The Best Laid Plans

By Lily B.

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.

The Lucania sat in New York harbor patiently awaiting the arrival of its passengers for its second transatlantic voyage. The tall cowboy stood on the docks for a moment and admired the massive ship. He’d done well, he thought to himself, it was the fastest liner in the world and he’d be arriving in England in grand style – first class all the way. In less than two weeks, he would reach his final destination, Italy. He had everything planned out in his mind and had done his research. He had found the best and fastest ship, the best route from England to Italy and the locations of the finest vineyards in the country. It was going to be an easy trip; the only hard part he could think of was finding a winemaker and convincing him to come work for him back in the states at the Barkley vineyards.

He wore a small grin while he walked up the long railed plank and onto the main deck; a young purser greeted him and took his ticket. The purser looked down at the ticket and back at the passenger; he was expecting the dusty cowboy to be in second or third class, first class accommodations were indeed a surprise.

“This way sir.” The purser hid his amusement well from the tall leather and denim clad cowboy and led him down a richly carpeted and decorated hall to the first class cabins.

The plank was pulled up off the docks and the crew of the Lucania made ready to disembark for their five-day journey across the Atlantic to England.

He opened the door to the cowboy’s first class cabin and allowed him to step inside. The purser followed behind him with his guest’s two bags. Nick tossed his hat on the small circular table near the door and strode around his room, checking out every detail. A small sitting area was the first thing he saw when he entered. A deep green velvet loveseat, matching chairs and the table rounded out the room. He opened the carved mahogany door and walked into the bedroom. A very large bed loomed in the center of the room, with two hand-carved dressers and a vanity table with a small mirror in the corner.

“Sir, you'll find a safe behind that door, in case you have any valuables to store.” The purser then added, “Everyone’s going outside to watch the ship leave the harbor and wave goodbye.” He smiled, amusedly, at his guest. He was certainly different from all the finely dressed men and women he had served on the Lucania’s maiden voyage from his home country of Ireland. Smirking, the purser wondered to himself if this man, really was indeed a cowboy or simply liked to dress the part. The tall lean cowboy wore black jeans, gray shirt and thick black leather jacket. Then the young man spotted the cowboy’s boots, old tanned leather and well worn. Maybe he really was a cowboy, they certainly didn’t look like the fancy cowboy boots that you could buy in a store in New York, no sir, they looked like the real thing.

Nick hadn’t really taken notice of his young shadow; until the boy had spoken up again. He smiled at him and held out his hand to him, “Names Nick Barkley, what’s yours kid?” He vigorously shook the young man’s hand.

He was taken aback by the cowboy’s hearty introduction; he was definitely not like any of his other passengers! “Uh..Jack Flannery, Mr. Barkley. I’ll be at your service for the journey. Only have three other cabins to take care of; so any time you need anything – just let me know!”

“Okay Jack!” He said patting him on the back, “One thing though, ya gotta call me Nick, okay? Never did much care for all that mister stuff!” Nick reached into his pocket and placed a large tip into Jack’s hand. It was the largest tip that Jack had ever seen from anyone.

“Yessssir, Mr…um, Nick. Come on you better hurry the ships going to start out any minute now! You can just barely feel the vibration in the floor sir, the engines are starting up.”

Sure enough, despite his thick boots and socks, Nick could feel a slight vibration in the floor. He found himself smiling at young Jack’s youthful exuberance; the kid didn’t look a day past sixteen to him, especially not with that thick mop of bright red hair and the overabundance of freckles. He reminded Nick a bit of someone else he knew with that flaming red hair. Jack opened the door again for Nick and pointed down the hall.

“If you head down there to the end of the hall, go up two flights of stairs, you’ll be on the Captain’s deck. It’s for first class only. You’ll have a great view of the whole harbor and the city’s skyline as we pull out. If you have someone on the docks waving to you, you’ll have no trouble seeing them at all!”

“Well I don’t have anyone waving goodbye to me, but I wouldn’t mind seeing this whale pull out of here! And that new statue out there, what’s it called again?” Nick asked.

“Oh, the Statue of Liberty, yeah it’s pretty amazing isn’t it? You’ll get a good look at her as we pull out, Mr. Nick.” Jack watched the cowboy walk down the hallway alone and he decided there and then, that he was going to enjoy serving Mr. Nick on this voyage.

Nick climbed the steep and narrow steps up to the Captain’s Deck. He went over to the white railing and leaned against it, wrapping his large hands around the metal. The kid was right, he thought with a smile, this is sure one helluva view! From the deck, he could see almost the entire New York City skyline and then that Statue of Liberty, she certainly was a grand lady, he mused to himself. A small jolt signaled the start of his voyage to Europe, it would be three months before he would step back onto American soil.

Breathing in the salty air, Nick took a long last look. He gazed over at all the families and people waving to each other. And to young lovers, that blew kisses to one another and professed their undying devotions. Nick closed his eyes tightly to all of them. He found himself wishing that a certain beautiful redheaded lady were down on the docks, blowing him a kiss and professing her unending devotion. No, better yet he thought, right here snug in my arms as we wave goodbye together to our family on the docks. Nick shook his head, literally trying to shake the thought of her from his head.

She had said her goodbye on the train platform back in Stockton, as had the rest of his family. Everyone but Audra was there to say goodbye to him and wish him a safe and successful journey. All knew that he was looking to improve the vineyards; but it was only Heath that had known and understood his full reasons for the journey. He had to get away for awhile. And as Maggie stood up on her tip toes and kissed his cheek he was made all the more aware of his need to leave and get her out of his head, once and for all. He'd shook Jarrod's hand and watched as his brother pulled his wife close to himself. Maggie was still so thin to Nick; she'd lost so much weight since they had lost the baby girl. But at least, he noticed, her color was back in her skin and the warm smile had returned.

His expression turned sullen and in the cold air; he pulled his leather jacket tightly around him and made his way back to his first class cabin, alone.

Nick remained in his cabin the first evening and didn’t venture out to explore the grand vessel at all. He was finding that with the rough waves he was having a bit of difficulty getting his sea legs. He tried to stretch out his long legs on the loveseat but found it to be too small and uncomfortable for him and went into his bedroom and the large bed. He sprawled out across it and opened a book that had caught his attention in the sitting area. “Moby Dick, by Herman Melville.” Looking at the cover notes, he opened the first page, “This could be interesting.” Engrossed in his reading, he didn’t take his eyes off of the pages until sleep found him in the wee hours of the morning.

By sunrise the following morning, he had adapted to the somewhat rough seas and headed upstairs to the deck to stretch his aching legs. Dark clouds hid the morning sun and the cold damp air cut right through to his bones. He pulled his leather jacket closed and hung onto his hat when the next gust of wind threatened to send it over the railing and into the raging seas below.

He passed by a young woman who appeared to be taking a morning stroll with her Father. Nick caught her casting a sideways glance in his direction and a small smile on her face. Nick tipped his hat to her and smirked when she blushed and quickly looked back down at her feet. Several of the other first class passengers looked and glanced at the cowboy as he walked amongst them and their idle curiosity was not lost on Nick. “City folk and all easterners to boot, I bet!” He muttered to himself. He wondered how any of them, in their fancy street attire could manage to stay warm as they strolled about the Captains’ deck. It was more than enough for Nick to have to dress formally at dinner, he couldn’t see any reason not to dress for comfort during the daytime hours. Especially, not in this cold weather!

With another large gust of wind, Nick couldn’t help but laugh while he watched an older gentlemen chase his fancy hat across the deck and then throw his arms into the air as the expensive hat blew over the railing.

Later in the day, he readied himself for dinner in the first class dining room. It had been a long time since he’d last worn his tuxedo; not since Heath and Sarah had gotten married. He checked his tie in the full-length mirror and took a brief look at himself, not bad for a guy on the downside of his thirties he thought to himself.

There was a knock on the door to his cabin and he opened it to find his young shadow standing there. “Well hello Jack, c’mon it! Tell me, is this stupid tie on straight?”

Jack hardly recognized his cowboy passenger, he certainly did clean up well! Jack smiled, “Hello there, Mr. um, Nick. Sorry. Gee you look really great sir! Um, yeah, I think your tie’s straight. Are you ready for dinner?”

“Yep, sure am. Hungry enough to eat a bear!” Nick boomed loudly.

“Well, I’m afraid you won’t find any bear on the menu.” Jack laughed, “But I think you’ll enjoy the meal. You’re going to be at table five, Nick. After the meal, the men and women usually separate and the men go to our smoking parlor for brandy and cigars.”

“That sounds more Jarrod’s speed, not mine.” Nick spoke under his breath.

“Sorry Nick?” Jack asked, he’d only caught the word Jarrod and nothing else.

“Oh nothing, just thinking my older brother would enjoy something like that.” He gave Jack a pat on the back, “Well, lead the way kid!”

Nick thoroughly enjoyed his meal, although he had to admit, they weren’t nearly the size portions he was used to seeing at home. Silas sure knew how to make sure that no one left the table wanting for anything else! The company at the table was another matter entirely. He had never met a group of people more full of themselves then the people he had the misfortune to dine with that evening. He made a mental note, as they rattled on about their fortunes, to ask Jack for another table the following evening.

Even the three women at the table, bored him to tears. The two older women droned on about invitations to parties in London and for a brief moment, he thought the younger one might be interesting. But he soon found out that; although quite pretty, she was far too well aware of her own good looks for his tastes. She batted her eyelashes at Nick, coyly dropped her napkin at his feet and kept pressing her arms together in such a way as to create the illusion of cleavage. At the end of the meal, Nick got up from the table and found himself wondering when just pretty had stopped being enough to capture his attentions.

Following the other men from the dining room, he made his way into the smoking parlor. He was offered his choice of cigars and brandy; finding Jarrod’s personal favorite that he rarely shared with anyone he pulled it from the humidor and clipped off the wide tip. As he lit the cigar and took a gulp of the brandy; he surveyed his surroundings. A grin broke across his face when he saw two different card tables and an empty chair.

Striding over confidently, he leaned up against the empty chair. “Mind if I join your game of poker?” He asked.

The men at the table exchanged glances with one another. The oldest one at the table piped in, “You’re more than welcome to join us, but we’re playing Baccarat, not poker.”

“Baccarat? Never heard of it. Sure I can learn though, I’m a pretty easy study.”

The older gentlemen sighed, “Well, it’s quite a complex game, Mr. uh..”

“Barkley, Nick Barkley. Pleasure to meet you.” Nick held out his hand across the table and shook hands briefly with the man.

“Have a seat Mr. Barkley, Barkley, hmm..I seem to recall hearing that name before. My name is Andrew Larking, of Larking Steel.” Mr. Larking thought for a moment, “Are you from California?” He asked Nick.

“Yes, I am. Stockton to be exact.” Nick replied as he sat down.

“Jarrod Barkley, do you have a relative by that name. A senator, I believe.”

Nick smiled, “yep, that’s my brother. And you’re right, he is a Senator in California.”

“Ah, now I remember. He opposed the proposed mining in the Sierras last year.”

“Oh yes he did, good thing too, that company was going to tear those mountains to pieces. Wanted to blast the heck outta them. Unbelievable, isn’t it how some people just don’t know how to appreciate what’s around them.”

Mr. Larking eyed the other gentlemen and they seemed to know what he was thinking. “Yes, quite unbelievable. It was my company that wanted to do the mining, Mr. Barkley.”

“Oh, um well, no hard feelings right?” Nick stammered, not knowing what else to say.

“No, no of course not.” He replied as he dealt out the cards. “Course wasn’t your brother running for governor as well?”

“Yes he was, but he just recently withdrew from the race. Wanted to spend more time with his family.” Nick answered plainly, not liking where this conversation was going.

Andrew Larking spoke to the other men at the table, “From what I remember reading, the Senator’s wife was involved in some kind of scandal, isn’t that right?”

Nick found himself beginning to grow angry with this Larking fellow, “It was all a piece of nonsense that some reporter printed. Nothing to that story at all.”

“Really?” The old man smirked, “Well it must have had some truth to it, the New York paper even picked up the story.”

Nick threw the cards in his hands, down on the table and pushed his chair back. “If you’ll excuse me, GENTLEmen. I’m finding this room not to be quite up to my standards. Good evening.”

Nick picked up his brandy snifter and left the smoking parlor. He headed to his room for the evening. Dammit, he thought to himself, why can’t I just have one time without Jarrod somehow coming into it! Just as he was beginning to open his door; Jack rounded the corner and caught him by surprise.

“Not much in the mood for the Smoking Parlor, Nick?” Jack asked.

“Nah, not my type of place. Hey kid, know where I can find myself a REAL card game?”

“You mean poker?” Jack asked with a sly grin.

Nick caught the boy’s grin, “Yeah you do know a place, don’t you?”

“Follow me, Nick. But don’t you dare tell anyone I told you. They’d skin me alive if they knew I was taking a first class passenger down to third class!”

Nick put his hand over his chest, “I won’t say a word to anyone.”

“Truth is Nick, if you want the really fun parties and the good card games, ya gotta go down to third class!”

“Fun party and a good card game? Just point me in the right direction!” Nick followed Jack down the hall and through the doors to the stairway leading down to the third class portion of the ship. He had a good feeling about this.

Jack led Nick down several flights of stairs and he noticed the lighting got significantly dimmer as they continued down into the steerage portion of the ship. The engines could now be heard quite plainly and although he didn’t have to shout above them; he wondered how anyone could sleep with that constant droning. The stained glass windows, mahogany doors and fine carpeting of the first class sections were nowhere to be found in steerage. The second and third class areas of the ship were cold hard steel, exposed piping and hard metal flooring. Every sound they made, echoed throughout the narrow hallways.

As they got closer to the end of the hallway; the sounds of revelry and music filled the air. Jack stopped momentarily when they reached the first door and Nick leaned in to take a look. The large room was packed wall to wall with people, some were laughing, some dancing and many downed large glasses of ale. Nick grinned widely at Jack; the kid was right, this was where all the fun was!

Jack said to him, “Now Nick, if you get tired of the poker games, then come on back here. Some good ale and a lot of lovely ladies to dance with. Why with the way you’re dressed, you should have your pick of them!”

Looking down at his clothing, he said “Oh no, I completely forgot! I’m gonna stand out like a sore thumb around here.” Nick pulled off his jacket and tie and handed them to Jack, he then unbuttoned the top three buttons of his shirt and rolled up his sleeves to his elbows. “There, bit better anyways! Okay kid, where’s the games?”

The young purser grinned and pulled open a heavy steel door. Thick smoke billowed out of the room and Nick stepped into the small room with a large smile on his face. Looking around, he counted ten tables, all with games going on and only one or two empty chairs. Whiskey and scotch bottles were set up on the tables and the sounds of laughter as well as some heavy cursing filled the air. Jack spotted some of his shipmates and left Nick to find himself a table.

Nick nodded to himself when he spotted an empty chair at a corner table. He strode over to the empty chair and pulled it out. “Mind if I join in the next hand?” He asked.

One of the men who appeared to be about Nick’s age, looked up from his cards. “Sure have a seat, but are you sure you didn’t take a wrong turn somewhere mister?

“Oh yeah, I’m sure I’m exactly where I wanna be!” Nick smiled his brightest smile at the three-seated men.

An older gentleman, sitting next to the empty seat, patted the chair; “You sit, join us, unlike upstairs, everyone’s welcome here. You play poker before, no?”

“Uh no, I mean yes, I’ve played before.” Nick sat down in the wooden chair and pushed it into the table. He held out his hand and introduced himself to the three players.

Two of the men were roughly his age, Frederick and Thomas. The kindly looking older gentlemen, sitting to his right, introduced himself “Michelangelo Giovanni Ciccione, nice to meet you.”

“Now that’s certainly a mouthful!” Nick replied with a smile while he anted up and took the cards as they were dealt.

“Yes this is true, true. My Mama named me after the painter; she was expecting great things I suppose. You, however, call me Michael – all my friends call me that. And I think you and I will be friends, yes?”

“Yes, I think so, Michael.” Nick talked on and off with Michael throughout the evening.

Nick saw the bet on the table and raised it again; he’d been playing for over four hours. He turned to Michael while they played, “what you say you’re last name was again?”

“Ciccione, why?” Michael asked.

“That Italian?”

“Oh yes, it most certainly is. I am returning home to Italy with my two children.” Michael looked at the bets on the table and laid down his cards, “I’m afraid I’m out of this hand.”

“Well now,” Nick said, laying down his bet, “That’s mighty interesting! I’m on my way to Italy, must be my lucky day!” Nick grinned and laid out his cards when the betting was called. “Read this gents, two queens and three sixes, full house!”

The two remaining men in the hand slammed down their cards onto the table, cursing under their breaths at the fancy poker player. It was the third hand he’d won in a row.

Michael slapped Nick heartily on the back, “Ha-ha! It is your lucky day, Nick!” He stood up and stretched, “Have enough of poker yet? Feel like joining the party across the hall?”

“Sure why not?” Nick got up and looked at the two men still sitting, “Pleasure meeting you.” He grinned and turned to leave with Michael.

“Come now, I introduce you to my family! My wife, now she recently passed on, but my two children are at the party, you meet them.”

Nick obliged the old man; he rather liked this fellow from the moment they met. He was short and stout with a jolly round face and a long-tailed mustache that he seemed to constantly be twirling in his thick fingers.

They walked together across the hall to the party that seemed to have grown louder and more raucous since he had first passed by their earlier in the evening.

“Nick, you married? Got a lady back home?” Michael asked as they entered the room.

“Nope, not married and don’t have a girl right now either, I’m afraid.” Nick smiled back sheepishly and tugged on his ear.

“Ah well then! First you meet my son, Aldo, he’s the eldest and quite smart. And then, my friend, you meet my daughter, Lucetta. She’s a real beauty and quite the excellent cook as well!” Michael snickered and elbowed his new young friend. He smiled at the prospect of a wealthy suitor for his fiery daughter.

Nick found that he had to laugh out loud, he’d only known Michael for several hours and yet, the old man was already trying to set Nick up with his daughter. Who knows, he thought, perhaps this trip may be more interesting than he had first planned?

Nick stood beside Michael while the old man craned his neck to search the crowd for his two children. Spotting his son, Aldo, across the room; he motioned for Nick to follow behind him. They made their way through the tightly massed crowd to where he found his son animatedly discussing politics with two other young Italian men. Michael tapped his tall son on the shoulder and Aldo turned to him; looking slightly annoyed and wishing that his father would leave him alone just this once.

Michael put his hand on Nick’s arm and said proudly, “This is my son, Aldo Ciccione. Aldo, meet Nick Barkley, he’s on his way to visit Italy. Mr. Barkley lives all the way out in California, can you imagine? Such a long journey for you, Nick.”

Nick extended his hand to Aldo and shook hands with him briefly. “Pleased to meet you Aldo, I’m looking forward to visiting your country.”

Aldo looked over his father’s newest acquaintance. Aldo was a sharp contrast to his father, where Michael was short and stout, Aldo was very tall, a good head above Nick and gangly. He had a thick mop of black hair and dark foreboding eyes. “So Nick,” He asked as he eyed the stranger and crossed his arms suspiciously, “Why are you going to Italy?”

“I’m actually going there to try and find an expert winemaker that I can hopefully talk into coming back to the states with me and running our vineyard in California.”

“Ah!” Said Michael, “You have vineyards, well isn’t that something! Italy is certainly the right place for you to look for the best winemakers. Trust me, you don’t want any Frenchmen running your vineyards back home!”

Nick laughed, “I really just chose Italy because from what I’ve read, the climate is very similar to what we have out in California, in Stockton.”

“You know, Nick, these are tumultuous times in Italy right now.” Aldo interjected. “I believe you might find that not all foreigners are welcome, especially in some areas of Italy.”

“Aldo,” His father chided. “Please, not everyone is as politically minded or as a radical thinker as you are. I hardly think that Mr. Barkley has anything to worry about.”

“Papa, are you and Aldo arguing about politics again?” Lucetta appeared from the crowd and stood next to her father, planting a kiss on his pudgy cheek.

“Who me? Why Lucetta, you know that I absolutely detest politics!” Michael told her with a grin while he played with the end of his moustache. “Nick, may I present my daughter, Lucetta. Lucetta, this is Nick Barkley.”

Nick found himself taking a brief moment looking her over. She was indeed quite pretty, as Michael had told him. She had her brother’s thick black hair that hung loosely down to her waistline. Her deep burgundy colored dress was form fitting in all the right places and revealed lush curves. Her dress was pushed off her shoulders and her skin was a golden tan; she had dark sultry eyes and full lips that Nick instantly thought begged for kissing. “Pleasure to meet you Lucetta, your father’s has said good things about you!” Nick smiled widely at her.

Lucetta’s dark eyes met Nick’s and stayed locked with them. “I do believe that the pleasure is all mine.” She replied.

But then, Nick inexplicably broke his gaze from her and Lucetta wondered why. Holding a man's attentions had never been a problem for her before and she wondered what his story was.

Nick thrust his hands into his trouser pockets and looked about uneasily, “So where can I find myself a beer?” He asked, changing the subject.

“Oh, why don’t you see if you can fetch our new friend here an ale, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course I don’t mind Papa! I’ll be right back!” She smiled at Nick then left the three men.

Nick's eyes couldn't help but follow her while she walked away. She certainly was easy on his eyes and a very stark contrast to the lady he loved back home. He found himself thinking about running his fingers through Lucetta's thick hair but pushed the thought away.

Michael nudged Nick in the ribs with his elbow, “Did I not tell you that she was lovely. She’s almost twenty-one now, a full fledged woman.” He boasted to his new found friend.

“Yes, you were right Michael, you do have a lovely daughter, truly lovely.” Nick chuckled at the lively Michael and his obvious attempt at matchmaking.

“Your ale, Nick.” Lucetta returned and handed the large glass to him.

“Thanks.” Nick took a large gulp of the ale and made a face as he swallowed it down. Bit too bitter for his tastes, it would take some getting used to. He took another drink, and then put the glass down on a nearby table. “Well, if you’ll excuse me, it’s pretty late and I’m beat tired. Think I’m gonna turn in for the night.” He smiled at the three of them, “It’s been a real pleasure to meet you all. Thanks for the company at the poker tables, Michael, I’m sure I’ll see you there again before this trip is over.”

Michael patted Nick on the back, “Of course you’ll see me there Nick! I had great fun this evening, thanks.”

Michael and his two children watched as Nick made his way out of the large room. He then turned his attentions to his daughter, and put his hand on her shoulder. "He's quite the interesting man, wouldn’t you agree?"

"Yes Papa, he is quite interesting."

"Good looking?"

"Yes Papa."

"Then mind your manners child, he's staying in first class and he has vineyards! You treat him right and who knows what can happen daughter!"

“Don’t you worry, I know how to handle the likes of him.” She smiled at her father; she hadn’t missed Nick taking a long look over her from top to bottom. And, despite the fact that he had broken off their gaze, she knew how to make him love her; men always did exactly what she wanted them to do.

Nick got undressed and climbed underneath the covers. Opening the book he had started reading yesterday, he tried to concentrate on the story. However, much to his chagrin, his mind refused to cooperate as his thoughts were elsewhere. Lucetta was only one of many things in his mind, she certainly was a beauty and she was a lot like the kind of girl or woman he used to prefer. Tall and curvy with full luscious lips, Nick smiled to himself but the smile quickly disappeared. Yeah, used to prefer, he thought to himself angrily, I had to go and fall for a tiny damned redhead with those silly little freckles on her nose and those green eyes. Who likes freckles on a grown woman, anyways! But I sure could look into those eyes for the rest of my life. Dammit Maggie, why’d you have to come into my life! Why didn’t you fall for me the way I fell in love with you! Nick silently cursed himself and his unwavering heart.

With all of his pent-up frustration coming to the surface, he threw his fist several times into the large feather pillows. Turning down the lamp next to his bed, he laid back, with his hand propped behind his head. His thoughts drifted to Maggie and everything that had happened over the years. Try as he might; he was never able to extricate her from his heart. She was always there, always so close by, but never close enough. Well now maybe on this trip, he would finally be able to break free from her and maybe, this Lucetta would be just the woman to help him do it.

He tapped lightly on the door, careful that he had not been seen by anyone. She opened the door and smiled sweetly at him. The door was opened wide for him to enter and shut tightly behind him.

"Your roommate?" He asked.

"Oh she won't be here for quite sometime, too busy dancing away. I told her I was upset about that Wally fellow not wanting to dance with me and I was going to bed."

"Very good." He took the young redhead by the shoulders and pulled her to him. His lips came down hard on hers and he began immediately pulling on the buttons of her dress.

She broke from him and took a step back. "Hey not so fast!" She chided him.

"It is what you want, no?"

"But slow down a little, we've got time." She stepped back towards him and rubbed his arm.

"It is what I want!" He grabbed the woman roughly and shoved her onto the bed. He was over her before she had a chance to cry out and put a white rag over her mouth and nose. The cloth was soaked in something that she didn't recognize. Violently struggling, she was unable to get free from him. His powerful hand held the cloth over her, while his other ripped at her clothes.

He watched with satisfaction as the ether had the desired effect and she closed her eyes in a deep slumber. He stood up and removed his slacks. "Now for my prize."

Nick spent the next day on the third class deck, hoping to find Michael or Lucetta. His everyday clothes, the denim slacks and leather vest, seemed to fit in much better with the third class crowd. At least on this deck, no one was casting sidelong glances and him and whispering. Nick could fit in anywhere that he pleased; but he found that he much preferred the more down to earth crowd he found on this deck; rather than the self-centered people he had the distinct misfortune to have previously met in first class. He was much more at home right here and finding a row of empty deck chairs, he stretched out on one and looked up at the sky.

For the first time since he had boarded the Lucania, it was a bright, sunny day with not a cloud in the sky. He imagined that if he stayed out there long enough, despite the cold air, he could darken his skin up a bit. Looking at the skin on his hands and arms, he wryly thought that with all the indoor time he had lately; he was beginning to look like a banker. Nick turned over his palms and imagined that even the calluses were growing softer by the day. Six days on the trains from California to New York, three days out on the Lucania and another two days to go. He couldn’t remember ever having stayed this lazy for this long and he was getting anxious to finish the voyage and get to Italy. At least then, he’d be out on the roads, on his way towards the area of Verona and closer to his well laid plans and goal.

If all of his plans and calculations were correct; he’d be in Verona just before Christmas time. Christmas, he thought. It would be the first time he’d been away from home on Christmas day. He well remembered the look on his Mother’s face when she realized that this trip would mean he wouldn’t be home for the Christmas holiday; her favorite time of year. It couldn’t be helped, he had reasoned with her, he had to get away and it couldn’t wait any longer. Almost losing Maggie, the death of her baby girl, the hours he had spent at her bedside praying and hoping – it had taken so much out of him and his heart was truly broken.

“Nick, Nick?” Michael had spotted Nick lying out on one of the deck chairs and decided to go over to him.

“Huh? Oh Michael, good afternoon!” Nick shaded his eyes from the sun as he looked up at Michael standing over him.

“Nick I think you’ve been out in the sun for too long dear boy! You must be lost, shouldn’t you be up on the captain’s deck?” Michael chortled.

“Nah, not lost Michael.” Nick laughed, “Just prefer the company here.” Nick got up out of the deck chair and towered over Michael. “So where are your son and daughter off to this afternoon?"

"Ahh you are more interested in where my daughter is off to than my son, no?" Michael grinned knowingly at the cowboy. "She should be along shortly. I do believe that she is changing for dinner."

"So, it’s getting close to dinner time, how’s the grub in third class?” He asked with a smile.

“Not bad, not bad. Hearty fare, meat and potatoes and all of that. But it won’t be as fancy as first class!”

“Michael, meat and potatoes sounds like first class fare to me!”

“Good, good. You will dine with me and my children this evening then.” Michael pulled out a fancy pocket watch and opened it. “Meet us here about six, alright?”

“Sounds good Michael, I’ll be looking forward to it.”

As they spoke three shipmates went running past them and brushed into Nick as they ran, nearly throwing him off of his feet. "Hey!" Nick bellowed at them.

"Sorry sir, emergency!"

"Emergency?" He chuckled, slightly nervous. "Ya don't suppose the ship is sinking, do ya?"

"No, no." Michael shook his head. "A young woman in third class has turned up missing. Apparently the rumor is that she was quite upset and some say they think she threw herself off the ship."

"That's horrible, what a way to go! Did you know the young woman?"

"No, I'm afraid not. Poor thing, can you imagine anyone being so upset that they would end their own life?"

"No I can't. Can't say that I've ever understood that thinking. Shame." Nick shook his head.

He returned to the deck promptly at six o’clock. He had changed into slacks and a white shirt, much more comfortable than his formalwear but definitely dressier than his denim. He did want to at least look a bit cleaned up when he saw Lucetta again. Michael approached with Lucetta following closely behind him. Nick smiled at her; she looked lovely this evening in an ivory colored dress with small blue flowers and her hair tied back with a matching bow. The dress set off her tanned skin and dark eyes perfectly.

Lucetta returned Nick’s smile. At least this one’s easy to look at, she thought, not like the last one that her Papa had set her up with. She closed her eyes tightly for a moment trying to shut the memory of that one out of her mind. But, she could still picture his fat hands on her body and his slobbering mouth. Thank god, that one would never touch her again!

Lucetta held out her hand to Nick. “It’s so good to see you again, Nick!”

Nick took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it softly. “You look lovely, Lucetta!” He linked his arm in hers, “Well are you two ready for dinner, I’m starving!”

The third class dining room was a large plain white room with exposed piping overhead and long rows of tables that stretched from one end of the room to the other. It took Nick a moment to realize that this was the same room where the party had been the evening before. The three of them sat down together at the end of a row; Michael and Lucetta sat directly across from Nick. A meal of flank steak and potatoes was laid out in front of them and Nick enjoying the hearty, but plain fare, noted that Michael had been right about meals in third class.

Michael jovially monopolized the conversation throughout the evening meal; he rambled on and on about how beautiful his homeland of Italy was and how much he would miss America. He told Nick about his family having a small farm only a day south of Verona. Michael’s face then brightened with an idea, “Nick you travel with us to Italy, no? You stay with us for a little while. It will be Christmas time soon and no one should be alone on such a day. ‘Sides, you haven’t seen a real Christmas celebration; until you’ve seen an Italian one!”

“Nick, that sounds like a wonderful idea!” Lucetta chimed in. “Papa is right you know, no one should be alone on Christmas day.”

Looking at both of them, he considered their idea. It would be nice to be around people at Christmas, especially new found friends. He really wasn’t relishing the prospect of spending Christmas by himself and he did enjoy their company. He also liked the idea of having more time to spend with Lucetta to get to know her better. “Well, I don’t want to impose on you…”

“Nonsense, Nick!” Michael grinned. “Now I’m sure that our little place won’t be nearly as nice as your own home. But I assure you that we can see to your comfort while you’re there.”

“I’m not worried about that at all. But, what about your son, Aldo? I noticed that he didn’t join us for dinner this evening and he doesn’t seem to fond of me or any other foreigners for that matter.”

Lucetta put her hand on Nick’s “Don’t worry about my brother Nick. His, how do you say? His bark is worse than a chew!”

Nick laughed heartily at her comment and almost choked on his food, “Bite! His bark is worse than his bite!” He found her slip up to be quite endearing. Why not, he thought to himself. “Sure, you know I would love to spend Christmas with you! Thanks for the invite!”

Michael smiled from ear to ear and reached across the table, patting Nick’s shoulder. “Wonderful Nick, you’ll have a most interesting time, I promise you that!”

When the three of them had finished with their dinner they got up from the table and made their way upstairs towards the deck area.

Michael patted his round belly and yawned loudly. “You know I think I’m getting too old for all these late nights. I’m going to turn in for the evening.” The older man poked his head out onto the deck and looked up at the bright evening sky. “You know, it’s a beautiful night out there. Why don’t you two youngsters take a walk out on the deck.”

“Papa,” Lucetta scolded him.

“It’s alright Lucetta, your Father’s right. It does look like a beautiful night out there.” Nick held out his hand to her, “Care to join me for an evening walk?” He asked.

Lucetta took his hand and felt the calluses as he wrapped his hand around hers. Here’s a man that’s not afraid of hard work, she thought, maybe he is not so bad. “I’d be honored to take a walk with you Nick.” She turned to her father and smiled, then planted a kiss on his cheek. “Goodnight Papa, I won’t be too late.”

While Nick led her out onto the deck, Michael stepped back momentarily. As soon as they had rounded the corner and were out of view; he made his way to the other side of the deck and moved into the shadows of a staircase where he could keep an eye on both of them.

Nick walked at a slow pace, still hand in hand with Lucetta. Stopping after they had rounded a corner, Nick released her hand and went over to the railing. Although it was not quite a full moon; it was a bright evening sky brimming with stars and not a cloud in the sky.

Lucetta moved close to him and gathered her arms around her; wanting to regain his attentions, she shivered slightly. Nick caught her shiver in the corner of his eye and he took his jacket off his arm, laying it over her shoulders.

“Forgive me,” He said, “Where are my manners? Better now?” He asked her sincerely.

Lucetta stood directly in front of him; her dark eyes staring up into his. “Yes Nick, this is much better.” She slowly reached her hand up and laid it softly on his cheek.

An arm went about her waist and he drew her forward to him. Leaning his head down slightly he gently kissed her full lips. Her arms went around his neck and she returned his kiss. But when their kiss began to grow in its intensity; Nick stopped and pulled away. Opening her eyes, she managed to catch a sad expression on Nick’s face; just as he turned from her and looked out over the ocean.

“I..I’m sorry Nick, I was too forward. Forgive me please.” She said, putting her hand on his arm.

Tightly shutting his eyes, “It’s not you. It’s not you at all, I’m the one that’s sorry.” He said in a near whisper.

She looked at him carefully and finally recognized an expression that she hadn’t seen in some time, “There is a girl back home, isn’t there?” She asked.

“No,” He replied curtly, “There’s no one back home waiting for me.”

“Nick, I am not blind or stupid. I can see it in your face, there is someone!” She briefly laid her head against his arm then looked up at him, “Please, don’t lie to me.”

Nick sighed heavily as he turned to face her. “There isn’t anyone waiting for me at home. She doesn’t feel the same way about me at all. In fact, she’s married now and has a son.”

Lucetta nodded knowingly, “So you’re heart’s been broken, is that it?” She asked and received a nod in reply from Nick. “Whoever she is, she was a foolish girl to let you go!”

Nick managed a small grin for her, “That’s what I keep saying!” He chuckled.

“Well then, I think perhaps we should say goodnight for now Nick. We only have one more day out on the ocean and the next; we’ll be in England. You and I will be traveling together and you’re still spending Christmas with us aren’t you?”

“I wouldn’t miss Christmas with you or your Father for anything!” Nick linked his arm in hers and led her back inside. “We have plenty of time yet together; maybe in a little while I’ll manage to mend that heart of mine.”

Lucetta looked up at him wistfully, “And maybe we can mend it together.” She kissed Nick briefly on his cheek and left him to return to her room.

As she opened the door to her room, her father grabbed her by the hair and pulled her inside.

“What were you doing out there Lucetta! He should be eating out of the palm of your hand by now! If I didn’t know any better; I’d think you were beginning to lose your touch there young lady!” He growled at her, still with a firm grip on a fistful of her hair.

“Papa, please! Don’t worry!” She pulled her hair loose from him, “He’s still wounded from some other woman back in California. We just have to move a little slowly, that’s all.”

“You better be right daughter, he’s going to be the richest husband you’ve ever had!”

Tossing and turning throughout the night; Nick awoke feeling as if he hadn’t slept a wink. He threw back the covers and got dressed quickly. His mind was still firmly planted in the events of yesterday evening. Why’d I break away from her? He wondered, she’s beautiful and seems like a real sweet girl! I’m being crazy, what the heck was I thinking?

A knock at the door disturbed his thoughts. “Mr. Nick?” Jack called through the door, “Mr. Nick are you in there?”

Nick threw open the door, “Morning Jack, come on in!”

Jack came into the room and set down some fresh towels for him. “Mr. Nick, can you believe we’re gonna be docking tomorrow morning? Seems like just yesterday we were in New York!”

“Yep, sure does! What time we supposed to dock?” He asked.

“Oh first thing in the morning should be there by nine at the latest. Hey, Mr. Nick, I saw you with that Italian girl last night, boy is she ever pretty!” Jack couldn’t believe the cowboy’s luck, most of his shipmates thought she was the prettiest girl on the ship.

Nick couldn’t help but agree, “Yep sure is pretty, no scratch that, beautiful.”

“I’d say you were one lucky man. You gonna see her after we dock?” Jack asked.

“As a matter of fact, her Father invited me to spend Christmas with the family. So yep, I’m definitely gonna see her again!” Nick said with a large smile.

“Wow…”Jack stood for just a moment, envying his passenger. “You need any help packing, Mr. Nick, before we dock?”

“No, no I have it under control. Thanks for asking Jack.”

“Okay then, I’ll see ya later!” Jack turned and left Nick’s room, thinking all the while about how lucky that man was to have caught such a beautiful woman.

He finished up packing his things and went to have lunch by himself. He planned on waiting until the evening to see Michael and Lucetta again. He knew he would be able to find Michael at the poker tables and with any luck; Lucetta wouldn’t be too far away.

Following yet another uncomfortable meal in the first class dining room; Nick went back to his room to change out of his tuxedo and into his denim. He made his way down to the third class section and down the hall towards the poker room.

“Five dollars, mister? Really?!” A young man asked Michael.

“Five dollars for each of you.” Michael said to the young man and his friend. “When you see us coming out of the game room, understand?”

“You got it mister!” The young man exclaimed.

Michael heard footsteps coming down the hall, “Now go and get out of here, before someone sees us!” He gave the young men a small push and they went around the corner. Michael headed into the game room and over to a table with two empty seats. He was dealt into the next hand.

Nick entered the game room, already thick with cigar smoke. Spotting Michael across the room, he strode over and sat down at the empty seat. “Evening Michael!” He said jovially.

“Nick.” Michael replied, not looking up from his cards.

Nick looked over at him and tried to read his expression. Michael was not his usual friendly self and he had to wonder what was wrong. “Something bothering you Michael?” He asked.

Michael leaned over and whispered into Nick’s ear, “I am just sitting here wondering why my daughter returned to her room with tears in her eyes last night.”

“Oh that.” Nick replied. “Nothing happened Michael, I guess I got a bit of cold feet is all. I’m sorry that I hurt Lucetta’s feelings. Guess I just need a little bit of time.” Nick apologized, he hadn’t wanted to hurt her feelings; that was the last thing he wanted to do. He would find Lucetta later and apologize to her profusely.

“Yes my daughter did tell me that nothing happened, I just wanted to hear that from you. But her feelings were hurt, so after we play for a while, you will go talk with her. Alright?”

“I intend to do just that Michael.” Nick took his cards and played poker with Michael for a couple of hours.

Michael pulled out his pocket watch and checked the time. “Why don’t we go find my daughter after this hand is over Nick.”

“Sure, I’d like that.”

Nick sat and finished the hand; winning the hand and a sizeable pot. He stuffed the money into his pocket and stood up with Michael to leave. He followed Michael out of the game room and down the hall. As they came around the corner, they heard a woman scream.

“That’s Lucetta!” Michael said, his eyes wide with fear.

Nick took off ahead of Michael and went in the direction of her scream. When he came around the corner, he found Lucetta pinned to the wall by two drunken men. One of the young men had his body up against hers and was forcing a kiss on her. Nick grabbed both of the men by their shirt collars and pulled them off of her; throwing the two men into the wall. One of them came back at Nick and threw a punch at him, missing. Nick balled up his fist and planted a punch in his face; bloodying the drunkard’s nose. He threw another punch into the other’s stomach and left the both of them reeling on the ground.

“Lucetta! Are you alright?” Nick asked, taking note of her torn blouse and then gathering her into his arms.

She sniffled and put her head on his shoulder, “Yes, I’m alright. Oh I’m sorry Nick, I can usually handle myself.”

Nick could feel his shoulder grow damp with tears, “There’s nothing to apologize for! There were two of them, oh, don’t cry Lucetta. It’s alright now.” Nick kissed her forehead and ran his hand through her long black hair.

Michael finally caught up with them; out of breath and leaning against the wall. He caught his daughter glaring at him and knew he’d have to apologize for not telling her about the little show he had planned. But he smiled to himself as he saw Nick holding her; it obviously had the desired effect. “Daughter, are you alright?” He asked, gasping for air.

“Yes, Papa, I’m just fine.”

Nick turned to Michael, with Lucetta still snug in his arms. “Michael, I’m going to take Lucetta to her room so she can change. Will you see to these two hooligans?”

“Yes of course Nick. My darling Lucetta, I’m so glad you’re alright!” Michael watched as Nick walked away with his daughter. He then turned to the two young men and pulled to fives out of his pocket. “Here you go, mighty good job you both did!”

“Yeah?” Said one of them as he stood up, “You didn’t say nothing about getting my nose broke! That’s gonna cost you extra, unless of course you want me to talk to someone.” He spat at Michael angrily.

Michael rubbed his chin, “Oh it’s extra you want? Hmmm, Aldo?” He called out.

Michael’s son appeared from the corner and approached his Father. “Yes, Papa?”

He put his hand on his shoulder, “Aldo, my dear boy, these two young men think that they deserve extra for their efforts this evening. Will you see to it for me?”

“Of course, Papa.” Aldo smiled.

Aldo motioned to the young men, “You both come with me out on the deck, it’s darker there, and we don’t want anyone to see us, do we?” He smiled at them and they followed him out to the deck.

A few minutes later, the faint sound of two splashes in the ocean could be heard on the third class deck. Aldo pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the blood off of the railing and then tossed a knife overboard. He walked away from the railing, whistling as he went.

A curse went up against her Father while Lucetta discarded her torn blouse and replaced it with a dark green one that sat off of her shoulders. The torn blouse was tossed into the corner while she thought of a few choice words she would use on her Father when she saw him again. The least he could have done, she thought, was to forewarn her so that she wouldn't be wearing her favorite blouse when it happened. No matter, Nick Barkley could buy her a room full of new blouses.

Just outside her cabin, Nick waited patiently outside Lucetta’s cabin, leaning up against the stark white wall. He straightened up when her door opened. “Lucetta, are you okay?” He asked, putting his hands on her shoulders.

She smiled meekly at him, “Yes Nick, I’ll be just fine. I’m just a little shaky, I guess.” She put her hand over his; “I can’t thank you enough for helping me tonight.”

“Think nothing of it." With those words, Lucetta broke into tears as if on cue. Nick pulled her close to him, "Oh hey now, it's over. Everything is going to be just fine. Looks to me like you could use a drink and someone to keep you company for awhile.” Nick took her hand and said, “Come on up to my cabin for a little bit, I have a small bar and I’ll fix you a good strong drink to steady your nerves.”

Lucetta nodded and squeezed his hand lightly, “Yes, perhaps you are right, I probably could use something for my nerves right now.”

It was at that moment that Michael chose to make his presence known to the two of them; having heard their conversation from just around the corner. He appeared, playing the dutiful and worried Father, “Lucetta, my goodness! Are you all right, daughter? I was so worried about you!” He put his arm around her, but Lucetta tried to brush him off without Nick seeing her do it. “Nick, those drunkards have been taken care of, they won’t be bothering anyone ever again!” Michael said, he then turned and winked at his daughter.

Lucetta's hand covered her mouth and effectively hid the small grin that curled her lips.

“Good!” Nick replied, “Glad to hear it. Listen, I’ve suggested that Lucetta might use a strong drink right now for her nerves and I invited her to my cabin. Please join us Michael.”

Michael patted Nick’s back, “Oh Nick, you are a good man to ask me to come with you two. But I do trust you with my daughter. I believe you to be a gentleman. Just see that you don’t bring Lucetta back to her cabin too late.” Michael smiled, rubbing Lucetta's arm and when the cowboy wasn't looking, he gave her a quick wink. A gentleman was the very last thing he wanted Mr. Barkley to be. “Yes, you go with Nick and have a drink. It sounds like exactly what you need right now. I will see you later.”

“Yes Papa. I won’t be back late.” She gave her Papa her warmest smile and then took Nick’s arm. “I’m all yours, lead the way!”

Lucetta walked with Nick up the stairs towards his cabin. When they reached the first class area, she was amazed by the huge differences between her third-class cabin area and his. The fact was that it had been quite some time since she had been around such fine accoutrements and she missed the opulence and high living. Upon opening the door to his cabin, Lucetta stepped inside and looked around the sitting room.

“This is very beautiful Nick. But, where do you sleep?” She asked quizzically.

Nick smiled amusedly at her, “Oh, no this is just the sitting area or parlor, my bedroom is over here.” He opened the door to the bedroom so Lucetta could glance inside.

“You could put four or five third class cabins in here! I didn’t realize there was such a huge difference!” Lucetta moved inside the bedroom, "our bed looks much more comfortable than mine is!" She sat down on the edge of the bed and leaned back. "Oh it is much more comfortable and so soft."

Nick cleared his throat, "Bit too soft if you ask me." He excused himself and went to the bar, pouring two small glasses of scotch and water, Nick handed one to Lucetta and she took it with a smile, patting the bed next to her. She took a small sip and grimaced at her first taste of scotch and Nick laughed.

He pretended not to have seen her motion for him to join her on the bed and cleared his throat once again. “It is a bit strong, but you’ll feel better once you finish it.” She patted the bed again and Nick drank down the hot scotch in one gulp. He took a seat next to her on the bed.

She took another sip and it didn’t burn so much going down this time. Turning to Nick she asked, “Would you tell me about your home and your family Nick? I’d love to hear about them and it may help me take my mind off of things.” Lucetta coyly leaned her elbows back on the bed and her blouse slipped even further off of her shoulders. He couldn't help but glance at the cleavage that was now on display.

“Are you sure you really want to hear about that? Afraid I’ve got a tendency to go on and on.” Nick looked at her and she nodded her reply. He grinned widely and began to tell her all about his home and the land that he loved so much. She could see it in his eyes and his face while he talked; he dearly loved his home and running the ranch. And she could see how much he loved his family as well. While she listened to him talk, she found herself wishing that she could have a place she could truly call home like that. And a family, one that she loved dearly and loved her in return. She had her Papa and Aldo, of course, but her life with them wasn’t anything like what Nick described to her. The love and support he told her about; that was something she had never experienced in her life and she felt slightly envious of him. As the conversation continued, Nick became more comfortable being with her, she seemed truly interested in his home and his love for ranching. Eventually he leaned back on the bed, close enough to smell her perfume and the clean scent of soap on her skin.

“Listen to me now, I told you that I would go on and on! Now,” He said taking her hand, “it’s your turn. Tell me about Italy, why are you leaving America, how did you like America, I want to know everything!” Slowly, he was beginning to get lost into her dark eyes and her full lips, an old familiar need came back to the surface.

Lucetta thought carefully before she answered him, “It’s really quite simple actually, we’re going back to Italy because Papa is homesick. But for myself, I hope that I will return to America someday. I truly love your country and there is still so much for me to see!”

Nick spoke to her softly, “I am sure that if you really want to return to America, you will find a way someday.”

“Yes, Nick. Someday I will return.”

Nick found the ache more than he could take and he wrapped his arms around her, drawing her against his lean frame. He looked into her dark eyes for a moment then met her lips with his, in a soft kiss. His light brush on her lips stirred her to her soul and none of her Papa’s other choices had ever made her feel like that. She wanted more of him. Lucetta put her arms around Nick’s neck and parted her lips to his kiss. This time, Nick didn’t break away from her and his arms gently guided her back down on the bed till his chest was pressed over hers in a deep embrace.

When the kiss ended, they were both breathless, with their hearts pounding wildly. Nick glanced over at the clock and quickly regained his composure.

He quickly sat back up on the bed and cleared his throat, “I had better take you back to your cabin or your Papa will have my hide!” He said.. Nick stood up and took Lucetta’s hand. He led her out of his cabin and back downstairs to hers. In front of her cabin, he asked, “Are you going to be all right now?”

“Yes Nick, thank you.” She started to open her door, but Nick caught her and brought her into his arms again for a brief kiss.

“Now tomorrow morning, when we dock, I’ll get my stuff and meet you right at the end of the walkway. Don’t you leave without me!” He grinned.

“Of course not! I’m looking forward to having you with us for Christmas!” Lucetta reached up and lightly stroked his cheek.

Taking her hand in his, he kissed it softly. “So am I. Goodnight, Lucetta.”

He watched her go inside her cabin and shut the door. Returning to his room, he gathered together his last few items into his bags and went to bed. But he found that he was far from sleep, too many things ran wildly about his head. Nick got back up and decided that he should pen a short letter to his family and let them know of his plans for Christmas. He was sure that they would all be glad he had met a nice family and would not be alone for Christmas.

The following morning, standing out on the Captain’s deck, he watched as the Lucania was slowly towed into the harbor and then came to a halt at the docks. He looked on, in awe, at the flurry of activity by the ship’s crew as they readied the ship for passengers to disembark.

Nick sighed while he walked back to his room. It had certainly been an eventful journey. Throwing his bag over his shoulder, he walked out of his cabin and started back down the hall.

“Mr. Nick!” Young Jack called out to him.

“Well, hello there Jack! I was hoping that I’d see you again.” Nick smiled broadly at him. “Listen” He said, pulling money out of his pants pocket, “I wanna thank you for everything you did on this trip. You sure did add a lot of fun!”

Jack looked down at the tip Nick handed to him and his mouth dropped open. “Wow! Thanks, Mr. Nick! I’m really glad you had a good trip!”

“Look, I need you to do one more thing for me.” Nick pulled out a folded envelope from his leather jacket and handed it to Jack. “Would you please see to it that this gets mailed back to the States, it’s to my family back home.”

“Sure thing, Mr. Nick.” Jack went with Nick out to the walkway. “I’m gonna miss you, Mr. Nick!”

“You too, Jack. You take care of yourself now, ya hear?!” Nick looked down the walkway and beamed when he saw Lucetta down at the docks waiting for him, along with Michael and Aldo. Yep, he thought with a grin, it’s sure gonna be an interesting Christmas!

The journey on the train from England to Verona would take them almost three days. Finding the ticket counter, Nick purchased four sleeping cabins. It was the least he could do, he thought, since they were kind enough to open their home to me for Christmas. He also made sure that Lucetta’s room was next to his own.

A sleeping room with a window, he wanted to see everything as the train made it’s way to Italy. They would pass through several cities and vast countryside, his Mother had been to Europe years ago with Audra and had told him about how beautiful it was, he didn’t want to miss a thing! The rolling hills and the farmland they passed, often made him feel a bit homesick. He would sit by his window, long after the Ciccione’s had gone to bed and watch the landscapes go by for hours on end.

Stolen moments together on the train was all that Nick and Lucetta could manage. A brief kiss while moving between cars, a squeeze of the hand or bodies brushing briefly together when they passed each other in the hall. For Nick these few precious meetings only served to intensify his desire and the rapidly growing feelings he had towards her.

Michael monopolized most of his waking time, although it was Nick who found himself doing most of the talking. The old man seemed to be endlessly curious about Nick’s life back home and his family. He was more than happy to talk with him of his home; completely unaware that Michael was extracting valuable information on Nick’s financial worth and his family’s. It bothered Michael slightly when Nick had told him of his older brother being a Senator and a lawyer. He pondered the idea of whether or not this brother would get too nosy if Nick returned from Italy with a bride and a new father-in-law. Michael carefully digested all of the information that this trusting young cowboy fed to him. He was even more thrilled to find out that Nick’s mother was a widow.

Nearly six hours later than scheduled and only four days before Christmas, the train finally pulled into the small station of Verona, Italy. As soon as they had all gotten their things from the train, Nick and Lucetta went to a nearby livery stable to secure horses and a carriage. Lucetta volunteered her much needed services to translate for Nick.

Nick took her hand as soon as they had moved out of her father’s sight. “You know, I was beginning to think that I would never have a moment alone with you again!” He grinned at her.

“I felt the same way Nick..” Lucetta stopped and looked directly into his clear hazel eyes. “And yet, it was as if we were never apart. You were always with me in my thoughts. I couldn’t stop thinking about you, not once.”

He grasped her hand tightly in his and led her quickly between two stone buildings. Lucetta leaned against the wall while Nick ran his fingers through her soft, long hair. His sultry expression spoke volumes to her and she put her arms around his waist pulling his body against hers. Their mouths met in a bruising kiss, filled with their desire for one another. Lucetta broke away far too soon for Nick and he looked at her with sad, dejected eyes.

She had to laugh at the expression on his face, “Oh come now Nick! We’ve got to go get those horses and a carriage. You don’t want Papa to come looking for us, do you?”

“But..but this is our first time alone in days!”

“And there will be many more times for us to be together, alone. I promise you that Nick, we’ll have more time!”

Nick gave an exaggerated sigh, “Oh alright, but only if you promise!”

“I promise Nick.” She giggled and smiled. While she walked with Nick to the livery stable, she found herself smiling at him. It was the first time she had ever truly enjoyed a man’s company.

Michael insisted upon driving the carriage home to his small farm. Aldo immediately took the seat next to his father and this left Nick and Lucetta sitting together in the rear seat; which Nick didn’t mind one single bit.

However, Michael had a penchant for driving the carriage as fast as the horses would carry them and Nick found himself hanging on for dear life as he tried to hold onto Lucetta as well. Lucetta, he noticed, didn’t seem to mind her father’s driving, matter of fact she seemed to enjoy the wild ride.

An hour passed and Michael pointed to the top of the next hill. “See Nick! That is our home and it looks like my brothers have cared for it well!” Michael urged the horses on even faster and Nick took hold of the young woman's waist, fearing they would be thrown from the back at any moment.

Upon their arrival, Nick got out and looked over to the small home. The house was mortared together with large flat stones and it appeared from the outside to be quite cold and damp. Moving inside, he noted the four small square rooms and wondered where he would be sleeping. It was beginning to get dark and there was a damp chill in the air. Michael led him to his room that consisted of a small narrow bed and a nightstand that had room enough for a small oil lamp.

“You will be comfortable here, no?” Michael asked.

“Yes, this will be fine Michael, thank you.” Nick grinned back at him. “Well I’m going to get my things and bring them in. Perhaps, your daughter can show me around tomorrow and possibly do some translating again for me.”

“Yes Nick, I’m sure she wouldn’t mind showing you around.” Michael grinned widely.

The bed was a good deal shorter than it’s occupant and Nick struggled to sleep, despite his feet and ankles hanging off the end of the bed. He tossed and turned throughout the night, unable to find a comfortable position. Eventually, from sheer exhaustion, he drifted off.

Dreams transported him far away from Italy and even Europe. He traveled back in time and space, to Colorado and a snow covered mountain. There was no sensation of cold, only the warmth of a fire that burned next to them and the fire he held in his soul. It was just the tow of them alone. He kissed her and moved his hands to her back, undoing the buttons of her dress. Maggie slid her small hands to his chest and began working the buttons of his shirt. She let her hands run across his skin as she pushed his shirt off of his shoulders. 'Oh God Maggie,' He told her, 'Do you know how long I've loved you!' She had responded by putting a finger over his lips and he had kissed the soft index finger. Nick released her from the bonds of her garments and laid her back on the snow, his large body covering hers completely. They began to move slowly together, making love for the first time.

Maggie please, yes. He tried to brush away the arm on his shoulder, wanting to stay in his dream. He opened his eyes and turned angrily, ready to bark at whoever was disturbing him.

“Nick?” Lucetta looked down at him. “It’s time to get up.” She said coolly to him. “That was some dream you were having.” She had her hands on her hips and was bare footed. “You know you talk in your sleep?”

“Ah no, didn’t know that. It was just a dream, nothing else.” He tried to get out of bed and go to Lucetta, but found he would have to wait a few minutes before he could go throwing off the covers.

“Just a dream?” Lucetta asked, feeling more than slightly jealous. “Who’s Maggie?”

“Can we talk about that after breakfast? If you don’t mind, I need to get dressed.” He pleaded with her. Nick knew that he wouldn’t be able to avoid the subject of Maggie for much longer, especially now. He watched Lucetta disappear from his doorway and threw off his covers. As he dressed, he thought of Lucetta, but his mind invariably drifted back to the dream he had with Maggie. He wondered how she was doing back home and about the rest of his family.

When he finished the hearty breakfast that Lucetta had prepared, he went outside to where Lucetta had saddled two horses for them to ride. She carried a lunch for the two of them in her saddle packs and decided to wait until lunchtime to find out more about this Maggie person. There was no way she was going to allow another woman to get in her way, especially not a married one! She fumed at the thought, if she had to, she could take care of this woman when Nick took her back to America with him. Lucetta turned her attentions to Nick as he mounted the horse, “Ready?” She asked with a sweet smile.

“Yep, you lead the way.” Nick was glad she hadn’t brought up his talking in his sleep. At least for now, he wouldn’t have to discuss the matter further.

Across the rolling hills they traveled together, while Lucetta pointed out various sights to him and the locations of the three largest vineyards in the area. Nick made a point of remembering the names and planned to visit them directly after the holiday. He was grateful that Michael’s daughter was not as eager to speed across the scenic vistas as her father had been.

After several hours of riding, Lucetta brought her horse to a stop at the top of a hill. Nick dismounted and surveyed the area around them; he looked down at the city of Verona. It was ancient looking with tall stone spires shooting into the sky and very narrow streets. Lucetta pulled bread, cheese and a cask of wine from her packs. She spread out her blanket roll and Nick sat down next to her. Lucetta poured the wine into two small cups and passed one to Nick.

“It’s really beautiful out here.” He said, admiring the landscape and the woman beside him.

“Yes it is.” Lucetta passed him the bread and cut off a large portion of cheese for him. “But I want to talk about something else.”

“Maggie.” Nick nodded; he knew he wouldn’t be able to avoid the subject forever. He leaned back on his elbows and tried to prepare himself for the questions.

“Yes, Maggie. She’s the woman you spoke of before, isn’t she? The one that’s married now with a son?”

Nick sighed heavily, “Yep, that’s her.”

Lucetta’s hand went to Nick’s shoulder, “She is married, but you still have feelings for her, why?”

“I dunno know. Maybe it was because even after she married, I still see her almost everyday. Maybe it’s because she’s still as pretty and as lively and as stubborn as the first day I met her.” Nick closed his eyes briefly and saw her vividly in his mind.

“Why do you still see her everyday? Can’t you make a point of avoiding her, Nick?” Lucetta didn’t understand why he would continually subject himself to seeing a woman so often that he couldn’t have.

“It’s not that easy Lucetta. Ya see, she’s married now but to my older brother, Jarrod. When she first came to Stockton, I don’t know, there was just something about her. She wasn’t at all like the girls I usually went for. She was tiny, only came up to here on me.” Nick put his hand on his chest. “But she’s incredibly spirited and stubborn as all get out. Maggie’s got these incredible green eyes that pierce right through to your soul. And hair the color of fire.” He looked over at Lucetta and stopped his complete description of Maggie, “Anyways, she didn’t fall for me or care for me – except like a friend, or a brother. She fell head over heels for my big brother and they were married in San Francisco.” He left out large portions of the story intentionally, he didn’t want to rehash everything that had happened, and it was still too painful for him. Nick finished off his wine and Lucetta poured him another cup.

“Well, you are not seeing her everyday now. Perhaps, now you will be able to get her out of your head. Perhaps, I can help.” She leaned over Nick and kissed him, his elbows went out from underneath him and he laid back on the ground. He took Lucetta in his strong arms and rolled her over onto her back.

He leaned over her and his leg went between her knees, pushing them open. “Yes you can help.” Nick told her, he smothered her mouth with his, kissing her hungrily. He felt her breasts heaving against his chest and her hands gripping his shoulders. “Help me forget Lucetta, please.”

Lucetta looked up into his hazel eyes, filled with desire. She wanted him just as much. “Yes Nick, I’ll help you forget. Take me.” She whispered into his ear. His lips went to her neck, devouring her in a passion he hadn’t felt in years.

His gloved hands went to her blouse and tried in vain to undo the tiny buttons. Taking a finger of the glove in his teeth, he hurriedly pulled off one glove than the other. Not wasting another moment, Nick pulled open her blouse, popping a few buttons as he did. Some time later, he held her tightly in his arms while their heart rates calmed back down to a normal rhythm. She stroked her new lover’s bare back and opened her eyes to look into his. “I’m falling in love with you Nick Barkley.”

Nick let out a hard exhale while he buttoned his shirt back up. Closing his eyes tightly, he tried to remove the thought from his mind that they might have created a child. Lucetta had assured Nick that this was not the time for her to get pregnant; she insisted that it wasn’t possible. And yet, an uneasy feeling crept over Nick and he wasn’t able to get the thought out of his mind. He truly regretted what had just occurred between them and although he did care for her; he had to admit that it wasn’t love that he felt for her. He tried, unsuccessfully, to convince himself that given time, he could fall in love with Lucetta. But his unwavering heart told him no; he had fallen in love with someone else – someone that he could never have. When they had been deeply involved in their afternoon tryst and Nick closed his eyes, it was not Lucetta he saw.

Lucetta noticed the change in him as soon as they began their ride back to the farm. He was distant and aloof; not angry or mean spirited, but definitely not the same Nick she had ridden out with this morning. I’ve blown it, she thought to herself, pushed him too hard and too fast! Papa is going to be furious with me; I’ve got to try something.

“Nick, you must think me a horrible woman now.” Lucetta said sadly.

“What? No of course not!” Nick’s far away gaze disappeared and he looked on Lucetta.

“But, forgive me please, I wanted to show you how much I care about you and I went too far. I am not a loose woman Nick, but I thought you desired me too.”

“Oh I do desire you Lucetta, please don’t think that I don’t. Its just that..” His voice trailed off and he got the far away look in his eyes again.

“It’s just that you don’t feel the same way about me, do you?”

Nick felt horrible, he could see the pained expression in her face. But, she had to know the truth and he nodded in reply. He felt even worse when Lucetta stopped her horse and burst into tears. Dismounting, he went over to her and pulled her off of her saddle.

“Oh honey, I am so sorry.” Caressing her cheek, he tried to soothe away her tears but it seemed to have no affect. “Listen, give me a little time, that’s all I need. I’m sure I will come to feel the same way you do. Hey listen any guy that can’t fall for you have to be completely loony! You are an incredibly beautiful and warm young woman. All I need is a little bit of time.” Nick cupped her face in his hands and then wiped away her tears.

She looked at him with her large dark eyes, “Do you really think that you just need time Nick? Or is it this Maggie who will forever bind your heart?”

“No.” He said. “I can’t let my heart belong to someone that will never love me, I won’t. Just give me a little time, I’ll come around Lucetta. You have my word on it.” Nick spoke in a strong voice, willing himself to forget the woman he loved back home in Stockton.

For the next few days before Christmas came upon them, Lucetta took Nick to several of the vineyards in the vicinity of Verona.

He remained somewhat brooding the days that followed their passionate encounter and Lucetta found it extremely frustrating. But not nearly as frustrating as her father had found the whole situation between the two of them to be. He had slapped Lucetta when he found out that they had already consummated their relationship, chiding her for pushing the young cowboy too far and too fast. After his anger towards her had subsided, he had spent hours counseling her on how to repair the damage she had done. Once their talk was finished, Lucetta was confident that she would be able to win Nick over again. And if she couldn't do it before Christmas, her Father had an alternate plan that was sure to work, it always had.

Two days before Christmas, Lucetta took Nick to the largest vineyard she knew. As they rode across the land; Nick was impressed by the diversity of grapes he saw growing, he hadn’t realized that there were so many that could be grown on this land and his thoughts whirred with ideas for his own vineyard.

Lucetta conversed in Italian with several of the workers and then introduced Nick to one Giovanni Luisi. Giovanni’s vast knowledge of the land, grapes and wine belied his tender age of only seventeen. He was a tall gangly boy with a mop of unruly curly black hair and deep gray eyes, his skin was darkly tanned from all the time he spent outdoors caring for the vines and grapes.

Nick liked the boy instantly. Although not landowners, his family had worked the vineyards around Verona for four generations. Nick felt that this young boy had great potential and yet, he had it fixed in his head that he wanted someone older and more experienced. He and Lucetta spent most of the day with Giovanni’s family, finding them all to be warm and gregarious. Better still, every member of the Luisi family spoke perfect English. Giovanni’s Mother was originally from Sussex and she made sure that all of her seven children spoke English as fluently as they did Italian.

By the end of the day, Giovanni’s Mother, Dorthea, had convinced Nick to return for a visit the day after Christmas and he looked forward to spending more time with them. A family with such a long history in the wine business would surely know of other winemakers and perhaps, even a winemaker that would be willing to leave Italy and come to America to work for him.

"Wonderful Mr. Barkley, we'll look forward to seeing you then. Why don't you come around lunchtime, it's always a bustling place around here then and in the afternoon perhaps you can spend more time with Giovanni and his brothers in the vineyard."

"I look forward to it Mrs. Luisi, thank you for your invitation."

"Please, Dorthea. My husband will be home then as well and I'm sure he would enjoy meeting you."

On the way back, Nick stopped his horse and dismounted. It was past time for him to talk to Lucetta. He'd been putting it off for days now and there was no getting around it anymore. "You mind walking with me for a bit, Lucetta."

She grinned, "I'd love to Nick." Dismounting from her horse she was pleased to have Nick take her hand in his. "Something on your mind?"

"Yep, there is." Nick held her hand tightly. He wanted not to hurt her but it couldn't be helped. While he certainly held a physical attraction to her, there was no denying that it wasn't love that he felt. "Lucetta, listen, this isn't easy for me. But, I don't think its gonna work out between you and me."

"Nick, of course it will. You just need more time, you said it yourself, you'll come around."

"But I'm not coming around Lucetta. You're a beautiful woman, you truly are. But we've got..well we got nothing in common. We don't really talk that much." Nick smiled, trying to lighten the situation. "Guess at my age, I need someone that I can really talk to, someone that I can share things with."

"But you can talk to me Nick." Lucetta whined at him. She grew angry, this cowboy should've fallen for her completely by now. And she found herself wondering if her Papa hadn't been right after all, maybe she was losing her touch. She had stupidly allowed herself to begin to care about him and now all the plans were blowing up in her face. "It's that Maggie woman, isn't it?" She spat at him, "That stupid woman that you're in love with. You're a fool Nick Barkley! Falling for someone that you will never have when you have me right in front of you!" Lucetta climbed back up onto her horse.

"Lucetta! Don't be like this, please! I'm sorry…"

Lucetta dug her heels into her horse and took off down the road. 'Damn you Nick Barkley, nobody tosses me aside!'

CHRISTMAS DAY, STOCKTON

Small hands shook his shoulders vigorously. “Come on Father, wake up its Christmas morning!” Thomas said cheerily. Jarrod mumbled and rolled away from him in attempt to find more sleep. He stretched his arm out across the bed to bring Maggie closer to him, but found that she was already out of bed and gone from their room. Jarrod slowly opened one eye and squinted up at his eager, young son. “Where’s your Mother?” He asked.

Thomas sighed loudly, “She’s already downstairs and so is Uncle Heath, Aunt Sarah, Grandmother. Everybody’s downstairs ‘cept you! Come on Father, please? I wanna open presents!”

“Okay, okay!” Jarrod sat up in bed with Thomas tugging on his arm. “I’ll be right down, just let me find my robe and slippers.”

Thomas grabbed his Father’s robe off the chair and handed it to Jarrod as he got out of bed. “Your slippers are right next to the bed.” He watched impatiently as his Father slowly put on his burgundy robe and slid his feet into his slippers. “Come on, everyone’s waiting for you!” Not even allowing his Father time to tie his robe, Thomas took him by the arm and pulled him from the bedroom and down the stairs. Jarrod smiled all the way downstairs, enjoying his son’s excitement.

Victoria and Maggie both giggled at the sight of Jarrod being dragged downstairs by his eight year old son. Maggie met her family at the bottom of the staircase.

“Good morning. Merry Christmas, Jarrod.” She said warmly, putting her arms around his waist and giving him a brief hug.

Jarrod kissed the top of her head, “Merry Christmas Ladylove.” Jarrod’s finger went under her chin and drew her to him for a loving kiss. “Mmm, how long have you been up?”

“Oh an hour or two, not that long.” They walked together, arm in arm, into the parlor.

Jarrod exchanged Christmas greetings with the rest of his family. Victoria sat in front of the fireplace; Heath and Sarah sat on the floor next to each other, playing with their two sons.

“Uncle Jarrod?” Little Andrew poked his Uncle’s leg. Jarrod looked down at him and the boy asked, “Are you wake now?”

“Yes, I’m awake now. Did you want to open presents?”

Andrew gave his Uncle a large nod.

Victoria smiled at her growing brood. “I think now’s the perfect time for opening our Christmas presents!”

Jarrod sat down on the loveseat and grabbing his wife’s waist, he deposited a surprised Maggie in his lap. He nuzzled his face in her neck and put his arms tightly around her.

Heath and Sarah happily doled out the presents to the family, exchanging several small kisses with each other as they went.

David, Andrew and Thomas all made short work of their Grandmother’s spotless parlor. By the time they were finished, papers, bows and gifts were strewn from one end of the room to the other. All four parents thoroughly enjoyed watching all of the joy and excitement that came at each gift being opened by the boys.

While the children happily played with their new toys, the Barkley adults made their way into the dining room for breakfast and coffee. At the table, Victoria produced a letter from her pocket. She held it tightly in her hands. Although she dearly loved having the house once again filled with children, Victoria was more than a little melancholy. It was the first Christmas without Nick or Audra there, since they were born.

Unfolding the letter, she announced. “We got a letter from Nick yesterday.”

Everyone looked over to her in anticipation as they all felt the absence of family this morning.

“Well, what’s it say?” Heath asked, his face brightening at news from his traveling brother.

Victoria started, “I think he wrote this just after the ship docked in England. It says:

Dear Family:

Have arrived safely in England.

Rough seas most of the trip.

Won’t be alone for Christmas, met a family – Ciccione’s. Father, son and daughter. Lucetta. Family invited me to spend holiday with them in Italy.

Will begin search for winemaker as soon as I arrive.

Hope the ranch is still standing when I get back.

Give my nephews a big hug for me.

Nick.

“Well that sounds like our Nick.” Jarrod grinned.

“Yep, short and to the point. Not much detail. But he did mention the daughter’s name, Lucetta was it?” Heath grinned and squeezed his wife’s hand. “Jarrod, ya think our brother is having himself a little Italian romance?”

“Does sound like a distinct possibility, doesn’t it.” Jarrod replied.

Maggie added thoughtfully, “I hope so, he certainly deserves to be happy and have a family of his own.”

“Now that would be something, if he brought back a fiancée or a wife. Brother Nick cannot remain the lone bachelor in this family forever.” Jarrod leaned over and kissed his wife’s cheek.

Later, after church and a huge Christmas dinner, Jarrod returned home with his family. Thomas fell asleep in his Mother’s lap, before they had made it halfway home. In front of their home, Jarrod lifted Thomas from the carriage and carried him to his room. Both parents tucked him in and kissed him goodnight.

“Well, Counselor Barkley, I guess that just leaves the two of us for the rest of the night.”

Putting an arm about her, “I do believe it does Mrs. Barkley.”

Maggie reached up and tugged his black tie loose then wrapped her arms around him, “Ready for bed my love?” She stroked his back with her fingertips, sending a pleasant chill up his spine.

There wasn’t anything he’d rather do then take Maggie to bed, but he was concerned. “Maggie, do you think it might be too soon. Dr. Merrar wanted us to wait for awhile, let your body completely heal.”

“It’s not too soon Jarrod, I promise, it has been awhile. I’m fine now. Besides, can you think of a better way to end Christmas my love?” Standing on her toes, she planted kisses on his neck and up to his earlobes.

“Ah, no, I..” He was having quite the time trying to concentrate on what he was saying while she nibbled on his earlobe. He finally gave up and gathering her into his arms, he picked her up and carried her towards the bedroom.

“Merry Christmas Jarrod.” She whispered in his ear.

CHRISTMAS DAY, JUST OUTSIDE OF VERONA, ITALY

Before the sun had risen, Michael had pulled his daughter from bed. Clearly, she had little success in gaining Nick Barkley's attentions and what was worse, they were out of money and options.

"So, daughter, I've had no other choice but to make the decision for him."

" I told you I only need more time! Papa, I wish you would allow me to try for another week or two." She was still fuming at Nick for their talk the other day, but she didn't want to give up on gaining his affections, to do so was to admit failure.

"Your time is up daughter, we are out of money and out of time."

"But Papa, will you at least make sure that they don't kill him. The last time we did this, don't forget, they got overzealous and killed the poor slob."

"I've already talked to them about that. Can't get any money from a dead horse! They know that they don't get any money if they kill him." Michael stroked his moustache, "Tell me Lucetta, how vigorous was your consummation with him."

"Papa!" She looked at him shocked. "Very well, not very vigorous, but quite enjoyable."

"No marks then?"

"No marks Papa. I'm sorry."

"So am I." Michael turned his head towards the door, "Aldo!" He called. "Your sister needs to be taken out to the barn, she needs a mark or two on her."

Aldo nodded at him, smiling.

"Dammit Aldo, just make sure you don't do too much!" She told him. "Listen the both of you, when we get to California, I might have some fun for you dear brother."

"Oh really?" He said.

"Your favorite, a redhead. Petite and married, you should enjoy her a great deal." Lucetta told him with a hug.

"You know I don't usually go for married women."

"Ah, but this one is different, our cowboy is in love with her. When we get back to America with him, I want you to take care of her. Don't hold back, you have yourself a very good time."

"Redhead, huh?" Aldo smacked his lips remembering the redhead he had as a prize back on the voyage. She had indeed been a true prize, her taut unmoving body underneath his. She had even been a virgin. He had enjoyed her a great deal and how easy it had been to wrap her unconscious body up in a sheet when he was finished. No one at that late hour had seen him carry her the short distance out to the deck and throw her overboard. "I think I can take care of your problem for you, what's her name?"

"Maggie, Maggie Barkley."

With his head full of emotions, Nick got dressed Christmas morning slowly. He couldn’t get rid of the bad feeling he had in his gut and still regretted what had happen between Lucetta and himself. Eventually, he joined Michael at the kitchen table.

“Good morning Nick and Merry Christmas to you!” Michael said jovially, pulling out a chair for him.

“Merry Christmas Michael!” Nick’s mood brightened at seeing the old man and he thought with a smile, how Michael’s appearance reminded him of Father Christmas. Sitting down at the table, he asked, “So what are your plans for today?”

“Well, let’s see..first breakfast, then Mass, then presents and then a wonderful feast! Lucetta’s been working very hard on today’s meal. You may have noticed that my daughter is a very excellent cook!”

Nick grinned at him, “Yes, I do believe I’ve noticed.”

“So, Nick, perhaps while my children are at the village, you and I can have a little talk, yes?” Michael asked, he glanced out the doorway and then back at Nick. He couldn't afford to have Nick get any sense of what was coming, he had to maintain an amicable appearance until his friends arrived.

Nick fidgeted uncomfortably in his chair. “Alright, what did you want to talk about?”

“Now, it seems to me that you and Lucetta make a very good pair. And, you appear to be quite fond of her, is that true or am I a blind old man?”

Shaking his head, Nick replied, “No, you’re not a blind old man! You do have a very lovely daughter!”

Michael stood over Nick and looked down at him, “So then what are your intentions with her, Nick?”

“Intentions? Well, I don’t really know just yet. I mean I enjoy spending time with her and all,” Nick was beginning to feel quite uncomfortable with Michael’s line of questions, “But don’t you think it’s a bit soon to be talking of intentions?”

Michael glanced out the door again, he then looked back at Nick and his face had completely changed. Michael was now looking at Nick, his face filled with anger and hatred. “Really, Nick? So then what exactly were your intentions a few days ago when you forced yourself on my daughter!”

Nick stood up quickly to defend himself, “Whoa, now wait a minute Michael! I don’t know what you heard or from whom, but I did not force myself upon your daughter!”

“You know Nick, a Father knows his children and for the last few days I could see that something was bothering her but she wouldn’t tell me what it was. I begged and begged her to tell me and she finally confessed to me this morning that you had taken her by force when the two of you had gone riding. And to think I considered you a friend.” Michael leaned his head out the door while Nick continued denying that he had raped Lucetta. “Guards, guards!” Michael yelled out.

Two armed officers of the Italian guard came into the house and one of them grabbed Nick by his arm, twisting it. The other guard pulled his gun, cocked it and pointed it at Nick’s head. He struggled against the guard holding him and broke free. He saw Lucetta entering the house, her brother was holding her tightly and he spotted a fresh bruise on her cheek.

“Lucetta! Tell them this is a horrible mistake, tell them I didn’t rape you!” Nick cried out to her as the butt of a rifle came down hard on the back of his ribcage, he dropped to his knees with the pain. His eyes filled with anguish, he looked up at her, “Lucetta, tell them please!” Again the rifle came down on him and once more, at the third hit he felt the rib give way, snapping in two.

Lucetta looked down at him, holding onto her brother, “How could you do that to me Nick? I thought you cared about me. How could you?” She cried.

“No…” The rifle once again struck him, this time in the back of his head and he slid into unconsciousness.

The acrid, intense smell was enough to make his stomach churn violently. Underneath his prone body, the floor was cold and the dampness seeped through his clothing and seemed to settle in his bones. Nick slowly opened his eyes and lifted his head slightly. There was barely enough light in the room to make out anything, the only light coming from the seams in a large wooden door.

Where am I, Nick asked himself, his mind still cloudy from the blow to his head. He felt the large egg on the back of his head and the memory of what happened came flooding back to him. “Arrghh!” He yelled out as he tried to stand and felt the painful reminder of his cracked rib. Knowing that too much movement, could make the situation worse right now, he opted to move into a sitting position and leaned up against the stone wall.

His attention turned towards the door and he called out “Hello? Is someone there?” He waited a moment and they yelled out again, louder this time “Guard! Somebody! Where am I?” Again he waited and then louder still, “Guard!” Slowly and with a great deal of pain, he stood up and went to the door. There was a very small opening in the door with a bar across it. Nick struggled to get a glimpse out of the opening.

Hearing the faint sound of voices in the distance, he tried again. “Hello! Someone?” His fists balled up, he leaned up against the door and banged his fists angrily into the thick door. Nick had no idea if the voices he heard were guards or prisoners, or even what language they were speaking in, it appeared to be far off.

Nick's mind swelled with anger, both at himself and at the family he believed responsible for his current situation. He should have never left California he told himself. He should be home on the ranch, not traipsing all over Italy to escape from his heart. But no, he had to go and leave the country, convincing his family and himself that the vineyards needed to be expanded. The vineyards, Giovanni and his family, he was supposed to be there the day after Christmas for lunch and a tour of the vineyards. Would they miss him? Would they do anything when he didn't show? How long had he been unconscious? He truly had no idea how long he'd been in the cell, how long he'd been out. A day maybe, two? His mind raced with all the questions he had.

After several hours of yelling out the door, he was thirsty and his voice had grown raspy. Nick sat back down against the wall and checked out his surroundings. The only object in the small stone walled room was a set of shackles anchored into the far corner of the cell. Nick was thankful that at least he wasn’t locked in those.

Dozing off, he was awakened by a sound at the door. A small panel, that had previously gone unnoticed, opened at the base of the door. A small mug of coffee and a few yeast rolls were passed through the opening. Forcing himself to his feet and ignoring the pain in his side, he walked back towards the door. Nick heard footsteps moving away from the door and he looked out through the opening, “Hey, wait, please!” Whoever was on the other side of the door had laughed at his pleadings. The footsteps slowly faded away and then disappeared.

He greedily devoured the small yeast rolls and the lukewarm coffee; he hadn’t realized just how hungry he was. The meager portions, however, did not ease the hunger in his belly. In fact, it only seemed to worsen his situation.

Nick rubbed his face and felt the stubble on his cheeks. He rubbed it again, thinking that it was at least two days growth, possibly three. He wasn't entirely sure, it hadn't been since he was near twenty that he had gone for more than a day or two without a shave.

After some length of time, Nick had no idea how long the small panel opened again and this time, along with the rolls and coffee, a small bowl of overcooked pasta came through as well. Once again, Nick got up and yelled out for help, for a guard, for anyone to talk to him and tell him what was going on. "Hello?!" Nick coughed and felt a slight rattling in his chest. Great, he thought to himself, just what I need.

Curling up on the floor again, he closed his eyes and tried to shut his mind and senses to his terrible situation. The dampness on the floor had gotten through his clothes and they clung to his cold skin. The cell was reeking even worse now with Nick having no other choice but to use a corner of the cell for his relief. He coughed again and tried to will himself to sleep.

He dreamed of being back on the ranch, riding alongside Heath across the valley. He dreamed of the lush colors and the wide open spaces. Riding his horse as fast as Amigo would carry him across the valley and towards the ranch. Then he thought of the long meals in the dining room surrounded by his family and arguing with Jarrod over the smallest things.

Nick tried to remember when it was that he had started shaking and was unable to stop it. His long legs were drawn up to his chest and his arms wrapped around them, trying in vain to get the chill out of his body. Rubbing his beard, he tried to shake loose the dust and think clearly.

“Okay,” He said out load. “If they bring food here twice a day, then I’ve been here..” His head was foggy and he found himself holding out his fingers like a little boy and trying to count, “4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Nine days, My God.” He whispered they couldn’t just leave me in here forever, can they?

Heath, I wish you were here, you’d know what to do or Jarrod he could get this figured out. He closed his eyes tightly and saw her in his mind’s eyes. “Maggie.” How much he wished his was home! His nephews, his brother, he missed all of them horribly. Nick tried to get his mind off of his current situation and think about the good things in his life, what Christmas must have been like at home, riding across the valley, anything but where he was.

He heard footsteps again and then someone speaking.

“Mister Barkley, Mister Barkley?”

Nick lifted his head off his knees, my name; someone’s saying my name. He could barely stand he ached with each movement. “Who’s there?” Nick said, his hoarse voice barely above a whisper.

“Mister Barkley, do you remember me, I’m Giovanni Luisi we met at the vineyards two days before Christmas.”

Nick had to think for a moment, “Yes, yes, I remember you.”

“I am sorry that I did not come sooner. I just found out what happened to you. When you did not show up the day after Christmas, my brother and I came looking for you. The old man there, Michelangelo, said you had taken ill.”

“Taken ill? He’s the one that had me thrown in here. Can you tell me anything? What’s happening and why are they still holding me? Anything?”

“I’m afraid that none of it’s good Mister Barkley. You are awaiting trial for rape. If you’re found guilty, around here it’s a death penalty. A firing squad.”

Nick pushed his fingers through the opening. “Giovanni, I didn’t do it. I didn’t rape her. You have to believe me, please, someone has to believe me!”

“I do believe you.” Giovanni said sincerely. “See my Mother liked you right away and after she found out what happened she talked to some of the other people, who’d been at the vineyard longer than we have. Seems nobody much likes that family you’re staying with and wished they had stayed in America. They say the old man is a thief and a liar. And this Lucetta, they tell me she’s had at least two husbands that they know of. Both of them, dead.

“Oh God, now what have I gone and gotten myself into!” Nick kicked the door weakly, furious with himself. “So what’s going to happen now?”

“You will be tried by the magistrate, but he won’t be here for another six weeks!”

“Six weeks? They’re going to keep me in here for another six weeks. I don’t know if I can make it that long Giovanni.” Nick rolled his eyes; feeling like everything was suddenly hopeless. “Why are you here kid?”

There was a long pause before Giovanni spoke again. “I guess two reasons, one I really do believe you and so does my Mother and I want you to stop seeing me as a kid and that I’m your best choice to run your vineyards. I figure if I can help get you outta here, you won’t be able to say no!”

Nick found he had to laugh, “You know, you sound a bit like me. Okay kid, we’ll talk more about it when I get out of here. You’ve got my word on that.” Nick was taken by a fit of coughing and lost his breath. It was several minutes before he could catch his breath again.

“Hey, I have a little something for you.” Giovanni passed a small amount of grapes and a brick of cheese through the door.

“Thanks kid.” An idea suddenly struck Nick and he felt hope for the first time in days. “Giovanni, how long did you say before the trial?”

“Won’t be for another six weeks, Mister Barkley.”

It could work, if he could hold out that long. Maybe…”Can you do something for me?”

“Sure, Mister Barkley, what?”

“I need you to get a message to my family back home in California as fast as you can. Six weeks might be just enough time for the cavalry to get here.”

“The Cavalry?” The young man asked, not understanding the term.

“Never mind. Listen closely this needs to get to Heath or Jarrod Barkley, Stockton California.”

Giovanni pulled out parchment and a pencil to write with. He wrote down everything Mister Barkley said to him. “Is that it?” He asked.

“Yeah, I think so. Can you do this?”

“Yes, Yes! I think I can.” Giovanni turned to leave then looked back, “I’ll try and come back again tomorrow.”

“I know you will, kid. Thanks for everything.” Nick moved back against the wall and sat down. “Nothing left to do but wait, wait and hold on and pray.”

Under the cover of darkness, Lucetta pulled her carriage up in front of the old jail. With her face cloaked by a thick woolen scarf, she made her way inside the jail.

The two guards, that had been so helpful to her Father on Christmas day stood up from their chairs and ogled her unabashedly.

"Hello darlings." She cooed at them. Lucetta dropped the scarf wrapped around her face and shoulders and allowed them to look at the deep plunging neckline of her blouse. Going to one of the guards, she allowed her body to touch his. "So how is your prisoner boys?"

"Doing just fine ma'am. We've been real careful not to hurt him." They replied in their native language.

"Papa asked me to stop by. He thinks our American cowboy needs just a bit of roughing up. His spirit needs to be broken and he's got a strong spirit. Can you do that for me boys?"

"Sure, Lucetta, we can rough him up a little. How bad you want him?"

"Not too bad, don't want him dying of his injuries, but he should be in a good deal of pain." Lucetta brought her mouth to the guards ear and tugged on his earlobe.

"We'll go do it right now." He stuttered out.

"Good, you don't mind if I watch, do you?"

"No…not at all."

The door creaked open and Nick stirred at the sound. The light became bright and he struggled to focus. "What? Who's there?" He asked and then coughed deep from within his chest.

Lucetta peered in the doorway, careful not to be seen. The two guards approached Nick as he struggled to get on his feet. When Nick was almost standing, a billy club was brought down onto his abdomen.

He threw a punch that landed on one of the guard's jaw and sent the men backwards onto the ground. Nick buckled onto the floor when a whip struck across his upper back, leaving a long tear in his shirt and an angry red stripe on his skin. "Why? Why are you doing this to me?"

"You know why cowboy!"

Lucetta smiled from the shadows, watching her cowboy getting the beating he so richly deserved. No one ever tossed her aside and she would make sure that he paid for that and paid dearly. She grimaced slightly when across the room, she heard the distinct sound of a bone snapping and knew the guards had snapped his left forearm. Even the great cowboy could not hold back from crying out from the pain and it gave her a great deal of pleasure to hear his cries as the beating continued on through the night.

On a cold evening in January, Jarrod left the courthouse and mounted Jingo for the ride home. On his way out of town, Mr. Flanders, from the post office, anxiously flagged him down in the street.

“Jarrod! Jarrod!” He called out to him.

Jarrod turned his horse and pulled alongside him, “Good evening Ed, what can I do for you?”

Ed handed up an envelope to Jarrod, “This just came in today and it says it’s urgent on the envelope. Look it’s from Italy too!”

Jarrod looked at the letter for a moment, from Italy but not from Nick, it definitely was not his handwriting. The letter was addressed both to himself and to Heath, his heart filled with an overwhelming sense of dread. “Thank you Ed,” He said absent-mindedly.

Slowly, he opened the envelope and pulled out a single sheet of parchment paper. A sharp intake of breath and he began to read the contents. Jarrod reached the end of the letter and then stuffed it into his pocket. Jarrod urged Jingo into a full gallop and headed out of town as fast as his horse could get him there. He stopped at his home long enough to get his family and the carriage and head with them to the ranch. They had to make some decisions and fast; Nick’s trial was now only four weeks away.

Once he had his confused looking family in the carriage and headed towards the ranch, Jarrod pulled the letter from his pocket. He looked at Maggie and put a finger to his lips, before handing it to her. She read the letter quietly; her eyes widening as she continued to read. Not wanting to scare Thomas, she said nothing, but leaned into Jarrod and put her head against his arm. 'Nick', She thought, 'Hang on.'

Jarrod was relieved to find that Heath was still at the ranch working with the new stallion he had recently purchased. His sons, David and Andrew, were out playing in front of the house.

“Howdy Mags! Jarrod! Didn’t expect to see you here this evening.” Heath said with a large grin. He helped Maggie down from the carriage and tousled his nephew’s hair.

“We did not expect to be here either, Heath. Is Mother inside?” Jarrod asked.

“Yep, sure is.” Heath’s smile disappeared at the worried expressions he now saw on their faces. “Whatsa matter Jarrod?”

“You better come inside Heath, we can talk there. Thomas? Could you please play out here for awhile with your cousins?”

“Sure Father!” The young boy replied.

“Jarrod, Maggie” Victoria called out happily as she saw them come inside. Victoria’s smile quickly disappeared when she got close to them and saw the sullen faces. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

Jarrod put his arm around his Mother and led her into the parlor. Heath and Maggie followed them inside. Jarrod sat down with her and took Victoria’s hands.

“We got a letter from Italy today.” Jarrod began.

“From Nick, that’s wonderful!”

“No Mother, the letter’s not from Nick.” He retrieved the letter from his wife and held onto it.

“Not from Nick?” Heath asked, “Jarrod what’s going on?” The same feeling of dread that had filled his older brother was now settling in on Heath.

Jarrod took a deep breath and hung his head. “There’s no easy way to say this. Nick’s in prison, he’s been charged with rape.”

“What?” His Mother cried, “That’s not possible!”

“From what this letter says, it was the family he was staying with over the holidays that put him in prison. He’s been there since Christmas day.”

Victoria gasped, “oh no, not Nick!” She leaned her head into her eldest son’s shoulder.

Heath hung his head down and his shoulders drooped; Maggie placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“I’m afraid that it gets worse.” Jarrod said grimly, “Apparently this jail has horrible conditions and Nick’s not well. The trial is four weeks away.” He then squeezed his Mother’s hand, “If he’s found guilty, he could get the death penalty for this.”

“No!” Victoria’s eyes flooded with tears that ran unchecked down her cheeks. Jarrod wrapped his arms about her and pulled her close.

Heath finally looked up at Jarrod and asked, “So, when are we leaving?”

Victoria pulled back from Jarrod and looked into his blue eyes, “Yes! You can make it there before the trial, if you leave right away, you can make it!”

“Don’t worry Mother,” Jarrod assured her, “We will make it there on time!”

Heath departed to his home to break the news to Sarah and to pack. They planned on heading to the train station at first light. He couldn’t stop thinking about his brother, sitting all alone in a jail cell and so very far from home. Heath couldn’t stop thinking that he should’ve gone with Nick, for all of Nick’s booming and ranting, Nick was a very big-hearted person and it seemed to Heath, that this family had taken advantage of his brother.

Jarrod brought his family home and after they had put Thomas to bed. He poured two glasses of sherry and sat down with his wife.

“Oh God, poor Nick! I hate thinking of him sitting all alone in that cell.” Maggie hugged her husband tightly.

“Aw honey, you know Nick. He’s as strong as an ox; he’s going to come through this just fine! We’ll get to him in time, I promise.” Jarrod then put his hands on her arms, “Maggie, I know I said I was not going to go anywhere, but this is Nick we’re talking about. I have to go.”

Maggie smiled, “Of course we do! I know that.”

Jarrod smiled, but it vanished quickly, “Wait a minute, we? Honey, you’re not thinking you’re going with Heath and I, are you?”

“Of course I’m going!” Maggie replied matter-of-factly.

“No, no you’re not. Maggie, it could be dangerous. We don’t know much about what’s going on over there. We don't know much of anything about this family.”

She pulled away from him and folded her arms across her chest, “I am going Jarrod and you can’t stop me! Don’t you remember? Nick was there for me night and day when I lost the baby, until you came home. Don’t you think I should be there for him, when he needs us?”

“But ladylove..”

"No buts Jarrod. I know you are only concerned for my safety. But Nick is in trouble and he's always been there for me and everyone else in this family. I can't stand idly by while he's sitting in some jail cell. And he's sick too from what the letter said, he's going to need someone to look after him while you and Heath take care of that family!"

Jarrod began to voice another objection but his voice trailed off; seeing the determination in her face, there was no way he was going to change her mind. She could be the most incredibly stubborn woman he’d ever met and it was a great source of frustration and admiration as well, to him. “Well, who will watch Thomas while we’re gone?”

“Your Mother can watch Thomas. Actually, I am sure that she would appreciate the company in that big house. She must be feeling very lonely, especially now.”

Jarrod shook his head; she already had thought everything out. “Promise me though that you’re going to be careful and stick close to Heath and I.”

Maggie hugged him quickly, “Of course I will. Now, I better get us packed!” She kissed her husband’s forehead and disappeared into their bedroom.

He thanked the heavens for his young visitor, Giovanni, he thought that he would surely go insane if not for his regular visits. Nick looked forward to another visit soon; he desperately wanted someone to talk to. Footsteps could be heard down the hall and they were getting closer, he struggled to stand on his aching legs. He moved towards the door and leaned up against it, peering through the opening. But, the footsteps didn’t belong to Giovanni.

“Well now, hello there Nick! Are you comfortable?” Michael asked, his voice tinged with sarcasm.

Nick tried to reach his hand through the opening and grab Michael’s throat. But, Michael just stepped back and laughed at him. “My, my, still full of life are we? Quite the beard you have there Nick and oh,” Michael sniffed his nose towards Nick’s cell, “dear, dear, you reek! I’d say you could use a bath!”

“What do you want Michael? Why are you keeping me here?” Nick spat at him.

The pudgy old man twirled the ends of his moustache in his fat fingers. “You know why you’re here and don’t you ever forget it!”

“I didn’t rape your daughter! I swear it!”

“I really don’t care what you swear Nick! But my daughter’s reputation is ruined now beyond repair! She’ll never be able to hold her head up in this village again.”

“Oh and what of her previous dead husbands, that couldn’t have done much for her reputation!” Nick played his trump card and instantly wished he hadn’t.

“Husbands? Where on earth did you hear that silly gossip? Lucetta’s never been married before. I want to know, where did you hear that from?” Michael’s eyes glared at Nick. And when Michael found out who told Nick about them; that person would have a very unfortunate accident.

“Never mind!” Nick huffed back at him, “Why are you here?”

“Well now, you’ve been here for what? Three weeks I believe? Surely, you would want to get out of here wouldn’t you?”

“Of course, I want out.” He eyed Michael suspiciously, “What’s on your mind?”

“You know,” Michael grinned, “There are other options for you to consider, Nick. Options that are much more appealing than a firing squad!”

“What kind of options?” Nick asked, then broke into a fit of coughing, his chest was beginning to tighten and he could hear the rattling of fluid in his lungs.

“Oh my! Nasty sounding cough you have there! Nick, I can get you out of this jail cell, you could be feeling much better again.”

“Yeah? What’s the catch Michael?”

“Since you have ruined my daughter’s reputation, it seems to me, the only way to make this situation better for everyone is for you to marry her.”

“If I marry Lucetta then I’ll get out of jail? Thanks, but I think I’d rather take my chances in court!” Nick began to walk unsteadily away from the door.

“Lucetta is coming to see you first thing tomorrow and then the two of you can talk it over. If you agree to marry her here then take her back to America, the charges against you will be dropped, you'll be a free man. She is a beautiful young woman Nick and you might warm up to her eventually.”

“After what she said and did? I don’t think so! Like I said Michael, I’d rather take my chances in court.”

“What chances Nick?” Michael said, “You don’t have a prayer in that court room and that my boy, is a fact!” He leaned in closely to the door, “You best consider my offer boy, and it’s your only hope.”

Nick thought to himself, not my only hope Michael, not the only one. He spoke a silent prayer that Heath and Jarrod had received his letter from Giovanni and were on their way to Italy at the very moment.

Michael stepped away from the cell and called out to the guards in Italian, Nick wished that he had taken the time to learn the language before he made the trip. He watched as Michael stood outside the cell speaking to two of the guards, they would stop occasionally and look over at him.

Coming back to the door, Michael grinned and said, “I’ve asked the guards to make sure you get a bath before Lucetta visits you tomorrow. Perhaps, you’ll feel better once you are all cleaned up.”

He watched Michael leave and the two guards approach his door, he heard the key slip into the lock and turn. If they’d only done this a couple of weeks ago, I could’ve overtaken them he sighed to himself. The guards opened the door, the first guard in pointed his gun at Nick’s chest and the second took grasped his shoulder and led him out of his cell. Nick cradled his fractured left forearm, trying to prevent any further damage to it. He coughed violently and it echoed down the narrow hallway. He felt like his body was on fire and actually looked forward to the bath, hoping to cool his fever down somewhat.

He was thrown inside a small room with a washtub in the middle of the room. Nick hit the wall hard as he was pushed by the larger of the two guards. One of them shouted something at him in Italian and Nick shook his head.

“I don’t understand.” He said weakly.

The guard shouted at him again and getting no response from his prisoner, he slapped Nick across the face. He yanked at Nick’s shirt and pulled it open.

“All right! All right! I get it!” Nick began to undress, becoming very uncomfortable at the guards around him as he removed his pants and underwear.

The guard pointed down to the basin and Nick got in, shivering as his body met with the ice-cold water. He scrubbed himself down with a small bar of lye soap, trying not to think about the coldness of the water or the eyes that watched him. Nick saw his ribcage beginning to stick out and thought of how much he would love to be eating a big juicy steak. One of the guards began conversing with another and pointing at him, Nick had a very uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. Then one of them laughed and grabbing Nick by his hair forced his face forward and down into the cold water. He struggled against them, but with the position he was in and his fractured arm, he could do little to fight them off. After several seconds, they brought a gasping Nick back up from the water. He coughed trying to catch his breath when they pushed his head underneath again, holding him down longer this time. He started to feel dizzy and thought that he was about to die when they brought his head up again. He gasped for air, but as soon as a deep breath hit his lungs he was taken by a painful coughing fit and couldn't catch his breath. He gasped again, panic filling his hazel eyes, he couldn't breathe. He struggled to stand up on his feet, but when he did, he was overcome with dizziness from the lack of oxygen and passed out at the guard's feet.

When he awoke, he had no idea how long he had been out. But he was back in his cell and it seemed to smell even worse than it had before. He looked down at his shivering body to find his clothes had been replaced by an old stained nightshirt, threadbare it did nothing to protect him from the cold dampness of the cell. His skin and face were on fire now with his high fever.

As the night wore on, he began to feel unsure of his hopes. What if his family didn’t get the letter in time? What if they weren’t coming? His body racked by more coughing and shivering uncontrollably, he wondered if he shouldn’t consider Michael’s offer.

Bvbvbvbvbvbvbvbvbvbvbv

Another cigarette was rolled immediately after tossing his last smoke into the ocean. He breathed in the tobacco and looked out at the waves and the night sky. While he stood there, he thought about his brother and whether or not Nick could see the night sky. He smirked slightly, knowing that somehow Nick always seemed a bit more mellow and quieter when he was under a night sky filled with so many stars. “Can you see this?” He whispered into the wind.

“See what?”

Heath was startled out of his thoughts when Maggie came up behind him and placed her hand on his arm. Jarrod stood next to her.

“What did you say Heath?” He asked.

“Umm, nothing. Was just thinking what a beautiful night it is. Guess I must’ve said it out loud.” Heath took another long drag from his smoke. “Actually, no that wasn’t it. I was thinking about Nick and wondering if he could see this sky at all from that jail cell.” His eyes were filled with sadness.

“I don’t know Heath. But if he can’t, he will see it again very soon. We dock first thing in the morning.”

“We’re gonna get him outta there and back home before he knows what hit him! And Jarrod, you can even give him one of your favorite lectures and I won’t say a word!” Heath tried to lighten the mood, unsuccessfully.

Jarrod nodded, “I’d say after this, he’s about due for one!” He watched as Heath flicked his smoke into the ocean. “Come on, it’s going to be a long train ride. We should all get some rest.”

They said their goodnights and returned to their cabins. Jarrod and Maggie both undressed and climbed into bed, he pulled her close to him as soon as she was under the covers. “Goodnight Ladylove.” He said, kissing her softly.

Maggie awoke in the middle of the night and put her arm across the bed, finding Jarrod gone. She then saw the small light of a glowing ember in the corner of the room as Jarrod puffed on a cigar.

“Jarrod?” She said, rubbing her eyes.

“Oh, Maggie, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to wake you.” He whispered apologetically.

Maggie got out of bed and over to where he sat. Jarrod looked up at her and put out his cigar. Wanting so much to feel better than he did, he pulled her into his lap and wrapped his arms tightly around her.

“He’s going to be okay, Jarrod. We’ll get there in time, we will.” She placed a kiss on the top of his head and he looked up at her.

“We have to get there Maggie. He has to be okay. When I find the people that put him in there, the will regret ever having heard the name Barkley for the rest of their miserable existence! The thought of Nick sitting there all alone and none of us there to help him..” Jarrod cleared his throat. “He has to be alright!”

His body ached from yet another coughing fit. Every muscle in his chest and back was tightened and it made the cracked rib all the more painful. He winced as he brought his legs to his chest. His thoughts cried out, Heath, Jarrod where are you? Maybe they aren’t coming, maybe..

“Nick?” The voice said softly.

He knew that voice, Lucetta, damn her! How could she do this to me! Nick got to his feet slowly. “What do you want?” He whispered hoarsely.

“Oh Nick! Please forgive me!” Lucetta cried her tears, hoping that Nick could hear her sniffling. “You have to forgive me!” She pleaded.

“Forgive you? You have some nerve lady. I’ve been in this jail cell for I don’t know how long and why, because of you! And you have the nerve to ask me for my forgiveness, well you’ve come to the wrong place. Get out of here!”

“But..but you don’t understand Nick! Aldo saw us making love, that stupid brother of mine went back home and told Papa all about it! Papa threatened to kill me, he said I ruined our family’s good name and he slapped me. I was so frightened, that’s when I told him you had taken me against my will. I’m so sorry Nick, I didn’t know what to do and it just came out before I knew what I was saying. Please, forgive me!” Lucetta sobbed loudly.

“That’s a good story lady! A real good one!” He huffed back at her.

“But it’s the truth Nick, I’m sorry I truly am. I really thought Papa was going to kill me. I’ve never seen him look like that before!”

Nick thought for a moment, what if she was telling the truth? “Well if that’s what happened then all you have to do is tell your Father the truth about what happened and they’ll have to let me go.”

“Oh no I can’t Nick! If I tell him, he will kill me! I know that he will.”

Nick shook his head, “If you don’t tell him than I might get the death sentence, Lucetta!” He broke out in another fit of coughs and gagged violently.

“Nick, listen to me please. I have an idea. You could do what Papa wants, you could marry me and take me with you to America. After a few weeks, I will just disappear and you’ll never hear from me again!”

“Why would you want to do that Lucetta, I don’t understand.”

“Because I want to go back to America. I don’t want to stay here Nick. Also, I uh, well I love you Nick. I know you can’t believe that right now and I understand. But I truly do love you. I was just so scared, I couldn’t think of anything else. Please say you forgive me, I need to hear you say that.” Lucetta let out another well calculated sob and sniffle.

“I don’t know. I just don’t know Lucetta.” Nick hung his head and tried to think clearly. If his brothers didn’t come, this indeed was the only option he could see.

“Nick, please, I can see you’re not well and you have to get out of this cell. If you don’t, you’ll die. Please Nick.”

“Come back tomorrow, Lucetta. I’ll have my answer for you then.”

“Yes Nick, I will come back tomorrow. But please, take Papa’s offer, I can’t bear the thought of you dying in here!” Lucetta backed away from his cell door, “Tomorrow Nick.”

“Tomorrow, yes, I’ll give you my answer then.” Nick moved away from the door and sat back down. He furrowed his sweat-drenched brow and wondered again, if the Calvary would indeed come.

Lucetta walked down the dark hallway to the front of the jail. She believed that all Nick needed was a little convincing and he would be hers. Before she got to the guard’s station, she pulled her blouse down off of her shoulders to reveal her ample cleavage and bit her full lips to give them some color. Lucetta spoke sweetly to both of the guards, allowing them to ogle and touch her. A long kiss was shared with one of the guards and coins were exchanged. As she left the prison, she smiled with the knowledge that soon Nick would realize that he couldn’t survive much longer in that prison. After tonight, he would have to accept their offer and marry her.

At nightfall, the guards came to his cell. Nick was awakened from a restless sleep by one of the guards yanking on his arm and pulling him to his feet. They looked over the sickly American that barely stood before them and laughed, speaking to each other in Italian. He was soaked in sweat from the fever he had been running for the past three days, no longer able to keep any food down he was losing weight rapidly and it showed. A long coughing fit ensued and he clenched his nightshirt and spit out the gunk that continually seemed to come from deep in his lungs.

One guard went behind him and pinned his arms behind Nick rather easily. The larger of the two, threw a punch into Nick’s abdomen. Weak and feverish, he was helpless to stop them. Then a punch to the face and he knew he was going to have a large black eye. Another punch to his abdomen and then another doubled him over and the guard let him drop to the floor. The two men loomed over him as he clutched his stomach on the floor. A heavy boot went into his back, and then a boot found his stomach. He closed his eyes unable to move or fight back; Nick cursed his sickly body that was unable to put up a fight. Several more times, the guards planted their boots in his body until Nick lost consciousness.

“Mister Barkley?” Giovanni called from the opening in the door. He waited for a moment, then called out again. “Nick, it’s me, Giovanni.” The young man heard a faint groaning coming from the other side of the cell and he struggled to see Mister Barkley through the door. He heard him coughing and rustling sounds. “Are you okay?” He asked.

Nick couldn’t stand up, no matter how he tried; he no longer had the strength left to get up. “Giovanni.” He groaned, his voice barely audible.

“Yes Mister Barkley, I hear you. Are you all right?” He wished he could see him, but he was too far back in the shadows and could only barely make out his outline.

“No..no I’m not. Giovanni, get Lucetta and bring her here.”

“But why? She is an evil woman, you can’t trust her.” Giovanni didn’t understand why he would want to speak with her, especially not after what she had done to him and the lies she had told.

“I don’t trust her, but get her anyways. Please?” Nick doubled over again with more coughing and this time, in the gunk that came from his lungs he found it tinged with dark blood. “Hurry please.” Nick heard Giovanni leave, running down the hallway. Nick’s hopes were gone that his family was coming to help him and he only saw one way out, one way to survive.

She waited for the coughing to subside, tapping her foot anxiously. When he finally fell silent, she asked sweetly “You wanted to see me Nick?”

He was dreading this moment, but felt that he had to do it, he no longer held out any hope for a rescue. If he said no, he would die. Either by the sickness that was eating away at him or in front of a firing squad, it didn’t matter, he’d be dead. If he said yes, at least there was a chance, a hope that he would see the valley again that he loved so dearly. He might see his family again; ride with Heath, argue with Jarrod, wrestle with his nephews and see Maggie again. He chose to keep hope in his heart.

“Yes Lucetta.” He whispered.

“What Nick? I’m sorry I couldn’t hear you.”

“I said yes Lucetta, I’ll marry you.” Nick’s head hung down as much from the despair that he felt as from the sickness that was slowly killing him.

Lucetta danced away from his cell happily, promising that on the morrow he would be released from prison and that she would be there to greet him. She would finally get the ticket back to America that she dreamed of and the ticket would be under the name of Lucetta Barkley. She didn’t expect to have her new husband on the return trip to America; no, she planned on being the grieving widow of a new husband that had suddenly taken ill and died. Nick’s illness saved her so much time and hassle from planning an accidental death; all she had to do was sit back and wait for him to die. She grinned to herself as she left the prison, I make such a good grieving widow, and the Barkleys will just have to take poor me in!

A part of him wished that he were already dead and a part of him tried so hard to be hopeful. He wanted to believe Lucetta, wanted to believe that she would nurse him back to health and then the two of them could return to his beloved valley. And yet, in the back of his mind, he couldn’t get rid of the suspicion that Lucetta had no intention of getting him back home.

His body shook uncontrollably while he lay on the cold floor and he was racked by coughing fits that seemed to grow more intense and painful, each day. Only a short while after Lucetta left, food was passed through the base of the door. But, this time he found a full meal, veal, pasta and hot coffee. He tried to eat, wanted to fill his empty stomach but the meal refused to stay down and he was soon on his hands and knees in the corner of his cell.

Giovanni Luisi was on his way to visit Nick and passed Lucetta on the street; he tried not to look at her but couldn’t help himself. He glared at her as she crossed to the opposite side, were that he was a bigger man, he wished, he would turn her over on his knee and give her the spanking of her life!

He called out to Nick from in front of the cell door, over and over he called out but no answer came. The worry could be heard in his voice, his please became more urgent. Finally he heard Nick’s voice coming from the far corner of the cell.

“Go away Giovanni, please!” He whispered hoarsely.

He didn’t understand why Nick seemed to now push him away and it hurt him, “Go away? Why Mister Barkley? Did I do something wrong?”

The last thing he wanted to do was to hurt the poor kid, Nick sighed, but it was best that Giovanni didn’t get anymore involved in what was happening. He had a bad feeling in his belly that things could get even worse and he wanted to protect the boy.

“No, no you haven’t done anything wrong kid. I just don’t think it’s wise for you to visit me for awhile.”

“Is it that Lucetta woman again? What’s she doing now!”

“No..um nothing kid. Don’t worry, just do as I say all right?”

“Okay, Mister Barkley, I’ll do what you want. But only for a little while, I’ll be back soon. I’m not gonna give up on you even if you want to give up on yourself!” Giovanni left the prison feeling very angry with Mister Barkley, he was giving up. But he wasn’t about to allow that to happen, he liked him and he hated what had happened. He prayed for a way to reach him.

Giovanni turned as the train came into the station. He half-heartedly watched as the passengers disembarked. His thoughts were of trying to find a way to get Mister Barkley out of prison, until he heard something that caught his attention.

“Heath, there’s a hotel right across the street.” Jarrod pointed across the way.

“Right” Heath replied, “We’ll set our bags down and then we can find that prison.”

A young man approached the three of them as they left the train station. He looked at them, appraisingly. It looked to Jarrod that he was trying to decide whether or not to speak to them.

“I’m sorry,” the young man said, “your name is Heath?”

“Yes it is, and who are you?” He asked.

The young man smiled widely, “You’re the Cavalry, thank God! I am Giovanni Luisi, I am the one that wrote to you.”

Jarrod, Maggie and Heath followed Giovanni, first to the livery stable to store their bags and then to the prison. The young man stopped them before they went inside the front entrance. Giovanni wanted to tell them how bad things had gotten and how much he was worried about Mister Barkley and that he thought he was giving up.

The young man took a deep breath before he spoke, “I want you to know, Mister Barkley, he is much worse since my letter to you. He is very sick and he’s been badly beaten. I don’t know if he’s going to make it; you may have gotten here too late; he seems to have given up hope!”

“No! We’re not too late!” Heath replied adamantly. He hadn’t come all this way to let his brother give up. No matter what it took, he was going to see Nick through this.

Heath and Jarrod exchanged a worried glance and Jarrod put his arm around his wife in an attempt to protect her from whatever it was they would find in the prison. They followed him into the prison solemnly and were stopped at the guard station. The two guards spoke to them in a language that none of the Barkleys understood. Giovanni volunteered to translate for them, first telling them that the guards wanted to know what they wanted.

“Tell them, we’re here to see our brother, Nick Barkley. To get a doctor if necessary and to make sure he’s okay and that if he’s not okay, they’d better pray that...” Heath said.

Jarrod stopped his brother in mid-sentence, “We want to know exactly what the charges are and when the magistrate will be here to try the case.”

Giovanni translated the information to the guards and then listened while they spoke to him. He raised his eyebrows and his mouth dropped in surprise as he listened to them. He could hardly believe what they were telling him! He glanced back at the Barkleys and then asked another question.

Turning his attentions back to the three Barkleys, the young man's shock showed on his face and he said, “It seems that the charges have been dropped against your brother.” The three of them instantly broke into wide grins but Giovanni stopped them holding his hands up to them and frowning. “But I’m afraid that’s not all, they will only release him to the Ciccione family. They say that yesterday, he agreed to marry the daughter to restore her honor. Mister Barkley, this woman is truly evil, I can’t see him saying yes to marrying her. He is far too sick to do that. He can’t even stand up on his own.” Giovanni paused thoughtfully, “Maybe..maybe that’s why he was beaten up and why he wanted me to stay away for awhile.”

Heath shook his head in disbelief, “You tell these guards that we are his brothers and they had better damn well release him to us immediately!” Heath took a step towards the guards, angrily glaring at the both of them.

Jarrod put a hand on Heath’s arm to stop his younger brother from going any further, “Also tell them, that since the charges have been dropped, they have no cause to hold Mister Barkley anymore and must release him to his family. If they don’t I will make sure that this incident is made known all the way to your nation’s capitol and to Rome as well, if need be.” Jarrod then took a step forward as well and the two made an imposing pair to the guards.

Giovanni translated again and then gave them the guard’s response. “They will release him to you. But, you’re wife, she must stay here. She cannot go back there with you, I’m sorry.” Guiseppe added, “Mrs. Barkley you can go outside if you’d like, you’d probably be more comfortable there.”

“Thank you,” She said, “But I’ll stay right here.”

Jarrod put his had on Maggie’s cheek, “I’ll be right back ladylove.”

Maggie nodded at him in reply and sat down on the hard wooden bench. She watched as Jarrod and Heath disappeared down a dimly lit hallway and silently prayed for her brother-in-law. She instantly began to regret her decision to stay in the building, more than aware of the guard that stood only a foot away and leering at her. Maggie clutched her bag tightly and stared down at the floor, avoiding his gaze.

The guard turned the key in the cell door and opened it slowly. Heath and Jarrod pushed past him and went inside. It took a moment for their eyes to adjust in the dark room.

Jarrod heard Heath whisper, “Oh God, no.” Heath pointed towards the far corner of the room. Jarrod squinted and wasn’t able to hold back the gasp that escaped his lips. They moved quickly to the other side and knelt down next to their brother. His nightshirt was in a ball around his waist and his legs curled up to his chest, his skin exposed to the damp hard floor. They rolled him over gently and were aghast at what they saw, on his face what wasn’t covered by a dirty and scraggly beard was covered with cuts and contusions. They could hear the fluid in his lungs as he struggled for each shallow breath.

Jarrod’s eyes filled with tears; at least he was still alive. “Nick, Nick, come on little brother, answer me!” Jarrod pulled Nick close to him; but there was no response. He looked over at Heath and they lifted Nick, one on either side of him and carried him from the jail cell.

Giovanni stood at the cell door watching the whole scene, his eyes wet from the scene that unfolded before him, “I will go get a wagon, and you can bring him to my home.”

“Yes,” Heath said without looking up, “the doctor’s first, he needs a doctor right away.”

They brought Nick out to the front and Maggie stifled a cry with her hand when she saw him. She pulled a white glove off her hand and touched his forehead, “He’s burning up.”

Gently they laid him in the back of the wagon and Giovanni urged the horses on towards the doctor’s office. They brought him inside and the doctor immediately had them bring him back to one of the exam rooms. He pushed back Nick’s family and shut the door, needing to examine his patient.

The waiting game began, the glimmer of tears in his eyes and an occasional silent prayer to the heavens, Heath stood near the doorway with his hat in his hands. Giovanni sat with his head in his hands, not saying a word. Maggie’s head rested on Jarrod’s shoulder and he kissed the top of her head several times, their fingers tightly entwined together. They would all look towards the door to the exam room whenever they heard a sound emanate from the room; but look down disheartened when the door remained closed.

When the sun had set and Giovanni had started to nod off, they turned at the sound of a door creaking and opening. The doctor walked out of the room slowly and to the waiting area, drying his hands with a white cloth. They all stood to hear how Nick was doing and how serious it was. The kindly doctor, pulled his glasses down his nose, folded his arms and he wished that he had better news for them.

The doctor spoke to them slowly, allowing Giovanni the time to translate for him. But just the expression alone, on the doctor’s face, was enough to tell the Barkleys that things were indeed serious for their brother.

The young man began to translate for the doctor, “Mister Barkley has two cracked ribs, his left forearm is broken – but these are not the things that worry the doctor most. They will heal in time.” Giovanni paused, listening to what the doctor told him. “It is his lungs, his breathing and his high fever. He is starting to wake up, however and this is a good sign. His body cannot handle that fever for much longer, he is not getting enough fluids, when he is awake, you must get as much water or broth into him as you can. We can bring him to my home tonight and the doctor will be there first thing in the morning.” Giovanni then rattled off a long list of things to do with Nick, from the fluids to steam to help get the infection from his lungs.

Heath looked up hopefully at the doctor and Giovanni, “So you think Nick’s going to be okay?”

He listened again to the doctor then said, “It’s hard to say at this point, the next day will tell the tale.”

Heath and Jarrod went back to the exam room to carry their brother out to the wagon for the ride to Giovanni’s home. It was less than an hour’s ride, with fairly decent roads, he had informed them. They went to their brother and he slowly opened his eyes to look at them; but no sooner had Nick seen them then he was taken by a coughing fit. His whole body shook with each cough and he felt as if a Hereford were lying on his chest. His face tightened and winced with the pain.

When the coughing had subsided, he looked up at his brothers, grateful that they had come. “Thank you.” He whispered hoarsely. “Sorry about all of this.”

Jarrod placed a comforting hand on Nick’s shoulder, “Don’t worry about it little brother, we can talk about this later.”

Nick managed a small smile, knowing that Jarrod would definitely speak to him about this later. Drifting off again, Jarrod and Heath picked him up and carried him out to the wagon. Maggie sat up front with Giovanni, but kept her attentions behind her as her husband and Heath stayed in the back with Nick, holding him steady for the ride.

When they pulled away from the doctor’s office, Lucetta stepped out from the shadows and watched them ride away. She was fuming and trying to plan her next move. Her eyes slowly lit up as she plotted, I know you! She thought as they rode away, her eyes fixated on the red-haired woman sitting up front. She’s the one that Nick’s in love with; well then perhaps I can kill two birds with one stone.

They arrived at Guiseppe’s home and were immediately greeted by his Mother and several of his siblings. They brought Nick into the back bedroom and as Guiseppe told his Mother about all that had happened; Heath, Jarrod and Maggie set about trying to get Nick cleaned up a bit and settled into the bed. Heath got Nick a clean nightshirt and the three were horrified to see the extensive bruising on his chest and back. Jarrod covered Nick up and Maggie laid cool compresses on his forehead. When the next coughing fit ensued, Heath held Nick in his strong arms while Jarrod rubbed the tightened muscles in his back.

The vigil continued through the night, with Guiseppe’s family coming in regularly to check on all of them and bring them coffee and food. Nick was the only Barkley that got any sleep, restless however, and interrupted by coughing and wheezing so bad that it would cause him to open his eyes briefly and look about the room.

At first light, following Jarrod’s advice, Heath left with Guiseppe to head to the next city and get a lawman from there to come back with them. They wanted to make sure that the Ciccione’s would be punished for what they had done to their brother and the guards at the prison, as well.

Jarrod left the room briefly to see about more coffee. No sooner had he left than Nick awoke with a violent cough. Maggie tried to do what her husband and Heath had done, she tried to hold him and rub his back. But he broke free and without realizing what he was doing, he shoved Maggie onto the floor. She landed on her rear end and huffed.

“Well that’s not very nice of you Nick Barkley, I was only trying to help you and you go and knock me down!” Maggie said with a small grin as she stood back up.

Nick turned and looked over at her, “Wh..what?” He squinted at her and then shook his head and laid back down.

“Oh no you don’t Nick.” Maggie moved onto the bed and lifted his head up. “You are not going back to sleep until you’ve had something to drink.” She picked up the glass and put it to his lips.

Nick took small sips, he couldn’t remember water ever tasting that good before. He still felt like he was in a fog, Nick looked up at the person getting him to drink. “Maggie?” His voice cracked.

“Uh-huh.” She replied to him softly.

He looked at her completely confused, “What are..where are?”

She gently stroked back his hair, “Shhh, don’t try and talk too much now. Heath is here but he’s gone out to get law from the next town and Jarrod’s in the other room. We got here yesterday and your young friend Guiseppe told us what happened and we’re at his home now. They are really a lovely family.”

Nick nodded back at her weakly, he was exhausted again and started to nod off to sleep just when Jarrod returned to his brother’s bedside.

“Pappy..” He whispered before he drifted back to sleep, his head leaned up against Maggie’s arm.

Maggie gently lifted his head and moved him onto the pillow. She smiled at Jarrod with tears in her eyes and he gathered his wife into his arms, hugging her tightly. “He’s going to be all right, he’s going to be fine.” Jarrod murmured in her ear. The couple remained at Nick’s bedside the rest of the day and followed the doctor’s orders to the letter, giving him broth, rubbing his back and a stream of compresses on his forehead.

Heath and Guiseppe returned just before nightfall and explained to everyone that they would have police here by tomorrow afternoon. He explained that the police took great interest in what they had told them; apparently the law there was very much aware of the Ciccione family but had not been aware, that they had returned to Verona. Heath related the story the police officer there had told him about Lucetta being married twice previously and that both husbands had died following rather suspicious accidents. Michael Ciccione was known for his proficiency in conning rich folks out of their money. But they had little information on Lucetta’s brother, Aldo.

“Boy howdy! Nick can sure pick them! How’s he doing?” He asked as he sat on the edge of the bed and touched Nick’s warm fever.

Jarrod replied, “Well we seem to be getting somewhere with his fever, he’s not as hot as he was when we found him yesterday. But that cough, that’s got me really worried, still sounds like he’s having a lot of difficulty breathing.” Jarrod stifled a yawn, feeling emotionally and physically drained.

Heath grinned at him, “I’d say you’re not the only one that’s exhausted.” He pointed and Jarrod turned to see Maggie asleep in the chair.

Jarrod smiled at her and shook his head, he hadn’t wanted her to make the trip, didn’t know if she was well enough. But she wouldn’t take no for an answer and was holding up very well. He rose and retrieved an extra blanket from the end of the bed and covered her up and placed a tender brief kiss on her lips. “I love you.” He whispered.

During his restless sleep, Nick returned to the prison. Heavy boots slammed against his ribs, his stomach. He could see Lucetta through the door laughing and in the corner of the room; he saw Maggie crying and Jarrod holding her.

His yells woke everyone in the house; Heath and Jarrod struggled to hold him down, not wanting him to put a broken rib through his lungs. Maggie stroked his hair and his cheek, speaking to him in a soothing voice. She told him over and over that it was just a dream and urged him to wake up. Finally, the struggling subsided and he looked up at her with unsure eyes.

“It’s okay, Nick. It was just a bad dream. You’re going to be fine now.”

He looked over at both his brothers and then drifted off again.

The following morning, the doctor arrived to check on Nick. During the night, his fever had broken and his family breathed a sigh of relief. However, his breathing remained labored, his lungs still filled with congestion and an infection. The doctor expressed his concern over that as well.

Guiseppe filled them in on what the doctor had to say, “Yes, he is still concerned about his breathing and the congestion in his chest. But, now that he is awake, you should be able to get more fluids in him and this should help him tremendously. Make sure he also gets a good deal of broth and hot tea. You know, your brother is very lucky to be alive and even more fortunate to have so many people that care about him as much as you obviously do.”

Through Guiseppe, the Barkleys thanked the good doctor for everything he had done and informed him that if Nick’s condition improved, they would be returning home at the end of the week. The rest of the healing was now up to Nick and the care of his family.

When Jarrod and Heath came into the bedroom, they were all elated to see Nick sitting up in bed and alert. They could still hear the rasp in his lungs at each breath. His nightshirt was gone and his ribs had been freshly bandaged, his left arm remained in a sling.

“Nice to see you wide awake, little brother. You gave us quite the scare!” Jarrod smiled at him as he sat down on the bed next to him.

Heath sat down on the opposite side of the bed. Nick was overwhelmed that they were there and had saved his life. He rubbed his eyes while he struggled to get the words out, his throat feeling dry as a bone and sore. “You came. Thank you. I don’t think I could’ve lasted there much longer.”

“Nick, listen” Heath started, “The guards there said something about you agreeing to marry the woman that accused you of raping her. Is that true?” He wanted badly to get the whole story from Nick right then and there, but Heath wasn’t sure if his brother was up to it, just yet.

Nick lowered his head and nodded, “Yep, it’s true. I just didn’t see any other way out and I knew that I’d end up dead somehow. I really thought you didn’t get the letter or couldn’t get here in time. I didn’t hold out much hope, I guess.”

“We won’t ever let you down, Nick, don’t you know that by now?” Heath admonished him with a small grin.

“Yeah, I do now. So, what happens..” Nick began coughing violently and his brothers took up position, Heath holding him and Jarrod rubbing his back.

Maggie came into the room with a cup of tea as the coughing subsided. Heath and Jarrod released their brother and he whispered a hoarse thank you. He looked up and saw Maggie at his bedside.

“Maggie?” Nick said incredulously, “I thought I was dreaming you were here.”

“I’m here, Nick. But I warn you after all the fluids I’m going to make you drink today, you’re going to think you’re having a nightmare!” She laughed and brought the tea to him.

Nick laughed then started hacking, “Oh no laughing just yet, okay?” Nick took a sip of the hot tea, he looked on as Maggie sat on the bed next to Jarrod and she took her husband’s hand.

“Now,” Jarrod says, “The police from the next town are going to be here sometime today. Apparently, this Lucetta woman has been married twice before and both her husband’s died in rather suspicious accidents. Her father, Michelangelo, has served prison time before and is well known for his abilities as a con artist. Nothing on that brother we heard about, Aldo. Heath and I are going with the police to their home to question them. Those guards that tortured are going to be thrown in prison, we just need to get them to confess that it was this family that had them do this to you. We get that and they’ll be in prison as well.”

“Sure made for one hell of a Christmas morning,” Nick added.

“Nick, can you tell us more about this family from the beginning?” Heath asked him.

“Yeah, I sure can.” Nick relayed to them all of the events leading up to his arrest, including his afternoon encounter with Lucetta, but he was insistent that everything had been mutual.

“Well, I am a bit annoyed that you were not more careful. But, that is entirely another matter that we will discuss at a later date, when you are well again, Nick.” Jarrod was more than a little annoyed at his brother, he remembered more than one occasion where Nick had thrown caution to the wind when it concerned a woman. But come to think of it, Jarrod mused, it had been years since he had done anything like that. “My main concern right now is to make sure that justice is served and that everyone responsible for your false imprisonment and torture are brought to trial.”

Just before noontime, three police officers from the neighboring town arrived at the Luisi house. The police officers informed them that the two guards were already in custody and probably would be for quite some time. It seemed that the guards, faced with a long prison sentence, were more than happy to confess their crimes and that they were being paid handsomely by the Cicciones. One of the police officers went into Nick’s bedroom and spoke with him at length, with the help of Guiseppe. When he emerged, the officer was very confident that Michael and Lucetta would definitely go to prison, however they still had nothing on the brother.

Jarrod, Heath and Guiseppe left with the officers to ride to the Ciccione house. Three of Guiseppe’s brothers and his Mother remained at the house. Maggie walked outside with Jarrod, holding hands, he turned to her when he got outside and briefly kissed her.

“I won’t be too long. Hopefully, they will be locked up by nightfall. Don’t let Nick give you too much trouble, ladylove.” Jarrod smiled and touched her nose.

“He won’t be any trouble. Jarrod, you be careful.” Maggie replied.

She watched them while Heath and Jarrod mounted their horses and headed out with the police. Maggie lifted a silent prayer to the heavens for their safe return. She returned inside and sat with Matilda Luisi, Guiseppe’s mother. They talked while Nick slept and she would periodically stop and go in to check on her patient. In a little while, she went to check on him and found him looking out the window from his bed.

Nick turned to her, “Haven’t heard anything yet?”

Maggie shook her head, “Not yet.” She went to the small table by his bed and picked up his half full water glass. “Come on, drink up Nick.” She grinned and handed it to him.

“Yes, Ma’am!” He drank down the remaining contents and handed the glass back to her. “All done!” Nick grinned. He began coughing and Maggie, knowing better this time than to try and hold him, simply rubbed his bare upper back and shoulders.

As the coughing finished and Nick could breathe again, he was intensely aware of her hands on his bare skin. He closed his eyes as she rubbed all the tension from his aching back. Her small hands kneaded at the constricted muscles of his shoulders then worked their way down to the small of his back. Nick instinctively pulled the covers up around his waist, not wanting her to notice the effect she was having on him. When she stopped, he was disappointed at the loss of her touch.

“I’m going to go make you some more broth. I’ll be right back.” Maggie got up and headed out the door.

“How about a big juicy steak?” Nick grinned, “Oh and a potato, and peach pie for dessert!”

Maggie laughed, “How about you just pretend your broth is a steak, okay?”

“Not even close, Maggie!” Nick huffed and folded his arms across his chest.

“Now, you’re really starting to sound like Nick Barkley! Stubborn as all get out!”

“I’m stubborn! Now if that ain’t the pot calling the kettle black!” He said as she left the room. Nick closed his eyes thinking about the back massage she had given him.

Maggie smiled all the way back to the kitchen. She found that they were out of water and although Matilda offered to go get some from the pump outside, Maggie went out with a bucket and began pumping water from the spigot. She found herself laughing again, “That man” she said out loud. No sooner had she uttered the words than an arm went about her waist and she felt a gun pressed against her head.

“Shhh!” Michael whispered in her ear.

The bucket still in her grasp, Maggie broke free from him and hit him with it in the stomach. She started to call out for help when an ether-laden rag was put over her nose and mouth; she struggled but to no avail. As the fog came over her, she heard the voice of the one holding her.

"You are pretty, Maggie Barkley. You are a prize." Aldo cooed in her ear just as she went limp in his arms.

Nick had dozed off, just for a few minutes. But when he had awoken, he immediately got the sense that something was not right. He called out for Maggie, then Matilda and there was no answer. Then it dawned on him and he struggled to try and get out of bed. There were no sounds; it was completely quiet in the house. None of Giovanni’s brothers were talking, nothing from Maggie or Matilda, just silence. Shirtless and leaning heavily on the bed for support as he got on his feet, he called out again. "Maggie!" With small tentative steps, he made his way towards the bedroom door.

His calls went unanswered at first, but then as he opened the bedroom door, he heard a voice he recognized. Nick's face drained itself of what little color he had and his blood began to boil.

“Come on out Nick, join the party!” Lucetta yelled to him. She stood with a wide grin over the Luisi family, a rifle pointed at them as they sat on the couch together.

Nick staggered into the main room. Each step creating more pain then the last and he coughed again; feeling like his chest would soon burst. Entering the main room, he stopped in his tracks when he saw Lucetta with her rifle aimed and ready. His eyes scanned the room quickly, she wasn’t amongst the Luisi's.

“What do you want Lucetta? Where’s Maggie?” His voice was gravelly as he spoke, but there was no mistaking the tone of his voice.

“Oh now see? I was right, that is the girl you love, isn’t it!” She turned the rifle towards him and waited for an answer. After several moments she screamed back at him, “Isn’t she, she’s the one you are in love with!”

But still Nick refused to answer her question, “Why don’t you just put the rifle down Lucetta! You’re only going to find yourself in even more trouble. Come on now.” His tone softened considerably, hoping that he could convince her to give up and tell him what she had done with Maggie. Lucetta had the unmistakable look of desperation in her eyes and desperation scared Nick more than anger ever could, desperate people felt like they had nothing more to lose.

“So now you’re going to try and sweet talk me? Sorry, but your charms aren’t working on me! Apparently they never did work on the redhead either, seeing as how she married your brother! Ha! Does that hurt your feelings Nick? Does it?” She took a step closer to him.

Nick cursed the condition of his body, right now he especially cursed his arm being broken and in a sling. “Where is she, Lucetta?”

“Who? Maggie, yes that’s her name. Don’t worry about her; Aldo is looking after her. You know I think he’s rather taken with her, though I can't see why, she's rather plain. I would guess that they are going to get along very well.” Lucetta smiled broadly at her inference, she wanted to make Nick sweat and squirm.

“If he lays a hand on her, so help me I’ll…” Nick took a menacing but unsteady step towards her.

Lucetta pointed the rifle squarely at his chest. “Oh no, Nick you stay right there. You listen to me! The game has changed now, the new game is called ransom. You want to see your precious Maggie again, it will cost you. Let’s see now, what’s a good price, hmmm, I know! Yes, 10 thousand of your American dollars! Seems pretty reasonable doesn’t it?”

“Ten thousand! I don’t have that kind of money on me!” Nick bellowed back at her.

“Oh now Nick, I know that! That’s why we’re giving you a week to get the money together. I’m sure now that your brother, the Senator, can expedite things for you. After all, it’s HIS wife!” She began to slowly back out of the room, keeping her rifle pointed at Nick. “Don’t try to follow me or she is going to die.”

“You tell Aldo for me that if even one hair on her head is harmed, I’ll kill him. I will hunt him down and I will kill him. Do you understand me, Lucetta!”

“Aww, you’re so cute when you’re angry Nick! Oh I’ll tell him, but I can’t promise he’ll listen. My dear brother does have a way with the ladies, you know!” Lucetta stepped outside the door and to her waiting horse. "Bye Nick, you’ll be hearing from us about where to deliver the money!”

Giovanni’s younger brother, no more than ten, stood up and went to Nick. “I can follow her and she’ll never see me!”

“Kid, thanks. But it would be too dangerous, I can’t let you do that.” Nick ruffled the boy’s hair and smiled down at this tenacious little boy.

Matilda chimed in, “But he can. He’s followed his brothers for hours on foot and they were never the wiser. He’ll stay well behind her; she’ll never know he’s there. Mister Barkley, he can do it, I think the boy is half cat!” She leaned over and put her hands on her son’s shoulders, “Stay back even further than you do when you’re tagging after your brothers. If you think she might have an inkling that you’re there, you turn around and come right home! When she stops somewhere, you come right home and tell us. Don’t try and go looking for Mrs. Barkley, you come right home. Do you understand?”

“Yes Mama, I can do it.” With that the boy took out the door and slipped unseen between the rows of tied grapevines.

Nick moved to the window and watched the boy disappear amongst the vineyards. He should be the one following Lucetta and not sending out a boy to do his job, he slammed his left fist into the wall. “Can you send one of your son’s out for Heath and Jarrod?”

“Yes of course.” Matilda directed her fourteen-year-old son to find the other Barkleys and the police. As he went outside and to the barn, his mother sighed. “Nothing else we can do but wait now. And you, Mister Barkley, need to be back in bed.”

“Sorry, Matilda. But there’s no way I’m going back to bed now. Not while she’s out there somewhere.”

Matilda looked over the tall sickly cowboy, “So that woman was telling the truth. You are in love with Maggie, I thought so, the way that you look at her, I knew there was something. And Maggie, she doesn’t know how you feel, does she?” Matilda patted the thick chair next to the sofa, if nothing else; she was going to get Nick to sit down.

“Yes, I do love her and no, she doesn’t know how I feel. My brother and Maggie are very much in love with each other. I’ll never tell her how I feel about her.”

Matilda put her hand over his, “I’m so sorry Mister Barkley. I’m going to go make us some tea while we wait. You need to keep up with your fluids you know.”

“I know, Maggie has told me that several times already!” Nick tried to lean back in the chair and get himself at least somewhat comfortable. But his cracked ribs seemed to be more painful now that he had moved around; he remained sitting straight up, each muscle in his upper body aching. His thoughts turned to Maggie and his guilt. He was the one that had gotten into this mess and he was going to be the one to clean it up, once and for all.

Aldo stood in front of Maggie, she was in a heap on a dirt floor, at his feet, still under the effects of the ether. “Papa, why not?” He whined at his father.

“Not now, you’re sister will be back any minute and we have some planning to do!” Michael replied angrily.

“But later she’ll be awake and she’ll put up a fight and maybe scratch me. I want to have her now!” Aldo kneeled down and put his hand in her red hair, he brought it to his face and smiled at the faint scent of lavender. "She is pretty and smells so good. Look at her skin Papa, so perfect, her breasts, everything. I want to have her now!"

Michael put his arm around Aldo, “You can have her later, I promise. And she won’t put up a fight or scratch you, I’ll make sure of it.” Michael smiled and watched his son nod, and then leave the room. No, he wasn’t going to allow Aldo to have this girl yet, he needed her alive for at least another day or two. Besides, Michael sighed, I’m just not in the mood to bury another one of his conquests right now! He followed his son out of the room and closed the door, locking it behind him.

Heath took off his hat and wiped the sweat from his forehead. They were in the middle of a street, in the next village. Having found nothing and no one at the Ciccione house, they had followed some tracks that led to the next village. But the six of them had turned up absolutely nothing in their search.

Giovanni’s arms and shoulders rose, “It’s like they disappeared!” He said in frustration.

Jarrod looked up at the sky, “The sun’s going down. We’re probably not going to find anything in the dark. Why don’t we head back to the house and we’ll resume our search for them in the morning?”

“Yeah, I think you’re right Jarrod. We’ll start out again at first light.” Heath agreed.

The group began the ride back to Giovanni’s home, nearly three hours ride away.

Back at the Luisi household, Matilda became more anxious for her three sons. Her ten year old came bursting through the door just as the sun disappeared in the sky. He was breathing hard and fast. Nick stood up and went to him, along with the boy’s mother.

“She stopped at an old house, nobody lives there. Saw three horses!”

“Okay dear, slow down and take a deep breath. Now, can you remember where it was?” His Mother asked him.

“Sure I can! It’s not very far, I just had to keep stopping because she kept stopping and looking around!”

“Did she see you kid?” Nick asked.

“Nah! She was just all nervous like, but she didn’t see me!” The boy smiled, very proud of how well he had kept himself hidden.

“You did great kid! You really did! You know I’ve got a nephew the same age as you, you’re a lot like him.”

“Really? Maybe I can meet him someday!”

“Maybe so, but right now I need you to do me one more favor?”

“Sure whatever!”

Nick whispered, “Need you to lend me a hand getting dressed, I only got one good arm.”

“Mister Barkley!” Matilda cried, “What exactly do you think you’re doing? You’re in no condition to go anywhere, you can’t even take a deep breath!”

“I have to, Heath and Jarrod aren’t back yet and I don’t know when they are coming back here. They could decide to move her and then we’ll have no way to find Maggie. I have to leave now, while I still know where they are.” He turned and slowly made his way back to his room with the ten-year-old boy, following close on his heels.

Provided with excellent directions and a saddled horse from the young Luisi boy, Nick started out on his hunt for Maggie and the Cicciones. The horse traveled in a slow walk, it’s rider unable to take the pain of anything faster, but it was a sure sight better than trying to walk himself. If they’ve done anything to her, he thought angrily, there will be hell to pay! He silently prayed that his weakened body would sustain him long enough to get Maggie and get out of there. Just long enough to get her home Lord, that’s all I want.

It was pitch dark by the time he reached the abandoned farmhouse that the boy had told him about. Carefully getting off the horse and wincing with his movements, Nick ducked down behind some overgrowth and tried to check out the surroundings. He spotted the three horses tied in front of the home, but seeing nothing else, he decided to move in for a closer look. With gun drawn, he moved carefully up to the front window and looked inside. Nothing, no lights and no movement.

Guiseppe was riding back towards home with the two Barkleys and the police officers when he spotted one of his brothers riding quickly towards him.

“Guiseppe!” He called out and stopped his horse in front of the group. “Mister Heath and Jarrod, they came to the house! That family, they came with their guns!” The young man was completely out of breath and had to stop for a moment.

“What?!” Heath said loudly, this was something that none of them had expected.

“Is everyone okay?” Jarrod asked.

“No, I’m sorry Mister Barkley, they took your wife. They said they would contact us later about a, umm, ransom. But Marco, he followed the Ciccione woman to see where she is going, he is going to come back home when he finds out where they are. Marco is good at following people without being seen, he does it to us all the time! He will find out where your wife is, Mister Barkley!”

Jarrod’s head dropped down and Heath put his hand on Jarrod’s shoulder. “I never should have allowed her to come with us Heath.” Jarrod spoke just above a whisper.

“Let’s go!” Heath called out. “Don’t worry Jarrod, we’ll get her back safe and sound!” Although he tried not to sound too concerned, Heath was. Pulling a stunt like this; was something he hadn’t foreseen, the Cicciones perhaps were far more desperate than any one of them had previously surmised.

Nick opened the front door slowly and looked inside. Still seeing no one, he moved ahead and inside the house. Softly, he called out Maggie’s name but heard on response. There were three closed doors in the room and he began to check them.

The first door opened into an empty room, at the second door he found it was locked and he called out for Maggie again.

“Nick?” Maggie stood up and went to the door; she had a huge headache and felt very hung over. “Nick, is that you?”

He breathed a sigh of relief, “Hang on Maggie, I’m going to get you out of there! Do you know where the Cicciones are?”

“No, they were here a little while ago, but I haven’t heard a sound lately.” She whispered back.

He was in no condition to bust down the door and he knew it; he looked briefly for something to open the door. Seeing nothing, he ignored his own pain and pushed his body hard into the door, the old rotted door gave way and splintered around him. As he went through the door, the pain became too intense for him and he buckled over.

“Nick! Oh god, you shouldn’t be out of bed! I’m so glad to see you, but you shouldn’t be here!” Maggie put her arms around the back of his waist and tried to help him back up. "Let me help you."

“I’m okay, I’m okay!” Nick insisted, lying through his teeth. Once he was back on his feet, he wrapped Maggie up in his arms, “Are you all right?” Maggie nodded at him in reply and leaned her head against his chest; she could hear the congestion moving in his lungs as he spoke. He put his hand on her head and stroked her soft red hair for just a moment. “Let’s get you out of here, Maggie.”

Nick handed her one of his guns, "You still remember how to use it?"

"Of course I do," She whispered back, "I still target shoot occasionally when no one's home." They walked slowly towards the front door. He hated the fact that he had to lean on her for support, but it was getting very difficult for him to move or breathe. He opened the door a crack and looked outside. Not seeing anyone out there, the two of them went outside and started towards the horses.

“Not so fast, my dear boy!” Michael moved from his hiding spot at the corner of the house and out into full view. His rifle was aimed at Maggie. She raised her gun to him and stood firm.

“Going somewhere my love?” Lucetta came from the other side, her gun aimed squarely at Nick’s head.

Nick and Maggie stood with their backs against each other and their guns aimed. “Seems we have a bit of a standoff! This isn’t going to get us anywhere!” Nick called to them.

Michael yelled, “I wouldn’t call it a standoff Nick, I’m afraid we have the advantage on you this time!”

Without a sound, Aldo was waiting for the right moment from inside the house. He moved swiftly and caught Nick in the back of the head with the butt of his gun. Nick let out a groan and fell to the ground.

Maggie cried out, “No!” She dropped to the ground and wrapped an arm about him, her other hand still holding a gun, which she aimed squarely at Aldo.

Aldo smiled back at her, he liked this one she had a lot of spirit, he was going to savor her for quite some time. He pointed his gun at Nick’s chest, “Drop your gun Mrs. Barkley or I will kill him.”

Maggie looked around, one on either side of her and Aldo with his gun pointed at Nick. She released the hammer and dropped the gun on the ground. She cradled Nick’s head in her lap, “Nick? Nick, please wake up!”

A soft touch caressed his forehead and his hair, he could hear someone speaking to him but they seemed so far away. Maggie, he wondered? The darkness engulfed him and he fought against it, trying to get his eyes to open. Nick’s head hit the ground as the soft pillow was pulled from underneath it.

Aldo grabbed Maggie’s arm and dragged her away from Nick’s side. Yanking her to her feet, he smiled and then pointed his gun back at Nick. “Mrs. Barkley, should I kill him?”

“No, don’t please! Haven’t you hurt him enough all ready!” She hated the feeling of this man’s arm around the back of her neck, he had pulled her far too close to him and Maggie turned her head away from Aldo.

Nick found his way out of the darkness and opened his eyes. There was so much pain in his body that he was unable to move. His eyes darted upward first to see Michael standing next to him and then to Aldo, with Maggie pulled close to him. He struggled to focus on what was being said around him.

“But Mrs. Barkley, I want to kill him! Why shouldn’t I? Hmm? What exactly are you willing to do to keep him alive?”

Maggie looked down at Nick, the pain was obvious in his face and his eyes were now open but didn’t look focused on anything. Nick..

Aldo screamed, “What are you willing to do to keep him alive! What!”

She looked straight at Aldo and said, “Anything.” Her voice cracked, “Anything.”

“No!” Nick whispered hoarsely. “Leave her alone!” Trying to get up, he found out quickly that his body would not support his efforts and he fell back onto the ground. “Maggie, don’t…”

His efforts were met by a swift kick in his back by Lucetta; Nick bit his lip hard, not allowing her to see the pain she had caused. “Poor Nick! My brother’s going to have what you’ve always wanted and could never have! That’s so sad.”

Aldo turned his head towards Nick, “Well well, it appears that she does care about you, doesn’t it?” Briefly, he released his grasp on her neck and stuffed his hand inside his pants pocket. A white cloth and a small brown bottle emerged from his pocket. His sister moved to his side and pointed her gun at Maggie. The brown bottle was opened and a small amount poured onto the rag. Aldo shoved the bottle back into his pocket and held up the rag to Maggie, she recognized the smell immediately. Ether, it was hard to forget that scent, it was the last thing she remembered when she had gone outside of the Luisi house to fetch water. She instinctively took a step backwards away from the white cloth in front of her.

“Oh! You remember this don’t you?” Aldo grinned at her, “Now be a good girl and take your medicine. That is, if you want Nick to live.”

Standing still, both from fear and wanting to protect Nick’s life. She watched as if in a dream as Aldo moved around back of her and then covered her nose and mouth with the cloth. Terrified, she struggled against him, slamming her foot into the top of his.

“Don’t struggle, Mrs. Barkley. I’m going to enjoy getting to know you very much!”

“No! Maggie!” Nick yelled out. He gathered his strength and pulled himself up. “Let her go!” He saw Maggie stop fighting and her eyes close, then her body went limp in Aldo’s grasp.

Michael moved quickly and before Nick could make any sort of move, the old man punched him squarely on his cracked rib. He watched Nick with great satisfaction as he dropped again to the ground.

“Papa?” Aldo asked, cradling Maggie in his arms.

“Take her to the barn son, when you’re finished come back to the house. I’ll bury her in the morning.”

His son beamed, “Thank you Papa!” Aldo took his prize and started towards the barn.

“Let her go!” A voice shouted from the fields.

“Drop your guns, you’re surrounded!”

Nick looked up towards the fields, “Jarrod, Heath?” He wasn’t quite sure if he had actually heard them or if his mind was playing tricks on him. Then he saw movement out there. “Jarrod, Heath!” He called out louder this time, finding his voice.

Heath and Jarrod had arrived with the police officers and Guiseppe, they took up position across the field and towards the front of the house. For a moment, their attentions turned to Nick lying on the ground and obviously in a great deal of pain. Aldo took the opportunity to sprint the rest of the way to the barn with his prize still in his arms.

Michael fired at the voices in the field and was met with a hail of bullets that swiftly took him down and he met his death rapidly. Lucetta dropped her gun and knelt beside her Father.

“Papa? Noooo! Papa!” She screamed. Lucetta failed to notice Heath and two of the police officers approaching her. The police grabbed her arms and pulled her away from her father. “You killed him, you Barkleys killed my Papa!” She wailed as they dragged her away.

Jarrod, meanwhile, took off towards the barn with one of the police officers following closely behind him. Pitch black inside, Jarrod tried to get his eyes to focus. His first sight of them was feet protruding from the stall at the end of the barn and sounds he didn’t like, not at all. He approached silently and when he reached the stall, he found Aldo on top of his unconscious wife and her blouse torn open. Aldo was hard at work pushing up her skirt and had already unbuttoned his slacks.

Rage took over and Jarrod grabbed the back of Aldo’s shirt and pulled his off of Maggie. He slammed his fist into Aldo’s face hard, bloodying his nose.

“No!” Aldo cried out, “She’s mine now, Papa said!” He managed to get a hand free and reached into his pocket, pulling out the white rag. Slamming Jarrod in the stomach with his fist, he pushed him up against the wall and pressed the ether rag into Jarrod’s face.

The police officer fired and caught Aldo in the leg, buckling his knee. Aldo fell to the ground in a heap and looked up at them, “But Papa said I could have her!”

Jarrod looked down at him; “Your Papa’s dead!” He patted the policeman’s shoulder and then went to Maggie. Kneeling down, he could smell the ether on her skin and knew she would wake back up in a few hours. Removing his tan jacket, he lifted her up and put it on her, buttoning the front. As he lifted her in his arms, he brought his face down to hers and kissed her lightly several times. Jarrod emerged from the barn in time to see Heath helping Nick to his feet and giving his thickheaded brother a good tongue lashing for being so foolhardy. Jarrod couldn’t help but grin slightly; for once someone else was taking over that job!

Nick looked up at Jarrod carrying Maggie, “She okay?” He asked weakly.

“It’s the ether Nick, she should wake up in a while with one heck of a hangover!”

He saw the jacket covering her and had to ask, “Did he hurt her?”

“No,” Jarrod replied with a sigh, “But almost.”

Nick looked over at Lucetta, sitting on the ground with her hands tied behind her back. All the trouble she had brought to him and to the one he loved, his eyes filled with disdain for her. She looked up at his gaze and spit at him.

The policemen went back to the barn to get Aldo and haul him to jail along with his sister, but one of the policemen came back out and talked to Guiseppe rapidly. He looked rather upset.

“What is it, Guiseppe?” Heath asked.

The young man shook his head, “That Aldo, he is gone, he is not in the barn!”

“How can that be?!” Jarrod asked incredulously, “He had a bullet in his leg!” He looked around nervously; Aldo could be hiding anywhere.

“I don’t know, the police say he left through the back door of the barn and he is gone. They are going to come back and search later, but right now they think we should all get back to the house. One of them will come with us.”

Heath briefly took Maggie in his arms as Jarrod mounted his horse and then handed her up to him. He then helped Nick up in the saddle and rode closely beside him. Guiseppe and the policeman took the lead and they headed back to the Luisi home.

Once back at the house, Nick was ordered back to bed and his brothers helped him get undressed and up onto the bed.

Heath took Nick’s clothes and his bag. “Just in case you decide to go for another ride!” Heath grinned lopsidedly at him, but Nick was already asleep. The rasp in his lungs could be heard from the other side of the room and Heath’s smile quickly drained from his face as the worry over what this night may have done to him, took over.

“Matilda?” Heath approached Giovanni’s Mother. “Do you think one of your boys could get the doctor at first light?” He asked, rubbing his chin, thoughtfully.

“Of course, how is your brother, his breathing still bad?”

Heath nodded.

“I’ll go boil some water, perhaps the steam will help him some.”

Heath fell back into a thick chair, exhausted. His mind still reeling from the events and the family that Nick had gotten mixed up with. Still, he couldn't hold much blame on Nick, from what he had heard this family had a lot of practice at conning men out of their money and even their lives.

Jarrod sat across from him on the sofa, Maggie’s head on his lap. Heath watched Pappy as he stroked Maggie’s hair and her cheek. “No sign of waking up yet?”

“Not yet. My God Heath, if you had seen what I saw when I found her! All I could think of was killing him. I pulled him off the top of her and all I wanted to do was pummel him until he was dead!” Jarrod’s voice though barely above a whisper, was filled with anger.

I really want to kill him, what are you willing to do to save his life, Mrs. Barkley? Maggie gasped loudly and her eyes flew open. She felt hands on her and tried to break free from them, not realizing who was holding her now.

“Maggie! It’s over now, you’re safe.” Jarrod tightened his grip about her slender frame and kissed her head. "It's over Ladylove." He whispered again several times.

The fog lifted and she sighed, leaning her head against her husband's chest. The couple's hands entwined together and a loving kiss was shared briefly. Maggie laid her head back on Jarrod's chest, closing her eyes, but they flew open wide again. “Nick, is he okay?” Maggie asked.

“He should be fine, but we’re going to have the doctor check on him first thing in the morning.”

Looking down, she saw her husband’s jacket covering her. She peeked underneath to see that she was exposed, her blouse all but gone. “Jarrod? Please, what happened? The last thing I remember was that man putting that white rag over my face and that smell. What happened?” Her eyes filled with tears, feeling so terrified again.

“Nothing Ladylove, that’s all that happened. Just the torn blouse. Nothing else.” His arms tightened around her and pulled her closer to him. "Nothing's ever going to happen to you."

“Are you sure?” She asked.

“Yes, nothing else, I swear it!” Jarrod bent his head down and kissed her lips tenderly, he then kissed away the tears on her cheeks. “Once the doctor gives the okay, we’re heading home right away! I love you so much Maggie.”

The next morning, the doctor was summoned out to the Luisi household to check on his American patient. After a thorough examination, Nick’s family was happy to learn that other than the slight concussion, Nick had suffered no further setbacks. The doctor further informed them that as long as Nick’s condition continued to improve, he saw no reason why they couldn’t begin their journey home at the end of the week.

“Boy Howdy! Home sure does sound real good!” Heath smiled.

“That it does, little brother, it sure does!”

When the doctor left, Maggie squeezed Jarrod’s hand and went into Nick’s bedroom. Knocking first, she waited until Nick called out to come in and slowly opened the door.

She peeked her head inside the bedroom, “Feel like a little company?” Maggie asked.

Nick smiled back at her and cleared his throat, “Sure do.” He watched her walk across the room and sit down on the bed, she put her hand in his and he folded his fingers around it.

“How do you feel this morning?”

“Bit like I’ve been attacked by a grizzly, but other than that – not bad! How about you, the ether all gone?”

“Mostly, but now I think I know what it feels like to have a hangover!”

Nick let out a small laugh then turned serious, “Maggie, I am so sorry for everything! He could’ve killed you, I..”

Maggie shushed him with a finger to his lips, “Nick Barkley you are the most stubborn, thick headed, pain in the neck that I have ever met in my life!” She said loudly, then abruptly changed her tone to a whisper, “But thank you for trying to rescue me.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek, she felt his thick beard against her lips and pulled back, “Yuck!”

“Yuck! Ladies have said many things when they kissed me, but never yuck!” He bellowed at her.

Maggie wiped her mouth and laughed, “Well I doubt any lady would want to kiss you with that nasty thing, it looks like a possum’s nesting on your face!”

Exasperated, he sighed at her, “It doesn’t look that bad, I was starting to kind of like it!”

She folded her arms to her chest, ‘If you ever plan on getting kissed again, by anyone, I would strongly urge you to shave!” Maggie got up off the bed, but Nick caught her hand and held onto it. She looked back down at him, still wearing a grin.

“Maggie, umm thanks.” He said.

“For what Nick?”

“For everything, for being my nurse and for what you did to save me.”

Maggie lightly squeezed his hand and then brought it to her lips and kissed it quickly. “Nothing that you haven’t already done for me, Nick.” Standing up, she let go of his hand. “I’m going to go make you some soup. In the meantime, why don’t you see if one of your brothers might agree to give you a shave.”

“Nag, nag, nag!!” Nick laughed.

At the end of the week, Nick’s condition had improved enough to make the trip home. They boarded the ship with one extra addition to the Barkley staff, a new winemaker and manager of the vineyards by the name of Giovanni Luisi.

As the ship pulled out from Genoa, not one of the Barkley’s went to the deck to take a last look. Especially not Nick, the memories of all that had happened would stay with him the rest of his life.

In two weeks time, they had returned to Stockton and to a sense of normalcy.

But it was another full three months, before Nick regained all of his strength and returned to his normal duties at the ranch.

Maggie came over often, sometimes with her family or occasionally alone to visit with him while he convalesced. He never once told her how much he looked forward to her visits or how much he loved her.



EPILOGUE FIVE AND A HALF YEARS LATER

She’d been rotting in that jail cell for over five years now. And soon she was going to be out of prison. Early release as a reward for her exemplary behavior while she was locked away. Lucetta had made sure she stayed a good girl while she was in prison. She had so much to look forward to when she got out! Occasionally, she would receive word from her brother that all was well and that he was waiting anxiously for her release. Soon, all her hopes would come to fruition, Lucetta would be with her brother again and her five year old son, Michaelangelo. And soon, she would pay back the man that had taken everything from her and left her with a son.

THE END