To everything there is a season,
a time for every purpose under the sun.
A time to be born and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
a time to kill and a time to heal ...
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance ...
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to lose and a time to seek;
a time to rend and a time to sew;
a time to keep silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
~ecclesiastes 3:1-8
“Ma, can I stop yet?”
Six-year-old Leah Barkley had only been practicing her scales for a few
minutes. This was a daily battle. She longed to get out with the men and work
around the ranch, especially the horses, until she had to leave for
school. Her mother insisted she use her
time before school to practice.
“No, you may not.
Continue.”
She displayed her displeasure, as she did every day, by
pounding even harder on the keys, to the annoyance of all within the large
manor home.
Jarrod Barkley finished his last cup of coffee and smiled
at his sister-in-law as she entered the dining room and poured herself a cup of
coffee. “Our daily battle of wills?”
“I’m sorry you have to be the victim of her stubbornness.”
Jarrod laughed again.
“She’s born to it. There’s no
way I could complain.”
Kathleen Barkley laughed with her brother-in-law this
time. “I guess you’re right. Why do I fight it.”
“Because you’re a stubborn Irish woman?”
“Aye. How right
you are.”
They sat in silence for a few minutes, reading and
listening to the simple song now being played in the parlor. The grand matriarch of the Barkley family
was on her annual trip east to see Audra in Virginia and Nick, along with most
of the men, were in the outer ranges branding the spring calves. Nick’s newborn son had kept his mother,
Ellen, up most of the night, so she was taking advantage of both of their sons
sleeping and catching up with some rest herself. Jarrod glanced at his pocket watch and pushed back his chair to
leave.
“Looks like it’s time for me to spare your ears.”
“Have I thanked you lately for taking her to school each
day?”
“No, but you also know its not necessary. I enjoy the company and time with my
favorite niece each morning.”
“Still, thank you.”
He walked to Katy’s side, leaned in and kissed her
cheek. “No, thank you.” They smiled warmly at each other and he
turned to leave. He stopped at the large table in the center of the foyer and
began searching through his files. He
called out to his niece. “Leahloo, time
to get your things.”
“Ahhhh, do I have to Uncle Jarrod?”
He laughed at their morning ritual. “Yes, my Dear. Time to go. Ciego has the
buggy hitched.”
“You don’t know that for sure.”
“Yes I do. Now,
gather your lunch and books.”
“Yes, Sir.” She
moved past him and met Silas in the hall toward the kitchen. He reached out to her with her books in one
hand and her lunch pail in the other.
“Here you go, Miss Leah. Now, if
you eat all this lunch likes a good girl, I think I might need some help with
oatmeal cookies diz afternoon.”
Leah hugged the man good-bye and thanked him. She turned and presented herself to her
uncle, ready to go. He was thumbing
through his files and noticed one missing.
“Sorry, Leahloo, I forgot a file upstairs. Could you possibly wait for me?”
“Oh, Uncle Jarrod.
You should be more ready.” She
rolled her eyes with mock annoyance.
He laughed at the scold in her voice and kissed her
forehead as he went by her to climb the stairs.
Katy came out of the dining room and saw her
daughter. “While I am glad I didn’t
miss you, I find myself wondering why you haven’t left for school young
lady. You’ll make your uncle late.”
“I will not. My
uncle has forgotten something and went upstairs to get it. You see, Ma, I’m waitin’ for him!”
“Heavens, that’s a change of pace.”
Suddenly the quiet of the morning was shaken by
gunshots. Leah’s eyes went wide with
fright and she ran to her mother’s side, holding tight to her skirts. She had been around gunfire, but it still
made her nervous.
It all happened quickly.
Jarrod and Ellen ran into the upper hall at the same time. Jarrod sent Ellen back into her room for
safety and returned to his own to grab his own weapon. By the time he reached the top of the
stairs, he saw four men storming in the front door with guns pointed at Silas,
Katy and Leah. He held his breath to
steady his nerves and determine his next step.
He decided to fire and alert them to his presence. He assumed it would draw their attention
long enough to allow the hostages below to run.
A large man, brandishing a huge knife, moved toward the
trio and Jarrod made his move. He
shouted and fired. Three of the four
men pointed their guns his way and he ducked backward to avoid their
shots.
Silas sensed Jarrod’s purpose and despite his advancing
age, hurried the woman toward the rear of the house. The movement of the people in the foyer caught the attention of
one of the men and he fired. It caught
Silas in the back and he fell. Leah
screamed and Katy pushed her daughter forward as she turned back to try and
help Silas.
“Run, Leah.
Run!” Leah automatically
responded to her mother’s shout and ran like the wind toward the kitchen and
its back door.
Meanwhile in the foyer, shots were flying. Two men advanced on Silas and Katy and the
two other men fired at Jarrod above. If
anyone present could have concentrated on anything outside their immediate
needs, they would have heard many more shots being fired and Barkley hands
dying at the impact of the attacker’s bullets.
Katy boldly stood her ground in front of the injured and
unmoving Silas. The large man with the
knife grabbed her arm and pulled her to him.
She fought him, but he was simply too large. Seeing Katy handled so roughly enraged Jarrod and he increased
the speed of fire. Unfortunately it
also required him to unveil more of his body and in that moment, two different
bullets pierced his flesh.
The searing pieces tore their
way through him, one exiting the side of his chest, while the other lodged in
the bone of his shoulder. He fought
to retain consciousness, but failed as his precious blood seeped onto the floor
around him.
Katy’s scream ended with a glare from the tall graying man
who was apparently in charge and there was silence in the house. Outside, bullets still sounded.
The man, known only as Withers, called to the two other
men. “Get the girl!”
Another rough looking man from outside entered the
foyer. “We got the rest of them, Boss.”
Katy found her voice.
“What do you want?”
“Nothing but your daughter.”
“No, please.” Katy
tried to struggle again.
“Sorry. She’s
needed elsewhere.”
Meanwhile upstairs, Ellen secured her two young sons in
their cribs and cautiously opened the door.
Peering around the door, she saw Jarrod sprawled on the floor, his gun
next to him. She then heard her
sister-in-law scream and knew she had to try and help. She shuffled quietly down the hall and
moved, unobserved to Jarrod’s side. She
reached for his gun took it in her small hands and turned to the foyer
below.
With a voice that belied the size of her body, she shouted
out. “Let her be!” The new gun pointed at them, didn’t phase
them.
Withers laughed.
“No need to get involved with this, Little Woman. Put the gun down and we’ll get what we need
and move on.”
She hadn’t heard the first part of the conversation. “Just what is it you need?”
“The girl. We’ll
just take the girl and be off.”
“You’re not taking anyone.” She pulled back the hammer on the gun.
The man holding Katy suddenly pushed her at the wall and
it was enough to distract Ellen. The
men moved and she fired, but her bullet missed and the impact of the gun sent
her sprawling backward. As the men
below made for the door, she fired again and struck the last man to enter in
the center of his back. He fell and the
rest let him lie.
Katy paused only long enough to make eye contact with
Ellen. She knew she would see to Jarrod
and Silas. She needed to find her daughter. She followed Leah’s path to the kitchen and
saw the open door. She prayed her
daughter was well hidden.
Leah had run as quick as her little legs would carry
her. She ran from the back door, out
through the garden and hoped to find shelter in the trees by the creek behind
the house. The burning in her lungs
forced her to stop and catch some breath.
As she rested, she heard the shots and cries from the yard and she turned
to look, just in time to see Buck Johnson, one of their grooms, get hit by a
bullet. Part of her mind knew she
should continue to run, but the other part knew her friends needed help. Her large heart won the battle and she
turned to run toward Buck to help him.
She could see five men on horseback riding wildly through
the yard, firing at anything that moved.
She reached Buck’s body unnoticed and attempted to turn the much bigger
man over. Her small body struggled and
managed to turn just his upper body.
She saw a gaping hole with blood pouring out, scaring her. She let out a small scream.
Leah’s scream penetrated the air and the men on horses
honed in on her. She debated just a
second, before deciding she needed to run again. She started off but was quickly run down and scooped up by one of
the men, who called out, “I got the girl!”
The man rode over to the barn entrance with the other men
as two others ran out of the front doors and mounted their waiting horses. Withers looked back over his shoulder,
expecting to see Katy follow them. She
didn’t appear. Motion at the side of
the house caught his eye and he saw her moving toward the men. He spurred his horse and moved himself in
between she and Leah.
“Please. No. Don’t take my daughter!”
His only response was to throw a folded piece of paper at
her. “You follow those directions to
the letter and I promise, as a man of honor, you will see your daughter again
unharmed. You do anything different,
and I will kill her with my bare hands.”
The six men rode out in a flurry of dust and the screams
of her daughter.
Katy Barkley stood stunned and watched the cloud of dust
that contained her daughter, as it became a distant speck. It was the moans of the men around her that
shook her from her agony. She saw Ken
Wilson by the barn, trying to help another man, while bleeding from a hit to
his own arm.
“Ken, is anyone able to ride?”
“I think I am best fit, Ma’am. I’ll get to town and get help.”
“Are you sure you can?”
“I will. I got no
choice.”
He grabbed the nearest saddled horse and rode off. Katy focused her energy on the men
outside. Already, she had found three
dead. The tears streamed down her face,
but she didn’t feel them. She was numb.
As she was nearing the house, she heard Ellen calling for
her. As she ran in, she could hear the
babies crying upstairs. Jarrod was only
semi-conscious, but trying to make his way down the stairs. Ellen was trying to stem the flow of blood
from Silas’ back.
As much as she hated to leave the boys in terror, Katy
knew Jarrod needed her more. She moved
to his side, trying to control his actions. He was pale and losing too much
blood. She ripped at her petticoats,
stuffing them into his wounds. He cried
out in pain, focusing his eyes on her.
“Hold still, Jarrod.
Help is on the way.”
“Le..”
“Just rest. You
need to save your energy.”
~ Hours later ~
Nick was pacing in the hallway outside of Jarrod’s
room. Dr. Merar had been with Jarrod
for some time and each minute brought greater agony to Nick. He hadn’t been there when his family needed
him most. When Ellen came out of the nursery, he enveloped his petite wife into his
arms, both needing to be held.
“Are the boys settled?”
Nick whispered into his wife’s hair.
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry.” Nick
had attempted to hold his infant son, but he couldn’t control his emotions,
feeding the unrest of the baby. He had
no idea how his wife had managed to hide her emotions from their sons, but she
had done it and both now slept.
“It’s alright.”
She hugged him tighter.
The whole story had not been told, as too many men needed
attention. Their first priority had
been the men. In all, four Barkley
hands had been killed, including Ciego, while two more still struggled for life
and two others were injured. Helen
Merar, upon hearing of the deadly attack at the ranch, had gathered volunteers
to help with nursing. There was no lack
of help available. Finally, Jarrod’s
door opened and Howard stepped out.
“How is he?”
“He’s hanging in there.
I think he’ll be fine, with a lot of rest.”
“Is he awake?”
“No. He’s asleep.” He eyed Nick closely. “It’s exactly what he needs. So do you all.”
“NO. We need to
get after those sorry excuses for men.”
“Where? The
sheriff has a posse on the trail, or have they found something?”
Nick’s voice was unusually quiet. All knew that this was tearing him
apart. “No. Nothing.”
“I need to go check on Silas.” Howard Merar started to walk around Nick and Ellen, but Nick’s
arm reached out to stop him.
“Will he make it?”
He was silent.
“Silas is an old man. I just
don’t know if he has it in him to survive this.”
Nick and Ellen followed him down the stairs. In recent years, as both Victoria and Silas
had aged, a ground floor wing had been added to the mansion. The brother’s didn’t like their mother or
Silas taking the stairs on a regular basis, so both now had rooms
downstairs. Between the four of them,
Victoria, Silas, Katy and Ellen, the house was as well run as ever.
Howard entered Silas’s room, pushing Katy out. She and Helen had not left Silas’s
side. Katy stopped just outside the
door, unaware of Nick and Ellen. A
stricken look came over her face and she hugged herself as tears threatened to
overwhelm her. Nick slipped from his
wife’s hand, pulling Katy into his arms.
As strong as she had been, the thought of losing her daughter too, was
tearing her apart. Nick felt his
shoulder grow wet as her silent tears fell.
When she had calmed and her breathing had settled, he pulled back.
“We have to talk.”
She sniffed.
“Jarrod?”
“He’ll be fine.”
“Yes.”
“Yes, what?”
“We have to talk.”
He escorted her into the parlor, where Ellen met them with
a tray of tea.
“Thanks for the tea, Honey, but anyone want anything
stronger?” He moved to the liquor
trolley, pouring himself a full glass of whiskey and slammed it down. He took another bottle, poured a half glass
and turned to Katy. “Katy? A little Irish courage?”
She had been standing at the piano bench and didn’t hear
Nick right away. When she finally
turned to him, he gave her the glass.
She drank hers equally fast.
“I’m never gonna make her play again if she doesn’t want to.”
“Now, that’s a bit rash.
We’ll get her home and things will settle back to normal.”
The front door opened and Sheriff Madden entered.
“WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?”
“Do you have her?”
He shook his head.
“I’m sorry. We lost them.”
“HOW?” Nick was
red faced with rage. His vow to care
for his only niece was shattering before his very eyes.
“Nick, let him speak.”
Katy was the voice of reason.
“They split up. I
still got men trailing them.” He turned
to Katy, hesitating. “I need to see
that note, Katy.”
“No.”
“Katy, please give him the note. He can help.” Ellen
placed a soothing hand on Katy’s shoulder.
“No. It says no
law, or she dies.” She paused and drew
in a deep breath. “Thank you, but we’ll
handle it from here.”
“Katy!”
Nick moved to the sheriff’s side, gently ushering him
toward the door. “Let us talk to her
and I’ll keep in touch.”
“Nick, I understand her fear, but these men are not just
kidnappers. They are murderers. This is for me to handle. You have enough going on here.”
“I know. I will do
what I can.”
Nick rejoined the women.
“So, Katy, do we get to see the letter?”
Before handing him the letter, she reinforced her
position. “Nick, I saw his eyes. He’ll kill her.” She then handed him the letter and he read it aloud.
“Deliver $250,000 in small bills to Mesilla.
We’ll be waiting for your arrival.
So long as no one does anything stupid, she will live.
Do not involve the law.”
“Mesilla?” Ellen
was unfamiliar with it.
“It’s in New Mexico.”
Nick was rereading the note, hoping the words would change.
“Nick, I don’t have that kind of money.”
“Yes, we do.”
“But…”
Nick thought for a moment. “You’re one of us. We’ll
need to liquidate some assets. I wish
Jarrod were able to help.”
“I’m so sorry. I
can’t ask the family to sacrifice like this.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.
We love her too. We will do
whatever we have to do to get her back safely.”
“We’ll need help.”
“I can assemble a few good men.”
“You’ll need another one.”
Nick was silent, knowing what she meant, and then at last
said one word. “No.”
“He can help.”
“He doesn’t care, remember?”
“He doesn’t know.”
“I’m not waiting around for him. You do what you have to do; I’ll do what I have to.”
Wires were sent to Virginia and elsewhere. Victoria and Audra responded that they were
on their way. No other responses were
received.
The days ticked off as Jarrod healed and Nick scrambled to
gather the money. Silas remained
unconscious. Dr. Merar was still not
willing to make a positive prognosis.
Someone always sat with him, as it helped occupy their minds.
~ Elsewhere in the West ~
The hot sun was blazing down on their backs as they
chopped at the fallen tree. The younger
man stopped his work and sat down to drink from his canteen.
”Boy Howdy,” he said teasing the older man. “You sure work hard for a man your age.”
“And you don’t work hard enough for a man yours.”
They both laughed.
“Come on, take a break.”
The older man reluctantly sat next to him and took a long
drink from his own canteen. He had to
admit; it felt good to rest. He was
tired.
“I don’t get you.”
“What’s to get?”
“You. You just
don’t seem to belong here.”
“Why not?”
“You belong doing something better.”
“Like what?”
“Like having your own spread. Whatcha doing working for someone else? You know more about ranching then Smithton.”
“I doubt that.”
“Then you’re lying to yourself. Dont’cha want something more?”
He thought for a moment.
“I had it once. It’s hard to
hold on to.”
They finished their task and rode back to the bunkhouse in
silence.
“Howdy, Boys. Hey
Carson, a telegram came for you today.
Thought you were a loner? Who’d
be contacting you?” The foreman handed
him the envelope. On the outside was
scrawled his name, Tim Carson. He
opened it, scanning its contents.
“I gotta go.”
“Go? You can’t
go.”
“Then I quit.”
He left the other men in stunned silence. He went to his bunk, packed his meager
belongings and climbed upon his great bay.
“If you ride off, don’t plan on coming back.”
“I won’t.”
Tim Carson was born just short of seven years ago, on a
cold night alone on the prairie, Tim, the name of his deceased son and Carson,
his wife’s father’s name. He was now
sitting on a train, riding to a place he had vowed never to see again. It was all a bit too overwhelming. His daughter was taken and men were murdered
in the process. The wire had not
alluded to much, but subsequent newspapers had revealed the story. He had a daughter. No, his wife did. No, the
Barkleys lost a child. He could lay
claim to neither.
One week had passed since the brutal attack and kidnapping
at the Barkley ranch. Silas had finally
begun to show some improvement and Jarrod was clamoring to get out of bed. That morning had found him sneaking down the
stairs unassisted. Much to Dr. Merar’s
disdain, they settled him in the parlor, wrapped in blankets. Victoria and Audra would arrive on the
afternoon train.
Katy opted to remain with Jarrod, Silas and the boys,
while Ellen and Nick went to town to pick up their mother and sister. Little did the family know, another person
had joined the train at the last stop.
Victoria now made an annual visit to her daughter in
Virginia at the first of each year. She
would reside there throughout the difficult California winter months. Although older and frailer, she was still a
commanding presence. Audra had married
a horse breeder in Virginia and they now had two young boys as well. Audra had wisely brought a nanny to help
with the children during the difficult ordeal.
Nick greeted his nephews warmly and began to herd everyone to the
waiting buggy. It took Victoria and Audra some time to load up as many people stopped
them en route but eventually they were on their way.
The other traveler pulled his hat down low and disembarked
from the train. He prayed no one
recognized his horse. Charger had a
reputation and would most likely be recognized before he would. He climbed on the horse, riding quickly out
of town. Due to his directness, he
arrived before the buggy.
He was stopped at the front gate by armed guards who
watched his every move. They were
taking no chances. He identified
himself as Tim Carson. A man escorted
him to the front doors and there, Duke McCall took over.
“My God!”
“Duke. How are
you?”
“I… I don’t know
what to say.”
“She inside?”
“Ya.”
“Everyone else?”
“No. They went to
town to meet the train with your mother and sister.”
He smiled at his near miss. He was tempted to correct the Barkley foreman and remind him that
he had no family, but he opted for no battle this early. There would be time enough for the war.
Katy heard the front door opened and assumed it was the
whole crew. She ushered young Ben ahead
of her and held the baby tight. Ben,
with all the exuberance of a toddler, ran ahead of her and straight to the
stranger in the foyer.
“Hi!”
“Well, howdy, Little Man.
What’s your name?”
“Ben.”
Ben didn’t seem to think much of
the stranger as he turned and tottered into the parlor where his toy train was
waiting. Katy did think a
lot of the stranger. She stood frozen
on the stairs until the baby’s squirming roused her. She moved slowly down the stairs, as if each tread was quicksand.
“I didn’t think you’d come.”
“You asked. I
came. That was the deal.” He admired the baby in her arms. She deserved that. She deserved the happiness that children brought her.
“I suppose I should say, I didn’t think you’d arrive in
time.”
“So, I’m not too late?”
“No. Nick assembled
the money and intends to ride out tomorrow.”
“Good.”
“He’ll fight you on it.”
“I know.”
They stood in silence.
The only noise was the choo-choo sounds from Ben in the parlor. Several minutes passed with neither knowing
just what to say. Jarrod, waking from a
nap, broke the tension.
“Katy? Who is
it? It can’t be mother and Audra yet.”
“No, Jarrod. He’s
come home. He’s here to help.”
Jarrod was shocked and started to sit up. He moved too quickly, letting out a
groan. They rushed to his side.
“Jarrod, no, you mustn’t move.”
“Heath!”
“Jarrod” It was
quiet.
Jarrod held out his hand and it looked as if Heath would
ignore it, but at the last second, he took the outstretched hand. Jarrod held it firmly and pulled his brother
to him. Just as his arms were about to
wrap around his long lost brother, Heath pulled back. Katy placed the baby in the cradle. Ben disrupted the tension.
“Who is this?”
Jarrod coughed lightly and then spoke. “It’s your uncle Heath.”
Both Katy and Jarrod watched Heath’s face closely for
reaction.
“I ain’t got an uncle Heaf. I got an uncle Nick and Uncle Joe and you Uncle Jarrod.”
“Ben, this is your daddy’s brother. He’s been gone for a long while.”
“Are you gonna help bring Leah home?”
Heath was lost in a world of confusion and emotion. He assumed the boy was Katy’s. Had she married Nick?
Ben again disrupted Heath’s thoughts, but this time it was
shrieks of joy. “Mama, Papa,
Nana!” He ran to the crowd of people
who had just come through the door and through himself at his grandmother.
“Benjamin, don’t run at your Grandma like that!”
Ben ignored his mother’s reprimand and enjoyed the tight
hug from the grandma he missed. She was
equally pleased.
“Benjamin, you’ve grown a foot!” Audra grabbed him from her mother.
“No, I haven’t auntie Audra. I still gots two.”
Everyone laughed.
“Hey, anyone care to say hello to me?” Jarrod’s weakened voice reached the foyer.
They laughed again, shifting into the parlor. Victoria immediately moved to her eldest and
checked him for fever.
“Mother, really.”
Audra’s children, twin boys, Todd and Joseph Jr., a year
older than Ben, sat down and became lost in the train set before them. Heath had moved to the window but had yet to
be noticed. Jarrod and Katy temporarily
forgot him.
“Katy, Darling, how are you handling this?” Victoria took her hands and pulled her to
the chair across from Jarrod.
“I… I can’t help
but think there was something I should have done.”
“No, Dear.”
“I just want her back.”
“We’ll have her home in no time! I got our best men riding out with me in the morning.” Nick’s voice was confident, but tinged with
nervousness.
“You do now.” A
grin spread across Jarrod’s face.
“And just what is that supposed to mean?”
“He means me.”
Heath stepped from the window.
Audra gasped and ran to him. She
threw her arms around him, but the welcome was not returned.
Ellen picked up the baby when he
began to cry as the tension thickened the air. Victoria suggested she, Ellen and Audra take
the children in for a snack and then short naps. They still needed to see Silas as well.
After the others had left, there was more silence.
“We don’t need you here.”
“Katy sent for me.”
“I know. I told
her not to. You don’t deserve to be
here.”
“She’s my daughter.”
“Oh yea, what’s she look like? What’s her favorite food?
Toy? What side of the bed does
she sleep on?” He paused and watched
the haunted look fall on Heath’s face, but felt no remorse. “You may have sired her, but you ain’t no
father. Father’s don’t run out.”
“Oh, they don’t?”
The irony of the statement was lost on no one in the room.
Nick grew silent.
He moved to the fireplace and stared at its empty hearth.
“I need to know exactly what happened.”
Nick lost his temper.
“So, Now we have to relive the whole experience because you just now
showed up. Where have you been,
BROTHER?”
Katy said nothing for some time. “You can argue, fight or kill each other when OUR daughter is
HOME! Nick, we need him. You can’t go storming in there with an army
or she will get killed. Whether you
like it or not, we need HIM!”
“She’s right, Nick.”
Heath bit his lower lip and Jarrod attempted to soothe his brother’s
temper.
Nick’s head slumped in defeat. “So what happens when we get her home?”
“I’ll g…”
Katy cut off Heath’s reply. “Let’s get her home first.”
They spent the next hour discussing the plan. There were several loud arguments. Everyone in the house was stunned to hear
Heath’s voice raised just as often as Nick’s.
When there was nothing left to say, Heath left the house.
Katy attempted to follow him, but was stopped by
Victoria.
“Kathleen, may I go and talk to him?”
Katy was silent as she held an internal debate. “Please, Victoria. I know you care, but I really need to talk to him first.”
“I understand.”
Her absent husband assumed his typical stance at the fence
around the corral. He leaned on its top
rail with one foot propped on its bottom.
With the sun setting against his profile, golden rays reflecting off his
still sun-kissed hair, she was stirred with longing. The feelings tried to overwhelm her, tears touching the corners
of her eyes, threatening to spill forth in large quantities. She approached him slowly, using the time to
regain control of her emotions.
“Your mother has taken over the kitchen. She’s making fried chicken. It almost makes me hungry.”
He was tempted to remind her that Victoria Barkley was not
his mother, at least not anymore. He
decided to forego the route that would lead to a battle, opting for polite
conversation. “You need to eat. Keep your strength up. She’s gonna need you when we get her home.”
“She has a name.
Leah.”
“I know.”
“She’s beautiful.
She looks like you. She has
large bright blue eyes and golden blonde hair.
Of course, she has your button nose too.” She chuckled to herself as she envisioned her daughter in her
mind, causing tears to again well. She
saw by the set of his jaw, that he was struggling to maintain his blank
expression. She knew, despite any words he would say, that this was killing him
inside.
“I won’t tell her who I am.”
“What?”
“It will be easier for her, if she doesn’t know me.”
“How can you say that?
You’re her father!”
“You heard Nick.
It takes a lot more then simply siring her to be her father.” He laughed for a second.
”What’s so funny?”
“When I saw you on the stairs, I thought Ben and the baby
were yours. I thought you had
remarried.”
“Never.”
He ignored her response, continuing on. “Then for a second, I thought you had married
Nick.”
“What? Nick is very happily married to Ellen. More importantly, I don’t love him like
that. I love you.”
“You should, you know, remarry.”
“I told you I wouldn’t.”
“Don’t say that.
You can file for desertion.
Jarrod will help you. You can
find a man you deserve and have lots more children.”
“I won’t do that.
You’re my husband. You always
will be, even if…”
“Even if I go again?
I will.”
An idea suddenly came to her. “Why not divorce?”
“What?”
“Why don’t we divorce?”
He was startled and she knew it. His voice was soft and quiet.
“If that’s what you want.”
“Why? Isn’t it
what you want? Then you would be free
of me.”
That raised his hackles.
“I don’t wa…” He stopped himself in time.
“I don’t either.”
Ellen hesitated, but called to the couple. “Dinner is ready.”
Katy replied over her shoulder. “On our way.”
She turned to go, sensing Heath’s resistance. “Don’t want to let Nick eat it all, do you?”
“I’m not hungry.”
“Heath, Please.
It’s your first night home.”
“I told ya. I
ain’t home.”
“You have to eat.”
“I’ll get something at the bunkhouse or cook up some beans
later.”
“Cook some beans?”
“I’ll be back at sunrise to help stow the gear.”
“You’re not staying?”
“No.”
“Heath, please. I
need you.”
“No, Kathleen. You
don’t. It’s best not to depend on me.”
“So, you think if you go away for nearly seven years you
can still read me?”
“No, I don’t presume anything.” He paused. “But I can’t
stay, much less under that roof.”
Kathleen Mary Barkley was now angry, altering her stance
to show him. “You’re scared. Scared that if you stay or get too close,
you might want to come home for good.”
“I always have been.
‘S no secret.” He strode over to
the barn, grabbed Charger and rode off to places unknown.
As Katy entered the foyer, Nick was helping Jarrod into
the dining room. Ben was following his
cousins, however, stopped to ask her where his “new” uncle was. She told him that he wasn’t coming in. He accepted it, moving to rejoin the
others. She did notice Nick’s head
twitch at the news.
Dinner was only remotely normal. Jarrod was arguing with his mother about going with the men in
the morning. She, of course, refused to
allow it. He insisted that he could
easily ride in the train and then the wagon that would haul the strong box of
money. Hardly anyone ate a meal, most
just picking at the food. Ben, Todd and
Joe Jr. were chattering nonstop, unaware of the tension in the room.
As the family turned in for the evening, Jarrod and
Victoria were still arguing. Nick
silenced them both. “Let Jarrod
come. He might be the only thing that
keeps me from killing him.” They both
knew he meant Heath.
Tim Carson rode out that night, repeating his new name
over and over again. He needed to
convince himself that Heath Barkley truly was dead. He had spent years adjusting to life without them. He didn’t want to lose that work now. He couldn’t. Those years had been the hardest of his life. He always assumed that his childhood, or his
time at Carterson would be the biggest challenges of his life. They both paled in comparison to trying to
live life without the ones he loved most in the world. Yet, it was because of them, that it was
necessary.
He found himself in front of the burnt out remains of a
once grand home. The pain at which the
memories flooded back into his brain caused him to cry out. It threatened to consume him.
“Papa?”
“Ya, Tim.”
“Tomorrow, when you come get me, can we go look at that
pony again?”
Heath smiled at his son’s barely contained
excitement. “I think that might be a
good idea. I’ll ask your ma.”
“Ask his ma, what?”
She kissed her son on the head and waited for a response.
“Tim wants to go check out that pony tomorrow when we get
back.”
“I don’t know.
It’s still a week before his birthday.”
“Perhaps if you’re a good boy for your aunt and uncle, we
can arrange that.”
Tim, the spitting image of his father, except for his
mother’s green eyes, hugged his mother tight.
“I will be, Ma. I promise.”
“See that you are, Son.”
Heath ruffled his son’s hair.
Back in the present, Heath found himself wondering if it
would have made a difference had he told his son he loved him. He hadn’t.
He had ruffled his hair instead, missing a key opportunity. He left, riding further before making his
small camp for the night.
Predawn was cold and dreary. It was a perfect fit for the occupants of the stately home. Heath had already loaded the wagon with the
necessary supplies, when Victoria found him.
“You got an early start, Darling.” She reached her hand out and touched his
arm. She needed it. She was just old enough to no longer trust
her eyes. She needed to feel his strong
arm and the pulse that beat beneath its weathered exterior.
He reacted by pulling his arm away. “Please don’t. I’m not stayin’.”
“Of course not.
You’re going to bring your daughter home.”
“She’s not mine.”
Victoria laughed.
“She most certainly is. Kathleen
told you how she looks like you, but she has your spirit too. She is addicted to horses. For the most part she is quiet, observing
everything. You can’t hide anything
from that child.” She laughed again.
“She does have her mother’s fiery Irish temper. I suppose that could be Barkley too.”
“I’m sure you’ve all taken good care of her and she’s well
loved.”
“She is. But none
of us could replace you.”
“Thank you. Thanks
for taking care of Katy and Leah, too I guess.”
“You knew we would.”
“Ya.”
“I never agreed with your leaving.”
“I never expected you to.”
“You’re my son and you always will be.”
“It’s best you give up that idea.”
“I disagree.
Heath, bring her back.”
“We will.”
“And stay.”
“I can’t.”
Victoria argued no more.
She knew in her heart, as she always had, he need only look in his
daughter’s eyes once, and he’d be home. There was nothing in life she was more certain of. He would not make the same mistake as his
father.
The rest of the family gathered in front of the house to
wish the small group farewell. The
fussing baby clung to Ellen’s neck as she hugged Nick and wished him
Godspeed. Nick held her tightly a few
extra minutes. Kissing his son on the
head, he turned to Katy.
“We’ll have her home before you know it.”
“I know. Take care
of yourselves. We want ALL of you
home.”
Kissing his wife and son once again, Nick climbed on his
horse. Jarrod was slowly climbing onto
the wagon seat. Since he wasn’t up to
driving, Carl Weathers, one of the trusted hands, did so. Heath waited patiently off to the side,
feeling Katy’s eyes bore through him.
She approached him.
“Take care of yourself.”
“I’ll get her home safely. I promise.”
She noted his use of the pronoun and his inability to look
at her. “I know you will. That’s why I sent for you.”
“Let’s move!”
Nick’s voice bellowed in the quiet predawn air.
They had made arrangements at the bank to store the strong
box. Henry Pierson, the bank manager,
met them at this early hour and facilitated the removal of the box to the
wagon. They next met the early train,
where they loaded the entire wagon into a private car for the duration of their
train travels. The Barkley passenger
car was next to it and the brothers settled themselves, leaving the hands to
guard the wagon. Heath settled into the
farthest corner of the car, away from his brothers.
Jarrod might normally have been rocked to sleep by the
swaying motion of the train, but that same once comforting motion, served only
to jar his recuperating shoulder. He
chose instead, to watch his blond brother through half-slit eyes. He had changed in seven years, hadn’t they
all? Had his hair darkened, or was it
merely the small patches of grey forming at his temples? He was thinner, a battle the family had long
fought with him. Perhaps most striking
were the additional laugh lines near his eyes, not from laughing, but life and
the choices he had made. Gradually,
Jarrod succumbed to the sleep his body craved, misplacing his musings.
He snaked his arm around his wife’s waist and pulled her
close. “Beth, maybe we should learn a
little something from my little brother.”
Beth kissed her husband’s cheek. “And what might that be?”
“A night away? A
trip to San Francisco, fancy restaurants, romantic hotel suites?”
“mmm… Sounds
wonderful, maybe in a few months.”
“Months?”
“Darling, I am not quite ready to leave your daughter, nor
is she ready for me to leave.”
As if on cue, cries emanated from a nearby room, causing mother and father to smile at each
other.
“Ma! Tori’s
crying. Stop her!” JT Barkley entered his parent’s room with
his hands on his hips.
“Yes, Darling.
I’ll see to her immediately.”
Beth swept past her husband and son, leaving them alone in the room.
“Pa?”
“Yes, Son?”
“Can we go get Tim?”
Jarrod laughed at his son’s excitement. After the attack on Beth by Cass Hyatt, it
had been many months before she healed from the near deadly assault. He had hunted Hyatt like an animal, stopping
just short of killing him. The were
careful the first few years, not wanting to get pregnant before Beth’s body was
fully ready. In that time, Heath had met
Kathleen, married and delivered Tim in their first year of marriage. The first Barkley grandchild had brought
lots of commotion with him and soon Beth and Jarrod delivered Jarrod Thomas
Junior, JT. The two boys were the best
of friends. Four short months ago
Victoria Elizabeth had joined their family as well.
“No, JT. Heath and
Katy will bring him this morning. Have
you finished your chores?”
JT grew suspiciously quiet. “I figured Tim could help me.”
“I don’t think so.
I’m sure Tim would much rather fish.”
He lightly swatted his son on his behind and he scampered
off to complete his chores.
Jarrod poured himself a cup of coffee in the kitchen and
sat on the front porch reading a paper.
They had built their dream home on the lake. He sometimes pinched himself from the happiness and contentment
he felt.
Nick couldn’t rest like his brothers. He paced in their wagon and then went back
to the other to spell the other men.
How could they just rest? Didn’t
they understand the implications? Leah
was out there in the hands of monsters.
He understood Jarrod. Not only
was he recovering, but he was always calm, a trait inherited from their
mother. The older he got, the more
often he found himself wishing he had a bit more Victoria Barkley in him. It’s what made Jarrod such a good
lawyer. That way was never intended for
him. His blood burned with the passions
of the land, when it was calm, so was he.
When it spurned and raged, he did as well. Just as man would never tame Mother Nature, Nick would never tame
his passions. One of those passions was
certainly scared and alone right now.
He hoped he would have the opportunity to tear this man, Withers, apart
limb from limb. A bullet would be too
good for him. The sick monster needed to
look into the eyes of a man whose rage was forged from the love a child.
He had tried to understand, even accept Heath’s decision
to leave. In this moment, logic failed
him and rage took over. How could a man
who professed such love for his family, leave them? His absence had left a gapping hole in Nick’s heart, which had
often been filled with anger, until he met Ellen. He tried to imagine a situation so dire that he would leave his
wife and children. He tried to imagine
abandoning his wife during the delivery of his sons. He pounded his fist into the side of the wagon to release some
energy.
He had come home late from another night in town. For seven months he had attempted to lose
the pain in wicked ways. Nothing
worked. He stumbled at the top of the
stairs and saw Katy exit her room, clutching at her bulging abdomen.
“Nick? Help. Please.”
She stopped and took several deep breaths.
Nick was instantly sobered. Victoria had been called to
San Francisco when Audra, visiting friends, had taken a fall. It should have been fine; Katy had several
weeks before her delivery date. There
was only he and Jarrod to help. “Go
back to bed. We’ll get help.” Without
knocking, he entered his brother’s room, shaking him awake.
Jarrod was groggy but could smell the alcohol. “Nick, for heavens sake, whatever it is can
wait until you’re sober.”
“I gotta go for the doc.
Katy’s in labor.”
Jarrod sat instantly up.
“You’re in no condition to ride well.
I’ll go.”
“You think I’m in any condition to help her?”
“You’ll be more help here then falling out of the saddle.”
Jarrod quickly dressed, leaving his brother alone, outside
the room Katy and Heath had once shared.
Katy’s moans could be heard from within; cursing his younger brother’s
name, he entered.
“Nick…” She said his name through gritted teeth, holding
out her hand.
He approached her, talking her hand firmly in his. “I’m here.
I’m not goin’ anywhere.”
The doctor arrived, ushering Nick from the room. Katy refused to release his hand. Howard Merar could tell there was no time
for an argument, nodding to Nick to stay.
In no time at all, an amazing pink, wrinkled bundle with a
button nose and big sapphire eyes was thrust into Katy’s waiting arms. Nick sat next to her, stunned by the awe of it
all.
Through quiet tears of joy, Katy spoke softly to her new
daughter. “You look just like him you
know. He’ll be so proud.” She turned her body, showing Nick more of
the child. “Would you like to hold your
niece?”
He took the tiny bundle in his arms, holding her
close. He was speechless.
Jarrod joined them, offering his congratulations. “What’s this beauty’s name?”
“Leah Louisa, after our mothers.”
“Uncle Nick, do I get to hold Leahloo or are you going to
hold her forever?”
Nick reluctantly handed the child to his brother. He silently vowed to never let her out of
his sight. He would serve the child, as
her father should have.
Carl and the other hand, Jeb Marsden returned to the
wagon. “We got watch now, Boss.”
“We’ll be back to guard at the stops.”
He knew the men wanted him to leave, having no desire to
rejoin his brothers; he moved slowly.
Jarrod was sound asleep and Heath continued to huddle in the
corner. Nick sat at a table, reading
the newspaper before him. After a few
hours, a conductor came through to let them know a stop was forthcoming. Nick
decided to let Jarrod sleep, indicating to Heath.
“We’ll need to guard the box during stops.”
“Thanks to all your press coverage.”
“My press coverage?
You act like we released the information.”
“Didn’t ya?”
“NO.”
“Every man in the west will be after that trunk.”
“Well, aren’t we glad the great Heath Barkley is here to
save us all!”
Heath lunged at Nick, slamming him against the wall of the
car. “Don’t do this, Nick. Don’t or I
swear…”
“Swear what, Brother?”
His tone of voice revealed the hatred so long brewing within him. “You left US. Never forget that!”
Unnoticed, Jarrod laid his hand on Heath’s shoulder. “There’s no time for this.”
Heath released his grip and the three moved into the next
car for the duration of the stop. They
didn’t need to stay long; it was a short stop.
As they reentered their own car, Jarrod suggested they get some
lunch. Nick immediately volunteered to
order something from the steward. As soon
as he had left, Jarrod turned to Heath.
“Heath…”
“I don’t wanna talk, Jarrod.”
“He loves her.”
“I expect so.”
“I think he blames himself.”
“He was out on the range.”
“But I wasn’t.”
“You did what you could.
Wasn’t your fault.”
“It’s funny. The
human mind has an immeasurable capacity to learn, grow and direct; yet the
heart controls us. Doesn’t matter how
logical a situation is, the heart forces the mind to play second fiddle. Hearts are so powerful, but so fragile.”
“Real poetic, Jarrod.
What’s your point?”
“It wasn’t your fault, Heath. No one blamed you then and no one blames you now.”
“You’re wrong. I
blame me, then and now.”
Nick returned, cutting off their conversation. “Lunch’ll be here shortly.”
Jarrod and Nick sat down at the table and ate when the
steward arrived. Heath declined. Jarrod began to argue with him, but Nick
waved him off. “He’s a grown man. He’ll eat if he wants.”
Heath returned to his corner and his memories as he dozed.
“Heath, Tim seems a bit warm. Maybe we shouldn’t go?”
“Katy, we’ve been planning this night for months. I’m sure it’s nothing. Besides, Beth and Jarrod can handle
anything.”
“But, Heath…”
“So you don’t want to hear this Irish tenor?” He flashed her his famous lopsided grin.
She smiled, unable to resist him, ever. “Fine.
You win, Mr. Barkley.”
“I win?
Never. You, Mrs. Barkley, always
win.” He kissed her full on the mouth.
“Heath! Stop
it.” She gave him a devilish
smile. “Save that for tonight. I hear we have a fireplace in the room.”
“Mrs. Barkley, you shock me!” He allowed the horses more rein, speeding them up.
Jarrod too, drifted back in time after lunch.
Beth stood on the porch next to him, Tori on one arm and a
glass of lemonade in her hand. “Wish
you were out there with them?”
He accepted the cool glass and the baby. “Me?
No way. I couldn’t keep up with
them.”
“Not at all.”
She sat next to him and they both watched the boys scamper
and frolic on the shore of the lake.
They knew it wouldn’t be long before one or the other went in.
“If Heath and Katy hurry, they could provide a playmate
for Tori.”
“Elizabeth Barkley, where is your mind?”
She chuckled.
“Katy is getting impatient.
She’d like another baby soon.”
“How about you?”
“Jarrod! We have a
baby right now!”
“I know and she’s perfect. How many more can we have?”
“How many more would you like?”
Tori giggled at the attention her father was giving her
toes. “As many as we can?”
Beth leaned in and kissed her husband. “Sounds perfect.” Their kiss deepened until a large splash was heard from in front
of them. They looked up and saw that JT
had gone in and was in the process of pulling his cousin in after him.
~ Mesilla, New Mexico ~
Leah Barkley was doing her best to stay brave. It had been a long, hard journey. They had stuffed her in a large trunk during
the first part of the trip and then transferred her to the back of a wagon with
her hands and feet tied. She hardly
ate, only when they threatened her. She
did accept water from her captors.
They seemed to have arrived at their destination. She looked around the sparse room, wondering
when her uncles would come and save her.
A knock at the door startled her.
Withers entered carrying clothes and a metal pitcher of
water.
“Wash up and change into these clothes.”
“NO!”
He grabbed her arm and repeated his command. “You stink.
I don’t want your smell luring anyone here before we’re ready.”
She decided to control her Irish/Barkley temper and
obeyed. “When are you coming?”
At each stop the brothers guarded the rear car. The silence between them was deafening.
Later that day, the conductor
told the Barkleys that their cars needed to be switched to a new line at the
next stop. The new train
wouldn’t be in for an hour and then would be staying for six hours. Nick thanked him and asked him to send them
dinner for four.
When the conductor had left, Jarrod asked the obvious
question. “Ah, Brother Nick, dinner for
four? There are five of us. I have never known you to miss a meal.”
“There’s only four of us been eatin’.”
“Nick…”
Heath stood. “I’m
goin’ for a walk. When I get back, I’ll
watch the money so the men can eat.”
The door hadn’t latched behind him, so Nick slammed it,
hard.
“Nicholas Barkley, what was that all about?”
Nick grinned at his brother. He seldom addressed him by his full name. “What?”
“How could you treat him like that?”
“He hasn’t eaten anything since he came. There was a time when you would have pinned
him to the ground and forced food in his mouth.”
“And there WAS a time when he cared about this
family. Things change!”
“Nick…”
“How many times you gonna say my name? What do you want me to do? He left!
He turned his back on us and you want me to forget that? Pretend it didn’t happen?”
“And yet he’s here.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Did you ever wonder how Katy got him here so soon?”
“He saw the papers…”
“No, You know Katy wired him.”
Nick was silent.
“You mean she knew where he was?”
“I don’t know. But
he got here pretty quick.”
Heath came back with the steward bringing the dinners,
going directly to the rear car and sending the two guards forward. He looked at the sandwich in his hand,
wishing he had the energy to eat it.
He checked his gun for the hundredth time, seeing to its
smooth operation. He had always feared
guns around his children. Once when he had caught Tim touching his
holster, he had reacted with such rage, it had made Tim cry. It had shocked them both. Later, as he held his sobbing son, he told
him of his fears. Guns were not
toys. They hurt people. He made sure Tim knew he was not to touch a
gun until his father taught him. He
never got the chance.
The wire arrived in San Francisco late at night. It hadn’t said much, just “Come home
immediately.” They caught the first
train home and Nick met them.
“Nick, what’s wrong?
Tim got sick didn’t he?” Katy
turned to Heath. “I told you he was
sick.”
Heath ignored her.
He couldn’t take his eyes off the pain in Nick’s eyes. “Nick, what is it?”
He couldn’t look them in the eyes anymore, dropping his
head. He thought he could do it. He thought he could be strong for them. “Fire.”
“Fire? Where?”
“Jarrod’s”
“Tim?”
“They were trapped.”
Katy went pale, grasping Heath’s arm for strength, finding
none. “Is he all right?”
”He’s…” Nick’s voice caught in his throat.
“He’s dead.”
~ Stockton ~
“Kathleen, won’t you come in? It’s chilly outside.”
Katy was wrapped up in her own arms, rocking on the
porch. “Not yet, Mother.”
Victoria returned in a few minutes with an afghan,
wrapping it around her shoulders.
“Thank you.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“No. The waiting
is so hard. I just want my little girl
back.”
Victoria wrapped her arms around the hurting mother. “You’re still cold.”
“It’s alright. At
least I can feel the cold, the rest of me is numb.”
“Not numb, just tired.”
“Is it wrong?”
“What, Dear?”
“I want him home, too.”
“We all do. I pray
each hour, that not only will Leah be home soon, but Heath as well.”
“So, its not wrong?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Is this a private party or can anyone join?” Ellen and Audra were peering at them from
the doorway.
“It’s a party for Barkley women, so you must join
us.” Katy offered them a small smile to
back up her words.
“Are the children all asleep?”
“Yes, finally. I
never thought they would settle down.”
“They certainly are enjoying themselves.”
“Out of every darkness, shines a bright light
somewhere.”
The three women were surprised by Katy’s words. “What?”
“My mother used to say that. She said, that’s why you shouldn’t cry when it seemed dark. She said, if you were truly living life, you
accepted the good with the bad and found something to gain from even the
darkest night.”
“Your mother was very wise.”
“Yes, she was.”
“Too bad your mother couldn’t teach Heath that.” Audra immediately clamped her hand across
her mouth. “I’m so sorry. I can’t believe I said that.”
Katy laughed.
“Why? Everyone was thinking
it. Besides, your right, however, it is
my job to show him…” She paused. “And I
will.”
They sat quietly together, listening to the night sounds
and sending their prayers to the bright stars above. One by one they turned in.
Katy lay on her bed, feeling scared and alone.
The days had been long and slow. Heath was quiet, yet supporting her throughout the ordeal. They stood alone over their son’s grave,
buried next to his grandfather.
“I’m tired of being sorry.”
“You have no reason to be sorry.”
“I bring nothing but pain to this family.”
“That’s not true!
Nick would beat you for talkin’ like that.”
Heath turned, walking away from his son’s grave. Katy followed.
“Don’t walk away from me.”
“I should have years ago.”
“Should have what?”
“Walked away.”
She grabbed his arm with surprising strength, turning him
to her. “Talk to me!”
“You just don’t understand. You can’t, no one can.”
“Understand what?
I can’t if you don’t talk to me.”
“No matter how hard I try, I can’t escape my past. Someone is always reaching out to pull me
back.”
“And?”
“And it end’s up hurting the ones I love in the
process. I have only brought them, and
you, pain.”
“Heath Barkley, you have brought me more joy, love and
happiness then I could have ever hoped for.”
“And your son is dead.”
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“He was out to hurt me.
Me! Now, everyone suffers, and
they paid the ultimate price. I ain’t
brought nothing to this family worth that!”
Tears ran down Katy’s face. “Please, Heath. Don’t say
such things. I need you now.”
“And I will always be here for you, always.”
Jarrod remained in the private car, watching over it,
while the rest settled into the storage car.
It was going to be a long night.
The potential for attack made them all increasingly nervous.
Nick could no longer handle the stifling air in the
car. “I’m gonna check outside.”
He surveyed the area.
Nothing was moving, except him.
They were a few hours from Phoenix; from there they would continue on
the train until Silver City. The rest
of the journey to Mesilla would be on horse.
He had to admit, the money was safer on the moving train, than out in
the open. He had learned the hard way,
to always consider safety. There was nothing or no one that could be taken for
granted or trusted.
“Heath, a cold beer would just about hit the spot, don’t
ya think?”
“Well, Big Brother, I must admit, sometimes you do have
good ideas.” Taking off his work
gloves, a broad grin formed on his face.
“And since it was your idea, I guess that means you’re buyin’!”
Nick slapped his brother on the back. “I just happen to feel pretty generous.”
They rode to town, stopping at their favorite saloon.
“Two cold beers, Harry.”
“That’s a shame, Nick.
I’m running a special on warm ones.”
“Ha! Ha! I pay ya
for your beer, not your humor!”
Harry slid the beers down to them. In no time, a satisfied “Aahh!” was heard
round the room.
“That was a great idea, Nick. Now, let’s git home.”
“Home? It’s still
early. How’s about we find us a game to
join?”
“Nick…”
Nick grew suddenly somber. “I know. I know. You got a pretty lil’ wife to get home to.”
“Don’t say it like that Nick.”
As if he were drunk, he said. “You’re right, I forgot Tim.
Can’t believe I forgot him.”
Heath understood his brother’s sobering mood. Both he and Jarrod were happily married and
Nick longed for the same. Heath knew
that a special woman was destined for Nick, he just hadn’t met her yet.
“How about Saturday night? We’ll play all night like we used to.”
Nick laughed.
“Nope.”
“Why not?”
“Now who’s forgetting?
You’re taking that wife of yours to San Francisco, remember?”
“Boy howdy, I forgot.
I promise Nick, soon, real soon.”
As an afterthought, he added.
“Will get Jarrod too. It’ll be
just like old times.”
“Ya, just like old times.” They both knew he didn’t mean it.
Heath decided for another beer, indicating to Harry to
deliver two more. As he waited, he
noticed a man sitting at a table in the corner, watching them. He seemed familiar, but he couldn’t place
him.
“Nick, you recognize that guy in the corner?”
Nick glanced over his shoulder only longer enough to shake
his head. “Nope. Why?
You?”
“He seems familiar…”
“Well, go ask him.”
“Nah…”
They finished their beers, standing to leave. The man in the corner did likewise,
following them out. Heath sensed him
following and slowly mounted Charger, waiting for him to make his move. Nick noticed as well.
“You’re Heath Thomson, ain’t ya?” He had finally spoken.
“I was. Do I know
you?”
“Was? You hiding
out from the law yourself now? Seems to
me the only reason to change your name.”
Nick cut in. “I
don’t see as how it is any of your business.
What do you want?”
“Heh, heh. I guess
you’re right. I jes wanted to thank
‘im.”
“Why?”
“You arrested me down in Abilene some years back.”
“And?”
“Like I said. I
wanna thank ya. I spent four years in a
Texas prison.”
“You served your time.”
“Yep. I’m a free man.
Thanks to you.”
“Come on, Heath.
Let’s go.”
Nick was so lost in his thoughts; he didn’t hear Heath
approach.
“If you’re on guard duty, it’s best not to let your mind
wander.” There was hostility in Heath’s
voice.
“It ain’t wanderin’.”
Nick refused to admit his mistake.
“Ya, that’s why I snuck up on ya.”
“You just admitted you were sneaking.”
Heath was in no mood for the argument. Years ago, they would have argued in
fun. This would have been serious,
possibly coming to blows they could ill afford. Walking away, he absently rolled a cigarette. Refusing to acknowledge them, he heard
Nick’s footsteps coming to him.
“How’d she find you?”
Heath was silent, releasing the smoke slowly from his
lungs, enjoying the feel of its burn.
Nick grabbed his arm.
There was uncertainty in his tone.
“Has she known where you were this whole time?”
Heath knew Nick was about to think the worst of his
wife. “No.”
“So, how did she know?”
“She didn’t.”
“Then HOW did you get here?”
Heath took another long drag of his cigarette before
speaking. “When I left, I gave her the
name of a man to contact, who would know how to forward wires to me.”
“What?”
“I told her if she needed me, to wire him.”
“So you trusted some STRANGER and not your own FAMILY?!”
“He’s no stranger.”
“But obviously he meant more to you then we did!”
“NO. It’s not like
that. He… Never mind.”
“Don’t you tell me never mind, BOY. You hurt this family and you OWE US an
explanation. You told your wife if she
needed you, she could contact this man.
Do you think there was a day she DIDN’T need you? Or us, what about us? We needed you too!” Nick’s body shook from anger.
“She’s done just fine.
So have you.”
“Ya, we’ve done fine.
I sure as hell didn’t want you at my side during my wedding, or when my
boys were born. Much less, when YOUR
own daughter was born. That’s OK. I was there when Leah was born. I held her first, ya know. I did your job. I did it.” His voice was
dripping with anger and sarcasm.
Heath dropped the cigarette from his hand, grinding it
with his foot. “Thanks.” He turned, walking away.
“DON’T YOU WALK AWAY FROM ME, BOY!” Nick charged after his brother, grabbing his
shoulders, turning the blond to him.
“Did it once.
Don’t suspect it’ll be much of a problem to do it again.”
He was sprawling on the ground before he knew what hit
him. He laughed, knowing what hit
him. He just hadn’t expected it just
yet.
Heath’s laughter annoyed Nick further and he heaved the
man back to his feet, flattening him a second time. This time, Heath retaliated.
Kicking out with his legs, Nick fell over. Heath sprang on to him, pounding his tight fists into his older
brother’s chest and abdomen.
The gunshot forced them both to instantly stop. Jarrod stood before them with a level of
anger on his face, never before seen by either of his younger brothers. He looked past them.
“Have you two got the car secured?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Good. I’m taking
these two with me into the other car for a moment.” He motioned for his brothers to precede him into the private
car. Like two-year-old boys caught with
their hands in a forbidden cookie jar, they did as he bid.
“Jarrod.” They
both spoke simultaneously, silenced by Jarrod’s glare.
“Not ONE word!” He
paused and collected his thoughts.
“There is a little girl out there who wants nothing more then to come
home and the two men she loves most in the world are brawling like kids!”
Repentant, but unwilling to give in, Nick began. “Heath…”
“I said, NOT ONE WORD!”
He turned to face Nick, not noticing the smirk that had come across
Heath’s face. “You think you are the
only one who wants to grind him into the ground? NO. You’re NOT.” Heath paled. “There will be time enough when Leah is safe in her mother’s
arms, until then, YOU WILL CONTROL YOURSELF AND FIGHT THE RIGHT PEOPLE! Understood?”
Nick said nothing, knowing Jarrod was right. Heath was too stunned at what his brother
had said to say anything himself.
“Boss!” They
hadn’t noticed Jeb enter the car.
Nick looked beyond Jarrod. “What?”
“We got movement outside, ‘bout 50 yards out.”
The three brothers went on instant alert, the earlier
conflict forgotten. The only light
came from a few lanterns hanging on the ends of each car. Nick looked in all directions, but saw
nothing.
”Where? I don’t
see anything.” It was difficult to see
anything due to cloud cover.
Jeb pointed in the direction of the movement. “There.
The moon was out and I saw someone sink low.”
Heath looked up at the sky. “We can’t see them, but they can sure see us. Put out those lanterns.” Carl and Jeb rushed to follow Heath’s
orders. When the lights were out, he
turned to Nick. “Let’s go.”
As in days of old, Nick prepared to follow his younger
brother without question until Jarrod grabbed his arm. “Wait!
What if that’s what they want?”
The thought hadn’t entered Nick’s mind. He stopped and resumed his position near
Jarrod.
“Fine. You four
stay here and guard. I’ll check it
out.”
Before they could respond, the darkness enveloped
him. When Nick discovered he was holding his breath, he also realized all four
were on one side of the car.
“You two head to the other side.”
They did so, leaving the brothers alone.
“Thanks.”
“For what?”
“For reminding me what this is about back there.”
“Leah needs us.”
“I know.”
“Heath needs us too.”
“What?”
“This isn’t easy for him.”
“Why should it be?”
“It’s his daughter.”
“He doesn’t care.”
“Yes, he does.
That’s why he left.”
A cry pierced the quiet night, freezing both brothers.
continued in part 2