Lost

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: This is a sequel to ‘You Don’t Know What You Have ‘Til It’s Gone’. Just when the Barkley family come together as a family after the arrival of Heath, tragedy strikes that threatens to separate them. The characters are the same as in the series, except there is no Eugene.

“But Heath, I just don’t see why you have to go right now.” Nick was pacing the floor in Heath’s bedroom. He was getting more aggravated with each item Heath packed, and his tone of voice was letting Heath know it.

“Nick, we’ve been over this before.” He stopped his packing for a minute and looked at his brother. He couldn’t understand why Nick was getting so upset. “It’s a slow time at the ranch right now which makes it a good time to deliver those horses Travis Grant bought. Mark and I will deliver the horses, and Mark will come straight home on the first train out of Santa Fe. Since we’ll be so close to Garrett Lee’s ranch, I’m gonna ride on over for a short visit and be home in time for the horse auction on the 15th,” Heath explained again, but Nick couldn’t hear anything except that Heath was going to Garrett Lee’s ranch. He didn’t hear his little brother call the Barkley ranch ‘home’ when he said he’d be back.

It had been a little over eight months since Nick had brought Heath home from Garrett Lee’s ranch in Santa Fe where Heath had gone to work after

Nick had finally succeeded in running him off Barkley land. Heath had ridden into the Barkley ranch six months before that claiming he was Tom Barkley’s illegitimate son The rest of the family believed and accepted him, but not Nick, he didn’t buy it for a minute. He made life hard for Heath, and because Nick didn’t accept him, neither did the hands. So six months after riding in for the first time, Heath rode out. It wasn’t until after Heath was gone that Nick realized what he had in Heath, and went after him to bring him home. He now regretted losing the first six months that Heath was with them by not accepting him. He had thoroughly enjoyed the last eight months. Having a little brother working, living, and playing by his side was a dream come true.

Nick knew what Heath was saying made sense, but he just didn’t want to let him out of his sight. Suddenly he had an idea. “I’ll go with you. I could use some time off. We’ll make a vacation out of it,” Nick’s face lit up as he spoke.

“Nick, you know you have to be here. The Hendersons are bringing their horses to our ranch early next week to settle them down before the auction,” Heath answered while packing, not bothering to turn around this time.

Disappointment was obvious on Nick’s face, and he knew the truth of Heath’s words, but he wasn’t beaten yet. “Then I’ll go, and you can stay here and meet the Henderson bunch.”

“Nick, the stallion I’m taking doesn’t even like you. He would fight you the whole way,” Heath snapped at him. He was now getting aggravated, and once more stopped his packing and turned toward Nick, ready to send him out of his room. He stopped when he saw the look on Nick’s face. ‘What the heck? Nick was worried. Why?’ Then it dawned on him. He walked over to Nick and stopped in the path of his pacing. Looking Nick in the eyes and putting his hand on his arm, he said, “I am coming home. Home, Nick. I’m happy here. The last eight months have been exactly what I thought it would be like to live in a large family.” Why Nick would even think he wouldn’t be back was beyond Heath’s comprehension.

Nick stared at him several minutes, then with a broad smile said, “Hurry back.” He not only heard the word ‘home’ that time, but he saw ‘home’ in his little brother’s eyes.

Heath nodded, and Nick left his room. He waited until Nick had shut the door before shaking his head and returning to his packing. He’d never figure his big brother out.

* * * * * * * *

Heath and Mark Johnson left out at daybreak the next morning. Heath was leading the stallion that didn’t like Nick and two mares. Mark was leading one mare and riding one. Heath chose Mark to take along on this trip to try to get to know him better. Since his return to the ranch, Mark was the only hand he hadn’t been able to form any kind of a relationship with. Around him, Mark said very little and answered with only yes or no when Heath asked him a question. Heath thought he might just be shy, and if he got him off to himself, he would open up a little more.

The sun was just showing itself above the mountains. Early morning was Heath’s favorite time of the day. He felt closer to God at this time than any other time. This morning he let his mind wander over all he was thankful for. It was then his thoughts turned to the day before. He was thinking back on Nick’s actions. He couldn’t stop the smile as he remembered Nick’s words ‘hurry back’. It had never entered Heath’s mind to not come home. He didn’t lie to Nick. He was happy. Happier than he’d ever thought possible. He and Nick were growing closer every day. Any doubts Heath had about Nick’s feelings towards him or his towards Nick left a week upon returning to the ranch. Heath remembered it like it was yesterday. Jarrod had given Heath the Pinkerton report from his investigation on his past. At first, Heath had been furious. How could they violate his privacy? Jarrod explained to him that it was to protect the family, and that he and Mrs. Barkley, a woman he now called Mother, were the only ones to have read it and no one else. Heath had taken the report and read it. The next night the family was in the parlor. Victoria was reading, Jarrod and Audra were playing cards, and Nick was stirring the fire when Heath walked in with the report in his hands. Heath remembered his heart beating so hard and fast, and he could hardly breathe. After looking at each family member, his eyes rested on Mrs. Barkley and he said, “This report is pretty accurate about my past, but it only mentions the bad, and there’s been a lot of good in my life. I don’t want this. You can do what you want to with it.” He started toward Mrs. Barkley, but paused, then turned and walked over to Nick and handed him the report saying, “You can read it if you want to.” Nick looked at him and without taking his eyes off Heath‘s face, he threw the report in the fire and said, “I’ll wait until you’re ready to share whatever you want with me.” That moment, Nick had earned Heath’s respect until his dying days.

“When do you think we’ll be there?” Mark’s question jarred Heath out of his remembrances.

“Well, if the weather holds, we should be there in six to seven days.” Heath was surprised. This was the most the man had ever said to him.

Mark had heard talk around the bunkhouse, but he thought he’d ask Heath anyway, “Why is it we have to deliver these horses in person instead of sending them by train? Sure would have been quicker.”

Heath chuckled, “Travis Grant swears riding in a train makes horses loco. Getting them hand delivered was part of the deal before he’d agree to buy. Cost him a little more.”

The men then lapsed into a fairly comfortable silence again.

* * * * * * * *

Heath had been gone for ten days, and to Nick it felt like ten years. He knew he’d miss him, but he had no idea he’d miss him this much. It was like a part of himself was missing. ‘How did that boy manage to mean so much to me in so short of time?’ Nick wondered as he rode through the front gate of the ranch at the end of another long day. He stopped at the pump to wash up. He dunked his whole head in the water and was shaking his hair when he saw a rider coming in. Fear gripped his heart when he saw who it was, and who he was riding. Mark was coming in the front gate riding Charger.

Nick reached Mark before he could get to the barn. “Where’s Heath? Why are you on Charger?” He knew something had to have happened to Heath for him to not have Charger with him. Heath took better care of that horse than he did himself.

Mark dismounted. “I don’t know. There was a note left for me from Heath at the front desk of the hotel when I checked out. It said for me to take Charger back with me on the train, so I did.”

“Let me see the note,” Nick demanded as he held out his hand to Mark.

“I don’t have it. I threw it away. I didn’t see any point in keeping it. I...”

Mark didn’t get to finish what he was going to say. Nick grabbed him by the collar and roughly pulled him towards him. “You’re lying. Heath would never part with Charger.”

Mark was visibly shaken. He had seen Nick Barkley angry plenty of times, but it had never been directed at him, and it shook him up. He had to hold himself together. He couldn’t let Nick suspect he had anything to do with Heath missing.

“I want the truth,” Nick started shaking Mark.

“NICK!” Jarrod came running across the yard, and started trying to pull Nick’s hands away from Mark.

“NICK, LET GO!” Jarrod demanded. Jarrod had never seen such a furious look on his brother’s face.

“He’s done something to Heath! WHERE IS HE?” Nick yelled, shaking Mark again.

Jarrod managed to get Nick’s hands off Mark. “Settle down and tell me what’s going on. What’s this about Heath?” Jarrod’s voice was calm though he was getting uneasy after noticing Heath’s horse behind Mark. He kept telling himself there could be any number of reasons for it.

“Mr. Barkley, it’s like I was telling Nick. I don’t know where your brother is. I just got a note telling me to bring Charger back with me. Since Heath wasn’t suppose to come back with me, I didn’t question it. I figured Heath wanted to take the train home instead of riding.”

“Then why wouldn’t Heath had brought Charger back with him when he came on the train?” Nick growled while trying to grab Mark again. Jarrod forcibly pushed Nick back. He may be older than Nick, but Nick was stronger and pushing Nick Barkley anywhere was not easy.

“All I know is what I already told you,” Mark said trying not to look at Jarrod. Something about Jarrod scared Mark more than Nick. Nick would get so mad he didn’t see things, but Jarrod could tell whether a person was lying just by looking at them. He hadn’t planned to have to talk to Jarrod. Actually, he hadn’t planned anything. The opportunity just presented itself, and he took it. Now if he could just pull it off. He realized he’d made a mistake by keeping Charger, but he just had to find out what it felt like to ride that stallion through those white Barkley gates.

“Let’s go in the house and talk this over,” Jarrod said as he took Mark’s arm and walked him towards the house. He could feel Nick burning a hole in his back. “You coming Nick?” he asked without turning around.

Once they were in the library, Jarrod asked. “Now Mark, when was the last time you saw Heath?”

Nick came in and stood by the fireplace with his fist on his hips and glared at Mark.

“Two days ago. We delivered the horses and ate lunch in Santa Fe. After we were through eating, we parted ways. I went to the hotel, ’cause my train didn’t leave ’til early the next morning, and Heath, I thought, went on to that friend he was gonna visit. I didn’t see him again.” Mark tried to sound as truthful and as dumb as he could.

“I’d like to see Heath’s note,” Jarrod stated. He was studying Mark the whole time they were talking. Maybe Nick was on the something. Mark hardly looked into Jarrod’s eyes as they spoke. Usually that was a sure sign of a person hiding something, but maybe he was just shy or intimated.

“HE DOESN'T HAVE IT, JARROD. SAID HE THREW IT AWAY,” Nick was gritting his teeth. It was all he could do not to tear into Mark again.

“Well, Mark?” Jarrod wanted to hear it for himself.

“Nick’s right. I don’t have it. I’m sorry Mr. Barkley, I just didn’t see how the note was important. I’d have kept it if I’d knowed it was gonna mean something to you.”

“All right, Mark, go on and clean up. You’ve had a long day,” Jarrod said as he sat down at his desk.

“Thanks, I sure hope everything’s ok with him.” ‘Lying was getting easier with each word,’ Mark thought, as he walked out.

“Jarrod, you’re not gonna believe that story are you?” Nick asked as he leaned over the desk staring hard into Jarrod’s eyes.

“Why not? Heath might of sent Charger on home.”

“Oh come on Jarrod! Why? What reason would Heath have to do that?” He was starting to get mad at Jarrod now.

“I don’t know. Maybe he sent Charger home because he didn’t need him, or...,” Jarrod paused.

“OR WHAT!” Nick’s face was taking on an even angrier scowl, if that was possible.

Choosing his words carefully, Jarrod said quietly, “Or maybe he sent Charger home because he wasn’t planning on returning.” Jarrod didn’t really believe that, didn’t want to believe it, but like Nick, he had been apprehensive about Heath going around Garrett Lee again.

“NO, I won’t even listen to talk like that. Heath WAS coming home.” Nick started for the door.

“Where are you going?” Jarrod called after him.

“SANTE FE!” Nick yelled not stopping or looking back.

“Nick, wait!” Jarrod hollered, but Nick wasn’t waiting.

Five minutes later, Nick was coming down the stairs with his bag. “Jarrod, you keep an eye on Mark. I don’t believe that story of his.” He stopped and fastened his gun belt around his waist. “I’ll let you know what I find out in Santa Fe. Tell Mother, Audra and the Hendersons whatever you want to when they get back from town. I’m going to be on the next train out.”

“Nick, hold up,” Jarrod said as he grabbed Nick’s arm.

“Pappy, I’m going now,” Nick snarled, and his look dared Jarrod to try and stop him.

“I’m not trying to stop you Nick. I just want to tell you, I’m going to wire Garrett Lee and Travis Grant to see if they know anything. Check with the telegraph office as soon as you arrive in Santa Fe. I may have some information for you.”

Nick softened, “All right, Jarrod.....Wait! Where’s that picture of Uncle Jim? We don’t have a picture of Heath to show around, but I’ll show Uncle Jim’s picture as Heath since they look so much alike.” Nick made a mental note to get an updated family picture made as soon as possible.

“I’ll get it,” Jarrod replied.

Within minutes, Nick was on his way with the picture.

* * * * * * * *

Mark was still a little shaken up when he entered the bunkhouse. After greeting the other hands, he ate a bite of supper, and went to bed early. He needed to think. He was in over his head or was he? After all, he hadn’t actually hurt Heath. He had just taken advantage of the situation. They’d just delivered the horses, and were coming through Eagle Pass when the rock slide happened. Heath had hollered out a warning to Mark seconds before a large rock smashed into his head knocking him off Charger. It was over as quick as it started, but in the end, Heath lay unconscious and half buried under a pile of rocks. He had quickly uncovered him and found a strong pulse. It was quite awhile before Heath regained consciousness, and when he did, he didn’t know who he was. He couldn’t remember anything. It was when Heath lost consciousness again that Mark sprung into action. He cleaned out all of Heath’s pockets, destroyed all identification, and pocketed the money from Travis Grant. Without really thinking things through, he mounted Charger and rode off. He had been riding a loaner horse from Travis Grant which he was suppose to turn into the livery in Santa Fe. He went ahead and did that, then he boarded Charger on the train and headed back to Stockton. Mark was sure Heath would be all right. He didn’t have any broken bones, appeared to have no internal injuries, and he was within a half days walk from Santa Fe. He didn’t want Heath to die, but if he never got his memory back that would be just fine with him. He didn’t know what he was gonna do yet, but he figured he’d wait until things settled down, then he’d quit working for the Barkleys and move on. The money, close to twelve hundred dollars, was gonna take him far away. If Heath did recover his memory, he’d be long gone before he made it back to the ranch. He really wasn’t expecting Nick to be suspicious so quick. He half expected him to accuse Heath of running off with the money, but that hadn’t happened, at least not yet. Maybe he could put a suggestion in that direction that would sway the Barkley’s into thinking it.

* * * * * * * *

Jarrod was in the library sitting at his desk when his mother walked in. “All right Jarrod, I want to know what’s really going on.”

Jarrod should have known his mother wasn’t going to let him get by with just the brief explanation he’d given her, Audra and the Hendersons when they returned home. How much should he tell her? He didn’t want to worry her especially when he wasn’t convinced there was anything to worry about. Nick could be wrong - it sure wouldn’t be the first time. Still, he did know Heath better than anyone. When he looked up at his mother, he knew he had to tell her all of it. If he told anything less, she’d know it.

Victoria Barkley looked long and hard at Jarrod after he finished telling her all he knew. Finally she said, “I think Nick is right. I want you to contact the Pinkerton Agency first thing in the morning and get an investigation and search going right away.”

“Don’t you think we should wait until we hear from Nick, Garrett Lee and Travis Grant?”

“No, I don’t,” Victoria stated firmly. “If we end up sending the Pinkertons out for nothing then so be it. I truly hope that is the case. Now, I’m going upstairs to tell Audra what’s going on.” Victoria stopped at the door on her way out and looked back. “First thing in the morning Jarrod.” She was a little put out with Jarrod for not telling her what was going on when she first arrived home.

“Yes, Mother,” Jarrod watched his mother leave the room. ‘Was he the only one who thought there was a remote chance that Heath did send Charger home with Mark?’

* * * * * * * *

The next morning Audra went to the stables. She always felt near Heath when she was with Charger. Many times she had sat on a bale of hay and watched him groom his horse. She picked up a brush to groom Charger now, the same way she’d seen Heath do it hundreds of times. She stopped in mid-stroke when she saw a few small cuts on him. She dropped the brush and ran into the house.

“Mother! Jarrod!” Audra yelled upon entering the front door. “Moth...”

“In here Audra,” Victoria called from the dining room.

Audra entered the dining room and found her mother polishing the silver. It didn’t surprise her. Her mother always polished the silver when she was worried.

“Mother, I was just in the barn brushing Charger, and I found some small cuts on him. Oh Mother,” Audra voice was getting shaky as she spoke, “something has happened to Heath. He would never send Charger home like that without being with him. Mark is lying.”

Victoria looked at her only daughter and saw the tears welling in her eyes. “Audra, Jarrod has already gone into town. Ride in and tell him what you’ve told me. See if he thinks the sheriff needs to question Mark.” Audra turned to leave. “And Audra,” Victoria added, “don’t say anything to anyone else. I don’t want Mark to get spooked.”

“Yes, Mother,” Audra said as she turned to leave. She was glad to be able to do something to help.

* * * * * * * *

Heath opened his eyes to see the face of an old man looking down at him. He tried to raise up.

“Easy, son, just lie still.”

“Where am I?” Heath asked. Oh, his head was hurting something fierce.

“You’re at the doctor’s office in Los Alamos, New Mexico. I’m Doc Bailey.”

“What happened?” Heath could hardly get the words out; his head was hurting so bad.

“Here drink this,” the doctor said as he held Heath up so he could drink. “It will help the pain. You’ve got a concussion and a large bump on your head cause by what we think was a rock slide according to the people who brought you in. You’ve got several cuts and bruises. Nothing serious, but you’ll be mighty sore for a few days.”

“When?”

“Well, the Patterson’s, that’s the folks who brought you in, they said they found you the day before yesterday. No telling how long you laid there before they found you - not too long though,” the doctor added trying to get a smile out of his young patient, “you were still alive.”

“Now son, I know you probably don’t feel like talking, but I need to ask you a few questions. I need to know your name, and where you’re from? I’ll notify your family for you. Could be they’re worried sick about you.”

Heath searched his mind and drew a blank. He didn’t know. He couldn’t remember anything. What was he going to say? He looked at the doctor who was looking intently at him as he waited for an answer.

Heath shook his head and said, “I don’t know,” so low the doctor had to lean down to catch what he said. “I can’t remember anything.”

Doc Bailey frowned, “Well, that’s not too unusual. That was a hard hit you took to your head. Lucky to be alive Mr. Patterson said by the looks of the rock slide and your head. It’ll probably come back to you. Give it some time. I’ll go see if the missus can bring you some broth,” Doc said as he left the room.

Heath tried to sit up, but collapsed back on the bed as dizziness came over him. He needed to get up. He thought if he could move around and look outside maybe his memory would come back to him. He was trying to get up again as the door opened, and a middle age woman walked in carrying a tray.

“Oh, no you don’t young man. You just lay back down right this minute. You need to rest.” She put the tray down and quickly walked to the bed to help Heath settle back down. She propped him up the best she could and got the broth.

“Can you take a little of this for me?” she asked as she brought a spoonful to his mouth.

He took a sip. It felt good going down. He was able to finish half the bowl before he quit.

“Very good, young man, the doctor will be glad to see you’ve gotten some substance in you.” She walked to the door carrying the tray. “Oh by the way, I’m Elizabeth Bailey, the doctor’s wife. Now don’t you be trying to get up again unless someone is in here with you.”

Heath lay back in the bed. He felt vulnerable, naked like, not knowing who he was, or anything about himself. Am I a good man? An outlaw? A husband? A Father? He didn’t know, but he needed to find out and quick.

* * * * * * * *

Nick went to the telegraph office as soon as he got to Santa Fe. Jarrod was true to his word. There was a telegram waiting for him. Nick’s face clouded over as he read it. ‘Grant hasn’t seen him since the delivery, and Lee hasn’t heard from him at all. Let me know what you find out.’ Nick crumbled the note up and stomped out of the telegraph office. He headed straight to the sheriff’s office.

“Can I help you?” A man sitting at a desk cleaning a rifle asked when Nick walked in.

“You can if you’re the sheriff,” Nick stated without cracking a smile.

“Sheriff Tate,” the man held out his hand.

“Nick Barkley,” Nick stated, shaking the man’s hand.

“What can I do for you?”

“I’m looking for this man,” Nick said as he handed Uncle Jim’s picture to the sheriff. “Have you seen him?”

Looking at the photo a minute, the sheriff finally said, “I don’t recall, though I do see a lot of people. What’s he done?”

“Nothing, he’s my brother, and he came here two weeks ago to deliver some horses. No one has seen him since,” Nick said a little too sharp. It rubbed him wrong that the sheriff would jump to the conclusion that Heath had done something.

“Have you checked around town yet?” The sheriff wanted to know.

“No, but I will. Thought I’d come here first,” Nick ran his fingers through his hair, and headed for the door. “Thanks,” he said as he headed out the door. ‘At least he’s not in jail’ Nick thought, though he kind of wished he had been, then at least than he’d know where he was.

* * * * * * * *

A week later, Nick was no better off. He’d checked everywhere and gotten nowhere. One interesting thing he learned was a Mark Johnson was not registered at any hotel in Santa Fe in the last month, and no clerk remembered giving any guest a note from a Heath Barkley. Sheriff Tate had agreed to send a telegram to all the towns in a hundred mile radius asking for information on a missing man fitting Heath’s description. So far they had received no replies.

* * * * * * * *

Nick had just gotten back into Santa Fe and was headed to the motel. He wanted a hot bath and a good meal. He’d been to Travis Grant’s ranch again only this time he had traveled even slower, looking for any signs of Heath. No luck.

“Mr. Barkley!”

“Mr. Barkley!”

Nick turned around to see a boy about ten years old running after him.

“Yeah, son, what is it?”

“The sheriff wants to see you.”

Nick turned his horse towards the sheriff’s office and yelled a quick “Thanks” to the boy.

As he opened the door, the sheriff said, “Mr. Barkley, I’m glad you’re here. We may have something. This came today from Los Alamos.” He handed Nick the message.

Hope sprang up on Nick’s face as he read the note. He turned and ran out of the sheriff’s office.

“Where you going?” he yelled to Nick’s back.

“Los Alamos,” Nick yelled not stopping to look back.

‘I hope he’s not headed on a wild goose chase’ Sheriff Tate thought and hollered, “Good Luck,” at Nick’s back.

* * * * * * * *

Doc Bailey looked up as a big man wearing what looked like a week’s worth of trail dust walked into his office.

“You Doc Bailey?” Nick asked.

“I am.”

“Your sheriff sent a telegram to the sheriff in Santa Fe. Said a couple of weeks ago you had a patient in here that had lost his memory.” Nick’s face didn’t give one hint of the emotional turmoil he was feeling inside.

“And you are?” the doctor questioned.

“Sorry, Nick Barkley,” he said as he extended his hand to the doctor.

“Have a seat, Mr. Barkley,” Doc Bailey said after shaking his hand. He wasn’t sure how much information he wanted to give out. He liked his young patient, and if this man meant him any harm...

“Look Doc, this is important to me. I’ve been looking for my brother a long time. He went missing three weeks ago, and no one has seen or heard from him since. I’ve looked everywhere, and this is my first lead.”

“Well, I did have a patient that temporarily lost his memory, but he’s since recovered it.” The Doc softened when he noticed the fallen look on the Nick’s face when he heard this news. Maybe this man wasn’t the bad sort after all.

Nick sat there for the longest. He was beaten. He had been so sure; had hoped so hard.

“Can I get you some water?” Doc Bailey asked. He wished he had good news for this cowboy. By the lost, stricken look on his face, he could tell he cared a great deal for his missing brother.

“No thanks doc. Sorry to bother you. The description of your patient fit my brother, and I was just so sure at last I’d found him.” Nick started to rise.

“Why don’t you tell me about your brother? Maybe I’ve heard of him or seen him.”

“I don’t know where to start,” Nick said softly as he ran his fingers through his hair and sunk back into the chair.

“What’s he look like?”

Nick’s eyes took on a far away look as he described his little brother, “He’s about 6’2”, sandy blonde hair, sky blue eyes that tell you more than his mouth ever will, and he’s got the darnedest old lop-sided smile. He usually wears a blue shirt with tan pants, and a brown vest.”

Doc Bailey’s face paled as Nick described his patient.

“You got a picture by chance?” the doc questioned.

“Yeah,” Nick said as he pulled it out from his vest pocket and handed it to the doctor.

Doc Bailey looked at the picture as he tried to decide what to do. He didn’t want any harm to come to the young patient he’d grown so fond of; yet his gut instinct told him Nick Barkley was on the up and up. He had thought it fishy when his patient had regained his memory so quick, and the fact that he wouldn’t look him in the face as he told him his name was probably because it wasn’t his real name.

“This is my patient, but Heath Barkley is not the name he gave me,” the doctor stated.

Nick jumped up. “ARE YOU SURE? WHERE IS HE? WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM? Oh doctor, are you sure? You don‘t...”

“Slow down now, Mr. Barkley, and I’ll tell you everything I know.”

* * * * * * * *

Nick was headed to the McClennon ranch as fast as he could go. His spirit was riding high, and he was running on pure adrenaline. A shot brought him to a halt. Standing in the road was a man with a rifle in his hand pointed skyward.

“You’re on McClennon land. State your business?” the man demanded.

Nick didn’t like the way the man was talking to him, but the doctor had warned him the McClennon’s and the Wilson’s were in the middle of a range war.

“I’m here to see Mr. McClennon.”

“What about?” the man asked not taking his eyes from Nick.

“Well, now that’s between me and Mr. McClennon.” Nick knew he should go nice and easy, but this man was getting to him.

“That’s where you’re wrong. Mr. McClennon’s not expecting anyone, and you’re not going any farther. Now, get off McClennon land.”

“Now look, I just want to ask Mr. McClennon about a man he has working for him.” Nick was getting angrier by the minute.

“You’ve got five minutes to get.” The man brought his rifle down and cocked it.

“My name’s Nick Barkley, and I’ve got reason to believe my brother’s working here.”

“I don’t care who you are, and we don’t have anyone working here by the name of Barkley.”

“HE’S GOING BY THE NAME OF BARTLEY NICHOLS,” Nick yelled, and he saw a brief flicker of recognition in the man’s eyes before he pointed the rifle at him and coldly said, “You got three minutes left.”

Nick gave the man a cold, hard look and said, “I’m going, but I’ll be back.” He turned his horse and headed back to town.

* * * * * * * *

“Mother! Audra!” Jarrod yelled as he entered the house.

Victoria thought Nick was back for a minute. Alarmed because Jarrod never yelled, she ran to the foyer practically running head on into Jarrod.

“Jarrod, what’s wrong?”

Jarrod put his hands on his mother’s shoulders and gently kissed her cheek. “Sorry I frightened you. Here read this, it’ll explain. I’ve got to pack. There’s a train that leaves in an hour, and Mark and I are going to be on it,” he explained as he hurried up the stairs.

Victoria bit her lip and held back her tears as she read the telegram from Nick. ‘Found Heath. Need your help now. Come to Santa Fe. Bring Mark’.

* * * * * * * *

Nick met Jarrod and Mark at the train station.

“Nick, where’s Heath?” Jarrod questioned when they met.

“Not here, Jarrod. Let’s go to my hotel room.”

Upon shutting the door to Nick’s room, Jarrod asked, “Ok, Nick, what’s going on?”

“Sit down, Jarrod.” Then Nick told Jarrod everything he knew.

“Then you’ve not actually seen Heath?” Jarrod look accusing at Nick.

“No, I’ve not actually seen him,” Nick snapped, sometimes Jarrod could really aggravate him. “I can’t get close enough - not with that range war going on. Now that they know me and what I want, it’s not likely I’ll be able to. That’s why I need you. I want you to get a job under an assumed name at McClennon’s - find Heath, and lure him out. We’ll grab him and take him home.”

“Grab him and take him home. Just like that.” Jarrod looked at Nick like he was crazy.

“Yeah, JUST LIKE THAT. You got a better idea?”

“Well, Brother Nick, did it ever occur to you that Heath might have something to say about that? If this Bartley Nichols is Heath, then he doesn’t know who he is, and he’s more than likely going to fight back. And if my memory serves me correct, he is one strong, young man. Someone could get hurt.”

Nick had thought of that, but he didn’t see any other way. Heath wouldn’t come without a fight, that he was sure of. Yet, a large part of him hoped Heath’s memory would come back when he saw them.

“Jarrod, he could get hurt if we don’t get him out and quick. A range war is not a safe place, and that one is heating up fast,” Nick said firmly.

“There may be another way. You said the doctor liked Heath?”

Nick nodded at Jarrod’s question.

“Good, maybe he will help us.”

“What are you thinking Jarrod?”

“Only that after I lure Heath out, it sure would be easier if we could use a little chloroform to knock him out until we could safely get him out of town. If he were to put up a fight, and draw attention to us, we could have a whole pack of McClennon’s men on our tail.”

Nick didn’t like the idea of using chloroform on Heath, but it would be safer than fighting him.

“Excuse me,” Mark interrupted Nick’s thoughts, “but why did you want me here?”

Nick turned cold eyes toward Mark. He had tried to ignore Mark since seeing him at the train station. He’d like nothing better than to tear into that lying scum, and it was all he could do to not do so now.

“Because while Jarrod goes to Los Alamos to get hired by McClennon, you and I are going to trace the route you and Heath took to and from Travis Grant’s place. We going to look for any clue as to what may have happened to him,” Nick lied. He really wanted Mark there to keep an eye on him. His gut instinct told him Mark was involved with what happened to Heath. He just didn’t know how...yet.

Mark thought ‘It’s now or never,’ and spoke up, “Maybe I shouldn’t mention this, but you two are too close to see what else might be going on.” Mark paused when he saw the look on Nick’s face - it wasn’t friendly.

“Go on,” Jarrod prompted.

“Like maybe Heath does know who he is, and he’s trying to hide from you.”

“For what reason?” Jarrod questioned as he put his hand on Nick’s arm. He could feel Nick ready to spring.

“I saw Mr. Grant give Heath twelve hundred dollars for those horses, and ...”

That did it.

“Why you no good...” Nick exploded as he landed a right punch to Mark’s face.

“NICK!” Jarrod yelled as he pulled Nick off of Mark, but not before Nick landed another punch. Mark hit the floor out cold.

“Nick! Let him alone, he’s out,” Jarrod got in front of Nick and held him back.

When Nick calmed a bit, Jarrod took a quick look at Mark, then said, “Come with me, I want to talk to you, and I don’t want to take a chance of Mark hearing what I have to say.”

Nick and Jarrod sat at a table in the hotel’s restaurant. They faced the lobby so they could keep an eye out for Mark in case he tried to leave.

“Jarrod, he was accusing Heath of stealing that money,” Nick was getting worked up again just talking about it.

“I know what he was doing, Nick. There’s more.” Nick’s face turned a deep, angry red as Jarrod told him about Charger cuts. “And when the sheriff questioned him, he denied knowing anything about them.”

Nick then shared what he’d found out about the hotels and clerks.

“Nick, I believe you were right about him. Mark is involved in Heath’s disappearance.”

“Let’s turn him over to the sheriff,” Nick said as he started to rise.

“It’s not that easy, Nick. We don’t have proof, and until we do, we’ll have to be nice to him so he doesn't suspect we’re on the him and run.”

Jarrod could tell by Nick’s face, he didn’t agree and tried again. “Nick, if Bartley Nichols doesn’t turn out to be Heath, we’re going to need Mark around to find out what happened to him. So in the meantime, we treat Mark like a good friend.”

“Jarrod, I know Bartley is Heath. Charger’s cuts only confirms it more. He probably got those cuts in the rock slide. He,” Nick said pointing up to the room where Mark was, “left Heath out there to die.”

“We don’t know that for sure,” Jarrod tried to reason with Nick again, “and until we do and can prove it, we’ve got to keep a close eye on him.”

“I know it for sure, Pappy, and we’ll get the proof.”

Jarrod nodded, “Come on, let’s go check on Mark.”

Mark was starting to rise when Jarrod and Nick returned to the room.

Jarrod reached to help him up.

When he was on his feet and steady, Jarrod handed him a wet washcloth and said, “Mark, we appreciate you trying to help us see things we might be missing, but you’re wrong about Heath taking the money. There’s no reason for him to do that. Heath is a full partner in everything we own. He could have that much and more anytime he wanted it. So you see, that’s not what has happened.”

Mark was speechless. He had no idea Heath had been accepted that much by the Barkleys. He looked at Nick, who nodded, and back to Jarrod and said, “Sorry, I was just trying to help,” but what he was really thinking was ‘this isn’t going well, and I better get out before it’s too late’.

“I’ll go order us some lunch, so we can get started,” Nick said as he left.

“Mark,” Jarrod said after Nick shut the door, “if I were you, I wouldn’t say anything else against Heath.”

Mark nodded, and they both followed Nick to the dining room.

After a quick lunch, Jarrod headed to Los Alamos, and Nick and Mark headed to Travis Grant’s place with plans to meet in Los Alamos later.

* * * * * * * *

Getting hired on for McClennon was easier than Jarrod thought. Two hands had been injured in the range war, and they needed extra help. Jarrod’s heart was in his throat until he found out Bartley Nichols wasn’t one of the injured.

Mr. McClennon’s foreman, Joe Block, showed Jarrod to the bunkhouse.

“You can take either one of those bunks, Jarrod,” Joe said pointing to the back of the room. “By the time you get settled in, the rest of the men should be here. Supper’s at six.” Joe called back as he walked out leaving Jarrod to get settled in.

Jarrod set his things on the nearest available bunk, then he looked around for anything familiar that might be Heath’s. He didn’t find anything. There was nothing to do but wait, so he sat down and thought back on their plan. He was to meet Nick in town at the first possible chance. In the meantime, Nick would talk to the doctor and see if he would help. If it was a go, they would then plan how to lure Heath out. Jarrod smiled as he thought of his assumed name. Nick had come up with it. Jarrod Thomson - two names familiar to Heath. Nick hoped it would jar Heath’s memory some. He was convinced Heath came up with the name Bartley Nichols because it was familiar to him - just a slightly mixed up and backward version of Nick Barkley. Jarrod chuckled, that Nick would grasp at anything to tie Bartley Nichols into being Heath Barkley, and Jarrod hoped with all his heart that Nick was right.

Jarrod heard the men coming and went to the window. He quickly scanned the group of men. Tears came to his eyes and a lump to his throat when he spotted the familiar figure of his brother. “Heath,” he whispered. He was thankful he was alone. He hadn’t expected this kind of reaction upon seeing Heath again, and he needed time to compose himself.

Joe Block came into the bunkhouse with the men. “Men, we have a new hand. Ya’ll introduce yourselves, and I’ll see ya’ll at supper. Need anything Jarrod?” he asked before walking out.

Jarrod could only shake his head no. He didn’t trust his voice yet. He’d only looked at Heath once since he came in. He walked fine. He didn’t appear to have any injuries other than his head which still had a bandage on the back of it. Jarrod would have liked to have been able to count his fingers and toes.

The men started coming up, introducing themselves and shaking hands, so Jarrod didn’t see Heath until he was standing in front of him.

“Bartley Nichols,” Heath said extending his hand. Blue eyes looked into matching blue eyes. Jarrod froze. He wanted to wrap Heath in a hug, but the look in Heath’s eyes stopped him. It wasn’t what he saw, but what he didn’t see. He didn’t see any trace of Heath in his brother’s eyes.

“Jarrod Thomson,” Jarrod said as he shook Heath’s hand. He studied Heath hard, but saw no sign of recognition upon seeing him or hearing his name. Heath said something about nice to meet you, Jarrod didn’t know what because he was too busy concentrating on Heath’s reaction to pay much attention, and Heath was walking away before Jarrod realized he was gone.

* * * * * * * *

It was a week before Jarrod could get into town. He and some of the boys were headed to town for a Saturday night out. Heath was not among them. For the most part, Heath kept to himself. Jarrod hadn’t had a chance to talk to him alone, but once, he had caught Heath staring at him. It hadn’t led to anything, but Jarrod was hopeful that his memory was trying to come back.

* * * * * * * *

Nick and Mark were sitting at a table in the saloon when Jarrod walked in. Jarrod avoided looking at them and walked to the bar. After waiting long enough not to draw attention, Nick walked over and stood by Jarrod. Jarrod nodded and slipped Nick a note at the first opportunity. Nick waited until he was sitting down with Mark before he read the note, ‘Meet me in back of the hotel in thirty minutes.’

* * * * * * * *

“Well?” Nick questioned as he and Mark walked up to Jarrod. “Is it Heath?”

Jarrod nodded, “It’s Heath.”

Nick shut his eyes and slowly let out the breath he’d been holding.

“We have a problem though, Nick. It’s going to be difficult to lure him away. He’s hardly ever alone. The men are protective of him; I guess it’s because he’s the youngest one among them. Plus no one is allowed to go off in groups of less than three. This range war has everyone jumpy and suspicious.

“There’s got to be a way,” Nick said.

“What did the doctor say, Nick? Will he help?”

“Nick?”

“Huh, what Jarrod?” Nick was deep in thought trying to come up an idea.

“I asked you about the doctor.”

“He’ll help. He didn’t like the idea of using chloroform, but he liked the idea of us fighting with Heath even less. He was afraid Heath would hurt his head again.”

“That’s it! Nick, my boy, you’re a genius. We’ll get the doctor to send word to the ranch that he wants Heath to come in so he can check his head? Then you’ll be waiting for him there.”

Nick paced awhile as he scratched his chin. “Think you could manage to come in with him?”

Jarrod nodded, “If not, I’ll be close behind.”

* * * * * * * *

Heath liked spending time in the barn with the horses. It gave him time alone, away from the rest of the men. He did some of his best thinking while brushing their coats until they shone, and he was doing plenty of heavy thinking tonight. His thoughts were of everything that had happened since he’d awakened at Doc Bailey’s office. He hated lying to the doctor - telling him he got his memory back, but he wasn’t about to walk around with people knowing he didn’t know who he was or anything about himself. That could lead a man into all sorts of trouble. He had hoped by now someone would of recognized him and called him by his real name, but so far, no luck. He didn’t know where the name Bartley Nichols came from; it just sort of rolled off his tongue. Maybe that was his name, or close to it. He’d needed money and a place to stay, so he’d taken the first job available. Now he found himself in the middle of a range war which he didn’t like at all. As soon as he had a little more money saved up, he was moving on.

Heath looked up at the sound of the barn door opening to see the new guy enter. What was his name? Jarrod Thomas, Thompson or something like that. Whatever his name was, he was looking at him again. Like he wanted to say something, but didn’t. He had a strange feeling about this man; a feeling he couldn’t identify.

Jarrod walked up to Heath, “I’ve been looking for you.”

“Yeah?” He answered, but didn’t stop brushing the horse.

Jarrod waited, but it was obvious Heath wasn’t going to say anything else.

Reaching into his pocket, Jarrod pulled out an envelope. “The doctor in town asked me to give this to you.”

Heath stopped, took the envelope from Jarrod and put it in his shirt pocket.

“Thanks,” he said and went back to work on the horse.

Silence.

“Have you worked here long?” Jarrod asked.

“Nope.”

Silence again.

Jarrod smiled, even as Bartley Nichols, Heath still didn’t have much to say. Not knowing what else to say, Jarrod said goodnight and left the barn.

* * * * * * * *

Everything was working out the way it was planned. Jarrod, Heath and another hand by the name of James Mitchell were headed to town. Jarrod woke up with stomach pains, and told the foreman he needed to see the doctor for some medicine. Since they weren’t allowed to go out in groups of less then three, James went along too. He’d get supplies while Jarrod and Heath saw the doctor.

* * * * * * * *

Nick was watching for them from the doctor’s office. What was keeping them? He paced the floor back and forth; each time he walked by the window, he look out. Finally he stopped and poured himself a drink of water.

“Son, why don’t you just relax, they’ll be along in a little while. It’s early yet.”

“Yeah, I know,” Nick sat down only to get up again and go to the window. He searched the street again and was just about to turn away when he saw them. He felt that ‘kick in the stomach’ feeling again as he drank in the sight of his little brother.

“You all right?” the doctor asked.

“They’re here. Now you remember what to do?” Nick asked.

When the doctor nodded, Nick left the room to stay out of sight until it was time to confront Heath. The doc had refused to help them unless he had a chance to check Heath out for real, and if everything was ok, they could proceed with their plan.

Jarrod and Heath walked into the doctor’s office. Elizabeth Bailey met them with a smile. “Hello gentlemen, it’s good to see you again Mr. Nichols. The doctor’s expecting you, so you can go on back,” she said to Heath. She then turned to Jarrod and asked for Heath’s benefit, “What can I do for you, sir?” as Heath walked away. Elizabeth Bailey was playing her part well.

“Come in, young man,” Doc Bailey said as he motioned Heath in. “Go ahead and remove your shirt and have a seat up there on the bed.”

“Morning doc, I’ve really been feeling great, so I think this is just a waste of time.”

“Well, I hope it is, but humor an old man, ok? I just want to make sure.”

Heath smiled and nodded as he took off his gun belt and shirt, and laid them in a chair.

When he was seated on the bed, the doctor listened to his heartbeat, then checked his pupils. “Any headaches?” he questioned.

“A few, nothing real bad though,” Heath answered.

“Hmm,” could be his memory trying to come back the doc thought.

“Any confusion?” he asked as he took the bandage off Heath’s head.

“No, none.”

“This has healed real nice. Any lapses in your memory?” the doctor closely watched Heath’s face when he asked this question. Yep, just what he thought. This boy’s memory hadn’t returned. He hides it well though.

“No, doc, memory’s fine,” boy, he hated lying. Shouldn’t have even come in today. He felt fine.

“Sit tight a minute, I’ll be right back,” the doctor said as he walked out of the room.

Heath looked up as the door opened a few minutes later. Doc Bailey walked in, then Jarrod with another man behind him.

“What’s going on?” Heath’s senses were immediately heightened. The doctor looked at Jarrod. Nick went to stand by the chair where Heath’s gun belt and shirt were.

“Son, these men want to talk to you. They’ve been looking for you for a long time. I think you should listen to them,” the doc said.

Heath got up, and walked to the chair where Nick stood. Nick held out his shirt, and Heath took it. After he put it on, he reached for his gun belt, but Nick stepped in the way and said, “Nuh Uh, not yet.”

Blue eyes stared down hazel eyes. Heath’s jaw muscles were clenched tight. Not taking his eyes off Nick, he asked, “What do you want?”

“You’re our brother,” Jarrod spoke up behind him.

Heath’s head whipped around, “Your brother?” he asked looking at Jarrod.

“Like the doc said, we’ve been looking for you a long time. You went to Santa Fe a month ago to deliver some horses, and disappeared. It’s taken us this long to find you.”

“You’ve been working for McClennon,” Heath puzzled.

“Only to get a look at you; to make sure you weren’t really Bartley Nichols, and to keep an eye on you until we could figure out a way to get you away from the ranch.”

“You couldn’t just come talk to me?”

“Nick tried, but he couldn’t get past McClennon’s guards with the range war going on.”

Heath looked at Nick and asked, “Your Nick Thomson?”

Nick smiled at that thought, “No, I’m Nick Barkley, he’s Jarrod Barkley, your oldest brother, and you have a younger sister, Audra, and a mother at home.”

“Who am I suppose to be?” Heath asked.

Nick grinned, “There’s no suppose to be to it. You’re Heath Barkley, my little brother,” he said as he handed Heath his gun belt.

Heath’s head was spinning and starting to hurt. Isn’t this what he’d been waiting for. Someone to give him a name. He always thought when that happened, his memory would come flooding back, but that’s not what was happening. He heard a name that meant nothing to him, and had two men claiming to be his brothers who weren’t familiar to him. He felt the walls closing in on him, and felt he had to get out, get away and digest what he’d been told. He started for the door, but Jarrod blocked his way.

“Where are you going?” Jarrod asked. He noticed Heath looked pale.

“I’m leaving. I need some time to think things through.”

“We’ll give you time to think, but you aren’t leaving,” Nick said coming up behind him.

Jarrod spoke up trying to diffuse the anger he saw rising in Heath’s eyes, “Heath, we don’t want you to go back to McClennon’s. The range war is heating up, and we don’t want you getting hurt.”

Looking at Jarrod, Heath asked, “How do I know if what you’re saying is the truth?” then turning to the doctor he said, “Sorry doc, I lied to you. My memory hasn’t returned, but I wasn’t about to walk around and let people know I didn’t know anything about myself.” Looking at Nick he continued, “Do you know what it feels like, not knowing anything about anybody or anything. Who you can trust, and who you can’t. Wishing somebody would know you, and then when they finally do, you don’t know if you can trust them. Joe just warned me last night to be careful. He’d heard the Wilson’s had targeted me. Seems they think I’m a fast gun and want me out of the way. How do I know you’re not working for Wilson? I don’t.” Heath’s voice was rising as he spoke. “But what I do know is I’m leaving until I can figure out what I believe.”

“We don’t want to force you to stay, Heath,” Jarrod said softly.

“Then don’t,” Heath cut him off and started for the door.

“You’re not going anywhere,” Nick said as he grabbed Heath’s arm. Nick had searched long and hard for his little brother, and he wasn’t about to let him out of his sight.

Heath jerked away and with amazing strength, pushed Jarrod aside, but before he could open the door, Nick tackled him and brought him to the floor. As Nick pinned Heath’s arms down, Jarrod held his legs.

“Come on doc,” Nick yelled.

The doctor struggled to hold Heath’s head still so he could hold the chloroform to his nose and mouth.

When the doctor got his head still enough and was covering his nose and mouth up, Heath saw pain and regret in Nick’s eyes, and thought they are my brothers.

Nick couldn’t stand the frightened and confused look he saw in his brother’s eyes, and he couldn’t stand what they were doing to him. “Wait doc,” he said and pushed the doctor’s arm away.

Staring into Heath’s eyes he said, “You ARE my brother, and I AM taking you home. You can either go on your own, or the doc here will give you chloroform to knock you out because we don’t want to fight you. What’ll it be?”

“All we ask is you give us a chance. Surround yourself with people and things that are familiar to you. Give your memory a chance to come back. The doc said there’s no reason for your memory not to return, it just may take awhile.” Jarrod tried to talk Heath into coming on his own.

“He’s right son,” the doc said, “Can’t hurt to give ‘em a chance, can it?”

Heath looked at Jarrod then at Nick, “I’ll go with you.”

Nick reached down to give Heath a hand up and smiled. Heath took the offered hand, but didn’t return the smile.

Jarrod left to trade the wagon and team for four horses. They’d been sure they’d have to take an unconscious Heath out of town, so they had the wagon ready. He sent word to McClennon ranch about what had happened and that he and Heath were leaving. It was noon when Mark, Jarrod, Nick and Heath rode out of town. They were unaware they were being watched by James Mitchell.

They rode all afternoon and stopped to make camp about two hours out of Santa Fe. They were going to take a train to Stockton from Santa Fe. Nick told Jarrod he thought they would be safer spending the night out under the stars instead of in Santa Fe. He wasn’t sure he could trust Heath to stay, and he figured it would be easier to watch him while camping out. Heath hadn’t said anything since they’d left the doctor’s office.

When they stopped to camp, Heath took care of the horses while Jarrod filled everyone’s canteen, Nick gathered firewood, and Mark got the beans, jerky and coffee ready.

Mark kept an eye on Heath. So far so good. He’d wanted to run and almost did while they were in the doctor’s office, but he thought he’d wait. If Heath still didn’t know anything, he had some time. He heard Jarrod say the doctor said it may take a long time for his memory to return since it had been this long already. He’d wait awhile and maybe he could return to his original plan, to quit when things cooled down.

After they’d eaten, Nick went and sat down by Heath. “You’ve always liked to sleep out under the stars.”

“Tell me about home,” Heath said while staring into the fire.

Nick took a deep breath, “Well, we have a large ranch outside of Stockton, California. You and I run the ranch. We raise cattle, horses, grow oranges, peaches and apples.”

“What’s Jarrod do?” Heath asked.

“Jarrod’s a lawyer.” Nick stated.

“That explains it,” Heath said as he pushed his hat up higher on his head.

“Explains what?” Nick wondered.

“His lily white, no calloused skin and the fact he looked way out of place on McClennon’s ranch,” Heath said.

Nick burst out laughing as he imagined for the first time what Jarrod must have looked like. “It’s a wonder we pulled that off. McClennon must have really needed hands to hire Jarrod,” Nick said through his laughter as Heath joined him.

Jarrod didn’t know what his brothers were laughing about, but it sure was good to see them laugh together.

* * * * * * * *

The next morning, they broke camp early. They wanted to get tickets on the first train out of Santa Fe. Nick had just gotten all the horses saddled when he noticed Heath staring at Mark.

“I’ve seen you before,” Heath said as he continued to look at Mark.

“Sure, I work for ya’ll on the ranch,” Mark answered calmly, but his heart was pounding in his chest.

“No, since I’ve lost my memory,” Heath stated as Jarrod and Nick moved in closer to stand by Heath.

“Well, I don’t see how,” Mark tried to laugh it off.

“Yes you do,” Nick stated. “He went with you to deliver the horses,” Nick added looking at Heath.

“I remember now, you were there, at the rock slide, when I came to.”

“I was hoping you’d not remember that,” Mark said as pulled him gun and pointed it at the three brothers. “Now drop your guns and kick them over here.”

“No, you drop your gun,” a voice said behind Mark as a hammer clicked.

The three Barkleys looked to see Joe Block and three hands with two guns on Mark and the other two on Nick and Jarrod.

“You all right, Bartley?” Joe asked.

“Yeah, good timing, Joe,” Heath said.

“Mr. McClennon got Jarrod’s note, but he was afraid it wasn’t on the up and up, so he sent us to find out. With the Wilson’s threat against you, he was afraid it was a trap.”

“No, I don’t think it’s a trap,” Heath said looking at Jarrod and Nick.

Joe eyed Nick suspiciously. He didn’t like the look Nick was giving them.

Nick was staring down the man he’d met on the road that day. “You could have saved us a lot of trouble if you’d let me in that day.”

“I thought you looked familiar,” the man said. “Looks like everything worked out for you anyway.”

“Yeah, no thanks to you,” Nick glared.

“Heath, you want to go back with us?” Joe Block interrupted the two men before it got out of hand.

Heath hesitated. He could leave now if he wanted to. He looked at Nick and Jarrod again, then back to Nick. He walked towards Joe, and Nick called out, “You’ve got a scar on the back of your right leg where a horse nicked you.” Nick started towards Heath fully intending to stop him from leaving, but Jarrod stopped him.

Heath turned around and gave Nick a lop sided smile, then he turned around and continued walking towards Joe. He stopped when he got to the foreman and extended his hand, “No, Joe, I guess I’m going home, but I want to thank you for everything.”

They shook hands and Joe said, “Be careful, I don’t think the Wilson bunch will bother you now that you’re leaving, but watch your back just in case,” and looking at Jarrod and Nick added, “and if you ever need a place to go, you can come back.”

Heath nodded.

Joe looked at Nick and motioned towards Mark, “Want us to take him into town for you?”

“No,” Nick answered, “we’re not through with him yet. We’ll turn him in to the sheriff in Santa Fe. Thanks, though.”

“You sure about this, Heath?” Joe asked him again.

Heath nodded.

“So long, then,” and with that the McClennon men pulled out of camp.

Nick took his first good breath since the whole thing started. For a minute, he was afraid Heath was going to leave.

Jarrod had his gun on Mark. “Nick, why don’t you get some rope and tie him up?”

“It will be my pleasure,” Nick gave Mark a wicked smile. “I’ve been waiting a long time to do this. You left my little brother to die out on that mountain, you no count dog.” Nick said as he pulled the rope tight on Mark’s wrists.

“Nick, he could have killed me,” Heath said.

“What happened on that mountain?” Heath asked Mark.

Mark knew he was caught, but he didn’t know how much he wanted to reveal.

“Answer him,” Nick snarled slapping Mark on the back of the head.

“NICK!” Jarrod and Heath said at the same time.

“WELL!” Nick answered.

“You left me at the rock slide, didn’t you?” Heath asked.

“Yeah,” Mark answered.

“Why?”

“I don’t know.”

“Yes, you do, you low life,” Nick growled. “You took the money, and threw all of Heath’s identification away, didn’t you?”

“I remember coming to, and telling you I didn’t know who I was,” Heath said quietly.

“I’m not saying anything else,” Mark stated.

“Nick, it’ll be easy to seize his bank account and see if the money’s there,” Jarrod said, “Let’s leave this for the sheriff to handle.”

“You’re not getting away with this,” Nick said pointing his finger in Mark’s chest.

* * * * * * * *

Victoria and Audra were waiting at the train station when the boys arrived.

“Heath,” Victoria exclaimed upon seeing Heath, and wrapped him in a long embrace. She pulled away when she didn’t feel the embrace returned and looked into his eyes.

“Heath?” she questioned upon seeing the bewildered look on her long, lost son’s face.

“Mother,” Jarrod spoke up, “Heath doesn’t remember anything before the accident. The doctor assured us this is only temporary, and Heath’s memory should return. It just may take awhile.”

“Well,” Victoria hugged Heath again, “I’m so glad you’re home safe.” She stepped aside to let Audra up.

Audra recovered from the shock quickly and stepped up, “Heath, I’m Audra, your sister. Welcome home.” She hugged him, gave him a light kiss on the cheek, then took him by the arm and said, “Come on, I’ll show you where our carriage is.”

Victoria looked at her two oldest sons and said, “Thank you for bringing your brother home.”

Nick and Jarrod each hugged their mother, and Nick added, “He’ll be fine Mother, he just needs to be home.”

Victoria nodded, and bit back her tears.

The boys took her by the arms and escorted her to the carriage, following behind their brother and sister.

* * * * * * * *

A month went by, and the Barkley family had settled into their routine again. Dr. Merar had examined Heath, and verified Doc Bailey prognosis. Heath’s memory should return...sometime. Fred, Stockton’s sheriff, found the twelve hundred dollars in Mark’s account. Mark finally confessed to taking the money and leaving Heath on that mountain outside of Santa Fe, and he received ten years in the New Mexico state penitentiary.

Everything was almost normal. The family spent evenings together as before, playing games and sharing memories with Heath, hoping to jog his memory. But this evening, instead of following the family to the parlor, Heath excused himself and went outside. Sensing something wrong, Nick followed him.

Heath was standing at the corral, looking up at the stars when Nick found him. He came and stood beside him. “Must be a million stars up there,” Nick said.

“Hmm.”

“Something wrong, Heath?”

After a few minutes of quiet, Heath asked, “Why didn’t you tell me I was only your half brother?”

Nick searched his memory. No one had talked to Heath about that part of his past. Unless the hands had said something, there’s no way for Heath to know that unless....

“When did you get your memory back?” Nick took a chance.

“It’s been coming in bits and pieces since I took that fall off the stallion last week. At first I thought I was just remembering things ya’ll had told to me.”

There was a long silence.

“I didn’t think it was important, Heath. To me, you are my brother. There is no half brother to it.”

Heath kept looking at the stars.

“Mother wanted to tell you everything. She said you had a right to know, but Dr. Merar advised against it. He said not to tell you too much right off. Start with recent memories and then go farther back.”

Heath nodded.

“Come on boy, let’s go tell the rest of the family.” Nick pulled Heath toward the house.

“You know Heath, now that your memory’s back, you remember how to do everything around here. Your going to have a long day tomorrow,” Nick said as he slapped Heath on the back and left his hand on his little brother’s shoulder.

“Why does that not surprise me,” Heath chuckled.

Coming into the front door, the rest of the family heard them say.

“You know Heath, even without your memory, you still had me with you before we found you.”

“How do you figure that?” Heath asked.

“Your name, Bartley Nichols, how do you think you thought up that name? You won’t get away from me even when you can’t remember me.”

THE END