Author's Notes: It's me! I'm still alive! It has been a while since I have posted. I have been meaning to, I just haven't had inspiration. But this little story has been sitting on my computer begging to be finished. So by posting the first chapter, I hope to spur myself to start posting again! haha I have also been working hard on finishing my very first novel. I hope to have that finished by the end of the year and start working on how to get it published! YIKES! but fun!
Summary: Heath runs into an old friend, who leaves him gravely injured and kidnaps Audra. Victoria and Nick are tasked with caring for Heath and figuring out a way to contact Jarrod, the doctor and the Marshalls to retrieve the youngest female Barkley and keep Heath alive.
Longest Night
Chapter 1: Rough Ride
Victoria, Nick, Audra and Heath were traveling to Ironwood City for the purchase of a prized cattle. They were accompanied by two other passengers. Audra begged Nick to let them make it a family outing to which he easily gave into her. He knew she also wanted to look at the new dresses and meet with a friend who lived in Ironwood. Nick had to admit, they had been so busy lately that being with the family would be refreshing.
They had wired Jarrod that they would meet him in Ironwood after the purchase of the cattle. Jarrod had informed them through a telegram that he had made reservations for them at a fancy new restaurant. This way they could have some quality family time together.
The thought of spending time together, made the tiresome trip bearable. Nick growled quietly; the driver seemed to find every single pothole. Victoria fanned away the warmth and Audra laid her head on Heath's shoulder with a sigh. She wished they could somehow get to Ironwood faster.
Everyone in the stagecoach jumped suddenly upon hearing rapid shooting in the distance. The stage lurched forward at a faster pace. Heath switched spots with his sister and peered out the window.
"What is it?" Nick asked urgently.
Heath cursed under his breath then turned back to the passengers who no doubt heard him, "Trouble," Heath pulled out his revolver and began defending the stage.
Nick went to the other window, as the others ducked, and began firing.
They were inevitably overtaken by five men proudly showing their faces and the stagecoach surrendered to a halt. "Everybody out! Out!" one of the bandits bellowed.
Nick gritted his teeth as he stepped out first – sort of as a defensive barrier between the bandits and the ladies. The Barkley women and the female passenger, Mrs. Connolly, filed out. Next Mr. Hurley, the male passenger, followed and stood next to Nick. Heath was the only one to linger before being the last to exit. He kept his head down and stood off to the side and close to the stage.
"All right, Slim, get the money box," the lone rider still on his mount called out, "Perry, check their pockets for any valuables."
The two delegated men began obeying orders. Perry grinned when he got to Audra, "Aren't you something pretty."
Heath instinctively took a step in front of her. Perry eyed him up and down then put the barrel of his weapon against his chest as he relieved Heath of his wallet.
"Land sakes almighty," the rider on top of his horse called out, "Do my eyes deceive me?" he dismounted and walked up to the youngest male Barkley, "Heath? Is it really you?"
Every eye turned with surprise at the blond cowboy. Heath only stared the leader in the face.
The leader cackled, "Yep! It's Heath, all right. Still as strong and silent as ever. Don't you remember your old pal, Wade?" In an instant, Wade's grin disappeared and he hit Heath across the jaw with the butt of his gun. Victoria grabbed Nick by the arm and the two passengers gasped. Heath spit out blood then faced the leader again, undeterred.
"I believe Wade asked you a question," Perry chuckled.
"And Wade doesn't like to be kept waiting," Slim chimed in.
Heath nodded once, "I remember you."
"I've always hoped to run into you again," he put the tip of the barrel underneath Heath's chin and clicked back the hammer, "so I could blow your brains out," he tilted the blond cowboy's chin upwards with his gun.
"Don't, please," Audra pleaded in extreme terror.
Wade turned to the beautiful blond, then back to his old friend, "She yours?"
"No," Heath responded defiantly.
Mr. Hurley spoke up, "You have what you want, now let us go."
The one called Perry shrugged, "Wade, we got to leave if we want to make it to Calverston on time."
Wade looked Audra up and down with a wicked grin, ignoring his partner's suggestion. "Don't worry, your pretty little head, Missy. I don't do my dirty work in the presence of women." He looked back up at Heath, keeping the barrel under the cowboy's chin, "It's been a real treat, Heath. We'll have to do it again sometime. Reminisce." Wade glanced back at Audra and cracked a toothy grin, "I don't make a habit of taking hostages, but since this one is so pretty and obviously hung up on you, I oughtta show her what a real man is like," in a flash, he snatched Audra and threw her toward his men.
His men then threw her up on Wade's horse as their leader backed up and mounted his horse. The rest of the bandits did the same. "Yes, it's been a real treat!"
Nick and Heath both started for Wade before he took off, but a shot was fired that halted them. Nick saw Heath collapse.
"My parting gift!" he cackled keeping a worried Audra in front of him as he raced down the road.
"Heath!" Victoria dropped to her knees seeing Heath had been shot in the chest.
I should post the next chapter within the next few days. Most of the story is written it just needs polished which isn't as hard as writing hehe thanks for reading and leave a comment! have a great day!
