Jarrod hurried down the street, into the hotel where the woman now known simply as Barbara was staying, and up the stairs. His mind on the past forty eight hours and the news he now brought.
"You're right, Jarrod." Barbary Red, who had snuck away from the saloon and rode like the wind to the Barkley ranch, stood in the study talking to Jarrod. "Your brother and his friends were shanghaied, but I swear, I was afraid," she paused and then said, "am afraid, of what Jack will do to me. I mean, can tell you many stories of the man and his criminal activities."
Jarrod's heart had jumped at her confession, and then he'd reassured her with everything he had that he'd fight to keep her out of jail and that he'd do what he could to protect her if she'd only help them get Nick back. He was elated when she'd agreed to help. He'd sent Heath for the sheriff and within the hour, they had the warehouse surrounded with men just waiting for Thatcher and Barbary, who had went back promising to make sure Thatcher did not change his plans and simply send someone else to get Nick and the man, to arrive. She had kept her end of the deal; they had Nick back, and Thatcher was behind bars. Now, to deliver her the rest of the good news he had.
Barbara, who would have been sitting in a cell at the jail had it not already been full, heard the knock on the door and hesitated to answer. She was half afraid one of Thatcher's men had found out that the man who had been posted outside her locked door was not making sure she didn't escaped, but rather was guarding her against the likes of men who worked in the shanghaiing business. Only when Jarrod called out her name, did she find the strength to move across the room and open the door. Jarrod quickly stepped inside, shut the door and relocked it.
"Well?" She asked, wanting to know desperately that he had succeeded in keeping her from doing any jail time.
Jarrod smiled wide and took her in his arms. "I told you I wanted desperately for us to have a chance together." He then smiled wider, "If you want, we have that chance. In exchange for the help you gave us, and your testimony that you'll have to give during Thatcher's trial, no charges will be brought against you. And," he held her close, "for your own protection, after the trial you'll be free to change your name, your appearance and place of residence. If you're interested, I know a few places you could choose from."
A genuine happy smile spread across Barbara's face. She hadn't felt this happy in a long time. Though, she was still afraid of Thatcher and his men. "Will I continue to be guarded until after the trial, until I get a chance to relocate?"
"Yes, however," Jarrod ran his hand down the side of her face, "to ensure there's no chance of anything slipping, I've let the guard outside think things didn't go the way we hoped, and that he's to make sure you don't escape. That is, once he gets back from his break. I told him I had been given permission to guard you for a couple of hours." His eyes were sparkling as he spoke.
Barbara grinned mischievously, glanced at the door and then back at Jarrod. "And just what do you plan on doing for two hours?" She looked back at Jarrod and asked softly.
"Everything and anything, I promise." he answered just as quietly as he lay her down. It was a promise he was to keep time and time again as he and Barbara, who later changed her name to Mary, married and spent many years together.