Post by sandymarek on Mar 17, 2012 20:34:37 GMT -4
Part 397
Back at the house
As Ray comes in Audra asks, “Were you able to get the medicine?”
Answering “Right here,” Ray handing her the package asks, “How is Heath?”
“He’s doing fine,” Audra mentions, “He’s still asleep last I checked.”
“Where are your brothers?” Ray then inquires.
“They went to make the delivery,” Eugene mentions.
“Did they say anything?” Ray asks.
“If possible,” Gene brings up, “Would you be able to bring one of us to the train station? Uncle Jim should be arriving shortly and they said if they aren’t back in time to see if you wouldn’t mind taking us.”
“I’d be glad to,” Ray asks, “Are you both going?”
“I think one of us should stay here” Audra says “And one of us should go with you.”
“Just what I was thinking,” Gene mentions, “How about I go with him and you stay here with Heath?”
“That is what I was going to suggest,” Audra says, “And if they should return before you do I could tell them where you went.”
“Exactly,” Gene replies.
“Come on,” Ray says, “We better get going.”
“Thanks for doing this,” Gene and Audra both tell him.
“No problem,” Ray tells her “If Heath should awaken or your brothers should come back before we are to return instructions are inside the package.”
As Gene and Ray head out the door Audra remaining at the house goes back upstairs.
Noticing the one horse Gene informs Ray about his uncle coming with some of the men, “Let’s go to my place,” Ray insists and as they are walking out of the yard into Ray’s, “How many men do you think will be coming?” he asks to which Gene answers, “Not sure. We have 40 men working there so I don’t know how many Nick has coming. It could be anywhere from 10 to 20.”
“You’re probably going to need a place for them to stay,” Ray surmises.
“We are,” Gene replies, “Yes.”
Replying “We’ll work on that when we get back,” Ray then asks of Gene, “Do you know how to drive a wagon?”
“I,” Gene mentions, “Never did it before.”
Catching sight of Gene walking with Ray, “Hey,” Kyle asks of Billy standing next to him, “Who is that?”
Billy answers, “That’s Gene, Jarrod’s younger brother.”
As they go to meet up with them walking in their direction they exchange quick hellos and introductions and while they are headed for the barn Billy is first asked to drive one of the two wagons and then to inform his mother he and Kyle will be going with them to the train station. While Billy goes inside the house Kyle and Gene assist Ray with hitching up the two wagons.
Billy returning to the barn with the rest of the children in tow helps Ray, Kyle and Gene with hitching up the wagons while the children watching ask if they could come along.
“I don’t see why not,” Ray replies, “Diane, go inform your mother. Tell her we’ll be back as quickly as we can,” and while Diane quickly runs inside the house, Ray and Kyle bring the wagons out into the open while Gene and Todd offer to take the two extra horses which they hitch to the back of each wagon.
Upon returning Diane and the rest of the children pile into the two wagons with Ray driving one of them with Gene on the side of him and Billy driving the other one with Kyle seated beside him. Leaving the ranch they go down the street and head for town.
2/19/11
As Ed continues on, Nick, Jarrod and Bill are now hidden behind a layer of rocks hidden between tall weeds and trees to their right.
Moving through a cluster of undergrowth followed by compact tract of brush Ed doesn’t notice anything out of the ordinary and continues to move towards the east bypassing the main road and heading into the heavy brush that is paced with thick weeds and lined on both sides with trees.
From their hidden position, “Now Lance?” comes from a voice.
“Now Earl,” comes from another voice and as he comes up underneath one of the trees, Ed is caught completely off guard when he is jumped and is knocked off his horse. As he tries to comprehend what just happened and is trying to get on his feet another set of feet come by and before he is able to move he is jumped again and as he is rising is kicked in the back of the shoulder blades from behind at the same time being pummeled resulting in him dropping back down again.
As he loses consciousness the two men come up and stare down at the body, “Is he?” Lance asks.
“He’s still breathing,” Earl answers, “Let’s get the money and go.”
“Let’s be careful,” Lance says, “Not to make a sound.”
Going over to the horse and finding the duffel bag hanging over the side of the saddle Earl grabbing the bag asks, “Do you see any sign of anyone?”
Glancing about “I don’t see anyone” Lance replies, “But that doesn’t mean they’re not out here; lets get moving” and quickly taking off they run off carrying the bag.
While Jarrod, Nick and Bill are in hiding they keep watching and waiting for Ed to make the drop off or catch sight of the kidnappers appearing but neither was happening.
“Where is he?” Nick asks.
“Maybe Ed,” Bill suggests, “Is still looking for the place.”
“What about the kidnappers?” Nick asks, “Where are they? Shouldn’t they have come by here by now? Haven’t seen or heard any sign of them.”
“How about you two staying put” Jarrod suggests, “I’ll go back down the hill and see if I could spot anything?”
“Go ahead,” Nick tells him and with that Jarrod gets up and emerges from his hiding place.
While he is emerging from his hiding place and as Lance and Earl reach their horses Earl begins opening the duffle bag and starts counting the money he sees inside.
“What you doing Earl?” Lance asks.
“Counting it,” Earl laughs “I never seen so much before.”
“Let’s get back to the house,” Lance tells him, “And count it there. We need to be making tracks,” and with that Earl places the duffle bag carefully on the saddle of his horse. Mounting up they quickly depart.
Going down the hill and catching sight of Ed on the ground “Ed” Jarrod calls out “Ed” and upon reaching his side grabs hold of his gun and fires a shot up in the air.
Hearing it, “Come on,” Nick tells Bill who quickly race down the hill.
“You see” Earl says “Someone was waiting out here for us” as they slowly ride off.
“Let them look,” Lance snorts, “They won’t find or catch up to us,” as they continue leaving the area.
Leaning over Ed and checking him “Ed” Jarrod calls out to him “Hey Ed, can you hear me?” placing his hand on his shoulder “Snap out of it.”
As Nick and Bill are joining Jarrod Ed slowly regaining consciousness is moaning and as he places his hand on his head, “What happened?” Bill asks.
“Don’t know,” Jarrod replies, “Just found him. Ed,” he then turns and says, “Can you hear me?”
Slowly nodding his head, “I can hear you,” he replies.
“You alright?” Bill asks concerned.
Coughing “Think so” Ed answers.
As he begins to get up “Don’t move” Nick insists.
“Take it easy,” Jarrod tells him.
“What happened?” Bill quickly asks him.
As both Jarrod and Nick try looking him over, “Not sure,” Ed replies, “I was looking for the place and all of a sudden from out of nowhere they came at me,” as they look about, “Jumped me. They must’ve taken the money and ran.”
“Looks like the wind has been knocked out of you,” Jarrod states.
“Where do you hurt?” Bill asks concerned.
Letting out another coughing spasm, “My chest,” Ed answers as he places his right hand on it.
Glancing about “That’s funny,” Nick says, “How could they have gotten by us? We haven’t heard any sign of them.”
“Not sure,” Bill answers.
Groaning, Ed still tries to push himself up, “I think we need to get you to a doctor,” Jarrod insists.
“I don’t need a doctor,” Ed disputes.
“Yes you do,” Jarrod replies.
“I’ll be alright,” Ed tells them, “You need to go catch up to them.”
“We can’t just leave you here,” Nick informs him.
“If you stay here,” Ed mentions, “It will slow you down and you need to find out where they have your mother.”
“You need to be getting to a doctor,” Jarrod replies.
“Jarrod,” Bill mentions, “You’re the only one here that knows the area.”
“And” Ed says “You can’t be in two places at once. Your mother is of your utmost priority.”
“And she will be,” Nick states, “But we can’t just up and leave you here either.”
“If you don’t go,” Ed continues, “You’ll lose them.”
“Bill” Jarrod says “You take Ed back to my place when you get there or if you should see Ray have him go and fetch the doctor. Nick and I will go after them ourselves.”
“You sure?” Bill asks.
“It’s the only thing we can do,” Jarrod states, “Go on, we’ll be alright.”
“Let me go get the horses,” Bill says.
“Here,” Nick offers, “I’ll come with you,” turning to Ed and Jarrod he tells them, “We’ll be right back,” and with that Nick goes with Bill to get the horses while Jarrod remains with Ed.
Returning, Jarrod and Nick assist Bill with placing Ed on his horse, “You alright Ed?” Jarrod asks of him, “Yeah, I’m okay” he replies.
“Just take it easy,” Jarrod tells him then turning and glancing over at Bill he asks, “Will you be alright with taking him back?”
“I’ll be fine” Bill answers “You go on and catch up to them,” slapping Jarrod on the arm.
Once Bill is mounted up on his horse and takes hold of the reins to Ed’s horse, “Good luck,” Bill tells them.
“Good luck to you too,” Nick informs him.
As Bill leaves the area with Ed in tow, Nick is looking towards the east “Let’s get started as well” Jarrod insists. Realizing Nick’s mind is elsewhere and watching him as he is gnawing on his lower lip “Nick, something on your mind,” Jarrod asks.
“Yeah,” Nick answers, “I keep wondering how is it they were able to jump Ed or come by here without anyone of us seeing or hearing any sign of them?”
“Good question,” Jarrod suggests, “How about if we go in the direction they must’ve came from, maybe it’ll give us a clue?”
“Alright,” Nick says and as he is about to mount up on his horse, “I suggest we go on foot,” Jarrod insists.
“Why?” Nick asks.
“Because,” Jarrod says, “If we ride maybe we’ll miss something also the horses can’t make the steep climb.”
“Let’s hurry then,” Nick says, “The longer we delay the further away they get.”
“Come on,” Jarrod tells him.
And with that taking hold of the reins they walk with the horses besides them looking for any clue that will lead them to the kidnappers or where they have their mother, meanwhile Bill is still traveling with Ed in tow occasionally looking over at him to be sure he’s alright who is still holding onto his chest with his right hand and letting out little coughing spasms every now and then.
As he is reaching Union and Hyde intersection he catches sight of Ray coming in his direction, “What happened?” Ray asks of Bill who responds, “Ran into a little bit of trouble.”
“Where’s Jarrod and Nick?” Gene wanted to know.
“They went to pursue the kidnappers,” Bill mentions, “I need to get him back to the house.”
“Want me to go get the doctor?” Ray asks.
“If you won’t mind,” Bill replies.
“As soon as I get to town,” Ray says, “I will get him and have him meet you back at the house.”
“Thank you,” Bill replies and with that they continue on in the directions they were headed.
3/8/11
Arriving in town Ray pulls up alongside of the train station with Billy in the other wagon doing the same.
Ray asks, “What time did they say the train will be in?”
“Seven,” Gene answers.
“I’ll leave you here waiting for it” Ray says “While I go and see if the doctor is in.”
“Okay,” Gene replies and while Ray goes to get the doctor for Bill Gene is waiting with the rest of the children at the train station for the train pull in.
“Gene,” Kyle says.
“Yes,” Gene answers.
“You want to find your mother,” Kyle says.
“What kind of question is that?” Gene replies sharply.
“When we get back to the house,” Kyle says, “We need to talk.”
“About what?” Gene asks.
“I’ll tell you when we get back,” Kyle reiterates.
While Gene and the rest of the children wait at the train station for Uncle Jim to arrive Bill bringing the two horses to a stop outside the front entrance of the house “Come on Big Brother” he says “Let’s get you inside” and helping him down off his horse he places his arm around his shoulder and goes towards the door.
Upon reaching for the knob the door opens with Audra behind it, “What happened?” she asks.
“Ran into some trouble,” Bill informs her.
“What about the drop off?” Audra asks, “Has it been made?”
“Not quite,” Ed answers, “They took it but not in way of where it was supposed to be delivered.”
“Where’s Jarrod and Nick,” Audra wanted to know.
“They went to catch up to them as well as search for your mother,” Bill mentions, “We need to get him upstairs.”
“Here,” Audra offers getting on the other side of Ed, “I’ll help you,” and with her supporting him on the other end they walk him up the stairs.
Part 398
The Missionary
While the men assist Terry with loosening the bars off the window, “Hey,” Ferdinand calls out, “It is loosening,” watching as particles of white powdery sand drop to the floor of the cell.
“What I tell you?” Terry says.
“Keep going,” Victoria encourages.
Just then hearing footsteps coming towards them, “You better stop,” she announces, “I think someone is coming.”
“Quickly,” Robert calls out, “Sit,” and as the men stop and take a seat on the floor the little door opens.
The men and Victoria watch as a hand appears, followed by a tray with small cups of soup along with pieces of jerky and some water, “Dinner, gentlemen,” comes from Ames who peers through the opening, “Ma’am, enjoy,” chuckling as he then walks away.
Going over to it, “This is all they give us?” Terry asks.
“It may not be much,” Victoria informs him, “But for the moment we are not in much of a position to do much else, I suggest you eat up and just bide your time.”
“When I get out of here,” Terry says, “They are going to be sorry about this.”
“They’ll get theirs,” Victoria mentions, “Just keep calm and you’ll get out of here in one piece,” taking her portion while chewing down the jerky followed by sips of water with Terry following her lead.
Train Station
While Gene and the children are still waiting for the train to pull in Ray enters the doctor’s house and informs him of the situation and while Ray goes back to the station the doctor agrees to go to Jarrod’s on his own. After grabbing his black bag he goes out the door with Ray.
Nob’s Hill
As Nick and Jarrod start looking for clues to the kidnappers’ whereabouts and how they were able to get there and leave without anyone seeing them Nick begins kneeling down as he manages to find tracks that continue heading towards the eastern direction, “You were right Jarrod,” Nick mentions, “They did come in this direction.”
“Let’s follow them,” Jarrod insists, “And see where they lead.”
Getting on their feet they begin following the tracks and after following them for a couple minutes, “So,” as they take them to the entrance of a cave Nick says, “There was another way out of here. That explains how and why they were able to come here without any of us seeing or hearing them.”
“Exactly,” Jarrod replies, “And they must’ve gone out this way.”
After reaching the other side of the cave, “How are we going to catch up to them?” Nick asks, “They must be long gone by now.”
“Let’s go get the horses,” Jarrod says, “And see if we could pick up any of their tracks that may help lead us to them.”
“It’s getting dark” Nick points out, “We won’t be able to follow them for too long.”
“Let’s see how far we can get,” Jarrod says, “Maybe it will be just enough. Come on” and with that they go back out of the cave and upon grabbing their horses and mounting up they begin following the direction they see the tracks go in.
Train Station
As Uncle Jim and Jim Jr step off the platform, “There’s Gene, Father” Jim Jr announces at the same time Gene calls out, “Uncle Jim.”
“Gene,” Uncle Jim replies “Gene, so glad to see you boy,” taking him quickly into his arms and squeezing him tightly tells him, “You gave us quite a scare young man, you and your sister.”
Replying, “Sorry about that,” Gene has his eyes fixed on Jim Jr. looking at him in a peculiar fashion. Noticing, “Gene,” Uncle Jim asks, “Is something wrong?”
“I think he’s staring at me,” Jim Jr. answers.
“Gene,” Uncle Jim says, “Don’t you remember Jim?”
As he shakes his head, “It was quite some time ago, Father” Jim Jr admits.
“Yes,” Uncle Jim states, “I think maybe you’re right. It was before Linda got married to Jack and you were what, five maybe six?”
“You look just like Jarrod,” Gene then says.
“Yes, I know,” Jim Jr. replies, “I’ve been told that.”
Glancing about, “Where is everyone?” Uncle Jim asks “Did you come here all by yourself?”
“No” Gene answers “I came with them” indicating the children standing around the two wagons.
“Who are they?” Uncle Jim wanted to know.
“Next door neighbors,” Gene mentions.
As the children says, “Hello sir,” Uncle Jim reciprocates, “hello,” quickly then mentions, “I don’t see…”
“Jarrod and Nick,” Gene finishing the line mentions, “Are going after the kidnappers as we speak.”
“Going after the kidnappers?” Uncle Jim inquires, “How could they? They didn’t have it all.”
“We know” Gene says “But they had to deliver it by 6 pm and so they took what they had already hoping it would be enough. Somehow something went wrong.”
Just then coming over to them, “Mr. Barkley,” a voice calls out.
“Who’s that?” Uncle Jim inquires.
“Mr. Denton,” Gene explains, “He’s the father of some of them and the one who drove one of the wagons here. He had to go get the doctor.”
“Who’s sick?” Jim Jr. asks, “Who got hurt?”
“Ed,” Gene explains, “Ed Sempleworth I don’t know all of it but while delivering the money somehow he got attacked and I believe they took it and is why Jarrod and Nick are going after them now. Somehow, it didn’t go as planned,” stopping Uncle Jim quickly draws him to his chest again telling him, “Easy! Don’t start thinking thoughts like that.”
“It’s hard not to,” Gene mentions.
As Ray is looking at Jim Jr in a peculiar fashion, “I take it,” Jim Jr. says, “You’re looking at me.”
“You could say that,” Ray mentions.
Holding his hand out “I’m Jim” he says “I know Jarrod and I look quite a bit alike.”
Taking the offered hand “It’s more than that,” Ray notes, “But how about I take you back to his house and maybe we could resume this there?”
“Just what I was thinking,” Uncle Jim says.
Glancing over at the men and Jim, “I also believe you will be needing a place for the men to be staying at” Ray brings up.
“We will yes,” Jim admits.
“I have a place to let them stay at,” Ray mentions, “When we get back I will take them there.”
As Jim thanks him they then decide who will be riding with whom to which both Ray and Jim Jr take the two extra horses with Uncle Jim and Gene in one wagon, Billy and Kyle in the other doing the driving the rest of the men pile in ten per wagon with the smaller children sitting on their laps while the older ones sit alongside of them. On the way back to the house Uncle Jim discusses with Gene about Heath and Audra asking how they are doing etc.
Nob’s Hill
As they reach the brook, “Damn!” Nick lets out “We’ve lost them! We’ll never catch up to them now,” realizing they came to a completely dead end seeing the tracks have come to an end.
Letting out a heavy sigh, “Let’s get back to the house,” Jarrod insists.
“Wait a minute,” Nick says.
“What’s the matter?” Jarrod asks.
“They may have gone through the brook,” Nick mentions, “But they must’ve gone out the other side.”
“Meaning,” Jarrod picking up and finishing his sentence, “Their trail must’ve resumed after they came out.”
“Precisely,” Nick says, “Let’s see what we could come out with.”
“Good idea,” Jarrod replies and with that they go through the brook and look for the tracks that take them towards the end of the street.
At the ranch
Arriving at the ranch, grabbing the briefcase Uncle Jim and Gene climb down and go inside the house while Hank takes hold of the reins and follows Ray into his yard with Billy in the other wagon and Jim Jr. staying right behind him.
As they go inside Gene calls out to Audra who answers, “We’re up here.”
Heading up the stairs Gene and Uncle Jim go down the hall finding the doctor tending to Ed.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, “Hello, Mr. Barkley,” Bill says to him, “Sorry I couldn’t be there to pick you up.”
“That’s quite alright,” Uncle Jim replies.
Entering the room “Any news?” Gene asks of Audra standing at the foot of the bed watching as the doctor is binding Ed’s ribs.
“Not thus far,” Audra answers, “Were you able to get the rest of the money?”
“Have it right here,” Uncle Jim notes holding onto the briefcase he has in his hand, “How is he,” he then asks of the doctor.
“He should be fine,” the doctor answers, “But he’s going to have to rest for a few days. He has three broken ribs, torn some ligaments in his right shoulder, plus he could have a slight concussion.”
“Could you let me know what happened?” Uncle Jim wanted to know, “I understand Jarrod and Nick went after the kidnappers.”
“They did yes,” Bill answers.
“We went to make the drop off,” Ed states, “And while I went to deliver the money I got jumped. Don’t know all of it but there were two of them, they came out of nowhere and after knocking me out they took the money and left.”
“We know the money wasn’t all there,” Bill continues, “But they wanted it delivered by 6 pm and seeing you couldn’t be here by then we thought maybe they would take that and let the rest go.”
“We won’t know that for sure,” Ed says, “Until we hear from them again if Jarrod and Nick aren’t able to catch up to them.”
Exhaling heavily, “I guess you did what you could,” Uncle Jim then asks, “How’s Heath doing?”
“He’s doing alright,” Audra mentions, “Last I checked he was still asleep. What do we do now? I mean what happens if they won’t accept the money they got already?”
“For right now,” Uncle Jim says, “We wait until we hear from Jarrod and Nick then take it from there.”
Ray’s Ranch
Leaving the horses with Billy and Kyle, Ray escorts the men to a log cabin he has in the far corner of his ranch overseeing a small lake.
As the men look at it from the outside, “This may not be much,” Ray goes on to tell them, “But it’s the best I could do on short notice.”
“Oh,” Mike answers, “Its fine sir.”
“This is very nice” Hank comments.
As he opens the front door, “This is the big room,” he announces and showing them around a bit they see a few tables to one side of the room with a fireplace to their right, “And this is the smaller room,” to which also has a fireplace, “And,” as they follow him, “This is the kitchen, if you would like to make yourselves something to eat, you’re more than welcomed to use it for the time you’re here” which has a wood burning stove, a table with six chairs in the center of the room, a sink overseeing a window and a cabinet that has dishes inside of it.
As they each thank him he asks them if they have something to sleep on to which they acknowledge they have their bedrolls with them, “How about if I leave you to look around some and I’ll be back in a few minutes to see how you’re making out?” he then inquires.
“Do you have,” Davy asks, “Facilities or something to that effect?”
“I forgot,” Ray replies, “Come with me,” and going outside with him they are escorted across the way to where it houses another building and as they enter it he shows them the stalls of two closed in wooden-tubs with buckets near each as well as two water closets and a table holding two ewers and to it’s right a small linen closet where it has a stack of towels and washcloths folded as well as a few toiletries that are neatly placed on the four shelves and then escorting them to the water pump he has that is out in back of the building, “I realize it’s not as fancy as let’s say a hotel or what Mr. Barkley may have to offer, but once again, it’s the best I could supply on such short notice,” he informs them.
“No,” Vinnie mentions, “It’s quite alright and this will do just fine.”
“Once again,” Ray says, “Let me leave you to get settled in and I will bring you by a supply of firewood for your comfort.”
As they once again thank him Ray walks away from them to get them firewood while they go back inside and decide who will sleep in the big room and who will sleep in the smaller room.
Upon reaching the cross section of Columbia Avenue, Jackson Street, Kearney and Montgomery, “Damn,” Nick says, “We’ll never find out which way they went from here.”
“Let’s get back to the house,” Jarrod suggests.
Scanning the various areas from where he is, “To be so close and so near and yet to be so far away at the same time,” Nick mumbles.
As neither one says another word they turn back around and as they take Jackson Street to their left they head in the direction of the ranch.
Part 399
Back at the house
The doctor and Bill assist Ed with climbing in under the covers while Uncle Jim takes a peek into Heath’s room and finding him with his eyes now opened, “Hello there,” he says to Heath looking up at him, “Hi Uncle Jim.”
Upon noticing Heath’s bandaged arm, “I see you got yourself into a situation,” Uncle Jim states.
Placing his right hand on the arm, “Just a tad,” Heath mentions.
“Long story?” Uncle Jim asks.
“Yeah,” Heath replies.
“We could go into it later,” Uncle Jim mentions.
“Have Jarrod and Nick come back yet?” Heath asks.
“No” Uncle Jim replies, “Not yet.”
“Did you just get here?” Heath asks.
“A few minutes ago,” Uncle Jim states.
“Any new developments?” Heath wanted to know.
“Not so far,” Uncle Jim replies.
Just then hearing the sound of the door opening, “Excuse me,” Uncle Jim tells him and as he quickly exits the room he hears, “What happened?” coming from Audra and, “Did you find her?” coming from Gene’s voice.
“Does it look like we found her?” Nick snaps.
“Easy Nick,” Jarrod tells him, “Gene,” he then says, “We lost the trail.”
“What are we going to do?” Gene asks.
“First thing we need to do,” Jarrod brings up, “Is not go losing our heads.”
“He’s right,” Uncle Jim says as he comes down the stairs.
“But they didn’t get all the money they requested,” Gene notes, “And it said if they didn’t get what they asked for they would kill her.”
“Maybe not,” Heath behind Uncle Jim mentions.
“How’s that?” Gene says.
“That could very well,” Heath explains, “Be what we could use as what is called leverage.”
“Leverage?” Gene mimics.
“It could be used,” Heath mentions, “As a bargaining tool.”
Getting disgusted, “What is that suppose to mean?” Gene asks.
“He means,” Uncle Jim reiterates, “With them having the 20,000 they may be still wanting the 30,000 they didn’t receive.”
“But what if they don’t?” Gene asks, “Mother is as good as dead.”
“No, she’s not,” Nick says, “Gene, we’ll find her I’m making sure of that.”
“They won’t do anything,” Uncle Jim replies, “Until they get the money they asked for and seeing we still have the 30,000 they requested they will be sending a new note.”
“Right,” Jarrod says, “And that will give us time to plan our next strategy and be ready for them.”
“And what’s that?” Audra asks.
“For right now,” Jarrod says, “We’re going to talk to the children next door to see how much we could get out of them.”
“And seeing we don’t know the area,” Nick mentions, “They right now are our best source of information. From there we will be talking to the men and deciding our best course of action.”
“Gene, Audra,” Jarrod then says, “Stay here with Ed; Heath you too, stay put. Let’s go!”
“I better come along,” Heath states.
“Why?” Nick asks.
“You’ll need someone,” Heath points out, “To sketch out what the men who took Mother look like I could help with that.”
“Come on,” Nick says.
And with that Jarrod grabs two writing tablets along with two pens from off his desk and not waiting for a response he, Nick, Heath, Bill, Uncle Jim and Jim Jr. quickly exit the house and go over to the Dentons.
Missionary
Walking into the bar and seeing Ames over at the bar with a drink in his hand, “Ames,” Ma asks, “Ames is something troubling you?”
“No Ma” Ames says “Was just thinking is all.”
“Thinking what?” Ma asks.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Ames says, “We’re so close to that money I could feel it,” wetting his lips with his tongue, “I could taste it. And yet, I wonder what we would’ve done if someone had kidnapped you and you never came home?”
“It all depends,” Ma answers, “If it was long ago, then maybe some of you boys wouldn’t have been here.”
“That’s right,” Ames says, “Could you imagine the world without us here?”
“It would definitely,” Ma retorts, “Be a dull one that’s for sure,” running her hands over his hair, “You definitely liven up the place here.”
Just then they hear, “Ma,” coming from the back entrance “Ma” Earl followed by Lance calls out “We got it! We got it!” holding up the duffle bag in his hands.
“We pulled it off Ma,” Lance yells out, “We managed to get the money and do it without anyone finding out where we are,” as Ma is exiting the bar and walking into the kitchen.
Getting off the stool and following on her heels “Let’s see it” Ames says extending his hand out.
“No, no” Earl replies “Ma first” quickly placing the bag close to him.
“Empty it out on the table,” she orders and as he opens up the bag and deposits it all on the table, “Wow,” comes from Earl, “I can’t believe it.”
As he grabs hold of a handful of it “I never seen so much before,” Lance states.
“Ma” Ames says “Look at it! Just look at it!” running his fingers through it.
“I’m looking,” Ma replies, “But,” as she starts running her fingers through some of them, “What? What are they trying to pull?”
“Ma,” Lance asks, “What’s the matter? What’s wrong?”
“They must think we’re stupid” Ma says “Or they are trying to pull a fast one on us.”
“What do you mean?” Earl asks.
“I don’t think there is 50,000 here like we requested” Ma answers disgusted.
“Huh?” Lance says, “There’s not?”
“How could you tell Ma?” Lance asks.
“I’m telling you” as she looks at it “There isn’t any 50,000 here.”
“How much is there Ma?” Earl asks.
“Not what we asked for,” Ma mentions, “That is for sure.”
“Maybe,” Ames suggests, “We should count it, see how much is here.”
As they take a seat around the table they watch patiently and eagerly at the same time as Ma begins counting out what is on the table.
Back at the Dentons
Knocking at the door Sherry invites them in and goes rounding up the children while Ray escorts them into the living room and offers them each a drink and a seat which they graciously accept.
Bringing the children into the room Sherry first introduces them all to one another. Then afterwards the three youngest begin telling them about the three men that came into the house and took Mrs. Barkley away from there and them running over to the neighbors as it occurred.
Noah and Kimmy both mention how the note delivered was by one of the same men that took Mrs. Barkley away.
Missionary
After Ma finishes counting out the money “Well,” she says “That confirms it.”
“How much do you got?” Lance asks.
“I counted 20, 000,” Ma mentions.
“That’s it?” Lance asks.
“That’s it,” Ma replies.
“Ma” Earl says “20,000 is still good enough. It’s still a lot of money.”
“Not for me its not,” Ma tells him sternly, “We asked for 50,000 and 50,000 is what I expect to receive.”
“You want us to deliver another note,” Lance asks.
“I do, but this time” Ma mentions “The instructions will be different.”
Going over to their writing desk Ma takes out a pad of paper along with a pen, sits down and begins writing down what she wants to have in the letter.
Back at the Dentons
While Heath composites the sketch of what the men look like from the children’s descriptions Uncle Jim and Jim Jr both compliment him on the talent he possesses; Jarrod jots down the route that Ed and Bill took with Victoria when they first arrived in San Francisco using the buggy.
Back at the Missionary
Finishing it, “There,” Ma says, “It’s all done.”
“Ma,” Earl says, “Let me deliver it this time. You let Lance deliver it the last time.”
“Very well” Ma tells him “You could deliver it” handing it to him “But you be careful.”
“Oh, I will Ma,” Earl mentions, “You could be sure of that” folding it up and placing it the pocket of his shirt.
“And hurry back,” Lance tells him as he begins going out the door.
“Ames,” Ma then says, “Go retrieve the dishes will you?”
“Sure thing Ma” Ames responds as he exits the room and heads down to the cellar.
“I’ll come with you,” Lance tells him as he follows along his heels.
Back at the Dentons
After listening to the complete route from Bill, Kyle and Sarah both chime in of how they believe Mrs. Barkley was taken someplace around Pier 9 with both Jarrod and Ray confirming their beliefs and suspicions.
“At least now” Jarrod says “We do have a starting point of where to start looking.”
“How do you want to do this?” Bill asks.
“Seeing Jarrod is the only one here,” Nick mentions, “That knows the area he has the upper hand over the rest of us.”
“Jarrod, Ray,” Uncle Jim says, “Would either of you have a map of the area, something we could work off of?”
“I do,” Ray immediately answers and quickly getting up and leaving the room the Barkleys and Bill wait patiently as he returns holding it, “Here,” he announces.
“Great,” Uncle Jim says, “Let’s take a look.”
And going over the map they learn of how the streets connect to Pier 9 and which roads go where.
Outside Jarrod Barkley’s ranch
Arriving outside the gate Earl first looks about. Not seeing any sign of anybody around dismounts and once again looks about to be sure he doesn’t attract any kind of attention before slowly moving ahead and as he walks through the gate he stays as low as he possibly could while still being able to take in everything around him and watching for any sign of anybody appearing.
Not seeing anybody around he proceeds on foot to the tree that’s several feet from the gate followed by the fountain that’s in the center of the ranch. Still not seeing any sign of anybody he mumbles to himself, “Good, good,” and quietly continues on to the back entrance of the house.
Once again he makes sure there isn’t any sign of any kind of activity in any direction and then removing the note he has inside his pocket, he carefully slips it underneath the door and without being noticed, he slowly turns back around and goes back out the gate. Reaching his horse he mounts back up and quietly departs the premises picking up speed once he’s away from the area.
Inside the house
Upstairs in Jarrod’s Room
Sitting with Ed both Gene and Audra are talking with him about what happened. As he explains about the steep cliff he was suppose to find Audra offers him some hot chocolate in which he tells her, “I could go for a cup.”
“Be right back” Audra tells him and as she leaves Gene talking with him she goes down the stairs and into the kitchen where she catches sight of the note on the floor.
Quickly swooping it up she yells out for Gene who comes running down the stairs and asking “What is it?” as he walks in.
Starting to open it “This just came,” Audra replies.
“Let me see,” Gene quickly says as he takes it and begins reading it, “Stay here.”
“What’s it say?” Audra asks.
“It’s another ransom note,” Gene mentions and quickly goes out the back door.
Missionary
As Lance unlocks the door and holding a rifle on the prisoners “You all behaving yourselves?” he asks.
“What do you expect them to be doing?” Victoria says.
“Lady,” Lance replies, “I’d be quiet if I was you.”
“What is it you want?” she asks.
“We came to get the dishes,” Ames answers.
“Well,” Victoria says, “How about just getting them and going?”
“You know,” Lance replies, “Maybe when the Grizzly Bear comes in, I’ll put a good word in for you and maybe the kind captain will take you on a trip to the other side of the world? How would you like that?”
“No, thanks,” Victoria says.
As Ames is picking up the dinner tray “I could always put a bullet through your head,” Lance mentions, “How would you like that?” placing the rifle tip to her forehead, “Then there would be no more Mama, would you like that? Your children will be all a-lone.”
“Lance,” Ames says, “Let’s be going. Leave her be.”
“Ames,” Lance whines, “You never let me have any fun.”
“You could have your fun,” Ames tells him, “Once we’ve gotten what we’ve asked for. Right now, she is still a commodity, come on.”
Removing the tip from her forehead, “Very well,” Lance says, “But,” glancing over at Victoria, “We’ll be back for you, just you wait” and as Ames leaves with the dishes, Lance follows right behind locking the door.
Placing his hand on her arm, “You alright, Mrs. Barkley?” Ferdinand asks of her.
“I’m alright,” Victoria replies, “How about going back to what you were doing? I’ll keep watch.”
“Okay,” he answers, “At least they didn’t notice anything,” referring to the powdery sand on the floor.
“True,” she says, “But then again they weren’t looking for it,” as the men go back over to the window, “Sometimes when things are done right in front of them they tend to miss it.”
“Besides,” Robert mentions, “They don’t look too bright.”
“No,” Ferdinand replies, “But for now we do have to be careful.”
“Indeed yes,” Robert says as he continues on working with the men in removing the bars from away from the window.
Part 400
The Dentons
Upon studying the map, “It’s amazing,” Uncle Jim notes, “How all these streets connect to Pier 9.”
“It also shows,” Jim Jr mentions, “That Jarrod doesn’t live that far away from there.”
“No,” Bill replies, “He doesn’t.”
Just then hearing a knock on the door Ray quickly walking over and answering it sees Gene who out of breath says “Mr. Denton. I need to see my brothers.”
Replying “Come with me,” Ray escorts him to the living room.
“Jarrod, Nick, Heath,” Gene calls out as he quickly enters.
“What is it?” Jarrod followed by Nick ask.
“A note,” Gene answers, “Just came.”
As Nick takes it from him, “Where did you get this?” asks.
“In the kitchen” Gene states “Must’ve been slipped underneath the door.”
Reading it out loud, “Mr. Barkley,” Nick relays, “You didn’t follow our instructions. You were supposed to have 50,000 delivered but we only got 20. If we were to kill your mother for not following instructions, it would’ve been your fault and on your conscience. Now, its lucky for you that we’re smarter than you. We know where you are, we know where you live as you could tell but you don’t know who we are or where we are at. That is good! We are kind people. We will give you one more chance to follow through with what we said. This time you better listen up otherwise your mother is as good as dead. We’re also changing all the rules and the destination of how and where we want the money to be placed at” with both Jarrod and Heath looking at it over his shoulders.
“From this point on” Nick continues reading “You’ve got no more time. You play anymore games or think you are going to have one on up us you better think again. You don’t even want to know how we will dispose of your precious mother.”
“My god,” Gene lets out.
Placing his hand on his shoulder, “Easy Gene,” Jarrod tells him.
Nick continues reading, “Here are the new rules. You get a delivery man, a different one from the last one you sent. He is to carry the money in another duffle bag this time supplied by you. He will start his route at the corner of Columbus and Broadway. There you will look for a letter at the Chinese Fortune Cookie. When you find it, you will be instructed to where to be going next. If he doesn’t make it or if you do anything to louse this up, we assure you that you won’t ever see your mother again. She will wind up dead! Oh yeah, I forgot to give you the time to be doing this, didn’t I? Well, the hunt or the route begins at 6 am when the morning is just beginning and the sun is coming out. We’ll be watching for you so remember don’t do anything stupid!”
“Damn!” Nick barks.
“What are we going to do?” Gene asks.
“Deliver the money,” Nick says.
“Where are we going to get the duffle bag?” Heath asks, “Do you have one Jarrod?”
“No,” Jarrod replies.
“I do,” Ray announces, “Excuse me.”
“Thank goodness,” Jim Jr says, “We have the money on us. The banks don’t open up until 9.”
“Just what I was going to say,” Jarrod replies.
“You need a delivery man,” Bill mentions, “I’ll do it.”
“NO!” Nick says.
“NO?” Bill asks, “Who’s going to do it?”
“Let me go talk to the men,” Nick says.
“Who do you have in mind?” Heath asks.
“Did,” Nick asks, “Jim and Johnny accompany you?” of Jim Sr.
“They did” Uncle Jim acknowledges.
“You’re going to have them deliver it?” Heath asks.
“I am,” Nick replies.
“Why them?” Gene asks.
“They are the best trackers we have,” Nick says, “If anyone could do it, they will be the logical choice.”
“You going to ask them?” Gene wanted to know “Or tell them.”
“Aren’t you getting a little ahead of yourself,” Jarrod points out, “Don’t you think you should ask them rather than assume or…”
“I will let them decide it for themselves,” Nick says, “But I am certain they will volunteer themselves on their own.”
“I believe you’re right about that,” Jim Sr mentions.
“How’s that?” Nick asks.
“Coming here” Jim Sr brings up “They both confirmed what you just stated they are the best trackers you had, so I don’t think you’re asking them will be a problem.”
“Come on then,” Nick then says.
“We’ll come with you,” Jarrod suggests.
“Here” grabbing the map “I better take this with us” Nick says along with the sketch of the men Heath drew. As they begin going out the door and glancing over at Gene coming right behind them “Gene” Nick tells him “Go back to the house.”
“I want to come,” Gene balks.
Raising his voice “No” Nick tells him, “Do as you’re told.”
While Bill closes the door behind him Gene standing there pouting with his arms folded mumbles, “She’s my mother too.”
Quickly going over to him, “Gene,” Kyle says.
Wiping the tear from his cheek, “What?” Gene asks.
“Come with me outside,” Kyle tells him.
Outside
Going outside with Kyle, “Oooh,” Gene clenching his hands into tight fists says, “He makes me so mad.”
“Your brother?” Kyle asks.
“Yeah,” Gene says, “She’s my mother too and they always leave me out of everything. I should be there as well.”
“You want to find your mother?” Kyle asks.
“Of course,” Gene says.
“I’ll help you,” Kyle informs him.
“How?” Gene asks.
“Meet me outside when it gets dark,” Kyle tells him.
“Why?” Gene asks.
“I know the area better than you” Kyle says “And it’s best if we are to do this while its dark out and we don’t attract too much attention. It makes us less noticeable.”
“Okay,” Gene responds.
“Which room is yours,” Kyle says to him.
“Want me to show you?” Gene asks.
“Yes,” Kyle replies and goes with Gene over to Jarrod’s.
4/6/11
As the men are following Ray to where the log cabin is located Jarrod pulls Nick aside and says, “I think you were a little hard on Gene just now.”
Letting out a deep sigh, “Maybe,” Nick replies, “I’ll talk to him when we get back.”
“Good idea,” Jarrod says as they resume their pace to catch up with the men.
While Gene shows Kyle which room is his, the men and Ray arrive outside the log cabin and upon going inside they first notice the fireplace as well as a few lanterns keeping the place lit up followed by the bed rolls all piled up to one corner of the room and the men gathered around the tables playing various games they have before them.
Greeting the Barkleys as they walk in Uncle Jim says, “Aha, I see you’ve all checked yourself in and are making yourselves comfortable.”
“For the most part,” comes from Oscar.
“Heath,” Vinnie asks, “What happened to you?” noticing his left arm in a sling.
“Got shot,” Heath answers.
“You alright?” Vinnie wanted to know.
“I am,” Heath admits.
“But you won’t be for long,” Nick states, “If you don’t rest. Now fellas,” as he addresses them, “I do want to thank all of you for coming and even though you’ve just only arrived I must say I think we all made remarkable time in getting here.”
“I think so too Nick,” Alan answers.
“Now,” Nick continues, “I do realize that you probably hadn’t had much time to do much of anything else except perhaps settle in. I am sorry for the uh…such short notice and regret the circumstances of why you’ve been sent to come here.”
“Mr. Barkley,” Willard replies, “It’s okay. We know it was an emergency and we know it has to do with your mother being taken hostage.”
“Yes,” Hank says, “We understand the circumstances and Mr. Barkley already briefed us all prior to us arriving here.”
“Mr. Barkley,” Chris says, “We’re sorry about Mrs. Barkley.”
“Thank you,” Nick tells them.
“What would you like for us to do?” Chad asks.
“First,” Nick informs them, “We need a volunteer” placing the map and the sketches on the table closest to him.
“What’s the assignment?” Davy asks, “Or better yet what’s the mission?”
“Right now” Nick says “We need a delivery person” placing his hands in his back pockets “Now I know that most of you if not all of you may or may not know the area at all or some of you may know it a little but right now I don’t have time to decipher who knows what or don’t know what and to who ever is to do the delivering I still would like to use the rest of you in scanning the area but once again it has to be on a volunteer basis. I don’t want any of you feeling you’re being obligated to do this. It could be a very dangerous assignment or mission as you put it Davy.”
“We are here,” Jim informs him, “At your disposal. Whatever you want us to do, just let us in on it and we are here to help.”
“And,” Spot says, “We’ll do all we can with helping in finding her.”
“Very good and thank you” Nick replies “Now when we begin to whoever is chosen to do the delivering I want another one of you to be on hand to be following on the other’s heels sort of speak without being noticed at all. The rest of you I want you to fan out and learn about the area. I want all of you to travel in pairs as well as watch out for each other and your own backs at the same time. We are in enemy territory and anybody that sees a stranger could spot you miles away.”
“That much we do know,” Barrett quips.
“In some areas” Nick continues “You may, if a fight should come up be outnumbered/outgunned two or three to one which is why I want all of you to be traveling in pairs while at the same time keeping an eye on the rest of you in case any one of you should get separated. My goal or our goal let’s say first is to rescue our mother safely away from the kidnappers and second make sure we all come back in one piece and are able to return to Stockton the same way we arrived here. Now remember, if you should be in a saloon looking for information be sure you do it as discreetly as possible. Be cautious and leery of everyone that you come in contact with. Right now until we all get back to Stockton the only ones you are to trust and rely on is, each other and us. Don’t be looking for trouble and don’t let trouble spot you or come looking for you. If you should see trouble try to avoid it. If you are in a saloon be certain to keep a keen eye on the bartender and anyone else who approaches you not to mention anybody lingering at or near the bar. Also, keep watch of the floor it may decide to swallow you up in some of them.”
“We heard that too,” Oscar mentions.
“I know,” Nick brings up, “And I know it sounds like I’m rambling on and in some ways I am but you have to keep in mind it’s very imperative you pay attention to all your surroundings and pay attention to what I’m saying. Also, seeing you are working I want you to be sure to limit your alcohol consumption. If you choose to have a drink just do so sparingly enough to get what you need and then quietly get out of there, makes sense?”
“It does,” Pete notes.
“Okay,” Nick says, “First, I need one of you to volunteer to be the deliverer and the other to follow alongside on his heels?”
“Begging your pardon sir,” Johnny replies, “Seeing Jim and I are your best trackers we would like to be your volunteers.”
Glancing over at them, “Thank you, Johnny,” Nick says with a pleasing smile, “I was hoping you would. But I had to be certain it came from you. You were indeed my logical choice but you do know it will be a dangerous mission.”
“We’re aware,” Johnny states, “But we still want to do it.”
“Once again thank you” Nick says “Now, the first order of business before we go into a plan of action is for you to learn a little bit about the area we are in and where you all will be venturing out into the morning. After that we will show you a composite sketch of the men that have taken her and then we will proceed from there. Now, since I don’t know the city, come over here so you could get a rough idea of what it looks like” spreading the map over to one of the empty tables the men stop what they are doing and as they gather around “Jarrod” Nick says, “Would you kindly to do the honors?”
As the men look on, “This is where we are,” Jarrod mentions pointing to a spot between Union and Powell, “And this here is where the waterfront is,” showing them, “As you could see there are a number of piers that go along these streets in what is called the Embarcadero strip with the ocean on the other side of here. This is where a lot of the activity takes place. Now,” he continues on, “I know many of you are probably not familiar with the piers or with the area in general but we believe our mother has been taken hostage someplace around this vicinity which is what is called Pier 9.”
“But” Nick then says “As you could see there are a lot of little streets that connect to it so we are not certain which one she is at which is where you all come in.”
“And if you look here,” Jarrod mentions, “You could see how the streets of Pacific, Stockton, Green, Vallejo, Herb Caen Way, Davis, Montgomery, Mission and Stewart all connect to Pier 9” as they each look on.
“However Jim,” looking to each of them, “Johnny,” Nick then says, “We need the two of you to study and concentrate on this section here,” pointing to them, “You see where it says Columbia and Broadway?”
Nodding their heads, “We do,” Jim answers.
“This is where you will be focusing your full attention on in the morning,” Nick informs them.
“Why there?” Johnny asks.
tbc
Back at the house
As Ray comes in Audra asks, “Were you able to get the medicine?”
Answering “Right here,” Ray handing her the package asks, “How is Heath?”
“He’s doing fine,” Audra mentions, “He’s still asleep last I checked.”
“Where are your brothers?” Ray then inquires.
“They went to make the delivery,” Eugene mentions.
“Did they say anything?” Ray asks.
“If possible,” Gene brings up, “Would you be able to bring one of us to the train station? Uncle Jim should be arriving shortly and they said if they aren’t back in time to see if you wouldn’t mind taking us.”
“I’d be glad to,” Ray asks, “Are you both going?”
“I think one of us should stay here” Audra says “And one of us should go with you.”
“Just what I was thinking,” Gene mentions, “How about I go with him and you stay here with Heath?”
“That is what I was going to suggest,” Audra says, “And if they should return before you do I could tell them where you went.”
“Exactly,” Gene replies.
“Come on,” Ray says, “We better get going.”
“Thanks for doing this,” Gene and Audra both tell him.
“No problem,” Ray tells her “If Heath should awaken or your brothers should come back before we are to return instructions are inside the package.”
As Gene and Ray head out the door Audra remaining at the house goes back upstairs.
Noticing the one horse Gene informs Ray about his uncle coming with some of the men, “Let’s go to my place,” Ray insists and as they are walking out of the yard into Ray’s, “How many men do you think will be coming?” he asks to which Gene answers, “Not sure. We have 40 men working there so I don’t know how many Nick has coming. It could be anywhere from 10 to 20.”
“You’re probably going to need a place for them to stay,” Ray surmises.
“We are,” Gene replies, “Yes.”
Replying “We’ll work on that when we get back,” Ray then asks of Gene, “Do you know how to drive a wagon?”
“I,” Gene mentions, “Never did it before.”
Catching sight of Gene walking with Ray, “Hey,” Kyle asks of Billy standing next to him, “Who is that?”
Billy answers, “That’s Gene, Jarrod’s younger brother.”
As they go to meet up with them walking in their direction they exchange quick hellos and introductions and while they are headed for the barn Billy is first asked to drive one of the two wagons and then to inform his mother he and Kyle will be going with them to the train station. While Billy goes inside the house Kyle and Gene assist Ray with hitching up the two wagons.
Billy returning to the barn with the rest of the children in tow helps Ray, Kyle and Gene with hitching up the wagons while the children watching ask if they could come along.
“I don’t see why not,” Ray replies, “Diane, go inform your mother. Tell her we’ll be back as quickly as we can,” and while Diane quickly runs inside the house, Ray and Kyle bring the wagons out into the open while Gene and Todd offer to take the two extra horses which they hitch to the back of each wagon.
Upon returning Diane and the rest of the children pile into the two wagons with Ray driving one of them with Gene on the side of him and Billy driving the other one with Kyle seated beside him. Leaving the ranch they go down the street and head for town.
2/19/11
As Ed continues on, Nick, Jarrod and Bill are now hidden behind a layer of rocks hidden between tall weeds and trees to their right.
Moving through a cluster of undergrowth followed by compact tract of brush Ed doesn’t notice anything out of the ordinary and continues to move towards the east bypassing the main road and heading into the heavy brush that is paced with thick weeds and lined on both sides with trees.
From their hidden position, “Now Lance?” comes from a voice.
“Now Earl,” comes from another voice and as he comes up underneath one of the trees, Ed is caught completely off guard when he is jumped and is knocked off his horse. As he tries to comprehend what just happened and is trying to get on his feet another set of feet come by and before he is able to move he is jumped again and as he is rising is kicked in the back of the shoulder blades from behind at the same time being pummeled resulting in him dropping back down again.
As he loses consciousness the two men come up and stare down at the body, “Is he?” Lance asks.
“He’s still breathing,” Earl answers, “Let’s get the money and go.”
“Let’s be careful,” Lance says, “Not to make a sound.”
Going over to the horse and finding the duffel bag hanging over the side of the saddle Earl grabbing the bag asks, “Do you see any sign of anyone?”
Glancing about “I don’t see anyone” Lance replies, “But that doesn’t mean they’re not out here; lets get moving” and quickly taking off they run off carrying the bag.
While Jarrod, Nick and Bill are in hiding they keep watching and waiting for Ed to make the drop off or catch sight of the kidnappers appearing but neither was happening.
“Where is he?” Nick asks.
“Maybe Ed,” Bill suggests, “Is still looking for the place.”
“What about the kidnappers?” Nick asks, “Where are they? Shouldn’t they have come by here by now? Haven’t seen or heard any sign of them.”
“How about you two staying put” Jarrod suggests, “I’ll go back down the hill and see if I could spot anything?”
“Go ahead,” Nick tells him and with that Jarrod gets up and emerges from his hiding place.
While he is emerging from his hiding place and as Lance and Earl reach their horses Earl begins opening the duffle bag and starts counting the money he sees inside.
“What you doing Earl?” Lance asks.
“Counting it,” Earl laughs “I never seen so much before.”
“Let’s get back to the house,” Lance tells him, “And count it there. We need to be making tracks,” and with that Earl places the duffle bag carefully on the saddle of his horse. Mounting up they quickly depart.
Going down the hill and catching sight of Ed on the ground “Ed” Jarrod calls out “Ed” and upon reaching his side grabs hold of his gun and fires a shot up in the air.
Hearing it, “Come on,” Nick tells Bill who quickly race down the hill.
“You see” Earl says “Someone was waiting out here for us” as they slowly ride off.
“Let them look,” Lance snorts, “They won’t find or catch up to us,” as they continue leaving the area.
Leaning over Ed and checking him “Ed” Jarrod calls out to him “Hey Ed, can you hear me?” placing his hand on his shoulder “Snap out of it.”
As Nick and Bill are joining Jarrod Ed slowly regaining consciousness is moaning and as he places his hand on his head, “What happened?” Bill asks.
“Don’t know,” Jarrod replies, “Just found him. Ed,” he then turns and says, “Can you hear me?”
Slowly nodding his head, “I can hear you,” he replies.
“You alright?” Bill asks concerned.
Coughing “Think so” Ed answers.
As he begins to get up “Don’t move” Nick insists.
“Take it easy,” Jarrod tells him.
“What happened?” Bill quickly asks him.
As both Jarrod and Nick try looking him over, “Not sure,” Ed replies, “I was looking for the place and all of a sudden from out of nowhere they came at me,” as they look about, “Jumped me. They must’ve taken the money and ran.”
“Looks like the wind has been knocked out of you,” Jarrod states.
“Where do you hurt?” Bill asks concerned.
Letting out another coughing spasm, “My chest,” Ed answers as he places his right hand on it.
Glancing about “That’s funny,” Nick says, “How could they have gotten by us? We haven’t heard any sign of them.”
“Not sure,” Bill answers.
Groaning, Ed still tries to push himself up, “I think we need to get you to a doctor,” Jarrod insists.
“I don’t need a doctor,” Ed disputes.
“Yes you do,” Jarrod replies.
“I’ll be alright,” Ed tells them, “You need to go catch up to them.”
“We can’t just leave you here,” Nick informs him.
“If you stay here,” Ed mentions, “It will slow you down and you need to find out where they have your mother.”
“You need to be getting to a doctor,” Jarrod replies.
“Jarrod,” Bill mentions, “You’re the only one here that knows the area.”
“And” Ed says “You can’t be in two places at once. Your mother is of your utmost priority.”
“And she will be,” Nick states, “But we can’t just up and leave you here either.”
“If you don’t go,” Ed continues, “You’ll lose them.”
“Bill” Jarrod says “You take Ed back to my place when you get there or if you should see Ray have him go and fetch the doctor. Nick and I will go after them ourselves.”
“You sure?” Bill asks.
“It’s the only thing we can do,” Jarrod states, “Go on, we’ll be alright.”
“Let me go get the horses,” Bill says.
“Here,” Nick offers, “I’ll come with you,” turning to Ed and Jarrod he tells them, “We’ll be right back,” and with that Nick goes with Bill to get the horses while Jarrod remains with Ed.
Returning, Jarrod and Nick assist Bill with placing Ed on his horse, “You alright Ed?” Jarrod asks of him, “Yeah, I’m okay” he replies.
“Just take it easy,” Jarrod tells him then turning and glancing over at Bill he asks, “Will you be alright with taking him back?”
“I’ll be fine” Bill answers “You go on and catch up to them,” slapping Jarrod on the arm.
Once Bill is mounted up on his horse and takes hold of the reins to Ed’s horse, “Good luck,” Bill tells them.
“Good luck to you too,” Nick informs him.
As Bill leaves the area with Ed in tow, Nick is looking towards the east “Let’s get started as well” Jarrod insists. Realizing Nick’s mind is elsewhere and watching him as he is gnawing on his lower lip “Nick, something on your mind,” Jarrod asks.
“Yeah,” Nick answers, “I keep wondering how is it they were able to jump Ed or come by here without anyone of us seeing or hearing any sign of them?”
“Good question,” Jarrod suggests, “How about if we go in the direction they must’ve came from, maybe it’ll give us a clue?”
“Alright,” Nick says and as he is about to mount up on his horse, “I suggest we go on foot,” Jarrod insists.
“Why?” Nick asks.
“Because,” Jarrod says, “If we ride maybe we’ll miss something also the horses can’t make the steep climb.”
“Let’s hurry then,” Nick says, “The longer we delay the further away they get.”
“Come on,” Jarrod tells him.
And with that taking hold of the reins they walk with the horses besides them looking for any clue that will lead them to the kidnappers or where they have their mother, meanwhile Bill is still traveling with Ed in tow occasionally looking over at him to be sure he’s alright who is still holding onto his chest with his right hand and letting out little coughing spasms every now and then.
As he is reaching Union and Hyde intersection he catches sight of Ray coming in his direction, “What happened?” Ray asks of Bill who responds, “Ran into a little bit of trouble.”
“Where’s Jarrod and Nick?” Gene wanted to know.
“They went to pursue the kidnappers,” Bill mentions, “I need to get him back to the house.”
“Want me to go get the doctor?” Ray asks.
“If you won’t mind,” Bill replies.
“As soon as I get to town,” Ray says, “I will get him and have him meet you back at the house.”
“Thank you,” Bill replies and with that they continue on in the directions they were headed.
3/8/11
Arriving in town Ray pulls up alongside of the train station with Billy in the other wagon doing the same.
Ray asks, “What time did they say the train will be in?”
“Seven,” Gene answers.
“I’ll leave you here waiting for it” Ray says “While I go and see if the doctor is in.”
“Okay,” Gene replies and while Ray goes to get the doctor for Bill Gene is waiting with the rest of the children at the train station for the train pull in.
“Gene,” Kyle says.
“Yes,” Gene answers.
“You want to find your mother,” Kyle says.
“What kind of question is that?” Gene replies sharply.
“When we get back to the house,” Kyle says, “We need to talk.”
“About what?” Gene asks.
“I’ll tell you when we get back,” Kyle reiterates.
While Gene and the rest of the children wait at the train station for Uncle Jim to arrive Bill bringing the two horses to a stop outside the front entrance of the house “Come on Big Brother” he says “Let’s get you inside” and helping him down off his horse he places his arm around his shoulder and goes towards the door.
Upon reaching for the knob the door opens with Audra behind it, “What happened?” she asks.
“Ran into some trouble,” Bill informs her.
“What about the drop off?” Audra asks, “Has it been made?”
“Not quite,” Ed answers, “They took it but not in way of where it was supposed to be delivered.”
“Where’s Jarrod and Nick,” Audra wanted to know.
“They went to catch up to them as well as search for your mother,” Bill mentions, “We need to get him upstairs.”
“Here,” Audra offers getting on the other side of Ed, “I’ll help you,” and with her supporting him on the other end they walk him up the stairs.
Part 398
The Missionary
While the men assist Terry with loosening the bars off the window, “Hey,” Ferdinand calls out, “It is loosening,” watching as particles of white powdery sand drop to the floor of the cell.
“What I tell you?” Terry says.
“Keep going,” Victoria encourages.
Just then hearing footsteps coming towards them, “You better stop,” she announces, “I think someone is coming.”
“Quickly,” Robert calls out, “Sit,” and as the men stop and take a seat on the floor the little door opens.
The men and Victoria watch as a hand appears, followed by a tray with small cups of soup along with pieces of jerky and some water, “Dinner, gentlemen,” comes from Ames who peers through the opening, “Ma’am, enjoy,” chuckling as he then walks away.
Going over to it, “This is all they give us?” Terry asks.
“It may not be much,” Victoria informs him, “But for the moment we are not in much of a position to do much else, I suggest you eat up and just bide your time.”
“When I get out of here,” Terry says, “They are going to be sorry about this.”
“They’ll get theirs,” Victoria mentions, “Just keep calm and you’ll get out of here in one piece,” taking her portion while chewing down the jerky followed by sips of water with Terry following her lead.
Train Station
While Gene and the children are still waiting for the train to pull in Ray enters the doctor’s house and informs him of the situation and while Ray goes back to the station the doctor agrees to go to Jarrod’s on his own. After grabbing his black bag he goes out the door with Ray.
Nob’s Hill
As Nick and Jarrod start looking for clues to the kidnappers’ whereabouts and how they were able to get there and leave without anyone seeing them Nick begins kneeling down as he manages to find tracks that continue heading towards the eastern direction, “You were right Jarrod,” Nick mentions, “They did come in this direction.”
“Let’s follow them,” Jarrod insists, “And see where they lead.”
Getting on their feet they begin following the tracks and after following them for a couple minutes, “So,” as they take them to the entrance of a cave Nick says, “There was another way out of here. That explains how and why they were able to come here without any of us seeing or hearing them.”
“Exactly,” Jarrod replies, “And they must’ve gone out this way.”
After reaching the other side of the cave, “How are we going to catch up to them?” Nick asks, “They must be long gone by now.”
“Let’s go get the horses,” Jarrod says, “And see if we could pick up any of their tracks that may help lead us to them.”
“It’s getting dark” Nick points out, “We won’t be able to follow them for too long.”
“Let’s see how far we can get,” Jarrod says, “Maybe it will be just enough. Come on” and with that they go back out of the cave and upon grabbing their horses and mounting up they begin following the direction they see the tracks go in.
Train Station
As Uncle Jim and Jim Jr step off the platform, “There’s Gene, Father” Jim Jr announces at the same time Gene calls out, “Uncle Jim.”
“Gene,” Uncle Jim replies “Gene, so glad to see you boy,” taking him quickly into his arms and squeezing him tightly tells him, “You gave us quite a scare young man, you and your sister.”
Replying, “Sorry about that,” Gene has his eyes fixed on Jim Jr. looking at him in a peculiar fashion. Noticing, “Gene,” Uncle Jim asks, “Is something wrong?”
“I think he’s staring at me,” Jim Jr. answers.
“Gene,” Uncle Jim says, “Don’t you remember Jim?”
As he shakes his head, “It was quite some time ago, Father” Jim Jr admits.
“Yes,” Uncle Jim states, “I think maybe you’re right. It was before Linda got married to Jack and you were what, five maybe six?”
“You look just like Jarrod,” Gene then says.
“Yes, I know,” Jim Jr. replies, “I’ve been told that.”
Glancing about, “Where is everyone?” Uncle Jim asks “Did you come here all by yourself?”
“No” Gene answers “I came with them” indicating the children standing around the two wagons.
“Who are they?” Uncle Jim wanted to know.
“Next door neighbors,” Gene mentions.
As the children says, “Hello sir,” Uncle Jim reciprocates, “hello,” quickly then mentions, “I don’t see…”
“Jarrod and Nick,” Gene finishing the line mentions, “Are going after the kidnappers as we speak.”
“Going after the kidnappers?” Uncle Jim inquires, “How could they? They didn’t have it all.”
“We know” Gene says “But they had to deliver it by 6 pm and so they took what they had already hoping it would be enough. Somehow something went wrong.”
Just then coming over to them, “Mr. Barkley,” a voice calls out.
“Who’s that?” Uncle Jim inquires.
“Mr. Denton,” Gene explains, “He’s the father of some of them and the one who drove one of the wagons here. He had to go get the doctor.”
“Who’s sick?” Jim Jr. asks, “Who got hurt?”
“Ed,” Gene explains, “Ed Sempleworth I don’t know all of it but while delivering the money somehow he got attacked and I believe they took it and is why Jarrod and Nick are going after them now. Somehow, it didn’t go as planned,” stopping Uncle Jim quickly draws him to his chest again telling him, “Easy! Don’t start thinking thoughts like that.”
“It’s hard not to,” Gene mentions.
As Ray is looking at Jim Jr in a peculiar fashion, “I take it,” Jim Jr. says, “You’re looking at me.”
“You could say that,” Ray mentions.
Holding his hand out “I’m Jim” he says “I know Jarrod and I look quite a bit alike.”
Taking the offered hand “It’s more than that,” Ray notes, “But how about I take you back to his house and maybe we could resume this there?”
“Just what I was thinking,” Uncle Jim says.
Glancing over at the men and Jim, “I also believe you will be needing a place for the men to be staying at” Ray brings up.
“We will yes,” Jim admits.
“I have a place to let them stay at,” Ray mentions, “When we get back I will take them there.”
As Jim thanks him they then decide who will be riding with whom to which both Ray and Jim Jr take the two extra horses with Uncle Jim and Gene in one wagon, Billy and Kyle in the other doing the driving the rest of the men pile in ten per wagon with the smaller children sitting on their laps while the older ones sit alongside of them. On the way back to the house Uncle Jim discusses with Gene about Heath and Audra asking how they are doing etc.
Nob’s Hill
As they reach the brook, “Damn!” Nick lets out “We’ve lost them! We’ll never catch up to them now,” realizing they came to a completely dead end seeing the tracks have come to an end.
Letting out a heavy sigh, “Let’s get back to the house,” Jarrod insists.
“Wait a minute,” Nick says.
“What’s the matter?” Jarrod asks.
“They may have gone through the brook,” Nick mentions, “But they must’ve gone out the other side.”
“Meaning,” Jarrod picking up and finishing his sentence, “Their trail must’ve resumed after they came out.”
“Precisely,” Nick says, “Let’s see what we could come out with.”
“Good idea,” Jarrod replies and with that they go through the brook and look for the tracks that take them towards the end of the street.
At the ranch
Arriving at the ranch, grabbing the briefcase Uncle Jim and Gene climb down and go inside the house while Hank takes hold of the reins and follows Ray into his yard with Billy in the other wagon and Jim Jr. staying right behind him.
As they go inside Gene calls out to Audra who answers, “We’re up here.”
Heading up the stairs Gene and Uncle Jim go down the hall finding the doctor tending to Ed.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, “Hello, Mr. Barkley,” Bill says to him, “Sorry I couldn’t be there to pick you up.”
“That’s quite alright,” Uncle Jim replies.
Entering the room “Any news?” Gene asks of Audra standing at the foot of the bed watching as the doctor is binding Ed’s ribs.
“Not thus far,” Audra answers, “Were you able to get the rest of the money?”
“Have it right here,” Uncle Jim notes holding onto the briefcase he has in his hand, “How is he,” he then asks of the doctor.
“He should be fine,” the doctor answers, “But he’s going to have to rest for a few days. He has three broken ribs, torn some ligaments in his right shoulder, plus he could have a slight concussion.”
“Could you let me know what happened?” Uncle Jim wanted to know, “I understand Jarrod and Nick went after the kidnappers.”
“They did yes,” Bill answers.
“We went to make the drop off,” Ed states, “And while I went to deliver the money I got jumped. Don’t know all of it but there were two of them, they came out of nowhere and after knocking me out they took the money and left.”
“We know the money wasn’t all there,” Bill continues, “But they wanted it delivered by 6 pm and seeing you couldn’t be here by then we thought maybe they would take that and let the rest go.”
“We won’t know that for sure,” Ed says, “Until we hear from them again if Jarrod and Nick aren’t able to catch up to them.”
Exhaling heavily, “I guess you did what you could,” Uncle Jim then asks, “How’s Heath doing?”
“He’s doing alright,” Audra mentions, “Last I checked he was still asleep. What do we do now? I mean what happens if they won’t accept the money they got already?”
“For right now,” Uncle Jim says, “We wait until we hear from Jarrod and Nick then take it from there.”
Ray’s Ranch
Leaving the horses with Billy and Kyle, Ray escorts the men to a log cabin he has in the far corner of his ranch overseeing a small lake.
As the men look at it from the outside, “This may not be much,” Ray goes on to tell them, “But it’s the best I could do on short notice.”
“Oh,” Mike answers, “Its fine sir.”
“This is very nice” Hank comments.
As he opens the front door, “This is the big room,” he announces and showing them around a bit they see a few tables to one side of the room with a fireplace to their right, “And this is the smaller room,” to which also has a fireplace, “And,” as they follow him, “This is the kitchen, if you would like to make yourselves something to eat, you’re more than welcomed to use it for the time you’re here” which has a wood burning stove, a table with six chairs in the center of the room, a sink overseeing a window and a cabinet that has dishes inside of it.
As they each thank him he asks them if they have something to sleep on to which they acknowledge they have their bedrolls with them, “How about if I leave you to look around some and I’ll be back in a few minutes to see how you’re making out?” he then inquires.
“Do you have,” Davy asks, “Facilities or something to that effect?”
“I forgot,” Ray replies, “Come with me,” and going outside with him they are escorted across the way to where it houses another building and as they enter it he shows them the stalls of two closed in wooden-tubs with buckets near each as well as two water closets and a table holding two ewers and to it’s right a small linen closet where it has a stack of towels and washcloths folded as well as a few toiletries that are neatly placed on the four shelves and then escorting them to the water pump he has that is out in back of the building, “I realize it’s not as fancy as let’s say a hotel or what Mr. Barkley may have to offer, but once again, it’s the best I could supply on such short notice,” he informs them.
“No,” Vinnie mentions, “It’s quite alright and this will do just fine.”
“Once again,” Ray says, “Let me leave you to get settled in and I will bring you by a supply of firewood for your comfort.”
As they once again thank him Ray walks away from them to get them firewood while they go back inside and decide who will sleep in the big room and who will sleep in the smaller room.
Upon reaching the cross section of Columbia Avenue, Jackson Street, Kearney and Montgomery, “Damn,” Nick says, “We’ll never find out which way they went from here.”
“Let’s get back to the house,” Jarrod suggests.
Scanning the various areas from where he is, “To be so close and so near and yet to be so far away at the same time,” Nick mumbles.
As neither one says another word they turn back around and as they take Jackson Street to their left they head in the direction of the ranch.
Part 399
Back at the house
The doctor and Bill assist Ed with climbing in under the covers while Uncle Jim takes a peek into Heath’s room and finding him with his eyes now opened, “Hello there,” he says to Heath looking up at him, “Hi Uncle Jim.”
Upon noticing Heath’s bandaged arm, “I see you got yourself into a situation,” Uncle Jim states.
Placing his right hand on the arm, “Just a tad,” Heath mentions.
“Long story?” Uncle Jim asks.
“Yeah,” Heath replies.
“We could go into it later,” Uncle Jim mentions.
“Have Jarrod and Nick come back yet?” Heath asks.
“No” Uncle Jim replies, “Not yet.”
“Did you just get here?” Heath asks.
“A few minutes ago,” Uncle Jim states.
“Any new developments?” Heath wanted to know.
“Not so far,” Uncle Jim replies.
Just then hearing the sound of the door opening, “Excuse me,” Uncle Jim tells him and as he quickly exits the room he hears, “What happened?” coming from Audra and, “Did you find her?” coming from Gene’s voice.
“Does it look like we found her?” Nick snaps.
“Easy Nick,” Jarrod tells him, “Gene,” he then says, “We lost the trail.”
“What are we going to do?” Gene asks.
“First thing we need to do,” Jarrod brings up, “Is not go losing our heads.”
“He’s right,” Uncle Jim says as he comes down the stairs.
“But they didn’t get all the money they requested,” Gene notes, “And it said if they didn’t get what they asked for they would kill her.”
“Maybe not,” Heath behind Uncle Jim mentions.
“How’s that?” Gene says.
“That could very well,” Heath explains, “Be what we could use as what is called leverage.”
“Leverage?” Gene mimics.
“It could be used,” Heath mentions, “As a bargaining tool.”
Getting disgusted, “What is that suppose to mean?” Gene asks.
“He means,” Uncle Jim reiterates, “With them having the 20,000 they may be still wanting the 30,000 they didn’t receive.”
“But what if they don’t?” Gene asks, “Mother is as good as dead.”
“No, she’s not,” Nick says, “Gene, we’ll find her I’m making sure of that.”
“They won’t do anything,” Uncle Jim replies, “Until they get the money they asked for and seeing we still have the 30,000 they requested they will be sending a new note.”
“Right,” Jarrod says, “And that will give us time to plan our next strategy and be ready for them.”
“And what’s that?” Audra asks.
“For right now,” Jarrod says, “We’re going to talk to the children next door to see how much we could get out of them.”
“And seeing we don’t know the area,” Nick mentions, “They right now are our best source of information. From there we will be talking to the men and deciding our best course of action.”
“Gene, Audra,” Jarrod then says, “Stay here with Ed; Heath you too, stay put. Let’s go!”
“I better come along,” Heath states.
“Why?” Nick asks.
“You’ll need someone,” Heath points out, “To sketch out what the men who took Mother look like I could help with that.”
“Come on,” Nick says.
And with that Jarrod grabs two writing tablets along with two pens from off his desk and not waiting for a response he, Nick, Heath, Bill, Uncle Jim and Jim Jr. quickly exit the house and go over to the Dentons.
Missionary
Walking into the bar and seeing Ames over at the bar with a drink in his hand, “Ames,” Ma asks, “Ames is something troubling you?”
“No Ma” Ames says “Was just thinking is all.”
“Thinking what?” Ma asks.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Ames says, “We’re so close to that money I could feel it,” wetting his lips with his tongue, “I could taste it. And yet, I wonder what we would’ve done if someone had kidnapped you and you never came home?”
“It all depends,” Ma answers, “If it was long ago, then maybe some of you boys wouldn’t have been here.”
“That’s right,” Ames says, “Could you imagine the world without us here?”
“It would definitely,” Ma retorts, “Be a dull one that’s for sure,” running her hands over his hair, “You definitely liven up the place here.”
Just then they hear, “Ma,” coming from the back entrance “Ma” Earl followed by Lance calls out “We got it! We got it!” holding up the duffle bag in his hands.
“We pulled it off Ma,” Lance yells out, “We managed to get the money and do it without anyone finding out where we are,” as Ma is exiting the bar and walking into the kitchen.
Getting off the stool and following on her heels “Let’s see it” Ames says extending his hand out.
“No, no” Earl replies “Ma first” quickly placing the bag close to him.
“Empty it out on the table,” she orders and as he opens up the bag and deposits it all on the table, “Wow,” comes from Earl, “I can’t believe it.”
As he grabs hold of a handful of it “I never seen so much before,” Lance states.
“Ma” Ames says “Look at it! Just look at it!” running his fingers through it.
“I’m looking,” Ma replies, “But,” as she starts running her fingers through some of them, “What? What are they trying to pull?”
“Ma,” Lance asks, “What’s the matter? What’s wrong?”
“They must think we’re stupid” Ma says “Or they are trying to pull a fast one on us.”
“What do you mean?” Earl asks.
“I don’t think there is 50,000 here like we requested” Ma answers disgusted.
“Huh?” Lance says, “There’s not?”
“How could you tell Ma?” Lance asks.
“I’m telling you” as she looks at it “There isn’t any 50,000 here.”
“How much is there Ma?” Earl asks.
“Not what we asked for,” Ma mentions, “That is for sure.”
“Maybe,” Ames suggests, “We should count it, see how much is here.”
As they take a seat around the table they watch patiently and eagerly at the same time as Ma begins counting out what is on the table.
Back at the Dentons
Knocking at the door Sherry invites them in and goes rounding up the children while Ray escorts them into the living room and offers them each a drink and a seat which they graciously accept.
Bringing the children into the room Sherry first introduces them all to one another. Then afterwards the three youngest begin telling them about the three men that came into the house and took Mrs. Barkley away from there and them running over to the neighbors as it occurred.
Noah and Kimmy both mention how the note delivered was by one of the same men that took Mrs. Barkley away.
Missionary
After Ma finishes counting out the money “Well,” she says “That confirms it.”
“How much do you got?” Lance asks.
“I counted 20, 000,” Ma mentions.
“That’s it?” Lance asks.
“That’s it,” Ma replies.
“Ma” Earl says “20,000 is still good enough. It’s still a lot of money.”
“Not for me its not,” Ma tells him sternly, “We asked for 50,000 and 50,000 is what I expect to receive.”
“You want us to deliver another note,” Lance asks.
“I do, but this time” Ma mentions “The instructions will be different.”
Going over to their writing desk Ma takes out a pad of paper along with a pen, sits down and begins writing down what she wants to have in the letter.
Back at the Dentons
While Heath composites the sketch of what the men look like from the children’s descriptions Uncle Jim and Jim Jr both compliment him on the talent he possesses; Jarrod jots down the route that Ed and Bill took with Victoria when they first arrived in San Francisco using the buggy.
Back at the Missionary
Finishing it, “There,” Ma says, “It’s all done.”
“Ma,” Earl says, “Let me deliver it this time. You let Lance deliver it the last time.”
“Very well” Ma tells him “You could deliver it” handing it to him “But you be careful.”
“Oh, I will Ma,” Earl mentions, “You could be sure of that” folding it up and placing it the pocket of his shirt.
“And hurry back,” Lance tells him as he begins going out the door.
“Ames,” Ma then says, “Go retrieve the dishes will you?”
“Sure thing Ma” Ames responds as he exits the room and heads down to the cellar.
“I’ll come with you,” Lance tells him as he follows along his heels.
Back at the Dentons
After listening to the complete route from Bill, Kyle and Sarah both chime in of how they believe Mrs. Barkley was taken someplace around Pier 9 with both Jarrod and Ray confirming their beliefs and suspicions.
“At least now” Jarrod says “We do have a starting point of where to start looking.”
“How do you want to do this?” Bill asks.
“Seeing Jarrod is the only one here,” Nick mentions, “That knows the area he has the upper hand over the rest of us.”
“Jarrod, Ray,” Uncle Jim says, “Would either of you have a map of the area, something we could work off of?”
“I do,” Ray immediately answers and quickly getting up and leaving the room the Barkleys and Bill wait patiently as he returns holding it, “Here,” he announces.
“Great,” Uncle Jim says, “Let’s take a look.”
And going over the map they learn of how the streets connect to Pier 9 and which roads go where.
Outside Jarrod Barkley’s ranch
Arriving outside the gate Earl first looks about. Not seeing any sign of anybody around dismounts and once again looks about to be sure he doesn’t attract any kind of attention before slowly moving ahead and as he walks through the gate he stays as low as he possibly could while still being able to take in everything around him and watching for any sign of anybody appearing.
Not seeing anybody around he proceeds on foot to the tree that’s several feet from the gate followed by the fountain that’s in the center of the ranch. Still not seeing any sign of anybody he mumbles to himself, “Good, good,” and quietly continues on to the back entrance of the house.
Once again he makes sure there isn’t any sign of any kind of activity in any direction and then removing the note he has inside his pocket, he carefully slips it underneath the door and without being noticed, he slowly turns back around and goes back out the gate. Reaching his horse he mounts back up and quietly departs the premises picking up speed once he’s away from the area.
Inside the house
Upstairs in Jarrod’s Room
Sitting with Ed both Gene and Audra are talking with him about what happened. As he explains about the steep cliff he was suppose to find Audra offers him some hot chocolate in which he tells her, “I could go for a cup.”
“Be right back” Audra tells him and as she leaves Gene talking with him she goes down the stairs and into the kitchen where she catches sight of the note on the floor.
Quickly swooping it up she yells out for Gene who comes running down the stairs and asking “What is it?” as he walks in.
Starting to open it “This just came,” Audra replies.
“Let me see,” Gene quickly says as he takes it and begins reading it, “Stay here.”
“What’s it say?” Audra asks.
“It’s another ransom note,” Gene mentions and quickly goes out the back door.
Missionary
As Lance unlocks the door and holding a rifle on the prisoners “You all behaving yourselves?” he asks.
“What do you expect them to be doing?” Victoria says.
“Lady,” Lance replies, “I’d be quiet if I was you.”
“What is it you want?” she asks.
“We came to get the dishes,” Ames answers.
“Well,” Victoria says, “How about just getting them and going?”
“You know,” Lance replies, “Maybe when the Grizzly Bear comes in, I’ll put a good word in for you and maybe the kind captain will take you on a trip to the other side of the world? How would you like that?”
“No, thanks,” Victoria says.
As Ames is picking up the dinner tray “I could always put a bullet through your head,” Lance mentions, “How would you like that?” placing the rifle tip to her forehead, “Then there would be no more Mama, would you like that? Your children will be all a-lone.”
“Lance,” Ames says, “Let’s be going. Leave her be.”
“Ames,” Lance whines, “You never let me have any fun.”
“You could have your fun,” Ames tells him, “Once we’ve gotten what we’ve asked for. Right now, she is still a commodity, come on.”
Removing the tip from her forehead, “Very well,” Lance says, “But,” glancing over at Victoria, “We’ll be back for you, just you wait” and as Ames leaves with the dishes, Lance follows right behind locking the door.
Placing his hand on her arm, “You alright, Mrs. Barkley?” Ferdinand asks of her.
“I’m alright,” Victoria replies, “How about going back to what you were doing? I’ll keep watch.”
“Okay,” he answers, “At least they didn’t notice anything,” referring to the powdery sand on the floor.
“True,” she says, “But then again they weren’t looking for it,” as the men go back over to the window, “Sometimes when things are done right in front of them they tend to miss it.”
“Besides,” Robert mentions, “They don’t look too bright.”
“No,” Ferdinand replies, “But for now we do have to be careful.”
“Indeed yes,” Robert says as he continues on working with the men in removing the bars from away from the window.
Part 400
The Dentons
Upon studying the map, “It’s amazing,” Uncle Jim notes, “How all these streets connect to Pier 9.”
“It also shows,” Jim Jr mentions, “That Jarrod doesn’t live that far away from there.”
“No,” Bill replies, “He doesn’t.”
Just then hearing a knock on the door Ray quickly walking over and answering it sees Gene who out of breath says “Mr. Denton. I need to see my brothers.”
Replying “Come with me,” Ray escorts him to the living room.
“Jarrod, Nick, Heath,” Gene calls out as he quickly enters.
“What is it?” Jarrod followed by Nick ask.
“A note,” Gene answers, “Just came.”
As Nick takes it from him, “Where did you get this?” asks.
“In the kitchen” Gene states “Must’ve been slipped underneath the door.”
Reading it out loud, “Mr. Barkley,” Nick relays, “You didn’t follow our instructions. You were supposed to have 50,000 delivered but we only got 20. If we were to kill your mother for not following instructions, it would’ve been your fault and on your conscience. Now, its lucky for you that we’re smarter than you. We know where you are, we know where you live as you could tell but you don’t know who we are or where we are at. That is good! We are kind people. We will give you one more chance to follow through with what we said. This time you better listen up otherwise your mother is as good as dead. We’re also changing all the rules and the destination of how and where we want the money to be placed at” with both Jarrod and Heath looking at it over his shoulders.
“From this point on” Nick continues reading “You’ve got no more time. You play anymore games or think you are going to have one on up us you better think again. You don’t even want to know how we will dispose of your precious mother.”
“My god,” Gene lets out.
Placing his hand on his shoulder, “Easy Gene,” Jarrod tells him.
Nick continues reading, “Here are the new rules. You get a delivery man, a different one from the last one you sent. He is to carry the money in another duffle bag this time supplied by you. He will start his route at the corner of Columbus and Broadway. There you will look for a letter at the Chinese Fortune Cookie. When you find it, you will be instructed to where to be going next. If he doesn’t make it or if you do anything to louse this up, we assure you that you won’t ever see your mother again. She will wind up dead! Oh yeah, I forgot to give you the time to be doing this, didn’t I? Well, the hunt or the route begins at 6 am when the morning is just beginning and the sun is coming out. We’ll be watching for you so remember don’t do anything stupid!”
“Damn!” Nick barks.
“What are we going to do?” Gene asks.
“Deliver the money,” Nick says.
“Where are we going to get the duffle bag?” Heath asks, “Do you have one Jarrod?”
“No,” Jarrod replies.
“I do,” Ray announces, “Excuse me.”
“Thank goodness,” Jim Jr says, “We have the money on us. The banks don’t open up until 9.”
“Just what I was going to say,” Jarrod replies.
“You need a delivery man,” Bill mentions, “I’ll do it.”
“NO!” Nick says.
“NO?” Bill asks, “Who’s going to do it?”
“Let me go talk to the men,” Nick says.
“Who do you have in mind?” Heath asks.
“Did,” Nick asks, “Jim and Johnny accompany you?” of Jim Sr.
“They did” Uncle Jim acknowledges.
“You’re going to have them deliver it?” Heath asks.
“I am,” Nick replies.
“Why them?” Gene asks.
“They are the best trackers we have,” Nick says, “If anyone could do it, they will be the logical choice.”
“You going to ask them?” Gene wanted to know “Or tell them.”
“Aren’t you getting a little ahead of yourself,” Jarrod points out, “Don’t you think you should ask them rather than assume or…”
“I will let them decide it for themselves,” Nick says, “But I am certain they will volunteer themselves on their own.”
“I believe you’re right about that,” Jim Sr mentions.
“How’s that?” Nick asks.
“Coming here” Jim Sr brings up “They both confirmed what you just stated they are the best trackers you had, so I don’t think you’re asking them will be a problem.”
“Come on then,” Nick then says.
“We’ll come with you,” Jarrod suggests.
“Here” grabbing the map “I better take this with us” Nick says along with the sketch of the men Heath drew. As they begin going out the door and glancing over at Gene coming right behind them “Gene” Nick tells him “Go back to the house.”
“I want to come,” Gene balks.
Raising his voice “No” Nick tells him, “Do as you’re told.”
While Bill closes the door behind him Gene standing there pouting with his arms folded mumbles, “She’s my mother too.”
Quickly going over to him, “Gene,” Kyle says.
Wiping the tear from his cheek, “What?” Gene asks.
“Come with me outside,” Kyle tells him.
Outside
Going outside with Kyle, “Oooh,” Gene clenching his hands into tight fists says, “He makes me so mad.”
“Your brother?” Kyle asks.
“Yeah,” Gene says, “She’s my mother too and they always leave me out of everything. I should be there as well.”
“You want to find your mother?” Kyle asks.
“Of course,” Gene says.
“I’ll help you,” Kyle informs him.
“How?” Gene asks.
“Meet me outside when it gets dark,” Kyle tells him.
“Why?” Gene asks.
“I know the area better than you” Kyle says “And it’s best if we are to do this while its dark out and we don’t attract too much attention. It makes us less noticeable.”
“Okay,” Gene responds.
“Which room is yours,” Kyle says to him.
“Want me to show you?” Gene asks.
“Yes,” Kyle replies and goes with Gene over to Jarrod’s.
4/6/11
As the men are following Ray to where the log cabin is located Jarrod pulls Nick aside and says, “I think you were a little hard on Gene just now.”
Letting out a deep sigh, “Maybe,” Nick replies, “I’ll talk to him when we get back.”
“Good idea,” Jarrod says as they resume their pace to catch up with the men.
While Gene shows Kyle which room is his, the men and Ray arrive outside the log cabin and upon going inside they first notice the fireplace as well as a few lanterns keeping the place lit up followed by the bed rolls all piled up to one corner of the room and the men gathered around the tables playing various games they have before them.
Greeting the Barkleys as they walk in Uncle Jim says, “Aha, I see you’ve all checked yourself in and are making yourselves comfortable.”
“For the most part,” comes from Oscar.
“Heath,” Vinnie asks, “What happened to you?” noticing his left arm in a sling.
“Got shot,” Heath answers.
“You alright?” Vinnie wanted to know.
“I am,” Heath admits.
“But you won’t be for long,” Nick states, “If you don’t rest. Now fellas,” as he addresses them, “I do want to thank all of you for coming and even though you’ve just only arrived I must say I think we all made remarkable time in getting here.”
“I think so too Nick,” Alan answers.
“Now,” Nick continues, “I do realize that you probably hadn’t had much time to do much of anything else except perhaps settle in. I am sorry for the uh…such short notice and regret the circumstances of why you’ve been sent to come here.”
“Mr. Barkley,” Willard replies, “It’s okay. We know it was an emergency and we know it has to do with your mother being taken hostage.”
“Yes,” Hank says, “We understand the circumstances and Mr. Barkley already briefed us all prior to us arriving here.”
“Mr. Barkley,” Chris says, “We’re sorry about Mrs. Barkley.”
“Thank you,” Nick tells them.
“What would you like for us to do?” Chad asks.
“First,” Nick informs them, “We need a volunteer” placing the map and the sketches on the table closest to him.
“What’s the assignment?” Davy asks, “Or better yet what’s the mission?”
“Right now” Nick says “We need a delivery person” placing his hands in his back pockets “Now I know that most of you if not all of you may or may not know the area at all or some of you may know it a little but right now I don’t have time to decipher who knows what or don’t know what and to who ever is to do the delivering I still would like to use the rest of you in scanning the area but once again it has to be on a volunteer basis. I don’t want any of you feeling you’re being obligated to do this. It could be a very dangerous assignment or mission as you put it Davy.”
“We are here,” Jim informs him, “At your disposal. Whatever you want us to do, just let us in on it and we are here to help.”
“And,” Spot says, “We’ll do all we can with helping in finding her.”
“Very good and thank you” Nick replies “Now when we begin to whoever is chosen to do the delivering I want another one of you to be on hand to be following on the other’s heels sort of speak without being noticed at all. The rest of you I want you to fan out and learn about the area. I want all of you to travel in pairs as well as watch out for each other and your own backs at the same time. We are in enemy territory and anybody that sees a stranger could spot you miles away.”
“That much we do know,” Barrett quips.
“In some areas” Nick continues “You may, if a fight should come up be outnumbered/outgunned two or three to one which is why I want all of you to be traveling in pairs while at the same time keeping an eye on the rest of you in case any one of you should get separated. My goal or our goal let’s say first is to rescue our mother safely away from the kidnappers and second make sure we all come back in one piece and are able to return to Stockton the same way we arrived here. Now remember, if you should be in a saloon looking for information be sure you do it as discreetly as possible. Be cautious and leery of everyone that you come in contact with. Right now until we all get back to Stockton the only ones you are to trust and rely on is, each other and us. Don’t be looking for trouble and don’t let trouble spot you or come looking for you. If you should see trouble try to avoid it. If you are in a saloon be certain to keep a keen eye on the bartender and anyone else who approaches you not to mention anybody lingering at or near the bar. Also, keep watch of the floor it may decide to swallow you up in some of them.”
“We heard that too,” Oscar mentions.
“I know,” Nick brings up, “And I know it sounds like I’m rambling on and in some ways I am but you have to keep in mind it’s very imperative you pay attention to all your surroundings and pay attention to what I’m saying. Also, seeing you are working I want you to be sure to limit your alcohol consumption. If you choose to have a drink just do so sparingly enough to get what you need and then quietly get out of there, makes sense?”
“It does,” Pete notes.
“Okay,” Nick says, “First, I need one of you to volunteer to be the deliverer and the other to follow alongside on his heels?”
“Begging your pardon sir,” Johnny replies, “Seeing Jim and I are your best trackers we would like to be your volunteers.”
Glancing over at them, “Thank you, Johnny,” Nick says with a pleasing smile, “I was hoping you would. But I had to be certain it came from you. You were indeed my logical choice but you do know it will be a dangerous mission.”
“We’re aware,” Johnny states, “But we still want to do it.”
“Once again thank you” Nick says “Now, the first order of business before we go into a plan of action is for you to learn a little bit about the area we are in and where you all will be venturing out into the morning. After that we will show you a composite sketch of the men that have taken her and then we will proceed from there. Now, since I don’t know the city, come over here so you could get a rough idea of what it looks like” spreading the map over to one of the empty tables the men stop what they are doing and as they gather around “Jarrod” Nick says, “Would you kindly to do the honors?”
As the men look on, “This is where we are,” Jarrod mentions pointing to a spot between Union and Powell, “And this here is where the waterfront is,” showing them, “As you could see there are a number of piers that go along these streets in what is called the Embarcadero strip with the ocean on the other side of here. This is where a lot of the activity takes place. Now,” he continues on, “I know many of you are probably not familiar with the piers or with the area in general but we believe our mother has been taken hostage someplace around this vicinity which is what is called Pier 9.”
“But” Nick then says “As you could see there are a lot of little streets that connect to it so we are not certain which one she is at which is where you all come in.”
“And if you look here,” Jarrod mentions, “You could see how the streets of Pacific, Stockton, Green, Vallejo, Herb Caen Way, Davis, Montgomery, Mission and Stewart all connect to Pier 9” as they each look on.
“However Jim,” looking to each of them, “Johnny,” Nick then says, “We need the two of you to study and concentrate on this section here,” pointing to them, “You see where it says Columbia and Broadway?”
Nodding their heads, “We do,” Jim answers.
“This is where you will be focusing your full attention on in the morning,” Nick informs them.
“Why there?” Johnny asks.
tbc
