Working for Adam Howard

by Janet

Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV program "Big Valley" are the creations of Four Star/Republic Pictures and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended by the author. The ideas expressed in this story are copyrighted to the author.

Plot Summary: Jarrod starts to work for Adam Howard after graduating from law school and his first job may be his last.

Prologue

At the age of twenty-five, Jarrod Barkley was fresh out of law school having just graduated with honors. He realized he was quite older than most of his graduating class but he had opted to spend four years in the Army first during the four bloodiest years of a war no one really wanted. The experience of serving in Washington, D.C. had helped prepare him for the hard work he had to do to achieve his goal of becoming a counselor at law. It had also allowed him to finish in four years rather than the traditional six or in some cases eight. He had taken and passed the bar exam, was relieved to have that behind him. But how would he achieve his goal of practicing law? The man who was supposed to help him was dead. Oh how he missed the colonel. But he knew he had to go on. He just wasn’t sure how.

Jarrod took the train from San Francisco to Stockton. As he rode in the Barkleys’ private car, he thought about his life. He was the son of a prominent businessman and rancher. He was now a lawyer hoping to set up offices in both San Francisco and Stockton. He was heading home to his family whom he hadn’t really spent much time with in the last eight long years.

“Matt,” he said to himself, “I hope you are all right. I know when I left Washington; you were in some trouble on account of Julia Saxon. I hope you know that if I can help you, I will.”

Finally three hours later the train pulled into the Stockton station. Jarrod left the train. He had not wired his family that he was coming home today so he knew there would be no one to meet him. He rented a horse at the livery and headed for the Barkley Ranch.

“Tom,” Victoria said as he walked into the house, “I wonder how Jarrod is. I haven’t heard a word since we all attended his graduation three weeks ago. I wish he would come home.”

“Relax,” he replied looking at her. “Jarrod’s a grown man. He can take care of himself.”

“That’s not what I’m talking about,” she told him. “I miss him. He’s been gone for so long.”

“I understand,” he said softening. “I miss him too.”

They heard horses’ hooves and before they could get to the window to look out, Audra came running down the stairs, a wide smile on her face.

“He’s home,” she said as she ran to the front door.”

“Who’s home,” Victoria asked as Audra ran by.

“Jarrod,” she answered. “He’s home.”

“Jarrod,” Tom said. “You wanted him home.”

“Let’s go meet him,” Victoria replied heading for the door.

Jarrod rode up and immediately he was happy. He was home. Then he saw his sister and parents coming toward him.

“Jarrod,” Audra said as he climbed down from the horse, “I’m so glad you’re home. I’ve missed you.”

“Audra,” he replied looking at his sister. “You’ve grown up. It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long. I can’t believe it.”

“Will you stop talking and let me hug you,” she told him hugging him.

Jarrod returned the hug. His parents walked up.

“Why didn’t you let us know you were coming home,” Tom asked. “We could have met you at the station.”

“I didn’t know myself until earlier that I was coming home,” he answered. “I didn’t want to bother you.”

“Bother us,” Victoria said hugging him. “It wouldn’t have been a bother. We’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed being here,” he replied. “I’m just relieved to have my law degree.”

“We’re very proud of you,” Tom told him.

“Where are Nick and Gene?” he asked changing the subject.

“Nick is out working with the men,” Tom answered. “He’s decided it’s time he started taking some of the responsibilities of the ranch. As for Gene, he’s away at Berkley. He got accepted.”

“I didn’t know,” he said smiling. “I’m happy for him.”

“Come in the house,” Victoria replied. “I bet you are tired.”

“A little,” he told them.

They walked into the house. Jarrod went to his room to get settled. Tom got the impression that Jarrod had a problem of some kind. He decided to let his son come to him with it when he was ready.

“Father,” Jarrod said that evening after dinner when he and Tom were alone in the study, “I’ve passed the bar exam and I’m ready to set up my law practice but I’m not sure whether I should set up a practice of my own or work for a practicing attorney for a while to get needed experience. “What do you think?”

“Son,” he replied, looking at his son, “I understand where you are coming from but you’re speaking to the wrong man. Granted I am a well-respected landowner as well as a businessman here in the valley but I’ve only dealt with a lawyer on a few occasions. Why don’t you talk to Judge Parker? He might be able to help you. He was a practicing attorney for many years before he became a judge. He can advise you on the best way to proceed from here. Or you could speak to Judge Tyrone. He helped you one time. Maybe he would again.”

“Col. Hodges was supposed to help me,” Jarrod told him becoming very solemn. “But he’s dead.”

Tom could see how much the death of Colonel Robert Hodges had hurt his son. He could tell that Jarrod thought a lot of the man. After all he had helped Jarrod during his stay in Washington as well as getting him into law school.

“I need to let people know that I am a practicing attorney,” Jarrod said breaking Tom out of his thoughts. “But I also need experience. I think the experience should come first, don’t you?”

“Jarrod,” he said trying to answer his son’s question even though he didn’t know the answer, “you could advertise in the Stockton Eagle. I’m sure Martin Erskine would be happy to place a notice in the newspaper telling the people of Stockton you are open and ready for business. You know that Martin will go out of his way to help you. He has followed your schooling and is proud of you. But in the meantime, why don’t you take a few days to relax. You’ve been going non-stop since you returned from Washington. You need a break. I know it would make Nick happy to have you here working beside of him again. And I could really use your help. With Gene gone, there is a lot that needs to be done.”

“All right,” Jarrod replied accepting the offer his father had made. “Maybe I can give Nick and you a hand here at the ranch but I can’t advertise in the newspaper. They frown on lawyers doing that. They don’t think it’s ethical to advertise. Maybe you’re right. I should have a word with the judge. Maybe he can help me. But as for Judge Tyrone, he’s busy with his own son. I understand he wants Buddy to become a lawyer when he finishes school. In the meantime it would be nice to work beside of Nick again. We used to work together when we were younger. I can’t believe how the time has passed. We have both gone our separate ways.”

“We could really use your help,” he told his son. “Spring branding has started. And we both are so busy. Believe me I know time has really passed. It was just yesterday you were a small tike following me around. I remember taking you places and how quiet you were. You listened to everything that was said whether you understood it or not.”

“I learned a lot from you sir,” Jarrod said still thinking about the colonel. “I’ll always remember what I learned.”

“Son,” he replied smiling, “I realize that we are not cut from the same cloth. But you are still my son and as my son I am very proud of you. Whatever you decide to do about your practice I’ll stand behind you.”

“I appreciate it sir,” Jarrod told him not realizing what he was doing to his father. “I’ll be ready to go to work first thing in the morning.”

“Good,” he said. “I’ll be expecting you.”

Tom watched him leave and realized how much Jarrod had changed in the time he had been gone. He was more self-assured and confident. He was not the same timid boy that had left here eight years earlier bound and determined to join the army. He knew that his son would go far as a lawyer.

Jarrod walked upstairs to his old room after his talk with his father and got ready for bed. He knew that Tom was trying to help him but he wasn’t sure if he could use his father’s influence. He wanted to do this on his own. He wanted it to be all his. He had lived in the shadow of his father all his life. Now it was time to do something on his own.

“And I will,” he said as he changed his clothes into his nightshirt and climbed into bed “I will show everyone that I can do this on my own.”

His room hadn’t changed much since he had been gone. Oh, he had been home on weekends and holidays but it wasn’t the same. He felt like he didn’t belong here any longer. He was sure that someday he would move to San Francisco and settle down there with his law practice. He loved the city with its hustle and bustle. He also had a place in his heart for this ranch and a promise he had made to Nick. He had told Nick that once he was finished with school, he would be available to help run the financial side of the ranch. He knew Nick would be the hands on man and keep the men in line but he was not much of businessman unlike their father.

But in the meantime, he was willing to help his father and brother out here. He looked forward to doing manual labor. He needed to give his mind a rest and working out on the range would make him feel better about things. He had really missed Nick. The way he and Nick used to argue over just about anything. But those days were gone. And he sure had changed in the last eight years. He was now six-foot tall, with dark brown hair and crystal clear blue eyes. They were the same color as his father’s but his was a brighter blue. He now looked his father in the eye. And he was almost a head taller than his mother. Nick had shot up too. He was at least an inch or two taller than Jarrod. But one thing he really missed was Rachel, the colonel’s daughter. How he longed to hold her in his arms. How he missed smelling the perfume she wore and her big brown eyes along with her beautiful smile. He hadn’t seen her since they were both very young and he was in his second year of law school. That day when they were locked in the icehouse still remained etched in his memory. She had stayed by his side even though he had a bullet in his leg and the man who had locked them up had wanted to make him suffer. Then her father had forbidden her to see him out of worry for the safety of his only daughter. How hurt he was when he was finally told. But she was gone. She and her mother had gone to Virginia after the death of the colonel He had to carry on now without her. But he knew in his heart that he would never stop loving her. He didn’t even get to say goodbye. He was sure that it wouldn’t be easy but maybe after he started working, his thoughts wouldn’t dwell on what might have been.

“Why does everyone I care about either leave or die?” he asked out loud. “I just don’t understand why I’m the one who always loses someone I care about. First, the colonel died and then Rachel went away. I want to be able to love and not worry about them leaving or dying.”

Jarrod turned over on his side and cried. He didn’t really know why but he couldn’t stop the tears once they started.

Downstairs in the kitchen as Tom walked through heading for the barn to check on his second son who had ridden in a short time earlier, his wife, Victoria called to him. She was helping Silas prepare a breakfast menu for the next morning. She wanted to fix Jarrod’s favorite foods now that he was home.

“Tom,” she asked looking up from the list she was preparing, “where is Jarrod?”

“I think he went to his room to go to bed,” he answered stopping to look at her. “Why? Is there a problem?”

“I wanted to see him before he turned in,” she said looking unhappy. “I think he’s worried about what to do now. He seemed so preoccupied.”

“I know he is,” he replied nodding. “We just discussed his immediate future. I’m not a lawyer and don’t profess to be one. He’s a bright boy. I guess I should refer to him now as a man. And boy is he ever a man. I can look him square in the eye. I couldn’t do that a few years ago.”

“Do you really think he’s worried?” she asked standing up from the table where she and Silas were sitting.

“Yes I do,” he answered. “You know how he holds everything in. He didn’t come right out and say it but I could tell it was worrying him. Mainly about how to get the clients to learn about him. I don’t think he wants to use the Barkley name to start his practice. I got the distinct feeling that this is something he wants to do on his own. I think he was just discussing it with me so I wouldn’t feel left out. I got the feeling he was looking forward to Bob Hodges helping him instead of me.”

“What can we do to help?” she asked. “I’m sure that none of that is true. He wants you in his life. You should know that. The colonel was an important person in his life while he was in Washington but he’s home now and has you.”

“I told him to forget about it for a few days,” he answered. “Nick and I could really use his help. The work is piling up faster than we can get it done. I’m not talking about whether he wants me in his life. I’m talking about the fact that I can’t help him with this. It’s something he has to do on his own. And I believe he is very capable of doing it.”

“I think that’s a great idea,” she said smiling. “He’s been working so hard for the past few years. He needs some time to himself. Tom, I know what you’re doing. You’re separating yourself from your children, letting them leave the nest and make their own mistakes along the way.”

“I hope so,” he replied. “But I got the feeling there is something else bothering him other than his practice. He didn’t come out and say anything but it was the way he acted that made me wonder. Losing Bob Hodges was a big blow to him. He really looked up and respected Bob. I can’t fill the void left by him.”

“Are you sure that’s what’s bothering him?” she asked. “Is it possible that in the four years he was in Washington, he could have considered Hodges more as his father than you?”

“Like I said,” he answered, “I’m not positive about what’s bothering him. It was more of a feeling. He knows who his father is. At least I hope he does. But Bob’s death left a void in his life. I don’t know but I guess it is possible. He hasn’t had me in his life in the last eight years. I’ve always said that those boys have to make their own name in this valley. They can’t use me to get what they want.”

“Maybe he’ll tell us,” she said hoping that Jarrod would open up some time. “Maybe he hasn’t had you physically involved in his life over the past few years but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t love and respect you. I understand what you’re saying. But just remember that both he and Nick are still our sons and I’m not turning my back on either one.”

“You know how he is about keeping everything inside,” he replied. “We may have to force it out of him. I know he loves me but is it as a father? You know what he called me during our talk? Sir. Only once did he even call me father. I don’t want to sound angry but he’s my son and is calling me sir instead of father. I think he’s gotten his father and father figure slightly mixed up. I don’t know whether I should mention it to him or let him come to me. And I’m not ever going to turn my back on my children. I mean that they are grown and as grown children this is their life and they need to make their own decisions whether good or bad. They will learn from their mistakes as I did.”

“I hope not,” she told him. “He’s a grown man now. He has a right to work out problems on his own. Tom, calm down. Jarrod is sensible. He will see what’s he’s done and try to fix it. But in the meantime try to be understanding.”

“I know that,” he said looking at her. “I know he’s a man. But we can still be there if and when he needs us can’t we? I don’t want him to lock up his feelings inside like he has done since he was a small boy. I’ll try to be understanding but right now it isn’t easy. It’s so hard to stand there listening to all the good things he had to say about Bob and not one time did he even attempt to talk about me.”

“Certainly,” she replied. “Maybe he’ll tell us what’s bothering him. And we can get all of this out in the open and straightened out.”

“I hope so,” he told her but he couldn’t get the fact that maybe his son didn’t consider him father any longer out of his mind.

He remembered the way Jarrod addressed him earlier as sir rather than father. He hadn’t paid much attention to it until now but deep down it really hurt. He knew that Jarrod was trying to adjust to his new career but he didn’t seem happy about talking to his own father. Tom shook his head.

“I’m sure I’m just blowing this up out of proportion,” he said continuing out to the barn. “I bet Jarrod will come to me and apologize for his over sight earlier.”

As he walked into the barn, twenty-one year old Nick was just putting his saddle away.

“Father,” he said looking up.

“Son,” Tom asked, “did you get everything finished?”

“Mostly,” he answered. “We have some more to do in the north pasture but we’ll start first thing in the morning.”

“Good,” Tom said looking at his dirty son. “You better get cleaned up and then get some sleep.”

“Yeah,” he replied heading into the house.

Tom stood there watching Nick leave the barn. He hadn’t told Nick that Jarrod was home on purpose. He wanted to surprise his second son who had been complaining since Gene had left about needing someone else. He wanted to see Nick’s face when he saw Jarrod in the morning.

Chapter One

The next morning, Nick was up early and gone before Jarrod came down. Tom didn’t tell Nick because he wanted him to be surprised. However, Nick was still in the barn when Jarrod came down to eat.

“Morning Jarrod,” Victoria said as he sat down.

“Mother,” he replied and she could tell he had been upset.

“Honey,” she asked, “is there a problem?”

“No,” he answered but he wasn’t able to hide his feelings completely from her. “I’m all right.”

“Are you sure?” she asked.

“Yes,” he answered eating his breakfast.

Victoria knew from what Tom had told her the night before what his problem was. But she didn’t press him. She wanted to give him a chance to tell them when he was ready.

“I’ll be in the barn saddling up,” he said as he rose from the table. “I told father I would help him and Nick.”

“I’m sure it will do you go to get out in the fresh air,” she replied smiling.

Jarrod left heading out to the barn while Nick was carrying a sheet of paper out of the barn at that precise minute. Jarrod smiled as he saw Nick heading toward him but he didn’t say anything.

“What in blazes?” he asked stopping quickly to keep from knocking Jarrod down. “Jarrod! When did you get home?”

He grabbed Jarrod up in an enormous bear hug happy to see him.

“Yesterday,” Jarrod answered patting his brother on the shoulder. “I’m sorry I haven’t had time to tell you I was home but I was very anxious to talk to father.”

“What about?” he asked. “You didn’t get into any trouble at school did you?”

“Of course not,” Jarrod answered shaking his head. “Now, I wouldn’t do that right after I had just graduated from law school. I want to set up my practice but I’m not sure how to get potential clients to learn about me. I wanted to ask father’s opinion. I don’t know any lawyers around here that could use a clerk. In fact, I don’t know any lawyers here in Stockton period. The only one I had any dealing with was George Tyrone but he is busy with his own son, Buddy. I’m sure he’s too busy to help. When I made my decision to become a lawyer, I was ready to enter the Army. I left here heading for Washington and working for the colonel I learned so much. He was so kind to work with me everyday after I finished my duties explaining about legal presidents and such. He had told me that I could work along side him after I passed the bar but now he is dead and I’m at a loss as to how to gain the needed experience. I was hoping father could suggest someone that could help but all he said was to place an ad in the Eagle.”

“Are you?” he asked looking closely at his brother.

“I can’t,” Jarrod said but Nick sensed there was something else bothering his brother. “I’m going to help you and father for a while here that is if you don’t mind.”

“Mind,” he replied grinning widely. “With all the work we have to do, we can use all the help we can get. With college boy gone, it’s a lot for just two of us to handle. What do you mean you can’t put an ad in the Eagle?”

“That’s what father said,” Jarrod told him. “I don’t guarantee that I’ll be a lot of help. When I passed the bar and became a lawyer, one of the cardinal rules is that you can’t solicit to get clients. I’ll have to try another approach like Judge Parker maybe. What’s the idea of calling Gene college boy? You not approve of him going to college.”

“You’ll do,” he said smiling. “It’ll be like old times here. Just the two of us. That’s just a new nickname I have for our younger brother. He’s all right but he left at a very bad time. But now that you’re here, it’ll be all right.”

“You’re right,” Jarrod replied smiling. “I hadn’t realized just how much we’ve been apart in the last eight years.”

“We both were in the army and then you took off to school,” he told his brother. “A lot has gone on too.”

“You’re telling me,” Jarrod said but the smile faded as he thought about what might have been. “I wish Matt would let me know how he’s doing. I haven’t heard a word in over six months and that has me very concerned. Matt got into some trouble before I left and I promised him that I would help. And that reminds me, why didn’t you let me know you had joined up? You promised me you would and that we would get together. What happened?”

“I’m sure he’s all right,” he replied realizing that Jarrod was really bothered by something he wasn’t ready to talk about. “This is the first time you haven’t had him close by isn’t it? Jarrod, I was in another part of the country. I was on the move that I didn’t even have time to wire home much less you. I’m sorry that we didn’t get together but it wouldn’t have worked. You were busy in Washington learning from the colonel and I was trying to keep from getting killed.”

“I hope so,” Jarrod told him. “I really miss him. Yeah. But he wanted to stay despite the fact that he might be court martialed. I don’t like the way you said colonel. You don’t have a right to put the man down Nick. He really helped me cope with what I was going through. You don’t know how hard it was for me to kill.”

“Oh yes I do,” Nick said. “Remember I had to pull the trigger too. Do you think it was easy for me?”

“No,” he replied looking away. “I know it was hard. But you’ve killed before. I had to watch as I took another life.”

“I did too,” Nick told him. “Look, it’s over. Let’s forget about it. Jarrod, tell me what else is bothering you.”

“What are you talking about?” he asked but he couldn’t hide the expression on his face and Nick could see his red, swollen eyes even though he thought he had them looking normal.

“Remember,” Nick answered, “I know you inside and out. There is something really bothering you. I’m willing to listen. Something that has you very upset. You’ve been crying haven’t you?”

“I know you are but there is nothing bothering me,” he said but Nick knew otherwise. “I just got something in my eye last night and it made them red.”

“If it’s not the practice,” Nick replied shaking his head, “and it’s not the fact that you are home for a while, or Matt, there’s only one thing it could be. You didn’t get anything in your eyes. You’re upset.”

“What?” he asked.

“Rachel,” Nick answered. “And her father.”

“Her father’s dead,” he said but the way he said it told Nick that Jarrod still missed the man terribly.

“That’s not the point,” Nick replied trying to understand his brother’s feelings for the man.

He also saw the hurt in Jarrod’s eyes at the mention of Rachel’s name. He knew he had figured it out.

“Talk to me,” he said putting an arm around his brother. “I am willing to listen.”

“I really miss her Nick,” Jarrod replied sitting down on a bale of hay and Nick could see the tears in his brother’s eyes. “Her father dying really hurt. He was going to help me and now he’s dead. Rachel’s gone. I didn’t even get to say goodbye to her. I wanted to marry her and spend the rest of my life with her. Why is it everyone I care about either dies or leaves?”

Nick sat down beside of him on the bale of hay. He so much wanted to help his brother through this rough period but he wasn’t sure how.

“You are not to blame,” he said sitting down beside of Jarrod on the hay bale. “The colonel died from a heart attack.”

“That’s not the point,” Jarrod replied looking at the ground and a few tears dripped on the ground in front of him. “The entire time I was in Washington away from the ranch and everyone, he was there. When I was hurt or sick, he was there. He was there when I started law school. In fact, it was his recommendation that got me into law school in the first place. Without him, I would be nothing. I can’t forget that. He was so proud of me and wanted me to go far in this life. I’m lost without him.”

“You need to tell father,” Nick told him trying to help him cope. “He can help. And one thing is for sure; you’re not nothing. You are a lawyer now and a wonderful brother.”

“No!” he snapped pulling away from Nick. “I can’t. How do you think it will make father feel if I was to tell him that I thought more of the colonel than I did of him?”

“Jarrod, did you consider the colonel your father while you were in Washington?” Nick asked trying to understand what his brother was telling him. “Tell me please. I’m thinking that you are having a hard time dealing with your father not someone who popped in one day and out the next.”

“Listen Nick, he didn’t pop in and out,” he answered showing anger towards Nick. “He was there for me when I needed a man. He helped me through the hurt and the pain of what I saw. But most of all, he cared about me as if I were his own son. If you have a problem with that, I’m sorry. The colonel was important to me. Nothing can change that. But this is something I have to work out for myself.”

“Suit yourself,” Nick told him shaking his head. “But I still say you’re making a big mistake. How do you think father feels with you talking about the colonel as a father? He has to be hurt.”

“You just don’t understand,” he said walking away from Nick.

But he knew that Nick was right about the colonel. He had considered him a father figure. He didn’t want to hurt his own father but the time apart had caused this. He just wasn’t sure how to fix it.

Jarrod left the barn, walking to one of the corrals to regain his composure before he saw his father and Nick watched him go. Deep down he knew that Jarrod was hurting and he also knew what needed to be done. Nick decided that when they came in for the evening he would talk to Tom about what he had learned.

Chapter Two

After a long hard day in the outdoors, Jarrod was feeling better. He knew he needed to talk to Tom about his feelings but he decided to wait.

When Nick rode home, he immediately went into the house to talk to Tom. He knew that his father had come home an hour or two earlier. If Jarrod wouldn’t talk to his father, he would have to help his own way. And he prayed that Tom would understand what Jarrod was doing.

“Nick,” Tom called as the door opened and closed very loudly, “is that you?”

“Yes father,” he said as he walked into the study where his father was working. “I thought you might be in here. I saw you leave the pasture earlier this afternoon.”

“Have you seen Jarrod?” Tom asked. “I had to go over some important papers.”

“Yes,” he answered. “That’s why I came in.”

“Son,” Tom said sensing something was wrong and getting up from his desk, “tell me what’s on your mind.”

“Jarrod really misses the colonel,” he replied sitting down on the corner of the desk. “He told me in the barn this morning that for the last few years the colonel has been there for him like a father. I told him he was making a mistake not confiding in you but I believe that he is still thinking of the colonel as his father instead of you. You are his father. Why don’t you demand he respect you as that?”

“I see,” Tom told him finally realizing what he had thought earlier was right. “Nick, you know that Bob Hodges was a good man. He helped Jarrod when I couldn’t. He knew the law. I don’t. All those times when Jarrod was injured or homesick he was there for him. When he laid in that army hospital those times after he had been injured, Bob stayed with him. Jarrod has never traveled on the same road that I have. We’re different. I’m not going to push myself back into his life. If he wants to talk, I’ll be there.”

“But you are his father,” he said anger in his voice. “How can Jarrod do this to you?”

“Nick,” Tom replied trying to calm Nick down, “you can’t understand how he feels because you’re not in his boots. But I can. Just give him time.”

“I don’t know whether I can,” he told his father. “Jarrod is different. He’s not the same boy who left here.”

“Of course, he’s not the same,” Tom said looking into Nick’s face. “He was a boy when he left. He watched men, young men die or have parts of their body blown off. He had to learn to kill. Now he is a man. And I believe he is lost right now.”

“You are going to sit there and defend his actions even though you have to be hurting inside,” he replied not understanding his reasons. “You need to make him love you. I saw the same things when I was in the war. Why is it so different with Jarrod?”

“Yes,” Tom told him. “He is my son and your brother. And he doesn’t need to be reminded of the death of the colonel. Nick, he has never stopped loving me. It’s just that right now he doesn’t realize what he’s doing. You leaned on me after you came home from the war. I was there for you. All those nights you would wake up in a cold sweat. Jarrod didn’t have me to help him. He had Bob. Then Jarrod left and went to San Francisco. He was still hurting and he didn’t still didn’t have me to help him adjust to what he had seen. Again he had Bob. Jarrod must have relied on Bob to help him cope. And for that I am thankful to him. The man is dead and Jarrod is still grieving for him.”

“I didn’t remind him,” he said angrily. “He told me about it.”

“Yes but you asked didn’t you?” Tom asked.

“Yeah,” he answered. “I see your point.”

“And I see yours,” Tom said smiling. “Just give Jarrod time and everything will work out.”

“I hope so father,” he replied also smiling. “One thing that he said really bothered me.”

“What?” Tom asked very concerned.

“He said why does everything and everyone he cares about either die or leave?” he answered. “He really misses Rachel but it’s more than that. It’s more than Matt being gone. And another thing he’s been crying. His eyes were red and swollen. He tried to tell me that he had something in them but I didn’t buy it and I think he knows I didn’t buy it.”

“Nick,” Tom said, “Jarrod’s having to deal with a lot right now. Like I said before he needs time to work it all out. Let’s give him that time and if he wants to talk, listen but don’t lecture him. You really think he’s been crying.”

“He doesn’t want you to be hurt,” he replied his voice softening. “He told me that if he told you about how much he missed the colonel, you would be angry. Yes, I’m very sure.”

“I understand what he’s going through,” Tom told him. “He doesn’t need to be afraid of my feelings. I’ve known that he and Bob were close. I could see it on his face when he talked about Bob or Rachel. We’ll be there if he needs us but we’ll let him try to work this all out himself. And if I know Jarrod, he’ll reason it out. He’ll be back to his normal self before you know it.”

Nick nodded.

Chapter Three

In San Francisco, sitting behind his desk in his office, Adam Howard looked at the man sitting across from him. He was a thin man with brown hair and a goatee. He looked like a businessman from the East but Adam didn’t say anything about that.

“I understand what you are asking Mr. Miller,” he said drumming his fingers on the desk. “But I don’t have anyone who can investigate the allegations that you have told me. In fact, this is not really my line of work. I am a shrewd businessman who has to walk over people some times to get things done.”

“Mr. Howard,” James Miller replied, “I need your help desperately. I’m very worried about the mine workers in Carson City. The mines there have already closed once because of unsafe working conditions. I need to get the management to do their part. But every time I go there or send one of my men, management stonewalls us and tells us that there is nothing wrong. They won’t allow anyone inside the mines to inspect them and that has me worried. If the mines are unsafe, I need to know so I can have them fixed. Owning a mine and being kept up on what is going on are two different things. I guess because I live 3,000 miles away makes a difference. I tried to hire good people to run the mines so I wouldn’t have to spend all my time here. But they have turned against me. Somehow management has forgotten about the owners and has taken over the operations of the mine on their own. I need help. I need someone from the outside. Someone they don’t know to go in there and investigate. Someone to see the proof of what’s going on. I’ve heard nothing but good things about you and the way you handle yourself and situations. You are my last hope.”

“I may have a way of helping you,” he told him hitting on an idea. “Just give me a few days and I’ll let you know for sure.”

“I really can’t afford to wait very long,” Miller said. “But give me your answer by the end of the week. I have to head back to Boston at the end of next week. I have other interests that I have to keep up on. You can reach me at the hotel here in town until then and after that in Boston.”

“I will,” he replied standing up as Miller left. “Now, what do I do? I only have three days to come up with something. Wait a minute. I have just the man in mind.”

Leaving his office, he went to the telegraph office.

“Lanny,” he said as he walked inside, “I need to send a telegram right away.”

“Yes sir Mr. Howard,” Lanny replied handing him a piece of paper.

Adam wrote out what he wanted to say and then handed it to Lanny.

“Get it off as soon as possible,” he said. “And if you get a response to it, let me know at once.”

“Yes sir,” Lanny replied.

Adam went back to his office. If his idea worked, he would be able to help James Miller by the first of next week. And he would fulfill a promise he made to a man he had called his friend. He smiled to himself as he sat down behind his desk. He went over everything that Miller had told him.

The mine was unsafe. Management kept the wages lower than what Miller had told them. The workers were afraid. They didn’t have good housing. In Adam’s mind, this was a very delicate situation. It would have to be handled with care if both sides were going to come to a compromise. He just prayed that he could help Miller.

Chapter Four

Jarrod had been working everyday for the past week on the ranch with his father and brother and had thoroughly enjoyed it. It felt good to do hard work for a change that didn’t entail using his mind. He was tired and he needed a chance to rest. Being in the outdoors gave him that chance. He still hadn’t opened up about the feelings he had concerning the colonel and his father. But Tom wasn’t worried. He knew in time Jarrod would want to talk and he would be willing to listen.

“Jarrod,” Tom called as he walked into the house after a long day working.

“Yes sir,” he said as he came to a stop in front of his father.

Jarrod was covered in dirt and dust. But through that dirt, Tom could see just how much this hard work had helped his son.

“This telegram arrived for you while you were out in the corral,” Tom replied handing it to him.

Jarrod opened and read it. He looked up at his father.

“It’s from Adam Howard in San Francisco,” he said smiling. “Mr. Howard was a close friend of the colonel’s. He wants me to come to work for him.”

“Jarrod,” Tom replied smiling, “that’s great. What will you be doing?”

“I’m not sure,” he told his father. “Mr. Howard has an office in San Francisco. In fact, I’m not really sure exactly what he does. I’ve only seen him once or twice. I met him once at the colonel’s house. Neither one of them told me what he did. I’ll head up there tomorrow morning to see what I will be doing and to accept in person. This is the break I needed. And wouldn’t the colonel be happy? Oh but what about the branding? You’re going to need help. I’ll wire Mr. Howard and tell him I won’t be able to come for a while.”

“Son,” Tom said stopping Jarrod from leaving, “I want you to go. Nick and I can handle the work here. This is the break you’ve wanted. Now you go on.”

“Are you sure?” he asked.

“I’m positive,” Tom answered. “But before you go, I want a word with you.”

“Yes sir,” he replied turning to look at Tom.

“Let’s talk in the study,” Tom told him heading toward the study.

Once they were inside, Tom closed the door. Then he sat down on the edge of his desk. Jarrod pulled a chair over to the desk and sat down.

“I want you to answer a question honestly for me,” he said looking at Jarrod. “I want the answer to be the truth.”

“If I can,” Jarrod replied.

“I understand you are having a difficult time dealing with the fact that Bob Hodges is dead,” he told his son.

“Well...” Jarrod said but Tom continued.

“I understand completely what has happened,” he replied. “You were gone for four long years. You were in a bloody war and away from your family. You looked up to Bob almost as a father. He was a lawyer and he was there when you were wounded or homesick. I wish I could have been there for you. But I felt your pain from the letters you and Matt both wrote. On several occasions, I wanted to hop on a train and come to you. But I didn’t. I knew I had to let you handle things on your own. I know it was hard for you. I appreciate what Bob did to help. Then you came home and so did he. He helped you get into law school and followed your career closely. He was there and I was here. And Bob died which hit you very hard. He was unable to help you after you graduated. And Rachel was also gone. I know you loved her very much. Son, you loved Bob like a father didn’t you? Before you answer, I want to tell you that Nick is angry because you are not treating me as a father. But I understand. I just want you to answer as truthfully as you can.”

Jarrod looked at the floor before replying. The tears welled up in his eyes again. And then when he did it was barely audible.

“Yes,” Jarrod told him.

“I’m here now,” he said looking at his son. “Let me help you. I know you are a grown man but I can still help but you have to let me. We need to sit down and talk about your feelings toward Bob and your feelings toward me. Also, we need to talk about Rachel and your feelings for her.”

“Oh father,” Jarrod replied trying to hold his emotions inside. “I never meant to hurt you. But you were here and I was 3,000 miles away. I saw so much in those four years. It was so hard watching all those young men die. I hated having to kill other boys. I longed to talk to you and tell you how I felt. But I couldn’t. I couldn’t even write it down when I wrote home.”

Tom stood up, walking over to where his son sat. He reached out pulling Jarrod into a hug. He held onto him. Finally, after a few minutes Jarrod returned the embrace. The tears were falling down both of their faces. Father and son were back together.

“I’ll always be there when you need me,” he said smiling. “You remember that. But I don’t want you to forget Bob either. He was a wonderful man who helped you when I couldn’t. For that I thank him.”

“I will,” Jarrod replied also smiling. “Thanks for understanding. I wasn’t sure how to tell you. I thought you might get angry or be hurt. There is one other thing.”

“What?” he asked.

“I really miss Rachel too,” Jarrod answered the tears starting to fall again as he thought of the girl he had truly loved.

“I’m sure she misses you too,” he said with his arm around his son’s shoulder. “She was a beautiful girl.”

“That she was,” Jarrod replied finally stopping his crying. “You know that I wanted to marry her.”

“Yes,” he told his son. “But that is now over. You have to go forward.”

“I know,” Jarrod said.

Tom nodded as he watched his son walk out of the room. He was relieved that Jarrod could now deal with Bob’s death and know that Bob loved him like a son. But he also knew that Jarrod loved him as a father. For that Tom gave thanks.

“Thank you for giving me my son back,” he said. “Bob, he still looks up to you but he is my son.”

That evening after both Jarrod and Nick had gone to their rooms, Tom looked at his wife.

“Victoria,” he said looking up from some papers he was going over, “Jarrod is leaving in the morning.”

“Leaving?” she asked looking at him after laying her book in her lap. “Where? He’s only been home a week.”

“He received a telegram from Adam Howard in San Francisco,” he answered. “He wants Jarrod to come work for him.”

“That’s great news,” she said smiling. “What will he be doing?”

“The telegram didn’t say,” he replied. “But that is the break that boy needs. He said that Howard and Bob were close friends. So I feel better about him going.”

“Yes,” she told him. “I know he’s been concerned about how to go about getting clients. Maybe this Adam Howard can open a door for him.”

“I hope so,” he said. “Jarrod is a man and needs to make his own name. It’s time for both of those boys to stop riding my coattails.”

“You’re right of course,” she replied. “But they are still our boys. And that will never change.”

“No it won’t,” he told her. “I think Jarrod knows that. We will be there if and when they need us but the rest is up to them.”

“Did you speak to him about what happened yesterday?” she asked.

“You mean about the way he feels toward Bob and me,” he wanted to know.

“Yes,” she answered.

“I did,” he said smiling. “He has now accepted me again as his rightful father. I know he still has a place in his heart for Bob but he loves me as his father. And for that I’m very relieved.”

“That’s wonderful,” she replied smiling. “I knew he would come around when the time was right.”

“Yes,” he told her. “He’s been through a lot in the last eight years. Some things that a man shouldn’t have to deal with. He had to learn to kill which bothered him deeply. He had to watch other young men like himself die after having their bodies blown to bits. It was horrible.”

“But that’s over,” she said. “He’s got his whole career in front of him.”

“You never forget,” he replied remembering his own experiences of war. “Jarrod has to deal with his demons like I did and Nick did. Once he does that, things will look up for him.”

“Tom,” she replied smiling, “you are a wonderful father. You care about all of your children. They will never forget that. And I hope when they have children of their own, they will do the same.”

Chapter Five

The next morning, Jarrod was up early. Tom and Victoria met him in the dining room finishing his breakfast.

“Good morning mother,” he said, “father.”

“Son,” Tom replied.

“Jarrod,” she told him, “I understand you are going back to San Francisco. You have a new job.”

“Yes,” he said smiling. “Isn’t it great? I’m going to be working for Adam Howard. He was a close friend of the colonel’s.”

Jarrod looked at his father feeling that he had hurt him but Tom smiled.

“It’s all right son,” he said. “You can talk about Bob. I know how much he meant to you and I think you have everything straightened out.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod replied smiling again.

“How long will you be gone?” she asked.

“I’m not sure,” Jarrod answered. “About six months I think. I’ll know more when I speak to Mr. Howard.”

“You take care of yourself,” she said kissing him. “I don’t want you to get sick.”

“I will,” he replied kissing her. “I’ll send you a wire after I get settled to let you know where I’m staying and what I’ll be doing.”

“We’re here if you need us,” he told his son.

“I know that father,” Jarrod said smiling. “I won’t forget. Tell Nick and Audra I’ll see them when I’m through.”

“We will,” she replied.

Jarrod finished eating, then headed for Stockton to catch the train. He wanted to answer Adam Howard’s telegram in person. While he rode the train, he thought about how his life was about to change for the better he hoped. Once the train pulled into San Francisco, he went straight to Adam Howard’s office after asking the ticket man where it was.

The office was on the main street in San Francisco. It was a very large office with a reception desk where a young lady sat working on some papers. She looked up as he walked in.

“Can I help you young man?” she asked him.

“I am here to see Mr. Howard,” he answered and to him his voice sounded nervous. “My name is Jarrod Barkley. He should be expecting me or expecting an answer from me. I wanted to deliver it in person.”

“Just a minute,” she said as she disappeared into Adam Howard’s office.

A few minutes later, Adam walked out with a smile on his face.

“Jarrod,” he said extending his hand, “I’m so glad you took me up on the job.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod replied shaking hands with the man. “I am intrigued about what my duties will be. And why you chose me?”

“Come into the office,” Adam told him. “And I’ll explain everything.”

The two of them went into the office where Jarrod sat down to listen.

“To answer your question,” he said as he walked, “I was a very close friend of Bob Hodges and he thought the world of you. He told me on numerous occasions how proud he was of you. He told me that you were going to work for him. Then when he died, I decided to keep his promise to you. From the one time that I met you, you seemed to be eager to learn. I knew that Bob had been right about what he said about you. I’m not a lawyer but I think you can still learn.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod replied. “I thank you for thinking so much of me to give me a chance sir. I will do the best job I can.”

“I am a businessman,” he told Jarrod. “I do help other businessmen when they need assistance. One such man came to my office the day before yesterday. I think you can handle the hard work.”

“I’ll try sir,” Jarrod said looking at Adam.

Adam paced the floor as he spoke. He told Jarrod the entire story about James Miller.

“So you want me to see if I can find any evidence of what he suspects is happening?” Jarrod asked when Adam was finished telling him the story.

“That’s right,” Adam answered. “Miller feels that if a stranger or someone from the outside goes in there, evidence can be found. I hope you can do this. I hope I haven’t made a mistake in giving you this much responsibility.”

“I can,” he said smiling. “I will do the best job I can for you sir. My father owns mines so I know what to look for. You haven’t made a mistake sir. I will find out what the mine looks like on the inside and then send you a telegram so you can advise on what to do next.”

“Can you leave in the morning?” Adam asked. “Miller needs to know what is happening as soon as possible.”

“Yes sir,” he answered. “I’m still packed.”

“Jarrod,” Adam said looking at him, “there is one other thing.”

“Yes sir,” he replied.

“Jarrod,” Adam told him, “you were in the top of your class at law school. That impressed me. Your teachers told me that you did well on tests and in simulations. You are a very bright young man.”

“Yes sir,” he said smiling. “Thank you sir. You know, I was worried about what to do first. I didn’t know whether I should work as an intern or go ahead and open my practice. That’s what the colonel was going to help me with and without him, I felt very lost until your wire came.”

“One more thing,” Adam replied. “You don’t have to call me sir. I’m Adam. I’m not a lawyer son. But I have a lot of dealings with lawyers. I am a hard-nosed businessman who knows how to get things done. I don’t go out and hurt people to get it done but I have to step on people’s toes some of the time. It’s not fun but some times there is no other choice. If you are going to make it in the world of law, you have to be ready to make sacrifices and be hard nosed or a bull dog.”

“Yes Adam,” he told him. “I appreciate all the help I can get. I want to make my father as well as the colonel proud.”

“Bob would be very proud of you,” Adam said as Jarrod walked out of the office. “You go over to the Roosevelt Hotel right up the street and get you a room. Then when you are finished with this assignment, I’ll help you find an apartment to live in here while you work for me.”

“Thanks,” he replied. “I was thinking about getting one. You see I plan to have two offices. One here in San Francisco and the other one in Stockton.”

“You think big,” Adam told him. “That’s not a bad idea. I admire a man who thinks ahead.”

“I learned that from my father,” he said.

“Who is your father?” Adam asked as they stood talking at the outside door.

“Tom Barkley,” he answered.

“Yes,” Adam said smiling. “I’ve heard nothing but good things about him. If you’re his son, I have nothing to worry about.”

“I appreciate the compliment,” he replied.

“Now you go on and get that room,” Adam told him.

Jarrod left the office and went to the hotel that Adam had recommended. He got a very nice room facing the main street for the night. But he couldn’t sleep. He laid there thinking about Bob Hodges and his father.

“I’ll prove to both of you that I am worthy of being a counselor at law,” he said looking up at the ceiling. “And that’s a promise.”

When Adam walked into the house late that afternoon, his wife, Cora, met him at the door.

“How was your day?” she asked as he laid his briefcase and hat down on the table.

“Fine,” he answered kissing her. “I finally fulfilled the promise I made to Bob Hodges today.”

“The one about that boy,” she said trying to remember his name. “What’s his name? Barkley?”

“Yes,” he replied smiling as he thought about Jarrod. “Jarrod Barkley. He’s going to work for me for the next six months. I believe he’s going to be a hard worker and willing to listen. Did you know he was Tom Barkley’s son?”

“He will learn from the best,” she told him. “Isn’t his wife’s name Victoria?”

“Yes,” he said, “I believe it is. Why?”

“I’ve heard of them both,” she replied smiling. “They are very nice people and if that young man is their son, you’ve got yourself quite a find.”

“I hope so,” he told her. “I hop so.”

Adam smiled as he went to his desk to go over some papers he would need.

Chapter Six

The next morning, Jarrod was up early. He ate breakfast in the hotel dining room. He left on the ten o’clock stage for Carson City. He arrived late that morning at almost noon and went straight to the only hotel. It wasn’t a new hotel but it looked clean. He was sure that he wouldn’t be here more than a day maybe two at the most. He would ride out to the mine after he checked in and then wire Adam for further instructions. Then he would head back to San Francisco.

“I need a room,” he said when the clerk ignored him.

“So?” the clerk asked. “Sign the book and take a key. Room’s $.50 a night.”

Jarrod laid the money on the desk, signed the book, picked up a key and headed up to his room. He laid his bag on the bed, walking back downstairs. It was still early and he thought he could take a ride out to the Sierra Madrae Mine before lunch. Then he could return here, get a bite to eat and send a telegram to Adam to let him know what he found out. Then maybe he could head back to San Francisco

“Can you tell me how to get to the Sierra Madrae Mine?” he asked when he stopped in front of the hotel counter.

“Sure,” the clerk answered. “Go out of town north for three miles. Then take a left for another mile. And take a right. It’s a half mile.”

“Thanks,” he said laying his key on the desk and heading out the door.

The clerk looked at the name in his book.

“I wonder what a Barkley is doing in Carson City,” he said as he walked out of the door.

Then he left the hotel walking down the street in the opposite direction from the way Jarrod went. He went to an office at the end of town. It wasn’t a very big office. But it served a purpose. Walking in, he waved at the man sitting behind an oak desk.

“Wayne,” the man said rising, “what brings you here?”

“There’s a young man who arrived in town,” Wayne replied. “He was asking how to get to the mine. You don’t reckon Miller has sent another snooper here.”

“Could be,” the man told him. “Where is he now?”

“Riding out to the mine,” Wayne said. “His name is Barkley.”

“Barkley,” the man replied surprised. “Some of the Stockton Barkleys?”
“I guess so,” Wayne told him. “What would a Barkley being doing here?”

“The boys will deal with Mr. Barkley,” the man said smiling. “If he is here to investigate, the only thing he will see will be the storage room and he won’t like it one bit. I bet Miller hired him although I can’t understand why he would hire a Barkley to investigate the mine. Must be someone else involved. We’re going to have to be careful.”

“Right,” Wayne replied also smiling. “I better get back to the hotel.”

“Keep your eyes and ears open,” the man told him. “I want to know what happens.”

“Sure,” Wayne said as he left the office.

Jarrod rented a horse from the livery stable and headed out to the mine. It took him a good thirty minutes to reach it. Once there, he dismounted and slowly walked inside. What he saw appalled him. The timber was rotted and some of the supports were broken in half. This mine was certainly not in perfect working condition as the management had told the owner. He knew what to look for having had long talks with his father and the mines he owned. The first time anyone tried to work it, it would probably cave in on them.

“I don’t understand how this could have happened,” he said aloud as he walked. “I can’t believe this mine is even open much less being worked. Adam will have to have Miller close it until it can be made safer.”

When Jarrod turned to leave to go back to town to send a telegram to Adam, three men blocked his way.

“Looking for something?” one of them asked holding a pistol in his right hand. “We haven’t seen you around here before.”

“No,” he answered. “I was just taking a walk.”

“Out here miles from town,” the man said. “Not likely. The owner sent you didn’t he?”

“I have to get back to town,” he replied trying to move past them.

Two of them grabbed him by his arms holding him for the third. Jarrod tried to free himself but their grip was firm.

“What are you going to do?” he asked having a bad feeling about his chances of getting out of here alive.

“Find out the real reason you’re here,” the man asked smiling. “You’re working for Miller aren’t you?”

“No,” he answered but was rewarded by a punch to the side of his jaw.

Jarrod’s head shot back and he had to wait a minute before he could open his eyes. He knew that they weren’t going to stop until he answered their questions. But he wasn’t going to give in to them.

“Wrong answer,” the man said getting angry. “You’re here to investigate the complaints? I know Miller sent you. Why don’t you just admit it?”

“No,” he replied and again was rewarded by a punch in the ribs.

The air flew out of his lungs and he wanted to cradle his ribs but they wouldn’t release him. They kept questioning him for what seemed like hours. When they finally let him go, Jarrod was bruised and battered. But they weren’t through with him. They dragged him to a small metal room inside the mine and threw him inside. It had been used to store the ore cars in but now it was empty. It was completely dark inside and bitter cold. He physically shook as he tried to find a comfortable spot to rest. He was aching from the beating but he wasn’t going to give in and answer their questions. He had learned that from his father. He tried to relax but his face and his ribs were aching. He knew that several of his ribs were probably broken but he couldn’t worry about that. He had to figure a way to escape before this mine became his coffin.

An hour later, the door opened and one of the men came inside. He grabbed Jarrod by the shirt pulling him from the room. Jarrod tried to free himself but one of the other men also grabbed him and they escorted him back to the other man. Again he was questioned.

“You better start answering us,” the man said punching his right fist into his left palm. “Because every time you come up with the wrong answer you will pay. We’ve got plenty of time.”

“You don’t scare me,” he replied as his eyes tried to adjust to the lighting. “I told you why I was here.”

“You are working for Miller,” the man told him. “Admit it.”

“No,” he said trying to steel himself for the beating that was coming.

When they stopped this time, Jarrod could barely stand. His face had splotches of blood on it. He was so weak from the two beatings that he could barely walk. They didn’t give him any water. He was so thirsty as he was thrown back into his cell. He passed out when he hit the floor.

“What’s wrong with him?” one of the men asked after they had secured Jarrod in his cell. “Doesn’t he realize that if he doesn’t start answering our questions, he will be punished.”

“He is acting tough,” another one said. “But he’ll give in sooner or later. They all do.”

“Are you sure?” the third one asked. “He’s starting to lose blood.”

“Don’t worry about him,” the first man said. “All we want is the information. What do we care if he lives or dies?”

“The name,” the second man replied. “Barkley carries a lot of weight.”

“You afraid his family could cause trouble?” the first man asked. “And how do you know he’s a Barkley?”

“Yeah,” the second man answered. “Aren’t you? I lived in Stockton for a couple of years. You don’t realize that everyone knows the name Tom Barkley. He is a very powerful man. We’re asking for trouble keeping his son here. I recognized him from an article I saw in one of the papers back then. Something about the boy winning something. He’s Barkley’s son. If he dies, the old man will hunt us down for killing his son.””

“Quit you’re whining,” the first man said. “He’ll answer and then we’ll get rid of him.”

“Are you out of your mind?” the second man asked. “If that boy dies, we’ll be hanged. His family is very powerful in Stockton.”

“Not if it’s an accident,” the first man answered. “A cave in doesn’t leave evidence. Anyway, this isn’t Stockton and his old man is not here. It’s just the boy and us. If he’s smart he’ll tell us. If he’s not, he’ll die.”

“Maybe not,” the third man said. “But we have to tread easily. The old man loves his boys. This one can be traced.”

“I see your point,” he replied. “Just remember that snoopers who ever they are will be dealt with.”

The three men finally agreed.

Adam waited until nearly nine o’clock that evening in his office for the telegram that Jarrod had promised to send him. When he didn’t receive it, he knew something was seriously wrong. He went over different scenarios as he walked home. And not one of them he liked.

“Adam,” Cora said as he walked into the house at ten, “I was beginning to get worried. Is anything wrong?”

“Yes,” he replied as he sat down in the living room after pouring himself a stiff drink. “Jarrod promised he would send me a telegram by six this evening. I waited until after nine but nothing. I believe something may have happened to him. Maybe he stumbled onto something. One thing is for sure, I have to tell his parents.”

“They’re going to be upset,” she told him. “They may take it out on you. Where is he?”

“I know,” he said. “He went to Carson City on business for me. He promised that he would send a wire but nothing. Something has happened to him. I just pray that he is all right. If he dies, his parents will never let me forget it. But if I don’t tell them and something has happened to him, I would never forgive myself either. I’ll deliver this news in person.”

“Is that wise?” she asked. “They could harm you. Or worse. Have you locked up.”

“I think if I am standing in front of Jarrod’s father, he will be less likely to try to harm me,” he answered. “I want that boy to succeed.”

“I hope everything goes well,” she said. “But why don’t you wait until tomorrow to go. It’s so late now, you’ll probably wake them up.”

“So do I,” he replied looking at her. “I’ll leave first thing in the morning.”

Chapter Seven

In the mine some time during the night, Jarrod had woke up. He was hurting and as he tried to move he nearly cried out in pain. He knew that his injuries were getting worse and it was even colder in that room than it had been when he passed out. He tried to sit up but his head spun. And he had to lie back down on the dirt floor. He laid there waiting for the men to come back.

Before daylight that morning, Jarrod had been dragged out of his cell by two of the men. He couldn’t stand without being held so he was sitting in a chair and being held by one of the men. He was tired, hurt and very thirsty.

“You ready to answer our questions boy?” the man in front of him asked. “This torture will end if you just tell us why you are here.”

Jarrod just sat there and didn’t say a word. He still wasn’t going to give in to them no matter how much he had to take.

“Look,” the man said, “I’ve got plenty of time. All you have to do is tell us who hired you and why.”

“No,” Jarrod replied.

The man nodded to the third member of the trio. He rewarded Jarrod with a right to the face. Jarrod’s head shot back from the blow. He felt blood streaming down his face from a cut over his left eye.

“You can stop this abuse,” the man said as he looked at Jarrod. “All you have to do is admit why you were here.”

“No,” Jarrod replied again. “I won’t tell you anything.”

Again, he was punched in the face and then the ribs. After the torture stopped, Jarrod was finally dragged to his cell. He couldn’t even walk. Once inside, he curled up in a corner shivering. He couldn’t stop shaking. He also started to cough. Jarrod knew his time was limited. If he wasn’t able to figure a way to escape, he wouldn’t ever see his family again.

In Stockton later that morning at the Barkley ranch, there was a knock on the door. Silas, the Barkleys’ servant, opened the door.

“Can I help you?” he asked as he looked at the gentleman standing there.

“Yes,” Adam answered. “I need to speak to Mr. and Mrs. Barkley. It’s very important.”

“This way,” Silas said escorting Adam into the house and showing him to the living room. I will get the Barkleys.”

Silas left the room. Adam opted to stand. He was too nervous to sit down. He knew this would hurt Jarrod’s parents but he didn’t know what else to do. They had to be told.

“You wanted to see us,” Tom said as he and his wife walked into the living room. “I’m Tom Barkley. And this is my wife, Victoria.”

“Yes,” Adam replied. “I’m Adam Howard. You don’t have to introduce yourself Mr. Barkley. I am quite aware of who you are.”

“You’re the man Jarrod is working for?” she asked. “How is he doing?”

“Yes,” Adam answered. “That’s why I’m here.”

“Where is Jarrod?” she asked concern etched into her voice. “Is he all right?”

“He’s in Carson City on a case,” Adam answered but his expression told them something was definitely wrong.

“What are you not telling us?” Tom asked knowing there was more to it than what Adam had said.

“Jarrod was supposed to wire me yesterday evening after he arrived,” Adam answered. “I haven’t heard a word from him. I’m afraid he might have been spotted.”

“I think its time to tell us what Jarrod is doing in Carson City,” Tom said. “I want to know if his life could be in danger. He’s just a young man trying to do a job for you. Why did you have to send him into a situation that could hurt him?”

“Tom,” she interrupted, “let him tell us before you get angry.”

“I’ll give him a chance,” he said. “Talk.”

“All right,” Adam replied telling them why Jarrod had gone. “It all started a few days ago...”

“So you think something has happened to him,” she wanted to know.

“Yes,” Adam said. “Otherwise he would have sent the wire.”

“I’m going to Carson City and find my son,” Tom replied looking at Adam with anger in his face. “If he’s hurt you’ll pay Howard.”

“I’m going to,” she told him. “I want to make sure he’s all right.”

“I’m sure Nick will want to go,” Tom said. “Howard, I pray that Jarrod is fine because if he isn’t...”

“I’m just as worried as you are,” he replied interrupting Tom. “I think the world of that boy. He will make a fine lawyer some day.”

“If he lives long enough,” Tom told him heading upstairs to pack.

The Barkley family along with Adam Howard headed for Stockton to catch the stage for Carson City and Jarrod late that evening after Adam made some arrangements. He felt that he was to blame for Jarrod’s disappearance so he wanted to pay for everything.

“We appreciate what you’re doing to help find Jarrod,” she said as they rode the stage. “I know it’s not your fault.”

Tom wouldn’t look at the man. His thoughts were on his son.

“I didn’t mean for this to happen,” Adam said. “I only wanted to give him a chance to learn.”

“Mr. Howard,” Nick replied, “Jarrod is smart. He won’t get caught if he can help it.”

But he had a bad feeling about his brother. He didn’t want to worry his father any more than Tom was already worried so he kept quiet.

Later that day around lunchtime, Jarrod was again dragged from his cell and again made to sit in the chair. He was once again being held because he couldn’t stand or sit on his own. He was hurting from the beatings as well as hurting inside. He was still shaking and coughing but they didn’t seem to care about his well being.

“We’re going to ask you once again,” the man said standing right in front of him. “Why were you in this mine yesterday?”

“I was just taking a walk,” Jarrod replied even though it hurt for him to speak.

“You expect us to believe that,” the man told him.

“It’s the truth,” Jarrod said but was rewarded with another punch to the face and one to the ribs.

This time however, the men didn’t stop. They took turns asking and then beating him. By the time they stopped, Jarrod was barely breathing. He was again thrown into the cold, dark cell. He was shivering and physically shaking as he laid on the dirt floor trying to stay warm. He wasn’t wearing a coat and his shirt wasn’t thick enough to keep him warm. He thought he had a fever but he couldn’t be sure. Every inch of him hurt. He could barely breath through his nose and his ribs were on fire. He finally drifted off into oblivion.

When the men brought him out that evening for more questioning, Jarrod wouldn’t wake up. They noticed that he was sweating profusely and shivering at the same time. They finally threw him back into his cell.

“We need to get out of here,” one of them said. “If we are caught with him, we will hang.”

“He ain’t dead yet,” another replied.

“No,” the third one told them. “But he will be. And soon.”

The three men rode off leaving Jarrod in the mine. He was unconscious and near death. Would his family find him in time?

Chapter Eight

Adam and the Barkleys arrived in Carson City the next day because the stage had lost a wheel and they had to spend the night waiting for it to be replaced. Tom and Victoria along with Nick were even more worried about Jarrod.

“That stage has put us a day late here,” Tom said angry. “If Jarrod is hurt, he might be dying or dead by now.”

“He’s not dead father,” Nick replied. “I can feel that much.”

“How do you know?” Adam asked.

“Those two have always known when the other is ill or hurt,” Tom answered. “If Nick says Jarrod is still alive, then he is.”

“I see,” Adam said.

They went straight to the hotel.

“Where is Jarrod Barkley?” Tom demanded as he addressed the clerk.

“Don’t know who you are talking about,” he spat.

“You had him registered here three days ago,” Tom said as he looked at the book lying on the counter. “Now, I’m going to ask you again. Where is he?”

The man looked from Tom to Adam to Nick. All their faces told him they meant business. Tom and Nick were ready to come across the counter.

“You had better answer my husband’s question,” she said. “He can be quite mean when he has to. And right now, he’s very worried about our son.”

“He’s at the mine,” he replied realizing that she meant every word. “I haven’t seen him since he rode out there.”

“Tell us where it is,” Tom told him.

The clerk gave them the same directions he had given Jarrod. They headed off toward the mine after renting four horses. A half-hour later, they arrived at the opening to the mine.

“Victoria,” Tom said stopping, “you stay here.”

“I want to go with you,” she replied. “I know he’s hurt and I want to be there with him.”

“Will you calm down,” Tom told her. “We’ll come back to get you after we make sure that he is even here and there isn’t someone waiting inside to ambush us.”

“All right,” she said knowing he was right. “Find him please.”

“We’ll find him,” he replied holding her hand. “I’ll let you know as soon as we do.”

She nodded and watched them disappear inside. The three men drew their guns and walked into the mine. As they walked they were also hit by the fact of how dangerous this mine was.

“Can you believe this?” Tom asked as they walked. “This mine is not going to last the way it is now. One good kick and the whole thing will collapse.”

“Miller was right,” Adam said as he walked. “Management has been lax in their reports. This mine needs to be closed until it can be made safer. I’ll send Miller my report as soon as I return to town.”

“Where’s Jarrod?” Nick asked.

He desperately wanted to find his brother. He had a feeling that Jarrod was in trouble but he didn’t want to worry his parents so he hadn’t said anything.

Finally, they spotted the door to the cell that held Jarrod. There was a lock on the door.

“What is this for?” Nick asked looking at the metal room.

“They used to store ore cars in these,” Tom answered noticing the lock. “But they were never locked.”

“Jarrod’s in there,” Nick said wanting to get to his brother.

“Easy son,” Tom replied. “We can’t shoot it off. We might bring this whole mine down on our heads.”

“But Jarrod’s in there,” Nick told him.

“Will you calm down?” he said looking at Nick. “I’ll break the lock with this pick.”

Tom picked up a pick laying a few yards away from him. Approaching the door, he wedged the tip of the pick in the lock and yanked. The lock broke. After removing the lock, Tom opened the heavy metal door. It was black inside.

“I can’t see a thing,” Nick commented as he peered into the darkness.

“I’ll go in,” Tom said easing his way toward the opening.

Nick retrieved a lantern, handing it to his father.

“Here,” he said, “you’ll need this. “Can’t I go with you? I want to find Jarrod.”

“You wait here until I have a look around,” Tom replied taking the lantern. “I’ll let you know.”

Tom eased his way inside after he lit the lantern. Nick reluctantly waited outside with Adam. Adam could tell that Nick was very worried about his brother.

Tom looked around the small room. His eyes finally came to rest on his son. Jarrod was unconscious on the floor. Tom rushed to him gently rolling him onto his back. He was shocked by the condition of his son. Jarrod’s face was bruised and cut. His breathing was very shallow. Tom could see that Jarrod had other injuries as well. He tried to rouse him.

“Son,” he asked barely shaking his shoulders, “can you hear me?”

Jarrod was also shaking violently. He didn’t respond to Tom’s voice. Tom realized that Jarrod was nearly dead. He quickly called to Nick for help.

“Nick,” Tom called. “I need your help.”

Nick eased his way inside. Once he spotted his father, he hurried to him. That’s when he saw Jarrod.

“Father,” Nick asked kneeling down beside of Jarrod, “is he alive?”

“Yes,” he answered. “But he is in bad shape. It looks like he’s been beaten along with something else. He’s shaking violently. I can’t rouse him at all.”

“Why is he shaking so hard?” Nick asked.

Tom felt Jarrod’s face and knew the answer.

“He’s burning up,” he answered, “and freezing at the same time. He must have picked up something. We can’t put him up on a horse. He wouldn’t stay in the saddle. We’ll have to make a litter of some kind.”

“We should get him out of this cold room,” Nick said standing up.

They gently picked Jarrod up, carrying him outside. When Adam saw him, he couldn’t believe his eyes.

“They must have questioned him about why he was here,” Adam said shaking his head. “From the looks of his face, Jarrod didn’t tell them.”

“He’s burning up,” Tom replied as he and Nick eased Jarrod down to the ground. “Go get your mother.”

“Right,” Nick told him as he headed toward the entrance.

Victoria, who was pacing, looked up as Nick walked out. She could tell that he knew something.

“Did you find him?” she asked already knowing the answer.

“Yes,” he answered. “But there’s something you need to know.”

“What?” she asked fearing the worst.

“Jarrod’s been badly beaten,” he answered. “He’s unconscious and he’s burning up.”

“Take me to him,” she said starting to walk toward the entrance to the mine.

Nick led his mother to where Jarrod lay on the dirt floor. When she saw him, she ran to him, cradling his head in her lap.

“Jarrod,” she said looking at his blood splotched face, “you’re going to be fine. You just rest.”

He didn’t respond. She knew it was for the best. He was injured very badly and that if he was conscious, he would be miserable.

“We’re going to make a litter to take him to town,” Tom replied looking for items he could use. “There’s no way he can sit a horse.”

“Tom,” she told him looking up, “I need a blanket. His skin is cold and clammy. We have to try to keep him warm.”

“Nick,” he said looking at his other son, “see if you can find a blanket for your mother.”

“Yes father,” Nick replied going in search of a blanket.

As Victoria held Jarrod’s head in her lap, he began to violently cough. She tried to hold him as he coughed but he was coughing very deeply and very hard. It frightened her. Nick came back with a blanket, which he handed to her. She wrapped it around Jarrod’s shaking body. But he wouldn’t stop coughing.

“Mother,” he said looking at his injured brother, “it has to hurt him inside every time he coughs.”

“I’m sure it is,” she replied continuing to hold him. “He’s come down with something. I hear a gurgling sound every time he breathes. I suggest you tell your father to hurry. If we don’t get him to help soon, he’ll probably die.”

Nick stood up, heading off toward his father. He was trying to control his emotions as he spotted Tom working a few feet away. When he found him, he stopped.

“Mother said you better hurry,” he said trying to stay calm. “Jarrod’s coughing and she said he gurgles when he breathes. She doesn’t think he’ll make it much longer.”

“We’re almost finished,” Tom replied understanding that his oldest son was dying.

Tom had suspected that the first time he saw Jarrod but he didn’t say anything. He didn’t want to worry his wife and other son but now it was out in the open.

“Nick,” he said looking over at his wife, “stay with your mother.”

Nick nodded and returned to his brother. He knelt down beside of Jarrod who was still coughing. He watched the agony that Jarrod was in.

“At least he’s unconscious,” she said sensing his worry. “He’s not suffering that way.”

“If he were awake,” Nick replied but couldn’t finish the sentence.

“I know sweetheart,” she told him.

Finally, after nearly an hour of working on the litter, they gently laid Jarrod on it, secured it to the horses and headed off toward town.

“Tom,” she said as they mounted up,” I’m going to ride close by. He might fall off.”

“He won’t,” Tom replied. “I made sure of that.”

Victoria rode beside the litter, keeping a close eye on her son. She noticed that Tom had tied Jarrod very loosely to the litter. He was still shaking and also coughing. Would they get him to help in time?

Chapter Nine

Thirty minutes later, they rode into town. They immediately stopped in front of the doctor’s office. Victoria led the way as Nick and Tom carried Jarrod inside. Adam followed them inside.

“Bring him in here,” the doctor motioned to his examination room. “Lay him on the table. What happened?”

“He was held prisoner in a mine,” Tom answered. “He was beaten.”

“Doctor,” she said still looking at Jarrod, “he’s been shaking violently and he’s burning up.”

“If you will wait outside,” the doctor replied, “I’ll let you know.”

“No,” Tom told him. “I’m not leaving my son.”

“Suit yourself,” the doctor said going to work.

“I’ll go over to the telegraph office and send a wire to Miller,” Adam replied. “I’ll check on Jarrod after while. I’m really sorry.”

“Thank you Mr. Howard,” she told him as he left.

As the time passed, Tom became more agitated. He wanted to know what was wrong with his son. But he also knew the doctor was trying to save Jarrod. He continued to stand there and watch as the doctor worked praying that Jarrod would survive.

“Your son is very ill,” he said looking up. “His physical injuries will heal in time; the cuts, bruises, abrasions and damaged ribs. The main thing that I am worried about is the infection that he has.”

“What infection?” Tom asked looking at the doctor. “Just how bad is this infection?”

“His fever is well over 102,” he answered. “His lungs have a buildup of fluid. He is coughing up brownish-red phlegrn. This is viral pneumonia that he has.”

“Pneumonia,” she said shaking her head. “Oh no not again.”

“He’s had it before,” he replied trying to get valuable information that might save Jarrod.

“Yes,” she told him. “When he was four years old. We almost lost him then but he survived. And he will survive now.”

“But it wasn’t the viral kind,” he said.

“What is viral pneumonia?” Tom asked.

“It’s caused by tiny organisms that attack his system making him deathly ill,” he answered. “It is treated with antibiotics. They help stop the spread and lower his fever. That’s the main thing right now is to get his fever down.”

“Will he be all right?” she asked wanting to believe that Jarrod had a chance.

“I’m not sure at this point,” he answered. “Your son is very weak and that will make it tougher to treat him. If he hadn’t been abused, he would heal a lot faster. I will try and time will tell. But what I want you to do is to keep him warm, try to get liquids into him and most of all, talk to him. Maybe if he hears voices he knows he will fight harder to survive. In the meantime, I’ll start him on medication and then put him in the back room. He’ll be here for a while.”

“All right doc,” Tom said but he was very worried about Jarrod.

Tom and Nick carried Jarrod to the bed in the back room. They covered him up with several blankets trying to keep him warm. Jarrod’s breathing still hadn’t improved and he was still shaking although not quite as hard as earlier. They waited anxiously for any sign that he would survive.

“Tom,” she asked, “do you remember the first time Jarrod went fishing with Nick?”

“Yeah,” he answered. “He was seven years old and Nick was three.”

“I don’t remember it,” Nick said looking at them.

“No wonder you don’t,” she replied. “You ran off.”

“I ran off,” Nick repeated. “Where to?”

“Jarrod was trying to tie the bait on,” he told him. “He turned to hand you the pole and you were gone. He panicked. I was down a ways and I heard him calling you. Your mother and I quickly hurried to Jarrod.”

“Son,” Tom asked when he joined Jarrod, “what’s wrong?”

“Nick’s gone,” he answered and Tom could tell he was upset. “I only looked away long enough to bait his pole and when I turned to give it to him, he was gone. I didn’t mean for him to get lost.”

“You go up river and I’ll go down,” Tom said. “Your mother will stay here if Nick comes back. Jarrod, calm down. We’ll find him.”

“All right,” he replied heading off.

“We finally found you about a quarter of a mile up river,” he said coming back to the present. I’ve never seen anyone more relieved than your brother. He ran to you hugging you tightly and then scolding you at the same time for running off.”

“Nick,” he said as he reached his brother, “thank goodness I found you. You scared me to death.”

“Me sorry,” Nick replied smiling at Jarrod.

“Don’t you ever do that again,” he told him. “I don’t want to lose you.”

“He really looked out for me while we were growing up,” Nick replied looking over at his brother. “Now it’s my turn to return the favor.”

“I’m not sure I know what you mean,” he told his son. “I know you love Jarrod but it’s going to take all of us to get him well this time. He’s in for a very rough time with all that he has wrong with him.”

“I’m going to take care of Jarrod,” Nick said becoming very possessive of his brother. “I’m going to talk to him, give him water and help him to heal.”

“I’m sure he’ll know what you’re doing,” she replied. “He’ll hear you and maybe respond. We can only hope that he will.”

“I don’t know if he will,” Nick told her. “But I have to do this.”

“I understand how you feel,” she said, “but he is going to need round the clock care.”

“I know that,” Nick shot back not meaning to get angry. “You don’t understand. I have to do this. I have to pay him back for all the times he has helped me.”

“All right son,” he replied beginning to understand what Nick meant. “You can help him but I’m afraid that it will take us all.”

“No!” Nick cried looking at Jarrod. “I have to do it alone!”

“Tom,” she said looking at Nick’s face, “we better let him at least for now.”

“All right,” he replied giving in. “If you need us, we’ll be at the hotel. We can use the rest. If anything happens, come get us.”

“Fine,” Nick told them sitting down beside the bed. “I will. Jarrod, I want you to listen to me. You’re going to get better. Who am I going to argue with? You know how much we enjoy arguing. College boy won’t be much help. He’s not you.”

Tom and Victoria saw the doctor outside Jarrod’s room.

“We’re going to the hotel for a little while,” Tom said looking back at his two sons. “Nick wants to stay with his brother. If there is any change, please notify us at once.”

“I will,” the doctor replied. “I take it your other son really cares about his brother.”

“Yes he does,” she told him. “They are so close. I have a feeling Nick knew his brother was hurt but didn’t tell us so we wouldn’t worry.”

They headed toward the hotel.

“Tom,” she said looking up at him, “I hope Jarrod can get well. He’s really sick.”

“If he doesn’t,” he replied, “Adam Howard will pay for this.”

“That’s not the answer” she told him. “How do you think Jarrod would feel if you beat Adam Howard up? He would probably hate you.”

“I guess you’re right,” he said looking at her. “But it’s his fault Jarrod is hurt.”

“He didn’t know what to expect when he asked Jarrod to come here,” she replied. “He only wanted to help Jarrod.”

“What by getting him killed?” he asked.

“No,” she answered. “You look at that man. He’s as worried as we are. He would give his own life to save Jarrod. I could see it in his face.”

Tom realized what she was saying.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m just so worried.”

“I understand, he replied putting her hand in his. “Jarrod is a fighter. He’s going to pull through.”

Tom nodded.

Chapter Ten

When Adam Howard left the doctor’s in Carson City, he immediately went to the telegraph office where he sent a telegram to James Miller outlining what he and Jarrod had seen in the mine. He told Miller that the mine would have to be closed until it could be made safer. Then he went to the hotel where he ran into Tom and Victoria.

“How’s Jarrod?” he asked as he walked inside.

“No change,” Tom answered trying to be civil. “He has viral pneumonia on top of his injuries. The doctor isn’t sure he will survive.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” he said looking at Jarrod’s parents. “If he does live, he has a job for the next six months with me and then I’ll see what I can do to help him establish himself as a counselor at law in San Francisco.”

“That’s kind of you Mr. Howard,” she replied. “He’s had this dream for the last eight years. Now that it is almost a reality this has to happen.”

“It’s not out of kindness,” he told her. “I feel responsible for Jarrod being hurt. I owe him something and also because I promised Bob Hodges that I would help that boy succeed.”

“You’re a kind man Mr. Howard,” she said smiling slightly. “Jarrod will be a hard worker and will listen to everything you say.”

“I already know that,” he replied smiling slightly. “I remember Bob talking about him. He was very proud of Jarrod. Said he was a hard worker and was willing to learn from his mistakes.”

“Bob was a good man,” Tom told him. “I was sorry to hear about his death.”

“He died in his sleep,” he said looking at Tom. “I know it was hard on his wife and daughter.”

“Did you know that Jarrod had been seeing Rachel while he was in law school?” she asked.

“Yes,” he answered. “Bob told me that he was happy that his daughter had found a nice boy.”

“But it didn’t last,” Tom said shaking his head as he remembered the horror of that time. “When she and Jarrod were kidnapped while on a picnic, Bob told me that he couldn’t let Rachel see Jarrod anymore. He was very concerned about his daughter’s safety. Jarrod was the real target and he felt that if Rachel continued to see him, she could be hurt or even die. I understood how he felt but it was very hard on Jarrod.”

“I can imagine,” he replied understanding the love Tom had for his son. “I feel like Jarrod is going far as a lawyer. He’s smart and level-headed.”

“And he thinks before he reacts,” Tom told him.

“That will play a big role in his dealings with clients,” he said.

Nick was sitting beside the bed hoping that Jarrod would be all right. He couldn’t imagine his life without Jarrod.

“You get better big brother,” he said. “I really need you.”

Chapter Eleven

As the days rolled past, Jarrod continued to fight to survive. Every time the doctor thought he was making progress, Jarrod’s fever would shoot back up. The doctor was trying to isolate the cause of the latest setback when the Barkley family walked in after a rest at the hotel.

“Doc,” Tom asked as they walked in, “how is he today?”

“His fever is back up,” he answered shaking his head. “I can’t seem to get it to stay down.”

“Has he awakened yet?” she asked.

“No,” he answered. “Frankly, I’m very worried. His physical injuries are healing but I can’t seem to stop the viral pneumonia. Every time I think I’m winning, this happens. I have tried everything I know.”

“Would a hospital be better equipped to handle this?” Tom asked.

“They might,” he answered. “But if you move him, it could cause even more problems.”

Tom and Victoria stood there looking down at their very ill son. Tom finally spoke.

“Let’s do it,” he said deciding what would help his son. “Jarrod is not getting any better here. I want to take him to the hospital.”

“All right,” the doctor replied. “I’ll get him ready to travel. One word of warning. You need to get him there quickly. He still needs round the clock care.”

“We will,” he told the doctor.

“Tom,” she asked, “are you sure this is wise?”

“He’s not getting any better here and it’s been almost a week,” he answered. “If he can get better care in the hospital in San Francisco, I believe we should take him there.”

“All right,” she said. “Let’s get him ready to travel.”

Over the next few hours, they prepared Jarrod for the trip to San Francisco. He didn’t acknowledge their presence and that hurt them deeply. They wrapped him warm blankets to try to keep him warm.

“Why won’t he come to?” Nick asked getting angry. “If he would only wake up, maybe we could help him get better.”

“He’s fighting the pneumonia,” the doctor answered. “He can’t take his mind off the job that is in front of him. Fighting the infection. He knows you’re here so continue to talk to him. He will wake up when he can.”

“I will,” Nick said nodding. “I will.”

Jarrod was carried onto the train and laid in the Barkley family’s private car where a bed had been fixed. He never moved. Tom stayed close to his son and prayed that Jarrod would survive this.

“He’s so sick,” Tom said as the train rolled toward San Francisco.

“But he’s fighting,” she replied looking down at Jarrod.

“I need to check in at my office,” Adam told them. “Then I’ll come over to see how Jarrod is.”

They watched as they headed toward the hospital but Jarrod never awakened.

Chapter Twelve

The trip to San Francisco took three hours. During that time, Nick stayed beside Jarrod.

“Jarrod,” he said trying to will his brother to wake up, “we’re on our way to San Francisco. Father thinks you’ll heal if you are in a hospital. I know you can hear me so I wanted to tell you. You have to try to get well. We need you. All of us.”

Jarrod moaned a few times but he didn’t awaken.

“Nick,” she said looking at him, “he’s going to heal. You have to believe that. Your brother loves you very much.”

“I know mother,” he replied. “But it really hurts to see him lying so still and fighting to survive.”

“I know,” she told him. “But let’s not lose faith.”

“All right,” he said.

When the train came to a stop, Tom left the train, heading for the hospital. As he walked toward the hospital, he thought about Jarrod having an office here someday provided he lived.

“If it’s in my power son,” he said as he walked, “I’ll help you get that office. You’re going to make a fine lawyer.”

He finally walked up the steps to the hospital’s main doors. Opening them he walked inside where he spotted a desk.

“I need someone to help my son,” he said as he walked up to nurses’ desk.

“What is the problem sir?” a young nurse asked.

“My son is on board the train that just arrived from Carson City,” Tom answered. “He’s very ill.”

“Do you know what is wrong with him?” she asked trying to gather as much information as she could.

“He has viral pneumonia,” he answered. “He was also beaten although that’s healing. But the doctor in Carson City couldn’t keep his fever down.”

“I’ll have two orderlies go to the train and bring him here,” she said motioning for two men to follow Tom.

Tom escorted the two men to the train and his son. They loaded him on a cloth gurney and carried him to the hospital. Tom, Victoria and Nick accompanied them there.

“You will have to wait here,” the nurse said as Tom tried to follow his son to the examination room. “As soon as we have him in a room, I’ll let you know.”

Tom nodded and walked back to his family. They waited.

“I hope this wasn’t an unwise move,” she said as they waited. “It could have hurt him worse bringing him here.”

“I don’t think so,” he replied looking at her. “He wasn’t getting any better in that doctor’s office.”

“We didn’t really give him time to help Jarrod,” she told him.

“Time,” he shot back. “He had a week. Jarrod should be a lot better. Instead, he is worse.”

“I think you’re being too hard on the doctor,” she said looking at him. “He was trying to save Jarrod’s life.”

“Look,” he replied, “Jarrod is my son and I want him to get the best help available. I believe that help is here in this hospital.”

“I hope you’re right,” she told him.

An older man with white hair walked out from the back. The Barkleys stood up as he walked over to stand in front of them. They guessed he was the doctor.

“Your son is very ill,” he said as he stood in front of them. “Oh, excuse me, I’m Dr. Baylor. He does have viral pneumonia but the main problem is that he also has a secondary infection in his throat and nasal area. That’s why his fever is so high. Also his nose is broken.”

“Are you telling us Jarrod is not going to survive?” Tom asked not understanding.

“No,” he answered. “I’m giving you the facts. Your son is a very sick man. It would be bad enough with only the pneumonia to worry about. But the other infections are keeping him ill and also keeping his fever high. And the broken nose is not allowing him to be able to breathe very well.”

“Can you help him?” she asked.

“Yes,” he answered. “I want to start him on antibiotics right away. Then see how he is going to do. If they work, he’ll be out of here within a week.”

“And if they don’t?” Tom asked fearing the worst.

“At least two maybe three weeks,” he answered. “I’m not going to give up on him. He’s very young which is very good. He’s in good health.”

“Do what you think is best,” Tom said. “We want Jarrod to get well.”

“I’ll get started on it right away,” he replied turning to leave.

“Doctor,” she asked, “can we see him?”

“After we get him settled in a room,” he answered. “The staff is still working on him right now. It shouldn’t be too much longer.”

“One thing doc,” Tom said. “Why hasn’t he woke up yet?”

“He’s had to fight so hard against all the infections that his body is completely exhausted,” he replied. “He will wake up when he’s ready. Try not to worry.”

“He’s been like this for over a week,” Tom told him. “I want him to know we’re here.”

“Talk to him,” he said. “Tell him you’re here. He might not acknowledge it now but it could help him heal.”

Tom nodded and the doctor headed back to his patient.

“Two other infections,” she said shaking her head. “ And a broken nose. No wonder he’s been so sick. I wonder why the doctor in Carson City didn’t find them.”

“I don’t know,” he replied. “I just want Jarrod to get well.”

Chapter Thirteen

When Jarrod was settled into a room, his parents and brother were escorted back. Tom noticed that Jarrod’s color looked a little better when he saw him. He also noticed that Jarrod’s nose was bandaged and his eyes were turning a deep purple. Jarrod looked so small in that bed just like he had when he was ten and had a broken arm. He immediately went to the bed and sat down.

“Son,” he said looking down at Jarrod, “you’re already looking better. You’re in the hospital now. I’m going back to Carson City after you get better to get those responsible for you being here. Right now, you have to heal. And you will. There’s a lot of work to do at the ranch and you have your new job to concentrate on. Adam said he would see you shortly. He had a lot of work to do.”

“Tom,” she replied, “he does look a little better in the face.”

“Yes,” he told her. “I know he is going to get better.”

A nurse walked in with a syringe, which was filled with a liquid. She pushed up the sleeve of Jarrod’s shirt and injected him.

“What are you giving him?” Nick asked.

“It’s medicine to help him fight the pneumonia and the infections,” she answered. “It’s a stronger medicine than he was being given before. He should start showing signs of improvement very shortly.”

“Great,” Nick said smiling. “It’s about time.”

Over the next few hours, they noticed an improvement in Jarrod. His fever slowly went down and his color greatly improved but he still had not regained consciousness. Nick sat down beside the bed and took hold of Jarrod’s hand.

“Wake up Jarrod,” he said roughly. “I need you.”

At Nick’s words, they noticed that Jarrod was indeed trying to open his eyes.

“Son,” Tom said, “come on. That’s it.”

Jarrod fought through a haze as he desperately tried to open his eyes. Finally, after several minutes, they were rewarded with his blue eyes looking at them.

“Boy have you been asleep,” Nick said happily. “We were wondering if you were going to sleep the rest of your life away.”

“Nice to see you too,” Jarrod replied but it was barely a whisper. “How long?”

“You’ve been unconscious for over a week,” she told him. “We brought you here to the hospital because you weren’t getting better in Carson City.”

“Son,” Tom asked, “do you remember what happened to you?”

“Yes,” he answered but again it was barely audible. “Three men kept me locked up in a bitter cold room and when they questioned me, if I didn’t answer right, they beat me.”

“Can you describe them?” Tom asked.

“I think so,” he answered. “The one that did all the talking was medium height, with brown curly hair. He talked with a Southern accent. The second one was a little taller with dark black hair. He worried about all the trouble they could get into if I died. He said he had lived in Stockton for several months or years and that all he heard the entire time was about the Barkleys and how powerful they were. The other one was short with dirty blond hair. He did the actual beating.”

“Did you hear any names used?” Tom asked.

“No,” he answered. “I didn’t.”

“I’ll get the descriptions off to the sheriff of Carson City,” Tom said. “Do you need anything?”

“A little water would be nice,” he replied. “Father, would you do it?”

“I’d be glad too,” Tom told him raising his head enough to let him drink.

“I owe you an apology,” he said after Tom laid his head on the pillow. “I should never have used the colonel and father in the same sentence.”

“Son,” Tom replied looking into his bruised face, “I understand how much Bob meant to you.”

“But you mean more,” he told him. “I really mean it. You are a special man and I’m proud to be your son.”

“I’m proud of you too,” Tom said smiling. “You get some rest and we’ll talk later.”

“Yes father,” he replied letting his eyes close.

Tom was elated. His grin covered his entire face.

“If you smile any wider,” she said smiling herself, “you’re going to bust.”

“I’m so happy,” he replied. “Jarrod is going to heal.”

“Yes,” she told him. “You were very worried weren’t you Tom?”

“Of course I was,” he said. “He didn’t deserve what happened to him. And I know that those men who did this will be caught and punished.”

“I hope the law is able to catch the animals responsible for hurting him,” she replied. “They don’t deserve to live.”

“Now Victoria,” he told her. “They will be punished.”

“Father,” Nick said joining in the conversation, “Jarrod was nearly killed. How can you be so calm about it?”

“Because Nick,” he replied, “getting upset will only hurt Jarrod more. He just now remembered what happened. We can’t push him too hard. In time, this will be a bitter memory.”

“I won’t forget it,” Nick told him. “I swear that if those men are not found and punished, I’ll go after them myself.”

“Son,” he said, “you’re thinking with your heart instead of your mind.”

“I mean every word,” Nick replied.

Tom knew Nick and he knew that he would carry out his threat.

Chapter Fourteen

Across town, sitting in his office was Adam Howard. He was trying to finish up the report he was going to send to James Miller. As he sat there, he couldn’t get the picture of Jarrod lying on that dirt floor in the mine out of his own mind. He had caused that smart young man to get seriously hurt. He heard voices coming from the outer office. Rising, he walked to the door and opened it. He couldn’t believe who was standing there grinning from ear to ear.

“Tom,” he said not understanding why Tom was there, “I thought you would still be at the hospital.”

“Jarrod woke up a little while ago,” Tom replied very happy. “I had to go to the telegraph office to send a description of the three men that held Jarrod hostage.”

“Then he was able to tell you what they looked like,” he told him.

“Yes,” Tom said. “I wanted to stop here to tell you that he was up to visitors.”

“I was planning on going by the hospital later,” he replied.

“Jarrod is still very weak but he is going to be fine,” Tom told him.

“Tom,” he asked, “can I have a word privately with you?”

“Sure,” Tom answered following Adam into his office.

Before Adam could say anything, Tom spoke.

“I owe you an apology,” Tom remarked. “I shouldn’t have been so hard on you. You were only concerned about Jarrod.”

“You had a right to be angry,” he said. “It was my fault and I’m the one who is sorry.”

“Let’s just forget about it for now,” Tom replied.

“I want to offer Jarrod a different kind of job than before,” he said looking at the boy’s father and changing the subject. “I don’t want him to do any physical investigating. I want him to be the lawyer for my many businesses and me personally. I plan to set him up an office and then tell everyone I know about him. I want him to succeed.”

“Adam,” Tom replied not knowing what to say, “I don’t know what to say. That’s exactly what he needs. Before you sent the wire, we were discussing his future. He was very concerned how he would let potential clients know that he was available. I can’t help him. But he can help Nick and me by taking care of the financial side of the ranch. And now with you helping him, his business should thrive.”

“Good,” he told Tom. “I’ll come by this afternoon to tell him.”

“Great,” Tom said and left.

When Tom returned to the hospital, Jarrod was still asleep.

“You were grinning when you left,” she said looking at her husband, “and you’re still grinning. What do you know that we don’t?”

“I went by Adam Howard’s office to let him know Jarrod was up to company,” he replied. “He is going to request that Jarrod come to work for him as his attorney and he promised to send clients to him.”

“That’s great,” she told him. “Jarrod will make a name for himself.”

“And with being the family lawyer,” he said, “he will stay busy.”

“Father,” Nick asked, “does that mean that Jarrod will stay here?”

“Part of the time,” he answered. “But that will give him a chance to decide for sure whether he wants to live at the ranch or here.”

“I don’t want him to leave,” Nick said glancing over at Jarrod. “He’s always been there with me except for the past eight years. I want him to succeed but I don’t want to lose him.”

“You won’t lose him,” she replied. “We’ll see him a great deal of the time. Don’t worry sweetheart.”

“I guess you’re right,” Nick told them. “It’s the chance he’s been waiting for.”

At that moment, Jarrod woke up. He looked around the room until his eyes fell on his family.

“Did you have a nice rest?” she asked going to the bed.

“Yes,” he answered. “I feel so much better. When can I get out of here?”

“You were only brought in a few days ago,” Tom said trying to calm Jarrod. “You need to regain some of your strength back.”

“But I want to go home,” he replied trying to get up and having to lie back when his body cried out.

“Not until the doctor tells you,” Tom told him. “You’re still ill and you have to give yourself a chance to heal.”

“All right,” he said giving in. “Do you think I might be able to go home tomorrow?”

“Jarrod,” she replied looking at him with a serious face, “you have been very sick. You are still recovering. Try not to rush.”

“Yes mother,” he told her.

Adam walked into the room. Jarrod looked over at him.

“I’m sorry about what happened Adam,” he said trying to apologize. “I feel like I didn’t have a very good start to my new job.”

“I’m not here to hear any apologies,” Adam replied sitting down in a chair beside of the bed. “I’m here to offer you a different job.”

“Different?” he asked. “I don’t understand.”

“I want you to work for me as my personal lawyer,” Adam answered. “I can send you enough clients to keep you busy for a long time.”

“You want me to be your lawyer,” he said thinking it over. “I would be honored sir.”

“No,” Adam replied smiling. “I’m the one who is honored. My previous lawyer passed away last week. I need someone desperately. I believe you can do the job.”

“Thank you,” he replied. “I will take it.”

“One thing son,” Tom told him. “You can’t do anything until the doctor lets you.”

“I realize that,” he said but he was finally happy. “But between clients here and helping you at the ranch, I’m not going to have time to worry about my future. This is what I’ve always wanted.”

“I’m glad Jarrod,” Adam replied. “As soon as you are released by the doctor, you come see me.”

“Yes sir,” he told him smiling broadly.

Adam left and Jarrod laid there with a smile on his face.

“I take it you’re happy,” Tom said knowing what a relief it was that Jarrod’s future was very bright.

“I am father,” he replied. “Very happy.”

“Good,” Tom told him.

“Father,” he asked, “when can I go home so I can start working?”

“Wow,” Tom answered. “In the first place you have been deathly sick. You are now just starting to regain your strength. I don’t want you to worry about work until you are able to.”

“But father,” Jarrod said.

“No butts,” he replied.

Chapter Fifteen

When the doctor came in that evening to see Jarrod, he was met by a very anxious young man who wanted to go home.

“Doctor,” he asked pleading, “can I go home? Please.”

“Son,” the doctor answered, “you have been very sick. Your temperature is not completely back to normal yet. I want to keep you here for a few more days.”

“Please,” he begged.

“What is so all fired important about going home son?” Tom asked thinking that he had stopped Jarrod from wanting to rush to get well. “I thought we had all this settled earlier.”

“I will heal at home,” he answered. “I will get better at home.”

“You can heal right here in this hospital,” the doctor said. “And furthermore, you are going to need your medication for at least another week if not longer. Am I making myself clear?”

“Yes sir,” he replied but he was unhappy.

“Jarrod,” Nick told him, “cheer up. We’re right here with you.”

“That’s not what I meant,” he said trying to explain how he felt. “I want to see what I’m going to be doing for father as well as for Adam.”

“Not now son,” Tom replied sternly. “I don’t think I need to tell you that you came very close to dying. The work will be there when you are well. Right now, I don’t want you to mention a word about lawyer or work.”

“Yes father,” he told him. “I promise.”

“Son,” the doctor said, “I want to examine you to see if there is anything that needs to be addressed.”

“All right,” he replied.

The doctor thoroughly examined Jarrod. When he was finished he looked over at Tom and Victoria.

“His fever is still 101,” he said shaking his head. “The pneumonia is better but he still has some fluid in his lungs as well as an irritated throat. I want to give him the antibiotics in a syringe for the next two days. This will be a little stronger and should help bring the fever down to normal. However, I don’t want you up running around. If you catch a chill, you could be very sick.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod replied. “I’ll do what you say.”

“Rest is what you still need,” he told the young man. “I want you to completely relax until the medicine takes effect.”

“I’ll try,” Jarrod said but he still wanted to go home.

“The nurse will be in shortly with the syringe,” he replied to Jarrod’s parents. “Keep giving him liquids. I don’t want him to dehydrate with the fever.”

“We will,” she told him. “How long until he’s able to leave?”

“At this point,” he said, “at least another week.”

“A week!” Jarrod screamed. “I can’t be here a week!”

“Jarrod,” Tom replied getting angry, “you will do as the doctor says. Or I will tell Adam that you can’t take the job. Is that understood?”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod told him. “I understand.”

“One thing you can do is read,” he said. “I don’t object to you reading for a while. But if you get tired, I want you to rest.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod replied smiling. “I love to read. But I don’t have any books.”

“I’m sure Adam has some that would be interesting,” Tom told him.

“You mean it father?” Jarrod asked.

“Yes I do,” Tom answered. “I’ll speak to Adam about it shortly.”

“Thank you father,” Jarrod said perking up again. “You have made me happy.”

“I thought it would,” Tom replied smiling.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” he told him as he left.

The nurse walked in with a syringe in her hand. She pushed up the sleeve of Jarrod’s shirt, injecting the medicine into his arm. Within a few minutes Jarrod’s eyes closed.

“You know what to say at the right moment,” she said smiling at Tom. “You really calmed him down.”

“I only did it because I knew that he was still sick,” he replied. “He needs time to heal and I intend to give him that time.”

But Tom knew that this was far from over. He knew that Jarrod would keep on begging until he could go home. And Tom was not looking forward to Jarrod coming home because he knew that Jarrod would try to work whether he was able to or not.

Chapter Sixteen

As the time went by, Jarrod improved enough to be allowed to go home on the condition that he take it easy for at least two more weeks. He gratefully agreed.

“I want you to check in with your family doctor,” he said as he stood in front of the Barkley family, “when you arrive in Stockton. He can see how you are progressing. I want you to heed what I said about taking it easy for two weeks.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod replied smiling.

“Don’t worry doctor,” she told him. “He will take it easy.”

“Good,” he said handing Victoria two bottles of medicine. “These are for the pneumonia and infections. He’s to take a spoonful of each every six hours for the next two weeks. If he is completely over everything at the end of those two weeks, you can stop the medicine but if he is still having symptoms, contact your doctor for some more.”

“We will,” she replied taking the bottles from the doctor.

The Barkley family left the hospital. Jarrod was still very weak and Tom had to help him to the train station. As they waited for the train to take them back to Stockton, Jarrod made a request of his father.

“Father,” he asked, “can I see Adam before we leave?”

“The train will be here in thirty minutes,” Tom answered. “And besides, that’s a long way for you to walk as weak as you are.”

“Please,” he said. “I need to talk to Adam.”

“All right,” Tom replied, “on one condition. You let Nick help you.”

“That’s fine,” he told his father.

“Nick,” Tom said looking at his second son, “make sure he’s back here in twenty minutes.”

“Yes father,” Nick replied.

The two brothers slowly walked to Adam’s office. Nick could tell that Jarrod was getting very winded as they walked.

“Maybe we shouldn’t have come,” he said as he looked over at Jarrod. “You look like you are going to fall down.”

“I’m fine,” Jarrod replied but he was almost out of breath. “Look you can go back to the train but I’m going on.”

“Hold it lawyer man,” he told him. “You go then I go.”

“All right,” Jarrod said and they went on.

When they walked into the outer office, Adam smiled as he looked up from going over something with his secretary.

“Jarrod,” he said smiling, “you’re finally going home.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod replied. “I wanted to come by to tell you it will be at least two weeks before I can start work.”

“That’s fine,” he told Jarrod. “You need the rest. I’ll be fine until you’re ready.”

“Are you sure?” Jarrod asked. “I know you said that your attorney died a couple of weeks ago.”

“There’s nothing that won’t wait until you’re well,” he answered. “Now you go home and rest.”

“All right,” Jarrod said smiling. “I’ll see you in a few weeks.”

After Nick finally got Jarrod back to the station, Jarrod collapsed onto one of the benches. His mother was beside of him.

“You are give out,” she said looking at him.

“Yes,” he replied leaning his head back. “I guess it was further than I thought.”

“You can sleep on the train,” she told him.

“I don’t need to sleep,” he said getting upset. “I want to decide where I’m going to live here and where my office is going to be.”

“You will rest on that train young man,” she replied getting just as angry. “You are not thinking very smartly. You are trying to react. That’s not what you are good at.”

“I just think I’m all right,” he told her.

“Well,” she said looking into his blue eyes, “you’re not. You are still very weak and you need rest.”

Jarrod finally nodded knowing he wouldn’t get anywhere with his mother.

The family boarded the train for home an hour later. Jarrod just about couldn’t walk to the train. Tom and Nick both had to help him climb the steps into their private car. Victoria helped fix him a bed where he slept most of the trip.

“He’s still very weak,” she said to Tom and Nick. “I’m very worried about him.”

“He’ll be fine,” Tom replied looking over at Jarrod. “If he listens.”

“I hope he does,” she told him.

When the train rolled to a stop in Stockton, Victoria had to wake Jarrod up.

“Honey,” she said shaking his shoulders, “we’re in Stockton. We have to get out of here.”

Jarrod opened his eyes. Victoria could tell he was still very tired. But he walked out of the car unassisted. They rented a buggy for the ride to the ranch.

Jarrod was thrilled when they rode up to the house. But his mother curtailed his happiness.

“Jarrod,” she said as they climbed out of the buggy, “I want you to go to your room and lie down for the next hour at least.”

“Awe mother,” he replied. “I’m not a baby”

“I mean it young man,” she told him. “You are still very weak and I want you to rest.”

“Son,” Tom said looking at his son, “I agree with your mother. Now, go.”

“Yes sir,” he replied heading for his room.

Nick caught up to him and walked up the stairs beside of Jarrod. He knew that Jarrod was still very weak and he didn’t want Jarrod to fall.

“I don’t need a nurse,” Jarrod said when he saw Nick.

“I’m not one,” he replied looking at his stubborn brother. “You better listen to mother. She will get very angry if you don’t follow her rules.”

“You don’t have to tell me,” Jarrod told him. “I know how rough she can be.”

Jarrod made it to his room. Nick made sure that Jarrod was lying on his bed before he left the room.

“I’ll be in the barn if you need me,” he said as he headed out the door.

Jarrod laid there wishing he was fine. But he wasn’t fine.

Chapter Seventeen

Several days after Jarrod had been home, he had an unexpected visitor.

“Tom,” Henry Marvin said as he stood in the foyer of the Barkley home, “I would like to have a word with Jarrod.”

“Henry,” Tom replied leading him to the study, “Jarrod has been pretty sick over the last several weeks. I don’t know whether he’s up to any business yet.”

“I only want to talk to him,” Henry told him.

“All right,” he said giving in. “Just a minute and I’ll get him.”

Tom left the study heading for Jarrod’s room.

“Jarrod,” he said as he walked in where Jarrod was relaxing on his bed, “you have a visitor.”

“Who is it father?” Jarrod asked looking up from his book.

“Henry Marvin,” he answered. “He’s waiting in the study.”

“I’ll be right there,” Jarrod said rising from the bed and heading to the study.

When Jarrod walked in, Henry extended his hand

“Jarrod,” he said shaking hands with Jarrod, “I desperately need your help. I need to prepare a new will and I want you to do it.”

“Me?” Jarrod asked not believing what he was hearing.

“Yes you,” he answered.

“All right,” Jarrod said smiling. “When do you need it?”

“As soon as possible,” he replied.

“I can do it probably next week,” Jarrod told him.

“That’s too late,” he said and Jarrod could tell he was nervous. “I need it now. You see, now that I have Will, I want everything to go to him. And another thing, Will is not my natural son. His mother and I adopted him when he was a small boy. He doesn’t even know about the orphanage.”

“I see,” Jarrod replied nodding his head. “You don’t have to worry about me sir. I am sworn by my oath that whatever you tell me goes no farther than here. But shouldn’t you tell him?”

“Good,” he told Jarrod. “I would like it done today. We keep putting it off looking for the right time. He is such a good boy and a hard worker.”

“Well,” Jarrod said without thinking, “I need to go to Stockton to draw up the proper papers.”

“How soon?” he asked hopefully.

“Now,” Jarrod answered. “Just give me time to get some things together.”

“I have a small office in Stockton above the Stockton Eagle,” he said. “We can do it there.”

“Good,” Jarrod replied. “I’ll meet you at your office in an hour.”

“Thanks Jarrod,” he told him as he left.

After Henry left, Jarrod was trying to get papers together he would need when his father walked in.

“What did Henry want?” he asked noticing Jarrod getting papers together. “Are you going somewhere?”

“He wants me to do some legal business for him,” Jarrod answered. “I’m heading for Stockton in an hour.”

“Wait a minute son,” he said getting slightly upset. “You can’t run off to Stockton. You’re still recovering from pneumonia. The doctor gave orders that you were to rest and take it easy.”

“I promised him,” Jarrod replied looking at his father. “I have to keep my word. Don’t you understand? I told him I would. Now how is it going to look if I don’t show up after promising him I would.”

“I need to discuss this with your mother,” he told him. “You haven’t been home from the hospital a week yet. And another thing, your fever is not completely gone. Getting out could make you worse.”

“She’ll say no,” Jarrod said shaking his head. “I need to go. Can’t you understand?”

“Yes,” he replied trying to calm his son down. “But I can also see your mother’s side.”

“All right,” Jarrod told him. “I’ll wait.”

Tom walked upstairs to Victoria’s sewing room where she and Audra were working on a new dress for Audra.

“Audra,” he asked looking at his daughter, “would you excuse us a minute? I have something I need to discuss with your mother.”

“Sure papa,” she answered leaving the room.

“Tom,” Victoria asked seeing the expression on his face, “what is it?”

“Henry Marvin came by a few minutes ago to see Jarrod,” he answered. “Now, Jarrod is bound and determined to go to Stockton to do some legal business for Henry.”

“Didn’t you remind him that he is still sick?” she asked not understanding her own son.

“Of course,” he answered. “He’s being very stubborn.”

“Let’s go talk to him together,” she said rising and heading out of the room.

Jarrod was getting very aggravated having to wait for his parents. He wanted to do this. He had to do this. He wasn’t concerned about his health at the moment. He was pretty much over the pneumonia. He knew he would be fine.

“Jarrod,” she said as they walked into the study, “what’s this about you going to Stockton? Have you forgotten how sick you’ve been?”

“Yes it’s true,” he replied grinning. “I’m going to do something for Henry Marvin. He has to have it today. It won’t take but a couple of hours. How can that hurt?”

“Your fever is still not back to normal,” she reminded him. “And the doctor told you to rest.”

“If you’re that worried, father can drive me,” he suggested. “But either way I’m going. I am bound and determined to go to Stockton.”

“I can take him,” Tom said trying to compromise. “He’s not going to rest if I don’t.”

“True,” she replied finally nodding. “All right but I want you back in two hours. And when you get back, I want you to go to your room and lie down to rest. Is that understood?”

“I will,” he told her. “And don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

“I hope so,” she said but she was worried just the same.

Chapter Eighteen

Tom drove Jarrod into Stockton. Along the way, Tom looked over at his son.

“You realize that your mother and I are only concerned about you,” he said looking at Jarrod. “We both think it’s too soon for you to be doing any kind of business.”

“I know,” Jarrod replied looking at his father. “But I promise I’m all right. “I’m only going to write Henry a new will. It won’t take more than two hours. He has to have it right now.”

“I don’t see why he had to come to you right now,” he told his son. “You aren’t even set up in Stockton yet. Where do you think you are going to write it at?”

“In Henry’s office,” Jarrod said a little anger showing on his face. “He trusts me father. If I can do this for Henry, then maybe other people here will want me to help them. It’s like opening a door to my business. Are you going to deny me that?”

“I’m not talking about denying you anything son,” he replied. “I’m only concerned about your health. Do you realize just how close you came to dying?”

“Yes,” Jarrod told him. “I understand that. But that was weeks ago. I’m a whole lot better. In fact, I bet I could out run Nick right now.”

“Jarrod!” he yelled. “This is not funny. I’m very worried about you. I don’t want to lose you again.”

“You won’t father,” Jarrod said smiling. “I’m really fine.”

“All right,” he replied smiling. “Two hours no more.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod told him.

They rode up in front of the Stockton Eagle. Jarrod looked over at Tom.

“Would you mind waiting out here?” he asked. “I don’t think it would be proper for my father to walk into a business meeting with me.”

“I see what you mean,” Tom answered. “All right. I’ll wait here for you.”

“Thanks,” he said as he climbed down and went inside.

Jarrod walked inside and went up the stairs to Henry’s office. He knocked on the door.

“Come in,” he heard Henry say.

Jarrod opened the door and walked inside.

“Thanks for coming Jarrod,” Henry said standing up from behind his desk. “I am very desperate.”

“I’m glad I could help,” he replied laying his valise down on the desk. “Shall we get started?”

“You will,” Henry told him. “Now here is my new will handwritten.”

Jarrod took the will and went to work. He sat down at Henry’s desk. He started writing out the new will. All in all it took him over two hours and a half to finish. When he looked up at Henry handing him the new will, Henry smiled.

“Here you are,” he said handing him the papers. “Your brand new will that will leave everything to Will.”

“Thanks so much Jarrod,” Henry replied as he signed it. “I know this is going to ease my worries about the ranch and Will.”

“I’ll lock a copy up in my safe when I get an office,” he told Henry. “Since I finished law school, I haven’t had time to look for one here or in San Francisco.”

“I may be able to help you there Jarrod,” Henry said smiling. “There is an empty office on the other side of the street. I think it would be perfect for you.”

“Really?” he replied getting up. “That’s great. I’ll check it out.”

“Thanks again Jarrod,” Henry told him escorting Jarrod to the door. “Come back any time.”

“I will,” Jarrod said as he left the office.

When Jarrod walked out the door, he didn’t go to the buggy and his father. Instead, he went across the street to look at the office. Tom, seeing him, followed.

“We should be heading for home son,” he said when he caught up to Jarrod. “Your mother is going to be very angry. You took a long longer than you said.”

“Henry told me about an office here,” Jarrod replied pointing at the building. “I wanted to take a look at it. I’m sorry father. I didn’t realize it would be that long. I did want to do a good job for Henry. He is actually my first Stockton case.”

“All right,” he told his son. “But only a look. And then we’re heading back to the ranch.”

“Fine,” Jarrod said walking inside the building where the office was.

They walked inside. When Jarrod saw the inside of the office, he was very pleased. It was very large with shelves lining two of the walls from floor to ceiling. It had one window and a small reception area for a secretary that he would have to hire. Another one of the many things he would have to do when he started setting up his new offices.

“I like it,” he said looking around. “I’m going to rent it and then I can have a place for my clients to meet me.”

“That’s fine son,” Tom replied. “Do you know who owns it? We had better go.”

“All right,” he told his father as they walked out. “No. Henry didn’t say who owned it.”

“We’ll check into that later,” Tom said hurrying outside. “Your mother is going to be angry now.”

“I know,” he replied but Tom noticed that Jarrod looked red in the face.

They walked out of the building and as Jarrod was going down the steps, he dropped to his knees. Tom was at his side.

“Son,” he asked kneeling next to him, “what’s wrong?”

“I don’t know,” Jarrod answered. “I feel so weak. I feel like I’m weighted down.”

He began to cough very hard and his face became blood red. Tom felt his face.

“Your fever is back up,” he said trying to help Jarrod to his feet. “I should have known better than to let you talk me into this.”

“Father,” Jarrod replied through his coughing, “help me. I can’t get up by myself.”

“I am son,” he told him helping Jarrod to his feet. “We’re going to the doctor’s.”

“No,” Jarrod said trying to argue. “I don’t need a doctor.”

Then Tom had a thought. He didn’t want to believe that it could be true. He questioned Jarrod.

“Jarrod,” he asked looking at his sick son, “did you take your medicine this morning?”

“No sir,” Jarrod answered.

“Why not?” he asked very upset with his son. “You know the doctor at the hospital told you to take it for two full weeks.”

“I didn’t think I needed it anymore,” Jarrod answered. “I felt so much better.”

“I’m taking you to the doc’s,” he said carrying Jarrod’s weight as they walked. “The doctor in the hospital told you to take it for at least two weeks after you came home. Now you tell me you didn’t take it. What am I going to do with you?”

“All right,” Jarrod replied giving in. “I’m sorry father. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“Sorry won’t make you better,” he told him. “Sometimes I wonder about you. You act like a grown man and then you do something stupid like this. Your mother is going to be very upset when she finds out.”

“I know,” Jarrod said trying to walk.

They slowly made their way toward Dr. Merrar’s office. Tom practically had to carry Jarrod. Harry saw them and headed over. He reached out steadying Jarrod while Tom tried to move him along.

“Tom,” he asked looking at Jarrod, “something wrong?”

“Harry,” Tom answered, “Jarrod has been very sick with pneumonia for over two weeks. He didn’t take his medicine this morning that the doctor gave him. Now his fever is back up. I need to get him to the doctor’s and word to Victoria to bring his medicine.”

“I’ll help you with Jarrod,” he said taking Jarrod’s other arm and guiding him to the doctor’s. “And then I’ll ride to the ranch to see Victoria.”

“That would be a big help,” Tom replied nodding. “I tell you Harry. I don’t know what I am going to do with him. All he’s got in his mind is to start practicing law. He is ignoring his health as well as us. He won’t listen to what I say or his mother.”

“He’s trying to be a man Tom,” he told him. “You know how stubborn those boys of yours are. He’ll be fine as soon as we get him to the doctor’s.”

“I don’t know,” Tom said looking at his son. “I’m really worried now.”

“He’ll get better,” he replied helping Jarrod up the stairs into the office.

Tom with the help of Harry managed to get Jarrod to Dr. Merrar’s.

“Doc!” Tom called loudly as he and Jarrod walked inside. “Doc!”

Dr. Merrar came out of the back. Once he saw Jarrod, he motioned for Tom to bring him to the examination room.

“I thought he was better,” he said as he examined Jarrod after Tom got him up on the table. “I just saw him a week ago. He was taking his medicine and progressing very nicely.”

“He was,” Tom replied relaxing for a minute after practically having to carry Jarrod. “But he didn’t take the medicine the doctor in San Francisco had given him this morning and he was out doing things before he was physically ready.”

“Jarrod’s a pretty sick young man,” he told Tom after he finished the examination. “His fever is up over 101 and there’s fluid in his lungs. I need to know what kind of medicine he was taking.”

“Harry is bringing Victoria and the medicine,” Tom said looking at his very ill son. “They should be here shortly.”

“I’ll have to get that medicine back into his system plus give him something else to help combat the pneumonia and infections,” he replied shaking his head. “I’m very worried about his lungs. They are filling with fluid. I need to stop that and see if he will rest.”

“He’s been so much in a hurry to start work as a lawyer,” Tom told him. “He’s not taking very good care of himself.”

“That has to stop,” he said looking right at Tom. “If it doesn’t, Jarrod could continue to get worse and finally even die.”

“I was afraid of that,” Tom replied his emotions threatening to come out. “I’ve tried and so has his mother.”

“Let me have a shot at it,” he told Tom. “I’ll lay down the law and if he doesn’t abide by it, he will suffer the consequences.”

“Bu he will survive,” Tom said trying to hope.

“If he listens to me,” he replied looking over at his scared friend. “I’m going to keep him here for a few days. I want to monitor him closely.”

“It will anger him,” Tom told the doctor, “but he needs to concern himself with his health.”

“I’m glad you see my point,” he said smiling.

They moved Jarrod to the back room. He never moved. Then Tom waited for his wife to arrive.

Chapter Nineteen

Victoria noticed the time and realized that Tom and Jarrod weren’t home. She began to worry that something may have happened to them. Then there was a knock on the door before she could find Nick to send him into town looking for Tom and Jarrod.

“Harry,” she said as she opened the door to reveal the sheriff, “Tom’s in town.”

“I know,” he replied stepping into the foyer and removing his hat. “I just helped him get Jarrod to the doctor’s.”

“How bad?” she asked very concerned about her son.

“He was running a fever and very weak,” he answered. “Tom asked me to ride out here to take you and Jarrod’s medicine back with me.”

“I’ll just be a few minutes,” she said heading for he kitchen where the medicine was.

After she retrieved the two bottles of liquid, she hurried out the front door. Harry had one of the hands get the buggy hitched and he tied his horse to the back of it. Victoria climbed in and they headed for Stockton as fast as possible.

“Harry,” Victoria asked as they rode, “did Tom say what was wrong with Jarrod?”

“I only helped him get Jarrod into the office,” he answered. “I don’t know what the doctor said.”

“I see,” she said but she was very concerned for her son. “Are you sure he didn’t mention why he needed the medicine?”

“He did say that Jarrod didn’t take his medicine this morning,” Harry replied urging the horse on.

“I was afraid of that,” she told him. “Jarrod’s been in such a hurry to practice law and work for Adam Howard that he has not paid a great deal of attention to his health. I don’t understand him sometimes.”

“That’s just what Tom told me earlier,” he said looking at her. “He said that almost the same thing.”

They rode on trying to get there as soon as possible.

Back in town at the doctor’s office, Tom had sat down next to the bed and his son. Jarrod had not regained consciousness since he passed out in route.

“Jarrod,” he said holding his son’s hand, “you have to take care of your health. If you don’t, you’re not going to have to worry about law because you won’t be around to practice. I want you to get well. Please son.”

Tom heard the outer door open and close. He knew his wife had arrived. He stood up, walking out the door. The minute he saw her, he could tell she was very upset. He went over to her and put his arm around her. He could feel her shaking slightly out of worry for her son.

“Tom,” she said as she hurried inside the outer office, “here is his medicine. How is he?”

“Not good,” he replied turning to hand the two bottles to the doctor. “He’s got a build up of fluid in his lungs. And his fever is up too. He was coughing but he’s not now because he’s unconscious.”

“Why do you need his medicine?” she asked not knowing the reason behind the request.

“He didn’t take it this morning,” he answered looking into her face.

“He what?” she asked not believing what she was hearing.

“He told me that he felt he didn’t need it any longer,” he answered. “But he was wrong. The doctor is going to lay the law down to him when he comes to. And I’m going to tell him that he won’t be practicing law any where in this state if he doesn’t start taking better care of himself.”

“Where is Jarrod?” she asked wanting to go to him.

“In the back room unconscious,” he answered. “He passed out while Harry and I were trying to get him here. His face was blood red.”

“Victoria,” the doctor said as he took the two bottles, “I appreciate you bringing these in. Jarrod’s a very sick boy right now. I want to get him started on these plus something to help his lungs. I want to keep him here at least a few days until I’m sure he’s out of the woods.”

“You mean he could die,” she replied starting to tremble again

Tom held her close trying to make her feel at ease but he was just as worried.

“It’s possible,” he told her walking away. “But he’s young and strong. Just keep him good and warm. Try to get him to take liquids.”

“We’ll try,” Tom said escorting his wife to their son.

Tom led her back while the doctor prepared the medicine for Jarrod. When she walked into the room, she saw how pale he was. His breathing was very labored. She sat down in the chair beside the bed. She looked up at Tom and he could see the worry in her face.

“Honey,” she said stroking his hair, “you shouldn’t have missed your medicine. You still need it to help you heal.”

The doctor walked in, carrying three bottles of medicine. He went to the bed, gently raising Jarrod’s head; he forced his mouth open giving him the medicine. Then he laid his head back on the pillows. Jarrod never moved as he was given the medicine through his mouth. Luckily, he did swallow it. The doctor looked at Tom and Victoria.

“He’ll start to improve when this takes effect,” he said smiling. “Try not to worry.”

She nodded and tried to smile but she was very worried about Jarrod.

Chapter Twenty

As Victoria sat beside the bed, she began to think about Jarrod and why he did what he did for Henry. Also, she realized why he hadn’t taken the medicine as the doctor prescribed. As she began to put the pieces of the puzzle together, she realized that Jarrod had a very good reason for disobeying the doctor. She turned to look at her husband.

“Tom,” she said looking very solemn, “I believe I know why Jarrod took on that job for Henry. And why he didn’t take his medicine this morning.”

“What are you talking about?” he asked having no idea what she was talking about.

“Let me finish,” she answered getting slightly annoyed.

“All right,” he said looking at her. “Go ahead.”

“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking,” she replied as she looked at both her husband and son, “about Jarrod and his wanting to work even though he was still very ill. Tom, what have you been doing to him?”

“Me,” he told her not understanding what she meant. “What did I do?”

“Let me spell it out,” she said continuing. “All Jarrod’s life, he’s been compared to his father. He’s the oldest and as the oldest, he has to take on a lot of responsibilities. Helping to raise three younger siblings being the biggest one. Another being, trying to live up to his father’s name and what his father has accomplished. It put a lot of pressure on Jarrod from the time he was very small. You remember when you used to take him with you to meetings when he was just a couple of years old. They were comparing him then. He was very well behaved I know. And he sat there listening whether he understood what they were saying or not. But he was being compared. When he was in school right here in Stockton, he had to live up to you. You were a very influential businessman at the time and everyone thought you might run for political office. He had to live up to that not only from the parents but from the children as well. Then he finished school and went to join the army with Matt because you were in the army. He wanted to be like you. Although he wasn’t cut out to be a regular soldier. Instead, he blossomed into a wonderful law clerk in Washington under the watchful eye of Col. Robert Hodges. There wasn’t any undue pressure on him while he was there. No one knew us or the Barkley name. No one compared him to you. Then he came home deciding to go to law school. Bob Hodges took the time to give him a very nice recommendation. Jarrod did well in law school. Again not as many people were comparing him to you. He took to Bob right off the bat. Bob didn’t put any pressure on him unlike you did. Jarrod was able to relax and study hard so he could graduate with honors. Bob treated him like a person and not just Tom Barkley’s son. Then when he came home, the pressure was back. He knew that he had to live up to you. And he wasn’t sure how he would. Then Adam Howard contacted him to come back to San Francisco to work for him. The pressure was off of him again. Adam wanted to fulfill a promise but in the process helped Jarrod by taking the pressure off of him. And unfortunately, he was seriously injured while taking an assignment from Adam. Then we came into the picture again. You were worried about him but he could tell that you wanted him to succeed. But there again he was being compared to you. When Henry wanted him to do that job, Jarrod jumped at the chance to prove to you and everyone in this town that he was worthy of being called a lawyer and also worthy of being called a Barkley and your son. Whether we want to admit it or not, we’ve done this to him. I didn’t realize myself just how hurt Jarrod has been at not being able to stand up to you in other people’s eyes. He’s had this burden on him since the day he was born.”

Tom sat there digesting what his wife had just said. He looked at his oldest son. Jarrod was still very pale and his breathing was still labored. Tom realized what Victoria was trying to tell him.

“I never realized what he’s had to live up to,” he said looking at his wife. “I didn’t mean for it to happen. I never compared him to me.”

“You didn’t,” she replied looking at Jarrod. “But everyone else did. He probably heard their comments. I am betting they hurt him too. Tom, this town put you up on a pedestal. And that was something that Jarrod couldn’t live up to. He knew he couldn’t. That was one reason he kept talking about going back to San Francisco. To get away from his demons. To be a normal person.”

“Do you really think so?” he asked looking slightly shocked.

“Yes,” she answered. “He tries to do his best but sometimes according to others that isn’t good enough. They all probably tell him that they remember you when you were his age and how smart you were. Or that he should be more like you. How do you think that makes him feel?”

“I never realized,” he said shaking his head “I need to talk to Jarrod. I need to tell him that it’s all right. That I don’t want him to have to live up to me.”

“Tell him Tom,” she replied smiling. “Before it’s too late for him. Even if this town wants to compare him, at least he will know that he doesn’t have to measure up to a man who has been placed on a pedestal.”

Tom stood up from the chair he was sitting in, walked over to the bed and sat down beside his son. He picked up Jarrod’s right hand in his and spoke very softly to him.

“Jarrod,” he said trying to sound happy, “I never realized how much pressure was on you to live up to your name. I didn’t want anyone comparing you to me. You are Jarrod Thomas Barkley, not Thomas Barkley. You are my son and I’m very proud of you. You will make a fine lawyer but first you have to get well. You concentrate on that and I promise you that you will no longer be compared to me. I remember the day you were born. Although I was in Stockton on business, I was still happy at the prospect of having a child and becoming a father. Then when I was told of your birth by one of Wally’s ranch hands that had been sent to find me, I was elated. I had a son. A boy to carry on the Barkley name. But then came the comparisons. Now that I think about it, even Wally compared you to me. He said that you had my eyes. I should have stopped it before it started. But I didn’t see it. I’m sorry son.”

“Tom,” she replied smiling, “I think he knows now. You are a wonderful man. Jarrod will never forget you as long as he lives. You have taught him many things, right and wrong; how to ride a horse; how to conduct business; etc. He’s always been a very bright boy.”

“I don’t feel like that now,” he told her shaking his head. “I’ve caused this Victoria. I’ve made Jarrod sicker by putting undue pressure on him. I love him and I want him to know that I do. I want him to know just how sorry I am for this. I always thought they were comparing Nick and Jarrod or Nick and me. I just never put the pieces together until now.”

“He does,” she said putting a hand on his shoulder. “He’ll wake up soon and tell you himself. But in the meantime don’t forget that he is Jarrod and not Tom. Don’t even make comparisons between him and Nick like you have all his life. In his mind he hasn’t lived up to being another Nick. He has never liked to do manual labor although he can do it if he is asked. He prefers to read and broaden his mind instead. I think that’s why he studied law. He wants to help others less fortunate than him. He’s not another Nick. He’s Jarrod.”

“I hope so,” he replied trying to smile but not completely succeeding. “And believe me I won’t compare him to Nick any more. I can now see what it’s done to him. That’s why when he came home from Washington, he was more confident and self-assured. He didn’t have that pressure put on him.”

Nick walked in at that moment before Victoria could answer. He had been at one of the line shacks when he received word about Jarrod. He looked at his brother and then at his parents.

“What the devil happened?” he asked as he walked over to the bed. I thought he was getting better. That’s why I left. Then Sam Williams comes up to the line shack and tells me that Jarrod is in the doctor’s office. He had some kind of relapse.”

“That’s about it,” Tom answered. “Henry Marvin came by the house yesterday wanting to know if Jarrod could do a legal job for him. Jarrod jumped at the chance but he wasn’t well enough to come to town but I brought him at his insistence. He did the will for Henry and then Henry told him about an empty office across the street. I told him that we needed to get back to the ranch. But he wanted to see it, so we did.”

“Did he like it?” he asked interrupting his father.

“What?” Tom wanted to know not sure what Nick was talking about.

“Did Jarrod like the office?” he asked again.

“Yes,” he answered. “I plan on surprising him when he gets better. I talked to Marvin Scally. He owns the office and I have purchased it from him. Jarrod will have an office to practice law. Anyway getting back to what happened. As he left the building, he collapsed down on his knees. His face was blood red. And he was coughing again. I got him here with Harry’s help only to find out that he hadn’t taken his medicine.”

“He didn’t take his medicine,” he said shocked. “I thought the doctor at the hospital told him to take it for two weeks.”

“He did,” she replied before Tom. “But your brother thought he was better and didn’t need it.”

“Sounds like he needs me to tell him to get well before he tries to work,” he told them. “He knows that I mean business.”

“Nick,” she told him, “you need to be kind to Jarrod. He’s under a lot of pressure.”

Nick looked at her not sure what she was talking about.

“I don’t understand,” he said shaking his head. “What pressure?”

“Son,” Tom replied looking up at Nick, “your brother has had to live up to me all his life. Mostly by the people in Stockton and that’s why when he went to Washington and even to San Francisco, he was able to relax and enjoy what he was doing.”

“I never realized that everyone in this town thought Jarrod had to be like you,” he told them. “I always thought that they wanted me to follow you.”

“They knew that,” Tom said trying to explain. “But when it came to Jarrod, they decided that since he was the oldest, he was supposed to be just like me. Let me tell you, he’s not. He’s more like his mother and I’m not disappointed in him for that. In fact, it makes him a lot stronger. He’s closer to your mother than with me but that doesn’t mean I love him any less.”

Victoria smiled as she sat there listening.

“I’ll straighten out people,” he said getting angry. “I’ll tell them to leave him alone to do what he wants to do.”

“No son,” Tom replied smiling. “I think I know of a way that will take care of that.”

“How?” he asked.

“I going to tell Jarrod to do the best he can as a lawyer and as a Barkley,” Tom answered. “And if they can’t accept him for being Jarrod then that’s fine too. No more comparisons!”

“I agree father,” he said smiling. “So how is Jarrod?”

“He’s got fluid in his lungs again,” she replied. “His fever is up again but the doctor is giving him something to help.”

“How long will he have to stay?” he asked very concerned.

“We don’t know,” she answered. “The doctor didn’t know.”

“I see,” he said looking at his brother. “Has he been awake?”

“No,” she answered. “He’s been unconscious since I’ve been here.”

“Is that good?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” she answered. “But the Lord is watching over him and when Jarrod is ready, he’ll wake up.”

“I can’t wait,” he said smiling. “Maybe before he heads back to San Francisco, we can go camping or hunting or even fishing. I need to spend some valuable time with my brother, Jarrod.”

“I’m sure he’ll like that,” Tom replied also smiling. “He deserves to be happy.”

“Yes he does,” she told them.

So the three of them sat down and waited.

Chapter Twenty-one

Jarrod slept the rest of the day and through the night. When the doctor walked in the following morning, Jarrod still had not awakened yet. He gave Jarrod the medicine and looked at the family.

“His breathing is improving,” he said as he looked over at them. “His fever is down to a little over 100. His lungs are also clearing up. He should be able to go home in a few days but he will have to rest and take it easy. He’s been a very sick boy.”

“Then why doesn’t he wake up?” Nick asked.

“Nick,” he answered, “Jarrod has been very ill as well as being seriously injured. The injuries prevented him from being able to fight the infection as effectively as he would have if he had been healthy. He’s come a long way but he still has a long way to go. One thing is for sure, he needs his family to help him recover.”

“He’ll have it,” Tom said nodding. “I promise that. Doc, by the way while you’re here I want to say something.”

“Go ahead Tom,” he replied listening.

“Victoria just recently pointed something out to me that I had not been aware of since the day Jarrod was born,” Tom told him.

“What was that?” he asked.

“Jarrod has been compared to me from the first day,” Tom answered. “I want it to stop. He’s not me and he never will be. He’s Jarrod Barkley, a new attorney with a very bright future ahead of him.”

“You know,” he said as he considered what Tom said, “I had noticed that myself. I kept hearing little comments every time I was around Jarrod. I could see the hurt in his eyes as he tried very hard to live up to being you. Well, not being you but being compared to you. They would say things like ‘I wonder if he will run for political office like his father.’ Or they would say, ‘He has a bright future in Stockton running the Barkley spread.’ So I can understand what kind of pressure he’s been under especially of late since he has returned as a full fledged lawyer.”

“Why didn’t you say something to me?” Tom asked.

“I just didn’t consider that it would hurt Jarrod so much,” he answered. “I admit I’m one of the ones who compared him to you. I’m sorry as I can be. I know how he must have felt having to try to live up to someone he both admired and loved.”

“I don’t want Jarrod to live up to Nick, anyone else or me,” Tom said smiling. “I just want him to live up to his own potential. He’s a very caring person who has been given a name and a legacy that shouldn’t have bothered him so much. But it did. This is his life and he has a right to live it any way he pleases. And if people can’t accept him for that, then they can just leave him alone.”

“Well said Tom,” he replied smiling. “Jarrod should wake up any time. And you can tell him for yourself. Although I believe he may already know it by now.”

“Thanks doc,” Tom told him and smiled.

Two hours later they noticed that Jarrod was indeed waking up. Tom, Victoria and Nick went to the bed smiling down at Jarrod.

“How long have I been here?” he asked wondering.

“You were brought in here yesterday morning,” she answered smiling at him. “You’ve been pretty sick again.”

“I guessed that,” he said not looking at any of them. “I really made a stupid decision not taking my medicine after the doctor had told me too. I just didn’t think that I needed it any longer. Boy, was I ever wrong.”

“Yes you were,” Tom replied, “but this town was wrong too.”

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about father,” he told him.

“Jarrod,” Tom said looking at his oldest son, “you have had since the day you were born had to live up to a name and a man that you both loved and admired.”

“Father,” he replied, “I...”

“Just a minute son,” Tom told him. “You don’t have to do that anymore. You just do the best you can do as a lawyer and that is all that I’ve ever wanted. You have been a wonderful son and a man couldn’t ask for anything more from his son then you have given me. But now I want you to live your life for you.”

Jarrod just looked at him as he digested what his father had told him. He thought about everything that had happened in his life and he smiled.

“I promise sir,” he said. “And thanks for taking the pressure off of me.”

“I never meant for it to be on you,” Tom replied smiling. “You are Jarrod and that’s all you need to concern yourself with. Nick is Nick and he doesn’t have to live up to anyone either.”

“Father,” he told him, “I remember hearing all those comments growing up about how I was the next Tom Barkley. I tried to live up to your reputation but I knew in my heart that I couldn’t.”

“I think I know why you had the problem with Bob and me,” Tom said. “Bob didn’t put any pressure on you to live up to a name. He just accepted you for who you were. I thank him for that. If it hadn’t been for Bob, you might never have realized your destiny.”

“What destiny father?” he asked.

“The destiny you were born to do,” Tom answered. “Attorney at Law.”

“You mean you knew I was going to be a lawyer?” he asked.

“No son,” Tom answered. “Your destiny was of your own choosing. I knew the day you told me that you wanted to study law that you were destined for greatness. Not because you were smart, which you were. Not because you were not born to ranch. But because you were your own man. You picked your career on your own. You are a man son.”

Jarrod looked at his father and smiled. Tom smiled too. So did Victoria and Nick. The family understood each other.

Chapter Twenty-two

Jarrod recovered and was able to go home. Before he left Stockton, he was given a huge surprise from his father.

“Son,” Tom said as they walked out of the doctor’s office, “I want you to come with me a minute. It won’t take long.”

“All right father,” he replied as he followed his father.

Tom had to give him a hand and so did Nick. Jarrod was still very weak but he was well on his way to being well again. They walked to the building where the empty office was that Jarrod had looked at a few days ago.

“Father,” he said looking up, “this is where that office is I liked.”

“It sure is,” Tom replied smiling. “Come on inside. I want to show you something.”

Jarrod, with the help of Nick and his mother followed Tom inside the building. The empty office was on the second floor. When they stopped in front of the door, Tom moved aside so Jarrod could see it. His face showed surprise and then an enormous smile came across his face.

“I had to do it son,” Tom said smiling. “Now, when you finish up working for Adam Howard, you have a place to conduct your business right here in Stockton.”

Jarrod just kept looking at the sign painted on the door of the office. It read: Jarrod Barkley, Attorney At Law, and Offices in San Francisco and Stockton.

“I don’t know what to say father,” he said. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome son,” Tom replied putting his arm around his son’s shoulder. “I wanted to help you get fixed up here and I think this is a good start don’t you?”

“Yes sir,” he told him smiling. “I’ll never forget what you did father. I’m proud to be the son of Tom Barkley.”

“And I’m just as proud to be the father of Attorney Jarrod Barkley,” Tom said smiling.

The Barkley family went home to the ranch. By the end of the next week, Jarrod was back in San Francisco working for six months under Adam Howard. Jarrod learned from the experience but he never forgot what his father had done for him too. And after Tom was killed, it meant even more to his oldest son, Jarrod Thomas Barkley.

THE END