The Grand Compromise

Interlude 19 -- Parts 11-21

by Lindabrit

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.

This story grew out of some thoughts I had about the episodes Guilt of Matt Bentell, Judgement in Heaven, Hazard and They called her Delilah. In Bentell and Hazard, the rest of the Barkleys take a strong line with Heath, forcing him to accept their view of the situations in which Heath finds himself. He has to confront the hatred he feels for Matt Bentell and then for Gil Anders and the Barkleys give him little choice in these matters.

In the episode Judgement in Heaven, Nick is firmly opposed to Maybelle being allowed to stay because her lover Billy Joe Gaines had shot dead Dave Ross, a bank executive friend of Nick's, during a robbery. Heath backs him against Jarrod in the matter, because he can understand how Nick feels.

In the episode Delilah, Nick and Heath are both of the opinion that Julia Saxon killed the theatre manager but they know Jarrod believes her to be innocent. After Jarrod is attacked the ranchers put aside their doubts and investigate, ultimately proving the woman innocent.

These episodes led me to consider the ability of the three brothers to compromise and trust in one another and to decide that after Matt Bentell and Gil Anders, maybe it's time Heath got his own way for once. This tale is the result, I hope you like it.

Part 11

By the time the three Barkley brothers arrived back at the Barkley mansion, they had agreed certain measures between them. As soon as they had eaten a belated lunch with Victoria, Nick and Heath went out to find and speak to their men and Jarrod sat down with his mother and sister to explain the position.

The lawyer told the ladies exactly what action he and Heath had taken in San Francisco and he mentioned the letter that had been delivered to Tatton Hall that morning.

"Victoria's face was shaded with anxiety, "is it your opinion that we have something to fear from this man on a personal level Jarrod?"

"Yes," answered the lawyer flatly. "Heath has told me enough about Hall to convince me that we're dealing with a very dangerous man."

Victoria nodded, "I understand, what exactly do you want us to do Jarrod?"

The lawyer smiled, "I'm afraid it's more a case of what I don't want you to do. For the time being, I need both of you to stick close to home and to be alert to anything unusual going on, if you see any strangers hanging around, that sort of thing."

Audra's face clouded, "but it's the summer season, there are all sorts of things going on, I have a dozen invitations, so does Mother, we can't just stay quietly at home."

"Yes we can Audra and we're going to," said her mother firmly.

"Mother! I don't see what all the fuss is about, this is a business matter, why does it have to affect our private lives?"

Jarrod was displeased with his sister, she was much indulged at home, with three doting elder brothers that was hardly surprising, but he had never considered her a spoiled brat. At this moment however, she was behaving precisely like one.

Jarrod frowned his sister down, "I'm sorry to interfere with your summer pleasures Audra, but I mean what I say, for the immediate future if either you or mother need to leave the house you need to be very vigilant and you must take an armed escort with you."

Jarrod turned to his mother, "Nick and Heath will be assigning trustworthy men to guard both of you, I hope it won't be for too long."

Victoria said warmly, "I understand Darling and of course we'll both do as you say, I take it Heath has had some kind of personal confrontation with this man in the past?"

"Yes," said Jarrod quietly," his sombre eyes telling his mother a good deal, "he underwent a very traumatic experience and a close friend of his died. Tatton Hall is responsible for all of that and it has been painful for Heath to have to relive the experience."

Audra wasn't about to give up the social activities she enjoyed so much without a fight. "Surely if we have an escort we can go out and about, why Heath and Nick could go with us themselves if you're busy," she tried her sweetest smile on her brother.

Jarrod had just about had enough and his frown was as stern as his voice, "Audra, I forbid you to so much as mention Tatton Hall's name to Heath! For the time being you are staying at home whether you like it or not and I don't want to hear another word of complaint from you, is that understood."

Audra's eyes sparkled with angry tears and she sprang up, running from the living room and up to her room without answering her brother.

Jarrod sighed, "I'm sorry Mother, perhaps I should have been more patient with her."

"No Jarrod, you were more than patient, I think I need to have a serious talk with that young lady!"

Victoria's intelligent gaze rested on the lawyer, "I appreciate the measures you and your brothers are taking to protect Audra and I, but I'd like to know it all please Jarrod."

"Such as?"

"Such as where you perceive the real threat to lie, I would have thought you and Heath were the obvious targets if this man is bent on personal vengeance."

Jarrod's smile was admiring, "straight to the heart of the matter as ever lovely Lady! Yes, Heath and Nick feel that Hall may make me his target, which means I am to have the dubious privilege of Nick's constant company for the next few weeks! I still have the marks of his spurs in my desk from the last time he babysat me."

Victoria smiled but asked, "what about Heath? If he and Hall have a history with each other, isn't he a target too?"

Jarrod shook his head, "Heath's quite sure Hall doesn't remember him so Heath's running the ranch while Nick looks after me."

Again the shrewd Barkley matriarch went to the heart of the matter, "I would have expected that to be the other way around, Nick detests being cooped up."

Jarrod said quietly, "I think I'd better tell you about Heath's past with Hall, then you'll understand why he needs the distraction of running the ranch."

By the time Jarrod had finished speaking his mother's eyes were wet with tears and she said brokenly, "poor Heath, what a burden of responsibility he's been carrying all these years."

Jarrod patted her hand, "I think I've managed to make him understand that his friend Bill was determined that Heath should survive and clearly he acted true to his own nature in trying to prevent that explosion."

"A very noble nature," agreed Victoria. "Mr Porter must have been quite a man. Is Heath going to be all right Jarrod?"

"In time, yes I believe he will be, I doubt very much that he'd have survived some of his life's experiences before he came here, if he didn't have a very strong character."

A loving smile curved Victoria's mouth, "I'm sure you're right Darling."

Audra was in no mood to accept Jarrod's dictatorial words as final on the subject of her much- prized social life and she flounced down the back stairs and out to the barn complex looking for sympathy from her other brothers. Heath was nowhere to be seen but Nick had just ridden in with a group of the ranch hands and Audra waited for him to dismount and send his men about their business.

Nick greeted his sister warmly, for she had always been his pet and he looked searchingly at her stormy little face.

"All right, who's been crossing you?" demanding Nick, an indulgent smile playing around his mouth.

"Jarrod has! He says I can't go to any of my parties or...or anything, what am I supposed to do kicking my heels around here all day?"

Nick fixed stern hazel eyes on her discontented face, "try doing as you're told," he recommended in uncompromising tones.

Audra twisted his shirt front in her fingers, "Nick? Couldn't I go to parties if...if you went with me?"

"Not a chance," said Nick trenchantly.

"Why not?" Audra was about to lose her temper.

"Look Sis, this man Hall is a nasty piece of work and he's coming after Jarrod, so I'm going to be sticking very close to him to make sure nothing happens to him, understand?"

Audra considered this, but her stubborn streak had the upper hand and she made the mistake of pouting at her brother. "Well I'll just ask Heath to take me then, after all this is all his fault, he started it..."

Nick seized Audra by the arm and shook her hard, "now you listen to me little Girl and you listen good! You will not say one word to Heath about any of this, he's upset enough and I will not have him upset any more, do you get that?"

Audra's china blue eyes were wide with shock but before she could answer him, Nick had released her arm and was pointing a stern finger at her.

"If you dare to cast any of this up at Heath, I'll put you across my knee and spank you so hard you won't sit down for a month!"

With a sob, Audra wheeled away from Nick and ran out of the barn, almost colliding with Heath who had just dismounted and handed Charger over to Ciego. Heath put out a hand to steady her.

"Whoa there Sis, where's the fire," laughed Heath.

Audra drew in a shaky breath and pulled herself together, she summoned up a wavering smile, "oh I'm sorry Heath, I didn't see you."

"Everything all right Sis?" Heath's gentle enquiry caused fresh tears, this time, tears of shame, to prick Audra's eyelids.

"No," she said sadly, "everything isn't all right Heath, I've been behaving very badly, whining about stupid parties, instead of being worried about my brothers, please forgive me."

Heath smiled tenderly at her, "forget it Sis, I sure am sorry about your parties and such, hopefully this will all get straightened out real quick."

Audra was aware that Nick had come out of the barn and was standing watching them and she spoke up loud enough for him to hear.

"A few parties don't matter, I was just being silly, I'm very sorry."

Heath flicked her cheek with one finger, "give me a smile and we'll call it quits."

Audra smiled gratefully at Heath and turned rather sheepishly towards Nick.

A smile curved his handsome mouth, "you can't buy me off with a smile, I want a kiss as well."

She came to him at the run and he held her close as she twined her arms round his neck, kissing his cheek.

"I'm sorry Nick," she whispered.

He hugged her, "be a good girl and when this is over, I'll take you to San Francisco on a theatre and shopping trip, how's that?"

"Wonderful Nick, I'll be good, I promise."

Later, Audra plucked up the courage to seek out her eldest brother and found him working in the library, seated at his father's big desk.

He looked up as she crept apprehensively into the room and burst out laughing. "I wish you could see your face Honey, you look as if you're going to the guillotine, am I really such an ogre?"

Audra smiled and came towards him more confidently. Jarrod rose to meet her holding out his hand and she placed hers in it.

"Jarrod I'm so sorry, please forgive me, I don't know what came over me."

"I owe you an apology too Sweetheart, I'm tired and grouchy today."

Audra shook her head vigorously "no I behaved very badly, I guess I never thought that there would be repercussions to what we did to Mr Hall. Jarrod...is he a very bad man?"

"Yes he is, he did some very evil things in the days that Heath knew him and for now, we're not taking any chances with him."

Audra's hand trembled in Jarrod's, "Nick said he's going to be sticking close to you, so you will be careful won't you Jarrod?"

The lawyer stroked his sister's bright hair, "I certainly will and I don't want you to worry Audra."

When they got an opportunity, Jarrod and Nick found themselves a little privacy and swapped stories. Nick listened intently to the tale of Bill Porter's death and said grimly, "no wonder Heath was so determined to take Hall down."

Jarrod had to smile when Nick told him why the valley farmers held Heath in such high esteem, "I tell you Nick, every time I think I know all there is to know about that boy, he surprises me."

Nick laughed, "I had the same reaction myself." He sobered again and said quietly, "Jarrod, I want to ask you something. Heath's convinced that Hall doesn't remember him from all those years ago, do you think he's right about that?"

Jarrod smiled, trust Nick to be thinking along the same lines as he was himself. "I'm glad you asked me that Nick, no I don't think Heath's right. I think he probably made a much bigger impact on Hall than he thinks he did."

Nick's hazel eyes were grave, "then you think the same as me?"

The lawyer nodded, "yes Nick, I think Heath may be the one Hall decides to go after, not me."

Part 12

The next morning dawned bright and clear and at breakfast, Heath gestured through the open window, "sure is a fine morning for branding calves," he said serenely, his sparkling blue eyes, wickedly teasing Nick.

Nick, who was destined to spend the day in Jarrod's scholarly company, shot his younger brother a look that boded ill for Heath. "Just you get the job done out there today, I know how you and all the men slack when I'm not around keeping everyone in line!"

"Yessir," said Heath smartly, throwing a mock-salute into the bargain.

Nick waved his fork at him, "watch it little Brother!"

Audra came into the dining parlour and bade everyone a rather subdued good morning, kissing her mother and slipping into her chair. She blushed rosy red when she found the gazes of all three of her brothers upon her and tilted her little chin defiantly.

"I don't know why you're all staring at me that way, I said I was sorry for yesterday, for my...my..."

"Tantrum," supplied Nick grinning.

Audra glared at him but as this only served to widen his grin she looked away again, only to find Heath's merry blue eyes quizzing her too.

"Leave me alone," demanded Audra.

"I was just thinking how pretty you look this morning Sis," answered Heath innocently, "doesn't she look a picture Jarrod?"

"She certainly does," agreed Jarrod blandly, "almost like a young woman in love wouldn't you say Nick?"

"Just what I was thinking myself Counselor," concurred Nick.

Audra turned reproachful eyes on her mother, "you told them," she accused her.

Victoria smiled at her daughter, "well I was a mite surprised that you made such a fuss about going to a party until I remembered that David Marshall is due back from college. I just mentioned it to your brothers so they wouldn't feel hurt by your outburst yesterday."

Audra's blush deepened several shades. "Honestly Mother! Anyone would think I wanted to throw myself at David, I barely remember what he looks like."

Jarrod said to Nick, "did that sound convincing to you?"

Not at all," declared Nick. "What do you think Heath?"

"I think we ought to have this Marshall fellow over to dinner and ask him what his intentions are," said Heath with a teasing smile at his sister.

Audra rose instantly to the bait, turning pale with alarm, "oh no you can't do that, I'd be so mortified, it would look like I was chasing after him!" She turned beseeching eyes on her mother for support. "Mother, stop them please!"

Victoria's eyes were twinkling with amusement but she took pity on her daughter, "all right Boys, that's enough teasing, leave your sister alone."

Audra's gaze swept her three brothers to find all of them laughing at her, "oh you three! I guess I deserve to be teased after yesterday."

Jarrod smiled at her, "tell you what Honey, when this situation is resolved, we'll throw a summer party here the like of which has never been seen in this valley before."

"Yes indeed," chimed in Nick, "and I'll buy you the prettiest dress in San Francisco to wear at it."

"You can be the belle of the ball Sis," smiled Heath.

Audra's own smile had faded away and her china blue eyes were shadowed by anxiety, "I don't want a special party or a new dress, I just want this horrible man to leave us alone, I don't want anything to happen to one of you."

Jarrod patted her hand, "everything's going to be fine Honey, don't you worry."

"Now there's no need to look like that Sweetheart," said Nick in his gentlest voice, "Heath's going to be out on the range branding calves with thirty men guarding him and Jarrod's working right here at home this morning with me for a bodyguard,"

"Lord help me," said Jarrod rolling his eyes.

After breakfast, Heath bade his brothers a cheerful farewell, slapping Nick on the back, "I'm sure glad I'm not spending a morning this fine indoors," he teased, making a beeline for the door as Nick threw a mock-punch at him.

Ranch foreman Dave McCall was waiting with the thirty strong branding crew and Heath mounted Charger and rode out at the head of his men. As the cavalcade passed through the ranch gates and out onto the open range Heath sighed with relief, feeling the weight of responsibility for the well-being of his brothers drop from his shoulders.

Heath was well satisfied with his efforts to convince his brothers that he himself stood in no personal danger. He had been at pains to tell Jarrod that Tatton Hall would not remember him from the long ago days in the mines. Heath had carefully painted a picture of himself as a nondescript kid who had not really crossed the path of the mighty Tatton Hall. The truth was very different. Heath, along with the acknowledged leader of the miners, Bill Porter, had been a constant thorn in Hall's flesh and Heath had no doubt that Hall was astute enough to make the connection between the newest member of the Barkley family and the one-time miners agitator. Heath was a pretty distinctive Christian name and the change of surname from Thomson to Barkley wouldn't throw Tatton Hall off the scent.

Heath knew his enemy well, he knew what a proud and vengeful nature Hall possessed. Heath believed with complete certainty that Hall would come after him and he had made up his mind that this particular battle was one which he would fight alone.

On first joining the Barkley family, it had taken Heath some time to adapt to family life as the Barkleys lived it. Accustomed all his life to relying solely on himself and his own resources, Heath had found it difficult to adjust his thinking. Slowly, over time and through experiences, he had come to realize that he was not alone any more He had a family, with all that that entailed.

Heath soon learned to revel in family life, it was a wonderful thing for him, after losing his beloved mother Leah, to again have in his life a lady he was proud to call ‘Mother'. He enjoyed the companionship of his younger sister and the occasional opportunities he had to demonstrate his friendship to younger brother Eugene.

Best of all, was the burgeoning relationship with his two older brothers. Heath had walked alone through most of his boyhood and young adult life, now he had two siblings who were not only his brothers but his best friends too. Jarrod, unfailingly helpful and wise, gently assisting the troubled, angry Heath to shed his cloak of rage and relax into his true heritage. Nick, his ranching partner and constant companion, proving over and again to Heath that he no longer faced the world alone.

Heath knew that if he had told Jarrod and Nick that Hall would target him, they would never have let him out of their sight. He also knew that his decision to face the threat from Hall alone would anger and sadden both brothers, but he was utterly resolved to do it his way. He had stood shoulder to shoulder with his brothers and he hoped he would again, but Hall? As far as Heath was concerned, Hall was his problem and his alone.

So far, he had managed to distance himself from the rest of the Barkley family and the next phase of his plan, would see him distance himself from the Barkley hands. Heath was determined to bring this situation with Tatton Hall to a swift conclusion. If he spent the day branding, in the company of thirty other men, all alert and watchful for signs of trouble, Hall would not be able to get anywhere near him and this was not what Heath wanted.

So, as soon as the branding team had reached the part of the range where they intended to spend the day, Heath lingered only long enough to oversee the commencement of the work, before smilingly telling McCall that he had an errand to run. He overbore the foreman's vigorous protests and rode deliberately away from the men, headed into the higher country to the north of the open range.

Top hand Ace Rogers exchanged worried glances with Dave McCall, "Want me to take a couple of the boys and trail him Mac?"

"No point," sighed Mac, "you know Heath, if he don't want you to trail him, he won't let you!"

"True," concurred Ace, "that boy's as slippery as any eel when he has a mind to be,"

McCall said decisively, "tell you what Ace, hightail it back to the ranch and tell old Nick what his brother's up to will you?"

Ace was already turning his horse, "I sure will and I'll make dang sure I'm standing well back when I tell him too, ‘cause Nick's like to explode when he finds this out!"

Rogers was not destined to pass his message to Nick Barkley, for as soon as the branding team had ridden out, Jarrod and Nick Barkley had swiftly saddled their own horses and headed out across the range in an oblique direction from the route taken by the rest of the men.

"We can cut behind the area where the men are working and we'll be high up enough to keep an eye on them and also spot anyone trying to get anywhere near them," said Nick with grim satisfaction.

Jarrod had nodded acceptance of the plan and glanced at both his and Nick's saddles to ensure that both had strapped on the tooled leather scabbards that held their best hunting rifles. Together the two men rode across the open range and into the fringe of scrub and bushes that skirted the edge of the area where the branding team were to work that day. Circling unseen around the branding team, Nick and Jarrod made their way to the crest of a small ridge, from which they could see the ranch hands working below them, while being concealed from view themselves.

The two men dismounted and tethered their horses, keeping low, they came to the edge of the ridge and Nick trained his field glasses on the scene below them. His gaze swept the whole team, looking in vain for the distinctive sorrel colour of Heath's horse Charger, With a frown, Nick carefully traversed the whole team again with his field glasses. Then he grimly handed them to his brother, saying softly, "when I catch up with Heath, I'm going to kill him with my bare hands, that is if Tatton Hall doesn't kill him first!"

"What are you talking about?" snapped Jarrod.

"See for yourself," urged Nick. "All the men are down there, hard at work, except for the one man who needs our protection!"

Jarrod Barkley rarely cursed, but he did so now as his frantic gaze scoured the scene below. Nick was right, everyone else who should be there was there. But of Heath Barkley, the man at risk of being murdered by a vengeful enemy, there was no sign whatever.

Part 13

Tatton Hall left San Francisco just hours after Heath and Jarrod Barkley did. He spent the time, before leaving the city he had grown to love, in finalizing his affairs. His lawyer Sam West had already taken his client's instructions to liquidate all his financial interests in the city, but Hall had one further surprise in store for his lawyer.

"Sam, I've been thinking about my will, There's a rather important change I'd like to make. He passed a sheet of paper, filled with his neat, precise handwriting to his attorney and watched with wry amusement as Sam West read the codicil, his eyes widening in amazement as he did so. Counselor West read the whole thing through and then looked anxiously at his client through narrowed eyes.

Hall uttered a short laugh, "have no fear Counselor, I haven't lost my mind, let us just say I have my reasons. Besides, that codicil only comes into effect if I die and I have no such intention!"

Sam West shrugged, "damned if I know what you're up to Tatton, but if this really is what you want, I'll have a draft ready for your signature within the hour."

Tatton Hall sat for a long time staring unseeingly at the wall of his office, whilst his attorney cast the codicil into legal form. His mind was clear and sharply focused and he felt so calm and in control that it was as though he were a different person. Observing what was taking place and yet detached, almost indifferent to his fate. His plan was a very simple one. He was going to travel to Stockton and find his way out to the Barkley ranch. Once there, he was going to hunt down and kill Heath Barkley.

Tatton Hall didn't ever think about whether he was a good or a bad man, he was himself and he had never been troubled by qualms of either conscience or regret, well, almost never. There was only ever one person who had made him examine himself and not like what he found. That person was Heath Barkley, or as Hall had known him then, Heath Thomson.

There was something about the young Heath's quiet, courageous morality that had gotten under Tatton Hall's skin. He grudgingly admired the jumped up little brat and he hated him for allowing Hall a glimpse of the kind of person he might himself have been, had he taken a different path through life. Hall knew that killing Heath would give him great satisfaction and he would then make his escape over the Mexican border. Once he was safe in Mexico he would, not for the first time, reinvent his life. Sam West would see that his money reached him safely and he relished the challenge of beginning yet another period of his eventful life.

Tatton Hall had always been a realist and that part of him told him now that this was a fight he might just not win. He had a healthy respect for his opponent, hence the thought he had put into his will, if his end was upon him, it was going to be as tidy an end as he could make it.

As soon as Hall had signed the codicil to his will, he took his leave of his attorney and left in his lawyer's own carriage for the station. When he had gone, Counselor Sam West sat in deep contemplation for some little while. He had been Tatton Hall's lawyer throughout the fruit wholesaler's lucrative time in San Francisco and he knew no ill of the man, except for the rumours now beginning to gain credence in the select circles of city society. As West had predicted, the very public shunning of Hall by a family as prominent as the Barkleys had led to deepening speculation over Tatton's Hall's past and his character.

Already, scraps of information about Hall's past had surfaced and if Counselor West was any judge, there would be plenty more before long. Once the lawyer had finished liquidizing his client's assets their professional association would be at an end and as Hall had left San Francisco for good, there would be no further acquaintance between the two men, on either a business or a social level. In view of the likelihood of further revelations about Hall's unsavoury past, Sam West, a respectable man all his life, was happy to have it so.

Counselor West was far from easy in his mind though and he was trying to decide what action he ought to take. He knew Tatton Hall well enough from their dealings in the past to believe him to be a ruthless man and the lawyer had silently noted that among his client's hand luggage at his departure, was his prized and very expensive hunting rifle.

West rang the hand bell on his desk and his dapper secretary Norman Bryn appeared in the doorway. The lawyer said quietly, "Norman, please find out from my driver Mr Tatton Hall's train destination and report back to me as soon as you have done so."

"Right away Sir," said the secretary and hurried to do as he was bid. He returned a few minutes later and said, "Mr Hall has left on the Stockton train Sir and I understand that to be his destination."

"Thank you Norman, that will be all for the moment."

The secretary bowed and departed and Counselor West sat motionless, frowning in thought for a moment. This was what he had feared, Stockton was the home town of Counselor Jarrod Barkley, the prominent attorney had an office there in addition to his more prestigious San Francisco office. Also, if memory served him, West thought the Barkley family's ranch was situated just outside Stockton. If his erstwhile client was bent on seeking revenge then it seemed to West that he was duty-bound to try to prevent it.

Sam West was a pragmatic man, he had to be seen to be dissociated from any criminal purpose of Hall's and besides, the lawyer had no wish to make enemies of the influential Barkley family himself. It made sense therefore for moral and business reasons to take what action he could to thwart Tatton Hall's plans. He drew paper towards him and picked up his pen, writing rapidly and when he was done, he rang the bell again. When his secretary appeared he spoke urgently to him. "Norman, I have two urgent telegrams here which you must despatch without delay. One is to Counselor Jarrod Barkley at his office in Stockton and the other is to the Stockton Sheriff. Take my carriage to the telegraph office and make all possible speed, is that clearly understood?"

Bryn nodded briskly, "quite understood Sir, I'll leave at once."

Nick Barkley had chosen to ride his big stallion Duke today and the powerful horse fairly ate up the ground between the Barkley ranch hands and the vantage point from which Nick and Jarrod had been looking at their men through field glasses. Jarrod followed more sedately on his own horse Jingo and was unsurprised as he reached the branding team, to hear Nick's mighty voice already upraised in anger as he berated his foreman.

"What the hell do you mean, he had an errand to run?" roared Nick, anxiety for his younger brother fanning his rage to white heat.

McCall sat his own horse calmly, letting the tidal wave of Nick's rage wash over him as though he were a rock on the shore.

"Look here Boss, you know that brother of yours, what he makes up his mind to do, he does, you can't stop him any more than I can."

Nick shook his head, "you should have tracked him then!"

Mac uttered a short humourless laugh, "yeah sure, and he'd have just let us do that wouldn't he?"

Nick gave a frustrated growl and turned in the saddle to look at Jarrod, seeing his own anxiety mirrored in the lawyer's grim face and worried eyes.

Jarrod smiled ruefully, "Mac's right Nick, Heath had all this well planned I'd say."

Nick swung his hot gaze back to the foreman, "which way was he headed?"

McCall pointed to the higher ground to the north, "up yonder, probably wanted a better vantage point. You want any of us along?"

"No," snapped Nick, "spread some men out and watch the trails leading off the ridge, if you see a stranger stop him!"

Together Nick and Jarrod spurred their horses in pursuit of their younger brother, each of them hoping desperately to find him unharmed and both inwardly promising themselves the pleasure of teaching him a lesson when they did so.

When the two urgent telegrams from Sam West arrived and were transcribed at the telegraph office, they were handed to Will Hicks the telegraph office messenger boy to deliver. The telegrapher, Harold Keating said to the boy, "try Counselor Barkley's office first and if there's no-one there, then you give both of these wires to Sheriff Madden, understand Will?"

"Yessir," answered the eager boy, darting from the office and running along the boardwalk to Counselor Barkley's office. He sure hoped the lawyer was there, Mr Barkley was a real good tipper!

Disappointed to find the Barkley law office locked and shuttered, Will made haste to carry out the second part of his instructions and hand the two wires to the Sheriff.

Fred Madden read his own wire first, he hadn't heard of Counselor Sam West, but the message in the terse wire was plain enough.

        HAVE REASON TO SUSPECT AN ATTEMPT MAY BE MADE TO INJURE OR KILL HEATH BARKLEY stop
        PERPETRATOR TATTON HALL ARRIVING BY TRAIN FROM SF TODAY stop FOR FULL DETAILS APPLY TO JARROD BARKLEY stop

The Sheriff didn't hesitate, he tore open the wire addressed to Counselor Jarrod Barkley and swiftly read it.

        TATTON HALL LEFT SF stop BELIEVE HE MAY TRY TO KILL YOUR BROTHER HEATH stop ADVISE VIGILANCE stop

Fred Madden turned to his deputy Billy, "get a posse together, ready to ride in fifteen minutes!"

In less than ten minutes the efficient deputy had assembled a posse of eight men and the sheriff led them out of Stockton and down the road to the Barkley ranch.

Heath Barkley rode to the top of the long broad ridge that fringed the northern edge of the open range and then turned Charger to ride along it for some distance. He knew all the Barkley ranch lands like the back of his hand and he knew exactly where he was headed for. There was a small canyon, a blind one, ringed by craggy rocks and scrub, in it, Heath knew that he would be boxed in and as vulnerable as a staked out animal set as a bear trap. Nevertheless this was where he aimed to position himself, a willing target to tempt Tatton Hall out into the open at last.

A few minutes later Heath had ridden into the canyon, watched from a hidden vantage point to the west by the man who had sworn to have his life. Heath dismounted from his horse, tethering Charger to a tree and he sat down, with his back to that same tree and his rifle lying loosely across his knees. One way or another, everything should be over soon.

Part 14

Sheriff Fred Madden and his men rode into the Barkley barn compound to be confronted by four watchful armed guards, all of whom were known to the sheriff as long serving Barkley ranch hands. Clearly, whatever threat this man Hall posed, the threat was well known to the Barkleys already.

Fred spoke to the stableman Ciego and learned from him that all the Barkleys were out on the range.

"One more question Ciego, have you seen any strangers hanging around in the last day or so?"

"No there has been no-one, except of course for the friend."

Fred's brows snapped together into a deep frown, "friend, what friend Ciego?"

"The man who asked for Senor Heath earlier today, he is an old friend of his, I told him where to meet Senor Heath."

Madden was furious, "are you crazy Ciego? Your bosses have the ranch like an armed camp and you point the killer smack in the right direction to go after Heath! Why would you do something so stupid?"

Ciego spread his hands wide, "because Senor Heath told me to," he said simply.

Sheriff Madden just blinked at the stableman nonplussed, before repeating, "Heath told you to?"

"Si Sheriff, Senor Heath he tell me a man will come, this man will say he is a friend, looking for Senor Heath, he tell me to say to this man that he should meet him in Mad Dog canyon."

Madden sighed with relief, at least Heath would be on his guard, not likely such a capable young man would let this character get the drop on him! The lawman shook his head, it was just like Heath to want to handle it this way, off on his own, Madden grinned inwardly, Nick Barkley would have a mite to say about it no doubt about that! Madden rapped fresh instructions to his men and they rode for Mad Dog canyon as if all the hounds of hell were on their tail.

Big Duke crested the long narrow ridge and Nick's keen hazel eyes scanned the ground ahead for tracks. He smiled grimly as his experienced gaze picked up the trail left very recently by Charger and he murmured, "well thank God for that!"

"For what Nick?" asked Jarrod anxiously.

Nick flashed the lawyer a reassuring smile, "fortunately for us, our idiot-brained little brother is in too much of a hurry to conceal his trail, I was worried that he would have and we wouldn't be able to track him."

Jarrod was slightly startled, "can he do that?"

"Oh yeah," said Nick, "don't ask me where he learned all this stuff, he probably lived with a tribe of Apaches or something!"

Jarrod smiled, but in truth he knew that Nick was only half joking, there were so many aspects of Heath's former life about which the family knew next to nothing. One thing was certain, Heath had crammed a very great deal into his young life before he became a Barkley.

The two men were nearing the western end of the ridge and Nick pulled up his horse, frowning in puzzlement at the tracks on the ground ahead of him.

Nick cursed under his breath and shot a glance at Jarrod, "what the devil is he playing at Jarrod? These are Heath's tracks but he's headed straight for Mad Dog Canyon, he must be out of his tiny mind!"

Jarrod's mouth was a taut anxious line, "I think he knows exactly what he's doing Nick, he's luring Hall into a trap."

Nick shook his head, "he's trapped himself in there! If he means to offer himself as bait, I'd say he's doing entirely too good a job of it!"

Jarrod said ruefully, "I wish I thought you were wrong Nick, but I'm afraid I don't, let's get after him."

Tatton Hall headed his horse toward the place called Mad Dog Canyon, so far all was proving easy, the Mexican stableman had made no bones about telling him exactly where to find his ‘friend' Heath Barkley. Hall had silently noted the well guarded nature of the Barkley mansion and outbuildings and it puzzled him a little. If he was expected, why would the stableman tell him where Heath was to be found?

Hall had not survived his turbulent life thus far without exercising caution and he prided himself on having good instincts. Those same instincts told him now that this was too easy, he had the greatest respect for Heath Thomson ... Barkley ... whatever the hell he called himself now and he knew that his opponent was too smart to leave such a clear trail for him to follow. He would go to this place, Mad Dog Canyon, but not like a lamb to the slaughter, if Heath Barkley wanted to kill him, Hall did not intend to make the kill an easy one.

He skirted the canyon and climbed into the surrounding country a short way. Dismounting and tethering his livery stable horse. He wriggled cautiously forward until he could see the whole of the little canyon and his intelligent and experienced gaze swept every inch of it. No hidden men, no trip wires, no traps of any sort, just one solitary figure approaching on horseback. A familiar figure, a hated figure. Heath Thomson Barkley, the man he had come here to kill.

Hall watched as Heath trotted his horse calmly into the jaws of the box canyon, effectively putting himself into the mouth of a trap, making himself the bait. For long seconds Tatton Hall was puzzled, what the hell was in his enemy's mind and then, just as suddenly, he knew, With his knowledge, with the realization of what Heath was up to, came a wave of anger, so corrosive and so bitter that it physically hurt. It was a minute or two before Hall could draw breath without pain, so furious was he, but he had come to a conclusion as well. He would meet the challenge so clearly offered him and let hell and the devil decide the issue. Tatton Hall remounted his horse and rode back to the trail leading down to the canyon entrance, it was time he and Heath Thomson faced their joint destiny, one to be killed, one to do the killing, he had gambled many times in his life, now he was gambling his life itself.

Sheriff Madden and his posse were thundering towards Mad Dog canyon and it was Billy, Madden's sharp-eyed deputy, who spotted a trio of horsemen off to the west. The young man lost no time in alerting the sheriff and Madden pulled up the posse and followed the line of Billy's gaze.

"They look like they're lying in wait for whoever gets out of the canyon alive," remarked the lawman, wondering whether to divide his force or not.

Billy was gazing the other way now, "here come Nick and Jarrod Sheriff," he pointed back along the trail.

Madden swung his head that way, the boy was right, off in the distance the two eldest Barkley brothers were riding towards them at speed. Fred needed to make his mind up and fast.

"Billy, I'm taking the rest of the men around this bluff so we can come up on those three coyotes from behind. Stay here and meet the Barkleys, tell them what little we know and stick with them. Take care of yourself Kid!"

"Yessir!"

The sheriff rode away with the posse and Billy sat his horse waiting for the Barkleys to catch up. Nick and Jarrod saw the men up ahead of them and saw the sheriff ride away with most of the men. Madden's chunky figure was instantly recognizable and both brothers felt a surge of relief as they realized they were not the only people doing their best to keep their fool of a younger brother alive.

Tatton Hall rode into the canyon where a man was soon to die, he had conquered his wave of rage now and was inwardly as calm as his outward appearance proclaimed him to be. He dismounted from his horse and walked slowly forward toward the relaxed figure seated with his back comfortably against a broad tree trunk. Heath rose as his enemy came into clear view. The rifle hanging down from one hand, ready to snap into action, in case of treachery. He didn't think there would be treachery though, he knew why Hall was here.

The approaching Hall halted thirty paces from Heath and surveyed the tall, powerfully built, handsome young man. If Heath had not had the same fair hair and the same proud, defiant blue eyes, he would hardly have known him.

"You've filled out some, since you were a scrawny mine rat, I hear you've found a family too."

"I've come home," answered Heath softly.

Hall's eyes crinkled with genuine amusement, "oh how very like you, you couldn't have wormed your way in under false pretences could you, I suppose you really are a Barkley then?"

"You suppose right."

"And my sudden and totally unexpected demise in the peach wholesaling business, that wasn't your clever brother the lawyer's idea, now was it?"

"No, it was mine."

"Somehow, I knew that. It was so...so complete and very vengeful, the minute my lawyer mentioned the name Heath, I knew it was you."

Heath's appearance was relaxed and calm, but inwardly, he was as alert as a hunted deer, every fibre of his being tuned to spot the first sign of trouble. He watched Hall, face impassive and eyes glacier cold and waited for the man who had killed so many men to speak again.

"I have to hand it to you, you did an excellent job, my business is ruined and my reputation is destroyed, now you want my life too it seems."

A humourless smile touched Heath's lips, "you mean you didn't come here seeking mine?"

Hall uttered a short laugh, "touché." He waved an arm indicating their surroundings, "you were very sure I'd play your game weren't you?"

Heath's tone was icy with contemptuous hate, "I know you, I know how you think. You've always deceived yourself into thinking you were a gentleman, instead of a low-born camp rat, which I know you were."

Hall's face hardened into a mask of loathing, "you're a mining camp rat yourself!"

Heath nodded, "that's right, I think it was always that fact that made you hate me so much. You spent your life stealing from the world all the things it had refused to give you, I didn't and you looked at me and saw yourself as you might have been."

The purple stain that rose in Hall's face signalled that the truth of his words had hit home but words of denial were spat back at him.

"You're mistaken Boy! I looked at you and saw a fool!"

A smile of sceptical amusement curled Heath's lip and Hall felt his temper rising still further. He straightened and said in a voice of quiet rage, "you came here to challenge me to a duel, I've talked to you long enough, I'm here to accept your challenge, let's get it over."

Heath tossed his rifle aside and stood, feet slightly apart, hand hovering near his holster. Hall, took up a similar stance and the two men faced each other in the full glare of the late afternoon sun.

Hall's dark grey eyes were filled with hate and he watched, tense as a big cat ready to spring, he was facing the biggest gamble of his life and he intended to kill Heath Barkley if he could, even knowing as he now acknowledged inwardly, that in killing Heath, he would be killing a part of himself. The small part that might have been a force for good, had it not been overwhelmed by evil many long years ago.

Heath's eyes were almost serene, he had engineered this confrontation and he was satisfied with his efforts. Now, one way or another the matter would soon be over. He had carried around his complex raft of emotions concerning this man for long enough. Grief for the death of his friend Bill Porter, rage at the needless suffering and the many deaths caused by this man Tatton Hall and something else that he struggled to be able to define clearly. A sense of loss perhaps, that this man Hall, could even have been a friend if his nature were slightly different. As watchful as a prowling mountain lion, Heath stood and waited for Tatton Hall to reach for his gun.

Part 15

Fred Madden and his posse headed down the far side of the narrow ridge and swept around in a wide circle, only turning toward the canyon entrance again when they were in position to come up behind the three waiting men undetected. The whole posse dismounted and moved forward cautiously under Madden's careful direction.

Fred called a silent halt, by means of a hand signal as the posse neared the three concealed men. A grim smile touched the lawman's lips, there was little fear of detection by the three targets, the men were having quite an argument and it was becoming more heated by the second. Madden met the eye of the men either side of him and stepped forward to a spot right behind the three prone men. He spoke up strongly,

"All right Boys, you're covered by a whole posse, lay down your weapons and turn around nice and slow."

The sheriff's deep, confident tone had its effect and the three men laid down their weapons and obeyed, scrambling to their feet and turning around to face Madden and his men. The sheriff had no difficulty in recognizing three of Stockton's known troublemakers, the sort of men to be found for hire in most saloons. Willing to do any dirty job for the right price and no questions asked.

Madden's men checked the three dejected men for weapons and tied their hands behind their backs.

Fred said, "sounded like you boys were having quite an altercation, care to share the reason with me?"

Bick Ness glared at his two compadres, "these two fools roped me into this, they took money from that guy yonder, we were to help him get even with some guy. He told us to wait here and bushwhack the man he was meeting if he came out of that canyon alone. These two are so stupid they were prepared to do it, but I saw who rode in there before! No way I'm killing a Barkley, there ain't enough money in the world to make that murder worth the doing!"

One of his companions, Arty Hough assented gloomily, "reckon you was right at that Bick, the lawyer, Jarrod, he'd have run us down for sure!"

Bick Ness looked at Hough in disgust, "the lawyer? Are you crazy? By the time Nick Barkley got through with us there wouldn't have been enough left for the lawyer to find!"

Madden asked, "the man who hired you, he tell you his name?"

"No," answered Bick, "but I knew who he was, I saw him last year when he was here buying fruit, his name's Tatton Hall."

Madden spoke to his men, "take these three back to town, I need to go see what's happening at the canyon." Almost before he finished speaking, there was the sound of a single gunshot from the interior of Mad Dog Canyon.

As Jarrod followed in his wake, Nick brought Big Duke to a shuddering halt next to Billy. "Where's Fred gone?"

"There are three guys hunkered down over yonder, ready to shoot whoever comes out of the canyon, Sheriff took the posse to get the drop on them."

Nick nodded approvingly, typical Billy, no fuss, no unnecessary words just the facts, plain and simple. Jarrod's horse halted beside the two and the lawyer came swiftly out of the saddle. Nick was already training his field glasses on the canyon as his brother came to stand beside him.

"Oh my God, Jarrod, he's calling Hall out, they're settling this gunfighter style!" Nick's voice was filled with his impotent agony, for they were too far away to affect the outcome of the drama being played out in the arena below them.

Billy had superbly sharp eyesight and as he heard Jarrod groan at Nick's words, he took pity on the lawyer and handed him his own field glasses. Jarrod snatched them from the boy with a hurried word of thanks. Counselor Barkley's heart lurched with fright as the two figures in the canyon came into sharp focus. Hall stood with his back to the canyon mouth, Heath was facing him about thirty paces distant, the two were both in gun-fighting stance and it was too late for anyone else to influence the outcome of this deadly duel, the denouement of which could now be only seconds away.

As the two Barkley brothers and Billy watched, Tatton Hall's hand flickered to his holstered gun. Nick Barkley's stomach turned over, the big man was frighteningly fast but even as Hall moved, so Heath too exploded into action. For a split second, Jarrod had the illusion that Heath was moving in slow motion, but as Tatton Hall's gun cleared leather, Heath fired and Hall fell backwards as though he had been flung thither by some invisible hand.

Nick Barkley uttered a harsh exhaled gasp of satisfaction, he knew that when a man is truly fast with a gun it almost looks as if he is moving at slow speed, but this is an illusion and so it was with Heath, he was as fast as Nick had ever seen and Tatton Hall lay dead at his younger brother's feet.

Both Barkley brothers breathed a sigh of relief but their respite was destined to be short-lived for Billy's keen young eyes had already spotted a further danger. The young deputy seized Nick's sleeve saying urgently, "Nick! Two men, at the canyon mouth!"

Nick's head snapped around, "what?!"

Jarrod quickly sighted the field glasses and a grey tide of despair rose within him, "oh God no, please no," he murmured.

Heath holstered his gun and walked slowly to the prone body of his opponent. He stood for a moment looking down at the lifeless body of Tatton Hall, he wasn't sure how he was supposed to feel but at this precise moment he just felt numb. There was certainly no sense of victory not even a sense of relief, just nothing but a vague, barely perceived sense of closure, of a question answered and a chapter of his life closed.

Heath wondered what he should do about the body, concluding that it was best not to disturb it until the Sheriff had been informed and had a chance to view the corpse. In any event Heath knew he couldn't bear to bury Tatton Hall on Barkley land. He decided he would go home, find Jarrod and get advice on what to do from here on in.

Turning away from Hall's sightless eyes, Heath began to walk toward the canyon mouth. His body and his mind were completely relaxed now, every nerve unstrung with the winning of his duel and the passing of the danger. He was lost in his own thoughts and so had come within ten feet of the canyon mouth before he became aware of the presence of the two men standing in the entrance, effectively blocking it.

Heath's quick brain made a snap appreciation of his situation and concluded that it was hopeless. Even if he went for his gun and even if he was very fast, he couldn't hope to beat a man with a gun already in his hand and in this case there were two hard-eyed, calmly professional outlaws confronting him. Heath's mouth curved in a wryly grim smile, as he mentally savaged himself for under- estimating Hall, or had he over-estimated Hall's sense of morality?

On the canyon rim, Jarrod Barkley watched his brother's predicament with agonized eyes, he and Nick were too far away to ride to the rescue and too far away to shoot either of the hired outlaws, with shaking hands, the lawyer forced himself to keep the glasses trained on the tableau in the canyon, realizing with sick dread that he was about to witness the cold-blooded murder of his brother Heath.


Nick Barkley thrust his field glasses into Billy's hands and turned to his horse, dragging his rifle clear of its scabbard.

Billy stammered, "you c...can't hit them from this d...distance Nick, it can't be done!"

"Watch me!" Nick's trenchant tone held not a vestige of doubt as he dropped to one knee, training the rifle with swift precision on the distant figures in the canyon below.

Barely a second had elapsed since Heath came face to face with his assassins and he had already decided that he was not going to stand there and be killed. He was certain he was about to die, but he damn sure wasn't going to stand there and accept it. If he was going down, he was going down fighting and by God he would take one of these scum with him to the grave! He needed an edge, a momentary distraction, to give him the chance to draw his gun.

Swift as thought, Heath scuffed his boot along the dry ground, scooping dirt into the faces of his attackers, in that same instant his gun cleared leather and he fired, dropping one of the men confronting him, the one on the right. He knew that at the same time the left-hand gunman would drop him and it was only after it had happened that he realized a single rifle shot had cracked almost simultaneously with his own bullet.

A small round red spot appeared on the forehead of the remaining man and for a long second he stood erect, seemingly unaware that he had just been killed. Then in a slow fluid movement, his legs buckled under him and he thudded to the canyon floor, in a lifeless heap. Disbelievingly, Heath stared at the two dead men, then twisted his head, holding up an arm to shield his eyes from the slanting sun as he peered at the high rim of the canyon to see where his miraculous deliverance had come from.

On the canyon rim, Heath could make out the figures of three men, they were too indistinct for him to say with certainty that he recognized them but all the same he knew who at least two of them were. His brothers, he didn't know how they had known of his intentions, or how they had tracked him here, but his older brothers Jarrod and Nick were up there and that answered the second question in Heath's mind.

The moment that the rifle shot that saved Heath's life rang out, he had wondered who on earth had fired it. It had clearly come from the high canyon rim, far away enough to make the shot damn near impossible. But Nick Barkley was up there, the Nick Barkley who had won the shooting contest at the Sacramento State Fair six years in a row. His brother Nick had fired that crazy, hopeless shot and by some miracle he had made it.

Heath gripped his underlip between his teeth and fought for control, he had deliberately brought this most personal of fights to this secluded place. He had done it to shield his family from a very dark period of his own past and his determination to deal with it alone had almost cost him his life. Now, his life had been given back to him again and he felt reborn, just as he had when he was accepted into the Barkley family at the first. Heath drew a shaky breath and raised one arm in a silent salute.

On the high canyon rim, Nick Barkley came to his feet and drew one shaking hand across his eyes to wipe away the sudden sweat that had sprung to his brow. He saw his brother's upraised arm and lifted his own arm in answer, then dropped it again, overcome by a weakness so complete that he would have fallen but for Jarrod's strong arm that gripped his in comfort and support. Jarrod took the rifle from Nick's suddenly nerveless fingers and handed it to Billy, together with both sets of field glasses. The young deputy moved tactfully away, leaving the two brothers to their privacy.

Jarrod's smile was warm and sympathetic, his brilliant eyes full of love and he spoke to his brother in the gentlest of voices, "are you all right Nick?"

Nick drew a shaky breath, "yeah, I guess so, I felt sick for a minute, but I'm all right now."

Jarrod released his grip on Nick's arm and slapped him on the back, "if I hadn't seen that shot with my own eyes Nick, I wouldn't have believed it, it was just magnificent!"

Nick turned to Jarrod, his hazel eyes alight with fury and said in a voice taut with anger, "it wasn't magnificent Jarrod, it was damn lucky, please God I never have to get that lucky again!"

Perceiving how upset he was, Jarrod didn't argue with his brother, but he put a hand on Nick's shoulder and squeezed it gently, "I think we could use a belt, now where's that hip flask of mine?"

In the canyon, the posse had now arrived and Sheriff Fred Madden cursed under his breath when he saw the two dead men. He went past the bodies to where Heath stood and looked narrowly at the young man's drawn face.

"You all right are you Heath?"

With an effort, Heath forced a half-smile to his lips, "I'm fine Fred, these two kind of took me by surprise, that's all."

Madden glanced up to the high canyon rim and saw the three figures up there. He glanced back to the two dead men, the one shot in the head had a rifle bullet in him, the entry wound clearly showed that. Involuntarily, he glanced at the rim again, calculating distance and shook his head.

Heath followed his gaze and smiled at him, "I know Fred, it's an impossible shot, but he made it anyway."

Madden let out a long low whistle and said in an awed voice, "that's some shot!"

The lawman indicated the two bodies, "This fella Hall wasn't taking any chances, we got three other men back that way, they were supposed to pick you off, if you got clear of these two. The other three are local scum, but I don't know these two."

Heath shook his head, "me neither, but they were pros, I reckon Hall must have brought them with him from San Francisco. How did you get involved in this Fred?"

Madden told Heath about the two telegrams and how he had ridden out to tell Jarrod and Nick about them. He grinned, "seems those brothers of yours know you too well, they were already on your trail."

The lawman looked to the canyon rim again, but the watching figures had gone now, doubtless on their way to be reunited with the brave young man standing beside him.

Fred smiled, "Jarrod and Nick are on their way down here now Heath, they'll be here any minute."

A gleam of wry humour touched Heath's sombre eyes, "in that case Sheriff, I'm kind of glad you're here, because I'm going to need all the protection the law can give me!"

Part 16

Jarrod and Nick had ridden out from the ranch to the branding team at breakneck speed and the frantic ride to the canyon's rim had been just as speedy. Now, with the dangers past, they could proceed at a more decorous pace and they did so, trotting their horses gently down the steep incline to the mouth of the canyon. Deputy Billy brought up the rear, a huge grin plastered on his face at the happy outcome for all his friends.

By the time the three riders reached the canyon, Sheriff Madden had already despatched his men back to Stockton with the six outlaws, the three living men and the three dead ones. Heath had retrieved Charger from the far end of the canyon and was standing, his reins looped over one arm, talking to the sheriff. He broke off as the horses approached and stood waiting, a little sheepishly, to greet his brothers.

Nick was out of the saddle first and he stood rather rigidly staring at Heath. The younger brother met Nick's hard hazel gaze without flinching, his own eyes understanding and apologetic at the same time. For a long moment Nick stood silently, his mind absorbing the fact that his maddening, irritating and stubborn little brother was alive and well, solidly real, standing before him large as life. He knew an impulse to throw a punch at Heath but it died almost as soon as it was born to be replaced with an inner sadness so painful that he couldn't speak for a minute.

At length, Nick managed three terse words, "you all right?"

"Thanks to you," came the soft-voiced answer. Heath dipped his head in a tiny nod of acknowledgement.

Nick returned the gesture curtly and immediately turned away from his brother.

Jarrod watched this awkward exchange tolerantly, a slight smile on his face and he came forward to shake hands with Heath, dropping a friendly hand on the younger man's shoulder and slightly squeezing it for a moment. Then the lawyer turned to the sheriff and raised a humourous eyebrow.

"Are you turning clairvoyant in your old age Fred?"

The lawman laughed and shook his head, "not quite Counselor, I had a little help from one of your fellow lawyers."

He showed Jarrod the two telegrams and Counselor Barkley read them both with great interest. "Well, well, well, I owe Counselor West a heartfelt thank you and I want to thank you Fred for your very prompt action on this matter."

"Glad to be of help Jarrod. I suggest you leave it to me to deal with the three local tykes, I doubt they were going to attack Heath, they were arguing amongst themselves when I caught up with them. I'll give them a night in the cells and I guarantee they'll shake the dust of Stockton from their boots tomorrow!"

Jarrod glanced at Heath, "all right with you?"

Heath's assent was definite, "I'd appreciate you handling it that way Sheriff."

"Consider it done," smiled Madden and he and Billy took their leave of the Barkleys and rode away.

Jarrod glanced from Nick's stormy countenance to Heath's sombre face and sighed inwardly, it was going to be a long ride home with these two for company.

The lawyer tried for a cheerful note, "well Gentlemen, what do you say we vote ourselves an afternoon off? After we've reassured the ladies at home, I'd suggest a few beers and a relaxing game of pool."

Nick's voice was like ice, "you do what you like, I've got cattle to brand." He swung himself into the saddle as he spoke.

"I'll go with you Nick," said Heath at once.

Nick shot him a look that would have turned milk sour, "no, you'd best head home with Jarrod, Mother's going to want to see for herself that you're all right."

Jarrod tried again, saying lightly, "You know Nick, I think Heath could use a little help confronting Mother, she's not going to be pleased he put himself at so much risk."

Nick's angry gaze drilled Jarrod, "Heath doesn't need my help Jarrod, or yours!"

Heath's vulnerable eyes were fixed on Nick's stern face but he didn't speak.

Jarrod sighed, "take it easy Nick."

"Heath doesn't need us Jarrod," repeated Nick casting a furious glance at his younger brother, "hell, he doesn't need anybody!"
Nick clapped his spurs to Big Duke's flanks and the stallion sprang forward.

Heath watched the horse lengthen its stride and vanish around the bend before turning rueful eyes on Counselor Barkley.

"I'm sorry Jarrod," he said quietly.

The lawyer sighed, "come on Heath, let's go home," he said gently.


Victoria and Audra Barkley had both witnessed Sheriff Madden's flying visit to the ranch and the ladies lost no time extracting from the stableman Ciego the little that he knew. From him they learned that Heath had deliberately lured his enemy into a face to face confrontation and that his brothers, suspecting that Heath was the intended target of Hall's malice, had shadowed their brother to try and protect him.

The two women knew that they could do nothing to influence events now and they resigned themselves to a long and anxious wait. Seeking distraction, the two went upstairs to their little sewing room to try to occupy themselves with needlework, anything to drag their minds away from speculating about what might be happening to their menfolk. The early afternoon dragged past, minute by agonizing minute and the two women eventually sent for tea to refresh and revive them. They were just finishing their tea when both ladies heard the sound of horses approaching and they at once came swiftly downstairs.

The Barkley ladies were in the foyer when Jarrod and Heath walked in through the front door. Audra squealed with delight and rushed to hug both her brothers, twining her arms round Jarrod's neck and then Heath's. Victoria stood motionless for a moment as she offered up a silent prayer of thanks for the deliverance of her sons, then she looked anxiously at Jarrod.

"Is Nick all right?"

The lawyer hastened to reassure her, "he's fine Mother, he's...well he's a little put out and he's ridden off to work it out of his system with the branding team."

Correctly interpreting ‘a little put out' to mean that her second son was incandescent with rage about Heath's behaviour, Victoria murmured an enigmatic, "I see."

She came to her sons, kissing each on the cheek and asking Jarrod, "is it over?"

Counselor Barkley squeezed her hand comfortingly, "yes it is. Tatton Hall made the mistake of trying to draw his gun faster than Heath could draw his and he's dead. He had two professional killers on hand to bushwhack Heath and Heath managed to kill one of them. Nick got the other with a long distance rifle shot that should have been impossible, I still don't know how he made it, but make it he did."

"Thank God," breathed Victoria.

"There were also some local scum Hall had hired but the sheriff mopped them up without any trouble, so the whole thing is well and truly over."

Victoria smiled at Jarrod and turned to Heath, her smile fading to be replaced by a stern, angry frown.

"It isn't quite over Jarrod, not yet! Heath how dared you lure that man into a confrontation by yourself? That is NOT the way we do things in this family."

Heath said defensively, "Mother, if it weren't for me the Barkley family would have never gotten into this fight with Hall, it was my doing and it was my responsibility to deal with it."

Victoria's face softened, "I doubt that your brother Nick agrees with that statement now does he?"

Six feet one of contrite blond rancher said, "no I guess not."

"Well I have news for you Heath Morgan Barkley, neither do the rest of us! Now I suggest you ride out and find your brother and make your peace with him," ordered Victoria briskly.

Heath's alarmed expression brought a smile to Jarrod's face, "I kind of figured I'd let him simmer down for a while first Mother," said Heath.

"I said now Heath," Victoria said in a voice of dangerous quiet.

"Yes Ma'am," answered Heath, backing out of the front door as fast as he could manage it.

Jarrod laughed, "You know Mother, I'm not sure it mightn't have been wiser to let Nick simmer down a bit, he was good and mad before."

The diminutive Barkley matriarch nailed her eldest son with a scorching hazel glare, "I can understand that Jarrod, I'm less than thrilled myself at the way in which you and Nicholas tried to mislead me."

"Oh now Mother..."

"You gave me to understand that you were the likely target of Mr Hall's revenge and that Nick was going to guard you here at home, where our men were also on guard. Then I find that you and Nick are following Heath to protect him because you believed him to be at risk."

"We didn't want to worry you..."

"Jarrod, your sister and I do not take kindly to being kept in the dark! Do we Audra?"

"No Mother, we certainly don't."

The lawyer emulated his younger brother and backed toward the front door, "perhaps I should go and keep an eye on the Boys?" he suggested tentatively.

"Please do that," agreed his mother calmly, adding as Jarrod was about to close the front door, "I shall expect you all home for dinner and I expect the atmosphere to be cordial, do I make myself clear?"

"Clear as crystal," Jarrod assured her, making good his escape.

Jarrod spent a short time in the Barkley barn, writing a quick message of thanks to be telegraphed to Counselor Sam West in San Francisco and gave Ciego instructions to ride into Stockton and send it. Then the lawyer stood down the armed men still guarding the ranch before saddling Jingo and setting off in Heath's wake, back out to the branding team. He wondered, as he rode through the late afternoon heat haze, how the reconciliation between Nick and Heath was faring.

A wry smile curved the lawyer's lips, either they would have laughed off the whole thing and be placidly branding calves together or there would be a lot of blood to wipe up, Jarrod wasn't sure which it would be. Truth to tell, he was feeling just as hurt as he surmised Nick probably felt. In the time that Heath had been a member of the family, both Nick and Jarrod believed that they had reached a good understanding with him. Nick and Heath worked so closely together running the ranch that it was only natural they would bond deeply and with relative ease. Jarrod had found it a little harder to break through Heath's inner defences, the younger man had experienced years of slights and slurs growing up and his innermost thoughts and feelings were not easily confided.

Jarrod had faced another barrier in his attempts to forge a close relationship with Heath, the quiet blond cowboy had made it plain that he was somewhat in awe of the sophisticated and clever lawyer. With intelligent insight and considerable tact, Jarrod had worked on getting close to the newcomer. He offered advice, without ramming it down Heath's throat and he quietly helped Heath in a hundred small but significant ways as the newest Barkley tried to settle into his new life.

If anyone had asked him, Jarrod would have said that he and Heath now enjoyed an excellent brotherly friendship and that there was complete confidence between them. As to Heath's relationship with Nick, Jarrod would have said that if anything it was closer still, certainly close enough that the younger brother would have felt comfortable confiding in his siblings and accepting their aid.

Yet here was a situation, a dark memory from Heath's past that he had not only kept to himself until forced to share it, but when that past threw him into present and deadly danger, he had chosen to face it alone, rather than turn to his brothers for help and support. Nick's anger had not surprised Jarrod, he knew his volatile brother well enough to recognize that beneath the anger lay a deep hurt, Jarrod understood it because he shared it.

What was it Nick had said? ‘Heath doesn't need us Jarrod, hell he doesn't need anybody.'

Bleakly, Jarrod wondered if that was true, he hadn't thought so and didn't want to think so but perhaps he and the rest of the family weren't being fair to Heath. Perhaps it wasn't possible for a man who had grown up as Heath had to ever learn to lean on other people. Jarrod urged Jingo forward, eager to catch up with his siblings and find out how the land now lay.

Part 17

When Nick Barkley joined his men at the branding area, the more experienced among them took one look at his face and then swiftly got out of his way. They were familiar with the signs and it was plain to most of the hands that the boss was spoiling for a fight. Dave McCall, the long-serving foreman was the only man brave enough to actually talk to the grim faced rancher and he just quietly asked if everything was all right.

Nick shot him a glare that would have daunted a lesser man than Mac, "if you mean is my damn-fool, idiot-brained little brother still alive, then yeah, he is, no thanks to himself!"

Reassured that Heath was safe, McCall made no further attempt to talk to his enraged boss, watching not unsympathetically, as Nick threw himself into his work with passionate intensity. Mac thought to himself that it would be a good thing for Nick to work off the worst of his wrath before coming face to face with his younger brother again.

Spotting a rider off in the distance, Mac had no difficulty in recognizing Heath and Charger heading towards the branding area. The foreman sighed, the reunion between the brothers was going to take place a little sooner than might have been advisable.

Nick was conning the list of calves that had been branded that day and he barely glanced up from his work as Heath rode in and dismounted from Charger. Undeterred the blond rancher strolled to the wagon and poured two tin cups of coffee. He came to Nick's side and handed his brother a cup. Nick took the drink with a muttered word of thanks and transferred his gaze back to the list in his hands.

"How did the boys do today?" asked Heath conversationally.

Nick shot him an angry look, and snapped "they did pretty good, considering they weren't supervised."

Heath's lips twitched, "I got them started before I took off," he said placatingly.

Nick was rapidly losing his grip on his formidable temper, "oh well that makes it all fine then doesn't it? You got the men started so you had the rest of the day free to go off and get your fool self killed!"

Heath smiled, "yeah, well, I got lucky there, because my big brothers saved my bacon."

Nick gave Heath a long, hard look, his expression was bleak, "you don't know a damn thing about brotherhood," he said sternly, "if you did, you wouldn't have tried to handle all this alone!"

Heath observed Nick's clenched hands and rigid stance and he said quietly, "what is it you want Nick, are you hoping for a fist fight with me?"

All the anger seemed to drain from Nick and he shook his head, "that's the last thing I want," he answered quietly.

"I'm almost sorry about that," confessed Heath, "at least I know how to handle that side of you, but I don't know what to do when you just close off from me this way, it...well it isn't you."

Nick slammed down his cup and threw the stock list to the ground. "Closed off? Me? You can't handle me being closed off?!" His voice rose on each word and his fists clenched again.

Heath waited hopefully, but before he actually threw the punch, Nick stopped himself and glared at his younger brother suspiciously. The gleam in Heath's blue eyes confirmed his suspicions and he wagged a finger at Heath.

"Oh no you don't, I know what you're up to Boy! You're trying to get me riled enough to flatten you, because you think it'll make me feel better. Well forget it, it ain't going to happen! You're the one in the wrong here and I'm not letting you wriggle out of it."

Heath sat on the tailgate of the chuck wagon, he felt suddenly elated, so happy in fact that he could have burst out laughing, or maybe singing. The realization came to him that from the moment he had picked up the peach contract and spotted Tatton Hall's name, he had been oppressed by a sense of grief. The dark shadows of his past had escaped from the deep inner pit in which he confined things too painful to be contemplated.

Now, with the death of Tatton Hall, it was as though someone had lifted a weight from his shoulders, even the death of Bill Porter seemed more bearable than it had and for that he knew he had Jarrod's wisdom to thank. For years, Heath had been haunted by the knowledge that Porter had deliberately sacrificed his own life to save Heath's. Jarrod's simple words, quietly telling Heath that Porter had done what he wanted to do and that he deemed the sacrifice worthwhile had struck a deep chord with Heath. Suddenly he had known that it was true and he could now mourn his friend without that crushing sense of personal guilt.

Heath looked at Nick, his eyes full of affection, he had tried to provoke his hot-tempered brother into a fight, knowing that it would have done Nick a power of good, but the older man wasn't playing. He was deeply upset about Heath going it alone and this knowledge dented Heath's good spirits somewhat. A heavy silence fell between the two brothers, but they stayed near each other, both wanting to heal the hurt that had driven this wedge between them but neither of them sure how to do it.

Fortunately rescue was at hand, riding towards them in the shape of Counselor Jarrod Barkley and both Nick and Heath watched their brother approach with hopeful hearts.

Jarrod came out of the saddle with a smile and said "well, that's encouraging, you don't appear to have laid a finger on each other, I was afraid I might end up having to referee."

Heath returned the smile, "well we don't need a referee, but I think I could use a good attorney."

Jarrod had an inkling where Heath was headed with this and willingly played along. "Well I just happen to be free this afternoon, what can I do for you Mr Barkley?"

Nick was watching his two brothers, an arrested look on his face but he didn't interrupt.

"Heath said, "well, it's like this, I need a real good lawyer to plead my case for me. Only I can't put it into words myself so I'm not sure he can help me."

Jarrod's voice was gentle, "how about letting your lawyer take a crack at it then?"

"Yes please," agreed Heath.

Jarrod sat beside Heath on the tailgate and addressed himself to Nick, "I think what my client wants you to know is that he thought his way of handling the Tatton Hall matter was the best way to deal with a very dangerous man. He didn't intend to shut you and I out, he just dealt with this the same way that he has often had to deal with situations in his past, by relying only on himself."

Nick entered into the spirit of the game, "I hear what your client is saying Counselor and I understand that he can't change the habits of a lifetime overnight, but doesn't he understand that he is a part of a family now, that he has brothers and that they care about him, that...that they would willingly lay down their lives for him if necessary. Doesn't he realize that Counselor?"

Jarrod glanced at Heath's emotional face and smiled at Nick, "I think he's beginning to Nick."

Heath's voice trembled slightly, "I made a big mistake today, I credited Hall with more decency than he has, if you two hadn't come along, my goose would have been well and truly cooked."

Nick Barkley's face split into a huge grin, "that's what big brothers are for dimwit!" He caught Heath into a bear hug and winked at Jarrod over Heath's shoulder.

When Nick released the younger man, Jarrod took over and hugged Heath in his turn. Releasing him from the hug, Jarrod kept his hands on Heath's shoulders and looked deep into his eyes.

"As your attorney, I think it's my duty to give you a solemn warning that the next time you pull a stunt like this, I'm going to let Nick tear you apart, in fact I may even help him, is that clear?"

Heath's lop-sided smile illuminated his face, "crystal clear Counselor."

Nick Barkley laughed joyously, "know what? I'm starving, let's head home huh?" The three brothers rode home together and of the three, it would have been impossible to say which was the most light-hearted and content.

Part 18

Victoria heard the front door open and heard a dry remark from Heath, sealed with a burst of laughter from both his brothers as the three men entered. Victoria had been coming through to the foyer from the kitchen, but she lingered in the shadows as the brothers went companionably upstairs together to change for dinner. The Barkley matriarch sighed with relief, dear, darling Jarrod, she had felt sure he could heal any rift between Nick and Heath, although she also had faith in the two younger brothers to resolve their differences themselves. She marvelled now, as she had many times in the past at the completeness of the relationship between all three of her sons. She always thought of them, all three, as her sons, for she loved Heath every bit as dearly as the sons to whom she had given birth.

Victoria Barkley would probably not have acknowledged her own role in the bonding between the Barkley brothers, but she would have been doing herself a disservice. It had been the very total nature of her own acceptance of the newcomer that had set the precedent for the rest of the Barkleys to follow.

Shocked and stunned, the younger members of the family had been reeling from the revelation that their respected and adored father had deceived his wife, seduced a vulnerable young woman and left her to cope alone with all the poverty and disgrace that having an illegitimate child entailed. As one, the children of Tom Barkley had looked to his widow for guidance in this devastating and unprecedented situation.

Victoria, had been perceived, by everybody except herself, as a wronged woman and as the person most hurt, most affected by the arrival of Heath. All she had seen was a hurt, angry, vulnerable young man, with his father's face and hair colouring and much of his intelligence and courage too. Her heart had gone out to him at once, even in the midst of her own heartbreak, she had felt for young Heath.

By the time the two of them returned from Strawberry, having missed the unveiling of Tom Barkley's statue in Stockton, the devotion between Victoria and Heath was complete. He had already told her that he would do anything for her and she knew he spoke the truth. Also, Victoria had the comfort of knowing that she had been right to cling to some measure of faith in her late husband. The letter Hannah had given her demonstrated conclusively that Tom had not known about the birth of Heath. Whatever her feelings about his faithlessness, Victoria could forgive Tom much, knowing that he had not deliberately abandoned his son.

One by one, the rest of the Barkleys had followed where the lady they admired so much led them. Audra had swiftly adapted to the idea of having another brother, one close to her own age and gentle enough for her to make a friend of. From the first, their relationship was easy and affectionate and Victoria was proud of her daughter's generosity of spirit.

Jarrod had extended his loyalty as well as his friendship to Heath after the gun battle at Sample's farm and though he had found it tricky to induce Heath not to be over-awed by him, the lawyer had quickly established a good understanding with Heath, one that deepened gradually but strongly, into an unshakeable bond.

Victoria smiled, her volatile second son Nicholas had taken longer to adapt to the newcomer, but she had always recognized that he had the most to lose with the advent of Heath. It was Nick who had to admit the newcomer into his lifestyle, sharing his power with him over the ranch. He had done it, after some initial hostility and Victoria had been proud of him. She was glad that Nick had had his reward for accepting his brother, the reward of the close and loving brotherly friendship that he now shared with Heath.

Eugene had been the most hostile of all the siblings and the most intractable about accepting Heath. Victoria had watched as Heath tactfully, compassionately and gently won his younger brother around. In truth she wouldn't have blamed Heath if he had rammed Gene's silver spoon right down the spoiled boy's throat. She could only admire his dogged patience and kindness. An attitude that had ultimately won for Heath the love and trust of his younger brother.

Victoria emerged from her reverie and moved through the foyer to the dining room, she was looking forward to having the family around her at dinner. The last two weeks had been a time of worry and conflict and surely it was now over? It might have spoiled Victoria's dinner if she had known that the Barkley family had not quite heard the end of the Tatton Hall affair yet.

TWO DAYS AFTER TATTON HALL'S DEATH

The Barkley family dined earlier than usual because Victoria was escorting Audra to a party where the fascinating David Marshall, newly arrived home from college would be a fellow guest. Audra dressed for the party more swiftly than was her custom, only too happy to escape the teasing of all three of her older brothers. When the ladies had left, the boys repaired to the pool table for a relaxing game but they had hardly even gotten started when there was a knock at the front door and Silas went to answer it.

The houseman came into the library and said, "Mr Abe Kirby is here."

Heath smiled, "all right Silas, I'll be right there."

Silas shook his head, "Mr Kirby didn't come to see you Mr Heath, he asked for Mr Jarrod."

The lawyer raised an eyebrow, "me? Well I wonder what he wants."

Nick indicated the door, "what are you waiting for Counselor, let's find out."

Jarrod was amused at his two brothers determination to gatecrash his conversation with the farmer, but he made no objection to the others tagging along and the three men joined Abe Kirby in the Barkley living room.

The farmer stood up as the three brothers entered the room, he was looking as if he wished he was somewhere else.

Jarrod came forward, extending his hand with a smile, "good evening Abe, I know you asked to see me but as you can see I have an escort, is that all right with you?"

Kirby nodded, but didn't return the smile, "It's fine with me Jarrod, I don't relish this role I must say!"

Heath was concerned, "is something wrong Abe?"

The farmer looked distinctly uncomfortable and muttered, "not as far as I'm concerned Heath, but my fellow farmers aren't so sure. They insisted I be their spokesman."

Jarrod thought he knew what was coming and tried to put the farmer at his ease, "sit down Abe, let's all have a drink and we'll do what we can to help you."

Nick provided each man with a drink and Kirby drew a deep breath and came to the point.

"The fact is that the news about Tatton Hall has got around and some of the other farmers are wondering...well..."

Jarrod's smile was understanding, "They're wondering if we intend to abandon the joint project aren't they?"

Kirby nodded, "yes," he acknowledged gloomily.

Nick Barkley's chin jutted aggressively, "not my family's style Abe," he grated.

Heath shot his brother a warning look, "take it easy Nick."

Kirby was unruffled, "Reckon I know that Nick, I've gotten pretty well acquainted with Heath, well enough to know better than to think he'd back out and according to my wife you're cut from the same cloth!" The farmer laughed, "you made quite an impression on my Harriet Nick." He glanced at Jarrod, "I've dealt with you in legal matters often enough to know what sort of a lawyer you are too Jarrod, so I don't doubt your word either, but there's no denying that some of the other farmers are wondering whether the deal is off." Kirby glanced apologetically at all three brothers, "no offence intended Gentlemen."

Jarrod's smile was calm, "none taken Abe, I can understand why there's speculation about it, but my brothers and I have already discussed our options and we want the deal to go through. The whole venture makes sense for the long term and besides, we don't know the terms of Tatton Hall's will. Our obligation to sell our fruit to him may well have passed to his heir. So for any number of reasons, the deal goes ahead Abe. Is that what your fellow farmers want to hear?"

Kirby's face and voice both clearly signalled his relief, "that's just what I wanted to hear Counselor!"

When their unexpected guest had left, the brothers resumed their game of pool.

It was Nick who tossed out the casual remark, "I wonder what actually does happen to all Hall's money, it'd be interesting to know the terms of his will now wouldn't it?"

Heath stayed silent, but Jarrod agreed with Nick, adding, "I'll try to find out Nick, I'm rather curious about that myself."

In the event, it was not necessary for Jarrod to find out about Tatton Hall's will, for Hall's lawyer was engaged on performing the last of his deceased client's business and a letter from Counselor Sam West was already on it's way to Counselor Jarrod Barkley.

Part 19

TWO WEEKS AFTER TATTON HALL'S DEATH

The first order of business each day in Jarrod Barkley's Stockton law office was always for his secretary to open the mail and then bring it in for Jarrod to read. He liked to get the letters dealt with before he tackled any other business and as soon as the boy from the station had delivered the mail, Amy sorted it and brought it through from the outer office.

On this particular morning there were only a few letters and Jarrod immediately noticed that one of them was from Sam West. He wondered what the late Tatton Hall's lawyer wanted with him and concluded that it was perhaps just a reply to the letter he had written to Counselor West to thank him for alerting the Barkleys to Hall's murderous intentions.

He picked up the letter and spread open the two sheets of neat copperplate, reading the letter through with interest. As he read, Jarrod's eyes widened in surprise and when he had finished the letter, he read it through again with careful deliberation. He put the letter down and leaned back in his chair, thinking through the amazing facts that the communication from West contained. He didn't initially know what to think about it, or what his brothers were going to make of it either.

Learning from his secretary that he had no appointments, Jarrod decided to postpone the rest of his work and head for home. His mother and sister were out visiting for the day but Silas was able to assure the lawyer that both his brothers had said they would be in to lunch. Jarrod went upstairs and changed out of his business suit. He spent the rest of the morning seated at his father's big desk in the library, catching up on some paperwork and towards noon, he heard the unmistakable door slam that indicated the arrival home of Nick Barkley.

The lawyer came through into the foyer as Nick was stripping off his hat and black leather gloves and the rancher looked at him in surprise.

"What brings you home in the middle of the day?"

Jarrod smiled, "I might ask you the same thing brother Nick."

"Heath and I were planning on inventorying the feedstore this afternoon but he's gotten caught up in something out on the range, so he won't be back until dinner." The rancher grinned at his eldest brother, "care to get your hands dirty after lunch?"

Jarrod's answer surprised him, "I'll be happy to help Nick, it'll give us a chance to talk."

Nick's eyes widened in suspicion, "about what?"

Jarrod sighed, "about Heath, I've had a letter today that he isn't going to like one little bit and I'd like to talk to you about it first. I may need your help in calming him down."

Nick's black brows were drawn into a heavy frown, "what the hell is it now? You know Jarrod, Heath's been through more than enough lately!"

"I know that Nick, I'm not responsible for this particular piece of news, I'm just trying to find the best way of breaking it to Heath, that's all."

Nick nodded sombrely, "all right Jarrod, tell me everything and if I can help you know I will."

The lawyer smiled, "thanks Nick."

Over lunch, Jarrod took Nick fully into his confidence, telling him exactly what was in the letter from Counselor West. When he had finished, Nick let out a long slow whistle and shook his head.

"I don't know how Heath's going to react to this Jarrod, but I'd be willing to bet he hates the idea!"

"I'm sure you're right Nick, that's why I've broken the habit of a lifetime and discussed a client's business with someone else. I think Heath's going to need both of us."

Nick looked at him in exasperation, "I'm not ‘someone else' Jarrod, I'm family! And you're right, Heath is going to need both of us!"

To Nick's surprise, Jarrod did spend the afternoon helping him with the feedstore inventory and between them the two men got it done early enough to be bathed, changed and comfortably ensconced by the fire sipping a pre-dinner drink by the time a rather weary and dirty Heath showed up. The blond rancher came in to the foyer and willingly let an attentive Silas take his hat and gun belt from him. The houseman assured him he had plenty of time to wash and change before dinner and that his mother and sister were both dining out.

Heath went straight upstairs and took a quick but relaxing bath and changed into clean clothes before coming down to the living room to join his brothers. He greeted both men and waved a hand to encompass their comfort beside the bright fire.

"You two look settled and cosy."

"We are," grinned Nick contentedly, "get yourself a drink and come join us."

Heath's blue eyes were suspicious, "did you make a start on the inventory?"

"Finished and done," Nick pointed at Counselor Barkley, "with a little help from our big brother."

Heath had poured himself a drink and at Nick's words he stopped in the act of sitting down, shot a swift look at Counselor Barkley and then sat saying in a surprised tone, "Jarrod helped you?"

Nick flashed Heath another grin, "I know, surprised me too!"

The lawyer sat up straight and said indignantly, "do you two mind? Anyone would think I never lifted a finger on this ranch."

The mouths of both his younger brothers opened and Jarrod held up an authoritative hand, "not a word, either of you!"

The good-natured banter went on for a while, Jarrod and Nick had already decided to say nothing to Heath until after dinner, both were afraid that the news they were going to impart would effectively destroy the blond rancher's appetite. The younger brother joined in the light hearted conversation and teasing but now and again his thoughtful blue eyes would rest on one of his two brothers and he wondered what was making both Jarrod and Nick so emphatically cheerful. The very fact that they were trying so hard meant it was something bad and the fact that they were evidently having trouble sharing it with him could only mean that whatever it was concerned him personally.

Dinner was eaten in uncivilized comfort on trays around the living room fire. Victoria never permitted such masculine informality when she was at home, but Silas had sensed the unspoken but palpable tension in the air and he had suggested that the three brothers eat in comfort. The idea had been accepted with pleasure and all three brothers enjoyed the lazy meal, toasting their toes before the crackling log fire.

When the meal was over and the trays cleared away, Heath glanced from Jarrod's face to Nick's, saw that some measure of unspoken communication was taking place and decided that enough was enough.

"Either of you got something to say to me, something you don't much like and you think I won't like either?"

Nick's head whipped around to Heath, "now how in the world did you know that!"

Heath's lop-sided smile curved his mouth, "well you've both been trying mighty hard to cheer me up all evening, so I figured you both know of some cause why I might need cheering up and since I don't I thought it was about time you shared it with me."

Jarrod's affectionate smile embraced him, "as usual Heath you're right, I received a letter today, it concerns you and I don't think you're going to like its contents one little bit. You're also right that it is high time I shared it with you, shall we go into the library and I can show it to you?"

Heath glanced at Nick and found his ranching partner's anxious hazel gaze upon him, "do you already know about this?"

Nick's voice was gentle, "yeah I do, Jarrod told me so I could help you through this."

Jarrod said, "this is legal business and I didn't really have the right to tell Nick, I hope you'll forgive me for doing so, all either of us want is to help you, we'll do what you want us to do, I can promise you that."

Heath looked from Jarrod's earnest expression to Nick's grave face and gave a soft nervous laugh, "Boy howdy, you two are scaring the hell out of me, let's get it over with whatever it is!"

Together the three brothers went into the library and Jarrod picked up Counselor Sam West's letter from the desk. He handed it to Heath, saying quietly, "this is from Sam West, he was Tatton Hall's attorney and as you know he sent the wires informing us of Hall's murderous intentions. This letter is to officially inform me, as your attorney, of the terms of Tatton Hall's will."

Heath stood rather rigidly looking at the letter in his hands, then raised slightly puzzled eyes to the lawyer's face, "to inform you as my attorney? I ... don't understand Jarrod."

Nick came to stand beside his younger brother and laid a gentle hand on Heath's shoulder. "The truth is Heath, and don't ask me his reasons because I can't begin to imagine what was in his mind, Tatton Hall has left everything he owned in all the world to you."

Heath's blue eyes registered his shock and dismay and the gaze he turned on Nick was so anguished that it moved the rancher to see it. Nick's hand tightened on Heath's shoulder and he spoke to his younger brother in a tone of deep but gentle authority.

"Now you take it easy, I know it's a shock but hear Jarrod out and then we can decide what to do, you're not alone in this, we're here for you, do you understand me?"

A myriad of conflicting emotions clouded Heath's eyes, dismay at the news, fear for his future, gratitude for the compassionate understanding of his brothers, all warred within his breast. His distressed expression tore at the hearts of both his brothers.

When he could control his voice Heath gasped, "I'm gonna be sick."

Part 20

Nick half-dragged him to the french window and jerked it open, Heath stepped out onto the patio and bent his head over the flower bed.

Nick held his shoulders in a firm grip, saying gently, "easy now, you're gonna be all right, easy does it."

Heath was not actually sick, though he retched hard for a few seconds, when the paroxysm had passed he stood up and wiped a shaking hand across his sweating face.

Nick's hazel eyes were full of love and concern, "better now?"

Heath's face was so bleak that it saddened Nick to see it, "God help me Nick, I wish Hall was still alive so that I could kill him again!"

Nick's hand gripped his arm, "I know, I know Boy, come on indoors and let Jarrod explain everything to you, then we can decide what to do next."
He led his unresisting brother back into the library and found Jarrod pouring drinks for them all.

The lawyer sat in one of the two armchairs and Nick and Heath sat beside one another on the settee. Jarrod held the letter, having picked it up from the floor when Heath dropped it as he headed for the french window. He held it up now, saying gently, "I don't think you actually want to read this do you Heath?"

There was no answer, just a shake of the blond head. The lawyer went on, "there's no real need for you to read it, the facts are exactly as Nick said, Tatton Hall has left you everything he owned."

Heath's voice shook with a mixture of rage and grief, "which means what? Does he still own mines or is it all in his wholesaling business now?"

Jarrod shook his head, "there are no actual holdings of any kind now, Hall gave West instructions to liquidate all his assets, that means that what he's left you is entirely in cash."

Heath's eyes were brilliant with unshed tears, he folded his arms across his chest to stop his hands from shaking, he raised his head to look Jarrod firmly in the eye. His voice didn't waver when he spoke this time.

"How much money has that...that monster left me Jarrod?"

Jarrod and Nick exchanged worried glances and Nick nodded briefly, "tell him Jarrod, he has to know."

Jarrod spoke quietly, "almost three hundred thousand dollars Heath."

The blond rancher closed his eyes in anguish, "blood money," he said brokenly.

Jarrod leaned forward in his chair, "try not to be upset, I know it's a sick joke but what's done is done. We have to deal with it now."

Heath sprang up, crossing jerkily to the fireplace, "a sick joke," he repeated. He turned a stormy gaze on his elder brother, "this is hell's own jest Jarrod!"

In an instant Nick was beside Heath, a pacific hand on his shoulder, "come on little Brother, you're not alone, I already told you that."

Heath made a huge effort to control his breathing, "I know that Nick," he said sadly and allowed the dark haired rancher to lead him back to the settee.

He sat rather wearily, burying his head in his hands for a minute. Nick's hazel eyes pleaded with Jarrod to find some words of comfort for the stricken Heath but the lawyer had more bad news to impart
and decided that he should anticipate Heath's next question.

"Heath, look at me please," said Jarrod quietly.

With an effort, Heath raised his head, his pain-filled eyes met Jarrod's clear gaze and the lawyer said quietly, "I can imagine just how bad you're feeling and I don't want to make it worse for you, but if you're about to ask me whether you can refuse this inheritance I have more bad news."

Nick had been watching Heath, his face a mask of concern, but now he shot an angry look at his elder brother.

"Not now Jarrod, he's had enough," the rancher's voice was a growl.

Counselor Barkley said gently, "Nick he has to know all of it, he can't begin to deal with it unless he has all the facts, you know that."

Nick did know, he and Jarrod had discussed it all earlier and had agreed that Heath needed to be put wholly in the picture.

"Yeah, I know," said Nick defensively, "but look at him, He needs a little time."

With an effort of will Heath struggled to sound as calm and normal as he could. "Jarrod's right Nick, I need to know it all." He tried to smile at the lawyer but the smile quickly went awry, "please tell me Jarrod."

Counselor Barkley's vivid eyes met Heath's gaze honestly, his voice was gentle but firm, "the law states that nobody has to accept an inheritance if it is left to them. A person can simply refuse to take a bequest. In that case one of two things happens, either the estate defaults to the government if there is no other obvious claimant, or it devolves upon a person designated by the deceased to be their residuary legatee. Hall foresaw that you would reject his bequest so he stated in his will that if you didn't want it, everything should be left to another man."

The lawyer stopped, concerned about the devastated expression in Heath's face.

Nick's deep voice broke the sudden silence, "finish it Jarrod, you've gotten this far, tell him who gets the money if he doesn't take it!"

Jarrod sighed and reluctantly nodded. He said quietly, "Heath have you ever heard of a man called Marsh Lonsdale?"

With an effort, Heath searched his memory, then he nodded.

"Yeah, he owns some of the roughest saloons on the riverfront, they say he's into every dirty racket in California..." Heath stopped, his blue eyes registering his horror, "are you saying that Lonsdale gets Hall's money if I don't take it?"

Reluctantly, Jarrod nodded, "I'm afraid so Heath, I'm sorry to add to your burdens but I had to tell you that."

Heath waved away the apology, "well of course you did, I understand that Jarrod."

Heath stared silently into the leaping flames for a few minutes, twisting his clasped hands in his lap as he struggled to come to terms with the information Jarrod had given him. Jarrod watched his younger brother's mental turmoil with compassion, it was a stroke of evil genius on Tatton Hall's part to leave his ill-gotten gains to a decent, honest and upright young man like Heath. Jarrod could imagine Hall being amused as he signed the codicil to his will, knowing how deeply Heath Barkley would loath and resent the tainted wealth he was leaving him.

Nick sat quietly beside his tortured sibling, above all things, he hated feeling helpless and he felt that way now. Helpless to do or say anything that could lighten the trouble and despair he read in Heath's face. He slid a friendly arm around Heath's hunched shoulder and felt the powerful muscles beneath his hand, rigid with tension and suppressed rage. He sought silent aid from his elder brother and saw his own helplessness mirrored in Jarrod's eyes.

Nick patted Heath's back soothingly and spoke in the softest of voices, "try to remember you're not alone in this Heath, Jarrod and I will help you through, as brothers, all right?"

As suddenly as a bolt of lightning can strike, all the pent-up anger burst from Heath and he shook off Nick's comforting hand, springing up from the settee and moving jerkily to the fireplace. He paced to one side of it and wheeled around to face his brothers, "no Nick, it's not all right! That...that son of a bitch has me trapped and he knew it too! If I take his damned money people will sneer at me and say I sold my good name and if I turn it down, I'll be making a dangerous criminal twice as powerful as he is now! What kind of wicked, twisted, evil choice is that?"

Without waiting for either of his stricken brothers to answer him, Heath turned away in anguish and crashed his fist impotently into the wooden moulding that bordered the wall panels at the side of the library fireplace. He gasped in pain as his fist connected with the hard wood and the moulding split under the force of his blow. He jerked his hand free of the splintered wood that had cut his skin. A few drops of blood spattered to the floor and the blond rancher stood looking bemusedly at the damage he had inflicted on the wall and upon himself.

Nick was up and standing over his sibling in the blink of an eye, "are you crazy? What the devil are you trying to do to yourself, get over here!" He dragged Heath back to the settee and thrust him back down, sitting beside his bleeding brother and slipping an arm around him again. He held Heath's shoulder in a firm, almost vice- like grip this time and said sternly, "now just you calm down, you hear?"

Jarrod was crouching in front of the settee wiping the blood away from the cut on Heath's knuckles with his handkerchief. He carefully felt all Heath's finger bones but could find no breaks and sighed with relief.

He smiled at the simmering blond, "fortunately for you young man your fists are like your big brother Nick's...made of iron! So there are no broken bones."

The lawyer glanced at the splintered moulding, saying drily, "the wall however was not so lucky." He deftly bound the handkerchief in place over the cut and stood up once more. Seeing that Heath was looking more than a little embarrassed by his outburst, Jarrod tried for a lighter note to cheer the younger man up.

"I hope that made you feel better Heath, because when Mother sees the damage to the wall she's going to be good and mad at you."

Nick joined in the attempted banter, "yeah she sure will! Now don't you go trying to blame us for that, you're on your own Boy!"

Heath managed a sad, rueful smile, "sorry, I...don't rightly know what came over me."

"Neither do I," grinned Nick, "that's the sort of dumb thing I'd do, not you."

Heath responded with a shaky laugh, "Jarrod you know Nick's right, I think I see a defence strategy here. I'm gonna tell Mother he did it."

Nick laughed and slackened his grip on Heath's shoulder, the rigid muscles beneath his hand had relaxed now and he knew there wouldn't be a further explosion of wrath from his troubled sibling. He cuffed Heath lightly over the back of the head, "watch it dimwit," he warned.

Nick rose and crossed to the drinks tray. He poured three stiff whiskies and brought them back to his brothers. Jarrod patted Heath's shoulder in fatherly fashion and returned to his seat. The three men drank in silence for a short while as neither Jarrod nor Nick wanted to bring up the problematic inheritance again for fear of provoking further distress in Heath.

Eventually it was Heath who referred to it again, darting a swift glance at Jarrod from his vulnerable, hurt-filled eyes.

"You know why Hall did this don't you?"

"I think so," answered the lawyer calmly, "he's trying to control you, even from beyond the grave. He was the type of man who would derive a malicious satisfaction from preventing you being able to forget about him."

Nick's intelligent hazel eyes were gazing at Heath, "it's more than that though isn't it? He's hoping to...I don't know...to corrupt you somehow, or something like that anyway."

Heath turned respectful eyes on Nick, "exactly that Nick! Hall doesn't just want me to be aware of him, he wants me to BE him!" His hands shook with emotion as he spoke and Jarrod made haste to intervene before Heath could become upset again.

"Well then Tatton Hall has mistaken his man because you could never be like him, no matter if you had ten times as much money as he's left you."

Heath's blue eyes glowed with hope as he looked into Jarrod's face.

"Do you believe that?"

"Yes," answered Jarrod without the slightest hesitation.

Heath's eyes met Jarrod's clear gaze, the lawyer watched with satisfaction as the younger man absorbed and accepted the truth of his words.

"Me too," declared Nick stoutly and he reached out to squeeze the back of Heath's neck, shaking him gently. "You have to believe it too little Brother, otherwise Hall's going to win this round and you can't let him do it."

Nick glanced at Jarrod, his hazel eyes asking a silent question and the lawyer smiled reassuringly, he knew what Nick was asking. Were they playing this right? Jarrod nodded briefly, his vivid eyes urging Nick to keep talking.

Nick gently shook Heath's neck again, "You have to keep the money you know that don't you?"

Heath nodded with obvious reluctance, glancing at Jarrod for confirmation, "there's no other way?"

"No way that doesn't involve Lonsdale getting the money," answered the lawyer quietly.

A deep sigh escaped Heath and with it, all the residual tension seemed to drain from him. Both his brothers knew what he was going to say, even before the words had been spoken.

"What am I going to do with it?"

Part 21

Heath's forlorn question hung unanswered in the library for a long, tense moment as Jarrod fought to find the right words to advise his troubled younger brother. Before the lawyer could frame a careful answer, Nick hurried into speech and to Jarrod's horror said the worst thing he could possibly have said.

"What can you do with it? Hell little brother, you can do any damn thing you want! Why you could buy your own spread with that kind of money, the biggest and best money can buy!"

Jarrod closed his eyes in momentary anguish and opened them again to find Heath looking at Nick like a wounded animal.

"Is that what you want me to do?" Heath's question was a soft, sad murmur.

"Me?" Nick was taken aback and his eyes rapidly widened in horror as he realized how his words had been interpreted. "No! No, of course not! I didn't mean...aw look Heath, that came out all wrong, I didn't mean...you KNOW I didn't mean you should buy another ranch. You and I are a team right? Heath?"

Nick's hazel eyes signalled an urgent appeal for help and Jarrod came swiftly to the rescue.

"Nick didn't mean that how it sounded Heath, your place is here running the Barkley ranch in partnership with Nick, he knows that and it's what he wants. It's what you want too isn't it?"

Heath nodded, choked with emotion, "this is my home," he said brokenly, "the only way I'll ever leave this place is feet first in a pine box."

Nick's voice shook with distress, "I know that, I'm sorry Heath, forgive me, sometimes my dumb brain just doesn't keep pace with my stupid mouth!"

Heath placed a friendly hand on Nick's shoulder, "forget it, I guess I'm not thinking too straight right now myself." With a huge effort of will, Heath forced a smile to his face, a smile that encompassed both of his brothers.

"After all Boys, it isn't every day a fella gets three hundred thousand bucks left to him!"

Nick exhaled with relief and grinned at Heath, slapping his brother on the back, "Atta boy Heath!"

Heath directed a pleading look at his eldest brother, "Jarrod, what am I going to do with this money?"

Jarrod asked a gentle question, "do I take it that you don't want to keep any of this money yourself Heath?"

Heath's answer was low-voiced and earnest, "I couldn't keep a cent of it Jarrod, it's blood money."

The lawyer smiled, "then the solution is simple, you give it all away, all three hundred thousand dollars of it."

Heath thought for a moment then directed another troubled glance at Jarrod, "that's kind of a tall order isn't it?"

"Is it?" Jarrod raised an eyebrow, "can't you think of some suitable candidates?"

Heath shook his head a trifle wearily, "I guess I'm kind of tired but right now I can't."

"Sure you can!" Nick's strong, confident voice brought Heath's head up once more. His older brother ticked off points on his fingers, "there's Audra's orphanage for a start, then there's the Missions that Mother's involved with and how about that friend of yours? Doesn't Bill Porter have a family?"

Heath shook his head, "sure he does, but I took care of them my first week here."

Jarrod leaned back in his chair and laughed, "well that explains a lot! I couldn't help noticing that your bank account kept emptying as fast as I paid money into it. I even worried for a while that you might have a gambling problem."

The lawyer was rewarded with a burst of genuine laughter from both his brothers and was glad to feel the residue of tension dissipate and vanish from the room. He leaned forward and slapped Heath on the arm in friendly fashion.

"Heath, I suggest you leave the matter in my hands, I know many charities and institutions that would welcome donations and you and I will draw up a list in due course. We'll use every last cent of this money to do good."

The lawyer fixed his vivid gaze on Heath's vulnerable face and said with quiet sincerity, "you called it blood money Heath and so it is, but we'll wash it clean by the good we do with it, believe me we will."

Heath's eyes were wet and he could barely command his voice to reply, "thank you Jarrod."

TWO MONTHS AFTER TATTON HALL'S DEATH

Heath Barkley sat at the desk in his bedroom and finished reading the list that his brother Jarrod had given him earlier in the day. It was a long list, several pages of Counselor Barkley's neat copperplate handwriting recorded the long list of organizations, institutions, charities and religious houses that were to benefit from the wealth that had constituted the ill-gotten gains of the late Tatton Hall.

The whole Barkley family had contributed to the list, enthusiastically assisting Heath to give away the money that they knew would be a burden to Heath and a blight upon his life until it was gone. Heath's final task now was to read through the completed list and make any stipulations he wanted, before signing the final authority that would empower Jarrod to release the funds according to Heath's wishes.

Heath had been engaged upon this task for the last two hours and he had made several notes against entries on the list. Now reading it through one last time, he was satisfied that he had got it all as right as it could be. He leaned back and stretched his long legs, just over two months ago, he had sat at this desk dreaming up his plan to enable the Barkleys to keep their good reputation in the peach business. He had done so out of gratitude to the family, for acceding to his wish that they terminate their business dealings with the evil Tatton Hall.

"What had Jarrod called it? Heath's Grand Compromise, well Heath wasn't so sure about that, he only knew that he had done his best to keep faith with his family after they had so tangibly demonstrated their faith in him. He had not been called upon to explain anything about Hall in order to win the agreement of the rest of the Barkleys, even though he had shared the details with Jarrod subsequently. He had only needed to tell his family that it meant a lot to him, that had been sufficient to win him their co- operation.

Heath picked up the list from his desk, such a lot had happened in the last few months, still it was almost all over now, he would give the list to Jarrod tonight, then the final papers could be signed tomorrow. Counselor Barkley would oversee the final distribution of Hall's immense fortune and a huge weight of responsibility would be lifted from Heath's shoulders for good.

Heath went downstairs and found his two elder brothers playing pool in the library. Jarrod looked up from his shot as Heath entered.

"All finished?"

"Yeah, I think so, but I've made a few...what was that word you said?"

"Stipulations or Provisos," smiled Jarrod.

"Yeah, those things, well I've made a few of them."

Jarrod stood up straight, having made his shot and handed the cue to Nick to put away. "Have you now, such as what?"

Heath pulled a face, "well there's this new orphanage we're giving Sis the money to have built. She wants to call it Heath Barkley Hall, I don't want that!"

"Heath Barkley Hall?" Nick's voice was horrified, "that sounds ridiculous!"

Heath looked at Nick, "thanks!"

Nick spread a pacific hand, "what did I say? I'm just agreeing with you is all."

Jarrod's voice was soothing, "have no fear Heath, anticipating your wishes in the matter, I've already told Audra to pick another name for the new building."

"Thanks Jarrod," said Heath gratefully.

Nick looked appraisingly at Heath, "actually Mother made a suggestion about that, she thought maybe it could be called Leah Thomson Hall, how does that sound to you?"

Heath's familiar lop-sided smile dawned, "that sounds kind of nice, I must remember to thank Mother."

The blond rancher looked at Jarrod again, "It isn't only Audra though Jarrod, a powerful lot of the people we're giving money to want to name stuff after me and...well...I guess I'm just not comfortable with the idea of having my name plastered all over a set of buildings. I'm kind of a private sort of a man I guess."

The lawyer laid a comforting hand on his sibling's shoulder, "I'm way ahead of you brother Heath, "if I tell you that the miners infirmary at Cedar Springs is going to be named after your friend Bill Porter and the hospital here in Stockton is simply going to be the Barkley hospital, will that make you feel better?"

"Yeah," said Heath grinning with relief, "that makes everything just fine."

The next day, Heath and Nick rode into Stockton together and presented themselves at Jarrod's office at the hour the lawyer had appointed. The formality of signing the paperwork was soon dealt with and all three brothers betook themselves to their favourite saloon for a cold beer before lunch. On the way to the saloon, the three brothers bumped into Howard Merar and the doctor seized Heath's hand and shook it warmly.

"Heath, I'm glad to have met up with you, I've been wanting to thank you for the most generous donation to the welfare fund. I'm just overwhelmed, this money is going to enable me to treat anyone who needs my help in the future, regardless of their circumstances. I just can't thank you enough my Boy."

When the brothers escaped from the good doctor, Nick laughed and remarked, "just as if he doesn't treat anyone who needs his help anyway! He's done it as long as I've known him."

"Indeed he does," agreed Jarrod, "but at least this way, we know he's receiving some recompense at last."

As the three brothers sat drinking their beer, Heath fell profoundly silent and Jarrod and Nick exchanged glances. Nick slapped his younger brother on the back.

"Well you've done it Boy! The whole fortune is off your hands, you should be pretty happy shouldn't you?"

Heath smiled, coming out of his reverie, "oh I am Nick, I was just thinking about parts of this affair, that's all."

"You do too much thinking," observed Nick draining his glass, he indicated Jarrod, "you should watch out, you're gonna wind up like him!"

Jarrod grinned and pushed his glass across to Nick, "make yourself useful and refill the glasses Nicholas."

When Nick had gone to the bar, Jarrod said quietly to Heath, "what's on your mind?"

"I was wondering why Hall left me his money."

"You already know the answer to that, he did it because he knew how much you'd hate it."

Heath looked Jarrod in the eye, "do you think he intended to die in Mad Dog canyon that day?"

"No, I think he hoped he'd kill you, he certainly hired enough men to try and accomplish that. The will was just insurance, he had a lot of respect for your ability to survive it would seem."

Nick came back with three beers and sat down, listening to the conversation between his brothers.

Heath asked, "did Hall really think I'd keep that money?"

"Of course he did," answered Nick. "Men like Hall are entirely governed by money, it's all they think of, the only thing they believe in, Hall would never be able to understand how little a man like you could care for money."

"That's why our action over the peaches caught him off guard," observed Jarrod. "He couldn't comprehend our willingness to take a financial loss to achieve our ends."

Nick gave his younger brother an admiring glance, "that idea of yours was damned clever, I have to hand it to you Heath."

Heath shook his head, "it was the least I could do Nick, after you all backed me over not doing business with Hall."

Jarrod shook his head, "I think we owed you that one Heath, I think you thought so too. I recall you mentioned Matt Bentell and Gil Anders, you did as the family asked where they were concerned, this was our chance to do something you wanted badly in return."

Heath said quietly, "I did mention Bentell, but I know why you made me work with him, you didn't want to see me hang, I understood that."

Nick's voice was unwontedly quiet, "it didn't make it any easier for you to do though."

"No," admitted Heath, "but I'm glad I did it and I'm glad I talked to Anders too. I didn't like carrying all that hate around with me."

Nick nodded, "I know." He smiled at Heath, "want to know why I backed you about Hall?"

Heath nodded and Nick pointed at Jarrod. "Do you remember when he brought Maybelle Williams home last Christmas?"

Heath smiled, "yeah, you were pretty hot about it."

"I was," agreed Nick, "and I told you why, because the Gaines gang had killed my friend. You backed me then, when I wanted you to, you didn't know Dave Ross but it mattered to me so you backed me up. I've never forgotten it and it seemed to me it was my turn to back you."

Jarrod smiled on them both, "that Gentlemen is what family is all about."

Heath smiled, "Jarrod, you called my idea about the peaches the Grand Compromise, I guess being a family is all about compromises too."

The lawyer smiled and raised his glass, "Heath, you never said a truer word!" He raised his glass, "here's to the Grand Compromise." The three brothers clinked their glasses in a mutual toast and drank to their eternal brotherhood and friendship.

THE END