by Marci S
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.
Nick spotted his brother and rode near him. Heath was
fixing the fence that Nick was supposed to the day before but never found the
time. He knew Heath was angry by the comments he had made at breakfast and Nick
promised he would help. He had to admit it felt good getting back to normal.
“Heath.” Nick jumped off and tied his horse up near Heath’s horse.
His brother only grunted as Nick walked over.
“Where do you want me to start?” Some strong storms had knocked over a long stretch
of the fence and it would probably take all day to fix.
“I don’t care.” Heath mumbled as he stood a post upright.
Sighing Nick picked up the next downed post and started
digging a hole. He knew Heath was jealous of his relationship with Sam and Nick
had talked long and hard with Jarrod, trying to figure out a solution to the
problem. But they couldn’t and Nick wasn’t about to stay away from the little
girl for Heath’s sake. It had been a week since her fever broke but she still
didn’t have a lot of energy and was content staying near the house, quietly
playing with her dog. Heath’s relationship with his sister seemed to be better,
but he was still quiet and moody with the rest of the family. He was fine with
the adoption and Jarrod was off in San Francisco getting the papers in order.
“Heath, how long are you going to be mad at me?” Nick kicked the post to make
sure it was steady. He then started wrapping the wire around it.
“I’m not mad.” Heath had moved past his brother and proceeded to the next post.
“Yeah right.” Nick pulled the wire, crying out in pain. He knew the cut was bad
before looking at the blood gushing down his arm. Quickly he pulled off his
bandana and wrapped it around his hand and wrist.
“What happened?” Heath rushed over and noticed the blood dripping down his
brother’s hand. “How bad?”
“I’m fine.” Ignoring the pain he continued to work.
Heath shrugged and went back to work also. But he couldn’t
ignore the pain or blood for long and soon Nick sat heavily on the ground feeling
lightheaded.
“Nick!” Heath rushed over. He grabbed Nick’s arm and checked the wound. It was
precariously close to the wrist and Heath was afraid he hit an artery. “Let’s
go. I’m taking you home and getting the doctor.”
“It’s just a cut.” Nick shook off his brother and stood. “This fence needs to
be fixed before we lose any cattle.”
“It will get fixed. Just not by you.” Heath pushed his brother towards the
horses and helped him up. He could tell the blood loss was affecting Nick just
by the way he was leaning on his horse. They rode as fast as they could and
soon neared the house.
Sam saw them and rushed over. “What happened?”
Lucky started yapping and got in the way.
“Sam, grab the dog.”
“Nick what’s wrong?” She ignored Heath as she stared at the stricken Barkley.
“Samantha, get Lucky out of the way.”
Sam scooped up the dog and followed them into the house.
“Audra, go get a doctor.” Heath ordered as he helped Nick to his room. Victoria
followed, concerned by all the blood dripping from her son. She ran to get
towels as Heath helped Nick into bed.
“It might be an artery,” Heath stated as they wrapped the wrist and hand. He
heard the dog barking and realized his sister was underfoot too. “Sam, take the
dog and leave.” Heath didn’t think Nick would want the child to see him in so
much pain.
“No.” Defiantly she stood there, as the adults were too busy to remove her from
the room. She rubbed one of her own wrists, no longer bandaged but noticeably
scarred.
Finally the doctor arrived and they were all ushered out
of the bedroom.
* * * * *
A couple of hours later the doctor emerged with Victoria,
both smiling. “He’ll be fine” the doctor told Heath. “He did lose quite a bit
of blood but he’ll heal. His hand will be out of commission for a few days and
you need to watch for infection.” The doctor dug into his bag. “Give these to
him and I’ll come back in the morning.” He noticed Sam sitting on the steps and
tousled her hair. “How do you feel?”
“Fine” she answered glumly. “Is Nick ok?”
“He’ll be fine so stop worrying about him.”
Sam looked up. “Did somebody hurt him too?”
The doc looked up at Victoria before answering. “Samantha,
it was an accident. He cut himself on some wire.”
Sam nodded as she stood up. “Oh! I thought maybe they…”
She stopped and starred at Heath. “Nothing” she whispered and sat back down on
the steps.
The doctor exchanged another look with Victoria before
heading downstairs. Audra offered to take him back and they both left the
house.
“Samantha, it’s close to lunch. Are you hungry?” Victoria neared the child.
“No.”
Victoria noticed she was rubbing her wrist.
“I’ll get back to the fence.” Heath started to pass Victoria when she grabbed
his arm.
“Heath, get some men to do that. I need you to go into
town for me.” Silently she pointed to the child. “I think you should take Sam
with you.”
“No!” Samantha shouted as she stood up. “I want to stay with Nick.”
“No you don’t.” Heath grabbed her as she tried to go up. “Nick is going to rest
and he doesn’t need you waking him up.” Heath quickly descended the stairs with
Sam still in his arms. “I think going to town is a good idea.”
“After lunch” Victoria stated firmly. “Since it’s just the three of us we’ll
grab something simple in the kitchen.”
Heath nodded as he carried Sam towards the kitchen and
placed her down at the table.
“I’m not hungry.” Sam watched them put some sandwiches together, her lip
curling at the plate put before her. She saw Lucky standing next to her chair.
“Samantha, don’t you dare.” Victoria eyed the dog also and knew what the child
was contemplating. “Eat your sandwich.”
They joined her at the table and started eating. Sam
stared at her plate. It was a daily battle to get her to eat, some days worse
than others. Much to Heath’s chagrin, Nick was the one who usually got Samantha
to eat. Sam picked up the sandwich and took a small bite. She made a face as
she chewed slowly. “Will Nick wake up soon?”
“Sam, by the time you and Heath come home, Nick will be up. And you can see him
then, ok?”
“Ok. It’s going to hurt him,” she whispered between bites. Silently the child
finished her sandwich; not noticing the worried look on Victoria’s face.
* * * * *
Heath was loading up the wagon as Sam stood by watching.
The child was sullen and hadn’t spoken more than five words the whole trip up.
He noticed Tommy Kyle staring at the candy and a thought entered his mind.
“Sam, do you want a licorice stick?”
She shook her head. “I think he does.” She motioned
towards the boy.
“Hey Tommy.” Heath approached the child.
He looked up and smiled. “Mr. Barkley.” Tommy was the son
of a Barkley ranch hand and he was a friendly, mischievous child with red hair
and a face full of freckles. Heath noticed he was missing his two front teeth.
Sam still had all her baby teeth and it was another way she seemed to lag
behind children her own age.
“Tommy, do want a licorice stick?” He nodded eagerly. Heath went over and
purchased two pieces of candy. He handed one to each child. “Tommy, I need you
to do me a favor. I have some errands to do in town and I want you to keep Sam
company until I’m done.”
Tommy eyed the child who was hiding behind Heath’s leg.
“Who is she?” He pointed towards the girl.
“This is my sister and she’s recently come to live with us.” Heath gently
pulled Sam out from behind him.
“Oh.” Tommy nodded and Heath was thankful he didn’t ask any more questions.
“OK, let’s go.” He reached for Sam’s arm but she pulled away.
“Sam, go ahead. I’ll come find you when it’s time to go.” Reluctantly she
followed Tommy out of the store.
Hoping he was doing the right thing, Heath headed over to
the saloon for a drink.
“Where are we going?” Sam asked.
“Follow me.” Tommy started running and so did Sam. They ended up near some
small houses. “That’s my house.” He pointed. “If you’re not afraid, I have a
tree house. But you have to climb the tree.”
“I can climb anything,” Sam proclaimed proudly.
Tommy stopped and faced her. “Anything?”
She nodded.
He looked around and his gaze finally settled on a barn
amidst a group of trees. “How about that?”
Sam looked that way and noticed how high the barn was. But
she also noticed the trees and nodded her head.
“Do it then.” Tommy challenged.
She eyed the barn and the trees and slowly walked neared
them. Figuring out the best way to go Sam slowly started climbing.
“I was kidding.” Tommy couldn’t believe she would do it and he was worried
about getting in trouble. “It’s too high and we’ll get in trouble.”
Sam ignored him as she went about looking for the best way
to get up the tree. Sam slipped and she heard Tommy gasp below her.
“Sam, get down.”
She caught her breath and continued to climb. It was
higher than she had ever climbed but she was good at it and finally made it to
the top of the barn. Reaching for the building Sam grabbed it and pulled
herself up. Triumphantly she looked down at the boy below her. “Told you I
could do it.”
Tommy stared up in disbelief. He couldn’t believe a girl could climb that high
and he wanted to follow but he was too scared. “Sam, come down so we can play.”
Sam walked to the edge of the barn, scaring Tommy by how
close to the edge she was.
“Sam.” He looked around, wondering if he should go for
help. “Come on Sam. I don’t want to get in trouble.” Tommy was close to tears.
“Why would we get in trouble? We’re just playing, right?”
Tommy nodded. “I guess.” He walked closer to the barn.
“Are you coming down?”
Sam walked higher up. “I kind of like it up here. You should
come up.” A slight smile crossed her face. “You’re not scared, are you?”
“No.” He was but he couldn’t admit that to a girl. “I’ll come up.” He started
climbing, keeping his eyes upward. Tommy landed on the roof with a thud,
breathing hard.
Sam watched him, somewhat amused. “That was easy, wasn’t
it?”
Tommy nodded, still trying to catch his breath. When he
did they both peered over the side.
“Long way down” Tommy commented, then glanced sideways. “Why don’t you go to
school?” Tommy asked after a few minutes of silence.
“Can’t read” Sam said matter-of-factly. “Don’t care about school.”
“It’s not so bad. Teacher is nice and we play games outside. You should come
and you can sit next to me.”
Sam shrugged. “I guess I’ll have to some day. Unless they
send me back.”
“Back where?” Tommy sat up and dangled his legs over the edge. “Sam, where’d
you come from?”
“An orphanage” Sam quietly answered.
“You’re an orphan?” Tommy’s eyes widened. “But Mr. Barkley said he’s your
brother. You can’t be an orphan.”
“I was for three years but…” Sam shrugged. “Heath is my brother but I don’t
know what everyone else is. I guess they can send me back if they don’t like
me.” Sam didn’t know why she was telling Tommy this but he seemed interested.
“We’d better get down” he said suddenly. “You don’t want to get caught and get
in trouble.”
Sam nodded and they stood up when they heard Heath calling
their names.
“Uh oh” Tommy said as Heath approached the barn. He saw the two of them
standing up there.
“Get down now.” Heath walked towards the tree they had climbed. “Come on, one
at a time so I can catch you if you fall.” The kids exchanged glances before
slowing walking towards the tree.
“You can do it” Sam encouraged when Tommy hesitated near the edge. “Just grab
the tree and don’t look down.”
Tommy took a deep breath before leaning for the tree and
climbing down. When he reached the bottom Sam followed and scampered down.
“Don’t make her go away.” Tommy pleaded with Heath. “It’s my fault…I dared her
to do it.”
Sam was surprised that Tommy was taking the blame and she
stared at the boy. When she looked at Heath he didn’t seem too angry with her.
“It’s not his fault,” she firmly stated.
Heath stood before them, unsure of whom to yell at. “Don’t
do it again,” he finally said. “Sam we need to go home.” He took his sister by
the hand.
“Mr. Barkley, can I play with Sam again? She’s really neat for a girl.” Tommy
grabbed a hold of Heath’s arm.
“Sam?” Heath looked at his sister.
“Sure.” She smiled slightly. “He’s ok for a boy.”
Heath put his hands on his hips. “Only if you two promise
to stay on the ground…no climbing trees, promise?”
“Promise” the children said in unison, then started giggling.
Heath again took his sister’s hand. “Tommy, I’ll talk to
your father about you coming over to the ranch.”
“Ok.” Tommy watched them leave and then ran off to find his friends and tell
them about Sam. Though he knew they wouldn’t believe him about how high she
could climb.
* * * * *
The ride home was quiet and Sam kept glancing at her
brother, wondering how mad he was. Finally her curiosity got the best of her.
“Heath, are you mad?”
“Not really.” Heath sighed deeply. “Sam, do you want to know the first thing
that came to me when I saw you up there?”
“What?” Sam asked as Heath suddenly stopped the wagon.
He turned and faced his sister. “I thought you would fall
and kill yourself and I would lose my sister again.” Heath saw the look his
sister gave him and he wondered if she was too young to understand how scared
he was.
Sam turned away as Heath started the team up again.
“Heath, I wasn’t going to fall. Climbing is the only thing I do good and I
wanted Tommy to like me. Don’t be mad at me.”
“I’m not mad.” Heath reached over and touched the child’s head. “But maybe we
can find something else you’re good at.”
“Like what?” Sam asked glumly. “I can’t do anything right.”
“Sam, don’t say that.” He kept his hand around the child. “I think it’s time you
start riding on your own. Let me talk to Nick about getting you a horse. Then
you and Tommy can ride together. How does that sound?”
“Really?” Sam’s face lit up. “My own horse?”
Heath nodded as he smiled at his sister. “But only if you
stay off of roofs. Got it?”
“Got it.” Sam’s smile left her face. “Think Nick is ok?”
“He’ll be fine. It takes a lot to hurt a Barkley,” he added.
“I wish I were a Barkley.” Sam turned quiet, lost in her thoughts.
Heath glanced over at her, wanting so badly to tell her
about the adoption. But it was a family thing and she would learn when the
whole family was around. They were near the house and the rest of the ride was
made in silence.
As soon as the wagon stopped Sam jumped out and ran into
the house. “Nick? Nick, are you awake?”
“Samantha, keep your voice down.” Victoria scolded the child. She was picking
up one of Nick’s bad habits…yelling at the top of her lungs. “Nick, is still in
his room, but he’s awake and you can go see him.”
She raced up the stairs so fast Victoria was afraid she
would fall.
She heard footsteps and glanced over at Heath. “Did the
trip to town go well?”
Heath nodded, deciding to keep the roof incident to
himself. “I introduced her to Tommy Kyle and I think they hit it off ok. I better
unload the wagon.” He walked off whistling and Victoria was happy to see him in
a good mood for a change.
* * * * *
Samantha stood in Nick’s doorway until he noticed her
there.
“Sam!” He smiled at her. “Come in.”
That was all she needed and she ran and jumped into his
bed. “Is your hand better?”
“Not yet, but it will be.”
Sam looked at the bandaged wrist. “It hurts, doesn’t it?”
Nick noticed the child looking at her own wrists and knew what
she was thinking about. He reached over and touched her face. “I’m going to be
fine and so are you.”
Sam looked up and smiled. “Heath said I could get my own
horse and ride by myself. Is that ok? Will you teach me to ride? He said I
could ride with Tommy Kyle.” Excitedly the child kept asking questions until
Nick reached over and gently placed his hand over her mouth.
“Give me a chance to say something.” He removed his hand
and pulled Sam closer to him. It took him a few minutes to place the name but
finally he pictured the curly redheaded son of one of their foreman. Nice kid
and he seemed to have a good effect on Sam’s demeanor.
She snuggled in next to him.
“I think a horse is a good idea.” Nick didn’t say that he had been planning on
getting her a horse and decided it was best that Heath did it. “But I think you
should let Heath teach you how to ride.”
“Why?” Sam asked.
“Because he’s a better rider, so that will make him a better teacher.” Nick
didn’t like lying but he knew how Heath felt right now and the best thing for
him was to spend time with his sister.
“OK.”
Nick was glad she accepted the lie so easily.
“But we can still ride together, right?”
“Of course.” Nick placed his good arm around the child. He was feeling tired
and knew he needed some more sleep. “Sam, you better run along so I can get
some sleep.”
Sam moved but Nick kept his arm around her.
“Can I get a kiss before you leave?”
She smiled and quickly kissed his cheek, hugging him
tight. “I’m glad you’re ok.” Sam jumped off the bed and ran out of the room,
just as Heath turned the corner, out of her sight.
He had heard the exchange and knew what Nick was doing. He
knew he should be grateful but mostly he was angry: angry with Nick and hurt
that his sister cared so much more for Nick than her own brother.
Jarrod put his suitcase down and walked around the house.
He wasn’t expecting a welcome home party but after being away for a week it
would have been nice if someone was there to greet him. He heard the door open
and Nick walked in, closely followed by Heath.
“Jarrod, you’re back early.” Nick rushed over. “Good news, I hope.”
Jarrod smiled at his two brothers. “Can the ranch run
without you two for a few days?”
Nick’s eyes narrowed. “Why?”
Jarrod motioned them to the family room. “It was mother’s idea. I only got the
initial paperwork started. The judge needs to sign it and mother felt it was
necessary for the whole family to be in San Francisco when it’s done.” He could
tell that his brothers were still confused. “Sam’s too smart to think a piece
of paper is going to keep her here. But if we all go and stand there while the
judge explains it, she’ll believe it. Where is she anyhow? How is she feeling?”
“Mother took her to town so she could play with Tommy Kyle. It’s his fault.”
Nick pointed at Heath. “Audra was bad enough and now this one is starting even
younger. Tommy this, Tommy that.” Nick rolled his eyes as his brothers laughed
at him. “Just wait until you hear where Heath found them.”
“Where?” Jarrod wasn’t sure if he wanted to know. He walked over and poured
three drinks. “What kind of trouble is Sam getting in to?”
“It’s nothing.” Heath downed his drink. “You know that barn near the Kyle’s
house?”
Jarrod nodded.
“I found the kids sitting on top of it.”
“What?” Jarrod’s eyes showed his surprise. “Don’t tell me they climbed up
there.”
“All the way” Nick commented, throwing his arms up. “I tell you that kid is
going to be a bad influence on Sam.”
“How many times do I have to tell you it was Sam’s idea?” Heath sighed. “Tommy
dared her and Sam eagerly showed she could do it and then dared Tommy to
follow.” Heath smiled. “I had forgotten that my sister was part monkey. Do you
remember the swing I showed you?” He addressed Nick who nodded. “After I put it
up Sam thought it would be fun to shimmy up that rope and hide in the tree.”
Heath chuckled at the memories. “I looked everywhere for her and finally, when
she could tell I was worried she called out my name.” Heath shook his head.
“Boy howdy she was only four years old and I couldn’t believe she got up there.
I was so relieved to see her I immediately forgot how angry I was that she hid
for so long.” He glanced over and saw his brothers smiling at him. “Part of me
was happy to see some of that spunk come back. Why are you both smiling at me?”
Jarrod neared his youngest brother and slapped him on the
back. “It’s just good to see you laughing.”
Before Heath could answer the door flung open and Sam ran
in, Lucky yapping at her feet. She stopped when she saw Jarrod. “Jarrod.” Sam
ran and flung her arms around him.
Jarrod reached down and picked up the little girl. “Are
your feet staying on the ground?”
He laughed at the look she gave him.
“Mother.” Jarrod reached down and kissed his mother hello.
“Jarrod, did you get everything done?”
“Indeed I did.” He put the child down. “Plus I got something little for
Samantha.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out a book, handing it to the
child.
Samantha flipped through it looking at the different
pictures. Then she looked at the cover.
“I can’t read it.”
“Not yet.” Jarrod reached down and touched her nose. “But you will soon and I
think you’ll really enjoy this story.” He could tell that Sam wasn’t so sure.
“What’s the title?”
“Alice In Wonderland” Jarrod answered, “and I know you’re going to like it.
Besides we have a long train ride to San Francisco to read it together.”
“Why do we have to go back there?” Sam looked around worried. “I don’t want to
go back” She backed away and right into Nick.
“Whoa.” Nick knelt down and wrapped his arms around her. “The whole family is
going to San Francisco for a very special reason.”
She turned and faced him. “Why?”
Nick glanced up at this mother and then at Jarrod.
“Sam, come with me.” Victoria took her hand and led her over to the sofa.
Victoria sat down so she was eye level with the child. “Samantha, you know what
it means to be adopted right?”
The child nodded solemnly.
“How would you like to be adopted by me?”
Sam was surprised by the question and didn’t seem to know
what to say. She glanced over her shoulder at Heath who smiled reassuring.
“Really? I’ll be a real Barkley?”
Victoria nodded. “And Jarrod and Nick will be your
brothers and Audra will be your sister and I’ll be…” Victoria paused, unsure if
the child could accept another mother.
“You’ll be my mama” Sam whispered. “Can I call you that?”
She turned suddenly and faced Heath. “Heath, is that ok?”
“It’s fine” Heath assured her.
Sam turned and faced Victoria once again. “Mama” she said
again, with a little more confidence, then flung her arms around Victoria.
For a few minutes there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Finally Nick cleared his throat. “Any hugs left for the new brothers?”
Victoria released the child and she ran to Nick. Victoria
took the time to pull Heath aside.
“Are you truly ok with this?” He glanced back to see Sam giving Jarrod a hug.
“I am.” Heath smiled. “That child is starved for affection
and I can’t imagine any family more able to give it to her.”
Victoria reached up and kissed his cheek.
“Heath.” He looked down at Sam who was tugging at his pants. She held up her
arms and Heath lifted his little sister into his arms. “Is this really ok?
Would they be mad at me?”
After everything she had been through Heath couldn’t
believe she would care what her parents would think about this.
“Samantha, they would not be mad at you. They would want you to be happy and
safe and part of a good family.” A better family than they would have ever been
Heath silently added as he hugged his sister.
“I’m hungry” Sam suddenly said as she leaped out of Heath’s arms. “Is it time
for lunch?” She raced around them as they headed to the dining room. “I can’t
wait to tell Tommy.”
Nick groaned loudly at hearing the boy’s name.
“He’s got this baby sister and I helped their mama feed
her and I changed her diaper.” Sam made a face. “That was kind of yucky but…”
She stopped talking as Jarrod lifted her into the booster seat. “I think we
need a baby around here.”
Nick started choking on the water he had just sipped. “I
told you that kid was going to be a bad influence.” They all started laughing,
except for Sam who looked around, not seeing anything funny in what she said.
“Sam, eat your lunch.” She eagerly dug in, for once not needing any prodding to
eat.
* * * * *
Heath lowered himself in the seat, trying to get
comfortable. He wasn’t fond of train rides and this was no exception. Nick was
sitting next to him also shifting constantly in his seat. He was sleeping or
trying to sleep with his hat over his eyes. Heath glanced across the aisle
where Sam was chatting non-stop with an elderly gentleman who had offered her
some chocolate. He caught Jarrod staring at him a few times and he wondered if
his brother was thinking the same thing. The child they were both watching
seemed so different than the sullen one that they had brought to Stockton. In
less than two months she had gone from a scared, silent child to one who felt
secure enough to talk to a stranger.
Sam must have realized she was being watched because she
turned and smiled at Heath. Victoria whispered something to the child and then
she walked over to her seat next to Jarrod. Sam sat still for a few minutes
before standing up in her seat and leaning against Jarrod. Heath frowned when
Jarrod gathered Sam in his arms. It was obvious to the family that Sam craved
the attention she missed for so many years but because she looked younger they
all treated her younger and it bothered Heath to see that. Nick was the worse
offender but Heath hadn’t found the right time to confront him about it. He
wanted his new family to love his sister and he knew they did, but in the past
few days Heath had begun to think about Sam’s future and he wanted the best for
his sister. He was anxious to get Sam in school but she was still struggling
with her reading and writing and did everything she could to get out of her
lessons.
“Sam, come here.” Heath motioned to his sister.
With Jarrod’s help she jumped down and walked over to
Heath.
“Do you want to practice your reading or writing?”
“Neither.” Sam turned but Heath grabbed her before she could move away.
“Wrong answer” Heath whispered as he brought out a writing tablet. “Sam, you’ll
need to write your legal name for the Judge.”
It was a lie but one Jarrod allowed Heath to use to get
Sam interested in writing. She frowned as she picked up the tablet and the pen.
“Write your full name” Heath insisted when Sam stopped after three letters. Sighing
she continued and finished up her first name.
“Do your last name now. Remember how to spell it?” Sam nodded. “Why don’t I
have a middle name?”
It was a question that Heath didn’t have the answer to. “I
don’t know” Heath admitted hoping Sam would drop the subject.
“Sam, you can pick a middle name if you want.”
She glanced up at Jarrod. “I can?”
He nodded.
“What should I pick?”
“Anything but Tommy” Nick mumbled from beneath his hat.
“That’s a boy’s name.” Sam playfully tapped his arm. “I don’t know.” She picked
up her pen and slowly wrote her new last name.
“Barkley” she stated firmly. “What else should I write?”
“Practice the alphabet.”
“I’d rather read.” Sam put the pen down and looked up hopefully at Heath.
He nodded and lifted his sister on his lap. Jarrod handed
him the book and Heath opened it up to the book marked page.
“Start here.” Heath pointed to the word and slowly Sam
tried to sound it out.
“Take your time.” Heath could hear the frustration in his sister’s voice. Heath
let her struggle through two pages before he quietly started reading to her.
* * * * *
The nightlife was so different from Stockton and Samantha
Hope Barkley tried to see it all. In the end Sam had decided that her new
mother should choose her middle name and though she didn’t understand the
significance of Hope she liked how it sounded and proudly signed her full name
before the judge. Now it was time for a celebration dinner and the family strolled
down the street towards the restaurant that Jarrod had suggested. Sam started
to lag behind, her attention drawn to a street musician playing the violin.
Nick noticed and quickly approached the child. “Sam, what
are you doing?”
She pointed to the musician. “Watching him. Jimmy used to
play the violin.”
“Who’s Jimmy?” Nick knelt down next to the child.
“He was my friend and he took care of me. If he got lots of money we would each
get a potato. Otherwise we shared.” She faced Nick. “Can we give him some
money?”
Nick nodded and reached into his pocket. He pulled out
some coins and handed it to Sam.
“Is this a lot?” She stared at the money.
“It’s enough. Go ahead and give it to him and then we need
to catch up to the family.”
Sam nodded and dropped the money into the can, receiving a
smile for her donation.
“Let’s go.” Nick picked up the child and placed her on his shoulders. “What
happened to Jimmy?”
“He died” Sam said glumly, resting her chin on Nick’s head. He wanted to ask
how but decided it wasn’t the right time as they approached the family.
“We were watching a man play music,” Sam proclaimed before they could ask.
They entered the restaurant and were seated immediately at
a reserved table.
“Wow.” Sam looked around at all the people.
She didn’t notice the man who placed glasses of water on
the table but he recognized the child. He kept his eyes on her during their
dinner, watching intently as the silver haired woman cut the child’s meat and
fussed over her to finish her meal. He watched as they cut the specially
ordered cake, welcoming the child into the family. Even after his shift ended
he stayed, until the family was finished and one of the men carried the
sleeping child in his arms. Finally he ran home to his wife, slamming the door
behind him.
“Liz! That kid is back.” He threw his jacket on the chair.
Elizabeth Cole gritted her teeth as her husband slammed
things around the house. It was a long day at the orphanage and he was the last
thing she wanted to deal with.
“You heard of the Barkleys?” He got right up into her face. “Them rich people
from Stockton.” Jay Cole spat on the floor. “They adopted that kid and they’re
here celebrating.” He grunted and then kicked a chair. “I’m not going back to
jail. We got to kill that kid before she tells them.”
“No.” Elizabeth shook her head. “She hasn’t said anything yet and she’s not
going to.” Elizabeth had known who took the child and she hoped that Samantha
would be far away and safe from her husband. “Jay, let her be.”
Her husband’s nose flared as he slapped her across the
face. “Don’t tell me what to do. Do you hear me?” He grabbed her arm. “As soon
as I have enough money we will go to Stockton and we’re going to shut that kid
up forever.” He slowly wrapped his hands around her neck. “Do you understand
me?”
His fingers tightened until Elizabeth started turning
blue.
“Had enough?”
He watched as his wife crumpled to the floor, breathing
hard.
“As soon as I have enough money we’re going to Stockton.”
He kicked her once before leaving the house.
Victoria found Jarrod in the study.
“Is Sam asleep?”
Victoria nodded as she took the drink that her son handed
her. “She was too tired to argue that it was too early for bed.” Victoria took
a sip. “I suppose staying up most of last night didn’t help.” Victoria had
stayed up with the child who was too nervous about her first day of school to
fall asleep.
Jarrod smiled. “I think it went fine and Tommy had a lot
to do with it.”
Those two had become inseparable since the return from San
Francisco and Samantha had asked to go to school so she could spend more time
with her friend.
“Much to Nick’s chagrin,” Victoria remarked with a smile on her face. “Did they
return yet?”
Before Jarrod could answer the door opened and Nick’s
voice could be heard throughout the house.
“Nick, keep your voice down. Sam is sleeping.”
“Why?” Nick threw his hat on the sofa. “It’s a little early isn’t it?”
“Did you get the horse?” Jarrod asked.
“It’s a beauty.” Heath whistled softly. “I can’t wait until Sam sees it. Why is
she in bed?” Heath echoed his brother.
“She’s tired, that’s why. And if either of you wake her up, you’ll spend the
night up with her.” Victoria pointed a finger at her sons. “Don’t mention the
horse until after school, otherwise she won’t want to go.”
Upstairs Sam was already awake, having heard her brothers enter the house. She
sat by the banister unseen by the adults and listened to the conversation. She
felt bad for eavesdropping but was too excited about her new horse to feel too
bad. Sam started to tiptoe back to bed when there was a knock on the door and
she sat back down, curious to see who was there. She saw Jarrod walk to the
front door and she strained to see who was beyond the door.
“Can I help you?” A couple stood in the doorway. The woman held her hand out to
Jarrod.
“My name is Elizabeth Cole and I’m a teacher at the orphanage that Samantha was
at.”
That peaked Jarrod’s interest and he motioned the couple
in.
“This is my husband.”
The men briefly shook hands as the family came out of the
study. Jarrod briefly introduced everyone.
“Can we help you with something?” Victoria asked.
Elizabeth smiled. “We were passing through and I knew
Samantha was here and I was just checking to see how she was doing.”
Her husband looked around the room, avoiding eye contact
with everyone.
“She’s fine, but asleep,” Nick answered gruffly. “It’s kind of late for
visiting, don’t you think?” Nick took an instant dislike to them and it showed
in his voice.
“Nick, don’t be rude to our guests.” Victoria placed a hand on her son’s arm.
“Samantha had her first day of school today and she was up most of the night
worrying about it. Ms. Cole, were you Sam’s teacher?”
The young lady shook her head. “I taught the older kids so
I didn’t know Sam well. But when I mentioned that I would be passing through
Stockton one of the sisters asked me to check on her.”
“She’s doing just fine” Victoria assured her. “We’ll tell her you stopped by.”
“Don’t tell her I was here.” The woman could tell they were confused by her
request. “The child doesn’t know me and it might just confuse her. I’ll let
everyone at the orphanage know she’s doing just fine. We should get going.”
“How long will you be in town?” Jarrod questioned.
“Just a day,” the man answered quickly. “We’ll be on the stagecoach tomorrow.
Let’s go.” He grabbed his arm’s wife and pulled her out of the house.
“That was strange,” Jarrod remarked after the couple had left. “I was at the
orphanage getting the adoption papers in order and they all knew how well Sam
was doing.” He scratched his head.
“I don’t like them,” Nick spit out, “and they better leave tomorrow.”
“And if they don’t little brother?” Jarrod put an arm around Nick. “Just what are
you going to do?”
“They just better be gone.” Nick easily slipped away from Jarrod. “I need a
drink.” They watched him walk back into the study.
“His intuition is usually pretty good.” Victoria frowned. “Maybe we should keep
Sam out of town until they’re gone.”
“Why?” Heath had been quiet the whole time the couple had been there. “Just
because Nick doesn’t like them?” He faced them hands on his hips. “If we do
that we’ll scare her and that’s the last thing Sam needs right now. She’s
excited about school and she knows to go to Jarrod’s office right afterwards,
so she’ll be fine.”
“I agree.” Jarrod nodded his head. “I’m sure they’re harmless and just wanted
to check on Sam.” He turned and joined his brother in the study. “Your hand
well enough for a game of pool?” Jarrod took a pool stick and handed one to his
brother. “Heath will play the winner.” He glanced at Heath who nodded his head.
Their sibling rivalry took over and the strange couple was soon a distant
memory in their minds.
If they had gone upstairs they would have found Samantha cowering in the closet
hiding from the bad people. She knew they were there to kill her, just like he
had promised and she wanted to tell her family but she was scared. He said he
would kill anyone she told and she didn’t want them to die. Sam waited until
she was done shaking and then crawled back in bed. She knew her mother would
check on her soon and Sam would pretend she was asleep. Sam closed her eyes and
tried to fall asleep. But all she could think about was that man and sleep
never came that night.
* * * * *
Sam and Tommy sat on the sidewalk trying to decide what to
do. Their teacher had an emergency and school was let out early. Sam went over to
Jarrod’s office but he was not there and the door was locked. She glanced
around wondering where they were.
“Hey did you hear me?” Tommy tapped his friend’s arm. “Samantha, what’s wrong
with you? Why aren’t you talking to me today?”
Samantha stood up and walked away, Tommy followed.
“Sam, don’t you like me anymore?”
Sam stopped, startled when she saw the couple up ahead.
She quickly slid around the corner, pulling Tommy with her.
“What’s wrong?” He noticed how hard Sam was breathing as she leaned in against
the wall.
“They’re over there.” She pointed to the couple.
“Who are they?” The man seemed to be watching them.
“They want to kill me and they’re going to.” Sam was near tears now. “I need to
hide from them.” She started running.
“Wait up.” Tommy reached out and grabbed her arm. “Why would they want to kill
you?” Both children were breathing hard.
“See this.” She extended her arms so Tommy could see the
scars on her wrists. “They did this to me but I didn’t die. Tommy I can’t tell
you more, cause they’ll kill you too.”
Tommy glanced from the wrists to Sam’s face. “What’d you
do?”
Sam sighed deeply. “I didn’t do anything. It’s what I saw
him do.”
She saw Tommy’s eyes widen and spun around, right into Jay
Cole. Sam stumbled into Tommy and they both fell to the ground.
“Tommy, run.” Sam tried to get up but the man grabbed her.
“You knew I would come for you didn’t you?” He smiled and
Tommy saw his missing teeth.
“Leave her alone.” Tommy kicked the man in the shin and he cried out in pain.
“Why you.” He tried to grab Tommy but the little boy moved
too fast.
Sam was frozen in fear as she stared up at him.
“You’re coming with me.”
Sam finally woke up and she fought as the man lifted her
into his arms. “Tommy, help.” He placed a hand over her mouth and carried her
towards two horses. The woman meekly followed.
“Let her go.” Tommy kept hitting him but the man ignored the little boy and
threw Sam on the horse and mounted behind her.
“Help” Sam squeaked out before her mouth was once again covered.
Tommy stood there, mouth open, as they rode away with his
friend. Finally he found his feet and ran for help.
* * * * *
Jarrod stared up at the dark sky, silently saying a
prayer. It had been hours since he had run into Tommy and learned of Sam’s
disappearance. The little boy had been too afraid to tell anyone else and they
had lost precious time in their search for the child. The men had been out for
hours and slowly each one had returned to get food and rest, not a sign anywhere
of the Coles or of Sam. His brothers had not returned yet and Jarrod doubted
either would without some news. He couldn’t forget the words Nick had said
before he took off… “I told you they were trouble”…Jarrod wished now that they
had believed him, but it was too late for second-guessing. He was left alone to
coordinate everything and hope that someone would find some clue soon.
“Jarrod, I’m taking Mother home to get some rest.” Jarrod glanced at Audra and
then at his mother, who sat forlornly on a wooden bench. She had aged greatly
in the past few hours, but they all had. None could deny that Cole had tried to
kill Sam before and that his intention was probably the same.
“OK Audra. I’ll come home as soon as I hear something.” He smiled weakly as he
kissed his sister’s forehead. Then watched as they drove off.
“Jarrod.” He turned to see Lance Kyle nearing him.
“How is Tommy? I’m so sorry I made him cry.” Jarrod felt horrendous for yelling
at the child.
“He’ll be fine.” Lance grasped Jarrod’s shoulder. “Any news?”
Jarrod shook his head.
“Jarrod, after Tommy calmed down he told me something I think you should know.”
He paused to make sure he had Jarrod’s attention. “Sam said they wanted her dead
because she saw him do something. Also she couldn’t tell anybody because he
would kill them too.” Lance rubbed his left wrist. “She said they cut her
wrists and she was suppose to die then.” He shrugged. “That’s all Tommy could
remember.”
Jarrod just numbly stared at the man. It wasn’t anything
that Jarrod hadn’t figured out and just confirmed that his little sister was in
big trouble.
“I should get back to my son.”
Jarrod tried to find something to say but nothing came to
him and he silently watched the man walk away. Jarrod wasn’t sure how long he
stood there before he heard Nick calling his name. He turned to see Nick slowly
walking his horse towards him.
“Any news?”
Nick didn’t need to answer. His face answered for him. “Is Heath back?” he asked
gruffly.
“No.” Jarrod answered, and then lowered his gaze. He couldn’t bear to see the
hurt in his brother’s eyes.
“This is just some cruel joke.” Nick shouted, not caring who heard him. “Bring
that child into my life…our life” he quickly corrected, “make us love her and
then take her away.” Nick’s voice quivered with each word. “Somebody is playing
with us, the almighty powerful Barkleys.” Nick’s arms flailed in the air. “The
great Barkleys. We have all the money in the world and we couldn’t protect this
sweet little girl.” Nick swiped at the tears falling down his cheeks. “She
trusted us to protect her and now she’s gone.”
Jarrod tried to reach out but Nick backed away.
“No Pappy. This is something even you can’t fix.” Nick sniffled and closed his
eyes tightly. “And you can forget about Heath coming back…”
“He’ll be back” Jarrod quietly interjected. “This is his home…”
His words were cut off by Nick’s sarcastic laughter. “He
can’t face us. How can he?” Nick didn’t give his brother a chance to answer.
“This is the second time he’s lost his sister and he can’t live with that.
He’ll find her first or he’ll die trying.” Nick abruptly turned, leading his
horse to water and food.
* * * * *
Jarrod stood in the doorway and silently watched his family.
Four days had passed and there was still no sign of Sam and Heath hadn’t
returned home. The family tried to get on with their lives but they did so with
heavy hearts and little laughter. Men were still out there looking for Sam and
the nearby towns had all been wired and a large reward was posted for any
information but no news came; and with each passing day their hope that they
would see Samantha alive grew dimmer. He knew Nick was taking it the hardest
but nothing Jarrod said seemed to help his brother. Nick wouldn’t admit it but
he missed Heath just as much and Jarrod hoped their brother would return soon.
But he too was beginning to wonder if Heath would ever come home. Nick sat
there, absently petting the dog that he had threatened days ago to get rid of.
Jarrod knew he wouldn’t; that was the last link to Sam that Nick had and he
would cherish that dog just for that reason.
“I’m leaving for San Francisco in the morning.” Momentarily they stared at him
until Victoria found her voice.
“Jarrod, it’s not a good time. The family needs to stay together.”
“Not for good.” Jarrod realized what his mother was thinking. “I’m going
because I need to find out the truth about Jay Cole and what happened to Sam in
that orphanage.”
“What good will that do?” Nick removed the dog and stood up. “It’s not going to
bring Sam or Heath back.” He tried to pass his brother but Jarrod grabbed his
arm.
“I never knew you to be a quitter,” Jarrod whispered, “but I guess I
underestimated you.”
Nick shook his arm free. “I guess you don’t know me at
all.” He stormed off and they heard the front door slam a minute later.
Nick stood in the fresh air and took a deep breath. He
aimlessly wandered and then ended up in the barn. There he stared at the brown
mare that was to be Sam’s horse. She never got to see her new horse he wearily
thought. Gently he started brushing the animal.
“She would have loved you.” He tried to picture Sam’s face as she saw the
animal and it hurt to see her smiling face and her sparkling eyes. “Damn it.” Nick threw the brush away and
then crumpled to the ground, crying uncontrollably. He heard footsteps and
looked up, seeing Jarrod through his tears.
“Go away.”
Jarrod didn’t listen and lowered himself to the ground, beside his brother.
“Nick, it’s ok to cry. I’ve done it myself the past few days.” He cupped his
hands around Nick’s face. “Nick, we have to stay together as a family. Heath is
going to come home and he’s going to need us all to get through this.”
“And…Sam?” Nick choked out.
“I don’t know.” Jarrod sadly shook his head. “Nick I wish I could tell you that
she’s alright but I can’t. I just don’t know.” He smiled weakly. “Nick, I need
you to hold this family together while I’m gone.” Jarrod lightly patted his
brother’s back. “And if Heath returns you give him the fiercest hug you can and
don’t let go.” Jarrod calmly wrapped his arms around his younger brother and
waited until Nick had cried himself out.
* * * * *
Heath no longer knew where he was, nor did he care. He
wasn’t sure how long he had been traveling or whether he was still in
California. Nothing mattered to him but finding his sister and this search was
proving as futile as the first one. He felt his horse buckle and Heath was
thrown to the ground. He rolled to get out of the way of the falling horse.
“Damn.” Heath crawled to his horse and carefully checked his legs, wincing when
he felt the broken one. Knowing there was nothing he could do Heath pulled out
his gun and quickly put the horse out of his misery. Heath sat down heavily;
too tired and too numb to do anything but fall asleep.
Samantha found Heath by the pond and took his
hand.
“Heath, I have to show you something.” She led him away from the water and
pointed to a dead bird. “What happened to him?”
Heath bent down and grabbed a stick, poking at the bird.
“I don’t know Sam. Maybe it’s old and it just died.”
“What happens when it dies?”
Heath sighed as he stood up. He didn’t have any idea how
to explain death to a four year old. He didn’t know what he believed himself.
“Let’s find a box and we’ll bury him.” Heath walked back to the house and
Sam followed. His mother was with Hannah and he had no clue where Sam’s dad was
off to. He found a small tin, grabbed some straw and they headed back to the
dead bird. Sam watched quietly as Heath placed the bird in the tin and slowly
dug a hole.
“Will it get lonely by itself?”
Heath shrugged. “Sam, it’s dead, I don’t think it will
care.”
He started to place the tin in the hole but Sam grabbed
his arm. “Don’t. Heath we have to put
something in there with him.”
Sam ran back to the house and returned a few minutes later
with a tiny doll.
“This will keep him company.”
She placed the doll in the box and allowed Heath to finish
the burial.
“Heath, what does it feel like to die?”
“Sam, I don’t know.” He lifted up the child and carried her over to their
swing.
“I don’t want to die alone.”
Heath woke up abruptly, fully remembering his dream. He
staggered away from the dead horse determined to find his sister. Dead or alive
he was going to find her and make sure she wasn’t alone.
Jarrod stepped off the buggy and
stretched. He always enjoyed coming home but wished he had better news to share
with his family. He took the telegram out of his pocket and read it again. At
least he had some news about Heath he wearily thought as he entered the house.
It was eerily quiet as he searched for someone.
“Silas, where is everyone?”
The old man shrugged slightly.
“Don’t know Mr. Jarrod. I suppose trying to keep busy.” He smiled sadly. “I
sure do miss that youngster around here.”
“So do I.” Jarrod walked through the kitchen and exited out the back door.
There he found his mother sitting in the flower garden. He noticed the dug up
holes that she and Sam had started were still unfinished.
She glanced his way and smiled.
“Jarrod. Welcome home.” Victoria neared her son and gave him a quick kiss. She
saw where he was looking and sighed. “I was hoping Sam would return and we
could finish planting together. Did you find anything out?”
Jarrod nodded. “I think I have
all the pieces to the puzzle but nothing that will lead to Samantha. I do have
news on Heath.” He held up the telegram. “He wandered into Carson City
suffering from heat exhaustion but managed to tell them his name before he
passed out.”
Victoria’s face showed her
shock.
“Nick was right” Jarrod continued. “He’s going to find Sam or die trying.”
“You have to get him.” Victoria placed a hand on her son’s arm. “Get him and
bring him home. We can’t lose Heath too.”
“I know.” Jarrod reached into a jacket pocket and pulled out two train tickets.
“We’ll have to go to Sacramento first and catch a connecting train there.”
Jarrod was in no mood for another long train ride but it had to be done. “I’m
taking Nick with me in case he puts up a fight.” Assuming he was alive Jarrod
thought to himself. The telegram was sent the day he staggered into town and
that was four days ago. “How is Nick?”
“He’s not doing good. Jarrod I keep finding him in Sam’s room, just sitting in
the dark.” She shook her head. A door slammed loudly, startling them both.
“I bet that’s Nick.”
They entered the house and found
Nick going through the desk drawer, looking for something.
“Nick, is there a problem?” He didn’t bother answering Jarrod, nor welcome his
brother home.
“Do you want to hear what I found out?”
Nick stopped rummaging and
stared at his brother. “Unless you found Sam or Heath I don’t care.”
“Heath is in Carson City.”
Nick’s eyes narrowed. “Nevada? What the heck is he doing there?”
Jarrod gave him the telegram and
Nick quickly read it. “When do we
leave?”
“Tomorrow morning. It’s going to take two days to get there and…” Jarrod
paused. “Two very long days wondering if he’s even alive.”
“He’s alive,” Nick mumbled. “Getting him home will be the hard part. Assuming
he’s still there when we arrive,” Nick added. “Any news about Sam?” Nick asked
saying her name so quietly.
Jarrod nodded. “Where’s Audra? I
think everyone should hear this.”
“She won’t be back until tonight,” Victoria answered. “Jarrod just tell us what
you found out.”
They waited as Jarrod poured
three drinks and handed them out. “It was hard getting the sisters to talk but
everything seems to fit.” Jarrod paused, gathering his thoughts before
continuing. “There was a man named Mike Coons that came to the orphanage quite
frequently and Sam was especially close to him. So was Elizabeth Cole.” Jarrod
waited momentarily but neither commented. “He was murdered at the orphanage
about two months before we found Samantha.”
Nick took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “You think Sam saw the murder?”
Jarrod nodded. “I do. But
there’s more. Mrs. Cole confided to a friend that she was going to divorce her
husband and marry Coons and they wanted to adopt Samantha.”
“So Cole found out and murdered this man and now he wants to keep Sam quiet.”
Nick finished the story.
“It doesn’t make sense.” Victoria blurted out. “If Elizabeth Cole wanted to
adopt Sam why would she lead her husband here? She must have known what he
did.”
“She didn’t,” Jarrod countered. “Jay Cole worked at the restaurant we ate at in
San Francisco. That’s how he found Sam.” Jarrod shook his head. “Any other
restaurant and Sam would still be here.”
“Jarrod don’t.” Victoria neared her son and lightly touched his arm. “You
didn’t know. None of us did.”
Silence engulfed the room as
they thought about the new information.
Suddenly Victoria smiled. “Sam
still has a chance.”
They stared at her, waiting for
more.
“If Elizabeth loves that child
she’ll do anything she can to keep Sam alive and get her away from her
husband.” She looked up hopeful but her sons didn’t comment. “I know she’s
still alive and we will find her.”
“Mother, I hope you’re right. In the meantime we need to get Heath home and
help him deal with this.” Jarrod poured another round of drinks. “I keep hoping
a ransom note will arrive so we at least have an idea where they are,” Jarrod
muttered before downing his second drink.
Nick had remained quiet and
angrily he tossed his glass against the wall, shattering it and leaving stains
on the wall. “Is it any better if Sam is still alive?” he angrily asked. “How
much torture can that child handle? Hasn’t she been through enough?”
They were rhetorical questions that went unanswered. He
stormed out of the room and out of the house.
“He’s right,” Jarrod quietly commented. “She might be better off dead than
being tortured by Jay Cole.” With that said Jarrod left his mother alone.
* * * * *
“Nick, one more complaint and
I’m going to muzzle you.” Jarrod exited the train ahead of his brother. He
looked around trying to decide where they should start. Nick stood behind him,
stretching and moaning.
“I’m sure the doctor would know something.” Nick pointed in the right direction,
and then started walking that way. The doctor was with a patient so they waited
outside.
“Dusty town,” Nick mumbled ignoring the glaring look he was getting from
Jarrod. “Is there anywhere we can get a drink?”
“Little early, don’t you think?”
“No!” Nick folded his arms. “If I have to get back on that train I plan to be
very drunk.”
The door opened and a tall,
elderly gentleman escorted a little boy out. “Can I help you two?”
Jarrod nodded. “We got a telegram that our brother was here and he was sick.
His name is Heath Barkley.”
“Young man. Doesn’t say much. He was here.”
“Was?” Nick barked out. “What do you mean was?”
The doctor shrugged. “Against my
orders he left this morning.” He eyed the two brothers. “But in the shape he’s in
I don’t think he’ll get very far before he needs to rest.”
“Damn it. Now what do we do?” Nick looked to his older brother.
“Doc, what kind of shape is he in?”
The old man smiled slightly. “He came in feverish and
dehydrated. I fixed him up just fine but if he pushes himself, he’ll be right
back where he started. I wanted him to stay a few more days but he said he had
to leave.” He paused, looking over his shoulder. “I believe he said he was
heading west. There’s a stable that-a-way if you want to buy some horses and go
after him.”
“Jarrod?”
“I don’t know.” He looked in the direction that the doctor pointed. “It’s a
long shot but at least we won’t have to get back on a train. Nick, go buy some
supplies and I’ll see about the horses.” Nick started walking away, then
stopped suddenly.
“Should I get some rope?” Jarrod was momentarily confused by his brother’s
comments, and then a small smile played on his lips.
“If you think it’s necessary to get Heath home, get it. Just hurry! I want to
get started before the sun is too strong.”
* * * * *
They had picked up a trail early
on and followed it, hoping it belonged to their younger brother. They made good
time, only stopping for lunch, but by sunset they still hadn’t seen any sign of
Heath.
“Jarrod, do we keep going?” Nick stopped. “This is stupid. We don’t have a clue
if we’re following the right trail.”
“Look up there.” Jarrod pointed ahead to a lone figure and they both galloped
towards him.
Nick reached the rider first.
“Heath.” His relief in seeing his brother was overshadowed by his concern for
him. “Heath!” Nick grabbed the reins as Jarrod caught up to them.
“How is he?” Jarrod immediately noticed that he was leaning to his left side
and barely conscious.
“Let’s set up camp here.”
Heath grunted softly as they
dragged him off the horse and laid him out on the ground. Heath seemed
disoriented and didn’t realize who was with him.
“What do you want?” He struggled as Nick grabbed a blanket and tried to wrap it
around him.
“Heath it’s us. Nick and
Jarrod.”
Slowly realization came to Heath
but that only made him angrier. “Leave me alone.”
He tried to get up but Nick
easily held him down.
“Heath, calm down.” Jarrod tried to reason with him. “We’re going to make camp
here and tomorrow we’ll start for home.”
“No. I’m not going home.” Heath struggled to get free.
“I should have bought rope,” Nick muttered, his arms still wrapped around
Heath.
“Heath, stop fighting us.” Jarrod grabbed his shoulders. “We want to find Sam
as badly as you do but it’s not worth your life. Do you hear me? We’re not
going to lose you too.”
Heath’s strength seemed to leave
him and he stopped struggling. “I can’t give up. I have to find her.”
“We won’t give up. I promise you.” Jarrod smiled down at him. “But we need to
get you home and you need to get well.” Jarrod glanced at Nick. “Heath, Nick is
going to let you go but if you try to mount that horse before morning, we’re
going to tie you up.”
Nick released his brother.
“Hey bro, we got beans for dinner. Your favorite.” Nick scurried to get a fire
started. Heath moved towards a tree stump and leaned against it. He watched his
brothers get dinner started but he was too tired to wait and fell asleep before
it was ready.
* * * * *
“Heath, wake up.”
Slowly he opened his eyes and
tried to focus. He first noticed how dark it was and then his brother’s face.
“Nick! It’s still dark. Why’d you wake me?”
Nick sighed as he moved away and
sat down hard on the ground. “You’ve been moaning and talking out loud for the
past hour and I couldn’t take it anymore.” He glanced over at Jarrod who was
sound to sleep.
“Can’t sleep?” Heath asked as he propped himself up on his elbows.
Nick shook his head. “Not
anymore.” They were both staring at Jarrod.
“He seems to be able to,” Heath commented.
“He deals with things differently,” Nick stated. “He has everything under
control. Every town has wanted posters with pictures of Jay Cole and Sam. He
knows what happened at the orphanage…”
“What happened?”
Nick quickly explained to his brother all that Jarrod had learned in San
Francisco. They were both quiet for a few minutes after he finished.
“Nick, tell me this is all a bad dream and I’ll wake up in the morning.”
Nick didn’t respond.
“I swear she was such a happy child. How could she always
laugh when her father was abusing her?”
“I don’t know.” Nick didn’t want to talk about Sam but it seemed that Heath
needed to.
“Do you think that lady will protect her? Maybe she’ll set her free.” He
glanced over at Nick who silently looked the other way. “Nick, I’m sorry.”
“For what?” Nick faced his brother.
“For being jealous. I should have been happy that everyone loved my sister
but…” Heath slightly shrugged his shoulders. “What do we do now?”
“I don’t know.” Nick felt like he was saying that a lot lately. “Go home,
continue our lives and pray that someone finds that little girl before it’s too
late.”
“Doesn’t seem like that’s enough.” Heath wrapped the blanket tighter around
himself.
“I know.” Nick stood up and stretched his legs. “Heath, get some sleep. We have
a lot of riding to do tomorrow.”
“Shouldn’t you do the same?”
Nick shook his head. “I’m not tired. Go to sleep.” Heath was too tired to argue
and he stretched out, falling asleep quickly.
* * * * *
A few days later the brothers
made it home. Victoria met them at the door. “Heath.” She looked him over and
decided that Heath didn’t look too bad. “How do you feel?”
“I’m fine.” He didn’t want to be fussed over. “I’m going up to take a bath.”
They watched him slowly ascend the stairs.
“How are you two?”
“One down and one to go” Jarrod mumbled. “Any news about Sam?”
His mother shook her head. “Audra went into town everyday
and so far nothing.”
“I’m getting back to work.” Nick quickly exited the house.
“Jarrod, we need to keep this family together.”
“I know.” Jarrod poured himself a drink. “I just don’t know how,” he quietly
added. “I’m going in to town and see if there’s any news.”
After he was gone Victoria sat down heavily. She wondered
how one little girl could make such a difference in all their lives. And she
dreaded what would become of her family if they couldn’t find that girl.
Silently she said a prayer and hoped wherever Samantha was, it would reach her
and comfort her.
Jarrod was the last to the breakfast table.
“Morning everyone. Mother.” Lightly he kissed her forehead. “I thought I heard
arguing. What did I miss?” Jarrod grabbed a plate and filled it with scrambled
eggs. “Well?” he asked as he sat down.
“We were not arguing, we were discussing.” Nick said between bites.
“We were arguing.” Heath countered. “I say Mary was the prettiest girl at the
party last night and Nick thinks it was Linda Sue.”
“It was.” Nick pointed a finger at his little brother. “You need to get your
eyes checked.”
“There’s nothing wrong with my eyes.” Heath smiled slightly. “Is there Jarrod?”
“No way.” Jarrod shook his head. “I am not getting in the middle of this.” He
smiled. “Besides, neither holds a candle to Elizabeth.”
Nick choked on the coffee he was drinking and then stood up. “I have too much
to do today than listen to this nonsense. You’re both blind as bats. Heath, are
you coming?”
Heath nodded as he gulped down the rest of his breakfast.
“Jarrod don’t forget we need to start hiring men for the fall harvest.”
“Nick I won’t forget.” He watched his brothers walk out of the room. “Sorry to
eat and run but I need to get to the office. I should be home by dinner.”
Jarrod kissed his mother and sister before leaving.
“Mother, did you buy any of that?”
Sadly, Victoria shook her head. “They’re trying to move
on, we all are. I don’t think any of us wanted to be at that birthday party
last night but the Martins are old friends and we were invited.”
Audra lowered her head.
“Audra, what is it?”
She looked up at her mother. “Last night no one even asked
us how we’re doing? It’s like Sam doesn’t exist anymore. No one asked about
her.”
Victoria reached over and grabbed her daughter’s hand.
“Audra it’s been two months since Sam was taken. They don’t mean to be rude or
insensitive, they just don’t know how to act around us so it’s better to leave
the subject alone.”
“Sam is not a subject. And it’s not just our friends and neighbors. Mother,
when was the last time Nick or Heath even mentioned her? Or Jarrod? Is this how
we’re going to deal with this? Keep Sam’s door closed and never mention her?”
Audra stood up. “I’m sorry mother but we’re not dealing with this. Everyone is
shutting down and I think I’m the only one who sees it.” Near tears, she ran
out of the room.
“No dear, I see it too.” Victoria slowly finished her
coffee as she mentally planned her day.
* * * * *
Elizabeth knelt on the floor and checked on the sleeping
child. It made her ill to see the bruises on her face and arms. As the days
went by Sam was becoming more and more defiant and Jay was dealing with the
child the only way he knew how … beating her into submission.
“Get away from her.” Jay grabbed his wife’s arm and hauled her to her feet.
“Jay, how much longer are we going to do this? The posters are everywhere and
we can’t even go into town. Why are you doing this?”
Jay was still holding his wife’s arm and he squeezed until
she cried out in pain. Sam moaned in her sleep but she didn’t wake up.
“Don’t question me.” He released his wife. “It would be too easy to kill her.
It’s your fault.” He pointed his finger. “You were going to leave me for him
and that child. You’re going to suffer watching that child suffer and then
she’ll die.”
“Jay no.” Elizabeth backed away from her husband. “She’s just a baby and she
hasn’t done anything to you.”
“Stop your whimpering.” He lifted his arm as Elizabeth cowered against the
wall.
Sam suddenly cried out in her sleep and Jay glanced that
way.
“Shut her up or she’ll really have something to cry
about.”
Elizabeth rushed over to try to soothe the child.
* * * * *
Jarrod heard the door open and looked up to see Tommy and
his little brother. He smiled at the children as they neared him.
“Tommy what are you doing here? Is this Jacob? He sure is getting big.”
“I’m five.” Jacob held up five fingers.
“Jacob, not now.” Tommy took his brother’s hand. “Mr. Barkley, have they found
Sam yet?”
“No Tommy but we’ll still looking everywhere and we’ll find her. Where’s your
mother?”
“The baby has a doctor’s appointment,” Tommy answered. “I sure do miss Sam. I
wish they’d find her already.”
Jarrod didn’t know what to say and he was relieved when
the door opened and Mrs. Kyle walked in. “Tommy, I told you to leave Mr.
Barkley alone.”
Jarrod watched in amazement as she toted the baby and kept
the twins in line. Jarrod couldn’t remember the twins’ names. Lance always
called them the twins when he talked about them as if they were one child.
Jarrod remembered when the baby was born and how happy Lance was to finally
have a little girl after four boys.
“Jarrod, are you ok?” Mrs. Kyle reached over and touched his arm.
“I’m fine.” He smiled at her. “Grace is a beautiful child.” Jarrod touched the
baby’s hand.
“Jarrod is there any news?”
He shook his head.
“We’re all praying that she’ll be found safe,” she said. One of the twins
started touching things on the desk.
“Daniel, don’t touch.” Tommy’s free hand grabbed his little brother. “Mr.
Barkley, you’ll let me know when Sam is home, right?”
Jarrod smiled weakly at the child. “Tommy, after the
family, you’ll be the first to know.”
“We need to get going.” Mrs. Kyle started ushering her brood out the door.
Suddenly Tommy ran back alone.
“I know they’re going to find her. Mr. Barkley, I’m going to marry Sam someday.
You’ll see.” He ran out before Jarrod could open his mouth.
* * * * *
Heath stood in the hallway and stared at Sam’s door. He
knew Nick was in there, as he was every night. Normally Heath would just stay
in bed but tonight he got up and decided to confront his brother. Heath opened
the door and was greeted with a low growl. He could see Nick sitting in the
chair and he assumed the puppy was with him.
“Don’t turn the light on.”
Heath left it off and slowly neared his brother. “Nick,
why do you do this to yourself?” Heath sat on the edge of the bed. “Why do you
come in here every night?”
“I wasn’t aware that you knew.” Nick’s voice sounded shaky.
“We all know.”
He felt Lucky jump on the bed and Heath picked up the dog.
“Does anyone sleep around here?” Both Nick and Heath squinted as Jarrod turned
on the light. “Is this what it has come too?” Jarrod neared them. “We can only
think or talk about Sam during the middle of the night?”
“I’m going back to bed.”
Nick stood up but Jarrod wouldn’t allow him to leave.
“Nick, please stay.”
“Why? What’s the point?” He glanced over at Heath and then back to Jarrod. “I
know why I come in here and I don’t need to be lectured by either of you.” Nick
started pacing, nearly stepping on Lucky a couple of times.
“Jarrod, isn’t there anything more we can do?”
Jarrod shrugged slightly, avoiding Heath’s gaze. “We’re
doing everything I can think of. They can be anywhere or Sam could be dead.”
That stopped Nick. “Don’t say that.” Nick pointed his
finger at his older brother. “Sam is a survivor and she’s out there somewhere.”
“No, she’s not a survivor.”
Nick spun around and faced his younger brother. “What do
you mean?”
“Nothing.” Heath looked away.
“Heath, I’d like to know what you mean also.”
Heath felt uncomfortable under both their scrutiny. “I
don’t know what I mean. Everyday that goes by we lose a little bit more of
her.”
“That doesn’t make sense.”
“Nick, let him continue. Heath, go on.”
Heath stood up and walked towards the window. He stared
out at the darkness wishing his brothers would just leave him alone.
“Heath.”
He felt a hand on his shoulder and knew it was Jarrod.
“You remember what she was like when we found her.” Heath said as he continued
to stare out the window. “She’d been through so much she was shutting down and
slowly starving herself.” Heath turned slightly and caught a glimpse of his
brother’s face. “Then suddenly she had a family and just as suddenly it was
gone.” Heath turned completely. “If Sam is alive, how do you think she feels
right now?”
Neither answered.
“She’ll never be the same,” Heath added quietly. “She won’t get over this.”
"Hogwash,” Nick spit out. “If you think that then you’ve
learned nothing about being part of this family.”
“Heath, I have to agree with Nick.” Jarrod smiled at his youngest brother. “She
might not be the same but she’ll get over it. Heath, you’d be amazed at what
love can do especially with a child.”
“Jarrod is right.” They all turned to see Victoria standing in the doorway.
“Mother, we’re sorry we woke you.” Jarrod walked towards her.
“Who said I was sleeping.” Victoria entered the room. “Is this a private
conversation or can I join too?”
“Conversation is over,” Nick said suddenly. “I’m going to bed.” He walked out
swiftly with all eyes on him.
“Maybe we should all get some sleep. Mother, Heath goodnight.”
Victoria watched him go, and then faced Heath. “Was it
something I said or just that I showed up?”
Heath shrugged. “They don’t understand, none of you
understand what it’s like to feel so alone.” Heath sighed deeply. “I guess it
doesn’t matter until we find her. Assuming she’s alive,” he added much quieter.
* * * * *
Sam was walking along between Nick and Heath, holding both
their hands. They had rode for an hour and now they walked along the fields,
just talking. Sam loved to listen to them arguing and it never scared her, no
matter how loud Nick got. She glanced to her right where Heath should have been
but it was her father standing there. Quickly she looked left and Jay Cole was
there instead of Nick. Sam started screaming and then she woke up. Samantha
tried to move, momentarily forgetting that her legs were shackled to the
bedpost. She glanced around the dirty cabin and realized she was alone. Sam
enjoyed the peace for a few minutes until the door opened and they walked in.
“You’re awake.” Elizabeth neared the child. “Are you hungry?” Elizabeth glanced
at the child’s wrist and it still looked very swollen. “Sam, let me check your
arm.”
She reached for it but Sam pulled away and tried to hide
it.
“Stop fussing over her.” Jay leaned over the cowering child. “That’s what you
get for cussing at me. Keep it up and you’ll get more.”
“Jay…”
Before Elizabeth could get another word out Jay slapped
her. “Now make me something to eat.”
As Elizabeth got busy cooking lunch Jay hovered near the
child. Sam hated the way he smelled and she turned her face, leaning it against
the bed. “I have to go to the bathroom.”
He seemed to ignore her.
“I have to go real bad.”
Finally he nodded and started going through his pockets
until he found the key. Quickly the shackles came off and Jay hauled the child
to her feet. “Let’s go.”
Sam’s legs were too stiff to walk and Jay dragged her
outside. A few minutes later they returned and he shoved her back to the floor.
Sam cried out in pain when her head hit the floor.
“Lunch is ready,” Elizabeth said quickly, hoping to deter Jay’s attention from
the child. She quickly served her husband and then went to give Sam some food.
“Don’t feed her.”
Elizabeth stopped in her tracks. “Jay, she needs to eat.”
“She needs to learn some manners. If she doesn’t, she’ll starve.”
Elizabeth looked at the child who refused to meet her
gaze.
“Come eat with me.”
Elizabeth took a deep breath before she sat down at the
table with her husband.
Sam didn’t care because she wasn’t hungry. She flexed her
fingers and toes, just glad to be untied and able to move everything. Her wrist
hurt but she was able to ignore the pain. Recently she’d been able to ignore a
lot of things, even that monster when he was close to her. Sam thought back to
her dream and her thoughts drifted to Heath and Nick. It had been a long time
since she had thought about her brothers and it surprised her that she dreamt
about them. She knew she would never see them again and it was less painful to
think about things that would never be.
“We’re leaving here tomorrow.”
Sam looked up when she heard him say that.
“Jay, where are we going?”
He shrugged. “I thought someone was staring at me today in
town and it’s not safe here.”
“Jay, we can’t keep doing this.”
“Shut up.”
Sam closed her eyes and tried to shut them out. Her mind wandered back to an
earlier time in her life.
“Leah, I can’t live in this town anymore. Let’s
take Samantha and leave.”
“Robert, no.” Leah continued preparing dinner. “I like this town and I’m not
going anywhere.”
Sam was drawing at the table and she looked up just as her
daddy grabbed her mama.
“You’re my wife and you’re going to listen to me.”
Leah cried out weakly as he squeezed her arm.
“Daddy, stop it.” Sam ran up to them and tugged at her daddy’s pants.
“Leave Mama alone.”
Robert pushed his daughter away, causing her to crash to
the floor. She started crying and Leah turned her attention to the child.
“Just keep coddling her like you do your son.” In a huff Robert walked out
of the house.
Leah continued to soothe her child until she had stopped
crying.
“Draw Mama a pretty picture.”
The confrontation seemingly forgotten, Samantha happily
started drawing.
* * * * *
Heath stood alone on the front porch and stared up at the
stars. He heard footsteps but didn’t bother to see who was behind him.
“Heath, what are you doing?” Audra stood behind her brother.
“Just staring at the stars.”
“And thinking about Sam?”
Heath nodded. “Its three months today.”
“I know.” Audra gently touched his shoulder. “She knows we love her and we’ll
never stop looking.” Even as she said them Audra knew how hollow the words
sounded. “Heath, it’s late, come inside.”
“In a few minutes.” Heath waited until he heard the front door shut. “Sam,
don’t forget how much I love you.” He continued to stare upward.
Nick paced like a raging bull. Finally he had enough.
“Heath! Heath, get off that horse now.” The new stallion was too wild and Nick
knew he was going to throw his brother. “Heath, jump off.”
Heath wouldn’t give up and finally the horse threw him and
broke through the fence.
“Heath!” Nick shouted as he raced towards his brother. Lance followed and they
knelt down next to the fallen man.
“I’m fine.” Heath brushed them off and tried to stand up. He moaned as the
world spun around him and fell heavily to the ground.
“Take it easy.” Nick kept his hand on Heath’s shoulder. “Lance, ask one of the
guys to go get a doctor and then go after that horse.”
“Yes sir.”
“Heath, what were you thinking?” Nick helped him up. “You know better than to
stay on a bucking horse.” Slowly he helped his brother to the house.
“Nick, I would have had him. A couple more minutes and I would have had him.”
“A couple more minutes and you would have been dead.”
They entered the empty house and slowly climbed the steps.
Nick sat Heath on his bed and then helped him get his boots off.
“How do you feel?”
“My head is still spinning. Think I just need to sleep.” He tried to lie down
but Nick wouldn’t let him.
“No you don’t. You’re not going to sleep until the doctor gets here and says
it’s ok.” He noticed that Heath eyes were closing. For nearly an hour Nick
tried to keep his brother awake. “Heath, talk to me.” Nick slapped him lightly
on the face. “Heath, tell me about Sam.”
“Huh?” The mention of the child seemed to snap Heath back. “Tell you what?”
“Anything. What was she like when she was a baby?” They hadn’t talked about Sam
in weeks and Heath was surprised that Nick wanted to hear about her. “Come on
Heath, tell me.”
Heath closed his eyes tightly as he tried to think of
something. “Nick I can’t. I can’t think of anything right now.” Heath ran his
hand through his hair. “Nick, leave me alone. My head hurts and I don’t want to
talk.”
“Nick! Heath! Where are you?” Nick was never so happy to hear his brother’s
voice.
He quickly left the room and saw Jarrod and the doctor
running upstairs.
“I heard what happened so I came home. How is Heath?”
Nick led them to his room. “Complaining of a headache and
wanting to sleep.”
The doctor nodded as he went in and started examining the
patient. Nick and Jarrod stayed in the hallway until he was done.
“Well?” Nick approached the doctor first.
“He has a egg-size lump on his forehead and probably a concussion. Keep a cold
compress on his head and let him sleep, waking him every few hours. I’ll stop
by tomorrow to see how he is.”
“Thanks doc. I’ll see you out.” Jarrod escorted the doctor to the door while
Nick went back to sit with his brother.
“How do you feel?” Nick fixed the covers over his brother and sat gently on the
bed.
“Boy howdy, my head hurts.”
Heath closed his eyes but that didn’t seem to help. He
heard Jarrod enter the room and felt something cold placed on his head.
“Nick, I’m sorry the horse got away.” Slowly he opened his eyes and stared up
at his brothers. “Why’d you want to hear about Sam?”
Jarrod glanced at Nick.
“It’s been awhile since we’ve talked about her…” Nick paused. “I miss her and I
wanted to hear what she was like as a baby.” Nick looked away as he felt Jarrod
grasp his shoulder.
“She never sat still,” Heath began with a slight smile on his face. “You name
it she got into it. I’ll never forget the day she picked up my gun.”
It was a hot day in Strawberry and Heath was
surprised that no one was around. He decided to go swimming and quickly
undressed and jumped into the pond. He was only in there for a few minutes when
he heard voices and quickly got out and got dressed.
“Heath.” He was buttoning up his shirt when he heard Sam call his name. She
jumped into his arms and he hugged her tightly. He heard his mother calling him
so Heath put his sister down and walked towards the house. He talked to his
mother for a few minutes and then went back to collect his sister. Heath
stopped dead in his tracks.
“Sam, what are you doing?”
He had left his holster on the ground and Sam had managed
to remove the gun. Heath tried to remember if the safety latch was on but he
didn’t know.
“Sam, put that down.”
She looked at him and then down at the gun in her hands.
Slowly she turned it and looked down the barrel.
“Sam!” Heath rushed over to her and grabbed the gun out of her hands.
“Don’t you ever touch this again. Do you understand me?”
She wasn’t sure why he was mad but it scared her and she
started crying.
“Sam, don’t cry.” He waited until she stopped.
“What’d I do?” She looked at him with her big green eyes.
He placed the gun before her. “Sam, a gun is very dangerous
and you can’t touch it.”
“But you carry it all the time.”
Heath sighed, not knowing how to reason with a
four-year-old. “Sam, when you get older I’ll teach you how to handle this. But
for right now I don’t want you near one.”
“Teach me now.” Sam stamped her foot on the ground. Against his better
judgment and knowing his mother was going to kill him, Heath spent that day
teaching his little sister how to shoot a gun.
“You taught her how to shoot?” Jarrod incredulously asked. “Heath, what were
you thinking?”
“I wasn’t,” he admitted. “I stood behind her and kept my hands on the gun but
she did pretty good.” He yawned.
“Heath, get some rest.” They turned the light off and left the room.
“Did you believe him?” Nick asked in the hallway.
Jarrod shrugged, a sad smile playing on his face.
“Regardless, it was nice to hear someone talk about Sam.”
Nick nodded. “I hate myself for saying this but it doesn’t hurt as much as it
did. I know time heals but…” Nick sighed, and then took a deep breath. “I still
miss her and I always will, but it’s getting easier and I feel so guilty for
saying that.”
“Don’t! Don’t feel guilty about that.” Jarrod wrapped an arm around his
brother. “I hope Mother and Audra are having fun in Denver.”
Nick laughed. “I’m sure they’re buying the town out. Let’s get something to eat
before we have to check on Heath.”
Jarrod lightly closed Heath’s door and then they headed
downstairs to the kitchen.
* * * * *
After a long search they found a small shack and stopped
the horses. Sam felt herself being lifted off the horse and then roughly
dropped to the floor. She scampered to the corner and leaned against the wall.
“We passed a small town a short while ago. I’m going to check it out.” Jay
grabbed his hat and left.
Elizabeth turned her attention to the child. She grabbed
some bread out of her bag and knelt down next to Sam. “Sam, you need to eat
something.”
The child hadn’t spoken in days and ate barely enough to keep
herself alive. Elizabeth put the bread down and tried to straighten the child’s
legs, causing her to cry out in pain. She had been tied up for so long her legs
were too weak for her to walk or even straighten. Jay didn’t even bother with
the shackles because he knew she couldn’t walk.
“Sam, I’m sorry. I know it hurts.”
Elizabeth tried to exercise the muscles but Sam fought her
the whole time.
“Sam, please eat. I’m going to get you out of here but I need your help.”
Sam briefly met her eyes before lowering her gaze.
“First you have to eat. You’re going to need some strength
to do this.” Elizabeth again offered the bread and this time Sam took it.
Before she could say more her husband showed up and Elizabeth backed away from
the child.
“The town’s called Mesa and I don’t see any posters up.” He took off his boots
and sat down in the lone chair.
Elizabeth cautiously neared her husband. “Jay, we’ve been
running for months. Why can’t we do that ransom idea of yours? We’ll get money
and we can leave the child somewhere that they can find her. Jay, please. Look
at her. Hasn’t she suffered enough?”
Slowly Jay got up and approached Sam. She cowered into the
corner, as far away from him that she could get.
“I don’t know.” He knelt down next to Sam. “I’m kind of getting used to having
her around. Let’s say we cross the border into Mexico and we become a family.
How would you like me as a daddy?”
To Elizabeth’s horror Sam spit in her husband’s face.
“Why you!” Jay stood up wiping his face. “You’re going to be sorry.” He started
taking off his belt.
“Jay, no.” Elizabeth tried to stop him but he easily pushed her away and
started whipping the child. Elizabeth covered her ears, trying to drown out the
child’s cries.
“That’ll teach you.” Jay turned away from the child and back to his wife. “I
need a drink. I’m going back into town. I expect dinner ready when I get back.”
After he stormed out Elizabeth addressed the child. “Sam,
there’s a stream not too far. I’m going to get some water and clean you up.”
Sam was still whimpering, curled up in a ball on the
floor. She was in the same position when Elizabeth returned.
“Sam, I’m going to remove your clothes.” Quickly she took the threadbare
clothing off the child.
It had been a while since Elizabeth had been able to get
Sam new clothes and these were so worn and so holey that they didn’t protect
her at all from the buckle. She had so many cuts and bruises that Elizabeth
didn’t know where to begin. Elizabeth chose the biggest spot and gently wiped
it with the cloth. Sam cried out and tried to move away.
“Sam, don’t move.” Quickly Elizabeth cleaned what she could and got the child
dressed. “Sam, listen to me carefully. As soon as I can I’m going to send a
telegram to your family and tell them where you are. Then I’m going to set you
free…” Elizabeth paused and glanced at the child’s legs. “Sam, I know you can’t
walk so I’ll put you on one of the horses but then you’re on your own. You’ll
have to find someone and you’re going to ask for help. Can you do that?”
Sam didn’t respond.
“I better get some food ready for Jay.” Elizabeth started scurrying around
getting a fire started. Sam watched her for a few minutes and then curled back
up in a ball and fell asleep.
* * * * *
Audra managed to open the front door without dropping any
of the bags in her arms. She hurried over to the sofa and dropped them there.
Victoria followed her daughter in, her arms also filled.
“Welcome home.” They turned to see Nick and Heath nearing them. “Where’s
Jarrod? He was suppose to meet you at the depot.”
“He never showed up” Victoria told them. “Heath, what happened to your head?”
Heath rubbed the still visible bump on his head. “Had a
run in with a wild stallion. But I’ll live. Did you two leave anything for others
to buy?”
“Don’t worry,” Audra teased, “I think there’s something here for you.
Somewhere” she added as she started sorting out the bags.
“Any news?” Victoria didn’t mention Sam’s name but she didn’t have to…they knew
what she meant.
“No.” Nick shook his head. “I wonder where Jarrod is.”
Audra was still rummaging through bags and finally she
found what she wanted. “Don’t make fun of me but I found this and I thought it
would be adorable on Sam.” She glanced over at her brothers. “I know we may never
find her but I still believe we will.” She held up a small dress. “It’s a size
bigger just in case she’s grown while she was gone.”
“She’d love it,” Heath said after a few minutes of silence. “So what’d you get
me?” Heath asked trying to change the subject.
“Nick, please get the suitcases and bring them upstairs.”
Nick did as his mother asked. A half hour later the
suitcases were unpacked, the packages sorted and the family was sitting in the
living room and talking. The front door opened and Jarrod rushed in.
“Nick! Heath!” He rushed in to the living room and then noticed his mother and
sister. “I’m sorry. I forgot to pick you up.” He was frazzled and the family
noticed immediately.
“Jarrod, what’s wrong?” Nick stood up and approached him.
Jarrod reached into his pocket and brought out a piece of
paper and handed it to his brother. “Read this. Nick, read it out loud.”
Nick read the first sentence silently and felt his hands
shaking.
“Nick, what does it say?” Heath impatiently asked.
“This is Elizabeth Cole. Samantha is still alive but she won’t be for much
longer if she doesn’t get away from my husband.” Nick paused as the whole
family gathered around him. “We are near a small town called Mesa, in Arizona
and I will set her free a few days after I send this. My husband will kill me
when he finds out what I did and then he will go after Sam and kill her if he
catches her.” Nick’s voice was shaky by the time he finished. “That’s all it
says.” He looked at Jarrod. “Is this a joke?”
“I don’t think so.” Jarrod took the telegram back.
“Praise the lord,” Victoria whispered as Audra hugged her.
Heath stood alone until Nick suddenly gave him a bear hug.
“Did you hear that? Sam is alive.”
Heath couldn’t find his voice so he nodded his head.
“We can’t celebrate yet,” Jarrod reminded them. “Mother I forgot you were
coming home so I only bought three tickets to Mesa. But I think it’s better if
you and Audra stay here in case any more telegrams are sent.”
“I want to go” Audra piped in. “Mother, we have to go.”
“Audra we’ll stay here in case Sam tries to contact us. Besides we can get
things ready for her homecoming. Jarrod when do you leave?”
“In the morning. I also wired the sheriff in Mesa and explained the situation.
They’ll be on the look-out for Sam.” Jarrod walked over and sat down heavily on
the sofa. It had been a few hours since the telegram arrived and it was finally
setting in. After six months, they had a clue and hopefully they would find Sam
soon.
* * * * *
Elizabeth stood over her husband and watched him sleep. He
had come home drunk with a bottle of whiskey in his hand. The bottle was now
finished and Elizabeth was sure he would sleep the night. It was the perfect
opportunity to get Sam away and Elizabeth wasn’t going to let it pass. She
threw whatever food they had left in a bag and filled up a canister with water.
Sam was sleeping on the floor and Elizabeth waited until the last moment to
wake her. She thought about going with the child but felt if she stayed behind
she could stall her husband when he woke up and saw that Sam was gone. Gently
she shook the child until she was awake. Sam opened her eyes and tried to get
away from Elizabeth.
“Sam! It’s time to go.” She pulled the child to a sitting position. “I’m going
to put you on a horse and you have to go find help. Sam, you have to talk and
tell them who you are. Your family will come for you.”
The child was still sleepy and Elizabeth wasn’t sure how
much she understood.
“I wish I had clean clothes for you.”
Elizabeth tidied up the child the best she could and then
lifted her into her arms. She grabbed the bag with food and then walked
outside.
“Samantha, I’m so sorry about everything. One day I hope
you forgive me.”
She kissed the child’s cheek as they neared the horses.
“This one is gentle and easy to ride.”
She put Sam down as she got the horse ready and tied the
bag to the saddle. Elizabeth then picked up the child and carefully placed her
on the horse.
“Keep the reins in your hands and gently kick the horse to
keep moving.”
Sam seemed terrified as she leaned forward on the horse.
“Sam, the town is west of here. You keep going in that direction and you’ll
find it.” Elizabeth pointed and then turned the horse so it was facing the
right way.
Sam didn’t do anything to get the horse moving so
Elizabeth hit it lightly to get it going. Silently the woman prayed that Sam
would find help before her husband found her.
Heath slammed his hand against the desk.
“Take it easy.” Jarrod pulled his brother away from the sheriff.
“Jarrod, we’ve been here a day. Where is she?” Heath shook
himself free.
“Elizabeth Cole is dead.” They turned to see Nick rushing in along with one of
the deputies. “We found her body near a small shack, shot in the head.”
“Sam?” Heath quietly said her name.
“No sign of her or Jay Cole. Damn.” Nick ran his hand through his hair. “What
if he caught up to Sam? He shot his wife in the head. He’s capable of doing
anything to that child.”
“We’ll expand our search,” Jarrod stated. “We’ll start where you found the body
and head towards town.” He sighed deeply. “It’s possible Sam never made it this
far and she’s hiding somewhere out there.”
He saw the despair in his brother’s faces.
“Don’t give up. Let’s get started.”
He ushered his brothers out of the building, and then they
quickly mounted their horses and headed towards the direction that Elizabeth
Cole’s body was found.
* * * * *
Heath and Nick were in the general store buying some
supplies before it closed. It was too dark to keep searching and they would
stay in the hotel and try again in the morning. Nick was doing the buying as
Heath stood sullenly in the corner.
“Excuse me.”
Heath moved so two elderly women could get by him. He
tried to tune out their conversation as they debated which outfit to buy for a
child. Heath heard them say green eyes and suddenly his interest peaked. He
moved a bit closer.
“Who are you buying that dress for?”
They looked up at him suspiciously.
“Please! I need to know who that dress is for.”
The older of the two women stepped forward. “Why do you
care?”
Heath sighed and then took a picture out of his pocket. “My name is Heath
Barkley and my sister was kidnapped. Have you seen her?” He handed the lady the
picture.
She studied it and then passed it back to the woman behind
her.
“Well?” Heath was extremely impatient. “She’s been missing for six months and
we have reason to believe she’s around here. She’s small for her age and has
large, green eyes.”
“Millie, tell him.”
The younger lady stepped forward. “A girl rode up near our
house on a horse and then fell off it. That was two days ago and she hasn’t
said a word to us or let us near her. Alice thought if we bought her some
clothes and a toy she might trust us.”
Heath’s heart started racing. “Does she look like that
child in the picture?”
Alice shrugged. “Hard to say. But she does have green eyes
and she’s awfully thin.”
“Nick!” Heath shouted for his brother. “Nick, come here.” When he didn’t move
fast enough Heath rushed over to him. “Nick.” Heath grabbed his arm.
“Take it easy. Let me buy this stuff and then we’ll go.”
“Nick, forget about this.” Heath grabbed the items from his arms and plopped
them on the counter. “Nick I think they have Sam.” He pointed to the women who
were intently watching them.
“What?” Nick asked as Heath pulled him towards the women.
“They found a girl and it could be Sam.”
Nick stared at the women. “What are we waiting for? Take
us to her.”
“Who are you?” Alice asked.
“This is Nick, my brother. Please just take us to this child.”
The two women briefly conferred with each other. “We’re
not sure we can trust you.”
“For god’s sake.” Nick let out an exasperated gasp. “If you can’t trust us
we’ll go to the sheriff.”
“Alice, the child is alone,” Millie reminded her. “We need to get back home.”
Alice finally nodded her head. “Let’s buy the outfit and
then we’ll go home.” They walked to the counter to pay.
“Nick, should we get Jarrod?”
He shook his head. “I don’t want to let them out of our
sight. If it is Sam, one of us will let him know.”
The ladies got into their buggy and the brothers followed
them on their horses.
As they rode along Heath got discouraged by the direction
they were going. “Nick, this is kind of far from the body. Do you think Sam
would have made it this far?”
“I don’t know” Nick answered, “but this must be the house.”
The buggy stopped and Nick jumped off his horse and helped
the ladies down.
“Keep your voices low so you don’t scare her.” Millie opened the door and they
followed.
“Missy, it’s just us. That’s the name we’ve been calling her,” Millie quietly
explained.
It was a small, two room house and they followed the
ladies into the second room. One of them lit the lantern and at first the room
looked empty.
“She’s in the storage closet,” Millie stated. “We carried her into the house
and she crawled in there and hasn’t come out since.”
“Crawled?” Nick and Heath exchanged glances.
“Something is wrong with her legs and we don’t think she can walk. We put a
bucket in there for her to go to the bathroom and we’ve offered food but she
hasn’t eaten at all.”
“I can’t wait any longer.” Nick grabbed the lantern and started towards the
closet but Heath stopped him.
“Nick, let me do this. Please.”
Nick nodded and handed the lantern over.
Heath lowered himself to the floor and peered into the
room. “Sam, is that you?” He saw a child huddled in the corner. By the smell in
the room he knew the bucket was unused. He brought the lantern closer and tried
to make out the child’s face.
She wouldn’t face him so Heath reached in and gently
forced her to look at him.
“Sam!”
She did not show any emotion as she turned away from him.
After a few minutes Heath stood up and walked back to
Nick. “It’s her but I’m not sure she knows who I am. Nick, go get Jarrod and
see if a doctor is around.”
Nick didn’t budge.
“Nick, please. I’ve seen her like this before and we have to be careful.”
Nick wanted to go see his sister but something in Heath’s
face scared him. “How bad is she?”
“I don’t know. Her eyes are empty and her legs are bent funny.” He sighed deeply.
“Nick, I don’t think it’s good.” Heath bit down on his lower lip. “I’m going to
get her out of there and try to give her a bath.” He glanced over his shoulder.
“Do you have a bathtub?”
Millie nodded. “We’ll get it ready” she said and the
ladies scurried away.
“Nick, just hurry back.” Nick gently grasped his brother’s
shoulder before rushing out of the house.
Heath went back to the storage room and crouched down.
“Sam, I’m going to carry you out of there.”
Heath held his breath as he gently lifted the child. He
let it out slowly when it became clear she wasn’t going to fight him.
“I’ve missed you so much.” Heath lightly kissed her cheek, and then noticed she
was watching him. “Sam, I’m going to give you a bath, ok?”
The child remained unresponsive as Heath undressed her and
placed her in the tub. He was sickened by all the marks on her body and he
heard the ladies gasp behind him. He gently started to wash her, humming a tune
their mother used to sing.
“Did you buy underwear?” he asked Millie.
She nodded and brought him a pair. Heath dried Sam off and
put the underwear on, then wrapped her in a blanket.
“Don’t forget her hair” Alice reminded him.
Heath held the child as Alice gently rubbed her head with
a towel.
By the time Nick returned with Jarrod, Sam was sleeping in Heath’s arms.
“How is she?” They hovered above Heath, their eyes never leaving Sam’s face.
“She hasn’t said a word, her body is covered with bruises and scabs and I don’t
know about her legs.” Heath’s voiced cracked and he wrapped his arms tighter
around Sam, hiding his face against her head.
Jarrod knelt down and tried to comfort his brother.
“Heath, she’s alive and we’ll deal with everything else.” He glanced up at
Nick, who was also struggling to keep his composure.
“Where’s the doctor?” Heath asked after a few minutes.
“It’s too late” Jarrod answered. “Can we stay here tonight?” Jarrod glanced at
the ladies who nodded their heads. “Tomorrow we’ll take Sam into town and get
her checked out.”
“The child can use my bed,” Millie offered, “and I’ll double up with my
sister.”
“No.” Heath shook his head. “I’m not letting her out of my sight until that man
is caught.”
“Thanks for the offer.” Jarrod smiled at Millie. “But she’s fine where she is.
My brother and I will just sleep here on the floor.”
“Jarrod, she’s so much thinner than before.” Heath shut his eyes and tried in
vain to keep the tears from falling.
“Heath, let me take her from you.” Jarrod was afraid he would wake Sam up. “Go
outside and get some fresh air.”
“I’m fine.” Heath swiped his hand against his face. “I just want to sit here
and hold her.”
“OK.” Jarrod gently patted his shoulder. Jarrod stood up and pulled Nick to the
side. “Be very careful with him. If we push him he’s going to fall apart.”
Nick nodded slightly.
“We’ll take turns tonight watching out for Cole.”
“You think he’s still around?” Nick asked.
“I do.” Jarrod nodded. “I think he wants Sam dead and he’s not going to leave
until she is.” Jarrod glanced over at the child. “One of us will stay with her
at all times until he’s caught. Nick I’ll take the first watch.” Jarrod walked
outside and closed the door behind him.
Nick knelt down and gently kissed Sam’s cheek.
“We’ll get her through this.” Nick tousled his brother’s hair and then settled
down on the hard floor. He smiled gratefully when Millie came out with an extra
blanket and pillow. “Thank you” Nick whispered and then settled back down.
He was nearly asleep when a blood-curling scream brought
him to his feet. Heath was trying to calm a thrashing Sam with very little
success. Jarrod ran in and grabbed the child from Heath and started pacing with
her in his arms. Sam was still only clad in underwear and it pained Nick to see
how thin she really was.
“Sam, you’re safe.” Jarrod continued to walk with her and whisper softly in her
ear. It seemed to work and soon she was quiet, resting her head on Jarrod’s
shoulder.
Millie walked over and handed him a shirt. “This was my
son’s but I don’t think he would mind the child borrowing it.”
Jarrod placed Sam on the table and wrapped the shirt
around her. She seemed more alert as she stared up at Jarrod. “He’s going to
kill me.” They were the first words Sam had spoken and Jarrod was relieved to
finally hear her talk.
“No he’s not.” Nick had come closer and heard what the child had said. “Sam,
we’re not going to leave you alone for a minute, I promise you that.”
“I’m scared.” She was shivering so Nick grabbed the blanket and wrapped it
around her.
“Sam, that man is not going to touch you again.”
“Promise?”
Nick lifted her into his arms. “I promise.” He hugged her
for the first time in six months and savored every moment of it.
“Sam, are you ready to go back to sleep?” She glanced at Jarrod and then shook
her head.
“Do you want to sit with Heath?”
She nodded yes so Nick handed her to Heath and they
settled back in the chair.
“Heath, sing that song again.”
That was the last thing he wanted to do but at that moment
he would do anything for his sister. Very quietly Heath sang the song he had
earlier hummed. Nick listened with a broad smile on his face. Later, when
things calmed down, he would remember to razz his brother about his bad voice.
* * * * *
Heath flinched every time Sam screamed. She was in with
the doctor and Jarrod, while he and Nick waited in the hallway. It seemed like
an eternity before the doctor walked out with Jarrod following.
“My assistant will stay with Sam while we talk.”
They followed the doctor to his office.
“We’re dealing with two issues here.” Doc Baker sat in his
chair and scrutinized the three men. “It’s amazing that child is doing as well
as she is considering how underweight she is.” He shrugged slightly. “She needs
to start gaining weight now before permanent damage sets in. I would recommend
starting with light, small meals five times a day and then progressing to
larger meals three times a day.”
He waited but no one commented.
“As for her legs.” The doctor paused and smiled slightly. “I’m not a specialist
but I don’t think there’s any permanent damage. Her muscles have atrophied from
being immobilized for so long.”
“How do we fix them?” Nick asked.
“Exercise. Lots of exercise and stretching and it will be very painful for her.
You saw in there how much pain some stretching caused.” The doctor addressed
Jarrod. “I can draw up some exercises you can do with her until you get home,
but I highly recommend you contact a specialist and have him examine Sam.”
Jarrod nodded. “We’ll do that when we get home. For now we’ll do the exercises
and work on getting her to eat. Thank you.” Jarrod shook his hand. “Heath, go
get Sam. We’ll come back later to get the exercises.” Jarrod was anxious to get
Sam to the hotel and go looking for Cole.
* * * * *
Nick walked through the town with Sam on his shoulders.
This was their fourth day in Mesa and still no sign of Cole. Jarrod had started
talking about going home but none of them felt comfortable leaving until Cole
was found. So they took turns staying with Sam and going out with the daily
posses to search for the monster. He felt Sam lean over and rest her chin on
his head.
“Sam, are you tired?”
“No.”
“Hungry?”
“No.”
Nick smiled slightly. He could understand the child’s mood. Each day started
with pain as they tried to stretch out her muscles. She would cry so hard that
she would end up throwing up whatever little food they had managed to get down
her. After Sam was calm they would ice her legs while trying to get her to eat
more. Nights were just as bad. Sam clung to whichever brother was willing to
stay up and hold her and if she did fall asleep a nightmare was sure to follow.
She was afraid to be alone and positive that Cole was always watching her. They
were all frustrated and tired and Nick wanted badly to go home. He was sure
that seeing their mother and Audra and just being on the ranch would help Sam
greatly.
“Sam, let’s stop here for a few minutes.” Jarrod had asked Nick to send a
telegram home and give their mother an update. When he was finished he bought some
chocolate and handed Sam a piece.
“Nick, my legs hurt.”
“I know.” Sam had been complaining all morning that they were sore and they
were a bit more swollen than the previous day. Nick had taken her to see the
doctor and he assured him that it was just the exercises and that more ice
would help. Because of Sam’s size he was reluctant to prescribe any pain
medication. He told Nick to keep her occupied so that she didn’t think about
the pain.
“Sam, we’ll put ice on them when we get back to the hotel.”
“Won’t help.” Sam finished her chocolate and went back to resting on Nick’s
head.
When they got back to the hotel Nick placed Sam on the
bed. “I’ll be right back, I need to get more ice.”
He grabbed the bucket and closed the door behind him. He
hurried back and entered the room. Nick’s eyes widened. Jay Cole stood there
with a gun to Sam’s head.