“YOU DID WHAT?” shouted Heath his voice ringing throughout the foyer, hands gripping the front of Nick’s shirt.

“I invited Hiriam to go fishing with us.” restated Nick simply.

Heath stared at Nick as if he’d lost his mind. He was trying to comprehend the reason for his big brother’s unexpected gesture. Heath had a restless night compounded by dreams of the past. His face showed his missed sleep, his temper sharper and edgier than normal. His blue eyes reflected his confusion, the memories of the past were things he’d rather not have dredged up. You can’t change the past and thinking of it only haunted a person.

Nick wasn’t sure what time Heath had gotten home the night before. When he came out of the Miller house, Charger wasn’t tied beside Coco. Nick had returned to the ranch, falling asleep while he waited for the blonde to show. His last look at the clock in his room at been at one thirty in the morning.

“Heath, you’re wrinkling my shirt.” teased Nick quietly holding Heath’s wrists.

Pushing Nick away, Heath released his hold, glaring into the hazel eyes, “Ya’ had no right, Nick. No right at all.”

Shrugging slightly, Nick sighed, “Maybe I was a little hasty in my invitation. Heath, I thought from the way you talked about your uncle, we’d better do our best to convince Hiriam to not go to Strawberry.”

“So, you thought we’d be able to talk him out of it?” inquired Heath coldly.

“It’s worth a shot.” admitted Nick. “Somebody has to help him keep out of trouble.”

“Nick, ain’t nobody gonna be able to talk that old man out of nothing. He’s hard as iron, didn’t you see it in his eyes?” snapped Heath. “He’ll go no matter what anyone thinks.”

“I’d think you’d be more concerned about his welfare, Heath. He’s your grandfather!” snorted Nick in disbelief.

“MY GRANDFATHER?” yelled Heath. “NICK, I DON’T KNOW HIM. TO ME HE’S A PERFECT STRANGER!”

Jarrod and Victoria entered the front door, the loud voices reaching through the oak before they’d even opened it.

“WE WERE STRANGERS AT ONE TIME. NOW WE’RE BROTHERS!” retorted Nick. “WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?”

“WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? HOW LONG, NICK? HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN SINCE WE BECAME BROTHERS? I’LL TELL YOU HOW LONG IT’S BEEN – ELEVEN MONTHS, TWO WEEKS AND THREE DAYS. WAS IT AN OVERNIGHT WELCOMING? NO!”

“WE’RE BROTHERS AND I’D LAY MY LIFE DOWN FOR YOU, NICK. YOU’RE ASKING ME TO LAY MY LIFE DOWN FOR HIM – A PERSON WHO WON’T EVEN LISTEN TO MY EXPERIENCE WITH A MAN HE HASN’T SEEN IN OVER THIRTY OR FORTY YEARS. I KNOW WHAT MATT IS LIKE, CAUSE I WAS THERE! I REMEMBER, NICK!”

“HEATH, YOU HAVE TO GET TO KNOW HIRIAM. YOU HAVEN’T EVEN GIVEN HIM A FAIR SHAKE. STOP BEING SO DAMN STUBBORN AND THINKING OF YOURSELF!”

Heath flinched physically at the insult and clenched his hands into fists. Nick’s hazel eyes reflected regret from his harsh words. “Heath, I.”

“Fine, Nick. Since you appear to think I’m unable to make a decision for myself. I’ll protect Hiriam like I would’ve done if ordered as a marshal. I’ll do my civic duty like I used to do.” replied Heath, his voice dripping with sarcasm and anger, “Mark my words, Nick Barkley. When we go to Strawberry to take care of FAMILY BUSINESS, don’t be surprised if we don’t come back! If we do get back from that hell hole, then I’ll decide if staying on this ranch is in my best interest.”

“HEATH!” called Nick after the blonde strode past the stunned Jarrod and Victoria, outside away from the heated words.

“Nick, what is going on?” asked Jarrod grabbing Nick’s arm as he followed Heath.

Victoria looked at the wounded look in her middle son’s eyes and felt her heart tighten from the pain. “Nick, what happened last night at the dinner? Is that why you’re fighting with your brother?”

Nick let out a deep shaky breath, “Heath left and I invited his grandfather to go fishing today.”

“Nick, did you ask Heath first?” inquired Jarrod firmly.

“No, I thought if Heath got to know him some more, he’d be able to talk Hiriam out of going to Strawberry. Heath’s concerned about his safety there.” admitted Nick. “Things didn’t go like I’d hoped.”

Shaking her head, Victoria admonished, “Nick, you can’t force Heath to accept a grandfather he’s never known. You should have asked Heath before inviting Mr. Thomson. I can see why he’s angry.”

“I know, Mother. I’m sorry. I gotta find Heath and talk to him.” said Nick leaving his mother and brother wondering if the damage from the heated words could be undone.

Climbing up on Charger, Heath headed towards Stockton and dismounted at the Miller house. Knocking on the door, the surprise showed in Hiriam’s face. “Heath, come in!”

“We’ll leave for Strawberry in three days, Hiriam. I’ve some things to take care of, then we’ll go.” stated Heath firmly turning and climbing on Charger. Nudging the stallion, he rode down the street away from his stunned grandfather.

Overhearing the conversation, Sheila Pierson smiled. Blake Benton was due in tomorrow.

“Hi Marshal.” shouted Timmy.

Heath looked over and smiled at the red-headed boy holding onto his mother’s hand. Taking off his hat, he nodded, “Good morning, Timmy. Mrs. Rankin.”

“Morning, Mr. Thomson.” smiled Melinda Rankin holding a child of two on her left hip. “The barbershop is closed on Sunday.”

Heath put on his hat, “Yeah, reckon I forgot it was Sunday.”

“Thank you for the peppermint stick. That was very kind of you.” said Melinda quietly watching the blush form on Heath’s cheeks.

“Candy.” shouted Megan, her green eyes wide in her small chubby face.

Grinning, Heath tweaked her nose and drawled, “I ain’t been called that before, Miss Megan.”

Laughing, Melinda shook her head, “I don’t suppose so, Mr. Thomson.”

“May I?” asked Heath

“You may.” stated Melinda handing Megan to his waiting hands. She watched the wonder appear in his eyes as the little girl kissed his cheek and said, “Shal”

Timmy chuckled, “She said Marshal, mama!”

Squeezing her son’s hand, Melinda smiled, “I hear that, Timmy. I wonder where she could have heard that word.”

“From me, mama!” informed Timmy proudly, pointing to his chest. Heath flashed a lop-sided grin and tousled the boy’s hair.

“Marshal, mama can cut your hair. She used to cut daddy’s all the time.” boasted Timmy.

“Well, now Timmy, I couldn’t impose on your mama like that.” replied Heath quietly.

“Really, it’d be no problem, Mr. Thomson. I never cut Mike’s ears, not once.” teased Melinda. “After all, you’ve done for us, it’s the least I could do.”

“If you allow me to pay you like I’d pay the barber, Mrs. Rankin.” stated Heath.

Nodding, her agreement, Heath held Megan with one arm and led Charger down the street with Melinda and Timmy beside him. Entering the small house, he sat at the table while the children played in the living room. Melinda wrapped a towel around his shoulders.

“How is the new job, Mrs. Rankin?” inquired Heath quietly.

“I really like it.” stated Melinda. “Mr. Thomson, we’ve known each other for over five months now and I was wondering if we could call each other by our given names, if that’s okay.”

“Sure, Mrs. Rankin.” drawled Heath with a wink, receiving a giggle from her in response. “Sorry, I meant Melinda.”

“Very funny, Marshal.” teased Melinda receiving a grin. “Oh, I meant Heath.”

As the locks of blonde fell to the floor, Melinda described the work she was doing at the dressmakers. The excitement in her voice relaying how much she enjoyed the work of creating dresses and other garments. Completing his hair cut, she stood back and admired the new man in front of her.

“A good job if I do say so myself, Heath.” smiled Melinda handing him a mirror.

“Sure is! Thanks, Melinda.” drawled Heath placing some bills on the table. “Maybe you should open a barber shop.”

“Not enough time in the day for anything else.” sighed Melinda surprised when Heath took the broom out of her hand. “I can do that.”

“Nah, this is part of my payment for taking up your morning. I’m sure ya’ had better things planned than cutting hair off a broken up marshal.” chided Heath.

“I was going to take the children on a picnic.” stated Melinda. “The weather is perfect for one. I’d enjoy an adult’s conversation if you’d care to join us?”

Surprised, Heath sighed, “I don’t know, Melinda. Some folks may take it the wrong way, uh, well you know.”

“Heath, are we friends?” asked Melinda intently, staring into the ocean eyes.

“Yes, we are.” replied Heath curiously.

“Two friends can do whatever they want and all others be hanged.” said Melinda firmly with her chin raised. “I expect a picnic and some adult conversation, that’s all.”

The ocean eyes glittered with admiration and a wide smile lit up the handsome face. “I don’t know how much adult conversation I’ll be able to provide, but I’d be honored to attend the Rankin family picnic.”

Laughing, Melinda rushed to put the food and items in a basket. Walking into the living room, she stopped at the sight of the large man laying on his left side, building a block tower with the children. Seeing her, he grabbed Megan and stood up.

“Come on, Timmy. Looks like your mama’s ready.”

Night had fallen when Heath rode Charger back to the ranch, dismounted and lead him into the stall. The fun of the day had improved his mood significantly until he started back for home. The upcoming trip to Strawberry came back full force in his mind as Charger’s hooves beat out a steady rhythm.

Entering the front door, he took off his hat and walked into the parlor. Kissing Victoria on the cheek, he made his apologies for missing dinner and excused himself for the night.

Climbing the stairs, he knew sleep would be long in coming from the pent-up energy inside of him. Taking out his pistols and rifle he laid them on the table and proceeded to methodically clean the weapons while rolling the problem around in his head.

A knock sounded on the door and Heath heard Nick’s voice, “Heath, we need to talk.”

Opening the door, Heath gruffed, “Nick, I got nothing to say right now. Night.”

Nick stood looking at the closed door to his little brother’s room fighting the desire to kick it open and force Heath to speak to him.

The next morning, Nick and the other family members gathered for breakfast.

“I was hoping Heath’d be here. I wanted to ask who cut his hair.” sighed Audra.

“The barber, Audra, who else.” gruffed Nick drinking his coffee.

“Yesterday was Sunday, Nick. The barber’s closed Sunday.” Jarrod stated. “Maybe he did it himself.”

“We’ll have to ask Heath at dinner tonight to solve this mystery.” smiled Victoria ending the hair conversation.

‘Who did cut his hair? Course, if you hadn’t made him mad, he’d have told you last night’ thought Nick with a dark scowl at the empty chair across from him.

Silas entered the room with some platters and set them on the table.

“Silas, you seen Heath this morning?”

“Yes’m Mr. Nick. He gone fore sunrise. Ver early.” stated Silas quietly. The family heard the knock at the front door and Silas hurried to answer it.

“Mr. Nick, Mr. McCall like ta speak ta ya’”

Getting up, Nick nodded, “Thanks, Silas.”

Entering the foyer, Duke twirled his hat in his hands. “Duke, something wrong?”

“Well, I ain’t sure, Nick. I was in the barn this morning checking on the mare and Heath was in there.” paused Duke, shuffling his feet nervously.

“What’s wrong with that, Duke.” puzzled Nick.

“Nick, he wanted a set of my old clothes. He gave me twenty dollars for a pair of pants, shirt and boots.”

“Old clothes?” asked Nick, “What’s he gonna do with those?”

Shrugging, Duke shook his head, “Don’t know, it looked like he was gonna be gone for a while.”

“WHAT?” shouted Nick, his heart trembled inside his large chest. How he wished he could take back those words which caused the huge rift between them. Heath left and Nick knew he had pushed his little brother into a situation where only Heath knew what the players were capable of. The rest of the family ran to the foyer at the sound of Nick’s booming question.

Duke nodded at them, “Heath had his saddlebags and a bedroll. He put them on his modoc.”

“His modoc?” stated Jarrod. “If he was going somewhere, why not take Charger?”

Clearing his throat, Duke took an envelope out of his pocket, “When I went back into my office, I didn’t notice this letter was on my desk until five minutes ago. It’s addressed to you, Mrs. Barkley. Nick, I, well, I don’t know if this means anything or not.”

“What else, Duke?”

“Heath was wearing two guns.” informed Duke. “I’ve never seen him wear two guns before.”

Nick’s shoulders visibly hunched at Duke’s information of the two guns. “Duke, have Coco saddled and ready for me.”

“Jingo, too.” added Jarrod.

Nodding, Duke left his employers standing in the foyer. When the door closed behind the foreman, all eyes turned to the letter Victoria held in her hands. Opening it, she took out the paper, sighed after reading the note to herself before her spoken words were heard by the others.

Dear Mother,

By the time you read this I will have been on the trail for several hours. I know what I have to do and how to do it. It came to me suddenly in the middle of the night.

Tell Nick, I have left Charger in his care and to stay on the ranch. I do not need another person to watch over.

I love you.

Heath

Leaving the letter to his Mother on Duke’s desk, Heath walked out and mounted. Heading to Stockton, he dismounted and knocked on the door of the Miller house.

“Change of plans. We’re leaving as soon as I get you a horse.” Heath informed the surprised man. “I’ll rent one from the livery, get dressed.”

“Okay, Heath. I’ll be ready when you get back.” stated Hiriam closing the door and hurrying to his room.

Grabbing a couple of shirts and pants, he stuffed them in the saddlebags purchased the day before. Writing two quick notes, he put them on the kitchen table and was waiting on the porch step when his grandson rode up.

The sun had not even peeked over the horizon as the two men headed towards their destination. Stopping for a quick lunch, Hiriam asked, “Why the two guns, Heath?”

“Self-protection.” replied Heath. “When we get closer to Strawberry, you’re gonna change clothes.”

“Change clothes? Whatever for?”

Heath smirked, “Well, so Uncle Matt and Aunt Martha won’t know you have money. If they think you’re poor, they’ll be themselves.”

“I see, Heath. I’ll be observing them in their natural states.” smiled Hiriam. “Very good, Heath. Very good.”

Shrugging, Heath asked, “Will it bother you to deceive him like this?”

Thinking for several minutes, Hiriam shook his head. “No, you were right Heath. I’ve not seen Matt since he was a boy. I want to connect with my son, however, I don’t want to put anyone in jeopardy. Your suggestion is a wise one.”

Standing, Heath smiled, “Good. We won’t be there until late tomorrow. We’d best get going.”

Rising and heading to the kitchen, Sheila spied the letters on the table. Opening the envelope addressed to her, she ran up the stairs and pounded on Ted’s door.

“What’s the matter?” asked Ted, his eyes still glazed with sleep.

“Hiriam’s gone!” shouted Sheila, waving the letter in front of the man’s face.

Grabbing it out of her hand, Ted read it and shrugged, “So, he left two days early. So what?”

Angrily, Sheila clenched her small fists and screamed, “Ted, go to the hotel and bring Blake here.”

Wincing at the shrill voice, Ted held up his hands, “Alright, alright, honey. Settle down.”

Shutting the door, Ted quickly dressed and found himself wondering how he ever became involved with Sheila and now Blake Benton. The thought of the man sent shivers of fear up his spine. Ted often wondered how someone like Blake could be a friend of Sheila’s. He knew they’d grown up together in the same neighborhood in Richmond, but they were so different. He was vicious and she was so gentle.

While Ted was walking to the hotel to bring back the man in question, Sheila had found the elusive Pinkerton reports. This was the first opportunity she had to examine them since Mr. Stevens had delivered them to her boss. Hiriam kept them close to him, under lock and key, the information for his eyes only.

Her eyes widened with surprise at the impressive details the Pinkertons were able to uncover on Heath Thomson and Matt Simmons. Her brown eyes narrowed at the discovery of the grandson’s past occupation. Sheila was under no illusions, to be a marshal in this godforsaken country, the man had to be tough and dangerous. A separate paper listed the training undergone by the former lawman.

Blake Benton had a difficult time keeping the contempt off his face when Ted Folcom appeared at his room. Walking back to the house, they walked in and Sheila showed them the reports.

“He’ll be hard to kill.” admitted Blake with a frown. “We need to get close to make sure it’s done properly.”

Ted shifted nervously, sweating from the topic of conversation, ”Why not wait til they get back?”

Sheila snapped, “We can’t wait. We have to take care of them away from town.”

“I don’t like it.” complained Ted. “He’s a former marshal, someone’s gonna want to investigate his death. It’s not like he’s a drunk or a person no one would miss. Hell, his other family’s rich too.”

Blake’s head shot up, “What other family?”

“The Barkley’s. His father’s family. From what I heard around town, they’re one of the richest families here.” informed Ted.

“Really?” replied Blake, a smile gracing his tan face. His black eyes, dark like his lecherous heart. “So, if we got rid of the old man and held this Heath for ransom, we’d get twice the money, huh?”

Sheila shook her head, “Blake, don’t you think we should focus on Hiriam’s money and get out of here? I mean, how much would these Barkleys pay for a bastard son. I don’t want to take on more than we can handle.”

“Yeah, maybe you’re right.” acknowledged Blake. “We need some horses and someone to take us to Strawberry.”

“All of us?” inquired Ted hesitantly.

“Just you and me, Ted. Sheila doesn’t ride and it’d be too hard on her.”

“Maybe I should stay behind, too. I’m only an attorney.” suggested Ted.

Standing, Blake growled, “You’re coming with me! I might need whatever help you can give.”

Sheila bit her lip to stop the chuckle that threatened to escape from the terrified look appearing on Ted Folcom’s face. Turning her face away from Ted, she sent Blake a hidden wink and ran her tongue over her lips.

Blake handed Ted some money, “Go to the livery and get two horses. Ask the man there if someone can lead us to Strawberry. I need to read some more on this marshal.”

Glad to escape the dark eyes, Ted left the house and walked quickly away. Blake watched him walk down the street, turning, he pulled her into his arms and their bodies melted together. The kisses were hungry and savage, hands seeking out the treasures of each other as he propelled her backwards and lay her on the table. The time spent apart fueling their mad desires for each other, the ending of the ecstasy swift and frantic.

Blake sought her lips with a final crushing kiss. “I’ll take care of the attorney on the trail. We don’t need him since you got the faked will.”

Sheila wrapped her legs around him and pulled him closer, “Hurry back.”

Straightening their clothes, they were sitting quietly at the table when Ted returned. Ted kissed her tenderly before leaving and Sheila watched as the two rode away with an out of work ranch hand named Barrett towards Strawberry.

The velvet curtain of darkness was falling when the two riders pulled up and dismounted. Watching Heath, Hiriam followed his movements, tying his horse and unsaddling him. Heath smiled slightly to himself seeing the older man mimic his steps. Hiriam had never been on a trail before and had only ridden on his farm in the country.

“I’ll take them for a drink, Hiriam.” drawled Heath. “See if ya’ can rustle up some firewood.”

“Certainly.”

Taking the reins Heath lead the tired steeds to the river, walking in a few feet while the horses drank. He was facing back towards the camp keeping an eye on the progress of the wood gatherer. His thoughts going over the trip throughout the day.

The conversation was varied and enlightening. Heath felt some of his uncertainty vanishing the more time he spent with Hiriam. The two men bound by blood, though unaware of each other’s existence until this past week, appeared to live by the same code in their separate lives.

Once the former marshal allowed himself to look at the situation with a professional eye instead of an emotional eye, he instinctively sensed Hiriam to be a man of infinite honesty and integrity. Traits, Heath admired above all else in a person.

Leading the horses back to camp, Heath handed Hiriam a curry brush. “I’ll get us some dinner going.”

Hiriam smiled and went to work on grooming the horses. Heath started a small fire, disappeared into the woods, returning with some plants and had coffee sitting on the fire by the time Hiriam finished. In the pan frying on the fire, were two large trout mixed with some greens. The smell permeated the night air, fueling the hunger within the older man.

“It smells delicious, Heath.” stated Hiriam sitting on a stump.

“Trout, wild onions and squaw cabbage.” informed Heath holding out a plate.

Silence fell between the two while they enjoyed the dinner provided by nature. Placing his plate on the ground, Hiriam sighed, “That was wonderful where did you learn about plants you could eat in the woods?”

Heath put his plate down and rolled a cigarette. Lighting it, he inhaled and shrugged, “We didn’t have much food growing up. We had to supplement the small amount of meat we did have. A friend of mama’s, Hannah, taught me about the different plants in the woods that were edible. When I was in the war, Charlie Whitehorse, a Cheyenne Indian showed me the plants to use for medicine and such. Good things to remember.”

“Very useful knowledge, I’d venture to say.” admitted Hiriam, deciding to test the waters of the calm day he’d spent in the presence of his strong grandson.

“Heath, I’m sorry I wasn’t there for Leah and Matt. I should’ve been, but as they say hindsight is twenty-twenty. I’d like for you and I to spend some time together and get to know you as my grandson. We need to build a base before we can go any further.”

The light from the fire reflected on Heath’s thoughtful face and he nodded, “Okay. After we get out of Strawberry, we’ll talk about it some more. Right now, we both need to get some answers from Matt.”

“I agree. Will you teach me your knowledge of plants?” inquired Hiriam.

Grinding out his cigarette, Heath frowned, “Hiriam, no matter what happens ya’ should understand I have no intentions of going back east. The west is my home.”

Nodding, Hiriam smiled, “Any fool can would know that Heath. The west is in your blood. I certainly am under no such impression. Somehow, I don’t think you’d like it back east – it’s confining, restrictive and well, too tame.”

Chuckling, Heath’s face lit up, “Boy howdy, I’m not a savage! Just a rancher!”

Laughing, Hiriam gathered the plates and walked to the stream. The men sat by the fire, listening to the sounds of the night when Heath’s sharp hearing caught a faint sound of metal on rock. Hissing to Hiriam, Heath tossed him the rifle, directed him to the trees by the horses and stepped away from the light cast off by the fire.

“Hello the fire!” shouted a deep voice after several minutes, the creaking of saddle leather could be heard through the cushion of darkness.

Heath shouted, “NICK, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE!”

Nick nudged Coco forward up to the fire and dismounted. Heath watched three riders appearing behind Nick.

“Heath. Hiriam.” greeted Nick. “We had a heck of a time catching up.”

“Who’s watching the ranch?” snarled Heath when Jarrod, Tim and Scotty dismounted.

“Brother Heath, Duke is taking care of the ranch.” smiled Jarrod clapping the blonde on the back, ignoring the glare he received in return. “I came to keep Nick out of trouble.”

Nick smirked, “I came to find out who gave you a haircut yesterday.”

Heath snapped, “Coffee’s on. Tomorrow, turn around and go back to Stockton.”

Hiriam greeted the group while Heath took the rifle from him and walked into the darkness. Nick hesitated only a moment before heading in the same direction.

Taking the cup offered, Jarrod introduced Tim and Scotty, “Hiriam, these are two of our men, Tim and Scotty. Gentlemen, this is Heath’s grandfather, Hiriam Thomson.”

Nodding, the two couldn’t keep the surprise out of their faces. Hiriam smiled and shook their hands. “I’m afraid it’s a long tale in the making.”

Jarrod chuckled and winked, “It sure is. One I may add, whose ending has not yet been written, correct Mr. Thomson?”

A wide smiled graced the older man’s tanned face, “You are correct, Mr. Barkley. You are correct.”

Looking in the direction the two brothers had disappeared into, Scotty mused quietly, “Mr. Barkley, you think the marshal boss is gonna be able to unattach Nick from his hip this time?”

Smirking, Jarrod and Tim shared a soft chuckle and their eyes sparkled with amusement. “Not this time.”

Seeing the puzzlement in Hiriam’s face, Jarrod explained how difficult it had been for Nick when Heath had gone after Dan Nichols. When his little brother came back, Nick first read him the riot act for taking so long to gather the evidence on the man and then proceeded to shadow his every waking moment.

“This bond, well, they’re very lucky to have it between them.” smiled Hiriam. “Many will live a lifetime without experiencing such a thing. Those boys have been blessed by the gods, I hope they realize that.”

Jarrod winked, “They’ve also been blessed with the Barkley stubbornness.”

Heath perched himself on a log of driftwood by the stream listening to the water gurgling, rifle laying across his knees. The faint twinkling of spurs announced Nick’s arrival before his brother reached his side. Sitting beside his blonde brother, Nick sighed deeply.

“Heath, I don’t care what you say, I’m not going back tomorrow.”

“That’s typical.”

“Typical? What do you mean by that?”

“Just what it says. Typical. Means nothing new, nothing seems to change.”

“You’re starting to talk like Jarrod! Speak English.”

“Nick, this is what you wanted. You wanted me to take my grandfather to Strawberry, so I am. I’m not thinking of myself, only of his protection. Now that’s not good enough for you?”

Heath could almost feel the flinching of Nick’s body in the darkness. The deep voice was full of pain and anguish.

“I’m sorry Heath. I didn’t mean to say those things, honest. I was out of line.”

Heath said quietly, “I’ve a job to do and I can’t do it if I’m worried about you and the others. Hiriam and I are going into Strawberry. Alone.”

“Heath, we just want to help. Let us.”

“No.”

“WHY NOT?”

“Dammit, Nick. I said NO! Isn’t that clear enough? I can’t have a whole gang of people riding in there. Go back to the ranch!”

“What could happen with six of us riding into Strawberry?” asked Nick puzzled by the other’s concern.

Agitation was flowing off his little brother when he stood up and started pacing on the shore of the stream.

“Nothing could happen, that’s what. Matt and Martha will hightail it if they see a group of riders coming. If Matt feels cornered, he’ll fight like the devil. With just Hiriam and me, it’s gonna be hard enough to get Uncle Matt to talk. If there’s a whole gang surrounding him, we can forget it. Nick, for me. Stay out of Strawberry.”

“It’s my fault you’re even here. I don’t know, Heath.” scowled Nick, shaking his head.

“A compromise then.” suggested Heath knowing his forthright brother would have no qualms of taking the bull by the horns or taking Matt by the scruff of the neck in hopes of shaking answers out of the man for his little brother.

“What compromise?” asked Nick suspiciously.

“You can come up to the outskirts of Strawberry, no further. You’ll be close but not too close.”

“If I agree, you have to tell me Heath.”

“Tell you what?” inquired Heath.

“Who cut your hair?” smirked Nick seeing the blush creeping up his brother’s neck in the moonlight.

“Fine, ya’ got a deal.” stated Heath firmly shaking Nick’s hand.

“First Heath, about what I said..”

“Hell, just forget it, Nick. I was hot headed and short tempered that day.” grinned Heath receiving a giant bear hug.

“Okay, who cut your hair? I already know it wasn’t the barber.” queried Nick anxiously about to receive the answer to the family’s breakfast mystery.

“Mel.” answered Heath over his shoulder walking back towards camp.

“WHO’S MEL?” called Nick at the back pointed at him. Jumping up, he rushed after his brother. “HEY, THAT’S NOT FAIR! HEATH!”

The next morning, Hiriam donned his new outfit. The clothes hung on his frame giving him a withered appearance, his well kept hair lay ungroomed under his battered hat. His face sported a growth of salt and peppered whiskers. His pocketwatch and ring taken off and put in Nick’s saddlebag for safe keeping.

The others could not believe the change in the older man from wealthy to poverty ridden with simply a change of clothes. Apart from the three men sitting around the fire drinking coffee, Jarrod and Nick watched Heath clean his weapons before sliding them into the twin holsters.

The tension in Heath created knots in his brothers’ stomachs. With a flash, his hands moved and two guns appeared. Nick who’d seen his brother’s quickness several times when he was practicing heard a startled gasp escape from Jarrod, who’d only witnessed the maneuver of lightning speed once before.

Opening his saddlebags, Heath took out a sling with a knife, putting it on under his vest. The sling hung between his shoulder blades, the handle of the knife within his grasp with a small movement.

“Heath, are you sure about this?” inquired Jarrod nervously. “You carry any more weapons and you won’t be able to walk.”

Heath flashed his brothers a wide smile. “Just prepared to..how did Hiriam put it…’Observe them in their natural state’. Don’t worry, I know you’ll be within calling distance if I need ya’.”

“That’s right, little brother!” replied Nick emphatically. His voice hiding the apprehension flowing throughout his body. Jarrod raised an eyebrow not fooled one iota by Nick’s firm tone of agreement.

Looking into the hazel and blue eyes, Heath reiterated, “Outskirts of town, no further.”

“We got it Heath.” snapped Nick. “Sorry.”

Heath held Nick by the back of his neck and stared into the worried eyes, “I know it’s gonna be hard, Nick. Do I need to tie you to a tree to keep you out of town?”

Jarrod chuckled and Nick shook his head, “No, guess not. Just don’t take any chances, okay?”

“I won’t. Now let’s go.” sighed Heath.

Barrett was puzzled by his traveling companions. He didn’t need anyone to tell him the dark eyed man was dangerous. Coldness and treachery oozed from him like body odor in lieu of the sweet smell of aftershave. The tall thin man, nervous and jumpy was definitely out of his element. His frantic eyes always kept the darker man in his field of vision.

Stopping for a quick lunch and to rest the horses, Barrett boiled water for coffee, his voice was low when it reached Blake’s keen ears, “Who you looking for, mister?”

Blake studied the ranch hand’s face, “What makes you think we’re looking for someone?”

Barrett sneered, “That’s the only reason I can figure for you to be paired up with the likes of him.”

Chuckling, Blake grinned, “Beggars can’t always be choosy, my friend.”

“Maybe I can help, well, for a price.” offered Barrett off-handily.

“Perhaps you can, Barrett.” said Blake, staring intently into the brown eyes. “Do you know Heath Thomson?”

Barrett’s eyes flared with an evil light. “Yeah, I know the bastard. Are you gonna kill him?”

“He and his grandfather.” smiled Blake causing a chuckle of delight to escape from Barrett.

Ted Folcom heard the chuckle and walked back to the fire. “Blake what are you doing? How do you know we can trust him?”

Blake snapped, “Shut up, lawyer. I’m running the show here. If you don’t like what I’m doing, you handle the killing.”

Barrett laughed when Ted Folcom’s face turned white from either anger or repulsion, he wasn’t sure which. The tall thin man walked away from the two at the fire.

Looking at Barrett, Blake stated coldly, “You turn on me and I’ll disembowel you, my friend.”

Barrett swallowed compulsively from fear and nodded, “Nothing would make me happier than to spit on Thomson’s dead body.”

Throwing out the last of his coffee, Blake grinned, “We have an understanding then, my friend.”

The next day with miles on horseback behind them, the trio was hidden in the trees looking at the group of men waiting on the outskirts of town.

“That’s Nick and Jarrod Barkley with two of their hands.” informed Barrett. “Thomson’s brothers.”

“Looks like they’re waiting for someone.” puzzled Blake. “I don’t see the old man.”

“He’s probably in town meeting with his son.” advised Ted.

“The bastard’s with him looks like. We could circle around them and go into town.” suggested Barrett.

Agreeing, Barrett led his group back to the horses and through the trees. Emerging from the trees, the trio dismounted and made their way up an alley. Stopping, Barrett peered around the corner and pointed out two horses tied in front of the hotel.

“Good job, Barrett.” whispered Blake. “Let’s head over and see what’s going on.”

....Continued