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 copywrited by the author.

 

True Intentions- by nutterone

 

The blond stretched out on his bunk in the dark.  He had had him a day.  He had run into Nick Barkley on the bridge.  Jarrod Barkley had seen him race the train and Audra Barkley had tried to horsewhip him at Tom Barkley’s grave.  He hadn’t seen the Widow Barkley, chuckling at the irony of that.  It was this woman, who held his greatest curiosity.  Was she like his mother or were they opposites?  It didn’t feel right to be here.  The foreman, Duke McCall had watched him closely during dinner.  It wasn’t a suspicious study, but it made Heath uncomfortable all the same.   He wasn’t comfortable with his position, it didn’t feel right working for the railroad, but it was a means to an end. Deep down he held allegiances to no one but himself.  He knew that well.  He was lost in his own thoughts when he felt the hand tighten on his mouth.

 

“Get dressed!”  Nick Barkley’s tone was none to be trifled with.  Heath Thomson accepted the offered shirt and dressed quickly, following Nick into the barn.

 

“All right, let’s hear it.”  Nick practically growled.

 

“Well you just name the tune and I’ll try to hum it.”  Heath was in no mood for Nick’s attitude.

 

“Corning?”

 

“Nice town.”

“Last place you worked?”

 

“That’s right.”

 

“That’s a hundred miles from here.”

 

“So?”

 

“You usually travel a hundred miles between jobs with a dozen likely spreads in the way, huh?”

 

His question was met with silence.

 

“I asked you a question, Boy.”

 

Heath moved to pass Nick.  “You’re no more a trail hand then a Modoc.  I wanna know what you’re doing here.”  Nick grabbed Heath’s shoulders, pulling him from the door and the battle began.  The two exchanged powerful punches, sending each other flying over and under stalls in the barn, breaking planks as they went.

 

“Who sent you here, Boy, the railroad?”

 

Nick delivered several powerful hits to the blond, sending him backward.

 

“They sent you here, didn’t they?”

 

Heath was backed up against the wall at the delivery of the final question.  “No man sends me anywhere.”  Heath grabbed a collar from the hook behind him and threw it at his attacker.  It was enough to re-energize his assault on Nick.  The battle raged on.

 

Nick again earned a well-placed shot and Heath fell back against the wall.  Both men heaved heavily from their efforts.  “Who then?  Who are you?”

 

Heath pulled himself up with the assistance of the wall. 

 

“I said; who are you?”

 

Heath was silent a moment.  Who he was, wasn’t the problem, or was it?  Should he end the deception now and tell them all who he is?  Why he was here?  Even he wasn’t sure anymore.  Initially it was revenge, then it turned to curiosity, and honestly, the money wasn’t bad either.  He didn’t need much, but something was better then nothing.  “I gave you my name, Heath Thomson.”

 

“Where you from?”

 

He debated giving the same answer, but refrained.  “Strawberry.”

 

“Mining town, isn’t it?”

 

“It was.”

 

“So why are you here?””

 

“I heard this was a nice place.”

 

“Or maybe you work for the railroad?”

 

“I fought in enough railroad skirmishes to know what side to be on.”

 

“That ain’t an answer.”  Nick moved in on the blond again, preparing to war anew, when he felt strong hands grab his arms from behind.

 

“Stop it Nick!  What’s going on here?”  Jarrod held Nick’s arms behind his back, while Eugene moved between the battling men. 

 

Nick shook off Jarrod’s controlling hands.  “I just wanna know what he’s doing here.”

 

Heath made to retort, but was stopped by Jarrod.  “I asked you to hire him.  Remember?”

 

“JARROD!  Don’t be naïve.  With all Crown’s men in town, how do we know he wasn’t sent here to spy on us?”

 

Eugene eyed the stranger closely, considering Nick’s words. “He’s right, Jarrod.”

 

All three looked at Heath with suspicion now.  “What do you have to say to his charges?”  Jarrod understood his brother’s doubt, but was unable to prejudge the situation.

 

“I took some time off.  I ran out of money just outside of Stockton and I heard this was the ranch to work for.  Nothing more, nothing less.”   Heath stood his ground.

 

“Took time off?”  Nick was tensing all over again.

 

“My mother died.  That enough for you?”  All four men calmed a bit.  Each knew the loss of a parent all too well. 

 

Nick was the first to recover.  “It still don’t prove you don’t work for the railroad.”

 

“I ain’t got no love for the railroads, but I ain’t got no way to prove it either.  So perhaps I better collect my things and be going.”  He started toward the door.

 

“I agree with my brother, but I agree with you as well.  We seem to be at a standstill.”

 

Heath stopped, turning to face Jarrod.  “So?”

 

“So, until you give us more reason to doubt what you say, you’re welcome to stay.”

 

“Jarrod!”  Nick was stunned.

 

“Nick, we can’t live the rest of our lives doubting everyone and their word.”

 

“This is different.  We don’t know him from Adam.”

 

“Nick, in this country, men are innocent until proven guilty, or had you forgotten that?”

 

Nick knew he could never win this battle.  “Fine.  He stays.”  He turned to Heath, getting into extremely close proximity.  “I’m watching you.  Don’t ever turn your back on me, Boy.”  Heath said nothing.  Next Nick turned on Jarrod.  “I hope you don’t regret this when he stabs us in the back.”  Unexpectedly, Nick turned and left the other three men in the barn.  Eugene followed him.

 

Heath stretched his neck, arms and legs, testing them for injury.  He was relaxed in Jarrod’s presence.  Jarrod studied the man’s movements, praying he had been correct.  He had struggled with decisions since his return.  He seemed to be in conflict with everyone, Sample, Nick, and now Heath Thomson.  He needed to be right, now more then ever. 

 

“Heath.  I hope everything is as you say.”

 

“Look, Barkley…”  Heath couldn’t bring himself to address the man as Mister.  It just didn’t feel right.

 

Jarrod cut him off.  “No, you look.  If you’re lying, it’s not Nick you should be worried about.  I’ll kill you myself.”  Leaving no room for doubt, Jarrod turned on his heel and left.

 

Heath was alone in the barn.  He surveyed the damage the fight had caused.  It was mostly superficial.  The fact that his first major interaction with his newfound brother was a fight was very telling to him.  He didn’t belong here and never would.  That decision made, he wondered what he should do about his actual employer.  He was the second line of defense.  Crown and Jordan were power hungry and fairly smart.  Heath had recognized it immediately.  They knew that the Barkleys would lead a charge to defend the farms the railroad intended to take.  Heath and others were set in place as back up.  They were to lay low until called into action.  Heath wondered when his call would come and what he would be asked to do?

 

True Intentions 2

 

Heath needed release.  He went quickly to the stable where Gal, his trusty Modoc, was waiting.  He saddled her hurriedly and led her out.  He leapt into the saddle, taking the reins and prodding her forward with his legs.  Instead of the desired burst of power he was expecting, her backend swung wide.  Looking forward to see why she had stopped, he found Nick Barkley holding her bridle. 

 

“You gonna go report to your boss?”

 

“No, he’s holding my horse.”

 

Nick was not impressed with the response.  “Where were you going?”

 

“None of your business.”

 

“Really?  If I am your boss, then it is my business.”

 

“I didn’t realize you controlled your hands off time as well.”

 

“I do when I have to.”  Nick’s eyes were cold.

 

“So I can’t run my horse?”

 

“Beating that train today wasn’t enough for her?”

 

Heath grinned at the memory.  “That was just fun for her.  She likes to show off.”

 

Nick suppressed the grin that threatened to escape.  He knew all too well the joy of a good horse.  He refused to consider the time when he and Coco wouldn’t ride together each day.  “I don’t think you better be going anywhere right now.”

 

Heath hadn’t been totally focusing on Nick’s words as something in the distance had caught his eye.  “How about you saddle your horse and grab some of your men and we go fight that fire that’s burning over yonder?”

 

“What?”  Nick followed Heath’s gaze.  “That looks to be Quince’s place.”  Nick released the bridle and moved to gather men and supplies while Heath rode to the growing tower of smoke.

 

The men were too late.  All the ranch buildings were in flames.  The Quince family had lost everything.  Heath made no attempt to help fight the lost cause.  There were enough men to put out the remaining flames.  He stayed back, watching with great interest as events unfolded. 

 

Mr. Quince was numb, but Frank Sample was inflamed, promising action and begging for advice.  In the midst of the chaos, Victoria Barkley drove her carriage up.  Heath eyed her closely.  She cut a grand and regal figure, yet in reality, was quite petite.  Heath saw her staring at him and felt unnerved.  It was as if in that brief glance, she saw right through him, as if she knew just who he was and why he was there.  Her gaze was cut off by the mention of her husband’s name.  Sample had invoked the great Tom Barkley to win help for his cause. 

 

Despite the intensity of the moment, Victoria Barkley watched the young man, who bore such striking resemblance to her own husband and his family, ride out.  She adjusted her attentions back to the decision her sons were making, forcing her personal fears deep into her soul.  She held her head high, trying to belay the fears that crept into her heart.  She wondered for a moment if it would do her any good to wish her sons were more like herself.  No, she had spent too long at Tom Barkley’s side to be any different.  Their personalities had blended in so many ways.  She couldn’t ask her sons to do any different then fight this battle.  Her only option was to support them and pray for safe returns or fast, painless deaths.  She could not bear a son of hers suffering before death.  It was her salvation in Tom’s death; he had died quickly.  She would have liked to be able to say good-bye, but it wouldn’t have changed anything.  He would still be dead, and her soul would still be incomplete.

 

 The Barkleys and the hands that volunteered set off for Frank Sample’s place at sunrise.  Nothing would happen until 8am, but they wanted to be prepared in any event. 

Heath strolled across the yard to the corral, where Duke McCall met him. 

 

**

 

“Son, you work with horses much?” 

 

It was obvious to Heath that McCall wished he were with the other men.  “Whenever I can, but I can do whatever ya ask.”

 

“We need these stallions broken by Friday, you up to it?”

 

“Sure.”  Heath watched the man stare again into the distance.  “Why didn’t you go with ‘em?”

 

“They wouldn’t let me.  Wanted me here in case…”  His voice drifted off, relaying the depth of feeling for the family who employed him.  Heath allowed him a moment of private thought, and was surprised to find McCall’s eyes now trained on him.

 

“You see somethin’ interesting?”

 

“Where you from?”

 

“Strawberry.”

 

“How old are you?”

 

“Old enough to wonder why you’re asking these questions.”

 

“No reason.”  He paused.  “I guess you don’t care about a man losing his life?”

 

“As long as it ain’t mine.”

 

Duke looked at him.  The resemblance scared him at first.  It was as if forty years had melted away.  He’d spent a lot of years at Tom Barkley’s side.  He’d seen him thrilled with happiness, stubborn, proud, devastated with grief, sick as a dog and drunker then a sailor on leave, and he couldn’t help but see that face again in the man before him.  He knew, perhaps better then most, the weaknesses of the man.  Like a priest at confession, he knew Tom’s deepest secrets and sins.  He knew he was looking at one now and wondered if the boy himself knew it as well.  Were they just taking part in some elaborate dance?  What did he want?  Could sheer fate have brought this man to their doorstep or was he here to herald the fall?   “That surprises me.”

 

“What?”

 

“It seems to me you were looking for a way to prove you weren’t sent here by Crown.”

 

Heath laughed.  “Is there anything you don’t know?”

 

“I been with the Barkleys a long time.  They’re the closest thing to a family I got.  I make it my business to know what danger lurks around here.”

 

“You think I’m dangerous?  All I wanted was a job.”

 

“That so?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Why ain’t you left yet then?”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“They don’t trust you.  They don’t want you.  Why would you stay?”

 

“I need the money.”

 

“Money, huh?”

 

“Yeah, money.”

 

“You don’t strike me as a man who needs a whole lot.”

“I don’t.  But right now, I got nothing.  Everyone needs more then that.”

 

“So you don’t care about anything but yourself?”

“Why should I?”

 

“Would your ma be proud of that?”

 

“I cared about her, until she died.  Now, I got nothing but myself to worry about.”

 

“No one else?  No other family?”

 

“Nope.  I’m the bastard child of a good woman.  Who would claim that unless they had to?”

 

“Just as long as you know she’d be proud of you.  That’s all anyone can ask of a son.  Make his ma proud.”  He clapped Heath on the back, hoping to lessen the tension.  “I got work to do inside.”  He left Heath alone with his thoughts.

 

Heath stood there, lost in his thoughts.  Despite the image he tried to maintain, it was unlike him to stay out of this fight.  He hated seeing the underdog lose.  His mama had raised him to help others, no matter what they did or said.  She told him that if he had a gift from God that might help another, he was to use it.  It had always confused him.  The preacher in Strawberry had told him he was the devil’s spawn.  How could God have given him gifts?  He had always lived as his mother had taught him, although the preacher’s words always lived under the surface.  He saddled Gal and rode out.  No matter what happened that morning, it would work to his favor.  He would either die or secure his place in the Barkley’s history.

 

**

 

How the battle was won, no one would ever know.  Many men died.  Jarrod Barkley had been shot in the arm, but would be fine.  Heath was sure he saw the jaws of the three Barkley brothers drop when he rode up and joined them.  The situation was too tense for the moment to last.  Soon the shots flew and men died.  Jarrod, despite his injury, was at the courthouse at 9am and managed to stop the forced sales.  There was a temporary retreat by the railroad.  The hundreds of men brought in, were quietly dispatched. 

 

Heath now waited for his call.  He knew it wouldn’t be long.  The days were long, filled with a cattle round up and soon a drive.  Heath enjoyed himself.  It was hard, but honest work.  He had always been quiet, but he was beginning to enjoy the camaraderie of the fellow hands.  He hadn’t made any headway with the Barkleys themselves.  They ignored him, or so he thought.

 

After the railroad’s hired guns had left town, Nick confronted Heath in the barn again.  “Why are you still here?”

 

“Do you have a problem with my work?”

 

“Yes, I want to know why you haven’t turned tail and run like the rest of your cronies.”

 

“I told you.  I got no love for the rail roads.”

 

“So, that’s why you fought at Sample’s?”

 

“Maybe so.”

 

“I want an answer.  Why is it you can’t give me a straight answer?”

 

“What difference does it make why I fought.  I did.  Jeez, I don’t get you.  I fought with you against the railroad and still you suspect me.”

 

“Exactly, and don’t you forget it.”  Nick left as quickly as he had arrived.

 

That same afternoon, Victoria Barkley could stand it no more.  Heath saddled her horse.

 

“Ma’am, there’s still quite a few bad eggs around, are you sure you should be riding into town alone?”  She was surprised by his concern.  She wondered if he even knew who his father was.

 

“I’ll be fine, Heath.  Thank you.” 

 

He watched her ride off, wondering just what it was about her that permeated his heart.  He had only met her a few times, but sensed her strength and loyalty.  He knew he didn’t want to hurt her.  Did she know of her husband’s infidelity?  He suspected she would handle the news with grace and honor, but he didn’t want to be the one to force her to do it. 

 

“Heath?”

 

He was distracted by her pretty voice.  “Um, yes, Miss Barkley?”

 

“Heath.  I told you, please call me Audra.”

 

He looked into her eyes.  It was in her eyes, that he saw confirmation of his parentage.  He sensed that they were alike.  “I know, but I don’t think it’s fitting to call the boss’s sister by her first name.”

 

“Heath Thomson, stop that.  Don’t make me order you to call me Audra.  The other men do, why is it so hard for you?”

 

He knew he had lost this battle.  “Fine. How are you today, Miss Audra?”

 

She smiled.  “That’s somewhat better.  I was wondering where my mother was going.  I was going for a ride and I thought I might join her.”

 

“She was heading to town, said she had an errand to run.”

 

“Hmm…  She didn’t say anything about it earlier.”

 

“I couldn’t say, Miss.”

 

“How about you?”

 

“Excuse me?”

 

“Are you interested in a ride?  I hear your Modoc is quite fast.  Maybe, she’d like a race.”

 

Heath laughed.  “She does like a good race, but I’m afraid I got work to do.”

 

“I think you’ve earned a day off.  I’ve heard Nick say it.  You work harder then any two men combined.”

 

Heath laughed again.  “Nick Barkley said that, about me?”

 

She returned his laugh.  “Yes.”

 

“I appreciate that, but that herd needs me…”

 

She smiled.  “It’s your loss.”

 

He returned her smile.  “I agree, but thank you anyway.”

 

In town, Victoria went to the offices of Niels Anderson, a lawyer.  It was not often she visited a lawyer other then Jarrod, but Niels had particular contacts that she needed. 

 

“Victoria, what a surprise.  How can I help you?”

 

She offered Niels her hand.  “Thank you for seeing me without an appointment.”

 

“Not a problem, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

 

“I need you to use your connections with the Pinkertons.”

 

“Surely, Jarrod has the same connections?”

 

“He does, but I don’t want him to know.”

 

“I see.”  He paused, nervous by what she might ask of him.  “Because?”

 

“I want a young man investigated as soon as possible.”

 

“Who?”

 

“Heath Thomson”

 

She proceeded to give him the information that she had.  Her visit was only long enough to conduct the necessary business. 

 

“It will be several weeks before I have anything.”

 

“That will be fine.  He’s going to be on the trail drive with Nick.”  She paused.  “I hope I don’t need to ask for your confidence in this matter?”

 

“Of course not.  It is given.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

“I’ll be in touch.”

 

Victoria covered her visit by stopping at a few shops.  She picked up a trinket here and there and had them delivered to the ranch.  On the way home she considered the circumstances.  Had her husband been unfaithful to her?  Her first instinct was to think of one of her brother’s in law, but Strawberry changed her thinking.  Tom had spent a great deal of time there once.  They were young then, struggling with all their hopes and dreams.  He worked long hard hours and she struggled to maintain their small home and raise Jarrod and Nick.  At that time, they were too engrossed in survival to worry about their relationship. 

 

As she looked back on those days with new eyes, she saw his distance when he returned.  At the time she assumed it was due to the sheer amount of time spent apart.  She wondered now, if guilt had been their crevasse.  They hadn’t the time or the luxury to dwell on the feelings of distance.  They simply lived each day, doing what they had to do.  Over the years, as the tensions of life eased, they had again found their love.  Victoria corrected herself.  They had never lost their love.  There was simply a time in every marriage when that love could not be the priority.  

 

She wondered what her children would think?  If her suspicions were true, they had another brother.  She didn’t worry about her daughter.  Audra accepted all.  She was young when her father died, and his transgressions would not harm her.  She would open her heart to this man and eventually love him.  Eugene was also young, but he would look to his brothers for direction.  This concerned her.  Would he follow Jarrod or Nick?  Jarrod would be disappointed in his father, of that there was no doubt, but he would remain cool and keep an open mind.  He had always been that way.  Nick.  Nick worried her.  Nick was double blessed.  He had inherited a fiery passion and devotion to his family from both his paternal grandfather and his own father.  Nick would be angry, but not at the young blond, at the failure of his hero, his father.  Nick would take this hard.  He would never understand that his father had been an imperfect man.  He knew of course, that in essence, no man was perfect, but Nick saw his father differently.  He would be deeply hurt.  She prayed for the Wisdom of Solomon to help him through this.

 

As she rode home, she had lost track of the path.  She trusted her mount to see her safely home.  She was caught up in a maze of memories, both good and bad.  Part of her prayed she was wrong.  She had absolutely no reason to believe this young man was her husband’s son, and yet, she couldn’t let it go.  She wondered what she would do.  How would she respond to this stranger who bore her husband’s face?  It was ludicrous to think she would adopt him.  He was a grown man.  She supposed they would form a casual, friendly relationship in time.  She held him no ill will.  His birth was by no fault of his own.  The fault lay in his mother and father.  It suddenly struck her.  Did he know who his father was?  Is that why he was here?  Did he bear them ill will?  Would he try to harm her family?  With the railroad playing games, these were daunting times.  She now prayed for speedy results.  She needed answers, and needed them yesterday.

 

True Intentions 3

 

Audra Barkley couldn’t stop her thoughts from drifting to the blond hand.  He was handsome, but very quiet.  When he did laugh, there was something familiar about him; but he didn’t do it often enough to pinpoint the familiarity.  She sensed he hadn’t had many opportunities to laugh as a child.  She also fixed on his smile.  He had such a wonderful lopsided grin.  She knew he drove Nick insane.  Her brother was trying so hard to find fault with the blond, but couldn’t.  He worked hard and kept a low profile.  Audra smiled to herself.  Nick would be furious if he knew she was even considering the wanderer.  He was sure the blond would be gone in a few weeks, convinced he wouldn’t even survive the drive. 

 

Audra decided she would have a little fun with her brother.  There was a social coming in town and she was going to ask Heath to escort her.  It was scandalous enough for her to do the asking, but her choice would irk Nick.  Nick spent a little too much time playing big brother and she was going to enjoy this. 

 

She rode in looking for Heath.  He wasn’t immediately visible, so leading her horse she went searching for him.  She found him with a few other hands, down by the corral, picking out horses for the drive.

 

“Heath!”  She called his name and waved as he turned her way.

 

He moved toward her.  “Miss Audra.  Back from your ride already?  Did you have a nice time?”

 

“Yes.  It was lovely, but would have been more fun to race you.”

 

He laughed softly.  “Maybe another time.”

 

“Be careful.  I’ll hold you to that.”

 

“I expect you will.”

 

“Heath, did you know about the social in town Saturday night?”

 

“I heard some of the hands talking about it.”  He hoped she wasn’t going where he thought she was. 

 

“It will be a load of fun.”

 

“I expect if ya like dancin’ it will be.”

 

“Do you like to dance?”

 

“I ain’t never been real fond of it.  I think one gal said I had two left feet.”

 

“I don’t believe her.  I bet you’re a wonderful dancer.”

 

“No.  I think she was right.  She had the bruised toes to prove it.”

 

“So will you be going?”

 

“I don’t think so.”

 

“Why not?”

 

He laughed at her tenacity.  “I told ya, I don’t dance well.”

 

Audra was not going to be deterred.  She was hoping to wrangle an invitation from him, but it was looking impossible.  She knew she would come out and ask him soon.  “Don’t you like music?  The band is great.”

 

“I don’t think so, but thanks.”  He turned to leave, but she stopped him.

 

“Heath. Please?”

 

“Miss Audra, why on earth would you want me to go to this social?”

 

“It’s not just that.  I…  I want you to go with me.”

 

Inside, Heath was groaning.  No matter what he felt, she was a blood relative of his.  He knew it could go nowhere.  “Why me?  There must be hundreds of fine young bucks wantin’ to escort you.”

 

“No.  No one else has asked me and I’d really like to get to know you better.”

 

“Well, Miss Audra, I’m flattered, but I don’t think it would be too smart.”

 

“Not smart?  Why would you say that?”

 

“Your brothers don’t exactly think highly of me.  I don’t think they’d approve of you going to the social with me.”

 

“My brothers do not decide who I date.”

 

“Really?”  Heath’s eyebrow rose.  “Why was it you wanted to go with me?”

 

 Audra decided her only chance was by telling the truth.  “Alright, that’s why.”

 

“What?”

 

“Because my brothers wouldn’t like it.”

 

“You want to use me to get back at your brothers?”

“Partly.  But I also think it would be fun.  I would like to get to know you better.”

 

Heath thought for a moment.  He admired the spunk in her spirit.  He’d never had siblings, but he always imagined it might be something like this.  He had half a mind to go along with her little scheme.  “No, but thank you.”

 

“Heath, are you sure?”

 

“Yes, but thanks for the offer.”

 

As Audra tended to her horse Nick and the other men rode into the yard. 

 

“Boy!  See to my horse.”  Heath knew Nick was talking to him.  Everyone knew.  Nick delighted in giving him menial tasks such as this.  What Nick didn’t realize is that Heath loved working with horses in any way.  His deepest, most secret dream was to own a horse ranch of his own some day.  Cattle and crops were fine, but horses were his passion.  When he first found out who his father was, he intended to bleed the family dry and start his ranch that way.  Time showed him that wasn’t the way he wanted to earn his ranch.  He would do it the old-fashioned way.

 

“Sure thing, Mr. Barkley.”  Heath led Coco away.  He stopped near Audra and went to work.  He watched carefully for Nick to come close.  As Nick neared, Heath called over to Audra.  “What time shall I pick you up Saturday night?”

 

Audra noticed Nick nearby and relished the expression of bewilderment on his face.  “It depends.  Are you buying me dinner?”

 

“I think that’s only proper.”

 

“Then 7pm, I think.”

 

“Deal.  Do ya s’pose we’ll be able to borrow a buggy?”

 

She laughed.  “I think so.”

 

That evening at dinner, Nick was grumbling.  Victoria could stand it no more.  “Nicholas, if you have something to say, say it.  You’re driving me insane with your ramblings.”

 

“Ask Audra!”

 

“Me?  Why me?”

 

“You know very well, why you!”

 

“Well, I don’t Brother Nick, so perhaps you’d like to enlighten the rest of us.”  Jarrod was also well aware of Nick’s tension.

 

“She’s going with him Saturday night.”

 

“Nicholas, you’ll have to do better then that.  Who is your sister seeing Saturday night?”

 

“Thomson!”

 

Jarrod chuckled.  “Is that all?”

 

Audra played indignant, smiling inside.  “There is nothing wrong with Heath. I’m looking forward to the evening.”

 

“It ain’t right, I tell ya.  I don’t trust him.”

 

“Well, I do!  And I am going with him.”

 

The bantering continued back and forth between all of the siblings.  Victoria remained quiet.  She was lost for what to do.  Should she stop her daughter from dating a man who could be her brother?  She took a deep breath.  She would trust that her daughter would behave appropriately, but would Thomson?

 

“Nick, we’re all going to be there.  He’ll have all three of her brothers watching him.  She’ll be fine.”

 

Nick looked to Victoria for support.  “Mother!”

 

Victoria dreaded her words, but spoke anyway.  “It will be fine.  She’ll have plenty of chaperones.”

 

Heath rode into town that night.  He stopped long enough for a short game of poker, a drink and then made for home.  As he walked slowly back to his waiting horse, a voice called out to him from the shadows of an alley.

 

“Thomson.”

 

Heath walked to the edge of the alley and leaned against the water barrel.  He took out his tobacco pouch and rolled himself a cigarette, taking his time.  “Whatcha want?”

 

“You’ve been awful quiet.”

 

“Ain’t nothing to report.”

 

“You need to be ready.”

 

“I am.  As a matter of fact, I’m taking the girl to the social Saturday night.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Yep.”  Heath laughed.  “She asked me.”

 

“You don’t say.  That’s interesting.”  There was silence for a while.  “Wallent will be back early next week.”

 

“I’ll be waiting for word.”

 

“You’ll know.”

 

Saturday quickly came and Audra buzzed with excitement.  She spent the afternoon drifting through her wardrobe to find the perfect dress.  Heath put in a full day’s work, stopping at 6pm to clean up for the evening.  He didn’t have a set of dress clothes, so he put on his clean shirt and pants and tied a thin strap of leather at his neck.  He hitched up the buggy and drove it over to the front door. 

 

Even without a watch, he knocked promptly on the door at 7pm.  Silas opened it and greeted him, offering to take his hat.  Heath politely declined, holding it in his hands.  He gazed about the room.  He hadn’t been in the main house yet.  It was enormous in his eyes.  He tried to imagine the money that had gone into it.  He briefly considered claiming his portion of it, but was interrupted as Nick and Jarrod came into the foyer. 

Heath tensed.

 

“Evenin’, Boss!  Mr. Barkley!”  Heath’s voice didn’t relay his tension.

 

“He’s Boss and I’m Mr. Barkley I take it?”  Jarrod was attempting to lighten the mood.  He knew Nick might burst at any moment. 

 

Heath chuckled lightly, giving himself time to think of something to say.  “I came to pick up Miss Barkley.”

 

It was just what Nick needed.  “You think we don’t know who our sister sees?”

 

His tirade was halted by a glare from Jarrod.  “Miss Barkley?  Sounds rather formal.  Does she insist you call her that?”

 

“No, I do not.”  Audra’s voice caught them all unaware and the three men turned to the top of the stairs where she waited.  She was dressed in a simple cotton dress of blue.  At first, Heath was surprised at its simplicity.  As she came down the stairs, he realized it fit her perfectly, highlighting the blue of her eyes.  There was no denying his sister was beautiful.   

 

“I have asked him repeatedly to call me Audra.”  She offered both Jarrod and Nick a glare.  She turned to Heath and offered him her hand. 

 

“You look mighty pretty tonight, Miss Audra.”  He took her hand, laying it across his forearm.

 

“Thank you.  You look very dashing yourself.”

 

He ignored her compliment, knowing it was simply from politeness. “I got the buggy out front.  I expect the restaurants will be full due to the dance and all.  We should be going.”

 

“Just where do you think you’re going for dinner?”  Nick growled.

 

“I planned on Caroline’s, if that’s alright with you.”  He turned from Nick and looked directly at Audra.  “Miss Audra.”

 

“I love Caroline’s.”  She smiled sweetly at her older brothers.  “We’ll see you later at the dance.”  The couple left.  Nick made to go after them.

 

“Nicholas Barkley!  Your sister is fine.  You will see her at the dance.  Now come in to dinner.”  Victoria had observed everything from the top of the stairs.  She was as nervous as her son but refused to let it show.  Nick stormed off to the dining room while Jarrod awaited his mother.

 

“I just don’t understand him, Mother.  Audra’s had other beaus he didn’t like before but I’ve never seen him like this.”

 

“There is just something about that boy.”  Her voice was distant.

 

“Mother?”

 

She shook her head.  “Don’t worry, Jarrod.  We’ll all keep a close eye tonight.”

 

“You’re attending?”

 

She laughed.  “Yes.  Why not?  It’s been a long time since I attended a Saturday night social.”

 

Jarrod was perplexed but offered no sign of it.  It suddenly occurred to him that his mother knew more about the Thomson boy then she was letting on. 

 

Eugene had already left to pick up his date for the evening.  Nick had been so preoccupied with Audra’s affairs; he hadn’t asked anyone to the dance.  Jarrod hadn’t intended to go until Nick’s behavior made him change his mind.  After a quiet dinner, the three rode to town.  Heath and Audra were already at the dance when they arrived.  They were just finishing a turn on the dance floor as they entered.  Audra spied her mother and moved to greet them.  Heath had gone to get Audra some punch.

 

“Mother!  I didn’t know you were coming.  How wonderful!”

 

Victoria received the kiss on her cheek from her obviously happy daughter, with relief.  “I decided a night out might be fun and your brothers agreed to escort me.”

 

Nick grumbled.  Jarrod smiled.  “There isn’t a lovelier lady I would rather have on my arm.”

 

Heath arrived with a glass of punch, handing it to Audra.  “Evening, Mrs. Barkley.”  He smiled as he greeted her.  “I didn’t know you were here.  Can I get you a glass of punch?”

 

Nick spoke before Victoria could.  “She doesn’t need any of that punch.  It ain’t proper.”

 

Heath was taken aback.  He wasn’t quite sure what Nick meant, but then it hit him.  “The bowl on the right is just fine for the ladies.  Would you like that glass to wet your whistle after the dusty drive in, Mrs. Barkley?”

 

She smiled.  “Yes, please.  That sounds perfect.”

 

Heath nodded, leaving the group behind.  He was glad to get away from their scrutiny.  He knew they’d be talking about him while he was gone. 

 

Victoria wasn’t really thirsty but wanted to find out how the evening was going for her daughter.  “You seem to be having a good time, Darling.”

 

“I am. The dance is perfect.”

 

“Did he by chance tell you about his involvement with the railroad?”

 

“Nick!”  Both Barkley women said it at once.  Audra was silent a moment, then continued.  “He’s actually quite quiet.  He doesn’t volunteer any information about himself, unless you ask him and even then the answers are pretty simple.”

 

“See!  I told you.  What kind of a man keeps his answers simple unless he has something to hide?”

 

“Nick, simple answers aren’t enough to find a man guilty.”

 

“Your brother’s right, Nick.  He comes across as a quiet man in general.”

 

“Besides, he has been a perfect gentleman.  He asked me all about myself.”

 

“Truly the way to a woman’s heart, dote on her.”  Jarrod smiled and Nick grimaced.

 

Victoria was now lost in her own thoughts.  Was she right?  Did the young man know he was Tom Barkley’s son?  Is that why he asked all the questions of Audra, his sister?  Is that why he remained a perfect gentleman?  She didn’t notice his return.

 

“Your punch, Ma’am.”  He held out the glass to her.

 

“Thank you.”

 

A new song was starting and Audra grasped Heath’s arm.  “Shall we?”

 

Heath blushed.  “Are you sure you want your toes stepped on again?”

 

Jarrod could tell the man wasn’t very interested in dancing and decided to save him.

 

“Well now, Miss Barkley.  It seems your escort wants a break.  His bad luck is my blessing.  How about a turn on the floor with your brother?”

 

Audra smiled.  “Certainly, Mr. Barkley.”  The two swirled onto the dance floor.

 

Victoria took the opportunity to talk to the young man.  “You don’t care much for dancing, Mr. Thomson?”

 

“It’s Heath, Ma’am, and dancin’s just fine.  I just ain’t never gotten too good at it.”

 

“Surely you’ve attended lots of dances, a handsome young man such as yourself.”

 

Heath blushed at the compliment.  “No, Ma’am.  My kind wasn’t much welcome at socials where I grew up.”  He surprised himself with the candor of his next statement.  “I learned by watching the other fellows from outside the window.”  He turned away, angry with himself.  There was something about this woman that brought these words out into the open and it worried him. 

 

“And why was that?  What is your kind?”  Nick grew interested in the man’s words, hoping to catch him at a weak moment.

 

Heath knew exactly why Nick Barkley asked and didn’t feel the need to back down, his eyes growing cold.  “I was the town bastard.”

 

Vcitoria gasped.  “No.”

 

Heath immediately realized his mistake.  “I’m sorry, Ma’am.”

 

Victoria appreciated her error.  “I just mean I don’t care for the term.”

 

“It’s a fact.  There ain’t no better word to describe a man who ain’t got a father.”

 

“So, you never knew your father?”

 

“Your mother didn’t know what miner it was?”  Heath’s entire body tensed and Nick knew he had hit his mark.   

 

“I expect I don’t care that you’re my boss right now.  Why don’t we just step outside so I can finish what you started.”

 

“You think so, Boy?”

 

“I…”

 

Victoria got quickly between the two men, cutting Heath’s words off.  She turned to Nick.  “I’ve never been more embarrassed in my life, Nicholas Jonathon Barkley.  You weren’t raised to talk to anyone in that way.  I think it’s best you went home.”

 

Nick could say nothing against his mother.  He knew he didn’t dare.  Victoria turned back to Heath.  “I apologize for my son.  He is tense and on edge these days but that is no excuse for such blatant rudeness.  Please forgive him.”

 

“He ain’t the first man to judge my mother and he won’t be the last.”  Heath’s words were spoken in the present but his eyes were elsewhere.  Victoria immediately knew there was much more to this young man then meets the eye.  There was pain in those eyes.  She prayed her report would come soon.  She needed to know if her husband was the cause of those haunted eyes.

 

The evening ended without further incident.  Heath managed to dance a few more times, but Audra’s popularity gave him ample excuse to hang out at the corner of the room and observe the good citizens of Stockton.  He watched the obvious esteem that the Barkleys were held in.  He smiled to himself.  He could strip them of every ounce of prestige in one quick announcement.  He could even do it tonight.  He had in his possession the power to squelch their dignity in one fell swoop.  For an instant, he debated revealing himself, but held back.  That dark power within him would only grow in time, as it had for months now.  He enjoyed it. It fueled him, kept him focused.  Nick Barkley was gonna be brought low soon enough.  Perhaps right before the fall, Heath would remind him of the disparaging remarks he made about Heath’s mother.

 

True Intentions 4

 

Monday morning Heath was out on round up for strays.  Some of the men had given him guff for having escorted Audra to the social.  Heath knew they were jealous.  A hand named Barrett and his cronies gave him the most grief.  Unknowingly, Duke had assigned Heath to work with them.  Duke was in charge of the detail but he was some ways off.  Heath came upon the group of men taking a long lunch and drinking.

 

“We got work to do.  Get movin’!” 

 

Barrett jumped to his feet as if to comply with Heath’s request.  “You think jes’ because you’ve taken a shine to the boss’s daughter, you can boss us around?  You bed her?  Get her with child?  You seem pretty certain yer in charge.”

 

“Do what you want.”  Heath mounted up and rode off leaving the men to scramble.

 

Heath joined up with Duke, neither saying anything.  Duke saw the four other men riding in and noticed the unmistakable swagger to the horses trot.  The men had been drinking.  He looked at Heath, knowing he had come from them earlier.  Heath’s face was unreadable.  As the men stopped, Duke looked them up and down.

 

“Pack your things and ride out.”  Duke’s voice was strong and clear.

 

“What?”  Barrett was shocked.  The other men groaned.

 

“You heard me.  Get out.  We don’t need no drunks on the drive.”

 

“But…”

 

Barrett’s plea was cut off by Heath’s gun pointed at him.  “You heard what the man said.”

 

Barrett and the men rode off.  Heath and Duke got the strays over to the rest of the herd and headed in.  They found Nick washing up in the horse trough. 

 

“Nick, I let Barrett and his friends go.  We’ll be short four men.”

 

“I know Duke and I hired ‘em back.”

 

“Nick!”

 

“Don’t start with me Duke.  We got a herd to move and we need every man.”

 

Heath had been watching and felt the need to stick up for Duke. “You don’t need drunks.  They’ll only get in the way.”

 

Nick turned on him.  “WHAT I DON’T NEED IS A HAND TELLING ME HOW TO RUN MY RANCH!”

 

Jarrod was just riding in and witnessed Nick’s outburst.  He stopped at the group and dismounted.  “Brother Nick, what seems to be the problem?”

 

“Duke goes and fires four men two days before the drive.”

 

Jarrod looked at Duke.  “Duke’s a good judge of men, Nick.  You’ve never doubted him before.”

 

“Well, I wasn’t responsible for four other men’s herds before either.  I don’t intend to let anyone down.  With everything else going on around here, this valley can’t afford for these ranches to go under and we can’t move that herd without a full complement of men.”  He drew in his breath and looked at Duke, his tone softening.  “Duke, I know you’re the best but just this once, let’s try it my way.”

 

“Fine, Nick.”  His words were not convincing.

 

“Duke.  We’ll chew ‘em out.  They won’t do it again.”

 

“I suppose not Nick.”  Duke turned to Heath.  “Come ‘on Heath.  It’s been a long day and I’m hungry.”

 

After the two men had left, Jarrod spoke with Nick.  “Are you sure about this?  Maybe you can lose the men.”

 

“How am I supposed to replace four men?  With Duke staying here to run things, I already need every man.”

 

“Well, you say Thomson works like two men and knows the route and Eugene is going.  I might be able to shuffle some things around and I could go as well.”

 

“Jarrod.  Don’t you dare place the success of this drive on Thomson’s shoulders.  Ya hear me?  I won’t have it.”

 

“Nick. It’s been weeks now and nothing has happened.  When are you going to ease up on him?”

 

“Never, Jarrod.  There’s more to that boy than he’s letting on.  I don’t aim to ever trust him.  He’s bad news for this family I tell ya, bad news.”

 

Just outside the bunkhouse, Heath cleaned up in the washroom.  Duke had his own quarters and typically took his meals there.  Heath thought about Duke’s words to him as he left.

 

“Heath, you’re a good man.  Nick’ll see that soon enough.”

 

“I don’t care what Nick Barkley thinks of me so long as he hands me my pay at the end of the month.”

 

“That right?”

 

“It is.”  He paused a moment and studied Duke’s face.  “Say whatcha got to say.”

 

Duke considered the command.  He was half tempted to confront the man.  “I did.  Nick Barkley’s a good man, trying to fill big shoes.  It ain’t easy.”

 

“You’ll forgive me, if I don’t have any sympathy for Barkley’s plight.”

 

“It’s a hard lesson, learning your hero ain’t what you set him up to be.”

”So?”

 

“Nothing.  Rest up.  It’s gonna be a long drive.”

 

“You, too.”

 

Heath entered the bunkhouse.  The laughter and chatter had been loud, but stopped instantly.  Barrett eyed Heath up and down, smiling sardonically. 

 

“Why hello, Thomson.  Have a good day?  I did.”

 

Heath ignored the bait, moving to get a cup of coffee before eating.  Coffee in hand, he sat down directly in front of Barrett.  He spoke so softly that only Barrett could hear him, and yet there was venom in his voice.  “I got no mind for a man like you Barrett.  You think you got a reprieve, but you don’t.  I don’t care about you one bit and got no problem riddin’ the world of scum like you.  So you stay outta my way and I’ll stay outta yours.”

 

“You don’t scare me.  You ain’t nothing but a two bit bastard trying to give himself airs.”

 

Heath stood up and Barrett followed.  Heath was keeping his cool and it unnerved Barrett, who lunged out for him.  The fight began in an instant.  At first the men formed a circle and cheered the men on, but as the fight intensified, they began to drift out of the bunkhouse into the yard.  Inside, Heath rammed Barrett’s midsection, driving him into the shelves next to the stove.  Unbeknownst to either man, a pail of grease tipped over onto the hot burners, immediately sending splatters of hot grease everywhere and igniting small fires, which began to grow. 

 

Heath delivered one final powerful punch, sending Barrett to oblivion.  He watched the man slide to the floor and stumbled out the door toward the trough.  The men gathered around him, congratulating him on his victory.  No one bothered with Barrett, until they noticed flames licking at the windows. 

 

“Fire!”  Someone shouted as another rang the fire bell.

 

“Barrett’s still in there.”  Yet another man yelled.

 

Chaos at once ensued.  Men ran around gathering buckets of water and blankets to fight the flames, while others went to gather more help.  In the midst of it all a man on a white horse rode in and dismounted, stopping a man to question him.  “What’s going on here?”

 

“There’s a man inside.”

 

The man dunked himself into the trough soaking his clothing.  He then charged in the front door and returned seconds later with Barrett under his arm. 

 

By this time, Nick, Jarrod and Duke had arrived on the scene.  “What’s going on?”

 

“Barrett and Thomson fought.  It started a fire.  Barrett was trapped inside, but this man here, got him out.”  The hand pointed to the coughing man. 

 

Jarrod approached him first.  “Our thanks, ah?”

 

“General Wallent!”

 

Jarrod was confused, looking first at Nick, then the visitor.

 

“You have me at a disadvantage.”

 

“I’m Nick Barkley.  What brings you by?”

 

“My horse was limping and this was the first ranch I came along, thought I might seek some help.”

 

“It seems, General Wallent, that you provided us with the help.”  Jarrod offered his hand and it was shaken immediately.

 

“How did all this happen?”

 

Nick looked directly at Heath.  “It seems we hire hands who don’t know how to get along.” 

 

Wallent laughed.  “That doesn’t seem to be a good thing.”

 

“No, it’s not.”  Nick turned back to the General.  “Come on up to the house and clean up.  You must stay to dinner.”  Without giving the man a chance to answer, he ordered one of the men to take Wallent’s horse to the stable to get checked out.  He and Jarrod whisked the man away, when all seemed under control at the bunkhouse.  “Let Barrett and Thomson clean it up and repair the damage.”

 

The family gathered before dinner in the parlor for drinks.  The general had been asked to stay and had accepted their hospitality. 

 

“So what brings you out West, General?”  Everyone could tell Nick was thrilled to have his hero here as a guest.

 

“Well, after I retired from the army, I decided to see what this land had to offer.  I’ve been traveling south.”

 

“A well deserved rest, I assume.”  Jarrod held up his glass in salute.

 

“I was with the 104^th at Benton’s Crossing.  We were pinned down in that lousy swamp for six days with nothing to eat but bark and moss.  Nick practically fawned over the man.

 

“You held that swamp.”

 

“Until you broke through.”

 

“You held that swamp so that I could break through, an act of supreme heroism.” 

 

The conversation went on throughout dinner and the family gathered in the study afterward.  The men played billiards, as the women listened to their conversation, adding questions when they could get a word in edgewise.

 

Wallent glanced over at the maps on the desk.  “You heading out soon on the trail?”

 

“Day after tomorrow.”

 

“What path are you taking?”

 

The men stopped their game, moving to the desk to discuss the route.   “It’s new terrain to me.  I’ve only been that way once, but with a herd this size, we got no choice.”

 

“Why take it then?”

 

“The army is offering $15 more a head in San Deigo.  The ranchers in this area need that money badly.”  Jarrod knew very well how serious the situation was. 

 

“I’ve just come from there.  It’s rough country.  You know that lake is dried up?”  Wallent pointed to the map.

 

“No, we didn’t.”

 

“You’ll need to take this gorge.  It’ll add a couple days, but there’s water at the end.”

 

“Say, General?  You wouldn’t want to come along with us, would you?”

 

“Me?  I’ve never been on a trail ride before.  I wouldn’t be any help to you.”

 

“Maybe not as a drover, but you could be our guide.  After all, you are familiar with the area.”

 

Wallent thought for a few moments.  “New experiences keep a man young.  I’d be happy to join you.”

 

Nick clapped him on the back.  “Excellent!”

 

Their drinks finished, Wallent excused himself to check on his horse.  Heath was tending to the injured stallion.  The men were alone but they made no eye contact.  Heath spoke first.  “How did this happen?”

 

“I hit him.”

 

“You what?”

 

“I needed a reason to stop.  Your little fire was the perfect introduction for me.  Good planning.”

 

“It wasn’t planned.  You should’ve let him die.”

 

“He loyal to the Barkleys?”

 

“He’s bad news for everyone.”

 

“Including us?”

 

“Especially us!”

 

* *

 

“You understand your job?”

 

“I do.”  Heath’s voice was quiet and his tone was cold.

 

“Good.  Between the two of us and the men I brought with me, we’ll satisfy Crown and Jordan, and make ourselves rich men as well.”

 

“If that’s what you say.”

 

The men departed, each preparing for the drive.  Each was occupied with their respective duties as the drive began.  Nick had a habit of keeping Heath close by and requiring him to do work that was far beneath his skills.   On occasion, he assigned Eugene to Heath’s company.  The two quiet souls worked well together.  Eugene admitted to Nick that he learned a lot from Heath and enjoyed his company.  This further annoyed Nick.  He found himself wishing Jarrod had been able to reorganize his schedule to come along.  He figured Jarrod would have been able to see through the stranger’s façade.  The only time Nick wasn’t grouchy was in the presence of General Wallent.  Thankfully for the men, that was often.

 

Heath understood the job he had to do.  These cattle weren’t allowed to make it to market.  The railroad’s plan was to defeat the ranchers financially.  One way or another, they would get their land.  The loss of the herd wouldn’t hurt the Barkleys much but the faith of the community would be tested.  Crown knew he would need further attacks to truly render them helpless.  That was Heath’s job.  Wallent was in charge of the drive but Heath needed to work in stealth to assist him. 

 

He moved slowly, his first target being Barrett.  Early on he left a whiskey bottle in the open.  Barrett and his friends quickly found it, sharing it on watch the third night.  Setting the situation up carefully, he forced a minor stampede in their area.  Nick came upon the scene and rang a few bells.  He was close to sending the men on their way but decided it was too early to risk it.  He warned the men strongly.  Heath feared it might work. 

 

Heath was working the rough alone as Nick rode up on the fifth morning.

 

“You need something, Boss?”  Heath was annoyed at the attention.

 

“Nope.  Just thought you looked lonely.”  Nick plastered a sarcastic grin to his face.

 

“You ain’t enough company for a gopher.”  Heath grumbled under his breath.

 

“You say something?”  Nick sneered.

 

“I said, suit yourself.”

 

“Yeah, that’s what I thought you said.”  He rode along side the man in silence for some time before venturing another question.  “Eugene sure thinks highly of you.  I figured I better come see what he sees in you.”

 

“He’s a good kid.”

 

“And I’m not?”

 

“You ain’t no kid.”

 

“You don’t like me do you?”

 

“Should I?  You don’t trust me.  I don’t trust you.  I figure that makes us even.”

 

“Even?  Really?  You think you’re even with me?”

 

Heath pulled up his mount, stopping.  “Why ain’t you got rid of me yet?”

 

Nick grinned.  “I ain’t finished with you yet.”

 

“What do you want from me?”

 

“I want the truth.”

 

“I told ya the truth.  You ain’t willing to believe it.”

 

“Nope.  There’s more to you than what you’re telling me or you’d be gone by now.”

 

“I can leave.”

 

“You won’t.”

 

They spurred their mounts again, driving a few stragglers back to the herd.

 

“Before you go, I’ll have the truth from you.”

 

“That I work for the railroads?”

 

“Yep.”

 

Heath grinned.  “Boy howdy Barkley, you’re gonna get mighty sick of my face if that’s what your waiting for.”

 

“I don’t think so.”  Nick rode off, leaving the grinning man.

 

That afternoon storm clouds were brewing ahead of them.  Nick was shouting out orders and riding up and down the herd.  Within an hour the rain began and with it came thunder and lightening.  The herd was riled and all men fought to control the nervous beeves.  A particularly close bolt of lightening hit the ground near Heath and Eugene and sent a portion of the herd running.  The two men were alone, struggling to get them back.  Several had run up a ridge and Eugene went after them.  Eugene’s steady mount managed to get in front of the herd in an attempt to turn them back.  Another strike spooked Eugene’s horse and he reared.  Eugene, wet in his saddle and focusing on the oncoming herd, slipped.  His horse bolted, suddenly free from his weight.  The ground had quickly become saturated and he couldn’t move fast enough to get clear from the path.

 

Heath had seen Eugene fall and drove his mount into the chaos.  Nearing Eugene, he reached out a strong arm and Eugene latched on.  Just as the first steer was moving in, the men rode out. 

 

“You alright?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Stay here.  I’ll get your horse and the cattle.”  Heath dropped the man and rode off.

 

As quickly as the storm moved in, it blew out.  Nick approached his sodden brother.

 

“What happened?”

 

“I got thrown.”  Before he could add more, Nick went on.

 

“You alright?”

 

“Yes.  Heath saved me.”

 

“Heath?”

 

“Yeah, he went off to get my horse and the cattle we were chasing.”

 

Nick rode over the rise in time to see Heath prodding the cattle and leading Eugene’s horse. 

 

“Damn him.”

 

After a grueling day, the men dragged themselves into camp for dinner.  Heath had no sooner sat down, when he saw black boots with silver spurs in his line of sight.

 

“You need something?”

 

“Yeah.  You got watch.”

 

“What?  I just got here.”

 

“Finish up and head to the rear of the herd.  Evens hurt his back and needs rest.”

 

Eugene heard the conversation.  “I’ll do it, Nick.”

 

Nick glared at him.  “You got thrown today.  You need your rest, too.”

 

“But…”

 

“Don’t ‘but’ me, Boy.  I gave an order and I expect it to be followed.”

 

Heath put his plate down, untouched.  “Yes, Sir!”  He left quickly.

 

“Nick.  He is just as tired.”

 

“He’s fine!  Now eat.”

 

Eugene felt like he was five-years-old again but complied.

 

After dinner with Nick, Wallent took a stroll.  Nick decided a ride around the perimeter was in order.

 

“Go now. I’ll cover you.”

 

“Is the gun in place?”

 

“A man’s waiting with it behind the rocks.”

 

“Why don’t he do it?”

 

“He wasn’t a sharpshooter.”

 

Heath left Wallent, climbing the hill that overlooked the valley they rested in.  He found the man, no more a boy and took stock of the fine gun in his hands.  It was the finest made.  He hadn’t even had anything near as fine in the war.  He brought the butt to his shoulder and surveyed the environment with the scope.  He quickly trained his eye on the lone dark figure ride the herd, tracking him with the gun.  He drew in a deep breath, held it and pulled the trigger.

 

**

 

“A penny for your thoughts, Lovely Lady?”

 

Victoria chuckled softly.  “Save your penny.  We might need it.”

 

Jarrod feigned shock.  “Do you doubt the abilities of your sons?”

She smiled.  “No, but it’s a mother’s prerogative to worry.”

 

“And we do give you plenty of reason, don’t we?”

 

She took his hand.  “I’m a lucky woman.”

 

“So where were you just now?”

 

“No matter.”

 

“Ah, but it is.  Everything concerning you matters to me.”

 

“That’s my line.”

 

“Not tonight.”  He paused, venturing a guess.  “Might your thoughts have something to do with a certain blond hand recently hired?”

Victoria couldn’t hide her shock.  “Why would you say that?”

 

“I make my living on hunches.”  He paused again, allowing her to calm.  “I know you know something about him.”

 

“No, like you, I have hunches.”

 

“Care to share yours?”

 

“No, Darling.  Not yet.  Perhaps soon.”

 

“Don’t wait too long.”

 

She gently slapped his hand.  “Don’t you get bossy with me, Young Man.  I can still handle a wooden spoon.”

 

Jarrod gave a mock jump backward.  “Yes, Ma’am.”

 

 

True Intentions 5

 

The shot was evident to all in the camp.   No one was very sure where it had come from or if it had caused damage until Nick came riding back into camp.  He had managed to stay in the saddle but it was obvious he was in pain.

 

Through gritted teeth, Nick yelled.  “What are you doing here?  Go find him and some of you see to the herd.  They’re rattled now.”

 

Men ran for their mounts.  In the chaos Heath had enough time to throw the gun to the boy and slip back to his post.  He could easily excuse his absence by working with the herd.  Wallent rode into camp.  As he arrived, men shouted down from the ridge that they had found someone.  Wallent rode hard to the area knowing he had to arrive first.  He charged up the ridge and closed in on the man riding away.  Soon he had pulled ahead of the others.  Knowing Wallent had pulled away, the young man slowed down anticipating a welcome.  Instead he received a bullet in the chest. 

 

As Eugene and the men caught up to Wallent, the boy was dead.  Eugene was angry.  “Dead?  How are we supposed to find out what he wanted?”

 

“I’m sorry.  I had no choice.”  Wallent knew Eugene Barkley would never challenge his word.  “How’s your brother?”

 

“Oh God, Nick!”  Eugene turned back toward camp, ordering the men as he did.  “Search the body for evidence and then bury him.”

 

Nick was fighting everyone when Eugene arrived back in camp.  “Just bandage it and leave me alone.”

 

The cook on the drive was known only as Tender.  No one ever knew what he did or where he went but he always showed up in time for Barkley drives and had since the boys were young.  He took no guff and fed the men well.  He also served as the drive doctor.  “Dang nabbit, Nick!  You musta fallin offa dat horse. You done gone plumb loco.  You knows dat bullet gotta come out.”

 

“Then get it out, TENDER!”

 

“I dun tol’ ya I kint.  It be stuck in da bone.”

 

“Nick, if it’s in the bone, you need a doctor.”  Eugene pleaded with his older brother.

 

“Damn it!  We’re 30 miles from a doctor.”

 

“So what!  Ayden can take you in the other wagon or I’ll go.”

 

“NO!”  Nick caught his breath.  “You gotta stay here with the herd and the men.  You gotta pull this off.”  He knew he was beaten and it drove him insane.

 

“Me?  No, Nick.  I can’t.”  Eugene looked panic-stricken. 

 

Nick sent everyone but Tender and Eugene away.  None of the men would ever refer to the conversation that occurred that night.  At dawn Ayden Mitchel, Tender’s assistant, prepared the wagon that would take Nick to the doctor.  Nick had held conversations with Wallent and his ramrod, Ken Peters, both assuring him they would help Eugene bring the herd in.  Just before they left, Nick called Heath over.  Heath was puzzled but complied.

 

“You runnin’ a high fever, Barkley?”

 

“Shut up and listen to me!  Eugene, for some reason he trusts you.  He thinks you can help him.”

 

“What do you think?”  Heath found the whole conversation ironic.

 

“Don’t be stupid.  He’s right about one thing though.”

 

“What’s that?”

 

“You’re probably the best man on this crew.  Ain’t much you can’t do and do well.  He needs that.”

 

“That hurt more then the bullet, didn’t it?”

 

Nick was too tired and yes, feverish, to fight the smile that formed.  “Ya.”  He groaned clutching his leg as a wave of pain passed through his body.  “So, what do you say?”

 

“About what?”

 

“Is Eugene right?  Will you help him?”

 

“That’s what you hired me for.”

 

Staring the blond in the eyes, Nick was silent.  “Just remember who you’re workin’ for.”

 

Heath smiled.  “I never forget my loyalties.”

 

Wanting to prove his mettle early on, Eugene ordered the men to move on.  Around noon Wallent caught up to Heath.  “Why the hell didn’t you kill him?”

 

“I tried.  I missed.”

 

Wallent practically hissed.  “You don’t miss.  That’s why you were hired.”

 

“I know why I was hired.  What I can’t figure is why you’re in this.”

 

Wallent laughed.  “I thought we were both here for the same reason.  Money.”

 

“Sure.  Why do you need the money?  Don’t the Army pay you a nice retirement?”

 

“Hardly.  Old Warriors don’t retire.  It’s just not in them.”

 

“So, murdering people for the railroad fits a retired General?”

“No, but it’s a means to an end.”

 

“You don’t say?  Whatcha gonna do with your bundles of money?”

 

“Diaz can use my services in Mexico.”

 

Heath was flabbergasted.  “What?”

“With the money I make from Crown, I will be bringing weapons to Diaz as a sign of my loyalty.  I told you an old General never retires.”

 

Heath laughed.  “So, Americans that you fought and killed for will die for a Mexican revolution now?  Very fitting.”  Heath needed to be done with the conversation and rode off after some strays. 

 

When the War Between the States broke out, Heath wasn’t immediately intrigued.  It wasn’t until the reports of the bloody war came in daily that he became interested.  His ma had tried to hide the news from him, never allowing it to be discussed in his presence.  He had other ways of hearing the news.  No one noticed the small boy hovering near the porch on the barbershop eating up the conversation.

 

It wasn’t until one night at dinner that Heath hit on his plan.  Hannah was serving a minimal meal.  Money had been scarce and the prices rising due to the war. 

 

“Boy howdy, Hannah!  You sure do know how to make small things look big.”

 

“Shush now, Boy and eat!  I dun’ learned this from my mama.  Master nevah gave us much.”

 

“Do you miss being a slave?”  It was the question of an innocent boy but it stunned Hannah and his mother.

 

“Heath Thomson!  Slavery is pure evil.”  His mother looked at him with sorrow.  She thought she had raised him better then that.

 

“I’m sorry, Mama.  I just wanted to know.”

 

Hannah spoke next.  “Boy, I would give my life over and over again to not go back.  Freedom’s all dat I want in life.  No one kin tell me what to do or where to go.  No, Boy.  I don’ be missin’ it.”

 

Heath lay in bed that night thinking of all he had heard.  His mama worked no better than a slave and Hannah never wanted to go back.  That afternoon he heard that soldiers were making as much as $10 a month and if you had a special skill, you could make even more.  He fell asleep dreaming what the money could do for his Ma and Hannah.  The next morning he began training his eyes by throwing rocks at bottles behind the saloon.  As he improved, he would step back, gaining distance.  In no time at all, he began to steal his uncle’s rifle and stole out into the fields to practice.  After a month, he wrote his ma a note and stole off in the night. 

 

Later that day Eugene summoned Heath over.  “Heath.  I have a question and I want your opinion.”

 

“Shoot!”

 

“I’m thinking of sending Karl over the other trail to check out this lake.”

 

Heath was intrigued and impressed with the kid.  He carefully chose his words to test the kid further.  “Wallent says its dry.”

 

Eugene was nervous.  “I know.  But…  Well…  It’s been weeks since he rode through.  Maybe there were storms?”  He halted a minute.  “Besides, it’s my drive now and I think its best to know all our options.”

 

Heath smiled.  “Why don’t you let me ride over and check it out?”

 

“I thought about it at first but I want you here.  Karl can handle it.”

 

“Well, I think you got yourself a plan, Mr. Barkley.”

 

“Heath!  Stop that!”

 

“Nope.  That was a sound decision.  You earned the title.”

 

“Heath!”

 

Heath laughed.  “Alright.  If you insist, but you did good.”

 

“Thanks.  That means a lot coming from you.”

 

“From me?  Hell, Eugene.  I ain’t the boss.”

 

“No, but I respect ya anyway.”

 

Heath said nothing. 

 

“And Heath?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Don’t say anything to Wallent. I…  I don’t want to offend him.”

 

“Gotcha!”

 

Heath rode away calmly but inside, he was churning.  As with the fight at Sample Farm, he was now forced to either play his hand, or wait to fight another day.  His time at Carterson had taught him the latter was the right route.  After all, Wallent was a general.  He had to be prepared for the unexpected.  This might just be fun.  A small part of him was proud of his kid brother.  He quickly shoved that feeling down.  He was not about to start thinking of the Barkleys as his family.  He’d never needed a family and he wasn’t about to start now.  Hannah was right. Freedom was all he wanted in life.  No one would ever tie him down.

 

Karl returned in two days and went immediately to find Eugene who was eating with Heath and Wallent.

 

“Mr. Barkley, can I have a word with you?”  Karl nervously swayed while Eugene put down his plate. 

 

“Sure, Karl.”  Eugene got up and pulled the man away from the others.  He knew it had to be big news based on how tense Karl seemed.

 

Heath sensed the nervousness as well.  He knew it was time to decide his next move.  Would he support Wallent in his current plan, or wait for a different strike on behalf of the railroad.  He knew either way his position was tenuous.  Crown wasn’t going to like his taking things into his own hands again. 

 

“Wonder what that was all about?”  Wallent looked Heath straight in the eye.

 

“No idea.”

 

“I saw that look cross your face.  I think you do know what that was about.”  Wallent’s voice would have seemed cold and menacing to other men.

 

“Wallent, you’re one suspicious guy.”  Heath resumed eating, hoping Eugene returned quickly and he did.

 

“Well, Young Barkley, you look as if you have good news.”

 

“Well, um… Yes, I do.  Karl here just returned from scouting.”

 

“Oh?  Really?  I thought that was my job?”  Wallent made the statement with a smile on his face but the coldness in his voice betrayed his emotion.

 

“Well, um, it is, but I thought, well…”  Eugene took a deep breath, gathering his courage.  Heath was proud of the young man.  “I figured it had been a few weeks since you passed that lake, so I had him go check it out.”

 

“Really?” 

 

“Yeah, and it was a good thing I did because its full, teaming with fish too.  Good thing, I could use a change in dinner.”  Eugene hesitated, preparing to insert an editorial but opted not to.  He had no idea how Wallent was going to react to this challenge to his authority.  “Now we’ll be able to use the original route.”

 

Heath tensed moving his hand slowly to his sidearm, preparing to strike if necessary. He was shocked when Wallent calmly stated.  “It seems some serious rains have recently moved through the area.”

 

Eugene was no fool.  He didn’t suffer the hero worship Nick did and his hesitation over Wallent grew daily.  Karl’s return only heightened his nerves.  He wondered if he could convince Wallent he was no longer needed.  “Yep!  Rain enough to fill a lake and its reserves.”

 

Heath thought he could hear his heart beat.  “So, looks like we’ll be heading that way now.”

 

Eugene looked to Heath.  “At first light.  Tell the men, will ya?”

 

“Sure thing, Boss.”  Heath left slowly, watching Wallent closely.

 

Three hours underway the next morning Wallent rode up alongside Heath.  “So, what are your plans?”

 

Heath stuttered.  “My plans?  I ain’t the one that’s been uncovered.  You might as well ride off.  This plan is bust.”

 

“You think so?”

 

“Of course.  Maybe if you’re nice, Crown’ll pay ya half or somethin’ for tryin’.”

 

“You’re only part right, Thomson.”

 

“Do tell?”

 

“Crown’s paying me to make sure the Barkleys lose the herd.  That’ll still happen.”

 

“It will?  We’re making better time then ever.  How’s Barkley gonna lose this herd.”  He suddenly came upon Wallent’s idea.  “If you kill him, the men’ll still bring the herd in.”

 

Wallent laughed.  “No.  Nothing like that.  You see, I have already been paid by Crown.”

 

Heath was confused.  “So?  Why are you here?  You can skidaddle and hook up with Diaz.”

 

“It’s not enough.”

 

“It isn’t?”

 

“No, I need the money from the herd.”

 

“How do you aim to get that?”

 

“Well, now that’s where you come in.”

 

“Me?  How do ya figure?”

 

“I need to know where you stand.”

 

“I work for Crown, same as you.”

 

“Do you?”

 

“I shot Barkley didn’t I?  Why do you ask?”

 

“You didn’t kill him.”

“His horse moved!”

 

Wallent laughed, disarming the tension.  “Right.”  He paused in order to control the situation.  “You knew that scout was going, didn’t you?”

 

“What difference does it make?”

 

“A big difference.  You knew and didn’t tell me.”

 

“So, you seem to have things under control anyway.”

 

“Indeed I do and it’s best you remember that, Boy.”

 

Heath scoffed at the use of the term.  He was tempted to stop Wallent now but was curious as to his plan.

 

“So, I must ask, Thomson.  Can you be trusted?”

 

“No.”

 

Wallent laughed again, this time with gusto and for some time.  “Neither can I.”

 

“I know.  Now, what’s your plan.”

 

“But you said I can’t trust you.”

 

“And I can’t trust you, so out with it.”

 

“So you can run to Barkley with it?  I don’t think so.”

 

“I ain’t got no love for the Barkleys.”

 

“I have fifty men waiting for us just outside San Diego.”

 

“You’re gonna take the herd by force?”

 

“Every last cow.”

 

“Lotta good men gonna die.”

 

“Not if they lay down their guns.  I’m no murderer.”

 

It was Heath’s turn to laugh.  “Really?”

 

“I’ll be turning the herd over to the army and collecting the money.  Even after I pay the men Diaz will be impressed.”

 

Heath was silent.  Making Wallent nervous.  “So?”

 

“Looks like we can relax until San Diego.”

 

**

 

Victoria Barkley had long ago learned not to let the stresses of life impair her sleep.  There was no way a ranch wife could do her job without good rest.  Even when time was short she had learned to maximize the rest.  Tonight she tossed and turned.  She had ridden to town to check on a report but none was yet available.  As each day passed, her nerves grew more frayed.  She needed to know the truth. 

 

She rose from her bed, slipped on her dressing gown and silently opened the door.  This would be her only chance.  Tomorrow Nick returned home on the train.  He would be bedridden for a week or so yet and what she needed was directly above his room.  He would hear her and question her purpose.  Under normal circumstances she would be able to chide him for prying, but she wasn’t certain she could pull off such a nonchalant face in this matter.

 

She carried the lamp to the far corner of the attic where his chest rested.  She wiped the dust from the lid with her sleeve and pulled open the large lid.  Inside lay the most treasured memories of her husband’s life.  She knew what she sought rested far underneath the more recent trinkets.  She refused to allow herself to get caught up in a sea of her memories with Tom.  She searched for his youth, before their love had grown.  She was so intent on her prize, she barely considered the objects she heedlessly tossed to the floor around her.  Finally, the box nearly empty, she found the album she sought. 

 

She pulled the leather album from the depths of the trunk and wrapped her arms around it.  She almost dreaded opening it.  She knew it wouldn’t necessarily prove anything, but she had to confirm her memories.  She pulled back the cover and revealed the first pages.  Slowly flipping each page, the tears swelled in her eyes and eased down her cheeks. 

 

“Mother?  Is that you?”

 

Jarrod’s voice startled her. She was desperate to cover her purpose.  “Jarrod.  What brings you here?”  Her voice quivered.

 

Jarrod moved closer.  “Mother!  It’s the middle of the night.  What are you doing?”

 

“I…  Jarrod, I…”

 

Jarrod moved before she could stop him and took the album from her.  His eyes scanned the photo tins and then widened at the images before him.

 

“No…  It can’t be…  Mother?”

 

She shook her head slowly.  “I don’t know.  I just don’t know.”

 

True Intentions 6

 

“Mother!  We have to investigate this.”

 

“I already have, Jarrod.  The report is due any time.”

 

“Who?  Never mind.  What are we going to do?  Nick’ll…”

 

She cut Jarrod off before he could put words to one of her many fears.  “No.  No one must know but us.  For now, there is nothing to know.  I don’t even know if Heath knows who his father is.”

 

“It might not be true.  We might be jumping to a huge conclusion, Mother.”

 

“I know.  But…”

 

“But what?”

 

“My heart…  My heart says it’s him.  He’s come back to us.”

 

Jarrod was immediately concerned.  “What?  Mother, you don’t think…”

 

She understood her son’s concern.  “No, I don’t think of him as replacing your father.  Frankly, I don’t know what to think.”

 

“Mother, Father could never have been unfaithful to you.  There must be some other reason.”

 

“Jarrod, I am not naïve enough to think your father was perfect.  That is a son’s prerogative.”

 

“Mother, I…”

 

“Jarrod, he was a complex man.”

 

“Did you know?”

 

“No.”  She drew in a deep breath.  “And as you said, I still don’t know.  This is foolish.  Nick comes home in the morning and we’ll need all our energy to keep him in bed.”

 

Jarrod wanted to continue the discussion but knew his mother was through.  Victoria Barkley had made up her mind to move on and no force on earth was going to change it.  “I’ll help you put this back.”

 

“No, you go on to bed.  I’ll see to it in the morning.”

 

“Mother?”

 

“No, Jarrod.  Good Night!”

 

**

 

The rest of the drive to San Diego went off smoothly.  Eugene frequently sought out Heath’s company.  Heath didn’t mind.  The boy was young and eager to prove himself to the world and his family.

 

“I can’t believe this will all be over tomorrow.”  Eugene and Heath rode at an easy jaunt.

 

“I never look forward to them but for some reason they are never as bad as I expect.” 

 

“I almost wish this one weren’t over already.”

 

“Eugene?  You crazy?”

 

“No.  I just hate to go back.”

 

“What?  You’ve been on the drive too long.  You got a big fancy house, servants, money and a family.  Why not go home?”

 

Eugene laughed.  “I guess it does look kinda crazy, doesn’t it.”

 

“Sure does.”  Part of Heath knew he should stop but he was intrigued.  Why wouldn’t the kid want to go home?  “So, why don’t ya want to be home in your own bed?”

 

“My bed does sound good, but I don’t want the rest of the stuff that goes with it.”

 

“Ya got something against clean soft sheets?  I imagine you get them freshly laundered all the time.”  Heath was trying to be funny, finding his own humor ironic.  His mother had helped Hannah on many Sundays wash the sheets for locals.  Most poor folks washed only once a month, if that.  His mama insisted on washing his bed linens each Sunday.  He had asked her once, why?  She had told him it was her way of living the good life.  He smiled at the memory.  Clean sheets made his mama happy.  It was a luxury to him now.  He seldom got clean, soft sheets.

 

“It’s my life or rather what to do with it.  Mother says I can do whatever I like but I don’t know what that is.  Jarrod wants me to study law.  Nick wants me to help run the ranch.”

 

“What do you want?”

 

“I don’t know.”

 

“Sure does make your life tough!”  Heath’s anger got the best of him and he rode off.  ‘Stupid Twit!  Poor little rich boy can’t decide what to do.  Damn kid.  He could do anything he wanted to do without a thought.  No one called him the bastard.  No one kicked him out of school or even church.  No, they welcomed him with open arms.  Yes, Eugene Barkley.  Sure, Mr. Barkley.  Have some candy.  Need some more money, Son?’

Anger from deep within him welled up.  The damn indecisive boy worried about what to do with his life, while heath wondered where his next meal would come from.  My what a difference a father must make.

 

Several hours later Eugene caught back up with Heath. 

 

“Heath, I’m sorry.  I suppose I sounded like a pampered brat back there.”

 

Inside Heath was surprised that the kid could read people so well for being a spoiled rich boy.  “Don’t worry about it, Boss.”

 

“Heath.  Please.  Don’t call me boss.  Nick’s the boss.”

 

“Alright, Mr. Barkley.”

 

“Heath!  Please, Eugene.  Jees, now I know how Audra feels.”

 

Heath smiled.

 

“See, I’m not so bad.  Tell ya what, when we get to San Diego, I’ll buy ya a beer.”

 

Heath chuckled.  “You old enough to be in a bar?”

Eugene smiled with mock indignation.  “I’m old enough to run a drive!”

 

Heath saluted him.  “That you are.”  He paused.  “You’ve done a good job, Eugene.”

 

Eugene’s chest involuntarily rose at the praise.  “Thanks.  It means a lot coming from you.”

 

“Why is that?  You’ve been on drives before.”

 

“Yeah, but no one compliments me.  Nick gets the credit for the ranch.”

 

“He’ll be proud of you.”  Internally he added, ‘if you live.’

 

Just then General Wallent joined them.  “Men, looks like the end is near.”

 

“Tomorrow we’ll turn the herd over to the army and collect our fee.”

 

“It’ll be a fine day.”

 

“What’s next for you General?  Will you return to the ranch with us?  I’m sure my family will love to see you and thank you for your help.”

 

“No, as a matter of fact I thought I might take my leave this evening.”

 

Heath hid his reaction.  Eugene was surprised.  “Tonight?”

 

Wallent laughed.  “I’m sorry.  I suppose it is a let down.  The general who tires of the trail but honestly the thought of the comfortable beds that are just over that rise is too overwhelming for me.  It’s not like I’m a help with the cattle.”

 

“General, no we appreciate all you have done.”

 

“So, can you live without me?  Perhaps we can meet up tomorrow for a celebratory drink?”

 

Eugene was stunned.  It seemed so wrong for the man to leave but there was nothing he could say.  “You’ve got a deal.  I kinda wish I was joining you.”

 

“Ha, good man.  I’ll find you in town.”  He looked at Heath.  “Thomson, good working with you.  I’m sure you made your commanding officers proud.”  Heath mumbled his thanks. 

 

When Wallent had left, Heath expected Eugene to comment on Wallent’s leaving, instead he asked about Heath.  “You served?”

 

“What?”

 

“When did you serve?”

 

“Don’t matter.”

 

“Yes it does.  When did you serve?”

 

“During the war.”

 

“WHAT?  You aren’t old enough.”

 

“Nope, I wasn’t.”

 

“But…”

 

“Kid, when you come from nothing, you do anything to survive.  I lied.  I fought.  The end.”

 

“You told Wallent?”

 

“It came up.”

 

“But not with me.”

 

“No.  And it won’t again.”

 

“Why won’t you tell me about it?”

 

“Damn it, Eugene.  It was a war.  It’s not something you brag about.”

 

“Nick and Jarrod tell stories, so did Wallent.”

 

“Well, maybe they got stories to tell.  No one wants to hear mine and I don’t want to tell ‘em!”

 

“Sorry.  I don’t mean to pry.”

 

Heath took a deep breath and scanned the horizon.  “Don’t worry about it.”  He continued to scan and it piqued Eugene’s curiosity.

 

“What are you looking for?”

 

Heath wavered.  He chose his words carefully, partially hoping Eugene read the underlying message.  “I just got me a bad feelin’.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Don’t know.  Jes’ do.”

 

It worked.  Eugene grew vary.  “I think I’ll place some extra guards tonight.”

 

“Whatever you say, Boss.  Whatever you say.”

 

Heath debated all night.  What would his role be in what was about to happen?  He sensed Wallent would make his move that night.  He wouldn’t risk the exposure of daylight.  Eugene had all the men on guard.  He had gained enough support that they followed his lead unquestioningly.  Even the herd seemed skittish. 

 

Heath heard the first wave of men moving in.  Wallent was true to his word, the first assault was stealthy.  He would try disabling the men with out gunfire.  Men moved in as the night wore on.  Through squinted eyes he watched as a different man took position near the sleeping form of a hand. 

 

As his shoulder was touched, Heath rolled over and aimed his gun at the face of his would be attacker.  Other men did the same.  Soon, before a battle had even begun, it was over, or so Eugene thought.

 

“Heath, you were right!”

 

“Don’t get cocky.  It ain’t over.”

“What do you mean, we got the men tied up.”

 

“It was too easy.”  Heath’s words had no sooner left his lips, than shots rang out.