The Price of Loyalty

Parts 25-30

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.

Part 25

The nightmare continued. After convincing the engineer to avoid stopping at the water tower, Nick remembered the Fitzgerald brothers. He was so intent on his mission, he never thought to check on them on his initial way through. As he raced back through the passenger cars, several of his friends and neighbors who had boarded the train in Stockton attempted to stop him for an explanation. It had become clear to them, to everyone that there had been a crisis and it was a surprise to no one that Nick Barkley was in the middle of it.

He brushed by them all murmuring apologies until he reached the seats occupied by Sean and Mike. Their executioner had placed their hats over their faces and covered them each with a blanket. Nick was fairly certain of their condition even before he searched their necks for a pulse. As his worst fears were confirmed, he sat heavily in the seat across from Sean. He removed his hat and ran his hand through his unruly hair, feeling a deep sense of loss. He had liked these men and now they too were victims of this never ending chess game of wits and violence.

He stood up and slowly returned to the family car. As he entered he found his mother and Connie Long on their knees talking to a fading Ben Johnson. Jarrod and Jim were wrapping the body of the dead outlaw in a blanket.

“There’s two more in the next car.”

Jarrod looked up sharply. “What are you talking about?”

“Somebody got to the Fitzgerald brothers. They’re both dead in their seats.”

“I wish I knew how so much could have gone wrong so quickly. Clearly we fooled them into thinking Heath and Audra were with us, but what a price to pay. Nick, what do you want to do now?”

“God Jarrod, are there any good options? Do we go to Frisco as we planned or do we turn around at the next station? Is there anywhere we can keep everyone safe? All I have is questions, no answers.”

“We’re prepared to go on to Frisco with you or turn around. Whatever you want to do is OK with us.”

“Thanks Jim, don’t know how we would have gotten out of this mess today if it weren’t for you. You sure had me fooled at first, I thought you had lost your mind.”

“Connie and I had a little time to plan and I hoped my acting would fool them. Never thought I’d catch you, Nick.”

Their discussion was cut short by the demise of Ben Johnson. Victoria and Connie slowly rose to their feet. With tears in their eyes they made their way over to the trio.

“He wasn’t a bad man. He just couldn’t resist the offer of wealth. I surely felt sorry for him at the end. He was so genuinely remorseful.”

Jarrod put his arms around his mother and held her close, while Jim did the same for Connie.

“Unfortunately, there’s more Mother. The Fitzgerald brothers are dead and we’re trying to decide if we should continue to San Francisco.”

“Oh no, how many more lives must be lost? What a price to pay for one man’s greed.”

The group stood for a moment quietly, trying to reconcile the enormity of the situation. Trying to determine the best course of action in a scenario that up till now presented only negative consequences. Each holding their feelings of relief for their safety and the safety of their loved ones in an unrevealed space, because to admit it only fueled the guilt. Each realizing that in all probability Heath and Audra were safe, because their charade on one level was a success, and on another, a tragic failure.

“Mother, why don’t you, Connie and Jim sit down over there. Nick, help me with Ben.”

As the trio moved across the car, supporting each other physically and emotionally, the brothers respectfully covered the body of the hapless conductor. In the end he had proved to be an ally, the catalyst for their escape from the outlaws who continued to strike at every turn. Jarrod realized that the loyalty he had always taken for granted was no longer a sure thing when greed and intimidation were factors. In this game the stakes were high and it would be winner take all.

“Jarrod, I think we should just continue on to San Francisco. At this point, we do have errands and business there and whether we’re there or at home we’re going to have to remain on guard until Hartley is put away once and for all.”

“I agree, Nick. I’ll get off at the next stop and telegraph the authorities to meet us in San Francisco. We can answer any questions they’ll have concerning the attack and turn the bodies over. Is there any family we should be contacting in regards to Mike and Sean?”

“Not that I know of. But send a telegram to McCall at the ranch and let him know. If there’s anyone to be notified, McCall will know and do it. You know Jarrod, Rivers will have met up with Dyer by now. They’ll be looken for Audra and Heath. You think they’re far enough away to be safe?”

“Since there’s nothing we can do about it at this point, that’s what I plan on thinking. We gave them the best start we could and at least we know it worked for a little while. You know I made arrangements for guards while we’re in San Francisco. They’ll meet us when we arrive and provide protection while we’re there, although we’re probably no longer targets.”

Jarrod looked at his exhausted brother and read the frustration and concern in his eyes. Every encounter they had ended in some sort of tragedy. Each time someone had been hurt or killed. They read the unspoken question in each other’s eyes. Who was next? Jarrod wrapped his arm around Nick’s shoulder.

“Come on brother Nick. There’s only so much we can control. So let’s share the plan with Mother, Connie and Jim and play out the next part. We give our next performance in San Francisco.”

* * * * * * * *

Rivers curled into a ball as his body bounced and rolled down the embankment from the tracks. As he came to an abrupt stop at the base of the trunk of a large tree, he allowed himself a moment to take inventory. He was scraped and bruised but not seriously hurt. He knew he wasn’t far from the water stop and he should be able to locate Dyer and the Kyles brothers fairly easily. He stood to determine his bearings and heard the pounding of hooves. He watched his companions rapidly approach. Dyer leapt from the saddle and grabbed the disheveled man by his shoulders.

“What in tarnation are ya doen? Where the hell are Doug and the Barkley’s? When I send ya to do a job, I expect ya to do it right.”

Rivers shrugged out of his grasp and shouted back. His fear, discomfort and frustration shadowing his normal reticence in Dyer’s presence.

“Everything went wrong. Doug and the conductor are dead. But it weren’t all my fault. You shoulda made sure they were on the train in the first place.”

“What are you talken about? We watched em all ride in together and board the train this morning clear as day.”

“Oh yeah, well they outsmarted ya again, Pat. Because it weren’t the girl and that brother you want so bad. It was a neighbor couple dressed up in their clothes. The two you’re looken for are probably miles away by now goen who knows where. That conductor fellow you hired said they weren’t them for sure. It rattled us pretty good and they got the drop on us. I just barely managed to get away.”

If anything the already dark and furious scowl on the outlaw’s face deepened. He took his fists and beat them against his head, while he paced furiously back and forth.

“This is no longer just a job to get that girl to change her testimony. These people are going to pay, oh are they gonna pay. They’ve made a fool of me for the last time. If it’s the last thing I do I’m gonna find that bastard and his sister.”

He finished his tirade and found his composure.

“Emmet, ride back and get the other horses. Jake, I know this ain’t all your fault but anymore mistakes and you and I will be negotiaten a new deal, and I guarantee you won’t like it. Now we ride back to Stockton. We still got hope that Deanna or Scott will be able to get us the information we need to figure where them two have gone. “

“Scott still sweet talken Wheeler’s ma?”

In response, Jake saw a smile spread across Dyer’s face.

“Yeah, she’s practical adopted him, that boy does have a way about him. This little battle of wits and pretenden ain’t over by a long shot!”

* * * * * * * *

The day was fast coming to a close and the exhausted trio were on the outskirts of the little town where Heath and Audra were planning on catching the train to Carson City. Heath reined in his horse and looked around at Carl.

“This is about as close as I feel comfortable with you coming, Carl. I’ll ride up a ways and give you two a chance to say your good-bye’s. But there’s not a whole lot of time to spare. We gotta get the horses to the livery and get our tickets, cause we can’t afford to miss that train.”

Carl nodded and dismounted. He walked over and caught Audra as she too slid from the saddle. Keeping his left arm tight around her waist he extended his right to shake Heath’s hand. After only a moment’s hesitation, the blond leaned over in the saddle and returned the gesture.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she’s safe. You take the way back that we agreed on. And Carl, I don’t plan on sayen nothen to the rest of the family about what happened here and I suggest you do the same.”

The handsome, dark haired man with the piercing blue eyes looked down for a moment and then slowly looked up to meet Heath’s gaze, shaking his head.

“Nope, keepen secrets is what caused this in the first place. I’m man enough ta own up to what I did. If I plan on bein a member of this family, I better make sure you can trust me, all of you. If it happens, it won’t be the first time Nick and I came to blows.”

Heath smiled his approval.

“It’s your jaw. Speaking from experience, I can tell ya, Nick drops his left shoulder when he throws his right. Little Sister, you best be quick. I don’t aim to take that long train ride alone.”

He urged his horse toward the road and then abruptly stopped and turned back.

“Believe me, I know how hard it is to say good-bye. But what you’ve got is worth waiten for … I’d give most anything to have it.”

“Thanks Heath. I promise, I’ll only be a moment.”

He nodded and continued towards town. He stopped his horse just out of sight and waited patiently for Audra to join him. True to her word it was just a brief time until she came cantering towards him. Her blue eyes welling with tears but a brave smile on her face.

“I’m ready.” She told him and reached out to grab his arm. “I just hope you are. Cause you and I are going to have a nice long talk on that train.”

Her grin broadened as his chin dropped to his chest and he sighed heavily. Audra turned her mount and headed for their next destination.

“I guess I’m gonna miss Carl more’n I thought.” He muttered as he touched his spurs into the horses side to catch up with his sister. Silently, he began wondering just what it was she was planning on discussing. He knew whatever it was, he probably wouldn’t find it pleasant.

Part 26

As he lowered himself into the seat beside his sister, some of the tension he had carried began to ease. Despite the unexpected addition of Carl Wheeler to their journey, things had gone well and they were safely aboard the train. They had left the horses at the livery stable, purchased their fares and still had time for dinner at a small café near the station. Audra had been uncharacteristically quiet during the meal, but given her recent warning, Heath anticipated a quick end to her contemplative interlude.

He was accurate. As he slumped in his seat, placing his hat over his face, and crossing his arms over his chest, he felt a jab to his side.

“If you think you’re going to sleep before we talk, you’re very much mistaken.”

He lifted his hat and dropped it in his lap.

“Aw come on Audra! You and Carl kept me up half the night with your endless conversation. Every time it got quiet and I could drift off, one of ya had to proclaim your undying love just one more time. I’ll tell ya, it’s a side of Carl I coulda done without seeing.”

“It’s your own fault. You insisted on sleeping between us. If you had just moved somewhere else you could have had all the sleep you wanted.”

“If I had moved to somewhere else I wouldn’t have slept at all. You two can barely keep your hands off each other when I’m watchen, can’t imagine what happens when I’m not. And I ain’t interested in knowen.

The last sentence hastily spoken as Audra laughingly opened her mouth to reply.

With three over protective, overbearing brothers watching me like a hawk, I’m lucky there’s someone brave enough to spend time with me, let alone kiss me. But that’s not what I want to talk about.”

The tenor and tone of his countenance changed immediately. The effect was dramatic, gone was the light air of teasing and playfulness, to be replaced with a stern and bitter look that swept across his face and entered into his response. The intensity caught Audra by surprise.

“I think I know what you want to talk about and I don’t. We’ve said all we needed on the subject; it’s over and done with!”

He straightened in his seat and placed his elbow on the arm rest, he turned his face away from her resting it into the palm of his hand. He was being harsh, he knew it. He rarely reacted this way with Audra. But then he rarely felt betrayed by her and he could barely tolerate the ache it caused in his chest.

He felt her hand on his arm and heard the pleading in her voice.
“Please Heath. I do love you so. Don’t let this come between us.”

It was barely above a whisper, but the emotion contained within the plea spoke volumes. He squeezed his eyes shut trying to drive out the picture of her face. He knew without looking, her eyes were full of tears and a sadness that reflected the depth of her feelings. He knew without asking, that her ability to move past this issue without resolution would hang like a pall on their journey.

“Audra, you’re asken me to do somethen that just ain’t comfortable for me. You’re asken me to open up, be vulnerable, make myself a target. I can hardly do that with anyone.”

“I’m not just anyone! I’m your sister! These last two years together give me the right to ask! Oh don’t you see Heath, relationships aren’t about being comfortable. The real measure is not whether you have conflict and difficulties, it’s what you do to resolve them that make it stronger and better, not avoiding having them. Because when you avoid, you avoid it all. Not just the pain and discomfort, but the growth and the triumph and the joy and the satisfaction. Don’t deny us that chance. It takes two people to have a relationship Big Brother, but only one to end it.”

He took in her words and slowly allowed the truth in them to penetrate that defensive wall he relied on to take the hurt out of all the pain. For as long as he could remember he was hyper vigilant to messages he received from others. Whether direct or indirect, flagrant or subtle he learned to read the cues. He knew the signs well and he avoided what he could and accepted the rest with a quiet resolve and an air of seeming indifference.

Not since he was a small boy did he allow himself the luxury of belonging, of trusting. The price was painfully high and the stakes had been more than he could afford. That was no longer true. He'd give his life, everything he possessed and all he knew for any of them. There was only one outcome he feared now. It was always there, just at the edge, lurking and threatening. The fear of rejection.

He turned and looked at her and little did she know the courage it took to open his heart, to lower his barriers, to pay the price of love and loyalty.

"Alright Audra, we'll talk and I'll answer your questions. But don't be expecten miracles cause I'm not very good at this."

"It seems to me you thought I made this plan with Carl because it was you I was with and that I wouldn't have made the same choices had it been Nick or Jarrod. I also guess that you assume that it's because you are not as important to me. That somehow the love, respect and loyalty I have for them is somehow diminished where you're concerned. Am I right, Heath?"

He wanted to deny it, he wanted to say she was wrong and end it. But he couldn't. To do so would be a lie and it would betray all they had meant to each other. He unconsciously began twisting the buttons on his cuff. Slowly he nodded his head.

"Yeah, you're right. That is what I thought, that was my first reaction. I never saw it comen from you and when it happened I felt so....so....I don't know....I don't know!"

"Hurt, betrayed, angry. Jarrod and Nick would have just been angry, because they know as you know somewhere, I can be, well … selfish and inconsiderate. My decision had nothing to do with you, or how I feel about you, Heath. It was just about Carl and I. I think I have treated you differently in the past. In part due to my fear of hurting your feelings in a way I don't worry about Nick and Jarrod's. I think on this trip I probably treated you more like my brother than I ever have."

"Are you telling me I should be flattered ya pulled this on me? Are you saying that it happened cause you do just see me as one of your brothers?"

"I know it sounds crazy, but that's exactly what I'm saying. My relationship with you is different than with Nick or Jarrod, but I can say that about each of you. You're content to be my brother, while they still try and parent me. That's one of the things I like best about our relationship, but otherwise there's no difference. Not in my heart anyway."

If he let go of his fears; if he refused to let his own insecurities color his vision, he could see the logic in her explanation. He wanted to take this step that in one sense seemed so small, yet loomed so large. He was at a crossroads, not just with Audra but with the whole family. This same issue, presenting over and over again in different scenarios, with every member of the family. His issue, not theirs, his question not theirs, his lack of trust and fear of rejection, not theirs. It was time to choose a path.

"It doesn't sound crazy, Audra. I don't know why and I don't know how, but it actually makes sense to me. You just have to understand that thinken in this way don't come easy to me. I don't wanna second guess everything, I don't wanna always feel like I have to measure my words, and limit my expectations. But old habits die hard, and you're gonna have to be patient until I get the hang of it."

A sense of relief flooded her. She knew that to press him more now would be a mistake. The distance between them had been removed and she would take comfort in that and in his willingness to openly share his feelings. She smiled and reached up grabbing his arm and putting it around her shoulders. As she snuggled against him, closing her eyes and feeling safe and comforted she murmured.

"Take all the time you need Big Brother. You'll get lots of practice because I can guarantee this isn't the last time I'm going to pull a stunt that will infuriate you. But for now I'm content and just maybe we can both get some sleep."

He shook his head and smiled as he once again placed his stetson over his face. It was back, that feeling of love and acceptance and boy howdy, this time he was gonna make sure he was fannen the flame not containing it.

* * * * * * * *

"Mrs. Wheeler, Mrs. Wheeler, I finished patchen that section of roof over your bedroom. I'll guarantee no more leaks no matter how hard the rain comes."

She came out of the kitchen, drying her hands on her apron and smiling broadly at the young man who had stolen his way into her heart. She had so wanted more children after Carl, but it was never to be. She was beginning to feel that this young man was sent to her as a gift. She loved Carl, but as his relationship with Audra grew she saw less and less of him and now she again had someone to take care of and fuss over.

"Oh that's wonderful Scott. I know Carl's been meanen to get to that but with all this trouble with the Barkley's he just hasn't got round to it. Now, you go wash up for dinner, we're haven roast chicken, mashed potatoes, corn and I baked you an apple pie for dessert. Everything's ready so you hurry now, ya hear."

"Yes Ma'am, I don't need to be told twice. If'n you keep on spoilen me like this, you'll never get rid of me."

As he washed up he again struggled with the guilt feelings. He was becoming very fond of Mrs. Wheeler and he hated the fact that he was using her to keep tabs on the Barkley's. He comforted himself with the thought that despite his motives he was helping the old lady out and the arrangement up till now was mutually beneficial.

Her tongue was becoming looser and looser where the Barkley's were concerned and he had learned today that Audra and Heath were not on that San Francisco bound train. He suspected wherever those two were, Carl was with them as he had disappeared three days ago, at the same time the family left for Frisco. Mrs. Wheeler hadn't said directly but she gave enough hints. He also knew that given Pat's plans he must also be aware of the subterfuge by now and he chuckled at how furious his brother would be that he had been out maneuvered once again by Heath Barkley.

As he took his seat at the dinning room table, he decided that he would enjoy this role as long as he could. But he knew he was playing with fire, and soon he'd have to deliver on his assignment. Unfortunately that delivery could very well be the heads of Heath and Audra Barkley. But in this game it was every man for himself and Scott was determined to come out a winner, because the alternative, his brother's wrath, was way too painful.

Part 27

Nick leaned back in the chair, crossed his arms over his chest and for the fifth time sighed loudly for his brothers benefit. Jarrod couldn’t help but smile at his brothers obvious attempts to signal his displeasure. This was a scene that had been played out between them on numerous occasions. But it was only recently that Jarrod had adopted Heath’s response of benign neglect where Nick’s impatience was concerned and he still reveled in the simplicity and success of the strategy.

Victoria, Nick, and Jarrod along with Connie and Jim Long had arrived in San Francisco several hours ago. Jarrod had wired ahead to his friend Captain Theodore Shaw of the San Francisco police department informing him that his presence was requested due to the numerous dead bodies that accompanied the Barkley’s into the famous City by the Bay. Upon their arrival, it was decided that Victoria and the Long’s would go directly to Jarrod’s townhouse, leaving Nick and Jarrod to explain to Captain Shaw the events leading to the deaths of the four men on the train.

In Nick’s opinion, they had more than adequately provided the details of the entire incident two hours ago. But Jarrod’s attention to detail and Captain Shaw’s need for thoroughness had combined to elongate the process, in Nick’s opinion from the ridiculous to the sublime. His belly was rumbling and his head throbbed but Jarrod continued to process the events and together with his friend speculate on the outlaws next attack.

“Ted I can’t thank you enough for your assistance in expediting this matter. I really appreciate your involvement.”

It was too much for Nick and before Captain Shaw could reply he rose from his seat and bellowed.

“Expedite, expedite, I’ve seen quicker funerals. Mother’s probably done her shopping and is ready to return home.”

He turned toward the young captain.

“Ted I like you a lot, but you’re as bad if not worse than my brother here. Where most people use 10 words, Jarrod uses a hundred, and you encourage him. People wonder why I can get so irritable, well I’ll tell you why, it’s cause I live with my two brothers. One who won’t hardly say a word, and the other who won’t hardly shut up. The funny thing is they don’t irritate each other with their behavior, only me. Now unless you’re arresten us we’re headen for Jarrod’s place where I plan on eaten and goen to bed.”

Ted whose association with Jarrod had given him multiple opportunities to observe the idiosyncratic nature of the brothers merely laughed in response and held his hand out to Nick.

“I know what you mean Nick, gotta brother myself whom I’m very close to but he can raise my dander faster than anyone. There’s no plan on arresting either one of you. But I just might change my mind if I don’t get a dinner invitation that includes that lovely mother of yours. Jarrod, you can afford to take me to dinner at one of those pricey restaurants you’re so fond of frequenting. In the meantime I’ll be looking into how I can help in making sure the rest of your trip here is a safe one.”

“You’ll also let us know when you hear about Heath and Audra? Frank will be sending the coded messages to you until we return to Stockton.”

“Believe me Jarrod, I know how concerned you are and as soon as I hear anything I’ll let you know, personally. I won’t trust this to anyone else.”

“Well in that case you can depend on that dinner invitation. I’ll buy you the best meal in town, make sure my mother is there to entertain you and leave Nick at home unless his disposition improves.”

“No, no definitely bring Nick. He has an entertainment value that makes his presence necessary. It’s better when Heath is there to provoke him, but you’ll do counselor. Now go get some food and rest, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Nick who was already half way out the door just raised his hands and shook his head in a gesture of resignation at the barbs that were sent his way. Jarrod grabbed his hat and followed quickly behind his brother who was in the process of hailing a cab by the time he joined him on the curb outside the police station.

The two men sank their exhausted bodies into the cushioned seats of the cab and didn’t exchange any words until the vehicle stopped in front of the elegant townhouse Jarrod maintained. They stepped heavily from the cab and as Jarrod paid the driver Nick headed up the stairs to the front door, past the posted guards Jarrod had hired. The door was immediately opened by their mother who had been anxiously awaiting their arrival.

“Nick, Jarrod you must be exhausted. Rosa kept dinner waiting for you.”

Nick hugged his mother and bestowed a kiss on her cheek, with Jarrod following suit.

“I thought we’d never get out of there. It’s unclear to me how one person can talk so much.”

Jarrod looked towards his mother, shrugging his shoulders and rolling his eyes in response

Nick was divesting himself of his hat and gun belt as he complained to his mother. He immediately headed into the dinning room where his olfactory senses led him with the promise of a culinary delight. A thick, rich beef stew sat steaming in a large tureen, accompanied by fresh sourdough bread. Nick sat down quickly and began serving himself. As Jarrod joined him, Victoria also sat down serving herself some coffee.

“Is everything settled as far as Ted is concerned?”

Glancing at his brother who was focused solely on inhaling his stew, Jarrod chuckled.

“Nick feels I was a little too thorough, but we provided an entire account for Ted. He’s satisfied that the county prosecutor will rule self defense on the man Nick shot and accept the explanations on the murders of the Fitzgerald brothers and Ben Johnson. He’ll keep in close contact and provide additional security for us. He’ll also let us know when he hears from Frank that Heath and Audra have arrived safely. He insisted on a dinner invitation that included you, my dear madam”

Victoria smiled in response. “He’s a charming, young man and very skilled in his profession. It will be a pleasure to see him again. Well my dears now that you are safely here I believe I can manage to get some sleep. Jim and Connie turned in hours ago. Are there plans for tomorrow?”

“Let’s just relax and see what the day brings. I think we’ve had enough excitement to last us for a while.” Jarrod stood to kiss his mother good night. “Are you alright, Mother?”

“Just like you I’ll be fine son, when this nightmare is over. Until then we’ll just have to deal with events as they come. I just pray Audra and Heath are safe.” She walked around the table and bent to kiss Nick who was already helping himself to a second bowl of stew. “Glad to see this hasn’t affected your appetite, Nick.”

He grinned sheepishly in response. “I don’t want to make Rosa feel bad, Mother. She cooks this stew for me whenever I visit Jarrod. It would be impolite not to indulge myself.”

She patted his head and nodded. As she swept out of the room heading for the stairs she glanced around and smiled. She watched as Jarrod joined Nick in savoring the stew and reminded herself of her good fortune. Despite the dangers and tragedy, despite the fear and anxiety Victoria Barkley had been blessed with four remarkable children and tonight before she climbed into her bed she would sink to her knees and remember to give thanks for all she had.

As he finished his third bowl, Nick Barkley pushed himself away from the table with contented belch. He looked across at his brother and announced.

“I could use a glass of very old, very fine brandy. I also know that you happen to have such a bottle hidden in your study, so save me the trouble of searching and offer me a glass.”

“Brother Nick, how would you feel about joining me in my study for a glass of very old, very fine brandy?”

They stood in unison and Jarrod slapped Nick on the back as they headed for the tastefully decorated room. It was masculine in its decor and comfortable in its nature, with large leather chairs and an enormous stone fireplace that dominated the room. It was lined with shelves that held an eclectic collection of books signifying the lawyers cultured and varied tastes.

As Jarrod retrieved cigars from the humidor and poured a generous amount of brandy into two snifters, Nick lit a substantial stack of wood already prepared in the fireplace.

Jarrod glanced quizzically at his brother. “I take it we’re not going to bed anytime soon.”

As Nick accepted the cigar and liquor from his brother he avoided answering the question directly.

“When do you expect Audra and Heath will arrive at Sawyer’s place?”

“Well if all goes as planned, they’ll catch the train sometime tomorrow evening and arrive in Carson City late on Sunday. Why do you ask?”

Nick shrugged and looked down at the floor. “Just hopen Heath has himself settled by then.”

“Nick, other than the obvious, you’ve been hinting around at some concern with Heath and this trip to Frank’s for days now. Are you going to let me in on this little secret or play guessing games? Because if it’s the latter I’m gong to bed.”

He nodded his head in agreement and gestured to one of the chairs. “You better sit because this is gonna to take a while. I told Heath I was gonna let you in on this and he agreed, but it can’t go beyond the two of us.”

Jarrod cocked his head and raised his eyebrows as he comfortably seated himself in the over stuffed leather chair.

“I must admit you have me intrigued. What secret do you and our little brother share that is causing you this much discomfort?”

Nick sighed heavily and squeezed his eyes shut. He then raised the glass to his lips and indulged in a large swallow of brandy.

“Well counselor, our little brother is in love with Kim Sawyer, Chad’s wife and from what I understand she has some pretty warm feelings for him as well. They ain’t done nothen about it if you know what I mean, but the feelens are definitely there and he’s pretty nervous about seeing her again.”

Of everything Jarrod might have anticipated Nick would say, this had to be the last. He had been sipping his brandy as Nick shared this revelation and immediately began to choke as he aspirated the smooth, aged liquor. Nick, uncharacteristically waited patiently for his older brother to compose himself as he croaked out his response.

“You better start at the beginning Nick, and I want ALL the details.”

Carl Wheeler had been in the saddle for four long days and the last two had been particularly unappealing. As he rode through the gates of his ranch he was tired, hungry and saddle sore. He also carried several inches of trail dust that he was more than anxious to remove. He missed Audra already and was dreading the next several weeks of separation from this young woman who had stolen his breath away from the first moment he touched her. He could scarcely think of anything or anyone else. His need to hold and caress her traveled with him as a constant ache that time and distance now prevented him from addressing. His mood was black as he reigned his horse in at the barn. Tommy Kramer, a long time ranch hand appeared as he swung down from the saddle and took Midnight to bed him down.

“Welcome back boss, you look pretty done in.”

“I sure am Tommy. Give him a good rub down and some extra grain and carrots. He’s earned ‘em.”

As he entered the front door of his home, he could hear conversation and laughter emanating from the kitchen. He also took in the fragrant aroma of his mother’s chicken and that was enough to entice him to join them As he rounded the corner he noted with surprise that his mothers guest was the young man he had recently hired. He appeared very comfortable seated at the kitchen table and was clearly basking in Mrs. Wheeler's attention and affection. It irritated Carl and he was surprised at his negative response. He shook it off and greeted his mother warmly.

“Hi Ma, your prodigal son has returned.”

“Carl, welcome home son. Sit down and I’ll fix you a plate, you must be starved.”

The warmth of her greeting and the pleasure in her voice went a long way to dispel his foul mood and quiet his initial irritation. She jumped from her chair responding to her son with an affectionate hug and kiss. She led him to an open chair and set about filling his plate with large portions of the finely cooked meal.

Scott had reacted with surprise and discomfort as Carl entered the room, but quickly composed himself.

“Howdy Mr. Wheeler. Hope you don’t mind but your Ma invited me to share dinner with her as she’s been kinda lonely since you left. I sure been spoiled by all the fine vittals she’s prepared for me.”

Before Carl could respond his mother was extolling the virtues of this young man of whom she had become so fond.

“Wait’ll you see Carl. He’s patched the roof, fixed the pump, painted the parlor and replaced that broken window in my bedroom. He’s just been a worken fool for the last four days and I couldn’t be happier. Did your trip go okay?”

“Everything went fine Ma. Well Scott I’m much obliged at the way you’ve been taken care of my mother during my absence. I guess she was right when she insisted I hire ya on. For now you can concentrate on gettin the house fixed up but I hope you have no objections to worken out on the range when I need ya?

“No objection at all Mr. Wheeler. You’re the boss and what you say goes.”

Carl smiled in response as he worked his way through his mother’s chicken and mashed potatoes. Still there was something he couldn’t quite put his finger on that bothered him about this man. Maybe with all the trouble the Barkleys were haven he was getten over suspicious. But until this was over and Audra was safely back home, he’d err on the side of caution and keep an eye on this drifter who had so clearly worked his way into his mother’s heart. Yep, Carl was taken no chances, or so he thought. Because it would eventually be him that would indirectly and unwittingly betray Audra and Heath and lead to the ever increasing price the Barkleys would pay for their loyalty to each other.

Part 28

The flames dancing in the fireplace cast shadows about the room. The brothers had not lit any of the lamps and Jarrod could not clearly make out the expression on Nick’s face, but he heard the depth of the emotion in his voice. He had taken on their little brother's pain and discomfort and was conveying this along with the anecdotal information Jarrod had requested.

“You remember that Heath went with Frank to Boston to attend Chad’s wedding. Frank told me Heath bought him the suit he wore to the wedding, and helped with the expenses in Boston. Anyway, Kim’s father is a very prominent surgeon in the area and the family is very wealthy and very well respected. Chad had met Kim when he had been engaged to paint a portrait of her father for the hospital. There was a whirlwind courtship and while Kim’s parents would have preferred she marry someone well established in Boston society, they accepted her choice.

Heath continued his role of peacemaker between father and son, cause Chad and Frank still have trouble seeing eye to eye. Apparently Kim’s family took quite a shine to our little brother and he was frequently invited to their home. You know Heath is far from comfortable with the trappings of high society but at least he has a passing familiarity with it thanks to his time with us and I think that helped all around to ease the tensions.

When he returned he shared a lot with Mother, Audra and I about his time there and especially about Kim. He described her as a young woman who was passionate about everything. He laughed talking about the way she expressed her opinions and beliefs. He said you never had to wonder what she was thinking. She’s good at everything he said, and is always the center of attention in whatever room she enters. She’s extremely beautiful, intelligent and has a wonderful sense of humor. I don’t even think he realized how captivated he was by her until I asked him if he wished he had met her before Chad did. It was like I had struck him, but he composed himself and brushed it off. But I sure noticed he was real careful not to talk so much about her after that and I felt bad cause I struck a nerve without meanen to.

Then about six months ago Frank wired Heath. He was finishen up his sheriff’s job in a small town in Nevada and getten ready to move to Carson City to be an adviser to the Governor. Chad was already working for the Governor, but he and Kim had traveled to help Frank with the move when the epidemic struck. Franks replacement was delayed, Chad came down with it and Frank was feeling real poorly himself, so he asked Heath to come and help out. By the time he got there over half the town was sick and people were droppen like flies. He took over as sheriff until the new one arrived and he started helpen an exhausted Kim care for Frank and Chad.

Kim has a lot of medical knowledge from her dad and she was also helpen out the town Doc. For over four weeks she and Heath nursed Chad and Frank around the clock and pitched in to help the Doc with a bunch of kids orphaned in the epidemic. They were together almost constantly.
You remember about when I wired you to see if you could come home and go up to the lodge with Heath and me?”

Jarrod nodded his agreement. “I felt bad I had to refuse, but there was no way I could leave that trial.”

“I know, but now I wish you had been there more than ever. Heath had just returned home from helpen Frank out and he was more quiet and withdrawn than I’ve ever seen him. I picked at him a bit but it just seemed to rile him more, so for once in my life I backed off. Then out of the blue he suggested we head for the lodge for some fishen and hunten. I knew it was far more than that so I pounced on it. I realized it was gonna be bad when we got there and he pulled two bottles of that expensive scotch you hide from us out of his saddle bags.”

“Oh?” Jarrod responded.

Nick shrugged. “I didn’t even know he knew about your hiden place, it’s always my job to steal your liquor when we take a trip to the lodge and you don’t come.”

“I only hide it to make it more fun for you, Nick. But do go on.”

“Well we both drank that night but he hit the bottle pretty hard for Heath and this is what he told me.”

He was exhausted and beyond any form of reason. They had moved Chad and Frank into the same bedroom because it made the care more efficient, but there was still no way it could be handled by one person. They had finally turned the corner and appeared to be getting better but the doctor emphasized they still had a long way to go. Tonight Frank had been still a bit feverish and in his delirium he began addressing Heath and Kim as dad and mom.

He was sure it was as a result of the exhaustion, but it just seemed so funny. They laughed uproariously but all of a sudden he realized she was no longer laughing. She was clinging to him and her mirth had turned to sobs.

“Oh Heath, Oh Heath, I’m so sorry. I just don’t know if I can take this anymore. This isn’t the life I’m used to and I feel like packing my bags and running home. I have so much guilt. It isn’t that I don’t love Chad, it’s just … it’s just, he’s not very strong and I feel like I’m carrying most of the burdens in our marriage. It’s not how I pictured things, Oh God! What’s the matter with me?”

Her legs no longer supported her and he swept her into his arms and carried her from the room. He sat on the sofa in the small but cozy living room and murmured reassurances in her ear as he continued to hold and comfort her. She shared with him her many disappointments. The worst among them, Chad’s recent revelation that he no longer wanted children. He felt it would interfere with their relationship. She had come to the conclusion that he didn’t want a wife, only a substitute for his mother.

As she regained her composure, she looked up at him and their eyes locked in a gaze. It was the most natural thing in the world. He bent and kissed her and as she responded he deepened the kiss. She wrapped her arms around him and for several moments they were swept away by the powerful and pent up passions they unwittingly held for each other.

Throughout the night they spoke without reservation, without hesitancy of their mutual feelings of love and desire. Heath shared things with her that night that he had never told another living soul. Then it was time for him to share the circumstances of his birth. As she listened to the whispered pain filled memories, tears flowed unchecked down her cheeks.

He removed his arms from around her body, stood and walked to the fireplace. Placing his forehead against the mantle he spoke carefully and went from the heights of love and acceptance to the depths of despair and loneliness.

“That’s why Kim, that’s why I can’t do this. It would go against everything I’ve ever believed in my life, everything I’ve ever stood for. I love you, I think I have from the first moment I set eyes on you in Boston. But I’d be betraying Frank, Chad, my family, even you and especially myself. I want you in my life, but the price we’d have to pay for that is too high.”

“Can’t do what, Heath?” He could hear the anger and fire in her voice. “Did you think my revelation, my response to your kiss was an invitation to my bed? Because it wasn’t! I have morals and values too, you know. They’re not exclusive to the Barkley clan. I made a commitment and I intend to honor it.”

She stood and walked to the window. Clenching her fists, and closing her eyes she hunched over, feeling the overwhelming pressure of her pain and shame. She continued, her voice barely above a whisper now. “ I ...I won’t take back a thing I said. I do love you. I told you everything I did because I knew....I thought I could trust you. I know what kind of man you are. I just hoped you knew what kind of woman I was.”

She turned to leave the room but he moved and blocked her exit. She refused to make eye contact with him, he cupped her chin in his hand and raised her head. He could see the tears once again streaming down her face.

“I’m a fool, a clumsy, awkward fool. I said that because that’s where my mind took me. It’s cause that’s what I want, not what I believed you wanted. Please Kim, I was talken to myself, not you. I know what kind of woman you are, that’s why I love you. I want...I need for us at least to be friends. I won’t touch you again. I won’t cross that line. I’ll be a part of your life in anyway that you’ll let me. Please...please forgive me, say ya understand....say ya believe me.”

She looked up at him and slowly nodded, allowing the relief and sincerity of his words to wash over her. “I was as much a part of everything that happened here tonight as you were, Heath. I’m not blaming you for anything. I just want you to know that I’d never expect anything less from you than to be the man you are. We need to go on from here. I’ve chosen my path, but you need to find someone who can share your life. Someone who deserves the life and love you can give her. I’d never forgive myself if I interfered in that. You’ve known too much pain and loneliness already. There’s someone out there for you, I know there is. And on the day you find her my heart will rejoice and break at the same time.”

She reached up and kissed his cheek. “Good Night.”

“That’s it, Jarrod. That’s what he told me. He was so tortured. He looked at me and talked about how he had judged Father all those years, and he was no different.”

Nick stood up and walked to the fireplace, he paused, took a deep breath, and then swallowed the rest of his brandy.

Jarrod was holding his breath because he knew there was more. “Go on Nick.”

His voice was hoarse and deep. His words came almost in pants, as he struggled to push them out, the pain in his utterances was palpable.

“I … I first told him how much it meant to me that he could confide in me … could tell me what happened. That he trusted me that much. I … I then told him that he was wrong. That he was different than Father … because he had the strength to walk away.”

Jarrod got up and put his hand on Nick’s shoulder. He knew how much that statement had cost his younger brother. If he hadn’t known before, he knew now how much love and affection Nick held for Heath.

“That took a lot of courage Nick, on both your parts. Did you talk about it before he left for Carson City?”

“Yeah, a little. He said they have an understanden. They avoid bein alone with each other and he don’t plan on stayen too long. He says he just don’t know how he’s ever gonna get over her. But it’s gonna cost him to be there, Pappy.”

“Well, we can always take another trip to the Lodge when he gets back. I’m getting a little short on that scotch, but I’m long on brotherly advice and support. We’ll get him through this, Nick.”

“I don’t know. That Boy has bad luck where woman are concerned, Jarrod. I hate to see him nursen another broken heart.”

“Yeah, but he’s got great taste in brothers. Besides, someday I picture all three us with beautiful, charming and intelligent wives, who will provide us with numerous beautiful, charming and intelligent children. You can picture it, can’t you Nick?”

He turned and faced his brother. “You better order some more of that scotch, Jarrod. Me and Heath both are gonna need it ta get a good grip on that scene.”

Part 29

He couldn’t sleep. His was ruminating and the incessant thoughts were of her. How could he possibly think this would be easy. How could he possibly think he could just come here and pretend that all he felt for her was just friendship, and nothing more. From the moment they had picked them up at the station, he had been in turmoil.

His heartbeat quickened at the mere sight of her as he stepped down from the railroad car, his mouth had gone dry. When she hugged him, and kissed him lightly on the cheek, all he could remember was the night he had swept her into his arms and she had passionately returned his kiss.

Audra had met Frank, but was newly introduced to Kim and Chad. They had arrived late in the day and following an opportunity to bathe, indulge in drinks, conversation and a late supper everyone had decided to go to bed. He had tossed and turned for an hour before climbing back into his pants and shirt, quietly slipping downstairs.

He was on the back porch, hunched over with his right foot up on the railing. He had left his shirt open, reveling in the dry, cool air of the high desert. As he stared into the distance, he absent mindedly rolled a cigarette. As he was lighting it, he heard the door open and the soft rustle of a taffeta skirt. He didn’t need to turn around, he recognized her fragrance immediately.

“Can’t Sleep?”

“Nope.”

“Shoulder bothering you? Frank told us you had been shot during the attempt to rob the bank.”

“Not really. It’s a little stiff at times. Soon it’ll be good as new.”

He still didn’t turn around.

“Heath I...I...never mind, sorry I intruded.”

She turned with tears in her eyes to go back into the house. This had been a mistake. What could she possibly expect? What right had she to anticipate any other reception?

He should let her go, but he couldn’t. He whirled around at the last moment and grabbed her hand.

“Kim, it ain’t that I don’t wanna talk to ya. It’s just...well, I made ya so angry before. I’ve never been much good at what Mother calls small talk. I can’t say what’s on my mind and in my heart, cause it ain’t proper or even fair. That don’t leave much.”

She lifted her head and looked up into the blue eyes of his markedly handsome face. As he stood there with his shirt open, unconsciously displaying his lean, muscular body, she felt the desire for him race through her like an uncontrolled fire. She brushed at the tears in her eyes and smiled at the guileless way he responded, so much in character for this man. No games, no ploys, no attempts to flatter and manipulate. Just an honest description of what was in his heart, in his head and in his soul.

“Can’t we just speak as friends. Surely these last few weeks have been tremendously difficult for you and your family. Can’t you just share the details and if you care to, the frustrations and concerns you have experienced since this nightmare began? I’d like to know, I’d like to help if I can.”

He thought for a moment. A flicker of indecision and conflict fluttered across his face. He then smiled and nodded. He let go of her hand and tossed the cigarette onto the floor of the porch, grinding it out under the toe of his boot. Then while buttoning his shirt, he turned and sat on the large wooden swing situated next to the door. As she joined him, she questioned the wisdom of her offer. But quickly dismissing her concerns, she silently and carefully waited for him to began.

He softly told it all. Describing the events, starting with the robbery; his fears of not being able to rescue the victims; the ambush; his conflict with Nick; the interaction with the Long children. Then finally, he spoke of the incident with Audra and Carl and the conversation they had on train.

“I’m still strugglen with bein a part of this family. Learnen how to belong and the given and the taken are still hard for me.”

“I expect the giving is much easier for you than the taking. It still seems that you find it difficult to believe that your family has accepted you, unconditionally for what and who you are. That they love you and both want and need you to be a part of them in the same way that they want and need each other.”

“Most times I know it’s true, up here.” He pointed to his head. “The trouble is believen and accepten it in here.” He lowered his hand and pointed to his chest. “I keep thinken that one day I’ll wake up and it’ll all be gone. They’ll have decided I ain’t worth the effort and send me packen. In the time I’ve been with em, they’ve become such a part of me. If I left, I’d be leaven part of heart, part of my soul.”

“Which one, Heath? Which one would send you packing? Which one has such loose ties with you that they could cut them that easily? Jarrod maybe, Audra, your mother, Nick, who?”

“That’s the trouble, when I think of them as Jarrod, or Nick, or Mother or Audra, none of them. But when I think and say family, I worry that I’ll never really belong. That I’ll never really measure up. It’s hard ta put into words.”

Before she could respond the door jerked open and Chad was standing on the porch, obviously intoxicated.

“Hey Heath. Kim you coming to bed, it’s very late and we have that reception tomorrow. I need you there. I need that new commission.” He slurred his words but appeared unperturbed by their being together on the porch.

“I’ll be up in a moment.”

He nodded and stumbled as he turned to re-enter the house. Snickering he turned to Heath. “Guess I can’t hold my liquor near as good as you either. Night Heath, I’ll be waiting, Kim.”

Heath stood and watched as Chad wove his way into the house, clutching at the furniture to steady himself.

“Does he know?”

“Know what? There’s nothing to know.”

He reached and grabbed her by the shoulders, standing her up in the process.

“Don’t Kim! Does he know how I feel? Does he know I’m in love with ya, Does he know ya have feelens for me?”

She shrugged out of his hands and turned her back to him.

“He hasn’t a clue.” She paused, needing to put distance between her feelings and the realities of her life. “Heath, my marriage to Chad is off limits to any discussion we might have.”

“Oh..Oh...I see. I’m expected to be open and share my feelens and thoughts with you, but I shouldn’t expect nothen in return. I don’t have the right to know what’s happenen in your life. That’s some friendship, Mrs. Sawyer. You make up all the steps and my only choice is to dance to the tune. I wasn’t sure how I was gonna handle this. Now I see. I am mighty grateful that you’re willen to help us by keepen Audra safe. You two I know will be friends. I guess I’m just gonna have to be satisfied with that. Good night.”

He brushed by her and took the stairs two at a time to try and escape the anger, the frustration, the embarrassment. But it was there with him as he shut and then leaned up against the door to his room. He stood there a while trying to regain his composure. This time he allowed the weariness from the journey as well as the exhaustion from his pent up emotions to make their presence felt. He disrobed and as was his habit, carefully folded his clothing. Climbing into bed he felt more alone than he had in a long time. He turned on his side and closed his eyes, praying for a dreamless sleep.

She lay on her back and allowed the tears to stream unfettered down her face, soaking into the linens of the bed. She had heard him go downstairs and was dressing to follow when she became aware of someone else descending the staircase. She quietly opened the window in her room which was directly over the back porch, not wanting to intrude, but interested in who was joining him. She heard every word of their conversation. Even when she lay back in her bed, attempting to shut out the knowledge of their mutual pain and desire.

Instead of focusing on her wish to be unaware of her brother’s suffering, she resolved to find a way to console him as he had always done with her. She’d find the strength to be there for him, this time she wouldn’t let him down, this time she’d prove her worth to him.

* * * * * * * *

As Victoria quietly entered Jarrod’s study, she watched with a great deal of amusement as Nick rummaged through the ever growing pile of packages assembled there. Ever since he was a little boy, she had to become more and more creative in hiding his presents. It was indeed a rare Christmas morning that Nick wasn’t aware of the contents of most of his packages. Over the last two years he had even corrupted the incorruptible Heath into joining in on the search. If Nick walked down the barrel of a cannon she thought, Heath would follow. That was why she had already shipped their presents to the Long’s home. This year she would surprise them.

Placing her hands on her hips, she loudly cleared her throat. Nick was so startled he jumped back and tripped over a large package containing several pieces of an infant layette. It burst open and diapers, nightgowns, blankets and caps were widely scattered. The dark haired king of the Barkley ranch landed unceremoniously on his rear end in the middle of the pile.

“Searching for something, Nick?”

He faced turned a bright red as he stumbled to his feet and began collecting the tiny pieces of clothing.

“It’s not what it looks like, Mother. I was ahh...just...ahh trying to decide what I could buy Jim and Connie for the baby. I needed to see what you had purchased already so I wouldn’t duplicate anything.”

“It’s no good, Nick. Jarrod already told me that you and he have decided to open a bank account in the baby’s name and add to it at Christmas and birthdays as Heath has done for Andy and Kelly. It’s not the lying that bothers me, Nick so much as the fact that you think I’m stupid enough to believe it. Give me a little credit son and come up with something I can at least pretend to accept.”

He closed his eyes, shook his head and tried his best to appear remorseful.

“Alright, alright you caught me red handed. It’s just that I’m nervous. I can’t find a single present for me or Heath. Are we just off your list this year, Mother?”

“Let’s just say that for once, Nicholas Barkley, you and your little brother are going to have to wait until Christmas morning to open your presents.”

Before he could respond, the oldest Barkley sibling joined them. Jarrod stopped abruptly as he entered the room and surveyed the disarray of the previously tidy arrangement of packages.

“On your annual pilgrimage to discover your Christmas presents, brother Nick? You’ve gotten a little more clumsy without your partner in crime to stand guard for you I see.”

He proceeded to the trolley containing his collection of wines and alcohol, while stepping over the clothing still strewn about the room.

“Anyone care for a drink before dinner. Connie and Jim will be joining us in a moment. They’re just freshening up before they come down. It was exhausting, but we finally found gifts for Connie’s parents. Jim suggested a muzzle for her mother and ear plugs for her father, but after Connie smacked him we settled on a lovely necklace and ear rings for Mrs. Tate and a new, engraved time piece for Mr. Tate.”

“Sounds like excellent choices. I’m glad you were able to assist them. May I have some wine please.” Victoria responded.

“I’ll take whiskey. Are we still planning on going to the toy store tomorrow for Andy and Kelly? Heath gave me a list of stuff he wants me to pick up for them and I’ve got a few ideas of my own.” Nick straightened up his arms full of infant paraphernalia and eyes full of wonder. “I just love a good toy store.”

Victoria sighed and shook her head. “Nick give me those things so I can refold them.” She reached for the items and placed them on her lap. “ Yes, we are going and early so we can spend a good part of the day there. I’ll also be ordering things to be sent to the orphanage so it’ll take a while. Now Jarrod it’ll be your responsibility to make sure he doesn’t go overboard. Heath was no help last year.”

Jarrod chuckled in response. “I’ll say, if anything he was worse than Nick. For a man who barely knows how to shop, Heath proved to be a formidable consumer of toys.”

The smile faded from Nick’s face. His musing came in the form of an almost painful whisper.

“He was so wide eyed and happy picken them toys out. He told me that as a kid growen up his mama couldn’t afford toys for Christmas. But she always managed to surprise him with something special. One year it was Gal. But without the slightest trace of bitterness or regret, he announced no kid he knew in Stockton was gonna do without toys, as long as he was around.”

He glanced at his mother, his eyes speaking volumes.

“I know, I know Nick, it could have, should have been so different. We can’t change what was, we can only go from here, do what we can and enjoy what is.”

The moment was broken by the arrival of the Long’s who were again voicing their gratitude for the generosity of their hosts. They happily chatted about the next days plans as they enjoyed the fine liquor until dinner was announced.

There was gaiety and mirth for the Barkleys in San Francisco; discomfort and frustration but safety for the Barkleys in Carson City. But unbeknownst to them all it was in Stockton that the price of loyalty was presently being determined by a gang of ruthless men, a price that would be exacted on the Barkley family and leave everlasting scars for each and every one of them.

Part 30

They were seated around the table in the kitchen of the Kyles abandoned homestead. They had decided to move there following the debacle on the train. Pat watched as his brother Scott came through the door to join them. Their numbers dwindled every time they had an encounter with the Barkleys. Currently there was Jake Rivers, the two Kyles brothers, Scott, himself and they were awaiting the arrival of Deanna Miner and Robert Hartley to complete the circle.

“What excuse did ya use to get away from the Wheelers, Scott?”

He shrugged his shoulders. “Mrs Wheeler just told me I’ve been worken so hard I should take sometime for myself. I told her I was gonna go do some fishen and Carl never argues with his mama. So no one was suspicious.”

“Learn anything?”

“Some. You want me to tell ya now or wait till Hartley and his woman get here?”

“As a matter of fact I think I hear his carriage now.” He arose from the table and looked out the window. “Yeah that’s them alright. Man that is one fine looken woman. Wouldn’t mind haven her for myself.”

“Don’t think Hartley’s the type ta share, Pat.” Scott observed as he poured himself a cup of coffee.

Before Pat had the opportunity to reply, the couple walked through the door.

Deanna stopped abruptly and looked with complete disdain around the room.

“This place is filthy, and it stinks to high heaven. Good Lord, Robert whatever possessed you to bring me here?”

I need you here, Deanna. You’re an integral part of this plan. You, you there, clean that chair off for the lady.”

Jake scowled at Hartley and replied. “I ain’t your errand boy, Mister. Pick another chump for your dirty work.”

Hartley scowled in response and opened his mouth to reply when Scott interrupted.

“I’ll take care of it.”

He went over to an old linen closet and took out a sheet that was yellowed with age but relatively clean and draped it over the chair for Deanna.

“Here ya go Ma’am. Will this do?”