In the Face of Death

Chapter One

A/N This idea jumped out at me as I was reading the conversation between Nick and Heath in another writer's story on another site. She was kind enough to say I could borrow a few lines from story and twist the ones I needed to in order to make them fit the beginning of this story.

~oOo~

"Why Nick, because of what happened this afternoon?" Heath stood in Nick's room and asked after their mother had left the room. His concern for his hot tempered brother grew even more.

"I could have killed you this afternoon, Heath. You know that. I thought about it. For a split second I could have split your skull with the nearest rock. Next time I just might do it."

"Maybe there won't be a next time." Heath told him.

"Oh come on Heath, we agree not to kid each other." Nick cut him off. Nick looked at Heath and sighed. How he wished he could change things. He couldn't though. However, as he looked at Heath, Nick remembered the promise he'd asked of Heath. Nick knew Heath would keep his word only in that moment Nick was startled to have it hit him full force just what keeping his word would mean to Heath; what the consequences to Heath might be. If Heath kept his promise and he, Nick, did indeed pass away Heath would most likely have to leave the ranch. After all, the family would probably never forgive him for not telling them the truth. "About that promise I had you make. I never should have had you make it. Before I go, I'd like to alter it if you don't mind."

If he minded? Of course he didn't mind! Anything was better than having to leave the family in the dark! Though, Heath was puzzled as he looked at Nick. "Why and in which way?"

Nick explained his thinking, and Heath-who was surprised Nick had actually stopped to think about what the consequences to him could be- agreed he had a point. Nick then began telling him what he wanted him to do. "Give me a week, Heath. Give me time to go check on *Jeannie Price in Willow Springs. After a week, simply go to Jarrod and tell him what happened with the wolf. Tell him I asked you to keep silent for one week, because I didn't want anyone trying to keep me on this ranch when I need to go to Willow Springs. Nick paused and then said, "Tell him you gave me your word you'd do as I asked and then say anything you want."

Heath knew Nick enough to know what he wasn't saying, and he didn't like it. "Where will you go if you don't stay in Willow Springs?" Heath asked; his concern was in his voice.

Nick shook his head and picked up his things. "No, Heath. When Jarrod asks you for more information you will be able to honestly say I refused to give you anymore. Maybe you can say that's why you're talking to him-you're concerned because of my refusal to talk about my plans to you. That way the family can be mad at me, not you. Now, keep an eye on the stallion. Work with him. He's a good one." Nick turned and walked out the door.

Heath felt as if his world had been torn apart as Nick disappeared out of the room. He wanted to force Nick back, make him see there was no need to worry and that all would be all right. Only problem was, he couldn't. He could no more see into the future than Nick could. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath and sighed. He then opened them back up, grateful that Nick had at least altered the promise he'd asked of him. He hadn't been looking forward to keeping quiet for as long as two whole months. As it was, it would be hard to keep his mouth shut for a week. He took a deep breath and started to leave the room when Nick stuck his head back in the door and surprised him by asking him to come with him while he said goodbye to the Audra and Jarrod.

"I don't know if I'm coming back or not, Heath. I've said goodbye to mother, and now I need to at least say goodbye to them also only," Nick fell silent, uncomfortable with the fear that lay inside of him.

After the incident with the stallion, Heath didn't have to be told what his brother was afraid of. "No need to explain," Heath said quietly and then followed Nick out of the room.

~oOo~

Nick didn't know whether it was simply coincidence or what, but Jarrod and Audra were both in the living room when he and Heath walked down the stairs. Only he wasn't about to complain. It would enable him to get away from the house even sooner.

Jarrod, who had actually been talking to Audra about Nick's strange behavior and the unexpected trip he'd decided to take, turned his head when he heard Nick and Heath entering the room. He cornered Nick as he did so. "Mother says you've decided to go to the auction. Why? We don't need any more horses."

"Maybe not, but what will it hurt if I simply look?" Nick did his best to smile. "I just wanted to apologize for snapping at you at lunch. There was no call for it."

Like Victoria, Jarrod just knew there was something Nick and Heath weren't saying. "It's all right. You'd had a long trip. I shouldn't have said anything." He paused and then said, "Are you sure you should be turning around and leaving on yet another one, another trip that is?"

Nick felt his heart being torn in two different directions. If only he knew for sure he wouldn't hurt anyone, only he didn't. With the scene of him hitting Heath, Nick threw Jarrod and smile and told him not to worry about him. Then, smiling at Audra, but speaking to Jarrod, he said, "Though, you might want to keep an eye on baby sis here. I hear around town a number of young gentlemen are looking her way." That statement naturally earned him a playful glare from his sister. "You two take care." He said and then turned around to leave.

"Bye, Nick." Audra said before excusing herself. Once they were alone, Jarrod cornered Heath.

"What's really going on, Heath?" Jarrod hated knowing something was wrong, but not knowing the exact details.

If Heath could have, he would have gone after Nick and hugged and slapped him both. Why did he have to go putting him in this position at all? "You'd have to ask Nick. I can't tell you a thing right now." He quickly turned and left the room, hoping Jarrod's thoughts would be too occupied with Nick to catch the words 'right now', or at least not catch them enough to press the issue.

Jarrod watched Heath leave the room and sighed. He had caught the words right now and, if he thought it would do any good, he would have caught up with Heath and demand that he tell him everything. As it was, he simply walked to the living room window and watched helplessly as Nick rode away from the ranch.

A/N *Jean "Jeanie" Price (Nick says Jeannie, headstone says Jean) is, obviously, not a name I came up with. I'm simply borrowing it from the episode also.