She goes to the barn to ask about some spurs that the blacksmith Bert Seeger (Bern Hoffman) had promised days ago. Offended by his devil-may-care attitude Audra leaves him with a warning that he is quick to brush off. In comes Nick fuming over an incident involving a horse’s shoe. He fires Seeger on the spot for his laziness and his drinking on the job.

           

Late at night, Will finds Therese waiting for him in the living room. She politely reminds him of his responsibility to his family, especially to his father who thinks the world of him. She agrees to sweep this little oversight with the dinner under the carpet and seals the deal with a firm kiss on the lips that leaves him in shock.

           

           

Therese assists Will up to his room where she tends to his need. There she attempts to make a pass at him that he is quick to snub. She begs him to love her the way she loves him. He loathes the fact that she could willingly betray his father of the sort knowing how much he cares for her. In a fit of anger she blurts out the secret of his adoption. She has proof of her allegation from a will that is kept under lock and key.

           

Jarrod follows Will to the barn to fish for information as to the reason that drove him to run away from home. He then learns about the shocking revelation that he promises to discuss with the boy’s father.

The next morning Jarrod drops by the Marvin ranch to reassure Henry that Will is safe at the ranch, and that the adoption was the main reason of his running away. Henry is appalled by the news. He and Jarrod are the only two people who were aware that Will was rescued from an orphanage to be adopted. Before suspicions fall on her, Therese puts on a convincing act of the innocent soul who was in the dark about the situation, but Jarrod has his doubts.

           

           

A hysterical Audra explains the situation and both mutually agree to an unfortunate accident. When Victoria drops in unexpectedly Will admits to killing Therese to take the blame off Audra.

           

In town, Audra, Victoria and Jarrod meet with the sheriff (Michael Harris) at his office where Seeger gives his account of the facts as he heard them. Victoria warns him against spreading false rumour at the risk of being evicted from this valley. In light of this new testimony the sheriff is faced with no other option but to order an inquest.

At the ranch Jarrod grills Audra on the details of the shooting. He suspects she is holding back and stresses the importance of being truthful for both her sake and Will’s. She won’t reveal more than what she promised and suggests Jarrod to seek Will’s testimony.

           

           

Henry rides out the Barkley ranch with revenge in his eyes. He bangs on the door and charges in, accusing Audra of destroying his family.

           

Days later the two families have let bygones by bygones. Henry confesses to blinking the facts about Therese for fear of losing her, and is grateful that this calamity hasn’t cost him his son.