When Julia Saxon arrived in Washington, she was very young, very poor and very, very ambitious. She met a young Confederate Lieutenant on a trip to Richmond, Virginia. He invited her to a very fancy party in the most beautiful home she had ever seen. Julia met a lot of rich and famous people there. The Confederate officers she met asked her to gather as much information as she could, without rousing too much suspicion from the Union officers she encountered in Washington. In exchange for the information she supplied, the Confederate officers with, they agreed to make her a singing star. Julia saw nothing wrong with this arrangement and accepted the offer. She returned to Washington to carry out her end of the deal.

Three lives would be changed forever.

"Hey Jarrod," Matt said as Jarrod walked up to him.

"Matt," Jarrod acknowledged and smiled at his friend.

"Are you ready to leave?" Matt asked.

"Yes," Jarrod answered. "I said all my good-byes at the ranch."

"I didn’t want my mom to cry at the station and make a big scene in front of everyone," Matt said. "I told them good-bye at home and just as I had predicted she started to cry."

"Mothers can be like that," Jarrod remarked. "That means that they really love and care about their children. Fortunately, my mother didn’t cry. She just hugged me tightly."

"I guess you’re right Jarrod," Matt agreed. "My mom said that she would miss me terribly and to take care of myself."

"Mine too," Jarrod remarked. "It’s almost 8 o’clock. I guess we had better get on board."

"We don’t want to be late the first day," Matt replied and headed to the train with Jarrod right behind him.

A Union Sergeant was standing beside the train. He had a list in his hand of the names of all the new recruits. Matt and Jarrod walked up to him.

"Name," the sergeant said.

"Matthew Parker," Matt replied.

"Private Parker," he told him, "you may board the train."

"Yes sir," Matt said and started up the steps.

The sergeant then turned his attention to Jarrod.

"Name," he said.

"Jarrod Barkley," Jarrod replied.

"Private Barkley," the sergeant said, "board the train."

"Yes sir," Jarrod remarked and followed Matt up the stairs.

When the two boys entered the car, another officer pointed to a seat. Both boys sat down and waited for the train to depart.

"Jarrod," Matt said, "well this is it. We’ll be soldiers soon."

"Matt," Jarrod asked, "are you looking forward to killing?"

"No Jarrod," Matt answered. "I don’t like killing any more than you do."

"The reason I asked is because you are in an awful big hurry to become a soldier," Jarrod stated.

"There is a reason behind my wanting to be a soldier," Matt told him.

"I’m listening," Jarrod replied.

"Jarrod," Matt said, "ever since I was a small boy, I have heard the stories my grandfather told about his days in the army. I have always wanted to follow in his footsteps. It’s kind of a family tradition."

"I see," Jarrod told him. "That’s the way it was in my family too. I always thought that my brother Nick would be the one to follow. But look at me, just about to become a soldier."

"Jarrod," Matt stated, "are you sure you still want to go? I will still understand if you want to change your mind."

"No," Jarrod told him. "I have made up my mind and I will carry through with my decision."

"Great," Matt said.

The train left Stockton and headed east for Washington, D.C.

"Jarrod," Matt asked, "have you ever been to the East Coast?"

"No Matt I haven’t," Jarrod answered him. "We need to remember one thing."

"What’s that?" Matt asked.

"Washington is three hours ahead of California time wise," Jarrod answered.

"Hey that’s right," Matt replied. "We’ll lose three hours."

"But," Jarrod said, "we’ll gain them back when we go home."

The train trip took several days. Matt and Jarrod met several of the other recruits that were from California, Oregon and Washington State.

"Jarrod," Matt said, "here we are. I can’t believe my lifelong dream is about to become a reality."

"I’m happy for you Matt," Jarrod replied.

"What’s the matter Jarrod?" Matt asked. "Getting cold feet?"

"No not really," Jarrod answered. "I am just a little scared. I’ve never been this far from the ranch and my family."

"It will be all right Jarrod," Matt told him. "I’m scared too. As long as we stick together, we’ll be all right."

"Thanks Matt," Jarrod said. "That means a lot."

The new recruits exited the train. They were taken by wagon to the fort where they would be sworn in and issued uniforms.

"Welcome," a tall man with dark hair and an authoritative voice said. "I am General Francis Boyd. This is your new home."

The general walked away and a young corporal came and stood before the new recruits.

"I am Corporal Rod Wilkins," he said. "You will now be sworn in, issued a uniform and informed of which barracks you will be assigned to."

The corporal held a book in his hands. Inside were the names of the new recruits. He began to read the list of names.

"Akers, Warren," he called out. "And Waters, Eugene will now be sworn in, given a uniform and will bunk together. Conley, Douglas and Davis, Edward will now be sworn in, given a uniform and will bunk together. Parker, Matthew and Jenkins, Oliver will now be sworn in, given a uniform and will bunk together. Baker, Chester and Edwards, Luke will now be sworn in, given a uniform and will bunk together. Franklin, Alexander and Gorman, Michael will now be sworn in, given a uniform and will bunk together. Hokum, Thomas and Barkley, Jarrod will now be sworn in, given a uniform and will bunk together. Kincaid, Barry and Logan, Hamilton will now be sworn in, given a uniform and will bunk together. Martin, Jeffrey and Nichols, Carl will now be sworn in, given a uniform and will bunk together. O’Neill, Samuel and Rogers, William will now be sworn in, given a uniform and will bunk together. Stewart, Phillip and Teague, Milton will now be sworn in, given a uniform and will bunk together. Vance, Robert and Williams, Sidney will now be sworn in, given a uniform and will bunk together. Arnold, Paul and Benson, Roger will now be sworn in, given a uniform and will bunk together. Carter, Benjamin and Devers, Stuart will now be sworn in, given a uniform and will bunk together. Gates, David and Hart, Edward will now be sworn in, given a uniform and will bunk together. Clark, Bailey and Hayden, Charles will now be sworn in, given a uniform and will bunk together."

Each of the new recruits were sworn in, issued a uniform and told where they would bunk.

Even though Matt and Jarrod were not paired off together, they were assigned to the same barracks.

"Matt," Jarrod told him, "I’m going to write a letter home to the family. I’ll look around latter."

"All right Jarrod," Matt replied. "I think I’ll have a look around. See you later."

"Yeah," Jarrod said as Matt left.

After Matt left, Jarrod found a quiet place and sat down. He began to write his letter home.

June 10, 1861

Dear Family,

Matt and I arrived in Washington a short time ago. We met the commander and were sworn in. Luckily, Matt and I were assigned to the same barracks.

I don’t want to kill another person but if I am in battle I know I will have to. Life is so precious to be taken lightly.

I hope everyone is well. Nick, I look forward to seeing you soon. Gene, I hope everything is going well for you. Take care of yourself and I will see you soon. Audra, I am sending you a hug and a kiss. I wish I could deliver them in person but Nick will give them to you for me.

Mother and Father, I am fine. I will probably stay in Washington most of my time in the army. It is a beautiful place but I miss the ranch and home. I will write you soon. Take care.

Jarrod

Jarrod carefully folded the letter and placed it in an envelope. Then he left to mail it. Jarrod had to do some searching before he found the small post office in the back of the supply room. He handed the addressed envelope to the officer and left. As Jarrod was walking down the steps, Matt met him.

"Jarrod," Matt told him, "this place is great. We’ll be able to learn a lot before we are in battle."

"We’ll have to learn if we don’t want to end up dead on the battlefield," Jarrod shot back.

"Are you all right Jarrod?" Matt asked concerned. "You seem a little short tempered since the last time I saw you."

"I’m fine," Jarrod answered. "I’m homesick after writing my letter home."

"That’s to be expected," Matt said. "Everyone’s homesick at first. You’ll feel better as time goes on."

"I hope so," Jarrod replied. "I really hope so."

Matt and Jarrod walked around the fort familiarizing themselves with where everything was located. This would most probably be their new home for a long time.

Jarrod walked up the steps to the colonel’s office. He slowly opened the door and walked in. The colonel’s aide met him.

"Private Barkley reporting as ordered," Jarrod said and saluted.

"Yes," the aide replied. "We’ve been expecting you."

"Yes sir," Jarrod answered.

"Colonel Hodges is in his office," the aide told Jarrod. "You may go in."

"Yes sir," Jarrod answered and walked to the colonel’s office door.

As Jarrod entered Colonel Hodges’ office, he felt more at ease than he had since he arrived. The colonel was seated at his desk and as Jarrod entered the room, he stood up and walked around the desk to greet Jarrod.

"Private Barkley reporting as ordered sir," Jarrod said and saluted.

"At ease Private," Hodges told him.

Jarrod relaxed and looked at the colonel. He was a tall man in his fifties with graying hair.

"Private," Hodges replied, "you have been assigned to be my aide."

"Yes sir," Jarrod answered.

"Most of your duties will be running errands, filing and greeting any officer that comes through the door," he stated. "You are going to replace Corporal Hayes who is being transferred."

"Yes sir," Jarrod answered.

"Private," Hodges asked, "what is your first name and where are you from?"

"Jarrod sir," Jarrod answered. "I am from Stockton, California."

"Jarrod, interesting name," he said.

"Yes sir," Jarrod replied. "It is a family name dating back several generations."

"Stockton," Hodges said. "Good cattle country."

"Yes sir," Jarrod answered and smiled. "The best sir."

"I believe we are going to make a good team Private," Hodges told him.

"Yes sir," Jarrod answered.

"Shall we get to work," the colonel asked.

"Yes sir," Jarrod answered.

The two men spent the rest of the day together. Jarrod really liked Colonel Hodges and the colonel thought Jarrod had a lot of potential.

Matt, he thought, I really miss you buddy. I hope you are safe.

Jarrod decided to write another letter home. He sat down and began to write.

June 12, 1861

Dear Family,

I am still in Washington, D.C. I have been assigned as an aide for Colonel Hodges who is a lawyer. Can you believe my luck? I decide to be a lawyer and end up working with a lawyer in the army.

Matt is no longer here. He was assigned to a division along the Virginia State line. I have not heard from him since he left.

I hope everyone is well. I know the ranch is doing great with Father and Nick running it. Gene, I hope you and Audra are fine. I bet you two have grown since the last time I saw you.

I have not been in any battles but I know my day will come. Take care and I will see you soon.

Jarrod

He folded the letter and gently placed it in the envelope. He left the barracks and went to mail it.

He returned to the barracks a short time later and then turned in for the night.

Jarrod took up position behind the barracks. Unfortunately, he had to kill several of the soldiers. It really bothered him at first having to kill but as time went on, Jarrod learned not to let it bother him so much.

In one of the squimishes, a Confederate officer injured Jarrod. He tried to fight him off as best he could, but was shot in the left shoulder. Jarrod was able to kill his adversary before he passed out.

Jarrod woke up two days later in bed in the infirmary. His shoulder was bandaged and Colonel Hodges was standing beside his bed.

"Welcome back Corporal," Hodges said and smiled at his aide.

"Corporal sir?" Jarrod asked, shock and surprise evident on his face and in his voice.

"Yes corporal," the colonel told him. "For bravery above and beyond the call of duty. Corporal, you were promoted while you were sleeping."

"Thank you sir," Jarrod said and smiled. "When can I get out of here?"

"In a few days," Hodges answered. "I will check on you later."

"Yes sir," Jarrod said.

He requested a pen and paper while he was laid up. He thought he had better get another letter off to home before his mother found out about his being wounded from someone else.

July 12, 1861

Dear Family,

I saw my first action. I was shot in the left shoulder but I am healing. I also killed for the first time. It was he or I.

I also got a promotion after being shot. I am now a corporal. Colonel Hodges delivered the news in person.

I hope everyone is fine. It won’t be too much longer before school starts. I know you are dreading it Nick. But if you want to be able to handle the day to day operations of the ranch, you need to finish your education.

Gene, you and Audra are growing like a couple of weeds I bet. I probably won’t recognize you when I see you.

Mother, don’t worry. I’m fine. I’m just laid up for a few days. Please don’t be angry with Father. If he hadn’t have let me come, I would have come anyway.

I’ll write you as soon as I can.

Love,

Jarrod

Jarrod sealed the letter and handed it to one of the orderlies to mail for him.

Several days later, he was released from the infirmary and went back to work.

Jarrod was sitting at his desk working on some briefs for the colonel when a young private walked through the door.

"Can I help you Private?" Jarrod asked.

"Yes sir," the young officer answered and saluted. "Are you Corporal Jarrod Barkley?"

"Yes I am," Jarrod replied and returned the salute.

"The head doctor in the infirmary asked me to come and bring you to the infirmary, he said.

"Why?" Jarrod asked, concern etching into his voice.

"He didn’t say sir," the officer answered.

"All right," Jarrod said. "Just let me inform the colonel. I will only be a moment."

"Yes sir," he replied.

Jarrod stood up and walked to Colonel Hodges’ office door. He knocked on the door.

"Enter Corporal," Hodges told him.

Jarrod opened the door and walked into the office. He closed the door and walked over to the desk.

"What do you need Corporal?" Hodges asked.

"Sir, there is a young private in the outer office who said that the head doctor of the infirmary has requested my presence there," Jarrod told him.

"All right Corporal," he said. "You may accompany the private."

"Thank you sir," Jarrod replied.

Jarrod left Hodges’ office and followed the young officer to the infirmary. When they arrived, the head doctor of the infirmary, First Sergeant Jason Briggs, met them.

"Corporal Barkley," Briggs said. "I’m glad you’re here. There’s someone here who asked for you. The reason I sent for you is because the patient will not calm down and rest until he sees you."

"Who is it sir," Jarrod asked, having a pretty good idea who it was.

"Private First Class Matthew Parker," the man told him. "He was brought in this morning."

"How bad is he hurt?" Jarrod asked.

"Nothing too serious," Briggs answered. "He was shot in the leg."

"May I see him sir?" Jarrod asked.

"By all means," Briggs answered. "Come with me."

Jarrod followed the head doctor of the infirmary to the hospital ward. At the end of the room, lying in bed, was Matt. Matt smiled when he saw Jarrod.

"Long time Jarrod," Matt said and stuck out his hand.

"Over six months, Matt," Jarrod replied and shook his friend’s hand.

"Look at you," Matt told him. "I will have to call you sir now."

"No you won’t," Jarrod said. "How are you feeling?"

"I’m all right," Matt told him. "I just got in the way of a bullet."

"Will you stop with the jokes Matt?" Jarrod stated. "Are you really all right?"

"Yes Jarrod," Matt told him. "I’m going to be fine."

"I’m just concerned about you," Jarrod said. "I haven’t seen or heard from you in a long time."

"I’m sorry about that Jarrod," Matt replied. "I’m not very good about writing and I’ve been too busy to come see you that is until now."

"I take it you’ve been in a few battles," Jarrod remarked.

"Just about every day," Matt stated. "It’s been a hot area since I’ve been there."

"Listen Matt," Jarrod said, "I have to get back to work. I’ll stop by again when my shift is over."

"I can’t wait," Matt told him.

"You mind the doctor and get some rest," Jarrod said.

"Yes sir," Matt replied and smiled.

Jarrod left the infirmary and returned to his duties.

"Corporal," the doctor said, "thank you for coming back and talking to Mr. Parker. He has quieted and is resting better. Your presence has been very important to his healing."

"Thank you Doctor," Jarrod told the man. "I’m glad I could help."

Matt continued to improve each day. However, his leg wound was more serious that the doctor had thought so Matt would be transferred to Washington and away from the heavy fighting for a while.

"Private First Class Parker," the doctor said, "you will not be able to return to your unit for the time being. Your leg has not healed completely as I had hoped so you will be reassigned here."

"Yes sir," Matt replied. "I don’t mind sir. My best friend is stationed here and I want to spend some time with him."

"Would that be "Corporal Barkley?" the doctor asked.

"Yes sir," Matt answered. "We grew up together in Stockton, California. I persuaded him to join the army with me."

"I see," the doctor said. "He will be a good influence on you. Corporal Barkley is very well respected here and he has done a great job for Colonel Hodges."

"That’s great," Matt replied. "I knew Jarrod was smart but I never realized just how smart he was until we joined the army together and he started being promoted."

"You are not jealous are you Mr. Parker?" the doctor asked.

"No sir," Matt told him. "I am very proud of Jarrod and what he has accomplished since he arrived here."

"That’s good to know," the doctor said. "You get some rest. I will check back later."

"Yes sir," Matt answered.

Two weeks later Matt was released from the infirmary.

Matt was assigned to the mess hall. He still limped but he was a big help to the mess hall cook, Sergeant Arnold Mayes. Matt wasn’t too happy with his new duties but he did them.

"Jarrod," Matt said one evening after they had both come off shift, "I didn’t join the army to be a cook. I joined the army because I wanted to become a great officer."

"Matt," Jarrod replied, "calm down. You won’t have to work in the mess hall your entire career in the army."

"I know," Matt responded. "I wish I were back on the front lines where all the action is."

"Matt," Jarrod said, "you can’t go back to the front lines. Your leg wound hasn’t healed properly and you could do more damage if you go back. Stay here and do your job. Some day soon you will be promoted and you will get a better assignment."

"I guess you’re right Jarrod," Matt told him. "I’ll be the best mess hall officer this fort has ever had."

"That’s the spirit," Jarrod said.

"Thanks Jarrod," Matt replied. "You are a great friend."

"I know Matt," Jarrod told him. "I know."

After Matt had turned in for the night, Jarrod decided it was time to write another letter home. He got out his pen and paper. He sat down and began to compose his letter.

January 15, 1862

Dear Family,

I am still an aide for Colonel Hodges. I have not seen any more action. I know that somewhere down the road I will and I will do my best to help my forces win this war.

I got some good news a few weeks ago. Matt returned to Washington after being wounded in the leg. The wound did not heal properly so Matt has been assigned here. He hates his job. He works in the mess hall and he says he would rather be back on the front lines. I really don’t want to see him go back because I may never see him again.

I hope everyone is doing well. Nick, how is school going for you and Gene? I am still waiting to see you here some day maybe. If that’s truly what you want to do. I believe that once Father gets you started running the day to day operations of the ranch you might change your mind.

Mother and Father, I am fine and I am enjoying my work for Colonel Hodges. He is a very intelligent man and I have learned a lot from him.

Audra, I am sending you another hug and kiss. Some day soon I promise you that I will deliver these in person. In the meantime, I know that Nick is happy to relay them to you for me.

Take care.

Love,

Jarrod

Jarrod folded the letter and placed it into the envelope, which he would mail in the morning on his way to work. He then turned in for the night.

The next few days were uneventful. Jarrod and Matt, each went about their duties and saw each other after they finished their shifts.

On February 10, 1862, the fort was attacked by a platoon of Confederate soldiers. Both Jarrod and Matt were ordered to help defend the fort. Matt took up position behind one of the supply buildings. Jarrod’s position was again behind the barracks. A cannon blast exploded close to where Jarrod was. The explosion caused one of the barracks to collapse. Jarrod was buried under the debris. A group of Union soldiers rushed to the area but they couldn’t see Jarrod. When Matt was informed that Jarrod was presumed dead, he headed for the area and began to dig for his friend.

"Jarrod!" Matt called. "Can you hear me?"

Matt kept digging.

"Jarrod! Matt called again. "Can you hear me buddy?"

Several hours later, Matt and two other officers found Jarrod’s body. He was still alive but he had a large gash on the side of his head. They gently carried him to the infirmary.

The doctors began to examine Jarrod. When they were finished with the examination, they informed Matt of Jarrod’s injuries.

"Your friend has massive head trauma," Dr. John Benson said. "He has three broken ribs from being buried under the debris. I am not too concerned with the broken ribs. They will heal. What I am concerned about is his head wound. It’s deep and long. I don’t know if he will have any brain damage. We’ll just have to wait to see if he wakes up."

"What do you mean if he wakes up?" Matt asked, a worried look on his face.

"Corporal Barkley could wake up and be fine; he could wake up and have some type of brain damage or he may never wake up," the doctor told Matt. "We’ll just have to wait and see."

"Can I see him sir?" Matt asked.

"Certainly," the doctor said. "Maybe hearing someone he knows will help him come around a lot quicker. I just don’t know."

The doctor led Matt to Jarrod’s bed. Matt just stood there and looked at the young man lying in that bed. If Matt didn’t know it was Jarrod, he wouldn’t have recognized him. Jarrod’s head was heavily bandaged and so were his ribs. His face was severely bruised. Matt sat down in the chair beside the bed and began to cry. He blamed himself for talking Jarrod into joining the army with him.

"Jarrod," Matt said as calmly as he could, "I don’t know if you can hear and understand me. I’m sorry for asking you to come with me. If I hadn’t pushed so hard, you could be at the University of San Francisco instead of lying in that bed."

Matt stayed beside of Jarrod through the night. He continued to talk to him.

"Jarrod," Matt pleaded, "please come back to me." Don’t leave me here all alone. You are my best friend and I don’t think I can go on with my army career knowing that you died because of me."

The next morning, Colonel Hodges came by to see how his aide was doing. Matt was still there. He had been given permission to stay at Jarrod’s bedside in the hopes that Jarrod might awaken.

"How is he Private First Class Parker?" Hodges asked.

Matt looked up at Colonel Hodges and shook his head.

"I can’t get him to wake up," Matt told him. "If only he would wake up."

"Don’t give up son," the colonel said. "Barkley is a fighter and he will come back to us soon."

"I hope so sir," Matt replied.

A week went by and Jarrod had still not woke up. Matt knew that he needed to write to Jarrod’s family about the possibility that he would never wake up. He got a pen and some paper and sat down. He began to write the hardest letter he had ever written.

February 22, 1862

Dear Mr. And Mrs. Barkley,

I am writing you this letter because your son, Jarrod has been seriously injured in an altercation with the enemy. Jarrod was positioned behind one of the barracks when a cannon blast caused the building to collapse. Jarrod was penned under a lot of debris. He suffered three broken ribs, and a massive head trauma. He has not woke up yet and it has been a week. I wanted to tell you this before you heard it from someone else. Jarrod is a wonderful friend and I am sorry I talked him into joining the army. I’ll let you know if there are any changes.

Matt Parker

Matt quickly addressed the envelope and put the letter inside. He handed the letter to one of the orderlies to have it sent right away. Matt knew when Jarrod’s parents read the letter, they would come to Washington. He hoped it wouldn’t be for a funeral.

"Come on Jarrod," Matt encouraged. "Open your eyes. Come on."

Jarrod finally opened his big, blue eyes and looked around. When his eyes fell on Matt’s face, he smiled. Matt breathed a sigh of relief.

"Jarrod," Matt said, "can you hear me?"

Jarrod slowly nodded his head.

"Do you know who I am?" Matt asked.

Again Jarrod slowly nodded his head.

Matt smiled and went in search of the doctor. When he returned with the doctor, Jarrod was fully awake.

"Corporal Barkley," the doctor asked, "can you hear me and understand what I’m saying?"

Jarrod nodded his head. He tried to talk but nothing would come out.

"That’s to be expected," the doctor told him. "You have been unconscious for one week and two days. Your system has to learn how to operate again. Don’t be alarmed. You will be able to talk in a few days."

Jarrod looked at the doctor and smiled. Then he looked over at Matt. Matt smiled at him and was rewarded with a big smile from Jarrod. Matt knew then that his buddy was going to be all right.

Matt decided to write the Barkleys another letter telling them that Jarrod was going to be all right.

"Jarrod," Matt said, "I am going to write to your family and tell them that you are going to be fine."

Jarrod nodded.

"Do you want me to read it to you?" Matt asked.

Jarrod nodded again.

Matt took out his pen and paper. He began to write.

Matt folded the letter and placed it in the envelope. He handed the letter to a passing orderly and asked him to mail it. Then he turned his attention back to Jarrod.

"Jarrod," Matt said, "when you get out of here, I am going to treat you to the biggest steak I can find."

Jarrod nodded and smiled.

By the end of the third week, Jarrod was talking normally again. The doctor allowed him to sit up in a chair with the help of Matt. Matt smiled at his friend and thanked the Lord above that his friend was going to be fine.

Four weeks after the explosion, Jarrod was released from the infirmary. He was not allowed to return to his duties. He still complained about severe headaches. The doctor assured him that was normal for what had happened to Jarrod.

Jarrod was lying on his bunk taking it easy when Matt walked in.

"How’s it going?" Matt asked him.

"All right, I guess," Jarrod answered.

"Ready to get back to work?" Matt asked.

"Yes I am," Jarrod replied. "I am about to go crazy sitting in here all day. I want to get out and go back to work."

"Easy there boy," Matt told him. "We almost lost you. I believe you should take it easy for a while. Your job will be there when you are better."

"I know," Jarrod replied. "I just hate not being able to do something."

"Well," Matt stated, "if you want something to do, why don’t you write your family another letter. You could let them know that you are doing ok."

"I guess I could," Jarrod said. "They are probably still worried about me."

"That’s the spirit," Matt told him.

Jarrod took out his pen and paper and began to compose his letter.

March 7, 1862

Dear Family,

I am fine. I was released from the infirmary after spending four weeks in there. I still have headaches from my head wound but the doctor says I can return to duty within the next few weeks. Meanwhile, Matt is watching over me every minute of every day.

I hope you are all fine. I hope that the ranch is running smoothly.

Audra, Gene and Nick, I miss you so much. I can’t wait until the day I see you again. I had better close for now. I don’t want to overtax my eyes.

Love,

Jarrod

Jarrod folded the letter, placed it in an envelope and gave it to Matt to mail.

"Welcome back Sergeant Barkley," Hodges told his aide. "For bravery above and beyond the call of duty, you have been promoted to the rank of Sergeant."

"Thank you sir," Jarrod said.

"How are you feeling Sergeant?" Hodges asked.

"I am fine sir," Jarrod answered. "I still have some headaches but the doctor has assured me that they will go away."

"That’s good to hear," the colonel said. "Are you ready to get back to work?"

"Yes sir," Jarrod answered.

Jarrod returned to his office and began working on papers that had accumulated since he had been in the infirmary. The colonel asked Jarrod to run an errand for him. As he left the office, he ran squarely into a beautiful, young lady.

"Excuse me," Jarrod said tipping his hat. "I wasn’t watching where I was going."

"That’s quite all right," Julia said. "No harm done."

"I’m glad," Jarrod replied and began to walk away.

"Say," Julia called to him. "What’s your name?"

"Sergeant Jarrod Barkley," Jarrod told her.

"My name is Julia Saxon," Julia said. "I am glad to meet you Sergeant."

"The same here, Miss Saxon," Jarrod replied.

Jarrod walked on to carry out his duties. But as he walked he had a strange feeling that he had not seen Julia Saxon for the last time.

Jarrod worked hard for Colonel Hodges. He was sitting at his desk when the door opened and Matt walked in. Matt had a big smile on his face.

"What are you smiling so big about?" Jarrod asked his friend. "Did you get a transfer?"

"Better than that," Matt answered. "I got a promotion."

"A promotion," Jarrod replied. "Congratulations."

"Thanks Jarrod," Matt said. "I am now a corporal."

"That’s great Matt," Jarrod told him.

"The promotion was for saving you," Matt said and his face turned sober. "I was so scared when I found out you were trapped and presumed dead. I called out to you and you wouldn’t answer. Probably, you couldn’t hear me."

"I don’t remember much about it," Jarrod remarked. "What I remember is that I was positioned behind one of the barracks. I remember hearing a cannon ball heading close to me. I remember the explosion and then nothing until I woke up in the infirmary."

"Jarrod," Matt said, "you were pinned under the debris when the barracks collapsed. You didn’t even look like yourself. You are lucky to even be alive, much less back at your duties."

"I know Matt," Jarrod told him. "Believe me, I know."

"Anyway," Matt said, "I just wanted to come by and tell you about my promotion. I had better get back to my duties."

"I am happy for you Matt," Jarrod replied. "We’ll celebrate when we both get off shift."

"All right," Matt agreed. "I’ll see you then."

Matt left the office and Jarrod watched him go. He owed Matt his life and would do anything he could to repay Matt for that. Jarrod went back to work.

Three months after the explosion, Jarrod was doing an errand for Colonel Hodges when he saw Julia Saxon walking across the street. Jarrod decided to walk over and speak to her.

"Julia," Jarrod said as he approached her. "I was hoping I would run into you again."

"Jarrod," Julia replied as soon as she recognized him, "what are doing here?"

"I had some errands to run for Colonel Hodges," Jarrod told her. "I saw you from across the street and thought I would come say hello."

"I’m glad you did," Julia replied. "I have been looking for you myself."

"You have?" Jarrod asked.

"Yes," Julia answered. "I wanted to know if you would have dinner with me. I don’t know that many people here and I get very lonely."

"Sure," Jarrod told her, "I understand. Of course, I will have dinner with you. You name the place and the time."

"Great," Julia said. "This evening at 7 at the Cafe Rondell."

"That will be fine," Jarrod answered.

"Good," Julia replied. "I will see you then."

Julia began walking and Jarrod watched her go. She was a beautiful young woman. He looked forward to having dinner with her. Jarrod went on his way and soon returned to Colonel Hodges’ office.

After he got off duty, Jarrod went back to the barracks to change and get ready to meet Julia for dinner.

"What are you getting all spruced up for?" Matt asked as he walked over to Jarrod.

"I have a date with a beautiful young lady for dinner," Jarrod answered.

"A date?" Matt asked. "Who is here at this fort that you would want to have a date with?"

"It’s not going to be at the fort," Jarrod answered. "It’s going to be in Washington. Her name is Julia Saxon."

"Julia Saxon," Matt repeated. "I don’t believe I have heard of her."

"You would remember if you had ever seen her," Jarrod told him. "She is beautiful."

"Jarrod," Matt said, "slow down. Where did you meet her?"

"I was running an errand for Colonel Hodges," Jarrod answered. "I bumped into her and she told me her name. I also told her mine."

"Jarrod," Matt asked, with a concerned tone of voice, "are you in love with this woman?"

"I don’t know," Jarrod answered.

"What do you mean," Matt asked, "you don’t know? Either you are or you aren’t."

"Matt," Jarrod told him, "I’m not sure. She is a beautiful woman. But I hardly know her. Maybe after this evening, I can answer your question."

"Just be careful Jarrod," Matt replied. "She may want more than you’re willing to give."

"What do you mean by that Matt?" Jarrod asked.

"I mean that she could be a Confederate spy," Matt stated.

"I don’t think so," Jarrod told him. "She didn’t act like one."

"Oh," Matt responded, "and how is a spy supposed to act?"

"She hasn’t asked me for any information," Jarrod answered.

"She doesn’t have to ask," Matt told him. "She has other ways of getting what she needs."

"OK Matt," Jarrod remarked. "I’ll be careful. I promise."

"All right," Matt said.

Jarrod left the barracks and headed for the Cafe Rondell. He couldn’t quit thinking about what Matt had said about the possibility that Julia could be a spy. He put the thoughts out of his mind and decided to enjoy the dinner and the beautiful company.

"Jarrod," Julia said as he walked up to her, "I’m glad you could make it."

"I wouldn’t miss it for the world," Jarrod replied.

"You look so handsome in your uniform," Julia told him.

"Why thank you Julia," Jarrod answered. "You look pretty too."

"Thank you," Julia said. "Shall we go in?"

"Yes," Jarrod told her and escorted her inside.

They were seated at a table that overlooked the city. Jarrod didn’t pay too much attention to the view outside. He couldn’t take his eyes off of Julia.

"Jarrod," Julia said, breaking his thoughts, "what kind of work do you do?"

"I am an aide in Colonel Hodges office," Jarrod answered. "He is a lawyer."

"That sounds fascinating," Julia told him. "I have always enjoyed listening to stories told by lawyers about some of the cases they have."

"I plan on becoming a lawyer as soon as my term in service is up," Jarrod said. "I am going to attend the University of San Francisco."

"Really," Julia replied. "I had no idea you were going to be a lawyer. I am so happy for you Jarrod."

"Thank you," he answered.

Their dinner was served and both ate. Jarrod began to be more at ease with Julia. He had never met anyone like her. After dinner, he walked Julia back to her room.

"Jarrod," Julia asked, "would you like to come in for a while?"

"No," Jarrod answered. "I have to report to work early so I better get back to the barracks."

"Can I see you again?" she asked.

"Yes," Jarrod answered.

"Tomorrow evening at the cafe," Julia said.

"Yes," Jarrod answered. "That will be fine."

"Good," Julia said. "I’ll see you at 7."

"Seven," Jarrod told her and walked back to the barracks.

Jarrod walked into the barracks and Matt was jarred out of his thoughts.

"Jarrod," Matt said, walking over to meet him, "how did the dinner go?"

Jarrod just smiled at him and Matt knew that Jarrod was smitten by Julia.

"Jarrod," Matt said again.

"Oh, Matt," Jarrod replied as soon as he realized that Matt was talking to him.

"I asked how the dinner went," Matt said.

"It was wonderful," Jarrod answered him.

"Jarrod," Matt remarked, "look at me. Are you in love with Julia Saxon?"

"I don’t know Matt," Jarrod answered him. "She is a beautiful woman and we get along great together."

"Jarrod," Matt told him, "you’ve only be on one date together. Are you sure that you can do your job and not be daydreaming about her?"

Jarrod just looked at Matt with a far off look in his eyes.

"Jarrod," Matt said again, "are you listening to me?"

"Huh," Jarrod remarked.

"Jarrod," Matt said again, "are you listening to me?"

"Yes," Jarrod answered. "I’m listening. You’re worried about my relationship with Julia."

"Yes I am," Matt told him. "You only met her a short time back. You hardly even know her."

"Matt," Jarrod said and looked Matt square in the eye, "leave me alone. I know what I am doing. I am a big boy and can make my own decisions."

"I know that," Matt shot back. "I just don’t want you making the wrong decision."

"I will be careful," Jarrod told him. "Let’s turn in. I have a busy schedule tomorrow."

"All right," Matt replied. "But Jarrod, I am worried about you and don’t want to see you hurt."

"I know Matt," Jarrod said. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight Jarrod," Matt told him.

Matt was still worried about this relationship between Jarrod and Julia Saxon. But he went on to bed promising himself that he would keep a close eye on Jarrod and not let him be hurt by this woman.

The next morning the two boys were up early getting ready to start their shifts. Jarrod was smiling and whistling. Matt knew that Jarrod was thinking about the date of the previous night.

"You are awfully happy this morning Jarrod," Matt said to his buddy. "Any particular reason for it?"

"No," Jarrod answered. "I slept well last night and I am looking forward to seeing Julia tonight."

"Tonight?" Matt asked dumbfounded.

"Yes tonight," Jarrod answered him. "We have another date for dinner tonight."

"Jarrod," Matt started to say but Jarrod cut him off.

"Look Matt," Jarrod told him, "I appreciate your concern for me but I can handle it myself. So if it’s all right with you, I would just prefer to drop the subject."

"If that’s what you want Jarrod," Matt agreed. "The subject is dropped."

Both boys headed for their particular jobs and Matt was still concerned for Jarrod.

"Julia," Jarrod said after they had been seated, "you look very beautiful tonight."

"Why thank you Jarrod," Julia replied. "You look very handsome."

"Thank you," he returned the gesture.

"Jarrod," Julia asked, "would you come back to my room with me? I have something I want to talk to you about."
"Can’t you talk about it here?" Jarrod asked.

"No," she replied. "Will you?"

"Sure," Jarrod answered.

After the meal, Jarrod walked Julia back to her room. They went in and she told him to sit down. Jarrod complied and waited to see what Julia wanted to tell him.

"Jarrod," Julia said, "I was born and raised near Stockton, California. I came from a very poor family. I came to Washington to start a new life. I want you be a part of that life."

Jarrod was stunned. He couldn’t believe what he had just heard. She must have the same feelings for him that he had for her.

"Julia," Jarrod replied, "I am also from Stockton. My family owns a large ranch. I didn’t realize that we had so much in common."

"Yes," she said, "it looks like we do. Will you be a part of my new life here?"

"Yes," Jarrod answered, "I will."

"Good," Julia replied.

Julia sat down on the sofa beside of Jarrod and kissed him. Instead of pulling away he kissed her back.

"Julia," Jarrod said a few minutes later, "I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

"Jarrod," Julia replied, "I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

They kissed again.

"Julia," Jarrod said, "I have a friend I want you to meet. We grew up together and he persuaded me to join the army."

"I would love to meet him Jarrod," Julia replied.

"Good," Jarrod told her. "I’ll bring him over tomorrow if that is all right?"

"That will be fine," Julia remarked. "By the way, what’s his name?"

"Matt Parker," Jarrod answered. "Corporal Matt Parker."

"I be expecting you and Matt at 8p.m. tomorrow."

"All right," Jarrod answered. "I will see you then."

Jarrod and Julia kissed goodnight and then Jarrod left. He arrived back at the barracks a short time later. Matt was waiting up for him.

"How did your dinner date go?" Matt asked.

"It went very well," Jarrod answered.

Matt could tell by the expression on Jarrod’s face that more happened tonight than just dinner.

"Did you go to her place?" Matt asked, although he had a pretty good idea what Jarrod’s answer would be.

"Yes I did," Jarrod replied. "It was wonderful."

"Jarrod," Matt asked point blank, "do you love her?"

"Yes Matt I do," Jarrod answered. "And she loves me."

"Well, I had a feeling you were," Matt told him. "I just needed to hear you say it. Congratulations. Are you going to see her again soon?"

"Yes," Jarrod answered. "She wants to meet you."

"Me," Matt said stunned.

"Yes," Jarrod replied. "I told her about my best friend and she wants you to accompany me to her home tomorrow evening at 8."

"I don’t know Jarrod," Matt told him. "I don’t want to horn in on your relationship."

"You won’t be horning in," Jarrod remarked. "She really wants to meet you."

"All right," Matt said. "I’ll go. I’m a little curious about her myself."

"Great," Jarrod replied.

Jarrod decided to write a letter home and tell the family about Julia. He got out his paper and pen and began to write.

August 7, 1862

Dear Family,

I am writing to let you know that I have met a girl here in Washington. Her name is Julia Saxon and she is from California. She is beautiful. I told her that I loved her tonight. She told me that she loved me. I don’t know if I will marry her but I would like to spend the rest of my life with her.

She has blond hair like Audra’s. She is absolutely beautiful. I have never met anyone like Julia before. We have so much in common.

I hope everyone is fine. I have not seen any more action since my injury. The headaches have almost stopped. I still have some when I am under a lot of pressure. I am fine I promise and I don’t plan on getting hurt anymore if I can help it.

I had better go. It’s getting late and I have to report to Colonel Hodges early in the morning.

Love,

Jarrod

Jarrod folded the letter and placed it in an envelope. He laid the letter on the table beside his bed and would mail it in the morning. Jarrod then turned in for the night. He couldn’t stop thinking about Julia.

The next evening Jarrod and Matt arrived at Julia’s room. Jarrod knocked on the door and Julia opened it.

"Jarrod," Julia said, "I am so glad to see you."

She kissed him and he returned the kiss.

Matt just watched in horror at his friend who had completely flipped for this woman.

"Julia," Jarrod replied, "this is Matt Parker, my best friend."

"I am glad to meet you Matt," Julia said.

"Same here Miss Saxon," Matt remarked.

"Call me Julia Matt," Julia told him. "We’re all friends here."

"All right Julia," Matt said.

The three of them sat down in the sitting room and began talking. After a while Matt began to realize what an amazing woman Julia Saxon was. She had a beautiful voice. He wasn’t sure but he thought he may be falling in love with her himself. He didn’t mention it to Jarrod. He didn’t want to upset his friend.

When the two boys returned to the barracks, Jarrod looked at Matt and asked, "What did you think of Julia?"

Matt decided to be careful with what he said.

"I think she was a very nice lady," he replied.

"She seemed impressed with you too," Jarrod remarked.

"Oh really," Matt said. "I hadn’t noticed."

But he had noticed. In fact, he hadn’t been able to take his eyes off of Julia the entire evening. He had to be careful though. He didn’t want to hurt Jarrod.

"Matt," Jarrod said, "I believe I am falling in love with Julia."

Matt knew he had a problem. If Jarrod was in love with Julia and he was too, there was a big problem.

"Jarrod," Matt replied carefully, "I am happy for you. Julia is a beautiful woman and you are lucky to be with her."

"Thanks Matt," Jarrod said and smiled. "I thought that maybe you still thought she was a spy or something like that."

"No," Matt replied. "Julia is no spy. She is too smart to be one."

"Good," Jarrod told him. "I plan on seeing a lot of her."

"I am happy for you," Matt said.

The next day after Jarrod had left for his shift, Matt paid a visit to Julia.

"Matt," Julia said, "what a pleasant surprise. What brings you out this way?"

"Julia," Matt told her, "I need to talk to you."

"Certainly," Julia said. "Come in."

Matt walked in and sat down on the sofa beside of her.

"Julia," Matt said, "I think we have a problem."

"We do?" Julia asked.

"Yes," Matt answered. "I believe I am falling in love with you. I don’t want to hurt Jarrod."

"Matt," Julia replied, "you must be joking. I am in love with Jarrod. I don’t have any feelings for you."

"Sure you do Julia," Matt told her. "The way you were looking at me last night."

"Matt," Julia said, "I assure you that I have no feelings for you. I am in love with Jarrod."

"I know different," Matt replied and left.

Julia knew she had to be careful. She could get a lot of information out of Matt Parker. She had started to get information from Jarrod but then she fell in love with him. She would have to string Matt along until she had milked him dry.

"Jarrod!" Matt screamed. "Can you hear me?"

Jarrod weakly opened his eyes and looked up at his friend.

"Matt," he croaked. "It hurts Matt."

"I know it does," Matt told him. "Hang in there. I’ll get you to the infirmary."

Matt physically picked Jarrod up leaving the knife in to keep him from bleeding to death and carried him to the infirmary. Along the way Matt felt Jarrod go limp in his arms and he prayed that Jarrod wasn’t dead.

The doctor helped lay Jarrod on a bed when Matt carried him in. Then the doctor began to examine Jarrod’s knife wound.

"Son, you go and wait over there until I get him stabilized," the doctor told him.

"All right," Matt said. "Doctor, is he alive?"

"Yes," the doctor answered. "But the wound is very deep and he has lost an awful lot of blood. You go on. I’ll do everything I can for him."

"Thank you sir," Matt said and left the doctor to help Jarrod.

Matt found a chair and sat down in it. He couldn’t believe that someone had thrown a knife at Jarrod.

Why throw a knife in the first place, Matt thought. It was as if someone knew who Jarrod was and wanted him out of the way. But that didn’t make any sense. Who would want Jarrod dead or put on the shelf?

Matt continued to sit and think. The doctor broke into his thoughts a short time later.

"Corporal," he said, "your friend is in critical condition. The knife wound is very deep and an artery was severed. Fortunately, I was able to tie it off. But he’s lost an awful lot of blood. He needs a transfusion. Do you know anyone who could help him?"

"Yes sir I do," Matt answered him. "I can. We have the same blood type."

"How do you know for sure?" the doctor asked.

"Because when we were about ten years old," Matt said, "we were playing together. Jarrod was thrown from his horse and landed awkwardly on a rock. He was bleeding and needed blood. The doctor in Stockton took a sample of my blood and it matched. I gave him blood then and I will give him blood now."

"Good," the doctor told him. "If you will follow me."

Matt followed the doctor to a room in the very back of the infirmary. Jarrod was laying on a bed. His chest was bandaged and his eyes were closed. Jarrod’s face was white. Matt knew that Jarrod’s life was ebbing away. Matt rolled up the sleeve of his shirt and laid down on another table in the room.

The doctor started the transfusion. Matt kept looking over at his friend. Jarrod’s color began to come back to his face. Matt prayed that Jarrod would come out of this. He couldn’t help but think someone deliberately tried to kill Jarrod for a reason other than the war.

Matt decided after giving the transfusion, that he had better write another letter to the Barkley family. He found a piece of paper and a pen and began composing a letter that might be the last one written to this family.

August 18, 1863

Dear Mr. And Mrs. Barkley,

I am writing this letter to inform you that your son, Jarrod, has been injured in battle. He was struck with a knife in the chest. It severed an artery. I gave him some blood. The doctor doesn’t know if Jarrod will be all right. He is in the infirmary. I have been by his side since I brought him in.

The doctor said that if he lives, he will be laid up for six months. I am sorry to have to tell you this. I blame myself for Jarrod being hurt. He is a wonderful friend. I will let you know if his condition changes.

Matt Parker

Matt folded the letter, placed it in the envelope and handed it to an orderly to mail. Then he turned his attention back to Jarrod.

All Matt saw was the still form of his best friend lying in a bed. Matt couldn’t get the thought out of his mind that someone deliberately caused this. Matt then decided he had better go tell Julia what had happened.

Matt left word with the orderly that he would return shortly and then headed for Julia’s.

Matt arrived at Julia’s room a short time later. He knocked on the door. Julia answered the door and was surprised to see Matt standing there.

"Matt," Julia asked, "what are you doing here?"

"Julia," Matt asked, "can I come in?"

"Certainly," Julia answered.

Matt walked in and turned to face her.

"Julia," Matt said, "I have something to tell you."

"Is anything wrong?" she asked.

"Yes," Matt answered. "Earlier today, Jarrod and I were positioned behind the barracks because of an attack on the fort. All of a sudden a group of Confederate soldiers sprang out of nowhere and attacked us. Before Jarrod could get off a shot, he was hit with a knife in the chest. He collapsed. I was able to chase the soldiers away. I carried Jarrod to the infirmary with a knife in his chest. The doctor said that an artery had been severed. He had lost an awful lot of blood. I gave Jarrod a transfusion. He is still unconscious. I don’t know if he’ll recover."

"Oh Matt," Julia said and began to cry. "Why did it have to be Jarrod?"

"I don’t know," Matt told her. "I got the impression that the soldiers knew who Jarrod was and they deliberately went after him."

"Why on earth would someone want to harm Jarrod?" Julia asked.

"I can’t answer that," Matt replied. "I thought you might want to see him."

"Yes," Julia said and rushed to get her coat.

Matt took Julia to the infirmary and to Jarrod’s bed. Jarrod still had not woke up. Julia sat down beside the bed, took Jarrod’s hand in hers and began to talk to him.

"Jarrod," Julia told him, "it’s me Julia. I am right here sweetheart. You will be all right."

During the time Julia was talking to Jarrod, Matt was standing on the other side of the bed becoming angry inside.

How dare you call him sweetheart, he thought. You don’t love him. You love me. What am I saying? That’s my best friend lying there. I shouldn’t feel this way but I do. I love you Julia.

After a while, Matt had to leave the room. He was becoming more angry. He walked outside and fussed at himself for feeling this way.

Jarrod is my best friend, he thought. How dare Julia call him sweetheart. I love you Julia. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

Matt continued to sit by Jarrod’s beside for the next month. Jarrod had lapsed into a coma. Matt knew there was a possibility that he might never wake up. The doctor was not optimistic. He felt like Jarrod would probably be a vegetable for the rest of his life.

"Corporal," the doctor said, "Sergeant Barkley will probably never wake up. He lapsed into a coma. I want you to be prepared."

"You’re wrong Doctor," Matt told him. "Jarrod will be all right. You just wait and see."

"I hope you are right," he said and left.

Julia’s visits came less and less. She began to want to see Matt all the time. That did not upset Matt because he loved her and wanted to marry her. Matt would sit in the infirmary most of the day and then in the evenings he would visit Julia.

Julia knew her plan to pick Matt was working. Thanks to those officers who took care of Jarrod, she was free to go after Matt. She was glad that Jarrod wasn’t dead but she couldn’t see him just lying there anymore. So she stopped visiting him.

Matt stopped by a week later. He had just come from seeing Jarrod.

"Matt," Julia said when she opened the door, "what a pleasant surprise."

"Julia," Matt acknowledged and walked inside.

"How is Jarrod today?" she asked.

"No change," Matt told her. "The doctor doesn’t hold out much hope."

"What about you?" she asked. "What do you think?"

"I don’t know anymore," he replied. "I know in my heart that Jarrod is going to recover. I just don’t know when."

"I wish I could believe it also," she said. "But he still hasn’t woke up. In fact, I don’t believe that he ever will."

"Don’t say that," Matt shot back at her. "He is going to be all right."

"Whatever you say Matt," she said and dropped the subject.

"How are you doing?" she asked as she sat down beside of him.

"I’m doing all right," he told her as he put his arm around her.

Matt spent the night with Julia. He knew he shouldn’t be sleeping with his best friend’s girl but he couldn’t help himself. He was madly in love with Julia Saxon.

The next morning, he returned to the infirmary. To his surprise when he walked to Jarrod’s bed, Jarrod’s eyes were open and he was looking around. Colonel Hodges was there and he told Matt what had happened.

"Sergeant Barkley woke up about 2am," the colonel told him. "We tried to get in touch with you but you weren’t in the barracks."

"Yes sir," Matt said. "I decided to take a walk and clear my head. I wish I had been told. Jarrod, do you know who I am?"

Jarrod looked up at Matt and smiled.

"Sure I do," he croaked. "You’re my best friend."

Matt was hit in the face by that remark. After what he had done last night, he didn’t know if he could ever look Jarrod in the eye again.

"Are you all right Matt?" Jarrod asked weakly.

"Sure, I am," Matt told him. "I was just shocked to see you awake when I walked in."

"The doctor said that Barkley shouldn’t have too much company," Hodges told him. "I’m going back to my office. I’ll look in on you later Sergeant."

"Matt," Jarrod asked, "where were you last night?"

Matt was caught off guard by the question.

"I was walking," Matt told him. "I had stayed here for so long that I needed a breath of fresh air."

"Has anyone told Julia about me?" Jarrod asked.

"Yes," Matt said uneasily. "I told her right after it happened. She stayed here most of the time."

"Where is she now?" Jarrod asked.

"At home I guess," Matt answered.

"Will you tell her I would like to see her?" Jarrod asked.

"Sure," Matt said. "You just rest. I’ll see you later."

Jarrod nodded and Matt left for Julia’s room. He had to talk to her before she visited Jarrod. He had to make her promise not to tell him that they had spent the night together.

"I thought you had already left," Julia said.

"I did," Matt told her. "When I returned to the hospital, I was surprised to Jarrod awake."

"Awake?" Julia asked. "I thought he was in a coma."

"He was," Matt told her. "He was alert and talking. He wanted to know where you were."

"What did you tell him Matt?" she asked.

"I told him that you had gotten to the point where you couldn’t look at him just laying there," Matt answered.

"That was good of you to say that," Julia replied. "I don’t want him to find out about us."

"I know," Matt told her. "He doesn’t need any more problems."

"Is something else wrong with him?" she asked concerned.

"No," Matt replied. "I mean he needs to have a lot of rest."

"Of course," Julia said.

"Jarrod wants to see you," Matt told her. "He asked me to bring you to him."

I’ll get my coat," Julia said and picked up her coat and bag.

The two headed to the infirmary. Julia was very surprised to see Jarrod awake and talking when she walked in. Jarrod stopped talking and smiled at her. She smiled back at him.

"Welcome back stranger," Julia said. "It’s been too long."

"I’m glad to be back," Jarrod told her. "How are you?"

"I’m fine," she answered. "I’ve been worried about you."

"I’ll up and around before you know it," Jarrod replied.

"Hold it a minute Sergeant," the doctor said. "I’m afraid you will be in bed for a while. You lost a lot of blood. I want that wound to completely heal before you start moving around. On the hole I would say you will be laid up here for at least a month."

"A month?" Jarrod asked stunned. "But what about my job?"

"I talked to Colonel Hodges and he told me for you not to worry about your duties, the doctor told him. "He said when you are ready to return to duty, your job will be there for you."

"All right," Jarrod said. "I guess I have no choice in the matter."

"That’s right Sergeant," he replied. "None."

The doctor exited and Julia sat back down beside of Jarrod.

"Jarrod," Julia said to him, "you need to do what the doctor said. You need plenty of rest. I will come back later and see you."

"I wish you wouldn’t leave Julia," Jarrod told her. "I feel like I haven’t seen you in months."

"I will be back," she said. "Now you rest."

"All right," Jarrod relented.

Julia left and Matt followed her outside.

"Thanks Julia," Matt said. "I’m glad you decided not to tell him about us."

"It would only have upset him," she stated. "He doesn’t need to be agitated. He needs plenty of rest."

"Yes I know," Matt replied. "But he will have to be told sooner or later."

"We’ll make it later Matt," Julia told him. "When Jarrod is stronger."

"All right," Matt agreed.

Julia left the infirmary. She smiled to herself. Her plan was working perfectly. Jarrod would be laid up for a while and it would give her time to pump Matt for all the information she could get from him.

By the end of 1863, Jarrod and Matt were dating and sleeping with Miss Julia Saxon. As 1864 began, Jarrod started noticing there was a definite change in Matt. He wasn’t his same old self. Jarrod decided to talk to Matt about it.

"Matt," Jarrod asked after they both had returned to the barracks, "is something bothering you?"

"Why do you ask Jarrod?" Matt came back.

"Because I have noticed that you have changed," Jarrod told him.

"Nothing to worry about," Matt said. "I’ve had a lot of work to do, that’s all."

"Are you sure?" Jarrod asked. "If you are hiding something from me, I want to know what it is."

"I’m not hiding anything from you Jarrod," Matt said (and lied). "I just have a lot of things on my mind."

"Well," Jarrod replied, "if you ever need to talk, I’m here."

"I know that Jarrod and I appreciate it," Matt told him.

One day while Jarrod was in the barracks, he noticed that Matt was sneaking out the door. Not wanting to catch his attention, Jarrod decided to follow Matt. Jarrod knew where Matt was going, Julia’s. Jarrod stood out of sight and watched the two of them. He then realized that Matt was truly in love with Julia. Jarrod’s feelings had changed since he had been injured. He realized that he didn’t love Julia as much as he had thought. He had a pretty good idea what she wanted with Matt. She was a Confederate spy. She wanted all the information she could get from him. He needed desperately to talk to Matt but he wasn’t sure how to approach the subject.

Matt returned to the barracks and Jarrod had just beaten him back. Jarrod figured this was the best time to speak to him.

"Matt," Jarrod said as Matt walked over, "I would like to speak to you a moment."

"What about?" Matt asked.

"Julia Saxon," Jarrod answered.

"What about Julia," Matt asked.

"Matt," Jarrod said, "I’m afraid you were right about Julia."

"Jarrod," Matt asked, "what are you talking about?"

"I’m talking about Julia being a Confederate spy," Jarrod spit out.

"You’re wrong," Matt shot back. "Dead wrong."

"I don’t think so," Jarrod told him. "After I woke up from my coma, I began to think about what had happened with the knife incident. Someone threw that knife at me on purpose."

"How can you be so sure?" Matt asked. "Where does Julia fit in?"

"It’s like this," Jarrod stated. "I fell in love with Julia. She had tried to get information out of me so she went after you. And you fell for it."

"I fell for it," Matt replied. "Jarrod, you’re crazy. I haven’t told Julia a thing."

"Are you sure?" Jarrod asked. "She can be very sneaky."

"Jarrod," Matt said loudly, "just hush. I don’t want to hear any more. Julia is a nice lady and I intend to marry her."

"You can’t! Jarrod screamed. "She’s just using you!"

"Shut up Jarrod! Matt shot back. "Just shut up."

Matt stormed out of the barracks. Jarrod hoped that he hadn’t lost Matt as a friend. But Matt needed to know what kind of a person Julia really was.

Jarrod was heartbroken about Matt not speaking to him. He wanted to apologize but he knew that what he had told Matt was the truth. Maybe some time apart would mend this relationship.

Jarrod continued to work for Colonel Hodges. He saw less and less of Julia Saxon. Finally, one day she came to his office.

"Jarrod," Julia said as she closed the door, "we need to talk."

"I’m kind of busy right now," Jarrod told her.

"Please Jarrod," Julia begged.

"All right," Jarrod said.

"Jarrod," Julia began, "is something wrong? I haven’t seen you very much. You used to come to the boarding house every day."

"I have been very busy," Jarrod said.

"That’s not the reason," Julia remarked.

"All right," Jarrod said. "I’ll tell you the reason. I believe that Matt has fallen head over heels in love with you. But you are using him to get information for the South."

"I don’t know what you are talking about," Julia told him.

"Yes you do," Jarrod stated. "I’ve known about it for a long time. When I was stabbed, I knew that I had been singled out to be eliminated so you could get to Matt."

"I didn’t order you hurt," Julia said. "I still love you."

"No," Jarrod shot back at her, "you don’t. You were only using me. You wanted information and you didn’t care who you hurt."

"I really love you Jarrod," Julia told him. "At first yes. I am a Confederate spy. They promised to make me a singing star in exchange for any information I could obtain from Union officers. Matt means nothing to me."

"I know," Jarrod replied. "But he is in love with you. And when you tell him the truth, I don’t know what he will do."

"Tell him the truth," Julia said. "You have to be joking."

"I’m not," Jarrod told her. "You are going to tell Matt when he returns. I mean it Julia."

"All right Jarrod," Julia agreed. "I’ll tell him."

Julia left Jarrod’s office. Jarrod knew that Matt would be devastated by the news but he had to know.

Julia was not about to tell Matt the truth no matter what Jarrod said. She knew that as long as Matt was gone, Jarrod couldn't tell him about her being a spy and using Matt.

"Matt," Jarrod said, "it’s so good to see you."

"Jarrod," Matt replied coldly.

"Matt," Jarrod asked, "is something bothering you?"

"No," Matt said.

"Matt," Jarrod told him, "talk to me. I used to be your best friend. What’s changed?’

"You still are my best friend," Matt replied.

"Then talk to me," Jarrod begged.

"All right," Matt said. "Jarrod, I have made a big mistake.

"What kind of a mistake?" Jarrod asked.

"I fell in love with a spy," Matt told him.

"When did you figure it out?" Jarrod asked.

"Right after I left to go to Virginia," Matt told him. "I realized what I had done. I gave away a lot of military secrets to her."

"Matt," Jarrod said, "it will be all right."

"No it won’t," Matt remarked. "I will probably be court-martialed over this.

"No you won’t," Jarrod told him. "If you are, I will defend you."

"You will," Matt replied. "Thanks Jarrod."

"We had better get packed," Jarrod said. "It’s time to go home."

"Jarrod," Matt remarked, "I’m not going home. I’m going to stay a while."

"But I thought we would go home together," Jarrod said with a shocked look on his face.

"I want to remain in the army," Matt told him.

"All right Matt," Jarrod said. "Do what you want?"

"Thanks for understanding Jarrod," Matt stated.

"I’ll miss you," Jarrod told him.

"I’ll miss you too," Matt replied.

The two boys hugged and Jarrod left. Jarrod boarded the train for the long ride home. He just hoped that Matt would be all right.

Jarrod rode up to the house and dismounted. He slowly walked to the door. As he opened the big brown door, he was met by his mother.

"Jarrod!" Victoria said, "welcome home. I am so glad to see you."

She hugged Jarrod and he returned the embrace.

"Tom!" Victoria called. "Jarrod’s home!"

Tom came out of the library and met his son.

"Jarrod," he said, "welcome home."

"Thank you sir," Jarrod told him. "I’m glad to be home. Where are Nick, Gene and Audra?"

"Gene and Audra are over at a neighbor’s house and Nick is in San Francisco."

"What’s he doing there?" Jarrod asked curious.

"He’s on a horse buying trip," Tom told his son. "You can see him in a few days. Nick just returned a few days ago from the army as well."

"Nick was in the war," Jarrod said. "But he was supposed to come and see me."

"He couldn’t son," Tom told him. "Nick was in one battle after another."

"I’m glad he’s ok," Jarrod replied.

Jarrod told his parents all about his adventures in the army. But his mind was still on his best friend, Matt Parker. He hoped with all his heart that Matt would return home safe and sound.

"Didn’t Matt come home with you?" Victoria asked.

"No Mother," Jarrod answered. "He told me that he was going to stay in the army and stay in Washington."

"Is there anything wrong Jarrod?" she asked.

"No," Jarrod said. "Nothing."

Jarrod continued to think about Matt and Julia Saxon. He didn’t know that down the road he would be asked to help Matt again.

The End