"I’ll get you for this!" Dan screamed. "You won’t be able to hide from me!"

Sam was now almost sixteen with light sandy brown hair like his father’s and blue eyes. His father had been in prison for the last five years. He missed the fun times with his father, when they used to go fishing and hunting. But that had been when Sam was just a very young boy. His father had begun to change and Sam feared him. He had gone to see Dan Rogers on several occasions during the last five years but he realized that the only thing his father had on his mind was getting even with the man who put him behind bars.

Sam now lived in Fresno with his mother, Virginia, a dressmaker with auburn colored hair and hazel eyes. She was a common woman with soft skin and in her early forties. Sam had a job after school working in the general store for Marvin Bailey, a man of fifty with brown hair. He enjoyed working for Mr. Bailey and it helped his mother out too.

One cool day in September 1880, Sam walked into the store after school let out. Bailey immediately met him.

"Sam," Bailey said, "I’m glad I found you first."

"What’s wrong Mr. Bailey?" he asked concerned for the welfare of his mother.

"There was a telegram delivered here for you," Bailey answered. "It’s from your father."

Sam was shocked to hear from his father. He had not visited him for the last two years. When they had last seen each other, Dan had rattled on about getting even. Sam had told him that he never wanted to see him again and stormed out. Why would he be sending Sam a telegram?

"What did it say?" Sam asked.

"I don’t read other people’s mail," the older gentleman answered. "Besides it could be important."

"I’m sorry sir," Sam said. "I guess I’m a little jumpy when it comes to my father."

"It’s all right Sam," he replied. "You sit down and read it."

Sam considered Marvin Bailey like a father to him. Since his own father was in prison, he needed guidance and Bailey filled the bill.

"I guess I had better read it," Sam said sitting down in a nearby chair.

"Here," Bailey replied handing him a piece of paper.

Sam opened the folded paper and read it. His expression became hard.

"Anything wrong Sam?" Bailey asked when he saw Sam’s expression.

"Yes," Sam answered. "My father is being released from prison at the end of the week."

"But he only served five years," Bailey said. "Why would they be letting him out?"

"It says here he’s being released early for good behavior," Sam replied. "He wants to see me."

"What are you going to do?" Bailey asked. "Didn’t you tell me that all he had on his mind was getting even with the man who put him in prison?"

"I guess I’ll go see him if it’s all right with you?" Sam answered. "Although I don’t understand why he wants to see me after the way I stormed out the last time I saw him. Yes, that’s right. I’m not sure how he can get out on good behavior the way he rattled on about getting even."

"It’s fine with me," Bailey said. "What about your mother?"

"She will not want me to go," Sam replied. "She has said over and over that my father is no good. She didn’t even want me to see him when he was in prison. She also told me she didn’t know why she had married him. I believe at one time they really were in love but pop went the way of a thief and mother had had enough."

"You have to tell her," Bailey told him.

"I know," Sam said. "I know.

"I don’t like it Sam," she said. "Your father has had nothing on his mind but getting even with the man that sent him to prison. That was one reason I left him. All he had on his mind was either stealing or revenge."

"I know mother," Sam replied. "But maybe since he is free, he will change his mind and let it drop."

"I hope so," she told him. "Because if he doesn’t he will end up on the end of a rope."

"Mama," Sam said, "I’m going to see him."

"Are you sure about it Sam?" she asked genuinely concerned for her son. "You don’t have to. He’s probably got some scheme up his sleeve and wants to involve you. Don’t you let him talk you into anything that might get you killed."

"Yes," he answered. "All I’m going to do is talk to him. That can’t hurt. And I promise to be careful."

"All right," she agreed. "Please come back safely."

"I will," he said.

Two days later, Sam was standing outside the gates of San Quentin waiting to see his father. He was very nervous not knowing what kind of reception he would receive. He looked up just as his father was clearing the gate.

"Pop," Sam said as he walked over to him.

"Sam," Dan replied as he swept his son into a massive bearhug. "I’m so glad you came."

"I thought it best that I come to see you," Sam told him. "What did you want to see me about?"

"I have a plan and you are a vital part of it," Dan said. "I want you to help me kill Jarrod Barkley."

"No!" Sam stated loudly. "I won’t help you kill a man."

"You will," Dan said just as stubbornly. "I have formulated a plan to get even with Barkley but its success depends on you."

"What if I refuse?" Sam asked.

"I will do it myself and it might be dangerous for your mother Sam," Dan answered. "One way or the other Barkley is a dead man."

"What do I have to do if I agree?" Sam asked. "You wouldn’t dare hurt mama."

"You will ride to Stockton," Dan answered. "Then you will apply for a job at the Barkley Ranch. There you will kill Barkley. "Yes I would Sam. She means nothing to me. You’re the most important person in my life."

"I don’t know pop," Sam said. "Jarrod Barkley is a well-known and respected man. It won’t be easy to get close enough to him to kill him."

"You will think of a way," Dan replied. "You are my son and this revenge will be sweet."

As the two of them walked to a waiting wagon, Sam thought about the proposition that his father had just told him about. Granted, he could probably get a job on the Barkley Ranch. But getting close enough to the lawyer was going to be rough. Sam guessed that if he failed in his attempt to carry out his father’s wishes that he would probably end up in jail or dead and his mother would also end up dead at the hands of his father.

"All right," Sam said agreeing to help his father. "But I still don’t like it."

"You don’t have to like it," Dan replied. "All you have to do is kill Barkley and make it look like an accident."

"That will make it very difficult," Sam told him. "Pop, why me?"

"You’re smart enough to carry it out," Dan said smiling at his son. "And you’re my son and you will do what I tell you to or it’s goodbye mama."

"Where are you planning on living now that you are out of prison?" Sam asked changing the subject.

"At the old Wendell farm," Dan answered. "Its deserted and no one will think to look for me there after Barkley dies."

"Pop," Sam said, "I don’t know why you have it in for the man. He was only doing his job."

"Maybe so," Dan replied. "But winning is a feather in his cap and he is one of those goody-goody lawyers who wants to help reform prisoners. It didn’t work on me. The entire five years I spent in Quentin, all I thought about was getting even with the man who prosecuted me."

"Pop," Sam asked, "when do you want me to leave?"

"As soon as possible," Dan answered. "You can try to set two traps for Barkley. First, you can use a sack of grain overhead and a trip wire to spring it. Second, you can put a burr under his saddle."

"You’re talking about possibly killing him if that sack of grain lands in the right place," Sam said. "I don’t want to be a murderer."

"You’re my son and you will do as you’re told," Dan replied angrily.

"Yes sir," Sam told him. "I’ll do what you say."

"That’s better," Dan said smiling. "You’ll leave in the morning. Now go pack some clothes."

"Yes sir," Sam replied walking away from his father.

When Sam returned home that evening, his mother was waiting.

"Mama," he said as he walked in the house, "I thought you would still be at the shop."

"I finished up early," she replied. "How did it go with your father?"

"I saw him," he told her. "I have to leave for a while. I have something I have to do."

"What?" she asked.

"I would rather not say," he answered. "It is something that I have to do."

"Something your father wants you to do for him," she said. "He wants you to help him get even doesn’t he?"

"Yes," he replied. "I’m not going to do anything to really hurt the man but if I don’t he will kill you."

"I know you won’t Sam," she told him. "You be careful and come home safely. That sounds just like Dan. He holds something over your head like a knife and makes you do it."

"I will," he said kissing her. "I promise. I better pack a few clothes."

"When are you leaving?" she asked.

"In the morning," he answered.

"Would you like something to eat?" she asked.

"Yes," he answered.

The two of them sat down at the table and ate quietly. Sam knew what he had to do but he didn’t like it.

"How can I try to kill a man I don’t even know?" he asked himself. "I have to do it for mama. If I don’t pop will kill her."

He thought about how this would hurt him mother. He loved her so much and didn’t want to do anything to cause her pain. But he knew in his heart that she would suffer. He also knew that no matter what she would stand beside of him. How could he have let his father talk him into this? Sam knew his father and he knew that the man would not be happy until he carried out his threat to end Jarrod Barkley’s life with or without the help of his son.

Sam arrived at the Barkley Ranch around noon and went to the massive brown door of the magnificent home. He knocked. A short, white-haired black man in a white coat and black pants opened the door.

"Can I help you?" he asked.

"I am looking for work," Sam answered.

"I will get Mr. Nick," he said. "Just a minute."

The man left the door open and Sam peered inside the house. He saw the beautiful winding staircase and the large foyer. A tall dark-haired man wearing brown pants and a green shirt with a black leather vest walked up to the door.

"I understand you’re looking for work," he said.

"Yes sir," Sam replied. "I was told that you might need someone."

"Yes we do," he told Sam. "What’s your name boy?"

"Sam Baker sir," Sam said.

"All right Sam," Nick replied. "Take your gear over to the bunkhouse and tell Mac to sign you on."

"Thank you sir," Sam told him and left.

Nick watched the boy leave. Jarrod walked up behind Nick.

"Who was that?" he asked.

"A boy who wanted a job," Nick answered.

"A boy?" Jarrod asked. "Since when do you hire boys?"

"As of right now," Nick answered. "Besides, he looked like he could use one."

Jarrod walked out to the barn to saddle his horse an hour or so later. As he walked into the stall, he hit something with his foot. He lost his balance slightly but he didn’t fall. As he walked to the side of his horse, something hit him on the left shoulder and the left side of his head hard. He grunted and fell to his knees dazed. He realized that his shoulder had been injured. When he tried to stand up, he was dizzy and fell back to his knees. Nick and Heath walked into the barn talking.

"I guess Jarrod has already gone," Nick said. "He wanted to go to his office in town."

"Nick," Heath replied, "his horse is still here."

The two of them walked over closer to the stall where Jarrod’s horse was. Then Nick spotted his brother. They rushed to his side.

"What happened to you?" Nick asked helping Jarrod to his feet.

"I walked in here to saddle my horse and something hit me on the left shoulder and the side of the head," Jarrod answered.

"It must have been this sack of grain lying here in the hay," Heath said.

Nick took a look at Jarrod’s shoulder.

"Heath," Nick said, "ride into town and bring Doc Merrar out here."

"I’m all right," Jarrod replied but he could barely stand up.

"Sure you are," Nick told him holding onto Jarrod’s arm. "You can barely stand up."

"I’ll be back as soon as I can Nick," Heath said heading out the door.

"Can you make it to the house?" Nick asked.

"I think so," Jarrod answered.

Slowly, Jarrod made his way to the house but Nick had to help him inside. When Victoria saw him, she was surprised.

"I thought you rode into Stockton Jarrod," she said.

"I was going to mother but I had an accident and hurt my shoulder," he replied.

"Heath’s gone after the doc," Nick told her. "I think Jarrod bumped his head too."

"I did," Jarrod said. "Or at least I think I did. I’m not sure."

"What happened?" she asked.

"A sack of grain fell on him in the stall where his horse was," Nick answered.

"Sack of grain," she repeated. "How did that happen?"

"I don’t know mother," Nick said. "But I plan on finding out."

"Jarrod," she replied, "come in here and sit down."

Nick helped his brother into the living room and over to the couch. Jarrod sat down and leaned his head back. The doctor arrived shortly and when he spoke to Jarrod, he didn’t answer.

"Jarrod," the doctor said. "Jarrod."

Finally, Jarrod opened his eyes and looked up into the face of Dr. Merrar.

"Sorry Doc," he said. "I guess I fell asleep."

"Let me take a look," the doctor replied.

Dr. Merrar slipped Jarrod’s shoulder back in place, which had been separated slightly and put a sling around his neck. Then he looked at the bump on the side of his head.

"You have a slight concussion," he said. "I want you to rest the remainder of the day. Keep this sling on for a couple of days because your shoulder was separated. But it’s nothing to worry about."

"All right," Jarrod replied still showing the effects of the accident.

"Victoria," the doctor told her handing her a small bottle of liquid, "give him a spoonful of this every four hours until his headache goes away. Don’t let him walk by himself for the next day or so because he could fall. This type of injury can cause dizziness that lingers a day or even two. I’ll come by in a couple of days to see how he’s doing."

"Thank you," she said as he left the house. "Jarrod, let’s get you upstairs to your room. I want you to lie down and rest."

"I’m fine mother," he replied climbing to his feet and then having to sit back down and close his eyes.

"You’re not fine," she told him. "You heard the doctor. You are going to rest and take this medicine."

"All right," Jarrod said.

He knew better than to argue with his mother. Nick helped him to his room and he laid down on his bed with his clothes on. Victoria gave him a spoonful of the medicine and Jarrod drifted off. They removed his boots and covered him up. She looked up at her second born son.

"Nick," she said, "I don’t understand."

"Neither do I mother," he replied. "But I’m going to find out."

"I’ll stay with him," she told him.

Victoria stayed with Jarrod while Nick went to investigate the scene for any clues as to why this kind of accident happened.

"Find anything?" Nick asked.

"Nope," Heath answered. "I found out how it was rigged up but that’s all. Whoever did it didn’t want to kill Jarrod."

"I know," Nick said.

"Look at how the sack of grain was wedged up here in the fork of the post," Heath replied pointing.

"All right," Nick told him. "We know whoever it was didn’t want to kill Jarrod but why do it in the first place?"

"I can’t answer that Nick," Heath said. "All I can say is that we need to find the person responsible."

"Yeah I know," Nick replied. "But where do we look?"

As the two brothers were exiting the barn, Sam was entering it.

"Heath," Nick said, "have you met our newest hand?"

"Nope," Heath replied.

"This is Sam Baker," Nick told him. "Sam, this is my brother, Heath."

"Glad to know you Sam," Heath said holding out his hand.

"Yes sir," Sam replied shaking hands with Heath.

"You’re a might young?" Heath asked.

"I’m almost sixteen sir," Sam answered. "Is there anything wrong sir?"

"Our brother was injured in an accident in the barn earlier," Nick said. "But he’s going to be fine in a couple of days."

"I haven’t seen anyone around here that was messing with your brother’s horse," Sam replied.

"How did you know that Jarrod was injured near his horse?" Heath asked.

"I heard one of the other hands talking about it," Sam answered. "It’s all over the bunkhouse."

"I guess it would be," Nick said. "Come on Heath. We better go check on Jarrod."

"Right," Heath replied and the two of them left.

Sam watched them go and breathed a sigh of relief. He had almost hanged himself. He had to be extremely careful from now on or he could wind up in jail. He had one more idea and he would implement it in a few days or the next time Jarrod came out to the barn to ride his horse. He still didn’t like doing it but he had no choice. His mother’s life hung in the balance and he would do anything for his mama.

Nick and Heath walked upstairs to Jarrod’s room. Victoria was sitting in a chair reading a book. Jarrod was still asleep.

"Any change mother?" Nick asked as they walked inside.

"No," she answered. "He’s still asleep. Did you find anything?"

"Nothing that would help us find out who was behind it," Nick said. "They knew what they were doing. We figured that for some reason they didn’t want to kill Jarrod but just hurt him."

"Our main concern right now is protecting Jarrod," she replied. "Then we can figure out who is behind it. It could have been a one time thing."

"I don’t think so mother," Nick told her. "Whoever it was will probably try again."

"I hope not," she said. "Because it could be just about be anyone. Someone he defended or someone he prosecuted. We’ll have to keep a close eye on Jarrod to make sure nothing else happens to him."

"You don’t have to worry mother," Nick replied. "Heath and I will keep an eye on Jarrod."

"Good," she told them.

A few hours later, Jarrod woke up. He was still groggy and had a headache. Victoria noticed he was awake and sat down on the bed beside of him.

"Is your head hurting?" she asked.

"Yeah," he answered. "Mother, who did it?"

"We don’t know," she said. "We were hoping you could shed some light on that."

"Sorry," he replied. "But my cases are all minor squabbles or disagreements."

"What about former clients?" she asked.

"That’s a very long list," he answered. "It could be anyone."

"Don’t worry about it now," she said. "Just rest. Do you need any of the medicine?"

"Yes," he replied. "I believe I could use a dose. My shoulder is aching also."

Victoria gave him a spoonful of the medicine and Jarrod closed his eyes to rest his aching head. She was thankful that he was going to be all right. But she was worried that whoever it was might try again.

"Jarrod," Victoria asked, "where are you going?"

"To Stockton mother," he answered. "I need to check over a couple of documents that are in the office."

"I don’t think you should be riding so soon after what happened," she said.

"I’ll be fine," he replied. "Don’t worry."

"All right," she told him. "But be careful."

"I plan on it," he said smiling.

She watched him leave the house. Jarrod walked out to the barn and saddled his horse. While he was in there, Sam walked in.

"Hello," Jarrod said. "You must be the new hand that Nick hired yesterday?"

"Yes sir," Sam replied.

"How old are you?" Jarrod asked.

"Almost sixteen sir," he answered.

"Do your parents know you are working here?" Jarrod asked.

"My mother does," he answered. "My father doesn’t live with us anymore."

"I see," Jarrod said. "Where are you from?"

"Fresno," he replied.

"Nice place," Jarrod told him.

"Yes it is," he said smiling. "My mother is a dressmaker. I worked after school at the general store until I learned you needed hands."

"Well," Jarrod replied. "You’ll definitely make more money here than you would in that store."

"I know," he told him. "That’s why I came here."

"You remind me of me when I was your age," Jarrod said smiling. "I was just thinking. I can talk to Nick and what would you say to maybe going fishing this weekend?"

"Sounds great," Sam replied. "But why would you give me the time of day sir? I mean nothing to you."

"All right then," Jarrod told him. "Saturday it is then. Sam, you look like someone who could use a friend about now. I would like to be that friend."

"Fine," he said. "I would like that sir."

Jarrod finished saddling his horse and then walked him out of the barn. Sam held his breath as Jarrod mounted up. He watched as the horse began to buck and jump. The horse was normally a very calm animal. There wasn’t any reason for the horse to get so violent. He knew that the horse would eventually throw him off.

Jarrod was desperately trying to hang on. He was trying to coax the animal to stop but it wasn’t listening. In fact it was getting more violent. Nick and Heath heard the commotion and walked out to see what was wrong.

"Jarrod!" Nick yelled. "Hang on!"

"I’m trying!" Jarrod hollered. "But I’m losing my grip."

"Nick," Heath said, "we’ve got to stop that animal."

"I know that," Nick replied. "I’m open for suggestions."

"You get on one side and I’ll get on the other," Heath told him. "Maybe between the two of us we can get him calmed down."

"It’s worth a shot," Nick said.

Nick and Heath worked their way around till each one was on each side of Jarrod’s bucking horse. Nick reached out and grabbed at the reins but missed. Then Heath tried and missed. Meanwhile, Jarrod was barely holding on. His face was twisted in pain coming from his shoulder, as he had to use it to try and hang on. Finally, he was thrown off and landed hard on the ground with his head hitting one of the corral fence posts. Nick hurried over to him while Heath calmed his horse. Sam continued to watch the events as they unfolded.

"Heath," Nick said, "get the doctor."

"Yeah," Heath replied after finally being able to calm Jarrod’s horse down.

"Easy Jarrod," Nick told him. "You took a pretty bad fall."

Jarrod’s eyes were open but they were unfocused. Nick helped him to his feet and had to practically carry him into the house. He did note that blood was coming from the back of Jarrod’s head. Victoria heard him enter and came in to see who it was.

"Nick," she gasped, "what happened?"

"Jarrod was thrown from his horse," he said. "He landed and hit his head on one of the fence posts. I sent Heath after the doc."

"Let’s get him up to his room," she replied.

Together, they managed to get Jarrod up the stairs and into his room. Victoria retrieved a towel from the bathroom and they laid Jarrod’s head on it on the pillow of his bed. His eyes were still open but he was moaning.

"Honey," she said, "you’re going to be all right."

He didn’t answer her or even acknowledge that he understood what she had said. She looked over at Nick.

"I wish the doctor would hurry up," she said. "I want to know what’s wrong with him and why he doesn’t know we’re even in the room."

"I’m worried too mother," he replied. "Jarrod never had a chance. Whatever happened to cause his horse to go wild, I will find out what the reason was. I still believe that someone is trying to hurt or kill Jarrod and they’ve nearly succeeded twice. They won’t get a third chance."

"We have to get to the bottom of this," she told him. "Or next time he might get killed."

"There won’t be a next time mother," he said. "I’ll see to that."

"We don’t even know who’s behind it," she replied. "How are you going to stop anyone when you don’t even know who they are."

"I don’t know," he told her.

The doctor walked in and they stopped talking.

"Another accident," he said.

"I don’t know about it being an accident," Nick replied. "I’m going to find out what happened to that animal."

The doctor walked over to the bed and examined Jarrod. When he looked up, he shook his head.

"Just as I suspected," he said. "Jarrod has another concussion. Only this one is much worse. That’s why he is not responding."

"Will he be all right?" Victoria asked.

"I believe so," he answered. "But he will have to stay quiet for a few days until he recovers."

"What do we need to do?" she asked.

"Keep me as quiet as possible," he answered as he bandaged Jarrod’s head. "Don’t let him up for at least two days. He will be dizzy when he does try to stand but that will pass. Give him a spoonful of this liquid every four hours for pain."

"All right," she said and looked down at her son. "I don’t understand why anyone would want to hurt Jarrod and especially here at the ranch."

"Mother," Nick replied, "that’s it."

"What’s it?" she asked.

"Both of those accidents occurred at the ranch," he answered. "That means someone here is behind it."

"Are you saying that one of the hands is responsible?" she asked.

"Yes," he answered. "I want to talk to that boy."

"You mean Sam Nick?" Heath asked walking into the room.

"Yeah," Nick answered. "Did you find out what happened to Jarrod’s horse?"

"Absolutely," Heath said. "This burr was under his saddle."

Heath handed the burr to Nick.

"It was deliberate," he said. "But who?"

"I don’t know," Heath replied. "I’d be careful with Sam. He’s just a boy. He doesn’t even know Jarrod."

"Well," Nick told him, "boys can do mean things."

"I know that," Heath said.

Moaning coming from the bed interrupted them. Both brothers turned their attention toward Jarrod who was definitely trying to wake up.

"Jarrod," Victoria said softly, "it’s all right."

"My...head," he replied groggily.

"Here Jarrod," the doctor told him putting a spoonful of medicine in his mouth.

"What...happened?" Jarrod asked. "And what was that?"

"You were injured in a fall from your horse," Victoria answered.

"You have a severe concussion and I want you to stay in bed," the doctor said. "That was medicine to help your aching head."

"Yes...sir," he replied letting his eyes close.

"He’s going to be somewhat confused until his head heals," the doctor told them. "Be patient with him. It will take time for him to feel better. What he needs right now is rest."

"All right doctor," Victoria said. "I’ll make sure he rests."

"Good," he replied. "I’ll come by tomorrow."

"Fine," she told him as he left.

Victoria turned her attention to Nick and Heath.

"I want to know who’s responsible for these accidents," he said. "And I want to know why. Jarrod can’t take anymore shots to his head."

"Yes mother," Nick replied. "We’ll get on it right away. Come on Heath."

The two brothers left. Victoria then turned her attention to her oldest son. She sat down on the bed beside of him and stroked his hair.

"Jarrod," she said, "we’re going to get to the bottom of this. I promise."

"Where have you been?" he asked.

"I had to ride into Stockton to send a telegram to my mother," Sam answered. "Is something wrong?"

"Yeah something’s wrong," he said. "My brother, Jarrod, was thrown from his horse this morning and almost killed. Where were you?"

"I was still in the bunk house," Sam replied. "I heard the commotion but never heard what had happened."

"Are you sure you were there?" he asked.

"Yes sir," Sam answered. "But there was no one in there at the time. I can only tell you where I was."

"All right," Nick said. "I’ll let it go. But if anything else happens to Jarrod, I’m coming to look for you. You understand?"

"Yes sir," Sam replied. "I understand. Can I go now?"

"Yeah," he told the boy.

Sam headed toward the barn to take care of his horse. He knew he couldn’t do anymore to Jarrod. He had sent a telegram but to his father instead of his mother. He told him that it was getting too hot for him and he couldn’t try again.

"I wish I had never let pop talk me into this," he said aloud. "I’m going to end up in jail if I’m not careful."

"Sam," Heath replied as he walked into the barn, "I guess you talked to Nick."

"Yes sir," he told him. "I’m sorry about your brother. But I didn’t have anything to do with it. I swear."

"I believe you," Heath said.

"I don’t think your brother did," he replied.

"You have to overlook Nick," Heath told him. "He gets angry too easily. He’s just worried about Jarrod."

"I am too sir," Sam said. "I got to know him better this morning in the barn while he was saddling his horse. We’re going fishing Saturday if it’s all right with Nick."

"I’m sure it will be," Heath replied. "I’m glad you’re going to spend some time with Jarrod. He’s a wonderful man and brother."

"Yes sir," Sam told him and left.

"My boy has failed," he said. "We won’t. He said that he and Barkley are going fishing Saturday. We’ll get Barkley then. And my boy will watch as I punish Barkley before finally killing him."

"Where are we going to take him to?" one of his men asked.

"There’s a line shack on the Barkley Ranch," he answered. "We’ll take him there. I can carry out my revenge right there."

Dan smiled as he realized that he was about to get his revenge on Jarrod Barkley.

Back at the ranch, Jarrod was beginning to wake up. He struggled against a haze before finally opening his eyes and looking around.

"Where...?" he muttered.

"You’re in your room," his mother answered. "You were injured in a fall from your horse. The doctor wants you to rest."

"I can’t remember much," he said.

"I don’t doubt it," she replied. "You took a nasty fall."

"When can I get out of here?" he asked.

"In a few days," she answered. "You are supposed to stay quiet and rest."

"All right," he said. "Who’s behind it?"

"We still don’t know," she replied. "Do you have any ideas?"

"Not at the moment," he told her. "But I’ll give it some thought."

Jarrod let his eyes close and he rested. Victoria didn’t leave his bedside. She was still very concerned about his head injury.

Over the next couple of days, Jarrod slowly recovered. He was allowed out of bed on Thursday.

"I’m glad this is over," he said. "I promised to take Sam fishing Saturday."

"You’re taking that new kid fishing?" Nick asked. "Why?"

"Yes," Jarrod answered. "What’s wrong with that? He seems to be a bright boy. There’s just something about that boy that I like. And I believe he’s in some kind of trouble."

"Leave it to you to find good in everyone," Nick said. "Jarrod, he could have been the one who hurt you."

"I don’t think so," Jarrod replied. "He doesn’t seem like the type. And besides Nick he’s just a boy."

"There are some facts that point right to him," Nick told him. "One, the accidents started not long after Sam arrived here. Two, he was in the barn just prior to this morning’s accident."

"I know he was," Jarrod said. "That’s where I talked to him. He is a bright boy but he needs a man in his life. He said that his father no longer lived with them. I’m just trying to help."

"I know you want to help people Jarrod," Nick replied. "But we don’t know anything about this boy."

"He’s only a boy Nick," Jarrod told him. "He won’t hurt me. Now, will you quit worrying?"

"I’ll try," Nick said. "I’ll try."

"Morning Jarrod," Sam said as he walked over to Jarrod. "You ready to go?"

"Yes," Jarrod replied. "All I have to do is saddle my horse."

Jarrod finished saddling his horse, mounted up and they headed off for the fishing hole on the ranch. It took an hour to get there because it was on the other side of the ranch from the house. Once they were there, they settled down on the bank and waited for the fish to bite.

"Sam," Jarrod asked as he rested in the tall, green grass, "where’s your father?"

"My father sir," Sam answered. "Uh, he’s in Lathrop sir."

"What does he do?" he asked.

"He uh he does odd jobs around town," Sam answered.

Jarrod could tell that Sam was hiding something. But before he could ask what, ten riders rode up to them. The lead man climbed down off his horse and walked over to stand in front of Jarrod.

"Good work son," he said.

"I didn’t want to pop," Sam replied. "I think a lot of Jarrod and he’s not the man you say he is. And I didn’t want you to hurt mama."

"I don’t care what you think," he told his son backhanding him. "Barkley is going to pay for what he did and so is Virginia."

"What’s this all about?" Jarrod asked.

"Don’t you recognize me Barkley?" he wanted to know.

"Should I?" Jarrod asked.

"Yes you should," he answered. "You prosecuted me five years ago for armed robbery. I have been planning your death since the day I first stepped foot in San Quentin."

"Did you say five years ago?" Jarrod asked.

"Yeah," he answered. "Come on Barkley. "I’m Dan Rogers."

"Of course," Jarrod said. "I remember now. You robbed the Stockton bank and shot a teller."

"That’s me," he replied. "Now I’m going to end your life."

"You won’t get away with it," Jarrod told him. "You’ll be sent back to prison or hanged."

"I don’t care," he said. "My boy will carry on for me."

"Your son?" Jarrod asked. "Sam is your son?"

"Yeah," he answered. "He has tried to kill you twice already but he was a coward. I knew that if I wanted you dead, I’d have to be the one to do it. I will and kill his mother too."

"What are you going to do?" Sam asked concerned for Jarrod’s welfare.

"This," Dan answered.

He walked over to Jarrod and punched right in the face. Jarrod fell backwards to the ground. When he stood up again, his lip was bleeding slightly. Rogers motioned for one of his men to hold Jarrod by his arms. The man dismounted, grabbing Jarrod’s arms before he could attack Rogers. Then he began to punch him over and over up under the ribs. Jarrod was grunting loudly by the time he stopped. His rib cage was on fire. Dan had thrown uppercuts that lifted Jarrod physically off the ground. But the man wouldn’t let go.

"Now Barkley," Dan said, "you are going to get a beating you’ll never forget.

Rogers motioned for his men to dismount. They punched and kicked Jarrod until he could barely move. Then Dan had one man hold Jarrod while he pulled out his pistol and stuck the barrel into Jarrod’s right side. Rogers fired. The shot caused Jarrod to cry out and try to clutch his side. Rogers motioned for the man to drop Jarrod. He did. With Jarrod on the ground writhing in agony, Rogers walked over to him and kicked him hard in the stomach. Jarrod cried out again as the pain increased.

"Now," he said, "you won’t be prosecuting anyone else. You coming with me boy?"

"No sir," Sam replied. "I’m staying with Jarrod. He’s more of a man than you ever were."

Rogers walked over to his son. He slapped him hard on the side of the face and then punched him in the gut.

"Stay," he said. "Because as far as I’m concerned I don’t have a son any longer. And you can kiss your mother good-bye."

"No!" Sam cried watching his father ride off with his men.

Sam then turned his attention to Jarrod. He was bleeding profusely from the gunshot wound and was in sheer agony from his many injuries.

"Jarrod," he said, "we’re going to have to get back to the ranch. If we don’t you’ll bleed to death."

Jarrod nodded unable to speak because of the injuries he had. Sam helped Jarrod to his feet but he almost fell trying to keep Jarrod upright. Jarrod was dead weight in his arms. He was so weak that he couldn’t stand without the support of Sam. He helped Jarrod over to his horse and got him into the saddle with some effort. Sam jumped up behind him and they rode off toward the ranch. Sam kept a hand on Jarrod’s side trying to keep the bleeding down until they could find help. When they arrived at the ranch an hour later, Sam yelled for Nick.

"Nick!" he yelled as he rode up. "Nick, where are you?"

Nick appeared from inside the barn and when he saw Jarrod he ran to his side.

"What happened?" he asked.

"My father and his men attacked Jarrod at the fishing hole," Sam answered.

"Your father," Nick said. "Who are you?"

"My name is Sam Rogers," he replied. "My father is Dan Rogers."

"Jarrod prosecuted him for robbing the bank in Stockton," Nick told him. "I knew you were behind those so-called accidents."

"Yes," Sam said. "My father has planned his revenge for the last five years. I didn’t want to help him but he threatened my mother if I didn’t do what he wanted. I’m so sorry Nick."

"We can worry about that later," Nick replied. "First thing we need to do is get Jarrod inside and send for Dr. Merrar. Heath! Heath!"

Heath walked out of the barn. When he saw Jarrod and Sam, he knew why Nick had called.

"I’ll go get Dr. Merrar," he said hurrying back into the barn.

Nick eased Jarrod down with Sam’s help into his arms. He could see where his brother had been shot by the blood all over the right side of Jarrod’s blue shirt. He carried Jarrod inside the house where he was met by Victoria who gasped when she saw Jarrod.

"Nick," she said, "take him to his room. Have you sent for the doctor?"

"Heath’s gone," he replied slowly carrying Jarrod upstairs to his room.

Nick gently laid Jarrod down on his bed and stood up. They could see very well the beating he had taken at the hands of Dan Rogers and his men. Nick knew that Jarrod was hurt very badly. He could feel it inside. They waited for the doctor to arrive.

"While Jarrod and I were at the fishing hole," he answered looking down at the floor, "my father, Dan Rogers, and his gang of men surrounded us. He beat Jarrod, and then he shot him at point blank range before he kicked him hard. He spent the last five years in prison and all he could talk about when I saw him was getting even with the man who put him there. I didn’t want to help him but he threatened me, my mama and the man I used to work for if I didn’t. I set up those two accidents but I rigged them so they wouldn’t cause too much damage. I couldn’t tell you because I knew my father would find out."

"I understand Sam," Victoria said. "You proved your loyalty to Jarrod by staying with him and bringing him home. But I’m not sure the law will look at it that way."

"I’ll take whatever punishment I have to," he replied. "The only think I want is for my father and his men to be found and killed or spend the rest of their lives in prison. I have washed my hands clean. From now on it’s just mama and me."

"All right," Victoria told him. "The first thing we need to do is get Jarrod tended to. I have a feeling that he’s going to be in bed for quite a while."

The doctor walked into the room and looked down at Jarrod. He cringed when he saw all the damage that had been done to him.

"He’s is bad shape," he said. "I need a pan of water."

"I’ll get it doc," Heath replied leaving the room.

When Heath returned with the water, the doctor began cleaning the gunshot wound to see what he was dealing with.

"The bullet will have to come out," he said. "Keep a close eye on him and if he comes to, don’t let him move. The bullet is in very deep. I’m going to have to probe for it and I don’t want him moving."

"Right doc," Nick replied.

The doctor reached into his bag bringing out a scalpel. He began to hunt for the bullet. When he finally located it, he pulled out some forceps and removed it.

"He’s lost a large amount of blood," he said. "I need to give him a transfusion."

"I’ll do it doc," Nick replied.

"All right," he told him.

The doctor started the transfusion and while he waited, he examined Jarrod. He wrapped his ribs, which had been badly damaged by the brutal attack. Then he looked up at Victoria.

"Jarrod has a multitude of injuries," he said. "I have wrapped his ribs and removed the bullet. Luckily, it didn’t hit anything major. Jarrod is going to have to stay in bed at least a week before he can even think about sitting up."

"I understand doctor," she replied. "Will he be all right?"

"I don’t see why not," he told her. "He will be weak but I feel that he will make it."

"That’s a relief," she said.

"Give him a spoonful of this every two hours," he said. "It’s to help the pain, discomfort and to allow him to rest. He needs plenty of rest."

"I understand doctor," Victoria replied.

"I don’t want him to be left alone," he told them. "He’ll need someone around the clock because he could become delirious and try to move, he could relive the attack or he could just try moving."

"That’s no problem," Sam said. "I’ll stay with him."

"Good," he replied. "I’ll come by again tomorrow. If you need me, don’t hesitate to send someone for me."

"All right," she told him and he left.

"Mrs. Barkley," Sam said, "I’ll stay with him. I want to make it up to him and this is the only way I know how to."

"I’ll stay for a while," she replied. "I want to keep an eye on him. He’s a very lucky boy."

"Yeah," Nick told them. "If that bullet had been over some, we would be burying him."

"I’m sorry," Sam said again. "I don’t know what else to say or do."

"You don’t have to say anything," Nick replied. "You have already shown that you care for him. And I can see how you felt. With your mother’s life being threatened you acted in the only way you could."

"I wish my father could have been more like Jarrod," Sam told them. "Jarrod is so kind. He put me right at ease the first time I spoke to him. He even interested me in law."

"Jarrod is one of a kind," she said. "He has always been able to put his clients at ease."

"He certainly was very kind to me even after he knew who I was," Sam replied.

"Jarrod doesn’t hold grudges," she told him. "He tries to help those that want his help."

"He really helped me," Sam said. "I’ll never forget what he’s done for me nor will I forget what has happened to him."

"Sam," Victoria replied turning to look right into his face, "don’t worry about what has already happened. You need to concentrate on the future. Once Jarrod is well, we can deal with everything that has happened. I want you to understand. We do not hold you guilty for what your father did. We want to help you."

"I understand," Sam told her. "I really appreciate you understanding my predicament. I didn’t want to go through this in the first place but my father made me. He’s been obsessed with killing Jarrod. I stopped going to see him while he was in prison because that’s all he talked about. When I was a boy he was kind and gentle. He used to take me hunting and fishing. I don’t know what changed him. I still don’t know why he helped rob that bank."

"It’s hard to understand what happens to a man," she said, "when he changes so violently. I don’t know what your father’s motives were but he chose his path and you have chosen yours. You need to go on and live your life. Sam, you are not your father. You are a young man who has decisions to make. How do you think this will affect your mother?"

"It will hurt her deeply," he replied. "She told me years ago that pop was a criminal but I didn’t want to believe her. I guess I was hoping that he would change and be the same man he had been when I was young. But he didn’t. Instead, he tried to push me into helping him, which I did. I realize now that he was wrong and so was I. I want to go forward from here on and do good with my life."

"You’ve taken your first step today," she told him. "I’m proud of the way you acted. Whether you know it or not, you stood up for my son and tried to protect him. For that much I am very grateful. Now we have to concentrate on getting Jarrod well so he can prosecute those men and put them back behind bars where they belong."

"Jarrod is in a coma," he said. "I was afraid of this because of his many injuries."

"Will he come out of it?" she asked already knowing the answer.

"I can’t say," he answered. "I have no control over that. His wounds are starting to heal but he’s still in serious condition. I don’t want to give you any false hopes that he will be fine because I simply don’t know. One thing I would suggest doing is talking to him. Let me know you are here. That may help. But that’s all I can do except change the dressing on his gunshot wound."

"Thank you for being frank," she said. "I had a feeling he was going to stay unconscious for a while. I guess it was mother’s intuition. We have been talking to him but maybe we need to tell him stories. Maybe that will trigger something inside of him."

"It could," he replied. "It won’t hurt to try. I’ll come by day after tomorrow."

"All right," she told him as he left.

Victoria looked at Nick who was also in the room. His face showed what she already knew. Nick was very concerned, as was she that Jarrod might never wake up.

"Nick," she said, "we’ll do as the doctor requested. We’ll tell Jarrod stories and maybe he’ll pull out of this."

"It’s worth a try mother," he replied. "I was just thinking about one while the doctor was talking. It took place when Jarrod and I were boys. We were at the fishing hole with Gene. He couldn’t have been over three or four. He couldn’t bait his hook so Jarrod would do it for him. I was always on Gene’s case, telling him that he was a baby. I remember Jarrod used to get so angry with me for that. Anyway, Gene had just dropped his hook in the water when I started teasing him.

"Luckily," Nick said coming back to the present, "it wasn’t broken but it felt like it was. I spent that night in my room. When you got better, you came and told me that it was all right. I never did pick on Gene after that."

"Nick," Victoria said, "I am still holding out hope that he will wake up but I don’t know now."

"I know mother," Nick replied. "Jarrod has been unconscious for several days now and it doesn’t look promising. I hope to God I’m wrong."

"I feel the same way," she told him. "But we have to face reality. If Jarrod doesn’t wake up, we’ll have to decide what to do. I don’t want to place him some awful place that will treat him like I was treated at that sanitarium."

"He won’t be taken there," Nick said. "I will keep him here and take care of him for the rest of my life."

"You really love him don’t you," she replied. "You two have really been close since the day you were born. Jarrod helped name you. He promised that day that he would take care of you and that you’d never be alone."

"Well," Nick told her, "I’m making a promise here and now. Jarrod will never be alone, locked up in some small room. He will spend the rest of his life right here on the ranch."

"He would smile if he could," she said.

"Yeah," Nick agreed. "I just wish he would."

They continued to sit by Jarrod’s bedside. As the time slipped away their hope began to dwindle. Then something happened. As they were sitting there, Victoria noticed that Jarrod began to stir. She quickly made her way over to the side of the bed.

"Jarrod," she said sitting down beside him, "it’s mother. Come on. You can do it. Wake up."

Nick noticed it too. He got on the other side of the bed.

"Pappy," he said, "come on boy wake up."

Jarrod struggled to wake up. He was having a hard time opening his eyes. He was moaning. Finally, he opened his eyes a slit. Victoria and Nick were overjoyed.

"Honey," she said, "I knew you would come back to us. You weren’t going to let that Dan Rogers have the last word."

"That’s right," Nick replied.

Jarrod mumbled something but his mother didn’t catch it.

"What did you say?" she asked.

"H..o..w....l..o..n..g?" he wanted to know.

"You have been here for the past four days," she answered. "You were badly hurt on Saturday at the fishing hole. Sam brought you to the ranch."

"S.a.m," he said.

"Yes," she replied. "He’s been here with you but he was so exhausted that I put him to bed. He feels very bad about what happened."

"Not...his...fault," Jarrod told her.

"I know," she said smiling. "I think he is aware of it now."

"Get...up?" he asked.

"Not yet son," she answered. "I don’t think you should try moving around till the doctor says you can."

"Was...I...shot?" he asked.

"Yes," she answered. "In the right side."

"It...hurts," he said.

"I don’t doubt it," she replied. "You are lucky to be alive."

"I know," he told her. "Hungry."

"That’s the best thing I’ve heard in four days," she said. "I’ll tell Silas to prepare you some broth."

"Sounds good," he replied trying to smile but he was too weak.

"You rest until I return," she told him.

"Yes," he said turning to look at Nick. "You been here all time?"

"Sure," Nick replied. "You don’t think I would let mother worry by herself do you?"

"No," he told Nick. "I’m glad."

"Me too big brother," Nick said smiling. "Me too."

"Well now," the doctor said, "you look a hundred percent better. How do you feel?"

"I’m sore and weak," Jarrod replied.

"That’s normal," he told Jarrod. "I want to examine you."

The doctor checked Jarrod from top to bottom. When he finished, he smiled.

"You’re going to be fine young man," he said. "However, I want you to take it easy for another week to let everything continue to heal."

"Yes sir," Jarrod replied.

"Good," he told Jarrod. "I’ll see you in a week."

The doctor left and Sam walked in. He wouldn’t look at Jarrod.

"Sam," he said, "I’m not angry with you. You didn’t do this. Your father did. You are not to blame."

"Thanks Jarrod," Sam replied. "But I didn’t try to stop him either."

"You wouldn’t have stood a chance against ten men," he told Sam. "The sheriff will get them. I want you to stay on here at the ranch. I would be willing to tutor you until you finish school and then you can decide about college."

"Really," Sam said excitement evident in his voice. "That would be great. I would love to study the law and either go into law or law enforcement."

"You can continue to work for Nick," he replied. "You can even bring your mother here. There is a small house here on the ranch where the two of you can live."

"Thanks Jarrod," Sam told him. "I’ll go get mother now."

"Wait a minute," he said. "Go talk to your mother. See what she wants to do. Then you can let me know."

"Yes sir," Sam replied leaving the room.

"Jarrod," Victoria asked as she walked in, "where’s Sam going?"

"To see his mother," he answered. "I have offered to let Sam and his mother live here on the ranch while Sam continues to work for Nick. I have also offered to tutor him to get him ready for college."

"I’m proud of you," she said. "You have held out your hand to that boy. Now let’s see if he takes it."

"I agree," he replied.

"Sam," she said, "I’ve been worried sick. Are you all right?"

"Yes mama," he replied. "Sit down. I want to talk to you."

His mother sat down in the chair and Sam told her what Jarrod had said. He also told her of the events that had taken place during his time in Stockton.

"I can’t believe after what Dan put that man through, he still wants to help you," she said.

"It’s true mother," he replied. "Jarrod is a wonderful man. I want you to meet him."

"All right," she told him. "We’ll go."

"Thanks mama," he said kissing her.

The Rogers packed and left. Sam said goodbye to Mr. Bailey.

"Sir," Sam said, "it’s been a pleasure knowing and working for you."

"I’m the one who’s enjoyed it Sam," he replied. "You take care of yourself and your mother. She’s a fine woman."

"I will," Sam told her shaking hands with Bailey and then he left.

When they arrived at the Barkley Ranch, Jarrod met them.

"Mrs. Rogers," he said, "I’m Jarrod Barkley. It’s a pleasure to meet you."

"The same here Mr. Barkley," she replied. "I don’t know what to say."

"Don’t say anything," he told her. "Nick says that Sam is going to make a fair ranch hand and I want to help him get into college."

"You are a blessing sir," she said crying. "I have always dreamed of Sam one day going to college but when he had to quit school to help me I thought that dream was gone forever."

"No it’s not," he replied. "I’m going to make sure."

"You are a good man Mr. Barkley," she told him.

Jarrod took Sam and his mother to the small farmhouse. He helped them unload and then left them so they could get settled.

"Sam," Jarrod said, "you are now ready to attend college. Have you decided where you want to go?"

"Yes sir," he replied. "I want to go to Berkley."

"I have a brother there," Jarrod told him. "I’ll let him know you’re coming."

"Thanks for everything," he said.

"You’re very welcome," Jarrod replied.

Sam went to Berkley and received a degree in law. He met Gene Barkley and Gene helped him settle in. But instead of becoming a lawyer, Sam decided to become a lawman.

"Jarrod," Sam said when he came home from college, "I don’t want to be a lawyer sir. I want to be a sheriff."

"A sheriff?" Jarrod asked.

"Yes sir," Sam answered. "I want to protect people and keep them safe. I almost lost my mama back then. I wish she could have seen me graduate."

"I’m sure she knows," Jarrod said. "She had a hard life Sam. Who knew that her heart was that weak?"

"Yes sir," Sam replied. "I only wish that she could have lived long enough to see my father pay for what he’s done."

"You might one day stop him yourself," Jarrod told him. "Sam, I took the liberty of drawing up papers. They say that I am your legal guardian."

"Thanks Jarrod," Sam said smiling. "I’ve thought of you as a father since I first arrived. Now it’s really true."

"In a way," Jarrod replied. "Your name is still Sam Rogers."

"Well," he told Jarrod, "I’ll have to prove to everyone that I’m worthy of being your boy."

"Sam," Jarrod said, "you already have."

Sam became sheriff of a small town in Nevada five years later. Several months later, he shot and killed his father when Dan Rogers tried to rob the freight office. Sam did not feel remorse about killing his father because unknown to Dan Rogers, Jarrod Barkley had become Sam Rogers’ guardian a year after they moved to the Barkley Ranch. Virginia Rogers had passed away the next year. Jarrod took over and raised the boy. Sam never forgot what Jarrod did for him. When Jarrod passed away years later, Sam had his name legally changed to Barkley at the insistence of Jarrod’s brother, Nick.

"Sam," Nick said after the funeral service for Jarrod, "he really loved you like a son."

"I know sir," Sam replied. "I love him as a father."

"Then will you do me a favor?" Nick asked.

"Anything," Sam answered.

"Will you consider changing your last name to Barkley?" Nick asked. "You have been here off and on since you became sheriff and I think you deserve to be called Sam Barkley."

"Yes sir," Sam answered. "I would be proud to be Samuel Alexander Barkley."