KEEPING FAITH

Parts 11-15

by MrsNickB

Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV program "Big Valley" are the creations of Four Star/Republic Pictures and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended by the author. The ideas expressed in this story are copyrighted to the author.

Part 11

Carol Holister Barkley paced her husband's office while he looked on forlornly.

"Oh Jarrod, how could you do this to us? Don't you realize the position you put me in? How could you accept the governor's commission without discussing it with me, your partner, your wife?"

Jarrod released his folded arms and stood straight up from leaning against his desk. "Without discussing it? Well, that goes both ways my dear, doesn't it? Exactly when did you discuss with me, your partner, your husband that you were about to become a defense attorney? You who always wants to get into the thick of things with the politicians so that you can be the initiator of laws affecting women."

"All right, we were both wrong, but still I was hoping that you could be my second chair J.T. You've had more experience in defense than I have, but with you being the county prosecutor you can't lift a finger to help me. Honestly Jarrod, I needed you with me in this!"

"Look, maybe Mark Bromley could stay on as prosecutor while the trial is going on?"

"Impossible, he has to be in Nevada by the first. How can you expect him to postpone a position as State Attorney General even if it's only temporary until the election? He's not going to give up such a political feather in his cap."

"I wish you hadn't taken the Driscoll case." Jarrod lamented.

"Who else would touch it? She admitted to killing her husband." Carol said wearily.

"What strategy are you planning for Sally Driscoll's defense?"

"I was hoping my partner who is known to be one of the best defense attorneys in the state would help me with that."

"I'm sorry C.B. I truly am." He took her in his arms.

"I can't let her hang J. T. I can't let another woman be punished for being the victim of abuse. I can't let that happen." She hid her face in his strong shoulder and shed tears of sorrow.

* * * * * * * *

The two tall, well dressed men sat in the private smoking car enjoying brandy and cigars. The slick back blond headed gentleman watched as the curly headed man dealt out another round of Solitaire. Simon Landelle took a long puff on his cigar before he spoke. The other, Jason Browne watched him expectantly while his hands worked the cards on the table.

“Sure you don’t want to play High Lo Jack?” Simon smirked.

“With you? Not likely. The last time I played with you I lost my shirt.”

“Nevertheless you did end up with the sweet tart that stood by your side. Of course she probably took pity on you I suspect." Simon quipped sardonically.

“When I was finished with that little gal, she only had pity for herself, for not having known me before." Jason said with a sly grin.

“What did become of her?”

“Oh she’s around. I hired her, she’s one of my best hostesses as a matter of fact.”

“Now I thought you gave up your whoremonging Browne?” Landelle eyed a smoke ring curling above him.

“I'll have you know that I have only quality ladies working for me now. They are set up in apartments around the city." Jason's sly grin widened.

“So you graduated from your usual street walker variety?”

“That’s right, I’m a state official now. I need better quality whores for my many political friends." The curly haired man teased.

“You know if it wasn’t for me, you would be in the streets yourself. You better not get caught this time dirtying yours hands with those sluts. It wouldn’t go well for your political career on the way to the Governor's mansion, and if you ever get caught I don’t know you, just like the last time you messed up, understood?” Landelle warned.

“Understood Black Jack." Was Jason's brash reply.

“You’re one of the few I let get away with calling me that, don’t abuse the privilege." Simon sneered.

Jason moved a few cards around the table then threw down the remainder. “I’m bored with this." He said, changing the tiresome subject.

“Are you sure you don’t want to play a game with me?” Simon purred.

“Very sure. Why the hell did I let you talk me into doing this? Stockton is a hick town full of country bumpkins.”

“Because you owe me, and you know it! Look at the headlines. The entire state is going to be watching this trial in that hick town. It’s a career maker, and with my management you will be ensconced in the governor’s mansion by next election.”

“And Stone?”

“He will be endorsing you. He’s outlived his usefulness. I need someone in there who will be more business oriented. He’s too old fashioned. We’re on the edge of a new age and he’s an old war horse who has been in too many battles.”

“What about Barkley?”

“He can’t touch us, especially now that he’s accepted the job as prosecutor.”

“I wasn’t talking about Jarrod, I was talking about that miserable wife of his.”

“Her, she’s no match for you. She’s had very little experience in defense.”

“She’s defended those suffragettes back in Sacramento." Jason sneered at the unhappy memory.

“And she lost more than she’s won. The biggest break those suffragettes had was when you stupidly defended them!” Landelle scowled.

“I haven’t forgotten, I still owe that little b-.”

“You stay away from her. I’ve got plans for Laura Barkley. She owes me and I intend to collect every dollar."

"You've never said how you were going to do that Simon."

"It's best you don't know just yet, but when the time comes you'll be informed. I may even let you help me since she's an old friend of yours."

"I wouldn't mind getting some of my own revenge. She played me for a fool." Jason spoke through gritted teeth.

"Don't blame her, you were an easy mark. If you had listened to me then she wouldn't have put one over you, but you were more interested in trying to get her into your bed. Hell Browne, only you would be stupid enough to try to seduce somebody's bride on their honeymoon."

"Ah she was just a passing fancy, though quite delectable at the time. Have you seen her lately?"

"I have, and she's still quite a delightful little creature, in fact I found her rather intriguing. Seems there's some mystery surrounding her."

"How so?"

"I'll m not quite sure but it has something to do with her daughter."

"Our Laura has a child?"

"Yes. A lovely little thing, quite charming."

"I never figured you for liking children."

"Why not at all, I love children. I'm sure I have several crawling about between Nevada and here." Landelle laughingly scoffed.

* * * * * * * *

That evening after having kissed and tucked in their daughter the couple headed downstairs. They knew they weren't going to bed anytime soon. Nick added more logs and kindling to the fire and Laura brewed a pot of coffee. Neither one relished the idea of spending another night apart, but they couldn't agree to be together for the sake of being together. It was going to be a very long night. Nick knelt by the fire and stoked it. Laura brought the tray with coffee and two cups and placed it on the table, then knelt down by the fire.

"Cold?"

"A little." She said as she rubbed her shoulders.

"I'll get your shawl." He came back with the shawl and placed it around her shoulder, taking care to lift her hair off her shoulder. He couldn't resist breathing in her rosebud scent and took his time placing the shawl around her. Just touching her golden hair excited the manhood within him.

"Thank you." She whispered. She glanced through lidded lashes as he sat beside her on the carpeted floor. She caught his scent. She always wondered if it was really him or her imagination. Sometimes his just washed scent of pine soap and lemon would be the aroma that drove her; other times it was the smell of his manly scent mixed with gun powder and black leather that drove her to distraction. He had been out that afternoon hunting wild duck and he had worn his leather jacket to ward off the chilled mountain air. The scent of him made her light headed. Nick was always a difficult man for her resist sexually. These days at the lodge with her virile mate had been almost impossible.

"You're welcome." He stroked her cheek with his finger, at first she accepted his touch but then pulled away. "I love you, ya know." She answered with a quiet sigh. "How do we do this Laura?" He sat back with one arm resting on his knee. "Our daughter's future depends on what we do here."

"Is she Nick, is she our daughter?" He turned away and stared at the fire for a long time before he spoke again. She poured more coffee in their cups and waited.

"I would like to believe she's our daughter, my daughter. I love her with all my heart and soul, just as I love you." He turned to face her again. "You're my life Laura. I'm no good without you by my side."

"How can we go on Nick, if you believe that I've betrayed you."

"I don't believe that!"

"Then what Nick? What do you believe?" She let her eyes bore into his.

"You know, Jarrod believes that Colleen is his child. You realize that don't you?"

"I don't care about Jarrod's beliefs. He can think what he likes. I want to know what you believe."

"I want to believe she's mine, I do! But the image of you and Jarrod in that cave in, kissing and fondling each other. It tears my heart out! And I want to bust something!" He spat out angrily.

"I've told you a thousand times Nick, I wasn't in my right mind. I didn't betray you with him. Jarrod and I never had an affair. You don't know how I've wished I never went to San Francisco. I hate myself for going there because it ruined what we had."

"I know. I'm sorry."

She read in his face that he was truly contrite and her heart went out to him, but she couldn't accept it so easily. They both needed reassurance before either could go on. "Nick, do you remember when we left Sacramento to come here for our honeymoon?"

"How could I forget, it was the best idea I ever had." They both smiled at the memory.

"You took all day to put up that silly tent and when it was finished you hung a sign you made that said Laura Barkley's Luxury Hotel." Nick chuckled at the memory.

"How could I forget, calling a sow's ear a silk purse, that's me."

"Yes, that's you." She smiled. "I was terrified just sleeping in that foolish tent with all the outside noises surrounding us. I cringed at the slightest rustle of leaves."

"I know, I loved it. I held you in my arms all night long; the two of us wrapped in that nice big bedroll. Of course you wouldn't take off one shred of clothing the whole night!" He complained.

"Not that it stopped you." She blushed.

"No, I surely didn't let it stop me." He chuckled.

"That was the night our first child was conceived. The one we lost Thanksgiving."

"How can you know that?"

"I knew it in my heart. The moment our baby was conceived I felt it. While you slept I lied there listening to the morning dove outside our tent and felt your seed growing inside of me. It was the most delicious and satisfying feeling. I was so overwhelmed with love for you and the child I knew I would soon to be carrying." She caressed her stomach at the thought.

He moved closer and touched her face with his hand. "I wish I had known then. Milady, I'm so sorry we lost our first baby. If I could have done anything to prevent it I would have."

"I know that Nick." They moved closer together for a gentle kiss. His hand went from drawing away a wisp of blonde hair to caressing the small of her neck as the kiss deepened. Then they slowly broke away from the kiss but kept their foreheads touching.

"I don't want to lose you Laura."

"I don't want that either, but I don't know how to stop it." She pulled away from him and stared into the still crackling fire that cast their melting shadows on the walls.

"Tell me what you remember of the night I found you after the earthquake. I want to know everything. I want to understand what happened then." He asked.

"I don't remember a lot of it. I remember being very frightened. I was afraid I would never see you again. Then I saw that beam fall on your head and all the blood and Heath saying you were dead."

"Dead?" Nick said puzzled.

"I know it wasn't real, but I thought it was. I wanted to die, but then I saw you. You were there, you came to rescue me. I was so happy I just kept kissing you over and over again. I was so happy, you were alive. Oh Nick, you were alive! I didn't know it was Jarrod, I didn't know!"

"And that's what I saw when I came through the opening. He was on top of you and you were kissing him."

"I know, I know, I'm so sorry." She hid her face in her hands.

"How did it come to be that Jarrod... that he was only wearing a dressing gown and nothing else?"

She bit her lip as she forced her mind to remember. "I was out with an old school friend, riding in the park. We had a quarrel and I came back early from my ride. I heard voices coming from Jarrod's room. It was obvious he was entertaining a lady friend as I wasn't expected back that soon. I was embarrassed and later furious when I overheard them talking. Apparently Jarrod neglected to tell me that she was his live in lover who was unceremoniously thrown out shortly before my arrival. I was angry that Jarrod didn't bother to tell me. I would have left immediately had I known. He was the one who insisted I stay with him rather than the Palace."

"The woman, was it Carol?"

"Yes, it was Carol."

"Well, that explains a lot of things."

"What do you mean? Explain what?"

"Explain why he wasn't wearing any clothes. I thought...aw, I don't know what I thought."

"You thought he was in a state of undress for my benefit. Why in God's name would you think that?"

"Because Jarrod was in love with you!"

"Damnit Nick! That's not true! Surely you know that now?"

"Do I?"

"Of course. He loves Carol. He always did."

"Other than looking a lot like you I don't know what he sees in that whore."

"NICK! For heaven's sake."

"Why did he marry her anyway? She was happy living with him, he decided he had to make an honest woman of her, but I tell you, no man could do that. She's nothing but a whore."

"She is not! Just because you don't like her. I think she's a very brave and courageous woman who had to live through a lot of adversity. She had to endure the slings and arrows of her colleagues because they wouldn't accept her as their equal when she went to college to study law. She's had a very difficult life. I have a great deal of respect for Carol. She was able to make something of herself, not like..."

She wanted to say herself but knew that would only cause another quarrel. Laura always regretted that she was never able to achieve a true education like Carol and Hope. She always felt she wasted her life in a school that amounted to nothing more than a charm school. In her heart she was determined that her daughter Colleen would be given the opportunities to achieve a valid education.

"Well, growing up in a whorehouse I guess could be called difficult." Nick said sarcastically.

"She did not grow up in a whorehouse. Her grandmother ran one. That's a major difference Nick."

"I don't trust her and I never will."

"You don't trust any woman who is smarter than you."

"That's not true, you're smarter than me and I trust you."

"Do you? Do you trust me Nick?"

"Of course."

"Then why don't you believe me when I tell you that you're Colleen's father?" He silently looked away into the shimmering firelight. "I can tell you when she was conceived Nick. I can tell you the exact moment. Just like the last child."

He turned to face her again, his eyes burning into hers. "Tell me then."

"That first night when you brought me the hotel from the hospital. After we.., I knew I conceived Nick, I felt it. I know I did."

"I remember that night too. It had felt like an eternity since we were together."

"It was an eternity for me too. We hadn't been together since I lost the baby. You were afraid to touch me, remember?"

"Yes, I was so stupid! I made such a mess of things then. It almost destroyed us."

"What do you always say, almost doesn't count."

They were silent for a few moments, then Nick studied her again, remembering that night they were together in San Francisco.

"Then answer me this. Why did you wake up crying? I remember you were talking in your sleep and you seemed to be fighting off someone. You even pushed me away when I tried to comfort you."

"You're asking me to remember a nightmare I had so long ago."

"I remember you said, 'Get off me! You're not Nick, get off!' You said it over and over again. Remember?"

"Yes I remember." She bowed her head.

"Who was it Laura? Tell me." He placed a finger under her chin and brought her face up to meet his.

"You won't understand. It's not what you think."

"Trust me, I'll understand, but you have to trust me."

"And will you trust me?"

"Yes."

She averted her eyes and huge tears met her cheeks. "It was Jarrod."

"Tell me the truth, I need to know. Did he..Damn I can't even say it."

"No."

"No?"

"I....I don't remember." She began to sob and Nick immediately wrapped his arms around her.

"It's alright, shhh, it's alright." He rocked her gently and soothed her with tender words, until her sobs quieted. Then he lifted her chin with his finger and kissed wet tears away. Laura lifted her face higher so that the lips that were kissing her cheeks would find their way to her lips. They could no longer fight off their desire for one another and became one in their passion. Soon clothes were quickly shed and pillows were pulled off the sofa and arranged for comfort, as they eagerly sought to rediscover their love for each other.

Part 12

Soon after Nick and Laura came back from Indian Springs, Nick had to leave with Heath on a cattle drive. Laura was nursing a stubborn cold and was under strict orders from Nick to get plenty of rest and she promised she would. Heath had urged his own wife to move into the mansion for the time he was gone, and although Hope had resisted Heath at every turn her stubborn husband wasn't to be dissuaded from his decision on keeping his family safe. Hope finally relented to Heath's wishes and moved herself and the twins into the mansion. Victoria was delighted to have all three of her grandchildren to coddle under her roof.

The murder trial of Sally Driscoll had started in earnest with the jury selection, and although Jarrod couldn't serve as second chair for his inexperienced wife, he sat behind her in court each day and quietly lent his support. At home he did all he could to advise her on how to proceed with discerning the prospective jurors and Carol gratefully found his knowledge and judgment to be invaluable.

Jarrod arrived home from visiting his mother. He searched for his wife, knowing she was usually hard at work at one of the partner desks that was set up in the large airy room that served as their library/office at home.

"Carol darling, I was just at... Carol? Oh Counselor Holister? Where are you hiding? Shouldn't you be hard at work for your client? Now don't tell me you're shirking your duties." He said with a hint of a tease. Jarrod searched around the house until he thought he heard a muffled sound coming from their bedroom. Heightened by his concern he took the steps up to their bedroom two at a time. He opened the bedroom door to find his wife lying on the bed in tears.

"Carol, darling. What's wrong?" She sat up and quickly accepted his comforting arms around her.

"I'm hopeless Jarrod, simply hopeless!"

"Darling, you're not. What brought this on?"

"Jason Browne is blocking me at every turn. He knows every trick in the book. I'm no match for him. I am going to lose this case and poor Sally is going to hang because of me and my ineptitude."

"Now I know the jury selection is over and you're preparing your defense, so tell me how Browne is hurting that?"

"He's not really, it's me. I'm all wrong for this Jarrod. I have no business in that courtroom. I don't have what it takes."

"Don't have what it takes? You? I don't believe that. You're the toughest attorney I know. Why I've seen you go up against stubborn Senators and face down the Governor himself to get what you want. I can't believe you're going to let a mere Sacramento attorney get the better of you. Not C.B. Holister, attorney-at-law."

"Jason Browne is not a mere Sacramento attorney, he's the assistant attorney general of California and he's out for blood."

"All right, he's a political barracuda and he's certainly not to be trusted, but you've been up against men like him before."

"No, this whole case means a lot more to him than just a win. He's out for blood, and I don't mean Sally's, I mean he's out for more. He could care less if Sally goes to the gallows or not, he's looking for something else."

"The only thing this case could bring him is the notoriety of winning. He's a political animal. My guess is he's after the Governor's Mansion."

"The Governor's Mansion, perish the thought of that man as governor of this state. Oh Jarrod, the thing is, he's not the only one tying my hands here. It's Sally Driscoll."

"She's still not cooperating with you?"

"Not for a second. She won't lift a finger to help herself. She refuses to testify that her husband beat her, and she won't say what transpired that night to cause her to shoot the miserable scoundrel! We're going to trial and I don't have any witnesses except her and she refuses to talk! I think my only other recourse is to attempt a plea bargain."

"That would still put her in prison for a long time. She doesn't really deserve that, poor woman." Jarrod sighed. "You must have some witnesses you could call upon. Did you question the Driscoll's neighbors?"

"Only one would speak to me, a Modoc woman who's married to a fisherman. She lived next door to the Driscolls, but you know a jury would never believe an Indian."

"There must be some other neighbors."

"Oh there are, I had one old woman who told me that 'a man's got a right to smack his woman down iff'n she don't behave.' Try putting that attitude on the stand. Jarrod I spoke to everyone there who would speak to me and I got those same types of comments." She stood from the bed and paced the floor, rubbing her forehead. "Honestly Jarrod, what kind of world accepts things like this? It's barbaric!"

Jarrod took his wife into his arms and hugged her. "Lets go downstairs and have a drink before Cook calls us for supper. Maybe between the two of us we can figure this out together."

The couple began to walk down the stairs; at the foot of the last step Jarrod stopped and lifted his finger to make a point. "Wait a minute, you need a witness to the woman's bruises, why not Doctor Merar? I am sure he would testify on Sally's behalf."

"I already thought about that, but Doctor Merar won't testify unless Sally signs a paper releasing him from his patient/doctor privilege and she refuses to do so."

"For God's sakes, why?!"

"She thinks she deserves whatever she gets. She actually feels guilty for killing Driscoll."

"That poor deluded woman. Look, I know I'm not supposed to get involved because I'm the new prosecutor but what if I have a jailhouse chat with Fred Madden and in the process I could say something in passing to Sally."

"No, Sally's terrified of men. She won't let any man get close to her. Sheriff Madden told me she practically cowers in the corner of her cell when he brings her food. It's gotten to the point that the Sheriff has his wife serve her. Believe me, even if you could speak to her, she won't let you get that close."

"Has Doctor James ever examined her?"

"Agatha's never seen her as a patient. The day she was arrested she wasn't even examined for bruises. The sheriff just arrested her. What I need is an eye witness to Sam Driscoll's beating his wife."

"Wait a minute. What about Heath? Didn't he say that he saw Sam hit Sally that Christmas when Colleen was born?"

"Do you think Heath would testify?"

"I know he would, and Heath is a great witness, very reliable."

"Still, it's not much, since it did happen almost five years ago."

"It's better than what you had before. An eye witness."

"I can put Heath on the stand Tuesday, first thing after opening statements!" Carol now sounded assured for the first time.

"Oh well, I'm afraid you can't, at least not that soon, sweetheart; I'm sorry."

"What do you mean? Why not?"

"Heath is on a cattle drive with Nick, he won't be home for two weeks, maybe more."

"DAMN!" She said shaking both fists in the air.

"I'm sorry darling."

"Is there anyway we could get him back here?"

"The best we can to is wire him at the next station on the trail and I don't know when they'll get there. It all depends on the drive. There are a lot of variables that can happen. Something could delay them, and then again something could speed them home."

"Oh Jarrod, what's the use? It seems every time I see a light at the end of the tunnel, another boulder comes crashing down." Jarrod wrapped a comforting arm around her and they walked into the drawing room.

* * * * * * * *

Hope Barkley stood in the hallway holding a tray in her hand when she spotted her niece exiting the playroom. "Colleen, where's your mother? She's not in her bed where she's supposed to be."

"In here Auntie Hope." The child pointed to the nursery.

"Ah, that woman!" Hope carried the tray into the nursery where she found her sister-in-law cuddling one of the twins. "And just what are you doing out of bed? I brought you some nice beef broth for supper."

Laura placed the child down in the cradle then covered her mouth with a lace handkerchief to block a noisy cough. "I'm sorry Hope, but I heard Leah fussing and I came in to see what was the matter. She was wet."

"Leah could've waited for me. There wasn't a rush."

"Oh I know but it's been so long since I had a chance to change a baby, I couldn't resist."

"You are supposed to be in bed!"

"I know but it's so boring in bed."

"Read a book." Hope placed the tray down on a nearby table.

"I did. I just finished Tom Jones. Have you ever read that?"

"No, but I heard it was banned in Boston."

"No wonder you didn't read it my dear Bostonian cousin." Laura teased.

"Only because I couldn't get my hands on it. Is it as risqué as they say?"

"Uh huh." Laura grinned her answer. "Want to borrow it?"

"Heath and I usually like to read books together. Do you think he'd enjoy it?"

"Now, you would know that better than I would." She chuckled but a cough stole the laughter from her throat.

"Oh for God's sakes!" Hope said exasperated and picked up the tray again. "Now, you take this tray and get to bed."

"Oh, I'm not hungry Hope. My stomach is still a bit upset from lunch. I can't seem to keep anything down with this ailment of mine." She unconsciously rubbed her stomach and grimaced.

"You have to eat something to be able to fight off this illness of yours."

'I know, but I'm just not very hungry, and my taste is off. Nothing tastes right to me."

"You should see Doctor James." Hope implored.

"I don't need to see the doctor, I'm fine."

Victoria entered the nursery. Her hands flew to her hips when she spied her daughter-in-law. "What are you doing out of bed Laura Barkley?"

"I... ah... Oh don't look at me like that Victoria, I'm going." She started toward the doorway.

"Good, and stay in bed. Wait a minute, is that the supper tray Hope brought up?" She pointed to the tray still in Hope's hands.

"Yes, I 'm not very hungry and..." Victoria stopped her with a steely-eyed gaze. "I'll take it to my bedroom." Laura took the tray from Hope.

"See that you eat all of it." Victoria's order came as a warning.

"Yes ma'am." Laura knew better than to argue with her mother-in-law and left the nursery.

Victoria and Hope watched her exit the room.

"That cousin of yours is so stubborn. Nick will be furious if she's still ill when he gets back. She needs to see the doctor." Victoria determined.

"Agreed, " Hope said as she settled in a rocking chair to feed one of the twins. "But she refuses."

"I'm going to make sure that she does see the doctor, and soon."

"I have no doubt that you will." Hope smiled at her. Victoria moved over to the crib and picked up Michael.

"Hello my angel, come see Grandlee." The doting grandmother cooed. "Michael's so handsome. Do you suppose Heath looked like him when he was a baby?"

"I wouldn't be surprised. They both do resemble Heath." Victoria noticed the heavy sigh Hope gave out.

"I know it's not easy when the men are on a cattle drive. I miss them too. Maybe we'll get a wire from them tomorrow. I'll send Ciego in to check on it, and at the same time, he can bring Laura in to see Doctor James." Victoria winked at Hope.

* * * * * * * *

Heath and Nick settled down for their share of a campfire dinner. The cook poured more of the hot black coffee into their cups. "There's more of that iffen ya need it."

"Thanks Cookie." Heath said then sat by Nick at the fire. "Boy howdy, I feel like I'm still in the saddle."

"Yeah, this has been a rough one huh?"

"Sure has, there's gotta be an easier way to do this."

"Yeah, every year the price of beef goes down. Pretty soon we won't make a profit driving these herds east. Ya know, I've been thinkin'."

"That's scary." Heath said under his breath.

"Shut up and listen. Ya might learn somethin' boy."

"Go ahead Nick, I'm listenin." He paused his mouth at the rim of his coffee cup.

"Well, we got the midwestern states cutting into our profit with their own cattle."

"Yup." Heath agreed as he filled his mouth with food.

"So the way I figure the only way we can undercut them is to ship our beef faster and cheaper, but instead of here we ship 'em east to the cities, like New York and Philadelphia."

"And how do you propose we do that Nick, that's a long drive across some rough country, and there ain't much open range anymore."

"Ya gotta get with modern times boy. We don't drive our cattle we ship em like I said! Railroad." Nick said loudly and made a point in the air with his finger.

"Like they do in San Francisco?"

"Yeah. Except we don't to go to San Francisco, we can do it right from Stockton! Just think, no more cattle drives and being away from the family for weeks at a time."

"Sounds good, so how do you propose we go about doing that?" Heath said, his interest now piqued.

"You know that land near the railroad that the Central's been trying to get rid of for a couple of years?" Nick didn't wait for Heath's answer. "I propose we buy up that land and put a stockyard there for our beef. We invest in a few cattle cars and make a deal with the railroad to ship our beef back east. We can sell it cheaper and get it there faster. That's where our profit comes in."

Heath took another swig of his coffee and looked thoughtfully into the campfire. "Hmm." he answered.

"I see you're excited at the prospect." Nick smirked.

"Ya talk to Jarrod about this?"

"Haven't had the chance, he's been up in Sacramento. Whaddya think?"

"I think it might work."

"Of course it'll work! It was my idea!"

Heath leaned back against the wagon wheel and rolled himself a cigarette, as he mulled over Nick's business proposition. "Yup, but just the same, it might work."

"Aw shut up!" Nick growled under his breath.

* * * * * * * *

A warm summer night was all he needed to gain access into the bedroom. He had no problem climbing the trellis, it may have been weaker than a sail rigging but he was of slight build and hadn't much weight on him. The room had a small lamp light shining enough for him to move about without much fuss. His orders were to take one thing, only one. He tiptoed toward the small bed and reached a blond hairy arm toward the dark ringlet head. 'Just one little snatch,' he thought to himself, 'not a bad night's work for a twenty dollar gold piece.'

The door creaked open and he flew toward whence he came, his once quiet footsteps now pounding the wood with his escape. The frightened Spanish girl's screams shrilling in his ear as he hurried toward the opened window.

Hope grabbed the small gun from her purse by the bedside and ran toward the high pitched screams just in time to get off one shot at the intruder's leg as it lifted over the window sill.

Victoria ran in, her untied robe trailing behind her. Colleen sat up in bed and joined in the terrified screams of her nanny. The twins in their cradles cried out in fear.

"What is it?! Who's there?!" Victoria clutched her breast as she saw the tell tale blue smoke rising from the gun. "Hope!"

Laura struggled through a groggy fog as she clutched the walls to steady her gait toward her daughter's room.

"Colleen?" Her voice in a hoarse whisper.

"Mama! Mama!" The child cried out from her bed. The twins continued to wail at being awoken from their dreamless sleep. Victoria turned on the gas light and the room glowed again. Hope went toward her babies and scooped one in each arm, hugging them tightly to her bosom. Victoria felt as if she was moving in slow motion as she ran toward her granddaughter. Laura ran past her and rushed to embrace the terrified child.

"It's all right Colleen, Mama's here, it's all right."

"Papa, I want Papa! Where's Papa?!"

"Shh it's all right sweetheart, Mama's here, I'll take care of you." She held her tighter.

"Where's Papa?! I want my Papa!" The dark-haired child screamed.

"Hush now, Papa will be home soon, shhh, Mama has you now."

"Papa...I want my papa..., I want my papa!" Colleen continued to whimper as her mother rocked her in the bed, repeating soothing words.

Victoria rushed toward the open window but saw no intruder in the courtyard below. Dogs barked in the darkness and the chickens made angry clucking noises from being disturbed from their slumber. Victoria turned back toward the scene in the room. Hope tightly clutched her two screaming babies, the small gun still smoking in her hand. Laura sat on her daughter's bed rocking her as she hummed a gentling song to the near hysterical child. The young Spanish girl, Guadalupe knelt on her bed crying, mumbling prayers in Spanish. It looked like a scene from her worse nightmare, but it was all too real. Victoria silently prayed her sons would get home soon.

Part 13

The Stockton courtroom was filled to capacity, and since standing room was not allowed, other interested parties had to be content with standing outside in the halls, hoping to catch glimpses of the drama that was unfolding in the too small courtroom. Judge Hannibal Williams presided over the case. He was known to be a fair but stern judge who wasn't given to suffer ambitious lawyers' theatrics. At the defendant's table before him was an unusual sight, that of a female lawyer. It was his first time ever dealing with a woman lawyer and he inwardly prepared himself for the feminine histrionics that he knew were sure to follow. Of course he was not unaware of the high profile case before him. To have someone as prestigious as the assistant attorney general in the little burg of Stockton was in itself a career maker for any like- minded candidate with political ambitions.

Jason Browne was a very tall handsome man, who dressed in the finest tailor-made clothes anyone in Stockton was likely to see. His waistcoat boasted of pure silk, and his gleaming white shirt was made of the finest linen. Women often felt light-headed if he dared to glance their way. His thick brown curly hair and striking blue eyes were no match for any woman's sensitive soul.

C.B. Holister dressed as conservatively as she dared, and tried to exude the smart, confidence that she inwardly wished she possessed. Her deep forest green suit was tailored to show off her trim figure but was still understated. She chose not to wear the hat that matched her outfit as she didn't want to appear too feminine. She sat quietly near her client who was dressed in a dark blue simple dress that C.B. had bought her. She wanted her client to look the part of a widow without the black widow weeds that was the fashion. Sally Driscoll sat with her hands folded on her lap and eyes downcast. She tried desperately not to flinch at the owner of the deep male voice as he paced to and fro before the jurors' box.

"Gentlemen of the jury, my name is Jason Browne, attorney for the prosecution, and I stand regretfully before you in this courtroom with the sad duty to ask you good and true men to set aside your sensibilities and not see before you a mere woman accused of a heinous crime, but to see a person who dared to take another human being's life. Oh I know, how hard it is to think of sending a woman to the gallows. No man who ever sat at his own tender mother's bosom would think of such an act. But do not compare this mere woman to your own sainted mothers gentlemen, this person is a confessed murderess. Oh yes gentlemen, she boldly confessed to the murder of her good husband. He slept in his own bed and she took a gun and cold bloodedly shot him dead. Dead! An innocent, hard working man, a member of this fine community. A good man whom you all knew, dead at the hands of this vile creature! Send her to the gallows? Ah, I regret even that is too good for this murderess!"

Satisfied by his oratory Jason sat at the prosecutor's table. A stern frown plastered on his face. Jarrod leaned forward and lightly squeezed his wife's shoulder in reassurance. C. B. in turn squeezed Sally's folded hands and slowly stood from the defendant's table. She walked sedately over to the jurors' box, smiled sweetly and gave the men a nod.

"Gentlemen of the jury, my name is Carol Holister Barkley, attorney for the defense. Now, I will grant you this is an unusual case. It is rare to have a woman on trial for murder and rarer indeed to have a woman lawyer, but I am sure gentlemen that you will listen only to the true facts of this case and not pre-judge us because we are both 'mere women', as my learned opponent so interestingly described us, and I assure you gentlemen, I am a mere woman. In old English the word mere means pure, in our American dictionary mere means simply. Actually I would prefer to be thought of as pure woman."

C.B. walked away from the jury box, then turned sideways, giving them a seductive smile and a wink. The men became immediately charmed by the attractive woman before them, and several of them chuckled at her comment. Jarrod smiled at his wife and rolled his eyes. Jason Browne stirred uncomfortably in his seat.

The judge banged his gavel to settle the noise in the room. "Mrs. Barkley, have you finished with your opening statement, or do you have more to say?"

"I'm a pure woman your Honor, I always have more to say." The courtroom broke out in raucous laughter. The judge again banged down his gavel.

"Then continue madam, and don't waste this court's time."

"Of course your Honor." C.B. moved toward the jury box again. "Gentlemen of the jury, I intend to prove that Mrs. Driscoll is the victim here. As many of you know Sam Driscoll was

a prize fighter of some repute, some of you also may know that once his career was over he settled here in Stockton with his wife Sally. Unfortunately a business venture Mister Driscoll had planned didn't go well and things being what they were he began to drink heavily and in his drunken state used his wife Sally Driscoll as his own personal punching bag."

* * * * * * * *

The family gathered around the table that evening, the only two missing were Nick and Heath who were still on a cattle drive. Since the break-in at the mansion Jarrod and C.B. had moved into the house so that the women would feel safer having a Barkley man in the house.

Jarrod was proudly regaling his family with his wife's opening statements at dinner.

"I would prefer to be thought of as a pure woman she said! I tell you my talented wife had those jurors eating out of her hand!" Jarrod boasted.

"We are so proud of you Carol. Oh I wish I could have been there to cheer you on." Hope said.

"In truth I can't take all the credit, I have a marvelous teacher. It was Jarrod's idea to use the old feminine wiles on them."

"And you did it beautifully my dear. Browne didn't know what hit him. I thought the man would go speechless." Jarrod added.

"Browne, is that the prosecutor they retained from Sacramento to replace you temporarily Jarrod?" asked Victoria.

"Yes, he's the state's assistant attorney general.. Quite good I will admit but Counselor Holister wiped the floor with old Jas!" Jarrod bragged.

"Old Jas? Browne, are you speaking of Jason Browne?" Laura cut in.

"Yes, have you heard of him?" Asked Carol.

"Ah, yes, I mean no. Would you all excuse me please?" She dabbed her mouth with a napkin and stood from her chair.

"Are you still unwell Laura? I thought you went into town to see Agatha today?" Asked Victoria.

"I was going to see her Victoria, honest, it's just that I didn't want to leave Colleen, she's been so upset since the incident." Laura whispered the last part of the sentence as her daughter was still at the table.

"I understand a mother's concern for her child's safety, but you must look after yourself as well. You'll be no good to her if you're ill."

"I know Victoria I promise to go see her soon. Please excuse me." She turned to leave when her daughter's voice stopped her short.

"Mama? Can Uncle Jarrod put me to bed tonight?"

"What?"

"That way Uncle Jarrod can give me a horsey ride and tell me a story like Papa used to before he left us." The child did not hide the irritation in her voice at her father's supposed abandonment.

"Colleen, Papa has not left us, he's away on business. Good Lord Colleen! The way you talk!"

"Don't be too upset with her Laura. It would be my pleasure to give Colleen a horsey ride to bed." Jarrod leaned closer to face the child. "I'm a poor replacement for your Papa but I sure would like to try."

"Oh goody!" Colleen said clapping her hands together. The realization that her daughter would even consider a replacement for her father so quickly only added to the frustration and loss Laura felt not having her husband home and she hid away the tears welling up in her eyes as she quickly left the dining room. Hope threw down her napkin by her plate, excused herself and followed Laura out.

Upstairs Hope followed Laura into her bedroom.

"Laura, come on now, she's only a child she didn't mean that." They sat on the edge of the bed together.

"I know Hope, it's not that. It's everything that's happened. I know Colleen adores her father, but she's too young to understand, and I haven't been able to curb her fears. Since the break-in she's been afraid and not having Nick here has only compounded her fears."

"I don't mind telling you that break-in scared the life out of me too, and having Heath and Nick here would certainly allay my fears."

The two women silently embraced and shed renewed tears for their missed men.

* * * * * * * *

Later that same evening Laura stood by the bedroom door and watched as Jarrod put her daughter to bed. A single tear trailed down her cheek.

"Good night Princess, sweet dreams."

"Good night Uncle Jarrod." Jarrod leaned down to accept a hug and a kiss from his niece then joined Laura at the door. He carefully shut the door behind him.

"Thank you for allowing me to do that."

"Don't thank me. It was my daughter's doing."

"You sound upset."

"Of course I'm upset, do you think I want my daughter to think her father has abandoned her?"

"Now she doesn't think that."

"Doesn't she?"

"She's a child. She doesn't understand."

"And you encourage her Jarrod."

"Me? Encourage her? How? By temporarily taking her father's place while he's gone? Protecting her? Seeing to her needs?"

"You spoil her horribly." She complained. "And yes, sometimes you treat her as if she were your daughter rather than your niece."

"If showering her with love and affection is spoiling her then yes I'm guilty of that, but I have never encouraged her to think of me more than her uncle; never and I resent you saying so! I think we should end this conversation before we both say something we'll regret."

Jarrod turned and began to walk away.

"Jarrod, understand this, she's not your daughter." Jarrod stopped in his tracks for a moment, the sternness of her voice echoing in his ears and then silently he walked to his bedroom.

That evening after a fitful sleep Laura woke up with a start. She knew she had awoken from a nightmare but couldn't remember any details, other than it made her blood run cold. She went to Nick's bureau drawers and took out a dark grey shirt. She slipped it on and immediately felt comforted and then she sat at her desk, pulled out some stationery and began to compose a letter.

* * * * * * * *

My darling Nick,

Another night alone in that large bed was more than I could take. So I sit here writing a letter I know I will never send you but I am still compelled to write just the same. Tonight my heart ached to have your arms around me, so much so, that I dreamt that we were making love. The sad part was when I awoke and found that you weren't there to wrap my arms around you.

Sometimes I am afraid that I don't tell you or show you how very much I love you. But there are times when I look at you from across the room and I wonder how I became so

fortunate to have you in my life. I can no longer remember what my life was like without you in it, and I know I could not continue if you were not there. You alone are my life Nick.

You once told me, that you wanted my face to be the last you see before you died, and I foolishly promised you that it would be, but truly I selfishly want it to be the other way around. My love, I could no longer live if you weren't here, it would be useless to even argue the point. My life, my heart, will always be yours, and in case I haven't said it yet, I love you Nick Barkley with all my heart and soul.

Laura

Part 14

The courtroom was as crowded as the first day. It was the day that the prosecution was to lay a foundation for their case against Sally Driscoll. The first witness up was Sheriff Fred Madden.

"Sheriff, please tell us in your own words what happened the night Sam Driscoll was murdered."

"Objection your Honor, the people have yet to determine what happened to Mister Driscoll." Carol stood in protest.

"Objection sustained." Called the judge.

"My apologies madam." Jason Browne said with a sweep of his arm toward the defense table. "Do forgive me dear lady."

Carol refused to acknowledge his condescending attitude, as the spectators tittered. The judge stopped the unwarranted noise with a pound of his gavel. "Continue Counselor Browne."

"Of course your Honor. In your own words Sheriff if you please."

The sheriff began, "I was beginning my midnight rounds when I heard gunfire coming from the direction of the low end of the town."

"Low end?" The prosecutor guided.

"The area where the Driscolls' cabin is located."

"Were you sure at the time the gunfire came from the Driscolls' cabin?"

"No, but it came from that general direction. I thought it might be from the livery stable. The Driscolls' cabin is behind the livery."

"I see, and what led you to the Driscolls?" Browne continued.

"When I got there, I noticed somebody in one of the cabins was standing by their doorway and pointed in the direction of their cabin."

"I see, so you had no previously conceived idea that the gunshot came from the Driscoll's cabin."

"No sir."

"Please tell the jury what you found when you walked into the Driscoll home."

"It was dark, very little light except for maybe a small flicker of light coming from the back room. I drew my gun and walked in."

"Just like that, you walked in the back room, with very little light?" The prosecutor asked.

"Well, I called out, said I was coming in and if anyone had a gun then I better hear it drop to the floor."

"And did you hear a gun drop to the floor?"

"Yes. So I went into the back room."

"Go on Sheriff, tell us what you saw there."

"I saw Sam Driscoll lying on his bed."

"He was dead?"

"Yes."

"And how did you determine that?"

"There was a lot of blood. No one could have survived after losing that much blood."

And the accused, where was she?"

"Sitting in a corner of the room."

"Sitting in the corner. What was she doing there, hiding?"

"No, she was just sitting there."

"And did she say anything to you?"

"Yes."

What did she say?"

"She said she killed her husband."

"Can you tell the jury exactly what words she used?"

"She said, 'I did it, I killed Sam."

Whispers began in the back of the room. Jason Browne stood in front of the defense table and glowered at Sally Driscoll, who kept her head bowed low. The lawyer repeated the words loudly. " 'She said, I did it! I killed Sam!' Gentlemen of the jury what more could you possibly want? In the murderess's own words, I killed Sam!" The whispers became loud voices, accusing voices, angry voices. The prosecuting attorney smirked at Carol and said. "I have no further questions for this witness your Honor."

The judge loudly pounded the gavel to control the noise of the crowd. "Order in the court! Order in the court! I will clear this courtroom if I have anymore outbursts!! ORDER! I DEMAND ORDER!"

* * * * * * * *

The men settled the cattle to grazing in a pasture and then took turns taking their noonday meal. Nick and Heath waited for the men to finish before they ate. Nick sat on his new mount Hero, watching the cattle but his mind had drifted off to a disturbing dream he had the previous night. He dreamt he had come home from the cattle drive to an empty house. He walked through all the rooms, yelling out family names but no one answered his call. A feeling of dread shook him awake in a cold sweat. Nick refused to sleep the rest of the night, but now mid-afternoon he was more exhausted then he should have been and didn't notice when Heath rode up beside him.

"Hey Nick! Didn't you hear me?! You go deaf or somethin'?"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I was calling ya."

"Well, ya got my attention now whadaya want?"

"There's a hole-in-a-wall town not far from here called Three Points. I thought maybe the two of us could go there and send a wire home."

"What good would that do; even if this little hole in a wall town had a telegraph office, we don't have time to wait hours for a reply?" Nick gruffed.

"Don't have ta wait. I'm gonna wire Mister Jenkins in Stockton."

"Old man Jenkins? Why him?"

"He and Hope have this relationship going, He thinks of her as a granddaughter and she's pretty fond of him too. Jenkins knows everything that's going on in town, he's sure to know if the family's all right."

"Is that why she named the kid Michael Jenkins? After the old man?"

"Yup." Heath grinned.

"So that's where she got the name. Old man Jenkins huh?" Nick smiled. "You think he'll tell ya anything about our women?"

"If it's worth tellin' old man Jenkins will tell it."

"True enough. Well, it's worth a shot. We'll leave after chow." Nick decided.

* * * * * * * *

It was Carol's turn to cross examine the sheriff. Jarrod gave her a reassuring wink as she stood.

"Sheriff Madden, you said that you walked into the back room of the Driscoll home, and you said you saw Mrs. Driscoll in the corner. Exactly what did you see? Was she standing, sitting on a chair, what?"

"She was in a corner. I suppose you could say she was sitting on the floor."

"And how did she look when you first saw her?"

"Well at first I thought she was hurt. She had blood all over her. I thought whoever killed Sam must have hurt her too."

"What was she wearing?"

"A nightgown."

"Was the nightgown intact?"

"It was torn and like I said all bloody." The Sheriff added.

"Then her nightgown was torn as if she was in some sort of a struggle?"

"Objection your Honor. The lady is putting words into the witness's mouth." Browne protested.

"Objection sustained." The judge agreed.

"Did it look like Mrs. Driscoll was in a struggle sheriff?"

"Yes ma'am, it did."

"Ah, I see. So, in your professional opinion you thought there had been an intruder?"

"Yes, I did."

"Have you ever been to the Driscolls' cabin before that night sheriff?"

"Yes ma'am, a few times."

"For what reason?"

"Your honor I object to this line of questioning. Whether the sheriff had visited the Driscolls has no bearing on this case." The prosecution objected.

"Oh but it does your Honor if I may be allowed to continue." C.B. interrupted her opponent.

"Very well Madam, but get to your point." The judge said with a tinge of exasperation in his voice. The courtroom again was filled to capacity and the humanity in the room made it a sweltering hotbox. The judge pulled at his collar already damp with perspiration.

.

"Of course. Please tell us Sheriff Madden on what occasions did you have to go there?"

"Sam had a habit of getting liquored up and he used to cause a ruckus; disturbing the peace. I had to come there and I arrested him a few times when he wouldn't settle down."

"And what of Mrs. Driscoll?"

"Oh she always tried to talk me out of arresting him. Said they couldn't afford the fines. Sometimes I let it go but other times I couldn't."

"Why not sheriff? Why were there times that you couldn't let it go?"

"Because of Mrs.Driscoll. I was afraid Sam would hurt her. A few times she was beaten up pretty bad. I had to call old Doc Merar to tend to her."

"Are you saying Sam Driscoll beat his wife?"

"Yeah, that's what I'm saying." The loud whispers came from the crowd of onlookers.

"Objection your Honor. Sam Driscoll is not on trial here." The curly headed attorney interrupted.

"It has a direct bearing on the defense your Honor." Carol begged.

"I will grant it, overruled."

"You may step down Sheriff Madden, but I reserve the right to question this witness again your Honor." Carol entreated.

"Very well." The judge agreed. "Taking into account the lateness of the hour, we will..."

"Your Honor please, if I may redirect. I promise I will only take up a moment of the court's time." Jason Browne interrupted again.

"Very well Counselor, but make it brief." Judge motioned the Sheriff to return to the stand.

"Sheriff Madden, when you went to the Driscoll home that evening. Did you call a doctor for the accused?"

"No, but..." The sheriff added.

"Thank you sheriff, you may step down." Jason said with a gleam in his eye as he moved back to his chair.

"Court's adjourned until ten o'clock tomorrow."

"Oh but your Honor if I may also redirect..." Carol said but her voice was drowned out by the gavel banging adjournment.

Jason returned to the prosecutor's table and gathered his papers in his briefcase, as he walked past Carol he purposely brushed against her shoulder. "Women belong in the kitchen, or better yet the bedroom. Give it up little lady, you're no match for me." He sneered.

"Don't count on it, Mister Browne. Tomorrow's another day." She snapped back.

"And victory will still be mine, blondie." He gave her a flirtatious wink then walked away with a wide smile on his face. Jarrod stood and took Carol's hand in his.

"Darling are you all right?"

"J.T. I was so stupid! I should have asked why the sheriff didn't call the doctor for Sally. It was Browne who picked it up and destroyed me again. Now the jury thinks Sally hadn't been hurt by her husband, but I know she was. When I first went to see her in jail she had a bruised ankle and her cheeks was swollen, but she refused medical care. I should have brought that out before I rested my cross examination! Damnit, a second year law student wouldn't have let that go!"

"Enough now, you'll get him tomorrow. Let's go to the Stockton Inn and I'll buy you a cool drink."

"I really should work on this case." She protested weakly.

"Tonight at home, we'll work on it together, I promise." Jarrod gathered her in his arms and kissed her forehead then led her out of the courtroom.

* * * * * * * *

The two dusty cowboys sat on chairs in the corner of the little room that served as a general store, post office, and saloon in the little town of Three Corners, Arizona.

"Can I get you boys something while ya wait? I've got some nice cold beer, or beef stew."

"No thanks, nothing for me." Heath said.

"No thanks." Nick responded in kind.

"You boys with the trail drive outside of town?"

"Yeah." Heath answered while Nick stretched out his legs and covered his face with his dust covered black hat to rest his weary eyes. The ride into town had left Nick even more exhausted and very irritable.

The clacking of the telegraph brought Nick's legs up under him. Heath stood up at attention waiting for the clerk to begin writing.

"Well. doggies, that's sure fast. You must know someone back home." quipped the old man.

"What does it say?" Heath asked.

"Just a minute now son, hold yer horses." The clacking of the telegraph continued for a long time. "Sure is long winded ain't he?"

"Come on, come on. What does it say?" Nick said impatiently, now sitting up in the chair.

Finally the telegraph operator held up a long piece of paper. "Don't believe I ever had a wire this long, well doggies."

"Read it damnit!"

"Easy Nick. Please Mister could you just let us know what it says?"

"Well, it says, the ladies are fine. Jarrod moved back home after the break in..."

"Break in? What break in?!" Heath gulped.

"It says here," The old gentleman continued, "no one got hurt, little Hope winged the culprit when he jumped out of the nursery window."

"Nursery window?! Are the kids alright?!" Nick pounced on the man, his fists curling the edge of the counter.

"Easy now, cowboy, it says here everyone's fine at home, except Mrs. Barkley's ill."

"Which Mrs. Barkley?! What happened?" Nick growled.

"Now hold yer horses Mister, let me read it all. It says, tell Nick not to worry Mrs. Barkley has taken to her bed. Jarrod is looking after everyone. Oh and it says here, things is sure hopping in town with all kinds of newspaper reporters covering the big murder trial."

"Murder trial? What the hell is he talking about?" Nick stared questioningly at Heath.

"Say you boys from Stockton, California where that big murder trial is? I tell ya, I was reading about that in the Gazette. That there's somethin' huh?"

Heath gave Nick a concerned look. "You were at Indian Springs when it happened. Sam Driscoll was murdered."

"Who did it?"

"People say his wife did it."

"Get out, that little gal? I don't believe it." Nick snapped.

"The Gazette says the lady confessed. See, it's right here." The telegraph clerk shoved the week old newspaper into Nick's hands. Heath looked anxiously at the clerk.

"Is that all the wire says?"

"Yup, here ya go son." The bald-headed man gave Heath the scribbled message.

While Nick read the newspaper, Heath anxiously re-read the note. "I'll be, she winged him jumping out of the window." He muttered to himself. "Nick, I got a bad feeling about this, we gotta go home."

"Huh?"

"Home, we gotta go home. Mister you got a stage heading toward Tucson anytime soon?"

"Stage only comes here once a week. Ain't due here for at least five days."

"Nick, Tucson's about two days ride from here. If we let Dace and Cully take the herd we can go to Tucson, and catch the train from there."

Nick folded the newspaper under his arm. "Let's do it!"

"Right, first let's wire home and tell them we're coming home."

"Lemme read that wire." While Nick reads the wire, Heath writes a note home.

"You send this to Mrs. Heath Barkley, the Barkley Ranch, Stockton California."

"Hold up there, I'm sending a wire too. Damn woman! Give me that pencil!"

"Now Nick, whadaya gonna do now?"

Nick began writing his own note. "Now you send this to the Barkley Ranch, Mrs. Nick Barkley. 'Laura, see a doctor, that's an order, Nick.' "

"That's an order, Nick. Are you sure you really wanna say that to her?" Heath warned.

"Yeah, I suppose you're right, sign it, Love Nick." He grabs a coin from his vest pocket and flips it on the counter.

"You're a romantic Nick. No doubt about it." Heath pats Nick on the shoulder as the two head out of the building.

* * * * * * * *

Laura sat at her vanity brushing her hair while her daughter looked on. "Why can't I go Mama?"

"Sweetheart I'm only going to see the doctor."

"But I thought you were feeling better?"

"I am," Laura lied as she covered another deep cough as if clearing her throat, "but I need to speak to Doctor Agatha. You be a good girl for Lupe and don't go anywhere on this ranch without first telling Lupe, Grandlee, Aunt Hope and Uncle Silas."

"All those people just to go outside?" Colleen pouted.

"That's right. All those people, just to go outside." She smiled at her daughter.

"I best stay inside and play with the twins then."

"I think that's best too. Come on give your Mama a hug before I leave." The child wrapped her arms around her mother as she climbed on her lap." There was a knock on the door. "Come in."

"Jarrod and Carol just came home and we have wires from our men!" Hope said happily as she entered Laura's bedroom.

"Wonderful. Colleen, it's a note from papa!" The two jumped up from the chair. Laura read the wire Hope gave her. She unconsciously rubbed the tight dull ache she felt in her chest as she turned her back on her cousin.

"Oh thank God! They're coming home! Isn't that wonderful?! They should be home is about a week. Laura? Isn't that wonderful? Laura what's wrong? You look upset." Hope asked.

Hope watched as Laura stood in front of her bureau staring at her wedding picture like an angry cloud. The telegram crushed in her hand. "Colleen why don't you go to the nursery?" Hope suggested.

"But I wanna hear what Papa said!" The child whined.

"Later, go on. Mama wants to talk privately."

"Yes Ma'am." Colleen said with a sulk in her voice.

After the child closed the bedroom door behind her. "Laura? What's wrong?"

"That rotten, no good, miserable snake in the grass!" The blonde spat out.

"So how is Nick doing?" Hope quipped with a roll of her eyes.

"Do you know what he said?! That son of a... Damn him!" She pounded her fist on the top of Nick's bureau causing the model clipper ship Nick had built as a child, to quake in his wife's stormy demeanor.

"What are you upset about?"

"He ordered me to go to the doctor! Can you imagine? He ordered me! Like I'm some possession of his! Just look at what he wrote! LOOK AT IT!!" Laura shook the yellow crinkled note in front of Hope's face.

"Easy now girl! Stop waving it. Calm down." Hope smoothed out the note and put her glasses on. "Oh. I see what you mean. Nick is a man of few words, at least when they're on paper. Now Laura, it's not that bad, see, he put Love Nick."

"It's probably an after-thought!"

"It does sort of look that way doesn't it? But if you look at it another way, he's showing how much he loves you by asking you to go to a doctor. And he's right, you should go. You don't look well and your cough has gotten worse."

"He not asking me! He's ordering me! And I'm not going damnit! I'm not that sick! Besides I'm too angry to be sick!"

"Oh now Laura, you're not going to be stubborn and not go see a doctor just because... yes, you are. If two people ever deserved each other, it's you two. I give up, I'm going to my room and read Heath's wire to the children."

"I bet he wrote more than seven words."

"Heath does seem to express himself better on paper." Hope smiles as she looks at the paper in her hand.

"Men!" Laura glowered angrily.

* * * * * * * *

In the Barkley library Carol and Jarrod are discussing the murder trial.

"Carol, listen to me, you get Sheriff Madden on the stand tomorrow and you ask him why he didn't call a doctor for Sally."

"And Browne is going to destroy that testimony just like everything else. Jarrod I'm just no good here. I'm a lamb among wolves. And I would only dare admit that to you!"

Jarrod chuckled. "I know that sweetheart. But please listen to me. You can turn this around."

"I don't think so. Jarrod let's be realistic about this. I have a client who confesses to a murder, won't defend herself in any way and a blind man can see she looks guilty! I'm doomed with this case. Damnit, if only she had listened to me and left the creep like I asked, then he would be alive and she would at least be free of his torture. Jarrod I need a bargaining chip with this. I need to find a way to plea bargain this case out of court."

"Browne would never allow that. It would ruin his publicity campaign for the Governor's Mansion."

"I know; that man's out for blood. If only I had something I could use to get Browne to change his mind. Anything, that could keep Sally from the gallows."

"I wish I could help you Sweetheart, I really do."

"I know my love. Oh Jarrod if wishes were roses I could fill this room right now."

"Come on, Silas called everyone for dinner. We'd better get to the dining room." He cupped his arm around her waist. As Jarrod and Carol left the library they met Laura outside the door as she was walking up the stairs.

"Laura, where are you going? It's time to eat."

"I'll be right there, I have to take care of something. Excuse me." She continued up the stairs.

"She looks rather pale these days, doesn't she?" Jarrod wondered out loud.

"Really? I hadn't noticed." Carol said self absorbed. Neither had realized that Laura accidentally eavesdropped on their conversation.

* * * * * * * *

She never thought she would ever use them. They came close to feeding a fireplace a number of times, but something always held her back. Maybe this was the time. She had promised never to reveal what she knew, but now the knowledge could save another person's life. So maybe this was the purpose, the real reason fate brought them into her hands. 'Life was an amazing journey,' Laura thought. 'We have no idea how many lives we touch by even the smallest of actions.' Who could know what she encountered in those few hours five years ago would mean life or death to another human being now. "It was meant to be," she told herself as she clutched the brown leather folder to her bosom. She would look them over once more before she made her final decision.

* * * * * * * *

Laura saw the light under the door. It was dreadfully late, but once again she couldn't sleep. Maybe now, she would finally be able to rest. She had avoided going into town because she didn't want to run into him. He was now a powerful man and she knew he had grown more powerful and therefore, more dangerous. She took in one final deep breath before she knocked.

The tap on the door was barely audible to the lone occupant of the Barkley library. "Come in?" Said the feminine voice. "Laura? What are you doing up so late? You know Jarrod's right, you do look ill. What's wrong? Have you seen a doctor yet?""

"Carol, please, I need to speak to you about something. I wasn't honest with you before but I need you to know the whole truth now."

"What is it?" Carol stood from the large desk, her hands flat on its surface. Laura handed her a thin brown leather folder.

"What I have in here could help you with your case; but please understand I can't testify.

I couldn't do that, so please don't ask me."

Part 15

The unfamiliar sound of the bell hanging on her door rang out. Doctor Agatha James stood up from her work space. She rubbed the strain out of tired eyes that had stared too long into a microscope. She had so much more to learn, and so much medical science still didn't know to teach her. This new test, she read about, hadn't really been tested in the United States but it showed promise in the French Medical Journals. Most of the American Medical Journals disregarded anything from other countries, but Agatha James was never quick to ignore any new medical advancement, and she abhorred the AMA's attitude of anything that was not American as inferior.

"Agatha? Are you here?" Called the familiar voice.

"Laura? My goodness, what brings you here to my humble office? And what took you so long?" The doctor smiled.

"Oh now don't you nag me too. I have enough of that at home." Laura gave a loud, unladylike cough.

"Now that cough sounds interesting? How long have you had it?"

"Too long. Can you help me? I'm so tired of sounding like a wounded bear."

"That's what I'm here for. Go into the examination room. Let me wash up and I'll be right with you."

* * * * * * * *

Jarrod finished his shaving when his wife whisked by humming to herself. "You sound like the cat who swallowed the rat. I can't remember when I've seen you this happy."

Carol smiled at her husband's reflection in the mirror and kissed his cheek. "You my darling are looking at a changed woman!"

"Oh please don't change, I have a hard enough time explaining you to the family as it is." Jarrod teased with a delectable smirk.

"Hang the family!" She gave him a playful bite on his bare shoulder, then rubbed the pain with her fingertips.

"Ouch! Now there's the woman I know." He wiped the remainder of soap from his chin with the towel hanging around his neck. "Of course I'll never forget last night. For a woman who hadn't slept in several days you were a tigress last night. Just where did you get that energy?"

"The answer is all in here my darling!" She patted her briefcase. "I will see you in the courthouse at ten sharp. If all goes well, I will have a surprise for you."

"Hey, I thought we were going to ride into town together? You're leaving now?"

"Yes, I have an early appointment at the office."

"With a client?"

"With a rat. Bye, love you!" She opens the bathroom door, then turns to face him. "Jarrod?"

"Yes?"

"You were quite a tiger yourself this morning." Jarrod gives her a small chuckle.

* * * * * * * *

"My blood? What are you going to do with my blood?" Asked Laura.

"It's a new test."

"Another one? Aggie, you've taken every possible sample you could take from me! Exactly what are you doing to me?"

"I'm giving something you never had before, a thorough medical examination. You're a lucky woman!"

"Can I get dressed now? Or is there some other part of my body you have to examine?"

"Don't tempt me." Doctor James laughed.

"So doctor. What's wrong with me?"

"You mean besides being incredibly stubborn?"

"I don't need this abuse you know. Especially from my physician." Laura began to re-button her blouse and tucked it in her riding skirt.

"I would say that you have a bad cold that grew up to be a bronchial infection, possibly pneumonia. I'll know more from the tests."

"Pneumonia?! But I don't have a fever." She slipped her riding jacket on with a concerned look on her face.

"You don't need to have a fever with pneumonia. But what you need to do is get plenty of rest, lots of liquids and light food, broths and soups would be fine. It will help clear that cough of yours."

"No miracle powders or potions Doctor?"

"No, not until I've researched all your medical tests. Good old fashion cold remedies is all you need."

"Well, my mother-in-law will be happy to hear that. She loves being right."

"When's Nick coming home?"

"About a week. I can hardly wait. I've missed him so much, although I should angry with him."

"Why should you be angry with him?"

"He ordered me to see you! Can you believe that man?"

"Nick? Ordered you to see me? Hah, good for him." Agatha chuckled.

"Oh be quiet."

"He's right you know. You should have come to see me sooner."

"I know. God I hate it when Nick's right! He's insufferable to live with!"

"I would wager that you're both insufferable. You two are quite a pair. Laura, what about Nick's drinking? Is that still being curtailed?"

"He's been wonderful. He's stayed away from it, and only drinks occasionally. Like wine at dinner, or an after-dinner drink. I'm very proud of him. He was being wonderfully attentive to both Colleen and I before he left on the cattle drive."

"Miss the attention do you?" Agatha teased.

"I miss him." She said quietly as her fingertips restrained a tear from escaping

'I almost envy you Laura Barkley." The doctor's sigh didn't go unnoticed by her patient.

Laura finished her dressing then walked over to Agatha to hug her. "You know Aggie, I'm a really good matchmaker. I matched Heath and Hope together. I can find a match for you."

"But you don't have anymore brother-in-laws left." Agatha joked.

"Now wait, I can work outside the family! I'm sure I can find you a match."

"Get out of my office I've got work to do. I'll get back to you in a couple of days with your test results. In the meantime, you take care of yourself, and rest, that's an order!"

"I will. See you soon." Laura placed her hat on her head, pulled the tie taut under her chin and gave the doctor a wink. "Think I'll keep a sharp eye out for the available men around town while I'm here."

"Don't you dare! Get home and rest! Or I'll tell Nick on you!"

* * * * * * * *

Outside, she pulled on her riding gloves before she mounted her horse when a slight man dressed in sailor's garb hobbled up to her with a wrapped brown package.

"You Barkley?" Said the gravelly voiced sailor.

"Yes?"

"This is for you." He shoved the wrapped package into her hands then quickly walked pass her.

Laura's gloved hands pulled at the string and unwrapped the package. Inside she found a small black wooden horse. She recognized it immediately. "Starlite." Under the carved toy was a folded paper. She opened it and gasped at the contents.

"If you ever want to see your kid

again meet me in the livery."

Laura mounted Tipper and sped as quickly as she dared down the main street of Stockton toward the livery stable.

* * * * * * * *

The heat of the late morning was already making the courtroom a sweltering box, but that didn't stop the spectators from lining the walls of the cramped room. Everyone sat in their places, including the judge who wiped impatient sweat from his brow. Jason Browne sat coolly at the prosecution table going over last minute notes from a thickened briefcase. The jurors also sat quietly sweating, some wishing they had not so readily accepted their posts as jurors. The judge brought the gavel down with a pound, startling those in the room.

"Mister Barkley!"

Jarrod immediately stood up from his now usual place behind the defense table. "Yes, your Honor?"

"Mister Barkley. Do you have any idea where your wife is? It is half past the hour and this court has wasted enough time."

"Well your Honor, I can't imagine the reason for the delay. I know my wife said she had a meeting with a client this morning but she did promise to be on time to court." Apologized Jarrod.

"On time! Women are never on time! Sheriff Madden!" The angry judge bellowed.

"Yes your Honor?" The Sheriff stood up from his seat behind his prisoner Sally Driscoll.

"You will go to the Barkley Law Office and kindly informed the woman that if she is not in my courtroom in five minutes I will have Mrs. Barkley, Holister, or whatever her name is fined with contempt of court!"

"Yes sir." The sheriff hurriedly left the courtroom with Jarrod following close behind. The two men walked down the street toward the Barkley-Holister Law Offices. Neither noticed the unusual sight of a sailor driving a wagon with a pine box coffin in back of the rig or the familiar black stallion that followed tied behind it.

* * * * * * * *

The sheriff knocked on the office door. "Mrs. Barkley?" He turned the handle on the door. "It's locked. Do you suppose she left and we missed her?"

"Maybe, " answered Jarrod. "I have my key. Let's have a look." Jarrod pulled the key that was chained to his vest pocket and unlocked the door. "Carol? Darling, are you here?"

The sheriff was the first to see the pale white hand hidden behind the ornate desk. He pulled his gun from his holster and looked around suspiciously. "Jarrod." The sheriff pointed behind the desk. Jarrod flew when he saw the feminine hand peeking out behind the desk and knelt by her side.

"CAROL!" Jarrod shouted, and hugged his unconscious wife to his chest. "Carol, my God! Who did this? Fred you have to get the doctor! Oh my God, Carol!"

The sheriff saw the angry bruising hand marks around her alabaster neck and immediately felt for a pulse at its base. Jarrod's now red rimmed eyes looked up at the sheriff.

"What the hell are you doing?! Go get the doctor!"

"Jarrod, I'm sorry."

"Sorry?! What are you sorry for?! Go get the damn doctor NOW!" He shouted frantically.

"Jarrod, she's gone. I'm sorry." Fred apologized.

Jarrod held Carol's lifeless body with one hand and roughly shook the sheriff's shirt collar angrily with the other. "You listen to me you sonofabitch! You get that doctor here FAST!"

The sheriff stood slowly and warily watched Jarrod as he held Carol tightly, crushing his face into her head. Huge tears now dampen her blonde tresses. "Oh my God, not again, it can't be happening again! I won't let it! I won't let you go! Please come back to me please, dear God, don't take her away from me too, please God, not again, not again!"

Fred Madden slowly left the murder scene and headed toward the doctor's office. He hoped that the doctor would be able to convince Jarrod of what he couldn't; that Carol Holister Barkley was dead.

* * * * * * * *

The small house was perfect for his needs. It had been abandoned for years and no one dared to come near it as it was the scene of two gruesome murders. It was the perfect hideout and right under their noses. He had kept the boards up around the windows and the front door. The only access was in the back way through the kitchen and that was hidden from view to any rider who was unfortunate enough to come upon it. The dusty sailor stood quietly in the darkened kitchen and stared at the tall man who's face was covered with a burlap fitted hood; a black mackinaw covered the rest of him.

"The wagon and horse are in the barn? And you did use the shackles like I told you?"

"Aye sir, ya can see fer yerself. She's down there just like ya want."

"Good. Now you take this money. In that envelope is also a ticket for the mule boat that is leaving tonight from the Stockton docks, make sure you're on it, and when you get to San Francisco you go see Captain Hebron Barton on the whaler ship Mercury. Set sail on it and if I or any of my people see your face in California again you're a dead man, is that understood?"

"Aye sir. Ya won't be seeing me face anymore afta today."

"Good. Now saddle up that wagon horse and ride out. Forget everything you saw here today."

"Aye sir, it's forgotten." The small built sailor limped out the kitchen door, the white envelope sticking out from under the leather belt cinched around his slim waist. It wasn't until the sound of the sailor and his horse was out of earshot that he took off his mask. He stood in the parlor and stared at his reflection in the aging mirror. He smoothed his hands over his blond locks and his light blue eyes stared back cruelly with the satisfied grin of a Cheshire cat. Then he walked down the flight of stairs to the root cellar where he found her just as the sailor promised, shackled to the iron bed post.

"Bienvenue à votre nouvelle maison, de nouveau chère dame. (Welcome to your new home my dear lady, once again). La vengeance est une chose douce d'échantillon."(Revenge is so sweet tasting.) He leaned down and kissed his prisoner's quiet mouth, but she didn't feel his kiss or hear his words. Laura Barkley lay oblivious to her new surroundings.

* * * * * * * *

Victoria Barkley quietly walked into the kitchen, her eyes were reddened from salty tears as she once again dabbed a lace handkerchief to her eyes.

"Silas, we won't be sitting down for dinner. I thought we might just have a light buffet and set it in the dining room. I don't think anyone is going to feel like eating but it will be there for anyone who cares to nibble. I'm going to have a tray upstairs with Colleen. I don't want the child to see her Uncle so distraught it would only upset her more, the poor dear. I'm only glad Michael and Leah are too young to know what sorrow has befallen this house."

"Yes Mrs. Barkley." Silas nodded to the matriarch sadly. The grief permeated the air around the mansion. The children were kept upstairs in the nursery unaware of the family's loss.

A knock on the front door stopped any further conversation. "I'll get it Silas." Victoria opened the front door and greeted Doctor Agatha James. Victoria immediately hugged her. "Oh Agatha I'm so glad you're here. I hope you can do something for him."

"I'll do what I can Mrs. Barkley."

"The sheriff told me how you helped Jarrod let go of Carol in the office so Mister Becket, the undertaker, could take her body. You know this is the second wife he's lost."

"Yes I know, he told me a little about it. Where is he?"

"He's in the library, I only hope he hasn't locked the door. Follow me."

The library door was indeed unlocked and Agatha walked in to find Jarrod sitting back behind the desk. His shirt was unbuttoned at the neck and his loose tie draped around his collar. Jarrod's feet were resting on his desk and his hands were steepled as his elbows leaned on the chair's sides.

"Mister Barkley? May I speak to you? Mister Barkley? Do you mind if I sit down? Mister Barkley? Well. I'll take your silence as an affirmative then."

The doctor sat in front of the desk, her hands folded on her lap, as she began. "I promised to tell you what happened after you left. Mister Becket wondered what you wanted your wife to wear. Perhaps she had a favorite dress, or a color she liked." Agatha strained to keep her professional demeanor, but the sight of a dejected Jarrod Barkley was almost too much for her heart to bear. She had spent an hour sitting beside him on the floor of the law office, trying to get him to release his vice-like grip on his dead wife. She couldn't remember the words she spoke to him, only that she spoke as gently as she could. It marked the first and only time she had called him Jarrod.

"Blue." He muttered, interrupting her thoughts.

"Her favorite color was blue? Well, blue it is then." She said with a relieved sigh. It was a good sign that he was responsive to her questions.

"She was beautiful in blue." Jarrod said quietly, never looking up at the lady doctor.

"I'm sure she was." She dared to continue, "Perhaps you would like to pick out a dress she could wear. I'll be glad to take it into town for you."

Suddenly his voice changed, it almost sound brighter to her. "Of course! I always pick out the dresses my wives are buried in. I'm so good at that you know." The sarcastic Jarrod stood from the chair and opened the library door. "Follow me doctor. I'll get the dress for you."

"Oh that's quite alright, I'll wait here." She became flustered by his frighteningly strange behavior.

"Oh but I insist!" He took the doctor by the elbow and pushed her out of the room. " You were so good to pronounce my wife's death the least you can do is help me find a dress to bury her." His sardonic voice berated.

He led her upstairs to his bedroom, and opened the door.

"I really shouldn't Mister Barkley." Agatha's face was now crimson colored.

"Don't be afraid Doctor, only my wives are in danger with me around, never anyone else. But if you worry about your good name I will keep the door opened." Agatha walked into his room but stood by the doorway.

Jarrod opened the armoire in the room. He began to speak in a rush of words. "Now we don't have a lot of clothes here but she did bring her favorites. You see we moved here after the break-in. Mother thought it would be best if I stayed here at the main house and protect the women with my presence. Ironic, isn't it? I moved here to protect my brother's wives and I couldn't even protect my own. That says something doesn't it? Though I have no damn idea what. Ah, here it is." Jarrod pulled out a powdered blue dress. "What do you think? Beautiful isn't it? She was beautiful in it too; of course she was beautiful in anything she wore. Carol always had style and elegance." Jarrod grabbed a pair of shoes from the armoire shelf. "She always wore these shoes with that dress. Oh wait, the dead don't wear shoes do they?" Jarrod flung the shoes across the room, smashing a mirror.

"Please Mister Barkley. Don't do this!" Agatha's voice was loud enough to alert Hope who rushed into the room from the nursery.

"Is everything all right?!" Hope still had her rosary beads in her hand and was absentmindedly fingering them. Her head rotated between the two occupants in the room.

"NO HOPE! EVERYTHING IS NOT ALL RIGHT! Haven't you heard? I'm burying another wife!" Jarrod slumped on the bed and dropped his head in his hands, crying bitterly. "You were fortunate to reject me Hope, it could have been you."

"Easy Jarrod, enough of that talk, I won't allow it!" Hope scolded as she sat beside him on the bed. Her arms quickly drew him close. "Agatha, maybe you have something to help Jarrod rest."

"Of course." The doctor began to leave the room but Jarrod stopped her.

"No please, I don't want anything. I'm sorry, I didn't wake the children did I? I'm sorry Hope, please forgive me."

"The children are fine Jarrod. They're still asleep. I just hope Laura gets home soon, Colleen is very concerned. She senses something is wrong." Hope addressed Carol. "We have yet to tell her about Auntie Carol. We're waiting for Laura to come home first."

"Laura's not home yet?" Asked the doctor.

"No, she went into town to see you, I thought perhaps she went to the library after." Hope surmised.

"But I sent Laura straight home to bed and she promised me she would do that." The doctor added.

"Well she didn't." Hope sighed, exasperated by her unpredictable cousin. "That Laura, I suppose she got caught up in doing some work at the library."

"No, she couldn't have. She's quite ill and needs her rest. Laura has pneumonia." Agatha informed them.

"Pneumonia? Then where is she?" Jarrod raised his head.

"Are you sure she's not here in bed?" wondered the doctor.

"Positive. I haven't seen her since this morning." Hope answered.

"What time did she leave?" Jarrod asked.

"Just after Carol did this morning." Answered Hope. "Silas said she only had her usual morning coffee and nothing else. She didn't feel like eating breakfast."

Jarrod stood erect, his fist clenched. "My God, whoever killed Carol, could have..." He bounded down the stairs. Hope and Agatha followed at his heels. In the foyer they found Sheriff Fred Madden at the door speaking to Victoria.

"Jarrod, I'm sorry to disturb you at this time, but I came by to ask you a few questions if you're up to it." The sheriff nervously fiddled with his hat in his hand.

"I'm glad you're here sheriff I was just on my way into town to see you. My sister-in-law is missing." He spoke anxiously.

"That's not possible Jarrod. Laura must have gone to the library." Surmised Victoria.

"The library closed early today, with all the commotion in town. In fact I spoke to Mrs. Hamon and she said she was all alone there today; has been for several weeks since Laura. Barkley was ill." The sheriff added for good measure.

"Then where's Laura?" Jarrod furrowed his brow.

"When's the last time anyone saw her?" The sheriff queried.

"I saw her this morning, she was on her way to see Agatha, as I said before." Hope added.

"And I saw her in my office about nine this morning. I gave her strict orders to go home and get bed rest." Answered the doctor.

"Could there be any relationship between the death of your wife and Laura Barkley's disappearance?" The sheriff asked Jarrod.

"What are you saying Sheriff?" Wondered Victoria. "Surely you don't think Laura had anything to do with Carol's death."

"I'm just thinking out loud is all. I'm in the dark about all this as you are. Who would want Carol Barkley dead? And where's Laura Barkley? It seems too much of a coincidence to not ask questions about both of them."

"Laura is not involved in Carol's death Sheriff! I can assure you of that!" Jarrod said sternly. "We have to find her. Whoever killed my wife, could have hurt Laura as well." Jarrod nervously raked his hand through his ebony hair. "Oh my God, Nick's going to go out of his mind when he finds out about this!"

"I need to ask questions Jarrod. I came here to ask about your wife, but now I have someone missing and that means I have more questions than before. Shall we get started?" The sheriff pointed his hat to parlor, indicating to all of them to be seated for his inquiry.

* * * * * * * *

"N my name is Nancy and my husband's name is Nick, we sell oranges and we live on a... on a... ranch. We live on a ranch."

"That's not how you play the game, the next words have to start with the next letter of the alphabet. You're supposed to start with the letter O. Doncha know how to play this game you stupid country girl?"

"I'm sorry, but my husband's name is Nick and we live on a ranch. I don't understand this game. Where is this place?"

"Miss Thomas! You come here now! You wet your bed you dirty little girl! Go take those sheets to the laundry room. You must wash them now!"

"I'm sorry Ma'am, I didn't mean to do it. "

"Take them! Take them now and wash them! You'll be sleeping without any bed linens until those are dry!"

The young blonde with braided hair found herself in a large room with vats of hot water and lines of rope hanging from one end of the great hall to another.

"Let me help ya with dose Miss." Said the young dark haired girl dressed in a black servant dress and a soiled white apron.

"Who are you?"

"My name's Letty Miss. You're der new girl. I seen ya come dis morning with dat yellow hair lady. Is she yer motha?"

"No, she's my Aunt Polly. She brought me here. What is this place?"

"It's Madame Jolene's School for Educated Young Ladies. Doncha be embarrassed Miss, lotsa girls wets der bed da first time here."

"I've never done it before. I don't know why I did? I don't know why I'm here I should be home."

"Home Miss? Where's yer home?"

"Tucson, Arizona. My papa has a ranch there, at least he did have. He sold it, sold it all. My mama's dead. He gave me to Aunt Polly and she brought me here. I don't like it here."

"You get use to it Miss. Everyone duz. Come on, I'll show youse where yer can wash the bedsheets. Youse better take yer nightgown off. It's wet too."

"It's wet, I don't know why, I've never done this before. Grown women don't wet the bed... I must have... My water broke. The baby is coming...hurry for Doctor Merar. Nick? Where's Nick? Nick?"

"She's been like that all this time? Mumbling like that? What did that sailor use on her?"

"Enough ether to get her here. She'll be coming around soon. I know what I'm doing."

The masked man pulled off his black glove and felt her head. "I think she's got a fever or something, she's burning up."

"Go upstairs and bring down a pitcher of water. We'll set it on the table, and don't forget the glass."

The two dark hooded men stood over the cot, both had on long black coats and wore burlap bags over their heads fitted with ropes and two holes cut out for eyes; so terrified by the sight when she first opened her eyes, that Laura had wet herself, then drifted back into a drug induced dream-like state. The sound of the voices, familiar, but far away lingered in her subconscious.

"Go on, get the water, and the bread too. Our prisoner may get hungry later. Wouldn't want her to starve while she was in our care. Her husband won't pay for a dead woman."

When the second masked man left, the first checked the shackle that was fastened to the iron bar bed to be sure it was secured to her bare ankle. He knelt by the bed and brushed away the blonde hair that had fallen over her closed eyes.

"Another time, another place, you would have been a delicious morsel for me to savor. Maybe before we're through you might come to me willingly. Lovely Laura. Le bonbon rêve mon animal de compagnie." (sweet dreams my pet.)

Continued…