Cash Cooper

by Pearl

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.

Synopsis: A deranged man holds Heath responsible for all his troubles. Everything is concurrent with the show except there is no Eugene. Heath has been with the Barkleys for four months.

Cash Cooper looked through sneering eyes at Heath Barkley as Heath rode the wild stallion. ‘If I don’t do something and fast, that kid’s gonna be here permanently,’ he thought to himself. Cash looked at Nick Barkley who was also watching Heath ride. It wasn’t so long ago, Nick wouldn’t give Heath the time of day, and now he was watching him with a look of pride and respect on his face.

“It’s not that I don’t like you, kid,” Cash said out loud to himself as he looked at Heath, “I just don’t want you here.”

“Hey, Nick,” Cash said as he went to stand beside Nick.

Nick held up his hand to stop another word from Cash as he yelled, “That’s it. You got him now.”

Cash looked up to see Heath riding the once wild stallion around the corral in a slow trot. When Heath dismounted, Nick went to open the gate for him.

As Heath walked through the gate, Nick said, “Nice job, Heath.”

Heath looked over at Nick, gave him a small lopsided smile and said, “Thanks.”

Nick’s eyes followed Heath as he walked to the water pump where he doused his head under the running water.

“Uh, Nick,” Cash tried again.

Nick reluctantly turned, “What? Oh sorry, Cash, you wanted me for something?”

“Yeah,” Cash swallowed and thought ‘here it goes’, “Well Nick, this may not be the time, but I heard something in town that I thought you ought to know.”

Nick had turned back to watch Heath.

“It’s about Heath,” Cash said.

Nick’s head whipped around and after a hard look at Cash, stated, “Look Cash, I’ve either heard or heard about all the things that have been said about Heath in town, and if you want to keep your job, you best not be repeating them.”

Nick turned and stomped away, but Cash’s next comment stopped him cold.

“He’s a killer,” Cash said frankly.

Nick abruptly turned and walked back to Cash, stopping inches in front of him.

“What did you say?” Nick snarled.

“He’s a gunfighter, and he’s hired his gun out for pay.” Cash paused for a moment, but seeing the storm building in Nick’s face, he added while he still could, “Nick, I’m not saying it’s true; I just heard a couple of men I’ve never seen before talking in the saloon last night.”

“Well, Cash,” Nick said with his voice laced with contempt, “I ‘spect you better treat this latest gossip like all the other ones. Heath would no more kill a man for money than I would.” And with that, Nick turned and walked away leaving Cash Cooper looking at his back.

* * * * * * * *

Nick Barkley got out of bed for the second time. After running his fingers through his dark hair, he looked at his pocket watch on the table. “A quarter after midnight,” he said out loud. “Darn you, Cash Cooper,” he added. He couldn’t get the man’s words out of his head. Heath had been living with them for four months and three of those months, he’d spent despising the blond haired man. Nick sat down on the edge of his bed as he thought back to when Heath rode into the ranch claiming to be a son of Tom Barkley. Heath’s revelation shook the family to the core, but after the shock, Victoria, Audra, and even Jarrod were convinced Heath spoke the truth. At the time, Nick couldn’t and wouldn’t see it, but with time and continual prompting by the rest of the family to look past his hurt, he finally believed it too. You’d have to be blind not to see that Heath had features and expressions that were all Tom Barkley. And his laugh - why his laugh is dead out like Tom Barkley‘s.

Nick rose from the bed to pace the floor again, and his thoughts ran wild. ‘But what did they know about him? A few bits and pieces here and there picked up from a few conversations with him. Heath was quiet - weren’t gunfighters quiet? They had a lot to hide. Gunfighters keep to themselves; didn’t Heath keep to himself? Well, maybe that was my fault,’ Nick thoughts went on. ‘I’ve not made it easy for him to fit in. Could he shoot good enough to be a gunfighter? Outside of seeing him use his rifle at Sample’s farm, I’ve not seen him shoot, and he was good with that rifle.’

“Stop it Nick,” he said out loud to himself. Running his fingers through his hair again, he started for his door in long, purposeful strides. He paused a minute outside Heath’s door. Slowly, he turned the doorknob and stepped inside. In stocking feet, he quietly walked to the side of Heath’s bed. After watching him sleep for a few minutes, Nick shook his head then reached down and pulled the covers up around Heath’s shoulders. In a voice slightly above a whisper he said, “I don’t doubt you’ve done many things little brother because your eyes speak volumes, but I’ll never believe you’re a killer.” He quietly walked out of his little brother’s room.

As Nick settled back in his bed, he thought he’d laid all the demons to rest, but one more crept up. A big one that sent cold chills throughout his body. If this rumor traveled, there more than likely would be several boys or men confronting Heath to try their hand at out shooting him.

Nick Barkley never got to sleep that night.

* * * * * * * *

Nick was gone the next morning before anyone else in the family was up. He grabbed a cold biscuit and a glass of milk on his way out. Saddling Coco in record time, Nick was anxious to be off. He didn’t want to have to explain where he was going to anyone.

After glancing at the house for any lights in the windows, Nick rode off the ranch. Twenty minutes later he was banging on the door of the sheriff’s home.

“Wait a minute, will ya?” came a sleepy, grouchy sounding voice on the other side.

The sheriff looked out the window and a few seconds later, he opened the door.

“Nick Barkley, what are you doing here at this hour?” The sheriff asked and after looking at his watch he added, “It’s five o’clock in the morning.”

“I know what time it is Fred,” Nick said impatiently. “Now are you gonna invite me in?”

“Come in,” the disgruntled sheriff said after he turned his back on his early morning visitor. “I’m going to put some coffee on.”

“Now Fred, I wouldn’t have bothered you if it wasn’t important.”

Fred Madden stopped and turned, “All right, all right, what do you want?”

“I need to know about two new guys in town in the last couple of days,” Nick said. “You notice anyone in town?” Nick asked.

“What do they look like?” Fred asked.

“I don’t know,” Nick answered.

“Well Nick, I gotta have more to go on than just two new guys. There’s new people passing through all the time on the stage and train.”

Nick thought for a minute. He knew he wasn’t giving the sheriff much, but he didn’t have much. He tried a new approach.

“Have you heard any talk around town about Heath lately?” Nick asked.

‘Oh no, not again,‘ thought Fred. The last time Nick came in town about talk involving Heath, the saloon was broken up. A couple of known town drunks were still sporting broken noses.

“No Nick, you’ve about quieted down the talk,” Fred said as he eyed Nick carefully for any signs of anger.

“Fred, this talk is different. I mean, this talk is about some things Heath might have done in his past?”

Fred eyed Nick with renewed interest. There was genuine concern his Nick’s voice.

“I haven’t heard anything. Should I have?” Fred asked.

“No, no, I just heard there was new talk circulating, and I wanted to investigate it. Ask these men a few questions.”

“Well I haven’t seen any new men around town that have been talking about Heath. Do you want some coffee? It won’t take long to make some.”

“No thanks, I gotta go.” Nick said as he turned and headed out the door.

* * * * * * * *

Nick entered the saloon shortly after the doors opened. He walked up to the bar and waited for Sam, the bartender, to turn around.

“What’ll it be Nick?” Sam asked when he did turn around.

“Information,” Nick said flatly.

“Ok,” Sam replied as he leaned on the bar close to Nick, “Shoot.”

“Two days ago, there were two strangers in here spouting off some talk about Heath. Do you know who they were, and where they went?”

‘Uh oh, not again,’ Sam thought, but on second thought he realized Nick wasn’t mad.

“Nick, there hasn’t been any new people in here for at least two weeks,” Sam answered.

Nick’s face took on a puzzled look. “Are you sure? Cash Cooper said a couple of men were in here talking about Heath.”

“Cash Cooper? Why, he hasn’t been in here for over a month. I figured he didn’t even work for ya’ll anymore and had moved on.” Sam said.

“He wasn’t in here this week?” Nick asked.

“I’ve been here all week, Nick. I know he hasn’t been in.”

“Thanks, Sam,” Nick said as he turned and hurried out the door with his spurs jingling as he walked.

* * * * * * * *

Nick Barkley rode with speed up to the crew working the fence line in the south pasture. As he dismounted, he hollered out, “Cash Cooper, get over here.”

“Uh oh,” one of the hands muttered, “Something has sure stirred Nick up.”

A round of agreements moved throughout the crew, but none loud enough for Nick to hear.

Cash stopped what he was doing and headed toward Nick. “Yeah, Nick.”

“I got a few questions for you about what you heard the other night in the saloon. Do you know what I’m talking about?” Nick asked.

“Yeah,” Cash said wondering what Nick had found out.

“I just spent the morning in town. There’s been no strangers in town lately, and there’s no rumor of Heath being a hired gun going around. And YOU haven’t been in the saloon in over a month. So, do you want to tell me why you would tell me a lie like that?”

Not giving Cash Cooper a chance to reply, Nick continued, “And don’t try to tell me another lie.“ Nick knew his voice was rising, and the other hands could hear what he was saying, but he was beyond being able to stop himself. Sleep deprivation and fear for Heath had taken over. He grabbed Cash’s shirt and yelled, “Do you have any idea what could happen if your rumor got around. It could cost my little brother his life. Some fool might call him out just to see if they can beat him.”

If the ranch hands had any doubts about how Nick felt about Heath before, they didn’t anymore. Nick’s actions told them Heath had fully been accepted as his brother.

Nick let go of Cash’s shirt, “Well,” he snarled.

Cash straightened up, and looked Nick in the eye and flatly said, “I wasn’t thinking of any results other than you might run Heath off. I don’t want him here.”

Nick calmed a bit. He hadn’t expected Cash to own up, and relief was slowly coursing through his body. He was gambling that Cash was lying, but until now, he hadn’t known for sure. “Why? What’s Heath done to you?” he asked.

“Nothing, I even like him. I just don’t want him here,” Cash answered, and Nick could see the truth in his eyes.

“That doesn’t make any sense. Why wouldn’t you want him here?” Nick asked genuinely caring now.

Cash shifted and looked over at the other hands. Nick looked too, then hollered, “Get back to work. You’re not paid to stand around.” When the hands were out of hearing range, Nick turned back to Cash, “Well?” he asked.

“When I was ten years old, my father had an affair. He got another woman pregnant.”

Nick could feel his blood starting to boil. Was Heath never going to be free from having to pay for the mistakes of his parents? He was about to demand to know why this would make him want Heath gone when Cash continued.

“My father left my mother and me for the other woman. They had a son. That boy took my father from me, and every time I see Heath, I’m reminded of him.

Nick thought for a minute before saying anything. Then he chose his words carefully. “I’m sorry for the loss of your father, but Heath had nothing to do with that. He’s already paid too high a price for our father’s mistakes, and he’s not going to pay for your father’s. If you are reminded of bad things when you see Heath, I think it would be best if you moved on, and if you ever do anything to hurt Heath again, I’m going to hunt you down. Hear?”

Cash nodded and said, “I never meant to hurt Heath.”

Cash turned and walked back to the crew. Nick watched him for several minutes before mounting his horse and riding away.

* * * * * * * *

Two days later Jarrod caught Nick when he came in for the day.

“Nick can I have a minute?” Jarrod asked as Nick hung up his gun belt and hat.

“Can it wait? I’m headed for a bath,” Nick said and headed up the stairs.

“No, it can’t,” Jarrod said, “It’s important.”

Nick stopped midway up the stairs, turned and gave Jarrod a hard look. He wasn’t in the mood for a big brother talk.

Stepping hard back down the stairs, Nick walked in the library telling Jarrod, “Two minutes,” as he passed him.

Nick went straight to the decanter and poured himself a drink and downed it in one gulp. He poured another before turning to Jarrod. “One minute’s gone. You’d better get started, Counselor.” Nick had been expecting this talk. He was surprised it hadn’t come sooner.

Jarrod gave Nick an exasperating look. “Why didn’t you tell me about the talk of Heath being a hired gun?” Jarrod asked.

“I didn’t see where it was necessary,” Nick flatly stated, gulped his drink and walked toward the door. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take a bath.”

“NICK!” Jarrod raised his voice. “DO YOU REALIZE THE RAMIFICATIONS OF SUCH TALK?”

“I KNOW PERFECTLY WELL WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF SUCH TALK GOT OUT,” Nick threw back then lowered his voice, “but it’s not getting out. I took care of it.”

“Did you? Apparently you haven’t seen today’s newspaper,” Jarrod said as he walked over and thrust the newspaper in Nick’s chest.

Nick slung the newspaper open and glanced down. The top story headline shot out at him. ‘A gunslinger in Stockton?’ it read. “What the...,” Nick said out loud, then scanned the story beneath. “Why that no good pencil pushing Harry Thornton. We’ll sue him. Make him issue a retraction.” Nick muttered, “But first, his face will meet my fist.”

“Oh, a lot of good that will do, Nick. You want to handle everything with your fist. Well, this time you won’t. We don’t need the added attention of a fight. And we can’t sue him. You didn’t read good enough. Harry was very careful to say it was nothing but a rumor, albeit, a very interesting rumor.” Jarrod said.

The library door opened and in walked Victoria Barkley, “We can hear you all over the house,” she said, “kindly lower your voices. And I think you are both missing the main concern here.” She looked at both her sons. “How this can hurt Heath,” she stated.

“I know Mother, I haven’t missed anything. I was just trying to point out to Brother Nick here, that had he come to me when this first stated, I might have been able to stop this from happening,” Jarrod said as he snatched the newspaper from Nick and held it up.

“What’s done is done, Jarrod. I think now we should use our energy to see what we can do to protect Heath.” She looked from Jarrod to Nick then said. “Do I make myself clear?’

Jarrod nodded and sat down at his desk. Nick gave one nod, turned his back on them and walked to the fireplace. He leaned with one arm on the fireplace mantle and stared into the fire.

“Now, do either of you have any ideas?” she asked.

“I’ll talk to Harry. See if I can’t get him to at least not print anything else about it. I’m sure he won’t print a retraction,” Jarrod said.

“What if we printed our own story?” Victoria asked.

“And say what?” Jarrod returned, “Do you realize, we know very little about Heath? God forgive me, but for all we know, there may be some truth to the rumor?”

Nick snapped his head around, “Always the lawyer, aren’t you? If you’d spent any time with Heath at all, you’d know there’s no way he’s ever been or ever will be someone’s hired gun.”

“I’ve spent time with him Nick, but sometimes you just don’t know what a person will do. From what we know of him, he’s had a rough life. Out of desperation, a person will do anything to survive. I’ve..”

“NOT HEATH,” Nick interrupted, “Not Heath. He wouldn’t DO anything to survive.”

“OH FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE. THIS IS GETTING US NOWHERE,” Victoria raised her voice. Both sons stopped. It wasn’t often their Mother ever got that loud, and when she did, they listened.

“It doesn’t matter what Heath did in his past. What does matter, is his future,” she said.

Nick turned back to the fire. Heath’s future. That’s all Nick had been thinking about for the last two days. He’d heard the talk, and knew the rumor had spread. He also knew it would be a matter of time before someone called Heath out.

“I’m going to the newspaper office tomorrow to issue my own statement. Refuting the rumor, and stating Heath is not a gunfighter now, nor has he ever been one, and pray it will stop this before it goes any further. In the meantime, we will all keep our eyes out for trouble. After supper, we will talk about this with Heath and Audra present. Now, I don’t want anymore arguing between you two; we’ve enough to worry about without that.” Victoria left the room.

Jarrod started to follow his mother out when Nick’s voice stopped him.

“Does Heath know?” Nick asked.

“I don’t see how he couldn’t, but I don’t know that for sure. The rest of us do,” Jarrod added.

“Where is he?” Nick wanted to know.

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him yet this evening.”

Nick started for the door. “Where are you going?” Jarrod called after him.

Without looking back, Nick hollered, “To find Heath.”

* * * * * * * *

Nick found Heath in the barn unsaddling Charger and putting up his gear.

“There you are,” Nick stated as he walked towards him.

“Yep,” Heath said, “Just got in.”

Heath had his back to Nick and when he turned around to get Charger’s brush, he ran into a brick wall in the form of Nick Barkley, “Uh, you’re in my way,” he said .

“Oh.... sorry,” Nick said as he stepped to the side.

When Heath got Charger’s brush, he started brushing down his coat.

“Uh, Heath, there’s something I want to talk to you about,” Nick stammered.

Because Heath had his back to Nick, Nick couldn’t see his smile and the twinkle in his eyes. Heath had heard the talk; heard how Nick defended him. He’d waited a long time for this feeling, and he was enjoying every minute of it. It felt soooo good to have Nick on his side, and to have a brother taking up for him.

“Ok,” Heath answered as he continued to brush Charger.

‘He’s not going to make this easy for me,’ Nick thought.

“Well, I just thought.....I mean......I guess you’ve heard what happened between me and Cash?” Nick questioned.

‘Boy, he must really be flustered. Old confident Nick was having trouble talking. Guess I ought to help him out,’ Heath thought.

Heath stopped brushing Charger and with as serious a face as he could manage, he turned and faced Nick. “Why didn’t ya just ask me if I was a gunfighter, Nick? Could of saved ya a lot of trouble.”

“Didn’t need to ask you. I know you’re not a gunfighter. I just wanted proof that it was a lie,” Nick answered. “And I got it,” he added.

“Ok,” Heath simply stated, and he turned around and started brushing Charger again.

Nick couldn’t read a thing in Heath’s face, his words or his actions.

“Uh Heath, is it all right between us? I mean, you’re not mad?”

This time Heath didn’t have to make his face serious, he was serious. “No Nick, I’m not mad. I’ve never had someone try to solve my problems for me like you did this week. It’s a new feeling for me, and well, I kind of like it.”

Nick nodded with understanding in his eyes. He didn’t want to tell him the rest of it, but he wanted Heath to know before he confronted the rest of the family. “There’s just one more thing, Heath. Harry Thornton, he owns the newspaper in town, well, he sort of got wind of the rumor, and well, he sort of ......well, he put it in the paper.

Heath stopped brushing Charger, and stood stock still. He didn’t say anything, and he didn’t turn around. This news, he hadn’t heard. He was letting it roll around in his thoughts when Nick spoke up again.

“Course, this don’t mean anything. Nobody’s gonna believe it. Heck, I bet a lot of people don’t even read the paper.”

Heath wasn’t quite so sure about that, but he kept his thoughts to himself.

“Heath?”

“Yeah Nick, I heard ya. You’re probably right. Nobody’s gonna believe it,” he finally said though he didn’t believe it and knew Nick didn’t either.

When Heath finished with Charger, Nick clapped him on the back and said, “Come on, let’s go in to supper.”

As they walked out of the barn together, Nick had his hand on Heath’s shoulder. “I do have one question for you, Heath?”

“What’s that?” Heath asked.

“How good are you with that gun you have strapped to your leg?” Nick asked.

Heath stopped and looked at Nick for a minute, then an idea came to him. “Follow me.”

Nick followed him behind the barn. “Are you fond of those little saplings over there?” Heath asked as he pointed to the edge of the tree line. Nick had barely quit shaking his head no when Heath whirled, drew his gun and shot off six limbs from the little trees in rapid succession.

Nick let out a long whistle. The boy was fast. The fastest he’d ever seen.

He looked at Heath with a scowl and said, “Glad I didn’t know that when Cash confronted me.”

Heath looked at him quizzically.

“I might of believed him,” Nick said then laughed. “Come on, let’s go see about that supper,” he said as he clapped Heath on the back.

As they walked in the door of the house, Nick said, “I’m glad you’re on my side.”

* * * * * * * *

A few days later Nick and Heath walked into the saloon to get a cold beer. The talking in the room stopped as they entered, and Heath looked behind them to see if someone was there that had caused the silence. Seeing no one there, he looked at Nick. Nick shrugged, and they walked up to the bar.

“Sam, give us two cold ones,” Nick said as he took off his gloves and shoved them in his back pocket. Slowly the talk started back up around the room.

Sam placed two foaming mugs of cold beer in front of the two cowboys. Nick and Heath drained the mugs at the same time. “Boy howdy, Nick, that hits the spot.”

“Yeah,” Nick agreed as he wiped the froth from his upper lip.

Heath turned and looked the room over. He thought he might get in on a good poker game. Sam put two more mugs in front of the boys, and they picked them up and carried them to a table. Sally Beth, a barmaid, wandered over. She tickled Nick with the feathered boa she wore around her neck wrapping it around his neck and running down the side of his face. “Can I do something for you, Nick?” she asked.

Nick wouldn’t look over at Heath, but he knew his little brother was stifling a laugh. Instead he took a long drink and answered, “Not now, Sally Beth, but don’t go far, the night’s young.”

“Sure thing, sugar,” she drooled, her lips seemed to drip with honey. “You need something, you just call, you hear? You too, Sweetie,” she said, and as she walked by Heath. She let the boa slide across the back of Heath’s shoulders.

Nick looked at Heath and saw the laughter in his eyes, and his mouth twitching to say something. “Not a word, Heath, not one word,” he said. That was all it took, Heath let forth a laugh. Nick couldn’t keep his scowl up and soon joined his little brother in laughter.

Across the room, a table of three young boys sat. Their eyes hadn’t left the Barkley brothers since they’d walked in. Heath had noticed them but wasn’t concerned. They were just kids.

“Go on, Kurt,” one of the boys coaxed. “That’s why we’re here.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve turned chicken now,” another boy said.

Kurt shoved his chair back making the legs scrape loudly against the floor. “I ain’t chicken,” he gritted between his teeth. He rose and walked toward the Barkley’s table. His friends’ eyes were on him; their faces flushed with excitement.

Kurt stopped in front of the table. “Which one of ya is Heath Barkley?” the kid asked.

Nick suddenly came alert, “Who’s wanting to know?”

The kid was unconsciously biting his lower lip as he turned his body, and taking on the stance of a gunfighter; he faced Nick. “Heard tell you’re the fastest draw around these parts,” the kid said.

Nick’s hair bristled on the back of his neck. “What’s it.....,” Nick started but was interrupted by Heath.

“I’m Heath Barkley,” Heath said quietly.

The kid turned to Heath, and before he thought, said, “You? You don’t look like a gunfighter.” Surprise was apparent on the kid’s face.

“I’m not,” Heath said.

The kid then turned to face Heath. He stood up taller, and felt a little braver. Somehow confronting the other man had been a lot more frightening than this one. “If you’re Heath Barkley, you are. I heard you’ve killed hundreds of men.”

Looking up at the kid, Heath answered, “You can’t believe everything you hear.”

The kid looked back at his friends before saying, “Where I’m from, I’m the quickest draw, and I aim to put my gun up against yours, so if you’ll just stand up” the boy said as he stepped back from the table.

“Look kid, the man said he wasn’t a gunfighter,” Nick growled.

“Mister, you stay out of this,” the kid said not taking his eyes off of Heath.

“Ohhhhh, you little...,” Nick snarled and started to rise, but Heath put a hand on his arm to stop him.

Heath looked at the kid, and this time there was a steely look to his eyes. “Look kid, I’m not a gunfighter. I haven’t killed hundreds of men, and I’m not going to match my gun against yours.”

The swinging doors to the saloon flew open striking the wall behind them with a bang, and Sheriff Madden walked in. Looking around the room and finding his goal, he walked over to the Barkley’s table. “What’s going on here?” he asked.

“Well?” Heath threw the kid a questioned look.

The kid looked at all three men before reluctantly walking away.

“Have a seat, Fred,” Nick said as the pushed a chair away from the table with his foot. His eye was still on the kid. ‘You can’t trust kids; they’re likely to do anything,’ he thought.

After sitting down, Fred said, “George told me there was a kid in here looking for a gunfight. That him?” Fred questioned, nodding toward the kid that had just left.

Nick nodded, and Heath answered, “Yeah.”

“I was hoping your mother’s statement in the newspaper would have stop anything like this from happening, but I guess some people are just going to believe what they want to,” Fred said. He really liked Heath, and he knew how much this could get out of hand.

“Yeah,” Nick said, “us too, but it seems the rumor has spread beyond Stockton,” He tried to shake the bad feeling he had. “Ready to go, Heath?” Nick had suddenly lost his thirst.

Draining the last of their beer, the boys rose, “See ya later,” Heath said to Fred as he headed for the door.

Nick hung back a little. When he and Fred made eye contact, Fred said, “I’ll keep a watch out for more of ‘em, Nick.”

Nick nodded, put his hand of Fred’s shoulder and said, “Let me know as soon as you get wind of any gunfighters even close to Stockton.”

“Will do.” Fred got up and followed the brothers out.

* * * * * * * *

The next morning, Nick was in the foyer strapping his gun belt on when Heath came down the stairs.

“Ready to go?” Heath asked as he walked to the door.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” Nick asked.

Heath looked at him with questioning eyes.

“Your gun belt,” Nick said as he pointed to Heath’s gun belt hanging on the hat rack.

“Nope. Not gonna wear it,” Heath answered without hesitating.

“Why not?” Nick questioned with frowning brows, “Because of what happened yesterday?”

Heath gave a slight nod and left the house.

Nick pursed his lips and gave his retreating brother’s back a hard look. He quickly finished strapping his gun belt on and followed Heath out.

In the barn, he confronted Heath further.

“You need your gun for protection, Heath.”

Heath was saddling Charger and didn’t reply to Nick’s statement.

“Heath,” Nick wasn’t going to let this go.

Heath whirled around. He was wound up tight and as a result was very short with his words.

“Look Nick, yesterday that kid tried to get me to draw on him. I’m not killing no kid.”

“You didn’t draw on him though.”

“I could have. If he’d caught me off guard, or if he‘d left me with no choice, I might have.”

“But you didn’t.”

“Next time, I might.”

“There won’t be a next time.”

“Yeah, because I won’t have a gun on.”

By this time Heath had Charger ready and led him out. As he walked pass Nick, he gave him a look that let Nick know he’d better drop the subject.

“All right, little brother, for now,” Nick said to himself, “but this isn’t over with yet.”

* * * * * * * *

“Can’t anyone talk some sense into him,” Nick waved his arm towards Heath who was standing at the fireplace with his back to the rest of them.

The whole family was assembled in the parlor after having supper. By now everyone knew why Nick was unhappy.

“Nick, he doesn’t have to wear a gun if he doesn’t want to,” Victoria said. “Lots of people don’t wear them.”

“Lots of people don’t encounter snakes on a daily basis.”

“That’s a risk, I’ll take,” Heath turned from the fireplace.

“Nick, I think he’s right,” Jarrod said. “Maybe if he isn’t wearing a gun, people will more likely believe that he’s not a gunfighter.”

“THAT’S HOGWASH,” Nick blasted back. “All not wearing a gun is gonna do is get him killed.”

“Well, I’m not wearing one and that’s all there is to it. Now I’m tired, and I’m going to bed. See you all in the morning.” Heath said as he walked out of the room.

“I think I’ll turn in, too,” said Jarrod. “Goodnight.”

Audra, who’d been quiet through the whole discussion could see her mother wanted to talk to Nick, so she followed Jarrod out.

“Nick, it isn’t the snakes is it?” Victoria asked. She’d been watching Nick close, and knew this had to do with more than snakes.

Nick ran his hands through his hair. “I try not to worry too much about him getting shot by someone calling him out, Mother. I’ve seen Heath shoot. He can probably out shoot anyone.”

“That’s not the point, Nick. He doesn’t want to shoot anyone, and he’d rather risk his life not wearing a gun than to take a chance on killing anyone.”

“But there are things that could happen because he doesn’t have a gun on, Mother. A man uses his gun for more than killing. He uses it to alert people, to let someone know where he is, as a signal, if he comes across rustler’s, there’s any number of things out there, and if Heath doesn’t carry a gun, it leaves him vulnerable. I don’t like it. He NEEDS his gun, Mother,” Nick stated adamantly.

“I know, Nick, but this is something that Heath feels he has to do, and we need to support him in it. And in the meantime, we watch over him as best we can. When this dies down, I believe life will get back to the way it was,” Victoria said as she put her hand on Nick’s arm.

Nick nodded. ‘If this dies down,’ he thought.

“Try to get some sleep, son,” she said as she ran her hand through his hair.

Nick stayed down in the parlor for quite some time. The situation was getting out of control, and there wasn’t a thing he could do about it. He felt powerless, and that’s not a feeling he’s used to. He’d been racking his brain to come up with something to stop this situation, and so far nothing had worked. With each day that went by, a feeling of dread grew within him.

Sometime after midnight, Nick trudged up to his bedroom to try to get some sleep.

* * * * * * * *

In her bedroom, Victoria also was having trouble sleeping. She picked up a picture frame she kept at her bedside and traced the outline of the young people in the photograph - her children. Her fingers lingered on Heath and she whispered, “Please God, keep him safe.”

* * * * * * * *

“BARKLEY!”

“HEATH BARKLEY!”

Nick and Heath had just walked out of the general store with sacks of feed on their shoulders when they heard someone calling out to Heath. They looked toward the sound, and saw a man standing in the middle of the street with his legs slightly apart and his hands hanging down his sides.

Nick pursed his lips, clenched his jaws, and silently swore to himself. He knew something like this was going to happen. Things had been running too smooth. Heath had been going without his gun for two weeks, and Nick was just beginning to feel at ease with it. He’d fought Heath and his whole family on it, but at last, he’d given in. He didn’t have much choice, as Heath wouldn’t wear his gun no matter what argument he came up with. Nick threw the feed sack in the back of the wagon and looked over at Heath. All Heath did upon seeing who’d called out to him was pause a moment then dump his feed sack in the wagon and walk back in the store to get another sack.

After glaring at the man for a few minutes, Nick followed his brother, but all his senses were heightened. He didn’t believe for one minute that man was going to back down just because he’d been ignored. As they were about to walk out the door with another feed sack on their shoulders, the man appeared in the doorway. Another man was with him. “I’m talking to you,” the man said as he resumed his gunfighter stance.

“What do you want?” Heath asked, and he stopped where he was.

“I’m calling you out.”

“You’re wasting your breath. I’m unarmed. Now if you’ll move out of our way, we’ve got work to do,” Heath started toward the door again.

“Well, you just better find a gun.”

“I’m not gonna fight you, Mister,” Heath stated.

“We’ll just see about that,” the man sneered. He looked around the room and grabbed the nearest woman. She partially let out a scream before he clamped his hand across her mouth, stifling any other sound she might have made. He pulled her roughly in front of him. “If you don’t, me and the little lady here will have a little fun.”

Nick dropped his sack and started for his gun, but the second man drew his gun, and said, “Stay out of it, mister.”

Nick stopped, and kicking the feed sack to the side, he moved forward to stand beside Heath.

The woman had struggled when the man first grabbed her, but now she was quiet and deathly pale.

Seeing that Heath still wasn’t doing anything, the gunman reached up with his hand and ripped the woman’s dress exposing her shoulder. He turned his face and started kissing the woman’s shoulder working his way up her neck towards her ear - all the time keeping his eyes on Heath. The woman started struggling and making whimpering noises.

Heath dropped his feed sack. “Give me your gun, Nick,” he demanded never taking his eyes off the gunman.

“He’s baiting you, Heath,” Nick said.

“Charlie, you got a gun behind that counter?” Heath asked the shopkeeper. His eyes were still glued to the gunman.

“Here,” Nick choked out before Charlie could answer. He took off his gun belt. If Heath was gonna use a gun, it was gonna be his. He knew his was newly oil and in excellent condition.

“Now, let the woman go, and tell your friend to put his gun away,” Heath said as he was strapping Nick’s gun belt on.

The other man holstered his gun. The gunman grinned at Heath.

“Move back, Nick,” Heath said as he straightened up and faced the man moving his legs slightly apart.

Nick didn’t move.

“NICK.”

Reluctantly, Nick finally did move but only a short distance away.

The gunman pushed the woman aside. She lost her balance and tumbled to the floor.

“Stay down, ma’am,” Heath said as the woman started to rise.

The gunman went for his gun, but Heath was quicker and placed his bullet right where he wanted it. The gunman dropped his gun, which was barely out of the holster and grabbed his wrist. When he saw the other man move, Heath immediately turned his gun on him. The man raised both his hands up and cried out, “Don’t shoot!”

Footsteps were heard running towards the store and in a few seconds, Sheriff Fred Madden rushed in the door with his gun drawn. “What’s going on in here?” he asked as he moved inside. Taking in the scene, he moved to stand along side Heath and turned his gun on the two strangers.

The shopkeeper started explaining what happened to the sheriff.

Nick let out a deep breath, walked up to stand by Heath and laid a hand upon his shoulder. Their eyes briefly met, but in that short length of time, Nick could see a world of pain in his little brother’s blue eyes.

After hearing the shopkeeper’s story, Sheriff Madden collected the two men’s guns. “You’re under arrest,” he said. “Now let’s go,” and he motioned the two men out the door. Heath slowly put his gun away, but kept his eyes on the men until they were out of sight.

Nick went to help the woman up, “You all right, ma’am?” he asked.

She nodded. The shopkeeper’s wife wrapped a blanket around the woman’s shoulders. “Come back here with me, dear,” she said as she led the distraught woman to the back of the store. As the women passed Heath, she stopped and said, “Thank you.”

Heath half smiled and replied, “If it wasn’t for me, it wouldn’t have happened. I’m glad you’re all right, ma’am.”

Nick grimaced, “Come on Heath.” He clapped Heath on the back and added, “Let’s get the wagon loaded and get out of here.”

* * * * * * * *

Victoria Barkley watched from the window as Heath rode through the front gate. Her eyes followed him all the way to the corral where he dismounted and led Charger into the barn. Her heart ached when she thought of all he’d been going through. She hadn’t seen him smile since the shooting in town, and that had been a week ago.

She met him when he walked in the front door. Smiling, she asked, “Heath, how was your day?” and standing on her tiptoes, she planted a kiss on his cheek.

“Long,” was his only reply. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go on up for a bath. Nick’s not too far behind me, and I want one before he grabs the tub.”

“All right,” Victoria smiled, but her smile faded as she watched him trudge up the stairs.

She was helpless as to how to rid her family of the turn of events that plagued them all. The talk in town was even worse now. Word had gotten out how quick Heath was with a gun, and people were saying that even if he wasn’t a gunfighter now, he must have been one at some point in his life. Nick had been ill tempered since the shooting, and even Jarrod was tense and withdrawn. Heath was unusually quiet, and Audra chattered nervously around her brothers trying to lighten their moods.

* * * * * * * *

That night, Victoria once again had trouble sleeping. She went downstairs to get some warm milk and noticed a light on when she passed the library. Slipping quietly in the door, she saw Heath sitting in a chair in front of the fireplace. He was staring intently into the fire. She went and stood behind him and put her hands on each of his shoulders. He didn’t turn around, but reached up with his left hand and covered one of hers. They stayed that way for several minutes until Heath broke the silence.

“Mother, I’ve got to get away for awhile. I don’t see any other way. I’ve tried not wearing a gun. I’ve tried ignoring people. If I stay here, someone could get hurt - you, Audra, maybe even Nick or Jarrod. If they’ll use a woman to draw me out, they’ll use my family.”

Victoria remained passive. She had been expecting this. Had almost even suggested it. “Where will you go?” she asked with a tear in her voice.

“Somewhere I’ve never been before. A place where no one knows my face. I was thinking, I’d use a different name.”

“I wish...” Victoria’s voice cracked, “I wish there was something I could do to help...I feel so helpless. Oh Heath...”

Heath stood and turned towards her. He saw tears falling freely down her cheeks. Taking her into his arms, he held her tight. His heart broke as he listened to her weep. He treasured this woman whom he’d caused to cry. So very quickly she’d taken him into her family, her home and more importantly, her heart. He never wanted to hurt her, yet he’d done just that. She stirred in his arms and broke his thoughts.

She dried her eyes and looked up at him. Seeing his eyes full of unshed tears, she laid her head back down on his chest and held him a moment longer.

After several minutes, Heath helped his mother sit in the chair he’d vacated. He sat on the hearth across from her and held her hand in his.

When she could manage to get the words out, she asked, “When will you leave?”

“As soon as possible, tomorrow or the day after that.”

Neither said anything for a few minutes.

Then Heath said so low, she almost missed it, “I don’t know how to tell Nick.”

Victoria saw the pain in his expression. Telling Nick was going to be a problem. She didn’t quite know how to advise him, so she said, “You just tell him. He’s not going to like it no matter how you tell him.”

Heath sort of half chucked and tried to joke, “Think I’ll tell Jarrod first, might need a referee.”

* * * * * * * *

Heath couldn’t contain his smile at Jarrod’s suggestion.

“No, Heath now wait a minute. I’ve been thinking a lot about this. It makes perfect sense. No one’s ever accused a lawyer or a lawyer’s assistant of being a gunfighter.”

Seeing the incredulous look on Heath’s face, Jarrod hurried on.

“Aw, Heath. It wouldn’t be forever,” Jarrod stated as he put his hand on Heath’s shoulder, “and think of what you’d learn. In no time at all, this will blow over and you can get back to work at the ranch. You wouldn’t have to go anywhere. You could stay right here in Stockton. Anyone seeing you in business suits will soon lose any notion of you being a gunfighter.” Jarrod had lost all thoughts of the possibility of Heath ever being a gunfighter, and was desperately seeking a way to keep his brother around.

Heath shuddered. The thought of wearing a suit and dressing like Jarrod for any length of time seemed unbearable. It was all right for Jarrod, but as for himself, he’d almost rather be a gunfighter.

Seeing he was losing the battle, Jarrod tried another idea. “All right Heath, if you don’t want to help me in my law practice, why not go to college? I’ve seen you reading a lot. You’re very intelligent. Why, you could get that education you never had the opportunity to get.”

Heath had to admit the idea slightly appealed to him more than the other, but attending college at his age?

“Could I wear my cowboy duds?” Heath questioned with mirth in his eyes.

Hope sprang to Jarrod’s face, but quickly vanished when he realized Heath was brushing this idea off with a joke.

“Just think about it, Heath.”

Heath nodded.

“I appreciate you trying to help, Jarrod. It really means a lot to me, and I promise I’ll give it some thought, all right?”

“That’s all I ask.”

Jarrod watched as Heath walked out of the room. How he could have ever thought there was a remote possibility of that gentle man ever being a gunfighter, was beyond him. Sometimes he thought Nick was right - he was too much of a lawyer, and not enough of a brother.

* * * * * * * *

“YOU’RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE?” Nick yelled. “SO JUST GET THAT IDEA OUT OF YOUR HEAD RIGHT NOW!”

“I’m going, Nick, and you’d better just get used to the idea.”

“If I have to use force to keep you here, little brother, I will,” Nick snarled.

Heath could see the determination in Nick and knew without a doubt he’d do it. They’d been arguing for the last fifteen minutes and getting nowhere. He took a deep breath and tried again, “Nick there’s no other way, and it won’t be forever, just until the talk dies down, and people quit tracking me down for a gunfight.”

“YOU ARE NOT GOING.”

“Will you listen to reason?” Heath tried again.

“I’VE HEARD ALL YOUR REASONS. IT’S YOUR SOLUTION, I’M NOT GOING TO LISTEN TO,” was Nick’s reply.

Victoria entered the library.

“Mother, will you try to talk some sense into him?” Nick asked as he pointed at Heath.

She looked at Heath and said, “Jarrod and Audra are waiting in the parlor. I’d like to talk with everyone in a little while. Why don’t you go on to the parlor? Nick and I will be there shortly.

Heath nodded and left. He was only too glad to get away from Nick for awhile.

After Heath left, Victoria shut the door and turned towards Nick. The library’s wall could not contain her middle son’s booming voice, and she’d heard enough to know that Heath was having no success in winning Nick over to his way of thinking. Looking into Nick’s face, she could see his pain, so choosing her words carefully, she asked, “What would you have him do, Nick? Stay here and take on any challenge that comes along? Get himself killed?”

“It’s worked out so far. Heath’s fast Mother. He can take care of himself.”

“Yes, he’s fast, but he doesn’t have the heart of a gunfighter, and that could get him killed.”

Her words hit Nick like a ton of bricks. He remembered seeing the pain in Heath’s eyes after the shooting, and knew what his mother said was true.

Victoria saw the realization dawn in Nick’s face. She walked over to him and taking his face in her hands, she said, “I love you Nicholas Barkley, and I know you love Heath. We all do, but sometimes you have to set a person free in order to keep him. That’s what we have to do now with Heath.” Her voice was cracking from her pain, and she had to stop.

Nick pulled his mother into his arms and held tight.

* * * * * * * *

Her children were gathered in the parlor when Victoria emerged from the library. She’d lingered awhile after Nick left to compose her thoughts. Audra and Jarrod stopped playing their game of checkers when she entered. Nick was stabbing the logs in the fireplace with more force than was necessary. She could see his jaws clenched, and knew he still wasn‘t happy about Heath‘s decision to leave. Heath was sitting on the sofa. He was looking at the checker game, but she could see his thoughts were a million miles away. She cleared her throat and waited until all eyes were on her. Taking a deep breath, she started, “I’ve been giving the idea of Heath leaving us for awhile a lot of thought. I’ve come up with one solution that I’d like to run by all of you, though it is Heath’s decision to make.”

Looking at Heath, she continued, “Heath, your father’s brother, Jim, lives in Denver. He’s got a wife and three married children all of which live in the Denver area. I thought maybe you’d like to go stay with them. No one knows you there, and I’m sure this rumor hasn’t traveled that far. It would give you a good chance to get to know some of your other relatives, and they’ve been wanting to meet you. You can stay there for as long as it takes for things to settle down here.” She waited and let her words sink in. She couldn’t read anything on his face, but she could on the rest of them. Audra’s face had brightened considerably. Jarrod smiled and nodded his head in agreement. Nick’s face, well she could see the wheels turning in his head, and there was a sort of peaceful look on his face.

She walked over to stand near Heath. “Like I said, it’s up to you, Heath, where you go, but one thing is not up to you.” She could feel everyone looking at her though she never took her eyes off of Heath. “When you leave here, you will take plenty of money with you to take good care of yourself. And when you settle somewhere, more will be wired to you. And Heath, no matter where you go, I expect you to find a way to keep in touch with us.”

Heath’s gaze shifted down to the floor. He had planned on keeping in touch. That was part of the reason for an assumed name, but he was very uncomfortable with taking a lot of money with him. “I can take care of myself,” he said so low she had to strain to hear it.

“Look at me, Heath.” When he looked up, she said in a tone that wasn‘t to be argued with, “I know you can, but you own an equal part of everything we have now, and I don’t ever want you to go without again. Is that clear?”

Then trying to lighten the mood and making Heath more comfortable, she flippantly added, “If you don’t agree to this, I’ll help Nick with that force he was going to use to keep you here.”

Heath gave her his lopsided smile and nodded.

Victoria continued, “Nothing has to be decided right this minute. Perhaps you’d like to think on it overnight.”

Audra turned in her chair and with bright, excited eyes exclaimed, “Oh Heath, I think that’s a wonderful idea. You’ll love Uncle Jim. He has a large ranch at the base of the Rocky Mountains. He has cattle, but his main interest is horses. His wife, Becky, will simply spoil you. Jake, their oldest, is Nick’s age, and he helps Uncle Jim run the ranch. He’s married to Jenny, and they have a toddler name Beau. Oh, and their...” Audra went on talking, but Heath wasn’t listening anymore. He was watching Nick who had gone back to working the logs over with the fireplace poker, but at least instead of stabbing them, he was just slightly moving them. His jaws weren’t clenched anymore, and Heath hoped he’d come to terms with the fact that his leaving would be the best solution.

“Heath, you haven’t heard a word I’ve said,” Audra complained.

Heath stood, walked over to Audra, and kissed her on top of the head. “Yes, I have little sister, and the Colorado Barkleys sound like wonderful people. I’ll keep everything you’ve said in mind as I make my decision. Now if ya’ll will excuse me, I want to check on Charger. He was limping a little today.”

“Need any help?” Jarrod offered.

“No thanks, I can get it.” Heath stopped in front of Victoria on his way to the door. He kissed her cheek and whispered, “Thank you, Mother,” and he walked out the door.

“What do you think he’s going to do?” Jarrod asked his mother.

She drew her gaze from the door Heath had just closed and said, “I don’t know. I hope he’ll go to Colorado, but I just don’t know.”

Nick put the poker up, and without saying a word to anyone, left the room. He walked up the staircase and in a few moments, the rest of them heard his door shut.

* * * * * * * *

Heath didn’t need to check on Charger; he just needed to get away by himself for a little while. As much as he loved his family, sometimes he felt as if he couldn’t breathe. He wasn’t use to so many people being concerned about him, and sometimes he didn’t know how to respond. It had been a long day. He’d quit work early in order to talk to Jarrod before dinner. That talk had gone fine. Jarrod had understood and accepted why he felt he had to leave. Heath smiled again when he thought of Jarrod’s suggestions in helping him in his law practice or going to college. Though it felt awfully good to know Jarrod wanted to keep him around, he just couldn’t seriously consider either of his suggestions. He pictured himself in clothes like Jarrod wore, and he started to itch. He rubbed his neck as he could just feel the shirt and tie choking him. He shook his head to rid it of the picture. Being in the outdoors, doing physical labor is what he loved to do. He just couldn’t imagine himself doing anything else.

Stroking Charger’s neck, Heath thought about Nick. Nick’s reaction hadn’t surprised him. In fact, he half expected to feel his reaction. It wouldn’t be the first time Nick had showed him his thoughts with his fists. More than anything, he wanted Nick’s agreement in him leaving. When Nick stood behind him, he felt as though he had a whole army with him. He patted Charger’s neck and said, “Charger, that Nick’s one stubborn man, got any ideas on how to sway him to seeing this one thing my way?”

Charger snorted.

He chuckled and proceeded to give Charger a proper rub down.

* * * * * * * *

Heath quietly shut the front door. He thought the rest of the family was asleep, and he didn’t want to wake them. He was halfway to the stairs when he heard “Heath.”

He stopped and moved towards the parlor. There wasn’t any light on so at first he didn’t see anyone, but then he saw the silhouette of Nick sitting in a chair by the fireplace. He slowly walked in the room and sat on the edge of the table near Nick.

“Know where you’re going to go yet?”

“No.”

“I...well, I just want you to know that...well, I think you leaving might not be such a bad idea...for awhile, that is.”

Heath smiled his lopsided smile. He knew this wasn’t easy for Nick.

“Thanks Nick.”

Nick cleared his throat. “You know, Heath, that idea of Mother’s is a pretty good one. Uncle Jim’s got some horses that you’d be hard pressed to find as good anywhere else. You could purchase us some while you’re there and bring them back with you.” He didn’t dare mention to Heath that he thought he’d be safe there. Plus, he could keep up with him without him knowing it.

“I don’t know, Nick.”

“He’s got some lookers, Heath. You could go for awhile anyway. Why, the horses are worth a look.”

When Heath didn’t say anything, Nick stood and stretched. “Well, I guess I’ll go on to bed. You coming?”

“Yeah.”

Heath stood, and together they made their way up the staircase.

As Nick laid in the bed, he thought back over his conversation with Heath. He wondered if there was anything else he could have said to convince Heath to go to Denver. He then turned his thoughts to what he was going to do if Heath wouldn’t go to Denver. He didn’t get much sleep that night.

* * * * * * * *

Heath came bounding down the stairs the next morning whistling. Victoria met him in the foyer, and together they walked to the dining room for breakfast.

“My, you certainly are happy this morning.” She was enjoying the sound of his whistling. It had been a long time since she’d seen him happy.

“Yeah, I guess I am.”

Audra, Nick and Jarrod were already seated at the table when they walked in.

“What are you so happy about?” Nick grumbled. Lack of sleep was evident in his voice.

“I’m going to Denver.”

“Heath, I’m so glad. Becky and Jim will be thrilled,” Victoria exclaimed.

“And that makes you that happy,” Nick grumbled again. He wanted Heath to go to Denver, but he didn’t want him to be so happy about leaving them.

“Well, Nick ever since I made the decision to go there, it doesn’t really feel like I’m having to leave ya’ll. Just feels like I’m taking a trip.”

Nothing could take the smile from Victoria’s face. Jarrod settled back in his chair while enjoying the feeling he was having, and Nick was smiling in his coffee cup unable to take a drink yet. Then Audra piped up, “Heath you’ll love Jake. You favor him except his hair’s a little darker, but he acts just like Nick.”

“Well then, little Sis, looks like I got my work cut out for me. Have to calm him down like I’ve calmed Nick down.”

With that remark, Nick spit the coffee in his mouth across the table.

“Nicholas!” Victoria admonished as Jarrod wiped what little bit Nick had spit on him off the front of his shirt while giving Nick a thoroughly disgusting look.

Nick sputtered, “What the... YOU CALMED ME DOWN? NOW YOU LISTEN TO ME, BOY.” Nick stopped when he saw Heath’s shoulders shaking as he and Audra shared a laugh. He realized then that Heath had only been trying to get at him, and it had worked. He joined them in laughter as he realized how long it had been since he’d heard anyone in this family laugh. It felt good. In the end, even Jarrod couldn’t help but join in.

Victoria sighed. She relished the moment and tucked the memory away for the days ahead.

* * * * * * * *

Heath and Nick came in from work early that day so Heath could pack and get ready for his trip to Denver. They were in the barn unsaddling Charger and Coco when Heath looked at Nick and said, “I won’t be taking Charger with me to Denver.”

With a puzzled look, Nick looked at Heath like he was crazy and asked, “Why not?”

“Charger’s well known in these parts, plus he’s got the Barkley brand on him which is also well known in these parts. If I’m going to all the trouble to leave and going by a different name then I don’t need to ride a horse that would tie me to the Barkleys.”

Nick thought about it for a minute. What Heath said made sense, good sense, but he didn’t like it.

“You need Charger. You’ve trained that horse so well, Heath, that if something happened and you fell off of him, he’d stay with you instead of running off.”

“Well I’m not gonna fall off my horse, and that new stallion I broke last month will do just fine, AND he doesn’t have the Barkley brand on him yet.”

Nick was quiet for several minutes then he picked up his saddle and put it back on Coco.

“Where you going?”

“To town.”

As Nick led Coco out of the barn, he looked back over his shoulder and said, “Tell Mother I’ll be back in time for supper.”

* * * * * * * *

Jarrod, Audra, Victoria and Heath were in the parlor before supper. Heath had just gotten through explaining to them why he wouldn’t be taking Charger with him. Jarrod and Victoria thought it was a good idea. Audra didn’t say anything.

“What’s wrong little Sis?” Heath asked upon noticing her silence.

“Nothing really. It’s just that, oh Heath, it’s really going to happen, isn’t it? You’re really going to leave us, aren’t you?”

Heath walked over and gently put his hands on her shoulders, and looking deep into her eyes. “It’s only going to be for a little while. I’ll be back before you know it.”

Tears came to Audra’s eyes. “I miss you already.”

Heath smiled and pulled her into his arms. “I’m going to miss you, too.” Then gently pulling away from her, he lifted her head to look at him. “I do have a question for you.”

Audra looked at him. She couldn’t say anything yet.

“Will you take care of Charger for me while I’m gone? He really likes you brushing him.”

“Of course, I will.”

Victoria spoke up. “I wonder what’s keeping Nicholas? Silas can’t wait supper on him much longer.” She looked at the clock, then addressed Heath, “Did he say what he was going to town for?”

“Nope, just that he was going to town, and he’d be back before supper.”

“Well, we won’t wait any longer. I’ll get Silas to save him a plate.”

They had just sat down at the table, when they heard the front door slam.

“MOTHER!”

“HEATH!”

“WHERE IS EVERYBODY?”

“We’re in here,” Victoria answered. “And must you shout so?” she added when Nick came striding in the dining room carrying a large bag.

Nick didn’t hear her comment. With pure joy on his face and grinning from ear to ear, he sat down at the table. The look on his face reminded Victoria of how he always looked on Christmas morning.

“What’s in the bag, Nick?” Audra asked. She loved surprises which was evident in her bright eyes.

“Some things for Heath.”

“Me?” Heath was clearly surprised.

“Yeah, little brother, you. I got to thinking about what you said in the barn. You know, about you couldn’t take Charger because of him being recognizable. Well, you’re recognizable too. You wear practically the same thing all the time. From a mile away, a person just has to see that blue shirt,” Nick pulled at the sleeve on the blue shirt Heath had on as he said this, “your brown vest,” he pulled at Heath’s vest, “and your tan pants to know it’s Heath Barkley they’re looking at. So,” Nick looked around at everyone before continuing, “I bought you some UNrecognizable clothes.”

Audra snickered, Victoria smiled and Jarrod sat back clearly amused - this he had to see. Heath’s face took on a sort of frightened and bewildered look.

Nick reached in the bag and pulled out a black shirt and black pants. He studied Heath’s face as he handed them to him. Heath held them up, but didn’t say anything. He was speechless. When Nick pulled out a shiny black leather vest next, Audra burst out laughing. Jarrod and Victoria dared not look at each other for fear they’d be joining Audra.

Heath’s mouth dropped open. He looked at the clothes in his hands, the shiny vest in Nick’s hands, then down at what Nick had on. “You don’t have spurs in that bag too, do you?” he asked and was afraid Nick was fixing to pull some out.

Nick was all smiles. “No, but I have this.” He reached once more into the bag and came out with a black cowboy hat.

“Nick, I’m gonna look just like you in this outfit.”

“Yeah, so? At least you won’t look like you.” Nick explained. It was evident that he was very proud of himself for coming up with this safety idea for Heath. And it was also evident that Heath wasn’t very happy about it.

Heath looked at Victoria for help. She put her hands up and scooted back from the table a little. He looked at Jarrod. “You’re on your own with this, brother Heath.” He tried Audra. “Heath, Nick is right. You sure won’t look like you,” Audra said as she tried to stifled her giggles behind her hands.

Looking at Nick, Heath was dead serious when he said, “All right, big brother, you win this one, but you’re gonna owe me one.”

“When you’re back home, little brother, when you’re back home.”

* * * * * * * *

Fifty miles away from the Barkley ranch, an empty whiskey bottle smashed against the wall, and shattered into a million pieces. He didn’t know what day it was, and he didn’t care. Since losing his job with the Barkleys, he’d managed to keep himself saturated in liquor. That boy had ruined his life. Taken away everyone he’d ever loved. First his father, then his mother. He lost his mother five years after his father left them. She never got over the rejection of the only man she’d ever loved, and slowly she died inside until there was nothing left to live for. He watched his mother give up on life, and when she couldn’t bear it anymore, she took her own life, leaving her fifteen year old fatherless son alone in the world. If it hadn’t been for that boy, none of that would have happened. His father wouldn’t have left. His mother wouldn’t have taken her life. He wouldn’t have lost his job. His mind was all muddled, and in his drunken, confused state of mind, he couldn’t keep his thoughts straight. He couldn’t keep his half brother and Heath Barkley separated in his mind. The two images kept floating around in his mind until they meshed into one - in the name and form of Heath Barkley. “YOU ARE THE CAUSE OF ALL MY TROUBLE,” the man yelled out. “IF I DO NOTHING ELSE, I WILL RID THE WORLD OF YOU.”

Cash Cooper was losing his mind.

* * * * * * * *

Nick was on the North ridge sitting high in his saddle atop Coco. He was looking out over the valley, but it wasn’t seeing the valley he was seeing. He was seeing Heath. In his mind, he pictured Heath in Colorado with his uncle, aunt and cousins. They hadn’t heard from him yet, but he should have already gotten there. Nick smiled as he remembered the morning Heath left. They were all standing at the front door in the foyer when Heath came down the stairs. He was dressed in the clothes Nick had bought him. No one said a word about it for fear he would go back upstairs and change his clothes. He sure didn’t look a thing like himself, and he was walking kind of funny - like the clothes scratched him or something, but no one dared to ask him about that either. Jarrod did have a question for Heath though when he got to the bottom of the stairs. He asked what his assumed name was going to be. Heath had looked at them with a mischievous look in his eyes and said, “Well, I thought I’d take as much of ya’ll with me as I could...so brothers, from now until I return, I’ll be known as Jonathan Thomas.” Nick chuckled. It was just like Heath to take their middle names to come up with his new name. Jonathan was his middle name, and Thomas was Jarrod’s. Nick frowned as he thought of the turn of events that had taken place since Cash Cooper started that rumor. He wasn’t comfortable with Heath being gone, but he knew Heath had made the right decision in leaving. The day after he left, two more gunfighters had shown up in Stockton seeking him out. Both men had the distinct look of a killer to him, and Nick was thankful his little brother was gone. They finally moved on after being convinced that Heath no longer lived in Stockton.

Looking east toward Denver, Nick solemnly said, “Take care, little brother.”

Later that day, Nick walked into the barn calling it another day. Since Heath had been gone, the days were longer, and they weren’t near as enjoyable to him. He shook his head and thought, ‘It’s funny how that boy’s grown to be such a part of me.’

Charger whinnied as he put Coco in the stall next to him. “I miss him too, old boy,” Nick said as he patted Charger’s neck. “Maybe I’ll take you out tomorrow. Would you like that? Coco here might like a rest.” Nick turned toward Coco and started taking off the saddle. He was unfastening the cinch when he heard a noise. Stopping, he turned around. His eyes narrowed and sparked anger as he looked in the face of one Cash Cooper who was pointing a gun straight at him.

“What are you doing here, Cash?” This was Cash Cooper standing before him, but Nick could sense a difference in the man, yet he couldn’t put his finger on it.

“Where is he?” Cash demanded.

“Who?”

“That half brother of mine, that’s who!”

Nick’s face drew a puzzled expression. “How would I know? I don’t even know your half brother, Cash,” Nick answered, but he did remember what Cash had told him about his father and half brother.

“Heath, where is he?”

“Heath?” All Nick’s senses came alert. “Why do you want to know?”

“He’s caused me all the trouble he’s going to. He may have taken my father, killed my mother, and took my job from me, but he won’t take anything more. I’m gonna see to that. Now where is he.”

“Are you crazy man? Heath’s no kin of yours, and he sure isn’t your half brother. He’s my brother, and I tell you he had nothing to do with your father or your mother, and you lost your job because I fired you.” Nick could smell alcohol and realized Cash was drunk, so he tried to control his temper. And for the second time that day, he was thankful Heath was miles away.

“Listen Cash, you’ve had too much to drink. Why don’t you lie down over there on the hay and sleep it off?”

Cash pulled the hammer back on the gun. “I want to know where he is, NOW.”

Looking at the gun in Cash’s hand, Nick decided it might be best to play along with him. “I don’t know. He left. Had to; it wasn’t safe for him here anymore.”

“No,” Cash shook his head, “he’s here somewhere.”

“He’s not here, I tell you.”

“Turn around,” Cash demanded as he motioned Nick around with the gun. When he didn’t move, Cash got angry. “DO IT,” he demanded.

Not wanting to, but finding he didn’t have much choice, Nick cautiously turned around.

Fearing he was running out of time, and someone would walk in on them soon, Cash knew he had to do something. So while still holding his gun on Nick, he picked up a shovel and slammed it into the back of Nick’s head, sending him falling hard to the ground. “You will tell me. Oh yeah, you will tell me,” Cash said standing over Nick’s motionless body.

* * * * * * * *

Nick woke up to a pounding headache. He tried to lift his hands to his head, but found his arms bound to a chair behind him with his feet bound to the chair legs.

“You’re awake. Good.”

Nick looked up. He didn’t know where he was at first, but when he saw Cash Cooper everything came flooding back to him.

“What are you going to do with me?” Nick asked.

Cash took a long drink from the whiskey bottle in his hand. “Now are you ready to tell me where Heath is?”

“I already told you, I don’t know.” Nick had barely gotten the words out of his mouth when Cash hit him hard across his face.

“You’re lying.”

Spitting blood out of his mouth, Nick glared at Cash.

Cash drained the bottle and broke it on the back of a nearby chair. After waving the jagged edge of the broken bottle in front of Nick, he lowered it against Nick’s right shoulder and applied pressure.

Nick could feel the glass cutting into his shoulder, but he wouldn’t allow his face to show any pain.

“First my father, and now you. You both chose him.” Cash stepped away from Nick and looked around the cabin like he was looking for someone. “You left me for him, Daddy. Why did you just forget about me? I was your son first. But I’ll make him pay, Daddy. I’ll make your precious son pay.”

“Heath is NOT your brother, Cash!”

Cash turned and stared at Nick like he didn’t know who he was for a minute. Then not taking his eyes from Nick, he walked back to him and ground the bottle into his shoulder in the same spot. This time Nick could not stifled the scream that came from his mouth.

“WHERE IS HE?” Cash demanded.

“I don’t know,” Nick snarled between gritted teeth.

Cash raised his hand which still held the broken bottle and was about to slam the jagged edge into the top of Nick’s head when he suddenly stopped.

“Why didn’t I think of this before. He’ll come to us. Yeah, he’ll come to us.” Cash turned and looked around. “Did you hear that, Daddy? Your precious son is coming to us.”

A chill ran down Nick’s spine as he realized Cash Cooper wasn’t just drunk; he was crazy.

“What are you going to do?” Nick grimaced as a sharp pain shot through his arm.

Cash sneered and just nodded his head, then he turned around and walked out of the door.

Nick heard a horse galloping away, and knew he’d been left. He looked down at his arm and saw it was bleeding. He struggled against the ropes binding him. If he didn’t stop the bleeding soon, he’d bleed to death.

“IS ANYBODY OUT THERE?”

“I’M IN HERE. CAN ANYBODY HEAR ME?” He had no idea where he was, but he had to try to get someone to hear him.

After yelling for nearly thirty minutes, he gave up. He had struggled against his bonds but that had only tightened them further. Though his arm was still bleeding; it wasn’t as bad as it was. He was; however, getting lightheaded and feared soon he would lose consciousness. He didn’t know what Cash had in mind, but from what he said, he was going to get Heath to come to them. Nick only hoped he wouldn’t be able to accomplish this. He lost consciousness while willing Heath to stay away.

* * * * * * * *

He would have liked to have soaked longer, but the water was no longer warm. Reluctantly, he stepped out of the tub. Looking down at the dirty clothes on the floor, he had a thought ‘good riddance’. Nick made him promise to keep wearing those clothes until he got to Denver, and he’d made good on his promise, but now he was glad to be putting on his old clothes. After drying off, he reached for his blue shirt. ‘Feels like an old friend,’ he thought as he slipped his arm in the sleeve.

Stepping out of the door of the bathhouse, Heath took a deep breath of Colorado air. It smelled clean and pure. Feeling fresh and ready to meet his relatives, he swung up in the saddle of his horse. He’d spent several hours in Denver getting a bite to eat and cleaning up while his horse rested and ate. The first thing he did upon arriving though was to send a telegram to his family letting them know he’d arrived. At the restaurant in the hotel, he was able to obtain directions to Jim Barkley’s ranch. He started to get a room for the night, and meet Jim Barkley and his family the next day, but then thought better of it. Might as well get it over with. He was dreading meeting them. What if they didn’t like him? Maybe they thought bad of him because of the circumstance of his birth. He’d met enough people in his life who were wonderful people until they found out he was illegitimate. ‘No Heath,’ he admonished himself. Hadn’t Mrs. Barkley said they were looking forward to meeting him. At least they already knew about his heritage, and he wouldn’t have to explain it. No, best go meet them as soon as possible. Besides, the thought of sleeping in a home again and not a noisy hotel or out in the open was very appealing. Most of the time on the road, he’d camped out. He wanted to stay clear of towns to avoid being recognized, especially until he got out of California. Then he’d relaxed some and stayed in a few hotels always checking in under the name of Jonathan Thomas. No one gave him a second look, and he began to loosen up and halfway enjoy the trip. He’d never been to Colorado before, and was thrilled with the spectacular scenery that greeted him. Slowing his pace to take in all the wonderful scenery had made his trip longer than he anticipated, but it was worth it.

Looking down from a high ridge, Heath took in another beautiful sight - the Barkley ranch. There were rolling green hills as far as he could see set against the background of the Rocky Mountains. A large rock house with several white buildings to it’s side, similar to the Barkley ranch, greeted him. Heath was so taken with the sight; he didn’t hear the riders approaching until they were upon him.

“Hello, can I help you mister?” a deep, strong voice asked.

Heath turned around and lifted his hat where he could get a good look at who’d spoken.

“Hello yourself, I’m...”

“Heath Barkley,” the man said with a huge grin on his face. He took Heath’s hand in his for a bear of a handshake. “I’d know you anywhere. Come on. The family’s expecting you. Oh, by the way, my name’s Charlie Adams. I’m Jim Barkley’s foreman.” Seeing the puzzled look on Heath’s face, he explained, “Jim described you to me. Told me to be on the look out for you.”

Heath hadn‘t yet decided what name he should go by while with his family in Colorado, but now he guessed that decision had been made for him. Hopefully Victoria was right, no one this far had heard of the gunfighter, Heath Barkley. “Described me, huh?”

“Yeah, said you’d look like a younger him.” Then he chuckled, “And you do. Heath, this here’s Ben, and the one who can’t quit smiling over there is Cole.” Charlie said as he pointed to each of the men with him.

“Howdy,” Heath smiled as he shook each man’s hand, and they returned his greeting.

“We better get going. Jim’s been staring at the mountains for two days looking for you. Thought he was fixin’ to have us start a search party.”

They were barely through the front gate when the front door opened and a man and woman stepped out onto the porch.

The man met them before they could dismount. No one had to tell Heath he was looking at Jim Barkley. It was almost like looking into a mirror. Jim Barkley had the same build only with a little more to his mid-section than Heath, the same walk, and when he got closer, Heath saw the same sky blue eyes. Heath figured he probably had the same hair color as himself when he was younger, but now his hair was duller and turning gray around the edges. As he dismounted, his hand was grasped in a warm embrace.

“Heath, welcome to our home, son.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“No, there’s no sir between us. It’s Jim or Uncle Jim if you prefer, but not sir.”

“Yes si...Jim.”

Jim clapped him on the back and left his hand there. “Come on, Bec’s anxious to meet you.”

Walking onto the porch, Heath came face to face with a woman who had one of the kindest faces he’d ever seen. She walked up, and taking his head between her hands, she pulled his head down and kissed him on the cheek.

“Heath, I’m Becky, and it’s so nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about you from Victoria, ” With Jim on one side and Becky on the other, Heath was ushered into their home. He stopped before entering the house, and looked back at his horse. Charlie was leading him away.

Realizing Heath’s reason for stopping, Jim quickly said, “Charlie and the boys will take good care of him, Heath. You can check on him later after you’ve had a chance to rest a bit.” At first he thought Heath was going to object, but then the young man smiled and let himself be led in. ‘That’s a good sign,’ Jim thought, ‘he’s a man who cares for his horse.’

* * * * * * * *

Heath was cleaning up to join the family for dinner. For two days, he’d gotten to know the Colorado Barkleys. If he’d thought it was like looking in the mirror when he saw his uncle, it was nothing compared to seeing Jake for the first time. In looks, he and Jake could just about pass for twins. But after spending some time with him, he had to agreed with Audra; Jake was a lot like Nick. His tone of voice was almost always loud, and he didn’t mind telling you his opinion on everything whether it was asked for or not. But Heath liked him, and outside of his home in Stockton and the one he grew up in, he’d never been anywhere he felt more at home. Jim had given him a tour of the ranch, and though it was not as large as the one in Stockton, it was by no means small. Jim and Jake were going into Denver the next day to a horse auction and asked Heath to join them. He was looking forward to it. Nick was right about their horses. He’d never seen better.

When he finished getting dressed, he headed down the stairs to join the family for dinner. Halfway down the stairs, he heard his name mentioned, and even though he didn’t like eavesdropping, he couldn’t help himself. He stopped on the stairs and listened.

“I’ve never met anyone I’ve liked as quick as I do that young man,” Jim was saying. “He’s everything a man would want in a son, and if Tom were alive, I know he’d be so proud of him. I know I am.”

“I can’t get over how much he looks like you did when you and I first met,” Heath heard the soft voice of Becky say. “He and Jake both favor you, but I think Heath does more. He could easily pass for our son.”

Heath was frozen to the spot where he stood; he couldn’t move. Hearing Uncle Jim say Tom would be proud of him brought tears to his eyes. He’d always wondered what his father would have thought of him, and hearing what his uncle Jim thought his father would think was the next best thing. Standing a little taller, Heath Barkley made his way on down the stairs.

* * * * * * * *

Meanwhile, back in Stockton, California, several search parties were combing the entire area around Stockton for their most prominent rancher. It had been two days since he went missing, and they were no closer to finding Nick Barkley than they were the first day. So far, the family had used their influence to keep it out of the papers, but it would come out tomorrow. Then every major newspaper would be picking up the story.

* * * * * * * *

The room was almost dark when Nick finally opened his eyes. He was feeling dizzy and fought down the bile that was rising in his throat. The pounding of a hammer could be heard in the distant. His arm was still hurting, but the best he could see, it had stopped bleeding. As his head became clearer, he realized the hammering was coming from the outside of the house close to the bedroom. After a few minutes, the hammering stopped, and Cash walked through the door. He walked across the room carrying various lengths of lumber and put them in the bedroom. Nick watched as Cash made several trips this way. Neither man said anything, and Cash never looked at Nick. On his last trip, Cash brought in nails, a hammer, saw, and a padlock. He returned to the room where Nick was, lit two lamps and carried one back to the bedroom with him. It wasn’t long before Nick heard sawing and hammering again. Looking around, he could see Cash nailing boards up on the two windows in the bedroom. When he finished with the windows, he took the saw and cut a small hole in the bedroom door. Next he attached the padlock. Standing back to look at his work when he was through, Cash nodded his head and said, “Yep, that’ll do just fine.”

No one had to tell Nick what the room was going to be used for, he just wondered who it would imprison, he or Heath.

Cash left and returned shortly with two buckets, one was full of water and the other was empty. He set them in the bedroom. “Well, how do you like your new room?” he asked as he turned to look at Nick.

Nick remained quiet.

“Well, it don’t matter none whether you like it or not, it’s where you gonna be put.” Cash went over to Nick and cut him loose while holding a rifle on him. “Now get up, and get in there,” Cash demanded.

Nick had been sitting too long and couldn’t move. Cash nudged him in the back with the barrel of the rifle. “NOW!”

Whether from loss of blood or weakness from poor circulation caused by sitting too long, Nick fell to the floor when he tried to stand.

Cash laughed. “Crawling would be ok, too.”

Nick grabbed at the table leg to help pull himself up. After much effort and using all his energy, he was able to stand. Slowly, Nick began to move to the bedroom.

Cash followed him to the room keeping the gun pointed at his back. When Nick got to the door, Cash shoved him the rest of the way into the room. Nick caught himself on the bed keeping himself from hitting the floor.

Laughing, Cash locked the door. Looking through the small window in the door, Cash said, “Get use to it. This will be your home until Heath takes your place.” Laughing again, Cash walked out of the house.

Nick looked around the small room. Cash had taken the lamp with him so there was no light in the room save for what little was coming through the small opening in the door. He walked to the door. He could see most of the main room through the opening. Cash was gone, but he did leave the lamp burning, so there was a little light filtering through to his room. Nick knew he had water, and know he knew what the empty bucket was for. As for food, he didn’t think Cash had left him any, but he wasn’t hungry anyway, so it didn’t matter. Feeling his way in the darkness to the water bucket, he found Cash had left a cup floating in it. Filling the cup with water, Nick made his way to the bed and began trying to clean his arm. He wiped the dried blood away gently trying not to start it to bleeding again. After finishing the best he could, he went over to the small window where the most light was, and took a good look at his arm. He let out a sigh of relief upon finding it not inflamed or infected. With any luck, he could keep it clean enough to prevent it from getting infected.

Left alone and with nothing else to do, Nick had plenty of time to think. He was amazed that Cash had left him unbound. What was it Cash had said? This room was his until it was Heath’s. How did Cash plan to get Heath, and what was he going to do with him if and when he got him? Then what would happen to himself? Hopefully Jarrod could keep Heath from knowing about his kidnapping. Surely Jarrod wouldn’t telegraph him about it. Knowing Heath was safe in Denver was helping Nick get through this. Cash could try all he wanted, but Heath was safely out of his clutches as long as he stayed in Denver. All these thoughts were plaguing Nick, so he got up to find something to do to keep his mind busy. Feeling his way around the room in the dark, he tried to loosen the boards on the windows. They were nailed tight - no escape there. Nick opened the drawers to a dresser in the room, but they were all empty. The only thing else in the room as far as he could tell was the bed and the two buckets. He decided to try to lay down and get some rest; better to explore the room in daylight. Besides, he wanted to be strong for whatever tomorrow might bring. Sleep came while he was convincing himself that he would find a way to escape.

* * * * * * * *

The morning of the horse auction, Jim, Jake and Heath headed out after having an early breakfast of eggs, bacon, biscuits, gravy and various flavors of jam. They wanted to get into Denver early to have plenty of time to inspect all the horses up close before the auction started.

When they arrived in town, Jim left Jake and Heath for a little while to take care of some business and planned to meet back up with them in a half hour. So having a little free time, Jake and Heath headed to the barber’s shop. Jake needed a haircut, and Heath figured he could use one as well. Pete Anderson, the barber, was sitting in his barber chair reading the morning edition of the Denver Times when they walked in.

“Say Jake, isn’t this your kinfolk that’s missing?” Pete said upon seeing the young men enter the shop.

Heath and Jake had been talking and didn’t hear him. Pete turned the paper around and placed it in front of Jake. “Isn’t that your kin?” he asked again.

Pete watched as both men’s faces paled, and all color seemed to drain from the one he didn’t know but who looked a lot like Jake.

Heath took the paper from Pete’s hand. His heart pounded in his ears, and he thought he’d pass out as he read the words again. ‘Stockton, California’s prominent rancher, Nick Barkley, has been missing for four days.’ Heath sharply turned and fairly ran out of the barber shop.

Jake followed, “Heath, wait up. Where you going?”

“Train station. I gotta get home.”

They met up with Jim outside of the telegraph office. One look at his son and Heath let Jim know they’d already heard.

“Heath,” Jim said. “Just got a telegraph from Stockton. It’s true; Nick is missing. Jarrod sent it. They requested that Jonathan Thomas stay here.” Heath had already shared the story about the assumed name with them, so Jim and Jake knew who they were talking about.

Not hesitating, Heath said, “I can’t stay here, Jim. I gotta go home. I gotta find Nick.”

Jim studied Heath. If there’s one thing he was sure of in the short time he’d known this new nephew of his, it was that Heath’s feelings ran deep for his new found family. “All right son, but I’m going too.”

“Pa, you can’t. You’ve got that meeting tomorrow you have to attend. But I’ll go. I want to.”

“All right.” Jim finally conceded. “I forgot all about that meeting.”

The three men turned and using long matching strides headed in the direction of the train station.

“There’s a train leaves in an hour,” the station master said after checking the schedule. “The next one doesn't leave until eight o’clock tonight.”

“Give me two tickets for the one that leaves in an hour.” Jim said.

“Come on,” Jim said after getting the tickets, “let’s get a few things at the general store that you boys will need to make the trip. There’s no time to go back to the ranch and be back in time to make the train. I’ll send your things to you on the train that leaves tonight.”

As soon as the men walked out of the general store, they heard the train whistle.

“Let’s go,” Heath said.

At the station, Jim Barkley turned to Heath and clasped him in a warm, fatherly embrace. “Heath, it’s been a pleasure. I only wish we’d had more time together. Maybe you’ll come again soon. You’re welcome in our home anytime. And don’t worry. Nick’ll turn up. He’s too ornery not to.”

After giving Jake the same embrace, Jim stepped back and seriously looked at each young man. “Watch each other’s backs.”

They nodded at the older man and gave him a slight smile with Heath’s being a bit lopsided.

‘Why, I’ll be,’ Jim thought and then voiced aloud. “My father, your grandfather, had your smile, Heath, and it sure is a treat seeing it again.” Tears filled Jim’s eyes.

Heath swallowed the lump in his throat, and embraced his uncle. Then as he stepped back, Jim heard a whispered, “Thanks...for everything.”

Heath Morgan Thomson Barkley felt more Barkley than he ever had before as the train pulled away from the station.

* * * * * * * *

Jarrod shook his head, and let out a deep sigh. He should have known Heath wasn’t going to stay put in Denver. According to the telegram in his hand, he and Jake were due in on the afternoon train tomorrow.

Walking into his office, he saw his secretary busy filing some papers, “Mildred, any problems getting my court dates moved back?” Since Nick’s disappearance, he’d put his law practice on hold.

“I’m still working on the one in San Francisco, but the one here has been postponed for a month.”

“Thanks,” Jarrod said, and he slowly walked into his office and shut the door behind him. Pouring himself a drink, he sat down heavily in his desk chair with a drink in one hand and a half full decanter in the other. After downing the contents of the glass, he poured another one, and sat both the glass and decanter on the desk. He ran his hands through his dark, unkempt hair and brought his head to rest in his hands. It had been a hellish last four days. Nick had just vanished. Not one word. No one had seen him, and no one knew anything about his disappearance. Search parties had combed the entire area around Stockton and had come up empty. They were out of new places to look. Jarrod looked down at the telegram on his desk.

“Heath,” he said out loud. They’d hoped to keep it quiet and out of the papers. They thought if Heath found out, he’d do exactly what he’s done, come home. When it came out in the papers, they sent the telegram as quick as they could. Jarrod hadn’t thought it would do any good to tell him to stay put, but they had to try.

At first he was upset upon finding out Heath was coming home. They’d really wanted him to stay in Denver, but now he was relieved he was coming home. He needed a brother to go through this ordeal with him. Too, he felt out of his league looking for Nick in the rugged outdoors. He knew his way around in courthouses and law offices, but in combing the countryside looking for clues, he was lost. Each time he shut his eyes, he was unable to go to sleep for fear he’d overlooked something. He had more faith in Heath finding him than he did himself. Yes, he was thankful, his little brother was coming home.

* * * * * * * *

Jake looked over at his cousin sitting next to him. Heath hadn’t said much of anything since they’d boarded the train. When Aunt Victoria first wrote them about Heath, he’d thought she was crazy to believe some cockle-manie story about him being Uncle Tom’s son. And he doubly thought she was crazy inviting him to live with them and be a part of their lives. But now after meeting Heath and getting to know him, he knew that’s all she could do. He couldn’t explain it, but Heath was...well, he was part of them. Putting aside the fact he looked like a Barkley, when you were with him, it felt right. Heath fit into the entire Barkley family like a glove. Sharing his father’s feelings, he too wished Heath could have stayed in Colorado longer, but at least he had some more time with him. He just wished it were under different circumstances.

Jarrod met the train. He gave Heath and Jake warm embraces upon seeing them.

“Little brother, you SHOULD have stayed in Denver, but I sure am glad to see you. And Jake, you’ve grown a foot. What’s it been? Four years or more since I’ve seen you.” Jarrod didn’t fail to notice the acute similarities in the two young men’s looks. No one could deny Heath his Barkley heritage after looking at Jake. The last time Jarrod had seen Jake, he still had adolescent features. When growing up, the two families had met for reunions at least every couple of years. It gave Jarrod a warm feeling to think that seeing Jake grow up gave him a small window as to what Heath must have looked like. Heath’s voice brought him back to reality.

“Jarrod, how’s the search going? Anything turn up?”

Jarrod’s face immediately took on a downcast look. “No, nothing. But the search parties are still out looking. Well, I guess you men are tired. I’ve got our horses at the livery. We’ll go on to the ranch, and get an early start tomorrow. Audra and Mother will be glad to see you.”

“If it’s all the same to you, Jarrod, I’d like to do some searching now. There’s still several hours of light left.”

Jarrod nodded. Heath’s request didn’t surprise him any. More and more, Jarrod realized the various ways Heath was like them, especially Nick. Nick too would have insisted on starting now. Their bottled up energy wouldn’t let them do anything else.

“All right, but I want to show you the areas we’ve already searched. Come on, there’s a map at the sheriff’s office.”

“Why don’t you two go on to the sheriff’s office while I get our horses from the livery,” Jake suggested.

“Do you remember where the livery is?”

“I do, is the same man still running it?”

“He sure is. And speaking of the devil. HEY CARL!” Jarrod called out upon seeing Carl Smith crossing the road a little ways in front of them on his way to the livery.

Carl Smith stopped upon hearing his name and walked towards the men.

“Hello Jarrod, Heath...” Carl did a double take upon seeing Jake.

“Carl, you remember my cousin, Jake Barkley, from Denver.”

“Well yes, I didn’t recognize him at first, but I remember him, remember him well. You’ve grown up, Jake. It’s nice to see you again.” Carl said, but he was still stunned at the likeness between Heath and Jake. Wait until he could tell the guys about this. There was talk around town about Heath not really being a Barkley when he first arrived, and since the gunfighter rumor had circulated, the talk had started back up. No real Barkley would be a gunfighter, and there were some people who thought Heath was a gunfighter.

“You too, Mr. Smith.” Jake replied, smiling at the obvious astonishment on the man’s face.

Jarrod spoke up, “Carl, Jake was about to go over and get our horses.”

“Well, come on. I’ll walk you over. I’ve taken good care of them.”

Jarrod watched the two men walk away then turned to his little brother. “Ready?”

Heath nodded and the brothers walked towards the sheriff’s office. Jarrod smiled inside and out when he thought of the look on Carl’s face when he saw Jake. He knew the talk of Heath’s parentage was being questioned again by some people around town. Well, cousin Jake’s looks ought to quiet that talk. Jarrod frowned. But he’d also heard of others blaming Heath for the gunfighters that had come into town. People were scared with the gunfighters in town. Oh well, there weren’t any now, and hadn’t been in over two weeks. He couldn’t dwell on that right now, and no point in bringing it up to Heath.

* * * * * * * *

Cash Cooper had been hiding in the livery stable since noon. He’d been watching the Barkley ranch looking for signs of Heath. He just knew Nick’s disappearance would bring him home. And that morning he was overjoyed to see Jarrod riding to town bringing two saddled horses with him, and one of those horses was Charger. That had to mean only one thing. Heath was coming home. So Cash followed him, and when he got a chance to enter the livery without being detected, he took it. Hence, he’d been hiding in there for several hours. He was close to giving up when he heard Carl Smith’s voice say, “The Barkley horses are the three in the back, Mr. Barkley. Go on in while I get the saddles. I put them around back after I polished them. I’ll only be a minute.”

Cash quickly and quietly slid to the corner behind the door, and pulled his gun. The door open and a shadow appeared in the doorway. ‘It’s him,’ Cash soared as he saw the cowboy’s shadow. He waited until Jake was in the stable, and he saw his blond hair. Thinking it was Heath, he raised his pistol and brought it down hard on the back of his head. As soon as Jake landed on the floor, Cash pulled him out of sight, and waited for Carl. When Carl walked in, Cash repeated his actions. He threw some hay over Carl to conceal him, and pulled Jake out the back door of the livery. He’d hidden his wagon in a group of trees behind the livery. Being sure he wasn’t seen, he threw Jake’s body in the back of the wagon, covered it, then quietly left town. All this was done with speed, and Cash never took a close look at the body.

* * * * * * * *

After looking at the maps long enough, Heath told Jarrod he had to go. Time was wasting. He stepped out into the bright afternoon sunshine, and looked down the street toward the livery. What could be keeping Jake? Probably old man Carl was yakking his ear off. Heath was still fuming over the attitude of some of the men in the sheriff’s office, so he was venting some frustration out on Carl. ‘I’ll just go rescue Jake,’ he thought as he started in the direction of the livery.

When he’d first heard about Nick’s disappearance, it hadn’t seemed real, but since arriving in Stockton, it was very real. There was a eerie gloom in the air. He noticed it in the people he saw while walking with Jarrod to the sheriff’s office. The people in the town moved and talked like they were already in mourning. He heard it in the voices of the men in the sheriff’s office. The so called deputies sounded as if they’d given up. All of them needed a wake up call, and he was getting mad enough to give it to them. Nick wasn’t dead. Nick wasn’t going to be dead. These people could make better use of their time by trying to find him rather than moping around. The more Heath walked through the town, the madder he got. He’d reached his boiling point by the time he opened the door to the livery.

Jarrod watched Heath through the window. He saw a look on his face he’d never seen before. Something had happened to change his mood. Getting away from the rest of the men as quick as he could, he followed Heath outside. He caught a glimpse of his back as he was going in the livery.

Heath looked around slowly as his eyes adjusted to the low lighting in the old building. The first thing he saw were the three Barkley horses in the back stalls. His heart gave a leap upon seeing Charger. He walked over to the horse and rubbed his nose.

“Hello, old friend. It sure is good to see you.” Charger nickered at Heath. “Yeah, I missed you too.”

When his eyes became accustomed to the dimness, he looked around.

“CARL? JAKE?”

Heath walked back towards the front door searching all around as he did so. As he neared the front door, he heard a moan. Following the sound, Heath quickly uncovered Carl. Turning the motionless man over, he felt stickiness on the back of Carl’s head, and a chill went down his spine.

“Carl,” Heath gently tried to revive him. He felt his pulse. It was strong but fast.

“JAKE?” Heath called out. He left Carl’s side and was quickly searching the rest of the building while calling Jake‘s name.

The door opened and Jarrod walked in. “Heath, what’s wrong?” he said upon noticing Heath’s frantic searching.

Pointing towards the corner, Heath said, “Carl’s hurt, and I haven’t found Jake.”

“I’ll get the doc,” Jarrod said as he hurried from the building.

Heath found bloody drag marks and wagon tracks while Jarrod was gone for the doctor. By the time Jarrod returned, he’d finished saddling Charger. After sharing his find with Jarrod, he mounted his horse.

“Wait, I’ll get my horse,” Jarrod stated.

“No, you need to stay here, and tell Mother and Audra. They need to hear it from you.”

Jarrod started to object, but seeing the look on Heath’s face, he knew it would be useless. He also knew his little brother wouldn’t wait on him. “All right, but be careful.”

Heath saw the genuine concern in Jarrod and giving him a lop sided smile replied, “Always.”

* * * * * * * *

Nick had scoured every inch of the room looking for a way out and found none. He’d kicked at the door and thrown his body against it to no avail. Cash had been gone for two days. He’d only come back to the cabin once since locking him in the bedroom. At that time, he gave him a large quantity of bread and told him he wouldn’t be back until he had Heath. Nick had used the water sparingly. He’d managed to keep his arm from getting infected, but every time he tried to use it, sharp pains would shoot throughout his arm. He still had some water left though he doubted it was sanitary enough to drink. There was some bread left, but it was dried to the point of being rock hard. And the smell from the bucket he’d use as a toilet was bearable now that he’d covered it with one of the drawers he pulled out of the dresser. He’d just finished cleaning his arm when he heard a wagon stop in front of the house. He went to the small window in his door. It wasn’t long before the door opened and Cash’s back appeared. He was dragging a body in. Nick’s heart leaped up in his throat. Cash’s words rang in his ears ‘I want be back until I have Heath.’

Cash turned and looked Nick. “I told you I’d get him.”

An icy chill ran through Nick and the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He couldn’t get a good look at the body behind Cash; the head was turned the other way, but he saw blond hair matted by dried blood, and his heart cried out for Heath.

“I’ll kill you, Cash,” Nick ground out between gritted teeth, and if looks could kill, Cash would have been a dead man.

Cash laughed out loud, and turned, grabbing the body and pulling it up in the chair where Nick had been tied. He started tying Heath to the chair.

Nick watched from the window. His heart was pounding in his ears. Relief momentarily came when he realized if Heath were dead, Cash wouldn’t be tying him in the chair.

When Cash was through, he went to the table and lit a lamp, turning it up. It was a half hour before sundown and the light in the room wasn’t good. Cash walked over to the chair and pulled the blond head back.

“Where’s our father now, brother? One thing’s for sure, he won’t be seeing you anymore.” Cash threw his head back down laughing.

‘That’s not Heath. THAT’S NOT HEATH!’ Jubilation was coursing through Nick as his mind registered what his eyes were telling him. But who was he, ’cause he darn sure looked a lot like him. A million thoughts and emotions were going through Nick - one after the other. He didn’t have time to think about any of them because Cash had picked up a knife and was waving it in front of the unconscious man.

“I’m gonna take this nice and slow. Your gonna feel every year that you had our father, and I didn’t.”

Nick didn’t know what to do. For a split second, he wanted to let Cash go on thinking the man was Heath. But could he let another man suffer? “CASH, HOW’D YOU MANAGE TO GET HIM?” he yelled trying to get the mad man’s attention.

“It was so easy,” Cash said as he staggered over to the door. “I waited for him to come for his horse. Thought I’d have to follow him home and wait for my chance to get him alone. But Lady Luck was with me. He came in the livery alone to get the three Barkley horses, and I just clubbed him good and away we went. Easy as pie. He never knew what hit him.” Cash had been hitting the bottle hard. He’d gone without as long as he was in the livery, and he had a lot of drinking to catch up on. He drained the bottle in his hand, and went to a cabinet in the kitchen and got another one.

While he was doing that, Nick’s mind raced. Three Barkley horses. How’d Cash know they were Barkley horses? He took a gamble. “Did you bring Charger with you when you got Heath?” Nick asked.

“Nope,” Cash said as he came back to the small window. “Left him at the livery. Don’t need no horse to have to take care of.”

Cash swirled around, almost falling, and started toward the unconscious man. “Brother, I want you to be awake when I carve you.” He slapped at Jake’s head. “You need a little water. That’s what you need. Be right back.” Cash stumbled out of the house.

Nick’s thoughts were racing. Only one reason Charger should be in the livery. Either Heath was in town, or he would be there shortly. Three Barkley horses. All the hands rode their own horses. Mother and Audra most always used the buggy or carriage when coming to town, and that horse wouldn’t be in the livery. Audra’s words when Heath told them he was going to Denver came back to Nick ‘Heath you’ll love Jake. You favor him except his hair’s a little darker, but he acts just like Nick.’ Jake. Could that be Jake? Nick broke out in a sweat as he realized that’s exactly who he was.

“Jake,” Nick called.

A moan came from the tied up man.

“Jake,” Nick called a little louder. He was about to call out again, but he heard Cash step up on the porch.

Cash came in the door toting a full bucket of water. He was carrying an empty whiskey bottle in his hand.

‘Boy, he finished that quick’ Nick thought.

Cash raised the bucket, and threw water at the unconscious man, but half of it missed. Cash’s drunken state had thrown his aim off, but enough of it got on Jake that he was coming around.

“Cash, why don’t you share a drink with me.”

“What for? You ain’t got nothing to celebrate.”

“Now that’s where you’re wrong. I couldn’t say anything at first because I never believed you could get Heath.”

“You couldn’t say what.”

“How much I hated Heath.” Nick snarled. “He rode into that ranch, claiming to be MY father’s son, slandering MY father’s name. Oh yeah, we’ve got a lot in common, you and I, Cash.”

“How do you figure that?” Cash hadn’t figured on this change of events, but he liked it.

“Heath took your father away, and he took my father’s good name away.”

Cash’s face took on a very confused look, but then he sneered at Nick.

“Oh no, you don’t, you don’t give me that. I watched you. You may have hated him at first, but then you changed. You started liking him. You couldn’t take your eyes off of him. You can’t sell me on that hating him business.”

“I kept my eyes on him because I didn’t trust him. You don’t see me keeping my eye on Jarrod do you? Besides, what did you expect me to do? My whole family turned on me when I wouldn’t accept him. It got to the point that I had to accept him, or Mother was going to ask ME to leave. Then I’d have lost my home, my family, MY RANCH, everything - same as you, Cash. I may have looked like I cared for the man, but believe me, I didn’t. I was pretending so no one would know. Pretty good faker wasn’t I? You believed it.”

Cash sat down at the table and shook his head. “I gotta think about this.”

Nick kept quiet. He’d give Cash plenty to think about, and hopefully he would believe it.

Unbeknownst to Nick or Cash, but Jake had heard every word said, and he was seething. How could Nick do this to Heath? He kept his head down and pretended the water hadn’t worked. Right now he didn’t want to see, talk or hear any more from Nick. It had taken him a little while to figure out where he was, and who was talking, but when he did, his blood boiled. Nick actually hated Heath. Did money, the ranch mean that much to Nick? Yes, maybe it did. The ranch would mean everything to Nick. Jake knew that Nick idolized his father the same way he did his. And it did hurt Uncle Tom’s image when Heath showed up, but that wasn’t Heath’s fault. Uncle Tom did that himself. Hadn’t Nick realized that? Didn’t Heath tell him that Nick made him wear those clothes so he wouldn’t look like himself on the way to Denver. Nick certainly did have everyone fooled. Nothing made sense, and his head was hurting. He could hear Cash snoring, so he knew he’d passed out, but he still couldn’t acknowledge Nick. He was starting to get dizzy, and he swallowed the bile back down that was rising in his throat.

Nick was staring at Jake willing him to open his eyes. Cash had passed out with his head on the table. Nick was starting to wonder if Jake was even still alive. He should have come to by now, but other than a few moans when the water hit him, Nick hadn’t seen or heard any sign of life. He was afraid to call out too loud to Jake for fear of rousing Cash.

“Jake,” Nick whispered, but Jake had already blacked out and didn’t hear him.

Getting no answer, there was nothing else for Nick to do. He sat on the floor with his back resting on the door. He wanted to be as close as he could in case something happened in the next room. So Heath was home. ‘Well, little brother, I hope that bloodhound nose of yours can find us before too long, cause if Cash don’t buy my act, I don’t have anymore ideas.’

* * * * * * * *

The skies opened up, and the rain poured down wiping out all traces of the wagon tracks. There was still a light rain falling, and lightening was dancing across the sky every few minutes. Any other time the cowboy would pause and marvel at the magnificent display of power. But tonight, he took no notice. It was a wet, chilly Heath who rode through the Barkley gates about an hour after sundown. He’d followed the tracks as long as he could until there were no more to follow. He’d head out again at the crack of dawn, starting at the point where he lost the tracks.

“But I don’t understand what anyone would have against Jake. He hardly knows anyone here.” Heath heard Audra say as he walked in the front door.

“HEATH!” Audra exclaimed as she ran into the warm embrace of her brother’s arms. Heath smiled in spite of his mood. Audra could always do that to him.

As soon as Audra moved, Victoria was in front of him. “Welcome home, son. We missed you so much.” Heath’s heart soared at the tears of welcome he saw in her eyes.

“Thanks.”

Jarrod looked at Heath expectantly.

“The rain’s washed the tracks away. I lost them,” Heath said with a downcast look.

“It couldn’t be helped, Heath. That thunderstorm came up too fast,” Jarrod said.

Heath nodded. “I think I’ll go get out of these wet clothes. See ya’ll in a bit.”

Victoria, Jarrod, and Audra watched Heath walk away until he was out of sight.

“Poor Heath, he looks so lost,” Audra said.

Jarrod knew Heath had plenty of time to do some thinking, and wondered if he had come up with the same conclusion as he had - that Jake may have been mistaken for Heath by whoever took him.

When Heath returned to the parlor warmer, cleaner and drier, he was in a more talkative mood. Jarrod handed him a drink. “There’s going to be somewhere around forty men here at daybreak in the morning. You’ll be heading the search parties, Heath. You tell them where you want them to search, ok?” Jarrod asked.

Heath nodded, and drained the contents of his glass. He shook his head when Jarrod offered to fill it. “Did anyone wire Uncle Jim?” he asked. “He should know about Jake.”

“No, we will in the morning. The storm knocked a telegraph line down, and besides we wanted to see what you found out.”

After a long, quiet moment, Victoria broke the silence. “Heath, how was your trip?”

Heath’s face softened. “It was good. They are wonderful people. And Colorado has some of the most beautiful land I’ve ever seen.”

“Any trouble on your trip there?” Jarrod questioned.

“No,” Heath slightly grinned. “Must of been ‘cause I looked like Nick all the way there.” Heath shook his head remembering those clothes.

“Well, let’s go in to dinner. Silas has been keeping it warm for us,” Victoria stated.

It was a quiet group around the table. Very little food was eaten. After awhile, everyone decided to call it a night. With another storm rumbling in the distance, they made they’re way upstairs. At the top of the stairs, Jarrod and Heath parted. “I’ll see you downstairs in the morning at five,” Jarrod said.

Heath gave Jarrod a lopsided smile and put his hand on his shoulder. “We’ll find them, Jarrod.”

Jarrod nodded and watched until Heath shut his bedroom door, then he turned and did the same.

Jarrod tried, but he couldn’t fall asleep. Maybe a warm glass of milk would help. He put on his robe and headed downstairs. Pausing at the bottom of the stairs, he saw a light coming from the library. Jarrod entered to find Heath sitting on the hearth staring into the flames.

“I see I’m not the only one who can’t sleep.”

Looking up at Jarrod, Heath quietly invited, “Care to join me.”

A second storm was raging outside the mansion, and a sudden flash of lightening let Jarrod get a good look at Heath’s face, revealing just how worried his youngest brother was.

Jarrod pulled up a chair. Neither man spoke for the longest time. Then in the quietest voice, Heath spoke. “Jarrod, I’m convince that whoever took Jake thought they were taking me.”

“I’ve thought the same thing. But I can’t figure out who would be after the Barkleys. First Nick, then supposedly you. Who’s next? Me? Audra? Mother? And what happens when they find out it’s Jake they grabbed and not you? For certain, they’ll be back for you then,” Jarrod said looking at Heath.

Heath was looking back into the fire. Silence filled the room, and all that could be heard was the crackling of the fire in between the claps of thunder.

“I’ve made enough enemies in my line of work, Heath. It could be someone trying to get back at me.”

“Yeah, and it could be a disgruntled man who thought we shafted him on a cattle deal. It could be anyone,” Heath said as he suddenly stood up and began to pace. “It just doesn’t make since. Why hasn’t there been a ransom note?”

“Maybe it’s not money they’re after. Maybe they just want ’em dead.”

“NO!” Heath yelled then quieter added, “Don’t say it or think it. If they wanted them dead, they wouldn’t have bothered to take them. They’d have killed them and then ran. They wanted them alive, but why?”

“You’re right, Heath. And I’m sorry. It’s just that I’ve racked my brain these last few days and came up with nothing.” Jarrod stood and went over to stand in front of Heath. “You don’t know what it means to me to have you here with me.”

Heath nodded, “Seems the storm’s letting up. Why don’t we try to get some sleep?”

The two men made their way up the stairs once again.

* * * * * * * *

The morning sun coming through the window fell across the sleeping man’s face waking him up. Cash rubbed his eyes and slowly rose from the chair. He rolled his head around trying to limber up his neck. He hadn’t meant to fall asleep with his head on the table.

Nick had lightly slept while trying to stay alert for any sounds from Cash or Jake. He’d heard some distant thunder during the night, and wondered if the ranch was getting any much needed rain. He had no idea where they were, so he didn’t know which direction the ranch was, but the storm was south of them. He knew he had to be a least no farther than a days ride from Stockton. Cash had been gone for two days when he brought Jake back. So at the most - a days ride to Stockton and a days ride back, and he didn’t think Cash would have been able to grab Jake as soon as he got there, so the more he thought about it, the more he was convinced they were closer to Stockton than a days ride.

Hearing the chair scoot from the table, Nick quickly stood and looked out the small window of his ‘prison’. He saw Cash stretching.

“Cash, what do you think about my plan about us being in this together?”

Cash looked around as if he didn’t know where he was or what was going on for a minute. After spying Nick at the window, he looked down at the man tied to the chair. Jake’s head was hanging forward as if he was asleep. Cash walked over and kicked the sleeping man’s feet. “Wake up, brother, it’s time you and I had a talk.”

Jake didn’t move. Unbeknownst to Nick and Cash, Jake had awoken a lot earlier. He had a slight headache, but the nausea and dizziness he felt earlier was gone. He’d looked around the cabin in the early dawn’s light for any means of escape. As soon as he saw Cash stirring, he laid his head back down and feigned being asleep. He hoped to learn more about Cash and Nick’s plan, so when Cash kicked him, he never stirred or made a sound.

Trying to lure Cash away from Jake, Nick called out, “Come on Cash. Talk to me. I’ll help you out. Getting rid of Heath will be easier with two of us. Let me out of here, and we’ll take care of him now.” Nick was concerned that Jake was still unconscious. He should have come to long ago.

Cash looked at Nick, but didn’t say a word. He picked up a bucket of water he’d left by the door the night before and dumped it over Jake’s head. He then grabbed a handful of Jake’s hair and pulled his head back. In the bright morning light filling the room, Cash got his first good look at his prisoner. He gasped, and let go of the head.

Jake opened his eyes and stared into the face of Cash Cooper.

“You’re not Heath,” Cash growled.

“No, I’m not. Thankfully Heath should be safe at home with his family. Out of your filthy grip - you and your partner’s.” Jake turned and gave Nick a look to kill.

It hit Nick’s hard in the heart that at that moment Jake hated him, but he also felt a stab of happiness. What was that all about? Then he knew. Heath had not only been received by the Colorado Barkleys, but he’d made it into their hearts. Unconsciously, Nick smiled at his revelation which only infuriated Jake more who thought Nick was smiling at what they were planning to do to Heath.

“HEATH THINKS THE WORLD OF YOU, NICK. YOU’RE ALL HE TALKED ABOUT IN COLORADO. NICK THIS AND NICK THAT. HOW COULD YOU PRETEND YOU LOVED AND CARED ABOUT HIM, WHEN ALL ALONG, IT WAS A LIE? HOW CAN HAVING THE RANCH ALL TO YOURSELF BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN HAVING HIM FOR A BROTHER? YOU‘RE NOT THE MAN I THOUGHT YOU WERE, AND I‘M ASHAMED TO CALL YOU KIN.” Jake knew he was saying too much, but he couldn’t stop himself. He was furious with Nick.

‘So Jake heard what I said last night,’ Nick thought. He wanted so much to tell Jake the truth, but he needed Cash to believe him. It was the only way left he could think of to save Heath, and themselves. He had to gain Cash’s trust.

Recovering from the outburst, Cash struck Jake hard across the face. “Who are you?”

Tasting blood on his lip, Jake glared at Cash. “I’m Jake Barkley. Heath’s cousin.”

Turning to Nick, Cash snarled, “You knew this all the time. You were trying to trick me.”

“NO! Cash, I thought he was Heath. You see how much they’re alike. I haven’t seen Jake in several years. I had no idea they looked so much alike,” and in this last statement, Nick was telling the absolute truth. Getting a good look at Jake this morning had startled him. He and Heath could definitely pass for brothers and maybe even twins. He pushed down the twinge of jealously he suddenly felt by Heath looking more like Jake’s brother than he did his. ‘Well, it doesn’t matter who he looks like, he is MY brother,’ he thought.

Cash turned from Nick. Rubbing his hands through his hair, his voice took on a panic tone as he mumbled, “I gotta get him. I gotta get him.” As he walked by the table, he swept it clean with his arm. “Think Cash think. How can you get Heath now?”

Nick stared at Jake, willing him to look at him so he could silently mouth to Jake his charade. He needed to convince Cash he hated Heath, but he had to let Jake know it was a lie. If something happened and they didn’t make it out of here alive, he wanted Jake to know his true feelings for Heath, but Jake wouldn’t look his way.

While Cash was pacing the floor talking to himself, Jake kept looking anywhere but at Nick. He didn’t want to see the traitor.

“I’VE GOT IT!” Cash startled Jake and Nick with his booming voice.

Hurrying over to Jake, Cash untied his arms from the back of the chair. When they were free, he retied them behind Jake’s back then stuck a rag in his mouth.

“What are you going to do, Cash?” Nick asked. Fear started to grip him.

Cash untied Jake’s legs then he pulled Jake up from the chair. He shoved him towards the door. Not being able to catch himself, Jake hit the door hard and slid to the floor.

“WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO, CASH?” Nick yelled.

Cash pulled Jake up from the floor, opened the door and pushed him outside.

“CASH!”

“CASH!”

Nick was frantic.

Cash followed Jake, but before he shut the door, he looked back at Nick. “See you later...partner.”

“WAIT! TAKE ME WITH YOU. I’LL HELP YOU.”

Cash looked around the room, then looked up. “I won’t make a mistake this time, Daddy.”

Cash shut the door.

Nick kept yelling long after Cash and Jake were out of hearing range.

* * * * * * * *

“I tried to get him to come in Mother, but he just won’t quit,” Jarrod said as he took off his gun belt. “The rest of the men called it quits when the rain started, but they’ll be ready to start again in the morning.” Jarrod leaned over and kissed his mother on the cheek. “Well, I’m going to clean up; I’ll be down in a little while.”

Victoria watched as Jarrod walked away. She could see the toll this was having on him. He seemed to have aged overnight. There were lines in his face she’d never noticed before. Victoria herself refused to give in to the fear that overwhelmed her. As long as they had hope, she refused to even think for a minute that Nick and now Jake wouldn’t be coming home. She turned her thoughts to Heath. She wasn’t surprised that he refused to quit searching when the rest of them did. She’d seen his worry and concern for Nick and Jake from the minute he’d gotten home. He hardly touched his supper last night, and he refused breakfast this morning. He’d been with them less than a year, but he was already so much a part of them. Nick had taken the longest to accept Heath as his brother, and for awhile she was afraid Heath wasn’t going to stay around. When Nick wanted to, he could really put a person through the wringer. But then something changed and Nick suddenly accepted him. No one questioned what had made him change his mind, they were just thankful he had. She smiled. Now there were times she thought Heath might leave from being smothered by Nick. Nick rarely let him have any time alone. He always wanted to be doing something with Heath. Guess he was making up for lost time. She chuckled when she recalled the dinner where Nick produced the clothes he bought for Heath to wear to Denver. She thought Nick was never going to agree to let Heath even go to Colorado, and after he finally did, he came to her a couple of times with reasons why he should go too. She was glad to see the bond forming between the two brothers. Heath had gone through a lot to get to where he was today. He was tough there was no doubt about it, and since he’d been with them, she had learned a great deal more about him. He had a tender heart with animals as well as people. It was his tender heart that had driven him to Colorado. He left rather than take a chance on killing anyone in a gunfight. She’d like to learn more about how that trip went, but there just hadn’t been time to do that yet. How had Jim and his family received him? What did they think of him? She was sure they would love him as much as she did, but still she wasn’t sure. He was there only a short time. A knock on the door brought Victoria from her thoughts.

“I’ll get it.“ Audra called as she bounded down the stairs. She opened the door, and John Wall, one of the ranch hands, stood there.

“Miss Audra, is Jarrod around?” he asked.

“I don’t know, huh, won’t you come on in,” Audra said stepping aside to let John enter.

“Mother, has Jarrod and Heath come in yet?” Audra asked as she led John into the parlor.

“Jarrod’s upstairs; Heath isn’t here yet. Can I help you?” she asked upon seeing their oldest ranch hand. John and a couple of other older hands had been the only hands not joining in the search. They’d kept an eye on the cattle and other ranch operations while the younger ones were out searching for the missing men.

“I need to see Jarrod, ma’am,” John said. He was turning his hat in his hands. For all of his fifty years, he was still nervous around high class folks.

“John,” Jarrod said as he was coming down the stairs, “is something wrong?”

“No, sir. It’s just that I have something for you.” John said taking a wrinkled, dirty envelope out of his pocket. “Sorry I didn’t give this to you earlier. I plum forgot all about it.” John handed it to Jarrod.

Jarrod took the envelope from John, ripped it open and as he read the contents, his face blanched.

“Where’d you get this?” Jarrod asked in a demanding tone he rarely used outside of the courtroom.

“What is it, Jarrod?” Victoria asked as she and Audra moved closer to him.

“Cash C..Cooper gave it to me t...this afternoon,” John stammered. Jarrod’s tone of voice upset him. “Something wrong? He said it was just some money he owed you, and to see that I only gave it to you or Heath.”

“Where were you, and what time did he give this to you? Was anyone else with him? Was he on a horse or in a wagon?”

Heath walked in the door halfway through Jarrod’s barrage of questions. “What going on?” he asked as he reached to undo his gun belt.

Jarrod handed Heath the note. The colored drained from Heath’s face as he read the note. Victoria and Audra still didn’t know what was going on, but from the looks on the two men’s faces, they had a pretty good guess.

“Jarrod, we’ve got to go,” Heath said as he fastened his gun belt back on.

“What is going on?” Victoria asked trying to get her sons’ attention.

“John?” Jarrod waited for the answers to his questions.

“He was by himself, and he was on a horse. I’d say...let’s see...it was about three o’clock this afternoon ,I guess,” John replied.

“AND YOU’RE JUST NOW GETTING THIS TO ME!” Jarrod yelled.

“Take it easy Jarrod,” Heath put his hand on Jarrod’s arm.

“John, will you excuse us,” Victoria asked. She walked over to her sons and cut her eyes at them as she passed. “I’ll see you both in the library, NOW.”

“All right, Jarrod, tell me what is going on?” she demanded as soon as the library door was shut.

“Cash Cooper has Nick and Jake,” Jarrod said.

“We’ve got to go now, Jarrod,” Heath started for the door.

“Just a minute, young man,” Victoria said as she reached for his arm when he passed her.

“He says he’ll trade Jake for Heath, and for Heath and I to meet him at the north pasture at sundown. If anyone comes with us, he’ll kill Nick and Jake.”

Victoria gasped. It was almost sundown now.

“Come on, Jarrod,” Heath started to walk away, but Victoria tightened her hold on his sleeve.

“I can’t let you do this, Heath,” she said.

“We don’t have a choice,” Heath returned with finality.

“There’s got to be another way,” she said tears starting to form in her eyes.

“There’s not, and even if there was, we don’t have time to figure it out. Now let’s go, Jarrod.” Heath gently removed her hand from his sleeve. He took her chin in his hand and lifted it. “Everything will be all right,” he said as he softly wiped a tear that was trickling down her cheek.

“Jarrod?” she questioned as she looked to him for answers.

“I’m afraid Heath’s right. We don’t have any time,” Jarrod answered.

By this time Audra was recovering from the shock of what she’d been hearing. “You can’t to this. Jarrod, how do you know Cash will even let Jake go? And Heath, even if he does, then he’ll have you and Nick.” Audra cried as she went and stood in front of Heath.

Jarrod turned Audra to face him as he said, “Honey, we don’t have a choice right now. We’re out of time. Maybe we’ll think of something before we get to the north pasture, but right now, we’ve got to go.” He stopped in front of his mother on the way out. “We’ll do all we can to bring everyone home safe.” He paused before he got to the door then turned back. “And Mother, don’t send anyone after us. I believe Cash will do what he says he’ll do if he sees anyone else, and ask John to stay in the bunkhouse. I want to talk to him later.”

Victoria nodded; she wasn’t able to say anything. Audra ran into her arms. “Oh Mother, what’s going to happen?”

“I wish I knew, Audra. I wish I knew,” was all Victoria could say.

* * * * * * * *

The rain had stopped and a few stars were shining in the overhead sky as the two brothers made their way to the north pasture. They’d been traveling quickly to make it there before sundown, and hadn’t had time to talk. Their destination was just over the next hill when Jarrod pulled Jingo to a stop.

Heath reined Charger in.

“I’ve been racking my brain, Heath, and I’ve been able to come up with only one way out of this.”

Heath held Jarrod’s gaze but didn’t say anything, so Jarrod continued, “I’m going to go on to the north pasture alone while you circle around and try to get a fix on where Cash is. I’ll try to stall him to give you some time. Then we’ll try to take him by surprise.”

“No, Jarrod, that’s too risky. I don’t want to take the chance of Cash killing Nick or Jake if he smells a trap.”

“Heath, I don’t want you doing this. We’re going into this blind. Cash could do anything to us and them.”

“You’re right I could,” Cash called from a group of trees to the Barkley’s left.

The startled brothers scanned the tree line.

“But I don’t want anyone but Heath,” Cash said as he stepped his horse out from the trees a little bit. He had his gun pointed at them, “so here’s what we’re going to do. I want you boys to throw your guns over here by the trees.

“What about Jake? Where is he?” Heath asked.

“I got him right here,” Cash held up some reins in his right hand and gave them a tug. A horse came forward that had a man thrown over the saddle. It was too dark to see good, but it looked like Jake.

“We want to see him before we do anything, Cash,” Jarrod demanded.

Cash had been following the men since they’d left the ranch, so he knew no one was with them. He slowly kicked his horse forward pulling Jake’s horse behind him.

“What happened to him?” Jarrod said as he and Heath both started to get off their horses.

“Hold it right there, boys,” Cash commanded as he held the gun up higher. “He’s all right. Just passed out a little while ago and couldn’t stay on his horse. He needs you to get him home, so if you‘ll just do as I say, that can happen real soon.”

Jarrod looked at Heath, and Heath nodded. They slowly took their guns off, and threw them near Cash.

“Now get off your horses, nice and slow.”

After they were standing on the ground, Cash threw a rope at Jarrod and told him to tie Heath up.

Jarrod hesitated, but Heath looked him in the eye and said, “Go ahead.”

Jarrod didn’t move.

They heard a click of a gun, and turned to see Cash pointing his gun at Jake’s head.

Heath put his wrists together and held them out. Jarrod picked the rope up, and tied his brother’s hands. Heath could feel Jarrod’s hands shaking, and knew his brother was having a hard time. Jarrod tried not to tie them too tight so maybe Heath could get loose, but tight enough to satisfy Cash. When he was finished, he looked at Heath and whispered, “I’ll find you.”

Heath gave him a grin, and nodded his head.

While the boys were busy doing Cash’s demands, Cash picked up their guns and shoved them in his saddlebags.

“Now get back on your horses, and then Jarrod tie his hands to the saddle horn. Then lead him over here, hand the reins to me, and take Jake’s horse, and clear out of here.” Cash commanded as he got back on his horse.

“What about Nick?” Heath asked after he was back on Charger, and Jarrod was tying him to the saddle horn.

“Nick’s fine. In fact, he’s anxious to see you.”

Jarrod handed Charger’s reins to Cash, and took Jake’s horse. He felt Jake’s neck and left out a sigh of relief when he felt a strong pulse.

Heath had been watching Jarrod’s face intently, and said a prayer of thanks when he saw Jarrod’s relief.

“What are you going to do with Heath and Nick?” Jarrod asked.

“Nick will be home soon.”

“What about Heath?”

“You’d better tell him bye.”

Jarrod lunged at Cash, but Cash was too quick. He spurred his horse, and Jarrod ended up on the ground behind him. Cash galloped away laughing, pulling Charger and Heath behind him.

By the time Jarrod was back on his feet, Cash and Heath were gone in the darkness.

A sense of doom washed over Jarrod; he just knew he’d never see his little brother again. Why had he let this happened? They never should have met Cash, but Jarrod knew they really had no choice. Heath would not have let Jake or Nick get hurt because of him. He checked Jake again. His pulse was steady, but he was burning up with a fever. ‘I’d better get him home.’ Looking back down the direction Cash and Heath had gone, Jarrod whispered a prayer, then turned and headed home.

* * * * * * * *

Victoria heard the horses and went running outside. She saw Jarrod holding someone in the front of him, and when she saw the blond hair, she cried out “Heath!”

“It’s Jake, Mother, and he’s hurt. There’s a bump on the back of his head, and he’s been unconscious most of the way home,” Jarrod explained. He saw Victoria look behind them. “Cash has them,” Jarrod answered her unasked question.

Victoria bit her lower lip to stop it from quivering. “Let’s get Jake in the house.”

After Jarrod and a couple of the hands got Jake settled in the guest room, Victoria took over. She turned the lamp up so she could get a good look at Jake for injuries. She gasped when she looked into his face for the first time, and blinked back her tears. “He looks so much like Heath,” she whispered.

“Startling, isn’t it?” Jarrod came to stand by his mother.

Jake moaned as Victoria washed his face. “Jake, can you hear me?” she quietly asked. Jake started tossing his head from side to side, and rambling incoherently. “Can you tell what he’s saying?” she turned and asked Jarrod.

“No, he started doing that halfway home. That’s when I got on his horse and held him on.”

Suddenly Jake sat straight up and yelled out “HEATH!”

Victoria and Jarrod grabbed him to keep him in bed. As his eyes focused on his surroundings, he found Victoria’s face. “A....Aunt Victoria?”

“I’m here, Jake. You’re safe now. You’re at our ranch,” she tried to comfort the frightened young man.

Jake looked around the room, “Heath? Where’s Heath? Is he all right?”

Jarrod and Victoria looked at each other - not sure how much they should tell him.

Seeing their looks was all he needed, and he started getting out of bed.

“Hold on, Jake, you’re not going anywhere,” Jarrod held to him.

“Let me go; I’ve got to help Heath.”

“No, you’re in no condition to go anywhere,” Victoria stated.

“You don’t understand. Nick and Cash are going to kill him.”

Victoria was the first to recover from what Jake said. “Jake, you’ve got a concussion, and you’re a little confused right now. Just lie still. The doctor should be here any minute.”

“I’m not confused. I heard them planning. Nick said he’d only been pretending to like Heath, and that he wanted Heath dead as much as Cash did. How could he do that to his own brother?”

“Jake, I’m sure you’ve misunderstood. Nick wouldn’t...”

“But he did, and I’ve got to stop them.” Jake struggled to break away from them.

Jarrod hadn’t said anything. His mind was reeling from trying to digest what Jake was saying. He struggled to hold Jake, and was amazed at the strength the ill young man had. He suddenly felt Jake go limp. He and Victoria gently lowered him to the bed, and Victoria straightened the light blanket covering him as Dr. Merar and Audra entered.

“Thank goodness your here,” Victoria stepped back to give the doctor room.

After Jarrod filled the doctor in on everything he knew, the family left to let him examine Jake.

“Jarrod, what do you make of what Jake just said?” Victoria asked when they were in the parlor.

“I don’t think Jake knew what he was saying, Mother. That is quite a bump on the back of his head.”

“What did Jake say?” Audra asked.

“Well?” She asked again when she didn’t get an answer.

“Honey, he said Nick was in with Cash, and they were going to kill Heath.” Jarrod didn’t know any other way to say it, but he quickly added, “I’m sure he misunderstood. He’s confused. With a blow to the head like that, it’s a wonder he even knows who he is.”

They lapsed into silence. Each was lost in their own thoughts. Victoria and Jarrod’s were running on the same course - that Jake was confused. Audra wasn’t so convinced. She had seen first hand some of the looks Nick sent Heath’s way those first weeks. He seemed to look for an excuse to hit him. It really hadn’t been that long ago, and hadn’t Nick seemed to change his mind for no reason? What if he really hadn’t changed his mind? What if he had been pretending?

Victoria had been watching Audra’s face, and didn’t like was she was seeing. She started towards her to have a word with her when a door upstairs opened. They got to the bottom of the stairs as Dr. Merar was coming down.

“How is he, doctor?”

“He’ll be fine with plenty of rest. He’s got a mild concussion from that blow to the head. I gave him a sedative to help him rest; he was rambling quite a bit while I was examining him.”

“Doctor, could a blow like Jake’s cause him to be confused?”

“Well, any blow to the head can leave a person confused, but in Jake’s case, if there is any confusion, it shouldn’t last very long. I’ll be back around noon to check on him.”

“I’ll see you out,” Jarrod said as he walked him to the door.

Dr. Merar stopped on the other side of the door and in a low voice said, “Jarrod, I didn’t want to say anything in front of your Mother, but Jake wasn’t just rambling. He was very clear, and very adamant that Nick was going to kill Heath.”

“Doc, he said that early. I’m sure the concussion has him confused.”

“I checked his eyes, Jarrod, and the blow to his head really isn’t that serious. In my opinion, he’s not confused.”

Jarrod felt the hairs stand on the back of his neck.

“Nick wouldn’t hurt Heath,” Jarrod declared.

Dr. Merar smiled slightly and nodded. He didn’t want to think so either, but he’d seen first hand some of the results of the run ins between Nick and Heath. It seemed for the longest time one of them was always in his office requiring stitches or their ribs wrapped.

* * * * * * * *

“Audra, I want to talk to you,” Victoria said as she entered her daughter’s bedroom.

Audra was sitting at the dresser brushing out her hair. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying.

Victoria put her hands on Audra’s shoulders, and they looked at one another in the mirror.

“Audra, everything will be all right.”

“Mother, what if Nick...”

“Audra, you listen to me. You are exhausted and not able to think very clearly. It’s been over a week since any of us has had a good night’s sleep. Nick would never hurt Heath. I know they’ve had their differences, but Nick has embraced Heath as his brother now, and there is nothing he would do to hurt him. Remember the clothes he bought Heath to keep him safe?”

Audra turned to face her mother. “But he could have faked...”

Victoria looked her in the eyes. “When have you ever known Nicholas Jonathan Barkley to fake anything?”

Audra smiled through her tears. “You’re right, Mother, I don’t know how I could have even thought that.”

“Because you are worn out. Now, try to get some sleep, and I’ll see you in the morning,” She kissed Audra on the head and left the room.

* * * * * * * *

Jarrod entered Jake’s room. “How is he?” he asked his mother who was sitting up with him.

“Resting easy.”

“Have you gotten any rest?” she asked when she noticed the wariness in Jarrod’s eyes.

“No, I couldn’t sleep.”

“Jarrod, you and I both know Nick wouldn’t even hurt Heath much less kill him, but what’s made Jake say such a thing.”

“I’ve been thinking about that. Either, he is confused from the concussion, or Nick is up to something.”

“It will be daylight soon, and the men and I will be heading out. But first, I’m going into town to send a wire to Uncle Jim and to fill Sheriff Madden in on what’s happened. I’ve got a few leads from the men and records that Nick keeps on his employees that might lead us to where Cash may be holding them.”

“Oh, be careful, son.”

Jarrod left, and Victoria glanced at the young man resting peacefully in the bed. She couldn’t get over how much like Heath he was in looks. She could easily see how Cash had mistaken them. She closed her book. Having read the last page four times and still not knowing what it said, it was pointless to continue reading. She got up from her chair, and went to the window. The sky was getting lighter where the sun would soon be making it’s presence known. Jake’s declaration of Nick wanting Heath dead came back to her. “Oh Nick, what are you up to?” she whispered for she didn’t believe Jake spoke from confusion. She returned to her chair, and hoped Jake could tell them more today.

* * * * * * * *

Nick was frantic. Cash’s last words kept playing over in his mind, “I won’t make a mistake this time.....I won’t make a mistake this time.” Cash and Jake had been gone since early morning and it was several hours past dark now. He spent the day trying to free himself. He’d slammed against the door so many times that his body was bruised and sore, but it wouldn’t budge. The only thing he’d managed to accomplish was to make his shoulder start bleeding. He hadn’t cleaned it since yesterday. His water supply was low, and it wasn’t too clean, but his shoulder was the least of his worries.

It was close to midnight when he heard horses outside. He rose from the bed, and grabbed for the bedpost. His head was spinning. ‘Well, what did you expect Nick? You haven’t eaten all day.’ His bread was long gone. When his head cleared, he made his way to the window of his door. The cabin door opened, and a figure was shoved in the room. There was only a little moonlight coming through the window in the cabin, but it was enough for Nick to know it was Heath. Cash came in next and kicked the door shut behind him. “I’m back,” he laughed as he lit a lamp on the table. “And as you can see, no mistake this time.”

Nick took in the sight of his little brother. Heath’s hands were tied in the front of him, and from the way he held himself, Nick could tell he was hurt.

Heath looked around the room as his eyes began to focus with the light. He was trying to find who Cash was talking to. His eyes finally found Nick’s face in the small cut out in the door. “Nick,” he said as he started towards him.

Cash grabbed him by his hair and yanked him back. “Hold it.”

Nick’s thoughts were racing. What was he going to do? He wanted to rant and rave. He wanted to assure his little brother that everything was going to be all right, and that they’d get out of this somehow. He wanted to smash Cash into the ground. Should he keep up his game with Cash to try to get them out of this mess? But how could he? How could he say those things to Cash in front of Heath?

Cash grabbed his rifle off the table and shoved Heath forward towards Nick. “Now you can go.”

As Heath and Cash came closer, Nick saw blood flowing from a cut on the side of Heath’s head. Nick made sure he held a steady, non-expression on his face. He still didn’t know what he was going to do.

When they were within a few feet of him, Cash said, “That’s far enough.”

“What happened to him?” Nick asked.

“He mouthed at me, so I had to teach him a lesson. He got a gun butt to the head,” Cash snickered. “I don’t think he liked what he heard. Go ahead partner, now’s your chance to tell him what you really think of him. He didn’t believe me.”

Nick stalled. “How’d you get him?” He wouldn’t look at Heath for fear he’d give his true feelings away to Cash.

“Jarrod gave him to me. Maybe you’re not the only brother that doesn’t like him.”

Nick didn’t want to see Heath’s reaction to what Cash had just said, so he avoided looking Heath’s way. Oh, he sure wanted to smack Cash, but instead he asked, “What about Jake?”

“He should be home in a warm bed by now.”

‘Thank goodness,’ Nick thought and before he could think of something else to say, Cash added, “If you don’t want to tell him how you feel about him? Then show him.” Cash withdrew his revolver from his holster and held it out to Nick.

Nick looked at Cash. “I don’t understand.”

“Kill him. You said you wanted him dead too. I’m giving you the chance. After all, I got to hit him already.”

Trying to stall for more time, Nick said, “Oh no, you don’t. The deal was we’d be partners. You still have me locked up. Partners don’t do that to each other.”

Nick couldn’t stop himself, but he wished he had after he did. He glanced at Heath, and he could see the look of confusion and hurt in his eyes. Nick quickly looked away.

“You gotta prove your words first. You could be trying to trick me,” Cash answered. He still had the gun held out to Nick. “All right, don’t kill him, leave that pleasure for me, but shoot him in the leg, and I’ll let you out.”

Nick slowly reached out and took the gun.

He had just enough room in the small window to get one arm halfway through to hold the gun and still see. He looked at the gun then up at Heath. What he saw tore at his heart. Heath’s eyes were fixed with a cold stare. There was no expression in his face - not understand and not fear How could he make Heath understand this was a game he was playing with Cash? He looked back at Cash who was wearing a triumphant look on his face. One thought after another was tumbling through his mind. Should he try to graze Heath which would satisfy Cash, but not hurt Heath too much? Could he even just graze him - what if he missed? He would have to shoot left handed because he couldn’t lift his wounded right arm high enough to get his hand through the window. The thought occurred to him to shoot Cash instead, but what if the gun wasn’t even loaded, and Cash was just testing him. Then that would blow his chance to get close to Cash. Surely he wouldn’t give him a loaded gun, but the man was crazy and not thinking rationally. He couldn’t check to see if it was loaded; he needed two hands for that.

Heath watched Nick take the gun. Cash had told him of Nick’s betrayal to him shortly after they left Jarrod. He told him how he and Nick were partners in getting rid of him, and how Nick had been faking his brotherly feelings towards him. He refused to believe it, and told Cash he was crazy which was what earned him the rifle butt to his head. Was he wrong? Nick had taken a long time to accept him as his brother and when he did, it was out of the blue, for no clear reason. ‘No, I won’t believe it,’ Heath thought, ‘What Nick and I were building was real. Nothing was faked.’ Heath saw it then. Nick’s hand was slightly shaking, and Nick’s hand didn’t ever shake. Heath stared hard at Nick’s face, willing him to look at him again, and when he did, Heath winked at him, and then for the briefest second, Heath saw the love in Nick’s eyes that he’d been searching for since coming in the door.

A flood of relief coursed through Nick. ‘He knows. Heath knows. Alright Cash, you’ve had it now, when united, the Barkley brothers are not to be messed with.’ Nick knew with all clarity what he was going to do. The only thing he could do. He could never point a gun at his brother. He turned the gun on Cash and pulled the trigger six times. Nothing, the gun was empty.

Cash laughed a hearty, cut to the bone laugh. “You didn’t think I’d really give you a loaded gun, did you?” So intent was Cash on ridiculing Nick that he didn’t see Heath.

Heath put his head down and slammed his body against Cash with everything he had.

Cash lost his grip on the rifle as he went flying across the room, hitting the wall and sliding down to the floor. As Cash was trying to rise, Heath came down on his head with his tied hands, and Cash fell unconscious to the floor.. In the meantime, Nick was trying to open the door by hammering the doorknob and hinges with the empty pistol.

Heath searched the room for something to cut the rope from his hands. Not finding anything, he grabbed the globe off the lamp, broke it and used the largest piece to cut the ropes.

“Nick, move away from the door.” Heath shot the lock off the door with Cash’s rifle, then kicked the door in. “You all right?” he asked as he stepped into the room.

Nick swayed and Heath grabbed him before he fell. Taking in the smell of the room, Heath helped Nick out into the main room. Making sure Cash was still out, he sat Nick down in the chair.

“I’m all right,” Nick said as he grabbed the table to help support himself.

“I’ll get you some water.”

Looking over at Cash, Heath decided he’d better get Cash secured before leaving the room. Using the rope he found lying around the chair, he bound Cash’s hands behind him. Next, he tied his feet together. After checking on Nick again, he went to Charger and brought in his canteen. “Here, just a sip.” After Nick got some water, Heath checked his shoulder out. It was bleeding a little, but it didn’t look too bad.

“Heath,” Nick struggled to say. “I didn’t mean...”

Heath didn’t let him finish. “I know, you don’t have to explain.”

Nick clasped Heath’s arm and smiled, “Good to see you, little brother.”

“Same here, big brother.”

Seeing Nick looking at his head wound he answered, “It’s nothing. Here, take another drink.” He raised the canteen to Nick’s lips.

When Nick was through drinking, he noticed Heath looking at Cash. “He’s lost his mind, and mixed you up with his half brother.” Nick related the whole story to Heath, and when he was finished, he saw a world of sympathy in his little brother’s eyes. “Aw, come on Heath, nothing justifies what he’s done or was going to do.”

“Nick, growing up without a father was hard, but at least I never knew what it was like to have one. Cash did, and then his father chose to leave him. That would be a hard thing to live with. I feel sorry for him.”

“Well...” Nick started to rise, but then he swayed, and Heath grabbed a hold of him.

“Whoa there, big brother.” He got Nick seated back down, then asked, “When’s the last time you had something to eat.”

“A couple of days ago.”

“Let me see what I can find here that’s worth eating.” After searching all through the cabin and not finding anything, Heath got some jerky from his saddlebag.

“This will have to do for now.” He handed Nick a piece.

When it was starting to get light out, Heath went and checked on Cash’s ropes. He then handed Nick Jarrod’s pistol he’d gotten from Cash’s saddlebags.

“I’ll be back. Gonna see if I can round us up something to eat.

“Forget about that, I’m ready to go home.”

“We’ll start home after you’ve had something to eat.”

“Where are we anyway?” Nick asked.

“Near as I can figure, somewhere between Sacramento and Santa Rosa. Cash was careful to stay off roads, but we kept a northwestwardly movement.”

Nick broke out into a big grin, “We can be home by noon then.”

“Yep, ‘cept we’re not going home just yet.”

“What do you mean, we’re not going home?” Nick snapped.

Heath shook his head and smiled. Even in his weakened state, Nick still had a good bark to him, and it sure was good to hear.

“Now Nick, we can’t leave Cash here, and I’m sure as heck not taking him back to the ranch with us.” He wasn’t going to say anything to Nick, but when they got to Santa Rosa or Sacramento - whichever was closest, and turned Cash over to the sheriff, he planned on them taking the train back to Stockton. They’d either board Coco and Charger or leave them, and he’d come back for them later. He didn’t think Nick was in any condition to make the trip on horseback this soon. He knew Nick would put up a fuss about taking the train, so he wasn’t going to share his plan with him.

“I guess you’ve got a point, but as soon as we turn him over to the authorities, we are going home.”

“You got it, big brother.”

* * * * * * * *

“It’s good to hear laughter in the house again,” Victoria said as Jim Barkley joined her and Becky in the parlor for coffee. They’d been sitting there enjoying the sound of the laughter emitting from the library where Heath, Nick, Jarrod and Jake were competing in billiards, having drinks and sharing stories. Nick and Heath had come home a week ago - safe and sound. Victoria smiled as she thought about that day. She and Audra thought they had Jake convinced he was mistaken about Nick wanting to kill Heath, but the first thing Jake did was verbally attack Nick. If Nick hadn’t been so glad to be home, things might have gone differently, as it was, Nick just threw his head back and let out the biggest laugh which left Jake speechless. By the time Nick quit laughing, Heath appeared and clued Jake in on Nick’s charade. After another day in bed, Jake was out of the bed with no ill effects from his ordeal. Nick’s arm was healing, and he’d quickly regained his strength back, and Heath’s cut was barely noticeable. Cash Cooper had been declared to be of unsound mind and was sent to an insane asylum in San Francisco.

The day after Nick and Heath returned, Jim Barkley arrived from Denver with Becky, Jenny and Beau. Jenny and Audra were upstairs now bathing Beau and getting him ready for bed.

Jim’s voice brought Victoria back to the present. “You know as bad as all this was, some good came out of it. We got to meet Heath, and with the newspapers picking up Nick’s disappearance, they also covered the complete story - everything about Cash, the rumor he started, and why he started it. I don’t expect anymore gunfighters to come seeking Heath out.”

“I’ve already thought about that. And you’re right Jim, it always seems that some good always does come from bad.”

“Victoria,” Jim voice was full of emotion, “I want to thank you for sending Heath to Colorado. Getting to know him was...well, it was like.”

Victoria touched his arm. “I know...it’s hard to put into words, but it’s like...he completes us. He’s got a lot of characteristics like his father yet he’s his own man. Tom would have been so very proud of him.”

“Yes he would,” Jim said as he got a far away look in his eyes. “He surely would.”

The library door banged open and Heath came flying out and went out the front door. He was laughing so hard he could hardly run. Nick wasn’t too far behind him.

“HEATH, GET BACK HERE, BOY! YOU TOLD ME CHARGER HAD A BRUISED HOOF WHICH WAS WHY WE HAD TO TAKE THE TRAIN HOME.”

Victoria smiled, Nick’s booming voice, it was music to her ears.

THE END