by Nora
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.
Heath watched as his family exchanged glances in response to
his question of who shot him.
“Is...is there some reason I shouldn’t know, or you don’t want to tell me? It
wasn’t Nick was it? He’s threatened to often enough.”
“Very funny, Heath. It’s just that it’s gotten a little more complicated than
what we originally thought. It’s turned into kind of a long story.” Nick
explained.
“Well, I ain’t goen no place, so why don’t you just clue me in.”
As the family exchanged glances once again, Jarrod cleared his throat and began
the long narrative. He was careful to separate the facts from their suspicions
and finished up with an account of his recent meeting with Dan Rose.
Heath listened quietly, absorbing the information and carefully considering how
he wanted to respond. He looked down and swallowed the last of the broth from
the cup he was holding.
“Hartley’s a smart and ruthless man, but I think he sees himself as invincible.
That makes a man careless. But Dyer, he’s as far from careless as you can get.
His eyes, Jarrod all you see is pure evil. He’s a man that thoroughly enjoys
hurten and scaren other people. He’s good at it too. He reads real quick where
you’re vulnerable and then he strikes.”
The blond pulled his eyes away from his siblings and his mother. His thoughts
were dark and he was having trouble expressing them. He didn’t want to scare
them, but he himself felt an urgency to the situation.
“What are you trying to say, Heath? Spit it out, Boy”
“I’m saying, Nick that Audra’s in real danger. There’s no way Hartley’s gonna
sit back and wait for her to testify against him. I’m also sayen that Dyer is
Hartley’s best weapon and he won’t hesitate to use him. I’m sorry, Sis but I
gotta say what I think, and I think we need to get you someplace safe.”
Audra smiled and crossed the room. She removed the cup and placed her hand in
his, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I understand Heath.”
“The ranch is safe, Heath. We got plenty of men to keep an eye on her. Nothen’s
gonna happen.”
“Is it, Nick? Is it safe? I suppose if all we do for the next few weeks is
protect Audra, it might work. But you know that can’t happen. There’s too many
things we can’t ignore. Too many chores that can’t be left undone. I think we
need to get her away. Somewhere they can’t find her until the trial.”
Victoria watched as the blond shifted slightly, trying to get comfortable. To
immobilize his shoulder the doctor had taped his left arm and his hand was
secured just below his right collar bone. She could see evidence of the blow he
had taken to his face by the darkening under his chin spreading upward to his
mouth. The blanket had slipped to his waist and the purple bruises defined the
places where he received the impacts from the kick and the stock of the rifle.
This could have ended so differently...she could be sitting where Mary McGregor
was. She wrenched her thoughts back to the conversation at hand.
“Do you have somewhere in mind, Son? Someplace you would feel comfortable,
someplace you know she would be safe?”
“I do, Mother. You remember my friend, Frank Sawyer? Well he and his son Chad
and Chad’s wife Kim are liven in Carson City. Chad’s got an official position
with the government as an artist. Frank’s worken as an adviser to the Governor
and helpen him to hire territorial marshals. There’s nobody better qualified. I
know he’d help if I asked.”
“How would you get word to him, Heath without alerting Hartley and whoever he
may have working for him?”
“Fred could send a telegram to him, Jarrod. We have a code we used from a long
time ago when we worked together. Nobody would look for Audra with Frank. Aside
from Fred, no one knows I have a relationship with him, and no one would connect
him with any of you.”
“It sounds like it might be a good solution, if we can pull it off. What do you
think. Audra?”
The attractive blond let go of Heath’s hand and walked toward her mother. She
looked around the room and shrugged as she sat down.
“I don’t like the idea of going away. I don’t like it for a lot of reasons.
What if I just promised to stay at home? Don’t you think that would work?”
“You know what I think. I just said it. But I guess it’s a family decision.”
Heath sighed and leaned back against the pillows. His shoulder was throbbing
and his eyelids were feeling heavy. He just didn’t have the energy to argue his
point anymore.
Jarrod nodded toward Heath. “We don’t have to decide this now. Audra has to
provide a deposition on Wednesday. After we get you home tomorrow, Heath we’ll
have plenty of time to discuss this and make a decision. Let’s get Howard in
here, Mother and set things up for tomorrow.”
Victoria nodded and sent Nick to find the physician.
She walked across the room and pulled the blanket over the injured man. She
placed her hand on his forehead and was pleased to find he remained cool to the
touch. He reached up grabbing her hand and giving her a reassuring smile.
“I’m just a little tired, Mother. Please don’t worry.”
As he finished speaking Howard, followed closely by Nick entered the room.
Victoria stepped aside as he moved to take a closer look at his patient.
“I think he’s had all the excitement he can tolerate for today. So let’s
discuss tomorrow. He can go home. I’d prefer he do it laying down in a wagon,
but I’m willing to let him go in a carriage as long as you take it slow and
easy.”
Heath’s eyes flew open. “Oh a carriage will do just fine, Doc.”
“Un huh. I figured you’d feel that way about it. When you get home you need to
have complete rest for at least two days. Only up to the bathroom and then with
help. After that you can be up and around as much as you can tolerate, and your
mother will allow. I’ll take the tape off your arm tomorrow morning and we’ll put
it in a sling. You start those exercises I showed you on Tuesday. I’ll give you
more on Friday when I come out to take out those stitches. If there’s any
bleeding or he develops a fever you send for me right away, Victoria.”
“Oh we will and we’ll make sure he follows your instructions, Howard.”
“I’m also sending some laudanum, I want you to take it at least at night until
I see you on Friday. You’re going
to need the rest.”
He emphasized this as he saw the look of irritation on Heath’s face. “We had an
agreement, young man and I expect you to live up to your part of the bargain.
Otherwise you’re more than welcome to stay on here with Helen and me.”
Heath raised his eyes but nodded his agreement.
Howard reached over and moved the pillows, easing Heath down and propping him
onto his side. “Get some more sleep, son. It’ll be a long trip home tomorrow.”
He turned around and smiled at the rest of the family. “Best say good-bye to
him now. The more rest he gets the better. You’ll pick him up after church tomorrow?.”
“We’ll be here.” Victoria reassured him. “I’m going to the store and pick up
some clothing for him.” She then glanced at Nick and grinned. “I’ll also stop
at the tailors and order another blue suit for you, Heath, Mr. Franconi will
still have your measurements. Or maybe I'll order two, just in case.”
Without opening his eyes, Heath mumbled. “Better wait until Nick returns my
knife, Mother. You never know, when the urge to cut will strike him again.”
“It’s in your damn boot already, smart...”
“Nicholas!” his mother’s warning interrupted him.
Heath was already mostly asleep as his family bade him good-bye and quietly
filed out of the room.
* * * * * * * *
As Scott rode back from town, he directed his horse toward
the barn. Pat was there practicing with his bull whip. Scott had never seen
anyone as skilled with the whip as his brother. Not even his father, who had
used it liberally on Pat and some on Scott until the day the brothers rode out.
Scott would never forget that day. Pat had just turned sixteen and Scott
fourteen. Their Pa had been drinking. Maybe that was part of the reason he
hadn’t noticed how much bigger and stronger Pat had become. Maybe that was the
reason he pushed too far that day.
It started out as an argument over chores and escalated from there. He began
insulting and threatening both boys. When their Pa reached for the whip, Pat
was ready. With a roar he jumped his father. He took the whip from his hand and
knocked him to the floor. He began lashing him over and over again, until Scott
thought he’d almost killed him and intervened. He’d had to beg his brother
before he finally stopped.
Pat kicked his father’s unconscious, bloody body as he stepped over it. “Pack
your stuff kid, cause we’re outta here.”
“What about Ma?”
“She made her bed, now she can lay in it. She never once lifted a finger to
stop him from beaten either one of us.”
Scott knew his mother was weak. He didn’t blame her as she too was often the
victim of his father’s brutality. He knew she loved her boys, but felt
powerless to protect them from their father. Crying, she begged them not to
leave as they packed their few meager belongings.
“Old woman, you got nothen that I want, and nothen to say that I wanna hear. So
get outta my way. You’ll find that sorry excuse you call a husband in the barn.
I gave him a little of his own medicine.”
Pat brushed past his mother and gestured for his brother to follow. Scott
nodded to him but turned and hugged his mother, feeling genuine sadness at the
tears in her eyes.
“I’m sorry, Ma. I just can’t stay here no more.” As he left her embrace he
whispered. “I’ll write and I’ll send ya money when I can.”
The thin, frail woman, old before her time nodded, feeling the powerlessness
that had always permeated her life.
“Just take care of yerself, Scotty. Don’t let Pat take all the goodness out of
ya, cause he’ll do it if’n he can.”
“Bye Ma.” He kissed her on the cheek and rushed out the door after his brother.
That had been over six years ago. Even though he had no idea whether she was
still alive or even living in the same place, Scott had regularly sent home
money to his mother. He longed to go back and check on her. But while he knew
Pat may tolerate his sending the money, he’d never allow a visit. Pat was good
to him, but Scott knew better than to cross him. No one, even a little brother
crossed Pat and remained unscathed.
“What’d ya find out in Stockton?” Pat questioned without even turning to look
at his brother. He was still intent on his practice. He loved the feeling of
power it brought him every time he held the whip in his hand.
“The two older Barkley sons were in the saloon this evening. I overhead the one
they call Nick telling the bartender they were bringing home their brother
tomorrow after Church. The whole family will be together.”
Pat finally turned around and faced Scott. “Anything else?”
“Hartley left a note for us. He says the brother that’s the lawyer met with the
prosecuten attorney. He doesn’t know fer sure what they talked about, but he’s pretty
sure it wasn’t a social call. He wants us to do somethen as soon as we can.”
“Did you scout things out? Is there a place we can ambush ‘em tomorrow?”
“I did and there is. But do ya think they’ll be expecten somethen? They gotta
lot of men worken for em.”
“It doesn’t matter. If there’s too many of em, we’ll just wait. If not we’ll
take the shot. Any sign of the posse?.”
“No, those tracks you made fooled em and they’re searching on the other side of
the county. Pat, if we don’t get her tomorrow, we’re gonna need more men.”
“I already took care of that. I had Hartley send a telegram to Jake Rivers
telling him we could use his gang. He’ll come, he knows I’m good for the money.
If the job happens to be done by then, we’ll pay him for his inconvenience.
That’ll keep him loyal.”
“You plan on just killing the girl?”
“I don’t know.” He said smiling and turning back to once again feel the power
of his whip. “Let’s just see who gets in the way tomorrow. Let’s just see how
many of those high and mighty Barkleys make themselves a target for us. ”
Victoria again glanced down to the end of the pew. Nick had
always been restless in Church, but he hadn’t been this restless since he was ten.
At that age he would gage the time till the end of the service by questioning
his parents as to “how many songs were left to sing”. Now as an adult he just
looked at his watch every five minutes.
Yesterday had gone smoothly enough after they had left Heath. Victoria and
Audra went directly to the store to purchase clothing for him to wear home.
Jarrod had a legal brief to finish in his office and Nick had wandered off to
the saloon to try his hand at poker. As the evening wore on, Jarrod sent word that
he was joining Nick and to please have dinner without them.
The women had a quiet dinner together. Audra was still ruminating about the
possibility of leaving Stockton. She was clearly conflicted and continued to
delineate the various reasons she should remain home. The most imperative,
being Carl Wheeler.
“Oh Mother, I can’t go to Carson City. Not now anyways. I’m just sure Carl is
ready to propose any minute. I think Heath is just over reacting.”
“Really? How often have you known Heath to over react? Besides, Carl is not
going to forget you if you go away for a few weeks. He’s as concerned as we
are, Audra. You should discuss this with him, he might very well agree.”
“I will, I’ll discuss it with him. And I’ll try and keep an open mind.” She
picked up her cup and took a sip of her tea. “But I’m going to have to be
convinced.”
“Alright, we’re both exhausted. It’s been a long two days. Let’s just turn in
early, we can discuss it at home tomorrow.”
As their mother and sister drifted off to sleep; Nick and Jarrod were walking
back to the hotel. They had enjoyed a bottle of fine whiskey in the saloon with
some of their men who had ridden in from the ranch. They drank a toast on the
house, as Nick informed Harry the bartender that the family would be escorting
Heath home in the morning after Church.
Unfortunately neither was aware of the interested ears of Scott Dyer.
“You’re looking relaxed this evening, brother Nick.”
“I am at that, Jarrod. I won some money this afternoon. The boys brought me a
good report from the ranch and we’ll be returning home tomorrow, with our
little brother nearly intact.”
“Well don’t get too relaxed. It’s not over yet, Nick.”
“I know but I agree with Audra. It’s eaten at Heath that Dyer had the upper
hand in the bank, and he wasn’t able to bring him down. I know he feels
responsible, overly responsible. It’s like he doesn’t see what he did
accomplish, only what he didn’t. I think that’s why he’s so fixated on Dyer.”
“I guess you could be right. But we both know Heath’s a pretty fair judge of
character. Let’s just avoid taking any chances. Being cautious won’t hurt
anybody, and this family has had enough trauma to last us for a good, long
time.”
* * * * * * * *
Victoria leaned over and whispered in her eldest son’s ear.
“Jarrod, tell Nick to just go ahead and leave. He can pick up the clothes at
the hotel and start helping Heath get ready. Lord knows he’s not getting
anything out of this service.”
She watched Nick listen to Jarrod’s instructions, give a quick nod and rush out
of the Church in a flash.
He whistled as he made his way to the hotel, grabbing the package of clothing
and then crossing the street to the doctors office. He entered the waiting room
as Helen Merar was coming out of the exam room, her arms filled with soiled
bandages and a basin of bloodied water.
“Oh good morning, Nick. Go ahead in. Howard just finished removing the tape
from Heath’s arm and changing the bandages. The wound is healing nicely and he
had a good night.”
“Thanks Helen. Can’t tell you how much we appreciate all you and Howard have
done. Mother would like for you to come on Friday when Howard removes Heath’s
stitches and have dinner with us.”
“Any chance of it being Silas’s prime rib?”
“Every chance in the world for the two of you.”
“Then you can count on it, Nick.” She smiled reaching up and giving him a peck
on the cheek. “Now you get in there, that boy is anxious to get home.”
Nick nodded and turned, opening the door slowly and sticking his head in.
“Helen told me to just come in.”
Howard was still working on re-bandaging Heath’s shoulder and didn’t turn
around. Heath greeted him with a smile.
“Come on in, Nick. I’m just about through. If you have his clothing, we can
help him get dressed.”
Nick placed the package on the exam table next to his brother. They helped
Heath dress, finishing by easing his shirt on. Howard placed the sling around
his neck and drew it up to elevate his hand. He then placed a strip of cloth
around his chest to further secure the arm.
“You can take that strip off when you get home, but it’ll help to immobilize
the shoulder while you’re in the carriage. I’m going to go and get your
medicine and some more bandages and disinfectant for your mother. See he stays
put until I get back, Nick.”
“No problem, he always listens to me, Doc. Cause he knows what’s good for him.
Right, Heath?”
Heath looked at Nick quizzically as Howard left the room, anxious to be gone
before Nick started what ever game he was intending to play with Heath. “What
are ya talken about, Nick?”
“You know Little Brother. Like how ya always know to disappear when I don’t
want ya around. Then there’s that feelen that ya get of bein ten feet tall when
ya can help me out. That’s probably good for ya too, wouldn’t ya say?” Nick
grinned like a Cheshire cat as he sat down in the chair, easing his long legs
out in front of him, stretching out and placing his hands behind his head.
There was a long pause as Nick gazed up to see the knowing look on Heath’s
face. “I see ya been talken to Andy, Nick. I’ll have to be more careful in the
future and avoid exaggeraten about ya to him.”
Their banter was interrupted by Howard’s return and the arrival of the rest of
the Barkley’s accompanied by Carl Wheeler. Good-byes and hugs were exchanged,
thank you’s again offered and instructions repeated.
Carl helped Audra into the front seat of the carriage and climbed in beside her
to take the reins and hold the horses still. Nick and Jarrod eased Heath out of
the door and into the back seat of the carriage next to Victoria. They then
mounted their horses to follow behind.
“You settled back there, Heath?” Carl asked as he turned around to see Victoria
fussing with the pillows and blanket she had provided to make the trip home as
comfortable as possible for him.
“I am, but I’m not sure about Mother.” he answered softly, touched once again
by the care she had always shown him.
“Go ahead, Carl.” Audra laughed. “If you wait for Mother to stop fussing we’ll
never get going.”
Victoria paused her ministrations and stated dryly. “Next time I’ll be sure to
bring my horse to ride.”
“You can spoil me anytime you’d like, Mrs. Barkley.” Carl offered as he clucked
at the team, starting them out of town, at a slow pace towards the Barkley
mansion .
Victoria could hear Audra and Carl talking softly, and laughing, clearly
enjoying each others company. Heath was quiet and she suspected it was in an
attempt to control the pain he was experiencing as they were jostled about in
the carriage. Every now and then he’d become aware of her eyes focused on him
and he’d offer a reassuring smile. She’d be glad when they reached the house.
* * * * * * * *
Even before the party had left Dr. Merar’s office, Pat Dyer
was in place with his rifle. He figured he had once chance, one opportunity for
a clean shot. He had Scott waiting an eighth of a mile up the road so he could
alert him as the carriage approached.
Dyer was deep in thought. He could spot a weakness a mile away. He knew how to
break someone. He knew how to isolate the fear a man holds inside, so deep he
barely even acknowledges its existence. So overwhelming he can’t tolerate it in
the light of day. He could ferret that piece out and use it to get whatever he
wanted from someone.
It was not just the power and control he achieved, but it was the sheer
physical pleasure he felt as his captive writhed in pain and fear. That’s why
he employed the use of his whip so often. He had never failed to break someone
with his bullwhip.
It was strengths that eluded him. His soul was so warped he never knew or
understood love, loyalty, friendship and the sacrifices someone may be willing
to make in their name. Or that real power lay within the bonds forged in the
commitment one makes to a spouse, a child, a parent, a sibling or even a friend,
when love is the driving force.
However, even he could recognize that there were strong ties in this family.
This family that fascinated him. The dynamics were so unique as to stretch even
his imagination.
Hartley had become weary of his questions concerning the Barkley’s after he had
given him the initial information. It was Heath’s place in the family that
truly mystified him. How was it that this product of lust and this walking
reminder of Tom Barkley’s fallibility had become so accepted? Better yet, how
was it that after a lifetime of poverty and rejection, he could so easily
accept them?
What he did know for sure was, if you hurt one of them, you hurt all of them.
For Dyer this was the ultimate, because for him as the pain and agony multiplied
for his victims, the pleasure multiplied for him. No, even if he could pull
this off today, he wouldn’t be done with the Barkleys, he wouldn’t be done for
long sight.
Scott was cantering toward him. He leaped from his horse and dropped, laying
prone next to his brother.
“They’re close. The girl is in the front seat of the carriage with her
boyfriend. Mrs Barkley and Heath are in the back seat with the other two sons
riding behind on their horses. They aren’t in any hurry and they all look real
relaxed.”
Pat nodded. He wasn’t as gifted with the rifle as he was with his six shooter
and his whip. But it was worth the effort and Hartley wanted it. He got as
comfortable as he could and waited until they came into his sites.
They were over half way home when it happened. Nick and Jarrod had let the
carriage get several feet ahead as they continued to discuss the pros and cons
of Audra leaving for Carson City.
It was as Dyer pulled the trigger that Audra turned and leaned back to inquire
about Heath. It was what saved her life. The bullet rang out but only grazed
the side of her head. It was followed in quick succession by three other shots
and then silence.
She was stunned and knocked unconscious. Carl cried out, “Audra” and reached
over, pulling her head onto his lap.
Heath bolted upright, ripped the strip of cloth from around his chest and used
his good arm to reach around his mother and shove her to the floor of the
carriage. He leaned over and shouted. “Give me your gun, Carl!”
Holding the reins in his left hand and urging the team into a gallop, he
managed to retrieve his revolver and hand it back to Heath.
Nick and Jarrod reacted immediately, kicking their horses into a gallop and
flanking the carriage on either side. “Turn into that grove of trees up ahead,
Carl. It’ll give us some cover.” Nick shouted to him.
“Heath! Heath! What about Audra? How badly is she hurt?” His stomach lurched at
his mothers plea.
“It looks like it only grazed her, Mother, but I can’t tell for sure. Stay down
until we stop.” This said as he felt her try and raise her head.
As they turned into the grove, Heath leaped from the carriage and provided
cover for his mother as she too exited. Nick and Jarrod slid from their horses
and ran to help Carl lift Audra down from the seat. Victoria crawled to her
side.
After helping to lay Audra on the ground, Nick slid on his knees next to Heath,
his gun was drawn, and he peered out into the landscape. “Did you know where
the shots came from?
“My guess is from way up on the ridge. It was definitely a rifle shot. How’s
Audra?”
“I don’t know, there’s a lot of blood, but there always is with a scalp wound.
Are you OK?”
“Yeah, I think I ripped a couple of stitches, but otherwise I’m fine.”
Jarrod inched his way over to his brothers. “It looks like just a scalp wound.
It’s a fairly deep gash, but Mother says she should be fine.” He swallowed
hard, wiped the perspiration from his brow and looked at Nick. “You want to
make any other predictions about the amount of danger Audra’s in?”
“This ain’t the time, Jarrod. None of us saw this comen.”
“You’re right, Heath. I guess I’m just still shaken. Sorry Nick.”
“Forget it, you didn’t say nothen I wasn’t thinken. Listen, I’m gonna head for
the ranch. I’ll bring back a wagon and several of the men and send someone into
town. It looks like we’ll be needen Howard’s services again. You two stay here.
Whoever it is has quit shooten for now but I’ll leave my rifle with ya just in
case. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Be careful, Nick. He may be still be out there looken for targets.”
“I will Heath.” With that he grabbed Coco’s reins, climbed into the saddle,
tossed his rifle to Jarrod and raced onto the road towards the ranch.
Jarrod left Heath to keep watch and edged his way back toward Victoria who was
still trying to put pressure on Audra’s wound to stem the flow of blood. Carl
was cradling her gently in his arms, desperately fighting the panic he was
feeling.
Jarrod placed his hand on his mother’s shoulder. “Nick’s going to get help from
the ranch, Mother. He’ll bring a wagon and will send someone into town for
Howard. If this keeps up, we’re going to have to adopt him.”
She nodded her acknowledgment but her eyes never left her daughter. She began
to wonder just how long this nightmare would continue? How many more of her
children would lay bleeding in her arms before it was over?
He glanced over again, anxious to know how his sister was
doing; but he didn’t dare move. He could feel the sticky wetness on the back of
his shirt and any movement would just increase the bleeding. His eyes were
vigilant as they continued to sweep the landscape in front of him.
It had been at least a half an hour since Nick had rode out. Heath had not seen
a sign of their attackers and there had been no further gunfire. But he
couldn’t relax. He knew it had to be Dyer. What was it going to take to get
that man out of their lives? The price would be high, certainly higher than
Heath wanted to consider.
Reluctantly, Jarrod turned his head and observed his brother again. The last
time his arm had been hanging uselessly at his side, he now had his left thumb
hooked in his belt in an obvious attempt to give it some support. Heath held
Carl’s gun in his right hand, cocked and ready to fire. Jarrod hoped Nick hurried,
because he had a feeling Audra wasn’t the only one losing blood.
“I’ll watch for a while, Heath. You can go over by Audra and Mother.”
“I’ll stay here, Jarrod.”
“You bleeding?”
“Yep.”
“And you don’t want Mother to know.”
“Nope, got her hands full already.”
“Alright, at least let me take a look. Carl, can you come over here please.”
Carl glanced up from his place by Audra’s side and gave Jarrod a look of
bewilderment and irritation. He just shook his head.
“Carl, please, just for a minute.”
Reluctantly, the dark haired man got to his feet. He grabbed Nick’s rifle and
quickly swept the area with his eyes. Crouching he hurried over and knelt by
the two brothers.
“Sorry Carl, but Heath’s shoulder has started bleeding again. I want to take a
look and see if I can slow it down. Just keep your eyes out, it won’t take us
long.”
“Sure Jarrod...I just...”
“No need to explain. We understand.”
The two men maneuvered out of their mother’s view behind a large rock. Jarrod
eased Heath’s vest off, and then his saturated shirt. The sling had long been
abandoned and Jarrod used it to fashion a reinforcement for the bandages
without dislodging the original material.
“I hope that works. It’s bleeding pretty steadily.”
“It’ll be fine till we get back to the ranch.”
He shrugged back into his shirt and vest with his brother's help and returned
to replace Carl at keeping watch. Within minutes he could hear the thundering
of hooves and the rumble of a wagon. Nick swept in with at least a dozen
Barkley hands.
“Crawley! You and Jones head into town and get the Doc. Then find the sheriff
and let him know what happened.
“Okay Boss.” The two men galloped off toward Stockton.
Nick leapt from his horse and quickly knelt down beside his mother.
“She still holding her own?”
“She’s okay Nick, but she’s still unconscious. I won’t feel certain until
Howard sees her.”
Nick looked up at Jarrod. “Anything happen since I left?”
“Nope, we haven’t seen or heard a thing. My guess is whoever is responsible is
long gone.”
“We’ll make sure. McCall, take two men and head up into those rocks on the
ridge over there. See if you can find anything but be careful, we’re pretty
sure that’s the area he was in when he fired on us. Stick around until Fred
gets here to take a look.”
“Sure thing, Nick. Tom, you and Jeff come with me.” The men set off to follow
Nick’s orders.
“Mother, I’ve got a bed ready in the back of the wagon. Let’s move her into it
and get to the ranch. You and Carl stay by Audra, I’ll drive and Heath can ride
with me.”
Victoria nodded, stood and then reached out to receive a much needed hug from
her very much in charge middle son.
Nick assisted his mother into the back of the wagon and climbed in behind her.
Carl and Jarrod lifted Audra into Nicks arms and then scrambled into the wagon,
helping him as he tenderly settled her into the makeshift bed.
Jarrod jumped down and tied Jingo to the rear of the now abandoned carriage in
order to drive it back to the ranch. Nick headed for Heath, who was sitting two
yards away on a rock, observing the activity quietly.
You okay?” He asked suspiciously.
“I’m okay.”
Nick looked over at Jarrod for confirmation, to find him shaking his head
negatively.
He turned back to Heath raising his eyebrows questioningly.
“What does he know, he’s a lawyer, not a doctor.”
“Yeah, well he’s brighter than he looks. Either way let’s get you home and
Howard can settle the diagnosis when he gets there.”
Not waiting for a response, Nick grabbed Heath under his good arm and supported
him as he struggled up into the wagon seat. He climbed in beside him and began
issuing more orders.
“You men ride close to the wagon and keep your eyes peeled. We’re gonna take it
kind of slow unless we run into trouble. You all set back there, Mother?”
“We’re set, just get us home, Nick.”
He let Jarrod take the lead and pulled in behind him urging the team into a
fast walk, doing everything he could to avoid any bumps and ruts in the road.
The ride home felt interminable as he tried to focus his mind in several
different directions; a smooth ride, a barely conscious brother, an unconscious
sister and a very anxious mother. For once even Nick Barkley was quiet on the
way home.
The activity kicked into high gear as they pulled up in front of the house.
Nick stood and began barking commands, taking control of the chaos. Within a
few minutes, the horses were being seen to, the wagon and carriage were being
put away and Carl was at the door of the mansion with Audra cradled in his
arms.
Silas had been waiting for them and as they approached he swung the door open.
“You’ll find everything you need in Miss Audra’s room, Miz Barkley. I’ve got it
all ready for her.”
“Thank you, Silas. Please wait for the doctor and bring him up as soon as he
gets here.”
Carl crossed the hall and started up the stairs, followed closely by Victoria,
Jarrod and Nick. As Heath reached the bottom step, he looked up at the expanse
of stairs and knew there was no way he could make it.
Nick stopped half way up the stairs and turned around just in time to see his
little brother collapse heavily on the bottom steps. With a glance up and a
realization he’d only be in the way, he quickly descended and sat down next to
Heath, who was leaning against the railing with his eyes closed.
“Where do you wanna go?"
“Where do I wanna go, or where do I think I can make it to?”
“Both I guess.”
“I wanna get on Charger, go out and find Hartley and Dyer. Beat the living hell
out of both of them and turn them over to Fred, so this whole nightmare can be over,
now! But I think I can only make it as far as the study. You buying?”
“I’m always buying.” He stood and reached his hand down to Heath, who took it
to help himself to his feet. Together they headed into the study.
Heath eased himself onto the sofa, wishing he had the energy to remove his
boots. Nick walked over to the decanters of fine liquor always at their
disposal.
“Scotch, whiskey or brandy?”
“Scotch, and make it a double.”
As he was pouring they were joined by Jarrod.
“Make mine brandy, Nick and ...”
“I know, make it a double. It’s the one thing we’re all in agreement on. How’s
Audra?”
“Still the same, still unconscious. By the way. “ He started turning to Heath.
“Mother wants you in bed.”
As Heath accepted his drink from Nick, he gave Jarrod a disgusted look, raised
his glass to him, mumbled some obscenities, and drained the fiery liquid.”
“Hey, I’m only the messenger. Why thank you, Nick.” He offered as he took the
glass, cupping his hands around the bottom and swirling the contents to warm it
slightly.
Nick walked over and knelt down in front of Heath, placing his glass on the
floor. He then removed his brothers boots and swung his legs up while propping
him on his side. He reached around and grabbed the afghan over the back of the
sofa, using it to cover Heath.
He stepped back to admire his handiwork. “There, now don’t say I never done
anything for ya.”
“It’s usually what you’re doen to me that’s the problem, Nick. Not what you’re
doen for me. But thanks, this is definitely more comfortable.”
“Anyone up for a discussion on Carson City.” Victoria swept into the room.
“Howard arrived and is with Audra now. She came to as he was examining her. The
preliminary report is she should be just fine. I’ll take a brandy, Nick.” She
turned and pointed a finger at Heath as she sat in the chair next to Jarrod.
“And you, young man should be in bed. I didn’t miss that little episode with
you and Jarrod behind the rock. As soon as Howard is done with Audra, you’re
next.”
“What no colorful, descriptive phrases for Mother, Heath.” Jarrod queried.
The young man blushed and shook his head. “Never for Mother, Jarrod.”
“Coward” Nick leaned over and whispered to Heath. He then handed his mother her
brandy. “Carl still breathing?”
“Oh yes, but we’re going to have to pry him from Audra’s side.” She answered
taking a sip.
Nick walked over to peer out the French doors, cleared his throat and began. “I
think Heath’s right. I think we need to send Audra to Carson City. I know I
balked at first, but after what happened today, it seems like the best
solution.”
“I agree, Nick. Mother?”
“I agree also, Jarrod. When Fred gets here, we’ll discuss it with him. We’ll
have him send the telegram as Heath suggested and work out the details. The
biggest obstacle as I see it will be to get her out of town without alerting
Hartley and Dyer or whoever else he may have working for him. We can check with
Howard on how long it will be until she’s able to travel.”
“Heath I...” She began, but then noticed his eyes were closed and his breathing
was soft and regular. He shifted and she heard a soft moan. She got up and
walked over, kneeling down at his side. She brushed her hands through the hair
on the side of his head and murmured “What am I going to do with you, what am I
going to do. He didn’t want me to worry, he didn’t want me to know he was
bleeding again. Right, Jarrod?.”
“No, he didn’t. I believe his exact words were: ‘got her hands full already’.”
“I knew right away when he didn’t come near Audra, something was wrong. Has it
stopped, do you know?”
“Pretty much. Nick and I can get him upstairs and Howard can make sure.” He
went to his mother’s side and pulled her up, giving her a hug and a soft kiss
on the cheek. “We’ll take care of him, lovely lady.
Help me will ya, Nick? Come on Cowboy, you‘ve had a busy day and it’s not over
yet.” As his two brothers lifted him, to carry him upstairs they could hear him
mumbling. “I’m okay, Mother. I’m okay.”
He woke up with a start. He was panicked and in a cold sweat.
It was that same dream. Hartley and Dyer had Audra and he was helpless. The
details would change, but never the outcome. He lay there trying to compose
himself, regulate his breathing and slow down his wildly beating heart.
He heard footsteps in the hall and then knocking at his door.
“Come in.” He answered as he pushed himself into a sitting position.
“Good morning sweetheart. I have your breakfast tray. I hope you’re hungry,
Silas cooked up a feast this morning; pancakes, eggs, ham and potatoes with
orange juice and coffee.”
She placed the tray on his lap and went about the room opening the curtains.
When he didn’t respond, she turned around eying him with concern.
“You have another one of those dreams?”
“Yeah” he said softly, sighing while he picked up his fork and tried to tackle
his plate. “I guess I’m still feeling as helpless as I did in that bank,
Mother. All those eyes on me, all them people counten on me, and nothen, I
couldn’t do nothen.”
“That’s not the story Audra or Connie Long told.” She crossed the room and ran
the tip of her finger along the bruise under his chin. “You did what you could,
Heath. Sometimes what you don’t do is just as important as what you do.
Sometimes a useless heroic gesture is just that, and maybe the outcome would
have been different. Another funeral beside Ian’s. Another bullet in someone
else beside you. And what would that have proved? Let it go, Son. I can
understand the feeling of helplessness, but don’t second guess yourself. You
did what was best at the time.”
He let her words wrap around him like a soft, warm blanket. He should try to
see the right of what she was saying. He should try to move on.
“You’re right, and I’m starved. There’s two cups of coffee on this tray, were
you plannin on keepen me company?”
“I was if you have no objections.”
“I never have objections to having breakfast with a beautiful lady.” he put his
fork down and looked over at his companion. Quietly he asked. “ Have they left
already?”
“They have. Oh Heath, I’m so sorry about last night.”
“No Mother, he had the right of it. It was wrong of me to push.”
There had been an ugly scene Tuesday night.
Heath had slept all the rest of Sunday, even through Howard’s examination and
treatment of his torn stitches. He had also slept a good part of Monday and
Tuesday. So on Tuesday evening he was more than ready to join the family at the
dinner table. Everyone was there, including Audra who was also well on the road
to recovery. The return to normalcy fueled the festivity of the occasion. Spirits
were high, and laughter was frequent.
Silas had served roast beef and as Victoria was debating on how she would
tactfully assist her fiercely independent, one armed son with his meal, Nick
grabbed Heath’s plate. He confidently chose the portion of each dish, cut the
beef into bite size pieces, and finished by placing it in front of his brother.
All the while, providing humorous anecdotes of his day mending fences, breaking
horses and as usual overseeing all aspects of a working ranch.
Heath simply accepted the gesture as it was offered, and happily munched the
offerings his brother had placed before him. After dinner, Silas served a peach
cobbler for dessert. When Nick had his second piece, Victoria suggested the
family adjourn to the study for coffee and brandy.
Jarrod and Nick played two games of pool, and decided on a third as a tie
breaker. Heath had the edge on his mother in a game of chess and Audra was
sewing. The topics of conversation had been lively and varied. There appeared
to be a moratorium on any topic remotely connected to Hartley, Dyer or Audra’s
impending deposition. Until finally, Jarrod carefully broached the subject.
“We need to talk about tomorrow, Nick. What were you thinking would be the best
way to transport Audra into Stockton? The appointment is scheduled for 10:00.”
“We’ll put her in the back of the carriage. She’ll be less of a target. I have
two teams of men ready. Six to scout ahead of us and check for any possible
trouble on the road and eight to surround the carriage. I’ll drive and you can
either ride with us in the carriage or along side, your choice.”
Before Jarrod could respond, Heath spoke. “I wanna go along.”
“You what?”
“Nick, let him talk. Go ahead, Heath. We’re listening.”
“Look, I can sit in the carriage with Audra. There’s nothen wrong with my gun
hand or my eyes. I need to be part of this.”
“Heath, I can understand how you feel, but..” Jarrod began, but was interrupted
by Nick.
“It ain’t happenen, you ain’t goen.”
Heath stood up and locked his brothers eyes in a steely gaze.
“I’ll say it again, it ain’t happenen!
Think about it, it’s stupid! You’ve been in bed for the last four days. You
lost a tremendous amount of blood and you couldn’t even make it up the stairs
two days ago. If we were attacked, we’d not only have to be worrying about
Audra, we’d have to be worrying about you. You’re in no shape to defend
yourself. Not only wouldn’t you be helpen, you’d be making the trip more
difficult. I know why you wanna do this, but we’re not risken it.”
The silence was deafening. Heath eventually dropped his gaze. He looked at his
right hand as he opened and closed his fist several times. He clenched his
teeth and swallowed hard.
“I’ll be saying good night, Mother.”
She reached her hand out to him, but he closed his eyes and shook his head and
then turned to exit the room.
“I’ll help you upstairs.” Nick offered, barely above a whisper.
He turned around and there was a fire in his eyes and a painful edge to his
voice. “Don’t bother. I may seem totally useless to you, but I can, I’m sure
put myself to bed. Good Night.”
They watched in silence as he slowly made his way out of the room, heading
toward the stairs.
“That was a little harsh, don’t you think, Nick?”
“No, Jarrod I don’t. I’m sorry I’m not more like you. I don’t know how to point
out when someone is being stupid and still make em sound like they’re smart. I
never learned all those fancy phrases and phony lines. Besides, me and Heath,
we don’t communicate in that way, ever! We tell each other the truth, no matter
how painful it is, and tonight I told him the truth.”
“Oh Nick, I know you’re doing what you think is right. But did you see his
face, and his eyes, his eyes looked so wounded.” Audra stood up, using her hand
to wipe the tears from her eyes. “I’m going to go see if he’ll talk to me.” She
lifted her skirt and hurried out of the room after her brother.
“It’s the dreams, I know that’s what’s doen it. It’s the dreams he’s haven.”
“What dreams are you talking about, Nick?” His mother questioned, walking
toward him and taking his hands into hers.
“He told me yesterday, that he keeps haven the same nightmare, over and over.
Hartley and Dyer have Audra, and he’s unable to do anything about it. He still
feels like he failed at the bank and nothen I say is helpen him.”
“Gee, I wonder why that would be, Brother Nick. You’re generally so tactful
where he’s concerned.”
“Shut up, Jarrod. I didn’t notice any pearls of wisdom coming from your mouth
tonight.”
“Maybe if I had been given the opportunity, without being rudely interrupted, I
could have solved this without totally humiliating him.”
"Stop it, both of you. This isn’t helping anyone. Nick” she said, still
holding onto his hands and squeezing them to emphasize her words. “ Jarrod does
have a point. After what you told us tonight, it’s clear Heath is very
vulnerable. There are ways to be truthful and tactful at the same time. Heath
usually listens to reason.”
She then turned her gaze toward her oldest son.
“Jarrod, if there’s anyone who is familiar and comfortable with Nick’s style of
communication, it’s Heath. They’ll work it out, but not tonight. Tonight we’ll
leave him to Audra, if anyone can comfort him, she will. Now, Jarrod can you
tell me how long this deposition is likely to take tomorrow?”
She dropped her grasp on her sons hands and picked up her glass. She held it
out to Nick for a refill and the trio continued discussing the plans for the
next day. But their thoughts continued to drift upstairs.
* * * * * * * *
“Heath, Heath please
let me in, I need to talk to you.”
“You can come in, Audra.”
She entered and found him sitting in the easy chair by the bed. She sat down on
his bed and reached out to take his hand. He wouldn’t make eye contact with
her, his face remaining impassive.
“Please look at me, Heath. I know Nick was his usual, insensitive self tonight,
but it’s only because he doesn’t want to see either one of us hurt.”
“It’s not just Nick, Audra. It’s me. I can’t get over this feeling of
helplessness. I’ll admit having Nick shout it to the world doesn’t help. But
I’m haven a hard time liven with what happened in the bank. I keep thinken
about what else I coulda done.”
“Maybe you can’t think of anything else, because there wasn’t anything else to
do. Did you ever think of that?”
“Maybe, but for whatever reason, I gotta work it out in here.” He pointed to
his head. “But I thank ya for your concern and your confidence in me.”
“That’s easy. The hard part is watching you beat yourself up for no good
reason. Now let me help you get your boots and shirt off and turn the bed back
for you. Or are you too stubborn and proud to accept help from your little
sister.”
“Not at all. To be honest, before you came in, I was thinken I might have to
swallow my pride and come ask for help.”
“I won’t squeal.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek and bent down to remove
his boots.
* * * * * * * *
“I had a bead on
her, her forehead was right in my sites and she moved at the last second.
Dammit! Dammit! I told Hartley this was premature and way too risky. But no, we
had to do it his way. There’s no way we’re gonna catch em this off guard again.
It’s gonna take a whole lot of serious plannen to get to her now.”
Scott wasn’t sure if his brother was talking to him or himself as they galloped
away from the ridge where they had just made their unsuccessful attempt on
Audra Barkley’s life. He decided not to respond, because when Pat was this
angry, he was as dangerous as a coiled rattle snake.
“I’m going to the cabin and see if Rivers is there yet with his gang. You get a
message to Hartley. Tell him his little plan failed and I’ve gotta come up with
something a whole lot more certain. If he’s pissed, just remind him it was his
plan not mine and I’ll keep him posted”
“Okay, Pat. I’m also going to pick up some more supplies. If Rivers and his
gang are joining us we’re gonna need more food.”
Just don’t do it in Stockton. We don’t need anyone getten more curious than
they already are.”
“Alright, but it’ll take me longer.... Pat, can’t we just ride away from this?
I got a bad feelen about this one.”
His brother shot him a lot of pure rage.
“Okay, okay I was just asken. Whatever you say. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
As he galloped off Scott couldn’t help but wonder who this would end more badly
for, the Dyers or the Barkleys.
Part 15
Jarrod had his arm around his somewhat anxious sister in the
back of the carriage. They were on their way to Dan Rose’s office. Nick was
driving, a chore that typically fell to Heath on family outings. But Heath
wasn’t with them today. A fact that brought very conflicting feelings to Jarrod
and Nick.
“You still angry with me, Nick?”
“I could ask the same question, Jarrod.”
“I guess I shouldn’t be angry with you for being Nick Barkley.”
“Is that an insult?”
“No, just an argument Heath’s made on your behalf on several occasions. I guess
I need to remember it more often.”
“I hope he remembers that argument.”
“His pride has been wounded, Nick. If anybody should be able to relate to that
it’s you. Like Mother said, you’ll work it out, you always do.”
“I suppose, I just hate feelen like this, kinda like somethens missen.”
“Something is missing, Nick. It’s Heath.” Audra responded. “I hate to admit it,
but I think you were right not to have him come. I think even Heath will be
able to see that eventually. Besides, you’ve said a lot worse things to him
than you did last night. He's had lots of practice forgiving you.”
“Thanks, Audra. That’s very comforting.”
The sound of her laughter warmed both of her brothers. “Hey, I’m the one who
should be comforted here. I’m the target, remember? Just get me into town and
back and then you can worry about Heath.”
“Alright, you’re on, little sister. Let’s pick up the pace boys, Audra’s in a
hurry.” Nick shouted to the men and flicked the reigns on the team.
When the carriage pulled up in front of Dan Rose’s office, and the trip into
Stockton was without incident, the relief was evident in the eyes of the
Barkley brothers. As he jumped down from the drivers seat, Nick took a long
look around and saw Sheriff Madden approaching.
“Looks like you have things well in hand, Nick.”
“We’re not taking anymore chances, Fred. There’s been enough Barkley blood
spilt in the last week.” He turned and helped his sister step down.
Dan Rose was waiting for them as they entered.
“Hello Audra, I hope you’re up for this. Nick, Jarrod, Fred.” Dan extended his
hand to the men accompanying his star witness.
“I’m more than ready, Dan. Jarrod has me well prepared.”
“Alright, let’s get started then. We’ve got a lot to do.”
“Well Dan, I’m leaving Audra and Jarrod in your capable hands while I treat my
men to a late breakfast in the café. I’ll be back in about an hour or so. Does
that work?”
“That should be fine, Nick. Are you staying for this, Fred?”
“I am. It’s about time I heard the details from this young lady.”
Nick was thinking how smoothly the entire operation had gone so far until he
walked out of the office door. It was then, he saw Robert Hartley standing
directly across the street. As usual he was impeccably dressed. He was leaning
against the column outside the hotel, looking very confident.
“Hello, Nick. Anything new?”
He knew he was being baited, but he didn’t care. All the pain, fear and
apprehension his family had experienced within the last week flooded him.
Everything that made him Nick Barkley screamed at him to grab this man and beat
him senseless. As he stepped off the sidewalk, his intent flaming in his eyes,
a hand grabbed his shoulder.
“It’d be a mistake, Nick. I know how you feel, but it’d be a mistake. Let’s go
join the men and get something to eat. He’ll get his, and believe it or not,
it’ll be more painful than your fists.”
Nick turned and looked into the calm, cool eyes of his foreman, McCall. It took
all he had and more, but he nodded and allowed McCall to lead him to the
Stockton Café.
* * * * * * * *
As Heath made his way down the long staircase, he noted with
satisfaction that his pain was decreasing and his stamina increasing.
“Heath, the Longs are joining us for lunch today. Connie’s father came and took
her mother to San Francisco for a few days. The children have been asking to
see you since you were shot and I told Connie to bring them by today, and Jim is
coming with them.”
“I’ll be glad to see them. They’ve been on my mind since the robbery.”
“They came to the doctors office during your surgery and were so concerned
about you. They told Nick you were a hero for helping them get out.”
“That’s not the part of the conversation he repeated to me.”
“No I’m sure it’s not, but suffice to say it was a fairly poignant scene. Are
you still angry with him, Heath?”
“Just wishen he coulda said it different. But then I guess if he did, he
wouldn’t be Nick. He’ll explain to me why he was right, and how he had to do it
that way. I’ll end up apologizen to him and everything will be back to normal.
Or as normal as things get between Nick and me.”
“Just what does that mean?”
“Oh I don’t know, Mother. Maybe just that when you don’t have much of a past
together, it’s sometimes hard to accept the present or depend on the future.”
“That doesn’t make you any less his sibling than Jarrod or Audra, Heath.”
They were interrupted by a knock on the door and watched as Silas hurried to
answer.
“We’ll finish this discussion later, young man.” She firmly stated as she shook
her finger at him and then turned to welcome their visitors.
“I hope not, I said more than I oughta.” He whispered to himself.
“Connie, Jim, Andy and Kelly, how lovely to see you. Jim! Your cast has been
removed!”
“Hello, Victoria. Yes I’ll be hobbling around on this cane for a while, but
it’s better than that cast.”
The couple both hugged their hostess as they ushered in their exuberant
youngsters.
“Hello Mrs. Barkley, is Mr. Heath here? We came to visit and we got presents
for him.”
“I’m right here, Andy. Hello Kelly.” Heath greeted them warmly as he knelt down
and hugged them.
“Andy! Kelly! Be careful of Heath’s shoulder.” Their mother warned as they
launched themselves toward Heath.
“It’s okay Connie, they’re fine. Gentler than Nick.” He quipped and stood to
shake hands with Jim and receive a hug and kiss from Connie.
“Shall we go and sit down in the parlor until lunch is served?”
“Can we give him the presents now, Mama? Can we?”
“They’ll be no peace until you let them, Connie.” Jim laughed as their mother
nodded her head.
Seated on the sofa on either side of Heath the children each held a package.
“Open this one first, Mr. Heath. Me and Kelly, we both took some of our money
and picked this out for ya. Course Mama and Papa helped a little.”
Heath gently took the small package and opened it to find a new tobacco pouch,
with his initials burned into the side.
“Mama and Papa helped me and Kelly put the initials on.”
“I hardly know what ta say. Thank you, this is a very fine gift.” He felt very
touched as he reached into his pocket and removed his old pouch. As he
exchanged the contents, he smiled. “I’ll be sure to keep this with me, and I’ll
be thinken of you two whenever I use it.”
As Kelly handed him the package she was clutching, she proudly announced. “This
is some of them molasses cookies you like so much. Me and Andy, we made em with
some help from Mama.”
“Aww Kelly, you ain’t suppose to tell him, he’s suppose ta open it and be
surprised.”
“It’s okay, Andy, I’m still surprised. Do ya think it’ll spoil anybody’s lunch
if we each had a cookie now?”
“I don’t think that would be a problem at all, Heath. That is as long as I get
one too.” Victoria laughed.
As Heath shared his bounty, Silas entered to announce lunch was ready. The
argument over who was to sit next to Heath was quickly solved by seating a
child on either side of him. They happily chatted their way through the meal,
providing an excellent distraction and welcomed entertainment for the four
adults who were all carrying more than their share of burdens.
As dessert was served, Andy became noticeably quiet He glanced at his father
with a look of indecision on his face and then barely above a whisper asked.
“Mr. Heath, was you scared when we were all in that bank with them bad men?”
“Andy! We discussed this and I told you...”
“It’s okay, Jim. I don’t mind if you don’t.”
“I’m sorry, Heath. He’s just had a lot of questions and worries that I can’t
give good answers to since it happened.”
Heath nodded and turned toward the little boy who was trying to understand what
he probably would not be able to explain.
“I was scared, Andy. I think anyone in that situation would be scared, at least
anyone with sense.”
“But ya did stuff. When that man was gonna hurt Miss Audra, and when Mama was
tryen to get us out the door or your chasen that man into the alley. Ya did
stuff and they hurt ya, cause of it. If’n ya were scared, why’d ya do it?”
“I guess because I was more scared about what would happen if I didn’t do it.
It’s funny, Andy. You’re not the only one wondering about the things I did that
day. Nick asked me almost the same questions.”
Andy’s eyes filled with confusion. “I don’t get that, cause when I asked Mr.
Nick about it, he seemed to understand right better than I did.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Well, when he came to work at our place on Monday, he actual let me help him
with the chores. We got ta talken some and I told him I thought ya was a hero
and I wondered how it was that ya wasn’t at all scared like the rest of us. He
said ya was scared and that ya wouldn’t be a hero if ya wasn’t scared, cause
then it’d be easy. He said when it came to deciden about what ya’d do if someone
was gonna be hurt, ya’d always do anything ya could to protect em, no matter
what happened to you.”
Heath glanced up at his mother, who raised her eyebrows in response. He knew
she was thinking about the words he had recently spoken.
“Well, Andy. I think Nick maybe exaggeraten a might, but it is easier to do
somethen when it’s for people ya care about. It’s like payen a price for
somethen. You and Kelly took your money and paid for this pouch for me. It was
worth it to ya, cause ya wanted to let me know somethen about how ya felt about
me. The price I paid that day at the bank, it was worth it to me, if it meant
you, Kelly, Audra, your ma and grandma wouldn’t be hurt. Ya understand?”
“I think I do Mr. Heath. I just guess I thought you never got scared. But I can
see now that anybody that has feelens gets scared. Pa says what’s important is
what a man does about it, ain’t that right? Do you think that ole Mr. Dyer ever
gets to feelen afraid?”
“Only for himself, Andy.” His father answered. “And that’s the real difference
between men like Heath and men like Pat Dyer. Dyer makes his decisions when
he’s afraid, based on what’s good for him. Heath makes his decisions, even when
he’s afraid, based on what’s good for others.”
Somewhat uncomfortable with continuing as the focus of this conversation, Heath
changed the topic.
“There’s a brand new foal in the barn. If it’s alright with your ma and pa,
I’ll take you out to see him.”
“Can we go, Ma? Can we please?”
“Yes, but be careful and do everything Heath tells you to do. You don’t want to
make mare nervous.”
“We promise, Ma. Right Kelly?”
Kelly’s enthusiastic nod continued all the way out the French doors as she and
Andy clutched Heath’s hands. As they listened to the barrage of questions about
the foal and Heath’s patient answers until they were out of ear shot, the
remaining trio of adults laughed.
“That man has the patience of a saint. I only hope my children grow up to be as
wonderful as your children, Victoria.”
“Well, I can’t take much credit for that one, but I am just as proud of him as
I am the others. They all amaze me on a regular basis, and I can’t even begin
to imagine life without them. However, after listening to that boy, I’d say you
two are well on the way to your wish.”
They were interrupted by the sound of a carriage pulling up into the drive and
the loud baritone of Nicholas Barkley issuing orders.
“Well speak of the devil, it sounds as if the rest of my children have arrived
back home. Or at least I’m assuming they’re all here. We can only be sure about
Nick.”
“MOTHER! MOTHER! We’re home, MOTHER!”
Victoria shook her head at her guests. “As if there was any doubt. Silas, could
you please inform Nick we’re in the dinning room.”
“I’ll have them all join you, Miz Barkley.”
A moment later, the jingle of Nick’s spurs could be heard as he rounded the
corner into the dinning room, closely followed by Audra and Jarrod.
The three were pleasantly surprised to find the Longs seated there and warm
greetings were exchanged.
“Would any of you care for coffee and dessert?” Victoria offered as her three
children joined them at the table.
“I’ll take coffee, but no dessert. We ate in town, Mother.”
“Speak for yourself, brother Jarrod. I’ll take some of that dessert with my
coffee, Mother. What’s in here?”
“Put that down, Nick. It’s a bag of cookies the Long children made for Heath.”
“He won’t mind.”
“You don’t have to steal Heath’s, Nick. I gave Silas a box of them for the rest
of you.” Connie laughed as Victoria reached over to slap the hand that was
still intent on raiding his brother’s gift.
“Heath’s will taste better.” He retorted as he leaned back to avoid his
mother’s reach.
“Where are Andy and Kelly?” Audra asked looking around.
“In the barn with Heath, checking out the new foal. How did the meeting with
Dan Rose go, Audra?”
“It went well, Mother. Dan said he’d file tomorrow and a warrant would be
issued. He was certain with Hartley’s pull he wouldn’t spend more than Thursday
night in jail. He predicted a hearing on Friday with bail being set..... He was
waiting for Nick outside Dan’s office.”
“What did he say to you, Nick?”
“Nothing really, Jim. Just tried to bait me. But I ignored him.”
“You ignored him? I am impressed.”
“He had a little help from McCall, Mother. Word is Hartley’s already hired
Phillip McCallister, a very prominent attorney from San Francisco. I’ve come up
against him before. He’s very good and not troubled by a tremendous amount of
legal ethics.”
“What do you anticipate the trial date to be, Jarrod?”
“I’m sure not until after Thanksgiving at least, Connie. Maybe not until after
Christmas, with the delays, McCallister will pursue. I just hope we can come up
with enough evidence by then to convict him.”
“What does that mean for Audra?”
“It means Connie, that I’ll probably have to go away. The family feels trying
to protect me here places me at too much risk. We just have to find a way to
get me out of Stockton, without anyone noticing. Even Carl acknowledges it’s
the best option.”
“You know we’ll do whatever we can to help. Especially after the past few
months with your help at the farm. Then Heath, risking his neck at the bank, we
owe you more than we can ever repay.”
“You don’t owe us a thing, Jim. But we may very well call on you for help.
We’re going to need people we can trust. Now I see the children coming back
with Heath. They’ve been traumatized enough by this incident, let’s change the
subject. Nick, stop eating Heath’s cookies!”
“Oh sorry, Mother.”
“Glad to see y’all made it back safe and sound. How’d it go, Audra.”
“Fine, Heath. No glitches at all.”
She made her way over and lightly kissed her brother on the cheek, whispering
in his ear. “You better rescue your cookies from Nick.”
His nod was the only response to her attempt to provoke an interaction between
the brothers.
“Kelly, tell Audra what you said about the foal.”
“I said she was a real pretty horse, Miss Audra. I also said that I was hopen
you’d be riden her when she’s big enough cause you look so...so...what’s the
word you told me, Mama?”
“Elegant.”
“Elegant when you ride a horse. I wanna be able to ride like you when I grow
up.”
“I’d be glad to teach you, Kelly. We have a few ponies here, Connie if you
wouldn’t mind my giving her some riding lessons.”
“I’m sure we can work that out, Audra. It’s a wonderful offer.”
“Jim, can that gimpy leg of yours support you enough for a game of pool.”
“I’m game if you are, Nick. I’ve beaten you the last two times we played, maybe
my leg will even up the odds.”
“I just let ya win, you know bein polite. Join us, Heath? I might even share
these cookies with ya.”
“Naw, my shoulders not up for pool, Nick. Sides, I’ve committed myself to
checkers. Come on I’ll take ya both on.”
He grabbed two anxious little hands and led the way to the parlor. No one in
the room missed the dark look on Nicks face as his brother exited the room in
the company of his delighted companions.
“Somethen wrong, Nick?”
“I hope not, Jim. I sure hope not. Come on Jarrod, Jim. I’m feelen lucky.”
As the men exited, Audra flashed a look of concern to her mother. Victoria just
shook her head and shrugged in response. Connie who had noted the entire
exchange asked.
“Something wrong between Nick and Heath.”
“Heath wanted to accompany us today. Clearly it wasn’t a good idea but Nick,
being Nick, was fairly blunt in his refusal. I think Heath’s still smarting.
It’s really not like him, he usually let’s this stuff go.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that. To be honest with you I miss their banter. It’s
always so entertaining when we’re here. I’m sure they’ll fix it soon. They’re
far too close to let it go on for long.”
“I’m sure you’re right, Connie. Shall we join Heath and the children in the
parlor?”
As they walked toward the sounds of the children’s laughter and Heath’s loud
protests about being jumped, Victoria inquired.
“Connie, Audra won’t be able to join me for the Ladies Auxiliary Tea this
Friday afternoon in Stockton. It’s to benefit the orphanage. I’ve already paid
for both of us to attend, can you come in her place?”
“I’d love to Victoria, but things have been a little...well... a little short
for us lately and I really have nothing to wear.”
“Oh I can fix that easily enough. We’re about the same size and you can wear
the dress I was planning on using. It’s a beautiful emerald green, a perfect
color for you. Come with me and you can try it on.”
Before Connie could respond, Audra was pulling her up the stairs toward her
room. Victoria smiled at her daughters easy generosity as the young women
giggled all the way.
“It looks like you’re losing this game, Son.”
“Yep I am, Mother. Were you aware that you could now move sideways to jump
somebody?”
“No, no I wasn’t.”
“Yeah, apparently it’s a new rule. But only for two desperadoes who live on a
nearby farm. But I’m aimen to take my revenge.”
He quickly stood up, narrowed his eyes and shook his fist as he began chasing
the two shrieking youngsters. As they narrowly missed knocking over the flower
vases while they dodged among the furniture, Connie and Audra descended the
stairs.
“Here, here, here!
What kind of behavior is this? Andrew and Kelly Long AND
Heath Barkley, you should be ashamed of yourselves. Running and shouting in the
house, and right in front of Mrs. Barkley.”
Kelly Long was a vision. Her hands were on her hips and her eyes were flashing
but she looked stunning in the satin, emerald green dress. She had released her
long, blond hair from the clip she always used and it cascaded down her back,
emphasizing her youth and loveliness.
“Boy Howdy, don’t your ma look beautiful.”
“She sure does, Mr. Heath. I ain’t never seen her look so good.”
“She looks pretty all the time, Andy.” Kelly insisted. “But ya do look
specially pretty now, Ma.”
“Don’t you teach my children your slippery ways, Heath Barkley. That little
trick of changing the subject may work with Nick, but I can see right through
you.”
“I don’t think he’s tricken ya, Connie. You do look very beautiful. As
beautiful as the day I married ya!”
The men had come from the study to discover the source of the commotion in the
parlor. Jim stood gazing up at his wife, his eyes full of pride and affection
as he held his hand out to her.
“What a lovely thing to say. But somebody needs to corral this trio of out of
control children.”
She descended the remaining steps into her husbands arms. Then turned to
gesture to three very guilty looking faces.
“Sounds like you need a good attorney.” Jarrod offered. “Madame judge, will you
grant these three a reprieve, if they throw themselves on the mercy of the
court.”
“I will if they promise to...what is it Heath?” Victoria noticed as the look on
Heath’s face totally changed, becoming suddenly serious.
“I think I’ve got an idea that just might work.” He murmured almost to himself.
“Silas will you take the children to the kitchen for some milk and cookies.
Andy, Kelly, I need to talk to your ma and pa, do you two mind?”
“No” Andy looked a little disappointed. “We’ll go, but can we play some more
later?”
“Absolutely, just give us some time now, okay?”
The children nodded and willingly followed Silas to the kitchen.
“What are you thinking, Heath”
“Jarrod, look at her. She’s Audra’s size and their hair is so similar. Jim
looks nothing like me but he is about my size. Every year Mother and Audra and
at least one of us goes to San Francisco about this time of the year for
Christmas shopping. What if all of us go this year? We dress Connie up in
Audra’s clothes, Jim in mine and put them in the surrey with all of you. While
Hartley and his men watch the spectacle of all the Barkley’s and a dozen guards
head for Frisco, Audra and I slip off to Carson City.”
There was a long silence as all the occupants of the room considered the
proposal.
“That is of course if Connie and Jim don’t mind. There would be a risk to it,
but we’d do everything to keep ya safe.”
Jim glanced at his wife who smiled and nodded her head.
“We’d be glad to, Heath. It sounds like a good idea to me.”
“I believe it could work. Nick, Mother what do you think?”
“We’d have to be very careful. Yes, very careful indeed. But it’s the best idea
I’ve heard yet, Jarrod. Do you agree, Nick?”
“Yes, Mother I do.”
“We can exchange places with Connie and Jim on whatever day we decide, Sis.
We’ll have Jarrod ship our clothes to Frank ahead of time so we don’t need to
carry no luggage. Then we slip out using our horses and catch the train south
of here a ways. I’d like to wait a week or so until my shoulder gets a might
better. But otherwise, I think it could work. Will your folks be back to stay
with the kids by then?”
“They’ll be back by then, Heath and I know they’ll be glad to help.”
“I think we should keep the exact details among the six of us. I’m not sayen we
can’t trust others. It’d just make for less chances of a leak.”
“I think you’re right, Nick. What do you say if I have Silas make us some more
coffee and we sit down at the table to iron out the details. There’s some old
toys in the attic that will amuse the children while we talk. Nick and Heath
will you get them down?”
“Sure, Mother. Let’s go, Boy.” Nick slapped Heath on the back and headed up the
stairs. His brother slowly followed, while the other co-conspirators headed
toward the dinning room.
As they reached the second floor, Nick turned around.
“Are we gonna put this to bed? You need to take a swing at me or what?”
“I need ya to respect me more than ya do, Nick. I ain’t a little kid to be
given orders to.” He looked down and swallowed hard, trying to find the right
words. “I know ya was probably right about my goen, but I wish ya had found
another way to tell me.”
“I wish I could tell ya I’d for sure change, Heath. But words come pouren outta
my mouth before I think about them. I do respect ya, Heath. The problem is I
care about ya and when I get worried I get loud and I give orders. That’s how I
fix things. But I’ll try, little brother.”
Heath shook his head, smiled and sighed. “Get your sorry butt outta my way. I
need to get some toys so I can get to that dinning room and be brilliant.”
“Well if that’s the case you better be finden more than toys in the attic,
you’d better be finden new brains.”
“Well if’n I do, they’ll be the ones you left up there years ago. Now come on,
we got work to do.”
If they had turned around they would have seen their delighted mother standing
at the bottom of the stairs with a self satisfied smile. Now that things were
back to normal she felt very good about their chances to succeed. Yes, she
thought, Hartley and Dyer were a formidable pair, but she’d match them against
her trio of sons any day, under any circumstances.
She was right, but there would be a price to pay, before it was all over.
It was not only the Barkley’s who were participating in a
strategy meeting. On the other side of the valley, Robert Hartley, Pat and
Scott Dyer along with the newly arrived Jake Rivers were planning their next
moves.
“You know Hartley, we may not have to kill Audra Barkley. It may benefit ya
more if she changes her testimony. If we just kill her, that deposition she
gave can come back to haunt ya.”
“What are you thinking, Pat?”
“I’m thinken the main weakness the Barkley’s have is their loyalty to each
other.”
“You see that as a weakness. Pat?”
“Sure I do, Scott. When you got to be worryen about someone else more than
yourself, you’re not as careful and ya can get hurt pretty bad. Besides we got
to consider all our options. Cause you can be sure, like today, she’s not goen
anywhere without an armed guard. So maybe we just bargain with the life or
health of one of her brothers.”
“We need more information. We need to know what the Barkley’s are planning.
Rivers, can you or one of your men hire on at the Barkley place?”
Before Jake had a chance to answer, Pat interrupted.
“That ain’t gonna work, Hartley. They’ll be watchen out for that and be real
suspicious of anyone riden their way. Now if we was to send my brother here to
the Wheeler place, he just might get hired. Now you know the princess’s
boyfriend is gonna be aware of what’s goen on.”
“I don’t know Pat, them Barkley’s are pretty tight lipped. He might not know
nothen, and I’m not sure I could get him to hire me anyhow.”
“You saw the way them two carry on. Even if the rest of the family don’t tell
him, she will. Why wouldn’t he hire ya? You’re good with horses and you’ve
worked with cattle enough. I hear tell he needs men.”
“I think I may know someone who could get close to Jarrod. It wouldn’t hurt to
be working on more than one front. Now listen, I hear the sheriff is due to
arrest me tomorrow. My lawyer assures me I’ll have a hearing and make bail on
Friday. I plan on going to Sacramento Friday afternoon but I’ll be back on
Monday. I’m going to mix a little business with pleasure. ”
“Alright then, we have part of a plan! Hartley, you do what you can to get
someone on the inside with the lawyer. Scott, you get yourself hired on at
Wheeler’s place and that ain’t a request, got it? Jake, you, your gang and me
are going to keep a close eye on them other two brothers. I got a feelen one of
them may just be the bait we need to control that girls testimony.”
“What are you aimen to pay me and the boys, Pat?”
“Five thousand now and five thousand when the job is done. Plus all your
expenses while you’re here. You can negotiate direct with Hartley for any
special projects. That fair?”
“It is for now. You know two of my three men are the Kyles brothers and they
have no love for the Barkleys. Since their brother was hanged and their pa
died, they’ve been itchen for some revenge. They also say we can use their old
place if we feel the need to change locations.”
“What did the Barkley’s do to em, Jake?”
“Well Scott, it was the lawyer son that was defenden their brother when he got
hung and the bastard son who testified against him at the trial. They say their
pa died of a broke heart. The way they see it, they’d still have their family
around if’n it weren’t for the Barkleys.”
“That just makes the pot a whole lot sweeter. I am gonna enjoy this no matter
how it plays out. Everybody in this valley talks about the Barkley luck. I
think maybe it’s gonna take a turn for the worse after we’re through.
Gentlemen.”
Pat lifted his glass of whiskey in a toast to his companions and smiled. As
they clinked, the laughter started until it grew to encompass the entire group.
It was a laughter that would make anyone afraid, very afraid.
Heath was laying on his bed, having feigned a weariness he really didn’t feel.
He had excused himself from the company of his family early and headed
upstairs. This was an attempt to sort out what was causing his feelings of
restlessness and discomfort.
It had been a week since the Longs had visited and the plan to spirit Audra away
to Carson City had been finalized. Dr. Merar and his wife had visited on Friday
to remove Heath’s stitches and have dinner with the family. He had given his
young patient the go ahead to increase his activity level and Heath had tried
to be as reasonable as possible.
Within that week, Robert Hartley had been arrested, had his preliminary hearing
and been bailed out within a matter of twenty-four hours. The residents of
Stockton were clearly skeptical about his guilt. Many of them chalked the
allegations up to the Barkley’s anger over Hartley shooting Heath. After all
everyone knew what close friends Dan Rose and Jarrod Barkley were. Some were
even aware of Hartley’s disdain towards Heath.
Revenge was a powerful motive, even for a family like the Barkleys. Heath had
heard the rumors, and ignored them. Nick had heard the rumors and knocked two
of Stockton’s residents senseless, causing the sheriff to advise Jarrod and
Victoria to keep him out of town for a while. A request with which he
reluctantly complied after Jarrod threatened not to bail him out of jail the
next time. Heath tried to let go of the responsibility he felt for the
community reaction.
Today he had spent a good part of his time gentling the three new colts Nick
had recently purchased. It was an activity that he loved and didn’t find
physically taxing. However, he knew his mother was concerned by the number of
visits she had made to the corral during the day. He had such conflicting
feelings with her incredible nurturing and investment. He loved the warm glow
of love and tremendous sense of belonging her actions offered him. He hated
being the cause of further concern and anxiety and there were times, such as
now, he worried about how much of it was deserved.
What had driven him to insist he accompany Audra into town on the day of the
deposition? Why was it so vital to him that he come up with a plan to ensure
Audra’s safety? Why was he experiencing so much anxiety about it’s success or
failure? He had admitted to his feelings of helplessness that day in the bank,
and he knew that was part of it. But what he also knew is that he couldn’t
completely rid himself of his constant need to prove his worth, to himself, his
family and even to the people in the Valley.
Was the drive inside or outside? Was it his own secret fears and constant self
examination that tainted the messages that seem to be so genuine and sincere?
Or did the messages come from a birth that many felt defined his lack of self
worth? Did his family at times, however covertly, question his loyalty or his
motives, in ways they didn’t question each other? Did the burden of proof lay
within him or on him? How would he ever know?
There was a knock at his door. “Come in, I’m awake.”
The door opened and the faint odor of lilacs swept into the room, along with
the concerned face of the woman who allowed him to call her mother..
“What’s troubling you, Heath? I can see you’re struggling with something and
I’d like to help if I could.”
“I wish I knew how to put it into words, Mother. I wish it was a question you
could answer. I can’t even rightly say I know what I’m feelen, cause it’s so
jumbled up in my mind.”
She had taken the chair by the bed and turned it so she could face him. He sat
up and swung his long legs over the side of the bed. He reached out and took
both of her small hands, in his large callous covered ones. He met her eyes and
smiled that half smile that always brought a lightness to her heart.
“What I can tell ya is when I find the right words and when I know what I’m looken
for, you’ll be the first person I turn ta. Cause you ain’t never let me down
yet, and I don’t suspect ya ever will.”
“That’s a lovely compliment, dear but I don’t buy it for a minute. I know that
right now, for whatever reason, you just won’t tell me what’s going on in that
head of yours. But I’m prepared to wait, for as long as it takes. Just promise
me I won’t be waiting forever.”
I promise, Mother. It won’t be forever, it won’t even be too long.”
She stood up and gently cupped his face and kissed his cheek.
“You get some sleep. We only have three days before our grand charade and I’m
still worried about your shoulder. Do you really feel that you’re up to going
to Carson City with Audra.?”
“Mother, I’d never jeopardize Audra. If I didn’t feel as if I could protect
her, I’d sure say so.”
“Oh honestly, Heath. That’s not my concern. How can you think that I don’t
trust you in that way. My concern is that you’ll push yourself, and jeopardize
not Audra, but your health and well being. Son, what words can I use that will
show you what’s in my heart, what’s in all our hearts where you’re concerned.”
He felt shame at her question. “Sorry, Mother. I don’t mean ta....”
She put her hand over his mouth. “No I’m sorry, that life has offered you so
little in the way of belonging and trust. But it’s a journey we’ll take
together, and someday....someday soon you’ll be filled with answers and leave
all the questions and emptiness behind. Good night, Son. Please just never
forget I love you.”
As she left him with tears in her eyes, he again couldn’t decide what he felt.
Reassured because she so clearly loved and treasured him, or sorrow that he had
once again caused her pain and regret. He heard her directing Nick away from
his door.
“Let him be, Son. There are just things he needs to work out by himself. He’ll
come to us in his own good time. For once in your life Nicholas, have a little
patience.”
They moved down the hall and while Nick’s reply was not audible, Heath could
hear him chuckling and knew his mother had once again worked her magic. He
stretched out on his bed and gazed up to the ceiling, looking for answers that
felt just out of reach. For now he’d put this away. He couldn’t afford the
luxury of distraction while the lives of his family were on the line. Starting
tomorrow he’d bury it again and focus on the tasks ahead. Starting tomorrow
he’d remind himself who he was and what he owed to this family. He’d remind
himself of all that it meant to be a member of this family, of all that it
meant to be Heath Barkley.
Dan Rose was waiting at the train station. Of all the times to be having
company. Carol had received the telegram from her sister, telling her that a
very dear friend was coming to Stockton and was in need of legal assistance.
She had also indicated that she had promised this woman she could stay in Dan
and Carol’s guest room, rather than be forced to stay in a hotel.
He had been furious, but Carol reminded him of all the assistance her sister
had provided when they had the twins and she felt obligated. Events had moved
quickly and Vivian Olmos was arriving today on the 4:30 train from Sacramento.
He had already requested assistance from Jarrod, who had agreed to see her
before the family left for San Francisco.
He knew her the minute she stepped off the train. She was an extremely lovely,
tall red head. Her hair was swept up and pulled back in a series of ringlets,
Her hazel eyes were cold but beautiful. Her traveling costume was an extremely
sophisticated green dress, replete with matching hat, gloves and shoes. The
conductor assisted her as she daintily stepped down, followed by her timid
looking maid.
“Miss Olmos? I’m Dan Rose. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He greeted accepting
the hand she extended.
“How do you do, Mr. Rose. I am so pleased you were able to meet my train. This
is my personal maid, Shiela”
Dan tipped his hat to the young woman and then relieved her of the two large
suitcases with which she was struggling. He assisted the women into the
carriage and then stowed the luggage.
“Our home is just down the next street, so we’ll get you settled. I have made
arrangements to have you meet my friend Jarrod Barkley tonight. He will be
joining us for dinner at the Cattlemen’s Association dinning room. We have a
nanny who assists my wife with the children and Shiela is welcome to dine with
her this evening.”
“Oh my. I am surprised but pleasantly pleased to be making his acquaintance so
quickly. I have heard of Mr. Barkley and know he has an excellent reputation.”
“Well there is a reason for the haste. He is leaving in two days to accompany
his family on their annual shopping trip to San Francisco. As a favor to me he
agreed to this meeting tonight. His knowledge of real estate acquisitions is
unsurpassed and I’m sure you’ll find he’ll be able to assist you in a variety
of ways.”
Vivian leaned back in the carriage, a self satisfied smile spreading across her
lovely face. “Oh I’m sure I will find him more than adequate, Mr. Rose. I look
forward with great anticipation to our meeting and I can’t thank you enough.”
Dan nodded and snapped the reigns, directing the horse towards home. As he
glanced sideways at the lovely Ms. Olmos, he wondered if Jarrod would find her
attractive. She was certainly sophisticated and lovely enough for him. Jarrod
could use a pleasant distraction at this point. Yes, Dan thought, maybe you’ll
be thanking me for this Jarrod, maybe I’m doing you the favor.
Jarrod glanced at his watch and realized if he was not to be
late for dinner with Dan, his wife and their guest, he needed to leave now. He
sighed, thinking yet again that the last thing he needed right now was the
distraction of a new client. But this was a favor for Dan and he didn’t feel
right about refusing. He knew Dan also felt obligated due to the woman’s
relationship to his sister-in-law. As he was locking up his office he decided
they’d both just have to make the best of it.
He entered the dinning room and was immediately greeted by the maitre d’ Martin
LaPointe. He acknowledged the greeting as his eyes swept the room searching for
Dan. When he discovered the object of his search, he was glad it was only
Martin who noted the shocked look upon his face.
“Are you alright Mr. Barkley? You look very pale, sir. May I get you a glass of
water?”
“No, no I’m fine, thank you, Martin. It’s nothing. I’ll be joining Mr. Rose at
his table. You can however, bring me a glass of white wine.”
“Certainly Mr. Barkley, right away.”
He composed himself and began to walk toward the table. He kept up his internal
dialog all the way, reminding himself that he could appear as cool and
collected as she did. Reminding himself that while he was aware of the
subterfuge, she would be blissfully unaware. If he played this right, it could
be the first advantage his family would have since this whole nightmare
started.
“Good evening, Dan. Carol, you are ravishing this evening, or maybe I should
say glowing. Now I’m assuming this enchanting creature is my newest client.”
“Jarrod, right on time as always.” Dan stood and shook Jarrod’s hand after he
had bent to kiss Carol’s cheek. “Jarrod Barkley, may I introduce Miss Vivian
Olmos, and as you have already noted I did not exaggerate her beauty.”
“Ahh Mr. Barkley, your reputation precedes you, not only as an accomplished attorney,
but a consummate diplomat. Clearly I will not be disappointed.”
As she smiled up at him and he elegantly kissed the back of her hand, her heart
skipped a beat. She mentally chastised herself. This was a job, she must
remember this was only a job. But Lord those eyes, those piercing blue eyes,
that incredibly handsome face and the deep resonating voice took her breath
away. The feelings both frightened and exhilarated her. This could be an
enjoyable assignment, but she better find a way to remain objective or her life
could on the line.
Jarrod sat down across from her as he accepted the glass of wine from the
waiter.
“I understand you are planning on opening a business here in Stockton and you
would like me to assist you in securing a piece of property.”
“Yes, that’s correct. I design and create jewelry. Stockton is a rapidly
growing community and my sources tell me that most of the residents are forced
to travel to San Francisco to purchase anything other than very simple and
mundane pieces. I have enough inventory and capital to rent or possibly
purchase an establishment and see if the need and interest is great enough for
me to sustain a small business. I’ve been informed that your assistance would
be invaluable in every area of this endeavor. So I am very pleased that you are
willing to do this. Dan and Carol tell me you and your family have recently
been involved in some unpleasantness that has demanded a great deal of your
time and attention.”
“That is true. But I feel a pleasant distraction at this time could be most
beneficial. Let me just say Miss Olmos, that you, without a doubt could easily
be the most pleasant distraction I’ve had in a very long time.”
“Carol, do you have the feeling Jarrod’s forgotten that we are also at this
table with him?”
As Carol smiled, Jarrod responded, but left his gaze on the beautiful Miss
Olmos.
“I haven’t forgotten you, Dan. I’m just ignoring you in hopes that you’ll
become offended and leave me to dine with these two lovely and captivating
ladies on my own.”
“Oh my Jarrod. I should have you tutor Dan. I find myself believing every word
of what you say. Vivian, when it comes to charming, Jarrod Barkley has no
equal.”
With this the waiter approached their table and their orders were placed. The
evening passed quickly and enjoyably as the foursome ate, drank, danced and
conversed.
Jarrod Barkley was at his most charming and witty best. He set out to conquer
Vivian and conquer her he did. By the end of the evening, the typically
imperturbable Miss Olmos, was putty in the hands of counselor Barkley.
“I was wondering Vivian if you would consent to have dinner with my family
tomorrow evening? I realize this is short notice, but we are leaving on a
family shopping trip to San Francisco the day after tomorrow, so there is very
little time. It would give me the greatest of pleasure to have you meet them,
and they you.”
“I would be most honored to accept your invitation, Jarrod. Carol tells me you
have a lovely home and a most gracious family. What time shall I be ready?”
“I typically leave the office around 5:00 pm. I will come by with the carriage
at that time if that is agreeable with you?”
“Most agreeable.” She replied taking his arm as he walked her to the Rose’s
carriage and assisted her in, and then walked around to take his leave of Dan
and Carol.
“I think I may have done you a large favor this evening, Jarrod. Am I correct?”
“You have no idea what you’ve done for me Dan, no idea. Good night Carol,
anytime you get tired of this fellow you give me a call, I’m always at your
disposal.”
Carol laughed in a delighted response and Dan shook his head as he climbed in
beside his wife. “Watch it, I could file an alienation of affection suit you
know.”
“Yes Dan, but what jury would convict? One look at Carol and they could easily
understand the attraction.”
“We’re leaving before this gets any deeper. Good night Jarrod. We’ll see you
tomorrow when you come for Vivian. Give our best to your family.”
As the carriage pulled away Jarrod turned toward the livery to pick up Jingo.
The night had been his, but he knew it was a dangerous game. Tomorrow would be
tricky, very tricky but if it worked he’d have the advantage. He desperately
needed that advantage.
He’d confide in his mother, but would leave the rest of the family in the dark.
It would be easier for them to act naturally during dinner tomorrow if they
didn’t know. He stopped and looked heavenward. At the sight of the full moon
nestled in a bed of clouds the words to a favorite poem drifted into his head.
“And the moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon the cloudy seas.” Whispering a
silent prayer, as he emotionally connected with 'The Highwayman', he hurried
toward his horse and home.
* * * * * * * *
When Carl Wheeler arrived home after dinner with the
Barkley’s he found a pleasant looking young man in his kitchen having coffee
with his mother.
“Oh Carl, come in dear. I’d like you to meet Scott Tate. He’s an experienced
ranch hand and has been looking for work for sometime now. He has become very
low on funds. His mother is ill and he has been sending money for her care. I
told him you are short of a full crew and may very well be able to offer him a
position.”
“This is an odd time to be applying for a job, Mr. Tate. I usually do my hiring
during the day.”
“I’m sorry Mr. Wheeler. I did come by here much earlier and I’ve stayed quite a
spell. Your ma cut her hand while she was fixen dinner. I tended to it and then
finished preparen and cooken the meal so I think she felt obliged to invite me
to dinner. I’ll be moven on. Ma’am I so enjoyed this evenen, it’s been quite a
spell since I spoke with my own Ma so this felt real special.”
“Wait Scott. Carl isn’ there somethen you can offer this young man? He was so
helpful, he tended to my hand and cooked the meal. I don’t want ta interfere,
but please son.”
There was very little Carl Wheeler could refuse his mother. Ever since he could
remember this woman had been at the center of his life and her tender, loving
care had always been a constant.
He put his hand out and smiled. “It appears I owe you Mr. Tate. I appreciate
your taken care of my mother, nothing will earn my gratitude faster. I’ll walk
you over to the bunk house and introduce you to my foreman. We’re still worken
on getten the cattle to the winter grazing pastures. There’s plenty of work to
do if you’re up to it. The job pays $25.00 a month plus room and board.”
Scott took his hand and shook it. “I’m most beholden, Mr. Wheeler and I’ll do
any job you assign me to do. I’d even be glad to help around the house. Your
ma’s a real sweet lady.”
“It’s Carl, Scott and actually haven you help with some chores and repairs
around the house may be a good idea. My mother is just getten over pneumonia
and she could use the extra help. Since she appears to be so fond of ya
already, you’d be the perfect choice. I’ll talk to her tonight and we’ll get
things settled in the morning. Come on, let’s get you settled tonight.”
As they walked toward the bunk house Scott couldn’t have been happier. If he
worked around the house he was sure to be able to pick up more information
about the Barkleys. Mrs. Wheeler had already talked about them a great deal
this evening and they were clearly a favorite topic of conversation for her. He
did feel a little guilty using the old lady like this, but in his position he
didn’t have a lot of choices. When Pat gave an order, he expected it followed.
Carl was also feeling satisfied. Having extra support for his mother would
relieve his mind. She was generally so independent she rarely allowed him to
hire help for her. Her fondness for this boy would be the ticket. Yes he
thought, this would be a good thing.
* * * * * * * *
It was late as Jarrod rode up to the stable and left Jingo
in Ciego’s capable hands. He walked toward the house and wondered if anyone was
still up. To his surprise the family was all gathered in the living room.
“Well Jarrod, we were about to give up on you. How was dinner tonight, son?”
“It was most enjoyable, Mother. Miss Olmos is an extremely beautiful and
intriguing woman. I hope you don’t mind but I invited her to dine with us
tomorrow evening.”
“Oh for Pete sakes Jarrod we’re leaving for San Francisco the day after
tomorrow. We still have a million things to do and now we’re entertaining every
night.”
“Sorry Nick, didn’t realize I would have to clear it with you first. Besides
it’s not every night, only one.”
“No, but last night it was the Long’s, which I can see because we gotta plan
with them. But then tonight it was Carl Wheeler and now tomorrow this Almost
woman.”
“Olmos, Nick Olmos.”
Heath laughed at the correction and Audra looked at him with disdain.
“You resent Carl being here, Nick? I’m leaving the day after tomorrow for God
knows how long and you’re going to complain about the last few bits of time we
spend together. Well, remember that the next time you want me to find out about
some piece of fluff you see on the streets of Stockton. I’ve used my influence
to help you get a date for the last time.”
With that the injured young woman stomped off up the stairs, mumbling under her
breath.
“She makes a better exit than anyone else in this family.” Heath observed. “I
think I’ll go up and help her complain about you Nick. It’ll be fun for both of
us. Good night Mother, Jarrod, Nick.” With that he stood and kissed his mother
and bounded up the stairs after his sister.
Nick stood by the fire place, a pained expression on his face, rubbing his
forehead with his thumb and fingertips. “Well now that I’ve upset everyone, I
guess I’ll turn in also. Good night, Mother, see you in the morning. I’d say
I’m sorry Jarrod but it wouldn’t be true so I’ll just say good night.”
“Good night, Nick.” Jarrod responded shaking his head and smiling at his
mother.
“Sit down you look tired.” Victoria gestured toward the chair across from where
she was sitting. “We were just discussing the plans as you came in. Nick was
able to get the luggage for Heath and Audra off to Carson City early this
morning.”
“That’s excellent, have we heard back from Frank Sawyer again?”
“Yes, Fred came by today. Frank has a cover story all in place. Audra and Heath
will be introduced as relatives of Kim’s, Chad’s wife, from back East. When
Heath leaves it will be supposedly to come to California with the premise of
finding a horse ranch for him to purchase. The idea being it will be easier and
quicker for him to travel and search for a suitable place if Audra remains with
her cousin Kim.”
“It seems as if everything has fallen into place. I spoke with the Long’s today
and they have taken care of everything they need to do. Connie’s parents are
unaware of the details but are all set to take care of the children. They think
Connie and Jim are going away for a second honeymoon. Do you feel ready,
Mother?”
“I’m as ready as I can be. But I have a question for you. Why are you bringing
Miss Olmos here for dinner tomorrow? I have this uneasy feeling there’s more to
this than meets the eye. Are you going to let me in on it?”
“I could never put anything past you.” He smiled briefly and leaned forward
toward her. He looked down at the floor and quietly responded. “If I told you
her real name is Deanna Miner would you have a clue as to why I issued the
invitation?”
Victoria’s eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. “Oh my son, this is a
dangerous game you’re playing. I just hope you’re up to the role. I just hope
we’re all up to the roles. Now, explain to me, just what you have in mind?”
He twice knocked softly on his sister’s door before she
acknowledged his presence.
He opened the door and stepped into the room. “You up to chatten?”
“Sure, come in Heath.” Her back was to him and she didn’t turn around from her
gaze out the window at the full moon.
“Looken for answers?”
“Either that or trying to avoid questions. Honestly, I’m not sure. I know this
is the best plan, I’ve gone over it a thousand times in my head, but I just
feel so sad about going. I know it’s short sighted, but I just don’t want to
leave Carl. Am I being foolish?”
“Foolish maybe, human definitely. Ya love him and ya want to be with him all
the time. Anyone whose ever been in love can understand that. But you might
want to work on taking your frustrations out on convenient targets. I know Nick
sets himself up better’n anyone we know, so he makes it easy. But as you just
recently pointed out to me, it’s only cause he cares so much. We all depend on
him to get things done and then lots of times complain about how he does it. Me
included. It might be that that’s a little unfair.”
She didn’t turn around but her head dropped and then shook back and forth. She
sighed loudly and then laughed softly.
“He does make it easy doesn’t he? Almost as if he painted a red target on his
forehead.”
She turned, crossed the room and put her arms around this gentle man who had
become so much a part of her life. Laying her head on his chest, she felt so
safe and comforted as he enveloped her in his strong, muscular arms.
“You’re right, and I’ll talk to Nick. I’ll apologize for over reacting.”
“Good idea, but don’t let him off the hook too easy or liven with him will be
even more difficult then it is already.”
He cupped her face in his hands and lifted it to look into his eyes. “The
time’ll go quickly honey. We’ll make sure you’re kept safe and then you and
Carl will have the rest of your lives to be together. Personally, I’m looken to
be an Uncle in the next couple of years.”
He received a broad smile as she blushed in response.
“Now it’s late, so you get to bed and get some sleep. You and I, we’ve got to
be on our toes for the next several days.” He bent and kissed her on the
forehead. “Night Audra.”
“Good night, Heath and thank you.” As he turned to leave she softly called his
name. “Heath, I love you very much and hope you know how very important you are
to me. Whatever you do or don’t believe, please, never doubt that.”
He paused as his hand reached for the door. His gaze fell to the floor and he
murmured quietly. “I love you too, Sis. And boy howdy, if there’s anyone who
can make me believe that, it’s you.”
With that he swiftly left her room and headed for his own, only to meet Nick in
the hallway.
“You runnen interference for me, boy?”
“Eves dropping, Nick? I’d be careful, ya never know what you might hear.”
“You mean something like my little brother tryen to mend some fences for me? I
just thought I’d apologize. I know this is hard on her and sometimes I forget
she’s not a little girl anymore.”
Heath grinned in response. “No she certainly isn’t. You‘ll do yerself a favor
if ya remember that from now on. Night Nick. See ya in the mornin, and
ahh...good luck.”
As Heath walked toward his room, Nick sighed, took a deep breath and knocked on
Audra’s door. After he heard her respond, he opened the door and entered,
making the resolution to follow his brothers advice. It certainly couldn’t hurt
* * * * * * * *
Jarrod stood and crossed the room. He poured a glass of
brandy and then held up the decanter, offering Victoria a glass with his
gesture.
“Thank you, a small glass please.”
He nodded, poured a second glass and returned to the seat across from her as he
handed her the libation.
“Mother, I think I can establish something with this woman. If that’s possible,
she could be a resource for us, either by functioning as a conduit for
misinformation, or possibly providing us with a glimpse of the enemy’s plans.”
“An intriguing idea, one well within your area of expertise. But is she that
malleable? Also, Jarrod, how is she doesn’t realize you know who she is?”
“Well, she was pointed out to me during two separate functions in Sacramento,
but we were never introduced. You remember Tom Higgins, the Governors aide who
has been so helpful to me on numerous occasions? He initially told me who she
was at the Governor’s Ball and was the first to disclose the rumor that she was
Hartley’s mistress. I’ve never actually seen her with Hartley, he’s always very
careful to avoid appearing with her at any functions that I or other Stockton
residents may attend.”
“I see.”
“To answer your other question, I’m not sure if malleable is a word I would
associate with Miss Miner. She is an extremely beautiful, witty and
sophisticated woman of the world, who is reportedly an information broker with
very prominent contacts. However, she presents as a dichotomy, according to someone
who knows her well. She is a generous benefactor to a number of charities. She
anonymously supports her ailing parents who have disowned her due to her
profession. She gave birth to a son out of wedlock and sends the family who
adopted him, a check every month, also anonymously. I think and hope there’s
more to her than meets the eye.”
“Just who is this source of yours that is aware of so many intimate details of
her life?”
“Let’s just say an intimate friend of mine in San Francisco, who just happens to
be her cousin.”
Victoria raised her eyebrows and gave her first born son a knowing look. “It’s
a small world, isn’t it?”
He raised his glass to her in response and took a long drink of the fine
brandy.
“Jarrod, if she’s all you say she is, why would she be with a man like
Hartley?”
“Reportedly his infatuation with her is legendary, and he is extremely generous
to her financially.”
She carefully considered the expression on his face and studied the look in his
eyes. “But that’s not the real reason is it?”
“You don’t miss much do you? No, it’s not the real reason. The power he holds
over her is his knowledge of her son.”
“She’s afraid of his disclosing the birth of an out of wedlock child?”
“Not for her own sake, Mother. He knows the identity of the child and the
adoptive parents. He’s threatened to expose him and place the stigma of
illegitimacy on her son.” He stood and turned to glance up the stairs toward
the bedrooms. “ I guess we know a little of the kind of pain and intolerance
that label carries.”
He heard the heavy sigh and turned to see the sorrow and regret on her face
that they all experienced when reminded of the difficult life that was Heath’s
before and even on some level after he came to them.
“Yes, I can see why any Mother would do just about anything to spare her child
that kind of anguish and rejection. Are you planning on sharing any of this
with your siblings?”
“No, they’re not as devious minded as you and I. Their ability to react
naturally would I fear be significantly compromised. If the conversation takes
a dangerous turn, you and I can easily redirect it.”
“Jarrod, what exactly do you hope to accomplish with this dinner tomorrow
evening? What kind of impact do you envision an evening with us will have on
this woman?”
“I think Deanna Miner is a woman whose emptiness emanates from her imposed
separation from her family. I think it’s that emptiness that drives her actions
and dictates her goals. Tomorrow I’m going to give her a glimpse of family life
as it can be. Between that and a few other things, I’m hoping she’ll be touched
enough to eventually reconsider her role as Hartley’s stooge. Something I
suspect she probably already despises.”
“Is one of those other things the correlation between her son and Heath?”
Jarrod's face flushed as he cleared his throat and nodded an affirmation. “As
embarrassed as I am about it, that was one of the considerations. However, I’d
be loathed to admit that to Heath. Does that upset you, Mother?”
“No son, I understand. I suspect that given your motives even Heath would
understand. But I agree there’s no sense in exposing the scheme to him. No
matter his level of acceptance and understanding, it would surely just cause
him more discomfort. That’s something I’d always like to avoid. I think keeping
Nick and Audra in the dark is also the right decision. Nick has never been know
for his ability to disguise his feelings, and Audra, well, her flair for the
dramatic can be a little obvious.”
“It’s settled then, ‘The Plays the thing’ and as the principled actors we
better be giving our best performances.”
“You mean to see if we can capture the conscience of a Queen?” Victoria both
finished and altered the quote. She then stood, giving her son a good night
kiss, she reached and took his hand. “The stakes are quite high in this match,
Jarrod. One false move and the price we pay may be higher than any of us are
willing to consider. Step lightly, I couldn’t bear to lose any of you. Good
night, son.”
He watched her disappear up the staircase and turned back to gaze at the
blazing fire. Words, cunning and an innate sense of people, those were his
talents, those were his skills. He could remain cool in the face of
insurmountable odds and his ability to charm a jury was legendary. He
thoroughly enjoyed a mental and emotional chess match. The difference this time
as his mother pointed out, was the lives on the line belonged to his family and
the responsibility for this move was all his. Not a particularly comforting
thought to sleep on.
* * * * * * * *
The house was dark and all the occupants were asleep. As
promised, Deanna snuck out the back door and headed to her rendezvous with
Hartley. He was awaiting her arrival and without a word immediately took her
into his arms, kissing her passionately.
She accepted the embrace and returned the kiss with a passion she did not feel.
Anything she had felt for him initially had long since died with her
realization that he could only truly love himself. He was ruthless and cruel,
and she was trapped in a web of her own making. She had in a moment of weakness
confided in him about her son. She had long since bitterly regretted it.
“Did you meet Barkley this evening?” He demanded after he pulled back from the
embrace.
“Yes, and it went extremely well. As a matter of fact he has invited me to dine
with his family tomorrow evening. He’s picking me at 5:00.”
“Excellent, excellent, I am so very pleased. See what you can find out, we
don’t have a lot of time to play with at this point. Just be careful, Jarrod
Barkley is far from stupid, but he does consider himself a lady’s man and
hopefully that will make him careless.”
“I’ll be careful. I’ve dealt with his kind before and come out on top, this
will be no different. I’ll garner all the information you need before I’m
done.”
“I’m sure you will my dear. Now come with me to the bank. I have a couch in my
office that would suit us perfectly. It’s been much too long since I have had
the pleasure of your company.
She hated the way he leered at her. His abilities as a lover were mediocre at
best and tonight, after spending the evening with a man like Jarrod Barkley she
could barely tolerate the idea of being touched by Hartley, let alone allowing
him to make love to her.
“Robert, you know there is nothing I’d like more, but the Roses have three
children and they often wake in the middle of the night. If they discover I’m
missing, it would ruin all the elaborate plans you have made. We’ll find a time
to be together when it’s safer.”
She thought at first he was going to insist. He then reluctantly acquiesced and
after a brief interlude of fondling and caressing, allowed her to return to the
Roses. She was able to return to her room unobserved and crawled back into her
bed.
Sleep would not come easy to her. As she so often did at night, she again took
stock of her life. She had wealth, power and the frequent company of some of
the most powerful and influential men in California. But she’d give it all up
tomorrow to be a wife and mother. She’d walk away from it all tomorrow to be
able to hold and caress her son.
If for once she could find someone who would love and care for her, someone she
could trust and rely on. Someone who wouldn’t just use her body, trade on her
wit and power and then leave to return home to his wife. But she knew it was
too late for her. She had chosen her path years ago and in many ways it had
served her well. But maybe, just maybe with Jarrod Barkley she could pretend
for just a little while. Yes she thought, what could it hurt, just for a little
while.
As Nick rode in he could see Heath working with the colts
they had purchased. He had brought two of them right along and was now working
with the third. There as usual were several spectators around the corral,
intently observing as his brother worked his magic.
This was such a familiar scene for Nick, but one that never failed to give him
a great deal of pleasure. With each passing day, Heath’s integration into the
family became deeper and more intricate. But Nick still wished he looked as
comfortable in the dinning room as he did in the corral. His face radiated pure
pleasure. He was confident and self assured. The clouds of uncertainty and
despair never reached those blue eyes out here. Heath was never tentative in
his work, only in his trust in his relationships.
As he pondered, he caught sight of a carriage pulling into the yard. Jarrod
stepped down, and turned to take the hand of the beautiful and elegant young
woman who accompanied him. Together they too strolled to the fence to join
Heath’s audience. He watched as Jarrod spoke to her, while gesturing toward
Heath and the colt. She soon appeared to become entranced by the demonstration,
and nodded excitedly in response to Jarrod's explanations.
Nick urged Coco into a cantor, heading straight for the corral, and
purposefully dismounting next to his brother and his beautiful companion.
“Good evening Jarrod, our little brother always manages to put on quite a show
when it comes to horses, doesn’t he?”
“Well, hello Nick, you’ll get no argument from me there. Nick, meet Miss Vivian
Olmos. She is the client I was telling you about who is hoping to open a
jewelry store here in town. We actually left Stockton earlier this afternoon
and I’ve been giving her a tour of the ranch. Vivian, I’d like to introduce you
to my brother Nick. ”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Olmos. My brother told me how beautiful you
were and I can see now he wasn’t exaggerating. Welcome to the Barkley ranch.”
“Ahh another charming Barkley brother. It must run in the family. Jarrod spoke
of you; I understand running this ranch is your responsibility. If what I’ve
seen today is any indication of your abilities, you are an exceptionally
talented man.”
“Why thank you. But I get a lot of help, mostly from him.” Nick gestured toward
Heath and turned back to smile at this very lovely creature. “As you’ve been
observing, he has some unique talents of his own.”
“I’ve always had a great interest in horses and like to consider myself
somewhat of an expert. I have a very fine stable of my own, and have traveled
extensively to horse auctions and shows. However, I’ve never seen anything
quite like the way your brother has captivated and is training these colts. How
does he do it?”
“We’ve all asked him that very question, but to tell you the truth I don’t
think even he knows. He’s worked with horses since he was a very small boy and
I suspect there were many times when he preferred their company to that of the
humans in his life. He once told me, he never had to question the loyalty of
his horse, because his horse never failed him. Do you agree, Jarrod?”
“Unfortunately, without question, Nick.” Came the almost whispered reply.
“Dan and Carol shared with me the circumstances of his birth, and some of the
difficulties he’s encountered since he’s come to Stockton.”
Nick stiffened, awaiting a criticism or a judgment that would imply a negative
connotation to his brother’s existence or acceptance into the family. He
couldn’t have been more wrong.
“How does one justify further castigation and remonstration of the innocent
victim, whose only crime was in being the product of love?” She blinked as if
she suddenly remembered where she was and just to whom she was speaking. “Oh,
please forgive me. I had no right to…to…I just have such strong...Oh Jarrod,
rescue me.”
“You don’t need rescuing, Vivian. You’re preaching to the choir, my dear.
Believe me, we both understand and appreciate your sentiments.”
Nick shuffled his feet in the dirt, as Ciego came from the barn to take Coco.
“Take good care of him, Ciego, he’s had a long day too. I’ll sure be glad when
Heath can be out there with me. Well if I plan on beating my little brother to
the bathtub, I’d better head in now. See you later Miss Olmos.”
“Please, it’s Vivian, Nick.”
“Vivian, then.” He smiled and turned around just as Heath joined them.
“Heath, meet Miss Vivian Olmos, our dinner guest for this evening. She’s been
admiring your work with the horses.”
Good evening, Ma’am, it’s a pleasure to meet ya.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Heath. You are certainly a master. Could I get you
to tell me a little about those colts, I suspect they possess exceptionally
fine bloodlines.”
“Well Ma’am I’d love ta, but I suspect if you want the best information on that
subject, you should be talkin to my brother Nick here. He’s the true expert
when it comes to horseflesh.”
Nick beamed and turned toward the corral to deliver a discourse on the
development of the Barkley equine empire. Heath grinned broadly at Jarrod and
Vivian, drew his finger up to his lips, quietly turned and raced toward the
house with every intention of claiming the bathroom.
Jarrod’s expression never wavered but Vivian had to struggle to keep from
erupting into gales of laughter. Eventually, Nick called Heath’s name to confirm
his description of the unequaled quality in the bloodlines of their stock. When
there was no reply he whirled around puzzled as to the lack of response.
“Why, where did Heath go, Jar.........OH MY GOD!!! He did it again, that
little.....he did that on purpose, just to beat me upstairs. When I get my
hands on him.....Ohh, ahh sorry Vivian. See you at dinner.” He then turned his
glare toward his older brother. “Thanks, thanks loads Jarrod! You could have
warned me.”
“Yes, but what fun would that have been, Nick?”
With that he removed his hat and slapped it against his leg both to remove some
of the days dust, and to divest himself of his current frustrations. He then
stomped off toward the front door as only Nick Barkley could.
Vivian’s soft, warm chuckle brought Jarrod’s attention back to his lovely
companion. He too laughed in response.
“I take it the little scene I just witnessed is an oft repeated one?”
“Those two are pretty entertaining on a daily basis. Most days I just marvel at
their relationship. When Heath first came I thought Nick would kill him. Nick
saw him as a walking symbol of our father’s infallibility, and he could barely
tolerate his existence. To Heath’s credit, he stuck it out and proved to Nick
that he could be the right arm he’s been looking for since I left for law
school and father died. To Nick’s credit, he saw through Heath’s anger and
defensiveness and shared his most prized possession, the Barkley ranch. Since
that time, they’ve forged a bond stronger than I’ve ever seen between two
brothers.”
“Where does that leave you?” she inquired poignantly.
He paused and she saw a smile that lit his face and highlighted the twinkle in
his eyes.
“Right exactly where I should be, sometimes in the middle and sometimes on the
edge. I don’t share in their all consuming love of the ranch or their need for
daily physical labor. But I do function as mentor, a confidant, a mediator and
at times a paternal figure they can count on. I have a bond with each of them
individually and when the situation calls for it we make quite a trio. Nick and
I share a history, but what Heath and I lack in time, we make up for in
intensity. I don’t feel at all left out if that’s what you’re asking.”
“I guess it was what I was asking, and you’ve answered it quite eloquently.”
“Shall we go in? I’m anxious to introduce you to my mother and Audra. They’re
not entertaining in the same way as Nick and Heath are, but they certainly hold
their own.”
* * * * * * * *
They were well into the main course of an elegant dinner of
Chicken Creole, Nick’s favorite dish. The conversation had been lively and
eclectic. Vivian watched as Victoria presided over the meal and her children
with equal aplomb and grace. This was clearly a family who reveled in each
other’s company. The exchange of information, quips and barbs flew and a
picture came to her of an elegant tapestry, with unique and colorful threads
that came together to weave an elegant and intricate picture.
The current conversation stifled her revelry and captured her attention.
“Wait, wait, Nick explain this to me again. Heath complimented you and then
deferred to you as the expert when Vivian requested information concerning our
breeding activities with the horses and you’re angry with him?”
Vivian would have sworn the look on Heath’s face was one of hurt if she wasn’t
seated directly across from him, at the best angle to see the twinkle in his
eye.
“Mother, you’re missing the point completely. He only did it to beat me to the
bathtub. He does it all the time. He sits there looking wounded and innocent
and when I question his motives I look like the jac.... ahh the bad guy. Just
for once why don’t you see my side?”
“Okay Nick.” Victoria turned to face her blond son and put on a stern
expression. “Heath Barkley, look at me!”
“Yes Mother.” He responded contritely, raising his eyes from his plate to meet
hers.
“I absolutely forbid you to compliment your brother anymore in an obvious
attempt to gain first access to the bathtub. Is that understood?”
“Yes Mother.” He repeated.
“Is that what you were looking for, Nick?”
He sat back in his chair, crossed his arms across his chest and slowly looked
about the table as the room exploded in laughter.
“Thank you, thank you all very much. This family gets way too much amusement at
my expense. And you, are the worst offender of all.” He announced pointing to
Heath.
“Shall we have coffee and dessert in the library?” Victoria inquired. “I’d
really like to hear more about the plans for your jewelry shop, Vivian. Do you
happen to have some pieces with you that you have designed?”
The party arose from their seats and headed toward the library.
“Actually the earrings and necklace I have on this evening are of my design and
creation. Do you like them?”
“They’re exquisite. Audra and I noticed them earlier and wondered if they were
from your collection.”
As they took their seats, Silas served coffee and brandy along with a delicious
trifle.
“I’m flattered Mrs, Barkley, and so very grateful to you and your family for an
enchanting evening. Jarrod tells me you’re leaving tomorrow for an annual
family shopping trip to San Francisco.”
“That’s correct, we try to get most of our Christmas shopping done and it gives
us a nice vacation, following all the demanding activities of the Fall season
on a ranch. We take our private railroad car and it’s generally a pleasant
trip. I suspect Audra and I enjoy the shopping part a bit more. But my sons
always manage to find plenty to occupy and amuse themselves.”
Vivian smiled and looked around the room. “I know you will require an early
start, so I’ll take my leave. But first I want to thank you for a most
enjoyable evening. I can’t remember when I have felt so welcomed and
entertained. You have a remarkable family, Mrs. Barkley. I envy you and hope we
can meet again.”
“We shall meet again, Vivian. You have been a most enchanting dinner guest, you
must come and spend the day with Audra and I when we return from San Francisco.
Is it Agreed?”
“I accept with pleasure.”
As Jarrod went to retrieve their wraps, farewells were exchanged. When he
returned his eyes locked with his mothers’, the co-conspirators smiled, clearly
delighted in the obvious success of the evening.
He assisted her into the carriage and climbed in beside her. As their gaze locked
she offered him an expression filled with warmth and tenderness. He took her
into his arms and kissed her passionately. Her entire body responded as she
drew him closer, wrapping her arms around him and then running her fingers
through his hair.
“Oh Jarrod” she whispered seductively. “You have no idea what your touch does
to me.”
“I have some.” He whispered back huskily. “Vivian, I’m so sorry I have to leave
for this week. But when I return, you and I need to have a discussion that
includes a lot more than an attorney/client relationship.”
“We’ll have much more than a discussion, Jarrod. I can guarantee that!”
To be continued…