Post by sandymarek on Dec 8, 2010 22:35:52 GMT -4
Part 383
San Francisco
At the train station Ed waits patiently for Bill to climb down off the platform who asks, “Were you waiting long?”
“Not really,” Ed replies.
“We were a little late,” Bill says.
“I noticed that,” Ed then inquires, “How did it go?”
“Well,” Bill answers, “Considering the situation. Jim Barkley is now working on getting the money needed. He has his sons coming in with some of it and they should be arriving sometime Monday afternoon.”
“It’s cutting it awful tight,” Ed states.
“It is,” Bill admits, “But raising $50,000 within 72 hours isn’t exactly an easy task either.”
“No,” Ed says, “That’s for sure.”
Noting a piece of paper in Ed’s hands, “What do you have there?” Bill asks.
“A wire,” Ed replies, “I just picked up.”
“From whom?” Bill asks.
“Jarrod,” Ed replies.
“Jarrod?” Bill asks, “What does it say?”
“He’s on his way as well,” Ed notes.
“He is?” Bill asks a little surprised, “He knows about it?”
“Not completely,” Ed says, “But I did wire him telling him there is trouble. I didn’t want to go into too much detail until he got here.”
“Smart thinking,” Bill retorts.
“I pretty much just advised him of the situation,” Ed says, “And he is now grabbing a train that will take him straight to here.”
“Is he going to be able to make it?” Bill asks, “And within the allocated amount of time mentioned?”
“He’s going to try,” Ed states.
“Is he coming alone?” Bill asks.
“Not sure,” Ed says, “But from the way it reads he says we’re…”
Finishing the sentence for him, “Meaning Nick and Heath are coming with him,” Bill surmises.
“More than likely,” Ed notes.
“Wait ‘til they get here,” Bill says, “When they come to learn what did happen they aren’t going to be too happy. Especially Nick. He’s probably going to tear this big little city apart.”
“Well,” Ed replies, “It is his mother and right now we could very well use them and they do have a right to know what is happening.”
“There is no denying that,” Bill says, “I just hope they could get here within the time mentioned 72 hours and right now it’s less than that.”
“Yes,” Ed replies, “I know.”
“How did it go here?” Bill inquires.
“I went and talked with the governor,” Ed informs him.
Bill asks, “And?”
“He’s going to help us,” Ed replies, “With finding Victoria and he has set up a meeting for Friday to discuss the shanghaiing and working on bringing it to a close.”
“That’s good,” Bill notes.
“But we have a long way to go yet though,” Ed says, “I mean bringing that to a close isn’t exactly an easy task either.”
“No,” Bill admits, “But it’s a start and that is why we came here to begin with. Once we’ve given them the quick hand in handling it the rest will be up to them to take responsibility and shut it down permanently.”
“True,” Ed replies.
Glancing around, “Where are the children?” Bill wanted to know.
“With Ray Denton’s family,” Ed tells him.
“What happens now?” Bill then asks.
“We’re supposed” Ed informs him “To meet with the Dentons’ for dinner.”
As they go grabbing the two horses that are waiting for them Bill informs Ed about Heath’s horse Champion returning and about Jim Barkley may not be too happy about the brothers being informed about their mother when they are so far away at the moment.
Echo Lake
Leaving Echo Lake the brothers start eating their breakfast which consists of an egg sandwich and bacon and a cup of coffee courtesy of Sheriff Howard and look at the various scenery along the way.
Stockton
While Father Nichols is bringing the mass to a close Audra and Gene who are both attired in their Palm Sunday outfits are still in silent prayer thinking of their mother who is missing.
As the organist begins playing the closing song “You going to tell them what you did?” Audra whispers to Gene.
“No,” Gene quietly answers, “Not yet.”
Watching him as he shifts his gaze downwards, “You alright?” she asks.
“Of course I am,” Gene answers sarcastically, “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Exhaling heavily, “Gene,” Audra says, “Don’t you think it bothers me as much as it bothers you? She’s my mother too you know.”
“I know that,” Gene replies, “And I am just trying to be strong but I just can’t seem to help it.”
“You don’t want anyone else to know, do you?” she asks.
“No,” as he wipes the tears from his eyes, “I don’t want anything to go wrong.”
“Then,” she suggests, “Let’s just go out the door and hurry away from everyone. If anybody starts asking anything I don’t know if I could continue holding back.”
Recomposing himself “Same here” he replies and as the people begin heading up the aisle Audra and Gene carrying their palms go out the door and down the steps.
While Jean goes to talk with the reverend, Chrissy goes off to play with some of the local children who have scattered about, while Tina goes to talk with ranch hand Ron. Coming over to her after he leaves Audra asks, “What was that all about?”
“He was asking me,” Tina replies, “If I’d like to attend a dance with him that will be coming up.”
“Did you tell him yes?” Audra asks.
“I told him,” Tina replies, “I’d get back to him with the answer.”
As Ron meets up with Bobby waiting by the horses, “What did she say?” Bobby asks.
“She said,” Ron replies, “She’d let me know.”
As Jim and Carol are now being met and greeted by the reverend he talks to them briefly asking them where Victoria and the boys are. As Jim does the talking he tells him they are just away and Gene and Audra listening start looking away from them.
Noticing, “You alright Gene,” he asks, “Audra?”
“Fine,” Gene replies.
“We’re fine” Audra holding back says.
“Will they be here next week,” he wanted to know.
“They should be,” Carol answers.
The reverend then hands palms to Audra and Gene for their mother and each of their brothers who had to miss the mass and after graciously accepting them they quickly walk away.
Coming over to Gene Irving asks, “Where’s your mother and brothers?”
“They’re not here,” Gene snaps.
“I could see that,” Irving replies, “Where are they?”
“How should I know,” Gene snaps, “Excuse me. Will you?”
Walking over to Audra, “What’s with him?” Irving asks.
“Oh,” Audra answers, “Nothing,” holding back the tears, “He has a lot on his mind. Excuse me,” and quickly walks away as well.
Ginny walking over to Irving asks, “You alright?”
“I am,” Irving replies, “Not so sure Audra and Gene are.”
“Well,” Ginny says, “Whatever it is, if it is something to be concerned about I am sure they will tell you when they are ready. For now, why don’t you just let them be and go find someone else to talk to?”
Replying, “Alright,” as he lets out a sigh Irving goes to talk to anther one of his friends that he sees nearby.
Stagecoach
Finishing their breakfast the brothers notice Heath beginning to doze off using Jarrod’s shoulder as a pillow, “Here Heath,” Jarrod suggests, “How about if you lie down?” helping him with lying across the entire seat and moving over to the opposite side occupied by Nick allowing Heath to be more comfortable who in turn places his head on one of their offered jackets and using the others as a blanket.
Minutes later Nick feels his cheeks, “He should be alright Nick,” Jarrod mentions.
“Just checking,” Nick replies, “And doing what the doctor suggested.”
“If time wasn’t of the essence,” Jarrod brings up, “It would’ve been wiser leaving him with the doctor and the marshall to watch over him but I know he wouldn’t go for that and at least by his being here he has us to watch over him.”
“True,” Nick says, “And I feel better knowing that he is safe.”
“Same here,” Jarrod admits.
7/11/10
4:00 p.m.
Meanwhile back in Stockton the Barkleys are having their afternoon dinner consisting of a pork roast, baked potato, corn on the cob and chocolate cake.
While Gene is sitting there toying with his food the rest of the family discusses the mass a little and then going onto other topics Tina mentions Ron’s invitation to a dance coming up and asking if it would be alright if she attended with both Jim and Carol telling her it will be alright and that it’s up to her. They then go on to discuss a little about Easter Sunday being just a week away.
As they start looking over at Gene, “Gene,” Aunt Carol asks, “Is your dinner okay?”
“Fine,” Gene answers as he has his left arm on the table supporting his head while still toying with the fork.
“Gene,” Jean asks, “What’s wrong?”
Snapping, “Nothing,” Gene answers “And nothing. You’re all here talking about church today and about it being Easter next Sunday. I don’t know how it could be a Happy Easter? Mother is still missing. Jarrod, Nick and Heath aren’t here. What if Jim and Jack don’t make it in time? What if we don’t get the money those men want? What happens if Mother isn’t found by then? What happens if we can’t get to her?”
“Gene,” Uncle Jim replies, “Try not getting so worked up.”
With tears flowing down his cheeks, “I’m sorry,” Gene says, “I didn’t mean to spoil anyone’s dinner but right now I am not feeling too happy,” dropping his fork, “Excuse me,” he then gets up quickly and heads up the stairs.
“Gene!” Carol calls out, “Gene!” as she is about to get up.
“Is something the matter?” Chrissy asks.
“Gene’s upset, honey,” Jean informs her.
With tears pouring down her cheeks, “Why shouldn’t he be upset?” Audra goes on to say, “Mother is missing. Someone has her and unless they get the money they’ve asked for she could wind up dead! Next Sunday is Happy Easter well without her here it can’t very well be a Happy Easter now can it?” and getting up she goes running up the stairs.
“Audra!” Carol calls out, “Audra!” getting up.
As he gets up out of his seat, “You take care of her and I’ll take care of Gene,” Jim says as they quickly go after them.
Part 384
6/28/10
While the brothers continue moving towards their destination they catch sight of a little of South Lake Tahoe as the driver is heading north and westerly.
Noticing a puzzling look on Nick’s face “Something on your mind, Nick?” Jarrod asks.
“There is,” Nick admits.
“What is it?” Jarrod says, “Talk to me.”
“Heath,” Nick replies.
“What about him?” Jarrod asks.
Talking in a low but audible voice “Oh, I don’t know” Nick says, “I’ve been thinking of this entire trip here. I mean us coming to Echo Lake then going up to the Wheelers’ Ranch and all those bizarre things happening. On top of that, I also keep thinking about the fact that Heath almost lost his life today and all because of that ridiculous ring that those men thought he had in his possession.”
Also talking in a low but audible voice “Thank goodness we brought it along,” Jarrod says.
Exhaling deeply, “That’s not the point,” Nick replies.
“I know,” Jarrod says.
Continuing on, “The point is,” Nick resumes, “He almost lost his life for that ring and he didn’t even have it in his possession to begin with.”
“Well,” Jarrod says, “As we stated before greed and money has a way of corrupting the brain. Those men weren’t thinking too clearly and all they saw was him and thinking that he had to of had it on him someplace or knew where it was hidden.”
“He,” Nick notes, “Or Warren. And as much as I have mixed feelings regarding the man, he never even had it either and didn’t know anything about it until today. And if it wasn’t for Heath at all, no one would have known anything about the ring or what even took place at that time in the livery when Eleanor acquired it to begin with.”
“I know,” Jarrod replies.
“And up until today,” Nick mentions, “I don’t know why but I didn’t even think that anyone here could even remember Heath or Heath remembering something that he didn’t let us know about prior to our coming up here.”
“There’s different answers to that” Jarrod mentions.
“Such as,” Nick asks.
“Some of that,” Jarrod says, “Is due to the fact that his memory was dormant. And even though he didn’t bring it up it was still in the back of his head. Heath’s memory is still very much intact and if he could remember almost everything that has happened to him from way back when he certainly isn’t going to forget something that would’ve taken place five years ago.”
“I know that,” Nick states, “I am just saying I wish I knew about it prior to us coming up here. That way I could’ve been a little more prepared.”
“Some of that Nick,” Jarrod surmises, “Is also because you weren’t thinking completely clearly yourself.”
With his brow furrowed in thought, “What do you mean by that?” he asks of Jarrod.
“Just what I said,” Jarrod answers, “Your mind was so focused on protecting us and worrying about him with the Wheelers that you weren’t thinking about anything else.”
“Didn’t think of that,” Nick admits.
“And” Jarrod says “With the combination of today and his coming here is what triggered it to come out.”
“That,” Nick brings up, “And us coming up with the different possibilities of what took place then that led up to Eleanor being killed and how the ring got into her possession to begin with.”
“Right!” Jarrod says “And they having it planned to pin the murder on Warren using his own gun.”
“I,” Nick replies, “Must admit I do like the thought of him being cleared of a crime he didn’t commit.”
“Heath,” Jarrod says, “Would be pleased to hear you say that.”
“Well,” Nick replies, “It’s true. He may be guilty of other things but murdering his wife wasn’t one of them.”
“I agree” Jarrod says “And with us leaving the case with Frank Sawyer he may very well be able to gather all the information needed to clear him and keep a trial from happening. It will also save Heath from having to go up there and testifying.”
“So true,” Nick replies, “But if a trial should be needed there is no doubt that Heath’s testimony should clear him once and for all.”
“Agreed,” Jarrod says.
“And I must say,” Nick mentions, “That I am glad Marshall Sawyer is the marshall they sent to bring Warren back here with.”
“Me too,” Jarrod says.
“And if all goes well,” Nick brings up, “They just might meet us down in either San Francisco or Stockton.”
“They just might,” Jarrod then says, “And with all of what is about to take place we could probably use their help.”
“So very true,” Nick replies
“And once again” Jarrod says “It seems like everything that took place up this way was somehow meant to be.”
“You mean,” Nick asks, “Like the Wheelers’ arriving and his being there at the same time?”
“Precisely,” Jarrod answers, “I mean if you think about it why of all the times in the world did Wheeler and Deak come and find their way up there now and why was it after Heath arrived did they show up?”
Exhaling heavily, “Good question,” Nick replies, “But maybe somehow to help Heath with being able to put all this behind him; bringing this to a close.”
“Yes,” Jarrod replies, “And not only that but somehow the arrival of Marshall Sawyer and his bringing Warren up here somehow was all meant to be as well. Not only did it give Heath an opportunity to see the marshall again, but it gave them a chance to talk and be reacquainted with one another, not to mention the marshall being able to get to know Warren a little more too.”
“Allowing him,” Nick mentions, “To learn a little more about the man so that he would be able to stay around and work on clearing him while we have to go down to San Francisco.”
“Exactly,” Jarrod says.
“But,” Nick inquires, “What about all those other strange bizarre occurrences that took place up at the Wheelers and going up there?”
“Well some of that,” Jarrod replies, “We could ponder and ponder for answers but somehow some of them or many of them as we both mentioned before we never will get. We’ll just have to live with the fact that what we witnessed did happen.”
Letting out a deep sigh, “I guess so,” Nick then says, “And thinking of all those young boys losing their lives just isn’t right either.”
“No,” Jarrod replies, “And unfortunately there isn’t much we can do with that either. I mean it isn’t an easy thing to think about but it’s just something we will have to do and just always remember. We can’t very well bring any of them back.”
“True,” Nick says.
“And,” Jarrod brings up, “Unfortunately if any one of us must feel something for what took place it’s Heath. If it’s hard for us just think how much harder it must be for him to think about, I mean he had to live through all that.”
“That he did,” Nick replies, “And at such a very young age too. Not to mention at the hands of those Wheelers.”
“True,” Jarrod says, “And it does show Nick,” with a smile peering out, “That you do have a tendency of having a bigger heart than you let on.”
“Well,” Nick points out, “It is a sad thing. You feel for those boys wondering just how anyone could do that to them, how anyone could imprison them and all for money mostly.”
“Once again,” Jarrod says, “Greed and money has a way of corrupting the brain. The Wheelers’ in general were just so nasty from what we know of them; nothing else was in their heads.”
“It’s just not right,” Nick states.
“I agree,” Jarrod says, “But with his being able to go up to the Wheeler’s ranch and seeing Zachary again has helped him with managing to put all of what took place behind him. Because of it, he has managed to take a very bad situation and turn it around to make him a much stronger person and just have a greater appreciation of life and what is out there a whole lot more.”
“And I’m glad about that,” Nick replies.
“So am I,” Jarrod says, “And once again if it wasn’t for Heath we would never have learned about all of this. We wouldn’t have been exposed to all of what we came to find out.”
“That is true,” Nick replies.
“And once again if we were to look at the entire picture,” Jarrod says, “We could see it as being another set of events that were meant to be. And by Heath having to live it first hand and then meeting us later on gave him a chance to learn just how bad the world could be before being able to find true happiness and for us we led a life that as much as we treasured life we didn’t really truly come to realize the beauty of it all until the arrival of Heath. Heath opened our eyes. If he had came to us long before all this was to have happened we would never have known about the Wheelers, never probably really knowing about the shanghaiing that is going on. I mean sure, we would probably have read about it or heard about it but as far as doing anything about it, it really wouldn’t have affected us the way it does now. And Heath himself came very close to being shanghaied himself if it wasn’t for Warren.”
“So true,” Nick replies, “And speaking of San Francisco that brings me to another issue.”
“What’s that?” Jarrod asks.
“Finding out about the wire,” Nick mentions, “That Ed sent.”
“Well,” Jarrod says, “We do know it has to do with Mother.”
“That much we do know,” Nick replies, “I just hope it is nothing to be concerned about.”
“Same here Nick,” Jarrod says, “Same here.”
5 p.m.
Back at the Ranch
As Gene quickly goes to his room and jumps onto the bed Uncle Jim is right behind him and says, “Gene, it’s going to be alright.”
“How could it be?” Gene asks.
“Because,” Jim replies, “We’re going to find her.”
“What happens if we don’t?” Gene inquires, “What happens if Jack and Jim don’t make it here in time?”
“Gene,” Jim says, “I know right now it’s not an easy situation to go into but right now we have to remain strong. I am sure we will get the money to the kidnappers and I am sure we will find her.”
“How could you be so sure?” Gene asks.
“Well,” Jim replies, “For one we need to have faith. And second, once the money does arrive I will personally be making the trip down to San Francisco myself and I assure you that I will be doing everything in my power to find her and not only that but I promise you that who ever has her will be sorry. They will be sorry they ever tangled with the Barkleys.”
“You sound like Nick,” Gene points out.
“It must run in the family,” Jim says.
“I guess so,” Gene replies, “What if something should go wrong?”
“Gene,” Jim says, “We can’t be thinking like that. Your mother is a very strong woman and if I know her she is right now looking for a way out of the kidnappers’ hands but in the meantime, until we are able to get to her how would she feel knowing any of us were falling apart?”
“She wouldn’t be too happy,” Gene answers.
“And why is that?” he asks.
Wiping the tears from his eyes “Because,” Gene replies, “She always has said that as a family we need to stick together and be there for one another in times of both the good and the bad. She would want us to be going on with our lives.”
Taking him and giving him a tight hug, “Very good! And if all should go well there is the possibility that your brothers will also be here by next Sunday,” Jim then asks, “And do you know what that means?”
“It means the family will all be here for Easter Sunday,” Gene brings up.
“Right,” Jim says, “And if all goes well we will definitely be having a Happy Easter.”
“I do like the sound of that,” Gene mentions.
“So do I,” Jim then says, “So what do you say to us going back downstairs and finishing our dinner?”
“I say,” Gene replies, “Let’s go eat.”
Giving him another big hug as he playfully slaps him on the arm, “Good boy,” Uncle Jim then says as they get up off the bed and head back downstairs.
Audra’s Bedroom
While Audra is crying on her bed “Audra?” Carol calls out as she sits along beside her.
“It’s just not fair,” Audra replies.
“What’s not fair?” Carol asks.
“Everything,” Audra replies.
“Talk to me Audra,” Carol insists.
“I don’t know,” Audra says, “Everyone says be brave. Everyone says be strong. Everyone is saying it’s going to be alright. But how can it be? Next week is Easter Sunday a happy time for everyone in the world and yet around here it’s not.”
“I know how you feel,” Carol tells her.
“No, you don’t,” Audra replies, “I mean how could you?”
“Because” Carol says “I know what’s it like to be without your mother. And I know you’re scared and worried but honey,” running her fingers through her hair, “Everything will turn out alright.”
Looking at Aunt Carol with tear filled eyes, “How can it be?” Audra asks.
“Because,” Aunt Carol vows, “We’re going to find your mother. As soon as the ransom money is all here, Jim is going down to San Francisco personally.”
“He’s going to San Francisco?” Audra asks.
“Yes,” Aunt Carol answers, “He is. He’s going down there and he’s not going to leave there until he finds her. They’ve made a mistake thinking they could do this without a fight from us. Your uncle is not going to leave there until he has her safely away from them. And if you know anything about your Barkley family no one messes with us and gets away with it.”
Smiling, “No,” she replies, “We’re a force to be reckoned with. Father use to say that and so does Nick.”
“Where do you think Nick got it from?” Aunt Carol asks.
“Father?” Audra says.
“And so did his father,” Aunt Carol notes, “Which explains both your father and Jim having the same characteristics and being brought up by the same father who instilled the same values and beliefs down onto each of his sons. However until the money does come and we’re able to do more than we could at this very moment, why not come with me and let’s go finish our dinner? I think your mother would like that.”
Nodding her head, “Yeah okay,” Audra replies as Aunt Carol takes her into her arms and gives her a tight embrace telling her, “Everything is going to turn out just fine. And by next Sunday this family will be having a Happy Easter, you’ll see.”
Wiping the tears from her eyes “I hope so,” Audra answers as she gets up off the bed and goes with Aunt Carol out the door who in turn runs into Gene and Uncle Jim as they come out.
“You okay?” Jim asks of her.
“I’m okay,” Audra assures him as he is placing his arm around her shoulder while his other arm is around Gene’s.
Part 385
Up North
As Mr. Drucker continues driving towards Gold Run the brothers keep looking over at Heath who is still sleeping making sure he is alright and then to each other while quietly talking in between taking in the scenery they pass along the way. Upon passing by small towns of Emerald Bay, Meek’s Bay and now reaching Tahoma they head through the valley of Squaw Peak where Heath slowly begins waking up.
“Hey,” Nick noticing announces, “Look who is finally waking up,” to Jarrod.
As he is opening his eyes, “Welcome back” Nick tells him.
Watching as he is wiping the sands from his eyes, “Did you have a nice sleep?” Jarrod asks of him.
“I guess,” Heath answers, “Where are we?” as he begins sitting up.
“On our way to Gold Run,” Nick says, “Where we are exactly not too sure. The last I knew we were passing through Squaw’s Peak.”
“We’re passing by a town called Goggins now,” Jarrod informs him.
“Goggins?” Heath mimics.
“They sure do have some funny names,” Nick notes, “Don’t they?”
“How you feeling?” Jarrod asks concerned, “How’s the arm? Sore?”
As he is touching it, “A little,” Heath answers.
Feeling his cheeks and forehead, “At least you don’t have a fever,” Nick informs him.
“I’m alright Nick,” Heath tells him.
“You are,” Nick replies, “But I’m doing what the doctor said to do and just making sure.”
“How long was I asleep?” Heath asks.
“Oh,” Nick replies, “A couple of hours.”
“Don’t worry,” Jarrod says, “You didn’t miss much” as they are overlooking the road of the town they are passing by.
“There’s not much to miss,” Nick states, “Not much up this way from what I could see.”
Upon reaching a small pond Mr. Drucker decides to bring the stage to a complete halt to let them stretch their legs while getting some fresh water.
Seeing the sense it and upon agreeing they climb out, walk around a bit and fill up their canteens with fresh cold water. After they’ve finished they climb back in and resume their trip.
San Francisco-The Missionary
While eating their dinner consisting of small sandwiches and water Terry is staring at the window, “What you looking at Terry?” Victoria asks.
“Nothing,” Terry replies, “Just thinking is all.”
“Thinking what?” Victoria asks.
“Thinking,” Terry mentions, “There has to be away out of here.”
“Good luck Terry,” Ferdinand says.
“Why?” Terry asks.
“You’re stuck in here until they come for us,” Ferdinand notes.
“There’s gotta be a way out,” Terry says, “There just got to be.”
“Well,” Robert replies “If you could think of how, then let us in on it.”
As he looks towards the window “What if?” he asks.
“What if what Terry?” Victoria inquires.
“What if,” getting up and going over to the window, “If we work on this,” he mentions, “Maybe,” referring to the bar across the window, “We could get out going out this way.”
“Good luck Terry” Dean says.
“Why?” Terry asks.
“We’ve all tried that,” Dean mentions.
“But if you insist,” Paul suggests, “Then do what you must. It’ll give you something to do for a few minutes,” and watches as he begins working on the bar seeing if he’s able to loosen it.
10:20 p.m.
Floyd’s Relay Station
Minutes later they hear, “Whoa!” coming from the driver.
Glancing about they see the driver stopping outside of Floyd’s Relay Station, “Hey look,” Jarrod announces, “We must be here.”
“It certainly looks that way,” Nick states.
Bringing the stage to a complete stop and climbing down, “Gold Run Gentlemen,” Mr. Drucker announces as he proceeds to open the door of the coach.
As Jarrod, Nick and Heath pile out of the compartment Mr. Drucker helps with depositing their suitcases on the ground next to them, “The train should be here in a few minutes.”
“We made good timing,” Jarrod informs him.
“We did,” Drucker replies, “But it helped that we didn’t do too much stopping.”
“Thanks for doing that,” Jarrod says.
“No problem,” Drucker replies, “If you would like to get yourselves a bite to eat before it should come, I recommend going inside Floyd’s and while you’re at it purchase your tickets?”
“Good thinking,” Jarrod says, “Come on,” to Nick and Heath who follow him inside. As they walk in they see a man, a woman and two young ladies who both have long dark hair and are in their late teens having a bite to eat at a table.
Upon greeting them they are asked to sit alongside of them in which they graciously accept.
The younger of the two girls asks of Heath, “What happened?”
“Ran into a little situation,” Heath answers.
“You okay?” she asks.
“I’m okay,” he replies.
“What’s your name?” she asks.
“Heath,” he answers.
“That’s a pretty name,” she says.
“Thank you,” he asks, “What’s yours?”
“Debbie,” the girl answers, “This is my sister Angie” introducing the girl to her right, “And my mom and dad.”
“Hello,” Heath says as each of them reciprocate, “These are my brothers,” introducing them, “Nick and Jarrod.”
“Hey Nick look,” Jarrod says noting the telegraph.
Just then a woman comes out of the kitchen area saying, “Ah, we have more guests.”
While having Heath taking a seat alongside of the girl Debbie, Nick and Jarrod go talking with the man who is bringing out a dish.
The woman then says, “I’ll go bring out a few more plates.”
As Jarrod asks about purchasing three tickets for the train, “You have a telegraph here too?” Nick inquires.
“We do,” Floyd answers.
“You have a little bit of everything here, don’t you?” Nick inquires.
“It was out of necessity,” Floyd replies.
“Not bad,” Nick says, “Considering from what I saw of what is out here I didn’t see much of anything.”
“That is another reason why we chose to do this,” Floyd mentions, “Gives people a place to come to while waiting on the train to arrive.”
“Very clever idea, Floyd,” Jarrod says, “Could you send a wire?”
“By all means,” Floyd replies, “That’s why it’s here. Where would you like it sent to?”
“Stockton,” Jarrod informs him, “To Eugene Barkley.”
Watching as Jarrod is writing, “Gene, meet us at the train station at 12 noon when it comes in. We’ll talk then… Jarrod…” Nick replies, “Good idea.”
While Jarrod hands the paper to Floyd Nick joins Heath at the table.
When the woman comes back out carrying three more plates for each of the brothers, “My another guest,” she announces as she catches sight of Mr. Drucker walking in, “I’ll be right back again,” and quickly goes back inside the kitchen to retrieve one more plate.
As Jarrod places the bought tickets in his pocket and goes over to the table, “You a lawyer?” the mother asks of him.
“I am,” Jarrod replies.
“You have your own office?” Angie asks.
“I have two,” Jarrod notes, “One in San Francisco the other in Stockton.”
“How interesting,” Angie says.
“And you’re all here from Stockton?” Debbie asks.
“Yes,” Nick answers.
As the woman returns, “Now, I think we’re all set,” she mentions and begins serving them, “I hope you like pork cutlets. I made them myself.”
“They look good,” Heath notes watching as she is adding buttered parsley noodles to the dish, coined honey glazed carrots and applesauce.
“The entire meal looks good,” Nick mentions.
“Indeed it does,” Jarrod adds.
Joining the party at the table as she is serving herself now, “You boys ranchers?”
“We are, Ma’am,” Nick answers “At least Heath and I are.”
“Yes,” the woman says, “I heard some of the talk.”
“You don’t seem to have much up this way,” Angie brings up.
“No,” Floyd answers, “That is why Marianne and I decided to build this here. It gives people a stopping place while in between waiting for the train.”
“Smart idea,” the father notes.
They then go on to talk about various subjects with Mr. Drucker inquiring a little about what happened to Heath to which the brothers each let him know some of what took place but not all seeing they don’t want to reveal too much to any of those there already. Minutes later as they all finish their dinner, Marianne brings out the dessert chocolate brownies that she baked to which each of them is enjoying immensely.
Just then while finishing the first one they hear the sound of a whistle, “The train,” Debbie announces, “Is coming.”
“We better go,” announces the father.
“Here,” the woman says, “Take these with you.”
As they each thank her accordingly for the wonderful meal that she put together Jarrod places several dollars down on the table with the father of the girls placing one dollar down. As the woman thanks them accordingly she tells them to stop by some time with Nick mentioning if they are ever up that way they just might.
Leaving Mr. Drucker at the table they go to catch the train that is now pulling up to the building. When the train comes to a stop the conductor announces, “All aboard,” they grab their luggage and go on board.
11:13 pm
Once they’ve boarded Jarrod and Nick place their suitcases up on top while Heath is ordered to take a seat to which he occupies one of the window seats with Nick occupying the other and Jarrod sitting across from him as the train is beginning to pull out.
Sitting in the seats on the opposite side of the aisle the two girls sit exactly across from them with their father and mother occupying the seats next to them. While the train continues on its way Debbie and Angie think of more topics to talk with the brothers about.
Monday, April 3rd, 1871
Later on as they continue traveling the girls begin dozing off. Noticing, the father gets up and going to the back car brings out blankets and pillows.
Catching sight of Heath dozing off next “Good idea” Jarrod says and getting up he follows the father’s lead and while Nick encourages Heath to lie down in the seat behind them Jarrod goes to retrieve the blankets and pillows he saw the father come out with.
As he is entering the back car he catches sight of a blond there grabbing a blanket and calls out, “Jack!” Jarrod then says, “Jack is that you?”
“Jarrod?” Jack replies, “What are you doing here?” as they quickly exchange welcoming hugs and greetings.
“Long story,” Jarrod mentions, “What are you doing here?”
“I’m on my way to your place,” Jack informs him.
“My place?” Jarrod perplexed asks.
“Father,” Jack says, “Asked us to come there as quickly as we can.”
“Us?” Jarrod mimics.
“Jim,” Jack replies, “And me.”
“Jim’s here too?” Jarrod asks.
“He’s in the next car,” Jack replies.
“Do you know what it has to do with?” Jarrod asks.
“No,” Jack replies, “We’ve been just following our instructions that we got off of our wires that we’re sent to us.”
“What instructions?” Jarrod asks.
“Here” Jack says showing him the piece of paper “Read it for yourself.”
Taking hold of the paper and reading it Jarrod says out loud, “Jack…urgent…5 of hearts…go to Denver…more instructions to come.”
tbc
San Francisco
At the train station Ed waits patiently for Bill to climb down off the platform who asks, “Were you waiting long?”
“Not really,” Ed replies.
“We were a little late,” Bill says.
“I noticed that,” Ed then inquires, “How did it go?”
“Well,” Bill answers, “Considering the situation. Jim Barkley is now working on getting the money needed. He has his sons coming in with some of it and they should be arriving sometime Monday afternoon.”
“It’s cutting it awful tight,” Ed states.
“It is,” Bill admits, “But raising $50,000 within 72 hours isn’t exactly an easy task either.”
“No,” Ed says, “That’s for sure.”
Noting a piece of paper in Ed’s hands, “What do you have there?” Bill asks.
“A wire,” Ed replies, “I just picked up.”
“From whom?” Bill asks.
“Jarrod,” Ed replies.
“Jarrod?” Bill asks, “What does it say?”
“He’s on his way as well,” Ed notes.
“He is?” Bill asks a little surprised, “He knows about it?”
“Not completely,” Ed says, “But I did wire him telling him there is trouble. I didn’t want to go into too much detail until he got here.”
“Smart thinking,” Bill retorts.
“I pretty much just advised him of the situation,” Ed says, “And he is now grabbing a train that will take him straight to here.”
“Is he going to be able to make it?” Bill asks, “And within the allocated amount of time mentioned?”
“He’s going to try,” Ed states.
“Is he coming alone?” Bill asks.
“Not sure,” Ed says, “But from the way it reads he says we’re…”
Finishing the sentence for him, “Meaning Nick and Heath are coming with him,” Bill surmises.
“More than likely,” Ed notes.
“Wait ‘til they get here,” Bill says, “When they come to learn what did happen they aren’t going to be too happy. Especially Nick. He’s probably going to tear this big little city apart.”
“Well,” Ed replies, “It is his mother and right now we could very well use them and they do have a right to know what is happening.”
“There is no denying that,” Bill says, “I just hope they could get here within the time mentioned 72 hours and right now it’s less than that.”
“Yes,” Ed replies, “I know.”
“How did it go here?” Bill inquires.
“I went and talked with the governor,” Ed informs him.
Bill asks, “And?”
“He’s going to help us,” Ed replies, “With finding Victoria and he has set up a meeting for Friday to discuss the shanghaiing and working on bringing it to a close.”
“That’s good,” Bill notes.
“But we have a long way to go yet though,” Ed says, “I mean bringing that to a close isn’t exactly an easy task either.”
“No,” Bill admits, “But it’s a start and that is why we came here to begin with. Once we’ve given them the quick hand in handling it the rest will be up to them to take responsibility and shut it down permanently.”
“True,” Ed replies.
Glancing around, “Where are the children?” Bill wanted to know.
“With Ray Denton’s family,” Ed tells him.
“What happens now?” Bill then asks.
“We’re supposed” Ed informs him “To meet with the Dentons’ for dinner.”
As they go grabbing the two horses that are waiting for them Bill informs Ed about Heath’s horse Champion returning and about Jim Barkley may not be too happy about the brothers being informed about their mother when they are so far away at the moment.
Echo Lake
Leaving Echo Lake the brothers start eating their breakfast which consists of an egg sandwich and bacon and a cup of coffee courtesy of Sheriff Howard and look at the various scenery along the way.
Stockton
While Father Nichols is bringing the mass to a close Audra and Gene who are both attired in their Palm Sunday outfits are still in silent prayer thinking of their mother who is missing.
As the organist begins playing the closing song “You going to tell them what you did?” Audra whispers to Gene.
“No,” Gene quietly answers, “Not yet.”
Watching him as he shifts his gaze downwards, “You alright?” she asks.
“Of course I am,” Gene answers sarcastically, “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Exhaling heavily, “Gene,” Audra says, “Don’t you think it bothers me as much as it bothers you? She’s my mother too you know.”
“I know that,” Gene replies, “And I am just trying to be strong but I just can’t seem to help it.”
“You don’t want anyone else to know, do you?” she asks.
“No,” as he wipes the tears from his eyes, “I don’t want anything to go wrong.”
“Then,” she suggests, “Let’s just go out the door and hurry away from everyone. If anybody starts asking anything I don’t know if I could continue holding back.”
Recomposing himself “Same here” he replies and as the people begin heading up the aisle Audra and Gene carrying their palms go out the door and down the steps.
While Jean goes to talk with the reverend, Chrissy goes off to play with some of the local children who have scattered about, while Tina goes to talk with ranch hand Ron. Coming over to her after he leaves Audra asks, “What was that all about?”
“He was asking me,” Tina replies, “If I’d like to attend a dance with him that will be coming up.”
“Did you tell him yes?” Audra asks.
“I told him,” Tina replies, “I’d get back to him with the answer.”
As Ron meets up with Bobby waiting by the horses, “What did she say?” Bobby asks.
“She said,” Ron replies, “She’d let me know.”
As Jim and Carol are now being met and greeted by the reverend he talks to them briefly asking them where Victoria and the boys are. As Jim does the talking he tells him they are just away and Gene and Audra listening start looking away from them.
Noticing, “You alright Gene,” he asks, “Audra?”
“Fine,” Gene replies.
“We’re fine” Audra holding back says.
“Will they be here next week,” he wanted to know.
“They should be,” Carol answers.
The reverend then hands palms to Audra and Gene for their mother and each of their brothers who had to miss the mass and after graciously accepting them they quickly walk away.
Coming over to Gene Irving asks, “Where’s your mother and brothers?”
“They’re not here,” Gene snaps.
“I could see that,” Irving replies, “Where are they?”
“How should I know,” Gene snaps, “Excuse me. Will you?”
Walking over to Audra, “What’s with him?” Irving asks.
“Oh,” Audra answers, “Nothing,” holding back the tears, “He has a lot on his mind. Excuse me,” and quickly walks away as well.
Ginny walking over to Irving asks, “You alright?”
“I am,” Irving replies, “Not so sure Audra and Gene are.”
“Well,” Ginny says, “Whatever it is, if it is something to be concerned about I am sure they will tell you when they are ready. For now, why don’t you just let them be and go find someone else to talk to?”
Replying, “Alright,” as he lets out a sigh Irving goes to talk to anther one of his friends that he sees nearby.
Stagecoach
Finishing their breakfast the brothers notice Heath beginning to doze off using Jarrod’s shoulder as a pillow, “Here Heath,” Jarrod suggests, “How about if you lie down?” helping him with lying across the entire seat and moving over to the opposite side occupied by Nick allowing Heath to be more comfortable who in turn places his head on one of their offered jackets and using the others as a blanket.
Minutes later Nick feels his cheeks, “He should be alright Nick,” Jarrod mentions.
“Just checking,” Nick replies, “And doing what the doctor suggested.”
“If time wasn’t of the essence,” Jarrod brings up, “It would’ve been wiser leaving him with the doctor and the marshall to watch over him but I know he wouldn’t go for that and at least by his being here he has us to watch over him.”
“True,” Nick says, “And I feel better knowing that he is safe.”
“Same here,” Jarrod admits.
7/11/10
4:00 p.m.
Meanwhile back in Stockton the Barkleys are having their afternoon dinner consisting of a pork roast, baked potato, corn on the cob and chocolate cake.
While Gene is sitting there toying with his food the rest of the family discusses the mass a little and then going onto other topics Tina mentions Ron’s invitation to a dance coming up and asking if it would be alright if she attended with both Jim and Carol telling her it will be alright and that it’s up to her. They then go on to discuss a little about Easter Sunday being just a week away.
As they start looking over at Gene, “Gene,” Aunt Carol asks, “Is your dinner okay?”
“Fine,” Gene answers as he has his left arm on the table supporting his head while still toying with the fork.
“Gene,” Jean asks, “What’s wrong?”
Snapping, “Nothing,” Gene answers “And nothing. You’re all here talking about church today and about it being Easter next Sunday. I don’t know how it could be a Happy Easter? Mother is still missing. Jarrod, Nick and Heath aren’t here. What if Jim and Jack don’t make it in time? What if we don’t get the money those men want? What happens if Mother isn’t found by then? What happens if we can’t get to her?”
“Gene,” Uncle Jim replies, “Try not getting so worked up.”
With tears flowing down his cheeks, “I’m sorry,” Gene says, “I didn’t mean to spoil anyone’s dinner but right now I am not feeling too happy,” dropping his fork, “Excuse me,” he then gets up quickly and heads up the stairs.
“Gene!” Carol calls out, “Gene!” as she is about to get up.
“Is something the matter?” Chrissy asks.
“Gene’s upset, honey,” Jean informs her.
With tears pouring down her cheeks, “Why shouldn’t he be upset?” Audra goes on to say, “Mother is missing. Someone has her and unless they get the money they’ve asked for she could wind up dead! Next Sunday is Happy Easter well without her here it can’t very well be a Happy Easter now can it?” and getting up she goes running up the stairs.
“Audra!” Carol calls out, “Audra!” getting up.
As he gets up out of his seat, “You take care of her and I’ll take care of Gene,” Jim says as they quickly go after them.
Part 384
6/28/10
While the brothers continue moving towards their destination they catch sight of a little of South Lake Tahoe as the driver is heading north and westerly.
Noticing a puzzling look on Nick’s face “Something on your mind, Nick?” Jarrod asks.
“There is,” Nick admits.
“What is it?” Jarrod says, “Talk to me.”
“Heath,” Nick replies.
“What about him?” Jarrod asks.
Talking in a low but audible voice “Oh, I don’t know” Nick says, “I’ve been thinking of this entire trip here. I mean us coming to Echo Lake then going up to the Wheelers’ Ranch and all those bizarre things happening. On top of that, I also keep thinking about the fact that Heath almost lost his life today and all because of that ridiculous ring that those men thought he had in his possession.”
Also talking in a low but audible voice “Thank goodness we brought it along,” Jarrod says.
Exhaling deeply, “That’s not the point,” Nick replies.
“I know,” Jarrod says.
Continuing on, “The point is,” Nick resumes, “He almost lost his life for that ring and he didn’t even have it in his possession to begin with.”
“Well,” Jarrod says, “As we stated before greed and money has a way of corrupting the brain. Those men weren’t thinking too clearly and all they saw was him and thinking that he had to of had it on him someplace or knew where it was hidden.”
“He,” Nick notes, “Or Warren. And as much as I have mixed feelings regarding the man, he never even had it either and didn’t know anything about it until today. And if it wasn’t for Heath at all, no one would have known anything about the ring or what even took place at that time in the livery when Eleanor acquired it to begin with.”
“I know,” Jarrod replies.
“And up until today,” Nick mentions, “I don’t know why but I didn’t even think that anyone here could even remember Heath or Heath remembering something that he didn’t let us know about prior to our coming up here.”
“There’s different answers to that” Jarrod mentions.
“Such as,” Nick asks.
“Some of that,” Jarrod says, “Is due to the fact that his memory was dormant. And even though he didn’t bring it up it was still in the back of his head. Heath’s memory is still very much intact and if he could remember almost everything that has happened to him from way back when he certainly isn’t going to forget something that would’ve taken place five years ago.”
“I know that,” Nick states, “I am just saying I wish I knew about it prior to us coming up here. That way I could’ve been a little more prepared.”
“Some of that Nick,” Jarrod surmises, “Is also because you weren’t thinking completely clearly yourself.”
With his brow furrowed in thought, “What do you mean by that?” he asks of Jarrod.
“Just what I said,” Jarrod answers, “Your mind was so focused on protecting us and worrying about him with the Wheelers that you weren’t thinking about anything else.”
“Didn’t think of that,” Nick admits.
“And” Jarrod says “With the combination of today and his coming here is what triggered it to come out.”
“That,” Nick brings up, “And us coming up with the different possibilities of what took place then that led up to Eleanor being killed and how the ring got into her possession to begin with.”
“Right!” Jarrod says “And they having it planned to pin the murder on Warren using his own gun.”
“I,” Nick replies, “Must admit I do like the thought of him being cleared of a crime he didn’t commit.”
“Heath,” Jarrod says, “Would be pleased to hear you say that.”
“Well,” Nick replies, “It’s true. He may be guilty of other things but murdering his wife wasn’t one of them.”
“I agree” Jarrod says “And with us leaving the case with Frank Sawyer he may very well be able to gather all the information needed to clear him and keep a trial from happening. It will also save Heath from having to go up there and testifying.”
“So true,” Nick replies, “But if a trial should be needed there is no doubt that Heath’s testimony should clear him once and for all.”
“Agreed,” Jarrod says.
“And I must say,” Nick mentions, “That I am glad Marshall Sawyer is the marshall they sent to bring Warren back here with.”
“Me too,” Jarrod says.
“And if all goes well,” Nick brings up, “They just might meet us down in either San Francisco or Stockton.”
“They just might,” Jarrod then says, “And with all of what is about to take place we could probably use their help.”
“So very true,” Nick replies
“And once again” Jarrod says “It seems like everything that took place up this way was somehow meant to be.”
“You mean,” Nick asks, “Like the Wheelers’ arriving and his being there at the same time?”
“Precisely,” Jarrod answers, “I mean if you think about it why of all the times in the world did Wheeler and Deak come and find their way up there now and why was it after Heath arrived did they show up?”
Exhaling heavily, “Good question,” Nick replies, “But maybe somehow to help Heath with being able to put all this behind him; bringing this to a close.”
“Yes,” Jarrod replies, “And not only that but somehow the arrival of Marshall Sawyer and his bringing Warren up here somehow was all meant to be as well. Not only did it give Heath an opportunity to see the marshall again, but it gave them a chance to talk and be reacquainted with one another, not to mention the marshall being able to get to know Warren a little more too.”
“Allowing him,” Nick mentions, “To learn a little more about the man so that he would be able to stay around and work on clearing him while we have to go down to San Francisco.”
“Exactly,” Jarrod says.
“But,” Nick inquires, “What about all those other strange bizarre occurrences that took place up at the Wheelers and going up there?”
“Well some of that,” Jarrod replies, “We could ponder and ponder for answers but somehow some of them or many of them as we both mentioned before we never will get. We’ll just have to live with the fact that what we witnessed did happen.”
Letting out a deep sigh, “I guess so,” Nick then says, “And thinking of all those young boys losing their lives just isn’t right either.”
“No,” Jarrod replies, “And unfortunately there isn’t much we can do with that either. I mean it isn’t an easy thing to think about but it’s just something we will have to do and just always remember. We can’t very well bring any of them back.”
“True,” Nick says.
“And,” Jarrod brings up, “Unfortunately if any one of us must feel something for what took place it’s Heath. If it’s hard for us just think how much harder it must be for him to think about, I mean he had to live through all that.”
“That he did,” Nick replies, “And at such a very young age too. Not to mention at the hands of those Wheelers.”
“True,” Jarrod says, “And it does show Nick,” with a smile peering out, “That you do have a tendency of having a bigger heart than you let on.”
“Well,” Nick points out, “It is a sad thing. You feel for those boys wondering just how anyone could do that to them, how anyone could imprison them and all for money mostly.”
“Once again,” Jarrod says, “Greed and money has a way of corrupting the brain. The Wheelers’ in general were just so nasty from what we know of them; nothing else was in their heads.”
“It’s just not right,” Nick states.
“I agree,” Jarrod says, “But with his being able to go up to the Wheeler’s ranch and seeing Zachary again has helped him with managing to put all of what took place behind him. Because of it, he has managed to take a very bad situation and turn it around to make him a much stronger person and just have a greater appreciation of life and what is out there a whole lot more.”
“And I’m glad about that,” Nick replies.
“So am I,” Jarrod says, “And once again if it wasn’t for Heath we would never have learned about all of this. We wouldn’t have been exposed to all of what we came to find out.”
“That is true,” Nick replies.
“And once again if we were to look at the entire picture,” Jarrod says, “We could see it as being another set of events that were meant to be. And by Heath having to live it first hand and then meeting us later on gave him a chance to learn just how bad the world could be before being able to find true happiness and for us we led a life that as much as we treasured life we didn’t really truly come to realize the beauty of it all until the arrival of Heath. Heath opened our eyes. If he had came to us long before all this was to have happened we would never have known about the Wheelers, never probably really knowing about the shanghaiing that is going on. I mean sure, we would probably have read about it or heard about it but as far as doing anything about it, it really wouldn’t have affected us the way it does now. And Heath himself came very close to being shanghaied himself if it wasn’t for Warren.”
“So true,” Nick replies, “And speaking of San Francisco that brings me to another issue.”
“What’s that?” Jarrod asks.
“Finding out about the wire,” Nick mentions, “That Ed sent.”
“Well,” Jarrod says, “We do know it has to do with Mother.”
“That much we do know,” Nick replies, “I just hope it is nothing to be concerned about.”
“Same here Nick,” Jarrod says, “Same here.”
5 p.m.
Back at the Ranch
As Gene quickly goes to his room and jumps onto the bed Uncle Jim is right behind him and says, “Gene, it’s going to be alright.”
“How could it be?” Gene asks.
“Because,” Jim replies, “We’re going to find her.”
“What happens if we don’t?” Gene inquires, “What happens if Jack and Jim don’t make it here in time?”
“Gene,” Jim says, “I know right now it’s not an easy situation to go into but right now we have to remain strong. I am sure we will get the money to the kidnappers and I am sure we will find her.”
“How could you be so sure?” Gene asks.
“Well,” Jim replies, “For one we need to have faith. And second, once the money does arrive I will personally be making the trip down to San Francisco myself and I assure you that I will be doing everything in my power to find her and not only that but I promise you that who ever has her will be sorry. They will be sorry they ever tangled with the Barkleys.”
“You sound like Nick,” Gene points out.
“It must run in the family,” Jim says.
“I guess so,” Gene replies, “What if something should go wrong?”
“Gene,” Jim says, “We can’t be thinking like that. Your mother is a very strong woman and if I know her she is right now looking for a way out of the kidnappers’ hands but in the meantime, until we are able to get to her how would she feel knowing any of us were falling apart?”
“She wouldn’t be too happy,” Gene answers.
“And why is that?” he asks.
Wiping the tears from his eyes “Because,” Gene replies, “She always has said that as a family we need to stick together and be there for one another in times of both the good and the bad. She would want us to be going on with our lives.”
Taking him and giving him a tight hug, “Very good! And if all should go well there is the possibility that your brothers will also be here by next Sunday,” Jim then asks, “And do you know what that means?”
“It means the family will all be here for Easter Sunday,” Gene brings up.
“Right,” Jim says, “And if all goes well we will definitely be having a Happy Easter.”
“I do like the sound of that,” Gene mentions.
“So do I,” Jim then says, “So what do you say to us going back downstairs and finishing our dinner?”
“I say,” Gene replies, “Let’s go eat.”
Giving him another big hug as he playfully slaps him on the arm, “Good boy,” Uncle Jim then says as they get up off the bed and head back downstairs.
Audra’s Bedroom
While Audra is crying on her bed “Audra?” Carol calls out as she sits along beside her.
“It’s just not fair,” Audra replies.
“What’s not fair?” Carol asks.
“Everything,” Audra replies.
“Talk to me Audra,” Carol insists.
“I don’t know,” Audra says, “Everyone says be brave. Everyone says be strong. Everyone is saying it’s going to be alright. But how can it be? Next week is Easter Sunday a happy time for everyone in the world and yet around here it’s not.”
“I know how you feel,” Carol tells her.
“No, you don’t,” Audra replies, “I mean how could you?”
“Because” Carol says “I know what’s it like to be without your mother. And I know you’re scared and worried but honey,” running her fingers through her hair, “Everything will turn out alright.”
Looking at Aunt Carol with tear filled eyes, “How can it be?” Audra asks.
“Because,” Aunt Carol vows, “We’re going to find your mother. As soon as the ransom money is all here, Jim is going down to San Francisco personally.”
“He’s going to San Francisco?” Audra asks.
“Yes,” Aunt Carol answers, “He is. He’s going down there and he’s not going to leave there until he finds her. They’ve made a mistake thinking they could do this without a fight from us. Your uncle is not going to leave there until he has her safely away from them. And if you know anything about your Barkley family no one messes with us and gets away with it.”
Smiling, “No,” she replies, “We’re a force to be reckoned with. Father use to say that and so does Nick.”
“Where do you think Nick got it from?” Aunt Carol asks.
“Father?” Audra says.
“And so did his father,” Aunt Carol notes, “Which explains both your father and Jim having the same characteristics and being brought up by the same father who instilled the same values and beliefs down onto each of his sons. However until the money does come and we’re able to do more than we could at this very moment, why not come with me and let’s go finish our dinner? I think your mother would like that.”
Nodding her head, “Yeah okay,” Audra replies as Aunt Carol takes her into her arms and gives her a tight embrace telling her, “Everything is going to turn out just fine. And by next Sunday this family will be having a Happy Easter, you’ll see.”
Wiping the tears from her eyes “I hope so,” Audra answers as she gets up off the bed and goes with Aunt Carol out the door who in turn runs into Gene and Uncle Jim as they come out.
“You okay?” Jim asks of her.
“I’m okay,” Audra assures him as he is placing his arm around her shoulder while his other arm is around Gene’s.
Part 385
Up North
As Mr. Drucker continues driving towards Gold Run the brothers keep looking over at Heath who is still sleeping making sure he is alright and then to each other while quietly talking in between taking in the scenery they pass along the way. Upon passing by small towns of Emerald Bay, Meek’s Bay and now reaching Tahoma they head through the valley of Squaw Peak where Heath slowly begins waking up.
“Hey,” Nick noticing announces, “Look who is finally waking up,” to Jarrod.
As he is opening his eyes, “Welcome back” Nick tells him.
Watching as he is wiping the sands from his eyes, “Did you have a nice sleep?” Jarrod asks of him.
“I guess,” Heath answers, “Where are we?” as he begins sitting up.
“On our way to Gold Run,” Nick says, “Where we are exactly not too sure. The last I knew we were passing through Squaw’s Peak.”
“We’re passing by a town called Goggins now,” Jarrod informs him.
“Goggins?” Heath mimics.
“They sure do have some funny names,” Nick notes, “Don’t they?”
“How you feeling?” Jarrod asks concerned, “How’s the arm? Sore?”
As he is touching it, “A little,” Heath answers.
Feeling his cheeks and forehead, “At least you don’t have a fever,” Nick informs him.
“I’m alright Nick,” Heath tells him.
“You are,” Nick replies, “But I’m doing what the doctor said to do and just making sure.”
“How long was I asleep?” Heath asks.
“Oh,” Nick replies, “A couple of hours.”
“Don’t worry,” Jarrod says, “You didn’t miss much” as they are overlooking the road of the town they are passing by.
“There’s not much to miss,” Nick states, “Not much up this way from what I could see.”
Upon reaching a small pond Mr. Drucker decides to bring the stage to a complete halt to let them stretch their legs while getting some fresh water.
Seeing the sense it and upon agreeing they climb out, walk around a bit and fill up their canteens with fresh cold water. After they’ve finished they climb back in and resume their trip.
San Francisco-The Missionary
While eating their dinner consisting of small sandwiches and water Terry is staring at the window, “What you looking at Terry?” Victoria asks.
“Nothing,” Terry replies, “Just thinking is all.”
“Thinking what?” Victoria asks.
“Thinking,” Terry mentions, “There has to be away out of here.”
“Good luck Terry,” Ferdinand says.
“Why?” Terry asks.
“You’re stuck in here until they come for us,” Ferdinand notes.
“There’s gotta be a way out,” Terry says, “There just got to be.”
“Well,” Robert replies “If you could think of how, then let us in on it.”
As he looks towards the window “What if?” he asks.
“What if what Terry?” Victoria inquires.
“What if,” getting up and going over to the window, “If we work on this,” he mentions, “Maybe,” referring to the bar across the window, “We could get out going out this way.”
“Good luck Terry” Dean says.
“Why?” Terry asks.
“We’ve all tried that,” Dean mentions.
“But if you insist,” Paul suggests, “Then do what you must. It’ll give you something to do for a few minutes,” and watches as he begins working on the bar seeing if he’s able to loosen it.
10:20 p.m.
Floyd’s Relay Station
Minutes later they hear, “Whoa!” coming from the driver.
Glancing about they see the driver stopping outside of Floyd’s Relay Station, “Hey look,” Jarrod announces, “We must be here.”
“It certainly looks that way,” Nick states.
Bringing the stage to a complete stop and climbing down, “Gold Run Gentlemen,” Mr. Drucker announces as he proceeds to open the door of the coach.
As Jarrod, Nick and Heath pile out of the compartment Mr. Drucker helps with depositing their suitcases on the ground next to them, “The train should be here in a few minutes.”
“We made good timing,” Jarrod informs him.
“We did,” Drucker replies, “But it helped that we didn’t do too much stopping.”
“Thanks for doing that,” Jarrod says.
“No problem,” Drucker replies, “If you would like to get yourselves a bite to eat before it should come, I recommend going inside Floyd’s and while you’re at it purchase your tickets?”
“Good thinking,” Jarrod says, “Come on,” to Nick and Heath who follow him inside. As they walk in they see a man, a woman and two young ladies who both have long dark hair and are in their late teens having a bite to eat at a table.
Upon greeting them they are asked to sit alongside of them in which they graciously accept.
The younger of the two girls asks of Heath, “What happened?”
“Ran into a little situation,” Heath answers.
“You okay?” she asks.
“I’m okay,” he replies.
“What’s your name?” she asks.
“Heath,” he answers.
“That’s a pretty name,” she says.
“Thank you,” he asks, “What’s yours?”
“Debbie,” the girl answers, “This is my sister Angie” introducing the girl to her right, “And my mom and dad.”
“Hello,” Heath says as each of them reciprocate, “These are my brothers,” introducing them, “Nick and Jarrod.”
“Hey Nick look,” Jarrod says noting the telegraph.
Just then a woman comes out of the kitchen area saying, “Ah, we have more guests.”
While having Heath taking a seat alongside of the girl Debbie, Nick and Jarrod go talking with the man who is bringing out a dish.
The woman then says, “I’ll go bring out a few more plates.”
As Jarrod asks about purchasing three tickets for the train, “You have a telegraph here too?” Nick inquires.
“We do,” Floyd answers.
“You have a little bit of everything here, don’t you?” Nick inquires.
“It was out of necessity,” Floyd replies.
“Not bad,” Nick says, “Considering from what I saw of what is out here I didn’t see much of anything.”
“That is another reason why we chose to do this,” Floyd mentions, “Gives people a place to come to while waiting on the train to arrive.”
“Very clever idea, Floyd,” Jarrod says, “Could you send a wire?”
“By all means,” Floyd replies, “That’s why it’s here. Where would you like it sent to?”
“Stockton,” Jarrod informs him, “To Eugene Barkley.”
Watching as Jarrod is writing, “Gene, meet us at the train station at 12 noon when it comes in. We’ll talk then… Jarrod…” Nick replies, “Good idea.”
While Jarrod hands the paper to Floyd Nick joins Heath at the table.
When the woman comes back out carrying three more plates for each of the brothers, “My another guest,” she announces as she catches sight of Mr. Drucker walking in, “I’ll be right back again,” and quickly goes back inside the kitchen to retrieve one more plate.
As Jarrod places the bought tickets in his pocket and goes over to the table, “You a lawyer?” the mother asks of him.
“I am,” Jarrod replies.
“You have your own office?” Angie asks.
“I have two,” Jarrod notes, “One in San Francisco the other in Stockton.”
“How interesting,” Angie says.
“And you’re all here from Stockton?” Debbie asks.
“Yes,” Nick answers.
As the woman returns, “Now, I think we’re all set,” she mentions and begins serving them, “I hope you like pork cutlets. I made them myself.”
“They look good,” Heath notes watching as she is adding buttered parsley noodles to the dish, coined honey glazed carrots and applesauce.
“The entire meal looks good,” Nick mentions.
“Indeed it does,” Jarrod adds.
Joining the party at the table as she is serving herself now, “You boys ranchers?”
“We are, Ma’am,” Nick answers “At least Heath and I are.”
“Yes,” the woman says, “I heard some of the talk.”
“You don’t seem to have much up this way,” Angie brings up.
“No,” Floyd answers, “That is why Marianne and I decided to build this here. It gives people a stopping place while in between waiting for the train.”
“Smart idea,” the father notes.
They then go on to talk about various subjects with Mr. Drucker inquiring a little about what happened to Heath to which the brothers each let him know some of what took place but not all seeing they don’t want to reveal too much to any of those there already. Minutes later as they all finish their dinner, Marianne brings out the dessert chocolate brownies that she baked to which each of them is enjoying immensely.
Just then while finishing the first one they hear the sound of a whistle, “The train,” Debbie announces, “Is coming.”
“We better go,” announces the father.
“Here,” the woman says, “Take these with you.”
As they each thank her accordingly for the wonderful meal that she put together Jarrod places several dollars down on the table with the father of the girls placing one dollar down. As the woman thanks them accordingly she tells them to stop by some time with Nick mentioning if they are ever up that way they just might.
Leaving Mr. Drucker at the table they go to catch the train that is now pulling up to the building. When the train comes to a stop the conductor announces, “All aboard,” they grab their luggage and go on board.
11:13 pm
Once they’ve boarded Jarrod and Nick place their suitcases up on top while Heath is ordered to take a seat to which he occupies one of the window seats with Nick occupying the other and Jarrod sitting across from him as the train is beginning to pull out.
Sitting in the seats on the opposite side of the aisle the two girls sit exactly across from them with their father and mother occupying the seats next to them. While the train continues on its way Debbie and Angie think of more topics to talk with the brothers about.
Monday, April 3rd, 1871
Later on as they continue traveling the girls begin dozing off. Noticing, the father gets up and going to the back car brings out blankets and pillows.
Catching sight of Heath dozing off next “Good idea” Jarrod says and getting up he follows the father’s lead and while Nick encourages Heath to lie down in the seat behind them Jarrod goes to retrieve the blankets and pillows he saw the father come out with.
As he is entering the back car he catches sight of a blond there grabbing a blanket and calls out, “Jack!” Jarrod then says, “Jack is that you?”
“Jarrod?” Jack replies, “What are you doing here?” as they quickly exchange welcoming hugs and greetings.
“Long story,” Jarrod mentions, “What are you doing here?”
“I’m on my way to your place,” Jack informs him.
“My place?” Jarrod perplexed asks.
“Father,” Jack says, “Asked us to come there as quickly as we can.”
“Us?” Jarrod mimics.
“Jim,” Jack replies, “And me.”
“Jim’s here too?” Jarrod asks.
“He’s in the next car,” Jack replies.
“Do you know what it has to do with?” Jarrod asks.
“No,” Jack replies, “We’ve been just following our instructions that we got off of our wires that we’re sent to us.”
“What instructions?” Jarrod asks.
“Here” Jack says showing him the piece of paper “Read it for yourself.”
Taking hold of the paper and reading it Jarrod says out loud, “Jack…urgent…5 of hearts…go to Denver…more instructions to come.”
tbc
