silas asked as he addressed Mark.

“Would you please give this telegram to Jarrod Barkley,” he answered handing Silas the paper. “It’s very important that he gets it.”

“I’ll see that Mr. Jarrod gets it,” Silas said as he closed the door.

He immediately walked into the study.

“Yes Silas,” Tom said as he looked up from where he sat at the desk with Jarrod.

“This telegram arrived for Mr. Jarrod,” Silas replied handing the paper to Jarrod before Tom could intercept it.

“Thanks Silas,” he replied taking the paper, opening it and reading it.

Jarrod’s face became a mask of anger.

“They can’t be serious,” he said as he looked up. “Adam wouldn’t kill anyone. I know he wouldn’t.”

“Son,” Tom replied trying to stop Jarrod from doing something he would later regret, “I don’t want you to go to San Francisco. You’re not ready. You still have another week yet before the doctor comes.”

“You want me to leave Adam in jail just because I can’t walk,” he told his father. “I can’t do that. Adam needs me so I have to go.”

“I can’t let you son,” Tom said becoming forceful with Jarrod. “I refuse to allow you to go to San Francisco in your current condition.”

Jarrod thought about the situation. There was no way that Tom was going to let him go. So he would have to sneak out of the house and go.

“All right,” he said giving in for the moment. “But I will defend Adam.”

“When you’re stronger son,” Tom replied smiling at Jarrod. “It’s not that I don’t believe that you can free Adam. It’s that you’re still recovering from the explosion. You need more time.”

“Yes sir,” he told his father. “Do you mind if I go to my room? I’m kind of tired.”

“Sure,” Tom said standing up. “We can do this later.”

Jarrod rolled himself to Silas’ room, which he was using for the time being. He pulled out a small suitcase, threw a few clothes in it that his mother had brought down from his room and went out the door. He looked around but didn’t see anyone so he eased out of the front door. When he rolled up to the barn, which he had some trouble with because of the fine dirt, he saw Dennis Brody coming out of the barn.

“Dennis,” he asked as he rolled to a stop in front of the hand, “would you hitch up the buggy for me?”

“Does Mr. Tom know you’re out here?” Brody asked looking at Jarrod. “I don’t want him to get mad at me because I did something I wasn’t supposed to.”

“Yes he does,” he answered even if it was a lie. “He told me I could go for a ride in the buggy as long as I had some help.”

“All right,” Brody said as he went back inside the barn to hitch up the buggy.

After a short wait and Brody’s help, Jarrod was on his way to Stockton and the train. He knew what he had to do.

Chapter Seven

Tom finished up the books and stood up. He was thrilled that Jarrod had agreed to take over the day to day finances of the ranch but he was also very worried that Jarrod would try to do something stupid and hurt himself.

“Victoria,” he said as he walked out of the study, “I was looking for Jarrod.”

“He went to his room,” she replied looking at him. “Why? Something wrong?”

“Yes,” he told her shaking his head. “Jarrod knows about Adam. Mark brought a second telegram by and before I could get a hold of it, Silas handed it to Jarrod. He’s bound and determined to go to San Francisco.”

“Tom,” she said looking at him, “we can’t let him go. He’s still a very sick boy.”

“I know that,” he replied shaking his head. “I’ve already told him that he can’t go. But I have a feeling that he may have already done something he will regret possibly for the rest of his life.”

“You don’t think he would try to go to San Francisco on his own do you?” she asked becoming more worried.

“I don’t know,” he answered looking at her. “But I wouldn’t put it past him. You should have seen him in the study. Worry was written all over his face. So to answer your question, I would say that he would.”

“Tom,” she said frantic, “we have to find him. He’s not got his medicine and without it, he’ll be sick.”

“I know,” he replied turning to go to Silas’ room. “I’ll go see if he went to his room.”

“I’ll go with you,” she told him following him.

The minute they walked into the room, they knew their suspicions were justified. The small suitcase that was sitting beside the door was gone as well as the few clothes Jarrod had.

“Tom,” she said looking at him, “you have to find him. You have to. He’s going to be deathly sick.”

“I will,” he replied turning to leave. “You catch the first train out of Stockton to San Francisco. Nick and I will try to board the one Jarrod is on. We’ll find him and take him on to the hospital.”

“That’s a good idea,” she told him. “Without his medication he’s probably going to be pretty sick.”

“You meet us there as soon as you arrive,” he said as he headed out the door.

Victoria hurried up stairs to pack some clothes and then headed out the door.

Tom found Nick coming out of the barn.

“Father,” Nick asked as he came to a stop, “is something wrong? You look worried.”

“Your brother has done something very stupid,” he answered shaking his head. “He’s took off to San Francisco.”

“Why on earth would he do that?” Nick asked not understanding.

“When I was in town this morning,” he answered, “Harry told me that Mark from the telegraph office was looking for Jarrod. He had a very important telegram for Jarrod.”

“What?” Nick asked knowing that his father was worried about Jarrod.

“Adam has been arrested for murder,” he answered looking at Nick. “He wants Jarrod to defend him.”

“I can see why,” Nick said smiling. “He is the best lawyer in the world.”

“That’s beside the point son,” he replied shaking his head. “He doesn’t have his medicine with him.”

“Oh no,” Nick told him realizing just how sick Jarrod could become. “How are you going to get to him?”

“I am going to try to board that train,” he said looking at Nick. “By horse.”

“You want some company?” Nick asked.

“I was hoping you would want to accompany me,” he answered nodding at Nick. “Let’s go. We need to get to that train.”

“You bet,” Nick said as he and Tom saddled up riding off.

Victoria packed a suitcase and left the ranch. She wanted to be with her son who she felt would need her very soon.

Chapter Eight

Jarrod arrived in Stockton and he pulled up in front of the train station. He didn’t know how he was going to get on board the train. He didn’t bring his chair on wheels with him. When he didn’t see anyone around, he made a choice. He eased down out of the buggy onto his left leg. Then he grabbed hold of the hitching post to help him stand. Next he reached for the porch post and eased himself up on the sidewalk. Jarrod hobbled to the door of the station where Doug Martin, a fellow passenger who was working for the man responsible for framing Adam for murder, noticed the trouble Jarrod was having. He helped Jarrod inside to a chair.

“Thanks,” he said slightly out of breath. “I’m not supposed to put any weight on my right leg yet. It’s not easy walking on one leg.”

“Then why on earth are you traveling on the train?” Doug asked trying to be convincing as a fellow passenger. “I mean shouldn’t you be at home in bed or something.”

The truth was that Doug was sent to Stockton to monitor Jarrod’s activities. If Jarrod tried to come to San Francisco, Doug was to let his employer know so that he could be dealt with.

“I have to go to San Francisco to see a client,” he answered smiling. “It’s a very important case.”

“Are you an attorney?” Doug asked knowing full well that Jarrod was a lawyer.

“Yes sir,” he answered nodding. “I have a partner in San Francisco. He’s the one I’m going to see.”

“He’s your client?” Doug asked trying to learn as much as he could.

“Yes sir,” he answered looking at the man. “Why are you so interested?”

“No particular reason,” Doug said turning away from Jarrod.

“Jarrod,” Ben the ticket agent said before Jarrod could get suspicious of the man, “I know you want to use your private car.”

“Yes,” he replied smiling at Ben. “I’m in a hurry too. When is the next train due in?”

“You’re in luck,” Ben told him. “Next train is supposed to be here in ten minutes.”

“Great,” he said smiling. “I need a ticket for San Francisco.”

“One ticket coming up,” Ben replied smiling. “By the way, you getting better.”

“Yes,” he told Ben nodding. “But it’s slow. I wish I could walk normally.”

“You will,” Ben said looking at Jarrod.

“My predicament is going to be a problem in helping Adam,” he replied shaking his head. “I just hope I can do a good job.”

“You know that you can,” Ben told him smiling. “You’re the best lawyer in this state and don’t you forget it.”

“Thanks for the compliment,” he said turning to maneuver out to the train.

Ben watched as Jarrod tried to stand only to be forced back down in his seat.

“Jarrod,” Ben said as he walked over to Jarrod, “let me help you onto the train. You’re going to be late.”

“Thanks for the help,” he replied as Ben helped him stand.

Ben finally got Jarrod situated on the train.

“Thanks for your help,” he said smiling at Ben. “I’ll be fine now.”

Ben nodded and left the train. Doug Martin noticed that Jarrod had to be helped onto the train. He knew that Jarrod could be easily taken care of when the time was right. For now he would wait and watch.

Jarrod tried to get comfortable but he couldn’t. He also noticed that his leg had begun to throb. Then he remembered in his haste to leave the ranch, he had forgotten about his medication the doctor had prescribed. He knew it was too late to turn back so he decided to deal with the discomfort until he could talk to the doctor.

“Mr. Barkley,” Franklin, a middle-aged black man asked as he walked into the car, “is there anything I can get for you?”

Jarrod didn’t answer because he was beginning to feel pretty rough. His head ached as well as his ribs and leg. He grimaced as a wave of pain hit him. Franklin was quickly at his side.

“Are you all right?” Franklin asked very concerned about Jarrod. “Maybe you should lie down.”

Jarrod didn’t answer and Franklin lowered him gently to the seat. When Jarrod was flat, he looked up at Franklin seeing his father’s face.

“I’m sorry father,” he said to Tom. “I know I shouldn’t have left but I have to help Adam.”

“Mr. Barkley,” Franklin replied looking closely at Jarrod, “I’m not your father. It’s Franklin. You’re on board the train headed for San Francisco.”

Franklin noticed that Jarrod’s face appeared to be flushed. He knew that something was wrong with Jarrod.

“You stay here and I’ll get some help,” Franklin said as he stood up and left the car.

Jarrod laid there. He was so sick. He couldn’t think nor could he respond. All he could do was hope that someone would help him and soon.

Chapter Nine

“How much of a head start did the train have father?” Nick asked when his father mounted up after leaving the train station.

“It left about thirty minutes ago,” he answered looking at his son. “I think we can catch it at Fries Junction. Let’s ride.”

The two men rode as fast as their two horses would carry them. Tom was worried about Jarrod. He knew that without his medicine, Jarrod would be miserable.

“We have to hurry,” he said as they rode. “Jarrod was supposed to take his medicine two hours ago.”

“He’ll be in pain,” Nick replied as he thought about the situation. “Do you think anything else will be wrong?”

“I have no idea,” he told his son. “Your brother was still recovering from that blamed explosion. I wish he had never seen that telegram. Why did Adam have to send it? Why did Adam have to be arrested now?”

“You know Jarrod father,” Nick said smiling at the thought. “He’s not going to let someone go to prison if he can clear him. Even I know that Adam is not a murderer. Look at the way he helped to find Jarrod after the building collapsed.”

“Yes,” he replied nodding. “Adam is no murderer. I just wish your brother had waited until he was better before trying to go to San Francisco to help Adam. I’m worried about his life.”

“Do you really think that missing his medicine will be life threatening?” Nick asked wondering. “I mean he’s a tough Barkley.”

“I don’t know son,” he answered. “What I do know is that Jarrod can’t walk and he could do more damage to his leg. He won’t wait until he’s better to do this.”

“That’s true I suppose,” Nick said understanding. “But Jarrod is level-headed. He won’t do anything to jeopardize his chances of walking.”

“He already has,” he replied shaking his head. “By putting any amount of weight on that leg could damage it beyond repair. We need to reach him so we can get him to help before anything else can happen.”

Nick nodded and they rode on.

Victoria was unable to catch a train until late in the afternoon.

“Ben,” she asked as she stood in the train station, “are you sure that’s the earliest train to San Francisco? Jarrod needs me and I have to go to him.”

“I’m sorry Mrs. Barkley,” he answered looking at her. “That train won’t get in here until five. By the way, I helped him to board that train. He looked a little flushed in the face.”

“I’ll just wait,” she said sitting down in a chair. “I was afraid of that.”

As she sat there, she thought about her son. Jarrod would no doubt be in discomfort by now because he hadn’t had his medication. She was very worried about his well fare.

“Mrs. Barkley,” Ben said as he interrupted her thoughts, “I just thought of something quite odd.”

“What?” she asked not completely understanding what he was trying to say.

“There was a man in here when Jarrod came in,” he answered trying to remember what had happened earlier. “He was quite nosey asking Jarrod all kind of questions. It just made me wonder the reason he wanted to know.”

“Are you saying that you believe this man was out to harm Jarrod?” she asked becoming quite concerned for her son.

“I’m not sure,” he answered. “But something about him didn’t set too well with me. First, he was too inquisitive. Second, he acted as if he was watching Jarrod’s every move.”

“Do you remember anything about the man?” she asked. “Anything you can remember will be a big help in finding Jarrod.”

“Martin,” he answered trying to remember the name. “Doug Martin. He was a tall man with dark hair. He’d been in town for a couple of days.”

“I see,” she said looking at him. “I’ll tell Tom when I see him about the man.”

“Where is Tom?” he asked changing the subject. “Isn’t he going along with you?”

“He and Nick are on their way to the train Jarrod is on,” she answered hoping that they would get to Jarrod in time. “Tom didn’t want to wait till the train came. He and Nick are going to board the train by horse.”

“That’s going to be dangerous,” he said shaking his head. “I don’t envy them the task.”

“With Jarrod as ill as he is,” she replied, “he’s going to need help and if Tom can get to him first then he can help Jarrod.”

“I sure hope he can,” he told her.

She nodded and continued to wait.

Jarrod was now unconscious. He was burning up with a fever and his breathing was very labored. Franklin came in several times to see how Jarrod was but he doubted that Jarrod would survive. Only a miracle could save him.

Chapter Ten

Tom caught sight of the train coming out of Fries Junction. He pointed to it.

“There it is,” he said as they rode. “Do you think you can board it?”

“Sure father,” Nick replied smiling. “I was made for this.”

The two of them rode as fast as they could for the train. Tom was riding as if his life depended on making it to that train. And in a way it did. He finally pulled up along side the back platform of the last car. He reached out with his right hand and grabbed the railing pulling himself off his horse and onto the train. He turned to see Nick coming up along side. He also reached out grabbing a hold of the railing pulling himself onto the train. Tom breathed a sigh of relief that they were on the train. He quickly opened the door hurrying inside.

“Father,” Nick asked as they walked inside the car, “where is Jarrod?”

The car they walked into was a passenger car. They hurried through it toward the next car.

“The next one I hope,” he answered hoping desperately to find Jarrod before it was too late.

They opened the door to the next car and Tom realized it was their private car. He looked around as they walked inside and didn’t see Jarrod at first.

“I don’t see him,” he said as he walked inside the car.

“There he is,” Nick replied as he stopped beside of Tom pointing to their right.

Tom quickly hurried to Jarrod. He lifted his son’s head into his arms.

“Jarrod,” he said very worriedly, “I’m here. You had me so worried.”

“Father,” Nick replied looking at Jarrod, “he’s burning up.”

Tom looked at his son’s face and saw the sweat pouring off of Jarrod’s face. He was pale and his breathing was very labored.

“Son,” he said looking at Nick, “I want you to listen to me. I need to know how long it will be before the train arrives in San Francisco. Jarrod is in very rough shape. I don’t know how long he will survive.”

“I’ll find out father,” Nick replied looking at his brother. “Jarrod, you’re going to be all right.”

Nick left the car. Tom made his son as comfortable as possible. He removed his jacket, which he put under Jarrod’s head.

“Son,” he asked looking down at Jarrod, “why couldn’t you have waited? Why were you in such a hurry? You’re not physically able to do this. You may not even survive.”

Nick hurried in and looked at his father.

“Well?” he asked hoping that the train wouldn’t make any more stops.

“It will be at least another hour and a half,” Nick answered out of breath from his run through the cars. “The conductor said they would try to pick up as much speed as they could and cut out two stops but it’s still going to take that long.”

“Great,” he said pounding his right fist into his left. “I don’t know if Jarrod has an hour and a half left to live.”

“Is he that bad?” Nick asked very concerned for his brother.

“Yes,” he answered stopping his pacing and turning to look at Nick. “I wish there was a doctor here.”

“I saw a man sitting in the next car holding a black bag,” Nick said remembering what he had seen. “He could be a doctor.”

“Go find out Nick,” he replied looking at Jarrod. “If he’s not, Jarrod won’t make it to San Francisco.”

“Right,” Nick told him rushing out the door.

Tom went back to his son.

Chapter Eleven

Nick hurried into the next car and went to the man he had seen with the black bag. He stooped over next to the man who looked up.

“Excuse me,” he said as he looked down at an older man with red hair. “Are you a doctor?”

The man looked at Nick a minute or two more before he answered.

“Yes,” the man said nodding. “I’m Dr. Phillips and I’m heading for the hospital in San Francisco to see a patient.”

“Thank goodness,” he replied wiping his brow. “I need your help doc. My brother is in the next car and he’s very sick.”

“What’s wrong with him,” Phillips asked.

“It’s a long story,” he answered pulling the man from his seat. “I’ll tell you on the way.”

The doctor nodded rising from his seat and followed Nick. As the two of them walked, Nick told him the story of what had happened to Jarrod. The doctor was very quiet.

Tom looked up as they walked in the car.

“Father this Dr. Phillips,” Nick said as he introduced his father. “He’s agreed to see Jarrod.”

“I don’t know if I can do much to help him on this train but I’m willing to try,” the doctor replied walking over to Jarrod.

Tom backed away to let the doctor examine Jarrod. He looked at Nick and shook his head. Nick knew what he meant.

Finally, a short time later, the doctor looked up.

“He’s in critical condition,” he said as he continued to work on Jarrod. “His fever is well over 102 degrees and he has a very bad infection probably in that right hip. I need to get him flat.”

Tom and Nick went to a table in the back of the car that was used for meals. With one swat of his hand Nick cleaned it off sending plates, glasses and silverware all over the floor. Being very careful Tom and Nick eased Jarrod off of the seat and carried him to the table laying him flat.

“Get me something to put under his head,” the doctor said as he continued to work.

Tom hurried over to the seat retrieving his jacket. Nick quickly took his off as well handing it to Tom who handed them to the doctor. Phillips eased Jarrod’s head up placing the two folded jackets under his head. Then he turned to Tom.

“That will help his breathing,” he said nodding. “I have something in my bag that may help to lower his fever but he needs to be in the hospital.”

“It will be at least another hour doc,” Tom replied worry evident in his voice. “Can he make it that long?”

“I’ll do what I can for him until then,” he told them going back to work.

After an hour, Jarrod was resting more peacefully. His fever was still high but his breathing had evened out. Tom and Nick breathed a sigh of relief.

“Doc,” Tom said as he looked over at Jarrod, “if you hadn’t been on board, I could have lost my son.”

“I’m just glad I was,” he replied nodding. “Your son is not out of the woods but he is resting better.”

“I should have stopped him from doing this in the first place,” Tom told him. “But he’s a Barkley and we’re a stubborn lot.”

“Did you say your name was Barkley?” he asked recognition dawning.

“Yes,” Tom answered. “I’m Tom Barkley. That’s my son Jarrod and this is my son Nick.”

“I should have recognized you sooner,” he said smiling. “I took care of your son a long time ago when he was injured in a cave in. He wasn’t over six or seven.”

“Five,” Tom replied remembering that day as if it were yesterday. “I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you doc. But a lot of faces have come and gone since then.”

“You’re right about that,” he told Tom. “And it has been nearly twenty years.”

“What cave in?” Nick asked completely in the dark.

“You weren’t but a little over a year old,” Tom answered looking at Nick. “I had taken you and Jarrod with me to look at a problem with one of my mines. I told you and Jarrod to stay out of the way. I asked Jarrod to make sure to watch you so you wouldn’t get hurt. I didn’t think about him not heeding my words. But he got curious and the next thing I remember you tumbled in an airshaft. You weren’t hurt bad but you were stuck on a small ledge. Jarrod begged to be lowered by a rope to rescue you. I did and he slipped the rope off of him and onto you. While we were pulling you up, the ledge gave way and Jarrod fell ten feet to another ledge. He was knocked out and it took two days of digging before we could reach him. I could hear him crying at first and then nothing. At one point I actually thought he was dead but he wasn’t. He had broken his left arm and hurt several ribs. The main problem was that he was scared to death. He kept calling for me and I couldn’t reach him because the airshaft wall began to cave off. We were afraid that he was going to be buried so we had to dig a cross tunnel. I held onto you and prayed that I could get to him. Finally, after we had broken through, I was able to reach in and pull Jarrod to safety. He tried to hug me but with his broken arm, he couldn’t. But the one thing I remember during the time the doctor here worked on him was that he wouldn’t let go of my hand. He held onto it with a strong grip.”

“Wow!” Nick said not remembering any of it. “He was a hero.”

“That he was son,” Tom replied smiling. “And now he needs the doc just as badly.”

“I’ll do the best that I can until we arrive in San Francisco,” he told them.

Chapter Twelve

When the train finally rolled into San Francisco, Jarrod had woken up. He was very quiet and wouldn’t look at Tom.

“Jarrod,” Tom said as he looked down at his son, “you came very close to dying young man. Do you know how fortunate you are that there was a doctor on board to help you?”

“I’m sorry father,” Jarrod replied still not looking at Tom. “I only wanted to help Adam. After all I do owe him a lot for giving me this job in the first place. I couldn’t sit there and let him hang for something I know he didn’t do.”

“I admire your ethics,” Tom told him. “But I don’t think you realize just how injured you are.”

“Yes sir I do,” Jarrod said nodding. “I also know that I may have to spend the rest of my life in a chair but I was willing to take that risk to help Adam.”

“He means that much to you,” Tom replied knowing Jarrod’s answer.

“Yes sir,” Jarrod told him.

“All right,” Tom said understanding. “We’re going to take you to the hospital and get you well.”

“No father,” Jarrod replied adamantly. “I need to go to the police station first so Adam can be free on bail and then I can go to the hospital.”

“Son...” Tom told him.

“Please father,” Jarrod said begging. “I have to do this. Please understand. He’s been in jail for almost a week and I want to get him out.”

“All right,” Tom replied giving in. “But just long enough to post his bail.”

“Agreed,” Jarrod told him relaxing on the table.

Tom and Nick thanked Dr. Phillips for all his help and gently carried Jarrod off the train to the police station. They allowed him to put weight on his left leg but not his right. When they walked in, Jarrod motioned for them to go over to a desk with an uniformed officer behind it.

“Can I help you?” he asked as he looked up.

“I need to see Adam Howard,” Jarrod answered looking at the man.

“Who are you?” he asked looking at Jarrod, Tom and Nick. “What business do you have with Howard?”

“I’m his lawyer,” Jarrod answered. “I just got word that he had been arrested and want to see if I can get him freed on bail.”

“You’re in luck,” he said as he stood up. “Judge Farmum is here talking to the Inspector. He may be able to grant bail right now.”

“That’s very good,” Jarrod replied motioning for Tom and Nick to help him to the cells.

The four men went back to the rows of cells. Adam was immediately on his feet with a huge smile on his face when he saw Jarrod.

“I knew you wouldn’t let me down,” he said smiling. “How are you feeling boy?”

“I’m doing all right,” Jarrod replied skirting the question. “I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner but I just got the telegram.”

“That’s all right,” he told him. “I knew you wouldn’t forget about me. I don’t know what happened but I didn’t kill Ron Coble.”

“Let me see about getting you out of here,” Jarrod said looking toward the officer. “Any one who knows you Adam knows you’re not that kind of man. Even if he was behind the explosion that ruined your office.”

“I’ll take you to the inspector’s office,” he replied leading the way.

Adam watched Jarrod leave and he felt a whole lot better inside. The four men walked into the inspector’s office a few minutes later.

“Sir,” the officer said as he interrupted the inspector and the judge, “this is Howard’s lawyer.”

“Well, well,” the inspector replied looking at Jarrod, “you finally decided to show up. Howard hadn’t given up hope although in his place I probably would.”

“I only got the telegram earlier today sir,” Jarrod told him with anger in his voice. “Look I want to see about getting my client out of here.”

“Well young man as I see it your client is in here for murder,” the judge said as he rose to his feet. “Having known Adam Howard for the last twenty years, I know he won’t try to run so I’m going to grant bail right here in the inspector’s office which I don’t usually do. It will cost him $5,000 dollars to get out of here and I expect him to appear in court in two weeks for his trial.”

“He will your honor and thank you,” Jarrod replied turning to leave.

“Oh young man,” the judge told him.

“Yes sir,” Jarrod said turning back with Tom’s help.

“You get well,” the judge replied smiling. “I know what happened to you.”

“I will sir,” Jarrod told him and left the room.

They went to the cell to see Adam one more time.

“Adam,” Jarrod said as he came to a stop in front of Adam’s cell, “I managed to get the judge to set bail for you. “It’s rather steep. $5,000. I hope you can come up with that much.”

“Well,” he replied smiling, “I guess I’ll have to. I know where I can get it and I’ll be out of here in a short time.”

“After you’re free,” Jarrod told him looking at Tom, “come by the hospital so we can go over your case.”

“All right,” he said looking closely at Jarrod. “Something wrong Jarrod?”

“I just have to pay a visit to the doctor that treated me,” Jarrod replied trying not to have to tell Adam the real reason he was going.

“All right,” he told Jarrod. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Right,” Jarrod said as he, Tom and Nick headed out.

As the three of them left the police station and started down a side street toward the hospital, four men quickly overtook them. Nick tried to stop them from hurting Jarrod and was cold cocked on the back of the head. He landed on the hard ground in a heap.

“Now if you don’t want to end up like him,” a dark haired man said looking right at Tom, “don’t interfere. All we want is him.”

The man pointed at Jarrod who didn’t understand what was happening.

“I have nothing you could possibly want,” Jarrod said looking the man in the eye. “I need to leave if you don’t mind.”

“Oh,” he replied motioning for the other three men to move toward Jarrod, “I do mind. And you’re coming with us.”

“No he’s not,” Tom told him and lunged for the man.

Tom was met with a fist to the face and a pistol butt shot to the side of the head. As he went down to the ground, he watched as the four men grabbed Jarrod by his shirt collar dragging him away. Then he lost consciousness.

Chapter Thirteen

As Tom came to a short time later, he noticed Nick standing over him. He started to get to his feet and had to sit down for a minute to let the dizziness go away.

“Did they get Jarrod?” he asked very concerned for his son.

“Yeah,” Nick answered nodding. “I found tracks where they dragged him away.”

“Did you follow them?” he asked.

“No,” Nick answered. “I was waiting to make sure you were all right.”

“First,” he said standing up with Nick’s help, “we need to notify your mother what has happened and then we need to see if we can follow these tracks.”

“We need to follow the tracks first father and then tell mother,” Nick corrected him. “There’s no telling how long they will be here.”

“All right,” he replied nodding. “Let’s go.”

Across town in an abandoned warehouse, the men had thrown Jarrod into an empty room and locked the door. Jarrod tried to make himself as comfortable as possible. He was starting to feel rough again and knew he would get worse in a short amount of time if help didn’t arrive soon. He surveyed the room he was in. It was the size of a small office with wooden walls. Nothing was in the room, not even a chair. He didn’t understand why he had been brought here but he knew it probably had something to do with Adam. A short time later the door opened to reveal the man who had spoke in the street earlier.

“Comfortable Barkley,” he said looking at Jarrod. “Come to think of it, you don’t look so good. I wonder if you could use something right about now. Yeah, I know all about you. You are going to stay here for a while.”

Jarrod looked up at him recognition dawning on his face.

“You’re the man from the train station,” Jarrod said trying to sit up but failing.

“That’s right,” he replied smiling. “I’ve been asked to make you comfortable for a while. You just sit tight and maybe someone will find you in time.”

“By who?” Jarrod asked trying to gain as much information as possible.

“That’s none of your business,” he answered shaking his head. “You should be feeling quite bad by now. I know for a fact you haven’t had your medication in at least four hours.”

“I’ll be all right,” Jarrod said but he was far from all right. “How long are you going to keep me here?”

“For as long as is needed,” he replied smiling. “You just make yourself at home.”

And he turned on his heel leaving the room. Jarrod heard the lock being thrown. He wasn’t worried about being here but about being away from his much needed medication. He had started to run another fever and he could feel his right hip starting to ache so he knew he would probably lose consciousness soon.

Tom and Nick had begun to follow the tracks.

“We need someone who knows this city to help us,” Tom said as they walked.

“Who?” Nick asked.

“Adam,” Tom answered nodding. “Go to the hospital, see if Adam is there. I’ll wait here till you return.”

“Mother will be there,” Nick said not wanting to face his mother.

“We have no choice son,” Tom replied. “You’ll have to tell her. Be gentle. She’s probably going to be very upset. Go on.”

Nick left and Tom sat down to wait. All he could think of was his son and the situation he was in.

“Why couldn’t I have intercepted that second telegram?” he asked himself. “Jarrod would be at the ranch resting if I had.”

Chapter Fourteen

Nick arrived at the hospital in record time. Like he expected, his mother was there and so was Adam.

“Nick,” she said coming to her feet, “where have you been? I’ve been here an hour. Where are Tom and Jarrod?”

“Adam,” he replied momentarily ignoring his mother, “we need your help.”

“What’s happened?” Adam asked worry creeping into his voice.

“After we left the station,” he answered steeling himself for what his mother’s reaction would be, “we were accosted by four men. I was knocked out immediately. Father said that before he was knocked out, he saw them dragging Jarrod away. We have to find him before it’s too late. He needs that medicine and it’s been a long time since he had any. There was a doctor on the train but that was hours ago. We have tracks but father is unsure of where they are leading.”

“I’ll be happy to help you,” Adam said nodding. “Whoever is behind this frame is trying to stop Jarrod from finding out who it is.”

“Never mind that,” she replied angrily. “Jarrod is too sick to defend anyone. He needs to be in the hospital. Adam, I didn’t want to say this without first telling Jarrod but he is not going to be able to defend you. He’s a very sick boy.”

“I totally agree,” Adam told her. “That’s why I took the liberty of contacting another young lawyer in the city, Nathan Springer. He’s agreed to take over the case. This in no way shows that I don’t still consider Jarrod my lawyer. I’m only thinking about his health. When he is back on his feet, he has a job for as long as he wants it. I hope you know that I didn’t plan for any of this to happen to that boy. I think the world of Jarrod and only want what’s best for him.”

“We know that Adam,” she said smiling. “Go and find him.”

The two men left the hospital and Victoria sat down to wait. She could only imagine what her son was going through at this time.

Tom stood up when he saw Nick and Adam approaching.

“Tom,” Adam said as he walked up, “I’ve already took the liberty of getting another lawyer for the time being. I’m afraid from what your wife told me and Nick said, Jarrod won’t be capable of helping me.”

“I agree,” he replied heading in the direction of the tracks. “I think he realizes it too. But right now all I want to do is find him before it’s too late.”

“This looks like they are headed toward the warehouse district,” Adam told them as they walked. “I bet they have stashed him in an abandoned warehouse.”

“Sounds logical,” he said nodding. “Do you have any idea which one?”

“There are only three abandoned ones on this end of town,” Adam replied pointing to three buildings fairly close together. “You take one, Nick will take one and I’ll take the other. If we don’t find him, we’ll meet here. That way the one that does find him will be able to have help getting him out of here.”

“Good,” he told them as each one headed for a building.

Tom entered the building. It was dusty and dirty. Evidentially it hadn’t been used in some time. He started walking across the mammoth room looking for somewhere to hide a person, and then he saw it. A door with a lock on it. He went to the door and listened.

“Jarrod!” he called. “Jarrod! Jarrod!”

No answer. Not waiting for the others, Tom kicked the door with his booted foot. It gave but didn’t open. He kicked it again. Finally, after the third kick, it opened. Tom rushed inside and saw Jarrod lying on the floor. He quickly knelt down beside his son turning him over onto his back and cradling his head.

“Jarrod,” he said as he held his son’s head, “I’m here. You’re going to be all right.”

On closer examination, Tom realized that Jarrod was near death. He was burning up with a fever and he was clammy to the touch. Tom gently scooped Jarrod up into his arms carrying him from the room as Nick and Adam was headed toward him.

“You found him,” Nick said as he stopped in front of Tom. “How is he?”

“Nick,” he replied looking down at his son, “I need you to hurry on to the hospital. Your brother is nearly dead. I don’t know for sure what’s wrong but something is. Have them standing by when I get there with Jarrod.”

“Yes father,” Nick told him running from the building.

“Do you think he’ll make it?” Adam asked very concerned.

“I don’t know at this point,” he answered shaking his head. “It doesn’t look good for him. I should have kept a closer eye on him and maybe none of this would have happened.”

“Tom,” Adam said looking at Tom, “you can’t blame yourself. Right now your son needs you.”

“You’re right,” he replied starting to walk for the door.

Nick ran into the hospital. Victoria, seeing him, rose to her feet.

“Did you find him?” she asked very concerned.

“Yes,” he answered hurrying to the nurses’ desk. “I need you to be ready for my brother who is not doing too well. He’s burning up and he’s near death.”

Victoria couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Her oldest son was dying and she wasn’t with him. She longed to hold him in her arms again. She wanted to be near him when he needed her the most.

“Where is he now sir?” the nurse asked.

“My father is bringing him,” he answered glancing at his mother knowing what she must be feeling. “I know mother but Jarrod is a fighter.”

“I feel this is going to be his biggest fight to date,” she said nodding. “Nick, where was he?”

“He was being held in an abandoned warehouse,” he replied trying to explain everything. “He was locked in a very small room. He wasn’t hurt but not having his medicine I guess finally got to him.”

Tom and Adam arrived. Tom was holding his son in his arms. Victoria rushed to her son and was appalled at his condition. He was burning up with a fever, his hair was matted down on his head, he was barely breathing and she knew he would be dead soon if something wasn’t done.

“Get me a stretcher,” the nurse said as she looked at Jarrod. “Now!”

Two orderlies arrived carrying a stretcher and Tom laid his son on it. He looked at Jarrod as he was carried away and didn’t try to stop the tears that flowed down his face.

“We may have seen Jarrod for the last time,” he said putting his face into his hands.

Chapter Fifteen

Over the next few hours, the Barkleys waited for word on Jarrod.

“Tom,” she asked looking over at him, “where was he?”

“He was locked in a small room without anything else and he was lying on the floor,” he answered looking at her. “The room was dirty and musty smelling. It must have been pure agony for him.”

“How long do you think he had the fever?” she asked.

“I know it was down some when we left the police station,” he answered nodding. “It was over three hours before we finally found him so I’d say at least two to three hours.”

“That long,” she said shaking her head. “He’s going to die and I’m not going to be with him. I need to be with my son.”

“Easy Victoria,” he replied holding her in his arms. “We don’t know that for sure. He’s a fighter. I know he won’t give up.”

“Tom,” she told him looking into his face, “he’s been so sick for so long. He’s going to believe that he’ll never get better. You know how depressed he gets when he thinks he won’t get better. I don’t want to lose him. I love him.”

“I know you do and so do I,” he said looking into her dark eyes. “We have to have faith that he will survive.”

A man dressed in a white coat walked out interrupting them.

“I’m Dr. Stevens,” he said as he came to a stop in front of Tom and Victoria. “You are the young man’s parents?”

“Yes,” Tom replied nodding. “I’m Tom Barkley. This is my wife, Victoria and my son, Nick. How is Jarrod?”

“Your son is a very sick young man,” he told them. “First, he has an infection in his lungs which is causing his breathing to be labored. Second, his hip has also deteriorated some but not to the point of needing additional surgery. We have it immobilized and will leave it that way for now. And finally, his fever is over 103 degrees. The infection and the fever are my immediate concern for now.”

“Is he going to live?” Tom asked dreading the answer.

“I don’t know yet,” he answered being very honest. “The fact that he has survived to this point is a miracle in itself. I want you to be prepared for the worst.”

“We understand,” Tom said nodding. “Can we see him?”

“Of course,” he replied motioning for a nurse. “Miss Bowers will take you to his room.”

The dark headed nurse led the family to Jarrod’s room. When they entered, they saw the still form of their son lying in the bed. His right leg was tied down straight and he had a tube coming out of his arm attached to a glass bottle hanging upside down on a metal hook above the bed.

“What’s that?” he asked looking at the bottle.

“It’s to help him get better,” she answered. “While he is unconscious, it will put needed medicine in his system where it is needed. It won’t hurt him.”

Tom nodded as he went to the side of the bed. He looked at his son lying so still on that bed. His brown hair was still matted to his head and his clothes were wringing wet.

“Did you bring any clothes for Jarrod?” he asked looking at his wife.

“Yes,” she answered nodding. “They are at the hotel across the street in the room I rented for the three of us.”

“Nick,” he asked turning to his second son, “how about going over and bring him a change of clothes? Your mother and I will try to clean him up.”

“All right father,” Nick said turning to leave. “What room mother?”

“Number 25,” she replied looking in his direction. “They are in the small bag at the foot of the bed.”

Nick headed out. Tom and Victoria spent the next thirty minutes easing his shirt off as well as his pants. They were careful of the way Jarrod was fixed in the bed. Nick finally returned almost an hour later.

“What in the world took you so long?” he asked as he looked up at Nick. “You didn’t have that far to walk.”

“I ran into Adam in the street,” Nick answered handing the clothes to his mother. “He wanted to know Jarrod’s condition. He said that if there was anything he could do he would.”

Tom nodded as he and Victoria continued to work on their son. Finally, after thirty more minutes they stood up. Jarrod was in clean, dry clothes and his hair was neatly combed. He looked more like his old self except for the fact that he was still unconscious.

“Father,” Nick asked looking down at Jarrod, “why won’t he wake up? I don’t understand.”

“Nick,” she answered standing up and looking at her younger son, “your brother was nearly killed a month ago. He’s had to work hard to get better. Then he was locked up in that dirty and nasty room for hours. He’s just fighting and when he’s well enough to open his eyes, he will. Now you try not to worry.”

“I’ll try,” Nick said looking at Jarrod. “But it won’t be easy. You don’t know just how much he means to me. I know we argue and stuff but he’s still my brother. That won’t ever change.”

“We know that son,” he replied patting Nick on the back. “Would you like to sit with Jarrod and see if you can maybe get him to respond to you?”

“Yes,” Nick told them moving over to the chair beside of the bed.

Nick sat down beside of Jarrod picking up Jarrod’s right hand in his. He looked at his sleeping brother.

“Jarrod,” he said very softly, “I know we argue and fuss but I need you big brother. You’re very special in my life. I’m not always the most polite or caring person but you know how to help me when I need it or even when I don’t. Now I want to help you. You just lean on me and you can get through this. I promise you can. All you have to do is to let me help you.”

Tom and Victoria smiled at their two sons.

“He’s willing to give up his life for his brother,” he said shaking his head. “I knew they had a bond but I didn’t realize just how much of one until right now.”

“I didn’t either,” she replied also very surprised. “Tom, you’re going to have to let him out of doing ranch work until Jarrod is able to do things on his own. Nick won’t let anything interfere with his helping his brother.”

“I know,” he told her smiling. “And he won’t. I guarantee it.”

Chapter Sixteen

Nick continued to sit with Jarrod. As the day wore on, Nick sensed his brother was trying to wake up so he leaned over the bed.

“Jarrod,” he said looking into Jarrod’s face, “come on boy. That’s it. You can do it.”

“Did I hear you say Jarrod was trying to wake up son?” Tom asked as he came closer to the bed.

“Yes father,” he answered glancing up at his parents. “Come on Jarrod. Wake up.”

“Son,” Tom said coming to the other side of the bed and sitting down, “we’re here. Open your eyes.”

As the three of them watched, Jarrod fought hard just to open his eyes. He couldn’t open them but a slit but they could see his blue eyes through the slits.

“Honey,” she said as she came around where he could see her, “you’re going to be fine.”

“Where?” he asked not sure of what was going on

“You’re in the hospital,” Tom answered looking at his son.

“Why?” he asked again not sure of anything.

“You were very ill,” she answered this time. “You have an infection in your lungs that the doctor is treating.”

“Was I in some kind of room?” he asked trying desperately to remember.

“Yes you were son,” Tom answered. “You were in an old abandoned warehouse, locked up in a room. You were unconscious and burning up with a fever.”

“The man,” he said trying to sit up only to be pushed gently back down by his father.

“What man?” Tom asked trying to figure out what Jarrod was talking about.

“The man at the train station,” he answered.

“I remember Ben at the station telling me about that man,” she said looking at Tom.

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

“When Jarrod was in Stockton waiting for the train,” she answered trying to remember what Ben had told her, “Ben said a man started asking Jarrod all kinds of questions.”

“That’s right,” he said nodding. “He wanted to know if I was a lawyer going to San Francisco to defend a client. I found it very odd. Then when the man walked into the room, it was he. But I can’t remember his name right now.”

“It makes sense,” Nick replied understanding. “Whoever he was, he was sent to Stockton to keep an eye on you. If you left for any reason most likely he was to follow you and then when the time was right, get rid of you.”

“So Adam wouldn’t have a defense,” Tom told them.

“I can’t help Adam now,” he said looking sad. “I can’t even help myself.”

“Son,” Tom replied looking into his son’s face, “you are going to get better. You have to believe that. As for helping Adam, he has already got another lawyer but he wanted you to know that you still had a job when you are better.”

“I want to father,” he told his father. “But it’s been so long. I don’t even know if I can even walk once I am able to get up on my feet.”

“Of course you will,” Nick said smiling. “You’re going to be your old self in no time.”

“But will I?” he asked shaking his head.

“What do you mean honey?” she asked not understanding.

“I don’t know what to do any longer,” he answered. “I don’t know if I want to be a lawyer now. I’m so confused.”

“I see,” Tom said looking at his wife. “I tell you what. You rest and gain your strength back. Then when you are released from here, we’ll go back to the ranch where you can rest and enjoy yourself. After that, you can decide what you want to do.”

“All right,” he replied nodding. “I guess I can do that.”

“That’s the spirit,” she told him smiling. “How do you feel?”

“I hurt some,” he said, “but not bad enough to need medicine. How soon will it be before I can get out of here?”

“The doctor didn’t say,” Tom replied smiling. “We’ll wait for him to tell us.”

“Yes sir,” he told him smiling slightly.

They noticed that his eyes were starting to droop.

“Honey,” she said, “you close your eyes and rest. We can talk later.”

“All right,” he replied letting his eyes close.

“Somebody set him up,” Tom told them. “If I find the one responsible I’ll....”

“You’ll let the law handle this,” she said sternly. “That goes for you too Nick.”

“All right,” they both replied.

Chapter Seventeen

Over the next few days, Jarrod began to heal. The doctor walked into the room.

“Jarrod,” he said as he stopped in front of the bed, “I’m going to let you go home tomorrow if you can do something.”

“What?” Jarrod asked knowing what he meant.

“I want you to try to stand and walk,” he answered looking at his patient.

“I was afraid that was what you were going to say,” Jarrod said a little nervous.

“I know you’re scared,” he replied nodding. “But it’s been over a month and I need to see how your leg and hip reacts to being used.”

Jarrod threw the covers back on the bed. He slowly swung his legs over the side and placed them on the floor. Then he pushed off to stand up and nearly fell. Tom reached out to steady him but Jarrod shook his head and Tom backed away.

“I have to do this,” he said as he stood there a minute to get his bearings.

Jarrod picked his left foot up easily and took a step. When he tried to do the same with his right foot, it didn’t want to cooperate as good. He had to raise it only a small distance off the floor. He was still very unsteady but he waved everyone away because he knew he had to do this on his own. There was a chair on the other side of the room in front of a small window. It took Jarrod almost ten minutes to walk to it, but he did it and he was smiling as he sat down out of breath.

“That was wonderful,” she said as she hugged him around the neck.

“Sure was,” Tom replied smiling.

“Great job Jarrod,” Nick told him.

“Yes it was,” he said looking at Jarrod. “Any pain or anything?”

“Not much,” Jarrod replied looking up. “It’s just stiff.”

“That’s to be expected,” he told them. “You haven’t used it in over a month. I think you are ready to leave. However, I want you to take it easy and not overdo it for about a week. The infection in your lungs still hasn’t quite gone away. I want to see you in two weeks here.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod said nodding.

“Don’t worry doctor,” she replied looking at her son, “he won’t overdo.”

“Good,” he told them. “Then you’re ready to leave. Remember what I said. Here’s some medicine I want him to continue to take until he returns in two weeks.”

“All right,” she said taking the bottles. “Let’s get packed.”

The family got their belongings together and left San Francisco.

Adam Howard was not a very happy man. He had come to the realization that the lawyer he had hired wasn’t in any hurry to prove him innocent.

“I wish Jarrod was able to do this,” he said as he sat in his study. “I believe I’m going to hang.”