Nick's Saga

Parts 14-15

by nlindabrit

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.

Part 14A -- Return of the Native

(Nick Barkley returns to his beloved ranch...bringing a lot of new people with him! Heath Barkley has had a gruelling and boring time holding the fort at home. Heath doesn't know it yet but life is about to get real interesting!)

The first batch of eight letters from the Barkleys in Mexico came as an enormous relief to the other members of the family at home on the ranch in California. For many weeks, the rest of the Barkleys had waited fruitlessly for word from the absent Nick and then after Gene's disappearance, for news of them both. Then had come the comically brief telegram from Nick which had caused his mother and brother Jarrod to travel into Mexico for a reunion. The Mexican postbag had answered many questions and allayed the worst fears of Heath, his younger sister Audra and their sister-in-law Sarah, Jarrod's journalist wife.

There had been many other letters since that first set, both Jarrod and Victoria had written often and so the family in California were pretty well apprised of the events unfolding in Mexico. They learned of the passing of old Professor Rakovsky, worn out by years of hard travelling with the freak show. Then had come the death of Jim, the harmless giant black man, murdered by the renegade Jai. The same killer had then been responsible for the death of Major Remedios, who had died to save Nick's wife from harm. All these happenings were faithfully reported to the California Barkleys by Jarrod and Victoria along with many other things. Such as the progress of young Marric back to some semblance of a normal boyhood and the continuing struggle to keep ailing little Audra-Jane alive.

Gene wrote to his sister now and again and she was able to tell Heath and Sarah that it sounded as though he was starting a new and much happier phase of his life. Heath received a second letter from Nick, in which the older brother tried to express his sense of obligation to the younger. His promise to explain fully when next they met filled Heath Barkley with alarm. He wrote back at once assuring Nick that there was no need for explanations, laughing inwardly to himself as he did so. Heath genuinely didn't mind holding the fort here at home, even though he had been working ferociously hard, but he was certain that listening to a long convoluted explanation from Nick would break him!

The last set of letters had said that both Jarrod and Gene would be home very soon, so Heath was surprised when a new letter from Jarrod was in the usual morning mailbag fetched from Stockton by one of the hands. He opened and read it, his expression growing grave as he did so and when he had finished it, Audra asked him anxiously if anything was wrong. Heath was lost in thought for a moment then he answered quietly, "yeah Sis, I'm afraid so. Are we expecting Sarah this morning?"

"Yes, she and I are going into Stockton later to shop."

Heath rose, "I'm just gonna give the men their work assignments, I'll be right back. I want you and Sarah to wait here for me, I have to tell you both something."

"Tell me now," said Audra alarmed by his serious face.

Heath's blue eyes were sombre, "saying this once is going to be hard enough," he answered quietly.

When Heath came back into the house, his sister-in-law had arrived and she and Audra were just bringing a tray of coffee into the living room. Sarah frowned at Heath, "whatever has happened Heath? You have poor Audra worried sick!"

They sat down and Heath took the letter from Jarrod out of his pocket. "Jarrod wrote to me, he thought it would be best if I broke the sad news to the two of you. It seems they've had another death at the estancia."

Audra broke in, "oh not that poor little girl?"

Heath shook his head, "no, there's been a riding accident, Nick's wife Dominica rode that mare of hers against his orders and she's broken her neck."

Audra said, "oh no! Poor Nick, what a terrible thing to happen."

Sarah said, "when did it happen Heath?"

"A week ago, they buried her last Tuesday."

The three sat in silent sadness for a few moments, none of them had ever met Dominica but the letters had made it clear that Nick's marriage was a very happy one. His brother, sister and sister-in-law knew that Nick was a man of deep and true feelings, he would grieve deeply for his loss and each wished they were close by to help him in some way. Heath broke the silence, "Jarrod says they're all coming home as soon as they can, including Nick and the two kids. The girl Adrienne and her daughter too.

Audra brightened a little, "Nick is coming home? That's wonderful!" She broke off embarrassed by what she had said but Sarah patted her hand. "The circumstances are very sad, but it is wonderful that Nick is coming home, we all miss him." Sarah looked at Heath, he had not once complained about doing all the work alone, nor had he given voice to his fears for the future should Nick stay in Mexico. But Sarah knew him well enough to know that he revelled in his role as Nick's partner running the ranch, he would be delighted to have his brother back, despite the sad reason for Nick's return.

Sarah was right, Heath was glad to think Nick would soon be home, he thought about his brother all morning, as he rode around the ranch over- seeing the day's work. Heath resolved to do all he could to help Nick get over the tragic loss of his wife. He would be able to help with the boy too, Jarrod had written about Marric's fearful nightmares. Well Heath Barkley was no stranger to haunting dreams of past horrors, he could certainly help that little boy to conquer his demons, he had conquered his own pretty effectively. Spurring Charger forward, Heath hoped that the rest of the Barkleys would be home soon, the big house was lonely without them, it would be fine to hear Nick's familiar bellow again. Besides, thought Heath, if I have to eat Audra's cooking for much longer, my digestion's never gonna be the same again!

Nick had thought it would be a difficult task to arrange matters in Mexico satisfactorily before he could leave for home, but in the event, it was all relatively simple. Nick had told his brother Jarrod of the deep affection the late Don Miguel had obviously had for his estancia foreman Carlos Castillo. Jarrod had been doing some discreet investigating and he had come up with a plan designed to take care of Nick's responsibilities to the Del Rio estancia and leave the rancher free to return to his own beloved ranch. The two men discussed the situation in private one afternoon in Nick's study. Jarrod looked shrewdly at Nick, "if I understand you Nick, you feel that the estancia is Mexican and ought to remain in Mexican hands."

"I do," declared Nick firmly. His eyes shadowed, "if Dominica had lived and we'd had children..." He broke off, turning away to hide his feelings.

Jarrod went on, "I understand Nick, your first thought was Carlos, but he's told you that he's a gambler and that if you made the estate over to him, he'd definitely lose it?"

"That's what he said."

"Tell me Nick, do you know how old Carlos is?"

Nick nodded, "yeah, he told me one day, it surprised me, ‘cause he's a damn sight older than he looks. I thought he was my age but apparently he's fifty next birthday."

Jarrod smiled, "yes that's right and Raoul, the oldest of his half brothers is only just eighteen."

"I don't see what you're getting at Jarrod."

The lawyer poured them both another drink, "well, I've spoken to Carlos and tentatively put an idea to him, he's all for it and I have his permission to suggest it to you."

Nick was enthusiastic, "I'm all ears Jarrod, go ahead!"

The lawyer spoke for perhaps ten minutes and when he had finished Nick sat thoughtfully sipping his whisky for a moment. At length, he looked up, "so the way you see it, I leave Carlos in charge here and he grooms Raoul to step into his shoes in due course?"

Jarrod nodded, "Yes, in say ten years from now, Carlos will be ready to retire and in the period between then and now, he'll teach Raoul everything he knows."

Nick frowned, "but how will Carlos feel about it if I actually make the estancia over to Raoul?"

"He views that differently than you might expect Nick. He knows that he wouldn't be able to help himself gambling it if it was his to gamble. On the other hand, he knows how deeply Raoul loves this place. Carlos is a highly intelligent man, he has too generous a spirit to resent the day his younger brother becomes Patrone here."

Nick walked to the window that looked out onto the courtyard, the marble fountain gleamed and its cascade of water sparkled in the sun. He turned back to Jarrod, "what does Raoul say himself?"

Jarrod remembered the Mexican boy's shining eyes and trembling voice as he humbly accepted the proposed arrangements. "Raoul loves this place Nick. Ramon seems destined for the church and young Tomas has set his heart on a career at sea. We can help him to achieve his maritime ambitions and he isn't going to let us forget it! But Raoul asks nothing more from life than to be allowed to look after the estancia, I don't think we could leave it in better hands."

Nick nodded, "you'll deal with all the legal side of things?"

"Of course I will."

Nick smiled at his older brother, "what would I do without that brain of yours Big Brother?"

"I can't imagine Nick," retorted Jarrod with a grin.

Victoria had been thinking for some time about the plight of Adrienne's two young friends, the English girl Susannah Charles and the young Virginian school teacher, Brooke Sanders. She had discussed their futures with Jarrod and the lawyer had assured her that he could find both of them work, attached to his San Francisco office. Both were intelligent and educated, there were many positions within the Barkley business empire that either could fill.

Victoria still didn't warm to Susannah but she did sincerely pity the girl and lost no time in offering to help Susannah and Brooke leave the confined lives they led at the Mission of Santa Alva. Both the young people were enthusiastic and grateful to their new patroness and accepted her offer with alacrity. Mother Felicia was philosophical about the loss of the two young helpers, she had thought it unlikely that either would stay at the Mission indefinitely. Also, the old nun shrewdly and correctly believed that she would be more than recompensed by the amount of help she was likely to receive from the Barkleys in the future.

Marric found it a little difficult to stop thinking of the estancia as home, but Nick's glee at the prospect of returning to the ranch was infectious and soon the child was almost as eager as the father to see the place Nick Barkley clearly loved so much. Besides, he was keenly interested to meet Heath Barkley. He had heard much about this interesting man from the other Barkleys and although he didn't yet know the full details of Heath's history, he did know that Heath had only been at the ranch for three years. In a strange way, this made Marric feel as though he and Heath shared something and he was eager to meet his uncle. Marric unconditionally adored Nick Barkley, he was almost as deeply attached to Jarrod Barkley, and with eerie prescience he knew in his heart that he was going to love Heath Barkley too.

Beyond telling the grieving Adrienne that she and her little daughter would be accompanying the Barkleys, Victoria had said nothing about the future to the bereft girl. Adrienne had loved Dominica as a sister. The Barkley matriarch could tell that her affection was both deep and sincere, a true feeling, not just born of gratitude for the many kindnesses she had received from the Del Rios. The loss of her friend had devastated the forlorn young woman. When the travel plans had been finalized, Victoria drove over to the Mission to tell Susannah and Brooke the details, so they would be packed and ready to leave on time.

She told Susannah the travel arrangements and offered to take both her and Brooke shopping in Coalhuo for anything they might need for their new lives in San Francisco. Victoria had expected a degree of excitement but Susannah seemed slightly stunned and Victoria asked her if anything was wrong.

The English girl recovered herself, "Oh no Mrs Barkley, I just...well I confess I am a little surprised. In view of Adrienne's not going with you I had assumed...I thought you wouldn't be taking us either."

Victoria stared at her, "I don't understand. Who told you Adrienne wasn't going with us?"

Susannah's eyes were guileless, "Adrienne did, she came to the Mission this morning, offering her services to Mother Felicia as a nurse. I had assumed you knew of this."

"No, no I didn't know, thank you Susannah, I'll pick you and Brooke up in the morning for that shopping trip."

"Thank you Mrs. Barkley, I confess I will be glad of a few new things and Brooke is worse off still, Adri has supplied many of my needs."

Victoria found Adri cleaning a part of the quiet hospital, little Missy sat on the floor beside her mother, happily engaged with her dolls. Adrienne met the older woman's gaze unflinchingly, "I was going to tell you before you left, I just...I just wanted to be sure Mother Felicia would have me first."

"Are you going to tell me why?"

Adri's normally gentle brown eyes flashed, "because I have no claim on you, not on Nick or any of the Barkleys. I had no claim on Dominica either, but we loved each other like sisters. Whenever I felt a pang of guilt about all I took from the Del Rios, at least I could quiet my conscience with that! I had at least the claim of friendship."

Victoria said quietly, "I thought you and I were friends."

Adri blushed, "we are! I didn't mean...that is...look I can't explain but I've taken enough from other people, it's time I looked after myself and Missy. Besides..." she broke off, shaking her head and reaching rather blindly for her handkerchief.

Victoria sat down, lifting little Missy into her lap and handing the child her doll. "Besides?"

Adri responded to the gentle prompt, "I was going to say that you just don't know how much trouble you would be taking on if you let me go with you."

The older woman's voice was gentle, "I think you're referring to the unlucky things that have happened here?"

Adri nodded, coming to sit down facing Victoria.

"Listen to me Adri, you have to stop this trick you have of assuming guilt for events that you have no control over. You didn't ask Jai to become obsessed with you, he did that and he stole your innocence as well. The deaths that have happened are Jai's fault, not yours. You are not a jinx and if you come with me, I truly believe it will be the start of a whole new and maybe happier life for you."

Adri shook her head, "for me maybe, but not for you Victoria. You don't know...my decision to keep my daughter, it has met with so much...hostility! It will happen all over again and this time it will be your friends who don't want to know me."

Victoria had been prepared for this, "I understand you Dear," she answered calmly. "I expect you're right, there will be people who don't approve of you, or of me for taking you under my wing. Please believe me when I tell you that anyone who does that isn't worthy of my notice or of yours. Believe also that I have many friends who will welcome you with a glad heart, trust me Adri, I know this."

It took quite a while and all of Victoria's eloquence but when she left the Mission that afternoon, Adri and Missy were with her.

Nick Barkley was in a strange state, gladly contented to be heading home soon, but at the same time, still bereft by the loss of his young wife. He needed time and solitude and his solicitous family gave it to him. Nick slowly came to terms with his loss, he had the two little children he had adopted to think of and knew that he must deal with his grief and at the same time, move forward with his own life. He had loved the beautiful and spirited Dominica with all his heart and gloomily concluded that he would never again love as deeply. It was this conclusion that led him to think about his other big responsibility, his ward Adrienne, for Jarrod had already completed the formalities and Nick was now her legal guardian.

It seemed to Nick that Adri's prospects of finding a man with a true heart, prepared to accept her and her mixed blood child were poor. This conclusion, allied to his own honourable nature put an idea into his head and he found Adri alone sewing in the garden and put his idea to her for her consideration.

For a moment, she stared at him blankly, then she stammered, "but Nick...y. you are asking me to...m...marry you?"

His hazel eyes were sincere, "I think it's a good idea Honey, I can protect you and we like each other don't we? I won't lie to you and pretend I'm in love, I...I don't think I'll ever be in love...that way again."

"Nick I..."

"Adri listen, I know I've sprung this on you but think it over huh?"

The young girl looked at him affectionately, thinking to herself that a woman might search the world and not find a man half so fine. He was going to make a wonderful husband.

Part 14B

Adri smiled, her soft eyes alight with her feelings, "Nick, I truly believe you are the kindest man in the world and I thank you for your offer. I know you mean every word you say but I am going to refuse you. I cannot believe that you will never love again, for that would be too sad and I know my friend, my sister in all but name, would not want that. As for me, Jai has killed my ability to...let us simply say, that I do not wish ever to be married."

Nick stroked her cheek, "well that would be sad too don't you think?"

"Who can say, perhaps there is love awaiting both of us at some time in the future," smiled Adrienne.

She could not yet know how right she was destined to be, about both herself and her guardian.

Adrienne confided Nick's proposal of marriage to Victoria when the two women were alone and the Barkley matriarch inwardly shook her head at her son's knight-errantry. Who but Nick would make such an impulsive gesture? She reassured her young friend that she had done the right thing, rejecting Nick's kindly meant offer. "If I've learned anything in my life Adri, it's that life always holds a surprise for you, sometimes just around the corner. Don't you turn your back on the prospect of finding love and we won't let Nick do so either!"

At last the day came for the Barkley party to leave the estancia and the courtyard was thronged with people in the bustle of departure. Besides Nick, his mother and brothers and his two adopted children, the party consisted of Adrienne, Missy, Susannah and Brooke. In addition there was a nursemaid to help with Audra-Jane and a party of estancia hands to ride guard. The party would drive to Coalhuo, then take the train the rest of the way. The guards were to accompany the family the whole way to the ranch in California, Nick Barkley had no intention of letting any harm befall his family and the elaborate security arrangements had cleared some of the trouble from Adri's beautiful eyes.

Raoul Castillo appeared at the side of his master and humbly begged the favour of a private word with him. Nick smilingly agreed and took the young man aside, clapping him on the shoulder in friendly fashion, "now what's all this Raoul? You aren't about to tell me you don't want to step into my shoes one day are you?"

The boy smiled, "to be master of this estancia is the dearest wish of my heart Patrone, it is not that I want to speak to you about. Although, I do wish to thank you..."

Nick silenced Raoul with an upraised hand, "no, not again Raoul, you must have thanked me fifty times in the last few days, the subject is closed! Now, what else is on your mind?"

"It...it is about Royale Patrone," began Raoul, breaking off at the expression of pain in Nick's face. He was apologetic, "I do not wish to distress you, but you have not told me what you have decided to do with her."

Nick nodded, "yeah, I guess I was kind of putting that off, you do right to remind me. I have been pondering Royale's future. I did think of giving her to my sister Audra, she's a fine horsewoman, but if I'm honest, I don't want to see Royale again, so I decided against that." The rancher stood in frowning silence for a minute, while young Raoul watched him, sure that Patrone was about to give instructions for the horse to be sold. Raoul would do his master's bidding in the matter, but the thought of parting with his treasure was breaking his heart.

At length, Nick roused himself from his reverie, "I've thought it over Raoul and I don't think it would be responsible of me to sell that mare to anybody, she's a nervous animal and I wouldn't like to think there might be another fatal accident."

Raoul closed his eyes in anguish, was Patrone about to order him to shoot Royale after all?

Nick said, "I think the best thing would be for you to keep her yourself, you've done wonders with her so Carlos tells me."

Raoul's eyes flew open, to find his boss grinning at him, "d...did I hear you right Patrone?"

"You did," declared Nick.

The boy shook his head, "but...Patrone, I cannot accept so valuable a gift..."

"Sure you can Boy, and that subject is also now closed."

"Si Patrone," stammered Raoul, "gracias Patrone!"

The journey home was a slow one, the pace being dictated by the fragile health of little Audra-Jane, who continued to give cause for concern. It was extremely hard to persuade her to eat and she was so weak and delicate that Victoria warned Nick that her ultimate survival was by no means certain. So the party broke its journey and rested whenever necessary and the tiny crippled child clung to life, watched over by many loving eyes. Marric was excited about seeing his adopted father's ranch for the first time and also by the prospect of meeting his as yet unknown Uncle Heath. The boy was sorry to leave the estancia though, for he had been happy there in the weeks since his rescue. He was not wistful for long, Nick was exultant about the return to California and his enthusiasm rubbed off on his son.

Jarrod and Eugene Barkley parted company with the rest of the family and went on ahead, travelling directly to Berkeley, where Jarrod's diplomatic skills did much to smooth his younger brother's path back into his studies. When Jarrod left Berkeley his hopes were high that a whole new life was beginning for Gene and he turned his own thoughts homeward. He had now been parted from his wife and child for many weary weeks and despite the myriad of events which had occupied his time there hadn't been a minute of the day when Sarah and baby Jack were far from the lawyer's thoughts. He was impatient to kiss his wife and hold his son, his business in San Francisco could wait for a while longer, Jarrod Barkley was heading home with all the haste he could muster!

Just as there had been a whirl of activity at the estancia as the Barkley party left, so too was there a whirl of activity at the ranch preparing for the arrival home of its prodigal son and his new family. Silas had received a long letter from Victoria Barkley and in accordance with his mistress's detailed instructions, the old retainer had personally interviewed and selected a number of new staff to work at the Barkley mansion. Victoria had told Silas that there was going to be a deal of extra work with the influx of people at the mansion and she had also said that she wanted him to cease most of the functions he currently undertook. She had explained that his skills would be needed in helping the two new children to settle down and to learn how to eat normally. Silas had every intention of doing this, indeed his soft brown eyes shone with almost missionary zeal, so eager was he to lavish affection and attention on Nick Barkley's children.

It was an exciting morning when the wire arrived at the ranch to say that the rest of the Barkleys would be home the day after tomorrow, but the same postbag brought a letter which brought an exasperated frown to Heath Barkley's normally amiable face.

"What is it Heath?" Audra's expression was anxious, "please tell me it's not more bad news!"

Her brother glanced up from re-reading his letter, "no Sis, not family bad news anyway. The letter comes from Matt Bentell, he needs a piece of replacement equipment and he needs it in a hurry! I'm gonna have to ride up there straight away."

"Heath you can't! What will Nick think if you're not here to welcome him home? Besides, you could send one of the men, why do you have to go yourself?"

"Wish I could answer that Sis, Matt makes it clear he wants me up there and I trust his judgement."

Audra wasn't convinced, "Nick will be so disappointed if he comes home and you're not here!"

Heath's slow grin dawned, "if I don't sort out whatever's wrong up at the logging camp Sis, Nick'll have my hide! He'll understand my not being here, you'll see."

I n truth though, Heath was disappointed about missing out on the family homecoming, he and Nick had been parted for a good six months now, Heath was worried that it might be a little too long. There had been no instantaneous acceptance of Heath's rights by the bristling Nick Barkley when, three years ago, Heath had staked his claim to a Barkley heritage. The newcomer had been forced to compete with the established rancher brother, to demonstrate his many abilities and to win the respect of Nick Barkley as well as of his men. He had done so, in spectacular fashion on the memorable trail drive to deliver the Barkley herd and those of their neighbours to the United States Army. Not only had Heath completed the drive, within an almost impossibly tight deadline, he had thwarted a plot by a deranged General to suborn the Barkley hands for a foreign conflict.

Nick Barkley had been impressed and grateful, it had been the founding of the deep friendship and trust between the two brothers. The whole affair had yielded rich rewards for both men. For Nick there was a lightening of the load he had borne alone from the time of Tom Barkley's death. His had been a lonely task, even with the stalwart support of older brother Jarrod. Now, by freely sharing with Heath, what had always been his by right, Nick discovered that he too gained something. He gained a partner, someone to work alongside him and help him make decisions. Nick's whole life changed, boring and solitary stock-buying trips became sprees, he and Heath raised a little hell and enjoyed doing so and before long both men relished their time on the trail together.

For Heath, there had been a new status, looked up to by the Barkley hands and fully accepted by his ranching partner Nick. For after the trail drive, Nick shared his power, he and Heath were partners and Nick let everyone know it. Henceforth, anyone who confronted Heath Barkley could be sure of finding older brother Nick standing shoulder to shoulder with the newcomer. To Heath, after a boyhood of isolation and ostracism, this was a gift past price. He let Nick exercise a sort of benevolent tyranny over him, and there were many who wondered why so strong a man did so. The truth was that Heath liked it, he embraced family life Barkley style very willingly, developing an understanding with Nick that deepened and strengthened day by day until it was forged into an unbreakable bond.

Heath wondered if that bond was now in danger. Nick had been away a long time, would they snap back into the easy and comfortable routine that they had developed so well or not? His not being here wasn't going to make the transition any easier and he did consider sending a reliable man up to Bentell in his place. Matt's letter was worrying though, not because of what he said, it was more a case of what he didn't say. Heath sighed, there was no way around it, like it or not, he had to ride for the logging camp today and he would miss the return of Nick Barkley to the ranch.

Part 14C

To Heath's intense annoyance, one of the younger hands had ridden Charger without permission and had managed to lame the big horse. The miserable new hand had expected dismissal but Heath suspected he had been suckered into riding Charger by some of the other men and he contented himself with a brief icy speech, calculated to have the young hand shaking in his boots for some time to come.

Heath had been at a horse sale a week earlier and on a whim he had purchased a big rangy grey horse called Saracen. He didn't really know what had prompted him to do so, except that the powerfully built animal was just the sort of fast, strong horse that Nick Barkley liked. Heath had brought the horse home, inwardly hoping that one day soon he would have the chance to give the horse to his brother. He had chided himself for buying Saracen, Nick was noted for his preference for riding horses he had bred himself but Heath had felt instinctively that Saracen would appeal to Nick.

Heath remembered his first day working alongside Nick as an accepted member of the family. His little Modoc pony had done her best but she was unsuited to cattle work and Nick had been impressed with his new brother's skill in coaxing the pony to do her utmost. This was in the days when the two men barely trusted each other, so Heath had been astonished when, that afternoon, Nick gave him the fine new quarter horse he had just finished training, a sleek stallion called Charger. Heath had loved the horse at once and this gift between them was the founding of the better understanding between the brothers.

Heath hoped that the gift of Saracen might smooth the path of Nick's return to the ranch in much the same way as the gift of Charger had smoothed his path three years ago. But for now, he needed a reliable horse to ride up to the logging camp and Saracen was the right horse for the job. Saddling the restive grey, Heath vaulted lightly into the saddle and waving farewell to his sister he set off for the high country. He had thought about leaving a message for the returning Nick but in the end had decided against it, he simply didn't know how to express what he felt in words. He and Nick had not needed words in the three years they had worked together. Each understood the other pretty well and their communication was more a matter of quiet companionship than earnest explanation. As he rode away, Heath looked forward to the time when he and Nick were once again partners in running the Barkley ranch.

The night before the family were due to arrive, Dave McCall, long-time foreman of the Barkley ranch, held an impromptu meeting with his men, in the Barkley bunk-house. The result of this meeting was that certain plans were made and as they wrapped up their meeting Mac grinned round at his men. "So that's settled Boys, tomorrow we give the boss a welcome home to remember!"

In the early afternoon of the appointed day, the train bearing the Barkley party rolled into Stockton. Rooms had been booked for Susannah and Brooke in the hotel, there would not be sufficient accommodation at the ranch for them to join the family there. Victoria had explained this tactfully to the English girl but she could tell by the flash in Sue's eyes that she resented this treatment. Towards Adrienne, Sue always adopted a caressing manner, but Victoria believed that Susannah was bitterly jealous of the inclusion of Adrienne in the Barkley immediate circle and her own and Brooke's exclusion from it. Victoria took the view that she and her family were doing quite enough for the two indigent young people. Both Susannah and Brooke had been promised decent jobs in San Francisco in due course, both had been provided with new wardrobes and some money and if the charity stuck in their throats, why then they were at liberty to make their own way in the world after all.

Having deposited Sue and Brooke at the hotel, the rest of the party went on toward the ranch in a cavalcade of carriages. As he helped his mother aboard, Nick had said softly, "funny Heath's not here to meet us don't you think?"

He had spoken gruffly, but his mother was quick to see the hurt in his hazel eyes and she said tactfully, "well Darling, your brother has had his hands full while you've been away, perhaps something urgent came up."

Nick smiled, "yeah, I'm sure you're right."

Shrugging off his sudden fit of depression, Nick lifted the excited Marric into the lead buggy and climbed in himself, father and son sat in the back seat and one of the estancia guards handled the reins. The second, more comfortable carriage held Victoria, Adrienne, little Missy and Audra-Jane, who was tenderly cradled in the arms of her nursemaid. The third wagon contained the rest of the estancia guards.

Marric pelted the indulgent Nick with eager questions, "are we on Barkley land yet Papa? Remember you promised to show me where Fort Barkley is? How far is it now Papa?"

Nick laughed and tousled the boy's blond head, "settle down now Soldier, you'll see it all, I promise you that!"

Nick pointed out the marker that showed where the extensive Barkley lands began and in due course he showed Marric the area where he and his sister and brothers had played as children. They had dubbed their hideaway Fort Barkley and Marric begged to be allowed to play there too. Nick laughed but agreed, he knew how much Marric, for so long a prisoner, relished the freedom to roam and play.

It was eagle-eyed Marric who first spotted the cloud of dust up ahead, there were obviously many riders coming towards them. Marric tugged at Nick's sleeve, "Patrone look! Who are they?"

Nick shaded his eyes with a hand staring into the distance and as the horsemen cantered into view the rancher's face split into a grin. "Who are they Son? I'll tell you who they are, they're the Barkley ranch hands, come to welcome us, that's who they are!"

Nick turned around in his seat, waving and yelling to his mother, drawing the approaching riders to his Victoria's attention, she waved back, acknowledging that she had seen them too.

The Barkley hands put on an amazing display of trick riding, galloping alongside the cavalcade of carriages, firing their guns into the air and whooping a welcome. Nick was delighted, laughing and standing up to wave and shout at his men. His heart was full. He was home! Home again on the land he loved, the ranch that he had built with his father. Glancing at Marric's blond head he smiled, now he too had a son. Curiously he examined his inner feelings, did it matter to him that Marric was not his blood son? There was no Barkley blood in Marric, but did he care? His own Barkley heritage meant more to him than he could say but Marric? A rush of love for the thin little figure, clinging to him now in excitement, flooded through Nick. No! It mattered not a jot to Nick that he hadn't sired Marric himself. Marric was his son and he knew that he couldn't love the boy more than he already did, no matter what!

For some unaccountable reason the image of his younger brother Heath came unbidden into Nick's mind. He had not wanted to accept the truth of Heath's parentage, he had been reluctant to acknowledge the kinship between himself and his father's illegitimate son. Time and the acceptance of the others had brought him to do so eventually and he had done it because he truly came to believe that Heath was indeed Tom's son. He had now as strong a filial bond with Heath as he had with the two brothers he had known since birth but...? With a slight sense of shock, Nick realized for the first time that the bond between himself and Heath no longer depended on their kinship. If he found out tomorrow that Heath was no more a Barkley than the man in the moon, it would not alter by a single degree his allegiance to and affection for that young man. It put Nick's relationship with his adopted son in a new perspective for him. He could be a father to the boy and love him as only a father could! All his self doubts were at an end, he loved the kid and love was all it took. He might not be as clever as Jarrod or as understanding as Heath but Marric was his son and he loved him deeply.

He caught Marric up, laughing and pointing out some of the older hands, telling his son that these men were his friends and that they would be Marric's friends too. Minutes later, the cavalcade pulled in the corral area. Audra came running from the house and cast herself into her brother's arms, laughing and crying at the same time, she clung to him, repeating his name over and over.

Nick hugged her warmly, saying paternally, "easy now Honey, easy Sis, I'm glad to see you and to be home!"

Audra's china blue eyes were drenched with her tears, "oh Nick! I've missed you so much and...and," she broke off, twining her arms around his neck, saying into his shoulder, "I'm so sorry about Dominica Nick! I wish I could have met her, I wish it hadn't happened. Oh, I wish I could help you Nick!"

Nick gently disengaged her arms from about his neck and kissed her tenderly on the forehead. He smiled sadly into her distressed eyes, "you just did Honey and I need your help more than I can say."

She smiled tremulously, "you'll get it Nick, I promise you."

There were a host of introductions to be made and a whirl of activity and bustle as the new arrivals were ushered indoors and offered refreshment and the chance to wash and change their clothes but within a remarkably short space of time, things began to settle down. Nick was down at the corral, responding to the greetings of his men, an excited little Marric, still dressed in his Mexican clothes beside him. Adrienne and her daughter had been conducted up to the nursery by the benevolently smiling Silas and after a light meal, little Missy was tucked into her new crib to sleep. Audra Barkley, taking an instant liking to Adrienne, conducted her to her room and fussed over her until she too dropped off to sleep for a while.

Audra-Jane and the nursemaid were settled into their new quarters too and the nurse, Trini, attempted to coax the little girl into eating but she would not. That is, until Silas appeared with a small round plate and displayed it to the crippled child. The wise old black face wore a serene smile and Audra-Jane thought he had the gentlest voice she had ever heard, "are you hungry Sweetheart?"

Audra-Jane resolutely shook her head.

Silas was not dismayed, "no? Not even for a pink butterfly with snow-white lace on his wings?"

Intrigued, the little girl looked at the plate, the butterfly was a work of art, a long slender body with broad fluted pink wings and a filigree pattern of white lace embellishing them. Her voice was a shy whisper "What...what is it?"

Silas smoothed back her fair hair, "I told you Sweetheart, it's a butterfly."

Audra-Jane giggled and consented to eat the butterfly.

Victoria contentedly watched this masterly performance murmuring to Audra beside her that this was the first time she had ever known the crippled child to laugh. Silas got the food into the little girl, consulting her with each spoonful as to which part of the butterfly should be eaten next, until every scrap had gone. Leaving Audra-Jane with her namesake Aunt Audra to sing her to sleep, Victoria and Silas descended the stairs together. ""Silas, what was that and don't say a butterfly?"

The old retainer grinned at her, "butter wafers, crushed strawberries, lots of sugar and whipped cream, plenty of nourishment there! Don't you fret Ma'am, that little angel will eat every bit of food I give her, you'll see."

Victoria's memory flew back to a vision of the emaciated six year old Jarrod, half-dead after a vicious bout of pneumonia, "oh, I don't doubt that Silas."

He had fed the enchanted little Jarrod on sailing ships and dragons and many wonderful concoctions and in no time at all her son had gathered strength to overcome his illness. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Victoria turned to Silas, "I knew if we could keep her alive until we got home, you could get her to eat, bless you Silas!"

Silas patted her hand on his arm, "don't you fret," he repeated, "we have plenty of help around here, you and I can do the trick."

In the nursery, Audra Barkley smiled into the pale blue eyes of her little namesake, "you and I are going to be the best of friends little girl, for more reasons than you know! Go to sleep now, Aunt Audra's here taking care of you."

Obediently, the sleepy child closed her eyes and Audra turned to Trini, "you get some rest yourself Dear, that was a tiring journey, you've taken excellent care of the little one, have a good sleep."

Trini curtseyed, "gracias Senorina." The weary Mexican girl went willingly to her quarters for a well-earned rest.

Audra turned back to her sleeping niece, "yes my Pet, for more reasons than you know!"

Part 14D

Heath Barkley always enjoyed the ride to the logging camp up in the high country, but this time he had two distractions to spoil his pleasure. He found his thoughts continually straying back to the ranch and couldn't help wondering how the return of big brother Nick to his old stamping ground had gone. He was regretting now that he hadn't left a letter for Nick, but really, what could he have said? He had told Mac to show Nick the letter from Bentell and in truth he knew no more than what it said. He was not to know that when McCall showed his boss Bentell's letter, Nick had nodded decisively as all trace of shadow vanished from his hazel eyes, "well now, no wonder Heath had to go himself!"

Heath also didn't know that Nick had given serious thought to following his brother up to the logging camp. Eventually, Nick had decided against it, he didn't want it to seem like he couldn't trust Heath to handle things.

The other thing weighing on Heath Barkley's mind was, of course, the problem up at the camp. Matt Bentell was a very competent manager, a talented engineer and a man of considerable drive and purpose. In fact just about the last man to say he had trouble unless he did. Heath wished Matt had been more explicit in his letter, but all he had said was that he needed Heath's help and he had stressed that Heath should come in person. Heath couldn't help smiling to himself at the parallel between himself and Nick. After all Nick had gone riding off to Mexico to help a friend, now Heath was doing much the same, riding on up to the high country to help his friend. Wryly, Heath thought to himself, I sure hope I can better Nick's time for getting on home!

It was strange, Heath mused, how close a friend Matt Bentell had become in the last three years, considering their past history. For when Heath was a beaten and starved prisoner in the notorious Carterson prison, during the Civil War, Bentell had been it's Commandant. It had been the powerful personality of Victoria Barkley which had forced Heath to face up to the hatred and bitterness that was threatening to eat him alive. The Barkleys had pretty well forced Heath into close contact with Bentell and slowly, gradually, Heath had buried his hate and in the process had found a new friend.

In some ways the two were similar, both quiet, self-contained men, the sort to brood over their troubles, rather than share them with another. Heath was younger though and had a dry sense of humour, whilst Bentell was a rather serious even dour man. Matt had shared his love of the high country with Heath and had taught him a lot about the logging industry. Heath loved it up at the camp and had rapidly become fascinated with what Bentell was teaching him. Through their work, the two men had come to like each other a lot, certainly things between them had turned out a great deal better than the Barkleys had hoped might be possible.

The eruption into the Barkleys lives two years ago of the troubled orphan Danny Mathews had further sealed the bond between the Barkleys and the Bentells. Young Danny had taken to life up in the high country and lived with the childless Bentells, calling them Aunt and Uncle. It had been a perfect solution to the problems the young Danny had posed for his loving guardian Jarrod Barkley. On a kindly impulse, Jarrod had pledged to adopt and rear Danny as his own, to the child's dying grandmother, but he had done so without consulting his wife. Sarah had been furious but also deeply hurt, still mourning the death of her own baby, she had been wounded by Jarrod's obvious affection for Danny, the boy's wish to stay with the Bentells and their burning desire to have him had been the ideal answer to a problem which had given the penitent Jarrod many sleepless nights.

Heath was looking forward to being with the Bentells, he got along well with Danny, now a strapping fourteen year old and there was now a little girl in the Bentell household too. Abby had been orphaned when her logger father had died and Lucinda Bentell, unable to have children herself, had joyously taken the place of a mother to the four year old angel. Abigail would be six now, Heath liked kids and little girls always liked him...sometimes big girls too, thought the rancher with an unselfconscious grin.

There was still plenty of activity at the camp when Heath rode in on Saracen in the middle of the afternoon of the second day since he left the ranch. It was already deep in the Fall but the great flume was still in use as log after log slid into the turbulent waters of the river with a boom and a wall of white spray. Soon, the camp would be wound down and closed for the cold months, until the onset of Spring, when the annual cycle would begin anew. For the moment though, the camp was still buzzing and Heath was not surprised to find only Lucinda and her little daughter at home. Danny was out with his Uncle Matt, Lucinda had closed her thriving school for this year and some of the loggers who were no longer needed had already left for this season, taking their wives and families with them.

Lucinda was delighted to see Heath and she made the young rancher welcome, supplying him with much-needed coffee and some of her excellent apple cake. By the time Matt Bentell and Danny came home, Heath was seated beside the fire, boots off, stomach pleasantly heavy with his hostess's good baking and an adoring little Abby in his lap, her little fingers stroking the soft fair hair at the nape of his neck.

Heath looked at Danny, "boy howdy, I swear you grow at least six inches between every one of my visits here!"

Danny grinned, "I'm five-eight now!"

"So I see, how are you doing with the school work these days Danny?"

"Pretty well, I work hard don't I Aunt Cinda?"

"When you honour me by actually attending class, yes, you do work very hard Darling," replied Cinda drily.

Danny was smiling and talkative with Heath but between himself and Bentell there was clearly some tension. Both man and boy treated each other with quiet courtesy but there was little warmth. Heath wondered what was up, for Matt and Danny had established a good father and son type relationship almost as soon as they began to share the same house. He didn't have to wait too long to find out. After supper, the two men sat alone on the front verandah of the pleasant little house, drinking their brandy and Bentell wasted no time in explaining the reasons behind his urgent summons to Heath.

"I won't dress this up Heath, I'm as certain as a man can be that we have a saboteur up here." Matt smiled slightly, "you may have noticed that Daniel is sulking, he discovered what was going on and he sees no reason why he can't help me to handle it, him being a grown-up now! He's as mad as fire about me sending for you and he's not about to let me forget the insult."

Heath smiled too, but instantly became serious again, "what exactly has happened Matt?"

"The framework that supports the big flume has been deliberately weakened by the removal of some of the metal bolts, my budding young engineer spotted it before any harm was done and Danny, Paulic and I did a secret repair job on it."

Heath knew that Paulic was the most trusted of Bentell's logging captains, "why a secret repair job?"

Bentell's voice was wry, "Heath these men risk their lives on a daily basis in this industry, would you stay here working if you thought the odds were worse than usual on your chances of survival?"

Heath's twisted smile was rueful, "I guess I wouldn't at that! Do you suspect one of your crew?"

"No," answered Bentell firmly. "I pick my men carefully and I'd stake my life it isn't one of them, besides Danny found something I think you ought to see." He raised his voice to call into the house, "Danny? Bring that talisman out here for Heath to see will you?"

Danny emerged from the front door and handed Heath a leather and metalwork talisman on a hide thong. Heath examined it carefully, it was Yaqui, he had seen similar neck decorations down in Mexico at the Mission his mother visited each summer. This one was a leather ring, with a network of fine lines stitched across it and in the centre of the web, a black star. The rancher smiled at the stony faced youngster, "your uncle's been telling me what a big help you've been through all this, Jarrod's gonna be mighty proud of you when he hears about it."

Danny brightened at once, "I have helped! I can help, Uncle Matt didn't need to send for you!"

Heath shook his head, "of course he did Danny, this is Barkley property don't forget, the Barkleys have a right to know what's happening don't you think?"

"Yes Sir, I guess so, but I want to help catch the man...I...I'm not a little kid!"

"No that's true," agreed Heath, "but you are your Aunt Lucinda's pride and joy and she wouldn't be too pleased with your Uncle Matt if he let anything happen to you, now would she?"

"No," grumped Danny reluctantly.

Heath winked at Bentell, who had been listening to the conversation with an appreciative twinkle in his clear grey eyes. "Besides, there's another reason why Matt can't let you put yourself in any danger you know."

Danny frowned in puzzlement, "there is?"

Heath nodded gravely, "yep, don't forget that your Uncle Matt isn't your legal guardian, Jarrod is. Matt has the responsibility to take good care of you, he can't honour that responsibility if he lets anything bad happen to you now can he? I mean, what would Counselor Barkley have to say if Matt let you get hurt?"

Danny struggled with his feelings for a minute then reluctantly grinned at Heath, "you know Heath, sometimes you sound just like Jarrod!" He looked a little sheepishly at Bentell, "sorry I've been acting up Uncle Matt."

"Forget it," smiled Bentell, "tell Heath exactly what happened, tell him everything Danny, right from the beginning."

Nothing loth, Danny sat at the table beside the two older men, the air was cold but not unpleasantly so, for there was no wind and the night was lovely, bright stars shining in the clear sky. Heath always thought the stars somehow seemed closer up here in the high country. He turned from contemplating the beauty of the night and gave his full attention to Danny's story.

Danny did as his uncle had instructed and began at the beginning, "we always check the camp thoroughly, not just our equipment, the solid structures, just everything and we do it often, Uncle Matt insists upon it."

Heath hid a smile at the proprietary ‘we', to listen to the kid, he might have lived here all his life, not just the last two years.

"Danny went on, "Uncle Matt started letting me tag along to learn the ropes and now I'm so good he can trust me to do some of the inspections myself, right Sir?" There was pride in the young voice, it was hard to recognize this alert and eager young man as the sulky brat who had turned the Barkley house on its head two years ago.

"Quite right," confirmed Matt Bentell with a smile.

Danny turned to accept a steaming mug of coffee from his mother and she handed Heath and Matt their mugs from the tray she carried, before gliding indoors again. The boy sipped the coffee and continued his tale, "about a week ago, I was checking the wooden framework of the big flume and something didn't seem quite right so I called Uncle Matt and we found some of the big iron bolts that hold the structure in place had been removed. We got Paulic to help and we repaired the damage without any of the men finding out about it."

Bentell broke in, "like I said to you Heath, no logger wants the job made any more hazardous than it already is!"

Heath nodded, "yeah, I understand, so only Paulic and you two know about this?"

Bentell nodded, "I wanted to let you know what was happening and discuss our next move with you, so I wrote you straight away." He looked at the boy he loved as a son, "go on with your story Daniel."

"We mounted a discreet watch, the three of us, taking it in turns, to see if there were any more sabotage attempts. We also made the inspections a daily occurrence." The boy smiled affectionately at Bentell, "fortunately the men all think Uncle Matt is a high stickler anyway, they didn't read anything else into the inspections than that. A couple of nights after we found the damage to the eastern side of the flume structure, there was similar damage done to the western side of it."

Heath raised an eyebrow, "so you caught someone," he indicated the amulet on the table, "the man who wore that?"

Bentell shook his head, "we didn't hear or see a thing! We found the damage during the routine inspection the next morning."

Heath was puzzled and he picked up the amulet, "then where did you get this?"

It was Danny who answered, "I found it near the western edge of the flume, it must have dropped off of him and he didn't notice."

Heath thought for a moment, "you said ‘him' Danny do you have reason to think there's only one man?"

Danny looked slightly guilty, "well...Uncle Matt said I shouldn't scout around anywhere but...but I did and I picked up his pony's tracks, it looks like he's alone."

Bentell looked at Heath, "I've thought it over Heath and I can't think of any reason for this to be happening, it doesn't appear like it's a disgruntled employee, though I'll admit I'm not an easy man to work for! Have you any ideas yourself?"

Heath's blue eyes were grave, "yes," he answered quietly, "I'm afraid I do have an inkling of what's going on here."

Part 14E

As briefly as he could, Heath told Bentell and Danny about the raids on the Del Rio estancia by Jai, the half-breed renegade Yaqui, and his band. He made no mention of Adrienne, that side of the tale was hardly fit for young Danny's ears. He just gave Bentell to understand that Jai had a grudge against the whole Barkley family and that this saboteur was almost certainly one of his men. It was agreed that Matt, Heath and the redoubtable Paulic would try to hunt down this man before he could do something more serious to the logging operation. Danny looked mutinous at first, until his uncle quietly told him that he would be responsible for the protection of his aunt and little Abby. Bentell added, "I trust you to do this Daniel, I'm depending on you Son."

Danny reluctantly nodded, "you can rely on me Sir, I promise."

The next night, all three men kept watch around the camp, hitherto, there had been only one sentry and no doubt that was how the infiltrator had managed to sabotage the flume. Heath hoped that with three men on guard they could catch the wrecker, preferably alive, there were questions that needed answers! The night passed without incident and both Danny and Bentell were impatient and frustrated, but Heath preserved his habitual calm, if this man was one of Jai's thugs, he was unlikely to desist from his activities until he had carried out his orders.

Heath had no doubt in his mind what those orders were. The captured Jai had somehow managed to tell one of his men, still free to inflict some sort of serious damage on the Barkley logging operation. Heath had known, almost as soon as he saw the amulet that he was on the right track about this. Any serious devastation to the logging camp, way up here in the high country, would have meant the committing of major resources to this portion of the Barkley business empire. With Nick thus distracted and at least some of his men away, no doubt Jai had it in mind to try once again to spirit away the girl he professed to love. Heath hoped that the mexican Army had Jai locked up tight! If the renegade escaped, there could be big trouble headed toward the ranch.

A grim determined expression settled on Heath Barkley's handsome face, if he had his way there would be no sabotage and the Barkleys shouldn't find it too hard to protect the unfortunate young half-French girl and her small daughter. Heath had not yet met Adrienne, but he knew her story and sincerely pitied her, none knew better than he, how cruelly social ostracism can hurt a person. He had every intention of doing all in his power to help the ward of his brother Nick to find a new and happier life in California. If that meant keeping watch at the camp indefinitely, then so be it!

In the event, two more sleepless nights of vigilance yielded a reward, though not the one Heath would have liked. On the third night of the watch, Heath and Bentell made the second of three pre-arranged rendezvous, but Paulic did not. The two worried men at once headed toward Paulic's watch area and they swiftly found him, prone and unconscious, an ugly gash in the back of his skull clearly showing where a savagely swung rifle butt had clubbed him. Heath did his best to stem the flow of dark blood from the wound and told Matt to go for help but before Bentell could move there was barely audible rustle and Heath and Matt found themselves looking down the muzzle of a rifle, trained on them by a pair of steady hands. In response to the gunman's softly spoken but deadly command, the two men had no choice but to drop their own weapons.

As Heath had surmised, the infiltrator was a Yaqui, clearly one of Jai's men and from his lean, implacable hardness, not a man to under-estimate. Heath and Bentell stood with their backs to the steep bank beside the flume, above the raging river and the Yaqui pointed his rifle at the bleeding Paulic. "Toss him over," he ordered.

"Never!" Snapped Bentell.

"Not a chance," confirmed Heath, laying Paulic gently back down and rising to confront the stony-faced intruder.

The Indian shrugged indifferently, "no matter, you are all marked for death anyway. I am Reno, lieutenant of Jai and he will be more than glad when I tell him I have killed one of Patrone's brothers!" He stepped back a pace at the flash of anger in Heath Barkley's eyes, a cautious man, ruthless and wary, it would not be easy for Heath or Bentell to get the drop on him.

The Yaqui was indeed watchful, he did not have Jai's orders to kill anyone, except by an act of sabotage, but this powerful-looking fair-haired man was the younger brother of Jai's sworn enemy, Nick Barkley. Reno's lips drew back from his teeth in a mirthless grin, Jai would be grateful, Reno would be elevated within the band, he leveled his gun at Heath and at once both Heath and Bentell exploded into action. But Reno had expected them to fight and he was ready, his rifle jabbed sharply forward catching Bentell in the midriff and at once the logging manager sank to his knees in agony as the breath was driven from his body, he fought to stay conscious but could not help Heath any further. Heath sprang like a cat and he and Reno went down together, struggling desperately for possession of the rifle. Heath managed to wrench it free with almost impossible strength but lost his grip of the precious weapon, which careered down the steep slope and into the turbulent waters of the river.

Heath had to concentrate on his life or death struggle with Reno for the Yaqui had a large hunting knife in his hand now and he was intent on plunging it into Heath's chest. He damned near succeeded as his superior weight bore down on the struggling rancher, but twisting with desperate strength, Heath managed to move slightly and the knife that had been driven toward his heart, stabbed instead into his arm. Pain coursed through Heath and in that instant Reno stunned him, with a blow of the horn handle of the big knife, to Heath's exposed temple.

Rising from the ground and turning towards Bentell in one fluid movement, Reno raised the heavy knife for a death blow, which the agonized and scarcely breathing Matt, could do little to avoid. A rifle barked behind Reno and he crumpled as he took a hit in the shoulder, dropping to his knees, grunting with pain, a snarl of rage, writhing on his lips. Bentell looked to his front, Danny Mathews was lowering his rifle, pale-faced in the gloom, already suffering from the reaction of having shot a man.

Heath Barkley came shakily to his knees, jerking his head to clear it and he was just in time to save young Danny's life, for the wounded Reno was already raising his knife for a throw that would assuredly kill the boy, when the heavy hunting knife thudded home into his chest. But Heath too had a knife and half a second later Reno the Yaqui was dead, a darkly gaping wound in his throat showing Heath's deadly skill. At once Bentell came to his feet, stepping quickly between the boy and the dead man, he placed a firm reassuring hand on Danny's trembling arm and gripped hard. "Steady now Son, you're all right and so are we, take a deep breath and gather yourself together, will you do that Danny."

"Yessir," the boy squared his shoulders and obediently took a deep breath or two, he was glad he had, for he felt the vicious cramping of his stomach ease and no longer felt sick. He glanced beyond his uncle to Heath, who was dropping his coat over the dead man's face, but Matt said sharply, "look at me Danny!"

Danny dragged his gaze from the prone figure of the Yaqui and looked into Matt Bentell's austere grey eyes. "I...I know I disobeyed you Uncle Matt, but...but I had to do it, I saw him near the house and I knew I had to warn you all! Are...are you very angry with me?"

A smile lightened Bentell's rather hard grey eyes, "that would be a mite churlish of me Boy! You just saved my life."

Heath had joined them now after bending for a minute over Paulic, "your Foreman's gonna have an almighty headache Matt, but he'll mend." The rancher turned to Danny, "good shooting young man!"

Danny's brown eyes were sombre, "I...I never killed a man before," he whispered. Heath smiled slightly, "you haven't killed one now, I did that." His voice was gentle, "no man likes to kill Danny, leastways not a man worthy to be called a man, but sometimes you don't get a choice, not if you want to live yourself that is."

The boy nodded, "I understand Heath, I'm sorry you didn't get a chance to question him though, like you wanted to."

Heath shook his head, "I don't think that matters now, I was right and this is all tied in with Mexico, I need to hightail it back to the ranch and see Nick." He glanced at Bentell, "Matt, I don't want to leave you in the lurch but we think Reno was acting alone here don't we?"

"I'm certain of that Heath, we only traced the tracks of one man, you get back home to your family and I hope you and Nick get a chance to deal with this Jai character real soon!"

Heath was already heading for his horse, "I'm sure we will," he answered grimly. He looked searchingly at Matt, "you sure about me leavin'?"

Bentell slipped an arm around Danny, "on your way Heath," he retorted crisply, "I have all the help I need right here, with this young man. You be sure to tell Jarrod he can be mighty proud of his Ward!"

"I'll do that," smiled Heath and Danny's valiant young spirit rallied at the faith his friends had in him, the shock of shooting Reno was already fading from his mind. Jarrod would be proud of him, that was wonderful!

It was actually the next day when Heath was at last permitted to leave the logging camp for home. Lucinda Bentell wouldn't hear of his going before she had expertly cleaned and dressed the gash in his arm made by the jagged blade of the dead Reno's hunting knife. The arm hurt some and had stiffened a little too, but Heath wasn't concerned about the wound, it was clean and hadn't struck any vital point, there was little risk of anyone as healthy as him succumbing to an infection.

If Lucinda had been allowed to have her way, she would have insisted on his resting up for a day prior to his journey home but Heath was adamant that he leave right away. He was doubly anxious to get home, both to share the tale of the goings-on at the logging camp with the family and to at last be re-united with big brother Nick. The last half-year had laid on Heath the full burden of running the Barkley ranch, an arduous enough task when shared between him and Nick but onerous indeed for just one man to tackle. He had done it and done it willingly, there had been times in the last three years when it had been Heath who needed to drop his responsibilities, in order to deal with some personal crisis or another and Nick had never stopped him from doing so. The younger brother had been more than willing to return the favour but he had missed Nick more than he was ever likely to say, even to Nick himself and he felt it high time that the enforced separation came to an end.

So, he took his leave of the Bentells and Danny, riding out of camp after a hearty breakfast and hoping that the powerful grey horse Saracen didn't pull too hard on his wounded left arm. He made good time all that day, indeed he enjoyed pushing the big horse a little, he had made a good purchase he believed. Nick was going to be impressed with the grey's stamina and strength. It would possibly make it easier for Nick to finally retire his beloved Coco, something Heath had been hinting he ought to do for a while now.

Heath made camp and ate the picnic his thoughtful hostess had sent with him, it sure beat his own trail-cooking, which had many times been the subject of family jokes, especially from Nick, who had to suffer it the most often. He managed to get some rest, although he slept only lightly, alert for any further trouble that might be headed his way. The night passed without incident and as Heath drained his coffee and packed up his gear next morning, his thoughts dwelt pleasurably upon his imminent arrival at home again. He should be there no later than mid-afternoon and he saw no reason why not only Nick but also his mother should be there ready and waiting to greet him. Maybe Jarrod and Sarah would drive over from their house too. There would be the new arrivals to meet too, Nick's little kids and the girl Adrienne and her own little daughter. After the long months of boredom and routine, life promised to be pretty interesting for the foreseeable future. As he rode eagerly towards the Barkley ranch, Heath had no idea just how interesting his own life was set to become!

Part 15A -- Heath and Marric       

(Heath meets his new nephew in an unexpected fashion and gets more information out of Marric in a half-hour's ride than Nick or Jarrod have gotten in weeks of intensive interrogation!)

As he rode over the property boundary-line that designated the start of Barkley land, Heath felt a sense of deep satisfaction. He had only been an acknowledged member of the family for three years but in that time he had set down deep and permanent roots here on this land, his birthright, from his father Tom Barkley. He never came back here without feeling this inward thrill of emotion, he was home, back on the Barkley ranch! He had been doing some hard thinking on his journey home and there were things he didn't understand. Heath hoped Nick and maybe Jarrod could provide some answers to the questions that were nagging at him, questions like, how the renegade Jai even know the Barkleys had a logging operation and how did a desert Yaqui like Reno know how to sabotage a log flume? Lost in his thoughts, Heath at first failed to notice the small figure in the distance riding perilously fast up the steep slope of the North Ridge. Indeed it was only a sudden reflected flash of sunlight that brought his head up and he watched appreciatively as the young rider breasted the ridge in expert fashion.

The youthful horseman was a kid of about nine or ten, skinny, blond and dressed in a short jacket and breeches with silver buttons down the legs. It was the flash of one of these that had caught Heath's eye. As the small figure disappeared from sight over the crest of the hill, Heath hoped that Marric wouldn't continue along the ridge in the same reckless fashion, for there were many hidden pot-holes and the best of riders could easily come to grief. The rancher had absolutely no doubt that it was Marric he had just seen, after all how many skinny blond kids, dressed Mexican style could there be on Barkley property right now?

His worst fears were realised a minute later when a riderless horse came scrambling down the bank and set off back toward the Barkley ranch house at full tilt. For a moment Heath hesitated, clearly, he needed to rescue the child from the consequences of his reckless riding, but this was no ordinary child. Heath knew enough about Marric's history to approach him with caution, not that he was afraid of being bitten, more because he didn't want to panic the boy or frighten him. Heath had learned from the letters of his mother and brother that both had bonded well with Marric, he wanted to do the same if he could. From what Jarrod had said, Nick was going to need all the help he could get with the boy, Heath badly wanted to be a part of that process and he was anxious not to get off on the wrong foot with the child. He shook his head, no help for it, it would simply take too long to go and get someone familiar with Marric to help him break the ice with the child, he had to go and help him now.

Leaving Saracen tethered at the base of the steep slope, Heath climbed steadily to the top and stood, one hand shielding his eyes from the bright sun, as he scoured the rocky downslope of the ridge for the boy. He soon spotted him, Marric was crawling with slow, pained movements, dragging his right knee as he tried to ascend the steep rise back to the top of the ridge. Heath came slowly towards him, calling out in a friendly voice, "I'd keep still if I was you, looks like you've dislocated that knee of yours, better let me put the bone back in place before you try using it again."

Marric's face was white with pain and wet with sweat as he grunted with the effort of dragging himself up the hill. He stopped at the sound of Heath's voice and watched as the tall fair-haired man came slowly towards him. Marric's green eyes were wary but not openly hostile and he seemed calm as the stranger approached him. Heath squatted beside the boy, smiling and saying encouragingly, "that's better, you keep still while I take a look at that knee, all right Marric?"

In a flash, Marric's knife was out of its scabbard and in his hand, leveled defensively at Heath, "how...how do you know my name?"

"Easy there Boy," said Heath softly, "I'm your Uncle Heath and it didn't take much brain-power to figure out who you might be." The rancher smiled and was pleased when the suspicious little face of his new nephew softened into an answering smile.

Marric lowered the raised knife, "I...I've heard a lot about you," he whispered in a shy little voice.

"Me too," responded Heath easily, "I've been looking forward to getting to know you, I hope you and I are gonna be good friends?"

"I'd like that, can...can I call you Uncle Heath?"

"Sure you can. I'd be put out if Jarrod got an uncle in front of his name and I didn't!"

Marric was gaining confidence with every second, "I only don't call Gene uncle," he confided.

Heath nodded, "yeah I heard about that, how come?"

Marric's serious little face relaxed into another smile, transforming his face, "he said when we got acquainted that I could be his friend and...and I never had a friend in my life, so that's what Gene is, he's my friend not my uncle."

Heath nodded, "I understand, I was kind of low on friends when I was a kid too." He held out his hand, "can I borrow your knife a minute?"

The boy hesitated then handed over the knife. Heath began to carefully cut away the right leg of the tight-fitting Mexican breeches Marric wore, drawing a cry of protest from the child. Heath's gentle blue eyes were understanding, "I'm sorry Marric, I know you like these clothes but that knee is swelling up real fast, there's no other way to do this."

The boy sat obediently still while Heath cut away the trouser leg, to reveal a severely dislocated knee, swelling up as fast as Heath had said it would.

"It hurts," admitted Marric, gritting his teeth as Heath gently felt around the displaced joint.

"I know, and its gonna hurt a deal more before I'm through but its got to be done, you be a good boy now and stand as still as you can while I put the bone back in place, all right Marric?"

"Yes Sir!"

Heath gently lifted Marric to stand upright, he knelt in front of the boy, while Marric balanced on his sound leg, leaning on Heath's broad shoulder for support.

He had meant to be good and stay totally still but he hadn't reckoned on the wave of agony that shot through him as his new uncle put pressure on the knee joint. Before he could stop himself, Marric had emitted a sharp squeal of pain and then instinctively he sank his teeth into Heath's hand. Heath's reaction was identical to the separate reactions of both Nick and Jarrod on previous occasions. He delivered one hard spank to the boy's backside and said sternly, "stop that!"

Marric had flushed scarlet, his own behaviour bringing tears to his eyes, as the pain of his knee had not. "I...I'm s...sorry," he said brokenly, "sometimes ... sometimes I bite before I know what I'm d...doing."

Heath slipped a friendly arm around him and held him close for a moment, "I understand, it doesn't matter, forget it."

Marric smiled through his tears, "that's all three of you now."

"What is?"

"I bit Patrone, when he rescued me and he spanked me, then I bit Uncle Jarrod first time I met him and he did it too. Now you."

Heath ruffled Marric's fair hair, "if you considered that a spanking, I advise you to keep out of trouble! I assure you I can wallop a lot harder than that."

"I bet you can Sir!"

Heath bent to his task again, "hold on to me Marric, this is gonna hurt like the devil but trust me, you'll be glad I did it."

Heath was as good as his word, it did hurt like the devil and it took all the child's considerable courage to stand there and let his new uncle do what was necessary. Heath was as quick and as deft as he could possibly be and he managed to manipulate the knee joint firmly back into the correct place. He sat the boy down again and shredding the rest of the material from Marric's spoiled trouser leg, the rancher bound up the knee to hold the bone in position. At length he sat back, satisfied with his handiwork, "there you go Sonny, that should hold you until we can get you home and have the Doc check you over."

Heath reached for the water canteen he had brought with him and gave Marric a drink before refreshing himself as well. He sat and smiled across at Marric, we'd best rest you for few minutes, then I'll have to carry you down the hill to my horse, all right?"

The boy nodded confidently, "I'll be just fine Uncle Heath, I'm sorry to be such a nuisance."

"You're not a nuisance Marric, although I would kind of like to know what brought you all the way out here and riding so hard."

Part 15B

A long and uncomfortable silence opened up between man and boy and for a time it seemed that Marric did not intend to reply. Then he raised his head and looked appraisingly at Heath, his intelligent green eyes assessing his uncle. The boy liked what he saw, he thought Heath was handsome and there was a quiet gentleness about him that the child warmed to. At the same time, Marric was shrewd enough to detect the strength of purpose in the rancher's strong jaw and the quiet, unruffled certainty in his soft blue eyes. The boy would not be foolish enough to under-estimate his new uncle.

Just as Marric was appraising Heath, so his uncle was assessing his new nephew. Heath could see the lines of suffering in the thin, pinched features of the boy's face, he was a good looking kid though, put a little meat on the bones and he would be a heart-breaker one day. He had extraordinary eyes, brilliant green and very knowing. The colour might be different but Heath thought Marric's eyes had the same piercing intensity as Jarrod Barkley's eyes. Heath warmed to the child, he had been through hell and needed all the nurturing that the Barkley clan could provide. Heath mentally resolved to lavish affection on this boy, as he knew both Nick and Jarrod were already doing. The main thing was to get the boy's trust, he would ask his question again. "What were you doing out here Marric."

Marric looked Heath in the eye, could he trust this man? He sighed and visibly relaxed, of course he could! Uncle Heath was the younger brother of Uncle Jarrod and Papa, he was a man to lean on, a man to trust. "I was...checking something out," he murmured.

"What exactly?"

"I thought...I thought I saw Chango yesterday, I wanted to see if I could maybe pick up his trail."

"Chango?"

Marric's face darkened with remembered anger and hate, "he's a bad man, one of Jai's banditos, he used to be in the Mexican Army but they court martialled him. He's clever, an engineer I think. He and Reno, they used to demolish bridges, set traps for wagons, all sorts of bad things, whatever Jai ordered them to do."

Heath nodded slightly, so, one at least of his questions was answered. Jai's outlaws included an ex-army engineer, no wonder they knew how to sabotage a log flume! As to knowing about the Barkley logging camp, well, doubtless the dead man, what was his name, Don Miguel? Doubtless he had talked about his young friend Nick and the many Barkley business interests, easy enough for Jai to glean the knowledge he needed to hit out at the family who had now become his enemies.

"Chango and Reno, did they always work together?"

"Yes, they are...sort of blood brothers I think, I heard Carlos tell Patrone that one night."

Heath grinned, "yeah, I hear you have a knack for listening in on other people's conversations."

Marric returned the grin, then immediately sobered again, "is Reno dead?"

Heath was taken aback, Jarrod had mentioned in his letters about Marric's almost uncanny awareness of things, was this an example of it?

"How did you know Marric?"

The boy's green eyes gleamed, "you said ‘did' they work together not ‘do', so I guess Reno must be dead."

Heath relaxed, the boy was not clairvoyant then, just very intelligent and sharp enough to pick up a minor detail and reason out the truth. "Yes, Reno tried to sabotage the log flume up at the camp in the high country and now he's dead."

"Did you kill him Uncle Heath?"

"Yes."

Marric smiled dazzlingly, "you did a good thing, Reno was evil, he did many terrible things, I'm glad he's dead."

Heath reached into his coat pocket, drawing out the leather amulet and he passed it to Marric. "Have you ever seen a thing like that before Marric?"

Marric stared hard at the talisman before handing it back to his uncle, "yes," he answered quietly, "I've seen them before, all of Jai's men have them, only the stars are different, most have black stars, but Jai's is a red one." The boy pointed at the amulet, "is that one Reno's?"

Heath nodded, putting the amulet back in his pocket. He noticed that Marric had begun to shiver in the freshening wind and at once stripped off his sheepskin lined coat. He helped his nephew put it on then lifted the boy carefully, carrying him in one arm, as he gingerly began the steep descent to where Saracen patiently waited at the base of the slope. Marric had an arm around Heath's neck and the two talked quietly all the way down the slope. The tactile closeness and their relaxed conversation completed the process of bonding between man and boy. By the time they reached the bottom of the hill, Heath and Marric were already friends and well on the way to establishing the same close, warm and loving relationship that Marric already shared with his father, Nick and his uncle, Jarrod.

"You didn't tell me what you were planning on doing if you picked up Chango's trail," said Heath, picking his way carefully down the steep hill so as not to jar Marric's sore knee too much.

Marric was in pain from his injury but he felt warm in Heath's coat and safe in his new uncle's muscular arms and he answered readily, "I thought I might be able to track him to his hideout then I could tell Patrone to come and kill him."

"Taking a bit of a chance weren't you?"

"No!"

Heath had to hide a smile at the indignation in the boy's voice.

Marric went on, "back in Mexico, Tomas tracked Jai and his men and Tomas is only a little bit older than me."

"Way I hear it, Tomas got caught and suffered for it," said Heath drily.

"No-one catches me," responded Marric with simple pride.

"You try taking on a bandito like Chango behind Nick's back again and you'll catch something all right!"

Marric laughed, it was a nice thing to hear. Heath resolved that he would do whatever he could to ensure that this child's life was laughter-filled in future.

At the base of the slope, Heath set Marric down on the grass while he pulled a blanket loose from his bedroll, to wrap the boy in.

Marric surveyed the big grey horse appreciatively, "he's a beauty!"

Heath smiled at him, "think Nick will like him?"

Marric nodded vehemently, "Yes!"

"Good, I bought him for your Pa."

"You did? He'll love him, just the kind of fast powerful horse he likes!"

"That's what I thought when I saw him at the sales," agreed Heath. He settled Marric carefully on Saracen's back wrapped in the blanket and swung himself easily up into the saddle, putting one arm around the boy and taking Saracen's reins in the other. Heath set the horse in motion, going slow and careful to avoid any unnecessary suffering by the weary child.

Marric revelled in the sensation of warmth and protection he felt, nestling against Heath Barkley's muscular chest, he liked the smell of Heath's jacket, it smacked of horses and the outdoors. Heath had been travelling for two days and didn't smell any too fresh, but Marric could detect the scent of the same manly soap that Nick Barkley used. The boy patted Saracen's neck, "you made a good choice Uncle Heath."

"I hope so."

"I love horses."

"Your father wrote me that you're quite a little horseman, he said you do some nifty trick riding."

Marric was delighted, "he did?"

"Uh huh, I think your Pa and your Uncle Jarrod would like to know how and where you learned it all. Apparently, you don't want to tell though."

Marric was relaxed, warm and drowsy and suddenly, he knew an urge to confide, to tell his new uncle what he so clearly wanted to hear. It had been becoming increasingly difficult not to reveal more details of his past to Papa anyway, and dodging the skillful interrogation of Counselor Barkley had taxed his youthful ingenuity to the limit too. Perhaps this was the time to tell some of the truth about the past and maybe this was the man to tell it too?

Marric felt a strange but powerful affinity with Heath, an indefinable sensation of shared experience and he came to a decision. Yes, he would tell his newest uncle the story that the Barkleys wished to hear so badly and he would do it now.

The boy nestled closer still to Heath and began to talk in a quiet, sleepy voice. "I come from Poland, I learned to ride when I was a very little, my father taught me. He was the finest horseman in our region, he could do anything with a horse. I loved him very much, even though he was too weak to stand up for himself against my grandfather. I hated him! He was the biggest landowner in the region, I remember a huge house, lots of bright candles and many servants. My grandfather ruled over the place and everyone in it, he was a tyrant and there was only one person in the whole world who wasn't scared of him!"

Heath Barkley gave a low chuckle, "I guess that would be you?"

Marric nodded, "I hated him...but...well I admired him too, he wasn't scared of anything or anyone, I liked that about him...it was the only thing I liked." The boy thought for a moment, "Patrone is like that, not afraid of anything, I could sense that when I met him."

"Is that why you took to Nick so strongly, because he was like your grandfather?"

Marric wriggled agitatedly in Heath's arms and exploded into speech, "he's not like my grandfather, he could never be like him, I couldn't love him if he was! I love Patrone more than...more than anything!" He broke off on an angry sob, gritting his teeth as fresh waves of pain from his knee coursed through him due to his sudden movement.

Inwardly cursing himself for a fool, Heath set about soothing the distressed child. "Easy Marric, take it gently Son, you need to keep that leg as still as you can, or you're gonna undo all my good work, understand?"

Marric relaxed into Heath's embrace again, "yes I know, I'm sorry I yelled at you Uncle Heath."

"No, I'm the one who's sorry, I didn't mean to upset you and you're right, Nick is no tyrant. He must be a very different kind of man to your grandfather. I only meant that you admired Nick's courage."

Marric turned grateful green eyes on his new uncle, "yes," he agreed eagerly, "I do! I admire Patrone's courage and his kindness and...and well just everything!"

Heath smiled slightly, there was no mistaking the note of hero-worship in the youthful voice, that was a pretty tall pedestal the boy had old Nick on!

Marric said, "do you think my father is brave?"

Heath nodded, "I surely do, he's my big brother and he's pulled me out of trouble a time or two."

Marric chuckled, "I bet you've pulled him out of trouble too."

"Once or twice," admitted Heath wryly.

Marric looked diffidently up at Heath, anxious not to offend, "Papa told me you...you only came here three years ago."

"That's right," agreed Heath calmly, "I grew up not knowing I was a Barkley, since I came here your father and me have become good friends as well as brothers."

Marric was curious, "and Uncle Jarrod, are you good friends with him too?"

"Yep, very good friends."

"Papa told me I remind him of you a lot," he confided.

Heath was surprised, "oh yeah?"

Marric snuggled contentedly in Heath's arms, "yes, he said I have a part of me inside that is very private and that nobody else is allowed to know that part, it's secret and special and only I know that part of myself, he said you're like that too."

A tremor ran through Heath, he hadn't realized just how well Nick had gotten to know him. "What else did Nick say?"

"He said sometimes you like being by yourself and that when you feel that way he leaves you alone. He said it was your need to feel your own sense of freedom. I'm like that too and Papa understands it."

Heath recalled the night he rescued his new sister Audra from the drunken men in the streets of Stockton. She too had spoken adoringly of her brother Nick, Heath could recall her words. ‘Jarrod says I'm childish, Mother says I'm spoiled, but Nick? He understands!'

It seemed that Nick understood a lot of things, Heath felt a rush of love for the brother he hadn't seen in nearly six months, unconsciously, he urged Saracen to a faster pace, he wanted his reunion with Nick very badly indeed.

Heath wanted more details about his mysterious little nephew too, "tell me more about you, how did you come to leave your own country?"

"My father did something he had never done in his life before, he stood up to my grandfather! I don't know why, I never found out what it was about but we left the estate, my father, my mother and me. My father told me we could never go back, my grandfather had done something legal, to disinherit my father, there was nothing left for us there."

"How did you come to this country?"

"I don't know."

"Do you remember your proper name?"

"Marric is my name."

"Last name I mean."

"No."

"Are you sure Marric? It could be important, it would help Jarrod to trace your family."

"I can't remember, anyway there is no family to trace, my grandfather is dead."

"How do you know that?"

"My father told me."

"How did he know that?"

"I don't know."

"What happened to your parents?"

The sleepy little voice was softly sad, "they both died, it was a fever, it killed lots of people. Then there was only me and Jim and Professor Andre."

A slight tremor passed through Marric and he pillowed his head on Heath's chest, clearly, his confidences about his past were at an end. Wisely, Heath didn't push him any further, he had already learned a great deal, he would pass it on to his brothers and he hoped it would help.

Marric spoke again, "I love Uncle Jarrod, I told him I was lucky, because when he came to the estancia it was like having two fathers instead of one." The boy smiled up at Heath, "you know what Uncle Jarrod told me? He said I was luckier still. He said when I met you, I would find that I had three fathers not two." There was an expression of hope in those strange green eyes and Heath responded to it. He gently kissed the boy's forehead, "One thing you'll learn about your Uncle Jarrod is that he's always right."

Continued…