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 authors. The ideas expressed in this story are copyrighted by the author.

 

 The Time to Heal… by Frauee

 

Jezabel Laughton had been Lillian Lewis’s business partner.  She had been working the floor the night Liam Winthrop marched into their successful New Orleans’ bordello and won Lili’s heart on sight.  He was charming and seemingly sophisticated, and yet never appeared above anyone else.  He had the amazing ability to treat all human beings the same, as if they were royalty.  Everyone loved Liam and no one crossed him.  Lili had been no different, and anyone could see in their faces that night; they were destined to be together.  It was a sad day for Jezzy when they married and departed for western adventures.  It was a sadder day when she received word that Lili had died in childbirth.  It completely broke her heart to find Isabella turned up on her doorstep in her current state.  She had immediately sent for Liam.

 

 “He’ll pay for this.  He’ll pay.”

 

His words reverberated through her head, but comprehension was slow.  Who will pay?  Who does he mean?  For an instant she flashed back to a night that in essence, was the beginning of the end.  That night in an alley, after evading Nick’s proposal, their attacker had said her father had sent his goons after him.  His brother had died.  On whom was her father going to seek revenge?  Her mind just couldn’t grasp reality.  It was numb, and then a picture formed in her mind. 

 

“No papa, no.  Leave them be.  Promise me.”

 

“There now sweetie, just relax.  Papa’s here and I’m going to take care of everything, beginning with you.”  He laid her back on the pillows and caressed her face.  The eyes, which had always been filled with happiness and joy, were lifeless.  It broke his heart.  He cursed himself again for not forcing her to go with him to the Orient.  None of this would have happened.   He left his regrets behind and refocused on his daughter.  Jezzy had been unable to get the despondent girl to see a doctor, but he would.  “Honey, the doctor is here to see you.  You must be brave and allow him to help you.  Understand?  I will not have you avoid this any longer.”  From her haze, she heard her father’s voice commanding her.  She had learned her lesson.  Her father knew best and she would obey.  She would now always obey her father.

 

Jezzy and the doctor had been waiting just outside the door and upon seeing his indication to enter; they did so.  Liam moved from his daughter’s side and allowed the doctor to better examine her.  The doctor had not even given more then the slightest touch to the injured arm, when Isabella Hope Winthrop, let out a gasp of pain, which sealed a certain Barkley’s fate.

 

BV BV BV BV BV BV BV BV BV BV BV

 

It was a warm spring day and Nick and Heath were attempting to reattach a wheel on a beat up old ranch wagon.  It was not going well. 

 

Nick turned his head to Heath, as he pushed on the oversized wheel wrench, he repeated his request.  “Heath, go get me some of that grease.  That’ll soften this up.”

 

“I don’t think so Nick.  I think…”

 

Heath’s words were cut off as the wrench slipped from the bolt and fell from Nick’s hand.  At the same time, the wheel that they had thought to be finally secured, fell off, crashing the wagon to the ground.

 

“God damn it Heath…Why couldn’t ya just get me the damn grease?”  Until recently, an outburst of temper from the dark cowboy was considered standard.  Everyone had expected them and laughed them off, teasing him later.  Heath couldn’t laugh his brother’s temper off anymore.  Nick turned sharply to his brother while delivering his words, only to fall silent as he saw his brother shift away from him. 

 

Heath continued to back away from him as he said, “Its an old wagon Nick.  It’s not worth anything more then firewood.  Give it up.”  Only when he was well out of range of his brother, did Heath turn his back on his older brother and move on to another project.  He hated this.  His head knew that Nick would not hurt him, but his heart still panicked.  He had tried to pretend like everything was ok in the first days, but it was too hard to continue.

 

Victoria had entered the corral as the two men were working and had observed the incident.  She hated feeling divided between her sons.  She knew Nick would never forgive himself for what had happened.  She had not fully forgiven him either.  She also knew Heath still suffered.  One could see that he struggled to resume life as usual with the ranch, his family and his brother, but it was easier said then done.  He had always been the master of suppressing his emotions, but he had lost the ability now when it came to his brother. 

 

Anyone observing the family might not have noticed anything wrong with the incident she had just witnessed.  She did.  In the first week, it seemed the brothers had made a good start on rebuilding their damaged relationship.  Things had since stalled as they attempted to work again side-by-side.  The palpable bond of brotherhood that had always been shared was gone.  Now anyone watching the two saw only a superficial friendship.  The two brothers, whose depth of emotion was once translated by a look, now kept distant.  She longed to have the answer to her family’s pain delivered from on high, but nothing had as of yet appeared. 

 

Dinner later that evening was filled with the usual banter.  And yet all knew it was phony.  There was always a tension in the air. 

 

“Nick” Jarrod assumed the role of a lawyer.  “How is it the old wagon is now located near the kindling pile?”

 

“Well, brother dear, that was Heath’s suggestion.”

 

“Do tell.”  Jarrod looked to Heath and then continued.  “That’s a special wagon to us boys.  We learned to drive on that wagon.  Why is it, that it is now doomed?”

 

Jarrod had not meant to offend his younger brother.  He really didn’t care about the old wagon.  It was well past its time.  He was merely trying to keep conversation going.  He had no idea of today’s incident.

 

“I reckon you can work with Nick and fix it if it so all fired important to you.”  He set his napkin down on the table.  “Dinner was wonderful mother.  Thank you.”  He pushed his chair back and left the table filled with stunned silence.

 

“What did I say?  I didn’t mean anything.”  Jarrod was confused and moved his chair to go after his brother.  Victoria stopped him.  “Let him be Jarrod.”

 

Nick starred at his plate.  “I yelled at him today.”

 

“You yell at him all the time, always have.”  Jarrod knew his brothers were struggling, and he also longed for healing to take hold of his family.  The tension was getting to everyone.  It frustrated them all.  No one knew what would rile the two men.   His comment was met with silence.

 

Heath was leaning against the corral fence with one leg propped on the lowest rail.  His glance bounced between the mountain range in the background, lit by the bright spring moon and the beautiful mare in front of him, Hera.  He was lost in swirling thoughts.  He felt the gentle hand on his back, but said nothing for a long time.

 

“She misses her.  I try to ride her, but I don’t have enough time to keep both she and Charger fit.”  He paused a moment.  “Its kinda ironic.  Zeus sure loves that filly.  It wouldn’t be long before we could let them be together.  They sure would make some fine foals.”

 

“You don’t think we should breed them?”  Her voice was soft, yet probing.

 

“No.  I don’t think it’s a good omen.”  He lapsed into silence again.

 

“Heath.”

 

He cut her off.  “I hear there are some great bulls at the San Diego Cattle Auction.  I was thinking I’d go check ‘em out.”

 

“Heath”

 

He did not want this conversation and cut her off again.  “I’ll head out the day after tomorrow.  I wanna get there before the good ones are gone.  Course, if I find one or two, I’ll have to drive ‘em home, so I might be gone for a spell.”

 

Her heart sank.  She ignored his words and moved to the real issue.  “If he did try and strike you again, and that is a big if, would you hit back?”  He didn’t answer.  So she prodded further.  “Heath. Are you afraid of your brother?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Yes what?”

 

“I would fight back.  I’m not afraid of him.”  He grew very quiet and still.  “I can’t live like this.” 

 

“Would it help to fight him?”

 

He chuckled.  “No.  I just, I dunno.”  Very softly, he added, “I miss her and it seems to me, as long as I miss her, I can’t forget what happened.”

 

“You won’t ever forget what happened Heath.  What this family needs is forgiveness.”  She paused, “I’ll have Silas pack you a good food sack.  I don’t want you just eating beans on the trail.”  She thought a moment, put her arms around his waist and then added, “I love you.” 

 

He hugged her back.  “Maybe there’s a good train connection to bring ‘em back.”

 

Nick nursed the whiskey in his glass.  He felt like one after another, after another, but kept his wits.  He had lost control once and he never wanted to feel that way again.  It was late.   The family was in bed.  The embers from the fire in front of him could not provide adequate warmth, but Nick needed the cold.  He needed to feel uncomfortable.  It matched his mood.  Heath had left that morning.  Nick had pushed him for his return date, but he offered none.  He knew he was leaving because of him.  It had only furthered his nightmares.  Since that day he had yet to enjoy a restful night sleep.  The nightmare images always returned and flooded his brain with pain and guilt.  

 

The first image was always his hands around his beloved brother’s neck, thrashing his head against the post.  He watched his eyes explode with agony over and over again.  In his dream, Heath’s eyes always turned white, pale as a ghost.  Then his mouth would open and a voice that was Heath’s and yet wasn’t, would say, “Nick, why?  I didn’t do anything.”

 

His dream of Isabel was an auditory experience.  He heard the pop of her arm and the agony of her scream.  He heard his own words come back to haunt him as they screamed, ‘I’ll kill you myself’.  He hadn’t meant to hurt her, even in his rage.  He had grabbed at her arm to stop her and had no idea she was pulling with so much force to get a way from him.  It had truly been an accident.  His words had come screaming out of him without notice.  How had he said those things to her?

 

It was Izzy’s scream and Heath’s eyes, which plagued him each night.  He wondered if he would ever sleep the night through again.  So lost in his anguished thoughts was he, that he didn’t hear his older brother enter.

 

“Good thing we have dogs outside.  Your not much good at alerting us to danger are you?”  Jarrod smiled, hoping to alleviate some of his brother’s pain in some small way.

 

“Huh?”  He turned, the imprint of his thoughts left on his face.  “I didn’t hear you.  What’s got you up at this hour?  I thought Lawyers needed lots of rest.” 

 

“We do, but so do ranchers.  Perhaps we should start with you.”

 

“Will he come back?”  Nicks voice was childlike.

 

“Yes, no doubt.  You know Heath.  He just needs some time.  For as much as we have gotten him to accept help from us, he still needs to be alone from time to time.  You know that better then any of us.”

 

“I thought I knew him.”

 

“Are you saying something has changed?”

 

“Hell Jarrod, I nearly killed him.  I’d say something has changed.”

 

“So he is different and you don’t know him anymore?”

 

“Damn it Jarrod, stop your lawyer tricks.  Of course I’ve changed.”

 

There was silence between them as the gravity of his words sunk in.  Jarrod hadn’t missed it either.

 

“He doesn’t trust me anymore.  He’s afraid of me.”  A tear slid down his cheek.

 

“Heath?  Afraid of you?  The only reason Heath didn’t fight back was guilt.  He’d deck you for sure.”

 

“I wish he would.”

 

“Nick, how have you changed?”

 

“What?  Nothing.”

 

“NO, you said it yourself.  ‘I’ve changed.’  How?”

 

“It scares me.”

 

“What”

 

‘That side of myself.  I didn’t know I could behave like that.  I lost all sense.  It’s not Heath who should leave; it’s me.  I am not fit to be around anyone.”

 

“I understand how you feel.”  Jarrod’s face drifted back in time.

 

“Like hell.  How can you understand?”  Nick was angered that his brother could seemingly simplify his emotions.

 

“Nick.  You’re not the only human to experience uncontrollable rage.  After Beth was killed…”  His voice faded out.  The emotions of the experience overwhelmed him.  He had never thought to come back from the void he lived in following his wife’s murder.

“It was my brother’s who finally got through to me.” 

 

“Jarrod, I’m sorry.  I didn’t think.”

 

“Mother sat me down.  She told me to forget, not Beth, but the rage.  Honestly, I think she was wrong.  That rage lives in each of us.  You proved it to me.  I think it is what gives us strength when the odds seem overwhelming.  I think we need it, but we need to control it.”  He was silent a moment and continued.  “Everyday I think of Beth and those feelings.  It is present in my life today, but I don’t dwell on it.  I move on and use it to guide me.” 

 

Nick pondered his wise brother’s words.  It was a hope for him.  He knew Jarrod was right.  He found himself smiling.

 

“Damn brother, we didn’t pay the university nearly enough!”

 

His brother returned his smile and clasped his arm.  “Let’s get some sleep!”

 

 

The Time to Heal (2)

 

Heath stretched out under his blankets.  It was chilly at night, but the days had been warm and bright.  He was enjoying his time on the journey.  He had spent much of his days in the saddle reflecting on his life.  Life was still a powerful gift that continually amazed him.  He tried never to take it for granted.  It was one of the reasons he couldn’t get over her.  He couldn’t help feel that a part of his heart, therefore his life, was missing.  At first he thought it was due to the strained relationship with Nick, but his travel had revealed it to be her.  He still wanted to make things right with Nick, but he knew his heart wouldn’t be complete without both.  He longed to be reclaimed by sleep.  It was a wonderful experience for him of late.

 

His dreams were so vivid.  He felt her presence next to him. She would reach over and stroke his chest slowly. Her fingertips barely touching him were a heavenly torture.  Her hand would drop and caress his abdomen at the waist of his sleep pant, teasing him.  He would roll her in to his arms and kiss her deeply.  He could feel her body fit perfectly into the contour of his own.  They had been carved from the same stone and then must have been tragically separated by the fates.  Now, reunited to fit forever.  He slowly pulled her on top of him in preparation of their magical union.  She moaned his name as he caressed and kissed her relentlessly.  It was so real.  He blushed remembering his dream.  Just as fast as the red touched his cheeks, they paled.  It always went bad at this point.

 

The door to their chamber would crash open and Nick would arrive.  “How could you do this to me Heath?  She’s mine!”  The dream always ended there.  He found himself hoping he would dream a solution to his problem.  Would it be possible to ever have her and Nick in his life?  He fought to keep faith.  He dreaded having to choose one or the other.  They had absolutely no word from Bella.  The Pinkerton’s had come up empty as well.  It was as if the world had swallowed her up.  He knew in his heart she was alive and physically safe.  Time would deliver them an opportunity again.  He felt it.  He needed to believe that if he and Nick could heal, when that opportunity arrived, he might have a chance at fulfilling his dream.

 

The time away had calmed his heart.  He was able to relax when thinking of his brother.  He knew Nick suffered as he did.  He wasn’t sure what it was going to take to heal the rift.  But he knew he wanted to try.  He had to.  Leaving wasn’t the answer.  That early morning, Heath changed his mind.  He rose, ate a quick breakfast and started back in the direction he had come from.  He might be willing to give up his brother for love, but not a bull.

 

BVBVBVBVBVBVBVBV

 

Nick too had found some inner peace with Heath’s absence.  He hated admitting that the time apart had been good.  Jarrod’s words were the impetus of more calming thoughts and without the visual daily reminder of his pain; his nerves were settling.  He knew his brother wasn’t even due to have arrived at the auction, yet he frequently scanned the horizon.  He ached for the missing half of his heart.  He had a feeling; something was coming though. 

 

Mid-afternoon the next day found Nick out in the corrals.  He was working with Zeus.  He had paid even closer attention to the animal since that day.  He felt in some way it might make amends with her.  He knew it was a ridiculous thought.  His eye kept glancing on the mare in the stable.  Hera.  She was old enough and in season, at least Barkley-Winthrop could go on.  Maybe, just maybe, this could help him when the time came to see her again and ask her forgiveness.  It might show her he truly wanted her around.   In his anxiousness, he scanned the horizon again and his heart sparked at the rider he saw in the great distance.  To the naked eye, there was no way of knowing, but his heart knew.  His little brother had come home.

 

He mounted Zeus and took off at a breakneck pace to greet the missed man.  Victoria and Audra had been escorting Jarrod out to see the newest kittens and saw Nick’s abrupt departure.  They followed his direction and saw his intent.  “It must be Heath.”  They waited in the yard and watched the approach. 

 

Nick reined in Zeus and allowed Heath to come to him.  He had no intention of startling his brother.  Heath approached and smiled.  “Boy Howdy Nick, don’t you have work to do?  I thought this was a working ranch.  If you have time to ride out and greet visitors, well, heck, I’m gonna start takin’ it a little easier.”

 

“Some people are worth a special greeting.  You’re back early.”  He smiled easily.

 

“I know.  I lost interest in the bulls.”  He reciprocated the smile.

 

They rode in and were greeted by the family with loving kisses and embraces.  “Jeez, with this kind of reception, I should go away more often.”

 

“Don’t you dare big brother!”   Audra planted another kiss on his cheek.  No one could put their finger on it, but all felt the most genuine of feelings, feelings that had not been felt in some time.  Heath saw his mother’s inquiring glance and smiled at her with his most enticing grin and winked.  He turned from his sister’s kiss to see Nick heading toward the corral with Zeus and followed.

 

“Putting Zeus out to pasture already Nick?  He’s a bit young don’t you think?”

 

“Na” and he dared it, testing the waters, “Dumbass, I figure it’s about time we got Zeus and Hera together and started creating some little gods!”

 

“NO!”  Nick was stunned at the outburst; once again his world was spinning out of control, or was it?  The loud exclamation got the family’s attention as well.  The feelings of relaxation disappeared instantly.  “You have no right.”

 

“What?  There is no sense wasting good horseflesh.  You should know that.  These two belong together and Hera’s ready.” 

 

“You just don’t get it do you?  You think you can just stick those two together and expect magic.  Have you learned anything these last months?” 

 

That struck a chord.  Nick was mute.  Heath was passionate and animated.  “Putting those two together is not going to solve your problems.”

 

“My problems?”  Nick felt his anger rising.  “Don’t you mean your problems?  Zeus is my horse and Izzy always intended for them to be together.  Just cuz’ she isn’t here isn’t going to stop me.” 

 

“I will.”  Heath stepped forward and got directly in Nick’s face. 

 

“This is no big deal Heath.”  Nick was trying to deescalate his brother’s anger.  He was ready to back down, but then didn’t.  A thought came over Nick, ‘maybe Heath needed this?’  He chose words to bait his brother.   “She wouldn’t just want us to sit still.” 

 

“Damn it Nick!”  Without prior notice, Heath swung and swung hard.  He caught his brother on the jaw and Nick dropped like a lead weight.  “Well if that doesn’t just show you that you didn’t know her well enough to marry her.”  Nick was dazed, but heard Heath’s words.  The family rushed forward, preparing to pull Heath off, but he made no further hostile moves.  He backed away and smiled to himself.  That had felt good.

 

Heath slowly returned to his brother, with a watchful Jarrod near by.  He reached down to his older brother and helped pull him up.  Once Nick was standing, Heath lowered his voice and added.   “This is not the time and you know it.  You can’t go ahead with her dream without her.  You owe her that.”

 

Nick’s voice was equally quiet.  Even Jarrod couldn’t hear their exchange.  “But what if she doesn’t want the dream anymore?  This is all I have of her.  I know I don’t love her, not like I should.” 

 

“I know.”

 

“You sure?”

 

“Yep.”

 

“I swear to you Heath, I will do whatever I can to make this right.  I promise.”

 

“You got to leave those horses Nick.”

 

“I thought maybe if they were successful, we could use the foal to get her back.  I didn’t mean to hurt you again.”

 

“You didn’t hurt me Nick.  I just don’t want any more mistakes.  It’s too hard to lose a brother.  Besides, you have got to watch your promises.”

 

“Amen!  Lose the brother gain the girl huh?”  His first thought was that Heath didn’t correct him.  He paused a moment, shook off the fear, and rubbed his jaw.  “That felt good didn’t it?”

 

“yep!”

 

“We gold?”

 

“We’re gonna be.”

 

“I can live with that.”

The Time to Heal (3)

 

Isabel rolled over in her bed.  She cringed slightly as her healing shoulder reminded her of its presence.  It had all been such a nightmare, but she finally felt her mind returning to some reason.  She had been nothing less then stupid to not see a doctor sooner.  Waiting had necessitated bringing in a specialist and surgery to repair the damage.  She would regain the use of her arm, but it would always trouble her some.  It would never be the same, much like her life.  Her father had swept in and rescued her from her doom.  She had always called Nick her hero, but it seems it would always be her father.

 

Nick

 

She rarely allowed his name to enter her mind.  It was too hard.  In the beginning her nightmares were filled with his painful words.  She would relive them over and over again.  Her mind knew he would not follow through on his threat, but her heart still believed it possible.  She would never step foot on the ranch again.

 

Heath

 

Now that was a name that invaded her brain with disavowed permission, and in ways that shocked her.  She often caught herself looking out the window on a sunny day and seeing his face, especially his eyes.  It was her dreams that brought a blush to her cheeks.  She was inexperienced with men, and yet in her dreams, she knew instinctively what to do.  She would wake up in his arms.  She enjoyed watching him sleep, but inevitably would begin to run her hands lightly across his chest and stomach.  Her proper brain never allowed her hand to stray further south of his waist, but she longed to.   She wished her dreams provided her with more fulfillment.  

 

She had always thought her dreams were controlled by her actions, but in these; Heath’s actions did.  Despite the distance and all that had and had not happened, he controlled her dreams.  He would slowly wake and pull her closer into his arms.  As on the day he she had ridden back to the ranch in his arms, she knew she belonged there.  She was a perfect fit in his arms.  It comforted her like nothing else in her life.  He would kiss and caress her skin, leaving her short of breath and tingling for more.  In the end he would pull her on top of his muscular chest.  And then it ended.  Nick would storm into the room and demand to know how they could do this to him. 

 

Thus began her day, as it had so many times before.  She was unable to escape the past and had no idea where her future lay.  Her thoughts were shaken, as every morning during her recuperation, by the arrival of her father.  Each day he entered carrying a tray filled with breakfast for them and newspapers.  They would eat and read away the morning hours.  This morning was different however.  The tray had only enough food for her.  Her father left the tray next to her and kissed her forehead.

 

“Am I to assume you are not joining me this morning papa?”

“That is correct my dearest.  I am leaving town for a spell.  I have some business to conduct and will be gone about a week.”

 

“This came up rather sudden didn’t it?”

 

“It’s been delayed long enough.   It needs to be handled.”

 

She was quiet.  “I’m sorry.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“You put it off because of me, I’m sure.”

 

“No matter.  Nothing is more important to me.  I felt as if you were better and I could go now.  If you would prefer I wait, I will.”

 

“No, I’m fine.  I’m sure you have already arranged with Jezzy to watch me like a hawk.”

 

“Most definitely!”  He kissed her cheek and held her image in his heart.  He was through with waiting.  She was well on the mend.  He was heading to Stockton.  He wouldn’t tell his daughter his plans.  She had begged him to stay away and leave them alone.  Much as he had tried to shield his daughter from the nastier side of business affairs, he knew she was not naive enough to believe him harmless.  She, rightfully so, had feared for the retribution he might deliver the Barkley’s.   At length he promised her only that he wouldn’t kill Nick.    He had veiled his words to mislead her.  No, he would not kill Nick Barkley.  Death would be too easy for him.  He would suffer a worse fate; he would pay with his soul.

 

Liam Winthrop had private train cars, but seldom used them.  He had always preferred to stay in the main cars.  He enjoyed watching people.  He had learned a lot this way. On this particular trip, he wasn’t observing the others in his car.  He was lost in planning.  He was devising scheme after scheme of revenge on Nick Barkley.  He hated this.  He loved the Barkley’s as if they were his own family.  Nick had always been like a son to him, but Nick had gone too far.  His daughter was his family and NO ONE threatened her life without repercussion.  He made mental lists of the business connections he could sever that would disrupt their shipping and supplies.  He also listed markers he could call in that would taint contracts.  These were his secondary options.  He hoped he wouldn’t have to inflict them, as they would cause pain to the rest of the family.  So his mind finally settled on ways to inflict mental and physical anguish on Nick, maybe even Heath.

 

Had they forgotten his daughter?  Had they moved on and ignored her?  He had gotten to the Pinkerton man in time.  He did not prefer to do business this way, but he knew that given enough monetary incentive, anyone would change a report.  They had at least tried to track her down.  Almost found her too.  He wondered just whom it was that had made the request to find her. 

 

He dismounted in front of the grand white mansion.  He walked to the door and paused.  He would knock.  He had never knocked on this door in his life.  He had always been welcomed like one of the family.  For a moment, his heart ached and he suddenly lost his resolve.  How could he hurt Victoria this way?  She would ache for her child as he had.  He thought for a moment on her.  This had to be so much harder for her.  He knew she loved Isabel as one of her own.  He hadn’t stopped to truly consider her thoughts until standing here at her doorstep.  ‘Damn it man, now is not the time for this silliness.  You have a job to do.’  He knocked.

 

It was Audra who answered the door.  She stepped back stunned.  She saw his face and instantly panicked.  She had no idea if he knew what had happened or not.  They had not heard from him.  “Liam”

 

Victoria entered the hallway behind her daughter and stood uncharacteristically open mouthed at the sight of him. 

 

“May I come in?”  He was so calm.  It unnerved both women. 

 

“Of course.  You are always welcome here Liam.”  Victoria was regaining her composure and stepped forward to take his hand and guide him to the parlor.  The family was gathered to wait on dinner.  He nodded at Jarrod, but ignored Nick and Heath.

 

“Am I welcome Victoria?  I wasn’t sure anymore.”

 

“So you know?  Is Isabel all right?  We tried to contact you, but got no response.  We have been so worried about her.”

 

He glanced around the room at the family.  He did read concern in their faces, but he ignored that as well.

 

“She is safely away from here and that is all that matters.”  He paused to watch their reactions.  He saw pain and guilt cross each person’s face.  Nick wouldn’t even look at him.  He begged for Nick to move, but he did nothing.  “I’ve come for her jewels.”

 

“Liam, “ Victoria began, but he cut her off.

 

“My daughter will do as she was instructed.”  He glared at Nick.  “She will never set foot again on this ranch.  I could care less about anything she left in her room.  Burn it for all I care.  I will not have her reminded of this hell.  But I will take her jewels. Many belonged to her mother and those she still holds dear.”  His tone was venomous. 

 

“Jarrod, go and fetch the jewel box from the safe.”  He did as he was instructed.

 

“Liam, I’m sorry…”  She tried and again he cut her off.

 

“I don’t want your apologizes Victoria.”  He lost his words. 

 

Heath interrupted the tension.  “Will you take a letter to her?”

 

“Even if I did have the time to wait for you to write a letter, I doubt she would read it.”

 

He surprised everyone with his next comment.  “It’s written.  I just didn’t know where to send it.” 

 

So, young Heath did indeed love his daughter.  His heart was touched and momentarily softened.  They would have made a good union.  His heart ached again for his daughter’s loss and now, for Heath’s.  He watched Nick.  Gone was the brash and bold man and in his place was a shrunken hollow figure that slumped into the chair, as if trying to hide.  He had made no sound or comment.

 

Jarrod returned with the jewel box from the safe.  As he handed it to Liam, he tried as well.  “Liam, we…”

 

“No.  Enough Jarrod.  I came here for revenge.  I spent my entire journey dreaming of what I was going to do.  I promised Izzy I wouldn’t hurt anyone.  I planned on breaking my promise.  I want you to understand how hard that is for me.  I want you all to hurt like I hurt.”  He paused and continued more calmly.  “Well, you do.  I know it.  It’s better we just end things here and now before something happens we all regret even more.” 

 

“Liam, please take Heath’s letter to her.  Try.”  Victoria pleaded with him.

 

“No”  He turned and walked to the door.  Victoria and Jarrod followed, attempting to change his mind.  They wanted him to stay and talk.  She begged him not to give up all the years of their friendship.

 

As they pleaded with him at the door, Heath angrily turned on Nick.  “So this is how you’re going to get her back?  Sit there and say nothing?”  He was disappointed in his big brother.  Nick hadn’t even tried to apologize.  He roughly pulled his brother from the chair and pushed him toward the foyer.  “You ain’t going to hide from this.”  Heath made no attempt to follow the family outside.  He instead turned and dashed up the stairs to his room, where he quickly packed a bag.

 

Meanwhile, Nick, still silent but spurred on by his brother, pushed past his mother and brother and approached Liam.

 

“Liam.  This is all my fault.  I’m so sorry.  I never meant to hurt her.  You have to believe me.”  Liam’s back was to him.  He made no sound, but his arms made subtle movements.  Nick went on.  “I need to see her and beg her forgiveness.” 

 

Without indication, Liam whirled on Nick and smashed his fist into Nick’s gut.  As Nick doubled over, he brought his fist up again and contacted his jaw with ferocity belying his age.  Nick fell to the ground.  As Victoria flew to her son’s side, Liam quickly placed a rope around Nick’s arm and tightened the knot. 

 

In a voice, which frightened them all, he began.  “I don’t give a damn what you want.  You know what I want?  I want to get on my horse and ride out of here at top speed with this rope still attached to your arm.  I want you to at least feel the pain of having your arm ripped from its socket.  Then I want someone you love more then all the world, to tell you they are going to kill you.”  He paused.  Everyone was too stunned to move.  “NO Nick.  You will see her over my dead body.  She will never hear from me that you feel the least bit of remorse.  I will tell her of your relief and happiness to be rid of her.  My revenge will be your agony.  You have to live with this.  There will be no forgiveness from her or me.” 

 

He quickly mounted and began to ride out.  Victoria and Jarrod snapped out of their shock in time to see the rope around Nick’s arm beginning to go taut.  They tried to remove it, but couldn’t move fast enough.  Jarrod fumbled to release the knife kept in Nick’s boot.  At the last second, when it seemed that Nick would be dragged to his death, the rope went slack.  Tears slid down everyone’s face.  Victoria reached out and took Nick into her arms.  They said nothing. 

 

Heath, having missed the scene, came out the door.  He ignored his family and started toward the stable.  Jarrod called to him and he stopped grudgingly.

 

“Heath, where are you going?”

 

“I’m going to follow him.  I’ll find her.” 

 

Nick was regaining his senses.  Although he knew Liam meant every word, he couldn’t leave it like this.  Liam was right.  His only hope to survive the experience was gaining Izzy’s forgiveness.  He knew in his heart, Liam could deny him this one thing.    “Wait for me, I’m going to.”

 

“The hell you are.  I don’t stand a chance of getting close to her if you are near.  Haven’t you messed this up enough?”  His voice was angry and harsh.  Nick lay there stunned.  He softened a bit and looked at his mother.  “I’ll wire when I can.” 

 

He disappeared into the stable and returned in a few minutes with Charger saddled.  As he climbed up, he told them he would be catching the train, so he would leave Charger in town and bid them good-bye.  He had no idea what he was doing.  He hoped to follow Liam.  He knew neither where he was going nor how long he would be gone, but he had to find her.  Liam hadn’t said it, but he knew she needed him as much as he needed her. 

 

The Time to Heal (4) 

 

Liam was too caught up in his thoughts to even consider that someone might have followed him.  He wrestled with the fact that he had let go of the rope.  He wanted to hurt him.  He wanted Nick Barkley to pay for the damage done to his daughter, physically and mentally.  In the last seconds, as he waited for the tug on the rope to indicate he was dragging Nick, the face of his daughter and then Victoria flashed in his mind and he let go.

 

Heath followed him.  He saw from Liam’s rented mare, that he must have come by train or stage.  He was betting stage.  He also figured that due to his abrupt departure, he was heading out on the next train.  He had just enough time to stable the horse and buy his ticket, careful the whole time not to be seen.  He watched from around the corner as Liam entered a car near the front.  He took his cue and found a seat near a door in a rear compartment.  He had simply bought a ticket to the next major town.  At worst, he would buy tickets from the conductor along the way.  He settled in to await their first stop.

At each stop, Heath would disembark and wait to see if Liam did as well.  When he didn’t, he would slip back on board and rest until the next.  He considered asking the conductor to check for Liam’s stop, but decided it would be risky to chance Liam catching on to him, so he continued his restless pace.  After a grueling 40 hours of travel, they pulled in to St. Louis, MO.  Heath didn’t stop to consider how much of this country that had just traversed.  His thoughts were only on his mission.

 

As was his pattern, he slipped out of the car and watched for Liam.  This time, he was not disappointed.  He watched Liam descend the stairs and move quickly across the platform.   Heath held his satchel tighter and went after him.  It was a crowded station and there were throngs of people going every direction.  He had a hard time keeping on task.  In his focus, he wasn’t watching where he was going and he crashed in to a porter with a cart full of luggage.  Luggage went everywhere.  The porter apologized and instinct alone pushed Heath to help him right the baggage.  When he next looked up, two trains were departing from different tracks and Liam was nowhere to be seen.  His heart sank.

 

He regrouped his senses and went to the nearest ticket office and inquired about the two recently departed trains.  Two trains, two directions:  one North to Chicago, the other south to New Orleans.  He allowed himself to consider Chicago for just a moment, but then his brain remembered the key factor to his decision.  Her mother had been from New Orleans.  That’s where she was. 

 

“I need a ticket on the next train to New Orleans.” 

 

“Ok, but the next train isn’t until tomorrow.”  He paid the agent and left to find a room for the night.  He hadn’t lost; he was merely delayed.  New Orleans wasn’t so big that he couldn’t find her with out being led directly by Liam.  He checked in to a room, ordered dinner and a hot bath and had his first restful sleep, buoyed by the hope of seeing Bella tomorrow.

 

Nick was unaware of his family’s presence in the room.  They chatted on about their day, but not about their absent sibling.  His thoughts were on Heath.  He was unsure whether to wish him success or failure.  He had gotten Liam’s message loud and clear.  If Heath and Isabel were to be together, it would not be here, at their home, surrounded by his family.  He would lose his brother.  At first he clung to the belief that Heath would work for him with Izzy.  But Heath’s last words to him were angry.  What if he didn’t try?  What if he was content to have Isabel and forget his brother?

 

“Nick!”

 

“What?  Huh?”

 

“I said, join me in a game.  I don’t give you the run for your money that Heath does, but maybe you can win some from me for a change?  How about it?”

 

He agreed and they racked up the balls.  The evening wore on.  Nick’s heart really wasn’t in the game.  Victoria decided perhaps her son would open up to his brother if they were left in peace, so she asked Audra to help her with a project in her room.  The women departed.  Nick barely noticed.

 

“So, you ready to talk yet?”

 

Nick was silent for some time.  He pretended to study the balls on the table.

 

“He’s not coming back.”

 

Jarrod was shocked.  He had no idea this is what was troubling the tormented man.  He assumed it was Liam’s words.  It had never occurred to him that Heath wouldn’t return. 

 

“Don’t be ridiculous Nick.  He’ll be back.  Or, have you had some premonition that he is in danger?  Do you think Liam will hurt him?”

 

“He can handle Liam.  He just won’t come back.  He said so.”

 

“Nick, he said no such thing.  I was there.”

 

“No you weren’t.  Not when he said it.”  Nick’s voice was that of a little boy who had lost his puppy.  It pained Jarrod to hear this side of his brother return.

 

“When, and exactly what did he say little brother?”

 

“First, after the fight at the stables, I was joking, but he didn’t laugh.”

 

“What did you say?”

 

“Lose the brother, gain the girl.”  They were both silent and Nick went on.

 

“Then when he left, he said he didn’t stand a chance if I was there.  He knows he can’t have her unless I am out of the picture.  God help me Jarrod, I don’t know what to think.  I want Heath to be happy.  He loves her.  He deserves her.”  His voice grew very quiet and he turned from him.  “But then I lose him.”

 

“That would mean we all lose him, and I refuse to believe that would happen.”

 

“I’ll leave… I mean so they could come here.  I’d go.  If that’s what I needed to do, I would.  He’s right.  I’ve messed this up enough already.” 

 

“We won’t let you.  It won’t come to that.  I promise.”

 

Jarrod understood his brother’s pain.  He was tempted to respond with the old cliché of setting what you love free, but that would not ease his burden.  “Nick, Nick, look at me.”

He guided his brother’s shoulders to face him.  “If anyone can make this work out for everyone, it’s Heath.  He won’t give you or any of us up.  He fought too hard to get us.  The worst thing you could do right now is lose faith in him.  It’ll take time.  We need to be patient.”  He silently prayed he was right. 

 

“Yeah, maybe you’re right.”  He said the words, but they both knew he didn’t believe them.

 

“Oh course I’m right.  It says so in the big brother handbook.”

 

BVBVBVBVBVBV

 

Heath woke early with a smile on his face.  His heart was soaring.  His brother had not interrupted the dream.  He recreated the vision in his brain and enjoyed it.  He was feeling very confident.  On the way to the station, he stopped in at the bank and cashed a draft.  He wanted to be prepared for any eventuality.  He boarded the train on time and began his journey.  He did frown for a second, as he realized he had not contacted his family.  They would be worried about him.  He promised to do so as soon as he got to New Orleans.

 

His step was light as he entered the station.  The air was warm and muggy; he loosened the bandana at his collar and searched for the telegraph office.  He sent his message.  The only trick was to pay the man a bit extra to ensure the origination was kept off.  He didn’t trust Nick enough.  He knew the man would be tempted to come barging in.  Little did he know that there was a backlog of wires to be sent and before his message went out, there was a shift change.  In a short time, the family would know where they were.

 

He had never caught the name of Lillian’s establishment, but they had said it was one of the finest, so his first stop was that part of town.  It was not directly on the river, for that’s where the sailors entertained themselves.  Instead, the gentlemen’s “gaming” clubs were located just north of the French Quarter.  Close to the culture, but not directly in contact with it.  He found himself a room, dropped off his bag and then headed out to the streets.  At this time of day, people would be in preparing for their evenings out. 

 

He wandered up and down the streets, studying the various establishments, trying to determine where he should begin.  He was dejected as he returned to his room.  He stopped at the desk out of habit to check for messages.  There were of course none, but he did use the opportunity to ask the desk clerk some questions. 

 

“Sure, Mr. Barkley, how can I help?”  He was an older man.  Heath felt he might know of Lillian’s place, if she was as famous as they said.

 

“I’m looking to find an establishment that used to be owned by Lillian Winthrop.”  He saw the puzzled expression and noticed his mistake. “Ah, her married name was Winthrop.  I have no idea what her maiden name was.  It was said to be one of the finest in town.”

 

“I don’t recollect any Lillian Winthrop, but there is a place, well reputed, that’s called Lili’s.  Its mighty popular with finer gentlemen, if you get my meaning.”  Heath saw him look his clothes up and down and got the hint.  Heath thanked him for the help and flipped him a dollar.  He studied the contents of his valise and noted that he hadn’t brought anything fitting the environment.  He would have to shop in the morning.  He grabbed some dinner at the diner across the street and turned in early, eager for morning to come.

 

Day dawned and Heath was up, breakfasted and quickly found his way to the shops.  His anticipation got the better of him and he was ready before the shops opened.  He wandered up and down the street, gazing in the windows, running through his plans.  After purchasing the required clothing, he sought out and found Lili’s.  His heart told him he was right and to his astonishment, his eyes later confirmed it.  He stood across the street, unnoticed by most, when he saw them approach.  He held his breath.  There she was, on her father’s arm.  She looked every bit as radiant as he had remembered. 

 

He couldn’t keep the smile from his face.  He longed to run at them, but his mind stopped his heart.  No mistakes.  That was the motto.   He watched them pass the gated entrance and move to a smaller entrance to the side and disappear.  He stepped quickly across the street and checked out the path they had taken.  It was a passageway that bypassed the house and went to the back.  Of course, Liam would not have his daughter be seen exiting and entering through the main doors.

 

Liam had joined his daughter on her morning stroll.  He was trying to make up for lost time.  He had told her of his visit to Stockton, well some of it.  He told her they had no wish for further contact with her, none of them.  She had been brave.  She held back the tears that had threatened to fall.  He now encouraged her to move forward.  It was over.  She dutifully tried to do what her father asked.  He had always been right. 

 

He hadn’t seen the young Barkley man, nor suspected he was in town.  Isabel however, had seen the man across the street.  Her heart leapt for just a minute, could she have really seen Heath?  She laughed to herself.  Her dreams of the night were now appearing in the daytime outside her bedroom window.   Heath would not have come for her.  They wanted nothing more to do with her.

 

Heath smiled to himself.  He could hunt with the best of them.  He was stalking his prey and setting his trap.  He didn’t like thinking of his pursuit of Bella this way, but it worked.  She would be his.

 

Heath dressed in his newly acquired fine clothes.  He looked at himself in the glass and laughed.  All he saw was a cowboy masquerading in fine clothes.  No one would mistake him for a distinguished gentleman of the east.   He would never be completely at ease in fancy ‘duds’, as he called them.  He left the hotel and smiled despite himself at the looks he received from the ladies he passed.  There was only one lady’s smile he wanted to see. 

 

He began his evening in the club across from Lili’s.  He secured a seat in the front window, so he could observe the comings and goings.  He finally saw what he wanted, Liam leaving for the evening.  As soon he was sure the carriage was well on its way, he crossed the street and made his way to the door.

 

He had been inside such salons in San Francisco, but never one like this.  He was greeted at the door by a butler in a tuxedo.  All the men inside were dressed for evenings out and even the woman, although scantily clad, were tastefully adorned.  There were colored shades over most of the lights, casting a circus-like haze to the room when combined with the cigar smoke floating just above their heads.  He wandered around familiarizing himself with the layout.  The main floor contained a bar with tables and around the edges were private gaming areas.  They were busy and active.  He observed a few hands that he might have enjoyed getting in on if he weren’t here on other business.  He noted the ladies escorting men up the stairs to what must be the “pleasure rooms.”  Unlike poker, he had no interest in that tonight.

 

Jezzy had seen the handsome blonde enter.  She knew he was new, and when he began to scope the place out, she became suspicious and followed him.  He was stunning to look at.  She enjoyed the intensity of his look and carriage.  His eyes were a mesmerizing blue and she could tell the suit was hiding a hard, well-hewn body.  She found herself a bit lustful.  She watched Colleen begin to approach him, but waved her off.  She would pursue him herself. 

 

“Hello Cowboy.”  She had surprised him and she smiled.

 

He smiled back.  “Is it that obvious?”

 

“You look too healthy to be a city boy.”  She detected the slight southern drawl and was intrigued.  “The name is Jezzy.  I own the place.  How can I help you?”  She ran her hand up his arm.

 

“I thought the place was called Lili’s.  I was hoping to find Lili.”  He caught her hand and held it, staring in to her eyes in his attempt to gain information.

 

“She used to, I do now.  She was my best friend.  Why do you want to see her?”

 

“Business”

 

“Like hell.  You know she’s dead.  What do you want here Mister?”

 

“I apologize.  You’re correct.  I’ve heard many things about this place, and wanted to check it out.  I was sorry not to know her.  It sounds like she was an amazing lady.” 

 

Jezzy knew a line when she heard one, but she believed him.  There was something about his voice that caused her to relax.

 

“Few people knew the real Lili.  You must have been talking to someone very close to her.  Who might that have been, Mister, um?”

 

He thought for a quick moment.  If she knew Lili and Liam, certainly she had heard the Barkley name.  “Thompson, Heath Thompson, ma’am.”

 

He had avoided her question, but before she could press him, one of her dealers caught her attention and summoned her.  “If you’ll excuse me Mr. Thompson, I’m needed elsewhere right now.  Please plan on a drink with me later, so we can get better acquainted.”

 

“It would be my pleasure ma’am.”

 

When she had left, he made his way to the back of the mansion.  He found the window he was searching for and saw his goal.   The floor to ceiling window opened up onto a patio, which in turn opened to a garden.  There were couples milling about.  It was the back hedge, which caught his attention.  It was hiding something.  He needed to get higher so he turned to go back inside.  He began his way up the stairs and was stopped by a young woman coming down. 

 

“Now sir, men don’t venture upstairs alone.  How can I help you?”  She smiled at him provocatively.  He returned her smile and added, “Well, good thing I ran into you.”

 

She took his hand and led him the rest of the way.  She directed him to her room and coyly invited him in. 

 

“Ya know; I know this sounds strange, but I was kinda hoping for a view of the garden.  Is there a room overlooking the rear?”

 

She thought a moment. Nothing surprised her anymore.  “Well, Jenny is visiting her mom and her room is back there.  I don’t think she’d mind if we used it.”  She led him to the end of the hall.  She opened the door and turned up the lamp. 

 

Heath all but forgot the woman who had led him here.  He moved immediately to the window and threw back the heavy drapes.  He could see it now.  Behind the tall protective hedge was a small cottage.  It was well maintained and provided a peaceful retreat for whoever dwelt within.  He knew whom that was and was rewarded for his efforts by the vision of his dreams.  It was if something had driven her to the window at that moment.  He watched her come to the window and brush her hair.  She gazed out into her yard.  She never thought to look up.  He was transfixed by the image.  The first step in his plan was won.  He had truly found her.

 

Young Shari was perplexed by his obsession with the window.  She moved to him and boldly wrapped her arms around his waist and lowered her hand to provoke him.  Heath was quickly drawn out of his heaven and turned to face her.  He stammered. 

 

“Ya, know.  I guess I’m just not in the mood for this.  No offense intended ma’am, but I gotta go.”  He hoped it would work.  She hadn’t done anything wrong.  He began to dig in his pocket for change and then struggled as he was unsure how much a lady in this establishment was paid.

 

“Don’t kid yourself honey.  I felt your mood.  Just relax and I’ll take good care of you.”  She reached out for him and wrapped herself around his body.  “Its ok.  I’m real patient and I can play any game.”

 

He decided money would need to buy his way out and he untangled himself and dropped a 10-dollar piece in her hands.  “No, thank you anyway.”  He turned and left her disappointed.  She had been looking forward to this romp.

 

He practically bounced his way down the stairs.  He was determined to get to that cottage.  Jezzy halted his journey. 

 

“Where are you off to in such a hurry Mr. Thompson?  Did Shari displease you?  Or did you find the cottage and desire to see the beautiful lady within?”

 

He was impressed at her ability to know what was happening in her establishment, and stunned.  She had read him like a book.  He debated playing stupid, but looked into her eyes and decided for the truth.

 

“How’d you know?”

 

“Heath.  It’s an unusual name.”

 

He was surprised.  “How’s a name enough?”

 

“Oh, a man’s name called out in delirium by a woman in love tends to stay with you.  In a moment of weakness, she described you.  I wasn’t sure until just now.  How about we go have that drink?”

 

“If you don’t mind, Miss, em, Jezzy.  I’d rather go see her now.”

 

“No deal.  I love that girl like my own.  You don’t get to her, until I decide you can.  If you try, I can have Liam here in minutes.  That won’t go well.  If I like you and what you have to say, I can be your ally.  If I don’t… well, you don’t stand a chance.  He told her ya’ll wanted nothing more to do with her.”

 

“He lied.”

 

“That’s what I suspected.”

 

They moved up the stairs to her private chambers.  She poured them each a drink and sat down at a table.  He had never opened up to a stranger like this before.  He shared his thoughts on what had happened, his struggle to reconcile with is brother and his desire to share the rest of his life with Bella. 

 

Her internal dialogue roared on as she absorbed his words.  She watched his face lighten as he talked about her.  She had seen this kind of love before.  All women looked for it; few were lucky enough to find it.  Lili had found it with Liam, and now her daughter was blessed as well.  She didn’t even need to see Isabel’s reaction to Heath.  She knew it just from her feverish desires.  This man was at the center of the girl’s heart and she decided then and there, she would help facilitate the union.

 

When he had finished his story, she summarized his predicament. 

 

“I am not sure who is the bigger problem, Liam or Isabel herself.”

 

“I know if I can just talk to Isabel, I can show her the truth.”  He was so full of optimism, she hated to dash him, but she needed to.

 

“Liam warned her about getting in between you and your brother.  They fought about it and she wouldn’t listen to him.  She now does whatever he asks, without question.  She doesn’t trust her own heart.  I guarantee you, unless you win Liam over, you won’t get the girl.”

 

“How can I win Liam over?”

 

“I don’t know.  But let’s start by whittling away at Isabel.  Each morning she walks down to the river.”

 

“I saw Liam with her this morning though.”

 

She smiled at his persistence, so he had been following her.  “He won’t go in the morning.  He’ll be out late tonight.  Meet her there.”  She then added.  “This won’t be easy.”

 

“I don’t care.”  She smiled at his faith and they were both silent as they contemplated the task ahead.

 

Meanwhile the family in Stockton received the short message from Heath.  It simply said that there was no news yet, but he was close.  Victoria had read the wire aloud to the family and held it to herself.  She saw the origination and regretted not having thought of it sooner, but didn’t share it yet.  She knew Heath needed time and she knew Nick might not give it to him.

 

 

The Time of Healing (5)

 

He reluctantly left without seeing Isabel in person that night.  He had finally had to succumb to Jezzy’s demands.  On one level, he knew she was right and valued the assistance she offered.  He had vowed to be patient and make no mistakes.  He found himself hoping he wasn’t.  Maybe he should have stormed in and taken her.

 

He rose early, as usual, and strolled up and down the river in the area Jezzy had indicated.  He was impatient and continually checked his pocket watch.  He finally sat on a bench, which gave him a good view of the area, but offered him secrecy.  Shortly he was rewarded with her arrival.  He was happy to sit and observe her for some time.  He drank in the view of her.  She was calmly strolling.  Her face displayed no emotion, not happy, not sad.  It saddened him to think that she might no longer be enjoying the passion of life, but rather existing.  He and Nick had done this to her.  He vowed to bring it back to her.  He watched a while longer and then screwed up his courage. 

 

He walked up to her from behind.  “Excuse me miss, I think you dropped this.”

 

She turned, prepared to deny dropping anything, and then froze in her place.  She couldn’t believe her eyes.

 

“Heath?”

 

“Morning Bella.  Nice to see you.”

 

“How did you…”  She stammered.  “What are you doing here?”

 

“I came to see you.  Um… You dropped this.”  He handed her the envelope.

 

“I didn’t.  Its not mine.”  She didn’t take it. 

 

“Please pretend you did.  You need to see it.”  His eyes were pleading with her.  She reached up and took it from him.

 

“I have nothing to say to you.”

 

“Will you listen?  I have lots to say to you.  I love you.”  It wasn’t going as he had hoped.  Deep down he had hoped she would run to his arms.  She seemed to only want to run from him.

 

“No.  There is nothing more.  My father told me…”

 

He cut her off.  “To hell with your father.  He wasn’t there.  We were.  We need to talk.”

It had been a mistake, despite his best attempts to the contrary.  He saw the anger cross her eyes.

 

“My father is the only man who has ever told me the truth.  I want nothing more to do with you.  Go away.”

 

“I can’t.”

“You’d better.  If I tell my father you are here.  There is no telling what he will do. Go now.”  Her voice was rising and she was attracting attention.  A man stopped to offer assistance, but she waved him off.  “This is the south Heath.  There is a gallant gentleman on every corner, and you will find trouble even you might not be able to handle.”  She turned and left.  The man, who had offered assistance, was hanging nearby and Heath opted not to follow her.  He left the scene discouraged, but not beaten.  He smiled.  She cared enough to not want her father to know.

 

He repeated his actions on the next morning. 

 

“Good morning Bella.  Did you read the letter?”  His voice was so hopeful.

 

“No.”  Was her curt response and she continued to walk, ignoring him.

 

And so it continued each morning for a week.  Heath would rise early, walk to the park and wait for her.  He always watched her arrival.  He saw her face scan the growing crowds for him.  On days when Liam accompanied her, Heath remained hidden, other days he would stroll next to her.  He would greet her and fall into step next to her.  She did her best to ignore him, but he caught her occasional sideways glances.  They said nothing.

 

One morning, she surprised him.  He had assumed his usual stance and she suddenly stopped.  “Don’t you have a ranch to run?”

 

He smiled, “No, that’s Nick’s job.”  He hoped she would offer more, but she turned from him and walked on. 

 

His accomplice had yet to do much by way of assisting him, until one late June day.  Jezzy was waiting for him in his hotel room.  He had found work at a local livery in the afternoons.  It helped him occupy his time and kept him in contact with horses.  Despite believing in his quest, he missed the ranch.

 

“Do you frequently get let into men’s rooms without invitation?” 

 

“When it’s important a woman can make anything happen.  I came to invite you to dinner in my rooms.”

 

“I don’t think that’s such a wise idea.  If Liam sees me…”  He let the statement die.

 

“He won’t.  He is going up river for 2 days.  Isabel will be joining me.”

 

A smile brushed his lips and she saw his eyes light up.  “Ms. Laughton, it will be my pleasure.  What time shall I arrive?”

 

He couldn’t tell you what he did that day, but it flew by and before long; he arrived at Lili’s and was shown to Jezzy’s quarters.  Neither Isabel nor Jezzy were present.  He was nervous and helped himself to a drink to calm his nerves.  It was a warm evening so he stepped out onto her veranda to catch a breeze.  He heard them enter, chattering away. 

 

“Isabel, I hope you don’t mind, I ran into an old friend and invited him to join us tonight.”

 

“No, not at all.  I’m sure it will make for a lovely evening.” 

 

“I’m glad you think so.”  Heath smiled as he stepped from the shadows of the drapes and into the room.  Her face went pale. 

 

“The name is Heath, Heath Barkley.”  He bowed slightly and took her stunned hand, bringing it to his lips for a gentlemanly kiss.  She found her voice and for a moment, played along.

 

“I had no idea you and Jezzy were such old friends, Mr. Barkley.”  She emphasized her final words. 

 

“I’ve become very fond of her.  She knows a good thing when she sees it.”

 

Jezzy watched the exchange.  It had actually gone better then she expected.  She had assumed Isabel would run from the room.  It confirmed for her that she was doing the right thing by bringing these two together.

 

A servant entered and announced dinner.  Heath escorted the two ladies into the dinning room and seated each.  Isabel noticed that the table was set to impress.  Jezzy was using her finest china and there were flowers and candles everywhere.  The room glittered like diamonds.

 

Isabel was determined to not let this circumstance get to her.  “So Mr. Barkley, what brings you to New Orleans?”

 

“Heath, call me Heath.  I came to find a special woman.  She left suddenly and didn’t say good bye.”

 

“She must have had good reason Mr. Barkley.” 

 

“At the time perhaps, but no longer.” 

 

Was it getting stifling in the room?  Or was it the company?  Isabel had no idea. The two didn’t even acknowledge Jezzy.  She was enjoying her ringside seat to this match.  Isabel decided to change the direction of the conversation.

 

“So, what do you do for a living Mr. Barkley?”

 

“I was a cowboy.”

 

“Was?”  Her voice was beginning to relay her tension.  She fought to control her emotions.  What did he mean, was?

 

“I used to help run a family ranch with my brother in California.”

 

She received a moment’s reprieve as a knock at the door tore through the mood.  Jezzy’s assistance was needed downstairs.  She left and Isabel’s anxiety rose.

 

She choked out the words, her body beginning to tremble, as she looked at him.  “Why did you leave?”

 

He watched her pain.  He hated himself.  His presence was tearing her apart all over again.  He left is chair and moved to her side.  He gently took her hands and looked into her face.

 

“I came to win your love.  I admit it.  I love you and I can’t imagine my life without you.  If it means I will never go back to the ranch again, so be it.  There are other ranches.  Hell, we can start our own.”

 

“But the family, Nick… They want nothing more to do with me.  Father said.”

 

She turned her face from him.  She could bear no more.  She rose from the table and moved to the door.  She paused in the doorway to look back.  He had not pursued her.  She could see his eyes begging her to come back.  She wanted so desperately to return to him and be enveloped by his arms.  But she couldn’t.

 

“Bella” His voice stopped her, but she refused to look at him.

 

“Please read the letter.  Please!”  She continued on and he was left in the room.  What had once shone with the brilliance of diamonds now hurt his eyes. 

 

Jezzy saw Isabel hurry down the back stairs and she debated whom to go to.  She opted for the cowboy.   She found him alone and sullen.

 

“That went far better then I had hoped.”

 

He looked at her bewildered and she explained herself.

 

“I expected her to leave at the first sight of you.  Patience my young man, patience.  You’re wearing her down.”

 

He kissed her cheek on his way out the door, “I wish I had your faith.”

 

Isabel lay on her bed having cried until her face hurt and her cheeks burned.  Why had he come?  Why didn’t he just leave and go back to the ranch he loved?  She held his letter in her hands.  She couldn’t bring herself to open it.  She studied her name on the envelope.  She wondered when he had written it.  What had he been feeling?  His arrival and subsequent stay here proved that she continued to mess up his life.  He loved the west and the ranch.  By coming here for her, she was further dividing him from his family.  She had no idea how he could so calmly stay.  There was nothing here for him.  She had to convince him to stay.  Oh my god, what had she just thought.  No, she meant she had to convince him to leave.  She considered telling her father.  He would remove Heath, but she feared for the method he would use.  For all her luck, it would rile Heath more.  What could she do?

 

She left her bed, crossed the room and removed the glass from the only lit lamp.  She stuck the corner of the envelope in the flame and watched as the letter took flame.   She moved to the cold fireplace and dropped the letter in and watched it burn.  As the ashes billowed up the chimney, she promised herself she would cause no more pain to the Barkley family.

 

BVBVBVBVBVBVBVBV

 

Victoria and Jarrod were enjoying the summer evening in her rose garden.  Nick was working in the barn and Audra was out with a new beau. 

 

“I wish we would hear more from him.  I hate not knowing and him being so far away.”

 

“I know mother, but his last wire had indicated some change.  At least he sees her daily.”

 

Victoria had needed to share her information with someone.  She knew she could trust Jarrod with her knowledge. 

 

“He can’t be happy in New Orleans.  Not for this long.  It’s not in his nature. You don’t think he’ll just give up and come home do you?”

 

“No lovely lady, not with out Isabel on his arm.”  They smiled.

 

Nick had entered the parlor and heard their quiet voices.  He had not meant to eavesdrop, but didn’t want to intrude.  He managed to hear the entire conversation concerning Heath.

 

So, his quest wasn’t going well?  Perhaps he needed a big brother’s touch after all.  He left the parlor and went to his room and began his preparations.  He wrote out detailed lists for Duke McCall, their foreman.  He had no idea how long he’d be gone.

 

Her body spent from tears, Isabel lay on her bed for what seemed like hours.  She looked up at the clock on the table and decided to enact her plan.  She went to her desk, wrote a quick note and made her way back to Lili’s.  She found Jezzy and asked her to get the note to Heath.  She didn’t stay long enough to provide the older woman a chance to talk, but left quickly.  It would be a long night.

 

Heath was more then willing to respond to Bella’s request.  Jezzy had sent a man over to his rooms to deliver it.  He had been alarmed at the knock at his door at 1am.  He was worried that Liam had discovered his presence.  He opened the door slowly, with his gun drawn.  He apologized to the stunned deliveryman and tipped him generously.

 

            “Heath,

            Meet me at the Jackson Square Stables at 9am.

                        Isabel”

 

He left his rooms at 8am and made his way through the French Quarter to arrive at the stables a little before 9am.  She also arrived a bit early.  She looked ravishing.  She was dressed in a fine blue silk riding habit, with silver trim.  The shade of blue contrasted with her large green eyes perfectly.  He had forgotten how intoxicating her eyes were.  Her hair was pulled up in a fancy twist and a hat with a large brim shielded her face from the sun, and when she lowered her head, his eyes.  She could feel his intense glare and summoned all her courage.  She needed to act nonchalant, not like the mess of bundled nerves she really was.

 

“Good Morning”

 

“Morning Bella, you look stunning.”

 

“Thanks.  I thought you might enjoy a ride.  This stable has the best horses.  Father owns it.”

 

She had made arrangements for two of their finest mounts earlier that morning and a hand was waiting for their arrival with magnificent bays.  Heath offered her assistance in mounting, which she refused.  He had no idea where they would ride in such a big city and so he hung back and followed her lead.  He would not push her this morning.

She led him through town via many back roads.  He wasn’t sure he would be able to find the same path back.  He wondered if she was doing this deliberately.  After a half an hour of riding silently, the city gave way to large open fields and she broke into an all out run with her steed. He followed, of course.

 

He chased and they ran all over the flat terrain of the river basin.  On occasion, when he rode at her side, he thought he saw her smile, but she would quickly hide it.  At last she pulled up near a stream and led her horse to drink.  Seeing to her horses needs first, she then bent down to drink herself.  He smiled again.  How could you not love a woman who knew enough to see to the horse first?  He copied her actions.   

 

She spoke first.  “Did you enjoy the ride?”

 

“Boy howdy, it felt good.  The horses are amazing.  I would have expected no less from you.  And you, did you enjoy the ride?”

 

“I ride all the time.  I know how to live in a city.”

 

“It’s not the same but it helps, thanks for the invitation.”

 

“Go home.”  He hadn’t expected her sudden, short statement.

 

“Come with me.”

 

She ignored his request.  “You’re not happy here.  This life isn’t for you.  You belong on the ranch at Nick’s side.”  She was silent a moment, then added.  “You won’t succeed.”

 

“I figure I know what’s best for me.  Right now I want to be here with you.  I want to be here with you forever.”  He hoped his words would sink in.

 

“But Nick..”

 

He cut her off. “Enough about Nick!  This isn’t about Nick.  Its about you and I.”

 

He moved in on her.  She sensed his passion and new he meant every word.  She longed to succumb to him.  She knew that if he leaned in any more, as he was, he would kiss her.  She also knew that if she allowed herself to be kissed, she would fall, hopelessly and forever.  She turned her face from him and he stopped his advance.

 

“It is about Nick.  I hurt him.  I came between you two.  I…”

 

He cut her off again.  “Nick was wrong.  He knows it.  He hates what happened.  He didn’t mean a word of what he said and you know it.  He wants you back as badly as I do.”

 

She so wanted to believe him. “I wish I could believe you.”

 

“You must.  Nick knows I am here.  He would be here himself if I had let him.”  He stopped and chose his next words for impact.  “We have his blessing.”  He watched her face for the impact of these words.

 

“I can’t.  I cannot ever face him.  I am ashamed.”

 

“Of What?  You did nothing wrong.  It’s not your fault.  It’s nobody’s fault.  It just happened.”

 

“You’re wrong.  It is my fault.  I came between two brothers who love each other.  I can’t live with that.”  She looked at his face and their eyes connected.  “Can you honestly tell me that things are the same between you and Nick?”

 

He had fallen in to her trap.  He couldn’t lie to her; she could read him too well.  If her told her the truth, she would bolt.  “No, it can never be the same, but we…”

 

It was her turn to cut him off.  “See.  I destroyed something precious.  No Heath.  You and I will never be.”  She moved to her horse and rode off.  As on that day in the valley so far away, he went after her, only this time, horse and rider were not of one mind and she raced on ahead of him.  She had deliberately selected the faster horse for just this possibility.  He had no hope of catching her. 

 

She rode fast and hard, trying to push the swirling emotions from her head.  She prayed it had worked and he would at last give up and leave.  And yet at this thought, her heart ripped in two. 

 

The Time to Heal (6)

 

He was still amazed she was in New Orleans.  That was one of their first suggestions to the Pinkerton’s.  How had they missed it?  Nick knew if he told his family where he was going, that they would never let him leave.  He wouldn’t be able to make them understand that he just knew he had to be there.  Something in his gut told him to go to them.  He knew better then to deny his gut instincts. 

 

He told them he was riding to a horse auction in Modesto.  When Victoria saw him saddling a ranch horse, not Coco or Zeus, she queried him, but he said Coco needed a break and Zeus had not been tested on a long trip yet.  Both seemed plausible to the mother, but she was suspicious. 

 

He kissed his mother good-bye, rode to town and left his horse at the livery.  He bought his ticket to New Orleans and prepared his mind and heart for the journey.  ‘Don’t worry little brother… I’m on my way, like it or not.  It’s time Izzy came home.’

 

Two days later, Victoria had ridden to town to pick Jarrod up at the station.  She seldom did this anymore, but the house felt empty with her boys gone.  He had only been gone a day, but she missed him nonetheless.  While waiting for his train, Johnny, the ticket agent approached her. 

 

“Good Afternoon Mrs. Barkley.  How are you today?”

 

“I’m fine Johnny, how are you?”

 

“Just great ma’am.  Thanks for asking.  I suppose you’ll be hearing from Nick soon.  I mean, he should be pulling in to New Orleans any time.”

 

Her mind went numb.  She couldn’t believe the words she had just heard.  Nick must have overheard a conversation, or found the wires.

 

“Um, Mrs. Barkley, you OK?”

 

She regrouped her thoughts.  “Yes Johnny, I was just thinking about Nick.  I hope he has a good trip.”  What she really meant to say was, I hope he behaves, but she didn’t.  “Johnny, when my son Jarrod gets here, would you tell him I’ve gone to the telegraph office.”

 

“Sure thing Mrs. Barkley.”

 

“Thank you”

 

She hurried to the telegraph office and sent a wire to Heath.  She hoped he would get it and be prepared for his brother.  She feared Nick’s unexpected arrival might throw off any success Heath might be having. 

 

The telegraph arrived after Heath had donned his black tuxedo and stepped out for the night.  He had no idea his brother was in town.  He was looking forward to tonight.  He had given her space after their ride.  He had watched her morning walks, but merely observed.  He wanted her to think she had won.  He and Jezzy had concocted a bigger plan, to be implemented tonight.  He intended to sweep Bella off her feet.  He wanted to win Bella’s hand without Nick’s factor.  They could then work on healing the family.  He was ready to leave them if necessary.  He would make her understand this.  He was feeling confident.  He had no idea things would go more wrong and deadly then he could have ever believed possible on that beautiful night.

 

Jezzy always opened the mansion up for a huge Independence Day Ball.  Although many in the south still felt the sting of the war, Jezzy’s party to continue to be a success, firstly because it was “the” list to be on, and secondly, because she focused on the independence from the English, not the United States.  This year promised to be bigger then ever.  She always found some way to liven up the feast.  This year in keeping with the New Orleans tradition and to help her newfound friend, it was to be a masquerade.  She had her girls creating individual masks all day long for weeks.  Every mask was festively hewn with red, white and blue and every mask had a match.

 

Isabel looked forward to the party at first.  She hoped it would be a good distraction.  She had not seen Heath lately and assumed he had finally gone.  It left her sad anew, which her father had sensed.  He too had high hopes for his daughter on this night.  Jezzy had promised him several interesting and worthy young bachelors would be present to sweep his daughter off her feet.  He wanted that for her.  He wanted her heart to find love.  So, he, looking younger and more handsome then his years, escorted his beautiful daughter to the main building.  She was wearing a stunning off the shoulder red silk dress that complimented her figure in many hidden ways.  Around her neck was her mother’s sapphire and diamond necklace.  It was a returning tradition.  Her mother had always worn the necklace on this night, and this night only. 

 

As they entered, they received their masks and bid adieu.  They had different circles to mingle in.  Isabel had never really liked masquerades.  She preferred to know who she was eating and dancing with.  For many this was not a problem, as they knew each other.  She had not stayed anywhere long enough to know people this well.  She always felt in a sea of strangers.  Tonight was no different. 

 

Heath had specifically ordered a tuxedo that was not his typical fashion.  It was much frillier and had a cut that hid his frame.  The tailor had been flustered by his request for such an ill-fitting design, but had grudgingly met the man’s request.  His mask covered his entire face.   It was uncomfortable and extremely hot, but Jezzy had insisted that Isabel would have known his smile immediately.  Jezzy had prepared him for Bella’s dress and jewels, and even arranged for her to have a specific mask.  It matched his, of course.  He watched her mingle in the crowd and prepared to make his move.

 

He dug deep to pull out the strongest southern drawl he could.  It wasn’t too difficult, as he had been here for weeks now.  Not to mention the fact that for days he had been practicing a different voice.  He had fooled Jezzy earlier.  “Good Evening Miss”

 

She smiled at the man before her.  The mask covered his face, but it did reveal nice blue eyes.  They weren’t as penetrating as Heath’s, but they were shiny blue.  His tuxedo was poorly cut.  She wondered what tailor in town would have let him out the door in it. 

 

“Good Evening Sir”

 

She showed no sign of recognition, and Heath continued.  “It is my understanding that at 10pm, just before the fireworks, there is to be a dance between the matching masks.”

 

“Your understanding is correct sir.”

 

“It seems we share a mask.  Might I hope you will follow through on tradition and share that dance with me, and then if I might be so bold, the fireworks display?”

 

She longed to say no.  She was suddenly more in the mood to go home, but knew her father and Jezzy would be disappointed in her, so she simply said, “It would be my pleasure.”

 

Heath didn’t want to risk his plan falling apart too early.  “Then I shall look forward to seeing you later.”  He turned and left.  His heart was racing and pounding in his chest.  He looked around the room and his eyes met Jezzy’s.  For a brief instant, he raised his mask and flashed her his triumphant smile.  She grinned back.

 

Liam’s eyes had also been drifting through the room.  He searched out his daughter to see if she was enjoying her evening.  His heart stopped as for a moment, he thought he was gazing at the face of Heath Barkley.  Could it be?  How could he have found them?  Why was he here and how had he not heard anything of it?  His thoughts had distracted him long enough to lose the masked man in the crowds.  He began to make his way through the throngs of people looking for that mask.  In the process, the many masked faces were beginning to blur and he became confused. 

 

If Heath Barkley was here, he would certainly try and reach his daughter.  He sought her out in the crowd and moved to her side.  A position he would hold all night, if necessary.

 

BVBVBVBVBVBV

 

Upon hearing the news from his mother, Jarrod was on the next train east.  It was obvious he would not catch up to Nick in time, but he might yet be needed.  He took random train connections, as long as they propelled him south and east.  He sensed that this turn of events would go badly and longed to be there for his brothers. 

 

Nick was jubilant.  His heart told him this was the right move.  After all, he had known Izzy longer then Heath.  Despite what had happened, he did understand the woman.  Maybe he didn’t realize the significance of a swing, but he knew one thing, she responded well to a challenge.  He figured his brother was attempting a courtship.  He planned to lull Izzy into returning.  She was a woman of action however.  Nick believed in his heart that she would rise to the challenge of his appearance.  He patted his breast pocket.  If all else failed, he had the sure fire method of bringing her home, right there, safe and sound.  He lowered the brim of his hat across his face.  It was a long trip and he needed to be ready for anything. 

 

Heath made his way to Jezzy’s quarters to hide out until the special dance.  He dreamed of this moment.  He was going to dance with Bella tonight, a full, uninterrupted dance of their own.  For just a moment, he let himself fear the implication of his deception, but quickly suppressed the angst.  He felt confident nothing would go wrong tonight.

 

Nick arrived on a late afternoon train.  Unlike his younger brother, Nick knew exactly where he was going.  He had visited Lili’s on several occasions.  He was only slightly concerned about it being the Fourth of July.  He knew it would be busy and he had no idea what Jezzy’s theme would be.  It was a chance he would have to take.  He secured a room in the area and made his way through the crowded streets.

 

The time was drawing near and Heath left the rooms to find the object of his desires.  He smiled at how fast he was able to zero in on her, but his heart skipped a beat, as he saw the man at her side.  He knew in an instant, it had to be Liam.  He allowed himself a momentary panic.  The smile returned to his face as Jezzy moved in to escort Liam to the dance floor.  She was alone.

 

He moved quickly and found himself by her side as the director was summoning the partners to the dance floor.  He bowed again and offered her his arm.

 

“So, the gallant gentleman has not left me stranded.”  She smiled politely.  She had rather wished he wouldn’t have reappeared, or that her father had not left her side.  He would have frightened the man off.

 

“Indeed.  This is an opportunity I would not miss for any excuse.”  They moved to the dance floor.

 

“I don’t even know your name?”  She questioned. 

 

He lied, “nor I yours.  I think it adds to the atmosphere.  Don’t you?”

 

‘Well,’ she thought to herself, ‘at least I won’t have to see him again, as I don’t know his name.’  “I think you’re right.”

 

The music began and he indicated their opening dance position.  She reciprocated and moved to his open arms.   Heath prayed for a repeat of that night, that first dance, when the first touch had sent static waves through them both.  He knew if it happened, the victory would be his.  There would be no denying what was between them and its necessity for life.  He held his breath.

 

His arm moved to her waist.  It was as if time had suddenly decided to stand still.  It felt like an eternity as he saw his hand move to her side.  The agony was collapsing in on him.  Could she feel it as well?

 

With his hand finally in connection with her, he felt her breathing stop.  His hand was so near the central core of her being that his heart exploded.  He had felt that shiver, that sensation, that indescribable wave of sheer bliss, and so had she.   Why else would her breathing have stopped?

 

He looked into her eyes and saw so many emotions along with the tears just beginning to form in the corners of her lids.  Why couldn’t she just give in?

 

“Don’t.  Please.  Just this one dance.  Let “us” have this one moment.”  His voice was so quiet, he was not sure she had heard him.  For a moment they moved automatically.  He felt her body begin to stiffen.

 

“We have earned this Bella.”  It was enough.  Just as quickly as it had tensed, her body relaxed and she merged into dancing perfection at his side. 

 

Her mind had been in flux all evening.  She hadn’t wanted this dance.  She had decided on a page form her father’s rulebook.  Run!  She knew she could not have withstood much more of Heath’s persistence.  She had suggested to her father that South America would be a fantastic voyage.  She had even begun checking in to possible destinations.  She found herself both relieved and sad at not having seen him since the ride.  Part of her was disappointed that he had given up.  She wondered if he knew how close he had been to success?

 

Now her world was spinning around her.  He was here.  She was in his arms.  How had she missed this?  She was dancing in the arms of the man she loved and she had not five minutes ago thought him a stranger.  What if her father saw them?  What would he do?  The thoughts were overwhelming her and she tensed.  This was so…. RIGHT.  God how often had she longed for this one moment?  This moment in time where no one but she and Heath existed; she was in HIS arms and nothing else mattered!  Damn it.  She would have this moment.  She relaxed and let every other tiny thing in the universe, except this man, disappear. 

 

Nick arrived and saw the crowds of well-dressed people and noting his attire, knew he would never get in by any standard method.  He found the pathway around the side and made for the hedge.  He was just about to begin climbing, when he heard voices on the other side.  He held still. 

 

“Markum is in place near the father.  So that leaves us for the girl.  We gotta be prepared for anything.”

 

The next voice added, “She’s in the red dress right?” 

 

“Yeah, with the sapphire necklace.  Can’t miss her.”

 

“What if she’s with someone?”

 

“Got that covered.  Old man Kinsey is pretty far gone.  We’ll be pretending to carry him out.  Either we throw him into her escort, or drop him and grab her during the commotion.”

 

“Got all aspects covered don’t we?”

 

“Like ice in winter.”

 

“You say such stupid things!”

 

The voices stopped.  Nick heard their faint rustling steps move away and he scaled the high hedge.  He was not entirely sure of what he had just overheard.  It didn’t sound good, but what if he was hearing something out of context?  He shook his head.  This wasn’t his first priority.  Sure, he’d keep his eyes open, but he was here for Izzy and Heath.

 

Jezzy watched the young couple dance from the corner of her eye.  She was manipulating a careful balancing act.  She needed to keep Liam distracted, yet longed to observe the couple herself.  She envied young love; hell, she envied any love.  The music was ending and the duo hadn’t seemed to notice.  She smiled.  They were lost in their own world.  She believed Heath had broken through.  Others around them had stopped dancing and the couple continued to hold each other.  She steered Liam to the other side of the room, into one of the galleries on the auspice of needing to meet someone before the fireworks.  He reluctantly followed her. 

 

The music had stopped and the couple was slowly brought back to reality.  He watched her begin to open her mouth and moved his finger swiftly to her lips.  “Don’t let it end yet.”  He applied pressure to her back in the direction of the patio, where many were already passing.  He expected resistance, but found none.  He moved her to a quieter corner near the building and pulled her off to the side.  She pulled her mask up and he followed suit.

 

“Heath.  I’m confused and scared.”

 

“Let me help.”

“Papa said…  he said, none of you cared.  You had sided with Nick.”

 

Heath had been expecting this.  He knew she loved her father, and he had no desire to infringe upon that, but Liam had lied.  He couldn’t condone that either.  “I don’t know why he told you that.  We have been searching high and low for you.  Bella, I told ya, Nick hates himself for what happened.  He wanted to come, but I wouldn’t let him.  I think I’m trying to punish him a bit.  I’m pretty angry with him too.  He attacked me and threatened you.”

 

“He was so hurt by me.  I don’t think I blame him for being angry.  I’m scared.  He said… God help me Heath, I believe him.”

 

“Believe or believed?  Do you trust me Bella?”

 

“I…  I don’t know who to trust anymore.”

 

The fireworks had begun, unacknowledged by the two.  The crowd was focused above. 

 

“Bella, in light of everything that has happened, I still need you to trust me.”

 

She searched his face, hoping her response would appear there.  When it didn’t, she looked out into the crowd.  Her voice caught momentarily in her throat. 

 

“You lied.”

 

“What?”  He was baffled, how had it gone to this?

 

“He’s still angry.  Oh God Heath, did you set me up?  Your job was to get me to let down my guard?” 

 

She was completely panicked and he had absolutely no idea why.  He traced her gaze and immediately understood her words.  As she began to back away, he saw for himself.  Nick pushing through the crowd, coming at them full force and yelling.  Heath turned back, but it was too late, Isabel had already started around the corner of the building. 

 

He followed after her but in the next instant, his head was filled with pain as the fireworks moved inside his brain and he fell to the ground. 

 

 The Time to Heal (7)

 

Nick worried as the crowds swarmed the patio.  It was hard enough with everyone in masks, but the sheer volume was blurring.  He felt he could determine the two he sought though.  In the back of his mind, he relived the words he had overheard as well.  His senses were heightened.  He patted his sidearm, relieved to have worn it.  He turned his brain to logic.  If he were Heath and Isabel, where would they want to be?  Surely not front and center, no they would gravitate toward the fringe.  He scanned the edges of the patio and was rewarded when he saw a couple in the corner, just lifting their masks.  He smiled at seeing the two deep in discussion.  He thought for a moment, on how best to approach the two.  He even considered waiting until tomorrow. 

 

Every nerve in his body went on high alert as the words form earlier came thundering into his synapses.  ‘Red dress and sapphire necklace’  Oh God, Izzy was wearing a red dress and sapphires.  Nick drove through the crowd.  It was a nightmare.  Two men appeared in the shadows of the building just behind the couple.  He screamed, but was drowned out by the boom and crackle of the explosions overhead.  He crashed in to people and paid no mind to their outcries.  He knew only one thing, get to them.  He watched the scene play out before him as he helplessly tore through the masses.  He made eye contact with Izzy.  He prayed she understood, but saw the fear enter her eyes, even from his distance.  For every step forward, it seemed as some force was either pushing him back or flinging his goal out of reach.   

 

Although his body advanced, his heart wailed.  He watched her turn, only to drop into the arms of the waiting men.  He shouted to Heath to turn, but it went unheard.  He watched helplessly as his brother turned and was struck down.  As if his legs had finally been freed from chains, he ran faster.  He hesitated only a split second when bypassing his brother.  Izzy was more important at that moment.  As he rounded the corner, he saw her being pulled into a carriage.  She didn’t fight.  What was wrong with her?   He was too far away.  His heart rebelled.  He had run like never before in his life.  By the time he cleared the passageway, the carriage had blended into the hundreds of other similar vehicles.  He had no idea where they had gone.  He turned and went back to his fallen brother.  

 

Although there was a crowd, there were only two other witnesses to the incident.  They stood on the private balcony, overlooking the patio and watched the events unfold in horror. 

 

Liam had been on edge since glimpsing a potential Barkley.  He was irritated with Jezzy for her intrusion, but like his wife, he could deny her nothing.  Just before she tried to lead him off the dance floor, he had caught sight of his daughter and her partner and dread passed over him.  He saw Jezzy glance that way as well.

 

He grabbed her arm and stopped her retreat.  “Out with it now!  Why are you keeping me from my daughter?”

 

“What?  Oh for heaven’s sake Liam.  I thought you wanted her to meet some nice new men?  How can she with her father tripping over her?  Relax!”  She prayed he believed her.

 

“Jezzy, don’t mess with me!  Who is that with her?” 

 

She knew this voice.  It was the voice that frightened even the hardest of criminal.  It was the voice he used when he didn’t care about the effects of his desire.  She knew better then to defy it, even for the lovers, but still fought to ease the delivery.

 

“Come with me upstairs and I will explain.”

 

His eyes flashed and she was frightened for a moment.  He moved around her and headed toward the stairs.  She quickly followed.  They stopped at her balcony and found the couple in the crowd.  As they watched them remove their masks, his voice grew cold.

 

“Damn it Jezzy!  What have you done?” 

 

If he only knew the extent of her involvement, she surprised him.  “Do you remember the first time you saw Lillian?”

 

“What does this…  What are you driving at?”

 

“Look at her.  You know the truth.  The truth is when she looks at him.  She sees her world.  You used to look at Lili that way.  How can you deny her?”  He began to move off and she grabbed his arm.

 

“Damn it Liam.  Let them work this out.  Leave them be!”  Her voiced pleaded.

 

Liam was silent.  Could they?  Could they figure a way through this mire?  Jezzy’s question broke his deliberation.

 

“What the…?”  She pointed.  At the end of her finger, he saw the large figure in black bearing down on his daughter. He saw her panic and departure and helplessly, he saw the shadowy figures grab his daughter.  He flew from the room, leaving a stunned Jezabel with a silent cry on her lips.

 

The fireworks ended and all that was left were stray shots, unexploded cartridges and shriveled singed confetti.   Heath was struggling to stand, as Nick appeared to help him up.  Liam however, grabbed Nick from his support of his brother and smashed him against the wall.  He held Nick’s vest lapels and yelled in his face, as his hands moved to encase his throat.

 

“What have you done with my daughter?”

 

Heath fell back to his knees, his legs unable to solidify.  He tried reaching out to Liam. 

 

“Nothing” He choked out.  “I was only trying to help.  I overheard something and then saw them.”  He was gasping now.

 

Heath took a deep breath and pushed himself upright.  He stumbled closer to Liam and placed his hand on his shoulder. 

 

“Liam, listen!  I don’t know what exactly happened, but neither Nick nor I had anything to do with it. We both tried to save her.”  Jezzy cut off his plea.

 

“Liam let them be, you saw with your own eyes what happened.  They were not a part of it.”

 

“How do I know it wasn’t some sick plan of theirs to get Isabel back to Stockton?”  His grasp on Nick had not lessened. 

 

It was Jezzy again who spoke up.  “Because Heath has been here for weeks and if he wanted to, he has had ample and far less public opportunity to snatch your daughter.”

 

“What?”  The exoneration stunned Liam.  “Weeks?  How?”  Without letting go of Nick he turned to Heath.

 

“You think sneaking behind my back builds credibility for you?”

 

“No sir.  But I didn’t know of any other way.  You would have refused to let me see her and wouldn’t deliver my letter.  I had to see her.”

 

Nick made one final attempt to speak before he would pass out due to the constriction of his throat.  “Markum… They said Markum.”

 

Liam instantly reacted and made for the mansion.  In the same instant, Heath leaned in, and grabbed his falling brother’s gun and followed Liam.

 

The dance had continued at the conclusion of the fireworks and few people had noticed the two men frantically searching the crowd.  Liam, weapon drawn, moved to the stage and jumped up.  The disruption startled the band and they stopped playing.  Liam shouted at the top of his lungs.

 

“Markum!”

 

Heath realized what Liam was doing and scanned the crowd.  Obviously, they didn’t expect the man to step up and volunteer his presence, but they both figured he would make a run for an exit.  A man moving toward the front door with alarm rewarded their actions.  Heath called to him and gave chase.   Seeing the crowd in front of him, the desperate man turned and drew his weapon.  People everywhere in the rooms scattered and screamed.  The panic was palpable.  Both Liam and Heath aimed their weapons at the man to stop him.  Neither aimed to kill.  Markum took aim at his closest attacker, Heath.

 

In a second it was over.  Four shots rang out and two men fell.

 

The Time to Heal * 8 *

 

Jezzy stayed to help Nick to his feet.  He was breathing hard, but slowly attempted to follow the men.  With Jezzy’s help, he made his way into the room in time to see the crowd scatter, hear the gunshots echo and watch his beloved younger brother fall.  In the insanity of the moment, no one heard his anguished cry.  “HEATH!”

 

Shaking the pain from his neck and lungs, he ran to his brother and pulled him over to see the widening path of blood down his chest.  The bullet had hit him in the shoulder.  He placed his shaking hand on his brother’s chest and felt the ragged rise and fall of air moving in and out.  Jezzy had already begun to tear at her petticoat and stem the flow of blood.    The room seemed to empty.

 

Liam had bypassed the fallen suitor entirely.  He moved to the man known only as Markum.  He knelt at his side, rolled him over and felt his heart constrict at the sight in front of him.  Markum’s face was covered in blood.  The bullet had hit him between the eyes.  The corpse would provide them no leads to his daughter.  He knew he was too late, but he searched for the source of the fourth shot and found nothing.  He cursed and turned back to the Barkley brothers.

 

~ BV ~

 

Time seemed to have suspended for those within the house.  A doctor had been summoned and treated Heath.  Between the surgery to remove the bullet, the blood loss and the mild concussion, he had been unconscious for some time.  His condition had stabilized.  To a degree, Nick envied his brother.  He wished he could sleep, escape the horror of what had happened.  Liam had been meeting with various law officials.  In between visits he paced Jezzy’s study like a nervous caged animal.  He was a powder keg and Nick had no intention of being the spark, so he stayed away.  Jezzy was silent and withdrawn.  She dully wandered back and forth between the two rooms, searching for some way to be helpful.  They had received no word and no clues could be found.  Markum was foreign to the city, so they could build no connections.  The more hours that passed, the more hope waned.

 

Isabel was also unaware.  Had she been able to fight through the murky world of darkness she was in, she would have struggled.  For now, she was content to avoid reality.  When cognizant thoughts could enter her brain, she saw Nick bearing down on her and felt Heath’s betrayal and sunk back into the darkness. 

 

“Shouldn’t she be waking up?  How much of that stuff did you put on the cloth?”

 

“Who cares?  It’s far easier to do what we have to do with her out.”

 

“I can’t believe the boss wants her here.  This place is awful.”

“I don’t question the boss, but I think he wants to break her spirit.  She’s a wild one I guess.”

 

“Hell, this place‘ll do it.  Gimme your knife and get her necklace off.  It’s time to send

‘er pa a little token.”

 

One man went to her neck and removed the necklace, while the other took off her dance slipper.

 

“What the hell ya doing?”

 

“Boss’s orders.  He wants her hobbled.  Like I said, she’s spirited and he don’t want her easily getting’ away.”  With that he used the knife to cut her foot.  The gash was deep and bled severely.  He then took the stunning necklace and wiped it against the red fluid. 

 

“Yuck.  I guess that’ll freak the old man out.”

 

“Yep”

 

The man with the knife began to pull at her skirts and he was stopped.

 

“What the hell ya doing now.  I don’t think the boss would be happy if we had our way with her.”

 

“No you idiot.  I’m gonna tear her skirt to bandage her foot.  We just need her injured, not dead.”

 

They bandaged her foot and left her on the cot.  In a few short hours, Liam would receive the necklace and the hunt to retrieve his daughter would begin.

 

~ BV ~

 

It was late into the next evening before Heath showed signs of coming around.  His anxious brother waited.  He had endured enough alone and needed his brother.  He was rewarded by a pair of confused blue eyes.  First step was always water and he helped the man slowly down a glass before beginning.

 

“’bout time little brother.  You were beginning to worry me.”

 

“Izzy?”  The blue eyes now filled with pain as the memories returned.

 

“No word yet.  Liam’s about to burst.  I guess don’t blame him”

 

“Ransom?”

 

Nick was worried by Heath’s short questions.  “None yet.”

 

There was silence for a while and then Heath asked for clarification.  His voice was angry and cold.

 

“So, what else has happened since you burst in and ruined everything by scaring her into the arms of kidnappers?  If she dies….”

 

“How about going completely back to the beginning and catching a brother up?”

 

Heath’s hostile tirade was cut off by the appearance of a hazard looking Jarrod in the doorway.  Nick jumped off the side of the bed and practically ran to his brother and took both his arms.

 

“Jarrod, my god, what are you doing here.  Wait, I don’t care, I’m just glad you’re here.”

 

From the tone of voice he had just heard from Heath, he knew Nick was speaking from his heart.  His mother was right as always.  He was needed.  His two younger brothers took turns relaying what they knew of what had been happening and brought Jarrod up to speed. 

 

Their reunion was interrupted by Jezzy’s simple words.  “A package has come”

 

Nick and Jarrod helped Heath to his shaky feet and down the hall to the parlor.  There was no sense even trying to convince him to stay in bed.  Liam stood silently at the fireplace, his head resting against the mantel.  On the table in front of them they saw the box.  They moved closer.  In the box lay the necklace she had been wearing, but the luster of the sapphires was hidden by dried, caked blood.  All three brothers were too stunned to speak.  Heath began to crumble and they moved him to a chair.  As they changed positions, Jarrod saw the letter in Liam’s hand.

 

He approached Liam and gently pried the letter from his grasp and read it aloud.

 

                        If you wish to see your daughter alive again, prepare

                         two bundles of $50,000 and two bundles of $200,000.

                        You have one day and further instructions will arrive.

 

It was Nick who spoke first.  “$500,000?  Who can get that in one day?  Can we help?”  His world was swimming.  He tried to determine how they could assemble the cash.

 

“It’s not a problem.”  Liam’s voice was old and drained.  He turned and left the room. 

 

“Where’s he going?  Surely he can’t get that kind of money at night?”

 

It was Jarrod who noticed Heath beginning to slip from the chair and he motioned to Nick to help him.  They returned him to his room and settled him back under the sheets.  He dropped quickly off to a troubled sleep.

 

Isabel was cold and her opened eyes were met with darkness.  As her mind returned to her, she couldn’t stop the shivers that racked her body.   She slowly moved to sit up.  For a moment, the world spun but then settled back into place.  Her eyes were useless, so she began to feel around with her hands.

 

She was seated on a rickety cot.  The walls of stone were rough and damp.  She bent over to touch the floor and found it equally damp.  She started to stand, hoping to feel her way to a door, but as soon as she put weight on her injured foot, she fell back in pain.  She grabbed her foot and found it bandaged.  She had no recollection of the injury.  She fought to quell the panic rising within her.  She was too lost and afraid to even guess what was happening.  She sunk back onto her cot and contemplated her life and what had brought her to this hell.

 

The Time to Heal (9)

 

Heath was dreaming.  His heart hoped that all the events were a dream, but his mind knew better.  His own mind seemed to be torturing him.  He relived the horrible moment again and again; each time her fate grew dimmer.

 

He felt his uninjured shoulder being shaken and he sensed urgency, so he opened his eyes.  He found Nick and sunlight streaming in the windows.

 

“Sorry little brother, but I figured you were going to want to be there for this.”  He waited for his brother’s sleepy mind to catch up.

 

“It’s Jezzy.  She’s cracked.  She was involved from the start.”  He helped his brother into the next room.

 

Jezzy had indeed cracked.  She hadn’t meant for anyone to get hurt.  It was her pride, which had led her to such drastic measures.  She needed money and couldn’t bring herself to ask.  A man had offered her a solution to both their problems.  He had her.

 

Jarrod was restraining Liam.  Jezzy was crying in the corner, begging him to forgive her. 

 

Jarrod pleaded with Jezzy to calm down.  “Where is she?”

 

She stopped, looked at them and said quietly, “An old abandoned plantation outside of town.”  She gave them further instructions and Liam, Nick and Jarrod prepared to leave.  Heath attempted but was still too weak.  Nick knew it was killing him to stay.  “We’ll bring her home safe little brother, don’t worry.”

 

“Nick…”  Heath’s voice faded off and then he continued.  “She thinks we did this.  Let Jarrod…”

 

“I know.  I promise Heath.  I’ll let Jarrod and Liam handle things.”

 

They left and Heath sat in the parlor, praying time would fly.  It didn’t.

 

Several hours had passed when the main door swooshed open and Liam came thundering in carrying a prone Isabel in his arms.  He rushed up the stairs and laid her in the first bedroom.  The doctor had been summoned and was not far behind.  Liam wouldn’t leave his daughter’s side, but the Barkley brothers were ushered out into the hall.

 

Nick paced.  Jarrod stood leaning against the wall and Heath had slid down to the floor.  Again it seemed as if hours had passed when the door to her chambers finally opened and Liam appeared.

 

He turned to Nick.  “Against my better judgment, my daughter wants to see you.”

 

“Me?”  Nick hadn’t expected that.  He moved toward the door, but Liam stopped him.

“If you hurt her again, I swear to god, I will kill you this time.”

 

Jarrod was helping Heath up.  He could tell Heath was shaken by this turn of events.

 

They waited in the doorway as Nick approached her side.

 

“Hi.  Welcome back.”  He was nervous and scared.  He attempted a bit of light heartedness to start things off right.

 

She smiled at him and burst into tears.  “Oh Nick, what a mess I’ve made of things.  I’m so sorry.”

 

He moved forward and took her crying form into his arms and held her.  “Shsh..  It’s OK.  Everything is going to be fine.”

 

She stopped crying and pulled back from his arms.  “No its not.  Not after I tell you what I have to.”

 

He was concerned now in a new way.  “Best thing is to just be out with it.”

 

“I was wrong.”

 

“About what?”

 

“You…”

 

“How?”

 

“I was laying there and I had so much time to think.  I was so afraid….”  Her voice trailed off.

 

“And?”

 

“It is you I love!  I thought it was Heath, but it isn’t.  The whole time I just kept praying you were coming for me.  It WAS you all along.”

 

Nick was alarmed, but pulled her back into his arms.  “I love you too.”

 

Heath could not believe his ears or eyes.  How was this possible?  He stumbled and backed away, hoping beyond hope that he had heard wrong.  Jarrod turned to him and quietly said, “I’m so sorry Heath.  You’ve lost again!” 

 

Heath sat bolt upright in bed, sweat poured from his skin.  His breathing was harsh and rapid.  Nick was instantly at his side. 

 

“You ok?”

 

He looked around and fought for control of his lungs.  He managed to mutter, “Dream”.

 

“I was just coming to check on you.  No news.  Do I dare ask about the dream?”

 

“She wanted you.”  His voice was so sad and he looked away from Nick.

 

Nick grabbed his chin as he would a small boy and turned it to him.  “Not a chance in hell little brother, not a chance in hell.”

 

They locked gazes and reassured each other of the truth without word.  Jarrod watched the scene play out.  Heath noticed him and waved him in. 

 

“Are you two OK?”  Jarrod had been prepared for a battle.

 

The two brothers looked at each other.  Nick spoke first, sorrow in his voice, “God, after my threat, it had to have scared her seeing me charging in.  I just can’t seem to get things right can I?”

 

Jarrod attempted to moderate Nick’s feelings of guilt.  “Nick, she’s a reasonable woman.  When we get her back and explain it all, she’ll understand.”

 

“She’s scared.  She feels everyone has betrayed her, even Liam.”  Heath’s words depressed them all.

 

“Hearts heal.  We make mistakes and regret hurting others.  We all know this.”  He made eye contact with both his brothers and welcomed their knowing nods. 

 

It was Heath who broke the silence.  “Hell, she doesn’t stand a chance with the three of us here, working together.”  They all smiled.  Heath thought for a moment.

 

“Jarrod, I got a funny feeling.  I need you to pull one of your lawyer tricks out of your bag.”  He outlined his concern to his brothers, who listened intently and they formed a plan

 

If they had been surprised at Heath’s suggestion, they didn’t show it.  Jarrod, still tired from his trip and recent events as well, went to his room for a short nap.  Nick helped clean Heath up to ready him for the next scene.

 

The Time to Heal (10)

 

They found Jezzy and Liam in the dining room.  They were each pretending to eat, merely pushing food around their plates.  The brothers joined them with every intention of eating to regain lost strength, but ended up on the same path.

 

Liam broke the silence.  “The money is assembled and waiting for word.”

 

Jarrod continued.  “I don’t even want to ask how you were able to achieve that over night.”  He and Liam exchanged glances and Jarrod turned to Jezzy.  “The place looks wonderful as always Jezzy.  How’s business?”  She had closed down for the duration.

 

“Fine” She absent mindedly answered.  She was lost in her own world.  This is not what was supposed to be happening.  Everything was supposed to be over within 48 hours, not this long delay.  She was terrified that something had happened.  She dared not risk contacting Kingsford.  It was taking too long and she was weakening.  Kingsford had to know she would, why was he doing this to her?  It had been such a horrible year.  Everything seemed to be breaking down and contracts to suppliers had been lost, not to mention the handsome swindler who had stolen not only her heart, but also the biggest portion of her money.  She had wanted to go to Liam, but her pride had stopped her and moved her to such desperation.   

 

“You know, I realize you must have figured this out Liam, but this has to be an inside job.”  Jarrod secretly studied Jezzy from the corner of his eye and continued.  “Someone had to have known the schedule for that night and what she would be wearing, as well as your ability to gather that much money on short notice.”

 

“I know Jarrod.  But I don’t keep anyone close who would dare cross me like this.  They’ll pay when they are discovered, never fear.” 

 

Jezzy shivered at the tone of Liam’s voice.  She knew in that moment, that he would not rest until the culprits were uncovered, herself included.  When it came to Isabel, he rarely listened to reason.  It was hopeless and in that moment, she lost her control.

 

“The abandoned Whitmire plantation outside of town.  That’s where they have taken her.”  Jezzy’s revelation shocked Liam, but not the others.  Heath cringed inside.  He had hoped he was wrong.  Liam jumped from his chair and bore down on her.  Nick and Jarrod quickly moved to shield her.

 

“Liam, control yourself.  We need her.  You need to hear her out.”

 

Jezzy sobbed and dropped to the floor. “There was nothing left.  I could barely keep going.  He took it all.  How could I admit that to you?  I couldn’t.  God Liam, they weren’t supposed to hurt her.  I’m sure it’s not her blood.  God Liam, please…”

 

Heath moved to Jezzy’s side.  She clung on to him.  She did not realize the pain she caused him as she grabbed on to his wounded shoulder, but he held fast nonetheless.

 

“HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO HER?  SHE WAS LIKE A DAUGHTER TO YOU?”  Liam seared with rage.

 

The commotion in the room attracted one of the deputies in the foyer and he entered the room.  Liam pointed to Jezzy and ordered the man to take her away, then turned to gather his guns.   Jarrod corrected the instruction.  “Lock her in her room.”  To the deputy only, he added, “make sure she doesn’t hurt herself.”

 

The brothers then moved to join Liam.  Heath was moving slowly and Nick looked back to see the blood on his shirt. 

 

“Not this time little brother.  You need the doctor again.”  He pointed to the man’s shirt.

 

“No way Nick.  I’m going.”

 

“Damn it Heath!  You’re not going to do her any good right now.  Be here for her when we get back.”  He watched his brother’s face struggle, and then added.  “It was just a dream.  It’s never gonna happen”

 

They left to reclaim the girl.

 

The doctor had come again and re-bandaged Heath’s shoulder.  He also sent him back to bed.  Heath could hear him mumbling about a shot man being out of bed, but ignored him.  He couldn’t sleep.  Several times he made attempts to get out of bad, but was always thwarted.  Even pacing would have been better then just lying in the bed.  He wished the doctor would leave, but knew he was waiting to see to Isabel’s potential needs. 

 

Several hours passed before the front doors again opened.  Three dejected men entered and climbed the stairs.  Several marshals and deputies waited below.   The men stopped first at Heath’s room.  There wasn’t a sign of anyone present at the plantation.  They had 20 men search every inch.  They were still searching.  There wasn’t a shred of evidence to indicate anyone had been there for months. 

 

Liam turned from the room and began down the hallway to the door guarded by the deputy.  He demanded entrance, but was denied.  The deputy feared for the woman inside.  He didn’t like the look in this angry father’s face.  Jarrod followed, as did Nick helping Heath, to the chagrin of the doctor.  Jarrod indicated for the deputy to open the door.  “We need to talk to her.”

 

The men found Jezabel staring blankly into her vanity mirror.  She had changed into her gaudiest gown and was applying clown like portions of makeup to her face.  She didn’t acknowledge their entrance.  Jarrod approached her and touched her shoulder to draw her attention.  It failed.  Liam knelt next to her and turned her face to him.  He felt suddenly old and worn out.  He had lost all the fire of anger.  He removed a handkerchief from his pocket and began to remove the ugly makeup.  He spoke softly to her.  The brothers looked on amazed at this side of Liam.

 

“This is not for you dear Jezabel.  Your face is much to beautiful to hide it.”

 

She looked into his eyes.  “I’m not young anymore.  He was so wonderful to me in the beginning.”  Her voice was quiet and childlike.  “He made me feel young and beautiful again.  He made love to me.  Then he asked for money.  I gave it willingly.  Next he had me sign documents.  Liam, I was so blind.  How could I tell you?  How could I ask you for help?  He wasn’t supposed to hurt her.”

 

“Who was he Jezzy?”

 

“Kingsford, John Kingsford.  He was staying at the Brimley Hotel.” 

 

She sank down into his arms and he accepted her.  He did not know that she was moving for the knife in his boot.  Before he realized what was happening, she had pulled his knife out and backed away from him.    She held it to her throat and then moved it to her chest.

 

“I’m so sorry Liam.  I can’t believe I have done this.  I don’t deserve your sympathy.”

 

As Jezzy prepared to drive the knife into her own flesh, she had not noticed Nick move in behind her.  Just before she moved, he lunged forward and grabbed her arms.  The knife fell to the floor and everyone breathed again. 

 

Jezzy collapsed into Nick’s arms and begged them to let her die.  Liam moved in and took her in his arms. 

 

“No Jezzy.  Now is not the time.  I am only sorry that you weren’t able to come to me.  I can help and I will.  Now we must get Isabel back.”  He took her face and kissed her tear soaked cheek.  “We will find her and we will work to make this right.”  She was overwhelmed by the forgiveness in his voice and she accepted his loving embrace.

 

The doctor gave Jezzy something to sleep and the men moved to the parlor to discuss their next move.

 

Jarrod stated the obvious.  “This is no typical kidnapping.  Everything is moving too slowly.  I don’t think they plan on returning her.”

 

Heath became alarmed.  “Jarrod, you can’t say that.”

 

“He means white slavery.”  Something in Liam had died, the compassion from earlier was gone and his voice was hollow and empty. 

 

Nick, ever the man of action, “So we hit the docks.”

 

Jarrod, using logic as always, “They may take her over land.  We’ve got to track down this man, Kingsford.”

 

“We have, but the leads are cold.”  The federal marshal in charge of the case, Tom Skelton, had been patiently listening.  He knew enough of the men in this room to let them have input.  Under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t have allowed them to be as involved with the case.  He didn’t presume to think he could control or stop them.  “We managed to track down his hotel room, but the manager hasn’t seen him for days.  He did leave some stuff in his room, so I stationed a man to watch it.  We have been tracking his haunts since arriving in town.  He was hanging out in the French Quarter with two other men.  We hope to find something soon.”

 

Nick looked to Jarrod and he nodded.  “I haven’t been down to the French Quarter for a long time.  Whatcha say big Brother?” 

 

“Count me in!”

 

“Me too.”  Heath was willing, but his brothers knew he was not able. 

 

“Heath.  You need to stay here with Liam.  We might still get ransom directions.”  Jarrod knew this wouldn’t work and hoped Nick had something better.

 

“Like hell.  I need to do this.” 

 

Nick did have something better.  “Heath.  I promise you, we won’t take any action with out you.  Rest here for now and the minute we have something, we’ll be back for you.”

 

“Nick…” Heath tried to protest and Nick had anticipated that.  He moved to stand in front of Heath.

 

“If you can get through me, you can go now.  You might make it, but what good will you be when we needed you, when Izzy needs you, later.”

 

“Nick, I want to go.  I want Isabel.”  Heath was impatient all over again.

 

“Well hell, I want her too.”  All eyebrows in the room raised and even Nick felt the drop in temperature.  “Not like that!  Jeez.  I want her home safe too!”  All chuckled a brief tension-relieving laugh.

 

Heath conceded.  “So help me, you leave me out and I make what you did to me look tame brother.”  Jarrod was hit by the rage he saw flash across Heath’s face at the mention of the incident.

 

He and Liam watched his brothers go.  He knew they were true to their word, and he prayed they would find something the law had not.  He knew in his heart, it was Isabel’s only hope.

 

Jarrod and Nick knew they had the one thing the law did not, cash.  They knew that men who frequented these types of establishments, would not cooperate with the law, whether they were guilty or innocent.  They dressed themselves down and entered some of the haunts that Skelton had referred to.  So far they had found nothing.  They were very low-key in their inquiry, just in case an accomplice was near.  Jezzy had described Kingsford to them.  They discreetly flashed wads of cash and asked lots of questions.  After several hours, they decided to split up in order to cover more ground. 

 

Jarrod was about to give up, pick up Nick and check back in at Lili’s when a small conversation coming from a table half hidden in the corner next to him, hit his ears.  He couldn't believe what he was hearing..  He shuffled his stool a bit for better hearing and the ability to glance at the two and listened.

 

“I suppose its time to get her some more water, maybe even some bread.”

 

“Naw, give it more time.  The more often we go in that building, the better the chance of getting caught.  I wish Kingsford would hurry up with that ransom.  I’d like to get my share and get out.  This has already gone on too long.”

 

“I don’t trust him.  I can’t explain it, but I don’t think he’s the real boss.  I think he’s working for someone else.  Hell, I betcha he ain’t even interested in the money.”

 

“ I hear ya.  The man’s bad like hot in summer.”

 

“Stop saying those stupid things.”

 

Jarrod would look on the next moment as one of the most powerful proofs to the existence of a god and as the turning point.  As he listened to the men, he had struggled for his next step.  He didn’t want to confront them alone.  He was not sure of following them if they left and he did not want to risk losing them by going to get Nick.  His prayers were answered in that moment, as Nick entered the bar.  He summoned Nick to his side and nodded his head toward the secluded table.  He mouthed, “its them.”  Nick immediately understood.  Neither brother would confront them inside.  They would wait until they left and follow.

 

BVBVBVBVBVBVBV

 

Isabel had no concept of time.  There was never light in the room.  She had withstood the pain and explored her prison.  There was water everywhere.  In the corner was a bucket to be used for waste, she assumed, and she eventually found the door.  Of course, it had not budged at her request.  She had spent a long time pounding it and yelling for help, but it was no use.  The air was dank and musty.  She was desperate for some fresh air and water.  There was none available.  She couldn’t even see where she was, but she feared dying there.

 

The solitude had been interrupted only once.  She had heard steps approaching and called for help.  The door opened a small way and there was brief illumination from a candle.  She saw a small pitcher and plate with a chunk of bread.  She attempted to get to the door before it closed, but was too late.  She sunk to her knees at the door and drank the water and tore into the bread.  As she finished, she realized that had been a mistake.  She should have parceled off the rations.  She had no idea how long she had been here or how much longer she would be here.  She was losing hope.

 

Thirty minutes after having been discovered, the two men finally paid their bill and left.  Nick and Jarrod followed them and as they approached an alley, they moved in.  Guns drawn, they took the men by surprise and disarmed them.  They took no time for questions.  They summoned a carriage and returned to Lili’s.  The entire journey was filled with silence from the Barkley’s and pleading from the two cowering men. 

 

Nick roughly shoved the men through the front doors.  Several deputies instantly swarmed the group.  Liam ran down the stairs and grabbed the closest by the neck.  Heath followed Liam down as well.  No one attempted to stop him.  He pulled his gun from its holster and pointed it right between the man’s eyes.

 

“You have 10 seconds to tell me where my daughter is.  If you don’t, you die right here and now, if you do, I will let the authorities deal with you.  You decided.  ONE”

 

He stammered with fear.  “Ya’ll can’t just sit there and let him do this?”

 

“Two THREE FOUR FIVE”

 

“Hey… knock it off.  All right, call him off…  I’ll tell ya.”

 

“No!”  His partner cried out.  “He’ll kill us for sure.”

 

“Either way we’re dead men.  She’s at the old Carter’s Mill Warehouse.”

 

The Time to Heal (11)

 

Liam and the brothers hadn’t even waited for more details.  They dashed out the door.  The deputies could not rush in without more details, so they held to question the men.

 

They had taken horses and left them a block away.  They hoped that an arrival on foot would be less noticeable to anyone observing.  Only when they reached the warehouse, did it occur to any of them that perhaps they should have gotten more information, or help.  There were four floors and it was a large warehouse.  It had been designed long ago for easy loading and unloading from the river and was built up the side of the bank.  The lowest level was barely visible from the street.  Old man Carter had been a fool and that is why it was now vacant.  He thought he was maximizing space, but its construction had left it unsound, the lower level prone to flooding.  Just inside the main entrance, they found some old lamps and lit them.  They divided up the floors and went their separate ways.

 

Time as it were, was everything.  Shortly after entering the building, a large dark carriage pulled up out front.  The man they sought, Kingsford, stepped out and spoke briefly with someone within.  He turned and made his way inside, unaware that anyone else was within.

 

Nick had opted for the lowest level that ran down along the river.  It was cold and dark.  He shivered as he imagined Izzy alone in this horrible place.  He suspected it would be some time before she slept in the dark.   He moved along carefully.  The light from his lamp did not extend that far in the thick blackness.  He was able to figure out the large boarded up doorways that would have once been used as loading docks.  He was careful not to miss any possible clue.  He debated calling out, but just in case Kingsford was here, he dared not. 

 

Isabel was semi-aware.  She was weakened from cold, the loss of blood and lack of food.  She drifted in and out of a dreamlike state.  From somewhere in the world she long to avoid, she thought she heard scuffling.  She next heard the scamper of rats running along her door.  She knew someone must be near to have scared them.  She attempted to call, but there was little voice within her throat.  She dragged herself up and over to the door.  When she reached it, she slid down its length and gathered in a puddle at its base.  She limply raised her hand and knocked.  She tried her voice again, and this time was rewarded with a small “Help.”

 

It was enough.  Nick had heard the slight noise and made his way in the direction from which it had come.  He hoped he would hear it again and was rewarded with another slight knock. 

 

Kingsford had not heard Isabel, but had heard and sensed the presence of the man up ahead.  He followed quietly.  If it had been one of his men, he would not be moving so slowly.  He sensed danger and prepared himself.

 

Nick found the door and tried its lock.  He found it holding strong.  He knocked quietly on the door and was again rewarded with a knock and a slight moan.  He got close to the door and whispered.  “Dizzy.  It’s me, Nick.  DON’T BE AFRAID!  We are all here to get you out.  I’m not gonna hurt you.  Back away from the door, I’m gonna try and bust it down.”

 

She heard the voice, but was too tired to be afraid.  Nick was better then this hell.  She pulled herself away.

 

Nick allowed what he figured was enough time for her to move away and then backed away from the door himself.  He ran at it with his full strength and plowed into it.  He met with no success.  He was about to try again, when a man startled him.

 

“How about the key?”  Nick turned in time to see the board coming at his head, but not in enough time to react.  His world shattered on impact and he slumped to the cold ground.

 

Kingsford, knowing Barkley would not be alone, quickly unlocked the door and entered.  He searched the room with his light, but missed the girl. 

 

She knew the minute she heard the tumblers, that all was not right.  She pulled herself quickly behind the door and waited.  He entered and flashed his light around.  She lunged at him.  She knew she didn’t have the strength to fight him.  She had summoned what she hoped was enough strength to push him off his feet and run.  She was steeling her brain to ignore the inevitable pain. 

 

She shoved forward.  She pushed into him and knocked him to the ground.  She headed out the door, only to trip over a prone form on the ground.  She cursed her luck and tried to stand.  With only the pale lamp light coming from the room she had just left, she could not see what direction to go.    She hauled herself up and simply ran with no direction.

 

Kingsford came quickly to his feet, grabbed the lamp and followed after her.  The jolt from Izzy landing on him had begun to waken Nick.  He came to quickly enough to grab out at the foot of Izzy’s pursuer.  Kingsford went down in a heap, but kicked back to free himself.  Nick dodged the kick and rolled.  He attempted to pull himself up and his head spun.  Kingsford, seeing the man struggle, pushed him aside and continued on his path.  He had lost her, but he had the advantage.  He knew the space, in darkness or light.

 

The three other men had returned to the main entryway empty handed.  Noting Nick had not yet returned, they proceeded to the basement.  Their 3 lights illuminated the space well and they quickly moved forward.  They found Nick on his knees, bleeding from a gash on the side of his head. 

 

“I’m fine.  They went that way.”  He pointed to the opposite direction.  Hesitating just a moment, they started forward. 

 

Meanwhile, Isabel was losing strength.  She had not planned on covering this kind of distance.  She stayed low and was moving slowly due to her lack of light now.  She had cuts and bruises from hitting various unseen objects.  She knew she would not escape in this fashion, so she began instead to search for some form of hiding.   Her hands stumbled upon the form of a table and she crouched low behind it.  She knew Nick would not be here alone.  She prayed for rescue. 

 

Kingsford smiled to himself.  He had witnessed her shadow move for cover.  He had her.  He also knew where the rear exit was.  He would capture her, and make his move to the waiting carriage before anyone found them.  He was so focused on his prey, he did not notice the increase in light behind him and he was felled to the ground before he could react.  It was Jarrod that had tackled the unsuspecting man.  Kingsford attempted to fight him off, but was met by Heath’s revolver in his temple. 

 

“Give me the reason.  I got no problem killing you right here and now.”  Heath’s voice was cold.  It made even Jarrod nervous.  Kingsford ceased his struggle.

 

Liam brushed past the men and called to his daughter.  Somewhere in her stress and exhaustion she heard a familiar voice calling to her. 

 

“Papa?”  She dared hope she wasn’t dreaming.

 

It was one word, but it was enough to guide him to her.  He reached down to her and took her into his arms.  She was not 100% certain what was going on, but in her mind she felt her prayers had been answered and she succumbed to oblivion.

 

He picked her up and met up with the waiting men.  Jarrod had tied Kingsford’s hands with Heath’s kerchief and shoved him forward.  Heath reached out to touch her.  He could see that she wasn’t conscious, but he needed to feel her breathe and know she was truly there and not a dream.  He turned and guided Liam back to Nick.  He was standing now and Heath reached out to help support him.  Nothing was said; they were all too overwrought with emotion.

 

As they exited the warehouse, Isabel began to surface in her father’s arms.  He stopped and rested her against the wall.  She moaned and her eyes fluttered open.  She said nothing but scanned the crowd of men.  She saw them all, looking at her with eyes not of hatred and betrayal, but love and concern.  They had rescued her. 

 

Her body tensed and anger filled her eyes and she looked at her father.  “Why would they be here if they didn’t care?  Why papa, why?”

 

“Isabel, I just didn’t want you hurt further.”

 

“By whom?” She looked away from him and closed her eyes, willing herself to be drawn back into oblivion. 

 

Jarrod found himself wondering why there were not yet any marshals present.  He longed to get rid of his charge and focus on the girl before him.  No one noticed the carriage across the street, at least not in time.

 

Liam, in an attempt to deflect his daughter’s obvious disappointment, turned to Kingsford. 

 

“Why did you take my daughter?  What were you planning to do with her and who are you working for?”  The hostile tone that frightened men had returned.

 

Kingsford debated a moment.  “He wants her and he will get her.” 

 

Those would be his last words.  A shot rang out of the unnoticed carriage as it flew off.  Kingsford’s head snapped backwards and then his whole body slumped forward in death.

Just as the carriage fled, the wagons full of law officers finally arrived. 

 

Skelton approached the group and ordered the wagon to carry them home.  They packed Isabel and Nick in first, next to each other.  She was barely alert.  They were all concerned for her.  Heath cut Liam off and moved in next to Isabel.  Jarrod chuckled at this turn.  Liam didn’t outwardly, but allowed himself an internal smile.  Isabel stirred and turned her head.  Everyone held their breath as her eyes made contact with Nick’s.  She smiled faintly and reached out for his hand.  He hadn’t realized he was holding his breath, but released it and took her hand in his.  She drifted back to sleep.

 

The doctor was again summoned.  Although both insisted on waiting in the hall for news, anyone could see that both Nick and Heath were on their last legs.  They both needed to see the doctor as well.  Jarrod assumed his best older brother role and ushered them off to waiting beds.  Despite the urge to deny the instinct, they both fell asleep soon after settling in the comfortable beds.

 

The doctor spoke with Liam and Jarrod and assured them of Isabel’s eventual recuperation.

 

“I can’t say how soon her mind will ease.  She has been through some ordeal, but her body will.  Bumps, bruises, abrasions and cuts are the bulk.  She hasn’t eaten or had much to drink, but we’ll catch her up.  She does need to stay off her foot for a spell.  I cleaned it up, but she does have a mild infection.  All things considered, things could have gone far worse. “

 

“Can I see her?”  Liam needed to be with her.

 

“She’s sleeping and sleep is what she needs most, but you are certainly welcome to sit with her.  Try and get her to drink water if she wakes.  We’ll get broth into her later.”  He turned to Jarrod.  “Now, lets go see those brother’s of yours.”

 

Nick’s head was checked and found not to be serious.  Heath’s wounds had held up well and all that was needed were changed bandages.  The doctor did order them both in bed for the day.  Jarrod moaned at this thought.  He suddenly wished his mother were present.  This was one task he was not sure he was up to. 

 

Liam refused to move from his daughter’s bedside.  At times she slept well, and at others her dreams were tormented.  Liam hardly knew which torment of late was the one plaguing her, perhaps all wrapped into one.  For the first time in a very long time, he found himself truly and deeply praying.  He needed a way to help his daughter, and he needed it soon.  He bathed her glimmering brow again and waited for a miracle.

 

No one seemed settled in the house.  Nick and Heath were both quiet.  Jezzy refused to leave her bed.  Jarrod moved along as the silent observer.  There was a lot of healing that was needed in this house and now was the time for it to begin. 

 

Isabel woke briefly the next afternoon.  She said nothing.  She took some water and then curled up on her side, away from her father’s gaze.  He attempted to talk to her, but she ignored him.  Jarrod had witnessed the scene and formed his plan.  He went to Heath’s room first and brought his younger brother to Nick’s room.

 

“Izzy’s hurting.  She won’t even talk to Liam.” 

 

Heath was concerned.  “She seemed ok at the warehouse.”

 

“Well hell, why should she talk to him?  He lied to her.”  Nick was expressing a confidence he didn’t feel.

 

“We all betrayed her.  She doesn’t know who to trust.”  Heath quietly added.

 

“May I offer a suggestion?”  Jarrod had assumed the role of lawyer in a disputed contract.  “Before she can resolve her issues.  You need to resolve yours.”

 

The Time to Heal (end)

 

“What?  Jarrod we’ve been resolving now for months.  Give it a rest.”  Nick was frustrated.

 

“Heath, is he correct?” 

 

“Yeah, sure.  We’re fine.”  No one missed the lack of enthusiasm in his voice.

 

“Damn it Heath, what do I have to do to prove to you I am sorry.  If I could take that day back, I would.  Why can’t you believe me?”

 

His question was simple and quietly spoken.  “Did you know what you were doing when you attacked me?”

 

Nick thought for a moment.  “I was trying to get rid of Izzy’s rejection.  I needed that hurt to go away.  All of a sudden it occurred to me that you were going to have everything I ever wanted.  I was jealous.”

 

The confession had hurt Nick and they all knew it.  Then he surprised them.  “Why didn’t you fight back?”

 

“Guilt.  I was ashamed of myself.  You were hurting.  You had lost her and I was happy.  It still makes me sick to think that I had that in me.”

 

“So it seems my brothers, that loving Izzy makes us all a bit insane.  Can we live with that?”

 

“Yes,” answered both simultaneously.  They turned to each other and smiled, a true and genuine smile.

 

Nick stopped smiling.  “You’re two halves of a whole.  No wonder it made you feel sick inside.  I understand that.  It seemed I had what you needed, your dream is proof enough of that.”

 

“When did you know, about how I feel about her?”  Heath’s voice was again small.

 

“The swing.  You saw her need.  I didn’t.”

 

“humph, I just wanted her to enjoy a birthday.  My ma always managed to make mine special and I just couldn’t see anyone shirking the gift of life.”

 

“Especially hers.” 

 

Heath, not to be outdone, added his rationalization.  “Your heart’s too damn big, big brother.”

 

“Say again, little brother.”

 

He smiled.  “Your hearts so damn big that when it breaks, it breaks big and big wounds need lots of time to heal.”  The emotions flying could have overpowered them, but that was not the Barkley way.  Heath continued.  “Yep. You’re too darn old to heal faster.  We all knew we just had to give you time.”

 

“Old?  Well hell little brother, better old then stupid.  You had her in front of your face and did nothing.  Its no wonder I’m always having to repeat myself.  It takes forever to get through that thick skull of yours.” 

 

“Thick skull?  I’m not the one who got hit upside the head with a board and has barely a scratch.  Jarrod, maybe we better get the doc back….”

 

Jarrod burst out laughing and his brothers joined in.

 

They allowed Isabel another day to rest her body, before they attempted to confront her spirit.  They had all stopped in to sit with her from time to time, but met with the same response, none.  Liam never gave up.  He told Isabel everything that had happened, including Jezzy’s involvement.  He hoped this might shock her in to saying something, but it didn’t.

 

Izzy felt like she was drowning.  Her head knew they were all there for her and trying so hard to show their love.  She didn’t blame them.  She blamed herself.  She was frustrated that she couldn’t let go of her feelings of betrayal.  When she first saw them, it felt like nothing had ever happened.  She felt safe and loved.  As she rested and dreamed, everything that had happened came flooding back.  She had failed the ones she loved and they had failed her.  Who was more at fault?  Could they really forgive her?  Could she forgive them?  It was far easier to curl up and wish them away.

 

When the doctor confirmed that her fever was gone and she was physically improving, Nick and Heath made their move.  Convincing Liam to allow them the opportunity to talk to Izzy alone was not easy.  Jarrod had eventually won the argument and Liam left, as the brother’s entered.  They moved to her bed and each took up a position on either side of her.

 

“Wakie wakie Dizzy.”  Nick was tickling her nose.  She slapped his hand away and rolled over to the other side.  He smiled at Heath who grinned back, blue eyes flashing with mischief.

 

Heath unveiled the onion in his hand and took a large bite before leaning in close to her face.  “Come on now Bella.  Its time to face the music.”  She cringed at the smell and attempted to pull the covers over her face.  Both men grabbed them first and yanked them down to her feet.  This made her angry.

 

“What the hell is your problem?  I don’t want to talk.  Haven’t we all been through enough?”  Her body shook and her hands trembled.  Heath grabbed her hands and she tried to pull them away, but he held firm.

 

“No.  We haven’t had enough.  We deserve a whole lifetime, after all, we did save your life.”

 

She knew she had fallen into their trap.  She tried to think of a way out, but found none.  She decided silence was her only possibility.  She had gotten good at it.

 

Knowing this would be her plan; Nick and Heath began to talk.  They told her everything that had gone through their minds in the last months.  They knew she heard them.  They hoped she would listen.  When there was no more they could say and the sun had moved across the room, they were content to sit in silence with her.

 

She lay there stunned, confused and broken.  She finally spoke.

 

“I can’t.  I don’t know what to think or believe anymore.  My father lied.   Jezzy used me. Nick threatened to kill me and you.”  She stopped and looked at Heath for a second and then looked away.  

 

“I what?”  He took her hand.

 

“You loved me at the risk of losing your brother.” 

 

Nick could hear no more.  “That’s what its all about Iz.  People aren’t perfect.  They have emotions, which mislead them and frailties, which disappoint us.  That’s the magic of love.  It binds us and sustains us through these times, if you let it.”  He paused and watched the swirl of thoughts cross her face.  “It’s not real love that causes us pain.  It’s everything else.”

 

Heath cut him off, although impressed with his brother’s words.  He needed to finish this.

 

“Love heals us.”

 

Nick nodded.  It was working; they could see it in her eyes.  “We never stopped loving ya and I pray that at least deep down, you didn’t stop loving us.  Dizzy, you have to come home.”

 

“But Nick.”

 

He cut her off again, “DIZZY, I love ya.  But I’m going to love you even more as Mrs. HEATH Barkley.  You probably don’t even notice the smile you bring to his face and the light in his eyes.  Heck, I think I love him more, because he does the same for you.”

 

She burst in to tears.  Heath pulled her into his arms and held her.  The dam had broken and she accepted his love.  Nick moved off the bed and toward the door.  He caught Heath’s eyes and they smiled. 

 

She cried herself to sleep in his arms and soon enough, he too fell asleep, holding her.  Most members of the household had stopped in the doorway to watch the sleeping couple.  It brought a smile to their faces.  It was dark in the room when they both woke.  They lay there snuggling in each other’s arms, basking in love.

 

“You know, you have to talk to your dad and Jezzy.  Fighting to protect someone or something you love does powerful things to a man, or a woman.”

 

“I know.” 

 

The next morning, Isabel, Jezzy and Liam spent a great deal of time talking.  There was laughter, tears, reminiscing and forgiveness.   The atmosphere of the house had dramatically changed. 

 

Later that night, the house was asleep.  Heath woke suddenly.  He sensed something wrong.  He got up and made his way to Isabel’s room.  As he opened the door, he saw her just beginning to toss in the throws of a nightmare.  He went to her side and prepared to wake her.  In the next instant, she screamed and sat upright.  He took her in his arms and rocked her again. 

 

When she had calmed, she looked at him and asked.  “So, I should come home?”

 

“Well, not without me.”

 

“Promise?”  They smiled at each other. 

 

Liam and Nick had heard her scream and met in her doorway.  They saw and heard the exchange and smiled.  They slowly closed the door.  Liam spoke first.  “I would have never thought it possible for you all to work through this.”

 

“Give us a little credit, will ya?”  They returned to their rooms.

 

Back in the room, Isabel was still troubled.  “I’m sorry.”

 

“For What?”

 

“I burned your letter.” 

 

He rolled over and turned up the lamp at her bedside.  He then slid off the bed and kneeled on the floor at her side and took her hands.

 

“I wonder about my mind sometimes.  I honestly believed that if I burned it, you would go away.”  Tears welled in her eyes.  He reached up and held her face.

 

“It was my confession.”

 

She sniffed, “Huh?  Confession?”

 

“Love.  I tried to make it poem-like, but I gave up and just wrote.  It didn’t even flow.“ 

 

He gained a dreamy, far-off look in his eyes, as if he was seeing the words before him.  His words were confident.  And he began to read her his letter from the vision in his mind.

I tried to be blind, unwilling to see
I have ignored every blessing.
I'm on my knees confessing
I have been wrong about you.
Thought I was strong without you.
For so long nothing could move me.
For so long nothing could change me.
You are the air that I breath.
You're the ground beneath my feet.
I feel myself surrender
Each time I see your face.
I am staggered by your beauty,
Your unassuming grace.
And I feel my heart is turning,
Falling into place.
I can't hide anymore

This is my confession

I love you.

I need you.

Come back for us.

 

She was stunned and tears freely rolled down her cheeks.  “I don’t deserve it.  It’s beautiful.  I burned it up.”

 

“You didn’t burn up the words.  They are here,” He pointed to his heart, “forever.  I need only one thing from you.”

 

“I love you.”

 

“That’s it.”  He pushed up off his legs and leaned in to kiss her.  At the last second, she spoke, disrupting the intended kiss.

 

“I’m hungry.”

 

He laughed.  His life would never be boring.  “Me too.  How about I go rustle us up something to eat?”

 

“Thanks”

 

Nick was enjoying a midnight snack in the kitchen when Heath arrived.  Nick smiled at him.

 

“My room is closer, how did you get there so fast?”

 

“I dunno.  I just woke up and knew she needed me.”

 

“You are the right man for the job Heath Barkley, the right man.”

 

BVBVBVBVBVBV

 

Four days later, Izzy joined the group at the table for dinner.  Conversation revolved around recent events and their impending departure. 

 

Jarrod reported that they had not found a clue as to who the mystery assailant was.  Most likely it was the same person who fired the fourth shot.  The district attorney had also agreed to not press charges against Jezzy and Liam had given her the ransom money.

 

Nick could hold back no more,  “Liam, I have to know.  How did you manage to assembly $500,000 in one night.”

 

Liam smiled.  “Poker”

 

Nick and Jarrod both spit out their drinks from surprise.  Heath chuckled.  “Boy Howdy, that’s one game I would have liked to have been part of.”

 

“Liam, tell the truth.”  Nick refused to believe him.  Liam just smiled.

Isabel was comfortably seated on a chair in the private car and her foot was being propped up on a stool in front of her.     Her father kissed her and held her hand. 

 

“Be good.”  She admonished.  “I wish you would come with us.”

 

“Can’t.  You’ll be well taken care of.”  He looked at the three men surrounding him.

“Besides, I have business to attend to here, and I think Jezzy needs me more right now.” 

Isabel and Jezzy had said their goodbyes at the house.  Jezzy was still healing and could not completely give up her feelings of guilt.

 

The men had talked about this departure at length.  Liam was remaining behind to track down the mastermind of this plot.  He was still out there and that meant Isabel was still in danger.  The boys understood this and reassured him they would protect her.  He knew of no safer place for his precious daughter then with these men. 

 

They said their goodbyes and Liam departed.  They settled in for the long trip home.

 

Halfway home, Nick felt his vest pocket and pulled out the documents within.  He turned to Isabel and Heath, seated across from him and handed Heath the paper.

 

“This is yours now.”  Heath unfolded the paper and stared disbelieving.  Isabel turned and took it from him.

 

“No”

 

“But you two are Barkley-Winthrop now.  It should be yours.”

 

He saw tears welling in Izzy’s eyes, but not of joy.  “Nick, this was our dream.  Yes, Heath should be a part. But if you truly meant everything you said, it is still ours, yours and mine.”

 

“You sure?”

 

“Yes”

 

“You sure?” turning to his brother.

 

“Boy Howdy big brother, I don’t want her as my business partner.  I couldn’t handle her.”  He grinned his most disenchanting grin and his blue eyes danced with joy.

 

They laughed.  Jarrod eyed the other document in Nick’s hand and pulled it from him and read.

 

“Interesting brother Nick, what was this for?”

 

Both Isabel and Heath wore confused expressions. 

 

“It was my little insurance policy to make sure Izzy got home.”

 

She looked at Jarrod and indicated to the paper.  “What is it?”

 

“A lawsuit.  He filed breech of contract proceedings against you.  You are technically a criminal.”

 

“What?”

 

“One way or the other, you were coming home Dizzy, one way or the other.”

 

She leaned forward and kissed him.  “Thank you” and then slapped him.

 

“You had better get that cancelled as soon as we get home.”

 

“Yes ma’am.”

 

Epilogue

 

The evening they arrived home was filled with joy and celebrating.  The rag tag group was greeted with continual hugs and kisses.  After dinner, Heath carried Isabel into the study.  She was using a cane, but he had insisted, even with his healing shoulder.  It had become a game between he and Nick.  The brother’s played pool and the women chatted up a storm to pass the evening.

 

“Boy howdy, there is sure a mess of hens in here tonight.” 

 

Izzy heard his comment and of course, reacted.  “Hey.  I’d be there playing if I could.”  She hopped over to the table.

 

Nick began the battle.  “A likely excuse.  You can’t even beat Jarrod.”

 

“Hey, unfair.”  Jarrod cried with mock indignation.

 

As they bantered back and forth, Heath stood quietly by and watched the exchange and grew more in love then ever.

 

Mid-sentence, Heath moved to her and in one smooth motion pulled her into his arms and possessed her lips. 

 

It was their first kiss.  Jarrod applauded.  Nick exclaimed, “It’s about time!”

 

Isabel felt the blush rise in her cheeks.  This was not the scene she had hoped for their first kiss, but she no longer cared.  He could have this battle.

 

They kissed and kissed and kissed.

 

 

** Author’s Note:  Heath’s letter is a complete rip off from the song “My Confession” by Josh Groban.  Check it out!  You’ll swoon like a Heath, Nick or Jarrod kiss..