The Terrible Loss

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.

Prologue

“This is not possible,” Sheriff Harry Lyman said in shock as he looked at the carnage on the ground in a wooded area near the Barkley Ranch. “I can’t believe that this has happened to ten good men. Why did they have to try to stand up to the railroad? There was no way they could win. If only I had been made aware of what was going on, I might have been able to stop it. I just don’t understand any of this.”

As Harry scanned the area with his brown eyes, he saw the bodies of well-known and well-respected men in the San Joaquin Valley of Stockton, California. There were also several of the men hired by the Coastal and Western Railroad lying dead but Harry was not interested in them. Then his eyes came to rest on one body, Tom Barkley. Harry swallowed hard. He had never wanted to see good men die.

“How in the world can I tell Mrs. Barkley that her husband is dead?” he asked as he looked down at Tom, his body covered in blood. “He was a vital part of this town. He was well known and well respected. It’s going to kill his family. I know it will. Those boys will be lost without Tom. Nick will have the weight of the ranch on his shoulders and Jarrod will feel the weight of the world on his. And what was he doing here? This land dispute had nothing to do with his land. He was doing what he always did, trying to help people. This time though it got him killed.”

“I don’t know,” Doc Merrar answered as he continued to check the bodies to make sure they were dead. “One thing is for sure. This was not the work of amateurs. The men that worked for the railroad knew what they were doing. They shot these men down like dogs. There’s no other way to say it. I hate when the railroad hires thugs to do their dirty work for them. They keep their hands clean. Right now I would like to strangle Hanibal Jordan for taking these men from their families and us. The way I heard it, the men asked for Tom to speak for them. Then there was some kind of ruckus in town earlier and the next thing I know I was told to ride out here to see about wounded men. Of course, when I got here most of them were already dead. It’s a shame too. Good men gunned down in their prime.”

“It wouldn’t do any good to arrest them,” he said to the doctor. “Jordan would have them out of jail before the lock could be turned. I don’t have a legal leg to stand on. These men were acting under orders from the railroad that was backed by the law. I wish I could go in there and arrest Jordan but I can’t. It was all legal. And if I had my way, I’d help you strangle Jordan. He finally got his wish. Tom Barkley dead. He’s wanted Tom dead for years. I remember when he had Nick and Jarrod kidnapped and tortured Jarrod to keep Tom from interring. It didn’t work although I think Jarrod will probably never forget Jordan. Whatever prompted this, it’s too late to do anything about it now. I just need to notify the families. It’s not an easy job being the sheriff. The fate of the Barkleys will rest on the shoulders of one young man, Jarrod. I know he is up for the task but it’s so much for him to have to bear.”

“True,” the doctor replied shaking his head. “Harry, do you want me to make the notification? I saw Jarrod after that happened. His shoulders were badly wrenched. He was lucky to even have survived the ordeal those two went through. I truly believe that those men took pleasure in seeing just how much punishment they could inflict on a human being. Jarrod was and is a strong person. He can handle this. Give him the credit he deserves. I’ve seen men beaten or shot but nothing like what I saw with Jarrod. Those men meant to hurt that boy. They didn’t care. It must have been sheer agony for Jarrod. And Nick had to watch what was being done to his brother. I cringe every time I think about that time. Jordan is an evil man. That’s the only way I can think of to adequately describe him. You’ve done the best job you can. It’s just a shame that any of this had to happen but with those hired guns but the men felt threatened and they reacted the only way they could.”

“No,” he told the doctor as he was looking at him. “I will make the notifications. I think it will be easier coming from me. Or at least I hope it will. But they will never forget. It might not have been Jordan who pulled the trigger but the man who did this was working for Jordan. So Jordan is guilty in my book but like I said before, there’s nothing legally that I can do. Those hired gunmen run this town like I wasn’t even here. My authority doesn’t mean one darn thing. Sometimes I hate this job.”

“I understand,” the doctor said and continued to work. “I’ll notify the undertaker to pick up the bodies. The families can let him know what they want to do. Harry, don’t be so hard on yourself. You are a fine sheriff. One thing though. Tom was shot at least four times. I can’t understand why anyone would want to shoot someone four times. It doesn’t make sense. Two in the chest and two in the back. I don’t understand why they would shoot him in the back. I really think they took their time and made Tom suffer before they killed him.”

“All right,” he replied as he walked past the doctor to his horse. “Are you sure doc? Four times. He really wanted Tom to know what was going to happen and then he had to watch helplessly as he was shot. I think they wanted to make him suffer and know what was going to happen. Thanks for listening to me rant.”

“I was also ranting Harry,” the doctor told him. “Tom was alive when he was shot the first time. I know he was. He knew who they were and he had to lie there knowing that he wasn’t going to live much longer. I just wonder what he was thinking. More than likely he was worried about his children. Tom was a good man and didn’t deserve to die. Or at least he didn’t deserve to be killed like this. Don’t you think we have a right to?”

“Yes,” he said nodding. “I know all that doc.” But what can I do about it now? I’ll tell you. Nothing. Jordan is clean. He didn’t pull the trigger but he ordered it and if there is anyway possible to catch him, I would. But there isn’t. My hands are tied.”

“Harry,” the doc replied looking up at the sheriff, “you go do what has to be done. I’ll take care of the rest here. Be as gentle as you can. It’s gong to be hard enough on them with the news.”

“You’re right,” he told the doctor. “I will and thanks.”

Harry took one more look around and then mounted his horse riding for the Barkley Ranch. It was a very solemn ride for the sheriff. He didn’t think he’d ever get the image of Tom lying on the ground covered in blood out of his mind. He also couldn’t forget what the doctor had also told him. Tom had been shot four times. Why? It didn’t make sense. But he knew he couldn’t tell the boys how many times Tom had been shot. He didn’t think Jarrod or Nick could handle it right now. He admired and respected Tom Barkley. He knew Tom was only trying to help. But look what it got him, killed. Harry shook his head and remembered the first time he had met Tom.

“Sheriff Lyman,” the clerk in the general store said to the new sheriff in town, “this here’s Tom Barkley and his son Jarrod. Tom, this is Sheriff Lyman.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Tom replied sticking out his hand to shake the hand of the sheriff. “I own a ranch outside of town. I had heard we were getting a new lawman but I’m afraid I’ve been too busy to get out to meet you.”

“I know,” Harry told him smiling. “That’s the first thing you learn when you come into this valley is about the Barkleys. It’s perfectly all right. I know how much work it is keeping a ranch going. You don’t have to tell me. How old are you young man?”

“Jarrod is two,” Tom said looking down at his son. “Speak to the sheriff son.”

“Hi,” Jarrod replied holding his hand out like he had seen his father do. “Me happy meet you sir.”

“I’m happy to meet you Jarrod,” Harry told him shaking his small hand. “You are a bright boy.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod said smiling. “Like book.”

“Huh?” Harry asked not understanding what Jarrod meant. “What did he say?”

“He loves books sheriff,” Tom answered. “Jarrod is very smart for his age and I believe he will be a famous man someday.”

“You never know,” Harry said and smiled. “I bet you would like to come over to my office sometime and see my books.”

“You have book?” Jarrod asked looking up at the tall man.

“Yes,” Harry replied. “I have many, many books. In fact, I’ll tell you what. You come over some afternoon and I’ll let you borrow any one of them.”

“Really?” Jarrod asked looking up at his father.

“Yes,” Harry answered smiling. “If it’s all right with your father.”

“Papa,” Jarrod said looking at Tom.

“It’s fine with me son,” he replied putting his arm around his son. “Thanks sheriff. I think you just made a friend.”

“I hope so,” Harry told him.

Harry didn’t understand why he had gone back to that day many years ago when he had first met Tom and his young son, Jarrod. He thought it was because he had just seen what was left of a man who was looked up to here in the valley. And a man who had helped him many times since that day long ago. Harry realized that just about every man in the valley owed Tom for something. He was always giving of himself. But he couldn’t understand why they had to shoot him four times.

“Whatever the reason for remembering that day,” he said to himself, “I’ll never forget the friendship I shared with a young boy who’s now grown into a fine young man. And I’ll be there to help him deal with this and hopefully go on with his life.”

Also, it didn’t take him long to reach the magnificent house where the Barkley family lived. Harry slowly dismounted, walking up to the front door. He knocked and waited for the door to open.

Chapter 1

Jarrod had decided to stay home from the office to work on some important papers for his father.

“Jarrod,” Tom said the night before looking at his son, “I have a very important favor to ask of you.”

“What father?” he asked very curious. “It’s not very often that you ever ask me to do something for you."

“I was kind of hoping that you would stay at the ranch tomorrow and work on some very important papers for me,” Tom answered smiling. “You remember when I told you I would use you as a lawyer too?”

“Yes sir,” he said looking at his father. “I would be glad to stay here to help you. I don’t have too much going on at the office right now.”

“That’s good son,” Tom replied. “If you come into the study, I’ll show you what I would like you to do.”

“All right sir,” he told his father as he followed Tom to the study. “Nick, I guess we’ll have to have that checker game some other time.”

“No problem Jarrod,” Nick said as he watched his father and brother walk into the study.

Jarrod was sitting at the desk in the study working on those important papers when his father came in that morning before he left to go to Stockton.

“Jarrod,” Tom said as he picked up his valise that was lying on the desk, “I’m going into Stockton to meet with the ranchers and farmers that the railroad is threatening. They are getting more restless in waiting for me to stop the railroad from taking their land. I just wish there was something I could do to stop the railroad but from what I’ve been able to learn, the ranchers and farmers don’t really have a leg to stand on. I wish there was a legal way to stop it. I hope this doesn’t escalate into something violent. Those men don’t know who they are tangling with. These are paid killers and they won’t bat an eye to shoot someone in the back or shoot them down without provocation. Listen, I really appreciate what you’re doing for me. It’s very nice to have a lawyer under the same roof and a very good one at that. I didn’t realize how much it would help me when you became a lawyer son but it has. You have made me a proud man son. I want you to know that.”

“Father,” he replied looking up at his father from the desk in the study, “I would be happy to go along with you. I won’t guarantee that I would be a great deal of help but if you think it could get dangerous, you need someone with you. I’m not Nick but I will help. And maybe I could find a legal way for those men to keep their land. Whatever, I’m willing to try. I know you are proud of me. I appreciate that. You are a man who I can look up and want to be like. I’m sorry I didn’t turn out to be a rancher like you. I know I’ve disappointed you.”

“No son,” Tom told him smiling. “I can handle these men. Most of them I have known since I first came into this valley. They are not violent men but they have been pushed against the wall and they are ready to fight back. The only problem is that they are not going up against men like you and I. These men are killers. That’s the best way I can describe them. They like to kill. I appreciate the offer but I couldn’t ask you to do it. You just work here and if there is any trouble then maybe you can see what you can do. I’m not the least bit disappointed in you. You chose to do what you wanted to do. And that’s the law. You are a wonderful son and I’m very proud. You are doing me a big favor by working on these papers.”

“I’ll still go with you,” he said nodding. “I don’t want anything to happen to you. And maybe I could talk some sense into them. I don’t know. I’ll be ready when you need me father.”

“Nothing will,” Tom replied starting for the door. “If everything goes well, I’ll be home for lunch. I know you want to help. You will and you have. I’m proud of you son. Don’t forget that. If something should happen to me son, I want you to handle these for me. You’re very familiar with them and I know you can do what needs to be done.”

“I won’t father,” he told Tom but he had a feeling something was going to happen to his father but he didn’t want to believe it. “You’ll be home after while father. I know you will.”

“I’ll try son,” Tom said as he left.

Tom left the house heading for town and it would be the last time Jarrod ever saw him alive. Jarrod sat there thinking about everything Tom had said, shook his head and went back to work.

“Maybe there is a legal way to stop them,” he said as he looked at the papers. “I’ll see what I can find out when I return to San Francisco. But what did he mean by ‘if something happens to me.’ I don’t understand. Did he mean that he was expecting trouble and didn’t want me with him because I couldn’t handle it? None of this makes any sense.”

Jarrod turned back to his work. But he was still very unsure of what his father had meant by his last statement.

By the time Tom arrived at the hotel in Stockton; the men were a mob. He couldn’t talk to them at all. He knew in his heart that what he had told Jarrod was going to come true. He didn’t think he would live too much longer.

“Listen to me,” he said as he had to practically scream to make himself heard. “This is not the way to go. Let me talk to Crown and Jordan.”

“You’ve already tried,” one of the men replied angrily. “It’s past time for talking. Now it’s time for action.”

“You’re making a huge mistake,” he told them trying to make them understand what they were going up against. “You’re the ones who asked me to speak for you. And now you won’t even listen to me.”

“Forget the talking,” another man said raising his rifle above his head and shaking it. “It’s time to show the railroad who they are messing with.”

“Then you will all die,” he replied again trying to be heard. “Take a look who the railroad has hired. They are not ordinary men. They are paid assassins. They know exactly how to kill and they won’t hesitate to kill you just as to look at you. Their motto is shot first and then talk. Think about your families. How will they go on without you?”

“Then why don’t you leave,” a man in the back of the room yelled. “You’re not involved in this anyway. They’ve not threatened to take that big spread of yours away. We are going to stand up for our land. And if we have to fight so be it.”

“I was asked by you to help,” he told them continuing to try to make them understand what they were doing. “But maybe I should just let you go out and get yourselves killed. Wash my hands of the entire matter. But I’m not going to do that. I was asked to help and if there is anyway possible I’m going to try to straighten this whole mess out. And pray that we all don’t get killed.”

No matter how hard Tom tried to convince the men not to provoke a gun battle, the men just laughed in his face. Finally, they charged out of the hotel, mounting their horses and heading for a fight. Tom decided to follow. Maybe it still wasn’t too late to stop this before it started. He was wearing his pistol and had his rifle but he didn’t want to get into a war. He would fight if provoked.

“You’re not taking our land,” a farmer said as he dismounted from his horse and looked at the men standing across from him in the wooded area not too far from the Barkley Ranch. “I’ll kill if I have too.”

“You won’t win,” he replied as he came to a stop dismounting from his own horse leaving his rifle in its sheaf. “You will die. Is that what you want? You want to leave your families without a husband and father.”

“Stay out of this Barkley,” a farmer told him pushing Tom aside. “This is not your fight. Go back to your own ranch where it’s safe and let us stand up to these men.”

Tom watched as the men started to raise their guns toward the railroad’s men. He again tried to stop the bloodshed.

“Listen to me!” he shouted trying to stop the inevitable.

Then gunshots rang out. Tom saw the men firing at each other. He knew he didn’t have a choice so he pulled his pistol out. But before he could shoot, he felt a searing pain in his chest. He collapsed to the ground. One of the hired guns saw him lying there. He walked over to him, held his pistol out and shot Tom again in the chest. Then he and another man turned Tom over and they both shot him in the back. They smiled at what they done. The menace was dead. Jordan would never have to worry about Tom Barkley again. When the shooting stopped the ground was littered with bodies. And in the fray Tom lay dead on the ground. In trying to stop the bloodshed, he had become a casualty. But no one was sure who had shot him.

“Oh my God!” one of the men said after it was all over. “What have we done? We’ve caused the deaths of these men.”

“Barkley asked for it by following us,” another replied. “He should have stayed out of it.”

“Did he?” the first man told him. “We really didn’t give him a chance to help. We were so all fired in a hurry to stand up against the railroad. Look what it cost us. The lives of all these men.”

“I thought some of you might want to know,” Sig Swenson said as he looked at the other men still standing, “I saw Tom shot. He went down to the ground but the man wasn’t finished. He walked over to stand over Tom and shot him again. Then he and another one turned Tom over. They both shot him in the back.”

“You know,” Ab Wirth replied looking at Sig. “I was wondering why they would shoot a man four times. Someone must have hated Tom to do that.”

“I remember Jarrod telling me that Jordan hated his father,” Frank Sempleworth told them as he stood over his father. “I know I shouldn’t have come but I couldn’t let papa do this alone.”

“We have helped to kill a good man,” Sig said shaking his head. “Now we have to face his family and tell them.”

“Did you get a good look at the man Sig?” Ab asked.

“Not a real good look no,” Sig answered shaking his head. “I was too busy ducking bullets. We have to tell Victoria about what we saw here. She has a right to know. Believe me, the Barkleys won’t stop fighting and they won’t stop looking for the man that killed Tom.”

“Sig,” Ab replied looking at his friend, “we’re not going to be welcome at the ranch when they find out what happened.”

“You have a point,” Sig told him. “But we’ll have to try.”

“Yes,” Ab said. “We will.”

The men stood there looking at the carnage before them realizing that in a way it was just as much their fault as it was the railroads.

Chapter 2

Harry waited for the door to open to the house. He was nervous and sad. He didn’t want to have to tell them that Tom was dead. But he had to no matter how hard it was on him to do it.

“Harry,” Nick said as he opened the door, “what brings you out here?”

“I need to speak to your mother,” he replied as he walked inside the house. “It’s very important.”

“Mother!” Nick yelled calling to Victoria rather than going to get her. “Mother!”

Victoria walked out of the kitchen and Jarrod came out to see what the hollering was all about.

“Nick,” she said as she came to a stop in front of Harry, “if I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a hundred times. Don’t yell in the house. I am not deaf. Harry, I’m sorry. I didn’t see you. Come in and sit down.”

“I have some rather bad news,” he replied as he looked at her face and remained standing.

“It can’t be too bad Harry,” Nick told him grinning. “Somebody break down one of the fences or steal one of the cows. I could have come to your office to take care of that.”

“It’s a lot worse than that,” he said trying to stay calm. “A lot worse.”

“What is it?” Jarrod asked feeling a knot in his stomach. “I’ve not seen you this nervous in a long time.”

“Your father...” he answered trailing off as he searched for the right words.

At the mention of Tom, Jarrod felt himself go completely numb. He knew before Harry said it that his father was dead. He remembered the sentence his father had said that morning. Tears began to flow down his face as he realized his own father had told him he was going to die.

“What about father?” Nick asked very curious. “He’s not here right now. He went to Stockton on business.”

“He along with nine others were killed a short time ago,” he answered trying to stay calm.

The three of them just looked at him like he had just grown horns. Victoria finally found her voice.

“Dead,” she said trying to hold her emotions inside. “How? Why?”

“Tom had tried to stop the ranchers and farmers from having a showdown with the railroad’s hired guns,” he replied looking at her. “He wasn’t successful and he was gunned down in the process. They wouldn’t listen to him. He tried to tell them who they were messing with but they were too enraged to listen.”

Nick just stood there with his mouth open unable to speak. He was in shock. He couldn’t believe that his father was dead.

“Are you sure?” Jarrod asked wanting Harry to be wrong but knowing that he wasn’t. “I knew he was going to talk to those men. I offered to go along with him but he turned me down. Maybe if I had this wouldn’t have happened. I even offered to try and find a legal way out of this. Now you tell me that my father is dead.”

Jarrod knew he would have to fill the void left by the death of his father. He didn’t know if he would be able to live up to his father but he would try. Even if it meant destroying himself in the process.

“Yes,” he answered. “I’m sorry. Tom has been taken to the undertaker. He’ll be expecting you as soon as you can ride into town to make the arrangements. Jarrod, you wouldn’t have been able to stop them either. They weren’t listening to anyone. I wish there was a legal way to stop Jordan. But I don’t think there is. He wanted Tom dead and now he has his wish. I know what you have gone through in the past with Jordan. I wish I had better news to tell you.”

“Of course,” she said showing Harry to the door. “Thank you for coming by and telling us. We have a lot to do to prepare for Tom’s service. Oh how I remember the times that the railroad tried to take care of Tom. But he would always outsmart them. It did nearly cost us the lives of our sons. But that’s in the past. Nothing can be done about that or this.”

“I understand,” he replied as he left. “I’m so sorry but I do have more families to notify.”

“Mother,” Nick told her after Harry left, “it has to be a mistake. I know father is not dead. He can’t be. I’m not ready.”

“Nick,” she said looking into his hazel eyes, “I know that Tom is dead. I would like you and Jarrod to accompany me into Stockton to make the arrangements. You are ready to run this ranch just like your father always wanted. You will make him proud.”

“No!” Nick screamed running out the door.

Victoria started after him but Jarrod put a hand on her arm.

“Let him go mother,” he said looking at her with tears in his own piercing blue eyes. “He needs to come to grips with father’s death his own way. He’ll be back when he’s ready. I’ll take you into town.”

“Thank you son,” she replied as she started up the stairs. “I’ll tell Audra. Would you wire Gene at Alex Barker’s near Berkley? He was going to see what he would need to attend Berkley and Alex wanted him to spend a few days with him.”

“Of course mother,” he told her as he turned to go back to the study. “I’ll be working until you’re ready.”

“Fine son,” she said as she walked upstairs.

As Victoria walked up the stairs she didn’t cry. She knew she needed to be strong for her children. Nick had already stormed out very upset but that was his way to deal with a loss. He would be back when he was ready. Jarrod was trying to be brave and become the man of the house. She knew he would put his own feelings on the back burner and try to help his family deal with the loss. She didn’t want him to harm himself because he wouldn’t grieve. She would make sure he did. One way or the other. But she knew that Audra would be devastated. She had been very close to her father.

Nick stormed to the barn where he tried to put his fist through the barn door. He didn’t think he had broken it but it was bruised and bleeding but he didn’t care.

“Nick,” Sam Williams asked as he walked inside to put up his horse, “what’s wrong with your hand? Did you get throwed?”

Nick didn’t even hear him.

“Nick,” Sam said again louder.

“Sam,” he replied turning to look at their foreman. “It can’t be true. It’s has to be a mistake.”

“Whoa boy,” Sam told him not understanding. “What are you talking about? Back up and tell me all about it. Maybe I can help with whatever it is.”

“Harry said father had been killed,” he said looking at Sam. “It can’t be true.”

Sam just stood there staring at Nick. He couldn’t believe what he had just heard.

“How?” Sam asked needing to know.

“Shot by the railroad is all Harry said,” he answered trying to keep from crying. “I can’t do this alone. I need father. I need him.”

Sam knew what Nick meant. He knew that Nick was concerned about how the hands would react when he took over and now that day was here.

“Nick,” Sam said as he put his arm around the young man, “your father has prepared you all your life for this moment. You’re ready and able to do it. I’ll be right here with you. You won’t be doing it alone.”

“Thanks Sam,” he replied realizing what Sam meant. “That really means a lot.”

“How’s your mother?” Sam asked genuinely interested. “Your brothers and sister know?”

“Jarrod does,” he answered turning toward Sam. “Mother is going to tell Audra. She is going to be devastated. She and father were very close. Closer than to me.”

“Audra is strong,” Sam said nodding. “She’ll be all right. Now don’t you worry about the ranch. I’ll take care of it until you’re ready to take over. You take as long as you need.”

“Thanks Sam,” he replied smiling slightly. “I know you’re a good man. But you know something Sam, I believe that Jarrod already knew about father.”

“What makes you say a thing like that for?” Sam asked looking at Nick puzzled.

“Well,” he answered thinking back, “Jarrod’s face showed shock even before Harry told us. I don’t know how he would know.”

“Why don’t you ask him?” Sam asked looking at Nick.

“Maybe I will,” he answered as he headed for the house.

Nick walked back toward the house. Sam watched him go. Nick was going to be fine as the head of the Barkley Ranch.

Victoria found Audra in her room trying on several new dresses. She sat down on the bed and beckoned Audra over.

“Audra,” she said as she looked at her blond-headed daughter, “I have something to tell you.”

“What mother?” Audra asked looking at her mother’s face. “You look so serious.”

“Harry came by with some rather bad news,” she answered searching for the right words.

“What did the sheriff want?” Audra asked.

“Your father is dead,” she answered trying to be as gentle as she could.

“No!” Audra cried. “You’re wrong! Father is fine. I know he is.”

“It’s true dear,” she said holding her daughter. “I’m sorry Audra.”

“I’m not mad at you mother,” Audra replied looking at her mother with tears flowing down her face. “How did it happen? Was it an accident?”

“No it wasn’t an accident,” she told her daughter. “He was shot by the hired guns of the railroad. Harry said he was trying to convince the farmers not to shot it out with them but they wouldn’t listen. They became a mob and your father was shot.”

“Hanibal Jordan again,” Audra said angry. “I should have known. I barely remember what he did to Jarrod and Nick. He is a very mean man.”

“I’ll agree with you on that,” she replied standing up. “I’m going into Stockton to see Mr. Beckett. Jarrod is going to drive me. We shouldn’t be gone too long.”

“I understand mother,” Audra told her. “I’ll stay here if you don’t mind.”

“Good,” she said as she left. “Oh, be on the look out for Nick. He’s having a very hard time.”

“I will,” Audra replied nodding. “He has a right to be. He was close to father too.”

“Jarrod is trying to be strong for all of us,” she told her daughter. “We need to be kind to him.”

“I will mother,” Audra told her. “I will.”

Jarrod was sitting in the study. He still couldn’t believe that his father was gone. He knew that Tom had told him he wasn’t coming home. Jarrod knew he should have gone with his father. He felt if he had he could have prevented his father from being killed. Victoria walked in the room.

“I’m ready to go whenever you are,” she said as she looked over at him.

“I’m ready now,” he replied rising to his feet. “I’ll just hitch up the buggy.”

“Jarrod,” she told him as he was walking out, “we’re going to get through this.”

“You don’t have to tell me that mother,” he said and walked out of the room.

She knew that he had blocked out the pain and he was trying to be strong for his family. But she knew that sooner or later he would have to grieve or he would go over the deep end and she wasn’t sure she would be able to save him.

Victoria and Jarrod rode into Stockton and made all the arrangements for Tom’s service. Jarrod had still not grieved for his father and his mother was very concerned for her son.

“Jarrod,” she said as they rode toward town, “I brought along Tom’s blue suit for Mr. Beckett to dress him in. Don’t you think he would look nicer in it than his casual clothes?”

“Mother,” he replied keeping his eyes on the road, “I’m sure whatever you want him buried in is fine.”

“Will you talk to me?” she asked looking at him. “There is something that you are keeping to yourself. I want to know what it is.”

“I’m not hiding anything,” he answered not looking at her. “I’m just tired that’s all.”

But she knew there was more to it. Jarrod had been the last one to see Tom alive that morning. And she wanted to know what Tom had said to Jarrod.

Chapter 3

“Mr. Beckett,” Victoria said as she walked into the undertaker’s office with Jarrod, “I was told by Harry that you have Tom here.”

“Yes Mrs. Barkley I do,” he replied leading her to his office. “I’ve cleaned him up and if you will bring me something to put on him to be buried in, I’ll have him ready for the service.”

“I have already done that,” she told him handing him Tom’s blue suit. “I would like him buried in this.”

“Fine,” he said as he took the suit from her. “I’ll just put this on him and then whenever you decide to have the service, he’ll be ready. You are free to view the body if you wish or to have the casket open for a brief time.”

“Mr. Beckett,” Jarrod asked speaking for the first time, “how many times was father shot?”

“Jarrod,” she said looking at him, “I don’t understand why you would ask something like that. What difference does it make how many times he was shot? He’s dead and nothing will bring him back.”

“I just wanted to know,” Jarrod replied as he looked at the undertaker. “I wanted to know if he was shot by different men or just one.”

“I don’t understand your reasoning,” she told him shaking her head. “We know your father was shot and killed. Why do you have to know how many bullets was in him? You are not thinking reasonably. You are hurting inside. I know that you are. But asking how many times he was shot will not help one bit.”

“Look mother,” Jarrod said standing up to his mother, which really surprised her, “I want to know and the reason I want to know is not important.”

“Yes it is,” she replied looking at her son. “Especially if it’s because you want to try to hunt down your father’s killer. I won’t let you. You are not thinking rationally. You want to commit cold-blooded murder to avenge your father. I don’t want you to spend the rest of your life in prison. That’s where you would be if not dead from hanging. Is that what you what?”

“All right,” Jarrod told her. “Maybe I’m not. But I want to know how my father died and if you can’t understand that then I’m sorry. I’m his son for crying out loud.”

Jarrod turned to leave but the undertaker’s voice stopped him.

“To answer your question Jarrod,” he said looking at Jarrod, “Mr. Barkley was shot at least four times. “Two in the chest and two in the back.”

“The back?” Jarrod asked shaking his head. “Those no good killers. They couldn’t face him. They had to hide and shoot him when his back was turned. I should go out and shoot them in the back.”

“Jarrod!” she said trying to stop him from doing something he would regret. “You’re not thinking son. You sound just like Nick. And you know what? You would be arrested for murder and where would your career be?”

“Mother,” Jarrod replied angry, “I don’t believe you. How can you stand there and uphold what they did? Father is dead!”

“I’m not upholding what those killers did,” she told her son. “I’m just trying to keep you from doing something that you will regret. I know that you are hurting.”

“You’re darn right I’m hurting,” Jarrod said still angry. “But I shouldn’t be taking it out on you. You are not to blame. Jordan is. Crown is. And I will take care of both of them for father.”

Victoria knew that Jarrod meant every word he had said. She had to find a way to make him understand that what he was planning was going to hurt him.

“Jarrod,” she said as she looked into his face, “you will not do one thing. Do you hear me? I mean it.”

“Yes mother,” Jarrod replied lowering his head. “I’m sorry I wasn’t thinking. I was reacting.”

“I think it’s time to go home,” she told him taking his arm. “Mr. Beckett, I’ll have to talk to Rev. Hamilton and let you know when. As for viewing Tom, I’ll have to do it at another time. My family needs me.”

“That will be fine,” he said escorting them out. “I will be here whenever you are ready.”

Jarrod and Victoria rode back to the ranch in silence. She knew her son was trying to deal with everything that had happened. And she had to find a way to break down the barrier that he had put up.

“Jarrod,” she said when they rode up in front of the barn, “I want you to come inside so we can talk.”

He knew what she meant. He had embarrassed his mother in front of Mr. Beckett and he was ashamed.

“Yes mother,” he replied as he climbed out of the buggy.

Jarrod kept his head down as the two of them walked inside where they were met by Nick.

“I just wanted to let you know that I’m fine now mother,” Nick said as they walked in. “Sam Williams really helped me and he told me that he would handle the ranch until I’m ready. Is something wrong? Jarrod?”

“That’s wonderful sweetheart,” she replied looking at Jarrod. “But I have something to take care of first.”

“What’s Jarrod done?” Nick asked knowing that his brother had either said something or done something. “He’s never this quiet unless he’s done something really bad.”

“He was very vocal at the undertaker’s,” she answered guiding Jarrod to the living room. “He said some things I don’t think he meant. But I need to make sure that he didn’t mean them.”

“I can imagine,” Nick said smiling. “We were all mad. How else could we feel? Father is dead. He was killed. I wish I could kill his killer.”

“Yes I realize that,” she replied sitting down beside of Jarrod. “But I don’t want Jarrod to carry out his threat. And you won’t do any such thing. I won’t lose one or both of my sons. Yes your father is dead. But killing the man who shot Tom won’t bring him back. You two have to realize that. I intend to make you realize it.”

“What threat?” Nick asked as he stood in front of the fireplace. “I can’t believe that Jarrod would threaten anyone. He’s not that way. I am. He’s as soft as a lamb.”

“He did,” she answered looking at Jarrod. “Didn’t you?”

“Why don’t you just tell the rest of the world?” he spat still very angry. “I can’t make a mistake without getting grilled. I stood up for my father and what did you do? You yelled at me in public. I’m not a little boy anymore mother. I’m a grown man who is hurting because of the death of someone I love. How could you do that? I sometimes wonder if you are really sorry that father was killed.”

“No one is grilling you,” she said very calmly. “All I am trying to do is calmly discuss the reason for your outburst in Mr. Beckett’s office. And listen here young man; I will not be talked to in that fashion. I loved your father very much. I can’t fathom the idea that you would say I wasn’t sorry that he was dead. You are not thinking son. If you were you would realize what you just said is stupid. I love my children and my husband. You need to think about who you are hurting with your words Jarrod.”

“You make it sound so simple,” he replied still angry. “Mother, those two men, Crown and Jordan, had father killed. I know they did. Jordan has hated father for years and has been biding his time until he could get rid of him. Now they have so I’m not going to stand by and let them get away with it. I’m going to take matters into my own hands and deal with them myself.”

“I agree with you that those two men have never liked your father,” she told him. “But if you go off half cocked and try to do something to either one of them, you will end up in prison. Is that what you want? To be locked up? To give up your life as a lawyer just to get even?”

“Mother’s right Jarrod,” Nick said looking at his brother. “You do that and you’re life is over.”

“Stay out of this,” he replied looking at Nick. “I don’t need your mouth.”

“Listen Jarrod,” Nick told him showing anger, “he was my father too. And I don’t think he would appreciate that his oldest son is trying to kill two men who weren’t even there when father was shot and killed.”

“You want to know something Nick,” he said looking at his brother. “Father was shot four times. Two in the back. That’s why I want revenge. I want to get even for the way he was murdered.”

“Jarrod,” Nick replied, “I don’t believe it. He was shot four times. Why didn’t someone tell me?”

“I only found out a short time ago,” he told Nick. “That’s why I want revenge.”

“You’re going to have to stand in line,” Nick said showing his own anger.

“No,” she replied looking at both her sons. “I’m not going to hear anymore talk about revenge. We need to concentrate on getting through the service.”

Jarrod fell silent. He knew Nick was right. But he just couldn’t get past the fact that his father was dead and Jordan was responsible. And the fact that Tom had practically told him he was going to die.

“It’s getting late and I think we’ll have plenty of time to discuss this tomorrow,” she said looking at her boys. “But there is one more thing. Jarrod, what did Tom say to you this morning?”

“Yeah,” Nick replied looking at Jarrod. “You knew father was dead before Harry said it.”

Jarrod didn’t say anything. He just lowered his head.

“Son,” she said looking at his face, “please tell me.”

“I...I can’t,” he replied.

“You have too,” Nick told him.

“I don’t have to,” he said looking at Nick. “What he said was between him and me.”

“Not any longer,” she replied. “I need to know.”

“All right,” he told them. “He told me that he wasn’t sure he would be coming home. I think he knew he was going to die. And I just sat there and let him walk out of the room to die. It’s my entire fault. I should have stopped him.”

“He said that,” she said not wanting to believe. “I guess he knew. He’s been a marked man for years. You two should know that. But he’s been able to outsmart his enemies until today. Jarrod, it’s not your fault. You are not to blame. If you had gone with him, I’d be burying my husband and my son.”

“I’m sorry mother,” he replied. “I should have stopped him.”

“No,” Nick told him. “You couldn’t. You know father when he was set on something. Nothing could change his mind.”

“We can discuss this more tomorrow,” she said. “We need to get some rest. Jarrod, you’re not to blame. I mean that.”

“You’re right mother,” Nick replied heading out. “I need to see Sam anyway.”

“What about you Jarrod?” she asked looking at Jarrod.

“I have some work to do in the study,” he answered standing up and heading that way.

She watched him go knowing that before it was all said and done, Jarrod had to grieve and go on with his own life. If he didn’t, it could destroy him.

Chapter 4

Several days after Tom’s death and the service for him, the family was still trying to deal with everything. Jarrod had hardly said more than ten words. He just kept to himself and that had his mother worried even more.

“Jarrod,” she said as she walked up to her oldest son, “you can’t keep doing this to yourself. You need to let it out.”

“I’m fine mother,” he replied barely loud enough for his mother to hear.

“No you’re not,” she told him. “You won’t eat or sleep or do anything but mope around. It’s time to get on with your life. Your father would have wanted you to go on. You have an office to run. Why don’t you go into town?”

“Like nothing’s happened,” he spat angrily. “Mother, you can’t stand there and tell me that you can go on without him.”

“I’m not talking about going on without him,” she said looking into his face. “We have to carry on for your father. He’s inside of all of us. And I know for a fact that he wouldn’t want you to keep the anger and hurt inside of you. You need to cry or scream.”

“I’m fine!” he snapped harshly and walked away.

“No son you’re not and one way or the other you have understand that,” she replied watching him disappear. “If you don’t, it will destroy you.”

Most of the farmers and ranchers who were at the service were more humbled after what had transpired with the railroad that horrible day. They were ashamed of the way they had acted and the men that had died because of their actions.

“Mrs. Barkley,” Sig Swenson said as he walked over to Victoria, “I know mere words are not enough to say how sorry we are for the death of Tom. But most of these men had been pushed to the brink and they couldn’t take anymore. We never meant for Tom or the other men to be killed.”

“I know that Sig,” she replied smiling. “You and the other men have been good friends to Tom and me over the years. This was just something that couldn’t have been helped.”

“Thank you for understanding,” he told her. “We just wanted you to know how badly we all feel. And to tell you about the way Tom died.”

“What are you talking about Sig?” Jarrod asked becoming interested in the conversation.

“Well,” Sig answered looking at the ground, “when the shooting started, Tom went down with a bullet to the chest. Then a man walked over to him while he was lying on the ground. He shot him again. After that, he and another man turned Tom over and shot him in the back.”

“Did you get a good look at this man?” Jarrod asked very concerned.

“Yes and no,” Sig answered. “I know he wasn’t a real big man but I didn’t get to see his face that clearly.”

“That helps a lot,” Jarrod said as he walked away.

Victoria watched him leave knowing that he was planning on searching for the man that killed Tom and she knew that she had to stop him anyway she could.

“I appreciate you being so honest,” she said as she and the family went toward the buggy.

“Mother,” Nick asked looking at her, “why were you so nice to him? He’s one of the ones that got father killed.”

“It wasn’t Sig’s fault,” she answered looking at two of her children. “I’ll not have any of you blaming any of those men for Tom’s death. We need to go on from here and show people what you learned from your father. Show them some of his guts.”

“We will ma,” Gene said as he put his arm around Victoria.

A few days later, the family was sitting in the living room. Jarrod had been very quiet and to Victoria she knew that he was still planning on trying to find his father’s killer.

“Mother,” Audra said sitting in the living room, “I never realized just how important father was. Can you believe the people that came for the service? There must have been over a thousand people there. I thought it was also nice for you to bury father where he was killed.”

“Your father had business dealings in five states,” she replied as she sat down in the living room. “Tom was well liked as well as being respected. Some of them said thank you for something he had done for them or just being a friend. I thought it would be the fitting resting place for your father. He stood up for what he thought was right. And he died because of it.”

“I know his estate has to be settled,” Jarrod told them speaking for the first time. “The sooner the better. Mother, I know you are going to oversee father’s businesses but other things need to be taken care of. I didn’t work that closely with father to know everything that he was involved with. But I would be willing to learn.”

“Jarrod,” Audra said looking at her oldest brother who was sitting a very small desk in the corner of the room, “why do you have to bring that up now? You know there’s plenty of time for that. Let mother rest. It’s been a hard week on all of us. You should know that. This can be dealt with at another time.”

“It’s all right,” she replied looking at her daughter. “Jarrod is right. We have to go on without Tom. I know it won’t be easy but we’re a family and we stick together. Nick, you will run the ranch. Jarrod, I expect you to help Nick whenever he needs it and do the finances. Audra will help me with everything else that needs to be done. And Gene will be available to help when he is home from school. I do wish your father had been here long enough to know that Gene is going to Berkley. He would be so proud of his youngest son.”

“Of course mother,” Jarrod told her but he still vowed to carry out his promise. “That is if Nick will let me help. And after I take care of what I have to.”

“Nick,” she asked looking at her middle son, “what is your answer?”

Nick just stood there staring into his whiskey. When he finally looked at his mother, he nodded.

“Good,” she said smiling. “Let me tell you something Jarrod Thomas Barkley. If you want to kill those men, you’ll have to go through me first. I mean that son. I’ll stop you or have you stopped. I won’t put up with you throwing away your life trying to avenge your father’s death.”

Jarrod didn’t acknowledge her nor did he look at her.

Chapter 5

Several days later, Jarrod was still trying to get everything taken care of. He was pushing himself to the brink of exhaustion. He hadn’t slept, nor eaten very much and he hardly left the study or spoke to anyone more than just a few words. Victoria was very worried about her son. But at least he hadn’t carried out his threat.

“Jarrod,” Victoria said as she walked into the study where he was working on several of his father’s papers, “you can’t keep driving yourself so hard. You need to take time to grieve like the rest of us. How long has it been since you’ve rested? I would say not much in the last few days that I know of. I’m very worried about you.”

Jarrod had stayed strong for his brothers, sister and mother. He knew he would have to assume the role of the male head of the family but it didn’t give him the time he needed to grieve with the others. He had also pushed himself to get all the papers in order to settle his father’s estate. He knew what had to be done and he aimed to see it through even if it cost him his sanity and his life.

“Mother,” he replied looking up from his work, “I’m all right. These papers have to be finished. Father had a lot going on before....”

Jarrod couldn’t finish the sentence. His voice started to crack as he thought about his father never being here anymore. He had never realized how much he relied on his father until now. And now Tom was gone. How would he go on without him?

Victoria noticed Jarrod’s expression. She walked over to him, kneeled down beside of him and turned his face toward her.

“Son,” she said looking into his tortured eyes, “your father wouldn’t want you to do this. You have to rest. In fact, you need to get away from here. You need to take a trip. All this paperwork can wait until you’re rested enough to do it. If you don’t rest now, you are going to collapse.”

“I can’t leave now,” he replied turning back to the desk and the papers. “I have too much here to keep me busy. There’s no way I could leave. There is too much to be done. All the businesses that father dealt with have to be informed about his death; the buyers of his cattle and horses have to be told; it’s a non-ending job. And I still want to take a message to Jordan and Crown.”

“You need to son,” she told him. “I want you to. I don’t want to bury you beside of your father because you pushed yourself too hard. Please Jarrod listen to me. I don’t want you to do anything to Jordan or Crown. If you do your career as well as your life will be over. Please Jarrod.”

“Where would I go?” he asked looking up. “If I go back to San Francisco I’d have to deal with people who knew father. Oh they would be nice about it but it would be the same thing over and over again. I don’t think I could handle that very well at the moment. I can barely hold my emotions inside now. If I am pressed about it, they will probably explode to the surface and then I would humiliate not only myself but the Barkley name as well.”

“I have an idea,” she answered smiling for the first time. “Why don’t you go to Abbottsville and see Jim. It would be a way for you to deal with your father’s death and see Jim at the same time. You wouldn’t meet anyone there who really knew Tom. You could get the rest you desperately need. He can help you Jarrod. Tom was his brother and he feels upset too. You didn’t get a chance to see him at the service but he is hurting too. It’s hard to lose someone you love but when that person is ripped from you by violence, it’s even harder to accept. If you cry you will not humiliate the Barkley name. You have to let go son. You have to come to the realization that your father is gone. Maybe Jim can help you get this revenge out of your mind too. At least I hope he can.”

“I don’t know,” he said shaking his head. “I have so much to do to settle father’s estate. I know that he is gone. I should have been there with him. If I had maybe he wouldn’t have died. Mother, those two men need to be taught a lesson. I can’t let them get by with killing father.”

“Look,” she replied, “it will do both you and Jim good to be with each other. You can help each other cope with the loss. I will help you pack a bag and put you on the stage myself. And you listen to me. If you had gone with Tom I’d been burying you too. They killed anything that moved that day. They didn’t care. Your father tried to help them and what did he get? Killed by the railroad. And what for? So the small farmers and small ranchers could keep their land. That’s one thing your father believed in. Land. He always said if you have land you are rich. He knew what he was doing. And it got him killed. I want you to tell Jim about the two men you want to kill. I’m sure that he will help you see that revenge is not what your father wanted.”

“Okay,” he told her giving in. “I’ll go. But not for a few days. How can you say that about father? He stood up for what he believed. I admire him for that. He taught me that growing up. And I haven’t forgotten who was responsible either. They will pay.”

“You are going tomorrow,” she said nodding. “The sooner the better. I’m not putting your father down. I’m only saying that it was a waste the way he was killed. Those men didn’t even listen to him. And now he’s dead. Dead! You will do no such thing young man. You are going to Jim’s and that’s final.”

“Yes mother,” he replied also nodding. “I know you’re hurting too. I want to help you. I need to be here for you and Audra. Nick is still having a hard time and Gene, well, Gene is not talking to me at all.”

“I’m sorry to get so angry,” she told him. “I loved your father very much. I hope you know that. Your brothers and sister will understand. They want you to go as much as I do.”

“I do mother,” he said looking at her. “I’ll go tomorrow. It might help at that. I haven’t seen Jim to visit and talk in years not since we were at Grandfather’s....”

Again Jarrod’s voice broke. But this time he couldn’t stop the emotions as they came to the surface. The tears flowed down his face and his mother took him in her arms holding him as he cried.

“That’s a boy,” she said as she held him close. “Let it all out. This has been hard on all of us. You have been strong for us now let us help you.”

Jarrod cried for several minutes before he pulled away from his mother. He looked at her realizing that she was hurting too. After all it was her husband who had died so horribly.

“I’ll go mother,” he said when he had found his voice again. “It might do me some good after all. Jim will understand about what we’re going through. It will be good to see him again.”

“Yes,” she replied smiling at him. “Your father would be proud of the way you are handling this. He knew you were going to be a great man.”

“I’m not a great man mother,” he told her shaking his head as he looked at her. “I’m just a lawyer trying to make a living.”

“To him you are a great man,” she said smiling thinking about her husband. “You are to me also. I am so proud of you.”

“Thanks mother,” he replied smiling. “I better get this work done if I’m leaving in the morning.”

“I’ll let you work,” she told him turning toward the door. “You’ll have a wonderful time. And if you need me, I’ll be here.”

“All right,” he said turning to his work as his mother left the room. “Maybe it would help at that. I know.”

Jarrod went back to his paperwork but he couldn’t get the image of a younger Jim Barkley punching his brother Tom in the face for whipping his son with a belt. That image had never completely gone away even after all these years. Jarrod prayed that this visit could help mend a broken heart.

Chapter 6

“Mother,” Audra said as she walked down the stairs, “I’ve been looking for you. Mrs. Gregg stopped by to see you about the auction to benefit the orphanage. You know it was supposed to be here at the house. She said due to what had happened to father and the other men, they had decided to postpone the auction for a month or two at least until everyone had a chance to take care of everything that needed to be done.”

“I appreciate you seeing to that dear,” she replied smiling. “I’ve been in the study with Jarrod. He’s having an extremely hard time dealing with the death of your father. And I don’t really want to concern myself at this time with the auction. I suspect it will be better to put it off for a while. Your father was a well respected man in this town. And he wasn’t the only one either. There was John Parker, David Sempleworth, and others.”

“I can understand why,” Audra told her as they walked to the living room. “Jarrod is the oldest son and heir to father. But it’s more than that. He’s also been like a substitute father to Eugene and me when father wasn’t here or too busy to help. That’s a lot of responsibility for a young man to handle and Jarrod has done a wonderful job but he hasn’t had the time to deal with his own pain and loss. I know he needs to too.”

“He feels like he has to take your father’s place in the family,” she said as they sat down. “Jarrod is leaving in the morning to visit Jim for a few days. I insisted that he go. I think that Jim can help your brother deal with his pain of losing your father and deal with what happened many, many years ago to a small boy in Denver. So much is going on inside your brother right now. The trip will help.”

“Oh mother,” Audra replied smiling, “it will do him so much good. Uncle Jim will help Jarrod deal with everything that has happened. I think it’s so wonderful that he’s going. Jim knew father and could tell Jarrod all kinds of stories like the ones he has told me. In fact, I would love to see Jim too but I want Jarrod to go first. Maybe after everything is settled, I can see him and Ellen. Did you have to push him to get him to agree? What happened on that trip? I’ve always wanted to know. Neither father, Nick nor Jarrod will talk about it. I am only curious because it happened long before I was born. I always knew something had happened but I never knew what. Please tell me mother.”

“I had to point out to him that Tom wouldn’t want him to do this to himself,” she told her daughter. “I think seeing Jim and being away from the ranch and the overwhelming memories of your father will help him deal with Tom’s death. It wasn’t pleasant what happened but your father took a stand and that stand killed him. I admire what he did and what he gave me. You, Nick, Eugene and Jarrod have a part of your father inside of you. As long as you are here, your father will never truly be gone. But how I still miss him. Audra, I don’t think I should discuss what happened during that trip so long ago. I will say this much. It was horrible for your brother. Jarrod had to deal with a lot and then the loss of your grandfather didn’t help. You and I will go to visit Jim soon I promise.”

“Mother,” Audra said looking at her mother, “father was a special man. I love him and will miss him dearly. But it’s harder on Jarrod because he was the oldest. Everyone will look at him as the head of this family. They will compare him to father more now that father is dead. Jarrod doesn’t need that now. He needs to be himself and not worry about living up to father. I know from what I’ve been told that Jarrod blamed himself for grandfather’s death. But he didn’t kill grandfather. I know he didn’t. And he didn’t kill father either. After all he was just a little boy.”

“But he doesn’t have to assume that role,” she replied. “I will now take over what Tom had and run this ranch just like he did. Nick will run the ranch now, making sure the men do their jobs and he is very capable of doing that; Jarrod will handle the finances as well as whatever legal things need to be tended to. You and Gene will help whenever you can. This will be family run ranch. But I want Jarrod to go to Abbottsville. He needs to get away from all of this. It will help him deal with Tom’s death. While each of you has been able to deal with what has happened, Jarrod has remained strong for you as well and he has neglected himself. He hasn’t been sleeping or eating and he’s been staying in that study day and night since your father was killed. None of that is good for him. I want him to be able to heal inside. I realize that he will be compared to Tom even more now than before. I don’t really think that bothers him as much as being strong for us. No he didn’t kill Charles Barkley. But your grandfather helped him through a very hard time in his young life. And I believe that Jim can do the same now. I also believe that Jarrod is once again blaming himself for a death in the family.”

“I understand mother,” Audra told her smiling. “And if I know Uncle Jim, he will have Jarrod forgetting the bad and only remembering the good. What do you mean? Who else would he blame himself for killing?”

“Your father,” she said shaking her head. “He sat in the study just now and told me that if he had accompanied his father, he could have prevented the death. I told him that I would have probably have buried him beside of Tom. I don’t think he understood what I meant. He has too much hurt inside of him. He has to let that out or it will destroy him.”

“Mother,” Audra replied shocked, “Jarrod didn’t cause father’s death. And you’re right. If he had been there, he would probably have been killed as well. It was a blessing that father didn’t tell him where he was going.”

“I think God everyday for letting me have my sons,” she told Audra. “I could have lost both Jarrod and Nick along with Tom and I don’t think I could have survived that kind of ordeal. I know that your father had a talk with Jarrod the morning he was killed. I really don’t know what was said but I’m sure that Jarrod asked if Tom wanted him to accompany him. And I know what Tom said too. Something else happened that morning. I’m not sure what it was but something was said that has made Jarrod want to seek revenge.”

“I understand mother,” Audra said looking at her mother. “Jarrod is here and he’s going to be fine. I know he will. You mean he wants to kill the man responsible for father’s death. What was that?”

“Tom probably told him that he didn’t need his help at that time but he might later on,” she replied nodding. “Your father believed in fighting his own battles. Audra, Jarrod knows how Tom died.”

“I know that,” Audra told her smiling. “I will always remember how sweet he was to me. I don’t understand mother.”

“Tom was a kind and loving father,” she said smiling as she remembered her husband. “He didn’t like to get angry with his children. But when he felt one of you had wronged he made sure you knew why. Sig Swenson told me that the day your father was killed that he was shot in the chest. He was lying on the ground when the killer and another man walked over to him and shot him again. Then he said they turned your father over and shot him two more times. Jarrod wants that man. I’m sure if he ever sees him; he’ll kill him. I’m hoping that Jim can stop Jarrod from doing that and throwing away his life.”

“You don’t have to tell me,” Audra replied. “I remember. Oh mother. I didn’t know. Why would they shoot father four times? It doesn’t make any sense.”

“Wickedness,” she told her daughter. “That’s all I can call it. They took pride in killing Tom. Right now, I feel like Jarrod and would love to have revenge for his death. But I also know that if I did, my life would be over. You would have to go on without me. And I won't do that.”

“I understand,” Audra said smiling. “Let’s just hope that Jim can help Jarrod realize the same thing before he makes a mistake that could cost him his life.”

Victoria nodded as she agreed with her daughter.

Nick walked inside late that afternoon and went straight to the study for a stiff drink before dinner. It had been a hard day for him especially without his father there with him. Sam had helped some but it still wasn’t the same without Tom there. The men had done what he asked but he could tell they still weren’t sure that he would be able to replace his father in their eyes. He didn’t see Jarrod at first but when he turned around he saw his brother working at the desk.

“You been in here all day?” Nick asked looking at Jarrod. “I can’t believe that you would spend a glorious day in the house sitting behind that desk.”

“Yes,” he answered not bothering to look up. “There’s a lot of paperwork to be done now that...well you know. I don’t care about how the day is. Nothing is going to change the fact that my father was gunned down Nick.”

“I don’t see why you have to do it right now,” Nick said taking a swallow of his drink. “You have plenty of time. You are not father Jarrod. You can’t do everything like him. He was smart. Granted, you are but you’re still not him nor can you do things the way he did them.”

“I’m leaving in the morning Nick,” he replied finally looking up at his brother. “I’ll be gone the rest of the week. I know I’m not father. I’m not trying to be father. I’m trying to keep this ranch a working ranch. Father was more than a rancher. He was a businessman who cared about this ranch and the people in this valley. Do you want me to throw that all away just because he is dead?”

“You going back to San Francisco right now,” Nick told him. “I mean it’s only been a week since father was killed and you’re leaving. What’s the matter? Can’t stand the fire so you’re leaving. That’s the way you’ve always handled the bad by running away. I remember after grandfather died, you ran away. When father slapped you twice, you ran away.”

“No,” he said with more force than he meant. “I’m not going to San Francisco. I have something else to do first. And I do not run away at the first sign of trouble. I have been here through everything adverse that has happened to this family. I don’t appreciate you throwing that up to me. I do care about this family. And how would you have felt if the only man who cared about you died because of you? You don’t remember how father was then. He was angry Nick. He was angry with me. Everything I did was wrong. I couldn’t satisfy him with anything that I did. Grandfather understood that and he was very kind to me. You don’t know how I felt.”

“What could be more important than getting this ranch going again?” Nick asked angry. “You can’t leave now. I need your help. I don’t have father anymore and I feel so alone. I know how father was. I was there remember? You’re only concerned with yourself. The rest of this family is hurting too Jarrod.”

“This is what father has worked all your life for,” he answered standing up facing Nick. “You know how to run this ranch. You don’t need any help from me. Mother asked me to do this. Just remember Nick. I’m a lawyer first. Talk about concern for yourself. You are so worried how the men are going to react to you. Big deal. I don’t care about that. I only want to get everything settled. And I want to kill the man responsible for killing father. I intend to carry out that threat.”

“Whoa Jarrod,’ Nick said as he looked at Jarrod. “What are you talking about now? Why in the world would a level-headed person like you want to kill someone whom you’ve never seen before?”

“Because Nick,” he replied, “father was shot four times. Two times in the back. What am I supposed to do?”

“Father was shot four times,” Nick told him not believing his own ears even though he vaguely remembered Jarrod mentioning sometime before.

“Yes,” he said very quietly but still very angry. “I’m not going to let him get away with what he did to father.”

“Jarrod,” Nick replied looking at his brother’s angry face, “you know what you’re saying. You’re threatening to kill. I don’t think you mean that.”

“Yes I do!” he screamed. “I want the man responsible! I can’t go on if he is out there.”

“Jarrod,” Nick said trying to calm Jarrod down, “please think about what you’re saying. You’re talking about cold-blooded murder.”

“Yes,” he replied. “I know what I’m saying. But I don’t understand why they had to do that to him. He didn’t deserve it.”

Victoria heard the loud words coming from the study and knew that her sons were going at it again. She walked in just in time to hear the last part of what Jarrod had said.

“Nicholas,” she said as she came to a stop between her sons, “I could hear you on the other end of the house. Now to answer your question, Jarrod is going away for a few days to rest. He’s had to assume your father’s duties as male head of this family. He needs to get away. He is not concentrating on himself. He’s had your feelings as well as Audra’s and Gene’s. He’s not taken the time to grieve himself. ”

“But mother,” Nick replied trying to convince her that he needed Jarrod here.

“Don’t but mother me,” she told him. “Jarrod is leaving in the morning to see Jim. I don’t want you to say another word to him about it. I told him to go. He needs to deal with what he’s going through. You dealt with your father’s death so did Audra and Eugene but Jarrod has had to deal with Tom’s death and with helping his family deal with it too. It’s too much for him at this point. He’s not been eating or sleeping. If he doesn’t get some rest, he’s going to collapse. I believe spending time with Jim will help him heal. Do I make myself clear?”

Nick stood there digesting everything his mother had said. He hadn’t realized what all Jarrod had done for the family. He knew she was right.

“I agree,” Nick said very softly. “Jarrod, you go have a wonderful time and when you get back we’ll go over everything. Okay? As for what you said you wanted to do, I understand how you feel. Talk to Jim about it. Maybe he can help. I don’t want you to end up in prison or dead.”

“Sure Nick,” he replied smiling. “I’ll do whatever I can to help you. But the ranch is yours. I’m only backing you up. I promise I’ll talk to Jim before I go after the man.”

“I know you will,” Nick told him also smiling. “And listen here Jarrod. You are a part of this ranch. Father left it to all of us. How about a game of checkers after dinner?”

“Why not,” he said nodding at his brother. “I think it will do us both good.”

“Then it’s settled,” Nick replied as he finished his drink.

The family finished the evening meal and Jarrod retired early. He had a long trip tomorrow. And Victoria prayed that Jim could help Jarrod heal before he completely self-destructed.

Chapter 7

As Jarrod laid down on his bed, every time he closed his eyes all he saw was his father’s body covered in blood. He visibly shook at the sight. He also remembered what Sig Swenson had said about the way Tom had been killed. He had been shot four times.

“Why father why?” he cried out loud. “Why did you have to die? I need you! I can’t go on without you! Please!”

Both Nick and his mother heard the cries coming from Jarrod’s bedroom. They ran into each other in the hallway.

“I was afraid of that,” she said as she looked at Nick. “He can’t handle all the added pressure. He’s coming apart Nick. I have to make sure he gets to Abbottsville and Jim before it’s too late.”

“We will mother,” he replied as he started walking toward his brother’s room. “Right now he can use us both.”

“I agree,” she told him as they opened the door and walked into Jarrod’s bedroom.

They could see him lying on the bed physically shaking with rage and hurt. Victoria hurried to him. She sat down on the bed and pulled him to her.

“It’s all right son,” she said as she held his shaking body in her arms. “You’re safe.”

“Mother’s right Jarrod,” Nick replied sitting on the other side of the bed. “You don’t have to do this to yourself. It’s not your fault. And you’re not alone. We’re here for you and to help you.”

Jarrod realized that he wasn’t alone in his room. When he finally registered his mother and brother, he quieted. His mother released her hold on him easing him back onto the pillow.

“We heard you cry out,” she said looking down at him. “Was it a dream?”

“I’m not sure,” he replied still slightly shaking. “Every time I close my eyes all I see is father lying on the ground completely covered in blood. I caused this to happen. It was my fault. My entire fault. I remember what Sig said about the way father was killed. I should have gone with him. I should have.”

“No Jarrod,” she told him trying to calm him. “It wasn’t your fault. It was just something horrible that happened. Your father wouldn’t want you to do this to yourself. He loved you and was proud of everything you accomplished. As for what Sig said, we can’t do anything right now about that. You need to try to rest.”

Jarrod looked at her face. He knew she was right.

“I’m sorry I woke you up,” he said. “I guess I’m so tired I can’t rest.”

“The trip will do you good,” she replied as she continued to sit beside of him on the bed. “You will be able to get some much needed rest. Do you think you can go to sleep?”

“I’ll try,” he told her closing his exhausted eyes.

“Nick,” she said looking over at her second son, “you go on back to bed. I’ll stay with him for a little while. I want to be here if he has another bad time.”

“Are you sure mother?” he asked looking at Jarrod. “I’ll stay if you need me. It might be a very long night.”

“You have a lot of work ahead of you tomorrow,” she answered smiling. “I’ll just sit quietly here to make sure he gets some much needed rest.”

Nick nodded and headed back to his room. He felt for Jarrod and wished he could help him deal with what he was going through but he couldn’t. But maybe Jim could. He hoped so. He also regretted getting angry with Jarrod about his trip. He realized that Jarrod needed this trip. And he would make sure his brother went if he had to carry him himself.

Victoria stayed with Jarrod for several hours. When she was satisfied that he would rest, she went back to her room. She crawled in bed and looked at the vacant place beside of her. Then she turned over, closed her eyes and went to sleep but her thoughts were on her son.

Chapter 8

The next morning, Jarrod was up early. He still looked tired but he had at least rested part of the night. He had the distinct feeling that his mother and Nick had been with him at some time during the night but he couldn’t be sure. After he had dressed and gone to the dining room for breakfast, his mother walked in.

“Did you finally get to sleep?” she asked as she sat down at the table.

“What are you talking about?” he wanted to know not sure of what she meant. “I think I rested some of the night. At least the nightmare stopped.”

“About seeing your father lying on the ground covered in blood,” she answered looking at him.

“How did you know?” he asked completely in the dark. “Were you in my room last night?”

“Yes,” she answered quietly. “You cried out and when I came inside you were quite upset and shaking. I stayed with you part of the night until I was satisfied that you were resting.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t remember mother,” he said shaking his head. “But lately all I think about is father. I can’t seem to get him out of my mind. I guess I feel like I have failed him as the oldest son. I just don’t know any more.”

“It’s natural to remember someone after they’re gone,” she replied sipping her coffee. “That’s why I wanted you to go to Jim’s. He can tell you all kinds of stories about your father.”

“I hadn’t thought of it like that,” he told her smiling slightly. “I’m all packed and I’ll be leaving in about an hour. I do hope this helps.”

“I don’t want you to come home for at least a week,” she said holding up her hand when she saw him about to object. “I mean it Jarrod. I want you to stay. Your work will wait and you can enjoy yourself.”

Jarrod finally nodded.

“I will mother,” he said looking at her. “You know it might be fun at that. I haven’t seen Jim’s collection of palominos. Father said they were show horses.”

“I remember your father talking about Jim having some,” she replied smiling. “He said that Jim never would stick to the easy way. He had to be the different one in the family.”

“I remember,” he told her laughing for the first time. “He always said that Jim would try something new or bust. Mother, why did he have to die? Why? Why?”

“Honey,” she said knowing that he was still quite upset, “your father always did what he thought was right. He didn’t listen to anyone if he thought they were wrong or mistaken. He was asked to help those men but they unfortunately didn’t listen to him. And because of that, he was killed.”

“I don’t understand why Hannibal Jordan has had it in for father,” he replied shaking his head. “I remember when I was going to law school and first met Rachel, he kidnapped me and her. He kidnapped Nick and me too. He’s evil mother. I know he is and I hope I’m still alive when someone ends his life.”

“Son,” she told him, “I don’t want to hear you talk like that again. You don’t need to wish bad on anyone even if it is the man that had your father killed. I know he didn’t pull the trigger but he ordered it. I am angry too but not so much at Jordan as I am at the circumstances involved in the whole incident.”

“I understand,” he said pushing his plate away still showing his anger.

“You need to eat,” she replied looking at him. “You can’t punish yourself for what happened to Tom. It wasn’t your fault son.”

“And why not?” he asked angry. “If this whole mess hadn’t happened, father would still be alive. If I had gone with him, he would still be alive.”

“Possibly and possibly not,” she answered trying to explain. “Jarrod, your father was a man who stood up for his principals. And as it turned out, his principals are what killed him. He couldn’t let those men stand up to the railroad alone. But there is something you need to remember. Nine other men died too. Your father wasn’t the only one. Your best friend, Frank’s, father died. How do you think he feels?”

“Yes,” he said shaking his head. “I remember. “Most of them good men. I wish more of Jordan’s hired guns had been killed. I guess I had forgotten about Frank. I should go see him. Maybe I will when I get back.”

“You are not reasoning this situation out,” she replied looking at him. “You’re thinking with your heart and not your brain. Visiting with Jim will help you understand. Listen to Jim. He can help you.”

“True,” he told her. “But in this instance I can’t think rationally. My father was killed in a gun battle with the Coastal and Western Railroad. They murdered him.”

“I understand how you feel,” she said. “But look at it from my perspective. Your father agreed to help and set himself up to be killed.”

“I guess you’re right,” he replied very quietly. “But I won’t forget. You know the morning that he was killed, we had a long talk. He told me he wasn’t sure that he would be coming home. I think in his heart he knew he was going to die.”

“I know you won’t,” she told him. “And that’s fine with me. Maybe he did. I don’t know honey. You’re father was a wise and smart man.”

“I agree,” he said. “I just wish I could have stopped it from happening in the first place.”

“I can understand that Jarrod,” she replied nodding. “Tom wasn’t about to let those men go into a battle he knew they were going to lose. And if it meant giving his life to protect them then that’s what he would do. I know you regret not being able to help save your father but if you had gone with him you might be dead too.”

“It’s the way he was killed that makes me so angry mother,” he told her. “Shot four times. If he had been shot in the chest and died, I could have handled that. But that man wanted to kill father. He took pride in killing father.”

“I believe he did,” she said looking at him. “But you need to put that out of your mind and enjoy your trip.”

“I’ll try,” he replied standing up. “But I don’t really think I can.”

Victoria knew she had to keep a close eye on her son because if she didn’t something dreadful could happen.

Chapter 9

Jarrod finished his breakfast or at least he sat there until his mother finished eating before he rose to retrieve his bag. As he walked out of the room, she knew that this trip was exactly what Jarrod needed.

“You ready to leave?” Nick asked as he walked down the stairs meeting Jarrod in the foyer.

“Yes,” he answered starting up the stairs.

“You not going to say good morning or anything?” Nick asked as he stopped to look at Jarrod. “It’s not like you not to at least speak. What’s wrong Jarrod. Talk to me.”

“What do you want me to say?” he wanted to know. “Discuss the weather knowing that my father will never walk through that door again or see me work as a lawyer. I don’t have anything I want to say to you. Just let it drop.”

“All right,” Nick said shaking his head. “I didn’t mean to make you mad. But remember this. He was my father too. And I didn’t like the idea of him going out there all alone to stand up to the railroad.”

“He wasn’t all alone,” he replied looking at Nick with anger. “He had men with him but they were no match for the hired guns that Jordan had hired. There was no way they were going to listen to him talk about land worked and toiled. All they cared about was being paid for the work they did and if that meant shooting men down like dogs so be it.”

“Jarrod,” Nick told him, “I know you’re angry. I am too. But there’s nothing we can do. We can’t bring father back.”

“No,” he said looking away, “nothing will bring father back but Daniel Crown will know what has happened and he will know that I’m not the least bit happy about it either. One thing I learned from father was not to give up on what you know is right. He was killed trying to stand up for what he felt was right. And I’ll be dad gum if I’m going to let him get away with it.”

“What are you going to do?” Nick asked wondering. “Shoot Crown? You know what you’re doing. You’ve forgotten how to reason. You’re just reacting. That’s not like you. You need to calm down and you can see what I mean. And I even sound like you.”

“No,” he answered shaking his head. “I’m not a violent man. But I will fight if I’m pushed into a corner. Crown needs to know that. That’s what those men were. They were pushed until they couldn’t take it anymore. I aim to point that out to Crown. Maybe I’m not using reason right now but I’m still upset and angry. Nick, can’t you understand that they killed father? I should have been there with him. I should have tried to stop those men from going to their deaths.”

“You know something,” Nick said smiling. “I’m glad you’re on our side. You do need some time away from here. You’re too angry to think rationally. Maybe when you get back from Jim’s you’ll be able to look at things from a different light. I don’t mean to make you angry but sometimes you just rile me up.”

“I am too,” he replied smiling too. “I’m sorry for getting so angry at you. It’s just that all of a sudden I’m more than the older brother. Now I have to be the father to you, Gene and Audra. I don’t know if I’m up to that task.”

“Sure you are,” Nick told him patting him on the back. “I know that you feel like you have to be the head of the family but remember mother is quite capable of running this family without our help. And you’ll be fine pappy.”

“I know that,” he said looking at the floor. “But I need to show the people of Stockton and California for that matter that this family has not be torn apart by the railroad or Jordan. What did you call me?”

“You sound just like a politician,” Nick replied smiling. “I mean it Jarrod. Pappy. It’s just my way of telling you that you’re going to do fine in this family. Is that all right with you?”

“I don’t want to be a politician,” he told his brother. “All I want to be is a lawyer. I guess so. It can be our little secret if you want.”

“You’re a fine lawyer and father was proud of you,” Nick said looking at Jarrod. “I remember lots of days when we would be out working together, he would look up and tell me that he was proud of you for becoming a lawyer. He said that at first he was skeptical about your choice of a career but the more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea. It’s our little secret, pappy.”

“I had no idea that he was that pleased,” he replied shaking his head. “I remember the day I told him I was going to be a lawyer. Of course, I had also told him about wanting to join the army. I don’t think he really wanted me to go but he did let me go. It was so hard being away from the people that I loved. I had Matt there but he wasn’t family. I really missed father and you. Thanks Nick for understanding. You’re a great brother and I really mean that.”

“Jarrod,” Nick told him, “you go on to Jim’s. You’re going to be late and miss your stage if you don’t get a move on. Thanks Jarrod. You’re not so bad yourself.”

“For sure,” he said starting to walk up the stairs. “I better hurry. I only have an hour to get there and everything.”

“Have a good time,” Nick told him. “I’ll keep things going here.”

“I know you will,” he said as he headed up the stairs. “Thanks Nick. I won’t forget it either.”

Jarrod left the ranch, heading for town and a trip he would never forget.

Chapter 10

At his ranch outside of Abbottsville, California, Jim Barkley was waiting for his nephew to arrive. He was going to meet the stage when it came in personally. Victoria had wired him explaining what was happening with Jarrod and asked if he could help. He knew that his nephew needed him right now and he was going to try and help Jarrod if he could.

“Mr. Jim,” Mike Newcomb said as he walked into the study, “Walt Tanzer is at it again. He’s done run off two dozen cows and tried to foul the creek on the East Meadow. I don’t know what has gotten into him.”

“He’s still angry because a couple of my palominos got loose and tore down part of his fence. I offered to replace it but he wouldn’t have anything to do with that. No, he wanted to ruin me. Well, I’m not going to put up with his mischief.”

“What are you going to do?” Mike asked.

“I’m going to try to talk to him again,” he answered looking at Mike. “But not until after my nephew arrives. I want to show Jarrod a wonderful time. And I don’t have time to worry about what Walt is up to.”

“How is your brother’s family doing since he was killed?” Mike asked.

“Jarrod is having a very hard time,” he answered shaking his head. “Being the oldest, he feels that he has to take over for Tom but he’s also not letting himself deal with his own loss. The wire his mother sent me told me that not only is Jarrod blaming himself for his father’s death but he’s also out for revenge. I can’t let that happen.”

“I hope we can help him,” Mike said smiling. “Your brother was a good man and I was proud to know him. I’m sure the boy is just upset and will be fine once he gets here.”

“I hope we can too,” he replied smiling. “Jarrod will be here at three. Yes, Tom was one of a kind. He knew what he wanted and he went right out and got it. What he did for those farmers showed his compassion and his conviction.”

“Yes Mr. Jim,” Mike told him. “I’ll make sure he is picked up in town. Is the son anything like his father?”

“I’ll go myself,” he said looking at Mike. “He needs family right now. And I think Ellen can help him over this as well. No not really. He has most of his mother’s characteristics. He’s a bright young man. He studied law and has a practice in both Stockton and San Francisco. He went to college. Made his father proud.”

“What about you?” Mike asked.

“I’m going to tell him some stories about his father I think he’ll enjoy,” he answered smiling. “After all I taught Tom everything he knew.”

“I just bet you did,” Mike said smiling.

“What?” Jim asked feigning surprise. “You don’t believe me. I could tell you some stories as well. That brother of mine kept me busy keeping him out of trouble. But you know something Mike. I still miss him. I guess I’m angry at the way he was taken away from his family. Shot down like a dog. No one deserves that. I want Jarrod to understand what his father was like as a boy. He’s never been told some of the stories of the mischief that Tom got into and pulled me into it with him.”

“I agree,” Mike answered smiling. “You want to put him in the room down the hall that’s empty.”

“Yes,” he said smiling. “See that Grace changes the bed and makes the room homey for Jarrod. I want everything to be perfect when he arrives. Victoria said that his mental state is not too stable. I don’t want anything to happen to jeopardize it any further.”

“I sure will,” Mike replied heading out of the room.

Jim stood there a few minutes longer then went back to work until it was time to pick up Jarrod.

“You will have a wonderful time Jarrod,” he said. “I promise you will.”

Mike found his wife, Grace, working in the kitchen.

“Mike,” she asked looking at him, “haven’t you got any work to do? With Mr. Jim’s nephew coming, I would think you would have a lot to do.”

“I wanted to talk to you,” he answered as he came to a stop in front of her. “Mr. Jim wants the boy’s room cleaned and the bed changed.”

“The bed hasn’t been slept in for weeks,” she said nodding. “But if that’s what Mr. Jim wants, then that’s what he will get.”

Grace Newcomb headed upstairs to prepare Jarrod’s room for his arrival.

Chapter 11

Jarrod arrived in Abbottsville at fifteen minutes before three. He stepped out of the stage and looked at the growing town. It had been years since he had seen Jim Barkley but he already felt at home.

“Jarrod!” Jim said as he walked over to his nephew. “It’s good to see you.”

“Jim,” he replied holding out his hand, “I’m happy that you asked me to visit. It’s been a very hard week.”

“How is your mother holding up?” Jim asked ignoring Jarrod’s hand as he pulled the young man into a hug instead.

“She’s doing as well as can be expected,” he answered lowering his head. “But it’s not easy. If only father hadn’t been killed, it would have been much easier to take. He was gunned down by the railroad’s hired guns. I told Nick that I’m going to see Daniel Crown, head of the railroad’s operations and tell him that what those men did is not going to be tolerated. I’m still a Barkley even if I don’t get angry sometimes. And I’m not going to stand for my father to get killed by a bunch of hired killers.”

“Slow down son,” Jim said looking at his nephew. “I know you are still angry at the railroad but you are not thinking clearly about everything. If you go into this man’s office and start spouting off, you are going to be thrown out on your ear. And where will that get you? This man won’t even talk to you if you’re not at least civil to him. You should know that. After all you are a lawyer.”

“I’m sorry,” he replied looking away. “I am reacting instead of reasoning. But it’s not easy when someone you love has been taken from you. I can’t think rationally when I’m so angry at losing father. I should say at the way father was taken from me. Did you know he was shot four times? Two of them were in the back. One of our neighbors saw the man that did it. I’m going to talk to him and then I’m going to get that man myself.”

“Jarrod,” Jim told him as he put an arm around the young man, “I want you to know something. Your mother told me at the service for Tom that she was worried about you. She said that you hadn’t grieved for your father. She also told me that you had been so strong for your brothers and sister that you neglected yourself. That’s not good boy. You have to let it out or it will eat at you until it destroys you. Too, if you are not eating enough or resting, it will take its toll. Let me tell you something. You are not going to find that man. You are going to leave it alone. Tom doesn’t expect you to get revenge for him. He would want you to get on with your own life.”

“I can’t,” he said looking at his uncle. “If I stop to think about father, I’ll lose it all. You don’t know what it’s like to lose a father. I have to live with the fact that I’m responsible for his death.”

“Oh yes I do,” Jim replied nodding. “And so do you. You were there the day that father died in that riding accident. I remember what you did too. I was hurt and upset at losing him but I carried on and you can too but not if you go off half cocked trying to kill a man. That’s not the way to handle this. If you want to capture that man, let the law do it. Don’t throw away everything you’ve worked for because of revenge.”

“Did you have to bring that up?” he asked hatefully. “I just lost my father and now you remind me of the time when grandfather died and it was all my fault. It’s my fault that father died too. If I had just gone with him, he would still be alive. I could have saved his life if I had of been there. I don’t know why he didn’t ask me. He usually did. But for some reason not this time.”

“No Jarrod,” Jim answered shaking his head. “But now is not the time to discuss it. Let’s go to the ranch and we’ll get you settled. Then there will be plenty of time to discuss this entire matter.”

Jarrod nodded and picked up his bag. He hadn’t meant to fly off the handle at his uncle. He knew Jim was only trying to help. But right now, he didn’t want the help his uncle offered. Right now, he wanted to deal with everything first. Then he would see. He climbed into the buggy and Jim drove home. He glanced over at Jarrod who was very quiet. He knew what the boy was gong through. He just hoped he could help him.

“Ellen is looking forward to seeing you,” Jim said as they rode. “She has been cooking all day. I mean she still has Grace to help but she loves to cook. She made some of your favorite dishes.”

“That’s nice,” he replied but he didn’t smile.

Jim noticed Jarrod’s expression and stopped the buggy on the road. He turned to face his nephew.

“I know you are hurting Jarrod,” Jim said as he looked into Jarrod’s piercing blue eyes. “You have to stop tormenting yourself. Your father is dead. You have to go on without him.”

“I can’t!” he exploded. “I need him! I can’t go on!”

Jim grabbed his nephew by the shoulders shaking Jarrod enough to get his attention.

“Jarrod stop it,” Jim said as he looked at Jarrod’s face. “You calm down this minute. You have no right to yell at me. All I’m doing is trying to help you.”

Jarrod was shocked at his own behavior. He had promised his mother he would have a good time and now look. He had just insulted his own uncle. He turned away from Jim so he wouldn’t see the tears that threatened to fall down his face.

“Son,” Jim said as he picked up the reins, “it will get easier. I promise it will but you have to be patient. It’s only been a little over a week and the incident is still fresh in your mind. It took me a long time to get over my father’s death. And I had to help you and Tom mend your relationship at the same time. I know what you’re going through.”

“I’m very sorry sir,” he replied but he wouldn’t look at Jim. “I shouldn’t have done that. I know better.”

“Let’s get you to the ranch,” Jim told him moving on toward home. “I think you need to rest.”

“I guess I do,” he said but he was very quiet for the rest of the trip.

Jim pulled up in front of the house and stopped. Jarrod climbed out but he kept his head down.

“Jarrod,” Ellen said as she hurried out of the house to meet him, “I’m so glad you’ve come for a visit. I’ve been hoping that you would come see us. It’s been so long since we’ve seen you and your family.”

“Ellen,” he replied very quietly but he still wouldn’t look at her.

Ellen looked at her husband. Jim shook his head. She knew what he meant.

“You come in the house and I’ll show you to your room,” she said as she lead Jarrod inside and up the stairs to a nice room. “You have plenty of time before dinner to get settled. And if you need anything you don’t hesitate to let us know.”

“Thank you,” he replied laying his bag on the bed. “I appreciate you letting me come for a visit.”

“It’s no problem at all,” she told him. “We look forward to seeing any of Jim’s family. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to make it to the service. I was out of town and didn’t know about it until I got back. I want you to know how sorry I am about Tom.”

“I appreciate that,” he said still not looking at her.

Ellen walked over to him and pulled his head up with her right hand. She saw the tears in his eyes and she knew what was happening.

“Jarrod,” she said as she looked into his face, “let it out son. Don’t keep it bottled up inside of you. It will only hurt you if you don’t deal with it. Let me help you.”

Jarrod tried very hard not to cry but he couldn’t stop it. He sat down on the bed and buried his face in his hands. Ellen stepped out of the room calling to Jim.

“Jim,” she said calling him without yelling, “Jim.”

“What?” he asked when he came to the bottom of the stairs.

“I need your help,” she answered looking toward Jarrod’s room.

“Is something wrong?” he asked worried.

“He’s crying Jim,” she answered turning toward the door to Jarrod’s bedroom.

“I’m coming,” he said as he hurried up the stairs.

When they walked into the room, Jarrod had laid on his bed crying. He couldn’t stop. Jim went to the bed, pulling Jarrod into a sitting position. He held onto the young man as he cried.

“It’s all right son,” Jim said as he held Jarrod. “It’s all right. Let it out. Don’t keep it pinned up inside of you. Ellen and I are here. You’re not alone. I loved him too.”

Jim just held Jarrod and gave him comfort. Ellen smiled at her husband. Jarrod knew it wasn’t his father but it felt like Tom was there. He knew it was the right thing to do.

Jim had stayed with Jarrod for over two hours. Ellen had left to see to dinner. She periodically looked toward the kitchen door to see if her husband had come down stairs yet.

“Grace,” she said looking at the woman standing beside of her, “we have to make this visit happy for Jarrod. He’s dealing with a lot right now. He needs to know he is safe here.”

“I’ll make him a meal he will enjoy,” Grace replied smiling. “That young man is looking a might on the thin side anyway. I will have him fattened up before you know it.”

“I know,” she told Grace also smiling. “Losing his father has been hard for him. But losing Tom and then having to be so strong for his two brothers and sister have almost destroyed him. Jim is helping him cope with it all. I believe that Jarrod feels closer to his father through Jim.”

“I think you’re right,” Grace said nodding.

Jim walked into the kitchen. Ellen looked into his face.

“How is Jarrod?” she asked concerned. “Were you able to help him? He was so upset and he has a right to be.”

“I believe so,” he answered nodding. “He’s asleep. He drifted off after he quieted down. I would say just let him sleep. It’s probably the first good rest he’s had since Tom was killed. I’ll look in on him in a little while. He needs this right now.”

“I’ll have Grace save him a plate,” she said smiling. “He is a good boy. I know it’s been very hard on him losing his father that way.”

“Yes,” he replied looking at her. “Jarrod is the oldest and he has had to assume the role that his father had in the family. According to Victoria, he hasn’t eaten much nor has he slept much. That was one reason she wanted him to come here. She thought he might could open up to me.”

“I’m sure he will when he gets more settled,” she told him. “Why don’t you take him on a tour of the ranch. I bet he would love to see your palominos.”

“You know,” he said smiling, “you might just have a point. I’ll do that tomorrow.”

“Good,” she replied smiling. “Now let’s eat.”

Jim and Ellen sat down to dinner. Jim knew that when Jarrod had slept a good night’s sleep he would be eager to enjoy himself and Jim aimed to help him have some fun.

Chapter 12

Jarrod slept all evening and the entire night. When he finally opened his eyes the next morning, he felt relief wash over him. He hadn’t felt this good since before his father had been killed. He rose from the bed where he had slept in his clothes. He didn’t remember coming to bed. And surely he would have changed to his nightshirt. But he didn’t remember too much about last night. The one thing he did remember was yelling at Jim and he knew he had to make amends for that.

“Oh well,” he said as he went to his bag. “I don’t remember going to bed last night at all. In fact, it’s kind of a blur. I must have been more tired than I realized to go to sleep in my clothes.”

He went to his bag, pulling out a clean shirt and a pair of pants. He quickly changed, shaved and made himself presentable before he walked downstairs to see his aunt and uncle.

“Jarrod,” Jim said as he saw Jarrod walking down the hall toward the dining room, “I hope you had a good sleep. You didn’t last too long after dinner last night.”

“I sure did,” he replied smiling. “I didn’t wake up till just a short time ago. I feel so much better. I didn’t. I hope I wasn’t rude to you and Ellen. I remember sort of yelling at someone. I hope it wasn’t you. Right now yesterday is just a blur.”

“Good,” Jim told him smiling. “After breakfast I want to show you my palominos. Of course not. I only meant that you were very tired after your trip.”

“I would love to see them,” he said nodding. “Father talked often of your prized horses. I’m really glad I came here. I believe it is doing me a world of good.”

“Your father should know,” Jim replied laughing. “He was a horse man too. I hope you’re enjoying yourself. I wouldn’t want your mother to get angry because I wasn’t showing you a good time.”

“Yes sir he was,” he told him as they walked into the dining room for breakfast. “He taught Nick all about that. No, mother won’t get mad. Trust me. I know her.”

“Didn’t he teach you too?” Jim asked looking over at his nephew. “Let’s go have some breakfast.”

“Not really,” he answered shaking his head as they walked into the dining room. “The only thing he taught me was how to ride. And I believe that I was afraid of horses at first. But he persuaded me that I had to learn. I never showed any more interest in horses or cows for that matter. I spent my time with my nose in a book as Nick liked to kid me.”

“I remember Tom telling me about you,” Jim said as they sat down at the table. “He was disappointed at first but you know what.”

“What?” he asked wondering what his uncle was going to tell him.

“He told me that after Nick was born and he knew he had his rancher,” Jim answered smiling, “he was happy to have you too. At first he wasn’t sure what you were going to be interested in. He told me that he worried that he wouldn’t be the right father for you. He was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to advise you when you asked for his help. You see Jarrod, Tom never went to college so he didn’t think he could advise you on a career or help you.”

“I understand sir,” he said smiling. “It makes a lot of things more clearer. I always thought father didn’t approve of me becoming a lawyer. I guess I didn’t realize that he felt that way. I also guess I didn’t give him the chance to explain exactly how he felt. I always thought he didn’t really care what I decided to do with my life.”

“He was so proud of you,” Jim replied as he ate his breakfast. “Don’t you let anyone tell you that your father didn’t love you or wasn’t proud of you. It wasn’t true. He would talk more about you more than Nick or Eugene especially to me. He told me that he didn’t have any idea what you were talking about some of the time but rather than hurt your feelings he just listened and agreed.”

“I didn’t realize any of this sir,” he told his uncle. “I just thought father cared more for Nick than me. I think I treated him with disrespect too. I never meant to hurt him Jim. I wanted him to love me for who I was not who he wanted me to be.”

“Son,” Jim said as he looked at Jarrod, “you have nothing to feel bad about. Tom loved you and was so proud of you. He thought at one time you might have political ambitions.”

“Really,” he replied showing shock. “I never knew. I know that father was thought of as a candidate by the people of Stockton many times. He was elected as the president of the Cattlemen’s Association.”

“See,” Jim told him smiling. “You’re a lot like Tom Jarrod. I see him in you. Maybe not your looks as much as certain ways you do things.”

“Thank you sir,” he said smiling. “I never thought of myself as favoring father as much as mother. But now that he is gone, it’s nice to know that I still have some part of him inside of me. I vow from this day on, I will make him proud.”

“You already have,” Jim replied. “You already have. Would you do me one favor though?”

“What?” he asked very curious.

“Will you stop calling me sir?” Jim answered smiling. “I’m Jim all right?”

“Right,” he said smiling too.

Chapter 13

After breakfast Jim took Jarrod out to the corral. He had a dozen palominos inside. One look at them and you could tell that they were show animals. None of them were dirty or had been ridden much. They weren’t used as ranch or farm horses either. Jarrod was very impressed as he stood beside of his uncle admiring the animals.

“Jim,” he said as he watched the beautiful animals, “they are beautiful. I’ve never seen any that stand up to yours. The horses that father had were for working on the ranch. Now they are Nick’s. He never went out for show animals. He also thought an animal had to earn its keep just like a man.”

“Thank you Jarrod,” Jim replied smiling. “I don’t really know what caused me to start buying them but I’m glad I did. You don’t have to explain about your father. I remember Tom always was like father. If the animal wasn’t paying its own way out it went. Tom could never understand why I wanted to put money in these. He always told me that I was just throwing my money away. I told him it was my money and I could do whatever I wanted with you.”

“So am I,” he told his uncle. “Especially if they make you happy. You have to overlook father. He was set in his ways and nothing nor anyone was going to push him out of it. I ran into that on more than one occasion. But all that has fallen to Nick. And he’s really good at it. He just doesn’t have a head for business.”

“Believe me,” Jim said smiling, “they do. And I wouldn’t trade any of them for any other horse around. If Nick isn’t a very good businessman, who is going to look after the finances of the ranch? Is your mother going to do it?”

“I don’t know,”’ he replied looking down. “Nick asked me to help him. That was father’s wish that the two of us work together on the ranch. I don’t know what to do. Nick and I tend to argue about everything. I don’t know if this would work or not.”

“Do you want to help Nick?” Jim asked searching Jarrod’s face for some kind of sign.

“Yes and no,” he answered.

“What do you mean by that?” Jim asked confused. “Either you want to help your brother or you don’t. Has something happened between you and Nick?”

“I do want to help him and make father happy,” he answered looking at his uncle. “But Nick is also hard headed. If he won’t listen to me about the finances, what’s the use in trying?”

“Have you talked to Nick about how you feel?” Jim asked. “I mean have you sat down with him and laid all your feelings out on the table?”

“Not really,” he answered. “Father was killed and then it all fell on Nick. I just haven’t had a chance. I’ve been so busy working on papers that I hardly left the study.”

“When you go home,” Jim said trying to help his nephew, “you sit down with Nick. Explain how you feel and see if the two of you can come to a compromise. I’m sure if you discuss it in a civil manner, it will work out. Both of you are Tom’s sons and nothing will ever change that.”

“I hope so,” he replied smiling slightly. “I’ll talk to Nick the minute I get home. I promise.”

“Good,” Jim told him.

As the two were standing at the corral talking, a rifle shot echoed close by. Jim turned to look where the shot originated. He didn’t see Jarrod grab his right side and fall to the ground.

“Jarrod,” Jim said turning back, “that was close. I don’t know why anyone would be shooting so close to the house and barn. There’s no wildlife to hunt...”

When Jim didn’t see his nephew, he began to look for him. That’s when he saw Jarrod on the ground holding his side. Jim rushed over to him and looked at his side.

“You’ve been shot,” he said as he examined the wound. “I’ve got to get you into the house.”

“No,” Jarrod replied very weakly. “I’m comfortable here. I know I’m going to die.”

“No you’re not,” he told his nephew. “Now you listen to me. I’m taking you into the house and then get Doc Pierce.”

“I don’t think I can stand,” Jarrod said grunting in pain. “Oh, it’s bleeding and it hurts. Father.”

“Your father can’t help you son,” he replied trying to stop the bleeding. “But I can. You’re going to be all right.”

Jarrod lapsed into unconsciousness. Jim knew it was for the best. It looked like a very painful wound. Now the problem would be moving Jarrod to the house. Jim quickly scooped his nephew up in his arms heading toward the house. The wound continued to bleed. Jim was getting covered in blood himself but right now it didn’t matter. He had to get help for Jarrod. He knew the more it bled the less likely it would be for Jarrod to recover. And he had to make sure this boy recovered. At least for his younger brother. For he felt that Tom had entrusted his children to Jim’s care. Granted, they were all grown and very capable of making their own decisions. But he was going to be there if they should need him. And right now Jarrod needed him desperately.

“Mike!” he shouted as he walked toward the house. “Mike!”

Mike walked out of the house just as Jim arrived with Jarrod.

“I thought I heard you calling me,” Mike said as he stopped in front of Jim. “My God! What happened? I thought you and Jarrod were looking at the horses.”

“Jarrod’s been shot,” he replied looking at Mike. “I want you to ride into town and send Doc Pierce out here. Then I want you to send a telegram to Victoria Barkley in Stockton. Tell her Jarrod’s been shot. Come at once. Jim. After that, tell the sheriff. We were. But someone took a shot that hit Jarrod. I need to get him inside. Hurry Mike.”

“Yes Mr. Jim,” Mike told him as he headed for the barn.

Jim carried Jarrod into the kitchen of the house. As he walked into the hallway, he saw his wife and Grace.

“Jim,” she asked as she saw Jarrod’s limp body in her husband’s arms, “what happened to him?”

“He was shot in the right side while we were looking at the horses,” he answered still holding Jarrod. “I’ve already sent Mike to town for the doc.”

“Do you have any idea who would shoot him?” she asked as she looked at Jarrod. “He’s very pale. And it looks like the wound is still bleeding.”

“No,” he answered continuing to hold Jarrod. “I need to get him on his bed. It is. I can’t seem to get it to stop.”

“Certainly,” she said as she followed her husband up the stairs to Jarrod’s room.

Jim eased Jarrod down on the bed. Blood covered his shirt as well as Jarrod’s. Jim unbuttoned Jarrod’s shirt opening it to get a good look at the wound. He raised Jarrod up to see if there was an exit wound. He couldn’t find one.

“Looks like the bullet is still inside,” he said as he glanced up at his wife. “I don’t like the way it keeps bleeding. Lord, I didn’t mean for this to happen. I wanted to enjoy the visit with Jarrod and maybe help him deal with the lose of his father. Now look what’s happened. He’s been shot and may die.”

“I’m sure the doctor will be here soon,” she replied looking down at the pale young man. “Do you know who did it?”

“I have an idea,” he told her. “I think Walt Tanzer may be behind it. But for the life of me I can’t figure out why. He wouldn’t have any reason to shoot Jarrod. He doesn’t even know who Jarrod is.”

“But you don’t have any proof?” she asked looking at her husband. “How do you know that he doesn’t know who Jarrod is? You haven’t seen Tom or his family for almost two years Jim. You don’t know what’s going on with them. All you know is that your brother was shot and killed by the railroad.”

“No,” he answered shaking his head. “By the time I turned to look at where the shot came from, there was nothing there. Then I turned to tell Jarrod that that bullet was close and I didn’t see him. I had to search a few minutes for him and that’s when I saw him on the ground holding his side. You can’t think that my brother’s family would be into something illegal.”

“Was he conscious?” she asked wanting to know. “I’m not saying that Jim. I’m saying that people hold grudges. Maybe this Tanzer knows Tom or the family.”

“Yes,” he answered trying to stop the bleeding. “But he was in a lot of pain. He passed out before he made me leave him where he had fallen. He thought he was going to die but I wouldn’t let him. I guess when Victoria gets here I could ask her about Walt. Right now I’m only concerned with Jarrod.”

“He’s still trying to deal with the death of his father,” she said shaking her head. “He doesn’t know what he’s saying. Jim, I just said those things so you would realize that you don’t know your brother’s family as well as you once did. People meet people and it’s just possible that this Tanzer crossed paths with Tom or his family in some manner.”

“I hope you’re right,” he replied. “I would hate to lose my nephew while he’s visiting here to get away from the memory of the way his father was killed. And what happens. He ends up shot. Why would he try to foul my water?”

“Jim,” she told him, “it’s not your fault. You didn’t know that Tanzer would try to kill someone. Jarrod is young. He’ll come out of this. “Maybe he found out you were Tom’s brother and when he saw Jarrod visiting here decided to deprive Victoria of another family member.”

“I hope you’re right,” he said shaking his head. “I would blame myself for his death for the rest of my life. I suppose it’s possible. I’ll ask her when she arrives and maybe she can shed some light on this.”

“We’ll have to wait until Dr. Pierce gets here,” she replied trying to make her husband feel better. “Good. In the mean time we’ll do everything we can to save this boy’s life.”

The doctor walked in a few minutes later. He went straight to the bed and Jarrod. He started to look at the wound.

“It’s deep,” he said as he worked. “No exit wound so that bullet’s still inside of him. I’m going to have to dig for it. Jim, hold him down. I don’t know if he will try to fight me or not.”

Jim stood beside of his nephew ready if the doctor needed him. The doctor began to probe for the bullet. Jarrod moaned but didn’t move.

“Did you find it?” he asked as he watched Pierce work. “Please, you have to save him. I can’t lose him. I’ve already lost Tom. I can’t lose Jarrod too.”

“Calm down Jim,” the doctor answered. “You won’t be any good to the boy if you are falling apart.”

“You’re right,” he said calming himself down. “How is he?”

“I haven’t found the bullet yet,” the doctor replied working. “The bullet did considerable damage. But none of his organs look to be damaged. I found it.”

“You still haven’t answered my question,” he told the doctor. “Is he going to be all right?”

“I won’t know until I’m finished,” the doctor said continuing to work.

Jim and Ellen waited until the doctor finished to see how Jarrod was. Jim knew that if Jarrod died he would never ever forgive himself.

Chapter 14

Two hours later, the doctor finally looked up. Jarrod was bandaged and seemed to be resting comfortably.

“How is Jarrod?” he asked again very worried.

“Well,” the doctor began, “he’s a very lucky young man. The bullet just tore up the skin tissue and lodged near a lung. He has a couple of cracked ribs so he will have to stay put for a few days or one or both of them could pierce a lung. Otherwise, he’s going to make it. It was a rifle that shot him. A high powered rifle.”

“High powered rifle,” he said looking at his wife. “Doc, do you think whoever shot him was trying to kill him?”

“I would say yes,” the doctor replied looking at Jim. “You don’t have that many enemies but your brother did. I know about the railroad.”

“Are you telling me that Jarrod was shot because of Tom?” he asked very confused. “I guess it’s possible.”

“It’s very possible,” the doctor answered nodding. “Your brother had been at war with the railroad since this boy was very young. I remember talking to Doc Merrar in Stockton about Jarrod.”

“You know Doc Merrar?” he asked surprised.

“Yes,” the doctor answered. “He told me all about the two times Jarrod was held captive by the railroad’s hired thugs. He said that it was by sheer luck that Jarrod survived at all.”

“I don’t believe any of this,” he said shaking his head. “How did Tom make so many enemies?”

“Fame and notoriety,” the doctor replied. “He was in the public eye. This young man is a lawyer with an office in San Francisco. Think about it Jim. He’s probably made enemies. No one is immune from them.”

“I understand,” he told the doctor and turned away from his nephew.

Jim breathed a visible sigh of relief and then he walked toward the door.

“His mother should be here soon,” he said looking back at Jarrod. “She’ll be happy to know.”

“I want him to rest for at least a week before he dares even think of getting up,” the doctor replied wiping his hands. “I hope he wasn’t expected home for a while.”

“He was going to stay a week,” she told the doctor. “But he can stay as long as he needs to get well.”

“Good,” the doctor said as he placed his instruments back in his black bag. “I’ll come by this evening to check on him. I’m going to leave two bottles of medicine with you. One is for the pain and the other is to help him rest along with cutting down on the chance for infection to set in. I can’t wrap those ribs because of the gunshot wound so I don’t want him to move at all.”

“Don’t worry doctor,” she replied smiling. “He won’t move an inch.”

“Then I don’t have to be concerned,” the doctor told them. “Tell his mother that he will be all right with rest.”

“Don’t worry doc,” she said nodding. “We will.”

The doctor left the house and Jim stood out in the hall. Ellen came out to see where he had gotten to and noticed his expression. She smiled.

“He’s going to make it,” she said as she looked at him. “Don’t look so worried.”

“I can’t help it,” he replied shaking his head. “I can’t get it out of my head that he came here to get away from violence but somehow it followed him. How am I going to explain this to Victoria? She sent Jarrod here to rest not get shot. And to find out that Jarrod might have been the target or Tom is too much to handle.”

“Jim,” she told him holding his hand, “Victoria isn’t going to blame you. She knows it was not your fault. She’s just going to be relieved that Jarrod is going to be all right. Look at me. You’re that boy’s uncle. He needs you more than he’s ever needed anyone in the past. Are you going to turn your back on him? Are you going to look the other way because of what you’ve found out about your brother?”

“I hope you are right,” he said continuing to look at the wall. “I don’t want to watch him die. I wasn’t with Tom when he was killed. God, I miss him. And that’s what makes this so hard. I didn’t know Tom like I thought I did. We had grown apart.”

“Every family does that,” she replied looking at him. “You’re not the only one. But that doesn’t mean that you can turn your back on his family. You need to reacquaint yourself with your family Jim. Then you will understand.”

“I don’t know if I can,” he told her. “I remember the day long ago when I floored Tom with a fist. He was beating his son with his belt. I was so angry with him. Now, I feel the same way. I just don’t trust him. And I don’t trust his son. I know I shouldn’t feel that way but I do. I don’t mean to hate Jarrod but I don’t know him anymore.”

“I can understand what you’re saying,” she said putting her arm around him. “But Jim, you have to come to grips with this. If there is something about Jarrod that doesn’t sit well with you, tell him. Or tell his mother. Don’t just stop caring about him.”

Jim stood there a few minutes and then nodded at her.

“You always know what to say at the right time,” he said nodding. “I need to be there with him and then talk to Victoria about what happened. I pray that she will understand and not blame me. And if Jarrod dies, I’ll never forgive myself because I wasn’t there when my own brother died.”

Ellen held her husband as he cried. She knew he was living with the fact and coming to grips that his younger brother was dead. She knew he was hurting inside and to have to watch his brother’s son lying there with a bullet inside him was even harder.

“Jim,” she said as she held him, “it’s all right. I know that Jarrod is going to get better. And you should know it too. He’s your brother’s son and he loved his father very much. He’s a lot like Tom to me. He has more of his mother in him but he also has Tom. And as long as he, Nick, Gene and Audra live, so does their father. And whoever shot him will be taken care of by the law.”

Jim turned to look at her and he was smiling.

“You know how to help,” he said looking at his beautiful wife. “I’ll remember that. I promise. And I won’t judge my brother or my nephew before I know all the facts.”

“Good,” she replied also smiling. “I’ll stay with him for a while. You go on and get some rest.”

“No,” he told her. “I’ll go outside and see what Mike found out. Maybe he has some news about Walt Tanzer. I wouldn’t want him to try it again.”

“I’ll let you know if he wakes up,” she said as she walked back into Jarrod’s room.

Jim nodded and left.

Chapter 15

In Stockton, Nick walked in the door slamming it and called to his mother.

“Mother!” he yelled. “Mother!”

“Nick,” she said very calmly, “I can hear you without shouting. What are doing here in the middle of the afternoon? I thought you would have plenty to keep you busy for the rest of the day.”

“This telegram arrived in town,” he replied handing her the paper. “It’s for you. The telegraph operator saw me and handed it to me while Sam and I was picking up some supplies. I thought it might be important. So I wanted you to have it as soon as possible.”

Victoria took the telegram, opened it and read it. Her face became an expression of shock and worry.

“Mother,” he asked her, “what is it?”

“It’s from Jim,” she answered looking up at him. “Jarrod’s been shot and he wants us there immediately.”

“How bad?” he asked showing his own worry.

“It doesn’t say,” she answered still very concerned for her son. “I don’t think Jim would have sent it if it weren’t bad. I’ll pack a bag. I want you to come with me.”

“You don’t have to ask,” he said heading upstairs to get his own clothes packed. “I hope Jarrod is all right. This is too much of a consequence mother. First, father is shot and killed. Second, now Jarrod is shot. Something is very wrong. It could be related.”

“I understand how you feel Nick,” she replied following him. “But your brother is tough and Jim is with him.”

But inside she prayed that Jarrod would be all right. Nick watched his mother walk up the stairs and disappear into her room. He stood there thinking.

“Who would want another Barkley dead?” he asked himself. “Someone wants to kill us all it would seem. I know this much, my brother needs me and I’m going to be there for him.”

Nick ran up the stairs taking two at a time. He quickly threw some clothes together and hurried out to the barn to hitch up the buggy.

“Nick,” Sam asked as he walked up, “you going somewhere?”

“Sam,” he answered relieved when he realized who it was, “we just got a telegram from Jim in Abbottsville. Jarrod’s been shot.”

“What!” Sam said shocked. “How? Why?”

“I don’t know any of the details,” he replied continuing to hitch up the buggy. “Mother and I are headed there. I’m going to put you in charge of the ranch until I return.”

“No problem,” Sam told him nodding. “Don’t you worry about a thing Nick.”

“I won’t with you in charge,” he said smiling. “Father considered you a big help and so do I.”

Sam nodded as he watched Nick drive the buggy up to the front door of the house to pick up his mother.

“Nick,” she said as she climbed inside of the buggy, “I want to get to Jim’s before dark.”

“Mother,” he replied as he headed out toward Stockton, “I don’t know if we can get a stage out of Stockton before late. But we’ll try.”

“We have to Nick,” she told him. “I have to be with my son. I have a bad feeling about this.”

“I understand that mother,” he said looking at her. “I’ll try.”

When they arrived in Stockton, Nick took the buggy to the livery stable. Victoria went straight to the stage depot to get two tickets to Abbottsville.

Chapter 16

“Ellen,” he said as he stood beside the bed looking down at Jarrod, “I don’t understand why he won’t wake up.”

“Jim,” she replied looking up at him, “give him time. He’s just been shot for crying out loud.”

“You know what I mean,” he told her. “I want him to be all right. I have to know who did it and why.”

“He will if you won’t hurry his recovery,” she said shaking her head. “Jim, I don’t understand why you are in such a hurry for Jarrod to wake up.”

Jim paced the room as he tried to find the words to tell her how he felt.

“I remember one time when Tom and I were young,” he said while he paced. “We were riding home from school...”

“Jim,” Tom said as they rode, “come on. Let’s race.”

“I don’t think that’s a very good idea,” he replied trying to discourage his brother. “There’s too much that could happen to us or the horses. You know what father will say.”

“You’re just chicken,” Tom told him starting to run his horse.

“No I’m not,” he said as he tried to keep up. “I just know what could happen.”

“Come on,” Tom replied waving toward Jim.

Jim nodded and the two started the race. They hadn’t gone very far when Tom’s horse reared and threw Tom to the ground. Jim jumped from his horse, hurrying over to his brother.

“You all right?” he asked as he helped Tom to his feet.

“Yeah,” Tom answered looking for his horse. “But Showboat is gone.”

“I never did like that name you gave your horse,” he said shaking his head. “Where in the world did you come up with a name like Showboat?”

“I remember father once spoke about going to a play in California and the name of it was something showboat,” Tom replied.

“I’m sure the horse doesn’t like the name,” he told his brother. “Why couldn’t you have named it Cracker or Jingle or something like that?”

“I don’t know,” Tom said shaking his head. “I just thought it would be a different kind of name.”

“We better get home,” he replied heading for his own horse. “Come on. You can ride double with me. I’m sure that father is not going to be very happy about this.”

“I know he won’t,” Tom told him as they rode. “He’s never liked anything I ever do.”

“You’re always doing something to get yourself or me in trouble,” he said thinking. “Tom, you can be so stupid some of the time.”

“And so can you Jim,” Tom shot back.

“By the time we arrived at home,” he said coming back to the present, “father was worried sick and was about to send out a rescue party to find us.”

“Thank goodness you two boys are all right,” he said as the two brothers rode up. “Tom, your horse came galloping in almost a half hour ago.”

“I know father,” Tom replied getting down from Jim’s horse.

“What caused you to be thrown?” he asked looking at his younger son.

“Well,” Tom answered hesitating.

“Yes,” he said continuing to look at Tom. “I’m waiting.”

“Father,” Jim replied as he dismounted, “Tom....”

“I think its high time Tom answers for himself,” he told Jim. “You are always trying to take the blame for the bone headed ideas your brother does. I want it to stop. You can’t protect Tom for the rest of his life. If he’s done something wrong I want him to tell me not you.”

“Yes sir,” Jim said looking at Tom shrugging his shoulders. “I tried little brother.”

“Now Tom,” he replied turning his attention back to Tom, “I’m waiting for that explanation.”

“I...I...I asked Jim...” Tom told him and stammering.

“Son,” he said as he came to stand in front of his youngest son, “I’m not going to bite. Just tell me the truth.”

“I asked Jim if we could race home,” Tom replied relieved to finally have it out in the open. “I guess I pushed my horse too hard.”

“You what!” he cried not believing what his son had just said. “How many times have I told you that you don’t race horses around here. The terrain is not right for racing. You could have killed your horse or yourself. Son, sometimes I wonder about you. You don’t think. You just do these stupid things and then you expect your brother to bail you out. Well, you’re going to have to face the consequences of your actions.”

“See,” Tom said as he looked at his brother, “I told you he wouldn’t understand. All you want to do father is yell at me over everything. Why don’t you ever yell at Jim? Is he that perfect? I just don’t understand.”

“Because thank the Lord,” he replied looking at his oldest son, “Jim doesn’t do stupid things.”

Tom stomped off toward the barn. He was mad and he didn’t care who knew it either.

“Father,” Jim said after Tom was out of sight, “I don’t think you should have done that. He thinks you aren’t proud of him. He believes that you think he is a fool.”

“I don’t think he is a fool or stupid,” he replied looking toward the barn. “But he does do stupid and fool things that makes me mad.”

“Well,” Jim told him, “all you do anymore is fuss at him for just about everything that happens. What is he supposed to think?”

“It’s just that Tom is easy to anger and he prefers to test my authority,” he said shaking his head. “I would give anything if he was more like you.”

“That’s the problem father,” Jim replied. “You are always telling him he should be more like me. Tom and I are different. You should know that. Sure, he’s easy to anger. But he’s a heck of a worker and has a good head for business.”

“I didn’t realize son,” he told Jim, “that I was trying to mold Tom like you. You’re right. He’s different and he will be a rancher someday with a spread of his own. I guess I better go talk to him.”

Charles Barkley walked into the barn where Tom was unsaddling his horse.

“Son,” he said as he came up to the stall where Tom was, “I would like to talk to you a minute.”

“What about?” Tom asked still angry.

“Look,” he answered pulling Tom around to look at him, “I’m sorry I’ve tried to make you into another Jim Barkley. All I ever wanted was you to be a rancher one day. But for some reason you try every way you can to make me mad with some of this stunts you pull.”

“I don’t mean anything by them,” Tom said looking into his father’s face. “I’m just not like Jim. I have different ideas and ideals. But that doesn’t mean that I won’t be a good rancher or businessman. I’ve watched you father and I know how hard it can be.”

“I know that,” he replied smiling. “You’re Thomas Charles Barkley not James Patrick Barkley. And I’ll try to treat you more like Tom and not Jim.”

“Thanks father,” Tom told him also smiling. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

“The more I think about it,” he said as he came back to the present, “the more I’m convinced that he did the same thing with Jarrod and Nick. I remember that day at the farm when he...hurt Jarrod that he was hoping that Jarrod would turn out to be another Nick. He forgot about the same thing happening to him when he was young.”

“What’s this got to do with Jarrod?” she asked wondering.

“Everything,” he answered looking at his nephew as he stopped pacing. “Jarrod has to get better so I can tell him this story about his own father. I’m sure if he knows about how it was for Tom growing up, he’ll know that his father knew exactly how he felt.”

“I see what you mean,” she said smiling and nodding her head. “You want Jarrod to see a side of his father that he might never had known existed.”

“Yes,” he replied.

“Give him time to heal,” she told him. “Then you can tell him.”

“And maybe I can come to grips with the fact that I didn’t really know my own brother,” he said.

Chapter 17

Victoria and Nick arrived in Abbottsville around midnight. It was the earliest they could get a stage. After they climbed down from the stage, Victoria turned to Nick.

“I think we should get a room in town tonight,” she said as she looked for the hotel. “It’s too late to go to the ranch now. I think first thing in the morning will be soon enough.”

“Whatever you think?” Nick asked as they started to walk. “But are you sure Jarrod’s even alive?”

“I’m not sure of anything at this point,” she answered starting to walk up the street toward the hotel. “But I don’t think showing up at Jim and Ellen’s door in the middle of the night will help things any. If Jarrod’s asleep it will only awaken him. If he’s still unconscious, he won’t know we’re there anyway. Besides, Jim and Ellen have to sleep.”

“I suppose you’re right,” he said as they walked inside the hotel. “I just wish I knew how Jarrod was.”

“We’ll have to wait till the morning,” she replied as she stopped in front of the desk.

“Can I help you?” a short man asked them.

“We would like to have a room for the night,” she answered smiling.

“You’re new in town,” he said as he turned the book around for them to sign.

“Yes,” she replied signing hers and Nick’s names. “My son and I just arrived. We’re going to see Jim Barkley in the morning.”

“Why in the world would you want to see that old skinflint?” he asked looking at them. “Barkley don’t come into town much and when he does, trouble always follows him.”

“That doesn’t sound like my brother-in-law,” she answered looking at the man.

“Brother-in-law!” he cried. “It’s the same with all you Barkleys. You just come to a quiet town and the next thing that happens is that someone gets killed or shot. Or some kind of trouble starts.”

“Did someone get killed or shot?” she asked even though she already knew about Jarrod.

“Sure did,” he answered smiling. “Barkley’s nephew. If you ask me, I’d say he deserved it.”

That was all Nick was going to take. He jumped over the desk and grabbed the clerk by the front of his shirt pulling him closer to his face.

“You watch your mouth boy,” Nick said very angry. “That’s my brother you’re talking about.”

“Your brother?” he asked shocked.

“Yes,” Nick answered still holding onto the man. “My uncle or my brother hasn’t done anything to anyone. And I’ll not stand by and have you say those things about them.”

“What I would like to know is what is the reason you dislike my brother-in-law so much?” she asked looking over at him still being held by Nick. “There has to be a reason.”

“What makes you think Jim Barkley has ever done anything to me?” he wanted to know.

“Because of the way you’re acting,” she answered. “What has he done or for that matter what has my son done to you?”

“Your son?” he wanted to know. “Oh, you mean the nephew. Nothing. But the old man has.”

“Then why are you so angry at my brother-in-law?” she asked again.

“All right,” he answered. “I worked for Jim Barkley about a year ago. He fired me because he said that I was being too mean to his prized horses.”

“Were you?” she asked.

“I...I...” he stammered trying to answer her.

“That’s what I thought,” she answered looking at Nick. “You can release him now Nick. He’s just holding a grudge for being fired. And if I know Jim, he doesn’t fire anyone unless he has a good reason. Just like Tom.”

“You Tom Barkley’s wife?” he asked putting two and two together.

“Why yes,” she answered as Nick let go of the man and climbed over the desk to stand beside of his mother.

“He’s even worse,” he said grinning at Nick. “I’m glad he got killed. He deserved it.”

Again before Victoria could stop him, Nick was across the desk and this time he began to beat the clerk up.

“Don’t you dare say anything about my father,” Nick said pummeling the man. “He was a good man.”

“Nick,” she replied trying to get him to stop, “please stop this now.”

The sheriff of Abbottsville walked in and pulled Nick off of the clerk.

“What’s going on here?” he asked looking at the two men and the woman. “Jake, what is wrong?”

“These here people just started insulting our town sheriff,” Jake answered. “They’re Barkleys.”

“You related to Jim Barkley?” he asked looking at Victoria and Nick.

“Yes we are sheriff,” she answered looking at the man. “I’m Victoria Barkley and this is my son, Nick.”

“You’re under arrest son for disturbing the peace,” he said as he walked toward Nick. “I have a feeling that Jake here will swear out a complaint.”

“I sure will,” Jake commented very smugly. “I don’t like the fact that these Barkleys just waltz in here and start running down this town and me.”

“Wait a minute sheriff,” Nick replied trying to explain. “This man insulted my uncle and my brother. I wasn’t going to stand by and let him do it. I don’t even know if my brother is alive. Please don’t lock me up. I have to know about Jarrod.”

“Let’s go,” he told Nick pushing him toward the door.

“Mother,” Nick said looking back at her, “you have to get Jarrod well. I’m going to need a good lawyer.”

“Sheriff,” she replied hurrying over to them, “please it was all a misunderstanding. My son thinks with his fists instead of his brain. Can’t we work this out?”

“I’m sorry ma’am,” he told her as he escorted Nick out of the hotel. “He’ll have to appear before the judge in the morning.”

“There’s no way my other son who’s a lawyer will be well enough by then,” she said to the sheriff’s back.

“Best you make him well,” he replied and was gone with Nick.

Instead of registering, Victoria picked up the bags, hurried to the livery and rented a horse and buggy. She rode out to Jim’s ranch. She climbed down and went to the door. She banged on the door hoping to awaken someone who could help her get Nick out of jail.

The sheriff escorted Nick inside the sheriff’s office. He took his gun and then he locked him up in a cell.

“You can’t do this to me,” Nick bellowed. “I’m Nick Barkley. I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I don’t care if you are the president of the United States,” he said as he hung the key up on the peg outside the cells. “You were caught disturbing the peace along with threatening the safety of one of Abbottsville’s citizens. You will have to appear before Judge Ben Abbott in the morning to see what he wants to do with you.”

“My brother who is a lawyer is at Jim Barkley’s with a bullet in him,” Nick replied. “How can I appear before a judge without a lawyer?”

“We have one right here in town,” he told Nick. “Name’s Eric Abbott.”

“Oh great,” Nick said realizing that the two men were probably related. “I’ll really be in good company.”

“Son of the judge,” he replied smiling. “The judge will decide tomorrow what is to be done with you.”

The sheriff shut the door and went to work at his desk. Nick sat down on the small bed and buried his face in his hands.

“Jarrod,” he said, “I need you.”

Chapter 18

Victoria continued to bang on Jim’s door. She prayed that he would soon answer it so she could tell him what had happened to Nick. A light appeared in one of the windows on the front of the house. The door opened and Jim was standing in it.

“Victoria!” he cried as he opened the door. “I didn’t expect you in the middle of the night.”

“I wasn’t going to come till the morning,” she said as she stood on the porch. “But something happened in town.”

“Come in,” he replied gesturing her to come inside. “Jarrod is still unconscious.”

“I have to pray that he will wake up and be in good enough shape to get Nick out of jail in the morning,” she told him as she walked inside the house.

“What!” he cried not believing what he was hearing. “Why is Nick in jail?”

Jim lit a lamp in the living room where he sat down to listen to Victoria’s reply.

“We decided to stay the night in the hotel,” she said as she sat down on the couch. “While we were registering I asked the clerk if he knew you. A big mistake. He started in on you so I figured he had had a run-in with you.”

“What was his name?” he asked curious.

“All I heard was Jake,” she answered. “Anyway, he continued to put you down. Nick jumped over the desk and grabbed him by the shirt. I was able to talk him out of striking the man. Then he said something awful about Tom and I’m afraid Nick let him have it but good.”

“I remember Jake Mills,” he said nodding. “He worked right here for about three months but I had to let him go because he was beating my palominos. I couldn’t have that happen. He’s held a grudge ever since.”

“The sheriff arrested Nick,” she replied continuing. “And he’s to appear before a Judge Abbott.”

“That would be Ben Abbott,” he told her. “I wouldn’t worry so much Victoria. Ben’s not a bad man. I don’t think he’ll need a lawyer.”

“You know just as well as I do how volatile Nick is,” she said shaking her head. “He didn’t think but instead he attacked. I need Jarrod to get him out of this.”

“I’m afraid Jarrod won’t be of much use here,” he replied looking into her face. “You see, he hasn’t regained consciousness as of yet. The doctor said the wound was deep but it didn’t hurt any of his organs thank God. But that he would be in bed for at least a week. He also has a couple of cracked ribs. He can’t move around or one of them might puncture a lung.”

“Oh no,” she told him realizing that Nick was in real trouble. “How am I going to free Nick?”

“I can talk to the judge in the morning,” he said trying to ease her mind. “I don’t think he will keep Nick locked up once I explain everything.”

“I hope not,” she replied standing. “I would like to see Jarrod since I’m here now.”

“By all means,” he told her leading the way to Jarrod’s room.

Victoria walked inside where a lone lamp burned on a table at the foot of the bed. Jarrod was so still that Victoria feared that he might be dead. When she reached the side of the bed, she realized that he was breathing and she released the breath that she had been holding. She sat down beside of him.

“Jarrod,” she said as she picked up his hand in hers, “mother is here son. Nick is also here although he’s in jail at the moment.”

To her surprise, she noticed that his eyelids fluttered. Finally, after several tries, he opened his eyes. She could tell he was in pain and very weak.

“Mother,” he mumbled barely audible.

“I’m right here,” she said holding onto his hand. “You’re going to be fine.”

“Did I hear you right about Nick?” he asked looking at her.

“Yes,” she answered nodding. “He’s in jail.”

“I have to get him out of there,” he said trying to come up off the bed.

Jim realizing that Jarrod could do more harm, hurried over and pushed him gently back onto the bed.

“Let me go,” he cried as he tried to sit up. “My brother needs me. I have to help Nick.”

“If you don’t calm down Jarrod,” Jim said as he continued to hold the young man down, “you’re going to hurt yourself more.”

Jarrod wouldn’t listen. Jim knew that he was going to injure himself further.

“Jarrod,” he said more forcibly, “you need to stay calm and not move around. You’re going to start bleeding again.”

“Son,” she replied still holding his hand, “listen to your uncle. You can’t help Nick if you are dead.”

Jarrod stopped struggling, looking up at her. Then he gasped and fell unconscious.

“Victoria,” he said as he looked at Jarrod, “he’s not breathing well at all. I need to get Dr. Pierce right away.”

“What do you think happened?” she asked very concerned for her son.

“He’s bleeding again,” he answered as he lifted the covers from Jarrod’s body to look at the bandage. “I better get Mike to get the doctor. No on second thought, I’ll go myself. I can talk to Rob and get Nick released. If Jarrod does die, Nick will never forgive me if I don’t let him see his brother.”

“Jarrod’s not going to die,” she said looking at her son. “He’s a Barkley and I know he’s going to survive.”

Jim left the room to wake Mike up. Victoria sat down on the bed beside of her son. She looked down at his pale face as he fought to take a breath. She prayed that he would make it because she wasn’t sure if she could take losing another loved one.

Chapter 19

In Abbottsville, Nick continued to wait and wonder about Jarrod. He paced the small cell wishing he were at the ranch with his brother. He heard the outside door open and stopped pacing to listen.

“Rob,” Jim said as he walked into the sheriff’s office. “I need to talk to you about my nephew Nick who you have locked up.”

“Now Jim,” he replied standing up, “I know what you’re going to say. But I don’t think it’s wise to turn him lose. He might near beat Jake to death.”

“I don’t believe that,” Jim told him. “Nick is quick tempered yes but he’s not a killer. He just didn’t like what Jake said about his brother and father. I can’t blame him either. Rob, he just lost his father two weeks ago. That’s why I had asked Jarrod to come here. Those two boys are having a very hard time dealing with the way their father died.”

“I heard about your brother Jim,” he said nodding. “But what that young man did was enough to get him thrown in jail. I don’t make the laws. I just enforce them.”

“I understand that,” Jim replied. “I need you to release Nick into my custody. It’s very important Rob.”

“You know I can’t do that without Ben’s ok,” he told Jim. “Besides, what’s the hurry.”

“I had to get the doctor for his brother,” Jim said looking at the sheriff. “I don’t know what’s wrong with Jarrod but he’s gasping for air.”

“You mean the nephew you have at the ranch is sick,” he replied not understanding.

“He was shot Rob,” Jim told him. “That’s why his mother and brother came here. I wired them. The boy can’t breathe. Nick needs to be with him. We can worry about the charges after we see if Jarrod is going to make it.”

Nick cringed when he heard the latest on Jarrod’s condition. He knew there was a possibility that Jarrod would die. He had to get out of here.

“Jim!” he called as he came very close to the bars. “Jim!”

The door to the cells opened and Jim walked inside.

“I heard what you said about Jarrod,” Nick said looking at his uncle’s face. “Do you think Jarrod will live?”

“I don’t know Nick,” Jim replied. “I’m trying to get you released. Your mother is going to need you now.”

“I have to go to Jarrod,” Nick told him. “I have to.”

Jim nodded and went back to the sheriff.

“Please Rob,” Jim said pleading with the man. “Get Ben over here now. My nephew could be dead. I can’t deprive this boy being able to see him.”

“All right,” he replied leaving the office.

Jim waited for the judge to come.

Dr. Pierce was working on Jarrod and Victoria along with Ellen waited for the word on Jarrod’s condition.

“Just as I had suspected when Jim told me what had happened,” he said as he looked up. “The bullet severed a rib which is pressing against one lung. I have to get it away from the lung and see if I can keep it together long enough to heal. There’s no way to bind the rib with the bullet wound. I’m only going to say this once. He can’t move not one muscle or he could completely puncture that lung.”

“Then he will be all right,” she replied looking at her son.

“He’s in bad shape but he has a chance if he does exactly what I say,” he told them. “I’m going to repair the damage. I don’t want him to move any.”

“He won’t,” she said nodding.

The doctor went to work.

“Jim,” Ben Abbott said as he stood in the jail, “I don’t know whether I should let that boy out or not. He appears to be a might wild.”

“Ben,” Jim replied looking at the man, “I can vouch for my nephew. He’s worried about his brother who is at the ranch recovering from a shooting.”

“I heard about that this morning,” Ben told him. “All right. I’ll release him into your custody but rest assured if he does anything like this again, I’ll haul him back in here and nothing will get him out.”

“Thanks Ben,” Jim said smiling. “You won’t regret it.”

The sheriff released Nick who came to stand beside of his uncle.

“I want your word Nick that you won’t do anything to cause the sheriff to haul you back in here,” Jim said looking at Nick.

“I promise,” Nick replied. “I just didn’t like what he said about you or father. How bad is Jarrod Jim? I need to know. I’m very worried about him.”

“You’re going to have to learn to control that violent temper of yours,” he told his nephew. “I know you’re very worried. As a matter of fact, so am I. Let’s go.”

“I’m sorry about all of this,” Nick said looking at his uncle. “I just sometimes can’t control my temper. Jarrod has told me over and over that I need to keep a closer rein on it but I just forget sometimes.”

“It’s all right Nick,” he replied smiling. “Let’s go see Jarrod.”

Jim and Nick left the jail and headed for the ranch.

Chapter 20

When the doctor was finished he looked up at Victoria and Ellen.

“That’s all I can do for him,” he said as he wiped his hands on a nearby towel. “The rest will be up to him. I still don’t want him to move because the rib has been set only I can’t wrap it because of the bullet wound. He’s extremely weak but he’s young and has a good chance to recover.”

“Thank you doctor,” she replied as she went to her son’s side. “I’ll make sure he stays quiet. The reason he moved was because of the fact that my younger son was in jail. Jarrod is a lawyer and he was trying to help get Nick out of jail.”

“You should realize that that stunt almost killed him,” he told her looking at his patient. “Your son needs plenty of rest if he is going to recover. I warned Jim and Ellen about that rib. Didn’t they tell you?”

“Yes,” she commented. “But I guess I was worried about Nick and not Jarrod.”

“You should realize that Jarrod is very lucky to be alive,” he remarked angrily. “He is going to need to stay quiet for at least a week if not longer.”

“Mother,” Nick said as he and Jim walked into the room, “I’m here to be with Jarrod.”

“Nick!” she cried with relief. “How did you get out?”

“Jim talked the judge into releasing me into his custody on the provision that I don’t do anything like that again,” Nick said smiling. “I couldn’t think about anything else but getting here to be with him. Is Jarrod any better?”

“I know you won’t do anything to jeopardize this freedom will you?” she asked knowing her son. “He’s about the same. He can’t move at all.”

“No mother I won’t,” Nick answered smiling. “Jarrod has to get better. I can’t go on if he dies. He’s saved me from going crazy when father died. How am I going to run the ranch? I’m no businessman.”

“Nick,” Jim commented, “Jarrod and I just talked about that this morning. He was worried that you didn’t want his help. He said that the two of you argue. He wants to help if you will let him.”

“I do,” Nick remarked. “I was going to tell him when he came home. We were going to sit down and go over everything.”

“Good,” Jim replied smiling. “He’ll be happy to hear that.”

“He’s still unconscious but he’s resting more comfortably,” she said looking at both her sons. “Nick, Jarrod will be all right. He’ll need a lot of rest and quiet.”

“He’ll get it mother,” Nick replied looking at his brother lying in the bed. “May I sit with him? I promise I won’t wake him up. I just need to know that he is going to be all right.”

“All right,” she told him. “I need to speak to Jim about something anyway. “You let me know if he wakes up or is hurting.”

“I will mother,” Nick said as he sat down beside of the bed.

Jim and Victoria left the room walking down to the living room. When they had sat down, Victoria turned to look at Jim.

“Suppose you tell me who shot Jarrod and why?” she asked looking at him.

“I don’t know this for sure,” he answered choosing his words carefully. “I think it was a man who has tried to foul my water and run off some of the horses.”

“Who?” she asked very concerned. “Jim please tell me. I need to know who is threatening my son?”

“A man by the name of Walt Tanzer,” he answered.

Victoria’s expression changed from worry to outright anger.

“Are you sure?” she asked still very angry.

“Yes,” he answered looking at her puzzled. “Do you know him?”

“Not directly,” she answered thinking back to a time many, many years ago. “Tom owned some mines in Strawberry many years ago when the boys were very small. He had a foreman at one of them named Walt Tanzer. This Tanzer was a hard worker. In fact, he pushed the men to almost exhaustion. Tom didn’t like that and he kept telling Tanzer that he wanted the men to work in shifts. Tanzer wouldn’t listen. He kept the men in the mines for sometimes days at a time. That could spell disaster. Finally, Tom had to let him go.”

“Why would he come here and come after me?” he asked completely baffled.

“When Tom fired Tanzer,” she answered, “he threatened Tom and any family member he had. Tom told him he wasn’t scared of him but Tanzer didn’t head his words.”

“You think he knew Jarrod was Tom’s son and that I was Tom’s brother,” he said trying to piece all this together.

“Yes I do,” she replied looking at him. “From the way Tom talked about this man, I got the feeling that he meant business and he didn’t care who he had to hurt.”

“I promise that we’ll get this man,” he told her. “He’s not going to hurt anyone else in this family.”

“I appreciate that Jim,” she said smiling. “But I want to keep a close eye on Jarrod and Nick for that matter. If he ever finds out who shot Jarrod and why, he will try to go after him.”

“I can see your point,” he replied nodding. “I can talk to Rob about Tanzer and get him to pick him up.”

“Good,” she told him smiling.

Chapter 21

Jarrod fought through the painful haze and tried to open his eyes. When he finally succeeded he almost wished he hadn’t. The light blinded him from the one window in the room and the intense pain from his ribs was almost too much for him to bear. He moaned and his mother was right beside of him.

“Son,” she said looking down at his pale face, “don’t move around. You have a couple of broken ribs and they could puncture a lung. Do you understand?”

Jarrod just looked at her with his pain filled blue eyes and barely nodded. He didn’t feel like trying to talk but he knew he had to.

“What?” he managed to ask.

“You were shot several days ago,” she answered smiling. “The bullet broke two of your ribs. The doctor couldn’t bind them so he didn’t want you to move around for a few days.”

“When can I go home?” he asked but he was almost out of breath before he finished the question.

“As soon as the doctor thinks you’re well enough to travel,” she answered. “Meanwhile, Jim has some things that he wants to tell you about Tom. Jarrod, he remembers when your father was a boy. And he has a very special story to tell you that may help you understand why your father was so angry at you as a boy.”

“I’d like that,” he said very weak. “I always wondered what father was like. He seemed so gruff most of the time.”

“He had a lot to do son,” she replied. “Your father wasn’t a mean man. He was a good man who cared about his family. He knew how to handle situations and he did his best to make it happy for his family.”

“Mother,” Nick told them as he spoke for the first time, “I wouldn’t mind hearing those stories about father myself. It might help Jarrod pass the time while he heals.”

“I’ll ask your uncle,” she said looking at her sons. “You know this has really been harder on Jim then on us. Tom was his baby brother and he loved Tom so much.”

“I know he did mother,” he replied cringing with the pain he was having to endure. “I....”

Jarrod stopped talking and his mother could see the amount of discomfort her son was in.

“Honey,” she said looking down at him, “just relax. Go back to sleep. Everything will be better when you get some rest.”

Again, Jarrod knew he couldn’t answer her verbally but he did nod.

“Rest is the one thing you need the most right now,” she said smiling. “There will be plenty of time to talk when you are stronger.”

He looked at his mother but she could tell he was miserable. She put her right hand on his forehead noticing that it was warm to the touch.

“Jim,” she asked as she turned to look at her brother in law, “would you have the doctor sent out here. I think Jarrod is running a fever.”

“Sure,” he answered as he started to leave the room. “I’ll tell them that story plus some other ones I think they’ll enjoy.”

“No,” Jarrod said in obvious discomfort. “I don’t need a doctor.”

“Honey,” she replied looking into his reddened and sweating face, “we need to have the doctor see you to determine what’s causing the fever.”

“No,” Jarrod told her again. “I don’t want any help. I want to join father and grandfather now.”

Victoria knew exactly what he meant. She turned away from him so he couldn’t see her tears. Jim wasn’t sure what was happening.

“Jarrod,” Nick said very angry, “you always want to take the easy road. You don’t want to fight. You just want to give up and die. No wonder father didn’t want to spend time with you. He didn’t want a quitter for a son. You have done this your entire life. I’m ashamed to have a brother like you.”

Jim couldn’t believe what Nick had just said to his brother. He looked at Nick with anger on his face.

“What are you trying to do?” he asked as he looked at Nick. “You want your brother to die?”

“You don’t understand Jim,” Nick answered looking at Jarrod. “He’s always done this when he couldn’t stand the pressure of trying to get well. Jarrod is a quitter and he will always be one. Nothing or no one will change that.”

“I don’t believe you Nick,” he said shaking his head. “How can you say that about your own brother?”

“It’s true Jim,” Jarrod replied barely audible. “I do want to die but not because I’m selfish but because I’m of no use to this family any longer. I can’t help run the ranch. I can’t take over as head of the family. I can’t...”

“Stop it Jarrod!” Nick cried. “You don’t need to explain. Go on die! See if I care.”

Jim could see that his two nephews were at odds but he also knew from experience what Jarrod was doing. He knew he had to intervene.

“Jarrod,” he said very softly, “Nick, there is something you should know. Your father wasn’t the ruthless businessman he was when he was a boy. He was scared. In fact, he was very afraid of living up to his own father’s expectations.”

“What do you mean Jim?” Nick asked very curious.

“When Tom was about ten,” he answered remembering the day just like it was yesterday, “he went exploring an abandoned mine with a couple of other boys. Not long after they had gone inside, the mine opening collapsed. They were trapped. Father and I along with the other two boys’ fathers did all we could to get to them. But we just didn’t have enough help. We moved as much rock as we could but it took almost three days to make an opening to crawl inside. I was the smallest so I volunteered to go in and see if I could find them. I found Artie first but he was already dead because of lack of air. Dean was still alive so I managed to get him to the opening where father and the others pulled him out. Then I went looking for Tom.

“Did you find father?” Nick asked worriedly.

“Yes,” he answered continuing the story. “Tom was badly hurt. He was buried in dirt and there was a support beam on his right leg. He begged me to cut off his leg but I wouldn’t. He knew he was going to die and he didn’t want me to see it. When I refused to do as he had asked, he begged me to just let him die. Again I refused. It took every ounce of my strength to move that beam. Once I did, Tom screamed in agony because of the injuries that he had. He couldn’t walk so he asked me for the third time to leave him to die. I lost my temper with him.

“Tom,” he said as he looked at his dirty and hurt brother, “you going to give up living just because you got hurt. That’s not the way father raised us and you know it.”

“All I know Jim is that I can’t walk and my leg is so numb I can’t feel it,” Tom replied looking up at his brother. “I want to die Jim. Please.”

“No,” he told his brother. “I’m not going to let you do this to yourself. You have a lot to live for little brother. You remember that ranch you’ve told me about since you were about five. I want to see you live your dream. But if you give up you’re never going to achieve it.”

“I see what you mean,” Tom said trying to stand. “I promise I won’t ever give up again.”

“I knew you would triumph,” he replied smiling.

“So you see Jarrod that your own father was afraid of suffering just like you are now,” he said smiling. “I want you to consider something for me. I want you to think about what your father would say and then see if you want to continue to die.”

Jarrod thought about what Jim had just told him. He couldn’t believe that his own father had been so afraid that he didn’t want to carry on. When he looked up at his mother, he had just made an important decision.

“Mother,” he said still very weak, “I want to try to live. If father can do it so can I. You can send for the doctor and I’ll cooperate. I promise.”

“Oh Jarrod,” she replied smiling and reaching over to hug him. “Everything will work out I promise. And you won’t have to bear the burden of what your father left behind. I’ll help you as much as I can. You’re not alone in this.”

“I understand,” he told her. “You better get that doctor know. I sure feel awful.”

Victoria smiled as she noticed Jim leave the room headed for the doctor.

Chapter 22

The doctor walked into Jarrod’s room and went straight for the bed.

“Doc,” Jarrod said as he looked up, “I’m feeling pretty rough. Do you think you can help me?”

“He’s also running a fever doctor,” she replied.

“I know,” he told them. “Jim told me on the way here. Let’s see what we’re dealing with.”

The doctor examined Jarrod.

“Just as I suspected,” he said looking up. “He hasn’t been taking the medicine for infection. And now he has one. But with medicine, the fever will go away.”

“I’m sorry doc,” Jarrod replied. “I just couldn’t keep it down.”

“Honey,” she asked looking at him, “have you been sick?”

“Yes,” Jarrod answered. “I should have told you but I thought it would go away. Only it didn’t.”

“How long?” he asked looking at his patient.

“Since I woke up the last time,” Jarrod answered. “It’s gradually gotten worse and at one point I didn’t know if I would be able to keep anything down.”

“I’ll take care of that for you,” he said reaching into his bag. “I’m going to give you three different medicines to take. Each one has a job to do. I want you to take them.”

“Yes sir,” Jarrod replied opening his mouth.

The doctor gave him the medicine and Jarrod closed his eyes.

“Is he really going to be all right?” she asked very concerned.

“Yes,” he answered. “His body has been through so much over the last several weeks that he can’t tolerate much right now. But that will get better with time.”

“I was afraid of something like that happening,” she said. “That was one reason I had him come here to see Jim. I was hoping that Jim could help him deal with everything that had happened.”

“I have to a certain degree,” Jim replied. “The first day he finally broke down and cried. I finally got him to understand about what had happened to his father wasn’t his fault and he didn’t need to seek revenge either.”

“That’s a relief,” she told him. “I had tried to talk him out of it but you know how stubborn these Barkley men are.”

“I guess I do,” Jim said smiling. “Anyway, he was starting to really enjoy himself when he was shot.”

“I’m sorry for what’s happened here Jim,” she replied. “I wish I could make it all go away.”

“I realized that I didn’t really know my brother well any longer,” Jim told her. “But that doesn’t matter. Jarrod is the one we need to help and Nick. They need to realize that they need each other more now than they ever have. I believe that they will make a great team.”

“I hope so,” she said smiling. “They tend to argue but maybe that’s good.”

“I think so,” Jim replied.

“Getting back to Jarrod,” the doctor told them. “I want him to stay in bed and quiet for the next week and then we’ll see about him getting up.”

“We’ll make sure this time that he does just that,” she said.

“Good,” he replied.

The doctor left and Jarrod slept most of that day. Victoria never left his side. She knew in her heart that he was going to be all right.

Chapter 23

By the end of the second week, Jarrod was recovered enough to head home to Stockton.

“Jim,” he said as he shook his uncle’s hand, “I want to think you for all the help and insight into my father. It’s made a lot of things very clear. I’ll never forget you for this.”

“You take care of yourself and your family,” Jim replied smiling. “I’ll be here whenever you need me. I just wish that this trip had turned out a little differently. I never meant for you to get hurt. I only wanted to share stories and time with you about your father. Your mother was very worried that you would do something that would ruin your life.”

“And I promise to let the law get the men responsible for killing father,” he told his uncle. “I’ll help Nick and mother. Look, I know when I showed up here I was full of rage and anger. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. You were only trying to help. I know you and father were close. I’m sorry to you for losing your brother.”

“I know you will,” Jim said smiling. “You’re a good man Jarrod. Don’t you ever forget it. And it will get easier as time goes on.”

“I won’t,” he replied smiling.

Jarrod, Victoria and Nick walked out the door of Jim’s house. Nick had to lend a hand to Jarrod to help him into the buggy. He was still very weak along with being sore.

“Jim,” she said as she stood facing her brother in law, “I don’t know how to think you and Ellen for what you’ve done for me.”

“We didn’t do anything Victoria,” he replied looking at her.

“But you did,” she told them. “You gave me my son back. I guess I would have preferred if he hadn’t been shot but you were able to make him realize that he didn’t have to go after the men that killed his father.”

“I’m just glad I could help,” he said smiling. “You’ve got a fine family Victoria. You take care of all of them.”

“I will,” she replied turning to the buggy. “We’ll see you soon.”

They left the ranch and Jim turned to his wife.

“I think they’re going to be fine,” he said.

“I believe you’re right,” she replied.

Walt Tanzar disappeared.

Chapter 24

When they returned to the ranch, Jarrod turned to look at Nick.

“Nick,” he said as they sat in the buggy, “I want you to know that I’ll help you in every way I can to run this ranch like father would have wanted it run. I won’t guarantee that I won’t argue with you from time to time but I’ll be there for you.”

“Thanks Jarrod,” Nick replied smiling. “I know you’ll be a big help. And it’s all right if you and I get into arguments. That will make us closer.”

“I agree,” he told his brother.

“Now that that is settled,” she said looking at her sons, “I want Jarrod to rest. It’s been a long and tiring trip.”

“Yes mother,” he replied climbing out with Nick’s help and heading up to his room.

“You boys are going to be fine,” she told her younger son. “Your father would be very proud.”

“I hope so mother,” Nick said.

Jarrod completely healed. He kept his word about the man who shot his father. He turned it over to the law. And he never forgot what a big help his uncle Jim had been during a time when he needed someone.

THE END