Post by sandymarek on Jul 4, 2010 10:38:41 GMT -4
Part 379
First, skirting to their left they catch sight of the first step which was buckling slightly and carefully walking up it they see it leads to a large porch riddled with cracks and a closed door, actually two doors: a screen door and an inner wooden door.
Reaching the doorway they notice the building hasn’t been occupied for quite some time noting the weeds that are growing along the sides of the porch as well. Heath being in the front places his right hand on the knob and cautiously opens the first door followed by the second one.
Grabbing hold of the doorknob and turning it slowly he opens it and as they peer inside they realize that the house was obviously uninhabited.
With dust coating everything they take a step and then freeze when they begin scanning the interior of the room. Not only do they realize that the house hasn’t been uninhabited for so long, but someone else has been there as well.
From the doorway they see a long white counter to their right. Suspended above the counter were white cabinets. A large wooden box stood to their left, each one all opened. They see items on the counter and the table as well as the floor.
“Oh my,” Heath says as each of them is perplexed by what they see.
“Someone was here,” Jarrod notes.
“Definitely,” Marshall Sawyer replies.
As they all mentally came to realize and as they are asking themselves, “Who were they? And what were they looking for?”
“The question is when,” Heath says, “Recently or long ago.”
“That is a good question Heath,” Frank mentions, “And noticing the outside we didn’t see any tracks.”
“So that means” Heath brings up “Must’ve been awhile ago.”
“That would be my thinking,” Frank says, “And also noticing the dust around it would seem no one has been in here in years. However, that doesn’t mean that no one was here.”
“You mean,” Heath asks, “That they could’ve hid their tracks?”
“Exactly,” Frank replies, “If who ever they were didn’t want anyone to know they were here it’s quite possible.”
“That is a definite,” Jarrod notes, “Possibility.”
“Whenever it was,” Nick brings up, “And whoever it was we do know that the way they tore this place apart they were definitely here looking for the ring.”
“That much we do know,” Jarrod says.
“No doubt about it,” Frank Sawyer mentions.
“Once again,” Heath suggests, “We better proceed with caution just to be on the safe side.”
“Agreed” Nick replies followed by Frank.
Moving to the archway that is nearest the wooden box not only do they discover or notice the living room but they see that the sofa to their right has all the cushions sprawled out on the floor, a wicker chair with an oaken stand with a vase and a lamp that are both turned onto their side resting upon it to their left.
As they continue to move about they spot first the fireplace then to its right a shattered box that stood on a pedestal next to the sofa. Against the far wall was a cabinet containing broken glass that is now empty.
“They took the guns,” Heath brings up and as he goes through the drawers below the cabinet, “And took all the ammunition as well.”
Then approaching one of the two closed doors they each are holding their guns in their hands.
Each one pondering, “What was beyond this door?” with Heath knowing that it belonged to Warren and Eleanor as he grips the doorknob and turns it very slowly as he pulls it open. The hinges cracked as the door swung open. The bed in the center of the room had its bedding in a heap on the floor, each of the drawers to the dresser were opened and clothing was scattered everywhere. The window above the dresser was closed making the room have somewhat of a musty smell.
Letting out a deep sigh “What’s the matter Heath?” Jarrod asks.
“Nothing,” Heath replies.
“You sure?” Nick asks.
“Yeah,” Heath replies, “Well no, I know that someone was here ransacking it looking for the ring but yet, this was Warren’s home. I mean why did they have to do all this?”
“Heath,” Nick says, “Have you ever heard of a thief who did things nicely?”
“No,” Heath replies, “I was just saying it’s not right.”
“It’s not right, I agree,” Nick says, “But they have demented minds.”
“Demented?” Heath asks perplexed.
“Warped minds,” Nick reiterates, “They don’t have any kind of mind to be thinking and they just don’t think about what they are doing and many times just don’t give a damn.”
“Well,” Heath snaps “I give a damn” defensively “I care” reiterating his response quieter.
“Which makes you a much better person than them,” Nick quips.
“So true,” Jarrod adds.
“How about you just going and getting the jacket,” Marshall Sawyer insists, “You need to be going, the train will be coming and you don’t want to miss that. I will finish up in here.”
“Agreed,” Nick says.
Continuing on they step to the next doorway and upon finding a second bedroom, they see it to be a smaller room in size harboring another unmade bed due to the more upside down material once again tossed onto the floor with a vanity, two wooden dressers which happen to have all their drawers opened as well as a larger maple cabinet with clothing scattered about on the floor, as well as two windows one on each side of the room.
“We could say one thing,” Nick quips.
“What’s that?” Heath asks.
“Thieves certainly don’t,” Nick says, “Know how to keep house. Someone should’ve told them about putting things back where they came from,” as he picks up one of the books on the floor near his feet as they enter.
“That would’ve been nice,” Heath replies.
“But then again Heath,” Jarrod brings up, “If they did that, then we wouldn’t have known anyone was here and if we are to find out who was here looking for the ring not to mention killing Warren’s wife then we need all the evidence we could gather so that we could find them.”
“True,” Heath quips.
“And I personally could use all the evidence,” Frank mentions, “I could get if I am to clear Warren from a murder that happened 5 years ago.”
“Heath,” Nick then says, “Where did Warren say the jacket was?”
“He said in the chest,” Heath brings up.
As they cross the room to another room this one was the smallest of them all. Not much more than 8 feet wide by 20 feet long. There was a large wooden desk in the middle of the room and on top of the desk was paper scattered all about the place; besides that were shelves and shelves lining every wall and one window that was slightly opened.
“Warren at one time,” Nick notes, “Must’ve liked to have read books.”
“Either he” Jarrod brings up, “Or Eleanor.”
“He did,” Heath says, “I always saw him whenever he had time sitting down and reading something.”
Spotting a framed photograph on the wall above the desk, “Hey,” Nick calls out, “Look at this,” as they move closer.
It was a picture of a man, a woman and their children. The woman was exceptionally attractive, with an open, honest expression. The man bordered on the lean side.
“Is this Eleanor Heath?” Jarrod asks of him.
“Eleanor” Heath replies, “Warren and their children.”
Recognizing a blonde boy about 14 in the middle of all the children with bangs and parted slightly to the side “Is this you Heath?” Marshall Sawyer asks.
“It was,” Heath replies.
“When was this taken Heath?” Nick asks curiously as he looks at it.
“At one of their celebrations,” Heath mentions, “They had in town. Not sure which one it was for. It was when the family was all here.”
“Very nice Heath,” Nick tells him.
“From the look of the picture and thinking of the celebration,” Jarrod brings up, “It’s possible that it was around the 4th of July.”
“That is possible,” Nick mentions.
“What makes you say that?” Heath asks.
“Because,” Jarrod says, “If it was a celebration you went to in town and seeing you came here around March and Eleanor was killed around September and you and Warren left here shortly thereafter then the logical time for this to have been taken would be the 4th of July celebration.”
“Very clever Jarrod,” Nick replies, “And you could very well be right. And if we had more time we could pursue this more, we’ll have to work on it when we return.”
Beyond the desk they notice more material leering about from the beige carpeting and while Heath is crossing the room to the chest that is on the other side of the desk Nick looks down and picks up some of the various crumpled papers on the floor and idly looks at them.
“If we had even more time,” Nick then brings up, “We could clean this up but for now just pick out one,” as Heath looks at them on the floor scattered about along with everything else, “And let’s get going.”
“Very well,” Heath replies.
“I’ll tell you what,” Frank says as Heath looks down at the jackets, “Once I finish my investigation in here I will come back and clean this up make it spotless. How’s that sound to you?”
“I’d like that,” Heath tells him, “Thank you Frank,” as he places his hand on his shoulder, “That would mean a lot to me.”
“I know,” Frank informs him, “And I know Warren also means a lot to you.”
“He does,” Heath reminds him.
Placing his hand on his shoulder, “That is what friends are for,” Frank tells him.
While Nick is looking at the scattered papers Jarrod follows suit and does the same as does Marshall Sawyer while Heath looks for a jacket that will fit him.
Jeremy and Scott and Jeffrey and Rebecca:
‘If you should read this, it means that you’ve missed us and we didn’t manage to leave here as we wanted to. I will be taking Heath back home and if I don’t make my way to you, I need you to know I am sorry. Sorry about your mother. Sorry about everything. If I could do things over, I would.’
Nick finishing with the paper he has hands it off to Jarrod and as he reads it, “Looks like Warren was planning on leaving them a message in case he didn’t make it there.”
“But must’ve changed his mind,” Frank says, “Because he didn’t finish it and it was crumpled up” as he is looking at it over Jarrod’s shoulder.
“He was taking Heath home,” Nick notes, “Meaning if he didn’t manage to get there, he wanted them to know where he went.”
Just then as Heath grabs a jacket that is light brown, “Look at this,” Jarrod says noticing a marble rolling by.
“A marble,” Nick replies.
As Jarrod is picking it up, “That would’ve belonged to Mr. Wells,” Heath says.
“It means,” Jarrod brings up, “He was here.”
“At one point,” Heath notes, “And you know I’ve been thinking.”
“Thinking what?” Nick asks.
“Something doesn’t make sense to me,” Heath brings up.
“What’s that?” Jarrod asks.
“Mr. Wells had the ring on him,” Heath says.
“That is correct,” Jarrod replies.
“And knowing I saw Eleanor with the ring,” Heath says, “And seeing Mr. Wells had it on him must mean that he killed her and took the ring.”
“That much we do know,” Jarrod mentions.
“Right,” Frank replies, “And yet this house was turned upside down apparently looking for the ring or looking for something.”
“So,” Jarrod says, “If Mr. Wells killed Eleanor and took the ring, then why would he ransack the house looking for it when he already had it in his possession?”
“Good question,” Nick joins in with, “And seeing Warren came home and found Eleanor dead means the house wasn’t ransacked until much later.”
“Like after he left here with Heath,” Frank says.
“Precisely,” Nick answers.
“Right,” Jarrod replies, “But the question is when did someone come back here?”
Part 380
“Let’s think on it a moment and think back to what we said earlier,” Nick says.
“We said,” Jarrod brings up, “That when Mr. Wells and Mr. Moore showed up here, when this all would’ve taken place, they wouldn’t have known about Mr. Wheeler until they came here. So they would’ve come here looking to possibly make some kind of arrangement with him regarding the ring and maybe selling it to either him or one of the ships he had connections with.”
“We also said,” Nick mentions, “That Eleanor somehow got a hold of the ring and somehow they came to learn that. They then came back to the house here shot her with Warren’s gun and took the ring.”
“We also said,” Heath adds, “Or I said, that she took it out of her saddlebag and brought it into the house.”
“But you also said,” Jarrod says, “That she had to go to town and she would’ve brought her horse to the livery and when she finished her errands she went and retrieved him.”
“Right” Heath replies, “That she did.”
“So,” Frank says, “If she was killed by Mr. Wells and he came here looking for the ring he wouldn’t be ransacking the house if he got it, as you stated.”
“Which brings us,” Nick mentions, “To possibly someone else coming here afterwards and looking for it.”
“So,” Jarrod says, “The question is who?”
“What about Mr. Moore?” Nick suggests.
“I don’t think so,” Heath says.
“Why?” Nick asks.
“Because,” Heath says, “Wherever you saw Mr. Wells you saw Mr. Moore.”
“So that would mean,” Frank brings up, “If Mr. Wells took the ring Mr. Moore would have known that.”
“Yes,” Heath replies.
“Not unless,” Jarrod suggests, “Mr. Moore didn’t know he had the ring and came back here later on.”
“It’s possible, but,” shaking his head, “I seriously doubt that” Heath replies.
“Why?” Jarrod asks.
“Because,” Heath reiterates, “They never were apart from each other; where one went the other went.”
“But,” Jarrod brings up, “They could’ve got separated even for a moment.”
“They could’ve,” Heath mentions, “But I seriously doubt it. Whatever Mr. Wells did, Mr. Moore would have known about it. They were real tight.”
“Which would explain” Frank says “Why they were always together.”
“Yes,” Heath replies.
“So,” Nick says, “If it wasn’t Mr. Moore or Mr. Wells then it would’ve had to be somebody else.”
“True,” Frank replies.
“Right,” Jarrod says, “So once again the question is who?”
“My guess,” Heath replies, “Is hard to say” raising an eyebrow, “But would be somehow going back to the livery attendant.”
“Just what I was thinking,” Frank says.
“And,” Nick brings up, “If he knew about the ring or was the one who put it in the saddlebag in the first place would explain how and why he would go there looking for it.”
“It would indeed,” Frank replies.
“Maybe,” Nick says, “If the attendant is involved as you stated which could make perfect sense, maybe they were in on it together somehow and when they went to inquire about the ring they were told that Eleanor had it.”
“Which would explain” Heath brings up “Why they would come here to retrieve it.”
“Exactly,” Frank replies.
“Heath,” Jarrod asks, “Did you see either Mr. Wells or Mr. Moore anywhere inside or near the livery at all?”
“No,” Heath replies, “I never saw them again until they came to Stockton a couple weeks ago.”
“And yet,” Jarrod notes, “They followed you and Eleanor back to the house and waited for you to leave before they went inside.”
“Apparently,” Heath replies, “Because sometime shortly after we got home and I left and came back again she was found dead by Warren.”
“But that still doesn’t explain,” Frank brings up, “Them ransacking the house looking for the ring.”
“No it doesn’t,” Nick replies, “Unless when they came here and for some reason after killing Eleanor and grabbing the ring they quickly took off because Warren was coming home and they decided to pin the murder on him.”
“Which would make sense,” Frank notes, “And maybe after quickly shooting Eleanor, Mr. Wells may have seen the ring and before anyone was looking quickly snatched it and put it into his pocket.”
“That is a possibility I didn’t even think of,” Jarrod says.
“It just came out as we were talking,” Frank admits.
“But if Steven is involved” Heath brings up “And if he did indeed come with them that day or who ever else it was that did they may not have known he did that and
if he did it as quickly as you mentioned then he or they would’ve assumed it was either still inside the house or on Eleanor.”
“Exactly,” Frank replies.
“Either that or,” Nick notes, “Seeing they didn’t find it maybe they came back sometime later and perhaps not finding it on her they may have thought that somehow Warren stashed it away someplace.”
“That could be, Nick,” Jarrod mentions.
“Yes,” Frank replies, “It could very well be.”
“And,” Heath joins in, “If Mr. Wells did indeed swipe the ring he would’ve told Mr. Moore if he didn’t know about it at that time when they were alone and away from the house.”
“Either that,” Nick says, “Or he kept it to himself.”
“I doubt that Nick,” Heath brings up.
“One could never know Heath,” Nick says, “Greed does have a tendency of corrupting the brain. Just because they were friends and tight as you said doesn’t necessarily mean Mr. Wells was ready to include Mr. Moore in on his riches. He may have kept the ring a secret from him as well and when he did make the deal and got the money from it he could very well have did away with him when he was finished.”
“That’s true,” Heath replies.
“I mean,” Nick reiterates, “I’m not saying he didn’t or wouldn’t, I’m just pointing out the negativity to the situation as well.”
“I know,” Heath admits.
“But with both of them being dead,” Jarrod joins in with, “We could and will never know the true answer to that of how it would’ve turned out.”
“True” Nick says, “And we could think of it as another one of those questions without answers.”
“That we could,” Heath replies, “Unless their spirits one day should decide to rise from the dead.”
“Let’s not go into that right now Heath,” Nick tells him.
“Why?” Heath asks, “Does it scare you?”
Shuddering, “I must say,” Nick says, “It does give me the creeps. But you know, I was just thinking that what if somebody else outside the livery at that time was there who saw it go into the saddlebag was waiting to go back there alone to find it.”
“Only to find,” Heath finishes the sentence for him continues, “It not there.”
“Right,” Nick adds, “And perhaps after searching the saddlebag and not finding it he decided to go inside the house when it was empty hoping to find it stashed someplace.”
“That is also a definite possibility, Nick,” Frank joins in and says.
“What if,” Heath brings up, “This other person came and inquired about the ring, maybe Eleanor giving it to him, Mr. Wells came for it to find it gone then shot her and left?”
“That could be too,” Frank mentions.
“Heath,” Jarrod asks, “What made you say that?”
Shaking his head, “I don’t know,” Heath answers, “Just thinking and it came out making me remember that time when Warren shot that man who shot me.”
“That is a thought too,” Frank says.
“It is,” Nick replies, “A very good one at that,” raising an eyebrow, “And that definitely could be. Maybe Warren thought the man who came out there looking for him wasn’t from the ships after all and maybe had intentions of learning about the ring instead.”
“That is something to consider too,” Jarrod says.
“Yes,” Frank replies, “It is.”
“Or maybe,” Heath brings up, “After the man took the ring somehow Eleanor told Mr. Wells of who had it and after shooting Eleanor he went searching for the man who took it and upon seeing the man later on, perhaps, maybe Mr. Wells found the ring on him and took it back.”
“Which could very well” Jarrod mentions “Explain how he ended up back with it.”
“That it could,” Frank replies.
“But that doesn’t,” Heath says, “Explain why the house was ransacked.”
“No it doesn’t,” Jarrod notes, “Unless there was somebody else that didn’t know of the man having it or Wells getting it back and assumed that somehow Warren still had it.”
“That is a thought,” Heath replies.
“Yes it is,” Nick says, “But for right now a lot of what we just came out with is here say and mostly a puzzle or a riddle trying to fit it all together.”
“Agreed,” Jarrod replies, “And for right now, somehow we won’t have all the answers until we continue looking into it further.”
“But it is indeed starting to make sense,” Frank brings up.
“That it is,” Jarrod says.
As they continue talking Heath listening to the various answers of how it ended up in Eleanor’s saddlebag starts making him think and as he has a far away look on his face, Nick noticing asks, “You alright Heath?”
“I am,” Heath replies, “But I was just thinking of something.”
“What?” Nick asks.
“What you just said about maybe somebody else,” Heath brings up, “Being outside the livery at the time and saw it go into the saddlebag.”
“What about it?” Nick asks.
“I remember,” Heath mentions, “Going in there just before Eleanor was to come in there and I remember seeing Stephen over by her horse and for a quick second I thought I saw a glimpse of something or someone but never thought too much about it at that time.”
“Like a shadow?” Nick asks.
“Yes,” Heath answers.
“Heath,” Jarrod asks, “You went inside the livery?”
Nodding his head, “I did,” Heath replies, “I went in there to let Stephen know that Eleanor was almost done with her errands.”
“Heath,” Frank says, “Did you see anything else?”
“As I said,” Heath replies, “Didn’t think about it at the time but when I came in there he seemed like, I don’t know, jumpy.”
“Like perhaps,” Frank states, “You walking in on something.”
“Like,” Nick says, “They didn’t expect you.”
“Yeah,” Heath answers.
“Do you remember if,” Jarrod asks, “Stephen said anything?”
“As I walked in,” Heath reiterates, “He was over by Eleanor’s saddlebag and said ‘Oh Heath, it’s you. I didn’t expect you back here so soon,’ something like that and then I remember him coming quickly over to me and asked if I wanted him to get the horses ready and I told him yes.”
“So,” Nick says, “Then it is very possible then that you did walk in on something. As you walked in Stephen must’ve quickly dropped the ring into the saddlebag and whoever else he was in there with took off as the door opened.”
“And,” Frank continues, “Once you left maybe somehow Mr. Wells and Mr. Moore came in and inquired about the ring and Stephen told him that it was inside of Eleanor’s saddlebag.”
“Which prompted him” Jarrod replies “Which prompted them to go follow you both back to the house, and when you left there is when they walked in on Eleanor.”
“And,” Nick says, “There is the possibility of that person in the shadows that ran out as you came in also saw and heard what took place and either he went with them to the house or he went there later on once it was empty.”
“That is definitely,” Jarrod states, “A possibility of what happened.”
“Yeah,” Heath mentions, “I think that is what happened. And as we’re talking now all of what happened on that very day leading up to us going home is making more sense.”
“You know Heath,” Jarrod says, “You’re proving to be a very important witness and a very important factor to this case.”
“So true,” Frank mentions, “You could very well be the link to solving this entire case.”
“I never thought of that,” Heath says, “But if I am, how do we use it to prove that somehow the livery attendant or whoever else it was involved in this is responsible for killing Eleanor and not Warren?”
“Why not leave that to me Heath,” Frank says, “Once you leave and I finish with the sheriff helping him with finding Charity’s father I will come back here and look around further and then I will start questioning the various local townspeople to see what they knew from around that time.”
“Maybe you’ll be able to clear Warren,” Heath says, “Before we are to return.”
“That is what I am hoping to do,” Frank mentions, “And if everything works out the way I see it, Warren could very well be a freed man without even a trial coming up and maybe, just maybe, we could somehow meet you either back in Stockton or San Francisco.”
“That would be great,” Heath says.
“But,” Frank mentions, “Let’s work on one thing at a time. Get your jacket and go catch the train.”
As Heath is trying on the tan jacket, “Hey,” Jarrod says, “It fits.”
“Doesn’t look bad on you Heath,” Nick replies, “Let’s get moving.”
Just then as Jarrod followed by Nick and then the Marshall are moving to the doorway, they hear, “Going somewhere?” from a hissing guttural voice.
Part 381
Quickly stopping in their tracks being startled, Jarrod, Nick and Marshall Sawyer catch sight of a man with a gun aimed at them.
Hearing the commotion and quietly stepping back, Heath not being noticed and being blocked by his brothers and Marshall Sawyer standing there carefully moves to the slightly opened window and gently slides it opened further.
5/16/10
As another man stands besides the first man wearing a black mask over his face, “You look surprised to see us,” the first man says.
“What is it you want?” Nick asks.
“We came to see which one of you,” the first man says, “Has something that belongs to us. But first,” cocking back the hammer of his pointed gun, “I must ask you gentlemen to drop your weapons.”
As Nick looks at Jarrod and Jarrod looks at the marshall they each decide to follow the lead man’s order and drop their guns to the floor. Meanwhile, as the second man moves to retrieve them the gun of the first man stays aimed at them while Heath slides out the window and carefully jumps down to the ground.
“Could you tell us what this is all about?” the marshall asks.
“We had your little group under surveillance since you rode off,” the speaker stated, “Waiting our chance, waiting for you to drop your guard.”
Glancing around the room and counting heads, “One of them is missing,” one of two other men joining them announces.
“Go look for him,” the first man tells him.
As one of the gunmen walks out, “I am looking for something,” the second man says, “That belongs to me and I need to see which one of you has it.”
“Perhaps,” Jarrod brings up, “If you tell us what you’re looking for maybe we could tell you if we have it or not.”
As Heath is rolling to the ground he hears, “Going someplace?” from a gruff voice standing behind him with a gun aimed at him.
Turning around to face his assailant, “You!” comes from the gruff voice, “Get up!”
“Could you tell me what this is all about?” Heath asks trying to keep his mind on the man with a mask over his face standing before him with the gun aimed as he is getting on his feet.
Not answering him, “Drop your weapon!” the gruff voice now tells him, “And then place your hands high in the air.”
“You!” comes from the second man joining the man with the gun.
“You remember me?” Heath asks as he is doing as told and dropping his gun.
“Of course I remember you,” comes from the second man who also is wearing a mask, “It hasn’t been that long ago.”
“You left with that sheriff,” comes from the first man with the gun, “It’s funny how you’re back here and so is he. Sammy, check him.”
As Sammy approaches him, “I’ll take this,” he says picking up the gun from the ground.
“Maybe if you tell me what it is you’re looking for,” Heath replies, “Perhaps maybe I could help you.”
“Remove the jacket,” Sammy orders, “And drop it onto the ground. Don’t do any thing smart or you won’t be seeing another minute.”
Doing as instructed Heath carefully removes the jacket and places it on the ground.
“Don’t move” Sammy tells him and as he quickly grabs it and goes through it “It’s not here” coming up empty he then says “Empty out your pockets. One at a time. Leave your one hand as it is” As Heath carefully moves towards his first pocket to the left side of his shirt using his right hand, “Do it slowly!”
Pulling out a little small pouch, “What’s this?” Sammy asks as he is taking it.
“It’s something I carry with me all the time,” Heath informs him.
Looking inside it, “It’s not in here,” Sammy calls out, “Continue,” dropping it onto the ground.
Heath continues going through his pockets with the exception of a few dollars he shows them empty pockets, “Where did you stash it?” Sammy then asks.
“Stash what?” as he continues showing his empty pockets, “I ask you again,” Heath says, “What is it you’re looking for?”
“Don’t play cute,” comes from the man holding the gun.
“I’m not,” Heath answers, “It’s just if you tell me what you’re looking for then maybe I could tell you if I have it or not,” still not finding it.
“Don’t play games with us,” Sammy says as he then takes hold of his shirt, “You know damn well what we’re looking for.”
“Sorry,” Heath answers, “I don’t.”
“I am getting tired of your,” Sammy barks, “Snide little answers. Where is it?”
“Where is what?” Heath asks again.
“The ring,” Sammy snaps, “The ring,” shaking him in anger he asks again, “Where is it? What did you do with it?”
“I don’t have it,” Heath answers.
Being irritated and without warning Sammy raising the back of his hand strikes Heath across the right side of the face resulting in Heath dropping to the ground onto his backside, “I am getting sick and tired of your lies, Boy! Now where is it? What did you do with it?”
Placing his hand on the side of the face where he was slapped, “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Heath continues to tell him.
“You’re lying” as Sammy snaps and is grabbing hold of him by the front of his shirt again asks “I ask you again what did you do with it?”
“I never had it,” Heath answers.
“Liar!” Sammy barks.
“I’m not” Heath states, “I never had it.”
Sammy then orders him, “Remove your boots.”
As he is releasing his hold on the shirt and moves slightly Heath recovering from the sting of the slap and thinking quickly sees that the gruff voice is now being blocked by Sammy standing directly in front of him and as he is bringing his right foot towards him he then carefully surges inward and upward with all of his strength using both legs shoves Sammy backwards who immediately is propelled into the man holding the gun.
Watching as they both quickly drop to the ground, Heath immediately gets up and runs.
“After him!” barks the gruff voice who is retrieving his rifle, “Don’t let him get away!” and getting back on his feet.
“What’s going on?” comes from another voice joining the chase.
“After him!” the gruff voice barks again as the three of them take after Heath.
As they begin running after him Heath moves to a nearby tree quickly hiding behind it.
Looking at the three of them still moving towards him he continues to stay low as he moves from one tree to another with long strands of grass keeping him safely hidden and thinking quickly of what to do reaches down to his right leg and while lifting his pant leg up he removes the sheath hefting the knife tucked away.
Inside the house hearing the sound of gunfire as the bullets discharging from the guns aiming at Heath either are hitting the ground or portions of the tree, “What was that?” comes from the man inside the house.
“Heath!” Nick quickly calls out.
As their attention is all being directed to the sound of bullets being discharged the gruff voice is quickly caught off guard when Nick seeing his one opportunity moves in and bringing his right foot up and out catches the assailant in the right knee. As the assailant is being brought down to one knee, the second man who is equally stunned and caught off guard when Jarrod moves towards him and as he is about to raise his gun, Jarrod quickly grabs hold of it and gripping it tightly raises them high in the air with a shot managing to discharge up into the ceiling as he places his right knee into the midsection and wrestles it free from him.
Marshall Sawyer seeing his opportunity quickly reaches and grabs hold of the third man standing several steps from him and before he is able to comprehend what is happening Sawyer grabs hold of his right hand and taking his fist punches him in the jaw while at the same time frees the man of the gun and holding it on him, “Don’t move!” he orders him.
“Heath!” Nick calls out.
“Go!” Jarrod tells him.
“Let me have the ring,” Nick says to the Marshall who quickly hands it to him.
As Nick quickly runs out the door, “Was that what you came here for?” the marshall asks the man standing there.
As the three men continue shooting at Heath who keeps dodging the bullets that keep coming towards him yell out, “What did you and that sheriff do with it?” comes from the gruff voice, “Where is it, boy?” comes from Sammy.
Heath continuing to stay low and watching as they continue moving towards him, “I never had it,” he tells them.
“Maybe,” the newcomer suggests, “He’s telling the truth.”
“NO!” answers gruff voice, “He has it.”
“How could you be so sure?” the newcomer asks.
“I was there” then changing his wording replies “I just know is all” the gruff voice then faces Heath’s direction and says, “And I know that you and that sheriff hid it someplace. Now where is it? Where did you hide it?”
“I don’t know,” Heath states, “We didn’t hide it anyplace,” as he takes hold of the handle of the knife and looks at one to the other deciding which one to use it on and seeing the gruff man is the closest and ahead of Sammy he watches as the knife is making contact but is then suddenly taken back when he feels a quick sting to his upper left arm and as the man is yelling out as the knife continues to penetrate inside his chest Heath quickly places his right hand over the bloody surface that is now seeping out of his shirt.
While ignoring the gruff voice man dropping to the ground Sammy continues approaching Heath who is continuing moving back and away from him.
As Sammy continues inquiring, “Where is that ring? What did you and that sheriff do with it?”
“We don’t have it,” Heath keeps answering, “We never had it.”
“Don’t lie to me!” Sammy says again, “I know you have it.”
“I’m not!” Heath keeps responding as he continues moving towards him once again aiming his gun and as he is firing it he comes to realize the chamber is now empty.
As Sammy is reloading, “He doesn’t have it,” a voice coming from behind him yells out, “But I do!”
Catching sight of the man standing there holding his gun aimed at them, “The ring,” comes from the newcomer looking at the ring, “Look Sammy!”
“I see it,” Sammy then says, “Who are you?” to Nick standing there.
“Nick Barkley,” Nick tells him, “His brother!”
Doing a double take, “His brother?” Sammy inquires.
“That’s right,” Nick replies, “And you’re both a bad judge of character.”
“What do you mean by that?” the newcomer asks.
“He never had your ring,” Nick tells him, “Now I must ask you boys to drop your weapons.”
“What if we don’t?” comes from the newcomer.
“That suits me just fine,” Nick answers, “But it would be a heap healthier for you if you drop them.”
“There’s two of us to one of him,” Sammy mentions to the newcomer.
As Sammy made the first move and tried bringing his weapon up the newcomer watched in horror as he was quickly slammed to the ground by the impact.
“What’s it going to be?” Nick asks the newcomer.
“Do I have a choice?” the newcomer asks.
Holding his gun aimed “Just one,” Jarrod replies, “Drop it!”
Debating his prospects the newcomer complied with the command and released the gun onto the ground.
“Smart move!” Nick told him.
As Jarrod comes over to him, “You alright?” asks of Nick.
“I am,” Nick replies, “But not so sure about Heath though. Heath?” he calls out.
Hearing the sound of their voices, “I’m right here,” Heath answers.
Emerging from the tree, “You hurt?” Jarrod calls out.
With his right hand still over his bloody patch, “Just a scratch,” Heath tells them, “It’s nothing.”
“You’re bleeding,” Jarrod says.
“Heath,” Nick says going over to him, “It’s more than a nothing,” grabbing hold of the arm and taking a better look at it, “We need to get you back to town.”
“I’m alright,” Heath tells them.
“You need that taken care of Heath,” Nick informs him, “And you are going whether you like it or not.”
“Nick,” Jarrod replies, “Go! I’ll catch up to you.”
“Right!” Nick says and after taking his bandana and tightly wrapping it over the bloody spot, “Come on Heath.”
“Wait!” Heath says, “I need to get something.”
“What?” Nick asks.
Replying “My knife,” Heath quickly retrieves his knife.
“Alright,” Jarrod barks to the newcomer, “Move it!” and as the newcomer follows his instructions Nick quickly hands Jarrod the ring.
While wiping the blade clean, “This hasn’t failed me yet,” Heath says returning it to the sheath and placing it back where he had it.
“I must say,” Nick replies, “It did help you out in a pinch” as he and Heath mount their horses and while Jarrod goes inside the house with the newcomer they head for town.
Entering the living room, “I got another one to take back to town,” Jarrod informs the marshall.
“How’s Heath?” the marshall asks.
“Nick’s taking him to the doctor,” Jarrod informs him, “We’ll meet them back there.”
“Is it bad?” the marshall concerned inquires.
“He took a hit in the arm,” Jarrod says, “I don’t think it’s too serious.”
“Let me take care of this one,” the marshall mentions, “And then we’ll go. Thanks for staying behind.”
“One of us needed to,” Jarrod notes, “And one of us had to get Heath to town. Nick was the logical choice for that” while keeping his gun still aimed at the newcomer.
“I could see why that is,” the marshall mentions and after taking care of the last prisoner tying his hands behind his back, “Let’s get moving,” he barks.
After the four men have been stripped of their masks they are led outside and while walking past the small pouch on the ground the marshall quickly swoops that up and places it in his pocket while Jarrod grabs hold of the jacket.
Deciding on taking the men back using a wagon Jarrod and the marshall quickly hitch one up and after placing all the men including the two dead ones in the back Jarrod becomes the designated driver and heads back to town.
Part 382
Arriving in town and upon escorting the men to the jail Warren is in his cell when he sees Jarrod walking in.
“Jarrod,” Warren asks, “You didn’t leave yet.”
“Not yet,” Jarrod replies, “No.”
“Did Heath manage to get the jacket?” Warren inquires.
“He did” Jarrod admits “And thank you for the suggestion; it fits him fine.”
Seconds later Marshall Sawyer and Sheriff Howard walk in. Recognizing the four men “Stephen, Elias, George, Charles?” Warren says.
Simultaneously two of them reply, “Hello Warren,” while the other two reply, “Sheriff.”
“It’s been a long time,” George says.
“I say it has,” Warren replies, “What you doing here?”
“Well now” Sheriff Howard says “You know each other, very good.”
With his brow furrowed in thought, “OF course we know each other,” Warren mentions, “It hasn’t been that long ago since I’ve been away from here. Why wouldn’t we? What’s going on?”
“Somehow,” Marshall Sawyer replies, “We knew you did.” And then upon directing the first two to the first empty cell, “Inside,” Sheriff Howard does the same with the other two being placed in the second empty cell.
“And,” Sheriff Howard says, “You’ll get an opportunity to be reacquainted.”
“Reacquainted?” Warren asks again, “Why? What’s that mean? What’s going on? Why are they here?”
“Warren,” Jarrod says, “You may find this curiously to know but we found them over at your place.”
“My place?” Warren mimics.
“Yes,” Jarrod replies.
Glancing over at Stephen, “You were over at my place?” Warren inquires, “What were you doing there Stephen?”
“Looking for something,” Stephen replies.
“What?” Warren asks.
“I’ll let the marshall explain it to you,” Jarrod informs him, “I need to go and find out how Heath is doing.”
“Heath?” Warren asks concerned, “What happened?”
“He was shot,” Jarrod mentions, “Nick took him over to the doctor’s.”
“Is it bad?” Warren inquires.
“No,” Jarrod informs him, “He just took a hit in the arm. He should be alright. Excuse me,” quickly moving to the doorway.
“Certainly,” Warren says and while Jarrod exits the jail, “Frank, what happened?”
“It’s what he said,” Frank notes, “When we went to get Heath the jacket these men showed up and we found the house ransacked.”
“Ransacked?” Warren asks, “Stephen,” eying him, “You were in my house ransacking it? Why? What were you there looking for?”
Stephen answers, “We were looking for something.”
“You said that already,” Warren says, “Inside of my house what was it that you were looking for?”
“A ring,” Stephen answers.
“A ring?” Warren mimics.
“They were looking for this little item here,” Frank showing him the ring in his hand.
Looking at it, “Where did that come from?” Warren asks mystified.
“Don’t know all of it,” Frank says, “But so far from what Heath told us, Eleanor had it.”
“Eleanor,” Warren mimics, “My wife?”
“Yes,” Frank replies, “And we think that is why she was killed. They found it on Mr. Wells while going through his belongings in Stockton. Jarrod managed to bring it with him.”
In the cell to the left, “Mr. Wells,” comes from Elias, “Brian Wells?”
“One in the same” Warren notes.
“He had the ring on him?” Elias inquires.
“From what we understand,” Frank says, “That is who had it.”
“How did he get it?” George asks from the cell to the right.
“He had it on him all along,” Frank says, “Somehow he must’ve swiped it before anyone was able to have seen him do it.”
“And here you thought,” Sheriff Howard joins in, “Mr. Hawkins here had it.”
“Ring,” Warren says, “Wait a minute! I remember reading about one missing about close to six years ago. Someplace out in Texas.”
“Yes,” Frank replies.
“From what I remembered reading,” Warren continues, “It was worth a lot of money.”
“That is true,” Frank says, “And probably why it was taken. We believe Mr. Wells had intentions of trying to sell it to Mr. Wheeler but when he found out he wasn’t here anymore he had plans on making a deal with someone else and somehow Eleanor got a hold of it which is why she ended up being killed and they figured planting the murder on you would take the edge away from anyone going after them.”
“How do they all fit in with it?” Warren asks.
“We think they were in on it,” Marshall Sawyer states, “Somehow.”
“I must say,” Warren notes, “It does make sense. And if what you say to be true, how is anyone going to prove otherwise? Mr. Wells and Eleanor are both dead. It happened 5 years ago and that is why I am in here now.”
“Let me work on that for you alright?” Frank insists, “And for what it’s worth I do believe you are innocent and if everything goes according to what I could find out you will be a free man very soon.”
“It is a tall order,” Warren states.
“It is,” Frank says, “But I’ll do it. I promised Heath and it’s a promise to you, I will find what I need to prove that Mr. Wells is indeed the killer and you were framed. And if everything goes the way I see it to be, we shouldn’t have much of a problem doing that once I gather up all the evidence needed. We also have Heath to thank if it works.”
“I don’t know how you’ll be able to do it,” Warren replies doubtful.
“I’ll do it,” Frank informs him, “Trust me will you? Give me a chance.”
“I am and right now,” Warren says, “I don’t see where I have much of a choice.”
“It’ll work out,” Frank replies, “You’ll see.”
Raising his eyebrow, “If you say so,” Warren answers doubtful.
“Brian Wells is dead?” Charles inquires.
“Yes,” Warren answers, “And so is Gary.”
Walking in the doctor’s office Jarrod asks “How is he Doctor?”
“He’ll be alright,” the doctor answers as he is working on bandaging the arm, “I know that you’re all in a hurry but he is going to need to take it easy for a little while. I do recommend him resting as much as possible.”
“He’ll be able to rest in the stage,” Nick mentions, “And we’ll see to it he doesn’t overdue anything. You have my word on that,” emphasizing the word that.
“And mine too,” Jarrod pledges.
“Good,” the doctor tells Heath, “And you young man,” looking at him, “Take it easy. It may be only a scratch to you but it was a bullet wound. And every bullet wound is serious no matter how minor to one it might seem to be.”
“I will Doc,” Heath answers, “And with Nick and Jarrod,” glancing at each of them standing there, “I don’t see that I have much of a choice.”
“That,” Jarrod says, “You certainly don’t.”
“You got that right Boy,” Nick adds.
“And Heath,” Jarrod brings up, “You’ll be happy to know that Warren is learning the truth about the livery attendant and Eleanor’s connection to the ring.”
“He is?” Heath asks.
“I left the marshall with filling him in,” Jarrod tells him.
“Will it free him?” Heath asks hopefully.
“Not yet I’m afraid,” Jarrod tells him.
As Nick and Jarrod are assisting Heath with putting on a new shirt, the marshall walks in and asks, “How is he?”
“See for yourself” Nick says.
“He’s doing okay,” the doctor replies as he is now fixing Heath’s arm in a sling, “Although I would prefer it if he didn’t do any traveling right now but I do know they are in a hurry so the best advice I could give him right now is to rest as much as possible, be sure to keep it cleaned and dried and have it checked once you’re able to. Also, watch for infection.”
“We’ll be sure to do all that doctor,” Nick tells him, “You have my word on that.”
“Frank,” Heath then says.
“Yes Heath,” Frank asks.
“Jarrod was telling me,” Heath replies, “That Warren knows about Stephen and the ring’s connection to Eleanor.”
“Yes,” Frank says.
“So,” Heath asks, “What happens now?”
“Right now,” Frank replies, “I still have work to do with proving Mr. Wells did indeed kill Eleanor and explain how he wound up with the ring as well as the other men that were in on it.”
“Will there still have to be a trial?” Heath asks.
“I am hoping,” Frank says, “To do it without having one to come up.”
“You may want to look into the connection of the one that came at me find out where he fits in with all this,” Heath informs him, “He said something that leaked out that may prove that he was involved in the ring and Eleanor in some way.”
“I’ll be doing that,” Frank says, “And thanks for the tip. It could be helpful.”
“Anything that will help Warren and the case,” Heath notes, “Is fine by me.”
“And,” Frank says, “If it should work out the way I see it to go we could all say we all did a great job of working together.”
“Indeed yes,” Jarrod replies.
Glancing over at Heath, “Great minds think alike,” Nick mentions.
“That they do. And,” Frank replies, “Once we finish this up and if the opportunity should ever come up and present itself again maybe we could do it again.”
“I’d like that,” Heath mentions.
“And,” Frank says, “So would I.”
“One could never know,” Jarrod surmises.
“True,” Nick replies.
“But first things first,” Frank mentions, “Let me work on this case first. Let me work on freeing Warren and then we’ll take it from there.”
“Agreed,” Heath says.
Finishing with Heath, “Well,” looking from Jarrod to Nick “Seeing he’s in good hands,” the doctor notes, “He’s free to leave with you,” handing Jarrod a fresh supply of bandages, “Here,” he says, “You will be needing these.”
“Thank you,” Jarrod tells him as he is taking them, “And thanks for all your help.”
“That’s what I am here for,” the doctor replies.
“Heath,” Marshall Sawyer handing him his pouch says, “Here.”
Taking it from him “Thanks Frank,” Heath replies.
“Anytime,” Frank replies.
“We better be going” Nick says, “Time is getting short.”
“I’ll walk with you,” Marshall Sawyer informs him.
“Please do,” Jarrod says.
“See you later Doc,” comes from Heath as he climbs down off the table, “Remember what I told you,” the doctor reiterates.
“I will,” Heath vows as he is grabbing his hat and Nick is carrying his jacket.
Leaving the doctor’s office the brothers and Sawyer make a quick stop to the jail and after saying goodbye to Warren and picking up their breakfast they go to the telegraph office to send a wire down to Ed letting him know they are on their way to picking up the train in Gold Run. After paying the clerk they then make their way to where the stage and the driver are waiting patiently outside the livery for them.
Upon seeing Heath coming with his arm in a sling, “What happened?” Mr. Drucker asks.
“Long story right now,” Nick informs him.
“Maybe we’ll tell you,” Jarrod says, “If we get a chance between now and arriving at our destination.”
“Fair enough,” Mr. Drucker replies, “And we better get moving if you want to make it to that train. Time is getting short.”
“Agreed,” Nick says.
After having a quick talk on various topics and saying they’d be meeting back up once they’ve finished with everything, “Heath,” Frank then goes on to say.
“Yes Frank?” Heath asks.
“You be sure” Frank replies “To take it easy you hear?”
“I hear” Heath assures him.
“And,” Frank then says, “We’ll be in touch before long.”
After the brothers bid the marshall goodbye they climb on board the coach, the driver gets into the driver’s box and pulls away and while the marshall stands there waving and watching as the stage disappears from view the sheriff comes over to him asking, “Are they gone?”
“For now,” the marshall replies.
The End
Now onto the continuation of the Mission: Part 2.
First, skirting to their left they catch sight of the first step which was buckling slightly and carefully walking up it they see it leads to a large porch riddled with cracks and a closed door, actually two doors: a screen door and an inner wooden door.
Reaching the doorway they notice the building hasn’t been occupied for quite some time noting the weeds that are growing along the sides of the porch as well. Heath being in the front places his right hand on the knob and cautiously opens the first door followed by the second one.
Grabbing hold of the doorknob and turning it slowly he opens it and as they peer inside they realize that the house was obviously uninhabited.
With dust coating everything they take a step and then freeze when they begin scanning the interior of the room. Not only do they realize that the house hasn’t been uninhabited for so long, but someone else has been there as well.
From the doorway they see a long white counter to their right. Suspended above the counter were white cabinets. A large wooden box stood to their left, each one all opened. They see items on the counter and the table as well as the floor.
“Oh my,” Heath says as each of them is perplexed by what they see.
“Someone was here,” Jarrod notes.
“Definitely,” Marshall Sawyer replies.
As they all mentally came to realize and as they are asking themselves, “Who were they? And what were they looking for?”
“The question is when,” Heath says, “Recently or long ago.”
“That is a good question Heath,” Frank mentions, “And noticing the outside we didn’t see any tracks.”
“So that means” Heath brings up “Must’ve been awhile ago.”
“That would be my thinking,” Frank says, “And also noticing the dust around it would seem no one has been in here in years. However, that doesn’t mean that no one was here.”
“You mean,” Heath asks, “That they could’ve hid their tracks?”
“Exactly,” Frank replies, “If who ever they were didn’t want anyone to know they were here it’s quite possible.”
“That is a definite,” Jarrod notes, “Possibility.”
“Whenever it was,” Nick brings up, “And whoever it was we do know that the way they tore this place apart they were definitely here looking for the ring.”
“That much we do know,” Jarrod says.
“No doubt about it,” Frank Sawyer mentions.
“Once again,” Heath suggests, “We better proceed with caution just to be on the safe side.”
“Agreed” Nick replies followed by Frank.
Moving to the archway that is nearest the wooden box not only do they discover or notice the living room but they see that the sofa to their right has all the cushions sprawled out on the floor, a wicker chair with an oaken stand with a vase and a lamp that are both turned onto their side resting upon it to their left.
As they continue to move about they spot first the fireplace then to its right a shattered box that stood on a pedestal next to the sofa. Against the far wall was a cabinet containing broken glass that is now empty.
“They took the guns,” Heath brings up and as he goes through the drawers below the cabinet, “And took all the ammunition as well.”
Then approaching one of the two closed doors they each are holding their guns in their hands.
Each one pondering, “What was beyond this door?” with Heath knowing that it belonged to Warren and Eleanor as he grips the doorknob and turns it very slowly as he pulls it open. The hinges cracked as the door swung open. The bed in the center of the room had its bedding in a heap on the floor, each of the drawers to the dresser were opened and clothing was scattered everywhere. The window above the dresser was closed making the room have somewhat of a musty smell.
Letting out a deep sigh “What’s the matter Heath?” Jarrod asks.
“Nothing,” Heath replies.
“You sure?” Nick asks.
“Yeah,” Heath replies, “Well no, I know that someone was here ransacking it looking for the ring but yet, this was Warren’s home. I mean why did they have to do all this?”
“Heath,” Nick says, “Have you ever heard of a thief who did things nicely?”
“No,” Heath replies, “I was just saying it’s not right.”
“It’s not right, I agree,” Nick says, “But they have demented minds.”
“Demented?” Heath asks perplexed.
“Warped minds,” Nick reiterates, “They don’t have any kind of mind to be thinking and they just don’t think about what they are doing and many times just don’t give a damn.”
“Well,” Heath snaps “I give a damn” defensively “I care” reiterating his response quieter.
“Which makes you a much better person than them,” Nick quips.
“So true,” Jarrod adds.
“How about you just going and getting the jacket,” Marshall Sawyer insists, “You need to be going, the train will be coming and you don’t want to miss that. I will finish up in here.”
“Agreed,” Nick says.
Continuing on they step to the next doorway and upon finding a second bedroom, they see it to be a smaller room in size harboring another unmade bed due to the more upside down material once again tossed onto the floor with a vanity, two wooden dressers which happen to have all their drawers opened as well as a larger maple cabinet with clothing scattered about on the floor, as well as two windows one on each side of the room.
“We could say one thing,” Nick quips.
“What’s that?” Heath asks.
“Thieves certainly don’t,” Nick says, “Know how to keep house. Someone should’ve told them about putting things back where they came from,” as he picks up one of the books on the floor near his feet as they enter.
“That would’ve been nice,” Heath replies.
“But then again Heath,” Jarrod brings up, “If they did that, then we wouldn’t have known anyone was here and if we are to find out who was here looking for the ring not to mention killing Warren’s wife then we need all the evidence we could gather so that we could find them.”
“True,” Heath quips.
“And I personally could use all the evidence,” Frank mentions, “I could get if I am to clear Warren from a murder that happened 5 years ago.”
“Heath,” Nick then says, “Where did Warren say the jacket was?”
“He said in the chest,” Heath brings up.
As they cross the room to another room this one was the smallest of them all. Not much more than 8 feet wide by 20 feet long. There was a large wooden desk in the middle of the room and on top of the desk was paper scattered all about the place; besides that were shelves and shelves lining every wall and one window that was slightly opened.
“Warren at one time,” Nick notes, “Must’ve liked to have read books.”
“Either he” Jarrod brings up, “Or Eleanor.”
“He did,” Heath says, “I always saw him whenever he had time sitting down and reading something.”
Spotting a framed photograph on the wall above the desk, “Hey,” Nick calls out, “Look at this,” as they move closer.
It was a picture of a man, a woman and their children. The woman was exceptionally attractive, with an open, honest expression. The man bordered on the lean side.
“Is this Eleanor Heath?” Jarrod asks of him.
“Eleanor” Heath replies, “Warren and their children.”
Recognizing a blonde boy about 14 in the middle of all the children with bangs and parted slightly to the side “Is this you Heath?” Marshall Sawyer asks.
“It was,” Heath replies.
“When was this taken Heath?” Nick asks curiously as he looks at it.
“At one of their celebrations,” Heath mentions, “They had in town. Not sure which one it was for. It was when the family was all here.”
“Very nice Heath,” Nick tells him.
“From the look of the picture and thinking of the celebration,” Jarrod brings up, “It’s possible that it was around the 4th of July.”
“That is possible,” Nick mentions.
“What makes you say that?” Heath asks.
“Because,” Jarrod says, “If it was a celebration you went to in town and seeing you came here around March and Eleanor was killed around September and you and Warren left here shortly thereafter then the logical time for this to have been taken would be the 4th of July celebration.”
“Very clever Jarrod,” Nick replies, “And you could very well be right. And if we had more time we could pursue this more, we’ll have to work on it when we return.”
Beyond the desk they notice more material leering about from the beige carpeting and while Heath is crossing the room to the chest that is on the other side of the desk Nick looks down and picks up some of the various crumpled papers on the floor and idly looks at them.
“If we had even more time,” Nick then brings up, “We could clean this up but for now just pick out one,” as Heath looks at them on the floor scattered about along with everything else, “And let’s get going.”
“Very well,” Heath replies.
“I’ll tell you what,” Frank says as Heath looks down at the jackets, “Once I finish my investigation in here I will come back and clean this up make it spotless. How’s that sound to you?”
“I’d like that,” Heath tells him, “Thank you Frank,” as he places his hand on his shoulder, “That would mean a lot to me.”
“I know,” Frank informs him, “And I know Warren also means a lot to you.”
“He does,” Heath reminds him.
Placing his hand on his shoulder, “That is what friends are for,” Frank tells him.
While Nick is looking at the scattered papers Jarrod follows suit and does the same as does Marshall Sawyer while Heath looks for a jacket that will fit him.
Jeremy and Scott and Jeffrey and Rebecca:
‘If you should read this, it means that you’ve missed us and we didn’t manage to leave here as we wanted to. I will be taking Heath back home and if I don’t make my way to you, I need you to know I am sorry. Sorry about your mother. Sorry about everything. If I could do things over, I would.’
Nick finishing with the paper he has hands it off to Jarrod and as he reads it, “Looks like Warren was planning on leaving them a message in case he didn’t make it there.”
“But must’ve changed his mind,” Frank says, “Because he didn’t finish it and it was crumpled up” as he is looking at it over Jarrod’s shoulder.
“He was taking Heath home,” Nick notes, “Meaning if he didn’t manage to get there, he wanted them to know where he went.”
Just then as Heath grabs a jacket that is light brown, “Look at this,” Jarrod says noticing a marble rolling by.
“A marble,” Nick replies.
As Jarrod is picking it up, “That would’ve belonged to Mr. Wells,” Heath says.
“It means,” Jarrod brings up, “He was here.”
“At one point,” Heath notes, “And you know I’ve been thinking.”
“Thinking what?” Nick asks.
“Something doesn’t make sense to me,” Heath brings up.
“What’s that?” Jarrod asks.
“Mr. Wells had the ring on him,” Heath says.
“That is correct,” Jarrod replies.
“And knowing I saw Eleanor with the ring,” Heath says, “And seeing Mr. Wells had it on him must mean that he killed her and took the ring.”
“That much we do know,” Jarrod mentions.
“Right,” Frank replies, “And yet this house was turned upside down apparently looking for the ring or looking for something.”
“So,” Jarrod says, “If Mr. Wells killed Eleanor and took the ring, then why would he ransack the house looking for it when he already had it in his possession?”
“Good question,” Nick joins in with, “And seeing Warren came home and found Eleanor dead means the house wasn’t ransacked until much later.”
“Like after he left here with Heath,” Frank says.
“Precisely,” Nick answers.
“Right,” Jarrod replies, “But the question is when did someone come back here?”
Part 380
“Let’s think on it a moment and think back to what we said earlier,” Nick says.
“We said,” Jarrod brings up, “That when Mr. Wells and Mr. Moore showed up here, when this all would’ve taken place, they wouldn’t have known about Mr. Wheeler until they came here. So they would’ve come here looking to possibly make some kind of arrangement with him regarding the ring and maybe selling it to either him or one of the ships he had connections with.”
“We also said,” Nick mentions, “That Eleanor somehow got a hold of the ring and somehow they came to learn that. They then came back to the house here shot her with Warren’s gun and took the ring.”
“We also said,” Heath adds, “Or I said, that she took it out of her saddlebag and brought it into the house.”
“But you also said,” Jarrod says, “That she had to go to town and she would’ve brought her horse to the livery and when she finished her errands she went and retrieved him.”
“Right” Heath replies, “That she did.”
“So,” Frank says, “If she was killed by Mr. Wells and he came here looking for the ring he wouldn’t be ransacking the house if he got it, as you stated.”
“Which brings us,” Nick mentions, “To possibly someone else coming here afterwards and looking for it.”
“So,” Jarrod says, “The question is who?”
“What about Mr. Moore?” Nick suggests.
“I don’t think so,” Heath says.
“Why?” Nick asks.
“Because,” Heath says, “Wherever you saw Mr. Wells you saw Mr. Moore.”
“So that would mean,” Frank brings up, “If Mr. Wells took the ring Mr. Moore would have known that.”
“Yes,” Heath replies.
“Not unless,” Jarrod suggests, “Mr. Moore didn’t know he had the ring and came back here later on.”
“It’s possible, but,” shaking his head, “I seriously doubt that” Heath replies.
“Why?” Jarrod asks.
“Because,” Heath reiterates, “They never were apart from each other; where one went the other went.”
“But,” Jarrod brings up, “They could’ve got separated even for a moment.”
“They could’ve,” Heath mentions, “But I seriously doubt it. Whatever Mr. Wells did, Mr. Moore would have known about it. They were real tight.”
“Which would explain” Frank says “Why they were always together.”
“Yes,” Heath replies.
“So,” Nick says, “If it wasn’t Mr. Moore or Mr. Wells then it would’ve had to be somebody else.”
“True,” Frank replies.
“Right,” Jarrod says, “So once again the question is who?”
“My guess,” Heath replies, “Is hard to say” raising an eyebrow, “But would be somehow going back to the livery attendant.”
“Just what I was thinking,” Frank says.
“And,” Nick brings up, “If he knew about the ring or was the one who put it in the saddlebag in the first place would explain how and why he would go there looking for it.”
“It would indeed,” Frank replies.
“Maybe,” Nick says, “If the attendant is involved as you stated which could make perfect sense, maybe they were in on it together somehow and when they went to inquire about the ring they were told that Eleanor had it.”
“Which would explain” Heath brings up “Why they would come here to retrieve it.”
“Exactly,” Frank replies.
“Heath,” Jarrod asks, “Did you see either Mr. Wells or Mr. Moore anywhere inside or near the livery at all?”
“No,” Heath replies, “I never saw them again until they came to Stockton a couple weeks ago.”
“And yet,” Jarrod notes, “They followed you and Eleanor back to the house and waited for you to leave before they went inside.”
“Apparently,” Heath replies, “Because sometime shortly after we got home and I left and came back again she was found dead by Warren.”
“But that still doesn’t explain,” Frank brings up, “Them ransacking the house looking for the ring.”
“No it doesn’t,” Nick replies, “Unless when they came here and for some reason after killing Eleanor and grabbing the ring they quickly took off because Warren was coming home and they decided to pin the murder on him.”
“Which would make sense,” Frank notes, “And maybe after quickly shooting Eleanor, Mr. Wells may have seen the ring and before anyone was looking quickly snatched it and put it into his pocket.”
“That is a possibility I didn’t even think of,” Jarrod says.
“It just came out as we were talking,” Frank admits.
“But if Steven is involved” Heath brings up “And if he did indeed come with them that day or who ever else it was that did they may not have known he did that and
if he did it as quickly as you mentioned then he or they would’ve assumed it was either still inside the house or on Eleanor.”
“Exactly,” Frank replies.
“Either that or,” Nick notes, “Seeing they didn’t find it maybe they came back sometime later and perhaps not finding it on her they may have thought that somehow Warren stashed it away someplace.”
“That could be, Nick,” Jarrod mentions.
“Yes,” Frank replies, “It could very well be.”
“And,” Heath joins in, “If Mr. Wells did indeed swipe the ring he would’ve told Mr. Moore if he didn’t know about it at that time when they were alone and away from the house.”
“Either that,” Nick says, “Or he kept it to himself.”
“I doubt that Nick,” Heath brings up.
“One could never know Heath,” Nick says, “Greed does have a tendency of corrupting the brain. Just because they were friends and tight as you said doesn’t necessarily mean Mr. Wells was ready to include Mr. Moore in on his riches. He may have kept the ring a secret from him as well and when he did make the deal and got the money from it he could very well have did away with him when he was finished.”
“That’s true,” Heath replies.
“I mean,” Nick reiterates, “I’m not saying he didn’t or wouldn’t, I’m just pointing out the negativity to the situation as well.”
“I know,” Heath admits.
“But with both of them being dead,” Jarrod joins in with, “We could and will never know the true answer to that of how it would’ve turned out.”
“True” Nick says, “And we could think of it as another one of those questions without answers.”
“That we could,” Heath replies, “Unless their spirits one day should decide to rise from the dead.”
“Let’s not go into that right now Heath,” Nick tells him.
“Why?” Heath asks, “Does it scare you?”
Shuddering, “I must say,” Nick says, “It does give me the creeps. But you know, I was just thinking that what if somebody else outside the livery at that time was there who saw it go into the saddlebag was waiting to go back there alone to find it.”
“Only to find,” Heath finishes the sentence for him continues, “It not there.”
“Right,” Nick adds, “And perhaps after searching the saddlebag and not finding it he decided to go inside the house when it was empty hoping to find it stashed someplace.”
“That is also a definite possibility, Nick,” Frank joins in and says.
“What if,” Heath brings up, “This other person came and inquired about the ring, maybe Eleanor giving it to him, Mr. Wells came for it to find it gone then shot her and left?”
“That could be too,” Frank mentions.
“Heath,” Jarrod asks, “What made you say that?”
Shaking his head, “I don’t know,” Heath answers, “Just thinking and it came out making me remember that time when Warren shot that man who shot me.”
“That is a thought too,” Frank says.
“It is,” Nick replies, “A very good one at that,” raising an eyebrow, “And that definitely could be. Maybe Warren thought the man who came out there looking for him wasn’t from the ships after all and maybe had intentions of learning about the ring instead.”
“That is something to consider too,” Jarrod says.
“Yes,” Frank replies, “It is.”
“Or maybe,” Heath brings up, “After the man took the ring somehow Eleanor told Mr. Wells of who had it and after shooting Eleanor he went searching for the man who took it and upon seeing the man later on, perhaps, maybe Mr. Wells found the ring on him and took it back.”
“Which could very well” Jarrod mentions “Explain how he ended up back with it.”
“That it could,” Frank replies.
“But that doesn’t,” Heath says, “Explain why the house was ransacked.”
“No it doesn’t,” Jarrod notes, “Unless there was somebody else that didn’t know of the man having it or Wells getting it back and assumed that somehow Warren still had it.”
“That is a thought,” Heath replies.
“Yes it is,” Nick says, “But for right now a lot of what we just came out with is here say and mostly a puzzle or a riddle trying to fit it all together.”
“Agreed,” Jarrod replies, “And for right now, somehow we won’t have all the answers until we continue looking into it further.”
“But it is indeed starting to make sense,” Frank brings up.
“That it is,” Jarrod says.
As they continue talking Heath listening to the various answers of how it ended up in Eleanor’s saddlebag starts making him think and as he has a far away look on his face, Nick noticing asks, “You alright Heath?”
“I am,” Heath replies, “But I was just thinking of something.”
“What?” Nick asks.
“What you just said about maybe somebody else,” Heath brings up, “Being outside the livery at the time and saw it go into the saddlebag.”
“What about it?” Nick asks.
“I remember,” Heath mentions, “Going in there just before Eleanor was to come in there and I remember seeing Stephen over by her horse and for a quick second I thought I saw a glimpse of something or someone but never thought too much about it at that time.”
“Like a shadow?” Nick asks.
“Yes,” Heath answers.
“Heath,” Jarrod asks, “You went inside the livery?”
Nodding his head, “I did,” Heath replies, “I went in there to let Stephen know that Eleanor was almost done with her errands.”
“Heath,” Frank says, “Did you see anything else?”
“As I said,” Heath replies, “Didn’t think about it at the time but when I came in there he seemed like, I don’t know, jumpy.”
“Like perhaps,” Frank states, “You walking in on something.”
“Like,” Nick says, “They didn’t expect you.”
“Yeah,” Heath answers.
“Do you remember if,” Jarrod asks, “Stephen said anything?”
“As I walked in,” Heath reiterates, “He was over by Eleanor’s saddlebag and said ‘Oh Heath, it’s you. I didn’t expect you back here so soon,’ something like that and then I remember him coming quickly over to me and asked if I wanted him to get the horses ready and I told him yes.”
“So,” Nick says, “Then it is very possible then that you did walk in on something. As you walked in Stephen must’ve quickly dropped the ring into the saddlebag and whoever else he was in there with took off as the door opened.”
“And,” Frank continues, “Once you left maybe somehow Mr. Wells and Mr. Moore came in and inquired about the ring and Stephen told him that it was inside of Eleanor’s saddlebag.”
“Which prompted him” Jarrod replies “Which prompted them to go follow you both back to the house, and when you left there is when they walked in on Eleanor.”
“And,” Nick says, “There is the possibility of that person in the shadows that ran out as you came in also saw and heard what took place and either he went with them to the house or he went there later on once it was empty.”
“That is definitely,” Jarrod states, “A possibility of what happened.”
“Yeah,” Heath mentions, “I think that is what happened. And as we’re talking now all of what happened on that very day leading up to us going home is making more sense.”
“You know Heath,” Jarrod says, “You’re proving to be a very important witness and a very important factor to this case.”
“So true,” Frank mentions, “You could very well be the link to solving this entire case.”
“I never thought of that,” Heath says, “But if I am, how do we use it to prove that somehow the livery attendant or whoever else it was involved in this is responsible for killing Eleanor and not Warren?”
“Why not leave that to me Heath,” Frank says, “Once you leave and I finish with the sheriff helping him with finding Charity’s father I will come back here and look around further and then I will start questioning the various local townspeople to see what they knew from around that time.”
“Maybe you’ll be able to clear Warren,” Heath says, “Before we are to return.”
“That is what I am hoping to do,” Frank mentions, “And if everything works out the way I see it, Warren could very well be a freed man without even a trial coming up and maybe, just maybe, we could somehow meet you either back in Stockton or San Francisco.”
“That would be great,” Heath says.
“But,” Frank mentions, “Let’s work on one thing at a time. Get your jacket and go catch the train.”
As Heath is trying on the tan jacket, “Hey,” Jarrod says, “It fits.”
“Doesn’t look bad on you Heath,” Nick replies, “Let’s get moving.”
Just then as Jarrod followed by Nick and then the Marshall are moving to the doorway, they hear, “Going somewhere?” from a hissing guttural voice.
Part 381
Quickly stopping in their tracks being startled, Jarrod, Nick and Marshall Sawyer catch sight of a man with a gun aimed at them.
Hearing the commotion and quietly stepping back, Heath not being noticed and being blocked by his brothers and Marshall Sawyer standing there carefully moves to the slightly opened window and gently slides it opened further.
5/16/10
As another man stands besides the first man wearing a black mask over his face, “You look surprised to see us,” the first man says.
“What is it you want?” Nick asks.
“We came to see which one of you,” the first man says, “Has something that belongs to us. But first,” cocking back the hammer of his pointed gun, “I must ask you gentlemen to drop your weapons.”
As Nick looks at Jarrod and Jarrod looks at the marshall they each decide to follow the lead man’s order and drop their guns to the floor. Meanwhile, as the second man moves to retrieve them the gun of the first man stays aimed at them while Heath slides out the window and carefully jumps down to the ground.
“Could you tell us what this is all about?” the marshall asks.
“We had your little group under surveillance since you rode off,” the speaker stated, “Waiting our chance, waiting for you to drop your guard.”
Glancing around the room and counting heads, “One of them is missing,” one of two other men joining them announces.
“Go look for him,” the first man tells him.
As one of the gunmen walks out, “I am looking for something,” the second man says, “That belongs to me and I need to see which one of you has it.”
“Perhaps,” Jarrod brings up, “If you tell us what you’re looking for maybe we could tell you if we have it or not.”
As Heath is rolling to the ground he hears, “Going someplace?” from a gruff voice standing behind him with a gun aimed at him.
Turning around to face his assailant, “You!” comes from the gruff voice, “Get up!”
“Could you tell me what this is all about?” Heath asks trying to keep his mind on the man with a mask over his face standing before him with the gun aimed as he is getting on his feet.
Not answering him, “Drop your weapon!” the gruff voice now tells him, “And then place your hands high in the air.”
“You!” comes from the second man joining the man with the gun.
“You remember me?” Heath asks as he is doing as told and dropping his gun.
“Of course I remember you,” comes from the second man who also is wearing a mask, “It hasn’t been that long ago.”
“You left with that sheriff,” comes from the first man with the gun, “It’s funny how you’re back here and so is he. Sammy, check him.”
As Sammy approaches him, “I’ll take this,” he says picking up the gun from the ground.
“Maybe if you tell me what it is you’re looking for,” Heath replies, “Perhaps maybe I could help you.”
“Remove the jacket,” Sammy orders, “And drop it onto the ground. Don’t do any thing smart or you won’t be seeing another minute.”
Doing as instructed Heath carefully removes the jacket and places it on the ground.
“Don’t move” Sammy tells him and as he quickly grabs it and goes through it “It’s not here” coming up empty he then says “Empty out your pockets. One at a time. Leave your one hand as it is” As Heath carefully moves towards his first pocket to the left side of his shirt using his right hand, “Do it slowly!”
Pulling out a little small pouch, “What’s this?” Sammy asks as he is taking it.
“It’s something I carry with me all the time,” Heath informs him.
Looking inside it, “It’s not in here,” Sammy calls out, “Continue,” dropping it onto the ground.
Heath continues going through his pockets with the exception of a few dollars he shows them empty pockets, “Where did you stash it?” Sammy then asks.
“Stash what?” as he continues showing his empty pockets, “I ask you again,” Heath says, “What is it you’re looking for?”
“Don’t play cute,” comes from the man holding the gun.
“I’m not,” Heath answers, “It’s just if you tell me what you’re looking for then maybe I could tell you if I have it or not,” still not finding it.
“Don’t play games with us,” Sammy says as he then takes hold of his shirt, “You know damn well what we’re looking for.”
“Sorry,” Heath answers, “I don’t.”
“I am getting tired of your,” Sammy barks, “Snide little answers. Where is it?”
“Where is what?” Heath asks again.
“The ring,” Sammy snaps, “The ring,” shaking him in anger he asks again, “Where is it? What did you do with it?”
“I don’t have it,” Heath answers.
Being irritated and without warning Sammy raising the back of his hand strikes Heath across the right side of the face resulting in Heath dropping to the ground onto his backside, “I am getting sick and tired of your lies, Boy! Now where is it? What did you do with it?”
Placing his hand on the side of the face where he was slapped, “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Heath continues to tell him.
“You’re lying” as Sammy snaps and is grabbing hold of him by the front of his shirt again asks “I ask you again what did you do with it?”
“I never had it,” Heath answers.
“Liar!” Sammy barks.
“I’m not” Heath states, “I never had it.”
Sammy then orders him, “Remove your boots.”
As he is releasing his hold on the shirt and moves slightly Heath recovering from the sting of the slap and thinking quickly sees that the gruff voice is now being blocked by Sammy standing directly in front of him and as he is bringing his right foot towards him he then carefully surges inward and upward with all of his strength using both legs shoves Sammy backwards who immediately is propelled into the man holding the gun.
Watching as they both quickly drop to the ground, Heath immediately gets up and runs.
“After him!” barks the gruff voice who is retrieving his rifle, “Don’t let him get away!” and getting back on his feet.
“What’s going on?” comes from another voice joining the chase.
“After him!” the gruff voice barks again as the three of them take after Heath.
As they begin running after him Heath moves to a nearby tree quickly hiding behind it.
Looking at the three of them still moving towards him he continues to stay low as he moves from one tree to another with long strands of grass keeping him safely hidden and thinking quickly of what to do reaches down to his right leg and while lifting his pant leg up he removes the sheath hefting the knife tucked away.
Inside the house hearing the sound of gunfire as the bullets discharging from the guns aiming at Heath either are hitting the ground or portions of the tree, “What was that?” comes from the man inside the house.
“Heath!” Nick quickly calls out.
As their attention is all being directed to the sound of bullets being discharged the gruff voice is quickly caught off guard when Nick seeing his one opportunity moves in and bringing his right foot up and out catches the assailant in the right knee. As the assailant is being brought down to one knee, the second man who is equally stunned and caught off guard when Jarrod moves towards him and as he is about to raise his gun, Jarrod quickly grabs hold of it and gripping it tightly raises them high in the air with a shot managing to discharge up into the ceiling as he places his right knee into the midsection and wrestles it free from him.
Marshall Sawyer seeing his opportunity quickly reaches and grabs hold of the third man standing several steps from him and before he is able to comprehend what is happening Sawyer grabs hold of his right hand and taking his fist punches him in the jaw while at the same time frees the man of the gun and holding it on him, “Don’t move!” he orders him.
“Heath!” Nick calls out.
“Go!” Jarrod tells him.
“Let me have the ring,” Nick says to the Marshall who quickly hands it to him.
As Nick quickly runs out the door, “Was that what you came here for?” the marshall asks the man standing there.
As the three men continue shooting at Heath who keeps dodging the bullets that keep coming towards him yell out, “What did you and that sheriff do with it?” comes from the gruff voice, “Where is it, boy?” comes from Sammy.
Heath continuing to stay low and watching as they continue moving towards him, “I never had it,” he tells them.
“Maybe,” the newcomer suggests, “He’s telling the truth.”
“NO!” answers gruff voice, “He has it.”
“How could you be so sure?” the newcomer asks.
“I was there” then changing his wording replies “I just know is all” the gruff voice then faces Heath’s direction and says, “And I know that you and that sheriff hid it someplace. Now where is it? Where did you hide it?”
“I don’t know,” Heath states, “We didn’t hide it anyplace,” as he takes hold of the handle of the knife and looks at one to the other deciding which one to use it on and seeing the gruff man is the closest and ahead of Sammy he watches as the knife is making contact but is then suddenly taken back when he feels a quick sting to his upper left arm and as the man is yelling out as the knife continues to penetrate inside his chest Heath quickly places his right hand over the bloody surface that is now seeping out of his shirt.
While ignoring the gruff voice man dropping to the ground Sammy continues approaching Heath who is continuing moving back and away from him.
As Sammy continues inquiring, “Where is that ring? What did you and that sheriff do with it?”
“We don’t have it,” Heath keeps answering, “We never had it.”
“Don’t lie to me!” Sammy says again, “I know you have it.”
“I’m not!” Heath keeps responding as he continues moving towards him once again aiming his gun and as he is firing it he comes to realize the chamber is now empty.
As Sammy is reloading, “He doesn’t have it,” a voice coming from behind him yells out, “But I do!”
Catching sight of the man standing there holding his gun aimed at them, “The ring,” comes from the newcomer looking at the ring, “Look Sammy!”
“I see it,” Sammy then says, “Who are you?” to Nick standing there.
“Nick Barkley,” Nick tells him, “His brother!”
Doing a double take, “His brother?” Sammy inquires.
“That’s right,” Nick replies, “And you’re both a bad judge of character.”
“What do you mean by that?” the newcomer asks.
“He never had your ring,” Nick tells him, “Now I must ask you boys to drop your weapons.”
“What if we don’t?” comes from the newcomer.
“That suits me just fine,” Nick answers, “But it would be a heap healthier for you if you drop them.”
“There’s two of us to one of him,” Sammy mentions to the newcomer.
As Sammy made the first move and tried bringing his weapon up the newcomer watched in horror as he was quickly slammed to the ground by the impact.
“What’s it going to be?” Nick asks the newcomer.
“Do I have a choice?” the newcomer asks.
Holding his gun aimed “Just one,” Jarrod replies, “Drop it!”
Debating his prospects the newcomer complied with the command and released the gun onto the ground.
“Smart move!” Nick told him.
As Jarrod comes over to him, “You alright?” asks of Nick.
“I am,” Nick replies, “But not so sure about Heath though. Heath?” he calls out.
Hearing the sound of their voices, “I’m right here,” Heath answers.
Emerging from the tree, “You hurt?” Jarrod calls out.
With his right hand still over his bloody patch, “Just a scratch,” Heath tells them, “It’s nothing.”
“You’re bleeding,” Jarrod says.
“Heath,” Nick says going over to him, “It’s more than a nothing,” grabbing hold of the arm and taking a better look at it, “We need to get you back to town.”
“I’m alright,” Heath tells them.
“You need that taken care of Heath,” Nick informs him, “And you are going whether you like it or not.”
“Nick,” Jarrod replies, “Go! I’ll catch up to you.”
“Right!” Nick says and after taking his bandana and tightly wrapping it over the bloody spot, “Come on Heath.”
“Wait!” Heath says, “I need to get something.”
“What?” Nick asks.
Replying “My knife,” Heath quickly retrieves his knife.
“Alright,” Jarrod barks to the newcomer, “Move it!” and as the newcomer follows his instructions Nick quickly hands Jarrod the ring.
While wiping the blade clean, “This hasn’t failed me yet,” Heath says returning it to the sheath and placing it back where he had it.
“I must say,” Nick replies, “It did help you out in a pinch” as he and Heath mount their horses and while Jarrod goes inside the house with the newcomer they head for town.
Entering the living room, “I got another one to take back to town,” Jarrod informs the marshall.
“How’s Heath?” the marshall asks.
“Nick’s taking him to the doctor,” Jarrod informs him, “We’ll meet them back there.”
“Is it bad?” the marshall concerned inquires.
“He took a hit in the arm,” Jarrod says, “I don’t think it’s too serious.”
“Let me take care of this one,” the marshall mentions, “And then we’ll go. Thanks for staying behind.”
“One of us needed to,” Jarrod notes, “And one of us had to get Heath to town. Nick was the logical choice for that” while keeping his gun still aimed at the newcomer.
“I could see why that is,” the marshall mentions and after taking care of the last prisoner tying his hands behind his back, “Let’s get moving,” he barks.
After the four men have been stripped of their masks they are led outside and while walking past the small pouch on the ground the marshall quickly swoops that up and places it in his pocket while Jarrod grabs hold of the jacket.
Deciding on taking the men back using a wagon Jarrod and the marshall quickly hitch one up and after placing all the men including the two dead ones in the back Jarrod becomes the designated driver and heads back to town.
Part 382
Arriving in town and upon escorting the men to the jail Warren is in his cell when he sees Jarrod walking in.
“Jarrod,” Warren asks, “You didn’t leave yet.”
“Not yet,” Jarrod replies, “No.”
“Did Heath manage to get the jacket?” Warren inquires.
“He did” Jarrod admits “And thank you for the suggestion; it fits him fine.”
Seconds later Marshall Sawyer and Sheriff Howard walk in. Recognizing the four men “Stephen, Elias, George, Charles?” Warren says.
Simultaneously two of them reply, “Hello Warren,” while the other two reply, “Sheriff.”
“It’s been a long time,” George says.
“I say it has,” Warren replies, “What you doing here?”
“Well now” Sheriff Howard says “You know each other, very good.”
With his brow furrowed in thought, “OF course we know each other,” Warren mentions, “It hasn’t been that long ago since I’ve been away from here. Why wouldn’t we? What’s going on?”
“Somehow,” Marshall Sawyer replies, “We knew you did.” And then upon directing the first two to the first empty cell, “Inside,” Sheriff Howard does the same with the other two being placed in the second empty cell.
“And,” Sheriff Howard says, “You’ll get an opportunity to be reacquainted.”
“Reacquainted?” Warren asks again, “Why? What’s that mean? What’s going on? Why are they here?”
“Warren,” Jarrod says, “You may find this curiously to know but we found them over at your place.”
“My place?” Warren mimics.
“Yes,” Jarrod replies.
Glancing over at Stephen, “You were over at my place?” Warren inquires, “What were you doing there Stephen?”
“Looking for something,” Stephen replies.
“What?” Warren asks.
“I’ll let the marshall explain it to you,” Jarrod informs him, “I need to go and find out how Heath is doing.”
“Heath?” Warren asks concerned, “What happened?”
“He was shot,” Jarrod mentions, “Nick took him over to the doctor’s.”
“Is it bad?” Warren inquires.
“No,” Jarrod informs him, “He just took a hit in the arm. He should be alright. Excuse me,” quickly moving to the doorway.
“Certainly,” Warren says and while Jarrod exits the jail, “Frank, what happened?”
“It’s what he said,” Frank notes, “When we went to get Heath the jacket these men showed up and we found the house ransacked.”
“Ransacked?” Warren asks, “Stephen,” eying him, “You were in my house ransacking it? Why? What were you there looking for?”
Stephen answers, “We were looking for something.”
“You said that already,” Warren says, “Inside of my house what was it that you were looking for?”
“A ring,” Stephen answers.
“A ring?” Warren mimics.
“They were looking for this little item here,” Frank showing him the ring in his hand.
Looking at it, “Where did that come from?” Warren asks mystified.
“Don’t know all of it,” Frank says, “But so far from what Heath told us, Eleanor had it.”
“Eleanor,” Warren mimics, “My wife?”
“Yes,” Frank replies, “And we think that is why she was killed. They found it on Mr. Wells while going through his belongings in Stockton. Jarrod managed to bring it with him.”
In the cell to the left, “Mr. Wells,” comes from Elias, “Brian Wells?”
“One in the same” Warren notes.
“He had the ring on him?” Elias inquires.
“From what we understand,” Frank says, “That is who had it.”
“How did he get it?” George asks from the cell to the right.
“He had it on him all along,” Frank says, “Somehow he must’ve swiped it before anyone was able to have seen him do it.”
“And here you thought,” Sheriff Howard joins in, “Mr. Hawkins here had it.”
“Ring,” Warren says, “Wait a minute! I remember reading about one missing about close to six years ago. Someplace out in Texas.”
“Yes,” Frank replies.
“From what I remembered reading,” Warren continues, “It was worth a lot of money.”
“That is true,” Frank says, “And probably why it was taken. We believe Mr. Wells had intentions of trying to sell it to Mr. Wheeler but when he found out he wasn’t here anymore he had plans on making a deal with someone else and somehow Eleanor got a hold of it which is why she ended up being killed and they figured planting the murder on you would take the edge away from anyone going after them.”
“How do they all fit in with it?” Warren asks.
“We think they were in on it,” Marshall Sawyer states, “Somehow.”
“I must say,” Warren notes, “It does make sense. And if what you say to be true, how is anyone going to prove otherwise? Mr. Wells and Eleanor are both dead. It happened 5 years ago and that is why I am in here now.”
“Let me work on that for you alright?” Frank insists, “And for what it’s worth I do believe you are innocent and if everything goes according to what I could find out you will be a free man very soon.”
“It is a tall order,” Warren states.
“It is,” Frank says, “But I’ll do it. I promised Heath and it’s a promise to you, I will find what I need to prove that Mr. Wells is indeed the killer and you were framed. And if everything goes the way I see it to be, we shouldn’t have much of a problem doing that once I gather up all the evidence needed. We also have Heath to thank if it works.”
“I don’t know how you’ll be able to do it,” Warren replies doubtful.
“I’ll do it,” Frank informs him, “Trust me will you? Give me a chance.”
“I am and right now,” Warren says, “I don’t see where I have much of a choice.”
“It’ll work out,” Frank replies, “You’ll see.”
Raising his eyebrow, “If you say so,” Warren answers doubtful.
“Brian Wells is dead?” Charles inquires.
“Yes,” Warren answers, “And so is Gary.”
Walking in the doctor’s office Jarrod asks “How is he Doctor?”
“He’ll be alright,” the doctor answers as he is working on bandaging the arm, “I know that you’re all in a hurry but he is going to need to take it easy for a little while. I do recommend him resting as much as possible.”
“He’ll be able to rest in the stage,” Nick mentions, “And we’ll see to it he doesn’t overdue anything. You have my word on that,” emphasizing the word that.
“And mine too,” Jarrod pledges.
“Good,” the doctor tells Heath, “And you young man,” looking at him, “Take it easy. It may be only a scratch to you but it was a bullet wound. And every bullet wound is serious no matter how minor to one it might seem to be.”
“I will Doc,” Heath answers, “And with Nick and Jarrod,” glancing at each of them standing there, “I don’t see that I have much of a choice.”
“That,” Jarrod says, “You certainly don’t.”
“You got that right Boy,” Nick adds.
“And Heath,” Jarrod brings up, “You’ll be happy to know that Warren is learning the truth about the livery attendant and Eleanor’s connection to the ring.”
“He is?” Heath asks.
“I left the marshall with filling him in,” Jarrod tells him.
“Will it free him?” Heath asks hopefully.
“Not yet I’m afraid,” Jarrod tells him.
As Nick and Jarrod are assisting Heath with putting on a new shirt, the marshall walks in and asks, “How is he?”
“See for yourself” Nick says.
“He’s doing okay,” the doctor replies as he is now fixing Heath’s arm in a sling, “Although I would prefer it if he didn’t do any traveling right now but I do know they are in a hurry so the best advice I could give him right now is to rest as much as possible, be sure to keep it cleaned and dried and have it checked once you’re able to. Also, watch for infection.”
“We’ll be sure to do all that doctor,” Nick tells him, “You have my word on that.”
“Frank,” Heath then says.
“Yes Heath,” Frank asks.
“Jarrod was telling me,” Heath replies, “That Warren knows about Stephen and the ring’s connection to Eleanor.”
“Yes,” Frank says.
“So,” Heath asks, “What happens now?”
“Right now,” Frank replies, “I still have work to do with proving Mr. Wells did indeed kill Eleanor and explain how he wound up with the ring as well as the other men that were in on it.”
“Will there still have to be a trial?” Heath asks.
“I am hoping,” Frank says, “To do it without having one to come up.”
“You may want to look into the connection of the one that came at me find out where he fits in with all this,” Heath informs him, “He said something that leaked out that may prove that he was involved in the ring and Eleanor in some way.”
“I’ll be doing that,” Frank says, “And thanks for the tip. It could be helpful.”
“Anything that will help Warren and the case,” Heath notes, “Is fine by me.”
“And,” Frank says, “If it should work out the way I see it to go we could all say we all did a great job of working together.”
“Indeed yes,” Jarrod replies.
Glancing over at Heath, “Great minds think alike,” Nick mentions.
“That they do. And,” Frank replies, “Once we finish this up and if the opportunity should ever come up and present itself again maybe we could do it again.”
“I’d like that,” Heath mentions.
“And,” Frank says, “So would I.”
“One could never know,” Jarrod surmises.
“True,” Nick replies.
“But first things first,” Frank mentions, “Let me work on this case first. Let me work on freeing Warren and then we’ll take it from there.”
“Agreed,” Heath says.
Finishing with Heath, “Well,” looking from Jarrod to Nick “Seeing he’s in good hands,” the doctor notes, “He’s free to leave with you,” handing Jarrod a fresh supply of bandages, “Here,” he says, “You will be needing these.”
“Thank you,” Jarrod tells him as he is taking them, “And thanks for all your help.”
“That’s what I am here for,” the doctor replies.
“Heath,” Marshall Sawyer handing him his pouch says, “Here.”
Taking it from him “Thanks Frank,” Heath replies.
“Anytime,” Frank replies.
“We better be going” Nick says, “Time is getting short.”
“I’ll walk with you,” Marshall Sawyer informs him.
“Please do,” Jarrod says.
“See you later Doc,” comes from Heath as he climbs down off the table, “Remember what I told you,” the doctor reiterates.
“I will,” Heath vows as he is grabbing his hat and Nick is carrying his jacket.
Leaving the doctor’s office the brothers and Sawyer make a quick stop to the jail and after saying goodbye to Warren and picking up their breakfast they go to the telegraph office to send a wire down to Ed letting him know they are on their way to picking up the train in Gold Run. After paying the clerk they then make their way to where the stage and the driver are waiting patiently outside the livery for them.
Upon seeing Heath coming with his arm in a sling, “What happened?” Mr. Drucker asks.
“Long story right now,” Nick informs him.
“Maybe we’ll tell you,” Jarrod says, “If we get a chance between now and arriving at our destination.”
“Fair enough,” Mr. Drucker replies, “And we better get moving if you want to make it to that train. Time is getting short.”
“Agreed,” Nick says.
After having a quick talk on various topics and saying they’d be meeting back up once they’ve finished with everything, “Heath,” Frank then goes on to say.
“Yes Frank?” Heath asks.
“You be sure” Frank replies “To take it easy you hear?”
“I hear” Heath assures him.
“And,” Frank then says, “We’ll be in touch before long.”
After the brothers bid the marshall goodbye they climb on board the coach, the driver gets into the driver’s box and pulls away and while the marshall stands there waving and watching as the stage disappears from view the sheriff comes over to him asking, “Are they gone?”
“For now,” the marshall replies.
The End
Now onto the continuation of the Mission: Part 2.
