The knock on the door served as a distraction to the family. Doc and Victoria stayed with Heath as the other’s followed Jarrod downstairs to receive their caller.

“Fred, Good Morning. What brings you out this way?” Jarrod greeted, opening the door wide allowing the lawman to enter.

“Mornin’ Folks, I have some troublesome news and I wanted to talk to Heath, is he around?”

“Fred, I’m sorry, Heath is not able to talk to anyone right now. Is there something we can do for you?” Jarrod asked guardedly.

“Well, I wanted to see if he wanted to ride with us to the orphanage, seems that one of the children had run off at the start of the storm. Jenna went searching for the boy and last night when Sister Mary Catherine started her trip, both had been missing for hours. I have a group of men on their way to search the area. Knowing that Heath and Audra work with the kids, I thought that he’d want to be a part of the search.” Fred informed, as he looked into the faces of the Barkley’s, noticing that all of them looked like they had not slept a wink.

“Are you folks okay? You look a bit troubled yourselves.” Fred added.

“Heath had an accident, Howard is with him now.” Victoria informed, as she came down the stairs from where she had overhead the conversation.

“Sorry to hear that, I guess I should be on my way.” The Sheriff said, as he headed for the door. “I reckon from the worry on all your faces, the boy’s in bad shape.”

“We’re concerned, but hopeful that he will just fine.” Jarrod tried to sound positive.

“Fred, if you give me a few minutes I’ll go with you. Heath would want to be a part of the search party. I’ve done all I can for him here, I think he’d want me lookin’ for the boy and Jenna.” Nick told as he gazed into Victoria’s eyes.

“Nick, Heath would appreciate your going, I’m sure of that.” Victoria encouraged, knowing that family knew the worry Jenna’s disappearance would cause Heath...would cause them all. They had grown to truthfully care very much for the girl. She brought such happiness to Heath, and was just easy to like. She was down to earth and seemed to understand Heath so well.

Nick ran upstairs, taking them two at a time. They all watched as he stopped first at Heath’s door and went in.

“Doc, how’s he doin’” Nick asked as he sat next to his still unconscious brother.

“Nick, like I explained before, he’s got some rough days ahead. For now, we need to keep this fever down and work to keep him comfortable. We’ll just have to take it as it comes.”

The aging healer wished he could give a more confident answer. He watched as Nick leaned in and patted the right side of Heath’s face, speaking firmly, yet ever so caring.

“Little Brother, you fight hard. Do you hear me boy? I’ll be back in just a short while and when I do, I want to hear that you’re doing better.” Nick looked back at Doc Merar and ordered as he left, “Take care of him!”

Nick and Fred arrived at the orphanage and went inside to talk to the Sisters before heading out to join in the search. Nick looked around as they entered, he had been there a few times but was not a regular unlike his sister and brother. Audra had told Nick several times that Heath was wonderful with the children and that he seemed to truly connect with their heartache and was able to make them laugh. Nick felt a sense of pride standing there representing his brother, one who was making a difference here.

“Thank you for coming, gentlemen.” Sister Rachel greeted, trying to be cheerful.

“Happy to come Sister, I take it the men arrived and are out searching?” Sheriff Madden questioned.

“Yes Sheriff, we told them what we could and they divided up and went ahead. They ask that I tell you they were covering areas north and west of the orphanage first and would circle back here before moving in any other direction. They said they would fire off two shots if they were found and three if they needed help.” The Sister informed as she held up fingers, as a visual for the number of shots.

“Sister, were you able to give any clues on where the boy might be headed and could you give us some information about him. I’m hoping we’ll find them together, but if not it may help having details about the child.” Nick interrogated.

“Well, Louie is seven. He’s a good boy, that’s why this just makes no sense, he’s never run away before. He has a little sister here and he’s so protective of her, I can’t imagine him leaving her behind like he did. He was wearing a plaid shirt and tattered overhauls. I’d bet he didn’t have shoes on, he doesn’t care much for them. He has sandy colored hair and freckles across his nose.” The men listened as the Godly woman painted a sweet picture of this missing child.

“Did anyone talk to his little sister about his whereabouts?” Fred questioned.

“That was my next bit of information for you. Jenna spoke with Jillie just before she told us she was going out to find Louie. She hurried off, and said nothing of the conversation that took place.” Sister Rachel stated.

“Well then, get the kid and let’s talk to her!” Nick scolded, growing anxious to get on the road.

The older nun looked sternly into Nick’s face and smugly replied,

“Well now Mr. Barkley, do you not think we are smart enough to have already done that? Please remember most of the children here have suffered unspeakable happenings in their lives. Jillie is four years old and has been here since she was two. Until three months ago the only person she said a word to was Louie and that was only in whispers into his ear. Your brother and Jenna have won her trust. She talked to Jenna last evening as I told you. We have tried for hours to encourage her to tell us what she knows, she will not say a word. I asked her if she would tell Mr. Heath and she at least gave me a nod. The other men told me, Sheriff, that you were bringing Heath with you, has he already joined the other men? I know he must be upset about Jenna and Louie, but I was hoping he’d stop by here first.”

Nick uncrossed his arms from across his chest. Humbled by the words he heard. Shaking his head he extended his apology.

“Sister, I’m sorry...I didn’t realize...” The usually vocal cowboy was at a loss for words.

“I guess you couldn’t have known, let’s start over, Heath...where is Heath.” Sister Rachel smiled.

“Sister, my brother had a terrible accident and was unable to come. As a matter of fact, he is still unconscious. When I left, Doc Merar was still with him and the family. I came in his place.” Nick shared.

“Oh dear, I will pray for him. Well, I guess we won’t be able to get any help from Jillie then.” She soothed.

“Do you mind if I try, I promise to be nice.” Nick smiled.

“If you want to try, I’ll get her.” Sister Rachel responded as she left to find Jillie.

Jillie was a tiny little thing, much like that kitten Nick had battled with much of the night. Her strawberry blonde hair hung to her shoulders and her big green eyes showed the fear she was feeling. Nick got down on his knees and still seemed to tower over the child.

Wanting to make Jillie as comfortable as possible, Nick changed his position, taking a seat in a chair, located in the small cozy parlor. Nick lifted the light weight girl and sat her on his lap.

Fred smiled as he watched Nick speak in a quiet, reassuring voice.

“Jillie, I’m Nick Barkley. Heath is my brother, you remember Heath, don’t you?”

Jillie looked at the stranger giving a scowl, then a nod, confirming that she did certainly know Heath.

“Well Jillie, Mr. Heath is not feeling well, so since I’m his big brother, I came to help find Louie and Jenna. Louie is your big brother and I’m Heath’s.” Nick explained.

At the words of Heath not feeling well, Nick saw tears fill her eyes.

“Honey, don’t worry, Heath will be okay. He just was too sick to come outside and ride a horse. He sure wanted to, but our Mother wouldn’t let him. You met our mother on her birthday, when Heath brought her for a visit. Do you remember?”

Jillie again nodded her head. Nick thought to himself, no wonder this kid and Heath get along, neither of them know how to talk.

“Jillie, since I’m Heath’s brother, I was wondering if you’d tell me where Louie had to go last night. You told Jenna and she must have gone there too. Will you tell me Jillie?” Nick was ready for the pretty little girl to spill her guts.

Jillie, looked up at the cowboy, who had tried to be as gentle and kind as he had ever been. Without hesitation she gave a firm negative shake of her head.

Nick’s patience was wearing thin, he smiled a frustrated smile at her and moved her to the floor. Standing he looked at Fred and Sister Rachel, “Well, I guess we head south, right Fred?”

Fred smiled, knowing that he best get Nick out of there before he blew his top!

“Yes, Nick. Sister, if the men get back ahead of us, let them know we headed south and that leaves only the western quarter to cover.”

Fred listened to Nick grumble for a good quarter mile, before he lightened up and got past the little girl with the cherub like face.

Heath woke in a fog like state and as the doctor expected, was in unspeakable pain. They fought him to stay awake and pushed him to acknowledge their questions. He seemed unable to speak, the Doctor thought it was due to the fever and the pain. Their unending bantering seemed to stress him all the more. They forced him to drink and take some broth, but he was unable to keep the liquid down. They cleaned him up and while they had him upright, Doc Merar wanted to check the wound, so that meant Jarrod had to hold him up in a sitting position even longer while the binding that supported his broken ribs was removed.

Why didn’t they just leave him be...he was hot with fever and ever hotter was the frustration growing inside him. Finally, through the pain, over all the chatter that filled the room, they were talking about him like he wasn’t even there, not allowing him to stay veiled in the fog that comforted him. Jarrod, Audra, and Victoria watched as Heath battled to speak to them.

They smiled when he whispered out a raspy, irritated, “Leave me alone!”

“Sweetheart, it will be a long time before you talk me into leaving you alone again.” Victoria smiled as she watched him settle and take in the surroundings he found himself.

“Do you remember what happened?” Doctor Merar quizzed his patient.

Heath looked around the room bewildered. It seemed he was surrounded by people. One on the left, one at the right and two more at the end of the bed. The air seemed thick and hard to breath. He tried to think, but thinking just made his head hurt. He knew they wanted to hear certain pieces of information that told them he was okay...but he couldn’t remember. He hurt all over and just wanted to sleep. Without realizing it, he started to drift off, but was rudely pulled back by a light smack on his face, as he heard his name.

“Heath, sorry son, you’ve got to stay with us. Answer a few questions for me and I’ll let you sleep.” Howard urged, as he moved closer to his patient.

Heath felt like he was floating, only the pain keeping him from drifting from the bed. They must have him tied down, he thought as he tried to move, he had no success. He wanted to roll over, turn his back to them, stop the staring...but his body wouldn’t oblige. With the only body part that seemed to obey his commands, he took his right hand and shoved on the blanket that covered him, trying to find relief to the heat that seemed relentless. “Too hot!” He mumbled.

All the energy it took to finish that the task of moving the blanket and she moved it right back.

“Heath, you’re warm because of the fever, you need to stay covered.” Audra instructed as she place his hand back under the blanket.

Victoria took a wet cloth and wiped his face and neck. The coolness, produced a shiver, causing her to withdraw the cloth. Heath caught her hand with his and saw the worry in her gray eyes.

“Feels good...don’t stop, Mother.” The chilly compress seemed to lift his fog and make the view around him clearer.

Heath’s recognition of her made her smile and caused the fear in her heart to ease.

“Heath, I believe the good Doctor would like you to answer a few questions, if you feel like trying.” Jarrod encouraged. “First, I believe I have something that might help you remember the last few days.”

Jarrod turned and brought the small wooden, make shift bed, toward Heath. Jarrod held up Storm, the tiny kitten that had been not only the cause, but part of the solution to this calamity. Holding the feline so that his younger brother could see clearly the wee animal dangling over the bed.

As if on command, Storm let out a big half growl, half meow. Storm didn’t struggle, but allowed Jarrod to hold him.

They all saw Heath’s reaction, the slight smile that crossed his lips. “Storm...” Heath spoke softly.

At hearing Heath’s voice, the kitten leaped from Jarrod’s grasp and scurried up toward Heath. In amazement, the others watched as the kitten seemed to know exactly where to place himself so that Heath could stroke him and Storm leaned in to hug his friend and responded with a loud purring vibration.

Jarrod smiled, knowing that the little feline that had not only led them to Heath, but had given so much levity to their stressful night. Storm was a solid link for Heath to the events that had occurred.

The questions came... slow, breathy replies gave responses the Doctor wanted. He promised Heath that once he had gone over all the injuries with his patient awake, he’d give him something for the pain and allow him to sleep.

While the doctors hands probed and questioned, Victoria got a cup of warm, soothing tea into her blond son. They encouraged him to take deep breaths to avoid any further respiratory problems. By the time the doctor was done, his patient was exhausted and hurting. Doc Merar was pouring the medication that would ease the pain and allow sleep to comfort his patient, when they heard Nick’s loud voice calling for the Doctor, Audra and Victoria to come downstairs.

The trio, left Jarrod with Heath and made their way toward the foyer where Nick stood.

“Nick, must you shout!” Victoria scolded, “You could easily have joined us upstairs!”

Suddenly, they noticed the tiny pair of legs that hid behind Nick’s.

“I do have a good reason, I‘ve brought a visitor for Heath.” Nick responded as he took the little hand and led Jillie to his side. Though she had not wanted to talk to him, and was willing to come with him only to see and talk to Heath, it was obvious she wanted nothing to do with the dark haired cowboy. Right now though, in this strange place, he was her only security. The way she held on to him, first her arms wrapped around his legs and now the way she clung to his hand, made him feel good. Maybe Heath had something truly good with these kids!

They all showed surprise in seeing the little girl.

“Jillie, you know Audra, how about if she takes you to the kitchen for a glass of milk. It was a long ride on Cocoa and I’ll bet your thirsty.” Nick suggested as he winked at Audra.

Jillie liked Audra and smiled as Audra extended her hand and they headed to the kitchen.

“Nick, I know you meant well,” Victoria’s voice held concern, “But I don’t think your brother has the energy to visit with a child right now.”

“Mother, I know that and I wouldn’t have done it if it wasn’t necessary. We have searched for hours and not found Jenna or the boy. As it turns out, the boy is her brother. The Sister told us that Jillie only talks to three people, her brother, Jenna, and Heath. We think she knows where Louie ran off to and why. We believe she told Jenna and now in order to find them, we need her to talk to Heath.” Nick explained.

“Howard, what will it do to Heath, hearing that Jenna is missing?” Victoria questioned.

“Well, if there was any other way, I’d advise against it. I guess we have no choice. Let’s give him the medication and get him more comfortable, then Nick can tell him. We’ll see how he takes the news, then we’ll bring the child in.” Doc Merar decided.

Nick checked on Audra and Jillie, quietly explained what was happening. He then hurried up the stairs where the others would be waiting for him to tell Heath about Jenna and Louie.

Nick entered and Victoria suggested Nick sit on the right side of the bed, Heath would be able to see him better there. Taking his brothers arm and giving a worrisome smile, Nick started to speak.

“Hey little brother, I hear that you’re on your way back...you’ll be sittin’ in the saddle racing me to the North Pasture, before you know it.

Heath smiled, already feeling the medicine comforting him into a less painful state.

Nick told his brother of Louie and Jenna and that he had Jillie downstairs. Nick explained that this was the only way to find them and that Jillie only wanted Mr. Heath.

They watched for Heath’s reaction, they witnessed his struggle to listen and saw the concern on his face. Heath, always the one to keep concerns inside, even now did well in hiding his emotion.

Heath nodded his head to his brother and only said, “...bring Jillie.”

Nick nodded for Jarrod to open the bedroom door, allowing Audra to enter with Jillie.

Audra led the child around the bed to Nick. Nick picked her up and sat her on the bed beside him.

The adults in the room watched as Jillie and Heath talked.

“Hello Peanut, do you have a hug for me?” Heath spoke softly and slowly, trying to hide his pain from the child.

She crawled up and slipped into his embrace, his right arm holding her close as he kissed her head.

Jillie raised up a bit and kissed Heath’s cheek.

“Thank you Peanut, I sure needed that hug and kiss, makes me feel better already.” Heath told her.

Jillie leaned in toward Heath’s ear and whispered, whispered as children do, just loudly enough that the quiet room could hear her words.

“Mr. Heef... I sorry you sick. You real hot.”

“Peanut, I fell down from the ladder in the barn and as you can see, silly old me, I hurt myself pretty good. Even got a fever.” Heath explained.

“I see you met my Big Brother, Nick, I’m glad you came with him to pay me a visit. Remember what we’ve been talking about though, that you need not to be afraid anymore to talk to people...especially folks who care about you. I want you to know, I always talk to Nick when I have a problem...so you can trust him, okay.”

Jillie nodded her head in response.

“Peanut, can you tell me about Louie and Jenna? We need to find them.” Heath watched as she looked around the room at all the grown-ups listening.

“It’s okay honey, they have to be here in case I need them, and they can help me listen to what you have say,” Heath comforted.

Jillie sat up and looked only at Heath as she started her story, “Louie finded Molly for me, I scared without her,” the little girl shared.

“Molly...your dolly, that you sleep with?” Heath questioned.

“I lost her by the water, at the picnic. Miss Jenna tried to find her, but it rained and we had to go. The tunder scared me and Louie said he’d go get Molly and bring her back.”

Audra remembered the planned picnic, “Jenna and some of the Sisters were taking the children to Rock Creek for an outing Thursday, that’s over two miles from the orphanage.”

“Did Louie know where you lost Molly?” Heath questioned.

“I telled Miss Jenna where him went She said she’d find him and Molly.” Jillie nodded while she explained.

“Well, Peanut that was mighty brave of Louie to go out in the storm to find Molly for you.” Heath told her, giving her a reassuring squeeze.

“Louie loves me...him takes good care of me.” She spoke proudly.

“I know just how he feels Peanut, I have a little sister too!” Heath managed a tired smile at Audra.

Heath was growing more fatigued by the minute and Nick having the answers he needed wanted to get back to the search.

“Jillie, I think Heath needs to rest now, why don’t you and I go downstairs and pack some cookies for you to take back with you.” Victoria proposed.

Jillie, leaned in close and gave Heath a kiss good-bye and allowed Nick to pick her up and turn her over to Victoria and Audra.

When they had left the room and only the brothers and Doc Merar remained, Nick assured Heath that he would find them.

Nick arrived back at the orphanage and was pleasantly moved when Jillie hugged him before Sister Maria took her and her basket of cookies to the kitchen. Sister Rachel saw Nick’s smile and watched as his eyes followed Jillie out of the room.

“Children have a way of stealing our hearts, don’t they?”

Nick nodded with a smile, “You bet Sister! I am going outside to signal the men to return here. We need to head over to Rock Creek. Louie went to find Jillie’s doll... she left her behind the day of the picnic.”

“This is all about Molly! That boy sure loves his sister, this isn’t the first time he reacted with his heart and not his head.” The Sister quipped.

Nick shook his head at the words the Sister spoke. It was the second time today he had heard the statement, once about a boy and once about a man...both whom loved their sisters very much.