RANSOM

by Janet

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

Prologue

On a crisp October morning in 1876, thirty-two year old Jarrod Barkley was riding to his office in Stockton. He had been a practicing lawyer for the past eight years and his law practice had spread from Stockton to San Francisco as well. Jarrod only wished that his father, Tom Barkley, could have been around to enjoy his son’s career. Tom had told Jarrod on many occasions when he was young that he would be a famous man some day. Now that day was here and Tom wasn’t. He had been killed by the railroad almost six years ago. How Jarrod longed for those late evening talks that they used to have in the study of their home where they would discuss careers and go over the business end of running the Barkley Ranch.

“Jarrod,” Tom said one evening after dinner, “you have made me the happiest man in Stockton.”

“I have?” Jarrod asked not sure what Tom was talking about.

“Yes,” Tom answered. “You have offered to run the business end of the ranch while Nick runs the ranch. You will be a big help to your brother.”

“I know,” Jarrod said smiling. “I did go to college and then law school. I might as well put that education to good use. And I’d trust Nick about horses or cows but the books and financial part of running the ranch; I wouldn’t trust him with. Nick is not very good with accounts and ledgers.”

“That I know,” Tom replied. “Your brother is a hands on man. You on the other hand are a deep thinker. I’m proud of both of you boys. You will go a long way son. Remember that.”

“I will father,” Jarrod told him.

And Jarrod had never forgotten what his father taught him.

“I will continue to make you proud father,” he said out loud as he rode.

Jarrod had been forced on the day his father died to assume the role as male head of the family. He knew that his mother, Victoria, was still the head of the family but he also knew that Audra and Gene needed a man’s guidance as well as their mother’s. He had tried his best with both of them. Audra was just as stubborn as Nick was with a rebellious side also. She didn’t like it when Jarrod had to discipline her. Gene didn’t like the idea of having his oldest brother trying to run his life.

Jarrod had tried to put his own life back together after literally falling apart after his father died. He was trying to be so strong for the rest of the family that he neglected himself and almost paid the price for it. Nick had stepped in and made him confront his fears and his own loss. Jarrod had since that day looked at Nick differently. He was not that wild maverick that he always thought Nick was. He cared about his family. The two brothers had never been closer.

Then came that day almost two months ago when a young stranger had asked for a job. Nick had hired him on Jarrod’s recommendation. That evening, Nick had gotten into a fight with him. That’s when he dropped a bombshell.

“I’m your father’s bastard son,” he had said to Nick in the barn after the fight.

After hearing this news, the two immediately went into the house where Nick called both Jarrod and Eugene. None of them really believed what this young man had said. They trusted their father and didn’t think he was capable of doing this to their mother. Then their mother had remembered the trip Tom had made to Strawberry. She knew in her heart that this young man was indeed Tom’s son. It took the others more time to come to terms with what their father had done. But they too accepted Heath as their brother. And each one had come to love and respect him.

Now Jarrod was on his way to town. The sky was clear as a mountain stream and the sun was just coming up over the tops of the trees lightly blowing in wind. The ground was covered with frosty dew. He had his mind on a recent financial worry that almost cost his mother a lot of money.

A ruthless businessman named Nathan Chadway had approached Victoria about investing in some stock certificates that he had. She had asked Jarrod to investigate Chadway to see if he was on the level. What Jarrod uncovered showed that there were no certificates and he informed several wealthy people in the valley that had also been approached to invest and they all declined Chadway’s offer. After that Chadway was apprehended and jailed but he escaped after losing everything he had in the world.

Chapter One

As Jarrod rode, his mind was on several cases he had. One of them concerned a bank employee in San Francisco who had allegedly stolen or embezzled over $50,000. He was pretty sure that the man was innocent but there was a lot of circumstantial evidence and Jarrod was trying to wade through it. Another case concerned a dispute over a property line between two old and dear friends in the valley. He had known both men his whole life and was certain he could straighten this out fairly quickly. He wasn’t paying attention to his surroundings and didn’t see the shadow of a man that was following him. He was a very tall, lanky man with dark hair and beard. He smiled as stalked his prey.

When Jarrod was well away from the ranch and before he got close to Stockton, he felt something around his chest. He was pulled off his horse and landed hard on the dirt road on his back. The horse only went a few feet from him and stopped. When he regained his senses a few minutes later, he realized that a rope was around his waist. As he tried to stand, he felt another tug and was pulled back to the ground. Jarrod looked around and saw a man approach from behind him holding the other end of the rope and a pistol. As Jarrod again tried to stand, the man quickly dismounted.

“I suppose you’re wondering what this is about?” he asked.

“I was curious yes,” Jarrod answered.

“You aren’t going to town,” he said walking over to Jarrod. “You’re coming with me to see a man.”

“I’m not going any where with you,” Jarrod replied. “I don’t know what this is all about.”

Before Jarrod could say anything more, the man struck him on the back of the head with the butt of his pistol. Jarrod’s eyes rolled back into his head and he fell to the hard ground unconscious. The man stood there for a minute looking down at his captive. Then he tied Jarrod’s hands together and also his feet. Next he threw him over the horse’s back securing him across the saddle. He took hold of Jarrod’s horse’s reins and led the animal to a small cabin in a wooded area about five miles west of Stockton. The cabin had been abandoned by the way it looked but it served the man’s purpose. There were gaps in the wood that let air come in and there were several small holes in the floor of one of the rooms.

As the man rode up to the cabin, two men came out of the door. They helped him untie Jarrod and pull him from the horse. They guided the unconscious man inside where his warm coat was removed and he was tied to a chair in front of a large mahogany desk. There was a man sitting at that desk.

“Art,” he said, “wake him up.”

“Yeah,” Art replied leaving the room.

He returned a few moments later with a small bucket of water, which he threw into Jarrod’s face. Jarrod moaned and then slowly opened his eyes. When he looked at the man sitting behind the desk, recognition dawned.

Chapter Two

As Jarrod came to, he realized that the man sitting behind the desk was Nathan Chadway.

“I see you recognize me,” Chadway said smiling an evil smile that told Jarrod he meant business.

“What’s this all about?” Jarrod asked trying to reason his way out of the situation.

“You stopped your mother and several others from investing in my little venture,” he answered. “Now, I’m going to teach you a lesson and get rich in the process.”

“You can’t be serious,” Jarrod said as he realized what Chadway had in mind.

Chadway stood walking around the desk. When he was standing right in front of Jarrod, he leaned over looking him right in the eye. Then he backhanded him hard across the left side of the face.

“You took everything I had boy,” he said sticking a needle into his arm. “I want you to pay for what you’ve done. And of course that pretty mother of yours will pay dearly to get her son back.”

“She won’t either,” Jarrod replied not realizing that he had been injected with something.

He was still smarting from the slap across the face.

“You can’t do anything to me that someone hasn’t already tried,” Jarrod said.

“Oh really,” he replied. “We’ll see about that. Art, Sam, take him to his quarters and make him as comfortable as possible.”

“Yeah,” Sam said.

They untied Jarrod pulling him roughly to his feet. They took him behind the cabin where there was a small metal box the size of a wagon bed in the ground six feet deep. The two men forced him inside.

“You can’t be serious,” Jarrod said as he was pushed inside.

“Get in there,” Art replied pushing him.

The box was so cold it bit into Jarrod’s body like a sharp knife. The door was closed and he was alone in the dark. There wasn’t even enough room to straighten out. He sat with his knees pulled up in front of him trying to keep the bitter cold metal from his body.

Back inside the cabin, Chadway looked up as the two men walked back in.

“Is he locked up?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Sam answered. “We haven’t covered him up yet. We wanted to know if you wanted to see him any more.”

“Good,” he said smiling. “Let’s wait until the ransom note is sent to bury him. Just think they’ll never find him. He’ll be buried alive. And that drug I gave him will help him die quite painfully and if he somehow does survive, he’ll be permanently insane.”

“Yeah,” Sam said grinning. “When do you want me to deliver the ransom note?”

“As soon as I see Barkley one more time,” Chadway replied. “I want him to know what’s going to happen to him.”

The two men went to the box, opening it. Jarrod squinted as the sunlight hit his face. They each took one of Jarrod’s arms and guided him back into the cabin where he was pushed into a chair. His eyes were having trouble adjusting to the light.

“I just wanted to make sure that you were satisfied with your new quarters,” Chadway said mockingly. “I also wanted you to know that you will be buried alive in that metal box. No one will be able to find you.”

“You can’t be serious,” Jarrod replied beginning to feel the effects of the drug. “I won’t be able to breathe.”

“That’s the general idea,” Chadway told him. “You are going to bring $50,000 from your mother but she won’t ever find you so she’ll end up dying herself.”

“You wouldn’t,” Jarrod challenged starting to come out of the chair. “I won’t let you.”

“You’re in no position to stop me,” he said smiling and easily pushed him back in the chair. “Oh and by the way, if you somehow survive you won’t be worth much. You’ll be crazy and probably spend the rest of your life locked up. Take him and lock him up. Then bury him.”

“No!” Jarrod screamed as the two men escorted him from the room. “Please! You don’t realize what you’re doing.”

“Yes I do,” Chadway said as he watched Jarrod leave the room.

Once inside the metal box, Jarrod fought to keep from going mad as he heard the dirt being thrown in on top of him. His heart was pounding in his chest. Unless he was able to somehow free himself this would be his final resting-place. He began to feel the drug starting to take effect on him. His mind was having a hard time understanding what was happening to him. Finally, he passed out.

Chadway wrote a ransom note demanding $50,000 for the safe return of Jarrod.

“Unfortunately,” he said looking up at his cohorts, “they won’t know that he is never going to be found alive.”

“You want me to tie it to his horse?” Art asked.

“Yes,” he answered. “Make sure the animal arrives at the ranch.”

“Right,” Art said leaving the cabin.

He walked outside to Jarrod’s horse. He attached the note to the saddle and sent the horse on its way to the Barkley Ranch.

Chapter Three

At the Barkley Ranch, Victoria was on her way to the library. Nick and Heath were in the barn saddling their horses for the workday ahead. Audra was still in her room. When Jarrod’s horse wandered into the barn winded and riderless, Nick had just left the corral. He grabbed the horse by its reins. He checked to see if there was any blood on the saddle and found the note. He was afraid that the horse had thrown Jarrod. But he could find no sign of foul play. He read the note.

“Heath!” Nick hollered on his way to the house. “Heath!”

“What do you want?” Heath asked as he walked out of the barn leading his horse out. “I had to finish saddling Charger.”

“Come on,” Nick said walking to the house.

“Where are we going?” Heath asked. “We’ve got a lot of work to do today.”

“To show this note to mother,” Nick answered. “And the work can wait.”

“What note?” Heath asked not understanding.

“This is a ransom note,” Nick answered. “Jarrod has been kidnapped and they want $50,000 for his safe return.”

“Nick,” Heath said, “you know they’ll kill Jarrod as soon as they get the money.”

“Mother has the final say,” Nick replied.

The two brothers walked into the house.

“Mother!” Nick called. “Mother!”

“I’m in the study,” Victoria said.

Nick and Heath walked into the room. Nick handed her the note. She read it looking up at the boys.

“I can’t believe this,” she said as the seriousness of the situation sunk in. “I think I know who’s behind this. Nick, you ride into town and get the money. Also, talk to Fred. I want the money followed and your brother released unharmed.”

“All right mother,” Nick replied. “But who is behind it?”

“A man that Jarrod exposed,” she told him. “Nathan Chadway.”

“Are you sure?” Heath asked.

“Pretty sure,” she answered. “He swore he would get even.”

“I hope you’re wrong,” he said.

“I do too but I don’t think so,” she replied watching Nick leave.

Nick left the house as Audra walked downstairs.

“Mother,” she asked, “what’s going on? Wasn’t that Nick I saw heading out the door?”

“Jarrod has been kidnapped,” Victoria answered. “They want $50,000 or they’ll kill him.”

“Kidnapped!” she screamed. “Why?”

“It’s because of Jarrod digging into a venture that I was asked to invest in,” Victoria said calmly. “He found out the man behind it was not who he pretended to be and I didn’t invest. The man lost everything.”

“Mother,” Audra asked trying to stop crying, “do you think he’ll be all right?”

“I don’t know,” she answered. “That’s why I’m going to have the money followed.”

“I love Jarrod and want him back safely,” Audra said still crying.

“We all want him back,” she replied trying to comfort her daughter. “Fred and the boys will find him.”

“I hope so,” Audra told her.

Chapter Four

In Stockton, Sheriff Fred Madden was busy going over wanted posters in his office when Nick walked in.

“Morning Nick,” he said looking up.

“Fred,” Nick replied, “Jarrod’s been kidnapped. They want $50,000 or they’ll kill him.”

“What!” Fred told him loudly. “Why on earth would anyone kidnap Jarrod?”

“It’s a long story,” Nick said. “I’ll tell you on the way back to the ranch. But first I need to go to the bank.”

“Sure,” Fred replied rising from his chair, grabbing his gun belt and hat.

Fred followed Nick out the door. Once outside, Nick headed to the bank while Fred went to the livery stable to retrieve his horse. Nick entered the bank.

“Otis,” he said as he spotted Otis Clark working in the back. “I need to see you a minute.”

“Nick,” Otis replied walking over to him. “What can I do for you?”

“I need $50,000 in small bills,” Nick told him.

“Why small bills?” he asked.

“It’s for a ransom drop,” Nick answered. “Jarrod was kidnapped this morning. If we don’t give them the money, he’s dead.”

“I’m so sorry Nick,” Otis said. “I think the world of Jarrod. In fact, I was going to see if I couldn’t start the ball rolling to nominate him for attorney general.”

“I don’t know about that,” Nick replied. “Right now all I want is the money.”

“Sure,” Otis told him going to the vault.

Otis handed Nick a short time later $50,000 in small bills. Nick took it and left the bank. He walked to the livery stable where Fred was finishing saddling his horse.

“Did you have any trouble getting the money?” Fred asked as they rode to the ranch.

“No,” Nick answered. “Otis Clark was more than helpful after I explained why I needed the money. I’m worried Fred. I’m afraid once they get the money, they’ll kill him anyway.”

“We’ll find him,” Fred said trying to reassure Nick.

“I hope so,” Nick replied.

The two of them arrived at the ranch an hour later. Nick had explained everything to Fred so he knew who they were looking for. When Nick walked in the front door followed by Fred, Victoria, Heath and Audra were waiting for them.

“Here’s the money mother,” Nick said handing her the packet of money.

“Did you have any trouble?” she asked as she took it.

“None,” he answered. “When is the drop?”

“At noon tomorrow,” she said. “We’re to leave the money at the swing at the Emory Davis place.”

“Victoria,” Fred replied putting a hand on her shoulder, “we’ll find him and bring him home.”

“I know you will,” she told him. “I’m just worried. Mothers just worry about their children.”

Chapter Five

In his cell, buried beneath the ground, Jarrod was starting to hurt all over. He grabbed his stomach, as the pain became unbearable. He tried to scream but nothing would come out because of the severity of the pain and the drug. He knew he was going to die. He was shivering as well as shaking but the pain would not stop. Then a thought came into his addled mind.

“Don’t worry son,” it said. “You are going to be all right.”

Jarrod tried to figure out what it meant. But the pain and the lack of air prevented him from being able to think. He couldn’t understand it was a message from a man who had loved, raised and cared about him since the day he was born. His guardian angel: his father, Tom Barkley. He just sat there hoping that somehow Nick could find him. But unknown to him, his mind was being affected by the drug. It was going back to the time when he was a small boy. Would the family be able to save Jarrod or would he be forever lost in more ways than one?

The next morning at the ranch, no one had slept much. They were all too worried about Jarrod.

“We’ll find him mother,” Nick said trying to comfort her as she sat in the living room.

“I was thinking how much he reminds me of Tom,” she replied looking up at him. “His eyes mostly. I know you’ll find him.”

“Fred will go with Heath and me,” he told her. “We’ll follow the money and then rescue him. Although...”

“Although what?” she asked.

“I’m not sure but I feel that something is wrong with Jarrod,” he answered. “He is in danger.”

“If anyone would know you would,” she said. “You better eat something. It’s going to be a long day.”

Nick headed for the dining room but he wasn’t hungry. He couldn’t get the thought of Jarrod being in danger or hurt out of his mind. And he also knew that if they didn’t find him soon, he would probably die. Nick had no idea how close to the truth his prediction was.

Chapter Six

The time to deliver the money was close at hand. Nathan Chadway sat at his desk smiling at the prospect of getting $50,000.

“You want Art and me to pick up the money?” Sam asked.

“No,” he answered. “I want to do it. I want to see the look on his mother’s face when she learns that she will never see her son again.”

“We’ll wait here,” Art said. “You’ll split the money when you get back?”

“Sure,” he replied looking at the two men. “We’ll divide it then.”

Chadway left the cabin heading for the drop site. He saw Victoria riding in the buggy with the money. He watched very carefully as she laid the money on the swing and rode away.

“Mrs. Barkley,” he said riding up to her.

“What do you want?” she asked angrily.

“I just wanted to tell you that you’ll never see your son again,” he answered. “Your son is already dead.”

“No,” she said. “You’re lying.”

“Nope,” he replied smiling. “I injected him with something that will cause him to die in a lot of pain. He should be writhing in pain right now as we speak. It won’t be long now.”

“Why?” she asked. “He didn’t deserve that. He was only doing what he thought was right to help me.”

“And he ruined me,” he answered. “I’m glad he’s dying.”

“You’re an evil man,” she said slapping the side of his face and then riding off.

Chadway rubbed the side of his face and then picked up the money. Fred, Nick and Heath were watching from behind the house. They began to follow him to the cabin as he left the Davis property. Chadway dismounted once he arrived at the cabin, walking inside.

“Did you get it?” Sam asked standing when Chadway came in.

“Right here it is,” he answered laying the money on the table. “I even told Victoria Barkley that her son was dead.”

“Why on earth would you do that?” Art asked.

“Because I wanted to see her face when she learned that her high and mighty son was dead,” he answered. “You got a problem with that?”

“Nope,” Art said. “Just asking.”

“Stop asking,” he replied opening the money. “Let’s get this counted out and get out of here.”

Fred, Nick and Heath arrived a few minutes later. They dismounted heading off in three different directions. As the three men burst into the cabin guns drawn, Art and Sam were so startled that they fired. Nick, Heath and Fred fired back. Both men were shot and killed. Chadway tried to run but Nick caught him by the shirt.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Nick asked holding him tightly. “I want to know where my brother is.”

“You’ll never find him,” he answered mockingly.

“You tell me or so help me I’ll beat it out of you,” Nick said getting very angry.

“Nick,” Fred replied pulling Nick away from Chadway. “You can’t beat him up. I know you want to find Jarrod. Take a look around for any sign of him.”

“Fred’s right,” Heath told him pulling Nick from the room.

Nick reluctantly followed Heath outside. They began to search for their missing brother.

“I want to thank you for stopping him from hurting me,” Chadway said. “He’s a mad man.”

“He’s just worried about his brother,” Fred replied. “And don’t thank me. I’m taking you to town to stand trial and if Jarrod Barkley dies, it will be murder.”

“You’ll never find him,” Chadway told him.

Nick and Heath searched all the outside buildings with no results.

“Where can he be?” Nick asked getting more frustrated.

“He’s here somewhere,” Heath answered. “Wait a minute. It couldn’t be.”

“What?” Nick asked.

“Look over there,” Heath answered pointing to fresh dirt. “Maybe they buried him.”

“What!” Nick yelled. “You can be serious!”

“We’ve looked everywhere else,” Heath said. “Why not. I’ve seen men buried alive before and it isn’t pleasant.”

“All right,” Nick replied looking for a shovel.

The two brothers began to dig. When Fred escorted Chadway out of the cabin, he stopped.

“Find him?” he asked.

“Maybe,” Nick answered. “Heath thinks he may be buried.”

“Alive?” he asked.

“Why not,” Heath answered. “We haven’t found him anywhere else.”

“You have a point,” Fred said as he secured Chadway to one of the porch posts. “Let me have a shovel.”

Heath handed him a shovel and the three men began to dig. After an hour of digging, Nick struck something metal with the end of the shovel.

“I think I found something,” he said looking up.

The three men uncovered the dirt from the top of the metal box. Then Nick broke the lock and opened the box. They were confronted with a horrible sight. Jarrod was sitting inside the box with his knees up in front of him. His face was full of pain and horror. He was barely breathing. Nick eased himself into the box beside his brother.

“Jarrod,” Nick said as he squatted down in front of Jarrod, “it’s Nick.”

Jarrod looked at him but he didn’t recognize him. Nick put his hand on his brother’s shoulder.

“Heath,” he said as he looked up, “give me a hand.”

Heath climbed down next to Nick. Between the two of them they were able to lift Jarrod out of the box to Fred. He didn’t speak.

“Jarrod,” Nick said again as he kneeled down next to Jarrod, who was lying on the ground. “It’s Nick.”

He finally looked up at Nick and tried to say, “bro...th...er.”

“That’s right,” Nick said grasping his shoulders. “You’re going to be all right.”

“N...ic...k,” Jarrod replied taking forever to sound out the name.

“Yes,” Nick told him. “Fred and Heath are here too.”

“Wh...o?” he asked.

“Your brother Heath and Fred Madden, the sheriff,” Nick answered.

“Ti...red,” he said.

“I know you are,” Nick replied lifting him to his feet. “We’re taking you home.”

“Ho...me,” he told him recognition dawning in his eyes.

“That’s right,” Nick said smiling. “Mother will be there with Audra.”

“Au...d...ra,” he replied not understanding who she was.

“Your sister,” Nick told him.

Jarrod barely nodded. Nick looked up at Heath.

“He doesn’t know,” he said not understanding what was wrong with his brother.

“Nick,” Heath replied turning Nick to look at him, “I think I know what’s happening. I’ve seen it before.”

“What are you talking about?” Nick asked.

“Jarrod has been confined in a very dark and small place,” he answered. “His brain has reacted by going back to a time when he was very young.”

“What?” Nick asked. “You can’t be serious.”

“Very,” Heath answered. “He could come out of it quickly once he is around people he is familiar with or he may never come back.”

“You mean to tell me that Jarrod could remain a boy for the rest of his life,” he said.

“I mean that in his mind he is a small boy,” Heath replied. “I saw it during the war. Some of the guys came back and some didn’t. It’s their way of coping with the terror of being buried alive.”

“Can anything help him?” Nick asked.

“I don’t know about that,” he answered. “All I do know is we’re going to have to be patient with Jarrod. He’s going to ask questions trying to figure out what is happening.”

“What kind of questions?” Nick asked.

“Who we are?” Heath answered. “He may call mother something else entirely.”

“I see,” he said looking back at Jarrod. “We better get him to Doc Merrar’s.”

“Right,” Heath replied.

The two men gently helped Jarrod to his feet. Then they helped him walk to Nick’s horse. Jarrod’s legs did not want to respond because of being in the same position for a long time. With Fred’s help, they got him in the saddle. He was terrified.

“Easy Jarrod,” Nick said trying to ease his brother’s fears. “We’re going to see mother.”

“Ma...ma,” Jarrod replied.

“Yes,” Nick told him. “You just rest.”

Jarrod closed his eyes while Nick held him as they rode. He didn’t push the horse too hard because he didn’t want to hurt his brother. Nick was very concerned for his brother. If what Heath said was true, the man that they had come to love and respect was gone. In his place was a small, terrified boy.

“Mother will never believe this,” he said.

Chapter Seven

Heath accompanied Fred part of the way. Then he turned toward the ranch. He knew he had to tell his mother and sister what they had found.

“Heath!” Victoria shouted as he rode up in front of the house. “Did you find him?”

“Yes,” he said climbing down from his horse. “Nick’s taken him to the doctor’s.”

“How is he?” she asked very worried.

“He has some problems,” he answered.

“What problems?” she asked.

“Jarrod was buried in a metal box in the ground,” he answered. “It was dark and he was all alone. I think he might have been drugged but I’m not sure. When we pulled him from the box, he didn’t recognize us.”

“Oh no,” she said tears running down her face.

“There’s more,” he replied. “He finally knew who Nick was. But it takes a long time for him to get one word out. Also, I believe from what I’ve seen during the war, that Jarrod’s mind has gone back in time. He thinks he’s a small boy. He may not call you mother. I don’t know.”

“Can anything be done to help him?” she asked.

“I don’t know about that,” he answered. “Doc Merrar may have the answer to that. Right now he is very confused and scared.”

“I’m going to town,” she said heading for the barn.”

“I’ll hitch up the buggy,” he replied.

“I’ll tell Audra,” she told him heading for the house.

As Victoria walked into the house, Audra came flying down the stairs.

“Did they find him?” she asked.

“Yes,” Victoria answered. “But Jarrod is very sick.”

“What do you mean sick?” she asked.

Victoria went on to explain what Heath had told her.

“I’m going to town to see him,” she said.

“I’m going too,” Audra replied.

“Are you sure?” she asked.

“Positive,” Audra answered. “I love him.”

“Let’s go,” she said as they headed out the door.

Heath was waiting for them. They climbed into the buggy heading for town. But neither woman would be ready for what they would find.

Chapter Eight

Nick finally rode into town. He had to hold Jarrod in the saddle until he could dismount. Then he eased his brother off, helping him inside. Dr. Merrar met them at the door. Nick explained what had happened and what Heath had told him.

“Makes sense,” he said as they helped Jarrod up on the examination table. “He’s been through it.”

“Ni...ck,” Jarrod replied scared of being alone.

“I’m right here Jarrod,” he told him coming to stand where Jarrod could see him. “This is Dr. Merrar. He is going to help you.”

Jarrod relaxed and the doctor examined him.

“He’s definitely been drugged,” he said as he finished. “I’m not sure what was used but I’ll find out. He’s not hurt physically that I can see except that his legs are cramping from being kept in the same position for a long period of time. I’m mainly worried about his mental heath.”

“Then he is a small boy,” Nick replied.

“I’m afraid so,” he told him. “His mind has regressed in time. Lack of oxygen has also contributed to it. If he had stayed in there much longer it would have killed him. I’m going to keep him here for a couple of days and then send him to a specialist who dealt with this during the war. He’ll have to go to San Francisco.”

“Do you think he’ll be able to help Jarrod?” Nick asked concerned.

“I hope so,” he answered. “Because I can’t. And in the meantime you’re going to have to be very patient with him as he tries to adjust to what’s happened to him.”

“I know that already,” Nick said looking down at his brother.

“Let’s get him into the bed in the back room,” he replied helping Jarrod to his feet. “The doctor’s name is Henry Jacobs.”

The two of them helped Jarrod into bed. Jarrod looked up at Nick and smiled.

“Don’t you worry Jarrod,” he said smiling. “I’m going to be right here.”

“Lo...ve...you,” Jarrod replied closing his eyes.

Nick heard the outside door open and close. He knew that was his mother. He left the room.

“How is he?” she asked as the doctor walked out of the back followed by Nick.

Dr. Merrar explained everything to the other members of the family.

“When can we take him?” she asked.

“Let’s give him a couple of days,” he answered. “I want to make sure there are no complications from that drug.”

“Can I see him?” she asked.

“Certainly,” he answered leading her back to Jarrod’s room. “He’s asleep.”

When she walked inside she could see her oldest son. There were no physical injuries but she knew that inside he was not the same man. She sat down in a chair beside of the bed and waited. She had to see for herself what he was going to be like when he woke up.

Chapter Nine

A few hours later, Jarrod slowly opened his eyes. He was terrified until he saw Nick then he quieted.

“Honey,” Victoria said holding his hand, “mother’s here.”

“Ma...ma,” he replied looking at her.

Victoria was unprepared for what she was hearing. Her thirty-two year old son was acting like a small boy.

“Mother,” Nick said seeing her expression, “remember what Heath said.”

She nodded her head and then turned back to Jarrod.

“Jarrod,” she said very softly, “mama’s here. You’re going to be all right.”

“Ma...ma,” he replied smiling. “Wh...e...re?”

“You’re in the doctor’s office in town,” she told him. “You are a sick boy.”

“Si...ck,” he said.

“Yes,” she replied. “But you’re going to get better.”

“Ho..pe so,” he told her.

Audra walked into the room. She went to the side of the bed.

“Hi Jarrod,” she said smiling.

He looked at her but he didn’t know who she was. Victoria could see the puzzled look on his face.

“This is your sister, Audra,” she said pointing at her.

“Si...st...er,” he replied.

“Yes,” she told him.

“Au...d...ra,” he said slowly.

“That’s right,” she replied.

“Hi,” he told Audra.

“Hi yourself,” Audra said smiling. “How are you?”

“Ma...ma, “ he replied, “sa...id me si...ck.”

“Yes,” Audra told him. “You’re going to be fine.”

“Ho...pe so,” he said.

“Jarrod,” Victoria replied, “I want you to rest. You’ve been through a lot.”

“Yes ma...ma,” he told her letting his eyes close.

“Mother,” Audra said, “he called you mama.”

“Yes,” she replied. “His mind has been affected by what happened to him. He has a lot to deal with.”

The doctor walked in to see how his patient was.

“He’s asleep,” Victoria said looking up. “Why does it take him so long to say one word?”

“I know,” he replied. “I don’t know how long it will take to bring him back to the present. That’s why I want you to take him to San Francisco. Dr. Jacobs has dealt with this before. He may be able to help Jarrod. To answer your question, he has been buried alive with a foreign drug in his system and he has been without much needed oxygen. His mind has been affected by what’s happened to him. It will take time for him to heal. Just give him time.”

“And if he can’t?” she asked.

“He’ll be this way for the rest of his life,” he answered.

“I was afraid you’d say that,” she said looking down at her son. “There’s nothing physically wrong with him.”

“Nothing,” he replied. “It’s all in his mind. As I told Nick, lack of oxygen helped but the drug did most of the damage.”

“Have you been able to isolate it?” she asked.

“Not entirely,” he answered. “It really doesn’t matter. There’s nothing more I can do for him. I just want to see if he gets sick from the drug.”

“I understand,” she said.

“Mother,” Audra replied, “I don’t understand.”

“Audra,” he told her, “it’s like this. Jarrod is fine physically. His mind has been affected by the drug and the amount of time he spent in that box buried in the ground. The doctor in San Francisco has had many patients that have endured this mainly during the war. He has ways to help them come back to the age they really are. Maybe he can help Jarrod. I don’t know for sure. But I’m positive that I can’t.”

“I see,” she said. “Why did that Chadway do this to Jarrod?”

“Revenge,” Victoria replied. “He wanted to get back at me. So he kidnapped Jarrod and did this to him.”

“What about Chadway?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” Victoria answered. “If Jarrod doesn’t improve I would say there is no case against him and he will be freed.”

“He can’t,” she said angry. “Look at him. He’s acting like a boy. He’s taken my brother away from me.”

“I understand what you’re saying,” Victoria replied. “But you mustn’t let Jarrod know. He has enough to deal with without telling him about the man who put him here.”

“All right,” she told her. “I’ll try.”

Chapter Ten

Two days later, the family was on board the train bound for San Francisco. Jarrod sat very quietly beside of Nick. He would look out the window watching the scenery go by. Nick stayed close because he knew Jarrod trusted him.

“You want something to eat?” he asked as they rode.

“No,” Jarrod answered. “Not hun...gry.”

“All right,” he said turning back to his mother. “I’m worried.”

“So am I,” she replied. “He’s like a lost child.”

“Exactly,” Heath told them. “His mind is lost and is desperately trying to find the information it has lost but it doesn’t know where to look.”

“How do you know so much?” Nick asked.

“I was in Carterson Prison during the war,” he answered. “I saw men locked away in solitary come out with the mind of a child. That’s how I knew it was happening to Jarrod.”

“Do you think he has a chance?” Nick asked.

“I don’t know,” he answered. “Maybe this doctor can help.”

When they arrived at the train station, Nick helped Jarrod up and off the train. They went straight to the hospital.

“I need to see a Dr. Jacobs,” Victoria said as they walked up to the nurses’ desk.

“Who are you and why?” she asked.

“My name is Victoria Barkley, “Victoria answered. “This is my son, Jarrod. He was locked in a box buried in the ground after being drugged. He has the mind of a child.”

“I see,” she said standing. “I’ll tell the doctor you are here.”

“You were expecting us?” Victoria asked.

“Yes,” she answered. “Your doctor wired Dr. Jacobs about your son.”

The nurse disappeared. The family sat down and waited. Victoria looked over at Jarrod who sat beside of Nick. She knew he trusted his brother and she was glad about that. But several thoughts went through her mind. Would the man they had come to love and respect ever come back or would they have to deal with a small boy in the body of a man? She didn’t know the answer. All she could do was hope that Jarrod would someday be all right.

Nick was sitting thinking the same thoughts. He knew Jarrod trusted him more than the rest. He knew he had to be strong for his brother. But he was hurting inside because the man who was his best friend was gone and he didn’t know whether he would ever come back.

“If you will follow me,” the nurse said as she returned.

“Mother,” Heath replied, “you and Nick go. We’ll wait here.”

Victoria nodded as she and Nick walked Jarrod to one of the many examination rooms. The doctor walked in a short time later. He was a man of about sixty with white hair. He was stocky built. He smiled as he walked in.

“I’m Dr. Jacobs,” he said looking at Jarrod. “I understand you are Jarrod Barkley.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod replied.

“Can you tell me how old you are?” he asked.

“Not su...re,” Jarrod answered.

“I see,” he said looking at his mother and brother.

“Would you mind leaving us alone for a few minutes?” he asked.

“No,” Jarrod answered holding onto Nick’s hand.

“It’s all right son,” he said calmly. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

“All ri...g...ht,” Jarrod replied finally turning loose.

Nick and Victoria stepped out into the hall.

“Mother,” Nick said pacing. “I’m worried.”

“So am I,” she replied. “What if he never gets better?”

“Yes,” he told her.

“We’ll never stop loving him,” she said.

“Yes that’s for sure,” he replied.

Chapter Eleven

An hour later, the doctor opened the door allowing Victoria and Nick back inside. Once inside, he turned to them.

“Your son has definitely had a lack of oxygen,” he said plainly. “This has caused part of the damage to his brain. The other part I believe is the drug used. It has attacked his brain. The memories are in there but they are buried very deep in his subconscious. What I hope to do is try to force them to the surface. It won’t be easy and it will take time but he’s got a good chance to recover. However, in the meantime we’re going to have to tread easily. I don’t want any reference made to what happened to him. I don’t want the name of the man responsible mentioned.”

“We understand,” she replied. “What do we do now?”

“I want to admit him,” he told them. “That way I can monitor him as I work with him.”

“All right,” she said. “We’ll get rooms at the hotel. Before I forget what about his speech?”

“That will be fine,” he replied. “It’s because of the drug and lack of oxygen. It may improve over time. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Victoria and Nick walked back to the lobby. Heath and Audra stood as they came out.

“We’re going to get rooms for a while,” she answered before they could ask any questions. “The doctor wants to keep him.”

Then she went on to explain what the doctor had told them.

“Do you really think he can help Jarrod?” Audra asked.

“We can only hope,” she answered. “But Jarrod is still a member of this family and he will be treated as such.”

“We understand,” Heath said. “Let’s go get registered.”

They left the hospital.

Dr. Jacobs led Jarrod to a room where he changed into a nightshirt and then crawled into bed.

“It’s only going to be for a little while,” he said as Jarrod changed. “I want to work with you.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod replied climbing in bed. “Wh...at bo...ut ma...ma?”

“She’ll be here in a little while,” he told him. “I want to give you something.”

“Wh...at?” Jarrod asked.

“An injection to help get rid of the drug in your system,” he answered producing a syringe. “Or at least try to rid your system of that awful drug.”

Jarrod stiffened as he saw it. The doctor rubbed his arm and popped the syringe in. Jarrod flinched, then relaxed as the soothing medicine worked its way into his system. After a few minutes, his eyes eased closed.

When the Barkley family returned after getting rooms at the hotel, they were led to Jarrod’s room. There was a nurse there sitting by the bed.

“The doctor has given him something to help,” she said looking up. “I’m to monitor him at all times.”

“Will he be all right?” Victoria asked.

“Yes,” she answered. “It’s to help take care of the remaining drug in his system. He’ll sleep for at least four hours.”

“Why so long?” Nick asked.

“The medicine relaxes the patient,” she answered. “He’s been through a lot over the past week and he needs the rest.”

“May we sit with him?” Victoria asked.

“Certainly,” she answered turning her attention back to her patient.

The family sat down in chairs and waited.

Chapter Twelve

Four hours later, Jarrod opened his eyes. He looked around the unfamiliar room until his eyes came to rest on his brother. He smiled as he recognized Nick.

“Ni...ck,” he said looking over at his brother

“Hi Jarrod,” Nick replied standing and moving over to the bed. “Did you rest?”

“Yes,” he told him. “Fe...el bet...ter.”

“That’s great,” Nick said smiling. “You want anything?”

“No,” he replied looking at the other members of his family. “Ma...ma. Au...d...ra. He...a...th.”

“That’s right boy,” Nick told him. “You got everyone’s name right.”

“Go...od,” he said proud of himself.

“Honey,” Victoria replied coming over to stand beside Nick, “how do you feel inside?”

Jarrod looked at her not quite sure what she meant.

“Do you feel better inside?” she asked.

“Yes,” he answered. “No hu...rt.”

“That’s wonderful,” she said smiling. “The doctor will be here shortly. He’ll be pleased.”

Jarrod made a face.

“What’s that for?” Nick asked.

“Hu...rt me,” he answered.

“He gave you some medicine to help you feel better,” the nurse said from the other side of the bed. “You want to feel better don’t you?”

“Yes,” he replied looking at her.

The doctor walked into the room. He approached the bed.

“How’s my patient today?” he asked.

“OK,” Jarrod answered. “Re...st...ed.”

“That’s good,” he said smiling.

“He also got everyone’s name right,” Nick replied putting his hand on his brother’s shoulder.

“That’s good,” he told them. “Now, what I want to do is see how much he can remember.”

“Remember about what?” Nick asked concerned.

“About his life in general,” he answered. “Jarrod, what can you remember about yourself?”

Jarrod laid there thinking about the question.

“Me...mb...er,” he said looking up. “ho...me is ra...n...ch. Ri...de ho...rs...es. Bo...oks. “Fr...a...nk and Ma...tt.”

“Who are Frank and Matt?” the doctor asked.

Jarrod looked up at Nick for help.

“They were very close friends of Jarrod’s,” Nick answered. “They are both dead.”

“De...ad,” Jarrod said.

“Yeah,” Nick replied. “Frank was shot and killed at his farm a few months ago and Matt killed himself three years ago.”

Jarrod tried to remember but he couldn’t.

“It’s all right,” the doctor said. “We’ll go on. You live on a ranch.”

“Yes,” he replied. “Big.”

“600 acres,” Nick told him.

“That is big,” the doctor said. “And you ride horses.”

“Yes,” he replied. “Th...i...nk me ha...ve one.”

“You do,” Nick told him. “He’s brown and squatty with white legs and mane.”

“Tan,” he said looking up at Nick.

“Close enough,” Nick replied smiling.

“That’s very good,” the doctor told him. “You’re doing just fine.”

“Ho...pe so,” he said looking at the doctor.

“You are progressing nicely,” the doctor replied.

“Why wo...r...ds not co..me out go..od?” he asked.

“You remember the drug I said that the medicine I gave you helped,” he answered. “Well, that drug affected your speech. It will take some time but you should be able to speak normally soon.”

“Go...od,” he said.

Chapter Thirteen

Over the next week, Dr. Jacobs worked everyday with Jarrod. He still couldn’t remember much and his speech was still affected. Jarrod was becoming increasingly frustrated and angry mostly at himself. The doctor tried to reassure him that it would take time for him to get well.

“Jarrod,” the doctor said as he stood by the bed, “you’re going to have to let yourself heal. There was something done to you that caused all this.”

“Wh...at?” Jarrod asked wanting to know.

“I don’t think you’re ready to hear it yet,” he answered. “It’s too early to get into it.”

“Yes,” Jarrod said pleading.

“Doc,” Nick asked looking at the doctor, “would it be better if it came from me?”

“I’m not sure he’s ready for the news yet,” he answered. “I don’t want to cause him to have a setback.”

“Let me try please,” Nick said.

“All right,” he replied. “But I want to keep a close eye on him while you do.”

Nick turned to face Jarrod.

“Jarrod,” he said, “you were riding to Stockton to your office. A man took you to a cabin. He stuck a needle into your arm and then put you in a metal box in the ground and buried you there. He wasn’t a nice man. He wanted you to die. But Heath and I found you. We brought you to the doctor.”

The entire time Nick was telling what had happened to Jarrod, he sat there.

“See fa...ce,” he said looking at Nick.

“You can see a face,” Nick replied.

“Yes,” he told him. “Hu...rt me.”

“You bet he hurt you,” Nick said. “But you’re going to show him. You’re going to send him away for the rest of his life.”

Jarrod began to violently shake as Nick talked. The doctor motioned for Nick to stop. He went to the bed.

“Jarrod,” he asked, “are you all right?”

Jarrod just sat there shaking. The doctor knew what had happened.

“Nurse,” he said looking at her, “I want a sedative stat.”

“Yes doctor,” she replied leaving the room.

“He is trying to remember something and it’s terrifying him,” he told them. “I’m going to put him to sleep. He’s not ready for anymore.”

“All right doctor,” Victoria said as they waited for the nurse to return.

The nurse entered the room with a syringe. She handed it to the doctor. He injected it into Jarrod and his eyes closed.

“He’ll sleep now,” he said. “I want him to rest for now. We can start again tomorrow.”

After the doctor left, Nick looked at his sleeping brother. Then he looked at his mother.

“What have I done?” he asked. “I’ve hurt Jarrod and he’ll never get better.”

“Nick,” Victoria answered him, “it’s not your fault. You thought he was up to hearing about what happened to put him here. He wasn’t. Don’t blame yourself.”

“Mother,” Nick said looking at her, “he’s never going to get better.”

“We don’t know that,” she replied. “Right now, Jarrod needs our love and support. He trusts you Nick. Are you going to throw away that trust because you feel sorry for yourself?”

Nick looked at his brother lying in the bed asleep. He knew Jarrod trusted him completely. Then he looked at his mother.

“No I’m not,” he said. “I’m going to help Jarrod deal with this and no matter the outcome he’ll still be my brother.”

“That’s the spirit,” she replied smiling. “If it’s God’s will, Jarrod will heal. If it’s not, we’ll deal with that.”

Nick smiled at his mother and his brother.

Chapter Fourteen

Late that evening, Jarrod began to wake up. He was still groggy and could only hold his eyes open a slit. Victoria and Nick both came to the side of the bed.

“How do you feel son?” she asked.

“Ti...r...ed,” he answered.

“It’s the medicine the doctor gave you earlier,” she said looking down at him. “You were very upset.”

“Why?” he asked.

“I don’t want to get into that until you get rested,” she answered. “I’m sure the doctor will tell you when he comes in.”

He barely nodded letting his tired eyes close. Victoria stroked his hair as he slept. She put her hand to the side of his face and it felt warm.

“Nurse,” she said, “he feels warm to me.”

Nurse Goins rose from her chair, walking to the bedside. She felt Jarrod’s face.

“Yes he does,” she said leaving the room.

A few minutes later the doctor walked in. He checked Jarrod to see if he indeed had a fever.

“He’s running a fever,” he said. “I need to see what’s causing it.”

The doctor began to examine Jarrod again. As he pulled up his nightshirt, he noticed very red marks on his chest. When he applied a small amount of pressure to them, Jarrod cried out.

“Just as I thought,” he said.

“What?” Victoria asked worried.

“Was he thrown over a saddle?” he asked.

“Might have been when he was kidnapped,” Nick answered. “Why?”

“He has a very red and sore stomach area,” he said. “I believe that no one noticed it because we were all worried about his mental health.”

“Will he be all right?” Victoria asked.

“Yes,” he answered turning to the nurse. “I want a syringe of medicine prepared to help this infected area as well as to help reduce the fever. Then I want a creme rubbed over the area.”

“Yes doctor,” she said leaving the room.

“He’s going to be fine after we get this cleared up,” he replied turning back to the family. “His fever is only a little over 100.

“What about his mind?” Nick asked.

“I’m still working on that,” he answered. “In time I hope that he will completely recover.”

“How much time?” she asked.

“I can’t say at this time,” he answered. “Each patient is different. Some recover quickly. Some don’t recover at all. And others recover but it is a long drawn out process. I can’t tell you at this time which category Jarrod falls under because I don’t know. He’s made some progress but he has a long way to go.”

The nurse returned with a syringe, which she handed to the doctor and a small bottle of creme. The doctor injected Jarrod with the medicine and the nurse rubbed the creme over the irritated area. Jarrod never moved. They covered him up and let him sleep.

“How long will he sleep?” Nick asked.

“At least a few hours,” the doctor answered. “Rest is very good for him. Try not to worry.”

“All right,” Nick said but he was very worried.

Seeing the worry on his face, the doctor tried to ease his fears.

“I know it’s hard on you to see your brother in the shape he is in,” he said. “But he is a bright man and that will indeed help him as he tries to heal. What I would like you to do is treat him as normally as possible. Try not to dwell on the problems he has.”

“It’s not going to be easy doc,” Nick replied looking at Jarrod. “You see. He’s my older brother. He’s always been there when I’ve been sick or hurt. I remember when I was sixteen and trapped in that mine. Jarrod rode all night from San Francisco where he was going to law school. No one had to tell him his brother was hurt. He knew.”

“Jarrod and Nick have always been close,” she told him. “They can sense when the other one is sick or hurt. I can’t explain it.”

“You don’t have to,” he said. “Right now and for the time being, Jarrod needs you to help and guide him as he tries to get well. I’m going to tell you right now it won’t be easy. He’s not the same man you’ve known all your life. But he is still your brother and he loves you. He needs you to guide him in the right direction as he tries to deal with what’s happened to him.”

“I’ll try doc,” Nick replied.

“I know you will,” he told him. “I’ll come back in the morning to see how he is. Nurse Goins will be here if you should need something.”

The doctor left the room. Nick thought about what he had said.

“I’ll be there for Jarrod every step of the way,” he said out loud. “You can count on it.”

“He’s knows that,” his mother replied smiling. “Jarrod appreciates everything you’ve done to help him. He may not say it but he does.”

“Thanks mother,” he told her smiling. “It means a lot.”

Chapter Fifteen

Jarrod slept all night thanks to the medicine. When he did open his eyes the next morning, his mother and brother greeted him.

“Honey,” she said as he opened his eyes, “you rested all night. How do you feel?”

“So...re,” he replied. “My st...om...ac...h.”

“You had an infection in your stomach but the doctor has given you something to help,” she told him. “How about some breakfast?”

“No,” he said turning his head away from his mother.

“What’s wrong?” she asked knowing something was bothering him.

“No...th...ing,” he answered.

“Jarrod,” she said trying to find out what was bothering her son, “tell me what it is.”

“No un...der...st...and,” he replied.

“What don’t you understand?” she asked.

“Why me he...re,” he answered.

“Son,” she said looking into his face, “you were badly injured. But your injury was not physical. It has to do with your brain. You are unable to think normally thanks to a man who wanted to get even with both you and me. We’ve brought you to San Francisco to see if this doctor can help you.”

“See,” he replied. “Try.”

“I know you are trying,” she told him. “You are trying very hard. But it’s not easy and it won’t be easy.”

“St...i...ll try,” he said.

“I know,” she replied hugging him. “You’re going to get out of here and we’re going home.”

“Ho...me,” he told her thinking. “Li...ke th...at.”

“I promise you we’re going home very soon,” she said.

Nick walked into his room. Jarrod smiled when he saw Nick.

“Ni...ck,” he said smiling.

“Jarrod,” Nick replied stopping beside the door. “I just had a talk with the doctor and I’m going to take you for a walk outside.”

“Go...od,” he told him starting to get up.

“You have to get dressed first,” Nick said.

“Try,” he replied getting up.

“Nick,” she told him, “you help Jarrod. I’m going to the hotel.”

“All right,” Nick said turning his attention to Jarrod.

As Victoria walked to the hotel, Heath met her. He was clearly bothered by something.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“I got a telegram at the hotel,” he answered. “It’s from Fred in Stockton. He says that Chadway’s lawyer is pushing for a trial date to be set. He says that if Jarrod is not able to testify they’ll have to turn him loose.”

“Oh dear,” she said reading the telegram. “I need to speak to the doctor.”

She turned and headed back to the hospital.

Chapter Sixteen

Nick and Jarrod walked outside the hospital. As they walked down a street, Nick pointed to a building.

“That’s where your office is,” he said as he pointed. “You have an office here and in Stockton.”

“Mil...dred,” Jarrod replied as he looked.

“That’s right,” he told him. “Your secretary’s name is Mildred.”

“Old...er,” Jarrod said looking at Nick.

“Yeah,” he replied smiling. “That’s right.”

“Ni...ck,” Jarrod told him as they walked. “Wa...nt re...me....m...ber.”

“I know you do Jarrod,” he said putting his arm around Jarrod’s shoulders. “You will.”

“Ho...pe so,” Jarrod replied.

“We better get back,” he told him as the two started back to the hospital.

Victoria arrived at the hospital. When she found Dr. Jacobs, she was clearly upset.

“What’s wrong Mrs. Barkley,” he asked.

“I just received a telegram from the sheriff in Stockton,” she answered. “If Jarrod can’t testify against Chadway, they’re going to turn him loose. Is there any way possible to make him remember?”

“You’re treading in dangerous territory if you force him to remember,” he said. “He could completely go off the deep end.”

“I’m going to tell him exactly what happened,” she replied.

“Then you could hurt your son,” he told her. “I don’t think he’s ready yet.”

“I don’t care,” she said. “I want this man put away for what he did to my son.”

“Do you want to destroy your son in the process?” he asked trying to stop her.

“No,” she answered. “But it can’t be helped.”

“I still say you’re wrong,” he said. “But I won’t stop you.”

“Good,” she replied heading for his room.

“God help him,” he told her receding back.

As Nick and Jarrod walked into Jarrod’s room, Victoria met them. Nick could tell she was very upset. Before he could ask, she took Jarrod’s hand leading him over to the bed.

“I want to tell you something,” she said as he sat down on the side of the bed. “You have to go back to Stockton. You have to testify against Nathan Chadway. If you don’t he’ll be free to hurt someone else.”

Jarrod just looked at her not sure what she was talking about.

“Mother,” Nick said.

“Hush Nick,” she replied. “Jarrod, this man Chadway had you kidnapped. He had his two men bury you in the ground in a small metal box. He injected you with a drug that hurt you. Then he left you there to die. Luckily, Nick and Heath found you still alive but you had something wrong with you. Your speech was affected, as was your mind as far as thinking. You can’t remember. You’re going to remember.”

She shook Jarrod by his shoulders. Nick tried to stop her but she pushed him away.

“He has to remember,” she said getting angry. “He has too.”

“Mother,” Nick asked, “what are you doing?”

“They’re going to free Chadway unless Jarrod is able to remember,” she answered. “I don’t want that to happen. Your brother has to remember.”

Jarrod was sitting there looking at his mother and brother. He wasn’t sure what was going on but he knew it had something to do with him. Then a thought came into his mind.

“Remember,” it said. “Remember the horror.”

Jarrod didn’t understand what it meant but he tried to remember. After a few minutes and his mother continuing to shake him, the horror surfaced.

“No!” Jarrod screamed. “Please! Don’t shut it! I’ll die!”

Both Nick and Victoria backed up from him as he began to see what had happened to him. They noted the fact that his speech seemed to be all right at least for the moment. Frightened, he begged for help.

“Let me out!” he called.

“Jarrod,” she said quietly, “it’s over. You’re free. What do you remember?”

“I remember being forced into that box,” he replied not looking at either one of them. “I remember hearing the dirt being thrown in on top of me. I knew I was going to die. But a voice said, ‘you will be all right.’”

“A voice?” Nick asked. “Whose voice?”

“I don’t know,” he answered. “It just happened again. The voice said remember.”

“Do you remember it all,” she asked.

“Yes,” he answered. “I remember everything.”

Victoria sat down on the bed beside of him. She put her arm around him and held him close.

“I’m sorry I had to do that,” she said. “But Sheriff Madden sent a telegram that stated that Chadway would be freed if you didn’t testify. I didn’t want that to happen. So, I decided to make you remember.”

“I remember,” he replied. “But what am I doing here?”

“You don’t know,” Nick told him.

“No,” he said. “I can’t remember anything after the lid was closed.”

“That’s all right son,” she replied smiling. “I’ll fill you in.”

“All right,” he told her holding his head.

Chapter Seventeen

Dr. Jacobs walked into the room as Jarrod sat on his bed holding his head in his hands.

“He’s remembered it all,” she said looking up at him. “I told him and he remembered.”

The doctor stopped at the side of the bed and squatted down in front of Jarrod.

“Jarrod,” he asked, “how are you?”

Jarrod didn’t look at him. The doctor pulled his hands from his face. Jarrod was in shock as he was remembering everything. The doctor eased him back in the bed. He never moved, as the horror of remembering was all he could think about. The doctor turned to Victoria.

“I hope you’re happy,” he said angrily. “He’s in shock and I’m going to sedate him to help him deal with this. You just couldn’t wait. You had to force him to remember.”

“Yes,” she replied just as angry. “I didn’t want that man to be freed and hurt someone else.”

“Are you sure that was the only reason?” he asked.

“What do you mean?” she wanted to know.

“You may have destroyed Jarrod’s sanity,” he answered. “I don’t know what condition he’ll be in after he rests. Nurse, bring me a syringe full of the sedative.”

“Yes sir, “the nurse said as she left the room.

“You don’t care about your son’s health do you?” he asked turning his attention back to Victoria.

“Yes I care,” she answered. “I only want him to put this man away.”

“Mother,” Nick said looking at her, “it’s almost like you’re obsessed with putting Chadway away. Why?”

Victoria didn’t answer his question.

“Why?” he asked again.

“Yes Mrs. Barkley,” the doctor wanted to know. “Why?”

“I...love Jarrod,” she answered. “But this man, Chadway, I’ve knew over thirty years ago. It wasn’t long after your father and I came to the valley. He was a young man who knew a lot about stocks so Tom hired him to run the stock part of his business dealings. The young man was bright. Both Tom and I liked him very much. Then one day, Tom came home early and told me that Chadway was gone. He had taken $500 worth of stocks with him. We tried to find him but he was gone. Then a couple of years later, after Jarrod was born, Tom and I were in San Francisco on business.”

The nurse walked in with the syringe and she injected the medicine into Jarrod, who finally closed his eyes.

“We both saw Chadway at the same time,” she said continuing. “He saw us at the same time. He tried to run but Tom caught him. When Tom brought him over to Jarrod and me, he reached out grabbing Jarrod by the arm. I was scared as I watched him pull Jarrod in front of him. Tom tried to stop him but was stopped by Chadway when he put his hands around Jarrod’s throat. Tom told him to stop.”

“You really think I care about this boy,” he said as he backed up.

“That’s my son,” she replied trying to reason with him.

“I don’t care,” he told them. “The boy dies if you don’t let me go.”

“You’ll never get away with this,” Tom said advancing on him.

Chadway tightened his grip on Jarrod’s throat. Jarrod was crying and calling for Tom.

“Papa,” he cried so scared.

“Son,” Tom said trying to keep his son calm. “Be brave. I’m going to get you free.”

“You try to stop me and I’ll kill him,” Chadway replied.

“All right,” Tom told him giving in. “What do you want?”

“To leave here,” he said smiling. “And he goes with me.”

“No,” Tom replied.

Chadway tightened his grip again. Jarrod was beginning to gasp for air. Tom finally agreed.

“All right,” Tom said giving in. “Go. Only leave our son here.”

“No,” he replied turning to leave. “The boy goes.”

“Please,” she told him. “He’s my son. I love him.”

“No,” he said heading off. “You can find him at the depot.”

Tom and Victoria ran after him. When they arrived at the depot, Jarrod was no where in sight. Tom decided to look behind the depot. When he walked behind the building, he saw his son. Jarrod was lying on the ground barely breathing. He had been strangled. Tom picked him up, rushing him to help. He spent two weeks in the hospital. But fortunately he was all right.

“So you see,” she said looking at them both. “He tried to kill Jarrod once. And now he’s tried again. I want him locked up.”

“I see what you mean,” the doctor replied. “But you may have seriously hurt your son.”

“I didn’t want to,” she told him. “I just wanted to make him pay for what he’s done to this family.”

Jarrod moaned and the doctor turned his attention to his patient.

“What?” he mumbled.

“You remembered everything son,” the doctor said calmly. “You had to be sedated.”

“Why?” he mumbled.

“Your mother made you remember,” the doctor said. “She wants you to testify against the man.”

“Oh,” he replied trying to hold his eyes open.

“Sleep son,” the doctor told him. “We’ll talk later.”

Jarrod’s eyes closed.

“You’re very lucky,” he said looking at Victoria. “He’s seems to be all right. But I won’t know for sure until he wakes up in several hours.”

“I’m sorry,” she replied. “I didn’t want to hurt Jarrod.”

“Mother,” Nick asked, “why did you have to make him remember?”

“I just told you,” she answered.

“Wait a minute,” Nick said as a thought came into his mind. “Doc, you remember Jarrod said something about a voice that talked to him. I think I know who that voice is.”

“Who?” he asked.

“My father,” Nick answered. “He was trying to help Jarrod.”

“Yes,” she said smiling. “It had to be Tom. He wanted the man to pay.”

“But not at Jarrod’s expense,” Nick replied. “What about him?”

“I promise Nick,” she told him, “that when we get home and after he testifies, he can rest for as long as he needs to.”

Nick thought about it for a long time. Then he spoke.

“All right,” he agreed. “But if Jarrod is hurt from this, I’ll never forgive you.”

“I understand,” she said.

Chapter Eighteen

Jarrod didn’t wake up until the next morning. When he did, he was smiling at Nick.

“What’s been going on?” he asked somewhat confused.

“What do you mean?” Nick wanted to know.

“I mean where are we and why are we here?” he asked.

“We’re in the hospital in San Francisco,” Nick answered. “You were hurt bad by a man named Chadway.”

This time at the mention of the name, there was no response from Jarrod.

“I remember,” he said. “He kidnapped me and locked me up after drugging me.”

“Yep,” Nick replied. “What else?”

“He wanted mother to pay $50,000 for my safe return,” he told them. “But he wasn’t going to free me. He told me so. He wanted me to die and then mother to die.”

“We fooled him,” she said smiling. “I’m sorry I had to force you to remember.”

“I don’t understand,” he replied confused.

“You don’t remember last night?” she asked.

“The last thing I remember is the lid being closed and the dirt thrown in on top of me,” he answered.

“Boy have you got a lot to catch up on,” Nick said.

“When can we go home?” he asked.

“As soon as the doctor releases you,” she answered.

The doctor walked into the room.

“He doesn’t remember any of the stay here at the hospital,” Nick said.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” the doctor replied. “His brain has healed itself and the memories of the ordeal here has been subdued. He may remember in time or they may never return. The good news is there is nothing wrong with him caused by what your mother did yesterday. He’s very lucky.”

“What are you talking about?” Jarrod asked very confused.

“I’ll tell you about it later,” Nick answered.

“OK,” Jarrod said smiling. “When can I go home?”

“Just as soon as I sign the release papers,” the doctor replied turning to leave.

At noon, Jarrod walked out of the hospital. He and the other members of the family returned to Stockton. Jarrod testified against Nathan Chadway, who was put away for thirty years for kidnapping and attempted murder. Jarrod never did remember the ordeal in the hospital.

THE END