Shattered Silence

Part 1

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.

Sunday morning and the Barkleys emerged from church, shaking hands with the minister and deacons. Victoria paid her compliments to the minister on the sermon; thanking him for orating on such a timely topic. But, most of the Barkleys were anxious to get back home. Victoria was having several ladies over for lunch tomorrow and still had the menu to plan, cleaning to be done and silver to be polished. Nick and Heath were in a hurry to get back to the ranch and finish their work with breaking in the two horses Heath had just purchased and Jarrod had much to do before he would appear in court the next morning. The only one not in a hurry to get home was Audra. She'd been keeping company with Fred Sanders, the new ranch foreman out at the Tillson place and she tarried behind, talking and twirling her hair as she gushed over him.

"C'mon Audra!" Nick called out with a measure of irritation in his voice. Everyone else was in the surrey and waiting on his baby sister. "Let's go!"

She rolled her eyes at him and said her apologies to Fred. "Goodness Nick! Is the house on fire?" She asked sarcastically while she climbed into the surrey.

"Some of us have work to do ya know!" He replied and pointed his finger at her.

Victoria allowed her eldest son to take the reins and Jarrod gave the leather a small flick, sending the surrey on it's way back to the ranch.

Nick yanked off his tie with a loud groan and undid the first few buttons of his dress white shirt. His younger brother chuckled at Nick's gestures while removing his own tie.

"I tell ya Heath, that reverend's sermons get longer every Sunday. One of these days, you mark my words, and we'll be stuck in there the entire day long!"

His mother turned around in the surrey and faced her son. "Now Nick, his sermons aren't that long." To which Nick replied with a grunt, his Mother pursed her lips for a moment. "Besides, I do believe that since this is His day; I wouldn't see anything wrong if we did spend the entire day in church."

"I reckon she's got you on that one brother Nick!" Heath grinned at him. He took off his blue jacket, despite the cool temperatures when they had left the house that morning it was warming up quickly.

"Oh be quiet!" Nick grunted back.

Heath snickered and leaned back in the seat, relaxing while Jarrod drove.

They reached a crossroads and Jarrod brought the horse to a slow walk as they went through it. Heath had been quietly admiring the countryside, something he never grew tired of when he happened to glance down the side road.

"Jarrod stop!" Heath called out.

Jarrod pulled on the reins hard and Victoria turned to see what Heath was gawking at. "Overturned wagon." She said.

Jarrod didn't need further instructions he turned the surrey around and drove it full tilt to the site of where the wagon laid on its side. As they came upon it they found bolts of fabric and sewing goods that were strewn across the road and into the field. Several suitcases, some open, also were tossed about. It was not difficult to find the cause of the accident, a wagon wheel laid on the road several feet back from where it had turned.

Everyone disembarked from the surrey to examine things more closely. The sole horse was still standing and appeared to be in fine condition.

Heath went around the other side. "Mother, you better come over here." He called out and knelt down next to the still figure on the ground. Heath lifted her hand and felt for a pulse. He breathed a sigh of relief when her pulse emitted a steady beat. But her skin was cold as all get out and she was unconscious.

"Oh my, she's half frozen." His mother remarked.

Heath gently pushed back the chestnut curls of hair from her face and found an angry gash on her forehead and dried blood caked all around it.

"Jarrod," Victoria said, taking control of the situation. "Get some of those fabrics together to see if we can't warm her up. She took note of the young woman and her attire, appearing to be somewhat affluent by the clothes that she wore. Her dark blue skirt and cream top appeared to be very finely made.

Nick saw it first while Jarrod set about grabbing some fabric to put upon the young woman. "Audra," He said. "Step back." A movement underneath a large pile of fabric, Nick found himself wishing that he had a gun with him. The fabrics were suddenly pushed away and a little girl, not more than six or seven, emerged with a large gun in her trembling small hands.

"Stay away from her!" She pointed the gun at Heath and Victoria.

"Whoa now, little girl just put the gun down." Nick towered over her and terrified her even more.

She trembled still from the cold night air that had seeped into her bones and refused to leave. "Stay away! Go away!" She focused back at Heath and Victoria as they knelt beside the young woman.

Victoria spoke to her in a gentle voice, "We're just going to help her dear, she's very cold."

"We don't need help! Can't you just go away!"

Nick slipped behind the child and easily removed the gun from her small hands without incident. She burst into tears, "Don' hurt her, please don' hurt her!"

"Sweetheart, we're not going to hurt her." Victoria moved in front of the little girl and took both the child's hands. "We're going to try and make her all better, she's got a bad cut on her head and probably needs to see the doctor. We won't hurt her."

She looked over to Heath, "Are you gonna hurt her?"

Heath turned and looked at the frightened child. He went to her and knelt down directly in front of her. "No, I'm not gonna hurt her." He made a large x mark across his chest with his index finger. "Cross my heart, 'kay?"

She looked over the family and then back at Heath, slowly she finally nodded her head at him.

"Okay, we got a house not far from here. We're gonna take her there to take care of her. Now, how about you tell me your name." Heath handed her his handkerchief to wipe away her tears.

"La-aura." She choked out.

"And who's that?" He asked, pointing to the woman. "Is that your sister, cause you two look a lot alike."

"Uh-huh."

"Can you tell me her name?"

"Course I can." Laura nervously twirled a section of her chestnut hair in her hand.

Heath looked up at his mother and chuckled. He looked back at Laura, "Her name?"

"Oh, that's Rachel. She's my big sister."

"Well," Victoria started, "It is very nice to make your acquaintance Laura."

"I'll go get Doc Merrar." Nick volunteered. "Ah, Laura, mind if we switch horses here and I'll ride ours into town to get the doctor?"

"Okay." She meekly replied, still terrified of the very large cowboy.

Heath sensed the child's fear and reached out his hand, stroking the child's locks. "That's my brother Nick, his bark is worse than his bite, most of the time anyways. Now over there, that's my brother Jarrod, he just will talk the tin ear off a wooden statue if ya let him. That's my sister Audra, she was the prettiest girl in all of Stockton."

"Was?" Audra demanded.

Heath shook his head, "Well you were until I met Miss Laura here, and I think she's giving you a run for your money." He was surprised how pleased he was when his comment elicited a giggle and a smile from the little waif. "And this, this is my mother Mrs. Barkley, she's one of the nicest ladies you're ever gonna meet. And my name's Heath."

Laura went to Rachel and knelt down beside her, "She's gonna be okay, right?"

"Oh of course she is dear. She's just got a bump on the head, I'm sure she'll be good as new in no time."

They waited for Nick to exchange the horses and once he had finished, he rode off towards town bareback.

Heath rested his gaze on Laura again. "If its okay by you Laura, I'm gonna pick up your sister now and put her in the surrey so we can go back to our home. We've got a nice big guest room upstairs where your sister can rest easy."

"Okay, but be careful!" Laura admonished him with a shake of her finger.

"Oh I will, 'member I crossed my heart I wouldn't hurt her." Heath leaned over the young woman lifted her into his arms without any effort. Briefly, he marveled at how lightweight she was and for the first time, he truly looked at her face. She was quite pretty, beautiful even and he wondered over the color of her eyes.

As if she could hear his thoughts, she roused and her hazel eyes flew open, terrified. She struggled fiercely to get away from the stranger holding on to her.

"Whoa now, it's okay, it's okay!" Heath told her sweetly. She continued to fight and kick at him.

"Rachel!" Laura cried out, "Stop, they're really trying to help you!"

Rachel quieted and looked down at her sister, then back at the blonde man holding her. She looked around at the people surrounding her, confusion etched in her face, then her eyes drifted to the wagon and she remembered. Her hand went to her head and she grimaced when she touched the wound.

"Rachel, my name is Victoria Barkley. The young man holding you is Heath and this is my son Jarrod and my daughter Audra. You had some kind of an accident and we found your wagon overturned. Do you remember that?"

Rachel nodded and looked at Laura. She gestured with her hands and Laura appeared to understand.

"I think we should go with them. Let them take care of you for a little while and get the doctor."

Again Rachel gestured something with her hands.

Heath spoke in a whisper, "You can't speak, can you?"

She set her eyes upon Heath and looked into his blue eyes. Shaking her head, her hand went to the blue scarf about her neck.

"She can hear, she just can't talk." Laura advised.

"Don't worry Rachel," Heath told her, "We're gonna bring you back to the house and have Doc Merrar check out you and Laura to make sure everything's okay."

She thought about it for a moment and looked down to Laura. Laura, did not speak out loud and instead made several motions with her hands. Rachel replied, then after a moment, she nodded at Heath.

He replied to her nod with a grin and a wink of his eye. "Good, let's get going then.

Audra reached out to take the little girl's hand, but she would have none of that and pulled her hand away. Undaunted, Audra smiled at her, "I bet you would just love a hot bath Laura, it'll get rid of the cold you're feeling!"

Laura scrunched up her face, "Bath?! Yuck, I hate baths!

For the first time, Rachel smiled slightly and made two quick signals to her.

The child grimaced again, "Oh alright Rachel, I'll take a bath!"

"You know," Jarrod said, "I've heard about people that talk with their hands, but I've never seen it."

"It's called Sign Language Jarrod." Heath replied to his surprised brother. He climbed into the surrey and laid Rachel down carefully on the last bench. Laura took a seat next to him for the ride to the ranch, all the while her gaze never averted from her sister.

* * * * * * * *

Once they had arrived back at the ranch, Heath gathered the young woman into his arms and carried her inside; upstairs to the guest bedroom. On his heels, Laura followed him all the way to the bedroom.

The pounding in her head and accompanying dizziness soon overwhelmed her again and Rachel closed her eyes as the blonde cowboy set her down gently on the bed. Her little sister crawled up on the large bed and sat next to her, holding her hand.

"Laura, why don't you come with me?" Victoria held out her hand to the little waif. "You must be hungry, why don't we let your sister sleep for a little while."

"I can't leave!" She replied, moving closer to Rachel. "I hafta be here when she wakes up!" Laura's small body began to tremble and tears formed in her eyes. Her tiny hands balled up into tight fists.

"Honey, you need to eat something and have some rest, you must be awfully tired after looking after your sister for so long." Victoria took her hand and attempted to get her off the bed, but it only made Laura more agitated and afraid.

"No, I hafta stay here!"

Heath saw the fear in the child's eyes and decided to try another approach. He crouched down in front of her so that he was at her eye level. "You know Laura, your sister's not gonna get much real sleep if we all stay here. But you know what?"

"What?"

"I happen to know for a fact that there's some fresh cookies and a big pitcher of lemonade in the kitchen. How about you and I sneak down there and get ourselves some?" Heath reached out and poked the tip of her nose with his finger.

She could feel and hear her tummy rumbling, she was awfully hungry. "What kinda cookies?" She asked suspiciously.

"Oh I do believe we've got some oatmeal and some gingersnaps."

"Gingersnaps?" Her eyes brightened slightly.

"You like gingersnaps?"

"Oh yes! But we'll get in trouble won't we?" Laura looked up at the grand lady with the white hair.

"You have my permission." Victoria smiled back.

"Okay, but just until the doc gets here. He'll need my help to tell him what Rachel says."

"Ya got a deal." Heath held out his hand and shook on it with her.

"Thank you." Victoria whispered and put her hand on his shoulder for a brief moment, somehow he still managed to surprise her. Victoria watched them leave the room and then went to the young woman's bedside, pulling a quilt over her.

Heath and Laura made haste towards the kitchen. But Heath had made the mistake of taking her down the front staircase, a decision he soon regretted.

"Where are you two going?" Jarrod asked, spotting them in the hallway.

"Oh just for a little snack."

"We're having lemonade and cookies!" Laura gushed.

"Lemonade and cookies, eh? Well now, mind if I join you?"

Heath nodded his okay but on the inside he worried a bit that his eldest brother could launch into one of his famous cross-examinations of the girl and he felt it was the last thing that she needed. His instincts had taken over and he felt a sudden need to look after and protect this little girl.

Jarrod followed them into the kitchen and sat down at the table across from her. Heath poured out three tall glasses of lemonade and brought them to the table, followed closely by Silas's large porcelain cookie jar.

Laura drank down half her glass without pausing for a breath. "This is good."

"Silas will be glad to hear you say that." Heath grinned. He watched her begin to stare at the cookie jar but she didn't make a move towards it. "Go ahead, have some cookies." Heath pulled the top off the jar and pulled out three large cookies. "See, its okay."

"Thank you!" She exclaimed. She rose to her knees in the chair and leaned over the cookie jar, reaching her thin arm inside. Her hand reemerged grasping two gingersnap cookies.

"So," Jarrod began, "Where are you and your sister Rachel from?" He asked.

"Illinois." She replied with her mouth full.

Jarrod glanced across the table at Heath, who had taken a seat next to the child. "Illinois? You're a long way from home."

"Uh-huh. Rachel says we can start brand new here."

"Do you have family here in California?" Jarrod continued.

"Nope. Heath, can I have another cookie please?"

"How about a sandwich instead, got some roast chicken."

"Okay, thank you."

Heath stood up and fixed her a sandwich.

"When's the doctor coming?"

"Oh I think Nick will be back with him pretty soon."

"Is he a real good doctor?"

"Best around." Heath replied with a lopsided grin. He put the sandwich in front of her and sat back down.

"Thanks."

"You know I think your sister needs some bed rest and a hot meal, she'll be just fine."

"Oh yes, I know."

Jarrod leaned forward slightly, putting his chin in his hands, "So why do want to know if he's a good doctor?"

Laura's expression changed again, Heath saw it plain as day, and she was getting scared. "What is it Laura?"

"Nothing." She reached for her sandwich but stopped. "I almost forgot to say thank you!"

"You thanked me Laura." Heath responded.

"Not you silly, God, I almost forgot to thank Him!" Laura pointed a small finger up towards the heavens.

"Oh yeah, can't forget that!" He agreed and bowed his head down, "Uh, you wanna say it or should I?"

"I'll do it." Laura bowed her head down and clasped her hands together oh so tightly. "Dear God, thank you for the food. And thank you that Rachel and me are okay and Jester's okay. You know, our horse. And thank you for keeping the bad man away again. Amen."

"Amen." Heath said, then softly asked her, "Laura who's the bad man?"

"I…I can't tell you that."

"Yes you can Laura, you're safe here."

"No." She shook her head, tossing her dark curly hair about. "I can't, Rachel says so."

The front door flew open and Nick made a noisy entrance, "Mother!"

"Really Nick," His mother started down the staircase with a sigh. "Must you shout?"

"Sorry Mother, but Dr. Merrar's here."

With black bag in hand, the near elderly doctor appeared from behind Nick's tall frame. "Good afternoon Victoria, I understand you have a guest in the house that needs some attention."

"Thank you for coming so quickly, Howard, though I doubt my son gave you little choice in the matter."

"No, Nick here is quite convincing."

Hearing the yelled announcement, Laura came running out into the front room. "Are you the doctor?"

"Well yes I am, who are you?"

"I'm Laura, its my sister you're gonna see."

"Oh, now the Barkleys here tell me that you and your sister had quite the spill in your wagon. Are you okay?" He moved closer to her for a better look, but Laura stepped back from him.

"Yessir, I'm okay. My sister hurt her head though."

"I see. Well why don't you let me go upstairs and have a look at her."

"Certainly, right this way Howard." Victoria took him by the arm.

"I hafta go with you, otherwise you won't know what she says." Laura started following behind them.

"Oh really, why's that?"

"She only talks with her hands, she can't talk like I can."

"I see well then you should come with us Laura, why don't you lead the way." The kindly doctor gave a small bow to the young lady and allowed her to take the lead up the stairs. She rapped on the door twice, before opening it slowly and going inside.

Victoria led him over to the large bed in the center of the room. "She regained consciousness for awhile and then drifted off to sleep. You can see she's got quite the nasty cut and bruise on her forehead."

"I see that." He replied, looking closely at the gash above her eyebrow. "How long did you say she was unconscious for?"

"I don't know, Heath spotted the overturned wagon as we were coming home from church this morning." Victoria turned to Laura, "Do you know how long your sister was unconscious? When did the accident happen dear?"

Laura climbed up onto the bed to be closer to Rachel. "I dunno. The sun hadn't been down for too long."

"You mean last night?" Dr. Merrar asked incredulously. "You were out there all night?"

"Yessir. Rachel woke up a few times, but then she'd go right back to sleep again."

"I see." He muttered and took the young woman's wrist and checked her pulse. He started to move her head slowly in his hands, checking her range of motion. "Laura, how about you hold your sister's head for a moment, so I can put this bandage around it." She did as she was asked and held Rachel's head while the doctor put a bandage around her head. Once it was on, she fingered it lightly and placed a small kiss on her forehead.

Howard spotted the scarf tied around her neck, it appeared to him that it was too tight and he put his hands on it. "Let's get this thing off." He told Victoria.

"No!" Laura cried, "Rachel doesn't want you to see her neck!"

"Now why's that?" He asked.

Laura looked down at the bed and took her sleeping sister's hand. "Can't tell you."

"Look young lady, that scarf is too tight on her right now, she may have some swelling in her neck from the accident. I'm afraid I'm going to have to take it off of her."

"Ya sure you have to?"

"It'll be alright." Victoria put her hand on Laura's head and stroked her soft hair.

"Okay I guess."

It took Dr. Merrar several minutes to work through the tight knot and when he finally got it undone, he slipped the navy fabric off of her neck.

"Oh my God." Victoria gasped involuntarily. Instinctively, she reached out and touched her neck where the scarf had been. A scar over a half inch in width encircled her neck.

"My dear child, how did your sister get this scar?" Howard questioned.

The child uttered the now familiar reply, again. "Can't tell ya that. See I told ya, she don't like people to see her neck." Laura burst into tears and hugged herself close to her sister.

Rachel's eyes fluttered open to halfmast and she draped an arm about Laura.

"Rachel I'm sorry, your neck, they took off your scarf."

Her eyes flew wide open in alarm and her hands went to her neck. Realizing that the scarf was gone, she glared angrily at the doctor and thrust her hand out at him.

"She wants her scarf back." Laura told him.

"That much I could understand." He placed the scarf in her outstretched hand. "I'm sorry, but it looked too tight on you and I removed it. Do you mind telling me what happened to your neck, young lady? Is this why you can't speak?"

She studied the two strangers in front of her and the look on her sister's face, after what seemed a long time, she softened her angered expression. She made several signs with her hands, to her sister.

"She's sorry she got mad. She knows you're trying to help."

Rachel sat up slightly, grimacing with pain and began to put the scarf back on around her neck. When she did so, Dr. Merrar caught sight of another mark peeking up from the back of her blouse.

"My dear," He said, "What is that mark on your neck? May I see?"

Rachel shook her head vehemently and pulled her blouse up, covering the mark.

Dr. Merrar sighed, frustrated with this difficult patient. The mark, in the very brief time that he saw it, appeared to be a burn. But what was most striking was the fact that it was a perfect circle. "Do you hurt anywhere else besides your head?"

She shook her head.

"Any dizziness or blurred vision."

Again, she gave the same reply.

"Well, you do have a concussion young lady. But fortunately for you, not a severe one. However, I do want you to stay in bed over the next two days and take it easy. You're very lucky you know, the Barkleys are good people and they'll take very good care of you."

Rachel looked up at Victoria and then back at the doctor.

"Are you planning on staying in the area?" He asked.

"Yep," Laura answered. "Rachel's really good at sewing. She's going to open her own shop."

"Now that's a lovely idea, we could certainly use a new shop around here." Victoria added.

"I'm going to come back tomorrow to check on you again. But I think you'll be just fine as long as you take it easy." Dr. Merrar closed up his bag. "I'm going to leave you some headache powder, but I only want you to take it if the pain gets to be too much. It's quite powerful."

Rachel placed her fingers to her lips and brought her hand straight forward.

"She says thank you." Laura told the doctor.

"Victoria, would you walk me out please?"

"Of course Howard." She patted Laura's head and escorted Dr. Merrar from the room and downstairs to the entryway.

* * * * * * * *

Heath, Jarrod and Nick were standing at the bottom of the stairs and they watched as their Mother and Dr. Merrar descended the staircase.

"Howard, that mark on her neck." Victoria said thoughtfully, "Was that what I think it was?"

All eyes turned their attention to him. "I can't be completely sure Victoria, but if you think that someone tried to strangle her or worse, hang her, that would be my guess. The scar isn't that old either, I'd guess it happened less than two or three years ago. There's still a bit of pinkness to it."

The three brothers were wide-eyed and shocked, not having seen what their mother had witnessed.

"Hung or strangled? Why?" Heath said quietly and looked up the staircase.

"I don't know Heath and neither of those two girls seem to want to tell us." Victoria shook her head.

"There was also that mark on the back of her neck, a burn mark. Now this is purely conjecture, but the mark was perfectly circular, just the right size and shape of a cigar. Have either of them talked to you about it?"

"No, nothing."

"Whatever it is Victoria, that young woman appears to have been through something horrible. I just wish she would have let me take a better look at her neck and at her throat, perhaps I could help her but I won't know that unless she lets me."

Heath looked at Jarrod, "Remember the prayer Laura said?"

"What about a prayer?"

"Remember, Laura said that prayer before she ate and she thanked God for keeping away the bad man."

"That's right." Jarrod exclaimed.

"Who would ever want to hurt those two girls?" Victoria asked. "What should we do Howard?"

"Just make sure that the young woman stays in bed and rests at least through tomorrow. I'll be out tomorrow afternoon to check on her again. As to whether or not they've been abused. I don't know for sure. That's something we'll have to wait and see, perhaps if they feel comfortable enough and learn to trust you, maybe they will tell you what happened."

"Well, thank you Howard."

"Oh by the way, I do believe I have a book somewhere in my office on Sign Language. I can bring it by tomorrow, if you'd like."

"Hey Jarrod, didn't you say you were going to go by your office today to get some paperwork."

"Yes I did Heath, why?"

"Why don't you go to his office and pick up that book."

"That would be wonderful." The doctor chimed in. "Just give me a little time to locate it."

"Alright, I'll do that. I should be in town in a few hours, I'll stop by your office on my way out." Jarrod saw Howard to the door and thanked him again for coming on such short notice. He looked up the staircase and found himself wondering about the two young ladies upstairs, he didn't even know their last names.

"What is it Jarrod?" Victoria knew the look on her son's face all to well.

"Did anyone happen to get their last names?" He asked, "Or what town they are from in Illinois?"

After a few exchanged glances, Victoria shook her head. "Not yet Jarrod. Why?"

"I just wish I knew the whole story, that's all."

"Perhaps, when we can converse better with the older sister, we'll be able to find out more. That is of course, if she decides to trust us." She couldn't take her mind off of what she had seen on Rachel's neck nor could she stop wondering about what that poor girl must have been through. The who's and the why's she didn't know and perhaps never would, but her heart still ached for her suffering.

Heath began up the staircase but was stopped by the loud voice of his elder brother.

"And where do you think you're going?" Nick demanded.

"I'm just gonna check on the both of them. Make sure they're okay and get a room all set for Laura."

"Oh no, we got work to do! Do you know how much fence we've gotta check today?! I am not doing it all alone, no way!"

"I'll catch up with you later Nick."

"You'll what?!" Nick started but a carefully placed hand on his arm caused him to stop.

"Let him go up for a little while Nick. He seems to have developed a good rapport with the little girl."

He shook his head, "Oh all right! You just be sure you do catch up with me Heath!" Nick pointed a finger up the staircase at his brother before he turned and trudged out the door, muttering something to himself.

He hesitated before he knocked lightly on the door.

Laura opened the door just a little, enough for her to peek her head out. "Heath!" She said with a big smile. Heath saw the missing front tooth and grinned back at her.

"Hello there. Can I come in?"

"Sure!" She exclaimed and threw the door wide open. "My sister's awake now, doc says she's gonna be just fine after she rests for awhile."

"Yep, that's what the doc told us downstairs too." Heath took small, unassuming steps into the bedroom. He looked across to the bed and saw Rachel watching him with unblinking eyes.

She sat up in the center of the bed and pulled the covers around her. Her hair had been brushed into a dark sheen and she now had color back in her complexion.

"Rachel," Laura said, "This is Heath. He's the one that carried you up here and got me cookies and lemonade! He's real nice!"

Heath thrust his hands into his back pockets and grinned sheepishly, slightly embarrassed by Laura's commentary. Rachel began making rapid hand signals and gestures to her sister and instead of talking, Laura returned with the same rapid hand movements. He wished he could understand what they were saying to one another.

"Boy howdy Laura, must be pretty neat to be able to talk to your sister and no one else knows what you're saying." He said finally, leaning over the child.

"Uh-huh! Its like our own secret code. It's fun!"

"So you think you might share your secret? What were you two talking about?"

Laura stopped with the hand motions and looked up at the tall cowboy. She started talking to him fast as an auctioneer. "Well first she wanted to know how we got here, then about the doctor, then what your name was and then made sure I was really okay and if I had my bath yet. Then she said tonight we'd go to the hotel."

Heath directed his blue eyes towards the young woman in the very large bed. She appeared so small to him and fragile sitting there amongst the large mound of pillows. "The hotel can wait till tomorrow, doc said you gotta rest tonight and he'll be out to check on you tomorrow."

"I tried telling her that!" Laura flapped her arms to her sides. "But she says we're gonna go to the hotel, we've got our own money and we ain't charity cases. Sorry, we aren't charity cases."

Heath walked tentatively to the bed and Rachel stared up at him. It wasn't that hard for him to read her expression and tell what she was feeling inside, seemed to him it was a mixture of fear and defiance. She was afraid of him and yet, she didn't shirk away.

"Rachel, you and Laura aren't here because we think you're a charity case. You're here because we found you and your sister on the side of the road and you were hurt. You were unconscious and your head was bleeding. Your sister here, was cold and hungry. Now tomorrow night, I'll even take you to the hotel myself if that's what you want. But right now the doc says you need to rest and I'm gonna make sure that's exactly what you do. And Laura here, she's gonna get a big dinner and have that hot bath. It ain't charity, that's what people do for one another."

Rachel's face flushed and she cast her eyes upon her sister. She fumbled with her blankets and brought them closer up around her chest. Finally, she brought straight fingers to her lips then pushed them outwards.

"What she say?" He asked.

"She said thank you."

"You're welcome." He replied with a lopsided grin. "How do I say that in Sign Language?" He asked both of them.

He watched Rachel put up her right hand and run it across the open palm of her left. Heath tried it and moved his hand diagonally across his plam. With a smile, she took hold of his hands and guided his right hand straight over his left until the heel of his right palm touched his left fingertips. He tried it again and the sisters both smiled at him.

"You got it Heath!" Laura said gleefully.

"Now, Laura how about you and I let your sister rest and I'll go see that the other guest bedroom is made up for you."

Her small round eyes grew fearful, "Heath?"

"Yeah?" He asked and when she didn't answer right away, he saw the fear in her eyes. "It's okay, you can ask me anything, anything at all. Worst that could happen is I could say no, that's all."

"Can I stay here?" She smiled just a little for him, but enough for Heath to see the gap in her front teeth where a baby tooth had once sat. "We always stay close together."

"Course ya can stay with your sister tonight. Sorry Laura, don't know why I didn't think of that myself. When it's bedtime, I'll get ya one of my shirts, reckon it would do just fine as a nightgown for ya."

Laura turned back to her sister's bedside and watched her begin to sign again. "Slower Rachel!" She harrumphed to her sister.

Rachel followed Laura's request and started over again, slower this time so that she could understand.

Laura suddenly stamped her foot on the floor, obviously not happy with whatever she had been told. "Why early Rachel? I don't have school, can't I stay up tonight?" Heath didn't know sign language but he could tell that Laura was not happy with the answer she had received and Heath guessed that it had been a no to staying up late. "No fair Sis!"

"No to staying up I take it?"

"How'd you know?" The girl asked him. "You know sign language?"

"Nope, sure don't. But I do know the word no, at least I could from looking at your face."

For the first time since she'd regained consciousness, Rachel smiled slightly. Heath had seen it from the corner of his eye and turned to look down at her. She was very pretty, but especially when she smiled, he thought to himself.

She felt his eyes upon her and it made her uncomfortable. She didn't want a man to look at her, not like that. The smile was forced from her face and the blankets were pulled up even further to her neckline. She clutched the edges of the blankets and sheets tightly in her slender hands. Rachel looked out the window and at Laura, careful not to look back in his direction. The room was completely silent.

"Oh umm, you must be pretty tired. I'll check back in on you later." To Heath it appeared that the very temperature in the room had changed. How quickly the warm smile had disappeared from her face. He left Laura and Rachel in the bedroom and closed the door behind him, feeling more than slightly confused and wondered what it was that he had said to upset her.

* * * * * * * *

Meeting his mother at the bottom of the stairs, he briefly gave her a kiss on the cheek but didn't hear what she said to him. Out the front door he went, forgetting to put on his jacket and he mounted Charger to spend what was left of the day, working with Nick. He met up with Nick and set about working. Though he showed all the obvious signs of working hard, he had taken off his shirt as the day grew warmer and his glistened with sweat, his mind wasn't in it.

He continually ran over the puzzle of those two guests in his mind, wondering what their story was. He thought of the deep mark that encircled her neck, having caught a brief glimpse of it while he was in the room and of the other mark he hadn't seen, the perfectly circular burn that the Doc had mentioned. Only a monster could do those things to someone so young and beautiful. Were there other marks that none of them had seen yet? More marks on Rachel or perhaps even, Laura? His body shuddered involuntarily at the thought of it.

"Heath."

He broke from his thoughts and looked at his brother, standing there with his fists on his hips. "What?"

Nick sighed in exasperation. "I've been talking to ya for the last five minutes! Haven't ya heard a word I said?!"

Heath leaned back against the fence post. "Sorry. Whatcha say?"

"Lost in that head of yours again I see. Lemme guess, you were thinking about those two we found this morning I bet, especially the older one. What's her name, Rachel?"

"She is rather beautiful."

"I suppose, if you like all skin and bones."

"The little girl is something isn't she?"

"Oh they're both something alright."

Nick's tone of voice didn't escape Heath's notice. "How do ya mean?"

"It's just that we don't know a thing about either one of them! Nothing and neither of them seem to want to say anything about who they are or where they come from."

"Laura did say they were from Illinois."

"Where in Illinois? What's their last name? Why they in California?"

"I dunno the answers yet Nick! But it sure looks like they been through a lot. Maybe when they start trusting us, they'll tell us more."

"Maybe and then again, maybe not. How do ya know they're not on the run from the law?"

"The law? Them? Come on, those two couldn't hurt a fly."

"How do ya know that Heath? They've only been at the house the better part of the day. How do ya know they're not on the run!"

Heath picked up his shovel and started working on another fence post. "Maybe they are on the run, but I don't think its from the law. Its just a feeling I have in my gut."

"Oh you're gut tells you they are okay. Well frankly I think maybe you're not seeing so good on the account of the older one being rather easy on the eyes!"

Heath smirked, "Thought you said she was all skin and bones."

"Well I ummm….get back to work, it's gonna be dark soon!"

Upon their return to the ranch they stopped at the corral to check out the newest stallion, a day old addition to the Barkley stock. He was a real beauty, a Morgan with strong blood lines and coal black from jaw to hind quarter. Heath couldn't resist the temptation of stepping inside the ring to take a closer look.

Nick climbed up on top the railing to watch his brother work his magic. Though Nick could just about outride anyone in the valley. He had to concede that when it came to training, Heath was one of the best he'd ever seen. With a measure of tender care he easily directed the stallion around the ring and when he had finished, the stallion had a new master and took an offered apple from his outstretched hand.

Heath walked back over to where his brother sat and wiped his hands on his shirt.

"He's a real beauty Heath, he's going to bring our stock up several notches. Seeing as how you already got a thing going with him, you should be the one to give him a name."

"Dunno yet, have to think on it. Hey we better get inside or we're gonna be late for supper." Heath glanced up at the sky and spotted the angry dark clouds headed in their direction. "Either Mother will have our hides for being late or we're gonna get drenched soon."

Nick looked up, "Looks like a bad one coming in. Hope its not too strong, those new grapevines might get washed away."

"We'll check them first thing tomorrow."

"Right."

No sooner had they started towards the house when the rains began. It poured down hard on both of them as they sprinted the rest of the way into the house.

* * * * * * * *

"Heath! Nick! Oh you're both soaked to the skin!" Victoria exclaimed. "Both of you get upstairs and change out of those clothes, dinner will be ready in just a few minutes."

They started up the stairs, then Heath stopped and turned around. "How are our houseguests doing Mother?"

"Fine, just fine. Rachel's sleeping right now and Laura's in the kitchen. She and Silas are getting dinner ready.

"Really? Did she take a nap?"

"Yes Heath." She nodded with a smile, "Nearly two hours worth and she had her bath, a bubble bath. For all her fussing earlier, she didn't want to get out of the tub once she was in it."

He chuckled and told her he'd be back down in 'two shakes'. Once in his room, he peeled off his wet clothes and changed into a fresh blue shirt and tan slacks. He started down the front stairs but then stopped and went back up, across the hallway to the back stairs that led directly into the kitchen. He went down as quietly as possible and stood at the bottom of the stairs, getting a full view of the kitchen.

"Ya doing mighty good little Laura, mighty good." Silas exclaimed to his young student. "Ya just keep stirring that for another few minutes and it'll be ready to serve up."

"Boy howdy, it sure does smell real good in here!" Heath said, walking into the kitchen. He smacked his lips loudly and tried to take a gander at what Laura was so intently working on.

"Hey! No peeking!" Laura giggled and swatted him with her hand.

"Oh sorry, I should know better than trying to watch ya work I guess!"

"Silas is showing me how to make chicken ca..cach..cachore."

"Cacciatore?" Heath smiled.

"Yeah that's it. Do you like it?"

"Sure do, but ya know it's Nick's favorite dish."

"He's scary."

"Who is, Nick?" Heath asked.

Laura replied with a very exaggerated nod of her head. "Uh-huh."

"Aww," He chuckled, "Remember what I told ya, his bark is worse than his bite. He really loves kids, especially ones about your age. You're about six, right?"

Laura's mouth fell open, "Noooooo, I'm seven and a half! Much older than six!"

"Oh right, sorry yes you're definitely much older than six. My mistake." He pointed to the pot that was starting to boil. "Ya might wanna stir that." He said, changing the topic of conversation as quickly as possible.

"Oh yeah." Laura put the wooden spoon back into the pot and began to stir it furiously.

"I tell ya Heath, she's just a natural in the kitchen." Silas interjected. "She's gonna make a real fine wife one day."

Laura's smile disappeared again and she stared at both the men. "No I won't!" She crossed her arms firmly across her chest.

"You won't?"

"No I won't! I'm never getting married to anybody!"

"Never?" Heath asked, taking note of the sudden change in her mood. The mention of being a wife had certainly caused a reaction.

"Never," She turned back to the pot and began stirring again.

Silas looked at him with a raised eyebrow and all Heath could do was shrug, not knowing how else to respond.

"I think dinner's just about ready Heath, I'll go get everyone to the dining room."

"Don't worry about that, Silas, I'll do that. Could you make up a tray for Laura's sister?"

"Already done started one." Silas replied with a smile.

"Thanks, Laura and I will take it up when it's ready."

"Is she still sleeping?" Laura asked.

"Yep, sure is. But we'll take it up to her and when she wakes up, she'll have a good meal waiting for her."

"Okay. Where do I eat?"

"You can eat with all of us in the dining room, if that's okay."

Laura looked at him, disbelief shadowing her wide hazel eyes. "I can eat in the dining room?"

"Of course you can," He chuckled, "Where else would ya eat?"

"You sure it's okay?"

"I'm sure." This child was certainly a puzzle. Both of the sisters were and slowly but surely, he planned on finding out what their story was. Something about both of them told him that they had been through an awful lot and it wasn't just the mark on Rachel's neck that told him so.

The front door opened and Jarrod strolled in with his valise in one hand and the book from Dr. Merrar's collection, tucked under the other. He shook off his damp jacket and looked back outside at the downpour, thankful he'd taken the covered surrey to town. His valise and hat were left on the front table and he joined the rest of his family, already sitting down to dinner. He kissed his mother's head and handed her the book.

"Oh good Jarrod, thank you."

Laura took a seat next to Heath and leaned over to look at the large book next to Mrs. Barkley. "What's that?" She asked while she put her napkin neatly in her lap.

"You remember the doctor Laura? Well, he loaned me this book to help me learn how to talk to Rachel."

"Sign language?"

"Yes, that's right dear. Does this look like the book you learned from?"

The little girl swallowed her food hard, "Oh no ma'am, Rachel taught me how to do it. But I think Rachel learned it from a book."

"Laura," Victoria gently prodded, "Has your sister ever spoken?"

"Oh yes ma'am! She spoke and she sang pretty songs. She used to sing real nice, she'd sing me songs to help me go to sleep."

"Lullabies," Heath added in thoughtfully, "She used to sing you lullabies."

She had the attention of everyone around the room and Nick even decided to join in the conversation. "Umm, kid how long since she sang you lullabies?"

"I was five I think, almost six."

"Dear," Victoria put her hand over Laura's, "What happened? Does it have something to do with the mark on her neck?"

That was a question she knew Rachel wouldn't want her to answer. "Can I have more mashed potatoes please?" She hoped that they would all drop the subject and not ask any more questions.

Jarrod started to open his mouth but Heath shook his head slightly. "Sure Laura, did you help make these too?" He passed the large china bowl to her.

"Nope, Silas already had them almost ready when I got there. But I bet I could make good mashed potatoes."

"You know, I bet you could."

When dinner was finished, Heath offered to help take a dinner tray up to Rachel. Laura was more than happy to have him carry the tray for her, she was afraid of spilling it and she couldn't let that happen. At the bedroom door, she asked Heath to wait outside and Laura gingerly carried the tray into her sister. He waited patiently outside the door for her return and thankfully, didn't have to wait for long.

"She said thank you. Rachel said it smelled really good and she started eating right away. She hasn't eaten all day you know."

"Yes I know. You two look out for each other don't ya."

"Yep, we're always gonna look out for each other. Always. That's what Rachel says."

Heath led her into the parlor where the rest of the family was. Jarrod sat behind his large desk, with his feet upon it and the newspaper opened before him. Thin billows of smoke rose up from over the paper as he puffed on his thick cigar. Nick was waiting for his brother, with two pool cues in his hand and he had set up the game already.

Audra was busily fussing at her Mother, "The tea is only three weeks away Mother!"

"I know that dear, but honestly, I do think you have more outfits than our First Lady! You must be able to find something to wear." Victoria worked on a piece of her needlework, while trying to calm her daughter down.

"I honestly can't find a thing to wear that this entire town hasn't already seen."

"Rachel, could make ya something," Laura piped in.

"It's awfully short notice," Victoria softly admonished, "You might want to check with her first before offering her services."

Audra took no notice of what her mother had just said. "Could she make something in time for the afternoon tea?"

"Course she can!" Laura blurted out, even though she didn't know what an afternoon tea was.

"Oh that would be wonderful, I'll talk with her about it tomorrow. As soon as she's up and around again."

Victoria rolled her eyes then patted the seat next to her, motioning for Laura to come and join her. "Laura, do you know how to do needlepoint?"

Laura sat down next to her, but before she did she looked back at Heath as though she wanted his approval. "No ma'am. But I can sew really good."

"Then needlepoint should be very easy for you to learn. Would you like to try?"

"Yes ma'am. What are you making?"

Victoria held out the needlework piece she'd been working on for the last several weeks. The design of several cabbage roses, in various shades of yellow was nearly completed, save for the deep green background. "I'm planning to recover that foot rest over there. But I have all this border to do, would you like to help?"

"Oh yes please! The roses are so pretty, they look almost real!"

"Why thank you!" She handed her a needle and some wool yarn to work with. "Now watch me for a minute. This is called the continental stitch and it's quite easy." Victoria did two stitches nice and slow, "See just up then down, up then down."

"Kinda like a running stitch, but ya go down instead of across."

"Right, very good! Now, how about you try it." Victoria handed her the needlework she had spent so many hours working on.

"On here?"

"Yes, right on here."

"I'll try, ma'am." She took the piece and very slowly put her needle through the opening and brought it up then diagonally back down again.

She smiled winsomely as the child seemed to take to needlepoint instantly. How many times had she tried to show Audra how to needlepoint but she'd never taken much interest in it. Victoria looked up at her children before she began to speak to Laura again. "You know Rachel looks fairly young to be starting a dress shop all on her own. Not more than eighteen, I'd guess."

"Oh no ma-am, Rachel's twenty-two, her birthday was last month."

"Twenty-two, why she's a few years older than my daughter, I never would have guessed that."

"Yep, twenty-two." Laura replied without taking her eyes off the needlework.

"You're doing quite well Laura. I bet you must be very good at sewing."

"Rachel says its like I was born with a needle and thread in my hand." She beamed proudly at her own remark.

"I see and Rachel taught you how to sew. What about your mother, dear?"

"Mother's in heaven."

"I'm so sorry." Victoria looked up to see her sons watching and taking in every word. "How did it happen?"

"She died having me, never knew her. But Rachel knew her, she said she was the most beautiful lady in the whole world."

"I believe that, she certainly had two beautiful daughters."

Laura blushed, "That's Rachel. I'm not."

"Oh that's where you're wrong. Laura, did somebody tell you that you weren't beautiful?"

The little girl could feel the eyes upon her. She was talking too much, time to be quiet she thought. "Nope."

"Laura, how about your father?" Jarrod put down his paper and took his feet off the desk.

Heath sighed, couldn't they see she was getting frightened again?

"Mrs. Barkley I'm getting real tired. Can I go to bed now?"

"Of course you can. You've had a very long day, you must be exhausted."

"Yes ma'am."

Heath put down his cue stick on the table and stretched out his arms with a loud yawn. "Ya know, do believe I'm gonna hit the sack myself."

"What? At this hour?" Nick huffed. "We haven't even finished our game yet!"

"I'll beat ya tomorrow night." Heath kissed his mother's cheek. "Goodnight Mother."

"Goodnight Heath." She watched him from the corner of her eye as he picked up the book on sign language and slid it underneath his arm. Victoria smiled to herself.

"How about I walk ya upstairs Laura?" He put out his free arm and Laura grinned when she accepted it and linked her small arm in his.

"Goodnight." She said to everyone. As soon as she was halfway up the stairs, she leaned closer to Heath and whispered, "You're family sure likes to talk a lot."

With a chuckle he answered, "Oh they're just curious that's all Laura and they're trying to be friendly."

"But you don't ask a lot."

"Nope." He smiled down at her.

"How come?"

"Guess I just figured that ya'll talk more when you're ready."

Laura didn't say anything in return but just looked up at him and smiled her toothy grin.

"Well here you are young lady." He stood in front of the door to the guest bedroom. "Ya sleep tight now, don't let the bedbugs bite."

"I won't let them. G'nite Heath." Laura opened up the door very carefully not wanting to wake her sister up.

He watched her close the door then headed into his own bedroom and closed the door behind him. The book was deposited on his bed, next to his pillows. He stared at the cover of it while he took off his boots and put them neatly beside his bed. Heath unbuckled his belt and put it on his desk chair and unbuttoned his shirt, then draped it over the chair. Both of his bedside lamps were turned up high for reading and he plopped onto the bed, stretching his legs out and put pillows behind his back for support. It was a heavy thick book and he playfully bounced it in his hands before he set it down in his lap and opened it up to the first page.

When Victoria retired for the evening, she went upstairs and saw the light coming from underneath Heath's door. She wondered if she should knock, he was the most private of all her children, but she did want to speak with him.

"Come in." He said at the knock of the door.

Victoria opened the door slowly and swept inside, her purple skirts rustling around her. "Heath, how are you making out?"

Heath put his hands down from trying to make a symbol and smirked, "Feel like I'm a kid again trying to learn how ta read. There's so much to learn, seems there's a different sign for everything."

"Yes it did look fairly complicated. But you've got the Barkley stubborn streak in you, you'll get it down, I know it."

"Hope so Mother."

She paused before speaking again. "Rachel's really quite lovely, isn't she?"

"Yeah, reckon so. Laura's a sweet kid, dontcha think?"

"I certain do and she is quite taken with you." She smiled at Heath's slight blush. "Heath I don't know what their story is and maybe we'll never know. But I think that they've been through a great deal. If not both of them, then at least Rachel has."

"Sure appears that way. What's on your mind Mother?"

"I don't know Heath, I just find myself wanting to do everything I can to let them know that they can feel safe here, safe and welcome."

"Nothing wrong with that. As long as we don't kill 'em with kindness."

"I agree, slow steps." Victoria thoughtfully patted the side of his bed. "I'll let you get back to your book Heath. I suspect that by morning, you'll be able to teach all of us."

"Don't know about that." Heath grinned. "But I'll give it my best shot. Goodnight."

* * * * * * * *

Before the sun cast its first glow across the valley, Heath was already dressed and downstairs sharing an early morning cup of coffee with Silas. Both men sipped their hot drinks in silence, a ritual that they had grown accustomed to since Heath had first arrived on the ranch. Once the first shimmer of light showed its warm face, he left Silas to attend to his duties and went outside to watch the sunrise.

He stepped onto the front lawn and basked in the first light of day. This was his time, before anyone else in the house was up and moving around. He would plan out his day, think about what needed to be done around the ranch or just contemplate how much his life had turned around in these last few years. On occasion, he would find himself wishing that his Mother were there to see it all.

Hearing a noise behind him, he whirled around towards the sound. His eyes darted upwards and found Rachel. She had opened the bedroom window wide and was leaning out slightly to watch the sunrise. Her head was bandaged and she still had that scarf tied around her neck. He wondered if she even slept with it on her. The passage of time was forgotten, along with the beauty of the sunrise, his eyes could only focus on the beautiful creature standing at the window. That was until she happened to glance down and saw him watching her. For a moment, just a moment, she watched him but then she hurriedly pulled back and banged her head on the window frame. The window was shut with a loud bang and she disappeared.

His gaze went back to the sunrise and to the work ahead of him that day, but his thoughts didn't travel far from the vision he'd just encountered.

Laura opened the bedroom door just as Nick was emerging from his. Her eyes got very large and she stared at him, startled. She still wasn't quite sure what to make of the tall, dark cowboy.

"Morning Laura." He leaned down to her and whispered, "You know I'm not as scary as I must look to you."

"You don't look that scary!"

"Glad to hear it! Feel like a piggy back down to breakfast?" Nick asked. Heath hadn't been the only one to notice the fear in her eyes when the questions had come last night. Something about the kid just tugged at his heart, though he didn't want to admit it. She was so full of sweetness and spunk; he had hated it when those big hazel eyes of hers had filled with fear. He had the strongest urge then to just reach out and hug her. Perhaps, he was developing some fatherly instincts, he mused. But whatever the feelings or instincts were, they had kept him up half of the night.

"Yeah!" She was full of excitement and started climbing up on his back before he was quite ready for her. It took a moment, for him to regain his balance and start down the stairs with her. The little kid was starting to grow on him; truth was he'd been up half the night himself wondering about their houseguests.

Heath was glad to see Nick arrive at the breakfast table with Laura firmly attached to his back. For all his bravado and worries, it seemed to him that Nick was also growing fond of the spunky little girl.

"Nick, put her down now please." His mother chided. But the sight of Nick giving a piggy back ride brought back warm memories of the days when, as a teenager, Nick would carry Audra in the same manner and bounce her all around the house while she giggled continuously.

"Sorry Mother," Nick leaned down and deposited the smiling child into one of the dining room chairs.

"That was fun!" She said, trying to catch her breath from all of her giggling.

"Am I still scary?" He asked with a glint in his eye.

"No, you're not so scary anymore."

"See, I told ya so!" Nick ruffled her hair and went to the buffet to pile some breakfast onto his plate he was starving.

"Good morning Laura, did you sleep well?"

"Oh yes ma'am." Laura turned her attentions to the family's matriarch. "Thank you, I slept just fine!"

"Oh good dear, I'm glad to hear that. What would you like for breakfast this morning? Silas prepared a wealth of food for you to choose from. Actually, better yet, why don't you fix yourself a plate? You can have as much as you want to."

Heath stood up with his little friend and retrieved two plates for the both of them.

"Morning Heath."

"Morning Laura, boy you sure are bright and chipper this morning."

"Yep and hungry too!"

Jarrod was the next family member to enter the dining room and he was followed soon thereafter by his baby sister. He went and sat at the opposite end of the table and waited patiently for Silas to pour him some much needed coffee.

"Laura," Victoria asked, "Is your sister up yet?"

"Yep," Heath replied without thinking.

"Yes ma'am. She's awake but her head hurts something fierce!"

"Poor thing, that was quite the knock on the head she got. I'll have Silas take her up a tray for breakfast."

"You don't have to, she's gonna come downstairs in a little bit." Laura finished filling her plate with scramble eggs, her favorite.

Victoria frowned and said, "Oh I don't think she should…"

Laura slipped and her pate went to the floor, breaking it and scattering the contents everywhere. "Accident, oh no, oh nooo." Her face turned red and tears began to form in her eyes.

"Laura, don't worry about it." Heath said, "Just a little spill."

But she wasn't listening to what Heath had told her. Her eyes were wide and far off, little fists clenched and her whole body began to shake.

"Laura?" Heath put a hand on her shoulder but she shirked away as if she had been burned by his touch.

"Laura?" Nick added in and got up from the table.

She backed herself slowly into the corner of the dining room. "Accident, sorry…didn't mean to…promise…accident!" Laura began to sob uncontrollably and was quickly become hysterical. "It was an accident! Oh please, I'm sorry I'm sorry!"

Rachel came into the room and swept past everyone. She grabbed hold of Laura and quickly turned her so that her back was to them. She hugged her sister tightly until Laura could get her emotions back under control. Rachel continued to hold her and rub her back; then she signed something rapidly to her.

"No, nobody hurt me. I dropped my plate and it broke." Laura said through her tears and small gasps.

"Are you sure?" Rachel asked.

"Nobody touched her Rachel, I swear they didn't."

Rachel looked up at Heath with surprise in her eyes. He had understood what she had signed to her sister.

"We're not angry, I don't know what happened. She just dropped her plate, that's all."

She nodded and pulled Laura close again, kissing her cheek. Quietly she began to pick up the pieces of china and egg off the floor. Heath knelt down next to her and began to help.

"Hey kid, how about I fix ya a new plate. 'Sides, you only had eggs on there, I bet you'd love some steak! Nick told her with a smile.

Victoria led Laura back to the table and Jarrod pulled her chair out for her. Victoria took her napkin and wiped away the rest of the tears from her cheeks. Kissing her forehead softly, she whispered, "All better now?" Laura replied with a meek nod.

Silas emerged from the kitchen to take the pieces of china from Heath and Rachel. Heath pulled out the chair next to his and she sat down silently. There were few words that were spoken the rest of the meal. They all wondered and worried at Laura's outburst, what had caused the child to be so terrified over a broken dish.

No one worried and thought over it more than Heath. He had never forgotten the hell he had endured at Carterson's, it still occasionally visited his dreams. And he remembered that for several years after he had gotten out, there were certain sounds, certain smells, which would bring the memories flooding back and fill his mind with fear. He wondered if Laura wasn't having a similar reaction. The bad man in her prayer, had he caused this child to have so much fear inside her? Heath set his jaw in determination, he'd never allow her to face that again, it didn't really matter what the whole story was, he saw it all in her large doe eyes and he'd never allow those sweet eyes to feel that fear again.

Though he didn't want to leave the house, he had told Nick that they would check the vines first thing in the morning. Rachel and Laura had retreated to their guest bedroom; neither one of them wanting to discuss what had happened at breakfast. For a moment, Heath had thought he had made a connection with Rachel, with his limited vocabulary in Sign Language, but it wasn't the case. She had withdrawn again and would only converse directly with Laura. So Heath, filled with mixed feelings, fastened on his gun belt and headed out to the vineyards with Nick.

They took a group of men with them out to the vineyards and when they arrived, they were both glad that they had done so. Many of the new vines had been pulled off of their stakes and ties; it was going to take them the majority of the day to repair all the damage from last night's storm.

Heath was not the only one thinking about what had happened at breakfast. Nick was thinking about it just as much. He had never seen anything like that before, at least not in a child. But he had seen it before. When the two of them had been thrown in prison on false charges and Heath had been thrown into that iron box, the aftermath of it was something he wouldn't soon forget. His brother had been plagued by nightmares for weeks after coming home; he would wake the entire house up with his screaming and thrashing about. Though he wouldn't talk about it later, Nick had the feeling that it had brought back memories of another prison, a prison that he had heard horrible stories about. Nick would go into Heath's room when the nightmares started and would cradle his brother in his arms until Heath had calmed back down again. In the morning, Heath would give him a smile and squeeze his shoulder to say thank you. But they never talked about the nightmares, not once. The look in Laura's eyes when she dropped the plate, it was the same terrified look that he had seen in his brother's eyes and he wondered what the devil had happened to that sweet child.

They worked together silently for a time, gently tying back up the tender vines that would one day produce fine wine for the Barkley vineyards. But as it grew closer to the afternoon, Nick could no longer keep his thoughts to himself.

"Heath, what happened this morning?" He asked in a lowered voice, careful not to allow the other men to hear them.

"You mean with Laura? I wish I knew." Heath replied thoughtfully, while he continued to tie up a fledgling vine.

"I've never seen a little kid get so scared like that before. She really thought we were gonna do something to her for dropping that plate, didn't she?"

"Yep, I think so, Nick." Heath pondered things before he spoke again. "It was like she was expecting it and she was terrified of what was coming."

"What do ya think happened to them? I mean Rachel and Laura?"

"Don't know, but it wasn't good, that's for sure."

Nick nodded, "Yep you're right. Well one things for sure, they aren't going to no hotel! They're staying right at the house, where they'll be safe and sound. And we need to get Laura into school…she is school age isn't she?"

Heath smiled to himself. "Yep Nick, she's school age. Sure ya don't think they're on the run from the law?" He couldn't resist a little jibe at his brother after the last discussion they had about their houseguests.

"Oh..maybe I was wrong about that, maybe! But at least if they're at the house we can keep an eye on them."

"That's a fact Nick." He chuckled and went back to his work, smiling all the while and glad that Nick had made a connection of sorts with Laura.

* * * * * * * *

Victoria gave her eldest a kiss on the cheek as he headed out the door. He was supposed to be focused on a difficult court case he would be starting that morning. But found, like the rest of his family, that he couldn't get the events at breakfast out of his head.

Ciego had his horse ready and waiting for him outside; Jarrod mounted Jingo and began the ride into town. He tried to focus on the process of jury selection that would begin that morning but it wasn't working. He was plagued by the vision of the child crying hysterically over her spilt plate. By the time he reached Stockton's Court House; he had decided that if the two girls hadn't provided them with more information as to who they were and what had happened to them; after this case was finished, he would make a few inquiries and see if he could find out anything himself. His curiosity was getting the best of him and he couldn't stand the fact that he didn't even know their last name. If someone had hurt them, then that someone needed to be brought to justice, if indeed that hadn't already occurred.

After seeing her son off, Victoria went upstairs with Audra and knocked on the bedroom door. "Rachel, Laura, may we come in?"

Laura opened the door and allowed Victoria and Audra to come inside. The bed had been made and the two suitcases they had were by the door.

"You're planning on leaving for the hotel, aren't you Rachel?" Victoria asked her.

"Yes ma'am, we are but I did get Rachel to promise to stay here until after the doc sees her." Laura said sadly, she didn't want to leave; she was beginning to really like this family.

"Rachel, you are more than welcome to stay here until you can get your new shop opened up and a place for yourself. You don't have to go to the hotel." Victoria said and then waited for Laura to decipher what Rachel signed.

"She said she thinks it best if we went to the hotel."

Victoria went and sat on the bed. "You know I do believe you have your first customer for your dress shop and seeing as how it's going to be needed in a hurry, you'd be better off staying right near your customer."

Rachel looked at Victoria, then her sister, not understanding what she was talking about.

"Oh! Rachel, I forgot to tell you. Audra is going to a tea and she needs a new outfit for it."

She smiled and shook her head and made a gesture to Laura.

"It's in three weeks."

Her eyes went wide with surprise but then Rachel's expression changed to seriousness and she went to Audra, still standing by the bedroom door. She looked over Audra with an appraising eye then began to make rapid signals to Laura.

"She can do it in three weeks. She says a soft blue would be lovely for an afternoon tea, a cool shade of blue, something to bring out your pretty eyes. Maybe decorated with some tiny pastel roses, nothing too fancy. Simple but elegant. Oh she wants to know about the fabrics that we had in our wagon."

"Of course, some didn't fair to well in the accident, but most seemed fine. I have them stored downstairs, I'll have Silas bring them up to you."

"Slow down Rachel! I can't keep up with you!" Laura told her. "She said that a princess waistline and a what?…Oh, a triangle type neckline, small nothing plunging. She says you have a perfect figure and she wished she had one like yours."

Rachel threw up her arms and pointed her finger at Laura.

"Oops sorry I don't think I was supposed to tell you that. But she wishes she had the nice curves that you do."

"Oh" Audra blushed slightly, "Thank you. But you have a wonderful figure Rachel, I don't know why you would want to change it." She smiled and touched Rachel's arm. "Thank you so much for doing this for me"

"You're welcome." Rachel replied.

Laura looked at her sister hopefully, "Does that mean we can stay here for a while?"

After a long pause, she turned to her and told her that she would think it over.

"She'll think about it."

Victoria smiled warmly, "Good, I'm glad to hear that you'll at least consider it Rachel. Now, as long as the doctor says it's all right, tomorrow I can go with you into town and introduce you to the owner of the General Store. If I'm not mistaken he owns two buildings in town and one of them is vacant at the moment, if he hasn't already rented it, perhaps you could for your shop."

With a large smile, she nodded in reply. Maybe now, she thought to herself, maybe now they could make a home for themselves and a life where she could keep Laura safe.

"If you'll excuse me, I'm expected at the orphanage this morning." Audra kissed her mother quickly on the cheek and left the room.

Once her daughter had left, Victoria motioned for Rachel to sit on the bed with her, but she shook her head no. Laura, however, took her right up on her offer. Victoria took the child's hand inside both of hers and moved closer.

"Rachel, Laura, if I may. I am worried about what happened this morning; I think all of us are. Laura, why did you become so frightened when you dropped the plate?"

She looked to Rachel for advice and her sister shook her head. "Oh well I just scared myself that's all."

"Scared yourself?"

"Yes ma'am. It made a big sound when it broke and I just scared myself."

Victoria nodded her head thoughtfully and patted the child's hand. "All right. I'll take that answer for now." Standing up slowly, she went to Rachel and took her hand. At first, Rachel pulled away slightly but she took a long look at Victoria and relaxed her stance somewhat. "Rachel, I don't know your story but I do know that you're safe here. My family and I will look after you and Laura."

"Why?" She asked and Laura repeated out loud.

"Because, well I guess its just because that's the way we are. Whether or not you know it, you and your sister have had an impact on all of us. On myself, Heath, Nick, everyone. This valley, Stockton, it’s a place that you can fall in love with and a place that you can feel safe in. And you will always be safe in this house, no matter how long you are with us, you'll always be safe. Just remember that Rachel." Victoria squeezed Rachel's hand softly and then left her to think about what she had said.

Late in the afternoon, Dr. Merrar arrived at the house in his covered carriage to examine his patient once more. Gingerly, he removed the bandage from Rachel's head and checked on the cut above her eyebrow. He was pleased with how it was healing thus far, no sign of infection and little bruising. She admitted, after some prodding, to having a headache but no blurred vision or dizziness. Dr. Merrar, aired on the cautious side and told her to take it easy for the next few days but felt that everything would be just fine. He still wished, however, that his patient would let him take a look at her throat and the burn mark he had seen on the back of her neck. But she was adamant in her refusal and he eventually gave up on continuing to argue with her.

Heath took the large ladle and poured the cool water over his head, then passed it on to his brother and watched him repeat the same action. They had spent the full day completing the tender and slow going task of repairing the fallen grapevines, most of the time doing their work on their hands and knees. The day had become unseasonably warm and the air so thick that it could be cut with a knife. Their clothes had become pasted on with their sweat and by early afternoon, most of the men had done away with their soaked shirts.

But now they had finished their task and were anxious to get back home for a hearty supper. A late afternoon breeze had finally come in from the mountains to cool them, just as they got on their horses and began the ride home.

One the way back, they crossed paths with Dr. Merrar, on his way to town.

"Afternoon, boys. Hope you're on your way home, whatever Silas was cooking sure smelled awfully good!"

"Yep, on our way now Doc." Nick grinned in reply.

"So Doc," Heath queried, "Did ya see Rachel?"

"Yes I did and she'll be just fine. Headache might bother her for a few more days but as long as she takes it easy and it doesn't worsen, there's nothing to be concerned about."

"Okay Doc, thanks."

Dr. Merrar tipped his hat and continued on his ride to town.

Nick and Heath arrived at the barn and handed over their reins to Ciego. Heath pulled a coin from his pants pocket and placed it in his open palm. "Heads I get the bathtub first, tails you do."

"Okay." Nick replied as they crossed the front yard to the house.

Heath flipped the coin high into the air and caught it with one hand, then flipped it into his other. He lifted his hand just slightly to look at the coin. "Oops, sorry you lose!" He hightailed it in the front door and headed for the stairs.

"Hey, ya didn't show me the coin!" Nick barked, but Heath was already halfway up the stairs. "Heath! Make sure ya don't leave half your dirt in the tub, ya hear me!"

"Nick!" His mother came out from the side room, "Can't you ever enter this house quietly?" She chided him, but she had a smile on her face.

"Sorry Mother, umm dinner almost ready?"

"Just about. You are going to take a bath before supper aren't you?" She took a step back from him, not wanting to be downwind. It was quite obvious they had been working outside all day.

"Yeah, if that other son of yours doesn't leave a mess up there." He then finally took notice of the fabric draped over her arm. "Whatcha doing?"

"Oh we're trying to get a dress made for Audra for that afternoon tea. But you know your sister, she just can't make up her mind on the colors."

"We?"

"Yes, I talked Rachel and Laura into staying until at least the dress is made."

Nick fidgeted with his hat, "Oh, that's good. So ah how's she doing, Laura I mean."

"Better I think, though she took her lunch up in her room with Rachel. I am hoping that she'll dine with us this evening."

"Yeah me too. Think I'll go rap on that bathroom door and make sure Heath doesn't take all night."

Nick took the stairs in twos and in a moment Victoria could hear her son pounding on the bathroom door. Victoria started back into the room, shaking her head and smiling. But then the door opened again and Jarrod appeared, looking tired and stressed.

"Evening Mother." He put down his valise and hat.

"I take it things didn't go too well today?"

"Could've been better, eight hours in court and we only have half the jurors. Hanson is just making sure he gives me a rough time on this one. This being election year and all."

"I wouldn't worry too much darling, we know who the better attorney is don't we?" She planted a much-needed kiss on his cheek.

"Thanks Mother, but right now it seems to be the attorney with the greatest amount of bravado that is garnishing all the attention. You know, think I'll go have a soak before dinner, sure was hot in the courthouse today."

"I'm afraid you'll have to stand in line. Heath is in there now and Nick is waiting, not very patiently I might add."

Jarrod chuckled, "Well then I suppose I'll have to make do with a tall glass of lemonade before dinner."

Victoria finally did make her way back into the room and found Audra with three different shades of blue, draped over her shoulders. "Oh Mother, I can't decide which one do you like best?"

"Actually dear, they are all rather similar, but as I said before I do prefer this one on my arm." Victoria held it up yet again and Rachel nodded her approval.

"But that does look a bit too pale, don't you think?" Audra asked.

"Not for a tea dear."

"I like that one too! It's so pretty!" Laura said, adding in her two cents.

"Oh I just don't know." Audra sighed heavily.

Rachel began to sign to Laura.

"Rachel says we doesn't she make it two tone. Use the real pale blue your Mother likes for the majority of the dress and the sky blue for insets."

"What a wonderful idea!" Audra cried out happily. "Mother, what do you think?"

"I think you'll be the belle of the tea my dear." She smiled and sent a silent thank you to the heavens.

Silas entered the room and informed them that dinner was in fifteen minutes. Victoria watched as Laura shot a frightened look towards her sister. Rachel nodded slightly and replied back to her.

"We're going to eat in our room…Rachel's got a bad headache."

"I'm sorry to hear that Rachel. Are you sure you won't dine with us this evening?"

Rachel nodded.

"Alright, I'll have Silas bring your dinner upstairs."

"Thank you." She mouthed and brought her fingers to her lips.

Victoria watched them both retreat upstairs to have their dinner. Her heart nearly broke at the face Laura had made; the little girl was obviously horrified over what had happened at breakfast. She prayed that they would be able to reach the two of them someday soon.

Heath finished towel drying his hair just as Rachel and Laura came upstairs. He met them in the hallway with a lopsided grin on his face and his fresh shirt undone. "Well now, you two are sure a sight for sore eyes! How was your day?" Heath leaned down and tapped Laura's nose.

"It was fun! But your sister is sure fussy!"

Rachel rolled her eyes.

"Well she is! Rachel finally got her to agree to two shades of blue but it took all day just to decide on the color!"

Nick passed by them in a whir and slammed the door shut behind him.

"What was that?" Laura asked.

"That honey was what we like to call a Nick Twister!"

"A Nick twister?"

Rachel was laughing, he could see it in the movement of her head, the shape of her full lips, but there wasn't a sound. Heath found himself longing to hear what her laughter sounded like. Laura had said that she had sung her lullabies; he imagined that she had the sweetest of voices, like an angel. What kind of monster would destroy the voice of an angel?

He pulled himself out of his thoughts, realizing that both of them were still standing there. "So you two getting ready for dinner?"

"We're having dinner in our room tonight." Laura said. She looked up to see Rachel quickly begin to make hand signals.

"Oh 'cause Rachel still has a headache."

Heath didn't catch every word that Rachel had signed, but caught enough to know that she had told Laura to say she had a headache, not that she had a headache. The slight difference had not been lost on him.

"You know, you don't have to be afraid here. Neither of you do. And most definitely you don't have to be afraid of a broken plate, it was just an accident."

"What if I break something else?" Said Laura sheepishly.

"Then we'll get a new one or we'll just have to do without it." He crouched down low until he was eye level with her. "You're safe here Laura, you're safe. Do you understand?"

She threw her thin arms around his neck and hugged him tight. Heath lifted her up easily. "So are you Rachel, you're safe here too." But from the look in her eyes, he could tell that convincing Rachel would be a much more difficult task than it had been with her sister. "So how about we all go downstairs for dinner?"

"Okay Heath." Laura whispered into his ear.

"Rachel?"

She nodded and followed behind the two of them to the dining room.

* * * * * * * *

Should he turn and look up he wondered. Would he find her there in the window again? Slowly, he turned and looked up just as the first light began to creep slowly across the horizon. She was there; she loved this time of day as much as he did. That much was obvious but then he realized, much to his surprise, that she was watching him and this time she wasn't running away.

He made a sweeping motion with his arm, inviting her to come downstairs and watch from his vantage point. She shook her head, but he tried again with the same motion and a warm smile. Rachel just looked at him for a moment, and then disappeared behind the curtain.

He sighed and went back to watching the sunrise, trying to think of a way to reach out to her. A few minutes later, the front door opened, he didn't turn to look, not wanting his hopes to be dashed again. But he heard the soft sound of a skirt swishing as she walked and a small grin came over him.

Rachel quietly stepped beside him and drew her face up towards the warmth of daybreak.

"Morning," He said. He placed his left little finger in the crook of his right elbow and raised his right arm up from the elbow.

"Morning." She repeated the same motion and smiled. Together they stood in silence and watched the beginning of the new day, each one keenly aware of the other's presence.

The sun now fully showing its morning face, Heath sighed and turned to her. "Beautiful." He signed.

"Yes it was."

"I wasn't talking about the sunrise."

Her cheeks flushed a hot pink and she dipped her head. After a silent moment, she looked back up at him and smiled just slightly before turning and heading back into the house.

After everyone had their breakfast, Rachel and Laura returned to their room to get ready for the trip into town.

"Are you ready?" Victoria tapped on their bedroom door lightly. Today she would be escorting them into town to introduce Rachel to the owner of the General Store and Laura to her new school.

Laura opened the door with a wide smile adorning her round face. "Yes ma'am. Look how Rachel did my hair!" She held out her two long braids with the mauve ribbons at the bottom of her dark braids, which matched her three quarter length dress.

"Oh my, how pretty you look Laura! You are just going to win over the teacher's heart the moment she sees you." Victoria gushed enthusiastically.

"You really think she'll like me?"

"Like you? Miss Timmons is going to adore you!"

Rachel checked herself one more time in the mirror and nervously pulled up the collar of her turtleneck again, careful that the mark on her neck could not be seen. She'd chosen a light green jacket and skirt and an ivory turtleneck to go with it and was glad that she was able to forgo the usual scarf around her neck.

Victoria approached and stood beside her as she looked in the mirror. "It's a lovely color, it brings out the green in your eyes."

She was anxious to get into town and start a new life. Her own store, a longtime dream that appeared to be finally coming to fruition. Still, she tried not to get her hopes up too much.

Downstairs, Heath waited. He had volunteered immediately at breakfast to drive them into town for the day. He'd even gone so far as to offering Rachel and Laura his services if there was any work needing to be done, once they did find a place to pen the shop. He turned at the sound of the door and Nick strode inside.

"They ready yet?" He asked.

"Nope, not yet. I thought you said you were gonna ride herd today."

"Changed my mind." He said, folding his arms.

"Don't suppose it has anything to do with a certain girl that's all skin and bones and on the run from the law, does it?"

"Did I say that?"

Heath glanced at him sideways, "Ya surely did."

"Hmm, well then ya know its possible she's just starting to grow on me. Or maybe I just wanna make sure that Laura gets off to school alright."

"Could be, but I don't think so."

"Whatsa matter Heath? Sounds like your afraid of a little competition?" Nick rocked back and forth on his boots slightly, a satisfied gleam in his eye.

"Me? Nah, just hate to see ya get your hopes up again big brother."

"Uh-huh. Don't you worry about that little brother, seems to me you haven't had much success with the lady yourself!"

"Been less than a week, Nick."

"See m'boy, that's your problem right there, you're too slow! Sometimes ya just gotta take the bull by the horns."

"Nick, you're not seriously comparing a beautiful woman to a bull, are you?"

Nick rolled his eyes, "Noooo!"

Laura came running down the stairs at breakneck speed, anxious to show off her school clothes to Nick and Heath. Rachel and Victoria followed down the stairs at a normal pace. Heath saw the high ivory turtleneck that she wore, but also couldn't help but notice the way her form fitting top showed off her slender figure and slight curves.

"Good morning Rachel." Nick jumped right in, "Might I say how lovely you look this morning." Nick extended his arm, "May I? Your carriage awaits dear lady."

Heath sighed and offered one arm to his mother and the other to Laura.

After the hour ride into town, they stopped in front of their first destination. By the time they reached the schoolhouse, Rachel was wringing her hands together. Victoria introduced Rachel and Laura to the schoolteacher, Miss Timmons and Laura took a shining to her fair-haired teacher almost instantly. When Miss Timmons inquired of Laura's last name, she hesitated a moment before blurting out that Jones was her last name. A moment of time that had not gone unnoticed by anyone. Rachel stood in the doorway and watched as Laura was introduced to the rest of the class. Victoria put her arm around Rachel's waist and led her away from the school.

"I remember how hard it was for me the first time I left Jarrod and Nick at school for the day. When we first came here, my husband and I, there were no schools. For several years I schooled Jarrod myself at home, but one day they built a schoolhouse. It happened just as Nick was becoming old enough to start school. After I left them both here and watched Jarrod lead his little brother inside, I went home and cried nearly all day. Miss Timmons is a wonderful teacher, you don't have to worry about a thing, you'll see."

Rachel smiled bravely at them.

"She'll be fine," Nick tossed in, "Hey look how quick she took to me!"

"Yep, reckon your right Nick, if she can take to you, she can take ta anybody!" Heath chuckled.

They walked the short way to the General Store together, to meet the owner, Mr. Simon. Mr. Simon wasn't quite as friendly as the schoolteacher had been towards her.

"Sure I gotta couple of stores up for rent. But how she gonna keep customers if she can't talk to them! I mean kinda hard to do business if she can't carry on a normal conversation!" He told Victoria.

Rachel made a motion to Heath and after a second, he pulled a small notebook and pencil from his shirt pocket. Rachel began to write furiously on the paper, when she was finished Heath took it and glanced down at it before handing it to the owner. He smiled slightly as Mr. Simon read the note aloud.

'Mr. Simon, I can't speak, however I am not deaf. Please talk to me and not anyone else. As you can obviously see, I write quite legibly and I also understand very well. If you are interested in doing business with me I can give you six months rent up front. If you're not, I'm sure that I can take my business elsewhere.'

"Well now, my dear lady, I wasn't trying to say I didn't want to do business with you. Nothing of the sort! Of course, I'll show you the stores that I have available. Please follow me."

Nick and Heath had to both restrain themselves from a good guffaw at Mr. Simons expense. Rachel had clearly gotten the best of the man. They followed the owner to the first store, which was quite small and dark, and sat at the edge of town next to the saloon. Rachel didn't have to even look inside to know that she wasn't interested in that one. The next one was nearly across the street from the school and a short jaunt from the General Store. Though in dire need of a coat of paint and some carpentry work, she knew this was the place. Laura wouldn't have far to walk to and from school and she loved the large picture window in the front, a perfect spot to show off her creations. With its location, no one would miss her dress shop. And after checking out the decent sized living quarters in the back and on the second floor, she nodded her head, this would be her shop.

"Congratulations Rachel, looks like you've got your place!" Heath smiled warmly at her and she returned it, beaming proudly over the fact that she and Laura would finally be making a home for themselves.

"Why don't I buy us all lunch to celebrate?" Victoria offered.

Once the papers were signed and Rachel had paid Mr. Simons for six months rent, Victoria led them down the street towards the Cattleman's restaurant.

Having adjourned for lunch, Jarrod stepped outside and lit a thick cigar. He stepped onto the sidewalk when he saw them approach. Jim Hanson, the district attorney, saw them coming down the sidewalk as well.

"Oh Jarrod! Hello! Are you on your lunch?"

"I am dear lady and I must say that all of you look quite happy! Nick, I thought you were riding herd today?" He said as he joined them.

"Changed my mind." Nick replied curtly.

"Rachel here found herself a new shop and Laura started school today." Heath added in, "And all before lunchtime I might add."

"Well done, you must be quite happy about that Rachel."

"Well now, if it isn't your lovely mother and your two brothers, Jarrod." Jim Hanson broke into the conversation, slipping one hand inside his front pocket and smiling smugly at them. He looked over Rachel from top to bottom, an act that made her extremely uncomfortable. "But I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you, young lady."

Rachel bowed her head slightly.

"Whatsa matter?" He said teasingly, "Cat got your tongue? Too shy to speak to the big district attorney?" He laughed at his own jibes towards her.

"Maybe she just don't wanna talk to you Hanson." Nick told him.

"Oh now I do believe the lady can make up her own mind. Or can't you? You like everybody else in the town that takes the Barkley word for gospel?"

Heath gritted his teeth and took a breath before speaking. "The lady can't talk. That's all Hanson, okay? She can't talk."

"Oh…oh I'm sorry." He stuttered out his apology. "Forgive me." He stepped away quickly from them, but didn't take his eyes off Rachel.

Jarrod said nothing about it, but just shook his head.

"Would you care to join us for lunch?" Victoria offered, glad to have the chance to change the subject. "We're celebrating the new store."

"I would love to dear lady, but I'm afraid that I only have another fifteen minutes before I have to be back inside. I should be home in time for dinner though."

"Alright dear, we'll see you later."

Jarrod watched them walk away then heard Hanson approach.

"Beautiful lady, Jarrod. What they say her name was? Rachel?"

"Yes, Rachel."

"Shame such a pretty thing can't talk, isn't it? Such a vision should have the lovely voice to go with it. Rachel what, by the way?"

"Excuse me?"

"What's her last name?"

"Oh umm Jones I believe."

"Has your family known her a long time?"

"No, no she's been staying with us for about a week. Their carriage overturned and she was knocked unconscious. They're going to be living here in Stockton."

"They?" Hanson inquired.

"Yes, her and her baby sister."

"Ahhh, she really is beautiful."

Jarrod grinned slyly at him, "I wouldn't go there if I were you Jim, my younger brother Heath has taken quite a liking to her."

"Hmm, most interesting counselor. Most interesting."

After a long lunch at the Cattleman's, they started back to the store to take a look at the supplies that Rachel would need to get the store in order.

"You know Nick." Victoria said. "I'm getting rather tired. Perhaps, you could take me home please?"

"But I uh thought I would give Rachel a hand. You know there's lots of work to be done at that place."

"I'm sure that Heath wouldn't mind helping her today. Would you Heath?"

"Oh no ma'am. No trouble at all." Heath grinned back; fully aware of what his mother was doing.

"But they'll need a ride back to the ranch after Laura's done with school." Nick quickly offered.

"I'm sure that they can ride home with Jarrod or get a horse and buggy from the Livery. They'll be just fine."

Rachel nodded her agreement and blushed slightly when she caught Heath smiling at her.

"Oh alright Mother, I'll take you home now."

"Thank you dear." Victoria planted a kiss on Heath's cheek, then Rachel's. "Have a good afternoon, don't be late for dinner." She told them.

They watched Victoria and Nick leave then turned towards the store. She tried not to look at him, very much aware that he was watching her. Once inside the building, Heath ran his fingers over the thick coat of dust on one of the counters. They looked over the rest of the building and Rachel began to tell him rapidly what she wanted to do to the place. When he didn't understand her, she'd stop and write it down for him. He felt a bit like a schoolboy passing notes in class, but that made the whole idea even more fun for them. Soon, instead of talking, he was writing his responses back to her. He couldn't have been happier to see her smiling so easily and seeming to be so much more comfortable around him now.

Once they had come up with what they thought was everything that needed to be done on the inside, they walked outside together to take a look at the storefront. Rachel took the pencil and paper from him and quickly sketched her idea for the store sign out front. She passed it to him and he nodded his approval.

"This will look mighty nice out here, stands right out."

Laura screamed. Rachel dropped the pencil and paper and ran to the schoolhouse, darting in front of a horse and carriage on the street.

"Rachel!" Heath cried out in warning, then took off toward the schoolhouse with her.

She stopped suddenly when she saw Laura. Her baby sister was laughing and screaming as she ran around the front lawn, being chased in a game of tag. Ste stepped back slightly so Laura wouldn't see that she had come running or how ashamed she was of herself for doing that.

Heath stepped up close behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. "She's okay."

With a small nod, she turned away and went back to the store. Rachel staggered inside and leaned up against the wall for support.

Heath followed her inside, "Rachel, are you okay?"

She shook her head and that was when Heath saw the tears in her eyes.

You were afraid something had happened to her?"

Rachel nodded. She signed slowly, allowing Heath to understand every word. "I won't let anyone hurt her again Heath, I won't."

Heath stepped close to her and wrapped his large hands around her slender arms. "No one's going to hurt her Rachel, or you. I won't let them. Who hurt you both so badly?"

Rachel's head lowered and she shook it no.

He pulled her close and she allowed him to. He used his thumb to tenderly wipe away the tears in her eyes. "Just tell me one thing Rachel and I won't ask anymore questions today. Is the person that did this to you, are they or he still out there? Are they free?"

Rachel nodded her head and burst into tears. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, allowing her tears to soak his blue shirt. "It doesn't matter Rachel, you're safe here. No one's ever gonna hurt you again. I promise you that, I'm gonna make sure of it."

* * * * * * * *

Another long day in the courthouse, most of the day spent arguing with Jim Hanson, the district attorney. And now, a mound of books and papers for him to go through back in his office before he returned home. Jarrod took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves and sat down at his desk, another missed dinner at home.

He raised his head above the mounds on his desk, "Come in." He said at the rapping on the door.

Jim Hanson strolled into Jarrod's office, wearing his usual smug smile and black suit. "Evening Jarrod, burning the midnight oil again I see."

"Evening Jim, no fund raisers for your campaign tonight?" Jarrod said with a tinge of sarcasm in his voice. That was all Jim thought of these days, the election and for the life of him he couldn't figure out why. Jim didn't have any really stiff competition in this race, he wondered if his friend wasn't looking ahead towards state office. Time was, before Jim got politics into his head, that he and Jarrod would spend countless hours talking and debating the law. Very different from one another, they still had an intrinsic respect for their separate beliefs. He had enjoyed Jim's company, another lawyer in town to commiserate with. But since the political bug had hit Jim Hanson, all of that had come to a bitter end. Jarrod made the obligatory gesture towards his small selection of liquor.

"Brandy would be fine, thank you. No, no fundraising this evening I'm afraid. After all I'm facing an excellent lawyer in court tomorrow morning. I have to get a good night's sleep."

Jim wanted something and Jarrod knew it, the only time that Jim Hanson threw out compliments like that was when he was trying to bed a woman or he needed something.

"What can I do for you?" He asked.

"Ah, you know me well Jarrod. Right to the point as usual counselor, always did like that about you."

Jarrod sighed and wished that Jim would get on with it. But he appeared in no hurry to do so; Jim sat down in the leather chair across from Jarrod and stretched his legs out. He took a sip of the brandy and swirled his snifter. "Actually, Jarrod I wanted to ask you again about that lovely young woman I saw with your family the other day."

"You mean Rachel?" Jarrod eyed his former friend suspiciously.

"Rachel, yes that's the one. Tell me what you know about her. Is she still staying with your family? I understand she's going to be opening a dress shop in town? Is Heath still taking an interest in her?"

"You mean, are Heath and Rachel courting? Not that I'm aware of, but I'm also not home very much these days. As to what I know about her, she's still quite the mystery lady. Even her little sister appears to be quite closed lipped about their lives prior to coming to Stockton."

"Well, what do you know?" Jim leaned in closer to the desk, anxious for any tidbit.

"Not much I'm afraid. They say they're from Chicago and the last name is Jones. But to be quite honest, I'm not that sure about the last name being all that accurate." Jarrod took a long drink of his sherry and set the glass down. "I do know that she can't talk because of something that happened to her neck. But she won't say how the injury occurred." Jarrod frowned.

"It bothers you that you haven't learned much about them, doesn't it?"

"I didn't say that."

"Yes, but I've faced you enough times in the court room to know when something is eating away at you. You don't like mysteries Jarrod, face it."

"I like them just fine, when they are solved."

"I might just be able to help you out with the mystery old friend, if you'll grant me a favor."

"Oh and how can you help solve it?"

"It just so happens that I have an old schoolmate that now has a practice in Chicago. No promises or anything, but perhaps if I write to him, maybe he can find out something."

"Perhaps, but what's the favor?" Jarrod leaned back in his chair waiting for Jim's answer.

"Oh a small one. Rachel seems to be spending a lot of time in town cleaning up that old building. How about on Friday, say, you invite her to join you for lunch at the Cattleman's and I'll just happen to show up and you'll invite me to eat with the both of you. Say about 1 o'clock?"

"Oh," Jarrod chuckled, "I suppose you'll be wanting me to put in a good word for you, won't you?"

"Can't hurt."

"Tell you what, I'll invite her to lunch on Friday, but the rest of it is up to you." He couldn't turn down the offer, the allure of solving the mystery was just too great to resist.

"Agreed, I'll pen the letter tomorrow and send it right off. No promises now, perhaps he won't be able to find out anything about our mystery lady."

"But it's worth a shot." Jarrod agreed and shook on it with Jim.

On Thursday, Heath drove Rachel and Laura into town. They dropped Laura off at school and then headed to the store to buy paint and brushes.

"You don't have to help, I know how busy you are." Rachel signed.

"I don't mind at all. I wish I could be more help but it's been real busy at the ranch, spring always is. That dress your making for Audra is looking mighty nice. But I still haven't seen yours yet."

"I'm not sure I am going to the tea."

"Aww, c'mon now. Mother would love to have you go with them. And it might help you drum up some business."

"True. I hadn't thought of it like that."

After purchasing several gallons of paint and painting supplies, they headed over to the building where Rachel would open her shop.

"Boy howdy! Ya sure got a lot of work done here these past few days! Gonna be a mighty fine dress shop, yep every lady in Stockton's gonna be shopping here." Heath slid his hands into his back pockets while he looked around at all that Rachel had accomplished.

"Your mother helped here yesterday. She really had some wonderful ideas for decorating."

"Bet she did." He laid the buckets of paint down in the main room. "Where ya wanna start."

"I thought we'd start down here today and then tomorrow we can get the upstairs." She smiled sweetly at Heath while she pictured the finished shop in her mind. She found herself beginning to truly warm to the blonde cowboy before her, but had never been so unsure of anything in her life. When she had left Chicago, she had vowed never to fall for a man, never. But was it possible, she considered, was it possible that this one was really different?

They started to paint in the back room first, a whitewashing from top to bottom. Heath picked up his brush and started on the opposite side of the room from her. Every once in awhile, he'd turn to look at her and watch, until he would get caught and would turn back around again to continue painting. After she had caught him watching her, she'd give him a stern look. But as soon as his back was turned, she'd turn back to her wall and smile just slightly.

Eventually, they met up in the center of the room. Heath looked at her and laughed, she had somehow managed to stripe her cheek with the paint. "I'm afraid you're a bit of a mess." He said. Heath took a small rag and tried to wipe the paint off her face, but most of it had already begun to dry.

"You think that's funny?" She asked and planted her hands on her hips.

"Yep, sure do!" He continued to chuckle softly.

Rachel picked up the small paintbrush and plopped a daub of white paint on his nose. She laughed silently at him and he soon picked up a large fully loaded brush.

"Don't you dare!" She wagged her finger at him, but a smile still curled her lips. She tried to dart away from him to the front room.

Heath caught her with one arm and put the paintbrush up close to her. "Oh no you don't!" He could feel her body vibrating softly from her laughter, but no sound. Heath turned her around to look at him, still keeping one arm around her. "Fair's fair, Rachel!" He grinned.

For reasons she didn't entirely understand, she found herself giving up the struggle and getting lost in his soft blue eyes. Heath let the paintbrush drop to the floor, neither one giving any notice to the white paint that splashed onto their clothes. He tenderly touched her cheek with his fingertips and traced the line of her jaw. Rachel's eyes closed at his tender touch.

She watched him, frozen, as he brought his lips to hers and his eyes closed. He bestowed a chaste kiss upon her sweet lips and pulled back just enough to look at her face. Her eyes opened and she looked up at him in wonderment. He desperately wanted to kiss her again, but when he tried to she turned her head away and pulled back.

"I can't..I'm sorry Heath. I can't."

"I'm the one that's sorry Rachel, it was too soon for that. Please." He reached out his hand to her but she stepped back. "Rachel, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so forward."

"It's not you. It's me." She clenched her teeth to prevent the tears from coming to the surface.

"Ya know. I bet if we start painting again, we can get the front room down before sundown." Heath grinned at her.

"Okay."

When court adjourned for the day, Jarrod followed Jim outside and watched as Jim, holding up the envelope in his hand, walked over to the Post Office to send the letter to his friend in Chicago. As Jarrod looked on, he had no idea that the one piece of paper would bring so much grief into their lives and cause a rift with his brother that might never be repaired.

"Rachel, since Heath and Nick are tied up, why don't you and Laura ride in with me this morning?" Jarrod asked.

"Come on Sprite! Hope on board!" Nick leaned down and Laura climbed up on his back for a piggyback ride outside to Jarrod's waiting carriage.

She tapped Nick's shoulder as they went outside. "Oops, I forgot my books Nick!"

Nick heaved an exaggerated sigh, turned around and went back inside to get her books, all the while loving the sound of her nonstop giggling.

It gave Heath a brief moment alone with Rachel. "I should be able to get to town by early afternoon. We'll have the rest of the place painted by nightfall, you'll see."

Rachel nodded her head, still uncomfortable with what had happened yesterday while they were painting.

"Ya know, missed your company at sunrise this morning. Kinda nice having someone to share it with." He watched her carefully, looking for something, any kind of response but she lowered her head and didn't look at him. "Look, if you're sore at me about yesterday, I understand, I…"

"Well now! Looks like we're all ready to go!" Nick came bounding back outside with Laura still on his back. "So don't forget young lady, tomorrow you and me got a date?"

"A date?" Rachel asked.

"Yep!" Laura smiled from ear to ear, "He's gonna take me on a pony Rachel! Aren't ya Nick!"

"Yep, sure am! Ummm, long as its okay with you Rachel."

Rachel nodded her approval. Then said to Laura, "Mind if I go along? If they've got an extra horse, haven't been riding in far too long."

"Can Rachel come with us Nick?"

"Why sure she can!" Nick grinned triumphantly at Heath. "You do okay on a horse by yourself?"

She nodded and smiled. Riding was something that held very warm memories for her of days long past when her life was happy and carefree.

"Good, everyone's ready!" Jarrod said as he joined them outside. Nick deposited Laura in the back seat of the carriage and put her schoolbooks down next to her. Giving her his hand, Rachel accepted it for the step up into the carriage. He kept hold of her hand long enough for her to look at him, and then slowly released it. His gaze remained on the carriage until Jarrod had driven it out of sight.

"You know Rachel." Jarrod started after they were away from the ranch, "Seeing as how you'll be by yourself this morning, why don't you join me for lunch this afternoon?"

Rachel considered his offer for a moment, she wasn't exactly sure what she thought of the inquisitive attorney and wondered at his sudden interest in spending time with her.

"Court usually recesses for lunch, between noon and one, I'll walk over to your shop to meet you and we can have lunch at the Cattleman's. How does that sound?"

She nodded slightly, still a little unsure about it. She signed something to her sister and Jarrod waited for Laura to tell him what she'd said.

"She said if its okay, she'll just meet you right at The Cattleman's."

"That's fine, that's fine. At the Cattleman's then." Jarrod smiled at her and she took notice for the first time that Jarrod and Heath had much the same eyes. Jarrod continued the rest of the ride in relative silence, something that Rachel was most thankful for. Her mind was set on the work she needed to get done at the shop and she wasn't in the mood to field questions from a lawyer about her past.

They stopped in front of the school and Laura jumped down, the first bell was just about to be rung by her teacher. Rachel gave her a quick hug and shooed her off towards school. Starting towards her shop, Jarrod called after her.

"Between noon and one o'clock?"

She nodded again and crossed the street.

* * * * * * * *

Heath mounted Charger and headed to the South Pasture with Nick, to check on the herd and several head that were about to birth. Spring was a very busy time of year at the ranch, baby calves, new growth on the ranch, new vines to care for; the place was in a constant state of motion.

"Surprised you didn't go with Rachel into town this morning." Nick mentioned while they rode herd.

"Too much work to do around here."

"She getting tired of you already Heath?" He snickered.

Heath just ignored his comment and kept Charger at a steady pace.

"Heath ya keep looking like ya wanna say something, now what's on your mind."

"How do ya know I wanna say something?"

"Cause ya keep opening your mouth like you're gonna say something and you surely ain't opening it to catch files!"

"I s'pose I got things on my mind."

Nick waited a few minutes for Heath to expound on his statement, but when nothing came it was obvious that he'd have to pull it outta him. "And?!"

"The other day I asked Rachel about the person that had hurt her neck."

"You did?" Nick stopped Coco. "What she say?"

"The only thing she told me is that whoever did that to her is still out there. Not in prison."

Nick rubbed his ear, thoughtfully. "Well lets just hope she'll tell us more soon. Did she tell you if it happened back where she's from, Chicago?"

"Nope, but did get the feeling that was where it happened."

"I'll tell ya this little brother, if anyone comes near her or Sprite, they'll have the BOTH of us to deal with!"

With a lopsided grin, Heath replied, "Thanks Nick."

"Ya know, Mack and the boys have things pretty well in hand out here. How about you and I go to town and lend Rachel a hand with that new store of hers. Then we can get Laura when she's done with school?"

"Sounds like a plan to me. If we hurry, we can be there by lunchtime." Heath responded. He spurred on Charger and the brothers began an impromptu race towards town.

Jarrod emerged from the courtroom and looked up at the noonday sun as he pulled a thick cigar from his jacket pocket. He would soon need to head over to the restaurant for his lunch with Rachel. Then Jim would show up, completely unexpected of course and join them for lunch. He couldn't fully explain why but he was becoming uneasy with the entire arrangement. The allure of solving the mystery had perhaps clouded his judgment and now he wondered if he wasn't feeding Rachel to the wolves, or wolf as it were. Jim Hanson had little respect for women, he never did. Jarrod had always cut the man a good deal of slack in that area, being that Jim's Mother had run off when he was just a lad. But this time was different, Rachel was staying in their home and although it bothered him immensely that he knew nothing about her, he had a growing guilt for the entire arrangement. He took a puff of his cigar and twirled it between two fingers. Jarrod began walking slowly towards the restaurant.

A feeling of ill ease had haunted her all morning. She really didn't want to dine with the lawyer, fearing that the entire lunch would be spent writing down answers to a constant barrage of questions. But Rachel felt that she had an obligation to go. After all, she was staying in their house at the moment and he was Heath's brother. Heath, his face had been with her all morning as well. But there was no feeling of unease that accompanied it when she thought of him. Rather it was new feelings, feelings that felt good in her soul. Her fingers touched her lips; she could still feel his brief kiss upon them. Everything about him told her that he was different, that he was a good man, a gentle man. But still a fear ate away at her, what if she was wrong or her judgment was clouded in some way. There was no getting around the fact that he was quite handsome, he had a smile that warmed her from head to toe. And the way he was with Laura, she adored him though she had taken a shining lately to Nick, it was quite obvious that all the Barkleys were very kind to her sister. And very kind to her, she so needed for someone to be kind and safe. And that was what worried her, had the desire for a home and security become more powerful than her judgment. Rachel straightened her skirts out, smoothing her hands over them and walked out the door to meet Jarrod for lunch.

Waiting outside the restaurant, Jarrod looked down the sidewalk to see Rachel approaching. He removed his hat and stood up straight. "Glad you could join me for lunch. Not often that I get to lunch with a beautiful woman."

Rachel smiled nervously and followed him inside the restaurant. The scarf around her neck was bothering her more than usual and she fidgeted with it while they walked to a corner table and sat down. As Jarrod sat down across from her, he caught his first glimpse of the mark on her neck and his eyes went wide for just a second. He had expected that see a thin barely visible line around her neck. But it was not the case at all. The mark was wide and still slightly pink, like new scar tissue. He now felt the same anger that the rest of his family had been feeling. Who would do such a thing?

With a glance up from the menu, she saw him staring and immediately her hands went to her neck and the scarf around it. She soon had the mark completely hidden from view again.

"Forgive me Rachel, I couldn't help but see it. I'm sorry, it just shocked me for a moment."

She'd put a small notebook and pencil in her pocket before she left; knowing that she would probably need it. Pulling it out, she wrote down, 'It's okay. What are you having for lunch?'

Jarrod read her obvious attempt to change the subject and for now, he accepted it.

"Tough decision, the steak is always good but so's the Chicken Kiev. I could use a steak I think. Need all my strength for that courtroom battle I'm in right now. How about you?"

Rachel pointed towards the chicken and Jarrod nodded. She wrote down another note to him asking about the court case he was working on.

"Ah, are you sure you want to ask? I might get a tad long-winded and put you to sleep right here at the table!"

Rachel chuckled then gave a large nod.

"Very well then, it's an embezzlement case. There's a company here in town that has accused its bookkeeper of taking funds and hiding it in the books.." Jarrod stopped mid sentence and looked up. He breathed an audible sigh of relief. His brothers. Now, there would be no more room at the table for Jim Hanson to join them or make a play for Rachel. His conscience was somewhat eased, for the moment.

"Uh-huh, see now Heath! We leave Rachel alone for one minute and she's off dining with our brother!" Nick made a loud entrance; his booming voice and wide grin caught the patrons of the restaurant by surprise.

"Ya know, Mother's right. Ya just can't enter a room quietly, can ya?!" Heath teased. He took hold of a chair between Jarrod and Rachel. "May I?"

Rachel nodded rapidly; very grateful to have Heath and Nick join them. Heath sat down, followed by Nick on the other side. The brothers now surrounded Rachel.

Nick grabbed hold of the menu Jarrod had just set down, "You order yet?"

"No, Nick not yet." Jarrod replied.

Heath turned to Rachel, "Steaks are mighty good here, but I'd stay away from the chicken. They're as dry as Death Valley."

"They're not that bad." Jarrod admonished.

"Darn near broke a tooth on one last month." Nick added in.

They continued their playful banter, much to Rachel's enjoyment, even after the waitress had arrived at the table. Quickly, she wrote down steak and handed it to the waitress.

"How'd ya like it?" She asked.

Getting Heath's attention, she signed to him slowly.

"Rare?"

Yes, she nodded.

"The lady would like hers rare please, make mine the same."

As the waitress left their table, another person approached.

"Well, well fancy meeting you here counselor." Jim Hanson stood next to the table and put his hand on top of Rachel's chair.

"Afternoon Jim." Jarrod said.

"Nick and Heath this is definitely a surprise. I thought you'd be out in the fields cleaning up after cows or something along those lines."

"Nope, we're all done mucking for the day. But I understand that's a job you've gotten quite good at." Nick told him curtly, he couldn't stand the man, even before he got into politics, he struck Nick as a snake.

"Aww, humor, very good Nick I'm impressed." Jim replied sarcastically and turned his eyes towards Rachel. "Good afternoon dear lady. Perhaps you remember me; I met you the other day in front of the courthouse."

Rachel nodded unsmilingly.

"Good, perhaps I can pull up a chair."

"Love to help ya Jim, but as ya can see the table's all full up." Heath glared at him, not appreciating at all the way Hanson was ogling Rachel.

"Jarrod?" Jim glowered at him.

"Sorry Jim, truly am but the table, is as Heath said, all full up."

"I see." Jim Hanson said slowly. "Then I'll see you back in court…counselor." He turned on his heels and stamped from the room, furious. High and mighty Barkleys, he thought, who do they think they are?

Nick and Heath gave little thought to Jim Hanson's visit to the table and continued with their teasing of one another. But Jarrod fell quiet; something about the look in Jim's eyes bothered him.

Continued…