Boarding the train, Nick and Heath sat apart from the rest of the passengers beside each other. As the train pulled out from the station, Nick looked at his little brother and asked quietly, “Who’s Varner?”

Pushing his hat up from his forehead and taking a deep breath, he spoke quietly, “When I was working on Sue and her father’s ranch, we were having problems with rustlers. One day, I was out riding fenceline with this kid Andy and we came up on Varner and one of his men real sudden like.”

Closing his eyes, Heath could see the incident as if it were yesterday. Nick, reached over, squeezed his shoulder, “What happened?”

Tossing his big brother a shadow of a lopsided grin, Heath continued, “I got the man closest to me, but Andy went down with Varner’s first shot. Then he hit me in the right shoulder. While I was laying on the ground, he pumped two more into my back for good measure. I would’ve died that day if it weren’t for Sue.”

“Sue found you?”

“Yeah. Sue was riding out to help us check the fenceline and came up on us. She plugged my wounds and got me up on Satan with her. She took me to the nearest neighbor. I was unconscious, but I could hear her ordering me to fight to live. She kept saying, ‘You’re gonna live Heath. Don’t make a liar out of me, Thomson!’ I probably would’ve checked out from the pain alone if it wasn’t for her voice.”

“After the doc came and took over, she sent the neighbor boy over to the ranch with a note about what happened. She went back and covered Andy, then she took out following the trail of the rustler. She didn’t know it was Varner, she was just following the trail of the man who had killed one of her hands and injured another.”

“She went alone?” frowned Nick.

Chuckling, Heath grinned, “Nick , ain’t you noticed by now she’s stubborn?”

“Alright! I shouldn’t be surprised, but she’s gonna give me a few gray hairs.” smirked Nick.

“Since their ranch was so large, we could never find a recent trail to follow before. She went alone and followed the trail until it was too dark to see. She made a cold camp and waited til morning. By then, her father had the rangers going after her led by Dan Freely. They caught up with her and she lead them to Varner and his gang. There was shooting and Varner’s men were killed. In the confusion, he tried to get to his horse, but Sue shot him in the leg and the rangers captured him. To this day he has a limp in that leg.”

“So, he stood trial but why did he kill her friend?”

“Nathan was the judge that presided over the trial. I was the main witness and Petey Samuels, the foreman of the jury. Varner made threats against all of us, including Sue and Captain Freely, the day he was being dragged out of the courtroom. He’s a vicious man, Nick. He has no conscience about killing anyone and it looks like he’s trying to make good on his threats.” said Heath quietly.

Squeezing Heath’s shoulder, Nick growled, “We’ll be there soon, Heath and we won’t let her leave our sight for a minute.”

Nodding, Heath grinned, “Thanks for coming with me, Nick. It’ll be easier to keep an eye on her if there’s two of us.”

“I’m gonna be busy keeping one eye on you, little brother and one on her. Varner will have to come through me to get to you two.” stated Nick firmly as he pulled his hat over his eyes to catch some sleep before they arrived in Texas.

Feeling the rush of emotion wash over him from Nick’s protective words, Heath smiled and copied his big brother’s idea of getting some rest before they arrived.

Only Varner knew what the future would bring.

Climbing down from the roan and leading him, Evan Varner limped to cave and entered. Grabbing the lantern, he adjusted the flame after lighting the wick. Taking the horse to the back of the cave, he kicked the trussed up man laying against the wall in the stomach and laughed cruelly at the grunt of pain he heard. Sitting on a rock, he built up the fire and boiled water for coffee.

Pete Samuels glared at his kidnapper from his bruised face. He was surprised he was still alive. He didn’t have a chance when Varner surprised him at his homestead by hiding behind his door and hitting him over the head. He knew Varner had escaped from his prison, but never thought he would come back to the area and carry out the threats he had made at the trial. He had assumed the man would flee for parts unknown to avoid the long arm of the law.

Watching Varner closely, Pete kept working at the ropes that tied his hands behind his back. The ropes had sliced into his wrists and he could feel the blood on his hands. He kept stretching and pulling the ropes, hoping the slickness of the blood would allow him to slip his wrists free. Once his hands were free, he could easily free his legs and slip away.

Varner poured a cup of coffee and spoke nonchalantly, “I hear Judge Mathis got hisself killed.”

Taking a sip, he watched Pete Samuels close his eyes as if in prayer.

“Praying ain’t gonna do him any good now.” laughed Varner, his black eyes piercing beneath his brows. Limping over to Samuels, he grabbed his hair, yanking his head back.

“I also hear that maybe your old boss will be back in town today or tomorrow. It’ll sure be nice to see her again!” smirked Varner at the widening of Samuel’s eyes and the noise he was making behind the gag in his mouth.

Throwing the head forward, Varner limped back to the fire and picked up his cup, “Don’t worry Samuels, you’ll see her soon enough.”

Sue lay on the bed in her hotel room going over the events of the day in her mind. The afternoon ride to Petey Samuels’ place had yielded no clues other than the blood on the floor by the door. She had agreed with Tom’s suggestion that Varner had surprised Pete and probably knocked him out as he entered his home. Tom watched patiently as Sue scoured the ground for tracks. None were to be found as it had rained the night after Samuels had disappeared two days ago.

After arriving back in town, she stabled the horse and went to the office of the town attorney. Nathan Mathis had been a bachelor all his life and had no living relatives. He left most of his worldly possessions to Suzanne Weston, ‘the daughter he would have liked to have’, the will had stated. The other part of his inheritance went to his secretary, Alice, who had worked with him for the majority of his career.

Walking down the boardwalk to the undertaker’s office, Sue had to fight the emotions running rampant through her. Anger, defeat and sadness fought amongst themselves to break free from the barrier she kept them behind. Reaching the office, she entered and took care of the details for the funeral that was to be held tomorrow. The body of Nathan Mathis, disfigured from the brutal beating, was to be laid to rest in a closed casket. The burial could wait no longer due to the Texas heat.

Returning to the hotel, she had bypassed the restaurant knowing she wouldn’t eat, opting for a bottle instead. The desk clerk handed her a note from Manuel stating Captain Freely would not be returning for two days.

Getting up from the bed, she poured herself another shot and drank it down in one swallow. Shivering from the taste of the whiskey and coughing from the burning in her throat, she poured another and walked back to the bed putting the bottle on the bedside table.

Pouring another with tears welling, she gazed at the brown liquid in the glass and whispered, “I don’t know if I have the strength to say goodbye to someone else I care about.”

Drinking the shot, she laid her head back against the head board and smirked, “‘You can’t find courage in a bottle’, that’s what daddy would be saying to me now, if he were here.”

Feeling the effects of the alcohol on an empty stomach, the tears of anger ran down her cheeks.

Shattering the glass against the wall, she growled, “Petey. Nathan. I’m gonna kill that bastard!”

Alcohol had not affected the sense of caution within her, when she heard the knocking at the door and took out her pistol. Swaying as she walked to the door, Sue flung it open and pointed her gun.

“WHAT IN THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?” shouted Nick angrily after she startled the beejeepers out of him.

“Nick!” slurred Sue lowering the pistol, “You’re lucky I didn’t shoot ya’!”

Taking the pistol from her hand, he pulled her into the room with him and shut the door.

“Sue, you’re drunk.” stated Nick sitting her on the bed and catching the smell of whiskey.

“Not drunk enough.” slurred Sue trying to focus her eyes on him. “Stop movin’, Nick!”

Chuckling, Nick caressed her cheek. “I’m not moving, honey. I’m sitting in front of you.”

Gesturing wildly, she rambled not taking notice of his words, “Nathan’s gone and Petey’s missing. I’m gonna kill that bastard when I find ‘em, Nick.”

“We’ll get Petey back.” said Nick gently.

Shaking her head, tears rolled down her cheeks and she stammered, “No. No tracks. No tracks. My fault, I gave him a limp. It’s my fault.”

Wrapping his arms around the distraught and intoxicated woman, Nick pulled her to his chest and spoke gently. “Don’t cry honey. We’ll find him. Heath and I will find him.”

‘Heath and I?’ ran through Sue’s fogged mind.

“Heath’s here?” Pushing Nick away, she stumbled to her feet and held onto the bedpost as the room spun around.

“Yeah, he’s in the room. We just got in on the train.” replied Nick confused.

“HE’S ON THE LIST NICK!” shouted Sue as she yanked open the door and fell into the hallway.

Nick helped her up from the floor and held her by her arms, “What list, Sue?”

“Which room?” slurred Sue.

Hearing the commotion in the hallway, Heath opened the door and stepped out, “Nick, what’s wrong?”

Nick grinned slightly, “I’m not sure. She’s talking about some list.”

Leaning against the wall with relief, Sue smiled and slurred, “Heath, I thought he got ya’”

“Who? Varner?” asked Heath looking into the alcohol glazed eyes.

Nodding, Sue slid down the wall and Nick caught her. “Come on darling, we’ll get you some nice hot coffee.”

Glancing over, Sue reassured herself that Heath was still sitting at the table with the sheriff and then scowled when Nick poured another cup of coffee and placed it in front of her.

“Nick, no more coffee please.” said Sue feeling waterlogged.

Looking at the misery on the face across from him, Nick took the cup back and smiled, “Next time, eat before you drink.”

Fighting the nausea in her stomach, Sue groaned, “If you know what’s good for you, don’t mention food again!”

“Sorry.” replied Nick taking her hand and holding it in his. “Let’s get you upstairs so you can get some sleep.”

“Heath.” called Sue grimacing as her head protested the echo inside of it.

“Tom, I’ll see you in the morning.” grinned Heath.

Shaking his hand, the Sheriff smiled and nodded, “Watch yourself, Heath.”

“I will.” replied Heath.

Nick guided her to the stairs with Heath following. Up the stairs, Nick and Heath waited outside the water closet for Sue to reappear.

“Nick, I can take care of myself.” whispered Heath.

Nick poked him with a finger in his chest and whispered angrily, “I promised her we’d all stay together! If you think I’m gonna break that promise, you’re crazy!”

Rolling his eyes, Heath snorted, “Nick, I’m just gonna…”

Opening the door, Sue frowned at the brothers in front of her. Nick’s posture denoted anger and Heath’s defiance.

Hearing the hushed conversation through the door, she stared into the blue eyes and stated, “Give me your word, Heath.”

Heath asked, “My word for what, Sue?”

“That you’ll stay with Nick and me. I want your word.”

Knowing Heath would not break his word, Nick smiled widely and Heath glared at him. Sighing, Heath said, “I give you my word.”

Squeezing his forearm, Sue replied, “Thanks, Heath. I’ll feel better having you and Nick near.”

Taking Sue’s arm, Nick suggested, “Let’s get your blankets and pillows. We’ll stay in my room.”

Collecting the items, the three entered Nick’s room and locked the door. Nick and Heath spread their blankets on the floor while Sue sat on the bed.

Heath lay on the blankets and closed his eyes, “Night.”

Sitting on the bed, Nick caressed her cheek and whispered, “Sue, you best get some sleep.”

Nodding, she lay down and Nick pulled the blanket over her. Bending over, he kissed her tenderly.

“Nick, thanks for being here.” whispered Sue closing her eyes.

Staring at the ceiling, Sue heard the even breathing of her roommates. Ever since the telegram had arrived in San Francisco, sleep was slow in coming. Her mind would run a marathon of thoughts through it, keeping sleep at bay.

Sitting up, she leaned against the headboard and sighed. Going through her mind were questions. Was Petey alive? If he was alive, where would Varner have taken him? How would he use the man he had taken against her? Does he know I’m here? Does he know Heath’s here? Where is Varner hiding?

Swinging her socked feet over the edge of the bed, she carefully stepped over Nick and walked to the window. Pulling the curtains to the side, she looked up at the moon. Lowering herself in a chair by the window, she gazed at the man laying on the floor deep in sleep. His features reflected his relaxed state of mind. His dark hair falling over onto his forehead glistened in the moonlight. Closing her eyes, she thought of his kisses before she got on the train with Charity and Sonja. Remembering his passion caused her cheeks to burn. Sue had to stifle the urge to lay beside him and enclose herself in his strong arms.

Somberly she remembered why she had arrived here. Nathan’s funeral was tomorrow and she was thankful to have the brothers here to stand beside her. Putting her arms on the table, she lay her head down as the tears silently fell remembering the gentleness of the man who was taken from this world so brutally.

‘Please give me the strength to make it through.’ she begged until sleep finally came.

Miguel and Juan watched the man leaving the cave with his horse. Although, they were to stay on the reservation, they would came to the mountains to hunt and fish. The supply of food the Indians received from the government needed to be supplemented to last until the next shipment would arrive.

They had never seen this man before but he looked like the man the Texas Rangers had warned them about and he had one bad leg. Talking amongst themselves, the two Yaquis teenagers argued. If anyone knew they had left the reservation, the whole tribe would pay for their actions. They knew that someone had to let the rangers know the man they sought was here. Deciding they would seek the advise of the padre at the mission, Miguel turned to leave when Juan grabbed his arm and pointed. Watching, a man stumbled out of the cave and fell to the ground. Unable to rise, the man started crawling slowly away from the cave stopping after only a few feet.

Running towards him, Miguel and Juan grabbed his arms and carried him away into the underbrush. Satisfied they were far enough away, they lowered him to the ground.

Petey Samuels had waited until Varner rode away. The days of working on the ropes had finally allowed his hands to slip through the hold they had on him. Varner’s knowledge of Suzanne Weston’s arrival was the item that was foremost in his mind. His planning of how to get her and reek his revenge became his only thought and he neglected to check the bindings on his prisoner.

Stumbling on legs that were numb and cramped, he made his way out of the cave. Falling to the ground, he gasped as the pain shot through him. Dehydration, blood loss from the beatings and the knife that Varner cruelly thrust into him last night had weakened him dramatically.

Unable to gather the strength to rise and run, he started crawling slowly from the place he was sure he would be left to die in. Jarring his already broken ribs and sending a shockwave of pain through his body, he lost his battle to stay conscious. The blackness surrounded him and he was unaware of his two young rescuers that carried him further away.

Miguel and Juan observed the man’s beaten face and body. Opening his shirt, they located a knife wound responsible for the large amount of blood on the front of his clothes. Ripping the bottom half of his shirt, Juan folded it and placed it over the wound.

“We take him to the padre.” stated Miguel as Juan nodded in agreement. Carrying the man between them, they made their way back to their horses.

Father Martinez watched the riders approaching the mission. Seeing the Yaqui teenagers, he walked out to meet them and was shocked at the man in front of Miguel.

Juan and the padre relieved Miguel of his burden. Lowering the man to the ground, Father Martinez spoke, “The rangers have been looking for this man for three days. They thought he was dead.”

“Other man leave cave and we bring him here.” replied Juan.

Pete Samuels opened his eyes and moaned in pain as the sun assault him. Shading the man’s eyes, Father Martinez said softly, “You’re gonna be okay Mr. Samuels.”

Looking at the man in the robe, Pete grabbed his arm and whispered frantically, “Father, don’t worry about me. We gotta warn Sue Weston. He’s on his way to town to get her.”

Miguel and Juan looked at each other in surprise. The Yaqui tribe had been thankful for the gift she had given them. They knew of her love for her Yaqui guardian and the land she lived on. The land they received had supplied them with a bountiful harvest of corn. They knew she no longer lived here but in another place called California.

Kneeling, Juan looked in the padre’s eyes, “We go warn her.”

Putting his hand on Juan’s arm, the Father shook his head, “No. You can’t be seen in town. I’ll go and warn her. Take him into the mission. I’ll have the sisters hide him and care for him until the doctor arrives.”

The two stood Pete Samuels between them and carried him into the mission. Father Martinez explained to the sisters who hurried to gather the items they needed. Going out to the barn, he saddled one of the horses Miss Weston had given the mission. Climbing into the saddle, he galloped towards town.

In the early morning light, Dan Freely stood across the grave and paid his respects to the judge he was proud to call friend. Searching for two days, the rangers had not located Varner or the body of Pete Samuels, who they felt was dead. He had arrived back in town as the mourners approached the grave for the start of the funeral.

Glancing over under the brim of his hat, he studied the man who stood beside her. He had watched as the man walked to the grave beside her and held her elbow. Bending over, he had whispered in her ear and Sue had squeezed his hand in response. Heath stood on the other side of her and nodded a greeting when Dan appeared.

The paleness of her face caused Dan’s heart to twist at the pain she was going through. His love for her shined in his eyes as he looked up and into the hazel eyes of the dark haired man beside her. The priest completed the service and Dan watched as Sue laid a flower on the casket and placed a kiss on it.

Walking away from the grave, Nick stayed by her side until she stopped under a tree on the other side of the graveyard away from the others. She took a deep breath and looked into the gentle hazel eyes.

“You would have liked Nathan. He was a decent and caring man.” said Sue softly and fighting the tears that wanted to escape.

Caressing her cheek, Nick saw the tears welling and drew her into his arms. Comforting her and stroking her hair, he whispered, “It’s okay to cry and let it all out. I’m here for you.”

Tightening her arms around him, Sue let the river of tears escape and start to purge the grief out of her soul. Clinging to Nick, she wiped her tears when they subsided.

Holding her, he looked into the emerald eyes and said softly, “I think there’s a Texas Ranger waiting to speak to you, honey.”

Standing on her tiptoes, she kissed him tenderly, “Thanks again, Nick for being here.”

Taking her hand, he walked beside her and stated firmly. “I love you and beside you is where I’m gonna stay.”

Evan Varner’s heart jumped for glee when he saw the three people at the graveside service that he had waited four years to seek vengeance on. The funeral had seemed to drag on. He watched intently as Sue Weston and the tall man walked away from the others at the funeral. Reaching a tree, they had stopped and the man was obviously comforting the woman who was crying. When she kissed the man, Varner grinned evilly and thought, ‘interesting.’ The couple walked back to the others and stood in conversation with Heath and Dan Freely.

Dan watched as Sue and the man walked away from the graveside together. Keeping an eye on her, he saw the man comforting Sue and the kiss he received from her. Regret and sadness filled his being and he sighed deeply. Heath heard the deep exhale and followed Dan’s eyes to the couple.

Heath explained softly, “He’s my brother. He’s a good man, Dan.”

“If she’s happy, that’s all that matters.” replied Dan. “It’s good to see you again, Heath.”

“You too, Dan. Although I wish it were under different circumstances.”

Looking at Heath, Dan smiled slightly, “Yeah. So do I.”

The two men stood waiting as the couple headed back towards them. Stopping in front of Dan, Sue returned his hug and smile, “Dan, this is Nick Barkley, Heath’s brother. Nick, this is Captain Dan Freely of the Texas Rangers. Dan’s an old friend of mine.”

“Nice to meet you Nick.” said Dan extending his hand.

Taking the extended hand, Nick replied, “You too, Captain Freely.”

“Did you find Petey?” asked Sue.

Shaking his head, Dan frowned, “I’m sorry, Sue. We haven’t found any sign of Varner or Pete.”

Looking to the horizon, Sue nodded, “I was thinking last night and came up with a list of possibilities of where Varner could be hiding, Dan. How about if I run them by you and we compare with where you have searched so far?”

Heath nodded, “Sounds like a good place to start.”

“Yeah, sounds good to me. Let’s do it over coffee.” suggested Nick.

Agreeing the four headed to the restaurant and sat at a table occupied by Sheriff Watkins. Running through the sights Sue had come up with, Dan was able to clear five of the possibilities.

“The mountains are too large to search thoroughly. There’s too many ways in and out.” stated Dan.

Nick frowned and then asked, “Is there an old-timer that may have trapped in the mountains when he was younger?”

Tom smiled, “Harry Frost. He’s around eighty and he’s been here for a long time. Maybe he’d have some ideas.”

“Tom, why don’t you ask him what he thinks?” asked Sue watching the sheriff hurry off to find the old man.

Dan stood up and put his hat on, “Sorry, but I have to get back to headquarters and catch up with what’s been happening the last few days. Let me know what Tom finds out.”

“Okay, Dan. We’re gonna take a ride out to the mission this morning.” smiled Sue.

“Be careful. There’s no telling what Varner will do.” stated Dan firmly before he left.

“I need to wire the ranch before we leave for the mission and let Jack know we’re okay.” said Sue drinking the last of her coffee.

After taking care of the wires and obtaining horses from the livery, the three rode out of town towards the former ranch. Nick listening intently while Sue relayed the history of the former ranch to him.

“Dad came out here when he was only eighteen. He saw this area of Texas and fell in love with it. For a while he was the only white man here. He built a small cabin and fortified it against attack. He even had an escape tunnel. He knew this land with its water supply would be more bountiful than a mine of gold. The people back east needed beef to feed them and furs for their clothes. He planned on giving them both and making his fortune. His first hand was Pedro’s great uncle who had barely escaped the wrath of an angry husband in Mexico. Dad found him and brought him back to the cabin. He worked and fought with dad by his side until his death. He’s buried in the family plot. When Dad went east one time be came back with mom. By this time, he had a full crew that would work and fight when needed. I came along 10 months later but childbirth and this life was too much for her. He buried her and raised me. That is essentially how the Weston Ranch came to be.”

Seeing a cloud of dust coming towards them, they reined in and waited for the rider to get closer.

“It’s Father Martinez.” said Sue kicking the horse into a gallop to meet the rider with the brothers following.

Recognizing the woman coming to him, Father Martinez pulled his horse to a stop. “Miss Weston! Mr. Samuels is at the mission and he’s badly hurt.”

“Petey Samuels?” asked Sue in surprise.

“Si. Miguel and Juan found him in the mountains and brought him to me. He needs a doctor.” exclaimed the padre.

“Sue, I’ll go back to town and get the doctor. You and Heath go with the father.” replied Nick.

“Nick, I think we should stay together.” said Sue worry reflecting in her emerald eyes.

Nick grinned, “I’ll be okay. Varner doesn’t know me so you don’t have to worry.”

“He’s right Sue.” agreed Heath softly. “The doc’s office is by the sheriff’s office. Let Tom know about Pete when you get to town and he can let Dan know. The doc can show you where the mission is.”

“Okay, I’ll bring him back in a hurry.” replied Nick turning his horse and riding back to where they came.

Sue looked at Heath, “I still don’t like it, but lets go see Petey.”

Riding fast, the three arrived at the mission and went inside. Father Martinez lead them down a hallway to a back room and opened the door. Walking over to the bed, Sue grinned at the brown eyes peering from the battered face.

Taking his hand, she said softly, “Petey, you’d do anything to get out of work.”

“Hi boss.” whispered Pete. “Heath, didn’t expect to see you.”

Looking over Sue’s shoulder, Heath grinned, “None of us were expecting to see you alive, Pete.”

Coughing slightly and moaning from the pain, Pete nodded, “Damn lucky, I’d say.”

Checking his knife wound, Sue frowned, “The doctor’ll be here soon. You get some rest.”

Looking at his former boss, Pete smiled, “I was worried he was gonna grab ya’ at Nathan’s funeral.”

“What?” exclaimed Sue feeling a shiver of fear run down her spine. “What are you talking about, Petey?”

Pete saw the surprise and fear on his friends’ face, “Varner. He said he was gonna see you at the funeral.”

“Nick!” shouted Sue running from the room and out to the horses with Heath on her heels.

Jumping in the saddles, they galloped back the way they came. Fear caressing their souls, the two hoping the man they loved had made it back to town without meeting the vengeance seeker.

Dan Freely and Tom Watkins watched the two riders galloping down the street and stop in front of them.

“Is Nick here?” shouted Heath.

Puzzled, Dan shook his head, “I haven’t seen him. Why?”

“No!” cried Sue in anguish. Turning her horse, she rode back down the road towards the mission.

“It’s Varner! Come on!” called Heath following Sue while Tom and Dan ran to their horses.

Heath’s breath caught in his throat at the sight of Sue kneeling on the side of the road holding a black hat. Jumping down, he ran over to her.

Looking up at Heath, the tears streamed down her face and loss reflected in her stunned emerald eyes, while a frightened whisper escaped her lips, “Nick.

....Continued