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.

 

 What lies beneath… by Frauee

 

Tom Jones had fallen hard from the horse.  He hadn’t been paying attention.  The breaks in his leg were bad enough to keep him from work for eight weeks.  Who would have thought that fate would be so kind to him? 

 

Matthias Klug had arrived in Stockton two days after the unfortunate incident.  He saw the closed smithy and asked around to see if it was for sale.  Most people ignored him.  They saw an immigrant with limited language skills.  They had no desire to help him out.  Matthias was always astounded by that reaction.  Was not America formed on the backs of immigrants?  Why had so many seemed to forget this?  One kind man directed him to Dr. Merar’s office. 

 

Within short order it was arranged.  Matthias would reopen the blacksmith’s shop and run it for Jones while he recuperated.  There were only two blacksmiths in Stockton, and they were kept very busy as it was.  It would benefit the town to reopen the shop.  They shook on the deal and Matthias went to move his wagon to the back of the shop.  Jones had offered to let him use the small rooms he used in the rear, but Matthias insisted he and his daughter would be happy to camp around back. 

 

Matthias Klug and his daughter had moved to the states one-year prior.  They had traveled from town to town across country, eventually landing in Stockton.  In Germany he had been a world-class metal worker.  No matter what the request, he could fashion it.  He was especially well known for his sabers and weapons.  In America, he was happy if he could find work as a smith, shoeing horses to sustain he and his daughter.  They never stayed in one place too long.  He was anxious and filled with wanderlust.

 

“Wir bleiben hier.”

 

“Nay Papi.  You must use English.  You need to practice.”

 

“Ve are staying here.  Ve move around back and settle in.”

 

“Gut.  Papi, zey have a library.  I can get books.”

 

“Ja, Schatzchen.  Books for you.  A shop for me.”

 

Amalia Klug set about making camp for she and her father.  She found herself wishing they could make a home here.  She had a good feeling about Stockton.  Matthias entered the shop and fired up the cold forge, ready to work his magic.

 

Within a week, word was spreading of Matthias Klug’s craftsmanship.  Not only was he shoeing horses, but also he was beginning to take orders for other products.  The business kept him going long into the night.  Always at his side, was his beloved daughter Amalia, although no one knew it. 

 

No one noticed her.  She blended in to the background.  If they did, they assumed she was a boy.  She dressed as one.  Amalia worked daily at her father’s side and wore the clothes of the trade, a pair of heavy pants, a shirt and a thick leather apron.  Although she didn’t fashion metal, she worked as hard keeping the smithy going.  She frequently worked the bellows or fetched the water.  She kept her dark blond hair in a tight, single braid down the back of her neck.  Most days it was tucked into her shirt.  She wore a kerchief on her head to collect sweat and a hat as well.  A person had to get very close to guess she was a young woman of twenty.  She didn’t mind.  She had avoided the trapping of women for over a year now.  She didn’t miss it. 

 

Matthias and Amalia had very little interaction with the citizens of Stockton, save business.  They had been at work, keeping to themselves, for 4 weeks and supplies were an issue, so they closed up the shop for an hour and walked downtown to the first mercantile they found. 

 

Having placed their order, Amalia walked around the shop, looking at the various items.  She stopped and smelled a bottle of perfume. 

 

“You buying a gift for your girl?”

 

The tall, dark haired man with hazel eyes startled her.  She looked at him quizzically.

 

“Pardon?” 

 

It was only when she spoke, that Nick Barkley realized his mistake.  This was no boy in front of him; it was a girl.

 

“Sorry ma’am.  I didn’t realize…” He stammered over his apology. 

 

“No need sir.”  She placed the perfume back on the counter and moved quickly away from the man.  She found herself near the women’s dresses and her father approached. 

 

“You like a dress?”

 

“Nay Papi.”  She smiled at him.  He would give her the world if she asked. 

 

They went back to the counter and waited for their bill.  The dark haired man approached the counter as well and began talking to another man across the room.

 

“You see anything for Audra’s birthday, Heath?”

 

“Nope.”  Came a distant reply.

 

Amalia tried hard not to look at him.  For some reason, he made her nervous. 

 

“Maybe we should go down to Johnson’s and look there until the smith reopens.”

Matthias looked at the man and Nick read his face immediately.

 

“You Jones’s replacement?”  His question was direct, very German.

 

“Ja.  Ve finish hier soon.” 

 

“Great.  The name’s Barkley, Nick Barkley.  We were coming to talk to you.  Seems we just missed you.”

 

“You vant job done?”

 

“Ah, kinda.  Um?…”

 

“Papi, deine Name.”  She was avoiding looking at the man.  She concentrated on the items filling the counter in front of her.

 

“Ach, Matthias Klug.”  He offered the man his hand and they shook.

 

“German huh?  How long you been in the States?”  Nick eyed the man.

 

“One year.”

 

“Well.  We have a bit of a problem and wonder if you can help us out.  Our Man is getting married and moving to Modesto in a month.  We have heard nothing but good things about you and we were wondering if you might consider working for us when you’re done helping Jones.”

 

Amalia stared straight ahead and pretended to ignore the conversation.  Inside she was elated.  She prayed there was something to this job and that her father would finally see fit to settle in one place.  She liked Stockton. 

 

Heath approached the small group and listened for a reply.  He also assumed that the German’s son stood near him.  He was dressed in baggy pants and an even baggier shirt.  The hat covered his head entirely and the boy did not participate in the conversation.

 

Nick’s request was met by silence. 

 

“I sink about it.  You come ask again.”

 

He left the money on the counter for the bill and they turned to leave.

 

Nick was not used to this reaction.  Most people jumped at the opportunity to work on the Barkley ranch.  “Well, I’ll be.”

 

“You’ll be what big brother?  He say no?”

 

“No…  but…”

 

“Come on.  Let’s keep shopping for Audra.”

 

“Papa.  A job, a real job.  Das ist wonderful.”  Amalia was so excited; she couldn’t keep her languages straight. 

 

“Schatzchen.  I sink about it.”

 

“Papa.  Stockton is a nice town.  Ve can stay.”

 

“Vielleicht.  Vielleicht.”

 

They returned to the smithy and started back in on their work.

 

Nick had ridden left earlier, while Heath stayed in town for a drink with a friend.  He was on his way home.  He had stayed later then he expected.  Dark was beginning to fall as he directed Charger out of town.  Despite the late hour, he felt like a leisurely ride home, so he left the main road and followed a smaller trail that ran nearer a small branch of the river.  He smiled to himself.  It had been a hot day.  He knew his body had directed him on this path, due to the small nook that was perfect for a cool dip. 

 

As he approached the spot, he saw that he would not be alone.  Hung on a low bush near the spot were men’s clothes.  They seemed vaguely familiar, but he couldn’t place them. 

The swimming hole was large enough to allow two people some privacy, but he decided to call out nonetheless.  The night noises had covered his arrival.  It suddenly came to him, as he was about to call out, that the clothes belong to the boy that had been with the German that afternoon.  He looked about.

 

Near the bank was not a boy, but the silhouette of a woman.  She had long hair that clung to her back.  He knew it was rude, but he studied her actions.  He wouldn’t make out details of her body due to the waning light, but her form stood out.  He was intrigued as he watched her bend over and pull handfuls of sand from the bottom of the creek.  She slowly rubbed the abrasive sand over her body.   As soon as the sand had run out, she would duck down under the water and rinse it off.  He had no idea how long he had been standing their watching her, but she had not noticed him. 

 

The reality of the situation flooded into his brain and he slowly backed up and rode off.  He spent the duration of the ride home, pondering the girl who dressed as a boy.  He blushed slightly at the intimate scene he had witnessed.  His mama would have tanned his hide for spying.  The incident left him oddly curious.  He longed to see her face to face now.  She dressed as a boy by day, and yet took pains to soften her skin by night.  Just who were these people that they had offered to hire?

 

** 2 **

 

Two weeks passed and there was no word as to whether or not Klug would take the job.  Heath and Nick had ridden to town to conduct various errands.  They split up and promised to meet later at the saloon.   Nick rode to the entrance of the smithy and dismounted.  Tying Coco to the stand outside, he watched the two working inside.  The heat from the forge and the summer day attacked him and he felt the tingling sensation from the sweat that trickled down his neck.  He couldn’t imagine how the two tolerated the conditions, much less a woman. 

 

He laughed, thinking back two weeks prior.  Heath told him about his discovery.  Nick couldn’t resist teasing him about his observance.  Heath had blushed.  They had both wondered why the girl opted to wear men’s clothes.  If he hadn’t looked right into her eyes and Heath hadn’t seen her in the lake, he was sure no one else guessed her secret.   Was it her father’s wish to recreate her into a boy?  Did he simply wish to hide her from men’s eyes?  Or was it her wish to disguise herself?  Either way, this Barkley hadn’t given her much thought until this moment. 

 

He watched her move in sync with her father as he pounded out a simple horseshoe.  Nick instantly had the feeling this man’s talents were being wasted and that there was more then meets the eye.  After a few minutes, the older man stopped and the two people conversed in their native language.  She nodded, stepped back and left.  She went out the back and had not noticed the onlooker.  Klug turned and saw Nick.  He slowly approached him.

 

“Herr Barkley.”

 

Nick attempted to gain some favor and greeted the man in kind.  “Herr Klug.  I am sure you know why I am here.”

 

“Vere vould ve stay?”

 

“Well, I thought you might just ask about that.  There is a small 3-room cabin you and your daughter could use.  It isn’t much, but I am sure you could make it a home.”

 

“How much?”

 

Nick smiled again.  The old man knew the language of money.  “$30 a month, plus the cabin.”

 

Klug shook his head.  “Nay. Not enough.”

 

Nick continued to smile.  “You drive a hard bargain.  $40, my final offer.”

 

“Mein Toch..  Daughter, she could vork maybe at se haus?”

 

“I think we can arrange work for her as well.”

 

“I have two more veeks hier.”

 

“That’ll be fine.”  He offered the man his hand.  There was a long moment and Matthias Klug extended his hand.  The two men shook.

 

While Nick and Matthias worked out their deal and its details, Heath was headed for town.  He had happier business in mind.  Miss Leona Miller was the local librarian.  She was cute and sweet.  Heath was drawn to her when Audra first introduced him.  He was planning on asking her to the social on Saturday night.  

 

He brightly entered Stockton’s small library.  The building was large and many in town, his family included, were working to fill its spaces.  There was no one immediately around, but a small sign on the desk indicated Leona’s return in a few minutes, so he waited.  He picked up a book and thumbed through its pages.  He heard the door open and looked to see not Leona, but the Klug boy.  He corrected himself, girl. 

 

Amalia was startled to meet the cowboy before her.  She was strategic.  She visited the library at this time of day, as it was usually empty, save the librarian.  She was curious as to the man’s intents.  She had not expected a cowpoke to be interested in books.  She noticed him absently thumbing the book in his hand.  It occurred to her that he was actually waiting, most likely for Miss Miller.

 

“Good afternoon!”  He offered the girl a welcoming smile.

 

“Goot afternoon, Sir.”  Her voice was quiet and she refused to meet his eyes straight on.

 

“You read a lot of books?”  He indicated the stack of books she carried under her arm.  She moved forward and placed them on the corner of the desk for returns.

 

“Ja.  Zey help my Englisch.”

 

“They seem to have served you well.  Your English is good.  My brother Nick says you and your father have only been in the states for a year?”

 

“Ja.”  She turned from him and moved to the shelves of books.  He followed her with his eyes.  She could feel his attentions and prayed for a distraction.  She was rewarded with the arrival of Miss Miller.

 

“Heath!  What a pleasant surprise.”

 

“Hello, Miss Miller.”

 

“Heath, stop that.  What do I owe this pleasure?  What could possible bring you from your ranching duties on this warm day?”

 

He glanced toward the stacks, looking for the odd girl and then focused back on the woman in front of him.  “Well, there is a social Saturday night and I was hoping you might go with me.”

 

She graced him with a full smile.  “I was hoping you would ask.”

 

“Good.  I’ll pick you up at 6?”

 

“That would be lovely.” 

 

He took her hand and pressed a gentle kiss into it.  Just as he was releasing his lips and an appropriate blush was forming on her cheeks, the boy/girl approached the counter.  She set four books on the counter and waited for the woman to help her.  Leona smiled at Heath and turned to help the girl. 

 

“Miss Klug, at this pace you will read all the books in the library by the end of the month.

 

The statement scared her.  “You vant I should not read zo many books?” 

 

Leona read the panic in her eyes and felt instant sympathy.  “Oh, heavens!  You may read as many books as you like.  You are my best customer.”

 

“Sank you”

 

“Have you met Mr. Barkley?”  She indicated the man standing next to her.

 

Amalia shook her head and looked down. 

 

Heath cleared his throat and offered his hand.  “Miss Klug.  It’s a pleasure.”

 

Amalia extended her hand timidly.  He took it and she quickly retrieved it from his grasp.

 

“Herr Barkley”

 

“Call me Heath.  It’s my hope that my brother Nick is convincing your father to come work for us as we speak.  That certainly calls for first names.”

 

“It is nice to meet you.”  She turned to Leona and thanked her and left quickly, her heart pounding in her chest.  The anxiety his touch had forced into her heart sent chills to her very being.  She fought to regain control of her emotions and stole down a back alley toward the smithy.

 

“She’s a might skittish.”

 

“She is a timid mouse.  I can’t get her to say anything.  She won’t even say her first name.”

 

“Nick and I both thought she was a boy.”

 

She laughed.  I think most people think she is.”

 

“I expect I should go see if Nick was successful.  I’ll see you Saturday then?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Heath and Nick met as planned and Nick shared the good news over a cold beer.

 

“So, I met his daughter at the library.”

 

“So, Miss Miller agreed to go to the social with you?”

 

“Yes, for your information, she did.  But you weren’t listening.  The girl was at the library getting books.  Leona says she reads a ton of books, but she sure didn’t want to talk much and seemed to be kinda scared.”

 

“Well, you are kinda scary Heath.”

 

Heath cuffed his brother on the arm and dropped the subject.  He filed the girl’s fear into the recesses of his mind.  “So, who are you bringing to the social dear brother?”

 

“Me?  No one.  I figure, why disappoint all the ladies in town by limiting myself to just one.”

 

“Boy howdy, you are truly generous big brother.” 

 

Saturday came quickly and the Barkleys had dressed for the social and proceeded to town.  Heath excused himself and left to pick up Leona.  The rest of the family proceeded to the street where the dance would be held.  The weather had cooperated and a glorious evening was expected. 

 

At the smithy, Matthias had stopped work for the day.  No matter what the workload, he had always preserved his beloved wife’s rule of not working on Sundays.  He had cleaned up and was reading a paper.  His daughter insisted he read it to improve his skills and learn about events in the town.  He knew there was a dance this evening.  His daughter had gone to her secret spot to clean up and he took the opportunity to dig deep into their wagon for a special trunk.  In the very bottom was his goal.  He removed it gently and lay it’s contents out on the small cot his daughter slept on. 

 

She returned shortly and set about making dinner.  His hand stopped her. 

 

“Nay.  Ve go to town and eat tonight.  Ve celebrate.”

 

“Papi.  Ve don’t have ze money to eat in a restaurant.”

 

“Ja, sure ve do.  You go change.”

 

“Papi.  If ve go, I do not need to change.  I am clean.”

 

“Nay.  Zere is a dance tonight.  Maybe ve go and see for ourselves.”

 

“Nein, Papa.”

 

He walked over to the wagon and pulled back the tarp to reveal the simple floral dress that lay on the bed.

 

“Ja, Schatzchen.”

 

“Nein, Papa.”  The tears welled in her eyes, but his eyes overpowered hers and she slowly relented.  She entered the wagon and slowly changed.  She left her hair in the single braid down her back and stepped out into the twilight. 

 

“Schatzchen.  Du bist so schön!  Wie deine Mutter.”

 

Tears again welled in her eyes.  She struggled to offer her father a smile for his compliment.  “Danke, Papi” He stroked her hair and offered her his arm.

 

They approached the small café and entered.  It was not empty, but held very few patrons.  The large woman who worked the tables seated them, making no attempt to hide her sneer.  The Klugs ignored her and enjoyed their dinner.

 

They finished their meal, paid the bill and left.  Matthias guided his daughter down the street toward the music.  They closer they got, the more tense Amalia became.  Her steps slowed and her body began to shake.   Matthias longed to push her closer, maybe even make her dance, but he could tell it was too much for her.  She was falling apart before his eyes.  He wrapped his arm tighter around her waist and turned her back toward their wagon.  He would take whatever victory he could get.  She had worn the dress.  It was a start.

 

Matthias had gone to sleep and Amalia stared into the fire.  She could hear the faint tones of the musical drifting on the breeze.  She felt her foot lightly tapping.  It compelled her.  She glanced around, stood up and started walking toward the music.  She had no intention of going to the dance, but thought she might find a hidden vantage point to observe from.

 

Heath was enjoying the evening.  Leona was an excellent dancer, far better then him, but they managed to turn a few heads.  Leona had excused herself for a short break and Heath was taking the opportunity to get a breath of fresh air away from the crowds.  He stole down an alley just off the dance area.  A noise from nearby alerted him to the presence of another.  He called out and moved farther down. 

 

He caught her hand as she turned to flee and stopped her.

 

“Hold on now.  I ain’t gonna hurt you.”  He pulled her into the light and was startled to meet the pained brown eyes.  “Miss Klug?”

 

From somewhere deep within, she held her ground.  She didn’t want to offend their new employer before they had even begun work.

 

“Were you coming to the dance?”  He offered her a reassuring smile.  She shook her head no.

 

“And they think I’m quiet.”  He hoped to catch some hint of a smile on her face, but found none.  “So, now you will come to the dance, right?”

 

She again shook her head.  “I vas just vatching.”

 

“You’re more then welcome to come.”  He noted just then that she was actually dressed as a woman.  It was a simple frock, but a nice change for her. 

 

“Nay.  I go now.”  It was as if she just then realized he had her hand and she snapped it from his grasp.  It was obvious to Heath she did not want to be touched.

 

“Come and at least have a glass of punch.”

 

“Nay.  Danke.”   She turned to leave, but he reached out and got her elbow this time.  He read the instant panic in her face and released it.

 

“You’re staying in Stockton.  You need to get to know us.”

 

“Maybe anozer time.”  She turned and hurried out of the alley.  He sensed in her a kindred spirit.  She had been hurt and was frightened of people.  He could identify with that.  He turned back, found Leona and continued to dance.

 

** 3 **

 

In no time at all, Tom Jones was back running his smithy and the Klugs had repacked their wagon and unpacked at the small cabin on the Barkley ranch.  They moved on a Saturday so as to allow Sunday to settle in.  Matthias’s German work ethic didn’t allow for a vacation. 

 

He enjoyed watching the smile on his daughter’s face as she moved about their new home.  He hoped contentment would settle into her heart.  She deserved that.  They both deserved to finally find some peace.  He allowed his mind to drift back to his homeland.  He missed it.  He did not regret leaving.  They had to, but he still missed the magical and mysterious forests and valleys. 

 

Monday morning they were up before dawn and rode over to the main ranch.  They found the darkened smithy and set about opening it up.  As the family fell out of the house for the day, they were startled and impressed to find the father-daughter combination hard at work, catching up on projects that had fallen aside. 

 

“Good Morning!”  Nick’s loud greeting startled them from their efforts.

 

“Morgen, Herr Barkley.”

 

“Nick.  Call me Nick.”

 

Matthias ignored Nick’s request.  It was not their custom be so informal with an employer.  First names were meant only for very close friends.  “Ve catch up fast.  I am not sure you have enough verk für us.”

 

“We’ll keep you busy.  Mother has some projects in the house she would like you to consider.”

 

Heath arrived next.  “Morning, Herr Klug.  Miss Klug.  Got an early start I see.  Everything alright at the cabin?”

 

Again, it was Matthias who spoke.  “Ja.  It is sehr gut.” 

 

“Papi!”

 

“Fery good.”

 

They smiled at her reprimand and his quick change.  She never seemed to acknowledge them.  She never met their eyes.  Heath had hoped he had broken the ice at the dance, but it seemed forgotten.

 

“Ah, Miss Klug.  Audra is going to town today.  Perhaps you need some supplies and want to go with her?”

 

She shook her head and turned away.

 

“Schatzchen!  Sei nicht so unhöflich!”

 

Her eyes flashed at his reprimand.  “Tut mir Leid, Papi” She turned to the brothers and added,  “Sorry.  Sank you no.  I have no need of anyzing at zis time.”

 

It was the most Nick had heard from her lips.  He smiled.  He knew Heath had tried talking to her as he found her observing the dance.  He said she had even been in a dress.  There was a small part of him nervous for the two.  They seemed to be hiding something.  He only hoped that whatever it was, didn’t affect the ranch. 

 

It had been Heath’s idea to have her ride in with Audra.  Audra was all in favor of the idea.  She saw the girl as a challenge.  She assumed the girl had never known a mother’s influence and just needed to spend some time in the company of women, not the smithy.

 

When the boys returned to the ranch midday, they found Amalia cleaning out the stalls. 

 

“Whoa, now.  Just what do you think your doing, missy?”  Nick wasn’t angry, but she cowered from him.

 

She dropped her head and stammered her excuse.  “I zought I should clean ze stalls.”

 

It was all Nick could bear.  He moved closer took her chin in his hand and raised her face.  “This is not your job.  We have men to clean the stalls.”

 

She backed away from him, but was stopped by the stall wall.  Both Nick and Heath could read the fear in her body.  She trembled and breaths heaved from her chest. 

 

“It’s OK.  There’s no trouble.  We’re not angry.”  Heath attempted to soothe her.  He flashed her one of his lopsided grins.  “We’re just not used to someone volunteering for more work, much less a pretty lady.”

 

His attempt had utterly failed.  In fact, his words had driven panic into her heart and she launched herself forward and ran past them from the stable.  She wasn’t sure where she could run.  This was new area to her; she hadn’t found hiding spots yet.  She set off on foot to their small cabin.  She would enjoy its comforting walls while she could.  She was sure the Lords would fire them now. 

 

Nick and Heath assumed she would run for her father.  They went straight to the smithy.  Matthias was just finishing his cold lunch. 

 

“Yes, Herrn Barkley?”  He set his bread down and stood up.  “I vas just eating a qwick lunch.”

 

“No problem.  We were looking for your daughter.  We seem to have scared her and she ran off.” 

 

Heath quickly added.  “We didn’t mean to scare her.”

 

Matthias’s thoughts flew.  He had no desire to tell his employers anything personal, but he suspected he would have to tell them something.  “My daughter is very timid.  She vorries.  I am sure she vill be fine.”

 

“She was cleaning the stalls.  We told her she didn’t have to.”  Nick was still trying to smooth over the situation.

 

“She vants to verk, too.  You said zer vould be verk for her, too.” 

 

“She doesn’t have to.”  Heath offered.  “We have hands to take care of the outside.  I’ll check with mother to see if she can use a hand inside.”

 

“Zank you.  She vill be fine.  No vorries.”

 

“Well, alright.  If you say, but please let her know we aren’t angry.”  Nick’s worries were not alleviated.  The last thing they needed on this working ranch was a skittish girl messing things up.  “And by the way.”  He indicated the lunch pail by the man’s side. “We serve a hot lunch for the hands every day in the bunkhouse.  You don’t need to bring your own.”

 

“Zat vas not part of our deal Herr Barkley.”

 

“Well, it is now.”

 

He found his daughter curled up at the end of her bed later that day.  No dinner had been started.  He was sure she had spent the hours in that same position. 

 

“Schatzchen, this can’t go on.”  Most people think of German as a harsh language, but this father’s soothing native tones drew her from her pain.

 

“Oh, Papi.  Did they fire you?”

 

“Nay.  They are more worried for you.  I can’t promise you no one will ever hurt you, but you have to learn to trust.  You can’t live your life afraid.”

 

“I’m sorry, Papi.  I try, really I do.”

 

“I know.  Come, let’s make some dinner now.”

 

The following day, Amalia made a point to meet the Barkleys in the morning. 

 

“Sirs.  I am sorry for my behavior yesterday.  I vas afraid I had done somezing wrong.”

 

“No problem.”  They both smiled, hoping it would put her at ease.  It didn’t.  Just then, Victoria approached the group.

 

“Do I finally get to meet the famous Klugs?”  She was warm and welcoming.  She held out her hand.  Amalia offered hers as well.  She was bound and determined to make a quiet, yet good impression.

 

“Frau Barkley.”

 

“This is Miss Klug, Mother.”  Heath realized just then he didn’t know the girl’s first name.  Nick pulled his arm.  “We have to get going.  Good day!”  They nodded at the departing men and Victoria turned her full attention back to the girl.

 

“My dear, do you have a first name?”

 

“Amalia.”

 

“That’s beautiful.”

 

“Sank you.”

 

“Are you settling in?”

 

“Ja, danke.  It is nice to hafe a home again.”

 

“Well, it is not much of a home, but I understand you have been living in your wagon for sometime.  Is there anything we can help you with?”

 

“Nay.  Ve have all ve need.”  She saw her chance.  “Frau Barkley, is zer by chance, verk I can do in ze haus?”

 

“Please, call me Victoria.”

 

“I could not.”  Victoria opted to ignore her response for now.

 

“I think perhaps we could find some odd jobs cleaning perhaps.  Would that be alright?”

 

“Zat would be vonderful.  Sank you.  Ven I could begin?”

 

“Why don’t you take today off, and I will assemble a list of tasks beginning tomorrow.”

 

“Sank you.”

 

“My pleasure.  It was nice to meet you.”

 

“Ebenfalls.  I mean, likewise.”

 

So the Klugs settled into a routine around the Barkley ranch.  Victoria didn’t have work for Amalia daily, but often.  Matthias had banned Amalia from the smithy, hoping she would attempt to use her time to retake her previous life.  She had once been happy and outgoing, a delight to all who met her.  She was the image of her mother and they had shared the same personality.  He knew what a blessing her mother had been to his life.   He hoped Amalia would bring that joy to a man as well.

 

Amalia was cleaning at their home, when she saw the rider approaching in the distance.  She was alone and her father would not be back that night.  He had taken the wagon and gone to a nearby town to deliver a project.  She suddenly felt very isolated.

 

As the rider approached, he seemed vaguely familiar, but it was still ominous, as he was slumped over his saddle.  When he was 50 yards away, she started running.  It was Nick Barkley atop his mount.  She ran to him and took the reins from his sagging form and led the horse to the cabin.

 

“Herr Barkley?”  She pushed gently at him, but got no response.  She pulled him toward her, trying to carry his large frame herself.  He fell into her arms, but the force was too much and she fell backwards, with him on top of her.  She rolled him over and saw the wound in his shoulder.  The heat was radiating from him already.  She gently patted his face and tried to rouse him.  “Herr Barkley.  Bitte.”  Her efforts were rewarded with a groan and his eyes tried to flutter open.

 

“Rustlers…”

 

“You must help me.  Can you try for me, Herr Barkley?  Please?”

 

She wrapped her arm around his waist and pulled him into a standing position.  Slowly and awkwardly, she moved him into the house, into the small room her father used and laid him on the bed.  She went to fetch bandages and water to clean the wound. 

 

As she worked on his wound, she was relieved to find the bullet had gone clean through, but the fever indicated it had caused damage in its journey.  She carefully cleaned.  She knew it caused him pain, as he moaned and began to struggle.  She also knew she had to clean as deeply as she was.  At last, she had cleaned and bandaged the wound and began to mop his brow.  The fever raged within.  She thought about going for help, but she was concerned that if she left him alone, he might do himself more harm in the delirious state.  She prayed someone would come looking for him.

 

She helped him through the night.  No one had come looking for him.  If Nick hadn’t mention possibly sleeping out, the family might have come looking, but they assumed he was enjoying a night under the stars.  It was something he had learned from Heath.  Instead, he was struggling for his life.  Amalia bathed his head and chest with water tainted with alcohol.  He struggled.  He called out for various family members and relived moments from his past.  Through it all, she stayed at his side, never daring to rest. 

 

Dawn’s rays were just kissing the horizon when Nick’s fever seemed to break.  His breathing eased and he drifted into a quiet slumber.  She took the opportunity to stretch and walked outside to ease her cramped legs and fetch new water.  She fixed herself a simple breakfast and sat drinking some coffee, waiting for him to wake and advise her of his will. 

 

It was midmorning and Nick slept on.  Amalia heard a horse approaching and went to the door.  With a final glance at Nick, she cautiously opened the door.  Had the rustlers tracked him here?

 

“Good Morning, Miss Klug.  I know your father is gone, so I thought I’d come check to see that you are alright.” 

 

“You are not hier for Mr. Barkley?  Nick?”

 

“What?  No.  Nick is here?”

 

“Since yesterday.  He met mit rustlers and vas shot.  I did not vant to leave him alone to get help.”

 

Heath moved past her into the house and found his brother in the small room.  He sat in the chair and checked his brother’s temperature and breathing.

 

“He has been sleeping since early morning.  Can you bring a doktor?”

 

“Yeah.  Do you mind staying with him?  I’ll go to the house and get a wagon and send someone to town.”

 

“Ja.”

 

He moved quickly to the door and stopped.  He watched her sooth his brother’s brow.  It stirred something in him.  She had been hurt badly in the past, but she still knew how to care.  That was important.

 

“Thank you.”

 

His voice startled her.  She thought he had left.

 

“Bitte.”

 

Heath returned with Victoria, Jarrod and a wagon.  They wrapped the still sleeping man in blankets and carried him to the wagon.  Victoria climbed in first and cradled her son in her lap.  Amalia held back, not sure of her place.  She had been caring for him, but now his family was here.  She found herself strangely reluctant to give him up.  It surprised her.  As Heath was about to launch the wagon into motion, he suddenly turned to Amalia. 

 

“You have to come.  The doctor will want to know what happened.”

 

“I do not know.”

 

“I mean, how you treated him.  Please, come.”

 

She was hesitant, but climbed in.  They arrived at the main house and Jarrod and Heath carried their brother to his room.  Victoria saw to settling him in and Amalia trailed along behind, trying to stay out of the way.  The doctor soon arrived and the door was closed.  Heath directed Amalia downstairs to the parlor where Jarrod joined them.

 

“Miss Klug, we haven’t met, but thank you.  I’m Jarrod.”  She offered him a half-hearted smile.  “You must be tired.  May I offer you a drink?”

 

“Nay.  Sank you.” She had never been in such a grand home as a guest, only help.  She had not been able to clean up and did not want to sit. 

 

“Please, sit.  Jarrod’s right, you have been caring for Nick and that is no easy task.”

 

She was saved by a summons from above.   All three went up. 

 

“You cleaned this wound?”  Dr. Merar directed his statement to Amalia.

 

“Ja.  I did ze best I could.”  She held her breath.  Had she hurt him more?

 

“You saved his life.  This was a fine job.  It’s not easy to clean a wound like this without the proper equipment.”

 

Thank-yous drifted through the room.  Dr. Merar finished rewrapping Nick’s shoulder as his head began to shuttle back and forth. 

 

“Nick?”  Victoria moved onto the bed next to her son and stroked his face.

 

“Mother?”  The voice from the bed was hoarse and weak.

 

 “Yes darling, we are all here.”  She gave him some water.

 

He drew in a deep breath and allowed the water to refresh his body.  “Rustlers on the north range.  I got two.”

 

“We’re on it little brother, you just rest.”

 

“How’d I get here?”

 

“You went to the Klug cabin and Amalia cared for you all night.”

 

“Who’s Amalia?”  He was still confused.

 

Her face went beet red and Heath chuckled.  “Miss Klug has a first name.”

 

Nick was already drifting back to sleep and Dr. Merar ushered everyone from the room.

They saw the doctor out and Amalia felt a bit lost.

 

“Can you use furzer help wis Herr Barkley?”

 

“Now, first things first, Miss Klug.  There are three Mr. Barkleys and unless you start calling us by our first names, we’ll all come running.  I’m Heath.  This here is Jarrod.”

 

“I can not.  It is not proper.”

 

“I understand in Germany you are more formal, but here, we must insist Miss Klug, Amalia?”  Jarrod always could simplify things.

 

“If you insist.”  She hesitated.  “Jarrod”

 

“Now, as for you, there is no going home.  I insist you go upstairs and rest here for a while.  Then we will get a good meal into you.”

 

“Ach nay, zat is not necessary.  Please, I go home.”

 

“No.  You must rest here first.  Heath, please show her to a room.  Then after dinner, we can take you home.”

 

She saw no point in arguing and allowed Heath to show her to a room.  It seemed larger then their entire cabin to her, but she knew it wasn’t.  The bed was soft and inviting.  She thought she would lie down for a few minutes, but quickly fell into a deep sleep. 

 

The gentle knock at the door woke her.  In seconds, as both her eyes and the door opened.  Mrs. Barkley stepped in.  “I’m sorry to disturb you, but we will be serving dinner soon.”

 

“May I help?”

 

“No my dear, you are the guest of honor.  I thought you might like to clean up.”

 

“I could not possibly eat wiz your family.”

 

“Of course you can and will.  The water closet is at the end of the hallway.  Come down when you are ready.”

 

“But…”

 

“Yes, dear?”

 

“I am not dressed for such a dinner.  Please.  Do not make me.”

 

“Amalia, we really don’t care what you wear.  Would you feel more comfortable if you borrowed a dress from Audra?”  

 

“Really Frau Barkley.  I cannot.  I would rather go home.  Papa will worry.”

 

There was something in the girl’s pleadings that stirred Victoria’s heart and she relented.  She asked one of the hands to escort her back to the cabin.  Someone had hurt that child, she only wished she could get through to her.  She seemed to need someone other then her father to trust.

 

After a week, Nick could be held in bed no longer.  He wasn’t allowed to ride yet, but he could stroll about.  Victoria kept a close eye to make sure he didn’t do any work.  He went out to the smithy to find Amalia and thank her, but she hadn’t been coming with Matthias anymore.

 

“Klug.  Where’s your daughter?  She seems to be keeping away from us.”

 

“She taking in sewing from town.  Your mozer does not have enough verk for her.  She likes to keep busy.”

 

Nick had to know.  “She’s pretty quiet, that daughter of yours.”

 

“Ja.”  Matthias didn’t like the turn of conversation.  Germans were very private people. 

 

“How come she dresses like a boy?”  Nick pushed on.

 

“It is her choice.”  He busied himself with stoking the fire.  It sent a very clear message that he was done talking.

 

That afternoon, Nick convinced his mother to take a buggy ride over to the Klug’s cabin.  Victoria picked a bouquet of flowers and brought a cake from Silas as well. 

 

They found Amalia outside, doing laundry.  Ironically, she was wearing a simple brown dress.  Nick was so shocked; he didn’t even greet her.

 

“You own a dress?”

 

Victoria slapped his hand.  “Please excuse my son.  He sometimes forgets his manners.  We came by to properly thank you for helping Nick.”  She handed her the flowers and dessert.

 

“Sank you.  It is not necessary.  You have been very kind to my Papi and I.”

 

“This changes things you know.”

 

Amalia was confused and it showed on her face.  “You have a dress.  You and your father must come for dinner tonight.”

 

“No, sank you.  I have already begun our dinner.  But again, sank you.”

 

Nick had been suspiciously silent.  “You owe me.”

 

“Vas?”

 

“You saved my life.  You have to let me say thank you.”

 

“You just did.  Zat is enough.”

 

“Promise me someday you will come to dinner.”

 

“Perhaps.”  She smiled.  It put them all at ease.  Nick couldn’t remember her smiling any other time. 

 

They turned to remount the buggy seat.  Victoria turned quickly. 

 

“Amalia, I have some projects for tomorrow if you like.”

 

“Sank you.  I come in ze morning vis Papi.”

 

** 4 **

 

Life went on for the two families.  Summer left and fall settled on the valley.  Ever so slightly, Audra and Victoria were breaking down the walls that Amalia had built up.  Audra now made it a point to be home when Amalia would work.  She continually pried and prodded.  When this didn’t work, she turned to idle chatter.  Once or twice they even convinced her to join them for lunch or tea.  Although she didn’t open up to them, they could sense her relaxing in their presence. 

 

One day, as Amalia returned from having lunch with her father, a magazine caught her eye.  It lay open on the table in the foyer.  She was inexplicitly drawn to it.  She stared at the beautiful dresses and turned a few pages to see more.  The family had been enjoying a rare lunch together and one by one they stopped under the stairs and watched her.

 

“Are you interested in a new dress, Amalia?”  Audra broke the silent observation.

 

“Ach.  I am sorry.  I should not have looked at your magazine.”

 

The brothers passed the girl and left.  Victoria pursued the issue.

 

“Amalia, would you like a new dress?  When is your birthday?  Certainly you have earned a new dress?”

 

“Nein.  I do not vear zem.”

 

Audra approached her and touched her ragged sleeve.  “But you should.  You would be so lovely if you put on a dress and wore your hair different.”

 

“No.”  She scurried up the stairs to the banisters she had been dusting.  After she finished her work on the banisters, she hauled the ladder up the stairs and began working on the pictures and light holders in the halls. 

 

Audra approached her again as she was moving the ladder to the top of the stairs to get the paintings there.

 

“Amalia.  Please quit for the day.  It is lovely outside.  Let’s go for a ride.” 

 

“I have verk to do.  And I do not ride.  Sank you again.” 

 

“You don’t ride?  You should have one of the boys teach you.  Or I could.  Everyone should know how to ride out here.”

 

“Maybe.”

 

She was flustered.  There was the part of her long buried that wanted to skip off with Audra, accept her friendship and go and do the things young women could.  However, the greater part of her held her back.  If she acted that way, it would all happen again. 

 

She tried ignoring the enthusiastic blonde girl and began to climb the ladder.  It was still too far away, so she climbed back down and edged the ladder closer to the stairs, perilously close.  She again climbed up and balanced herself on the top rung in order to reach the top of the painting. 

 

It all happened so quickly.  Nick came thundering in the house with Heath at his heels. They were both arguing full force.  Although the Barkleys may have been used to it, Amalia, in her tense state, was not.  Her body bucked backward and the ladder slid out from underneath her.  In the next instant both she and the ladder were tumbling down the grand staircase. 

 

Audra screamed and followed the girl down the stairs.  Victoria and Silas came running from the kitchen and Nick and Heath rushed to the girl’s side and began to extract the ladder.  Her body had managed to become entwined in the broken rungs.

 

“Heath.  Send a man for Dr. Merar and fetch her father.”  Heath was off in a flash.

 

Victoria carefully examined the limp girl.  Her arm hung at a precarious angle and there was a bruise already beginning to form across the side of her face.  She gently probed the side of the girl’s head and found the growing lump.  As she tracked her hands down the girl’s sides, all could see her unconscious body lurch at the contact.  She was hurt badly.

Nick pulled her gently into his arms and carried her back up the stairs.  Mid staircase, Heath and Matthias came pounding in.  They settled her in the guest room.  There was nothing for them to do, so Matthias simply sat and held her hand as the rest paced in the parlor. 

 

Jarrod arrived with Dr. Merar and he joined his siblings, while his mother helped the doctor.  The anxious father paced outside the door to the room.  His heart was throbbing.  He had been here before.  He had nearly lost her and it had nearly killed him.  He dreaded the words that might come from the doctor yet again.

 

After an hour, the door opened and he was invited in.

 

“Her arm is badly broken.  It will be out of commission for some time.  She has two broken ribs and a severe concussion.”

 

“She vill be alright?”

 

“I believe so, with lots of TLC.”

 

“TLC?”

 

Victoria explained.  “Tender loving care.  We will take good care of her.”

 

As the rest of the family was updated, they all vowed to sit with her.  Matthias of course, did not leave her side, but a Barkley was always seated opposite him as well.  Somewhere in the night, she became delirious.  It was not due to fever, but rather the head injury.  She tossed and turned.  Matthias whispered soothing words of German to her, as she mumbled in German.  The words she uttered were not comprehensible to them, but they were tinged with fear and pain.  Some of the dreams caused the girl to thrash.  At those times, they carefully held her still.  It was obvious it was not the accident she was reliving, but something more terrifying. 

 

They finally convinced Matthias to leave her side at lunchtime the next day for a short rest.  They promised they would fetch him the minute she showed signs of waking.  As Victoria sat holding her hand and gently talking to her, her eyes strained to open.

 

“Welcome back.”  The voice was soft and gentle, but she didn’t recognize the words or the face.  She became agitated.

 

“Calm down. I’ll get your father.”  She turned and quickly fled to get Matthias.  When they returned the girl was struggling to try and sit, with little success. 

 

It was obvious she had no idea where she was.  “Papi.  Was ist los?  Wo bin ich?  Es schmerzt.  Ach Gott.  Er ist tot, Papi.  Wir müssen weg!”

 

“Nein, Schatzchen.  Alles ist in Ordnung.  Du musst nur beruhigen.  Du bist die Treppe hinunter gefallen.  Ach, Schatz.  Nichts ist los.  Schlaf, mein Kind.”  He rocked his muddled daughter back to sleep and lay her back on the pillows.

 

“Where is she Matthias?”  Victoria’s question was direct.

 

Matthias looked her long in the eye.  If he trusted her, she could help, but she could also turn him in.  He looked back at his daughter.  “She vas raped und beaten.  Zat is vhy ve left Germany.”

 

“Oh dear God.  I am so sorry.”

 

“Bitte, Frau Barkley.  Sie vould die if sie knew you knew.  You can say nozing.”

 

“Your secret is safe with me.  I promise I will only try to help.”  She pressed him no further.

 

“Sank you.”  He hadn’t needed to tell her the whole truth, for that he was glad. 

 

During the following days, Amalia slept most of the time as her body healed.  She no longer woke up confused.  She knew who and where she was.   In the beginning the constant flow of Barkleys disturbed her, but she was now used to it.  She even played a few games of checkers with Audra and had begun an intense game of chess with Jarrod.    They were often rewarded with a subtle smile and even the occasional laugh.  Her father had gone back to work, but spent his evenings in the room with her. 

 

Heath stopped in her room one morning.  “Mother and Dr. Merar think it would be a good idea to give you a change of scenery.”  From behind his back, he pulled one of Audra’s dressing gowns and moved into the room.  She had no idea why, but she trusted Heath.   She slid her feet over the side of the bed and he knelt down to put on some slippers, also borrowed from Audra.  He helped her to her feet and then helped her into the gown.  She tied the sash around her waist and started toward the door.

 

“Not so fast, Fraulein.  Doc didn’t say you could walk down stairs yet.  That’s why I’m here.”

 

She smiled at his use of German.  He moved to her side and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, being careful not to jar her broken arm or healing ribs.  He scooped her into his arms with the other and moved her downstairs.  She thanked him.  He settled her on the sofa and made his departure, lingering just a short time to watch her.

 

She rested for a spell, but then grew restless.  She stood shakily and began to wander the rooms.  Her mind led her to the study.  She knew Jarrod had many books.  She leaned against a bookcase and perused its titles.  She was surprised to see an English translation of Faust by Goethe.  She pulled the book off the shelf and settled into a high backed chair.  In no time at all, her head began to pound from the words she read.  She closed her eyes to rest them and soon drifted to sleep.

 

Heath and Nick came in and began arguing over the bath, as Victoria came around the corner and shushed them.

 

“Amalia is sleeping.”  She pointed into the study and they peered in the doorway. 

 

“Heck, she’s kinda cute.”  Nick said softly.

 

Heath’s response was a bit more wistful.  “She sure is.” He didn’t notice the looks his mother and brother gave him.

 

He strode softly across the room and tenderly shook her shoulder.  Her eyes dreamily opened.  “Um..”

 

“Wake up, Mali.  Dinner’s soon.”

 

“Huh?  Ach, Mensch.  How long have I been sleeping?”

 

“I dunno.  But the words in that book look like they’d put you to sleep.  Can I help you upstairs?  Your dad is joining us for dinner to celebrate your first day up.”

 

“Danke.”  She smiled at him genuinely.

 

He helped her up and Nick moved in to the other side.  As they neared the stairs, Heath scooped her up again, and easily climbed the stairs with her.  For an instant, she enjoyed the time in his arms.

 

Audra met them at the top of the stairs.  She had a lovely blue satin dress draped across her arm.  “Come on now.  Let’s get ready for dinner.”

 

Amalia was perplexed, but was still enjoying the feeling from Heath’s arms and allowed Audra to take control of her attire.  Thirty minutes later, Audra called for a lift down the stairs.  Nick was the first to arrive.

 

“Wow!”  He couldn’t stop the exclamation.  His smile caused Amalia to blush and avert her eyes as she had in the past. 

 

She wasn’t a stunning beauty, but she was pretty.  The dress was a little big, but showed to the world she was a girl.  Audra had piled her hair high on her head, not fancy, but a definite improvement.  No one would have guessed the grungy boy from the smithy, was this lovely woman.

 

“Allow me?”  Nick extended his arm and she timidly took it.  As before, when they reached the stairs, he carried her down. 

 

She was surprised to find her father dressed in his best wool and leather jacket.  He hadn’t worn it since Germany.  As Nick set her on her feet, she moved to her father and kissed his cheek.  They passed an enjoyable evening, with Matthias loosening up and sharing his stories of Germany.

 

“It sounds wonderful.  Why on earth would you leave?”  Jarrod had asked a natural question, but it was met with silence.

 

It was Amalia who answered.  “It seemed like the thing to do at the time.”

 

Audra hadn’t really noticed the irony in her voice and pressed on.  “Will you go back?”

 

“I do not know.”  She turned to her father.  “Shall we go home, Papa?”

 

“Deutschland?”

 

“Nay, Papi, ze cabin.”  She laughed.

 

“What?  You aren’t going anywhere.  One day does not make you healed, and remember, you slept most of the day.”  Victoria was clearly maternal in her admonition.

 

“You have been fery kind.  But I can sleep at our home.”

 

“You would not just sleep.  You would want to cook and clean and any number of other things.  No, you will wait until the doctor says it is ok.  Besides, you have only one good arm.”

 

“Now, Frau Barkley.  I do sank you für caring für my daughter, but if she vants to go home…”

 

“Herr Klug.  You’re daughter will come home, when Dr. Merar says she can, and not until then.”

 

He smiled.  “Frau Barkley.  Are you sure you are not German?”

 

They laughed.

 

** 5 **

 

The next afternoon, Amalia was sitting with the book in the rose garden.  Although autumn’s snap had taken its toll, it was still a lovely place to be. 

 

“Still trying to get through the book?”

 

She was startled by Heath’s quiet approach.  “I have never read it in Englisch.  It is interesting to me how zey change some of ze words.”

 

“I suppose.  So, you have read it often in German?”

 

“Many times.  Vhy are you not verking?”

 

He turned to show her his torn shirt.  “Needed a change.”

 

“I can fix zat for you.”

 

“That’s not your job.”

 

A frown took over her face.  “I seem to have no job.”

 

“Do you need one?  Most ladies are out searching for a husband at your age.”

 

She was silent and he continued.  “Do you want a husband some day, Mali?”

 

She had no idea why she enjoyed being called Mali.  It was now the second time he had done so.  It made her feel so special.  She enjoyed the feeling, but not for long.

 

“I vill not marry, Herr Barkley.”

 

“It’s Heath, remember?  And why not?”

 

“No man vill have me.  Zat is fine.”

 

“That is foolishness.  Any man would be lucky to have you for a wife.”

 

“Vhy vould you zay dat?  You do not know me.”

 

“Just a feeling.  Maybe it’s your beautiful brown eyes.”

 

Her voice grew even quieter and the whole mood of the conversation seemed to change.  “Please, do not zay such zings.”  She stood and left.  Leaving Heath to determine what he had done wrong.  He picked up the book stranded on the bench and began to read.

 

Matthias Klug always kept a close eye on his daughter.  He had missed the signs once before and it had cost her dearly.  He would not make that mistake again.  He spent long hours at work considering his options.  He could continue to run with Amalia.  They had crisscrossed the country for a year now, it was still possible to find somewhere so remote, that no one would find them.

 

Then he considered the glances that Heath Barkley had been throwing his daughter’s way.  She didn’t notice them.  He was sure of that.  Heath didn’t leer at her as the Baron had.  He had gentle eyes.  He suspected Barkley might be truly interested in his daughter.  It would be a good thing for her.  She could have wealth, a caring husband and a change of name that might hide her forever.  If it came to that, he would leave his daughter. Alone as a Barkley, she stood a better chance.

 

The holidays came and went, with the Klug family celebrating simply in their own cabin.  The Barkleys always hosted a large holiday party for friends and their winter hands. Both Matthias and Amalia made appearances at the post-New Year’s bash.  Amalia was dressed in a simple, dark skirt and blouse, gifts from her father.  He had also presented her with a much needed winter coat. 

 

“Frohes Fest! Frau Barkley.”  Matthias greeted Victoria warmly. 

 

“Happy New Year, Herr Klug!  Amalia, you look lovely.”

”Sank you and Happy Holidays.”

Heath and Audra approached the group.  “Amalia, you do have a dress!” 

 

“That pretty floral one must be only for summer, huh?”  Heath eyed the girl up and down.

 

“Ja.  Papa insisted on new zings.  You pay him too well.”

 

“And she vanted only zese simple items.  But it is a start.”  The proud father couldn’t help beaming. 

 

Leona Miller saw Heath talking to the new arrivals.  She moved toward them.  She didn’t like the way he was watching the new girl.  She had really hoped for an engagement at Christmas, but they hadn’t even come close to that conversation.  He seemed to be avoiding her at times.  She feared someone else had gotten hold of his heart, and it saddened and frustrated her.  She approached the group confidently.

 

“Hello, Miss Klug.  How nice to see you in a dress.  Here to enjoy the Barkley hospitality?”

 

“Fraulein Miller, nice to see you as vell.  Dis is my fazer, Matthias Klug.  Papa, dis is ze librarian, Fraulein Miller.”  He nodded and bowed. 

 

“Heath, didn’t you promise me this dance?”  Leona asked coyly, ignoring Matthias. 

 

“I guess I did.  Mali, you’ll save a dance for me, right?”

 

He had done it again.  He called her Mali.   She wasn’t the only one who had noticed it.  Her father hoped his dreams might be coming true.  He would do his best to make sure his daughter danced with Heath Barkley.

 

Amalia entered the parlor and watched the crowds.  She drifted toward the edge of the room.  Several of the hands had greeted her and nodded in her direction.  She noticed others across the room watching her as well.  She hated being in anyone’s attention.  She began to feel like everyone in the room was watching her and she felt the panic rise up within her.  She tried to meld into the wall, but it didn’t help.  The flush of panic in her cheeks was obvious to anyone who saw her. 

 

She was distressed.  She moved quickly to one of the open doors and moved out into the terrace.  The rooms inside were warm enough that a few couples were outside enjoying the cool night air.  She glanced around to find a hiding spot.  She found none.    She whirled around to leave this area as well and collided straight into Heath’s chest.

 

“Tut mir Leid.”  She sputtered her apology and tried to back away, but Heath grabbed her arm.

 

“Whoa, there.  What’s wrong?”

 

“It vas too varm and I…”  Her voice trailed off.  She again tried to back off, but he held her arm steady.

 

“Come with me.  Please?” 

 

She finally looked into his eyes.  Her first thought was to deny him, but there was something about his eyes and his voice, which tunneled through the walls she had so sturdily built.  “Vhy?  Vhy do you care?”

 

“Because I see a lovely woman, who is scared of her own shadow, and I want to help.”

 

“I am not…  Ser is nozing you can do.”

 

“I can be your friend and I can protect you.”  His voice was so sincere.  It warmed her heart.

 

“You do not have to.”

 

“I want to.”  He knew he was winning.  It thrilled him to know he might somehow get through to her heart.  “Come with me, and we’ll sit for a time.”  He felt her body relent and he directed her around the house to the garden and sat next to her on the bench.  As soon as he saw her face in the moonlight, he saw fear etched in it and her body tensed again.

 

There was no one else here.  They were alone.  It was wrong.  Memories kept creeping into her mind.  She had been alone with the man then as well.  Her breathing became more labored. 

 

“How about some punch?”  He offered her a grin and she seemed to settle at the thought of being alone.  He left, promising to return soon.

 

She struggled to regain control.  She kept telling herself Heath Barkley would not hurt her.  She had thought that about another man before him though.  She bowed her head and concentrated on her breathing.  She was so involved in her own emotions; she didn’t hear him approach.

 

“Evenin’, Ma’am.  You sure are looking like a girl tonight.” 

 

Cohl Rentson had worked for the Barkleys for a few years now.  He was known to be a good worker.  Tonight, he had been overly enjoying himself.  She immediately smelled the alcohol on his breath and was transported back in time to another more horrifying place.  She tried to remember what she had done that time.  Could she do anything different now?

 

“Herr Barkley will be right back.”  Her voice trembled.

 

He ran his hand up and down her arm and she was paralyzed with fear.  “We could go off alone and have a little fun.  Maybe when we are through, you’ll see that a woman’s job is to wear dresses, not pants.”  He pulled her off the bench and she struggled to get free from his embrace.  His smell was causing her to become nauseous and past and present began to blur.

 

Suddenly, she felt a whoosh of freedom and she stumbled away.

 

“Get off of her, Rentson!”  Heath roared.  He was angry with himself for leaving her alone and with a swift uppercut, let his anger out on the man.  Rentson fell back, out cold. 

 

Amalia watched the scene before her and stared, transfixed on the man at her feet. 

 

“I’m sorry.  I shouldn’t have left you alone.  Are you ok?  Did he hurt you?”

 

His questions were coming too fast.  She was overwhelmed and lost. 

 

“I am fine.”  The words stammered from her lips, but her actions belied them.  She turned and ran into the darkness.  She ran as fast as her legs would carry her.  She ran past the house and out into the surrounding fields toward their cabin.  It was over a mile, but she hadn’t noticed and soon arrived at the door to her refuge.  Heath had followed her on foot the whole way.  She was so lost in her own world; she hadn’t heard him call to her.  He wanted to go in after her, but thought better of it.  Something had happened and he figured her father needed to know.

 

Back at the ranch, Jarrod had come across Rentson with a bloody lip.  Upon inquiry, he found out what happened and went to find Matthias Klug.  He was not happy about being the one to deliver the bad news. 

 

Just as Jarrod found Klug, Heath came charging in the front door and they both reached the man at the same time.

 

Heath was sweating and out of breath.  In between gasps for air, he choked his words out.  “Herr Klug…  Amalia….  Rentson got a little too forward and she’s…. upset…  Followed her home…”

 

Both brothers were stopped in their tracks by the look of pure rage that passed through the old German’s eyes.  Heath quickly tried to calm him.

 

“She’s not hurt.  Just shaken up.”

 

“Matthias, go to her.  Please, let us know if you need anything.”  Victoria had seen the commotion from across the room and had been quietly listening.  Knowing what she did, she feared for the turn this night had taken.

 

As the concerned and angry father left, Victoria grew very quiet.

 

“Mother?”

 

“This will not be good.”

 

“She was attacked by a man before, that’s obvious.  Was she raped?”  Heath’s voice was quiet.  His observation startled Victoria.

 

“Why…”  Her voice trailed off.

 

“Someone hurt her.  It’s obvious.  I promised to protect her.” 

 

“You stopped him.  You did.”

 

“I was trying to help her.  I think it failed.”  His voice now relayed pure sorrow.  Victoria allowed herself a small internal smile.  Heath was a generous man, but he seemed to have other feelings for the girl.

 

“You’ll try again.”  She reached up and kissed his cheek. 

 

Nick, hearing of the night’s events, had fired Rentson.  Rentson had begged forgiveness and for mercy.  Nick refused.  He himself was known to take a few too many drinks, but he had no patience for a sloppy drunk.  He deemed it a bad omen.   To Rentson’s credit, he attempted an apology.  He rode out to the small cabin on his way off the ranch.  He waited until both father and daughter were home, so as not to frighten her again, and rode in. 

 

Matthias saw him first and moved for his rifle.  Amalia stayed inside.

 

“I mean no harm, sir.  I just wanted to stop and say sorry…”

 

Matthias cut him off.  “Fine!  You say it.  Now, go!”

 

“I won’t cause no trouble.  Jes’ wanted you to know how sorry I am.”

 

He rode off.

 

Amalia refused to go to the ranch after that, other then to drop her father off for work.  She would pull her hat down low over her eyes and never looked anywhere but the horses in front of the wagon.  She acknowledged no one.  That difficult task accomplished, she would ride to town and collect laundry and sewing to do back at the cabin.   Her father typically walked home, saving her further stress.  Her father had insisted she thank Heath.  She refused to do so in person, but sent him a short note.

 

After ten days, Victoria could be patient with the girl no more.  She rode over just after breakfast.  Amalia was outside working on a laundry fire.

 

“Amalia?”

 

“Frau Barkley”

 

“Am I to assume you are no longer working for us?” 

 

“I have enough verk here.” 

 

She noted that the usual thank you that followed most of her statements was missing.  Victoria was not finished.

 

“Amalia.  I know what happened was scary, but you mustn’t let it keep you away.  Rentson has been let go.  He will not bother you.”

 

“I have no idea vhat you are talking about, Frau Barkley.”

 

“Your father told me what happened.  I can understand your fear, but we can help.”

 

“I do not know vhat he told you.  I need no help.”

 

“Yes, you do.”

 

“NEIN!”  She shouted in anger and embarrassment.  How could her father have told this woman her dirty secret?  She calmed herself and went on, trying to change the conversation.  “I am sorry.  I have much verk here and no longer need help at ze Haus.”

 

“I am sorry Amalia.  But I want you to know, we will always be here to help.”

 

The response was silence. 

 

Victoria took Heath aside after lunch and told him what happened. 

“Boy howdy, she is one stubborn German.  I guess that means we have to work a might harder.  I got me an idea though.”

 

“Are you going to share the idea?”

 

“Nope.  Not just yet.  Thanks, Mother.”  He kissed her forehead and went back out to work, thinking through his plan.

 

The following morning, Heath made his attempt at breaking through Amalia’s refortified walls. 

 

“Guten Morgen, Fraulein Klug!”  He had ridden in quietly and caught her unaware.  She dropped the basket of laundry she had been carrying toward the line.

 

“Herr Barkley!” 

 

“Sorry to frighten you.”  He moved in to help right the basket.  None of the clothes had fallen out, so he picked it up easily and moved toward the line.

 

“You do not need to carry ze basket.”  She was rushing to keep up with his quick pace.

 

“No problem.  I like to help.”  He set the basket on the ground and indicated to the bag hanging off her belt.

 

“Hand me those pins and we can get this done quickly.”

 

“Nein.”  She was flustered.  “It is my verk.”

 

“Well now, the sooner we get these clothes hung, the sooner we can sit down and chat.”  He reached over and dared to remove a handful of pins for the bag and went about hanging a shirt. 

 

“I have nozing to zay.”  A slight smile came to her lips as she watched the pathetic job he was doing trying to hang the shirt.  “Hier.  Las mich.”  She took the shirt from his hands and before she even realized what she was doing, she handed him the bag of pins.

 

She hung the clothes as he handed her pins.  He rambled on about the weather and various harmless topics, until at last they were finished. 

 

“Now, we worked hard.  How about you offer us something to drink?”

 

“Herr B…”  He cut her off.

 

“I thought we had gotten past that.  Heath.”

 

She took a deep breath.  “Heaz.  Vhy are you here?”

 

He took a good long look at her before he spoke.  “I just wanted to see for myself that you are ok.”

 

“I am.”

 

“No your not.  I’m sorry.  I shouldn’t have left you alone.”

 

“I vas trying to be alone vhen you found me.  You saved me.  Sank you.”

 

“Then why did you stop coming to the ranch?”

 

“I..”

 

“I, we miss you.”

 

“You lie.”

 

“I don’t lie.”

 

“You do not know me.  You can not miss, vhat you do not know.”

 

“I keep trying and you keep shutting me out.”

 

He took her hand and gently held it.  He expected her to pull it back, but she didn’t. 

 

“Have lunch with me tomorrow, a picnic.”

 

“Nay.”

 

“Bitte?”  His use of German brought a smile to her face again.  He watched as she struggled with her answer. 

 

“Just once and zen you leave me alone?” 

 

It was not the answer he had wanted, but felt it was a start.

 

“If that’s what you want.”  He paused.  “I’ll come tomorrow at noon.  Silas will pack the lunch.”

 

Her next statement surprised him.  “Nay.  I vill cook lunch.”

 

**

Heath had just finished saddling Charger and had started on Sunny, when Audra entered the barn.

 

“Better not big Brother.”

 

“Better not what, little sister?”

 

“Amalia doesn’t know how to ride.”

 

“How do you know?”

 

“She told me.  Better hitch up a buggy for your picnic.”

 

“Well thanks for the insight,  Little Sister.”

 

“You welcome.”  She thought a moment and then added.  “I hope you have a nice time.”

 

“Me, too!”

 

“She deserves it.  She seems so sad.”

 

“I suspect she has had a hard life.”

 

“Is that why you like her?”

 

“I dunno.  Maybe, I understand a little.”

 

During their conversation, he had hitched the buggy and Audra had unsaddled Charger.  She waved him off and returned the bay to his stall.

 

Matthias Klug motioned to Heath as he drove the buggy by the smithy.

 

“Herr Barkley, my Tochter…”

 

“I don’t aim to hurt her Herr Klug.  I promise.”

 

“She is all I have.”

 

“I understand, more then you know.”

 

The picnic was a huge success.  Heath drove home feeling happy and content.  Not only had she prepared an amazing lunch, she had also opened up and shared glimpses of her life.  He told her about his as well and they even managed a few laughs.    Not wanting to push her too far, he gallantly escorted her home after a few hours and bid her good bye.

 

“See, you can have fun.”

 

“Sank you.  It vas nice.”

 

“Can I visit again?”

 

“You said only vonce.”

 

“Ah, come on!”

 

“Perhaps!”

 

Audra’s information had formed another plan in his mind and he went directly to Nick with his latest plan.  After filling him in, Nick readily agreed.

 

* 6 *

 

Two days later, Nick arrived at the small cabin with a second horse.  Amalia greeted him cautiously.

 

“Herr Barkley?”

 

“Mornin’ Amalia.  Got a little present for ya.”

 

“Present?  Vhy, Herr Barkley?”

 

“First of all, its NICK.  Use my name, please and secondly, we don’t like the idea of you out here by yourself without transportation.”

 

“Transportation?  I have ze vagon.”

 

“That ain’t fast enough.  What you need is a horse.”

 

“I can not ride.”

 

“That’s not a big problem.  I’m here to teach ya!”

 

“Vas?  No.  I can not.”

 

“You can and you will.”  He ignored her pleas and went about getting the second horse ready.  “This here is Sunny.  She is as gentle as a newborn, just perfect to learn with.  Now the first thing you gotta do, is get used to the horse.  Come on over here and let her smell ya…”

 

She was stunned.  He pulled her hand and led her to the horse.  She was quick to learn and within no time, was mounted and being lead by Nick.  She found herself enjoying the ride and actually wanted more, when Nick suddenly dismounted and came to help her off. 

 

“That’s enough for today.”  He felt her flinch slightly as he put his hands on her waist to pull her down.

 

“But…”

 

“I’ll be back tomorrow and we’ll do more.  Nice working with ya, Amalia.  Enjoy your day.”  He rode off abruptly, leaving her stunned, but wanting more.

 

Heath pounced as Nick returned. 

 

“How’d it go?”

 

“Good.  Too good.  She learns fast.  I had to get out of there, or I’d have had no reason to go back.”

 

“Thanks, Nick.”

 

“My pleasure, Little Brother.  It’s kinda nice.”

 

“What’s kinda nice?”

 

“That smile of hers.  Makes you want to get to know her better.”  He was teasing his brother, but Heath hadn’t seen that.

 

“You just watch out.  She doesn’t need to be hurt again!” 

 

Nick laughed.  “You got it bad for that girl!”

 

“What?  No.  Just want to help her out.”

 

“Yeah, right!”

 

Nick returned for the next couple days, working painfully slow to teach her riding.  She was a natural.  He kept trying to invent things to teach her.  He had run out of options.

 

“So, you think Sunny will like it here?”

 

“Vas?”

 

“Sunny.  Will she like her new home?”

 

“You can not mean…”

 

“Well, sure.  I wouldn’t teach you to ride and then not give you a horse.”

 

“But…”

 

“Take good care of her.  Make sure she gets her exercise.  Ya know, riding over to the ranch every day would be a great little warm up for her.”

 

As he always did, Nick rode off abruptly, leaving the girl swimming in a sea of emotions.

 

Heath left her alone for a couple days, to see what she would do.  He was rewarded with her arrival on Sunny the next day.

 

“Nick said she needed exercise.  He suggested I ride her here.  I suppose to vants to be sure I am caring for her.”  He smiled at her use of ‘Nick.’

 

“Naw, He just wanted to see you, like me.  I’m glad you rode over.”

 

She smiled and a blush spread across her cheeks.  The first instinct to panic fled quickly and she visibly relaxed.

 

“I was just about to ride out and check some fence.  Care to join me?”

 

“I vould like zat.”

 

They rode out together.  Their departure had not gone unnoticed.  Victoria was on her way to the stables for a ride to town and Matthias had stopped work long enough to watch his daughter leave.  Victoria saw the concern in his eyes and walked over to him.

 

“They don’t know the truth.”

 

He nodded.

 

“I think they are making some true progress, don’t you think?”

 

He nodded again and returned to his work.

 

Spring found the Barkley’s enjoying the company of a more relaxed Amalia.  She was often in the company of Heath during her free time and had returned to working at the main house.  She was even known to sit and chat with the Barkley women.  Her smile came far more freely and laughter could even spring forth from her lips on occasion. 

 

Heath captured her arm as she was about to mount Sunny and go home.

 

“Mali.  There’s a social Saturday night.  Care to join me?” 

 

“Nein.  Danke.” 

 

He hadn’t expected such a quick response.  He knew she would be nervous.  She had rejected all of his offers to go to dinner in town, but somehow expected her to be interested in the dance.

 

“Bitte?”  He tried his luck again.  He had always been able to turn her heart with his use of simple German phrases.

 

“Nay, Heath.  You don’t want to go vis me.”

 

He smiled.  They had been working on her use of contractions.  She had gotten it right, but not like he wanted.

 

“I do to.  It’ll be fun.  At least a few dances.  We won’t stay long.”

 

He watched her struggle with the decision.  He pushed her a bit more.

 

“Mali, I think you owe me a dance at least.”

 

“Alright.  But I can not promise…”

 

He cut her off.  “I do promise that you will have fun!”

 

He picked her up at the cabin.  She was lovely.  She wore the simple floral dress that he had seen before.  She had left her hair down and it fell long down her back, but she had pulled it from her face with a yellow ribbon.

 

“You look lovely!”

 

“Sank you.”

 

When they reached town, he felt her grip on his arm tighten as they neared the barn where the dance was being held.  She relaxed a bit, when Victoria and Audra swarmed her and helped guide her through the people.  

 

The next song began and Heath pulled her arm toward the dance floor, but her feet froze.

 

“What?”

“Ze music?”

 

He was immediately alarmed.  Did the music remind her of her attack?  He guided her back out of the barn through a rear door.

 

“Ok?”

 

“Ze Musik is different.  I don’t know how to dance to zis.”

 

Heath began to laugh.  She didn’t understand.  “Vas?”

 

“Allow me.”  He placed his hand on her waist and used his other to move her hand to his shoulder.  “They don’t dance like this in Germany?”

 

“Ja.  But I fear I vill stumble.”

 

“Let’s practice.”

 

They began to dance alone in the alley.  After several minutes, she was convinced that she could move on the dance floor and they returned inside.  He guided her to the center and they glided about the room until the song ended.  She was so caught up in the dance, music and most importantly, his arms, that she hardly noticed the song had ended.

 

They moved to the punch table and met up with Nick and his dance partner, Irene.  The couples chatted briefly and then the next song began and they all moved back onto the floor. 

 

Leona Miller watched the couple across the room and jealousy boiled in her blood. 

 

Amalia had no idea it was as late as it was when they left.  She was tired.  She leaned up against Heath’s side and soon drifted off to sleep.   For the first time in over a year, she dreamed of pleasant memories.  As they arrived at the cabin, Heath was loathed to wake her.  Matthias came out and seeing the circumstances, pulled his daughter’s sleeping form from the seat and carried her into the house.  Heath expected him to return, but he didn’t.

 

Amalia continued to read as many books as possible.  She went to town once a week, now on Sunny, specifically to visit the library.  Following the dance, she found her heart particularly light, combined with the warm spring day and she was happy for the first time in a long while.

 

“Good Afternoon, Fraulein Miller.”

 

Her greeting was met with a cold glare.  It unnerved her.

 

“Miss Klug.”

 

“Hier are my latest books and I vould like to get more as alvays.”

 

“No.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“You may no longer get books here.”

 

“Vhy?”

 

“We not longer want your kind here.”

 

“My kind?”

 

“Please leave, or I shall call for the sheriff.”

 

The tone was serious and Amalia took no risk.  She set her books on the counter and left quickly.

 

The tears flew down her cheeks as she climbed on the horse.  She hadn’t noticed the man who’s hand held the reins. She tried to leave, but the horse struggled.  She looked down and saw Jarrod holding her in place.

 

“Amalia, what’s wrong?  What’s happened?”

“Nozing Jarrod.  I must go.”   He held steady and persisted.

 

“You’re crying for nothing?”

 

“Bitte, Jarrod.  I must go.”

 

He allowed her to go.  He glanced at the library and felt it must have happened within, so he went inside.

 

“Mr. Barkley!  How nice.  We rarely see you here.”

 

“Good Afternoon, Miss Miller.  I was just wondering if you knew why Miss Klug left in such a hurry.  I had seen her horse and came across to say Hi, but she flew off.  She seemed upset.”

 

Leona Miller blanched.  “I wouldn’t know.”

 

He saw the stack of books on the counter and the absence of others and began to put things together.  “So she only returned books?”

 

“Um, yes.”

 

“She didn’t check any out?”

 

“No.”

“Why not?”

 

“I am sure I don’t know.”

 

“Strange she didn’t check any out.  She is such an avid reader.  I suspect one of your most frequent visitors.”

 

“Yes, she does read a lot.”

 

“But no books this week.”

 

It slipped out before she could stop herself.  “Or ever.”

 

“Ever?”

 

“I don’t think she will be reading our books again.”

 

“Why not?”  He dragged the truth of the incident out of the librarian.  He suspected it had to do with Heath’s attentions to the girl.  He set her straight and rode home, hoping to catch up with Amalia.  

 

He found her at the cabin.  She was brushing the horse down with furious strokes.

 

“I don’t think Sunny is used to such aggressive handling.”

 

She took in a deep breath and slowed her actions, saying nothing.

 

“I spoke with Miss Miller.  She was wrong and knows it.”

 

“I should not be spending so much time reading anyvay.”

 

“I can understand if you don’t want to return.  Feel free to use our library whenever you like.  I know Heath mentioned you had enjoyed Faust.”

 

“Sank you.”

 

It was all she said.  He bowed slightly and left her alone. 

 

She was shaken and it showed.  It frustrated Heath, but he knew that the slow forward progression was bound to hit some snags.  He redoubled his efforts.

 

Sean Simons had been a Pinkerton detective for ten years now.  He could have easily accepted desk duty, but he still enjoyed the thrill of the hunt.  He had been in Stockton for three days now.  He had found his target and was simply waiting for the men who hired the agency to make their move.  He could have left, but they had kept him in the dark and he was too curious.  He was strolling out of his hotel, on his way to lunch, when he bumped in to Jarrod Barkley.

 

“Jarrod!  Great to see you.”

 

“Well, Sean.  How long have you been in town?”

 

“Just a couple days.”

 

“And you haven’t been by yet?”

 

“I am on business.”  He had been avoiding Jarrod.

 

“Oh?  Anything I’d be interested in?”

 

“Just hunting down some people.”

“Anyone I know?” 

 

“Now Jarrod, you know I can’t tell you anything.”

 

“I guess not.  So, have you had lunch yet?”

 

“I was just on my way.  Care to join me?”

 

The two men dined and caught up on happenings in the world.  Sean had shared stories of his young daughter and Jarrod had consented to stop by his hotel room to see a picture.  As they entered the room, Sean busied himself across the room, digging out the photograph.  Jarrod gazed around the room and his eyes fell on an open book, a German dictionary.  Next to it was a file, he could just make out the title, Klug.  His heart skipped a beat.  His old colleague was here to find the Klugs. He made the proper comments concerning the picture and bid a hasty farewell.

 

When he arrived at the ranch, Nick and Heath were doling out the payroll.  Matthias was waiting in line with the others.  Jarrod asked his brothers and Matthias to join him in the study when they finished.

 

“What’s up Jarrod?”  Nick was annoyed at the disruption.

 

Jarrod ignored Nick and looked Matthias in the eye.  “Matthias, is there any reason that the Pinkerton Detective Agency would be looking for you and Amalia?”

 

Matthias went pale but remained silent.

 

“I ran in to an old friend of mine today.  He is looking for you.  I don’t know if he has found out you are here, but it won’t take long.  Tell me what is wrong and we can help.”

 

Matthias turned to Nick and Heath.  “I sorry.  I must leaf.”

 

Heath misunderstood.  “Matthias, this sounds important.  Stay.”

“Nein, I kwit.  Ve go by morning.”

 

“Nonsense.  We can help.  You don’t have to run!”  Jarrod was pleading.

 

“Nay.  Ve go.”

 

“No, you don’t!”  No one had noticed Victoria’s entrance into the room.  “Tell us everything.  Amalia deserves that, don’t you think?”

 

His shoulders slumped and he shook his head slowly.  “It is not your concern.”

 

“It is my concern.”  Heath corrected himself quickly.  “Our concern.”

 

“Tell them Matthias!”  Victoria’s tone was hard to ignore.

 

The room was silent as they all willed him to begin his story.

 

“Amalia’s mozer died from ze fever vhen she vas young.  Ve lived a good life.  Ze local Baron liked my verk and kept us busy.”  He smiled wistfully, as he recalled happier times.  “She was alvays laughing and smiling, so pretty.  Ze baron had zree sons, twins und a younger boy Amalia’s age.”  He stopped and took a deep breath.  Nick had poured him a drink and pressed it into his hand to steady his nerves.  “Ze twins, zey vere no good, mean and nasty.  Sey alvays vere looking at Amalia mit sin in se eyes.  Zey had been in ze pub and vere drunk.  Se rode home in se morning, past our place and one of ze boys, Fritz, fell off his horse.  He vas out cold.  Ze other vanted to vait inside for a time.  I vas verking in ze smithy...  Oh, Gott!”

 

He dropped his head into his hands and his knees gave out.  He sank into the chair as strong arms tried to steady him.  Tears came to the proud man’s eyes.  “I should haf nefer left her alone.  But you can not deny a Baron, or his Sohn; she knew dat.”  He again needed time to compose himself.

 

“By ze time I returned, he vas finished mit her.  I came in ze house and she vas on ze floor.  Her clothes vere torn off and he had beat her, badly.  She did not move.  I tougt she vas dead.   He vas just standing and buttoning his tousers.  He did not care zat I knew.  I grabbed a knife from ze table and ve struggled.  I killed him.”

 

There was dead silence in the room, not even Jarrod knew what to say.

 

Matthias couldn’t stop now.  “She vas so hurt.  She had fought him.  I bandaged her injuries and wrapped her in blankets.  Zen I grabbed vhatefer I could and trew it in ze vagon.  Ve left as soon as ve could and nefer looked back.  She almost died.  It vas veeks before she spoke.  She does not remember anyzing past his arrifal, except in her dreams.”

 

“We can help Matthias.  We can fight this.”

 

“Nay.”

 

“She needs to fight this Matthias, if she is ever going to heal.”  Victoria’s words were wise.

 

“I do not know if she can.”

 

“We’ll protect her.  Go get her and bring her here.”

 

He searched their eyes.  He had already told them the truth.  He couldn’t go back now.  Maybe they were right?  Maybe he owed it to her to stand and fight?  He had a better chance here then in Germany.  He set his pride aside.

 

They hitched a wagon and the brothers accompanied Matthias to the cabin.  Tragically, they were too late.  The only thing that greeted the men was a note stuck to the door with a knife.  The note was in German and Matthias refused to translate.

 

~ BV ~

 

The death of one of his beloved sons had sent Baron Rieshofen to an early grave.  The eldest son, Fritz, assumed his father’s title.  Within months, he had set out for America.  He had tracked the family that far and intended to hunt them down.  He had woken from his drunken slumber to find his brother’s lifeless body.  It was evident to anyone that examined the room, there had been a bloody struggle, but it didn’t matter to him.  One of the two had killed his twin and they would pay.

 

He arrived in Stockton the day before.  Two “guards” and his youngest brother, Johannes, accompanied him.  They met with Sean Simons to gather the necessary information and headed immediately out to scout their plan. 

 

By now, Amalia was used to riders coming and going from the cabin.  One member of the family or another was known to stop by at any time.  She didn’t think twice about opening the door to greet whoever it was.  She froze at the image before her.

 

“Guten Tag, Amalia.  Lange nicht gesehen.”

 

The voice chilled her and yet at once she found strength.  She pushed forward with all her might and slammed into the man, whose face haunted her dreams.    He fell backward into the other men and she snaked past them all. She ran immediately for their horses and mounted the first and rode off. 

 

They picked themselves up and pursued her.  She had the advantage of knowing the terrain and being lighter on the horse.  Unfortunately, she had the weakest horse.  She could sense them approaching her.  As they raced over the valley, Fritz von Rieshofen pulled along side and lunged through the air at her.  He caught her full on and they both fell over the side of her horse, which continued on at breakneck pace.  As if the fall from the horse wasn’t enough, he landed on top of her, slamming her body further into the ground.  Blackness swelled from the ground and engulfed her.

 

*7 *

 

Sean had heard the horses approaching and hid in the barn.  He watched from a safe distance as the four men, Jarrod included, read the letter nailed to the door.

 

“What does it say, Matthias?”  Jarrod was anxious.

 

“Nozing.  Sank you and Auf  Wiedersehen.”

 

“What???”  Nick’s anger was evident.  “You expect us to just turn and leave?”

 

“We can’t do that, Matthias.  Where have they taken her?”  Heath’s voice was calm, but had an edge.

 

“It doesn’t say.”  The voice from behind them startled them all and they turned to face the new voice.

 

“Sean?” 

 

“They want him to wait here until they come get him.  I think they want to torture him”

 

Nick charged the man and grabbed him by the collar.  “Just how are you involved in this?  Where the hell is she?”

 

“I don’t know.  All I did was lead them here.”

 

“You knew they were here at lunch, Sean.  Why didn’t you say something?”

 

“Jarrod.  I was doing my job.  I couldn’t say anything.”

 

Heath was ignoring the conversation and instead searched the grounds and horizon.  “We got tracks to follow.”

 

Nick caught his brother’s flow.  “Let’s go.”

 

“Now Nick, wait a minute and think.”   Jarrod was attempting to be the voice of reason.

 

“We don’t have time.”

 

“We have to take the time.  Nick, stay here with Matthias in case they come back before we get her.  Heath and I will follow the tracks.  Sean, what side are you on?”

 

“Tell me what you want me to do.”

 

“Ride to town and get help.  See the sheriff for sure and then go to our ranch and summon our men.”

 

Nick and Matthias settled in to wait for word.  Heath and Jarrod took off after the tracks. 

 

It was cold.  It was the first thing she noticed.  As she became more aware, the pain flooded her body with the chill.  She attempted to move, but was thwarted by the ropes around her ankles and wrists.  She opened her eyes, but nothing changed.  She was in darkness.  As her fingers explored, she found cragged wall.  It seemed to her she was in a cave.  She thought about calling out, but decided not to alert her captors of her consciousness. 

 

The darkness did nothing to alleviate her anxiety.  She sat a moment and reflected on the events.  The face that haunted her dream world, now sought revenge in her reality.  Her mind, although fully awake, went back to that day for the first time. 

 

She had been expecting Johannes.  They were going to discuss a recently read book. Instead, it was his older brother Gunnar that met her.  She had fought so hard.  She remembered vividly the stench of his breath and the pain of his fists.  He threw her around the room as easily as a paper doll.  Once, she had made it past him and out the door, only to stumble over the prone form of Fritz.  He had grabbed her ankle and pulled her back inside.  He then struck her so hard, her world numbed.  She drifted from her body and watched from above as he tore her clothes and molested her flesh.  She remembered feeling that the lower half of her body would split in two, as he thrust inside her without preparation.  She had tried to scream, but he held one of his hands at her neck as he slapped her in rhythm with his plunges.

 

With no care, he had skewered her, over and over with no concern.  In the darkness of the cavern, she subconsciously pulled her legs closer together, hoping to subdue the phantom pain that resided there still.  She wished her bonds allowed her to curl into a ball.  She needed the comfort as she anticipated the punishment she felt would follow.  It had been her father that ended Gunnar von Rieshofen’s life, but he would extract his revenge on her.  She knew she was about to die and prayed only that it was quick.

 

~ BV ~

 

It wasn’t long after they left the cabin, when the tracks split up.   There had been a struggle and two sets of tracks went toward town and three others toward the hills. 

 

“Which ones do we follow?”

 

“They ain’t taking her to town.”  Heath directed Charger toward the hills.  Jarrod caught up to him.

 

“So, someone who knows the plan went to town?”

 

Heath paused to consider his words.  “We’d better split up.”

 

“Heath, don’t go it alone.  Go back and get help.”

 

“We don’t have that time Jarrod.  I’ll do what I have to do.”

 

Sensing he would not win the argument, Jarrod steered Jingo to town.

 

Darkness was falling as the trail succumbed to rockier terrain.  He rode Charger over to a stand of trees and dismounted.  It was obvious they had taken her to the old Atkins mineshaft.  It was the only thing up the hill.  What puzzled him was the lack of horses.  Where were they?

 

He climbed slowly.  Every sense in his body was heightened.  He reached the shaft entrance and stole a glance inside the opening.  Old man Atkins had raised 10 sons.  They had found the crevice in the hill and begun exploring.  They had come upon a small vein of precious silver and mined it out before the valley was even settled. 

 

It was empty.  However, supplies were neatly stacked in the corner.  He moved to the pile and lit a lantern.  He had no idea why, but he knew he had to go deeper.  As he moved about 50 yards down the narrow and rugged path, the light fell upon the prone figure of Amalia. 

 

“Mali!”  His voice was quiet, but she heard it and her head turned to the light.  She couldn’t make out the man, but she knew the voice.

 

“Heaz?”

 

He quickly moved to her side and began to work at her binds.  In the pale lamplight, he could see and feel her body trembling.  His heart ached for her.  In that instant, he wanted nothing more then to protect and cherish her for the rest of his life.  He knew in that moment, he loved her. 

 

Fritz von Rieshofen had sent his man to town to see to a few more supplies.  He had no intention of being hurried.  He planned to leave her deep in the tunnel for some time.  The darkness would stir her fears and the delay of notification would do the same to her father.  Then he planned to bring the old man here and force him to watch as he took his revenge on his daughter.  He wasn’t certain he would kill them.  The thought of the torture was more overwhelming to him.  He had walked his horse to a nearby creek for water.  He just noticed the man enter the cave as he came back and the smile lit his lips.

So, someone wanted to save her.  It was all the more fun for him now.

 

“Can you stand, Mali?”  He had untied her and was gently pulling her shoulders. 

 

“I zink zo.”  Her voice was small and timid as she willed her body to obey his demand. 

 

He pulled her up and grabbed the lantern from the floor.  They moved back toward the entrance.  Rieshofen waited just outside the entrance for the couple to emerge.  He didn’t have to wait long. 

 

The couple emerged cautiously.  Heath’s gut told him things were going too smoothly.  As he rounded the corner, with his hand firmly holding Mali’s, he stopped suddenly and Mali pushed into him, propelling him forward.  The blade sliced through his side and a small gasp escaped his lips. 

 

“I do not zink so Amalia.  You are not going anyvhere.”  He stood before them with his saber drawn, the razor sharp blade reflecting in the moonlight.

 

“Let him go.  Bitte, Fritz!”

 

“Nein, Amalia.  Keine Chance!  Return!”

 

The hopeful escapees turned back toward the cave.  Once inside, Rieshofen instructed Amalia to tie Heath’s hands behind his back and then his feet as well.  He kept the blade on his neck to insure she complied with his wishes.  As she finished his feet, she turned to face her captor and was met instead by a fierce slap that sent her flying across the floor and before she could control her stop, she hit the wall and crumbled to the floor.  Heath yelled out in protest, but was quickly silenced by the blade.

 

“She did what you asked.”

 

“She got less zen she deserves.”

 

After double-checking Heath’s binds, he moved to Amalia and tied her arms to her sides.  He pulled them so tight, that Heath could see the rope cutting into her skin.   He then moved about setting up a reasonable camp.  He lit a few more lanterns and set them a bit farther back, so as to provide more light, but not enough to give them away.  Heath bided his time and observed his adversary closely, searching for his Achille’s.