Author's Notes: I NEVER ever thought I would read a modern version of the Barkleys nor write one myself. But I could not get the image of Heath riding a motorcycle instead of a horse out of my mind. Then I thought what if the Barkleys were famous people with their business and dealings with the people in California? The ranch being updated with all the newest technology.

All the main characters are still in their respected fields of business and still hold their old fashion characteristics and morals. I have two added characters that I would like you to imagine as:

Janie Cadwell…..Farrah Fawcett (because I love her and Lee Majors)

Oliver Wendall….David Sheiner (Captain Rizely from S2 Ep11 Iron Box)

Plot: In the midst of Heath plastered all over the news, he is kidnapped and the Barkley family race to find him before his kidnappers overdose him on drugs!

Chapter 1: The Barkleys

Two motorcycles raced along the rural highway; each rider testing and taunting the limits of the other. For an hour they played their game, then ceased when they reached the city limit. They slowed down and obeyed the traffic laws and veered left off the highway down a newly paved road.

A magnificent estate came into view as they passed underneath the elaborate arch above that stated BARKLEY RANCH. As they neared the house they could see the four stately pillars with green ivy wrapping around each pillar.

The riders slowed their speed as they went around behind the house and into the garage that had no less than 10 motorcycles and at least 15 cars. The elder mechanic approached them with a jovial laugh, "Who won this time?"

Audra removed her helmet, shook out her blond locks and pouted, "He cheated."

The other rider took off his helmet and ran a hand through his blond hair. The corner of his mouth twitched upward, "She's a sore loser."

Audra dismounted and handed the bike off to the mechanic, "Wilson, did a package arrive for me today?"

"Where did it come from this time?" Heath asked as he rolled his bike into an empty space just for his particular two-wheeler.

Audra feigned innocence, "Paris."

"You know Nick is going to holler—"

"He doesn't have to know," she gave Wilson a peck on the cheek then went inside with her brother close behind her.

They entered the spacious parlor and Heath dropped his gloves on the round, decorative table in the middle of the room. He shrugged out of his leather jacket and hung it on the coat rack.

"You two are later than we expected," Victoria Barkley called from the living room.

"Hello, Mother," Audra joined the elder Barkley and gave her an affectionate hug.

"How was the trip?" She asked as she received a kiss from her youngest son.

"Game, set and match," Heath took a bite of an apple from the side table next to the large array of alcohol at the bar.

Audra became giddy, "Heath bought the land, signed the papers, and they will start building the school. In a few months, I'll go down and buy all the kids books!"

Victoria smiled, "I'm glad to hear it."

"I don't understand why you two didn't fly down," Nick entered puffing on a cigar.

"Open road, fresh air," Heath tossed his brother a pear.

"Didn't think Audra would make it back in time for the shindig tonight," Nick shook his head at the fruit offered him and tossed it back to his brother.

Audra gasped, "How much time do I have?!"

Nick looked at his wrist watch, "Uh – about 4 hours."

"I hope that's enough time!" she cried earnestly as she raced up the grand staircase.

Nick turned to Heath, "Did she buy a new dress?"

Heath held up his hands.

Nick huffed and stormed toward the bottom of the stairs, "Audra! Another dress!?" he turned back with his hands on his hips and continued to bellow.

"Nick," Victoria chided, "Stop shouting."

Nick obeyed and came back to the living room, "Honestly, that sister of mine."

"How much time do I have to get ready?" Heath mimicked Audra to a degree.

Nick half smiled, "It'd take you longer," he slapped his brother on the back as they lightly laughed.

Victoria grew serious, "Heath, have you been keeping up with the news lately?"

Heath shook his head, "Can't really check while riding. Something wrong?"

Victoria turned on the large flat screen television over the massive fireplace. Images of Heath and the Barkleys appeared on the screen with headlines about the newest member to the Barkley family.

"I thought the news about how you came to join the family had blown over," Victoria crossed her arms.

Nick interjected through gritted teeth as he jabbed a finger at the television, "Oliver Wendall. He's trudged it all up again. Guess he ran out of juicy stories."

"It might be more hectic at the charity event tonight. You know the paparazzi will be there," Victoria stated. "I know you get uncomfortable with these types of things so if you'd like to stay home, Heath, we would understand," she reassured with an affectionate touch on his arm.

Silas came into the living room carrying a silver tray with a glass of iced water and lemon wedges and offered it to the youngest Barkley.

"What do you think about this, Silas?" Heath took a drink from the glass.

Silas looked at the flashing headlines as the muted news anchor relayed the story of Heath and how he abruptly and almost mysteriously came into the family almost two years ago. He frowned, "They should mind their own business, Mr. Heath."

Heath grinned, "Pappa Bear here," he gestured toward Nick, "thinks I should stay home tonight."

"Oliver Wendall," they turned as the slick and sleek Jarrod entered the room.

Heath grimaced, "Never trust a man with two first names."

"He has the city, the whole state in a frenzy over you," Jarrod poured himself a drink from the bar then turned back to his family, "I had a devil of a time dodging them today."

"Are they saying anything more than what we've already read or seen?" Victoria gestured toward the screen.

Jarrod shrugged, "Who is Heath Barkley really? What does he really want with the Barkleys? He's trying to take their fortune. He plans to cause trouble."

"But that is ridiculous. Heath has been with us for almost two years now and has done nothing to back up those claims," Victoria spat back.

Jarrod gestured toward his half-brother, "Well, Heath has never spoken up about it to the public. We've barely touched on the situation to the reporters—"

"As if it's their business," Nick stated.

"Heath is a mystery and everyone loves a mystery," Jarrod took a sip from his glass. "Heath doesn't have to go tonight. And maybe we can calm some waters by having Heath do a small, low-key interview."

After a few moments in thought, Heath shook his head, "No, I worked hard with Audra and Mother on this charity event for the children's hospital. I want to be there. I'll be all right," the corner of his mouth twitched upward in reassurance.

BBBBBBB

Their driver came to a halt in front of the venue. A sea of reporters and journalists were behind the red velvet barrier endlessly flashing their cameras. Fans were also in attendance, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite celebrities who were rumored to make an appearance for the children's hospital.

"Boy, Howdy, should've brought my sunglasses," Heath commented at the repeated flashing lights.

Nick groaned, "Probably give us all glaucoma."

Jarrod shook his head, "They can't give us glaucoma," he could not help but smirk.

"Well, they sure as heck are helping us go blind," Nick reiterated and glanced over at his sister who was putting the last touches on her lips and fluffing her hair. He shook his head.

A man opened their door and Jarrod came out first then helped out his mother and sister. They were gawked at by fans and screams and cheers grew louder when the other Barkley boys stepped out of the limousine. All the Barkley men were known for being extremely handsome and dashing. When Heath Barkley was spotted, security men had to hold back numerous reporters shouting their questions.

"Heath! Heath! How does it feel taking from the Barkleys?"

"Heath Barkley! What do you actually contribute to the Barkley Enterprise?"

"Can you comment on your birth parents, Heath?"

"Heath! Heath Barkley! Are you currently seeing anyone?"

….Were just some of the jabbing questions that they were asking. Nick and Jarrod surrounded the family as they were ushered inside the building.

Inside the venue, the evening progressed and the Barkley family had separated into their circles: Jarrod schmoozed with the wealthy doctors and lawyers and some celebrity friends, Nick mingled between some wealthy businessmen and other celebrities, Victoria chatted with several of the important leading ladies of the community, and Audra flitted back and forth between her girlfriends and the young men.

Heath did spend an enjoyable time with his few friends, but some of the other acquaintances were eyeing him with skepticism. He could take their jeering looks, he was used to it, he just hoped that his presence would not hinder the contributors from contributing their money for the hospital. That was something he had not thought of until he arrived and started receiving many glares or intrigued glances.

Heath went to the bar and shot back a whiskey sour. Cally Yates, the well-known daughter of the mayor, came up to him, "Hello, Heath Barkley."

"Cally," he nodded then ordered another shot.

"You've been beating me in the headlines lately," she laughed and ordered a drink.

Heath could not help but grin; Cally always invited the public along in her wild lifestyle. "I think I'll toss the crown to you, Cally."

"You have succeeded in the one thing I cannot: mystery. Who's behind those beautiful blond lashes," she brushed his forehead affectionately and stumbled a little closer to him. "You know I'd like to find out," she grinned openly at him and tilted her head up.

"Oh, Cally," a young man with dark hair came up from behind her, "You wouldn't remember anything in the morning. Why don't you take it easy on the liquor," he gently took the alcohol from her hand and placed it back on the bar.

"Glenn?" Cally turned to the young man and draped her arm around his shoulder, "Glenn!" she grinned and kissed him on the lips.

Heath just laughed as his friend pried her off of him.

"Cally! No – stop – get ahold of yourself," Glenn wrestled with her frisky arms and succeeded in wrapping her arms behind her back.

"I just love you," she pecked his cheek.

Just then a man in a dark suit came up, "Miss Yates, let me take you home."

She pouted a little, "But, I don't want to go home," finally she relented as the man in the suit helped her out of the place before she made a bigger scene.

Glenn shook his head and ordered a drink, "Whew, got to watch it with that one."

"Well thanks for sacrificing yourself for me," Heath grinned and leaned against the bar.

"Anything for the mystery man," he laughed as his blond friend rolled his eyes, "You do realize you are the envy of every guy in this state. Thousands of women are ready to fall all over you. You have fan pages."

"You can have them."

"They don't want me, Sonny. Although, I'd certainly like a few."

"You seem to do all right," Heath nudged him.

"Yeah, well if I'd had your looks, I'd be your competition. But I am doomed to be the wing man."

Heath shook his head and glanced around the crowded room. In the low light he caught Audra in her stunning red dress talking to a tall man. Heath was about to turn away when he noticed a slight tense in Audra's posture. Heath narrowed his eyes and watched as the guy took a step forward and put his hand on her waist. She easily moved out his touch but he continued to try to get closer and closer to her. "Excuse me," he left Glenn and strolled across the room toward his sister.

"…I am glad you are having a good time," Audra forced a grin at her companion.

"How about you and I get out of here-" he moved in closer.

"Good evening," Heath approached them and the man stepped back one step. "I think you have had enough to drink for one night."

The man grew red in the face and he straightened, "How dare you insinuate that I am drunk."

Heath gestured toward his sister, "The way you were moving on my sister sure looked like your inhibitions were lowered."

"Heath, it's all right," Audra gave her brother a squeeze on his arm.

"I've had all I can take!" his voice grew loud and was beginning to attract attention, "First, you call me a drunk then you insult me!"

"I am sorry for assuming, but I won't apologize for the way you were treating Audra," Heath tried to quell the situation.

Unfortunately, Heath only heightened the situation and the man swung at the blond cowboy and punched him in the jaw. Heath retaliated with his fist to his opponent's nose. The man proved he was not as strong as the Barkley brother and fell to the floor out cold.

BBBBBBBBBB

Later that night, Heath was in the living room of their home, leaning over the fireplace with a whiskey in his hand. He was staring at the flickering flames. He was still in his evening attire, but his tie was removed and the top button unbuttoned. He heard the front door open and turned when Jarrod and his mother entered the living room.

Heath shook his head, "I'm sorry for making a scene," he felt relieved when his mother came over and gave him a hug. "And I'm sorry for ducking out so fast. I didn't think it best I stick around."

Jarrod filled his younger brother in, "The guy tried to press charges, but there were plenty of witnesses to say he started it. It was caught on camera."

"Probably all over the news by now," Victoria sat in the chair next to the fireplace.

"You are vindicated. And we raised a sizeable donation for the children's hospital. So the evening wasn't a total loss," Jarrod gave a reassuring grin.

Heath only nodded then turned solemnly back to the flames.

Victoria saw the hurt in her youngest son's eyes and felt sympathy, "We have to do something, Jarrod. I'm tired of Heath being in the middle."

Jarrod sighed then pulled out his phone, "There's something we can do."

I understand if this is not your cup of tea. It's usually not mine! haha but I do thank you for reading and there will be more dangers to come and some Heath-ness happening!