Retaliation

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

“Jay,” Heath said as he and Jarrod rode the creek bank in the northern part of the pasture on the Barkley Ranch, “it nice of you to ride with me. Me like it lot. Not get to see you much.”

“I’m glad I could go with you,” he replied looking over at his newest brother. “These last two weeks have been pretty hard on me. But I deserved to be punished for what I did. Fighting is not the answer but sometimes you don’t have a choice. I want you to remember that Heath. You don’t have to fight to prove your point. Unlike Nick I tend to talk first before raising a hand to someone. Nick raises his hand and then thinks about talking. That’s just the difference between us. It doesn’t make him better than me or me better than him.”

“You brave,” Heath told him. “You good. Me member. Me know Nick like fight. Me see him do it.”

“I thank you Heath,” he said shaking his head. “But you’re wrong. I’m not brave. I’ve never been able to stand up before to those two boys. They have been bullies since the first day I started school. Nick told me that I should have fought them to start with but I didn’t think I needed to prove anything to either of them. And then after being taken prisoner by that man well, it just happened. I still don’t know how I did it that afternoon. I guess I’ll never know. And I sure didn’t stand up to that man when I rode into his arms. I was scared to death and he knew that. No, I’m not brave. I’m a chicken plain and simple.”

“Ride good,” Heath replied looking at all the beauty of the ranch. “Me glad you and me. You not chicken. You smart.”

“Well,” he told his brother, “Nick had chores and homework to do. Mother wouldn’t let him out of the house until he finished. I don’t blame her either. Nick hates school and doesn’t do his work. Then he ends up with a failing grade. And then he gets mad. Sometimes he even has been known to get in a fight when he’s that mad. I’ll tell you something. He has a hair temper and if you get him riled up you better look out for fists to fly.”

“You smart,” Heath said smiling. “You real smart. Want to be like you Jay. Nick like to fight. Know he do. You do not. Not mad at you for not fight like Nick. You Jay not Nick.”

“Now wait a minute Heath,” he replied stopping to look at his brother. “That’s nice of you to say but I’m not going to be what you are. As far as Nick is concerned that’s just the way he is and there’s nothing wrong with it either.”

“What you mean?” Heath asked looking at Jarrod.

“I mean that I’m not going to run the ranch,” he answered looking away. “I’ve never liked to get dirty. You can ask Nick about that. I don’t really know why but I hate to have dirty hands. I have a dream of doing something else when I’m grown.”

“What you do?” Heath asked wanting to know. “Please tell me Jay.”

“I want to live in a city,” he answered turning to look at Heath. “ Maybe Sacramento or San Francisco. Or I may even go back east. I just don’t know where I will live. I want to be able to walk among the people there. Cities have a lot of people and I want to see first hand what city life is like. I’ve never been to a big city before but I’ve heard about them from father and others. They are supposed to be wonderful and I want to see one for myself before I decide where I will live. I want to do something with my mind instead of my hands. I’ve never been that good with hands on work but I can do a lot with my brain and that’s what I want to do someday. I also want to help people if I can although I’m not sure doing what at this point. I don’t know if you can understand what I mean. You’re so young and it’s hard to explain it all to you.”

“Yes,” Heath said nodding. “You want to think. Nick say that. True.”

“Yes in a way,” he replied looking at the ranch. “I want to maybe become a doctor or professor or something else. I’ve not really sat down to think about it. I know I don’t want to stay here. Or at least not stay here all the time. I may come back to visit but that will be about all. There is nothing to keep me here.”

“You hate here,” Heath told him. “You hate me.”

“Of course not,” he said smiling at his brother. “I just don’t fit in here. It’s not me. I’m not like Nick who loves this ranch. He could spend every waking minute here but I can’t. I have to be around people. I want to help them in some way like I said before. I can’t stand dirty animals although I have my horse that I take of but that’s all I do. I don’t feel comfortable around horses or cows. I’ve been scared of horses since I was your age and I don’t think I’ve completely gotten over it either. I’m just not a country boy.”

“That good,” Heath replied nodding. “You help me. You make me feel home. You make me know mother good.”

“I’m glad you feel that way,” he told his brother. “But I’ll never forget about you or Nick. Just because I won’t be here all the time doesn’t mean that I won’t come visit. You can even come visit me. You and Nick will always be my family and I won’t desert my family no matter what I end up doing.”

“Really,” Heath said smiling bigger. “Me like that.”

“Sure,” he replied smiling. “I’ll be happy to have you and even Nick visit me when you can. You will always be welcome. Heath, no matter what anyone says you are and always will be my brother. I’ve known that since the first day I met you in that lawyer’s office. You are a special boy. You remember that.”

“Thanks Jay,” Heath told him. “Me know you too.”

“I appreciate that,” he said as they headed off toward the house. “We better head back. I told mother we wouldn’t be gone too long. It will be getting dark soon.”

Nick was sitting in his room mad as he could be. He hated homework. He wanted to be out on the ranch with Jarrod and Heath having fun instead of sitting here doing something he hated with a passion. He just stared at the paper in front of him not even attempting to do what he was supposed to do.

“Nick,” she said as she walked into his room, “it’s getting late. Would you mind going to look for your brothers? They should have been back an hour ago. I know you’re busy but I need to make sure that they aren’t hurt. And I don’t want to leave the house for fear that they may come home.”

“Stop worrying about Jarrod and Heath,” he replied smiling at her. “They’ve just lost track of the time. They’ll be back soon. Jarrod will see to it that they are. Remember he’s been cooped up in this house for two weeks. He just wants to spread his wings.”

“Yes I realize that,” she told him. “But Jarrod promised me that they would be back by five and it’s nearly six now. I’m beginning to get worried. It will be dark in another hour and your father isn’t home yet.”

“Why didn’t you say that father wasn’t back from town yet?” he asked looking up. “I’ll go find them mother. They are probably just enjoying the ride. After all Jarrod hasn’t been able to get out for two weeks because of the fight. You try not to worry and I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“I understand that,” she answered. “But it’s not like him to be this late especially when he promised to be back at a certain time. I’m afraid something has happened to them.”

“I bet I’ll see father returning from town,” he said standing up. “I’ll get him to help me look. In fact, he’ll want to help me when he finds out that Jarrod and Heath aren’t back like they promised they would be. We’ll find them. I promise we will.”

“I know you will sweetheart,” she replied smiling. “You be careful. Don’t stay out too late after it gets dark especially since something could happen to you.”

“I will,” he told her as he headed out the door. “I’ll watch where I’m going.”

Nick picked up his hat and headed out to the barn where he ran into Tom who had just rode up from town.

“Where are you off to this late son?” he asked as he saw Nick heading for the barn. “It will be dark in about an hour and we’ll be eating soon. You know better than to take off at this time of day.”

“I know,” Nick answered looking at his father. “Mother wants me to look for Jarrod and Heath.”

“What’s happened to them?” he asked looking worried. “They are here aren’t they?”

“No father,” Nick answered shaking his head. “Jarrod took Heath riding over two hours ago. It was the first time in two weeks he’s been able to get away from the house. They haven’t come back yet. He wanted to show Heath some more of the ranch. I told mother that they probably just lost track of the time but she still wants me to go look for them. I think she’s worried because of what’s happened to Jarrod in the past and because it’s going to get dark. You know how she is.”

“Well,” he said smiling, “they probably stopped somewhere or forgot the time like you said. They’ll ride in any minute. Still it’s not like Jarrod to promise to be back at a certain time and then not be.”

“I don’t know,” Nick replied saddling up. “Mother’s pretty worried so I promised her that I would go looking for them. I’m not that worried myself. I know Jarrod and when he’s been cooped up he likes to enjoy himself.”

“I’ll just ride with you son,” he told Nick. “Do you have any idea which way they went?”

“North,” Nick said pointing toward the pasture. “Jarrod said something about showing Heath the creek that ran through the pasture. That’s all I know.”

“Then let’s go,” he replied mounting up. “They might have fallen or something.”

Tom and Nick headed off to look for Jarrod and Heath.

Chapter One

Victoria watched the time. It was now ten minutes after six. The sky was getting darker and still no sign of Jarrod and Heath. It was still warm weather but the nights were quite cool and neither one of the boys had a jacket. She wanted to go search for them herself but she had no idea where they had gone. Besides she knew that someone had to stay at the house just in case they came home.

“Dear God,” she said out loud, “please protect Jarrod and Heath until Nick can find them. Amen.”

She tried to sit down and read but her mind couldn’t concentrate on the book she held in her hands. Finally, she just laid it on the table and looked out the window at the impending darkness.

“Father,” Nick said as they rode the banks of the creek, “Jarrod’s and Heath’s tracks are here but they’re not. This doesn’t make any sense. They couldn’t just disappear. If they had fallen their horses would be close by but they’re not.”

“I know son,” he replied worry creeping into his thoughts about two of his sons. “I’m very worried about them too. It’s not like Jarrod to wander off when he knows he’s supposed to be back at a certain time. We can’t stop looking. It will be dark soon.”

“I know,” Nick told him. “I don’t understand where they could be.”

Tom sensed something and he didn’t like what he was feeling. He knew from the tracks that something had happened to the boys and it wasn’t their doing either. He thought about the shootings over a month ago and wondered if this could be tied in somehow but then he put that thought out of his mind. He knew Jordan wouldn’t come onto him land and take two of his sons. That just wasn’t possible. Still, he had a bad feeling about two of his sons.

Victoria glanced at the clock again. It was well after eight and still no sign of Jarrod and Heath. She heard horses riding up and ran outside to find Tom and Nick climbing down.

“Did you find them?” she asked as she came to a stop in front of Tom. “I’ve been so worried. It’s so late. Where are they?”

“No,” he answered looking at Nick. “Son, you take the horses into the barn. Then find Murphy and tell him we’ll need about a dozen men with lanterns to search.”

“Yes father,” Nick said heading off to do what his father asked.

“There wasn’t any sign of them,” he replied after Nick had gone out of sight. “We followed their tracks along the creek bed but it got too dark to see. I’m going back to continue the search. I want Nick to stay here with you. I don’t feel that this was just an accident. I feel that they have been taken by someone.”

“Tom,” she told him worry evident in her voice, “they’re out there all alone. They don’t have coats. You’re worried about them aren’t you? What do you mean taken by someone?”

“I know,” he said trying to comfort her. “They’ve probably just gotten lost. Yes. I’m very worried. I didn’t say anything to Nick but I saw other tracks where we lost theirs so they may not be alone. Someone may have taken them prisoner. I’m just not sure. That’s why I want to leave Nick here with you. We may run into trouble and I don’t want him hurt.”

“On the ranch,” she replied looking at him. “That’s impossible. Something’s happened to them. I know it has. Who would be out on the ranch? It doesn’t make any sense. Who would want to hurt two small boys?”

“Quit worrying,” he told her. “I’m sure that one of the horses probably just threw a shoe that’s all. But I’m wondering the same thing. Something doesn’t feel right and I’m going back to find them. If they have been taken by someone we should receive a ransom note.”

“No you’re not,” she said looking at his face. “You’re just as worried as I am. I know you very well Tom. You’re scaring me. I just wish those two were home right now.”

“All right,” he replied nodding. “I am worried but I don’t want Nick to know. He’s scared already and I don’t want him to start worrying more. And don’t mention the other tracks to him. If anyone knows about Jarrod its Nick. I don’t mean to scare you but it’s a possibility. We have to be prepared just in case. If they had been thrown their horses would have been close by but there was no sign of anything.”

“I agree,” she told him. “But where in the world can they be?”

“I don’t have any idea,” he said shaking his head. “But I won’t stop looking until I do find them no matter how long it takes.”

Jarrod looked around at his surroundings. He had no idea where he was. He couldn’t see much. It was mostly dark in the room where they were. He managed after a struggle to finally sit up. At first he forgot that Heath had been with him, then he remembered.

“Heath,” he called out. “Heath where are you?”

“Me here Jay,” Heath said his voice frightened. “Where we at?”

“I don’t know,” he replied trying to see anything but it was completely dark. “I don’t like the feel of this. Something is wrong. Why are we here wherever here is?”

“Jay,” Heath told him, “me tied up.”

“I am too,” he said trying to move but unable to because of the rope bindings. “Someone brought us here. I just wish I knew where here was.”

“Papa,” Heath replied trying to stay calm like his brother. “Nick.”

“Father will find us if he can,” he told his brother. “Don’t you worry. I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise. Just try to stay calm Heath. You’re not alone. I’m here with you.”

“Jay,” Heath said trying not to cry, “me fraid. Me want papa.”

“I know you are,” he replied trying to keep his emotions under control. “Just believe that father will come. I know he will.”

“Me try,” Heath told him.

Jarrod heard footsteps coming toward them. He still couldn’t see anything. He was even more scared than Heath was when he realized what was going on but he vowed to somehow keep his brother safe from harm.

“You have them secured so they can’t escape,” a voice said. “I don’t want to have to run after them. After what happened with the older boy the other time, we don’t need to get raked over the coals for messing this up.”

“They’re tied and they ain’t getting away,” a second voice replied. “The door is locked from the outside and there ain’t no window in there. What do you think he’ll do with them?”

“Kill them after he’s through using them for his plan,” the first voice told him. “You know he wants only to get Barkley. He don’t care about them. But this was the best way to get Barkley’s attention.”

Jarrod realized that he and Heath were in big trouble. They had been captured by that Jordan man and this time they would die. He knew that he had to keep Heath calm and somehow safe. He made up his mind to keep those men from harming his brother even if he had to take them on by himself.

“You two awake?” a man with a scruffy beard asked as he walked up with another man. “You are wanted in another room.”

Jarrod didn’t recognize either one of the two men that came into the room.

“What are you going to do with us?” h asked hoping he could buy time until their father found them. “I mean are you going to let us go? We can’t hurt you. Please let my brother go. He’s not part of this.”

“Ain’t for you to know boy,” the second man answered looking at the two boys in the lamplight. “Now you listen to me. I’m going to cut your legs loose so you can walk but you try to run and I’ll kill the bastard. Is that understood? He’s not going anywhere. He’s to make sure you do as you’re told or we take it out on him.”

Jarrod knew who the man was referring to. He nodded at the man. After he and Heath were able to stand up, Jarrod instinctively tried to protect Heath. He kept his arm around his brother as they walked hoping that Heath would understand what he was doing.

“It hasn’t been too long since I saw you boy,” Jordan said as the two boys were pushed hard into another room. “You know what I want. You give it to me and I’ll let you go. You don’t and you will be made to mind. I’ll start with him. It won’t be pleasant either as you can attest to.”

“Yes sir,” he replied standing in front of the man. “Please don’t hurt my brother. He’s too small to know what’s going on. You can do what you want to me. Just don’t hurt him. I beg you. Please sir. Don’t hurt Heath.”

“He’s of no concern to me,” Jordan told him. “All I want to know is answers to some questions. And if I have to take it out of his hide to get them I will.”

“All right,” he said looking at Heath. “Just don’t hurt him. I don’t care if you hurt me just leave him alone.”

Tom, Murphy and ten men went back to the north pasture to pick up Jarrod and Heath’s trail. They followed the creek bank for a mile before they came across a lot of tracks.

“Looks like they ran into riders here,” Murphy said as he studied the ground. “It appears that they were led off in that direction.”

“That would be west,” he replied trying to figure out what was in that direction. “Wait a minute. The big line shack is in that direction. It has plenty of room for them to hole up for a while and this time of year no one will be up there.”

“You think they took the boys there,” Murphy told him. “Makes no sense. Why take them that close to the ranch? And who is behind this anyway?”

“Jordan wants me to know who is behind this,” he said punching his left fist into his right palm. “I’m afraid what he’ll do to those boys. He told me that I would regret tangling with him and now he’s taken two of my sons to get to me. I’m going in there alone. I mean it Murphy. I want to rescue my sons and I will take his head off for this. I promise you that.”

“Jarrod will try to keep Heath safe,” Murphy replied climbing up on his horse. “You have to have faith that we will find them. You can’t just ride in alone. Jordan will kill you and make the boys watch. At least let me go with you. Tom, listen to me. The boys don’t need to see you die. I should have realized that Jordan was behind this. It’s got all the ear marks of him.”

“I do,” he told his foreman. “I just hope they are still alive when we do. All right. I know when I’m licked. Let’s go. One thing Murphy. Jordan is mine. You take care of anyone else but I want him for myself. This has been a long time coming. And he’s going to pay for what he’s done. I promise you that.”

“All right,” Murphy said nodding. “You can have Jordan for yourself. But I bet he isn’t even there.”

They headed off for the line shack and hopefully they would find Jarrod and Heath alive.

“Mother,” Nick asked as he sat with her in the living room, “do you think they found Jarrod and Heath yet? I wish I could have gone with father. I know I could have helped him find them. Why wouldn’t he let me go? It’s not fair. I needed to go. They’re my brothers.”

“I don’t know Nick,” she answered trying to remain calm. “I’m sure they are trying. Your father thought it would be better if you stayed here with me. It’s dark and he didn’t want you getting lost or hurt while looking for your brothers. Besides someone has to stay here to protect me.”

She hoped that would help satisfy Nick’s anger that he couldn’t go with his father. She knew she didn’t need protection but it would hopefully make him feel better about being left here.

“I can feel that Jarrod is very cold,” he said out loud. “He’s in a dark and cold place. He’s trying to protect Heath. He won’t let them hurt Heath. He’s getting hurt himself but he is trying to protect Heath. Oh mother it’s terrible. I can feel Jarrod’s pain and he’s still trying to protect Heath. Father has to find them. He has to. Before it’s too late. Please find them. Oh no.”

“Oh Nick,” she replied holding him as he shivered. “Try not to worry. Your father will find them. You just concentrate on that fact. Your father will find them.”

She continued to hold her son as he sobbed because of what he had been feeling. She knew that time was indeed running out for Jarrod and maybe Heath as well. She prayed that Tom would find them before it was too late.

“I’m not so sure mother,” he told her. “Jarrod is crying for father. He’s being hurt real bad. I don’t know what they are doing to him but he’s hurting. Please father find them. Please.”

“It’s all right sweetheart,” she said holding him. “I know it will be all right.”

She continued to hold Nick hoping that she could comfort him. She knew that he could indeed feel his brother’s pain and suffering. She tried to keep her own tears from showing as the worry she felt came to the forefront. She prayed that somehow Tom and the men could get to Jarrod before he perished at the hands of a madman.

Chapter Two

By the time that Tom and Murphy reached the line shack it was well past two in the morning. They eased off their horses and made their way to the shack.

“I don’t see any horses,” Murphy said in a low voice. “Maybe they’ve already gone. Don’t see any light in there either.”

“Then where are the boys?” he asked looking for any clues to his sons’ whereabouts. “If they are here their horses should be somewhere close by. I’m going to go inside. You cover me.”

“We’ll worry about the horses later,” Murphy answered as he drew his own pistol. “Let’s just get inside and see if the boys are here.”

Tom made his way to the only door of the shack. He used his right shoulder and knocked the door open. He eased his way inside holding his pistol in his right hand ready to fire if he needed to. Once he had made sure there wasn’t anyone in the front room he motioned for Murphy.

“You take that room,” he said as he pointed to the room on the right, “and I’ll take the other one. If you find anything let me know. They have to be somewhere close. I can feel them.”

“Right,” Murphy replied opening the door to peer inside.

Murphy looked inside the room and then turned his head away. He couldn’t look inside that room any longer. He backed out.

“Tom,” Murphy said very quietly. “I’ve found them.”

Tom shot out of the other room. He stopped short when Murphy blocked his way inside.

“You don’t want to go in there,” Murphy said putting his hand on Tom’s shoulder. “There’s too much blood. It appears like we’re too late Tom. They must already be dead.”

Tom pushed Murphy aside and burst through the door. He looked at the room seeing the blood splattering the walls. He saw Heath sitting in the floor looking at nothing. Rushing over to him he saw Jarrod lying on the floor in front of Heath. He had to turn his head at the amount of blood on Jarrod’s small body.

“Heath,” he said as he looked at his young son, “it’s all right. I’m here now. You’re safe.”

Heath never said a word but just stared ahead.

“Heath,” he said again. “It’s papa.”

“Papa,” Heath’s small voice replied finally looking up. “Papa.”

“Are you all right?” he asked as he looked at his youngest son. “I was so worried about you and Jarrod.”

“Me all right,” Heath answered looking at Jarrod. “Jay not. Hurt bad.”

Tom picked him up holding him as Murphy made his way into the room. He went straight to Jarrod.

“I don’t know how but he’s still breathing,” Murphy said as he looked up at Tom. “He’s lost a lot of blood though. Probably busted up inside. I don’t see how he’s even alive after what he’s been through. All this blood must be his. It looks like he put up a struggle before they stopped him.”

“We can’t move him,” he replied looking down at his injured son. “We’ll have to make a travois for him. I don’t want to injure him any more than I have to in order to get him back to the ranch.”

“I’ll get to work,” Murphy told him as he headed out to get what they would need.

“Papa,” Heath said bringing Tom back to him, “Jay save me. Make men hurt him not me.”

“I know son,” he replied holding Heath tightly. “I want you to sit down right here so I can see how bad your brother is hurt.”

Heath did as he was told. He never took his eyes off of Jarrod.

“Well,” he said as he looked up, “at least he’s alive for now. I don’t even know if he will make it back to the ranch. He’s broken up pretty bad inside. Are you all right son?”

“Yes papa,” Heath replied nodding. “Jay stop men hurt me. He make them hurt him.”

Jarrod moaned and then coughed. Tom eased his hand under his son’s head as he struggled to move. He knew better than to try and move Jarrod.

“Easy son,” he said trying to keep Jarrod still. “Don’t move. You’re hurt real bad.”

“Father,” Jarrod replied but the word was so weak Tom almost didn’t hear it.

“I’m here son,” he told his son as he looked at his swollen, bruised and bloody face. “We’re going home soon.”

“Heath,” Jarrod said trying to sit up. “Heath.”

“He’s right here,” he replied holding his son as still as he could. “Heath’s fine. Just a little bit shaken up. You took the abuse didn’t you?”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod told him weakly. “I didn’t want them to hurt Heath so I made them hurt me instead. I kept pushing them when they would go toward Heath. I didn’t want him hurt. I promised myself that I wouldn’t let anything happen to him. I hoped that you would come and that’s what kept me from giving in earlier. I knew in my heart that you would come.”

Jarrod started coughing again. Tom’s heart broke as he listened to the gurgling sounds that Jarrod made. He knew that he was busted up inside. He also knew they didn’t have a whole lot of time to get him back to the ranch.

“I’ve got a makeshift travois,” Murphy said as he came back in the room. “It’s tied between the two horses. We better get moving before anything else happens. They could come back to finish the job.”

“Good,” he replied as he handed Heath to Murphy. “I’ll bring Jarrod but I’ll have to be careful. Murphy, they’re done. They’ve sent their message. Jordan is a dead man. I swear it. I’ll kill him for what he’s done to my sons. I mean it. I’ll get him for this one way or the other.”

“Tom,” Murphy told him as they walked, “just concentrate on getting the boys back to the ranch. We can deal with Jordan later.”

“I’ll take care of him when I know how my son is,” he said laying Jarrod on the blanket and then wrapping him with another one. “This is not over.”

Jarrod cried and moaned at every movement his father made. Tom knew that it would be hard on him but they had to get him back to the ranch.

“I’m glad I sent Miller for the doc,” Murphy said as they mounted up. “I thought he might be needed.”

“Good thinking,” he replied as they started for the ranch. “We’ll have to go slow for Jarrod’s sake.”

Victoria had allowed Nick to sleep on the couch in the living room in the event that his brothers came home. She had dosed off herself when she heard horses coming in. Rising from her chair she hurried out the door to see Tom and Murphy ride up.

“Easy Victoria,” he said as he jumped from his horse. “Jarrod’s in pretty bad shape. He’s been beaten badly from the looks of all the blood on him and in the shack. However, Heath’s all right. Just shook up.”

She went over to where Jarrod lay. She could see through the blanket that covered him the blood on his face. She knew that he was in very grave condition.

“I’ll carry him inside,” he said as he went to pick up Jarrod. “Where’s Nick?”

“Asleep in the living room,” she replied looking at her son. “He knew Jarrod was hurt. He’s been so worried about Jarrod and Heath. I didn’t want him to be alone right now.”

“I kind of guessed he would,” he told her as he eased Jarrod into his arms. “He’s going to be quite upset when he sees him. Jordan will pay for what he’s done. I meant that. He’s a dead man.”

“We can worry about that when we know how Jarrod is,” she told him carrying Heath in her arms. “Let’s just get them inside.”

Tom eased Jarrod into his arms and began to carry him inside the house. As he entered the living room, Nick opened his eyes.

“You found them,” he cried as he ran to his father. “Where’s Heath?”

“Your mother is bringing him in,” Tom said as he continued to carry Jarrod toward his room.

After Tom laid Jarrod on the bed, he grabbed Nick by the arm.

“No son,” he said as Nick tried to go to his brother. “He doesn’t know you’re here. He passed out about a fourth of the way here. I don’t want you to see him right now.”

“He’s hurt bad isn’t he father?” Nick asked as he looked at Jarrod still wrapped in the blanket. “I thought he was. He tried to keep Heath from being hurt didn’t he?”

“Yes,” he answered trying to comfort his son. “Jarrod is hurt bad. I’m not sure if he will be all right but we have to hope that he will be. Your brother told me that he didn’t want anything to happen to Heath so he took all the abuse that was dished out.”

“I’ll try,” Nick said as he edged closer to the bed. “Jarrod, you’re home big brother. You’re all right now. You were brave to take the hurt so Heath wouldn’t have to. I’m proud of you.”

The doctor walked inside before anyone else could say a word. He went straight to Jarrod. Tom eased Nick out of the room so the doctor could work.

“I want to see Heath too,” he said as he worked on Jarrod. “I want to make sure there’s nothing wrong with him.”

“All right,” Tom replied having Victoria bring Heath in the room. “Son, the doctor wants to make sure you’re all right.”

“Yes papa,” Heath told him as he stood there watching Jarrod.

“He’s been like that since I found them,” he said to his wife. “He won’t leave Jarrod at all.”

“Can you blame him?” she asked looking at the two boys. “Jarrod was his hero and protector. He took the hurt so Heath wouldn’t have to.”

“I know,” he answered shaking his head. “I never knew that Jarrod loved Heath so much.”

“He does,” she said nodding. “Heath is his brother and he will do anything he can to make sure that Heath is not harmed.”

“You’re right,” he replied looking at his sons. “Jarrod sure did take a beating. I just hope that somehow he will be all right.”

The doctor looked up.

“Jarrod’s in critical condition,” the doctor said looking at them. “He has broken ribs, a cracked sternum, bruised kidneys, burns, abrasions, contusions, and a concussion. It’s going to be touch and go for a while I’m afraid.”

“Doc,” he replied looking at his son, “do everything you can to help Jarrod. I mean it doc. I want you to promise that you’ll do everything possible to help him.”

“I will,” the doctor told him. “I had better get to work.”

After the doctor finished with Jarrod he looked Heath over.

“You’re a lucky boy Heath,” the doctor said smiling at the little boy. “You have a few bruises, a cut here and there but you’re in good shape.”

“Jay save me,” Heath replied continuing to look at Jarrod. “He take hurt for me.”

“I don’t understand son,” the doctor told him. “What do you mean?”

“Jarrod made sure that he took the beatings or whatever was done to him doc,” he said knowing exactly what Heath meant. “He kept those animals from hurting his brother. He wasn’t about to let Heath get hurt or killed if he could help it even if it meant his own life was forfeited.”

“Yes papa,” Heath replied nodding. “Jay make mad men. They hit him not me.”

“What a brave boy,” the doctor told him. “But he’s paid a very high price for his bravery. He’s going to be sore and in pain for a while. I don’t think he’ll be moving around but just in case he tries don’t let him. It could break those ribs and one could puncture his lung.”

“He’ll stay quiet,” she replied nodding. “I promise you that.”

“Yes,” Heath said smiling. “Brave.”

“Doc,” he replied looking at his son, “this was the same man that kidnapped Jarrod before and shot him. But this time he went too far. I'm going after him and I’m not coming back until he’s dead.”

After doing everything he could for Jarrod as well as Heath the doctor left. He told them he would be back that morning to see how Jarrod was. Tom sat beside of Jarrod’s bed with Heath in his lap.

“Tom,” she said as she watched her husband, “you need to get some sleep. You’re completely exhausted. I’ll stay with Jarrod while you get some rest.”

“I’m not leaving Jarrod,” he replied continuing to watch his son trying to survive. “I’ll rest here but I’m not leaving him.”

She nodded as she looked over at her son. They had managed to clean him up and put a nightshirt on him. But his small face was bruised and swollen from what he had endured. Tom sat there and his blood boiled, as he thought about the man responsible for his son’s condition.

“I’m going to kill him Victoria,” he said as he looked at Jarrod. “He’s not going to get away with it. It’s gone beyond just me. He’s hurt one of my sons and scared another one half to death. No. He’s going to pay for this.”

“You can’t mean that,” she replied trying to talk him out of it. “If you kill him you will probably hang. We need you Tom. Please don’t do this. Let the law handle it.”

“I don’t care,” he told her. “I want Jordan dead. The law! Jordan owns the law. He’s too powerful. He just laughs in the law’s face. No. I have to take care of this personally. He sent me a message and I’m going to reply to that in person.”

“Tom,” she said looking at him, “think about the boys. How will they feel knowing that their father killed a man in cold blood? You’ve always taught them to obey the law. Are you willing to throw that all away?”

He looked up at her. What she said made sense.

“No,” he said nodding. “I can see your point. But I’m not going to let him get away with what he’s done. He’s going to pay one way or the other.”

“You can do that,” she replied smiling. “I agree. He’s almost killed a boy Tom. A defenseless boy. It makes no difference that he is our son. I want him to pay too but not until Jarrod is better.”

“It doesn’t matter that it’s my son,” he told her. “I want him to pay for what he’s done. I’m going to Sacramento to see Jordan today. I won’t wait to make him pay for what he’s done. I want my revenge now.”

“But what about Jarrod?” she asked looking at him. “What do I tell him?”

“You just tell him that I’ve gone to town,” he answered looking over at the bed. “None of the boys need to know where I’ve gone. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Just don’t leave him alone. Stay with him.”

“Tom,” she said looking at him, “don’t do anything that you will regret. He is a very powerful man.”

“I won’t I promise,” he replied standing up. “You just take care of Jarrod. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Chapter Three

Tom arrived in Sacramento the next day having caught the midnight train out of Stockton. He immediately went to the office of Richard Jordan. Not waiting for the man’s secretary to announce him, he barged into the office.

“What do you want?” Jordan asked standing up when he saw Tom. “I don’t have time for you Barkley. Get out of my office. You are nothing but a troublemaker. Get out!”

“You had enough time to nearly kill one of my sons,” he answered looking at the man with rage in his voice. “If it hadn’t been for Jarrod, Heath would have been killed too. But he took the torture and you’re going to pay for what you’ve done. I mean it Jordan. You’re going to pay for what you’ve done.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Barkley,” Jordan said standing up to Tom. “How dare you come barging into this office and demand something of me? I’m a businessman and I don’t go around hurting small boys.”

“I’m not demanding anything Jordan,” he replied leaning on the desk. “I’m here to tell you that you’ve gone too far this time. You’ve nearly killed a boy. My son and you’re going to pay for that. No maybe you didn’t do it yourself but you ordered it done. It’s the same thing and you’re going to pay for that.”

“Get out of here,” Jordan told him. “I don’t have anything to say to you.”

Tom came over the desk shoving Jordan against the wall. Jordan fought back by bringing his knee up into Tom’s gut knocking the wind out of him. Tom struck Jordan hard on the side of the face and then in the rib area sending him careening backwards over the desk to the floor.

“Get up you piece of trash,” he said as he stood over Jordan. “Get up and take this beating like a man. You’re going to feel what my son felt as he was beaten like a dog. Get up.”

Jordan slowly rose from the floor. He was swaying as he took another punch from Tom. Finally he fell backwards hitting the side of his head on a table leg. He didn’t move. Tom knelt down beside of him. He saw blood coming from the back of his head. He made a dash for the door escaping into the street before any of Jordan’s hired guns could get to him.

“Papa.” Hannibal said as he ran into the office. “Papa.”

Jordan’s secretary had summoned the doctor. Hannibal helped his father to the couch where he laid there looking at his son.

“I want you to do something for me son,” he said as he looked at Hannibal.

“Yes papa,” Hannibal replied waiting for his father to continue.

“I want you to promise me that you will make Barkley pay for what he’s done to this family,” Jordan told him. “You make sure he pays in blood. I don’t care how long it takes. Barkley is going to pay for this. Is that understood?”

“I will papa,” Hannibal said looking at his father. “You have my word. But what about you? You are hurt papa. You need to get better and then we can both go after Barkley.”

“I know you will,” he replied smiling slightly as his eyes rolled back in his head.

“Papa!” Hannibal called. “Papa!”

“Your father is dead,” the doctor said after he had entered the room. “He died from a severe blow to the back of his head.”

“I swear revenge on Tom Barkey,” Hannibal replied standing up. “It may take me years but Barkley will pay for what he did today. I want a warrant issued for the arrest of Tom Barkley and the charge is murder. He killed my father and he will pay for that as well.”

“Are you sure about this sir?” Jordan’s right hand man asked. “Its going to be hard to get a murder charge pinned on a man like Barkley. He’s got a lot of pull in high places.”

“Yes,” Hannibal answered smiling. “It may not stick but I swear that Barkley will pay for killing my father. That’s a promise.”

Tom got back to Stockton late that evening. He knew he shouldn’t have run but he didn’t want to be caught there by Jordan’s hired guns. If he had to face them he wanted to do that here on his own ground.

“Tom,” Harry said as he walked up to Tom as he left the train, “I’m glad you’re back.”

“What’s going on Harry?” he asked as he walked up to the sheriff. “Why are you meeting me here? I didn’t think anyone other than Victoria knew I had left town.”

“I have an arrest warrant for you,” Harry answered as he took hold of Tom’s arm. “It’s for the charge of murder.”

“Murder!” he cried. “I didn’t murder anyone. I was in a fight in Sacramento but I didn’t kill the man. You don’t the circumstances Harry. Please you have to believe that I didn’t kill him. It was a fair fight. I swear it was.”

“Richard Jordan was pronounced dead this afternoon,” Harry said leading Tom toward his office. “His son swore out a complaint against you for killing him. My hands are tied and I have to do my job.”

“We had a fight and he fell that’s all that happened,” he replied looking at Harry. “I swear that’s all that happened. Harry, you can’t believe that I would deliberately kill a man for no reason.”

Tom had a reason but he didn’t want to tell Harry just yet.

“You better get you a good lawyer because there’s a marshal headed here from Sacramento to take you back to stand trial for murder,” Harry told him. “I’m to hold you until he arrives. I’m really sorry about this Tom.”

“This can’t be happening,” he said shaking his head. “I have to get back to Jarrod. He needs me.”

“Jarrod will have to see you in Sacramento,” Harry replied as he pulled Tom into the office and into a cell. “You are in serious trouble Tom. Why would you go there looking for trouble? You know you don’t get along with him.”

“You don’t understand Harry,” he told his friend. “Jarrod and Heath were kidnapped by Jordan and Jarrod was nearly killed. He’s at the ranch in bad shape. I can’t go off and leave him. I can’t! Yes. I went there looking for Jordan with the intent of harming him but not killing him. It was an accident. I swear it was.”

“You don’t have a choice,” Harry said shaking his head. “If you want I’ll be happy to let them know what’s going on.”

“Thanks Harry,” he replied as he sat down on the cot in the cell. “Tell Victoria not to tell Jarrod. He doesn’t need to know about this. In fact, tell her not to tell the boys anything about this mess.”

“I’ll tell her,” Harry told him as he went to his desk.

Tom sat there and shook his head. He couldn’t believe that any of this had happened. How could he have let this situation escalate into what it had? He knew he should have waited until he was calmer but he needed to confront the man while he was still angry.

Victoria sat with Jarrod who had still not regained consciousness. She knew that Nick and Heath were very worried about him but she knew that Jarrod was a fighter. Her mind drifted to her husband and she prayed that he wouldn’t do anything foolish.

Chapter Four

An older man of about forty wearing a marshal’s badge walked into Harry’s office a short time later. Tom had only been locked up for about two hours so the law was working over time on this on. Harry hadn’t had time to get out to the ranch to see Victoria because he had become very busy.

“Sheriff,” the man said as he walked over to the desk, “I understand Tom Barkley is here. I have to speak to him before I leave.”

“Yes he is marshal,” Harry replied motioning toward the cells. “I have him locked up at the moment. What do you mean before you leave? I thought Tom was supposed to accompany you back to Sacramento to stand trial for murder although I don’t believe that he killed that man. You don’t know what that Jordan has put Tom and his family through over the last month.”

“You can release him,” the marshal told him. “Richard Jordan’s death has been ruled an accidental death. His secretary said she saw the altercation between Barkley and Jordan in which Jordan fell backward thus inflicting the fatal wound. I don’t have enough evidence to hold him. So I’m going to release him on the order that he behaves himself and doesn’t get into any more altercations especially with the Jordan family. They aren’t too happy about what’s transpired. So I suggest he stay away from them until they calm down.”

“I’ll get him,” Harry said grabbing the keys and heading for the cell. “Tom, did you hear that?”

“What?” he asked as he stood up. “Is it time to leave? I was hoping to be able to see Jarrod before I had to go back.”

“You’re free,” Harry answered smiling. “The marshal said the death was an accident. You’re free. I’m so happy that you don’t have to stand trial for a death that shouldn’t have happened but that you had good reason to do.”

“Thank God,” he said as he exited the cell. “I understand there are no charges against me sir. Although I’m a little surprised to learn that Jordan’s secretary would testify for me. I’ve only seen her a few times when I’ve been in Jordan’s office. Why would she help me anyway?”

“That is correct,” the marshal replied nodding. “However, I would suggest you stay away from the man’s son. He is very upset and has sworn that he will get even with you for the death of his father. And he is going to be just like his old man. I can tell. She despised the man and was fixing to leave her job with him. She told me that you were just defending yourself even though you pushed him first. In her eyes you had motive since your son had been injured from his hired guns.”

“I’m not worried about Hannibal,” he told him. “He’s only twelve. There’s not much he can do for now. I can’t say I don’t agree with her. I’m thankful about being released. I can go see how my son is. He’s still unconscious or he was when I left. I know I was wrong in even going to Sacramento in the first place but I was very angry with the man. He had carried this too far when he went after my son. I’ve had to put up with him for fourteen years and when you hurt my son you hurt me.”

“I still would steer clear of Sacramento Mr. Barkley,” the marshal said turning to leave. “You don’t know what his hired guns will do if given the chance. They were very loyal to Jordan and will stop at nothing to right the wrong they feel has happened to their boss. I do hope your boy is all right. Jordan can be ruthless when he wants something. I guess he might have gone just a little bit too far this time.”

“True,” he replied nodding. “You don’t have to worry. I’m heading back to my ranch to see how my son is. Thanks for the advice. I’ll keep it in mind. Hannibal will come around now that he doesn’t have his father telling him what to do. I’m sure in time he will forget about his vendetta.”

“Good,” the marshal told him heading out the door. “I’m sorry we had to meet under these circumstances.”

“That’s a lucky break Tom,” Harry said smiling. “I’m really sorry that I had to lock you up. But the law is the law.”

“It’s all right Harry,” he replied picking up his hat and gunbelt. “ I don’t blame you. You were just doing your job. That’s all. I need to see how Jarrod is. Have you had a chance to see Victoria yet?”

“No,” Harry told him. “It’s gotten very busy in the last few hours and I haven’t had time to ride out there yet.”

“I’ll tell her,” he said as he headed for the door. “I hope she will understand. She’s going to be a little hurt and angry but once she calms down she’ll see that I was right in what I did.”

“She will,” Harry replied watching Tom leave.

Victoria continued to sit with Jarrod. He had moaned a few times and had several coughing spells but he had yet to open his eyes. She knew when he did he would be in agony from his many injuries. The doctor had come and gone. He had told her that Jarrod was still in critical condition but the fact that he had survived through the day was an encouraging sign.

“Mother,” Nick asked as he walked into the room, “how is Jarrod? Is he any better?”

“About the same,” she answered looking over at him. “He still hasn’t opened his eyes but the doctor said not to be upset if he didn’t. He’s dealing with a lot that’s been done to his body and he needs to concentrate on getting well.”

“I know,” Nick said as he looked at Jarrod. “Heath is still pretty shaken up by all that’s happened. He just sits and stares at nothing. I’ve tried to get him to go outside with me but he just sits there and doesn’t say a word. I’m worried about him.”

“Where is he?” she asked looking around the room. “I haven’t seen him in the last several hours. I’m surprised he’s not in here with Jarrod.”

“He’s in the living room,” Nick answered shaking his head. “He keeps saying that Jarrod is going to die like his mother did. He says that he should have done more to help Jarrod instead of just watching them hurt him.”

“I’ll go talk to him,” she said as she stood up. “You sit quietly with Jarrod. And don’t wake him up. He needs rest.”

“By the way where is father?” Nick asked wondering where Tom had gone. “It’s not like him to leave with Jarrod hurt.”

“He had something very important he had to do,” she answered hoping that would satisfy Nick. “If you need me I’ll be right outside.”

“I hope he gets back soon,” Nick said as he sat down in the chair. “Jarrod could really use his help. All right.”

“I’m sure he will,” she replied as she walked out the door.

She found Heath sitting on the couch staring at nothing. She sat down beside of him. Taking his hand in hers she spoke to him.

“Heath,” she said as she looked into his frightened face, “Jarrod is a strong boy. If anyone can get better it’s him. None of this is your fault. You were a big help to Jarrod and you will continue to help him as he gets better.”

“Me member what man do to Jay,” Heath replied looking at her. “He hurt Jay with hot. He hit Jay with hand. He hit Jay with foot. Not nice man.”

“I realize that what you saw was a very frightening experience,” she told him. “I wish your father was here. He could do this so much easier. Jarrod is going to pull through. I know he is. And when he does he will be happy to know that you are fine. You have to stop worrying about all of this. Jarrod will get better.”

“You sure?” Heath asked hopefully. “Me want Jay well.”

“I know you do,” she answered smiling. “I know he could use your help right now.”

“How?” Heath asked wondering what she meant.

“You could sit with him and keep him company as he gets better,” she answered standing up and taking his hand in hers. “Maybe you could do that to help me too. He needs his brothers close by to help him to mend.”

“Me like that,” Heath said standing up following her. “Me help Jay.”

The two of them walked into Jarrod’s room. Nick made room in the chair for his brother to sit and the three of them waited.

Chapter Five

Tom rode up to the barn an hour later dismounting from his horse. He slowly walked toward the house where he would find out how Jarrod was along with telling his wife what had happened in Sacramento with Jordan.

“Victoria,” he said as he walked into Jarrod’s room, “I need to see you a minute alone. It’s a very urgent matter that can’t be said here in front of the boys.”

“Certainly,” she replied getting up from where she had been sitting. “You two stay with your brother. We’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“Yes mother,” Nick told her as he turned to watch her leave. “I wonder what’s wrong. Father didn’t even say hello. And when he says that it can’t be said in front of us, it’s usually bad news. I hope we find out what it is soon. I’m dying to know where he’s been.”

“He mad,” Heath said looking at Nick.

“I don’t think so,” Nick replied turning back to Jarrod. “He just wants to tell mother something without us knowing what it is like I just said. Maybe he’ll tell us someday what it is. At least I hope he will.”

“Oh,” Heath told him. “Papa secret.”

“Yeah,” Nick said smiling. “He has a secret I guess.”

Out in the living room, Tom began pacing the floor.

“Will you stop pacing and tell me what happened with Jordan?” she asked looking at him. “I know something is wrong. You didn’t even ask about Jarrod.”

“I did see him,” he answered stopping to look at her. “I was so angry when I arrived in Sacramento that I guess I wasn’t thinking about what I was doing. All I wanted to do was to get my hands on that man for what he had put this family through.”

“What happened Tom?” she asked again.

“I got into a fight with him,” he answered sitting down. “I didn’t mean to shove him but I was so angry at him for what he had done to Jarrod. He hit me and then the fight went from there. Victoria, Jordan’s dead. Lord, I didn’t mean to kill him. It just happened.”

“How?” she asked very pointedly.

“I pushed him hard away from me,” he answered getting up. “He fell backward and hit his head on a table. I didn’t mean to kill him. All I wanted to do was to get him for what he had done to Jarrod as well as to Heath. I ran away before anyone knew it was me except for his secretary who was in the other office.”

“Are you in trouble with the law?” she asked her voice very steady. “I mean to me it sounds like an accident or self defense.”

“Not anymore,” he answered looking at her. “I was under arrest when I got back to Stockton and was supposed to be taken back to Sacramento by a marshal. Harry met me when I got off the train telling me that Jordan was dead. Then he locked me up. I could tell it was hard for him to do that. When the marshal arrived I was sitting in a cell in Stockton. I was sitting there thinking about what had happened and how I might have changed things if I hadn’t have lost my temper. I regret what I did to a certain extent. Jordan needed that beating but he shouldn’t have died. It kind of took the wind out of my sails so to speak. I panicked and ran which I know I shouldn’t have done. Anyway, the marshal came to the jail. He told Harry that Jordan’s secretary cleared me of any wrongdoing. She said it was an accident or self defense. I was completely shocked when I heard that. She hated him too and didn’t want to see me spend the rest of my life in prison for killing a man like that. What a relief. It was finally over.”

“How lucky for you,” she said shaking her head. “Tom, do you realize just how close you came to probably spending the rest of your life in prison? Think of what that would have done to the boys. They would have been devastated by that news. Your good name would have been destroyed and this family would have had to live with that for the rest of our lives. As I’ve told the boys, actions have their consequences. You almost threw the rest of your life away for a man like Richard Jordan.”

“I know that,” he replied looking angry. “I knew when I got to his office that I was too angry but I was already there and there was no going back. I barged into that office and started throwing accusations at him. He denied them of course but I knew he would. It was his hired thugs that hurt Jarrod and nearly killed him. But I felt that Jordan was to blame and told him so. He just laughed at me. That did it and I completely lost my temper. I pushed him before I realized what I had done and then it was too late to stop. All my pent up frustration came out aimed directly at him.”

“Well,” she told him, “there’s nothing more that can be done for now. You will of course have to tell Jarrod that his nightmare is over. After all his injuries are because of that man. I’m glad it’s over although I don’t wish anyone harm. I feel sorry for his family at their loss.”

“I know that,” he said shaking his head. “There’s more.”

“What else?” she asked wondering what else he had to say.

“Hannibal has declared that he will get me for the death of his father,” he answered looking away. “He’s so angry and upset. I don’t think he’ll be a problem for at least several years but we have to be prepared for the day he comes for his revenge. I never meant to take that boy’s father from him. It just happened. I was so angry. I let it get the best of me.”

“I see,” she replied standing up. “Tom, you went to Jordan’s office wanting to see that man dead. Unfortunately, you got your wish. I wish it hadn’t have happened but it did and now we must try to put our lives back together. Jarrod is still unconscious and the doctor said that the longer he goes without waking up the more chance that he won’t. I haven’t told Nick or Heath this for I didn’t want to scare them anymore than they already are.”

“He’s not opened his eyes at all?” he asked shaking his head. “I just wish he would open them so I could tell him his nightmare is finally over. None of this is his fault. I’m the one who put my sons in danger. I have to be a big man who helps the underdog no matter who gets hurt in the process. Well, no more. I’m not going to do that to my sons. They deserve a life that isn’t filled with threats to their lives.”

“Tom,” she answered looking into his face, “Jarrod is hurt very badly and the doctor said that even it he lived he might have medical problems from what he went through. I need to know that you will be here for him. He needs you right now. You are his father and he needs to know that he is needed here. I believe in my heart that Jarrod has given up on living because of the amount of pain he’s no doubt in. You are not thinking rationally. You are a man of conscience and a man who cares about people. You took the job of helping those homesteaders and you will continue to help them. We both knew that someday your reputation would cause us harm but we have been prepared for that. The boys at their young ages understand what you have to do. I don’t want you to change what you’re doing. You are a fine man and I love you very much. You will make this valley grow and prosper.”

“I see,” he said nodding. “You have my word. I’m not going anywhere and I’ll help Jarrod any way I can. Thanks. I guess I just needed to hear someone say it. I promise I’ll do what I can to help those men but I won’t put my family in jeopardy any more. When I thought I had lost Jarrod and Heath I realized just how important those three boys are to me. I love them with all of my heart as well as you. I will raise them to have morals and to hang on to them no matter what they encounter when they’re grown.”

“Good,” she replied heading toward her son’s room. “I’m going to sit with him in hopes that he will some time wake up. I’m very proud of you Tom. You’re one of a kind.”

Tom followed her into Jarrod’s room. He looked at his son lying on his bed. His face was still purple and blue from the abuse he had taken. But Jarrod was breathing and Tom knew that he had to try to prod his son to open his eyes.

“Jarrod,” he said very softly as he sat down on the bed beside of his son, “I’m here son. You’re not alone anymore. You don’t have to worry about that man ever hurting you again. He can’t because he’s dead. I’ve made sure of that.”

“Father,” Nick replied looking at his father, “you killed the man. I thought that was against the law.”

“I went to Sacramento to see him son,” he told his sons. “I didn’t know what I was going to do once I got there though. I was extremely angry at what had happened to Jarrod and Heath. I didn’t want Jordan to get away with what he had done. I didn’t wait to be announced by his secretary. I just pushed my way into his office where I confronted Jordan. Of course, he denied having any knowledge of what had happened to Jarrod and Heath. But I told him that he was lying. I knew that he had been behind the kidnapping and torture of my sons. We got into a shoving match and I pushed him hard across his desk. He tumbled and ended up on the floor. When he came up he charged me and the fight was on. The last thing I remember doing was pushing him hard to get him off of me. He fell backwards hitting his head on a table. I ran for fear that they would say I killed him or even kill me. I didn’t even know for sure if he was dead.”

“Father,” Nick said looking at Tom, “we’re not mad at you for taking care of that man. He was mean and he was mean to Jarrod as well as Heath. I’ll never forget what he did to us.”

“There’s more son,” he replied continuing. “When I got back to Stockton, Harry arrested me for murder and I was locked up. I was waiting for a marshal to come to take me back to Sacramento. But when the man arrived he told us that Jordan’s secretary had told him that I was only defending myself. I hadn’t meant to hurt Jordan. That’s the whole story.”

“Father,” a raspy voice told him, “I thank you for what you did sir.”

Tom looked down at the bed seeing for the first time in days his son’s eyes open slightly. He knew that Jarrod was in a lot of discomfort from his injuries but just seeing him awake made him smile.

“Son,” he said looking at his boy, “you’re awake. I know you’re in pain so don’t try to move around.”

“Heath,” Jarrod cried trying to get up. “Heath!”

“It’s all right son,” he said leaning back so Jarrod could see that Heath was all right. Heath’s fine. You’re going to be too. You took on those men so they wouldn’t hurt Heath and I’m very proud of you for doing that. You’re very brave son.”

“I’m home,” Jarrod replied in a very low voice. “It’s over.”

“It’s all over,” he told him nodding. “Jordan will never hurt you again.”

Jarrod barely nodded before slipping off into unconsciousness again.

“He’s going to be all right,” he said looking up. “I know he will.”

Chapter Six

Over the next several weeks Jarrod slowly healed. He became very tired of his bed and when he was allowed up, he was thrilled.

“Mother,” he said as he walked into the living room where his mother was reading, “I want to talk Heath for a ride.”

It had only been a few weeks since the attack and Jarrod knew that he shouldn’t be asking but he was determined to keep a promise he had made to himself.

“Jarrod,” she replied looking up at him, “you haven’t been out of bed that long. In fact, it’s only been a few days. Do you realize how hurt you were? You almost died for heaven’s sake. I don’t think you should go riding yet.”

“It’s not far and it’s very important,” he told her. “Please mother. I have to do this. I know what happened to me. Remember I was there and I know what he did to me. But this is something I must do now before any more time elapses. Please.”

She looked at his face knowing he wouldn’t rest until he did this. Whatever he wanted to show Heath was very important to him.

“All right,” she said standing up. “I want you home so you can rest in one hour. I mean it Jarrod. One hour and I’ll send your father looking for you.”

“You have my word,” he replied picking up his hat as he went out the door. “I promise mother.”

Heath was waiting on him and the two horses were saddled. Jarrod and Heath mounted up.

“Where we go Jay?” Heath asked as they rode.

“It’s a very special place,” he answered smiling at his brother. “You’re the first one I’ve showed it too. I’ve thought about showing it to Nick but I don’t know. It never really seemed to be the right time.”

“Must be nice,” Heath said smiling. “Me know me like.”

“I hope you will,” he replied as they rode into a clearing with mountains in the background and in the front was a small lake or river. “Well, what do you think?”

Heath just stared at the beauty of the place. He didn’t say anything.

“Heath,” he said looking over at his brother. “Do you like it?”

“Yes Jay,” Heath replied climbing down from his horse. “It pretty.”

“I thought you would like it,” he told him as he climbed down. “I told you a lie the other day about not liking the ranch. I had found this place while riding a few years ago. It’s so quiet and serene that I love to come here to just sit and think.”

“Me like it Jay,” Heath said as he sat down on a fallen tree log. “Pretty.”

“I think it is,” he replied joining Heath. “I wanted to bring you here so I could tell you that I love you Heath. You are my brother and nothing will ever stop me from caring about you. You will always have someone you can talk to or confide in when you need it. I made a promise the day we were taken captive that nothing would ever happen to you. I kept my word and now I make you another promise. I’ll always be there for you.”

“Thank you Jay,” Heath told him. “Me love you too. Me think you great boy. Me member what you do when hurt. You special.”

Jarrod smiled and so did Heath. The two brothers sat there together looking at the beauty of the place that Jarrod felt safe and secure in.

THE END