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.
As they rode in the carriage toward Stockton, there was a
slight chill in the air. But she couldn’t ever remember feeling warmer or more
content. She snuggled against Jarrod and he wrapped his arm around her.
“Jarrod?”
“Mmmmm”
“Is your family really as happy and as close as they looked tonight?”
“Are you asking me if we put an act on for your benefit.”
There was a slight edge to his voice and it unsettled Vivian.
“No, please don’t be angry. That’s not the way I meant it. It’s just that, well
my life experience has been so different from yours. It’s so hard to believe
that something like the relationship you share with your family really does
exist. I want it to be real. I need to know it can be real.”
He glanced over at her and pulled the carriage off to the side of the road. “I
don’t want you to think the course of our lives always runs smoothly, or there
aren’t conflicts and disagreements. My brothers and I have been known on
occasion to take a swing at one another. There are times when we’ve, however
inadvertently, let each other down.”
He stopped and lifted his hand to cup her chin. “The bottom line is we love
each other, and sometimes the price we pay for that love is high. But there’s
not one of us that doesn’t feel it’s worth it. Is that what you’re asking?”
She could no longer meet his gaze. The guilt she was feeling began to overwhelm
her and she knew she needed to change the topic or confess her duplicity.
“I suppose so, but it does make me wonder.”
He turned his attention back to the team, snapping the reins they continued
their journey toward Stockton. “Wonder specifically about what?”
“Heath.”
“Heath! We’re on a moonlit drive and you want to discuss first my whole family
and now my brother?”
Her laughter was warm and throaty. “Your brothers are both very handsome and
charming men, but I’m with the Barkley brother I prefer. I have an eye for
quality, and you counselor are quality personified.”
“I see I’ve met my match. You have now bolstered my ego enough to where I’ll
agree to a limited discussion of Heath. What is it you want to know?”
“How does he feel about his mother? Does he talk about her very much?”
“Not often, Heath is a very private man. His conversations are short and to the
point. I suspect part of his reluctance to discuss his mother is in deference
to our mother. As you witnessed tonight they have a very special relationship.
He is devoted to her. Initially, he answered her questions as best he could.
She even went to Strawberry, Heath followed and together they found a letter
and other evidence that clarified the relationship between my father and Leah
Thompson. My father was unaware of her pregnancy.”
“Why didn’t she tell him?”
“We’ve all speculated about her reasons. Because of it, Heath grew up in abject
poverty and he and his mother were subjected to the worst kind of abuse and
discrimination. He started working at the age of six. As a child he placed
charges in mines, he worked at a livery stable and ran errands for the miners.
At the age of fifteen he joined the army and became a highly decorated
sharpshooter, only to lose those decorations as a punishment for lying about
his age when he enlisted. But worst of all, he was incarcerated for nine months
at the end of the war at Carterson Prison.”
“Carterson, at fifteen or sixteen, my God what he must have suffered there!”
“We know very little, he doesn’t speak of it much, but he has some horrendous
nightmares. I think on occasion he’s shared some details with Nick, who told me
those alone made him physically ill. Anyway, we think she had so much integrity
and pride that once she realized father was married and had a family, she chose
to raise Heath on her own. Only sharing with him on her deathbed, the identity
of his father.”
“Was he resentful?”
“Not of her. I’ve only heard him speak of her in the most warm and loving
terms. When he first came to us, he was an angry and defensive young man; full
of self righteous indignation and determined to share in his piece of the
Barkley empire. The only time there was warmth in his voice or a softness in
his eyes at first, was when he spoke of his mother and what she willingly sacrificed
for him. He clearly felt loved, even cherished and aware of the lengths to
which she went to provide a home, food, clothing, education and instill a very
strong moral code.”
Jarrod glanced over. Her head was bent and her hands were clasped together in
her lap. Tears were streaming down her cheeks. He continued.
“As time has passed and he has become an integral part of our family, we’ve
seen a much different side. Although, I know there are many facets of which we
are unaware. He’s still at times guarded, unsure and hesitant. I’m not positive
that he’s yet aware of the incredible impact his arrival had on all of us. He
fits in like the missing piece of a puzzle, he’s made us complete. Mother
refers to him as the last gift my father ever gave us.”
“How does he feel about your father?”
“He was very resentful and angry with him at first. When he discovered that
Father was unaware of his existence, his negative feelings subsided, but I know
he continues to struggle with them. He doesn’t say much, except for a few rare
occasions. Again, I’m sure in deference to my mother. Vivian, why do you ask?
What about this touches you so deeply?”
She didn’t want to lie to him, but the idea of confiding in him about her son
was too terrifying. “Jarrod, this is so unfair when I have presumed to inquire
about so sensitive and personal a subject, and you have so gallantly complied.
I hope you understand and will forgive me, but I just can’t at this time
explain. However, I promise I will, if you’ll only allow me a little time.”
“On one condition.”
“Okay, what one condition.”
“That we drop the subject of Heath and talk about you. Specifically, you and I
and how we’re going to get to know each other better.”
“You could pull the carriage over again, this time by that lake over there. The
moonlight looks so beautiful and inviting reflecting from the surface of the
water. Moonlight and water, a romantic combination don’t you think?”
“When you add in a beautiful woman, it’s the perfect combination.”
He directed the team to the shore of the lake, stepping down he grabbed two
blankets from the back of the carriage, carefully laying them over a
particularly grassy patch. As he assisted her from the carriage he noted.
“There’s a definite chill in the air.”
She used her most sultry voice to respond. “I guess you’ll just have to find a
way to keep me warm then, counselor.”
“If that’s an invitation, I’m accepting.”
He took her in his arms and kissed her while he slowly lowered them onto the
blanket. Removing his hat and jacket he leaned his body over hers. Once again
he claimed her lips, this time nudging them open with his tongue. She responded
eagerly, joining him in a mutual exploration. Her hands trembled as they
reached to unbutton his vest and shirt. Her fingertips moving as softly as
butterfly wings over his hard muscular chest. He pulled back slightly to gaze
into her hazel eyes, careful to remain within her grasp. He reached up and
undid the combs that fastened her hair and watched as the crimson ringlets
dropped to frame her face.
“You’re so lovely, so very lovely."
He stroked her cheek and leaned down, kissing her neck and nibbling at the
lobes of her ears.
“Make love to me, Jarrod. Please, I want you, I need you.”
Her breathless plea touched something deep inside him. He wanted her also,
badly, his reluctance only born of the guilt he felt at the charade. Once he
crossed this boundary, his ability to remain objective would be shredded.
“Are you sure, darling? Are you very sure?”
She answered him by leaning up and slipping the straps of her dress down over
her shoulders. She put her hand behind his head and brought it down once again
to meet her lips as she whispered.
“Yes, more sure than I have ever been.”
With some trepidation, he threw his reservations away and began a long, slow
pleasurable seduction. Jarrod Barkley was a skilled and experienced lover. He
used all of his talent and expertise that evening as their concupiscence swept
them to the heights of passion, reveling in a mutual exchange of pleasure.
Spent and exhausted, yet content and satisfied they lay wrapped in each other’s
arms.
“I should get you back to Dan’s. I’m sure they’re wondering where we are.”
“I know you have a long day tomorrow. I just don’t want tonight to end.”
“They’ll be other nights.”
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep. I don’t want to hold out hope for
something that can’t exist.”
He moved to prop himself up on his elbow. He looked directly into her eyes and
with his other hand reached around to gently grasp a handful of her thick,
shinny tresses.
“I never make promises I can’t keep. Just to prove my point, you’d better plan
on getting home at least another half hour later.”
He shifted and again covered her body with his, wrapping the blanket around
them in the process.
“You’d better hold on, the first time was just for practice.”
He smothered her sultry laugh with his mouth, as their desires met in the sweet
sensation of a passionate kiss.
* * * * * * * *
It was just four o’clock in the morning as Heath knocked on
Audra’s door.
“Let’s go Sis. You and I need to be far away from here before dawn. Nick’s
saddling the horses and Mother is fixing us breakfast.”
“Okay Heath, I’ll be down as soon as I can.” The sleepy voice reassured him.
He headed downstairs and into the kitchen, kissing his mother on the cheek as
she stood at the stove frying bacon and eggs.
“Jarrod must have taken the long way around to Stockton. I heard him come in
just thirty minutes ago.”
“Do you think he got lost, Mother?” He asked as innocently as possible. He also
had heard his brothers clumsy attempt at sneaking up the stairs.
“Yes Heath, I do. But not in the way you’re implying.”
He chuckled at her response. “They could have been discussing some legal matters
you know.”
She turned around to face him. “My, my we are taking a naive tact this morning.
First Nick, now you.”
“Oh, did Nick notice his late arrival home?”
“Yes, and he assured me Jarrod had probably remembered some paperwork at the
office he’d had to complete. Honestly, I’m not sure who you two think you’re
protecting, me or Jarrod. Either way it’s quite pathetic.”
“What’s pathetic?” Nick questioned as he came through the kitchen door and
poured himself a cup of coffee.
“Our lame excuses for our big brother. Mother feels we need to deliver a better
performance so to speak. Maybe if we rehearsed our lines and compared our
explanations we’d have a better shot.”
Nick pushed his hat back on his head as he sat in the chair, warming his hands
on the mug he was holding.
“Naw, I think we oughta keep up the lame excuses. It just makes him appear more
suspicious and I do love seeing him dance around Mother and Audra’s questions.
It’s as if he holds himself to a higher standard than you and I where woman are
concerned. So his actions have to appear above reproach. It’s total manure, but
the entertainment value is high.”
“Thanks Nick, eloquent as usual.” Jarrod spoke from his position on the stairs
leading from the kitchen to the second floor.
“Anytime big brother, come join us for breakfast. I suspect you worked up quite
an appetite overnight.”
“What were you doing to work up an appetite during the night, Jarrod?”
Questioned Audra, as she descended the stairs to join the bantering.
“Don’t play the innocent with me young lady. It won’t work.”
“But it’ll be weeks before I can give you a bad time again.”
Before he could respond, Victoria announced. “Breakfast is ready. Audra get the
plates and napkins, Nick the silverware and Heath pour the coffee will you.
Jarrod, help me get the food on the table please.”
They ate breakfast continuing their good natured teasing of their oldest
brother, until it was time for Heath and Audra to leave. They walked to the
barn in relative silence, each focusing on their own thoughts. Each reluctant
to reveal the fears and concerns they harbored over the intricacy of the plan,
and the safety of the duo.
They were bid farewell midst a flurry of hugs, kisses and last minute advice.
Nick had a hold on the reins of Heath’s mount. Charger whinnied his disapproval
of Heath’s seat on another horse, causing him to glance over at the stallion.
He was too recognizable to risk riding to the train station in the little town
sixty miles south of Stockton.
“Take care of Charger for me until I get back will ya, Nick?”
“I ain’t spoilen him like you do, but I’ll see he gets his exercise. Remember
the station master in Westfield has agreed to take care of the horses until I
come to get them. He has a place to stable them so they won’t be noticed. Cable
us in Frisco, Heath when you arrive safely.”
He nodded his agreement.
“We need to ride, Sis.”
He smiled at her reassuringly, placing his hand over hers. He turned and looked
down at his brothers and Mother. “Don’t none of ya worry. We’ll be fine. I’ll
make sure she gets there safe and I’ll be back in a couple of weeks. We’ll keep
in touch in the way we planned.”
Victoria nodded and looked down trying to hide the tears in her eyes. Jarrod
put his arm around his mother and nodded also.
“You keep your eyes peeled, Boy. We’ll handle things from this end, now ride!”
With the command to ride, Nick slapped the rumps of the two horses and the trio
watched in silence as the youngest members of the family disappeared into the
darkness.
Heath knew even if they kept a steady pace, it would take
two days travel to get to the railroad station in Westfield. He and Nick had
carefully planned out their route to offer them a maximum of cover while
allowing for a trail that would not prove too rough for rapid, steady progress.
Audra was an excellent horsewoman and her ability to maintain at the speed her
brother set was not in question.
They had no sooner left the valley when Heath’s awareness of the rider trailing
them was fully alerted. It didn’t take him long to determine the identity of
the interloper and when he was sure, he could barely contain his anger. The sun
was high in the sky, when he led them to a small stream just off the trail to
rest the horses and have lunch.
“You get some water, Audra and I’ll build a small fire. We’ll rest here at
least an hour, because the horses need it”
She nodded in reply. He had become extremely quiet, even for Heath shortly
after they left the valley and it was disconcerting. As she returned with the
water, he already had the fire going. He unsaddled the horses and tethered them
close enough to the stream so they could drink their fill and continue to graze
on the lush green grass on the bank.
His movements were fluid and purposeful. His mood was intense and almost
irritable.
He had removed his rifle from its scabbard and had it lying next to him as he
stoked the fire. As she sat on a large rock at the fire’s edge he whispered to
her.
“There’s someone trailing us. He’s been with us near the whole way but he
hasn’t come in close enough to take a shot. Have any idea who it might be?”
Her head snapped up at the question and she hissed. “How would I know who it
was, I didn’t even realize we were being followed.”
“Okay!”
It was the only word he said, but it was with a tone that brought fear to her
heart. He stood slowly, handed her his pistol and casually picked up his rifle.
He turned and began to walk toward the horses. As he did, he quietly gave her
orders.
“You get yourself down by that stream. There’s a pile of rocks on the other
side and I want you to take cover behind em. Don’t come out until I tell ya.”
“What are you going to do?” She asked, her voice belying the panic she felt.
“I’m going to circle around and take care of who ever it is that’s stalken us.
You don’t have ta worry none, you know I don’t miss with a rifle.”
As he moved away she jumped up, dropping his pistol in the process. She reached
out and grabbed his arm.
“No! Wait, please!”
He whirled around, jerking his arm from her grasp.
“It’s Carl, ain’t it? Ya told him the route we’d be taken and he’s followen?.”
She couldn’t meet his gaze, her head dropped and she began to cry. He dropped
the rifle and grabbed her by the shoulders, shaking her several times before he
was able to stop.
“Answer me, Audra! It’s Carl, ain’t it?”
She nodded her head in reply.
“You little fool, do you realize I could easily have shot him? He ain’t exactly
got stealth on his side. But what’s worse is, it was risky enough for two of us
to be sneaken off, without him big as life trailen us to make it even more
obvious.”
“Heath, Heath please, you don’t understand.”
“Oh I understand alright. Wasn’t it just last night you were tellen me how much
you loved me and how important I was to you? Now I know two things, one is you
don’t trust me enough to let me in on your little schemes, you’re just content
to try and make a fool outta me. Then two, you must think I’m stupid cause ya
don’t have much respect for my skills. Thinken I wouldn’t notice someone
sneaken after us and be able ta recognize who it was right away. I don’t know
which one makes me more angry.......or more hurt.”
She sat back down heavily on the rock and put her head in her lap. She covered
her face in her hands and began sobbing in earnest.
Heath picked up the Winchester and carefully aimed. His shot knocked a branch
off the tree Carl was using for cover. When his head peered around, Heath used
the rifle to motion him into the camp. He only hesitated a moment before
kicking his horse into a gallop to join them.
As he came flying into the camp he quickly slid from his horse and wrapped his
arms around his distraught girlfriend.
“What’s the matter, honey?”
“What’s the matter?” Heath exclaimed. “The matter is you are damn lucky it’s me
and not Nick. Cause he woulda shot you, and then you and then you a second
time.” He raged pointing first to Carl, then to Audra and back to Carl.
“You don’t gotta yell, Heath.”
His eyes narrowed and his voice lowered. “Carl, it’s when I stop yellen that
ya’d better start worrying and duck. Right now I’d just as soon take yer head
off as look at chya.”
Carl’s stood up, fists clenched and met Heath’s steely gaze. “Go ahead, if ya
think you’re man enough.”
Heath took a step forward as Audra jumped between them. Heath gently pushed her
aside.
“As a man I guess I’d be thinken first about what was best for the woman I
loved, rather than given in to my own selfish wants and desires. We’ve seen
each other fight Carl, we both know who’d win. Now I’m gonna go make some coffee
and get out the lunch Silas packed for us. I suggest you two use the time to
talk and let me know what ya want to do from here, cause one things for sure,
you don’t have no respect for my plans or opinions.”
* * * * * * * *
They watched until they could no longer see or hear them.
Mother and brothers stood in silence for a few more minutes until they could
hear the unmistakable sounds of a carriage approaching.
“That’ll be Connie and Jim.” Nick observed.
As the couple pulled into the yard, Jarrod assisted Jim in retrieving the
luggage.
“Let’s get this into the surrey, Jim. Nick will you put the carriage into the
barn, we certainly don’t want it out here in the open.”
Nick nodded as he led the team into the barn. Victoria put her arm around
Connie to lead her into the house.
“Come on dear, there’s plenty of eggs and bacon for you and Jim, if you’re
hungry.”
As they entered the house and Connie could smell the breakfast Victoria had
prepared, she turned quite pale and slapped her hand over her mouth. Victoria,
recognizing the signs grabbed a container and thrust it into her hands as she
gagged and heaved the contents of her stomach into the basin. As the retching
subsided, Victoria assisted her to a kitchen chair.
“Does this mean what I think it does?” She inquired, smiling as she handed
Connie a cool damp cloth.
She smiled gratefully as she wiped her face, and then looked up into Victoria’s
knowing eyes.
“Yes, Jim and I are expecting. We’re so very happy, Victoria. Doc Merar says
the baby should arrive around the end of May or first of June.”
“Congratulations Connie, I couldn’t be happier for you.” As she leaned over to
hug the young woman, the men returned from the barn.
“Connie, are you okay? You look pale.” Jim asked anxiously.
She responded by casting him a quizzical look.
“Oh, sorry!” He responded turning red.
“What’s up, you have some news to share with your favorite neighbors, Jim?”
Nick inquired with a gleam in his eye, as Jarrod grinned broadly, cocking his
head toward Connie, with a questioning look.
“I guess I’m none too subtle fellows. Yep, the truth of the matter is Connie
and I are expecting another youngun early this summer.” Jim beamed as he shared
the news.
“Well, congratulations to both of you. I can’t think of two more ideal
parents.” Jarrod complimented them while shaking Jim’s hand and then leaning
over to kiss Connie on the cheek.
Nick slapped Jim on the back. “That a way, Jim. That a way.”
“Jim, obviously Connie isn’t up for food, but you help yourself. Nick, will you
and Jarrod please get our luggage into the surrey. The train leaves the station
at 8:00am and I want to arrive by 7:00. Nick, how many men do you have riding
with us?”
“Eight of them, Mother. They’ll be ready to leave by 6:00, so we can arrive in
plenty of time. Jarrod made the arrangements for our private car to be ready in
the morning. I think we’ve thought of everything.”
Victoria nodded and turned toward Connie, a look of concern spreading across
her face.
“Connie, I have to ask. With the pregnancy, do you still want to go through
with this charade?”
“Victoria, even if I had reservations, which I don’t. We certainly wouldn’t
back out now. There’s no guarantees in this life and I’m not going to start
expecting ones now. We’re in this together, because Jim and I certainly think
of all of you as family. It’s not anything you wouldn’t do for us.”
Jim nodded his agreement.
“Well, then let’s get this show on the road. I for one plan on having an
exceptional time in San Francisco. Now we have something special to celebrate.
While the woman folk are baby and Christmas shopping, we’ll be showing Jim some
of San Francisco’s most entertaining attractions. Right Jarrod?”
“I don’t know Nick, you and I don’t always agree on what’s entertaining. Maybe
we’ll just let Jim decide.”
“Now there’s a scary thought.” Connie quipped.
Jim just grinned his approval as he winked at Nick and Jarrod.
“Alright, let’s get going. Nick, get the clothes Heath left for Jim while I take
Connie to Audra’s room. We’ll all get through this together, I know we will.
And we’ll give Heath and Audra the best chance we can to make it to Carson City
undetected.”
* * * * * * * *
“Alright here’s the
plan. Jake and Norm will be on that 8:00 am train. Me and the Kyles brothers
will be waiting at the water stop with the horses. Hartley done paid the
conductor to help us gain access to the private car. He’ll signal Jake when
they can enter and help em if need be. The engineers been paid too, to keep the
engine there long enough for us to get the girl and her brother off the train.”
“Which brother you taken, Scott?”
“Now which one do ya think, Hartley?”
The banker just laughed in response.
“Which one does he mean, Bob?” Deanna inquired.
“The bastard honey of course. Now if all goes well, you won’t be forced to
spend anymore evenings with Jarrod Barkley or his family. We just appreciate
your being able to provide us with the details of their trip today. But just in
case something goes wrong, we still have you on the inside.”
Hartley brushed her cheek and kissed her forehead.
She wanted to vomit. She hadn’t intended to betray her knowledge of their trip
but she had no other choice. Not if she wanted to continue pacifying Hartley.
Not if she wanted to continue protecting her son. She’d find a way to make this
up to Jarrod. Somehow, no matter how this all turned out, she’d find a way to
help the Barkley’s while still remaining loyal to her son. There had to be a
way, because she knew she couldn’t live with herself if there wasn’t. No, there
was no way that last evening would be the last time she spent in Jarrod
Barkley’s arms.
He sat with his back against the large oak tree, near the
stream. It wasn’t often that his temper got the best of him. But anger was so
much easier than the pain and humiliation of the rejection he was experiencing.
He’d spent his whole life learning how to hide his wounds and this time would
be no different. As he watched the young couple deep in conversation, he ate
the meal Silas had prepared. He was sure it was excellent as always, but it
might as well have been sawdust in his mouth.
Occasionally one of them would glance over at him, but he refused to make eye
contact. Why he thought, why in the name of God had he allowed himself to be
this vulnerable? Would he never learn? He had listened to her words last night.
He took them in, allowing them to warm and fill him in the way one would a fine
wine. However, the after taste was bitter, but he’d swallow it like he always
had. This wasn’t the first time his trust had been betrayed, and until he found
a remedy for that ache for love and acceptance, it wouldn’t be the last.
From the first it had felt different with Audra. She had accepted him with an
openness and affection that had only grown slowly with the rest of the family.
He had been so eager for that acceptance and level of comfort that he hadn’t
questioned the sincerity or depth of the feeling. He now understood only too
well that he could be dismissed as easily as he had been accepted, that his
connection and position of importance was tenuous at best. It was that same
hollow feeling, that emptiness that had overwhelmed him when his mother died
and he knew he no longer belonged to anyone.
He heard them approach.
“Heath, Heath I’m, no we’re so sorry. Honest, it had nothing to do with you.
All I or we could think about was how long we were going to be separated. It
was a last minute, impulsive and very stupid plan. We just thought maybe we
could spend a little more time together, we just hadn’t worked out how to tell
you about it, so I was waiting for the right time. Then I started feeling so
nervous I couldn’t find a way to explain.”
“She’s tellen ya the truth, Heath. We didn’t think beyond the idea that we
could spend more time together. I realize now how foolish it was. I don’t blame
ya for wanten to pound me. I’d sure feel the same. I’m sorry for what I did,
and I’m sorry for the words I spoke earlier. We never meant for you to be hurt.
We’ll do whatever ya think is best. I’ll go back, I’ll stay, I’ll do whatever
ya say and without question.”
He looked up at both of them. He could handle this a couple of ways. He could
go on maken ‘em pay, stir the pot and seek revenge. However, that had never
been in his nature, he never got much pleasure outta other people’s pain.
Besides, the situation was still too dangerous to waste that kind of time. Or
he could accept the apology and do what he knew was best, best at least for them.
He slowly rose to his feet. “Okay” he said nodding. “I guess I can understand
why ya done it. But I gotta have your word there’ll be no more surprises. You
gotta do what I say, when I say without question, cause all our lives could
depend on it. That agreed?”
They glanced at each other and then back at Heath, their heads nodding
vigorously.
“You get yourselves somethen ta eat. I’ll saddle the horses. Carl, you can ride
with us until we get to the outskirts of Westfield. It’s important that you not
be seen there. Then I’ll give you a route to take back to your ranch. If either
one of ya got any objections to this plan, I need to hear it now, not later.”
“No, no objections at all. I’m mighty grateful you’re seeing fit to letten me
come along. I won’t forget it. You can count on me from here on in.” Carl stuck
his hand out and Heath accepted it, returning the strong handshake. Audra
leaned in and hugged him. He let her, forcing himself to relax as she threw her
arms around him. He patted her on the back but she didn’t miss the restraint.
It suddenly dawned on her that she had done more damage than she realized.
To Audra who had always been loved and protected, acceptance of someone’s love,
loyalty and friendship was never in question. She felt lovable, and while she
had experienced the inevitable social disappointments and unfulfilled
expectations, it had never touched her core.
But to Heath, who learned the lessons of rejection and humiliation, prejudice
and indignities from his first encounters with the world as a small child, this
was a sign to retreat. He had learned to deal with pain by not allowing himself
to expect anything different. Sharing little and expecting less, he steeled
himself from broken promises and superficial gestures by a wall of seeming
indifference. When he had first arrived, and there had been several slights
that had upset his family, he told them..
“No one can hurt me. I suspect I’ve survived
every kind of hurt there is.” *
He wanted them to believe that, to reveal the depth of his raw feelings would
leave him too vulnerable, too exposed. That had begun to change as he had
accepted their love and support. There had been times when their expectations,
their reactions to his feelings had been somewhat less than supportive, like with
Bentell and Anders. He had lived through those times by swallowing his hurt and
anger. He told himself he had no right to feel anything other than gratitude
and he had acquiesced to their wishes. But he knew deep inside they had taken
their toll and the barriers he erected were subtle, but planted in concrete.
As they broke camp, he found himself wanting to be as far away from this place
as possible. It only served to represent another message of how dispensable he
was. He’d have to accept that he had no control over this. He’d have to learn
that no matter what efforts he made, or how very deeply he wanted it, he’d
never be anything more than a half member of the family, and entitled to only
half the benefits, half the loyalty and half the love.
* * * * * * * *
McCall brought the surrey around to the front door and the
Longs, dressed in Heath and Audra’s clothing climbed into the back. Typically
Heath drove the team, but Nick had figured no one would question his place in
the back, given the wound to his shoulder. Jarrod assisted Victoria into the
middle seat and positioned himself next to her, as Nick got in beside McCall.
As he looked around, he noted Jim had placed Heath’s hat over his face as if he
was sleeping and Connie had snuggled next to him, leaning into his shoulder,
effectively hiding half her face.
“Let’s pick up the men and head toward Stockton. I want us on that train before
it gets too light out.”
“Whatever you say, Boss!” McCall urged the horses in the direction of the front
gate and whistled to the men waiting on horseback.
“Which two of ya have decided to ride guard on the train?” He inquired as five
of the Barkley hands surrounded the surrey.
“Me and me brother Sean.” Answered Mike Fitzgerald. “Sure and I’ll guarantee
there won’t be no blackhearts messen with himself and his family with us
along.” He boasted as he gestured to Nick.
“Alright Fitz, we’re glad to have the both of ya. Now let’s move right along,
we’re anxious to get on that train and avoid anymore time in the open.”
So the elaborate deception began. Each member of the party entertaining their
own private fears and dilemmas. They rode in almost complete silence to the
station in Stockton. Their thoughts divided between the best way to board the
train without exposing the impostors, and wondering about the success of the
blond duo as they made their way toward their destination.
When they arrived at the train station, Jarrod and ‘Heath’ quickly escorted
Victoria and ‘Audra’ on board the private car. Nick directed the placement of
the luggage and purchased four tickets at the rear of the regular car for the
Fitzgerald brothers.
“The ranch is yours McCall. I don’t have no worries with you in charge. You
know how to reach me if you need me. We’ll be staying at Jarrod’s town house.
He’s hired some bodyguards for extra protection while we’re there. We’ll treat
Sean and Mike to a couple of days in Frisco before we send them back. You got
any questions?”
“No Nick. I’ll just follow through with the things we discussed. If you need me
to do anything else, just wire me. You know I’ll do anything I can. I’ll also
make sure we check in on the Long place while you’re gone.” He grasped Nick’s
hand, shaking it vigorously. “Good luck, Nick. I sure hope this works.”
Nick slapped him on the back and turned to his Irish bodyguards.
“Come on, let’s get you two settled.” As they stepped up into the car he
glanced up and down the row, not noticing anything of immediate concern, he
strode toward the seats at the very end.
“No one, absolutely no one is to enter our car with of course the exception of
the conductor. I purchased all four of these end seats, so no one will be
joining you. I want one of you on each side of the aisle. You can spell each
other to sleep and eat. But if’n you both get tired or suspicious for any
reason, just come and get me or my brother. Is that understood?”
“Sure and you can depend on us, Nick. You just relax with your fine family.
We’ll be seeing to it that you’re as safe as a babe in its mother’s arms.”
“That’s very reassuring, boys. But don’t hesitate to come get me for any
reason. I’d rather be safe than sorry.”
With that they took up their positions in the seats and Nick went though the
door, crossing the platform to enter the Barkley private car.
* * * * * * * *
“It looks like Barkley has two guards watching the entrance
to the private car. How we gonna get past them without createn a scene?”
“I told ya afore, the conductor’s gonna be helpen us. He’ll be slippen ‘em some
knock out drops before we reach the wateren stop. We ain’t got nothen to worry
about. He thinks he’s bein paid a top dollar to help us and he’ll get his just
reward when we meet up with Pat and the Kyles brothers.”
“That Dyer, he sure don’t take no chances. How can you be sure he doesn’t plan
on payen us off in the same way?”
“I worked with him plenty of times before. He says if the conductor is willen
to betray his job and people he’s known for years for some money, he won’t
hesitate to betray us. So he ain’t gonna give him the chance. He knows he can
depend on me cause we got the same goals here. As long as we do our job, he’ll
pay us plenty.”
“How long for we hit the water stop?”
“Almost three hours, the conductor’ll give us the high sign when he’s ready.
We’ll move then.”
Everyone was settling in for the long ride. Connie had gone into one of the
bedrooms to sleep. The early stages of her pregnancy taking its toll on her
stamina. Jim was stretched out on one of the sofas reading the paper, while
Jarrod sat at the desk going over the household accounts. Victoria was
pretending to read a book but Nick could tell by the distracted look on her
face, her attention was elsewhere.
“Where are you, Mother?”
She sighed and looked up at her middle son. “I guess somewhere between here and
Westfield.”
“Don’t worry. If anybody can get them there in one piece, it’s Heath. We mapped
out a good route and I really think we fooled Dyer and Hartley. By tomorrow
night they’ll be safely on the train to Carson City and no one will look for
Audra there.”
“I don’t doubt that you’re right, Nick. I guess I always pretend to myself that
I can keep them safe by thinking of and worry about them. Just a mothers foolish
notion. I didn’t worry about your father the day he died. Even when he was late
returning, it never occurred to me in a million years that he had been killed.
He seemed so invincible, so indestructible. So as silly as it sounds, I play
this game where my thoughts and fears and worries keep you all safe. It’s a way
to try and control the horror of ever again experiencing the loss of someone I
love deeply. Can you understand?”
He knelt down in front of her and took her in his arms. “Of course I can, Mother.
I also suspect that if anyone is capable of that kind of power, it’s you.”
As she returned his embrace, and counted her blessings, she sent her thoughts
to her two youngest and smiled as she reassured herself of the power of a
mother’s love.
Ben Johnson had been working the railroad as a conductor for many years. He
knew everyone up and down the line and was considered a friend by all. But he
was getting old and he had never put aside anything for retirement. He had no
relatives to speak of and his body was beginning to protest the long hours and
physical demands of the job.
He liked the Barkley’s well enough, They had even shown him some financial
generosity over the years. But this money would send him into a comfortable
retirement. Besides, they assured him no one would be hurt. They planned on
kidnapping the Barkley daughter and holding her for ransom. The Barkley’s could
afford it and when they paid, she’d be returned unharmed.
His job was twofold. First he needed to knock out the guards with some drops
provided to him by the young man who had hired him. Then he had to sneak the
two members of the gang already on the train into the Barkley private car. As
the conductor, he had a key and open access. He would have to sacrifice his
bottle of Irish whiskey to subdue the guards, but it’d be worth it. He’d
certainly be able to afford more after this was over.
“What do you say gentlemen to a wee drop of the creature?”
“Mr. Conductor, you’re singen a mighty sweet tune. Pass that holy water this
way me lad.”
“Seaneen, Himself won’t like us indulgen on the job. Especially where the
safety of his family is concerned.”
“Oh come on little brother of mine. Just one little nip ain’t gonna be hurtin
us. It’ll just be enough to be smoothen out them crinks we’ll be feelin for the
next several hours.”
Michael cast a furtive glance about the car and just as quickly grabbed the
flask, swallowing a good portion of the contents.
“Ahh, that’s mighty smooth stuff. Here ya go Sean, take your turn but not too
much mind ya.”
After allowing Sean his turn, Ben replaced the top on the flask, he slid it
into his inner breast pocket and winked at the grinning Irishmen.
“You boys enjoy the scenery, I’ll be back later.”
Within a half an hour they were asleep, forever. What Ben thought were knock
out drops was really a powerful poison. As usual Pat Dyer was not taking any
chances. Jake nudged his dozing companion.
“Wake up. It’s about time. As soon as that conductor comes back through we’ll
head for their car. Now, these guys are no push overs so make sure you don’t
take no unnecessary chances. Dyer says the way to control them is to keep the
guns trained on the women. They won’t take no chances with them. Ready?”
He nodded and stood as he saw Ben return to the car. They followed Ben past the
bodies of the deceased Fitzgerald brothers and out onto the platform. As Ben
unlocked the door, Jake kicked it open and the trio leaped inside.
* * * * * * * *
*Author's Note: This line was actually delivered by Lee
Majors in the role of Roy Tate in the series “Men From Shiloh”. I just thought
it would be a very Heath thing to say.
They had traveled hard. Heath set a demanding pace and they
reached the camp site prior to sunset. Riding behind his sister and her beau, and
observing the ease and open affection of their relationship, Heath’s thoughts
were dark. He wondered and doubted he’d ever find that kind of love and
acceptance. For the most part, his romances had ended in betrayal and
rejection. He shook himself out of his reverie and concentrated on the tasks at
hand.
“This is where we’ll stop for the night. There’s a river just down that
embankment, and enough trees for good shelter.”
Heath quickly dismounted and unsaddled the horses. Carl joined him and together
they made short work of the chores while Audra gathered wood for the fire, and
removed the cooking utensils from Heath’s saddle bags.
While the young couple started the fire and rummaged though the food supplies,
Heath took his fishing line down to the river and was rewarded with three large
trout. He cleaned his catch and brought them to the fire where he expertly
fried them with the seasonings he always carried. Audra set out the rest of the
potato salad and some fruit and they ate in relative silence, with their mutual
discomfort still hanging heavily in the air.
Following the repast, Audra gathered up the dishes and headed for the river
announcing she would take care of them, but wanted some privacy as she was
planning on bathing.
“It’ll be awful cold little sister.”
“I’d rather be cold than dirty, Heath. Don’t worry; I’m tougher than I look. I
won’t be long.”
They sat in a companionable silence for quite a while. The warmth of the fire
was easing the tensions Heath had felt all day. The flames danced and created
shadows as he caught the look on Carl’s face. He knew the man was still
uncomfortable, and at least a small piece of him was glad. He didn’t want to be
the only one still ruminating over the incidents of the day. Carl leaned
towards him, taking a flask from his inner vest pocket.
“Interested? I find it helps the taste of Audra’s coffee.”
Heath chuckled in spite of himself and held out the mug containing the strong
black liquid. As Carl shared his whiskey he looked up at this man whom he had
come to admire and respect.
“You’re wrong in what you’re thinken you know.”
Heath stiffened. “What do ya mean?”
“I mean it would have been no different if it had been Jarrod or Nick. She
loves you Heath, and in some ways feels closer to you than either one of them.
They’ve been so busy fatheren her, they sometimes forget to be brothers. You on
the other hand treat her as more of an equal. She feels safe with you, but more
importantly she feels respected by you and it’s breaken her heart to think she
may have damaged your relationship by the stunt we pulled today. It’s all she’s
been able to talk about.”
He shifted uncomfortably and raised the mug to his lips, allowing the warmth
and taste of the liquid to ease his anxiety. Conversations like this didn’t
come easy to him, but he knew for a certainty Carl was genuine in his attempt
to negotiate a resolution. He also knew he had to respond.
“You’re right about the coffee, do you think she’d notice if we added it to the
pot in the morning?” He raised his eyes to meet those of his future
brother-in-law.
“Carl, I don’t rightly know how to answer you. I keep tryen to carve out my
position in this family and every time I began to feel comfortable, someone
steals my knife. Growen up my life was so different from theirs. There was only
one place and in the company of three people where I could feel safe, where I
knew love. What they take for granted, I fight to hang onto. I know it wasn’t
her intention to hurt me, but I do question if she would have done this to Nick
or Jarrod.”
Carl looked down, shook his head and sighed. “I won’t pretend I know what it’s
been like for you Heath. But I do ask you try and work it out with her, for
both your sakes.” He paused and looking up smiled at his companion. “And for
mine, because if you don’t she’s gonna drive me crazy.”
Before Heath could respond, Audra returned to join the two men. Her hair was
slightly damp and like her mother, she smelled of lilacs. Heath watched as
Carl’s eyes lit up and he moved to make room for Audra between them. She
snuggled into his arms and sighed contentedly. No matter what the circumstances
or what his feelings were, Heath couldn’t help but feel warmed and moved by the
expression of their love for one another. He pushed his hat back and tilted his
head, raising one eyebrow and announced.
“Tonight, you two sleep one on either side of me. Cause the way this is goen,
Nick’s gonna be mighty unhappy with somebody and it ain’t gonna be me!”
The pair laughed in response and Carl took the opportunity to kiss Audra
lightly on the lips.
“You gotta sleep sometime Heath, you gotta sleep sometime.”
“Maybe, but just to warn ya, I’m doen it with my finger on the trigger of my
gun. I’m a light sleeper and I plan on shooten anything that moves. No matter
if the varmint is four or two legged.”
This time only Heath laughed.
* * * * * * * *
They had been aboard for about four hours and traveling for
over three. The motion of the train had rocked everyone to sleep with the
exception of Jarrod, who continued to pour over the family accounts. As his
attention waned he perused the car.
Jim had gone to join Connie in the separate sleeping compartment and Nick was
loudly snoring on the sofa. His mother dozed with the book she had been reading
still on her lap. He shuffled the papers and placed them back into his
briefcase. He was tired himself. He had spent the majority of the previous
night with Deanna Miner alias Vivian Olmos. The memory of their romantic
interlude brought a smile to his face and a stirring in his chest. He couldn’t
help but question his own motives. He knew his feelings for her were going far
beyond the initial plan of subterfuge. Maybe some fresh air would help.
He stood and stretched and headed for the door that led to the other cars.
Something made him glance through the window before he opened the door and what
he saw froze him in his tracks. The conductor was on the platform, holding the
key to their car in his hand and was deep in conversation with two very
suspicious looking men.
“Nick! Nick! Wake up, we’ve got trouble!”
His brother snorted, stirring immediately, his hand reaching for his gun.
“What’s the matter, Jarrod?”
Jarrod was heading for his gunbelt, which he had removed and laid on the desk
as he worked on the accounts. “We’re about to have company, and they don’t look
friendly.”
Before Nick could reply the door burst open and the two outlaws accompanied by
the conductor were standing in the doorway, guns drawn.
Victoria had been startled awake as the door crashed open. Jarrod saw at once
the vulnerable spot his mother was in and he leapt on top of her, knocking the
chair to the floor and covering her body with his. Nick dropped to the floor
and opened fire, grazing the arm of the Ben Johnson, who Jake Rivers had thrust
in front of him as a shield. He rolled to avoid a bullet and aimed again until
he saw the second man pointing his gun at the back of Jarrod's head.
“Drop it Barkley or these two are dead!”
He hesitated for a moment, but threw the gun in front of him when he realized
there were no other options.
“Get up, all of you. Move over there, slowly. Barkley, kick your gun to me.”
Jake ordered.
Jarrod stood and reached his hand down to assist his mother. Nick stood as
well, and reluctantly kicked his gun to Rivers. Closely observing his mother
and brother. He made eye contact with Jarrod, who shook his head ever so
slightly, indicating that now was not the time to make their move. Together,
the Barkley matriarch and her two older sons eased their way slowly to the far
wall of the car as they had been instructed.
Pale and shaken, Ben Johnson pulled himself up onto a chair. Clutching his
injured arm he looked at Jake with eyes that reflected his fear and
uncertainty. His voice took on a whiney quality as his accusation reached
Jake’s ears.
“I coulda been killed, you pushed me right into the line of fire.”
“Shut up old man, you’re in this up to your neck just like us. Now which one of
them is the brother we’re looken for?”
He licked his lips and began to consider the bargain he had made. It was only
now, after it was too late that he recognized the vulnerability of his
situation. These were ruthless men with no regard for anyone but themselves and
he now knew he may be as doomed as the Barkley’s.
“Come on, come on! I ain’t got all day. Which one is it?”
“Neither one. Them there are Jarrod and Nick. You’re looken for Heath, the
youngest brother. He and the girl both have yellow hair.”
Victoria turned with a look of sheer disdain. Her icy voice and caustic speech
assaulting Ben and creating waves of guilt and emotional pain to accompany the
physical pain of his throbbing wound.”
“I hope whatever it is that they’re paying you is enough to forget the
friendship this family has extended to you and ease the pain of whatever little
conscience you may possess.”
“Shut up, woman! No one’s asken you to make a speech. Now, where’s your other
son and your daughter?”
“They’re not with us.”
“What are you talken about. We saw em board this train with the rest of you.
Now I ain’t known for my patience lady, so you answer me.”
Nick folded his arms in front of his chest and shrugged his shoulders,
maintaining a look as impassive as he could create.
“She’s telling the truth. Heath and Audra had plans of their own and chose not
to come. Look for yourself.”
Rivers crossed the room and stood directly in front of Nick. He pressed the
barrel of his gun against Nick’s forehead, cocking it slowly. While there was a
slight intake of breath from Victoria, Nick never moved or reacted, returning
the gunman’s frigid stare and composure.
“When I drag them from outta that room over there Barkley, I’m gonna see you
eat them words. Now sit down.”
With that he took his free hand and fiercely shoved Nick backwards. His head
and shoulders banged against the wall and briefly dazed he slid down onto a
cushioned chair. Jake glanced over at Jarrod who was leaning over to steady his
brothers descent.
“Keep yer hands to yerself, and sit down. Because it ain’t him or you I’m gonna
shoot if ya try anything, it’s her. ”
With that declaration he grabbed Victoria’s arm and hurled her towards his
partner, Doug. As she stumbled into him, he reached around placing his arm
across her neck, pressing his pistol against her temple. Jarrod froze, willing
himself not to react in a way that would place his mother in further jeopardy.
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and sat down next to his now fully alert
brother. Nick was so furious, Jarrod could feel his trembling. He placed his
hand on Nick’s arm and whispered.
“Guess this must be how Heath felt in the bank. We need to stay just as cool.”
Nick’s barely perceptible nod assured Jarrod of his compliance.
Rivers was speaking again. “Now I want them outta that room. I want ya to tell
em to cooperate with me. My orders are to just remove them from this here
train, and leave the rest of ya be. But I could just as easily take em off dead
as alive, or put a hole in yer Ma’s head. Makes no never mind to me.
Understand?”
The brothers reluctantly nodded their agreement. Rivers addressed himself to
Jarrod.
“You tell em to come out and they better do as I say if they don’t wanna see
any of their kin’s blood spilt.”
“Jim, Connie. I know you must have heard what’s been taking place out here.
Right now it’s in all our best interests if you just do as he says.”
Inside the room Jim and Connie had been intently listening to the furious
struggle that had been taking place. With Jim’s lack of mobility, they had
decided that interfering directly would only further compromise the situation.
However, Jim did have his gun. He unbuckled the holster and removed the pistol,
stuffing it in the back of his pants, underneath his vest. He grabbed his
wife’s shoulders and looked directly into her eyes. He wasn’t at all surprised
to see her return his gaze without fear, without question. Her strength and
courage were a given, he knew whatever happened, he could always count on her.
He just couldn’t entertain the thought of losing her, or his unborn child.
“Connie, I’m so sorry I got you into this. No matter what happens you need to
stay safe.”
“We decided to do this together, Jim. I don’t regret it. It was the right thing
to do, and it’s not over yet. We’ve still got a chance and I’m sure the
Barkley’s haven’t given up either. Now you need to look as injured as possible
so they don’t see you as a threat. Lean on me and use your cane. We’ll figure
out the rest as we go along.”
He smiled and leaned down to plant a kiss on her lovely mouth. He placed his
arm around her shoulders and grabbed his cane.
“Okay, let’s make this look good. Don’t look surprised no matter what I do or
say. OK?”
She nodded her agreement and together they headed out of the tiny sleeping
space.
“Okay Jarrod, we’re coming out. Please assure them that we’ll give them no
trouble.”
As they entered the room, Jim played his part so well he took his audience by
surprise.
“Don’t shoot! Please don’t shoot us. The paid us to do it. We’re just poor folk
and we only went along with it cause nobody in the Valley dares say no to the
Barkley’s. Ain’t that right, Honey?”
“Truer words were never spoke. Please don’t punish us for what they made us do.
We’ll tell you anything you want to know, do anything you say.” Connie began
sobbing and clung to her husband.
Nick was so surprised his jaw dropped open and as he cleared his throat to
protest, Jarrod elbowed him into silence. Fortunately, Jake Rivers was so
occupied by Jim’s performance, he missed Nick’s reaction.
“What in tarnation are you jabbering about?” Rivers yelled as he whirled around
to face Ben Johnson.
“He called them Jim and Connie. He is trying to confuse us ain’t he? These are
the other two Barkleys?”
Ben slowly began shaking his head.
“I don’t know who they are. But they for sure are not Heath and Audra Barkley.”
Rivers stepped towards the young couple. He grabbed Jim by the front of his
shirt and brought him within inches of his face.
“Start talken fast. Who are you and where are the ones we’re looken for.”
Jim feigned a look of pure terror. “We’re ahh....we’re Jim and Connie Long.
Neighbors of the Barkleys....I...I ..don’t know nothen about where Heath and
Audra went. Nick Barkley here came by our farm a couple of days ago and said he
needed us to do him and his family a big favor. Ya see mister, I hurt my leg
real bad a few months back and the Barkley’s been helpen us out. So we was kind
of obligated and all. They told us they’d pay us to ride into town in Heath and
Audra’s clothes and go with them to San Francisco. It seemed harmless enough at
the time. Please mister, that’s all I know.”
Disgusted, he let go of Jim’s shirt and shoved him towards Nick and Jarrod. As
he stumbled backwards, Jim exaggerated his movements and took the opportunity
to lift the vest, revealing the gun. Nick caught him as he was falling and
deftly removed the pistol, shoving it in his belt, behind his back.
Turning first to look at his companion, Rivers kicked the leg of a nearby table
and began to pace.
“Dyer ain’t gonna be none too happy about this. We’re almost to the wateren
stop and he’s gonna be expecten us to get off with the ones he sent us after.
When that don’t happen, I don’t want to be on the wrong end of his temper,
especially with that whip he always carries. We need information and we need it
now! I don’t care what we have to do, or who we have to do it to, one of them
is gonna tell us where them other two are, and they’re gonna do it before we
meet up with Dyer”
Responding to River’s statement, Doug let go of Victoria and moved to the window
to determine how close they were to the location of the water stop. Connie took
the opportunity to thrust herself sobbing into Victoria’s arms. She moved her
lips close to Victoria’s left ear and whispered.
“Be ready, Jim’s got a gun.”
Ben Johnson knew two things. One, he wasn’t cut out to be an outlaw, especially
if it meant torturing someone for information and two, given Audra and Heath’s
absence, his life would probably be over once they met up with the rest of the
gang. Based on this insight and coupled with his overwhelming feelings of guilt
he impulsively decided to take matters into his own hands. Maybe it would atone
in some small way for his betrayal. As Doug continued to search the landscape
for their position relative to the water tower, and Jake monitored the
Barkley’s and Jim, Ben slowly stood.
“Don’t be moven around, Johnson. I need ya to keep your eye on them women so
they don’t get any ideas. I gotta figure out who’s gonna be given me the
information I need.”
“Alright Rivers.” He responded softly, but suddenly, despite his age and
despite his wound, he whirled and tackled Jake, taking him totally by surprise.
Doug spun away from the window pointing his gun, but Nick was faster. His aim
was accurate and the bullet caught the target directly in the heart. As the
beleaguered conductor landed on Jake, the outlaw pulled the trigger and pierced
Ben’s abdomen. As he shoved the old man off his body, Jake leapt to his feet in
time to see Nick taking aim in his direction. He whirled around and dove firing
again and forcing Nick to hit the floor. Jarrod was reaching for the gun Doug
had dropped and Rivers made one last move. Connie and Victoria had dropped to
crouch in the corner when the shooting began. Rivers was in arms reach and
grabbed Connie. Holding her around the waist he used her as shield to back up
toward the door.
“Don’t anyone move, or I drop her where she stands. Now all I wanna do is go
peaceable like so nobody do anything stupid.”
Jim’s heart was beating wildly. He glanced at Nick and Jarrod, still
brandishing their weapons.
“Please, Oh God please, just let him go.” he pleaded.
“Don’t hurt her, Rivers and you’re free to go. Otherwise, there’s no place
you’ll be able to hide that we won’t find you.” Jarrod’s threat, though quiet
thundered across the room.
Rivers paused, as he reached the door leading to the platform. The train was
slowing in anticipation of the its stop to take on water.
“Reach around and open the door for me.” He hissed his command in Connie’s ear.
She complied, trying desperately to remain calm. As the door came open, he
stepped back and thrust her forward, blocking the view of his movements from
his potential executioners. He jumped off the train and rolled down the
embankment, tolerating the punishment his body was experiencing to effect his
escape.
As Jim limped hurriedly to Connie’s side, Nick ran to follow Rivers.
“Nick! Nick wait. Let him go. We need to get to the engineer, if Dyer is here
who knows how many men he has with him. We need to keep this train going.”
Although frustrated and angry Nick saw the wisdom of Jarrod’s advice. Rather
than follow Rivers, he ran through the cars to the engineer and persuaded him
to keep the train going. As he was returning to the private car, he couldn’t
help but wonder about his brother and sister. He certainly hoped they were
fairing better than the rest of the family. He sent a silent message.
“Heath boy, sure hope you’re on your toes, cause this ain’t over yet by a long
shot.”