Story 8-Long Weekend Part 1

[sandymarek]

Story 8 Pt

THE LONG WEEKEND

Previously

In between saddling their horses “Good idea” Duke says “I’ll see you when I get back.”

Mounting up “Enjoy” Nick tells him “Oh, if you should happen to run into any of the men I don’t get to see pass the word that I will be paying them tonight instead of tomorrow. Tell them to be at the bunkhouse at 4 pm sharp.”

Replying “I’ll do that” Duke then rides off.

Part 8-1

While Duke goes into town to see Jenny, Nick after emptying Heath’s canteen and placing it on the end of his saddle mounts up and begins doing his rounds starting with the East Ridge. Meanwhile, Jarrod and Victoria are in the buggy with Audra and Gene on their mounts heading for town and Heath is arriving at the North Pasture.

As Heath is coming into view the men who have begun working on the fence greet him. Reciprocating, Heath after dismounting and taking care of Gal joins the men.

Ron asks “Where is Nick?” to Heath who after grabbing a hammer replies “He’ll be here in a little while, said he had a few things to take care of and rounds to do, but will join us when he’s finished.”

“How did you sleep last night Heath,” Bobby wanted to know.
“Fine Bobby,” Heath replies.

“We’ll talk some more later, alright?” Bobby asks.

Replying “I’d like that” Heath joins them with hammering slats into the embedded posts.
Reaching the West Ridge Nick checks on Sam and Austin who are on patrol “How’s it going fellas?” he asks.

“Fine, Mr. Barkley,” comes from Sam with, “No complaints here,” coming from Austin.

“Any cattle get out?” Nick inquires.

“No,” Austin answers, “They’re all accounted for.”

“Very good,” Nick tells them, “Carry on.”

“Right” comes from Austin with Sam replying “Sure thing” as he rides away.

Arriving in town Audra and Gene head off to school while Jarrod parks the buggy outside the General Mercantile Store. After helping Victoria out of the buggy, he informs her, “I’ll be back in a few minutes. I’m going to check on the mail and then I have a couple of errands to tend to.”

“Take your time Jarrod,” Victoria tells him, “I’ll keep myself busy in here.”

Smiling, “I’m sure you will,” Jarrod replies.

While Jarrod walks down the street Victoria goes inside the store.

After exchanging ‘goodmornings’ Diane, the storekeeper asks of Victoria “What brings you to town so early on a Thursday morning?”

“Just came to look around,” Victoria replies, “And get a few things.”

“How’s the family?” Diane wanted to know.

“Doing just fine,” Victoria answers.

“How is Heath fitting in?” Diane inquires.

“He is doing much better now” Victoria states “Nick has finally accepted him and he has begun talking more.”

“That’s a good start” Diane note, “Tell him not to feel like a stranger when he comes to town and I’ll be looking forward to his coming in here.”

“I will,” Victoria then asks, “Has Laura returned by any chance, would you know?”

“No,” Diane replies, “Not yet. Did she say anything of when she will be returning?”

“She only said” Victoria notes “She would be staying with Nettie for a few days but that was it. I was more in a hurry to come back to the house to find out how things were going between Nick and Heath that I didn’t think to ask any more than that. Oh well, the time away I’m sure will do her some good.”

“True” Diane replies, “Maybe she will like it there and decide to stay. She might want a new start just like Nettie.”

“I thought of that” Victoria says “And with what happened here, you can’t exactly blame her.”


“You certainly can’t” Diane replies “Maybe if she plans on staying she will send us a wire.”

“Once,” Victoria mentions, “She’s settled in I think she will too.”

Victoria then begins browsing about. Going over to the men’s pants that are folded neatly she looks over the sizes and finding 6 pairs she brings them over to the counter and informs Diane, “So far, I’ll take these.”

Looking over at what she picked out, “Are these for Heath?” Diane curiously wanted to know while holding up a pair of tan colored pants.

“They are yes,” Victoria asks, “How could you tell?”

“Well,” Diane surmises, “I can’t picture either Jarrod or Nick wearing these colored pants and they seem a little too big for Gene and a little too small for Nick and seeing Heath is new with you, he probably didn’t come with much.”

“You’re right” Victoria notes as she is over with the shirts and after looking them over she picks out six that she thinks he would like “I think Heath looks good in tan and I just figured he could use a couple more. I did get him two pairs last week but at the time I didn’t know if he would like them or if he would be able to fit into them. Now that I know he does I figured get him a few more just like them.”

“Good thinking,” Diane asks, “You like having him there huh?”

“I do,” Victoria admits, “Very much so.”

“It shows,” Diane then asks, “Is there any special reason?”

Placing the shirts on the counter “I look at Heath” Victoria states “And I see him as being the last gift from Tom. It may not be under the best circumstances and most wives wouldn’t be as open or supportive of that, but I am. I think of him as being very special and having him there I can’t explain it but it seems like the family is now complete and as a mother I could see something in him, something that has been lacking for so long something that he needs and wants so badly.”

“What’s that?” Diane wanted to know.

As Victoria goes around the store some more and begins picking up several pairs of socks and undergarments “A family” she answers as she places them on the counter “A home! Someone to care about him, someone to love him. And he’s also bringing out the best in Nick. When Tom died there were times when it was so hard to talk to him and with Heath being there now helped with the situation. Thanks to Heath, Nick has definitely came around.”


“There is an old saying” Diane says “That those who do a lot of fighting such as brothers as kids growing up they have a tendency of turning out to be the best of friends.”

“I’ve heard that” Victoria answers “And I sure hope it holds true. Heath could use a friend in Nick, just like he could use a brother. Heath didn’t grow up with any of them as children, he just came there looking for who his father and family were. And at the beginning Nick was definitely the hardest to accept his being there. So it just may be” as she picks up two more night shirts, a nice cowboy hat and returns to the counter with them.

“I’m sure it will,” Diane tells her, “Just keep hoping for the best.”

“Oh, I am” Victoria admits “I just don’t want anything to interfere with their friendship that has just started to get off the ground.”

Up at the North Pasture the men and Heath are all quietly and skillfully working side by side as they put up the new fence. While Heath is busy putting a new post into the ground the others are pounding boards into the already prepared posts. Joining them Nick after taking care of Coco greets the men who in turn reciprocate.

Not hearing his voice, “Hello Heath,” Nick walking over to Heath says.

Replying “Hello Nick” Heath glances over at Nick while pounding the new post into the dug up hole.

“You okay?” Nick wanted to know with Heath responding, “I’m okay.”

Nick says, “Just checking. I see you’re hard at work.”

“I am,” Heath notes.

“How’s it going?” Nick asks with Heath answering, “Fine.”

“See for yourself,” Chad joins in with.

“We got quite a bit done Nick,” Ron adds.
Glancing about, “I see that,” Nick then says, “Well, now that I’m here I’ve come to help.”
“Nick,” Davy asks, “You want to see something?”

“What’s that?” Nick inquires.

“Watch how Heath measures the distance between the two posts,” Davy turns and says to Heath, “Heath, show him how you do it.”


Replying “Sure” Heath shows Nick how he measures the distance between the two posts by placing a slat on the ground. Watching in amazement “Heath” Nick asks “May I ask why you’re doing it that way?”

Shrugging his shoulders “Don’t know” Heath answers “Just do. Let’s me know how much space I need between the two.”

Raising an eyebrow “Must say it’s a little unusual” Nick tells him “But go ahead. If that’s the way you like to do it so be it, continue doing it the way you have been. Oh Heath, come with me for a moment.”

Replying “Sure Nick” Heath goes with Nick.

Going over to Coco “I have something for you” Nick informs him.

“What’s that Nick?” Heath asks.

Grabbing hold of the canteen “You left this in the barn” Nick tells him “I just filled it up with fresh cold water” as he hands it to him. Taking it from him but not saying anything

“It’s alright Heath. But in the future don’t be coming up here without it. I know you’re still adjusting to doing things on your own but I want you to know that whenever you leave the barn and go off to anywhere you need to have your canteen on you. Also be sure it has fresh cold water in it, as well. Alright?”

As Heath nods his head “It’s okay Heath” Nick says “It gave me a chance to put fresh cold water into it, okay?”

“Okay Nick,” Heath replies.

Squeezing his shoulder “Good boy” Nick says “Now how about if we go back to work” and upon doing so they walk together and resume working alongside of the men pounding boards into the posts.

In town doing his errands first stops off at the Telegraph office. Going inside he asks Charlie if any wires came in who replies, “Sorry, there isn’t.”

“Would you mind sending another one?” Jarrod asks.
“Not at all,” Charlie replies, “Where to?”

“Denver,” Jarrod mentions, “Colorado.”

Taking out a piece of paper Charlie jots down what Jarrod tells him “Jim Barkley. I am just following up to see if you received the wire we sent you last week. If so, please let us know. Mother is waiting to hear. Thank you, your nephew, Jarrod.”
“Got it,” Charlie then tells him, “That’ll be $6.00.”
Taking out a wallet “Six dollars” Jarrod handing him six one dollar bills says “Have a good day Charlie.”
“You too Jarrod,” Charlie tells him as he exits the office.
Going down the street Jarrod stops off at Harry’s Saloon.
Walking inside chairs on top of the tables and Harry is busy cleaning the floors underneath them.
“Hi Harry” Jarrod says to Harry who replies “Oh hello Jarrod. I’m not yet open.”
“Oh that’s alright” Jarrod tells him “I just came by to see if you will give me the exact recipe of how to make the strawberry margarita, also if you could sell me what is needed to make a strawberry daiquiri with.”
“Did you try making the margarita on your own?” Harry wanted to know with Jarrod replying, “I did.”
“How did it come out?” Harry inquires.
“It came out fine,” Jarrod notes, “The family all enjoyed it.”
“Even Heath?” Harry asks.
“Yes,” Jarrod mentions, “I think he was a little surprised when I first brought it over to him but he said it was good. It did take a quite a few minutes to get it right however. I kept having to add something and testing it until it came out correctly.”
Putting the mop down, “Come with me,” Harry tells him and as they walk over to the bar Harry jots down the instructions of how to make it. Jarrod waits patiently for it.
As Harry hands him the piece of paper Jarrod thanks him and asks, “What about making the daiquiri?”
“It’s on there too,” Harry mentions.
Looking at the ingredients and instructions of how it’s made Jarrod says, “Looks almost like what is used for the margarita.”
“Just about,” Harry notes, “Although it uses a bottle of rum,” handing him it from underneath the counter, “Instead of the tequila.”
“How much do you want for it?” Jarrod wanted to know.
“Fifty cents,” Harry answers, “Will do,” as Jarrod hands him fifty cents he informs him, “If you need a supplier contact the one I gave you earlier, they carry them.”
“I’ll do that,” Jarrod says, “Take care Harry.”
“You too Jarrod,” Harry replies, “And tell Heath to enjoy too.”
While Harry returns to his floor mopping Jarrod exits the saloon and heads back down the street.
Reaching the parked buggy outside the store Jarrod places the bottle of rum he purchased from Harry in the back and then proceeds to go inside the store.
Upon walking in Jarrod is greeted first by Diane the storekeeper and then by Victoria who asks, “Jarrod, did you finish all your errands?”
“I did yes,” Jarrod replies, “All I have left to do is what I need from in here. Mother,” glancing down at the packages on the counter, “Are you buying more clothes for Heath?”
“I am,” Victoria notes, “I thought he could use a few more things.”
Picking up one of the shirts briefly, “Just a few?” Jarrod asks curiously.
“I bought what I thought he needed” Victoria reiterates “And he did ruin one pair of pants the other night. I don’t want him not having enough.”
Smiling, “You know best,” Jarrod quips.
“Jarrod” Diane joins in with “You know how your mother is she loves making sure all of her children have enough of everything.”
“You got me there,” Jarrod then says, “Mother, I’ll be right with you.”
“Take your time,” Victoria replies.
As Jarrod is about to go looking about the store Larry, the other storekeeper comes in from the back room and upon seeing both Victoria and Jarrod bid them both a good morning in which they both reciprocate pleasantly.
Larry says, “I didn’t know you were in here, I wish I knew.”
“Oh that’s alright Larry,” Jarrod informs him, “You were busy and we just came in to get a few things.”
Glancing at the packages sitting on top of the counter, “A few things?” Larry asks.
“That’s right,” Jarrod replies, “Just a few.”
“Could you use a hand with your packages?” Larry offers.
“We certainly could,” Jarrod then suggests, “Mother, why don’t you go with Larry and I’ll be with you momentarily.”
“Very well,” Victoria they bids Diane a good day and assists Larry with carrying out the smaller packages.
Part 8-2
While Larry follows Victoria out to the awaiting buggy Jarrod goes back to his looking about the store. Finding what he needs he purchases a skillet, a small jar of peanut butter, a jar of popcorn, a small bag of sugar, a package of marshmallows, a sugar bowl, a can of cocoa and a couple of notepads. Once he’s finished, “Well,” he informs Diane, “I think that should do it,” as he and Diane begin tallying up what he has and what he owes for the items being purchased.
In between she asks, “Jarrod are you going someplace?”
“As a matter of fact I am” Jarrod informs her “Nick and I are taking Heath out for a four day weekend just to bond and get to know him better and for him to get to know us a little better.”
“What a splendid idea,” Diane asks “Do you have everything you need?”
“Pretty much” Jarrod then says, “I just came in to get a couple of small items that we didn’t have back at the house and thought we could use on the trip.”
“Would you like them added to your bill?” Diane asks.
“Please,” Jarrod answers.
While Diane is busy tallying up what Jarrod owes Larry walks in and offers to assist with bringing the items to the buggy in which Jarrod graciously decline.
Seconds later, Larry brings out a crate and assists with placing the items into it, he then holds the door opened for Jarrod who carries them to the back of the buggy.
Climbing into the driver’s seat Jarrod asks of Victoria, “Are we all set?”
“I am,” Victoria says, “Are you?”
Replying “I believe so” Jarrod grabs the reins and upon glancing back at what he has in the crate “If not, I guess we’ll have to make do without it” and upon flicking the reins he begins pulling the team away from the store and after going down the street he veers off and heads back in the direction of the ranch.
5/5/14
While driving back to the ranch, “What did you buy?” Victoria curiously asks.
“A few things I thought we may need,” Jarrod mentions, “Up at the cabin tonight.”
“I thought it was equipped with everything,” Victoria notes, “Needed.”
“It is,” Jarrod states, “But it’s been awhile since we’ve been up there last and seeing this will be Heath’s first visit to there I just wanted to be sure it had everything.”
“What did you buy?” Victoria asks again.
“A skillet” Jarrod answers “Treats I thought Heath may like; popcorn, marshmallows, I thought we would roast them, peanut butter I believe he likes it from the way Nick mentioned that he likes peanut butter frosting. Maybe we’ll make some peanut butter sandwiches or something. I bought sugar, he likes sugar in his coffee and cocoa. I believe he likes cocoa/chocolate.”
Arriving at the ranch and upon greeting Ciego who quickly joins them at the front entrance Jarrod asks Ciego to take care of the buggy for him.
Replying “Sure, Senor,” Ciego then offers to help with the packages they have in the back in which both Victoria and Jarrod gratefully accept.
After all the packages have been removed from the back and brought into the house Ciego takes the buggy and brings it to the barn.
Coming into the parlor Silas after greeting Victoria and Jarrod ask accordingly, “Did you have a good day in town?”
“We did Silas” Victoria replies “Could you do me a favor and put these on Heath’s bed for me?”
“Yes Ma’am” taking them “More than happy to” Silas noting the packages says “You sure did buy him quite a few things?”
“Only what I” Victoria states “Thought he could use” with a smile.
“You certainly did at that,” Silas says as he continues making his way up the stairs.
Upon following his lead “Well Mother” Jarrod mentions as he grabs his crate “I will join you in an hour. I want to start packing.”
“Go ahead Jarrod,” Victoria replies, “While you’re doing that I will fix you boys some things to take with you.”
Replying “Thank you” Jarrod goes up the stairs while Victoria heads off into the kitchen.
5/9/14
Up at the North Pasture as it is reaching high noon Nick has the men stop for lunch. As the men separate and go to have their lunch, Nick wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his right arm and retrieving his canteen notices that Heath is doing what he is doing and lets out a quiet chuckle. As Nick helps himself to a drink so does Heath.
“How’s the water?” Nick asks Heath to which he responds, “Good.”
“Let’s go have some lunch” Nick says and as he grabs his lunch from his saddlebag Heath does the same.
Going over to a tree they both take a seat and as Nick begins taking a bite out of his sandwich Heath slowly and carefully does the same.
Nick asks, “How is it?” watching in amusement to which Heath responds, “Good.”
Making small talk “It’s been awhile since I’ve had myself one” Nick asks him “Did you eat them when you were in Strawberry?”
“I did,” Heath admits.
“Did your mama make them for you?” Nick wanted to know.
“Aunt Rachel would too,” Heath brings up, “She would make them for Hannah and me.”
“How do you like being up here?” Nick asks.
“I like,” Heath answers.
After eating a couple of bites Nick then says “Heath?” to which Heath replies “Yes Nick?”
“I asked you something yesterday at lunch time,” Nick states.
“You did,” Heath answers.
“It has to do with the hands Wheeler and Deak” Nick brings up “Do you remember the question?”
“I do,” Heath replies.
“Tell me what I said,” Nick says.
Swallowing hard “You” Heath quietly says “You asked me” as he begins averting his eyes, “If they’re being here bothered me.”
“That’s right” Nick then says “Heath” exhaling heavily “They no longer work here” watching Heath’s reaction to the information as he slowly glances back up at him and asks surprised “They don’t?”
“No” Nick says “I gave them their pays this morning and told them their services were no longer needed here.”
Grimacing “I don’t understand” Heath brings up, “They worked here longer than me. Why would you do that?”
“They have” Nick says “I have to agree. But you’re being here is far more important to me here than them” as he keeps watching Heath in between them eating their sandwiches “Remember the other night I told you that I expect the men that work for me to put an honest day’s work in and if they don’t I tell them their services are no longer needed and I send them packing.”
“I remember,” Heath answers.
“Okay” Nick then mentions “I let them go because not only are their services no longer needed but they did something wrong and very bad and I” raising his voice slightly “Won’t put up with that kind of stuff here” he watches as Heath gets a little uneasy and averts his eyes back down at the ground again then looks towards the scenery that is there but continues his talking “Now up until the other night I wasn’t really doing all the right things myself and because of that Sam and Austin also tried pulling a fast one. In fact they did pull a fast one when they didn’t bother to show up for their shift the night you and Barrett were up at the West Ridge patrolling and Barrett left you there all night by yourself. They should’ve gone and relieved you and Barrett but they didn’t. Instead they decided to spend the night in town and I guess they enjoyed themselves. They thought no one would notice. And in some ways they were right. I didn’t notice, I didn’t know anything about it until I had a full talk with Duke.”
Heath looking back up at Nick listens intently as he resumes, “Now even though they did wrong and didn’t put in an honest day’s work in I decided to give them a second chance. If you’re wondering why is because some of the reason is, if I was running this ranch the way I was supposed to then they would never have pulled that off. But seeing I wasn’t, I decided to let it slide this one time.”
“However letting Wheeler and Deak go is something else” Nick brings up watching as Heath once again turns away before looking back over at him as he speaks “First, they lied about what happened last Saturday with that incident with you when I thought you hurt the little girl Chrissy and locked you in the springhouse” once again Heath looks away “Heath” Nick then says “It’s okay, I assure you, look at me” he then says and waits patiently until Heath faces him again.
“Now the reason” Nick resumes “I let them go is because first, not only had they lied about what happened the second reason is their being here bothers you and for some reason I get the feeling that they could or are a possible threat to you. Now I don’t know what it is they did to you or what kind of work you really did with them up at their ranch and maybe down the road you will tell me but for right now I need to follow my gut feelings and something inside me tells me that whatever it is they did goes deeper than what you’ve told me. And I won’t put up with anyone hurting you or trying to hurt you as they already tried once. I also made you a promise that if I ever meet any of those who have hurt you I will take care of them, when I did. And they just so happen to be the first I met or know that have so this is just the beginning. You understand?”
“Some,” Heath replies.
“Talk to me Heath,” Nick says.
“Don’t know what to say,” Heath brings up.
“You don’t have to say anything” Nick says “I’m saying it. I want you to know that even though I apologized to you already I want to do it again and tell you that I made a terrible mistake when it all first happened. I didn’t bother looking into any of what took place I didn’t know any of the facts and only saw what I thought I wanted to see and just had you tossed into the springhouse. And for that” Heath continues looking at Nick “I truly am sorry” in between him talking and their eating their lunch.
“As I told you numerous times already I will tell you again that I will never, ever do that to you again and you’re being my brother makes you far more important to me than anybody on this ranch except for the rest of the family of course,” Nick continues, “They are important to me too. Your needs come before anybody else’s and that includes anybody who is working here.”
“The ranch comes second,” Nick states, “And then anything else afterwards. I don’t know if you fully are understanding all of what I am telling you but that’s okay, one day you will. I already told you that I’ve accepted you as my brother and I meant it. But if you weren’t my brother and you were just working here I would still have the same responsibility to you too; that means I should and will be there for you when something should happen just like I am there for the rest of the men that work for me, if something should come up. You understand?”
“Some,” Heath answers.
“Now the reason I am telling you all of this again is,” Nick says, “First to clear the air, I also want you to hear anything and everything from me, and secondly is because that’s how I am I like leveling and being honest and open with you. That’s how I operate, if I have something to say I rather you heard it straight from me. Okay?”
Nodding his head, “Okay,” Heath replies.
“Good,” Nick says and after eating their lunch for a few minutes in silence with Heath following what Nick is doing and Nick brings up, “Heath, I was wondering something. Yesterday, you were telling me that you worked in the mines when you were six.”
“I did,” Heath replies.
“How old were you when you worked for the Wheelers?” Nick wanted to know.
“Eighteen,” Heath replies.
“And,” Nick brings up, “You worked for them for a while, isn’t that right?”
“It is,” Heath admits.
After a few more bites of their sandwiches and taking sips of their drinks Nick then asks, “Heath, what happened when you worked for the Wheelers?”
Puzzled Heath mimics, “What happened?”
“Yes,” Nick reiterates, “You mentioned something about when you worked for them that your uncle set it up for you.”
“He did,” Heath answers.
“You said Mr. Moore and Mr. Wells took you there,” Nick states.
“They did,” Heath replies.
“How did you travel?” Nick wanted to know.
“By wagon,” Heath states.
“They took you by wagon?” Nick asks with Heath replying, “They did.”
“And then what?” Nick asks.
“They left me there,” Heath replies, “And rode off.”
“What kind of work did you do for them?” Nick inquires.
“Anything given,” Heath replies, “Work in fields, help with the crops, clean out stalls in barn, worked in house at times, stack hay, roll hay into balls.”
“You also said you slept out in the barn,” Nick asks, “Why did you do that?”
“Had to,” Heat explains, “My kind belongs there.”
“They called you that?” Nick wanted to know with Heath replying, “They did.”
“Didn’t they have a bunkhouse for you to sleep in?” Nick asks.
“No,” Heath replies.
“If they had a ranch,” Nick mentions, “Then they must’ve had more help working for them than just you, Wheeler and Deak.”
“They did,” Heath replies.
“And where did they sleep?” Nick asks.
“Some slept in barn,” Heath replies, “Like I did, others slept in bunkhouse.”
“Did your uncle,” Nick inquires, “Know they had you sleeping out in the barn?”
“Not sure,” Heath replies.
“What about your mama,” Nick asks, “Did she know?”
“Not know,” Heath answers.
“Heath,” Nick then says, “You keep saying that you had to work for them.”
“I did,” Heath replies, “Have to,” getting a little defensive.
Carefully, Nick says, “I know you did,” noticing the defensive tone in his answer, “Take it easy Heath. Does it bother you that I ask you questions about them or are you alright with it?”
“No,” Heath replies, “You ask, I tell.”
“Heath” Nick reiterates “That is not the question I asked” being a little more forceful, a little more direct he asks “Does it bother you that I am asking you these questions?”
Looking away Heath shrugs his shoulders, then looks to the ground before returning his gaze to Nick and answering, “Some.”
“How about if we stop for now then,” Nick suggests.
“I like,” Heath replies.
They stop talking and resume finishing their sandwiches. As they start on their cake, Heath once again is eating the cake first and saving the frosting for last. Nick watching lets out little chuckles in between. After a few bites they wash it down with sips of their drinks.
Glancing over at Heath “Heath,” Nick says “I’m sorry for getting a little forceful with you just now. I just wanted to try to find out what was going inside your head and the only way to do that was for you to talk to me, however seeing it bothers you then I won’t pressure you. I want you to feel comfortable with talking to me and wanting to talk to me. Am I making sense?”
Slowly looking over at Nick, “You are,” Heath admits.
“Heath” Nick says “Let me ask you one more question and then I will stop okay? Besides, we have to be getting back to work anyway.”
“Sure Nick,” Heath replies.
“I know that you had to work there and I know that you were brought there by Mr. Wells and Mr. Moore but,” Nick asks, “How did you stop working for them?”
“Not sure of it all” Heath explains “But Sheriff Hawkins came by with some men and took me and a couple others to his home. Stayed there for a while but then he took me home to Mama.”
“What happened at the Wheelers after that” Nick wanted to know “To Wheeler’s Father?”
“Don’t know,” Heath answers.
“While you worked for the Wheelers” Nick asks “Did you ever go home to see your mama?”
Shaking his head “No” Heath replies firmly.
“They didn’t let you go home at all?” Nick inquires, “Not even for any holidays?”
“No,” Heath answers again.
“So” Nick says “The only time that you went home was when Sheriff Hawkins brought you there?”
Nodding his head, “Uh-huh,” Heath replies.
“Heath” Nick goes on to say “If you worked for the Wheelers for a while as you said, right now I don’t know really how long that is but from what I gathered by listening to you and what I got out of Deak and Wheeler must mean you worked for them several years back but it would also seem to me that you didn’t get to see your mama that often or for quite some time while you worked for them.”
Shaking his head, “I didn’t,” Heath answers.
Exhaling heavily “Okay” Nick then says “How about if we stop now and talk some more later?”
“I like that,” Heath admits.
After finishing their cake and the rest of their lunch Nick followed by Heath wipes the dirt off the back of their pants. Watching in amusement as Heath is doing what he’s doing, Nick lets out a little chuckle but keeps whatever is going on inside his head to himself.
Returning their lunch containers to their saddlebags, they retrieve their tools and go back to working side by side as they resume installing the new fence.
Part 8-3
Back at the house Jarrod walks into the kitchen to find out how his mother and Silas are doing with preparing foods for them to take. As he is idly watching them he asks, “Do you need any help?”
“No,” Victoria replies, “We have it. Go back to what you were doing. Are you almost packed?”
“Almost” Jarrod says “I should be finished by the time Nick and Heath come through the door.”
“We should be too,” Victoria mentions.
Looking over at the small bowl on the counter “What’s in here?” Jarrod asks.
“Frosting” Victoria says “Heath likes it and I thought you could bring it with you up to the cabin for him.”
“Nice idea,” Jarrod brings up, “Oh, do you think you could pack some ice?”
“For the margaritas?” Victoria asks.
“Yes,” Jarrod replies, “I want to try to make them again.”
“Very well,” Victoria informs him, “I’ll have it ready for your trip.”
Replying, “Thank you,” Jarrod heads back up the stairs.
Meanwhile back up at the North Pasture Nick realizing what time it is has Heath stopping and after walking him over to a nearby tree he has him reluctantly taking a nap. Bobby brings over a blanket in which he graciously accepts to cover Heath up with.
As Heath is sitting there looking about he eventually closes his eyes and falls asleep. Noticing “Nick” Bobby informs him “He’s asleep.”
“Good!” Nick replies, “He is proving to be one stubborn Barkley.”
“Is that a good thing?” Bobby wanted to know.
“It is” Nick notes “It also shows he is indeed a Barkley, we all have a stubbornness streak inside of us, which makes us who and what we are.”
Coming home from school Audra is met and greeted by Ciego coming out of the barn. As she is dismounting he offers to take care of White Cloud for her in which she graciously accepts. Handing over the reins to Ciego, Audra proceeds up the walk and upon opening the front door she calls out, “Mother.”
“In here Audra,” Victoria calls out from the kitchen.
After coming into the kitchen and exchanging good afternoon kisses Victoria asks “how was school?’
“Good,” Audra replies.
“Where is Gene?” Victoria asks.
“He’ll be here shortly” Audra says “He had to stay a few minutes after school.”
“Why?” Victoria asks.
“He didn’t turn in one of his assignments” Audra explains “So she had him stay and do it” observing the various prepared foods “Is all this for their trip?”
“Yes,” Victoria replies.
Looking at the fried chicken being cooked “Looks good” Audra comments.
“Would you like us to have it for dinner tonight?” Victoria asks.
“I would,” Audra admits, “Yes.”
“Very well” Victoria says “That is what we will have for dinner. Let me just finish working on the rest of what they will need and then I could work on what we will be having.”
“Want any help?” Audra offers.
“No, I have it,” Victoria then asks, “Do you have any homework?”
“A little,” Audra answers.
“Then,” Victoria insists, “How about going upstairs and work on that, dinner won’t be ready for another couple hours or so.”
Replying “Yeah okay” Audra goes up the stairs using the back stairwell.
Reaching Jarrod’s room and seeing the door opened she knocks once to which he responds upon hearing it “Come in” and looking over he sees her walk in.
After exchanging hellos Jarrod asks, “Did you just get home?”
“I did,” Audra then says, “Could you use some help with what you’re doing?”
Motioning to her “I could never say no to a pretty face” Jarrod responds “Come on in” and she walks in.
Up at the North Pasture while the men are hard at work Heath finally awakens from his little nap. Noticing Chad informs Nick who quickly goes over to him and says, “Well sleepyhead, you finally awake?”
Wiping the sand from his eyes, “I am,” Heath answers.
“You feel better?” Nick inquires with Heath replying, “Feel fine Nick.”
“Would you like some more sleep or would you like to get up?” Nick asks.
“Get up,” Heath quickly answers.
Offering his hand “Then,” Nick says, “Come on” as he helps him up.
Taking the blanket Nick places it in the back of the wagon; Heath, going with Nick grabs a couple of slats, a hammer and some nails, resumes helping with erecting the fence.
Coming home from school Gene after taking care of Thunder walks in the front door and from there into the kitchen where he sees Victoria and Silas hard at work placing food prepared for the food basket that is on the table.
Watching as they are adding several pieces of cake into it “Mmm” he comments “That looks good.”
Informing him “We’ll have some of this later” Victoria then asks “How was school?”
“Okay,” Gene replies.
“Audra tells me,” Victoria brings up, “You had to stay late because you didn’t turn in one of your assignments.”
“I thought I did them all,” Gene notes, “But I guessed I missed one.”
“Do you have any homework today?” she asks.
“I do,” Gene replies, “Where’s Jarrod?”
“Upstairs in his room,” Victoria mentions, “Getting ready for tonight.”
“I wish I could go with them,” Gene says.
“And you know you can’t,” she reminds him.
“If it weren’t for school,” Gene mumbles.
“Sorry Gene,” Victoria says, “There’ll be other trips you could go on with them. Why don’t you go upstairs and see if you could help Jarrod with packing or go and start your homework.”
Replying, “Okay,” Gene goes up the back stairwell.
“Master Gene,” Silas says, “Would really like to go with them?”
“He would,” Victoria replies, “But he can’t miss school. He’ll just have to wait for another time.”
“Right now,” Silas notes, “He doesn’t see it that way, he wants to go now.”
“I know,” Victoria says, “But he’ll get over it. How’s the chicken coming along?”
Checking on it, “Almost done,” Silas responds.
After going up the back stairwell Gene walks down the hallway and upon reaching Jarrod’s room walks in and as he calls out to him he also sees Audra assisting with rolling up the last bedroll.
Jarrod turning to him replies, “Hi Gene,” and quickly turning to Audra says, “Audra, thanks for your assistance.”
Replying “No problem,” Audra goes out the door.
Watching as Jarrod is tinkering around with one of the fishing poles, “Jarrod,” Gene asks, “Did you change your mind about me going along with you?”
“No Gene, I haven’t,” Jarrod says sternly, “You have school and that is the end of it. When we go on another trip and there isn’t any school, then perhaps, but for this trip it’s just going to be myself, Nick and Heath.”
Letting out “Darn!” Gene then noticing the fishing pole leaning against the wall asks, “Is that my fishing pole?”
“It is,” Jarrod replies, “Heath doesn’t have one so we’ll be borrowing yours.”
“Isn’t that my bedroll?” Gene noticing one of them on the floor.”
“It is,” Jarrod says.
“Don’t tell me,” Gene retorts, “It’s for Heath.”
“That’s right,” Jarrod states.
“Doesn’t he have one of his own?” Gene wanted to know.
“He does,” Jarrod admits, “But his is a little worn out, I took a look at it. Would you like to help with getting the fishing pole ready?”

Replying, “No thank you,” Gene quickly turns around and goes out the door with his hands crossed.
Up at the North Pasture realizing what time it is Nick decides to call it a day.
As he is wiping the sweat from off his forehead with the back of his sleeve Davy says, “That’s a switch Nick.”
“Yeah,” Chad joins in with, “I must say I’m a little shocked myself.”
“I have my reasons,” Nick informs them, “Heath and I will be going away tonight and will be gone until Sunday.”
“Oh yeah?” Ron says with Bobby asking, “Where you going?”
“Just to the cabin” Nick explains “With Jarrod. Duke will be on hand to run things while I’m gone, but before I go I want to pay all of you so I thought we could stop now and get a head start on everything before it gets too dark.”
“Good idea,” Bobby replies.
“Come on Heath,” Nick turns and says to him who replies, “Sure Nick.”
As the men stop working they all pitch in hitching up the team to the wagon and placing all the materials and tools into the back of the wagon. After saddling up Coco Nick mounts up and says, “Okay fellas, I’ll stop by in a little bit and give you your pays.”
“Sure Nick,” they each reply with Chad adding, “We’ll see you back at the bunkhouse,” as they mount up.
Once they leave Nick has Heath driving the wagon back to the house while he rides alongside of him on Coco.
Up by the paddock while Gene is kicking the dirt around with his foot Oscar comes over to him and says, “Gene, what’s up with you?”
Angrily he answers, “Nothing.”
“You have a bad day at school?” Oscar wanted to know with Gene replying, “No.”
“Did something happen in the house?” Oscar inquires.
“Kind of,” Gene says.
“You want to talk about it?” he asks.
“No,” Gene replies.
Shrugging his shoulders, “Okay,” Oscar says, “Suit yourself” and then walks away. Gene continues kicking the dirt about.
While Audra is upstairs in her room quietly doing her homework Heath and Nick return from the North Pasture. Reaching the barn Nick takes care of the wagon while Heath goes inside the house.
Watching as Heath heads up the walk Barrett and Oscar come over to Nick and upon saying, “Mr. Barkley,” Nick replies, “Hello Barrett; Oscar.”
“You’re home early,” Oscar brings up.
“I am yes,” Nick says, “Decided to call it a day a little earlier than normal.”
“Yes, we see that,” Oscar notes, “This is so unusual. I know you usually work right until it’s time to stop.”
“That is true,” Nick admits, “But tonight I have plans.”
“Are you going into town?” Barrett wanted to know.
“No,” Nick replies, “Just getting ready to do a little bonding with our newest brother.”
“Newest brother?” Oscar asks puzzled.
“Yes,” Nick responds, “Heath.”
Exchanging glances, “I thought,” Barrett brings up, “You said he was no brother of yours.”
“I did,” Nick admits, “But at the time I wasn’t thinking too clearly about much of anything, I had other things clouding up my head. But he is my brother. Good day fellas, I’ll see you in a little bit to bring you your pays.”
“Our pays?” Oscar asks.
“Yes” Nick replies “I will be paying you tonight instead of tomorrow seeing I won’t be here.”
“Sure thing Mr. Barkley” Barrett says as Nick continues on towards the barn.
Heading for the bunkhouse “Did you hear what he said Barrett?” Oscar asks “His brother?” in disbelief.
“I heard him,” Barrett says.
Shaking his head “I don’t believe it” Oscar repeats “I just don’t believe it” as he closes the door behind him.
Part 8-4
As Heath is coming up the walk Silas noticing quickly opens the door and welcomes him in. Returning the greeting Heath says, “Good afternoon Silas.”
Silas brings up, “You remembered.”
“I did,” Heath answers.
Placing his right hand on Heath’s left shoulder, “Good for you,” Silas praising him says.
Just then coming in from the kitchen “Heath” Victoria says “You’re home early,” as Silas walks away.
“It was Nick’s idea,” Heath mentions, “He said to stop.”
“Where is Nick?” Victoria asks.
“Putting wagon away,” Heath answers, “Told me to go inside.”
“How was your day?” Victoria inquires.
“Fine, um,” Heath replies, “Mother.”
“Are you still a little nervous about tonight?” Victoria asks.
“Somewhat,” Heath replies.
“Heath,” Victoria suggests, “Why don’t you go upstairs? I bought you a few more things I thought you could use. Take a look at them and if you will try them on come down stairs so I could see how they look on you.”
Replying, “Yes Mother,” Heath goes up the stairs while Victoria returns to the kitchen.
Going into his room and upon noticing the new clothing displayed neatly on the bed Heath crosses to the bed and as he picks up one of the new shirts and looks at it, he hears a knock on the door followed by, “Heath,” Jarrod’s voice on the other side, “Could I come in? It’s Jarrod.”
“Come in,” Heath says.
Walking in, “I heard you were home,” Jarrod mentions, “I packed your things for you, hope you didn’t mind.”
“Not mind Jarrod,” Heath replies.
“I see you’re admiring the clothes Mother bought for you,” Jarrod says.
“Your mother,” Heath reiterates, “Told me to take a look at them, try them on so she could see how they look on me.”
“Well,” Jarrod says, “Better do as Mother says and then when you’re done come down to my room so I could show you what I have packed, okay?”
“Okay,” Heath replies.
As he reaches for the doorway, “Oh Heath,” Jarrod says.
“Yes Jarrod?” Heath asks.
“I just noticed,” Jarrod brings up, “That you said my mother instead of just Mother.”
“I did,” Heath admits.
“I don’t know if you are aware of it or not” Jarrod says “But she is now your mother too. Now I know she’s not the mother who gave birth to you and I know your Mother is no longer here and that Mother could never take her place in which she’s not trying to but she has accepted and taken you in as one of her own, as one of us; so that means she is now your mother, just as she is our mother, which means you could just say Mother instead of my mother, okay?”
Nodding his head, “Okay,” Heath replies.
“Is that alright?” Jarrod asks of Heath who answers, “It is.”
“Very good” smiling “I will leave you alone now to do what you were doing,” Jarrod tells him, “When you finish just come down to my room.”
Replying “I will” Heath watches as Jarrod goes out the door. Then turning to the clothing he begins removing what he is wearing and trying on the new items, starting with the first shirt he picked up.
Seconds later Nick coming into the house walks into the kitchen and after exchanging how everything is going, Victoria answers, “Just about done, Nick. As soon as Silas finishes crushing the ice and places them into the basket alongside of the strawberries you will be ready to travel.”
“Something tells me,” Nick brings up, “That Big Brother Jarrod is planning to make our younger brother Heath a margarita up at the cabin.”
“Yes,” Victoria says, “He packed the bottles he will be taking with him. But Nick do me a favor will you?”
“What’s that,” Nick asks.
“Try taking it easy on the drinking,” Victoria insists, “I know you and Jarrod want to show Heath a good time but for right now I don’t think his getting drunk is a good idea. I know you will do some drinking, but please do it in moderation, alright?”
Nodding his head, “We will,” Nick vows, “Let me just go see how the brothers are coming along and once I finish paying the men and change we will be on our way.”
Placing her right hand on the left side of his cheek, “You do that,” Victoria tells him who then heads up the back stairwell.
Going down the hallway Nick stops off at Jarrod’s. After they finish greeting one another Jarrod says, “I see you and Heath are done for the day.”
“We are yes,” Nick answers, “I figured the sooner we get back the sooner we could leave. It is quite a hike from here.”
“It is,” Jarrod states, “That is why I wanted us to leave as early as possible.”
“Is everything packed?” Nick wanted to know.
“Yes” Jarrod says “Just waiting on you and Heath and then we could be off.”
“Where is Heath?” Nick asks.
“Probably in his room,” Jarrod says.
“Let me see how he’s coming along,” Nick replies, “And then after I pay the men we could head out.”
“Go ahead,” Jarrod tells him. Upon leaving the room Nick goes down the hall to Heath’s room.
Knocking at the door he hears, “Come in,” from Heath and upon walking in asks, “What are you doing?”
“Trying these on,” Heath mentions as he is seated on the bed trying the new pants on.
Looking at the salmon colored shirt and tan colored pants he is now zipping up “Hey” Nick comments “They look nice on you Heath,” looking over at the rest of the folded items on the bed asks, “Did Mother buy you all these?”
“She did,” Heath confirms, “She told me to look at them, try them on and then come downstairs so she could see how they look.”
Picking up the hat, “Here,” Nick suggests, “Why don’t you try this on?”

Taking it and after placing it on his head Nick says, “Very nice Heath. Mother has good taste in clothes. Why don’t you go downstairs and show her how nice they look on you. And then, why don’t you just leave them on and you could wear them up to the cabin?”
“I could do that Nick,” Heath replies.
“I’ll be right back,” Nick tells him.
After he walks out Heath sits back down on the bed and puts his boots on. Minutes later Heath goes down to the kitchen where Victoria is busy cleaning up from the cooking she was doing and upon noticing him wearing the new clothing she says “They fit?” as she looks him over.
“Yes um,” Heath replies, “Mother.”
Fixing up the collar on the shirt “How do they feel?” she asks.
“Feels fine,” Heath answers.
Coming into the room next Silas looking at the new clothing “Mr. Heath,” he says, “They look alright on you,” very pleased Heath replies, “Thank you.”
“Did you manage to try them all on?” Victoria wanted to know.
“No” Heath replies “Just the shirt, pants and hat and” showing her “The socks.”
“You could always try the others on at a later time,” Victoria mentions, “You don’t have to do it now. I am sure they will fit well too.”
“Yes um,” Heath standing there says, “Um, excuse me, (pausing) Mother.”
“Yes Heath?” Victoria smiling as he calls her that replies.
“Is it alright I go,” he inquires, “Jarrod wanted me to see him in his room once I am done here.”
“Go ahead Heath,” Victoria says to him.
After thanking her Heath goes up the back stairwell.
Silas then brings up, “He’s actually calling you Mother.”
“He is yes, Silas,” Victoria notes.
“You sure do like that,” Silas asks, “Don’t cha?”

Grinning from ear to ear “Very much so” she pleasingly admits.
Returning the gesture, “I could see that,” Silas states.
Coming to the door of Jarrod’s bedroom Heath knocks and upon hearing, “Enter,” from Jarrod walks in.
“I’m here Jarrod,” Heath announces, “Done with Mother; done showing her the shirt, pants and hat.”
“Very good,” Jarrod asks, “Do you want to see what I have packed for us?”
Replying “Sure” Heath looks over at Jarrod who shows him first the bed rolls.
Seated in the bunkhouse Nick is handing out the pays to the men lined up. As they each come forward he jots down the amount in the ledger he has before him and after they sign their names they take their pay envelopes.
After Ron receives his he asks of Bobby who is right behind him, “Bobby are you ready to go into town?”
Placing his money in his pocket, “Now, I am,” he replies.
Just as Bobby is about to leave with Ron Nick calls out to him, “Bobby, could you stick around for a minute or two? I would like to talk to you.”
Replying, “Sure Nick,” Bobby turns and says to Ron, “I’ll be right with you.”
“Okay” Ron answers and goes out the door while Bobby remains and waits for Nick. Once everyone has been paid Chad looks about and asks of Nick “Where are Wheeler and Deak? I don’t see them and haven’t seen them all day.”
As he closes the ledger, “They no longer work here,” Nick mentions.
Surprised, “They don’t?” Chad asks.
“No,” Nick sternly answers.
“Mr. Barkley,” Oscar joins in and asks, “Why don’t they?”
Getting up “I have my reasons,” Nick mentions, “And that is all I am going to say on the issue. I will see you all on Monday if you have any questions or problems see Duke, he will be on hand to take care of them.”
Crossing to the door, “Oh,” Nick quickly says, “Before I go, there is something I want to tell you.”
“What’s that Mr. Barkley?” Jim asks with Barrett saying, “Yes Mr. Barkley?”
“Could you all stop calling me Mr. Barkley?” he insists.
“Stop calling you Mr. Barkley?” comes from Johnny as he looks at each of the others all exchanging similar surprising expressions.
Hank inquires, “How would you like us to address you?”
“Just call me Nick,” he tells them.
“Last week,” Jim reminds him, “You told us to call you Mr. Barkley.”
“I know that” Nick reiterates “But at the time I told you that I wasn’t thinking too clearly. I had other things on my mind. I was wrong for treating you the way I have been. You’re a nice group of men that work here for me and I just want us to all go back to how it was before I started getting crazy and started barking at everyone. So please, just call me by my name. Address me as Nick, just as you had before.”
“Sure Nick” some of the men shrug their shoulders as they respond.
“Oh” Nick then brings up “On Monday we will be having a meeting at 6. We will talk further then.”
As the men begin to scatter and go their separate ways Duke going over to Nick and after placing his hand on his shoulder tells him, “Nick, much better. When you get back I want to hear how it all went.”
“I’ll be sure to tell you,” Nick then turns and says to Bobby, “Bobby, come with me.”
Going with him out the door, “Nick,” Bobby asks, “What is it?”
“Nothing bad I assure you,” Nick informs him “It’s just I want to thank you for what you did for Heath on Sunday as well as every day since.”
“No problem Nick,” Bobby replies, “I was just being a friend.”
Going inside the barn “You were doing more than that” Nick tells him and as he removes two more dollars from his pocket “Here” handing them to him.
Taking them from him, “What’s this,” Bobby asks.
“A little something extra for what you did,” Nick mentions.
“You don’t have to do this,” Bobby mentions.
“I want to do this” Nick says “Just a little extra thank you; a little appreciation for what you did.”
With a smile “Well alright Nick” Bobby then asks as he is placing the money into his pocket, “Are you and Heath alright now?”
“Very much so,” Nick states, “You could go now; thanks for everything.”
“Certainly,” Bobby and Nick exchange good days and after exiting the barn Bobby goes to catch up with Ron coming out of the bunkhouse.

TBC