The town of Stockton was hustling and bustling with the excitement the festival was generating. The residents and others from the outlying communities had come together to give what they could to the building fund for the orphanage. Banners decorated the main street with signs directing the visitors to the festival area.

Brightly painted and decorated booths had been erected in the field south of town. A huge tent, with tables and benches underneath, was in the center of the area for people to seek shelter from the sun that was shining overhead. Children of all ages could be heard throughout, laughing and shouting while playing various games. Babies could be heard squabbling, babbling or cooing. Later that evening, the festival dance would be held under the tent on the temporary wooden floor that had been built.

Women were carrying their coveted baked items and quilts to their respective judging areas, hoping for that elusive blue ribbon and the feeling of pride that came with it.

Men were competing in the testosterone based contests from horseshoe tournaments to arm wrestling competitions to horse racing. Their hopes were pinned on being named the best around and gaining the admiration of the others of their species.

Jack Franklin walked around the festival area searching for Charity. They were to join up and enjoy a quiet picnic lunch together down by the stream.

“Jack!” called Heath as he made his way towards his friend.

Jack grinned and waved at the blond that was headed towards him. Shaking his hand, he asked “Heath, have you seen Charity?”

“Yep, she’s at the kissing booth with Audra.” smiled Heath “They’re sure making a lot of money for the orphanage.”

Jack blushed, “Charity didn’t say anything about a kissing booth.”

Heath laughed and slapped Jack on the back, “Don’t worry, she’s just collecting the dime. Audra and Sonja, the new schoolteacher, are doing the kissing.”

Jack chuckled, “How many times have you been through the line, Heath?”

Heath giggled, “About five now. Sonja’s quite the lady and I’m a lucky man since I get to escort her to the dance tonight. Hey, speaking of beautiful women, where’s Sue?”

Jack frowned as he and Heath started walking towards the booth, “We had some trouble at the ranch. She’s coming in later this afternoon.”

“What kind of trouble?’ asked Heath with a concerned look on his face.

“Someone killed two of our steers last night. We found ‘em this morning.” explained Jack.

“Who would do something like that?” Heath growled as the anger rose within him.

Jack stopped his friend with a hand on his arm, “That ain’t the half of it Heath.”

Heath listened as Jack filled him in on the morning’s events.

“She’s coming in with Hank, Davey and Curly. Harold, Pedro and Bill volunteered to spend the evening at the ranch. They said they’d go to the next dance.”

Shaking his head, Heath replied “Whoever’s doing this sure don’t know who they’re messing with.”

Sighing Jack said quietly, “No and they’ve really got her going. She’s not just angry Heath, she’s furious. I’ve never seen her eyes as cold as they were this morning.”

Arriving at the booth, Heath replied, “We’ll do whatever we can to help find these people, Jack. When I see Sue later, I’ll speak to her about it.”

Jack smiled, “Okay, but be prepared to get an earful.”

Heath grinned and introduced Jack to Eugene who had arrived to take Audra to lunch. The men escorted their lunch partners away, listening to the groans of the males that stood in line waiting for a kiss from the beautiful ladies. Cheers replaced the groans as two of Stockton’s other beauties took the places of Audra and Sonja.

Sue and her three men arrived in Stockton later that afternoon to partake in the festival activities. Stopping outside the festival area, Sue dismounted with Hank and gave Satan’s reins to Davey.

Rubbing the bridge of Satan’s nose as he nuzzled her shoulder, Sue spoke quietly “Satan, you be nice to Davey now, ya’ hear.” Satan shook his head and nuzzled her some more. Davey blushed as Hank and Curly laughed.

“Hank, let’s go find Dan.” stated Sue as she walked towards the festival area with Hank beside her.

Ignoring the looks that were directed towards the oddly paired couple, Sue and Hank searched the crowd for Dan, finding him under a tree watching two children playing nearby.

Seeing his visitors arriving, Dan stood and greeted them, “Good afternoon! I was wondering when you’d get here.”

Smiling, Sue and Hank shook his hand. “Hi Dan. Are these your girls?”

Beaming with fatherly pride, Dan nodded, “These are my twins. Jacquelyn and Jenny. They’re two years old.”

Kneeling in front of the girls, Sue smiled and said softly, “What angelic faces!”

Hearing a gentle laugh, Sue looked up and saw a woman who was without a doubt the mother of the two girls.

“Sue, this is my wife Marie. Marie, this is Suzanne Weston.” said Dan.

“Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Baldwin.” smiled Sue.

“The pleasure is all mine. Please call me Marie and I’ll call you Sue. From Dan’s description of you, I feel as if I’ve known you forever.” murmured Marie. “Who is this handsome gentleman?”

Hank blushed as he took off his hat, “Hank Bardo, ma’am. Pleased to meet you.”

“Mr. Bardo.” nodded Marie as she gazed up at the man who was well over six feet five inches tall. “Sue, I can definitely assure you that while our girls do have angelic faces, they also have the devil’s mischevious spirit running through them.”

Sue laughed as they watched the twins interacting with the man who must seem as tall as a tree to them. His game of hide and seek behind his large hands was generating giggles and screams of delights from the twins.

Hating to break up the wonderment of the moment, Sue sighed, “Marie, would you mind if I steal this lawyer away for a few moments.”

“No, of course not. Perhaps you will join us for dinner later.” smiled Marie.

“Thank you. It would be our pleasure.” stated Sue “Hank, would you mind staying here and helping Marie with the girls while their daddy and I go to his office.”

Hank frowned, “Boss, I’m not supposed to leave your side. Jack’s orders!”

“I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. Too many people around. Stay here and play with the kids.”

“I don’t know Boss.” hesitated Hank.

“I’ll be fine. Anyway, I can tell the twins are gonna have you wrapped around their fingers in no time at all.” chuckled Sue as Hank blushed and Marie giggled.

“Please stay Mr. Bardo. The girls are truly enjoying your company. Usually they run and hide from strangers.” insisted Marie.

“Okay, Mrs. Baldwin.” agreed Hank as Sue and Dan walked around the festival area towards main street.

Davey and Curly followed from a distance as their boss walked with Dan Baldwin to his office. Sitting on a bench outside the general mercantile, they waited for the pair to finish their business and leave the office.

“Curly, this shady business is making me edgy.” whispered Davey as he watched the door across and down the street.

“Watching the boss?” asked Curly.

“No! Someone shooting at her and the cattle. I don’t like feeling as if we’re waiting for the other boot to drop.”

Curly nodded, “Yeah. I know what ya’ mean, but you gotta keep it together. Watch the boss, you’d never know that someone was after her.”

“She’s a hardcase alright. Sometimes I think ice runs through her veins instead of blood.”

“There’s no ice in her veins! She’s in the right and whoever is doing this is in the wrong. There’s no stopping someone who’s on the right side. She wouldn’t let an injustice occur to anyone around her and she sure ain’t gonna let one happen to her.” explained Curly to the younger ranchhand. “Her father was the same way, may the Gods help whoever is doing this when it comes to the bitter end.”

Davey sighed, “I still don’t like it.”

Chuckling, Curly said, “Yeah, I bet she don’t like it too much either.” The men stood and hurried towards the door as it opened and the two stepped outside.

“Hi Boss!” called Curly as he approached the two of them.

“Boys, have ya’ been following me?” asked Sue.

“Uh, why would we do something like that? We was just waiting for ya’ is all.” stammered Davey, nervous of upsetting his boss.

Dan smiled as Sue winked, “Just teasing Davey. I know all about Jack’s orders before he left the ranch. Let’s get back to the festival.”

Curly and Davey let out the breaths they had been holding and walked with Dan and Sue to the festival. Approaching Marie and Hank, Curly and Davey chuckled at the sight of Hank on his hands and knees giving the kids a horsey ride.

“Boys, lay off!” growled Sue at her two snickering hands who quickly sobered as they saw the warning look on their boss’ face.

“Well, that was quick.” said Marie as she greet her husband with a quick kiss. “Did you get everything done?”

Sue smiled, “Yes, we did. Thank you Marie. I see that Hank has been keeping the children entertained.”

“Yes, they just love him. Hank has offered to watch the twins so we can go to the dance tonight, honey.” stated Marie beaming from ear to ear.

“Whoa, are you sure Hank? They can be quite a handful.” asked Dan as Hank stood up.

“It would be my pleasure. If it’s okay with you, boss?” asked Hank quietly while holding each girl in one arm.

“If you want to, its okay with me Hank. How about if we all go have supper at the Cattleman’s? Then Hank you can go to the Baldwins afterwards and they can show you what you may need to know about taking care of the girls tonight.” suggested Sue.

“Sounds like a great plan. Marie and I’ll join you at the Cattlemans shortly. We’re gonna take the kids over to the facilities and get them cleaned up for supper.” smiled Dan as he and Marie each took a girl from Hank.

“Okay, see you in a little bit.”

Sue watched as the couple walked away. “Let’s see what type of booths they have set up, guys.”

The four of them walked through the festival area stopping to look at the offerings of the different booths. Davey stopped Hank and gestured towards the blond whose back was to them. Hank grinned and the others watched as he snuck up and lifted the blond off his feet and put him over his shoulders like a sack of grain.

“Boy Howdy, Hank! I think you’ve grown!” laughed Heath as Hank put him down and embraced him in a mountain sized hug.

“Great to see ya’ sprout!” laughed Hank as he winked at his friend with the lopsided grin. “I couldn’t believe it when I heard you was here.”

“It’s great to see you too, Tiny!”

Nick , Jarrod and Victoria stared in shock at the size of the man before them. He had picked up Heath as if he were as light as a feather. Heath introduced his family to his other friends.

Victoria smiled graciously, “It’s so nice to meet you gentlemen. I hope we get to see more of you since we’re neighbors.”

Curly, ever the gentleman, bowed to Heath’s mother, “That would be our honor ma’am.”

“Will we be seeing you at the dance, Sue?” inquired Jarrod.

“I’ll make an appearance. I won’t be staying long as the other men are guarding the herd. I wanna spell them by midnight.” explained Sue.

Nick nodded, “I haven’t seen the other three men yet. I’ll let you know when I do.”

Gazing in the hazel eyes, Sue read the concern there and smiled warmly as Nick’s heart soared, “Thanks, Nick.”

Heath grinned at the sparks between his friend and brother, “You boys gonna be at the dance?”

Davey snickered as Hank glared at him, “Hank’s gonna babysit tonight.”

The others laughed as Davey hid behind the boss when Hank went after him.

Shaking her finger at Hank, Sue teased, “I told you not to beat him in public Hank. Wait til we at least get back to the ranch.”

“Boss!!” exclaimed Davey from behind her as the others chuckled at the scene before them.

“Hey, you started it Davey. Hank’ll finish it later.” stated Sue “Victoria, we shall see you later. We have to meet the Baldwins for supper.”

Sue was rewarded with a motherly hug as Victoria smiled, “Tonight, we will show whoever’s bothering you that the Barkleys are standing by you all the way.”

Sue blinked the tears away that had welled in her eyes from the hug and inspirational words, “Thank you Victoria. That means a lot to me.”

Jamie Foster, a black haired petite woman with full red lips and a full bust was attached to the arm of Nick as he walked into the festival tent, feeling the looks of jealously from the unattached men in the area. Jamie, proudly holding the arm of one of the most eligible bachelors in town, smiled at the looks she was receiving from the ladies ranging from wistfulness to anger to hunger.

The couple made their way to the rest of his family who were gathered around with their respective dates on their arms and surrounding their mother. The Barkley family looked stunning in their evening wear as Jack and Charity made their way towards them.

“Charity, you look absolutely beautiful.” said Audra as she gave her co-chairperson, wearing a midnight blue chiffon dress, a hug.

“Thank you, Audra. You’re very beautiful yourself.” smiled Charity.

Audra, looking stunning in a lavender satin dress, introduced everyone to Jack and Charity and asked. “Where’s Sue?”

“She and the boys will be here shortly.” stated Jack with a smile. “Charity wanted to make sure we were here for the first dance.”

The group exchanged small talk as the orchestra started playing. The couples made their way onto the dance floor and moved like butterflies across a gentle breeze to the music of a waltz. Victoria, in a high collared white dress, smiled as she watched her children enjoying themselves. When the music stopped, murmurs and gasps could be heard through the crowd gathered by the entrance way, Victoria stood as the crowd parted revealing the Baldwins followed by the newcomer to the area flanked on either side by her two, smiling and proud escorts.

Jamie Foster, with her back to the doorway, saw the jaw of Nick drop as he stared at someone behind her. Turning with annoyance, she gaped at the auburn haired woman that was approaching.

Suzanne Weston, her auburn hair swept up and back from her face, hanging in french braids to her shoulder, wore a black silk evening gown which revealed the milky white skin of her shoulders and a hint of her cleavage.

The black silk was accented with a Jade green velvet lining and sash. Around her throat lay a jade and diamond necklace. The matching earrings accented the green in her eyes. Her beautiful face was radiant and glowing.

Suzanne Weston floated into Stockton’s social circle that night in a dress straight from a Paris fashion show. Jamie Foster knew from the enthralled look on her escort’s face, she had already lost the battle she’d have started for his affection and attention.

Victoria walked out and greeted their neighbor, “Sue, you look absolutely breath taking.”

Returning the hug, Sue grinned, “You look beautiful also, Victoria.”

Heath gave his friend a hug and introduced her to Sonja, “Sue, Heath has told me so much about you. He’s lucky to have a good friend like you.”

Sue, seeing Heath’s eye shining like stars in a clear blue sky as he gazed at the pretty brunette, smiled, “It’s nice to meet you Sonja. You’re the lucky one to have Heath as your escort tonight.”

Sonja blushed, “Thank you. Just for that kind remark, I’ll let you have him for one dance.”

Heath chuckled and kissed his escort’s hand. “Shall we, Sue?”

Heath held out his arm to his friend and walked her onto the dance floor. The orchestra struck up with another waltz and the crowd watched as the newest Barkley son danced with the newest rancher. The rest of the Barkleys and their guests followed them to the dance floor. Davey dressed in his tuxedo danced with Victoria as Curly danced with Sonja and entertained her with tidbits of his time with Heath in Texas.

Heath grinned, “You’ll be the talk of the town for months.”

“Well, we gotta give them something to wag their tongues about. They’re all probably wondering where my gun is.” smirked Sue as Heath laughed. “Hey, how come you didn’t mention Sonja to me?”

“Sorry, I haven’t seen ya lately and I’ve been preoccupied.” said Heath with a sly grin.

Laughing, Sue smiled back as they floated across the dance floor. “I can see why, Heath. She’s absolutely beautiful.”

When the music stopped, Heath and Sue left the dance floor. “Thank you Sonja. Here’s your escort back. Heath, you must bring her out to the ranch sometime.”

“I would love that!” replied Sonja excitedly. “Thank you.”

“Now go dance you two and we’ll make plans later.” stated Sue after Heath had introduced Eugene to her when he asked to dance with the lovely rancher.

Jamie Foster latched onto Nick’s arm as he tried to leave the dance floor. “Nick, aren’t you going to dance the next dance with me?”

Seeing Eugene escorting Sue onto the floor, he said distractedly, “Yeah, sure.”

Nick’s eyes could not keep from following Sue Weston as she danced one dance after another. Jamie’s voice kept falling on deaf ears as she tried to turn his attention back onto her. Victoria smiled as she watched her children on the dance floor. Seeing, Nick’s eyes following Sue’s every movement, she was filled with the hope of a budding romance. Hearing a part of Jamie’s conversation with Nick as they danced by, Victoria chuckled, knowing the poor girl had no chance against her competition, Sue Weston.

“Nick, remember you’re here with me! Nick! NICK!” snapped Jamie as Nick looked at her in surprise.

“What are you yelling for?”

“You haven’t heard a word I’ve said, Nick Barkley. You just keep oggling that woman!”

Nick blushed, “I am not oggling her. I’m just keeping an eye out for her. She’s a friend of my brother Heath.”

Feeling a tap on his shoulder, Nick graciously stepped aside to allow Curly the opportunity to dance with his date. Seeing Sue talking to his mother, Nick walked over and bowed, “May I have this dance, Sue.”

Sue smiled, “You may, Nick. Please excuse us, Victoria.”

As Nick escorted Sue onto the dance floor, the other dancers around them could feel the electricity flowing between them. Lost in the feel of each other’s arms and the look in each other’s eyes, they were oblivous to all.

“You look ravaging tonight, Sue.”

“Thank you, Nick. You are looking quite handsome yourself.”

“Are you having a good time?” asked Nick.

Sue smiled, “Yes, I am. How about yourself, Nick?”

“Sure. I always have a good time at these shindings.” “Your date is very beautiful, Nick. I don’t think she likes me dancing with you, though.” teased Sue as she gazed into his warm hazel eyes.

Losing himself in her green eyes, Nick smiled warmly “No one here can hold a candle to you tonight, Sue.”

Sue blushed, “Why thank you Nick. What a wonderful thing to say.”

Bending down, he whispered in her ear, “I only speak the truth, my dear, only the truth.”

The blood rushed to Sue’s face as Nick whispered in her ear. Her heart was pounding so fast, she thought it could be heard all the way to Sacramento. Her stomach was full of butterflies flying on a gentle breeze.

When the music stopped, Nick held her hand to his lips and whispered, “Thank you, Miss Weston.”

“Thank you, Mr. Barkley.” whispered Sue feeling a sense of loss as he was snatched back up by Jamie Foster.

“Boss, may I?” inquired Davey with a smile.

Chuckling, Sue nodded, “It would be my pleasure, Davey.”

Sue danced with Davey unaware that John Travis was watching her every move from the shadows. Lack of sleep caused dark circles to form under his eyes, giving him a haunted look. His dreams had been plagued by the girl before him, bewitching him with her green eyes, her lips and her beauty. In his nightmares, her green eyes held a promise of a future together, then she would turn on him and be the cause of his death. The very carefully maneuvered pieces on the chess board would change direction irratically ruining his carefully planned out strategies. The lack of productive results was eating away at his soul like acid would eat through metal.

His mind was following an erratic course from sleep deprivation and he was on a downward spiral. His hunger for fame, power and fortune was erroding away his mind. His focus became centered on the one person who stood in his way and haunted his very existence.

He was a changed man. The employees and customers of the bank had become concerned about his appearance. Having to satisfy their curiousity and stem the gossip mongers, he had informed them he was ill and was taking a vacation to get the rest he needed.

Seeing Barrett standing at the opening of the tent, Travis made his way towards him.

“Barrett!” hissed Travis from the shadows.

Barrett walked towards the sound of his name. Stopping in front of Travis, he could barely make out the expression on Travis’ face due to the darkness of the shadow.

“John, I’ve been looking all over for you.” whispered Barrett.

“Why are the Barkleys surrounding that woman?” snarled Travis angrily.

“I don’t know. I did like you asked. I shot at her and killed the steers.” stammered Barrett as a cold dreadful feeling filled his whole being.

“Did you lead her back to the Barkley ranch?”

“Yeah, I did! Some of the men were talking about how she tracked someone back to the ranch.” explained Barrett.

“Were you riding Nick’s horse?” hissed Travis.

“Uh, I couldn’t get Coco. Duke was in the stables til early this morning.”

Travis grabbed Barrett and dragged him into the shadows as his rage drove him over the edge. “Idiot!! We needed her to think it was Nick Barkley that killed her steers, now you’ve ruined it!”

“Mr. Travis, it’s gonna work out just fine.” pleaded Barrett as he saw the wildness in his partner’s eyes. “We can think of something else.”

“You’re right. Sorry for letting my anger get the best of me. Let’s go where we can talk privately.” Travis smiled as Barrett nodded and the two men left the festival area.

Sue and her escorts left the dance with the Baldwins at eleven that night. Before leaving, Sue handed Charity and Audra a check.

“This is for the orphanage from all of us at the ranch. The men, Maria and Jose contributed part of their salary and I’m giving the rest.” smiled Sue as Audra and Charity hugged her.

Heath and Jack grinned at each other as Nick muttered, “kittens and kids.”

Davey escorted Sue to the hotel to change while Curly walked the Baldwins home. Entering the house, the three of them spied Hank in a rocking chair asleep with the twins nestled in his arms. Curly gently tapped Hank’s arm to rouse him.

Hank woke and looked sheepishly at the three grinning faces. “How was the dance?”

Dan and Marie each took one of the sleeping twins from Hank, “It was wonderful Hank. I can’t thank you enough.” replied Marie as she kissed his cheek.

Dan chuckled as the blush rose up from Hank’s neck to his cheeks, “Hank, we had a wonderful time and we weren’t worried at all about the girls. We knew we had left them with a very capable caretaker. Thank you again.”

Hank rose and put on his hat. “It was my pleasure. Anytime I can help you just let me know.”

Curly smiled, “We better catch up with the boss. Night all.”

The two walked to the hotel from the Baldwins. Curly informing Hank of the dance and how beautiful their boss looked.

“I ain’t ever seen her in a dress before, Hank.” whistled Curly. “After she walked in, no one paid any of the other women there much mind.”

Hank chuckled, “I bet some of the women there didn’t like that very much.”

“I think Nick Barkley’s date would have spit nails at the boss if she could have. You should’ve seen the lady Heath was escorting. He’s a lucky man!”

“Sorry I missed it, but I had a wonderful time with the twins. I just love kids.”

Curly laughed, “We all know that Hank! You’d make a wonderful father, even the boss has said that.”

Hank noticed a man laying in the entrance to the alley by the hotel. “Curly, let’s see if that guy needs some help.”

Curly sighed, “Ah, he’s probably just sleeping off a drunk.”

“We’re here, lets check anyways.” stated Hank as he walked up to the man and nudged him with his massive hand. “Hey buddy, wake up.”

Curly helped Hank turn the man over when they couldn’t wake him and the light cast from a window of the hotel shone across the man’s upper body, “Damn Hank! His neck’s broken!” exclaimed Curly as he stood up.

“I’ll get the sheriff.” said Hank as he headed down the street.

Davey and Sue walked up the street of Stockton leading the horses to the hotel where they would be meeting Curly and Hank.

“Hey, Boss. Look at all those people at the hotel.” said Davey.

Sue looked up the street, “Wonder what’s going on?”

Tying the horses at a hitching rail across from the hotel, they made their way over to Hank and Curly who were speaking with Sheriff Madden.

“Guys, everything okay?” asked Sue with a concerned look at her employees.

Fred smiled, “They’re just giving me their statements, Miss Weston. They found a dead man in the alley.”

“That’s horrible.” said Sue sadly. “Any idea of what happened, sheriff?”

“His neck’s broken. Could have been from a fall or something. I’ll know more after I talk to the Barkleys in the morning.” stated Fred as he continued writing in his book.

“The Barkleys? It wasn’t one of the Barkleys, was it?” exclaimed Sue as the color drained from her face

“No, boss!” stammered Curly “It’s one of their hands.”

“Geez, don’t scare me like that, Sheriff!” snapped Sue.

“Sorry, Miss Weston.” said Fred. “I’m done with your men. If I have any other questions, I’ll come out to the ranch.”

“Okay, thanks Sheriff.” nodded Sue as she walked to Satan with the men following.

Davey peppered Hank and Curly with questions as they rode to the ranch. Sue, lost in the memories of the dance, vaguely heard the conversation around her. Hank’s deep voice brought her back to reality.

“I’m sorry Hank, what did you say?”

“Do you want us to spell the men at the herd, boss?”

“Ride out and see if they had any problems. If they didn’t, you all come in and get some sleep. But if they had any trouble, two of you stay with the herd and the other come back and let me know.” stated Sue as she dismounted and led Satan into the barn.

Unsaddling Satan, Sue felt a twinge of pain in her left shoulder. Putting her saddle on the rail, she walked to the house rubbing her shoulder. ‘Great! Doc’s gonna kill me if I overdo it. Guess I better wear the sling tomorrow.’

Maria greeted her boss at the door, “Miss Sue, did you have a nice time?”

Smiling, Sue poured a glass of sherry for her and Maria, “I had a wonderful time, Maria. Here, sit and I’ll tell you all about it.”

....Continued