Insomnia kept at him on the third night. It seemed Jarrod's room resembled a crypt in which his shuffling feet now paced. More and more, the scent of dank earth filled his nostrils, even though Silas had paid special attention to his room in making sure everything was aired and thoroughly cleaned. And now, tonight, he sensed death-a rat had perhaps gotten trapped in the walls and had died-or perhaps something bigger...a snake. That was the thing that kept at him-and it would only get worse. Today, he would dig out the walls to find the carcass and dispose of it just to get some sleep.
The break at home was meant as a respite from the pressure of his classes and the crush of looming finals. But this stay with his family only darkened his mood. Even Nick seemed to feel it, though they had not said a word to each other on the matter. Jarrod could see it in his face, the darkness, the haunted, sleepless look. When their eyes met, Jarrod was certain Nick saw the same in him.
Jarrod paused at the window. A light caught his attention, one that hadn't been there before. He pushed the curtains aside and leaned on the windowsill. Yes, a light was on in the stable and it moved as if someone carried a lantern. The clock had already struck three. No man should be down there at this hour.
He quickly dressed and shoved his feet into shoes and stealthily descended the stairs. A burst of cold air hit him as he stepped onto the porch. A figure in dark clothes hung the lantern on the stable wall and led a horse outside.
"Nick..." Jarrod said as he rushed to his brother. "Nick!" The wind whipped at his open shirt, leaves skittered along the ground. "What are you doing? Where are you going this time of night?"
Nick only looked at him and muttered. "You know." He tied off his horse and stalked back into the stable.
Jarrod followed. "No, I don't know!"
Grabbing a coiled rope from the hook, Nick slung it on his shoulder. "You really have forgotten." His eyes, though tired held a dangerous light in them. "It might be easier for you to leave it behind. You've been at Berkeley, off studying law, keeping your head filled with the workings of man. I'm still here. This land is my life. It tells me things most men don't hear. Maybe that's why he keeps at me night and day."
"Who?" Jarrod asked. "Father?"
Nick shook his head. "No." He stepped around his brother. "Best you come with me. He wants us both."
"Who does?" Jarrod demanded, but Nick didn't answer. "Who wants us both, Nick?"
Nick glanced over his shoulder. "The Bones, Jarrod. Just listen."
But Jarrod only heard the whisper of the trees, the creak in the loft, the light stamping of a hoof.
Mounting Coco, Nick said, "Are you coming with me? or aren't you?"
"What?" Jarrod turned and there was Jingo, saddled and ready, just waiting in the stall.
"I took the liberty of tacking him up for you. I figured you'd want to come along." Nick shoved on his hat, firmly against the wind. "A man will do anything, won't he? For a bit of shut-eye?"
"How long have you been out here?" Jarrod asked as he took Jingo's reigns.
"I've been down here all night. I never slept." Nick added with a haunting laugh. "Know the feeling?"
Jarrod buttoned down his shirt, the breeze was getting too cold now, and he mounted his horse. "Let's go." he said. Though he did not know where his brother would lead him on this chilling night, but somewhere deep down Jarrod felt the shadow of truth lying dormant within him.