A/N: I have to admit, I'm a little disappointed that Eugene isn't an option in the character list.

The story continues...


"What are your plans, Barkley?"

The question was asked countless times by just as many people. His grin as wide as possible, Eugene Barkley answered every one of them with a cheerful, "Back home to the ranch and my family!" The answering groans amused him. He knew no one would understand his love for the ranch his family called home.

School was over for the term. Many of his fellow scholars were at the evening gathering, sharing together the joy that came with the school year now behind them. For once, professors and teachers chatted easily with their students at the informal gathering. All were more than ready for the few months of ease ahead of them.

In the middle of the crowd, Gene turned and literally ran into one of the other guests. "Pardon me, ma'am-Miss Ward!" Gene exclaimed, recognizing the face that looked up at him. He'd crossed paths with the young woman a few times over the school year, as her older brother was in several of the same classes as he was and she was frequently on the campus. He took a step back. "I wasn't watching where I was going."

"Mr. Barkley," Natalie Ward responded with a smile. "I think I can forgive you since I believe it would be very difficult indeed to have perfect footwork in a crush like this."

Embarrassed, Gene glanced around and shook his head. "Not 'Mr. Barkley'," he insisted, stepping towards the wall where it was a little quieter. "That name belongs to my older brothers. Call me Gene, like all my friends. And it's gotten rather out of hand in here, hasn't it? Where's your brother? I haven't seen him all day."

Now that he thought about it, he hadn't seen a sign of Ryan Ward in a week, which was odd given how many classes they had together. The older student, who was in general one of the top students, was hard to miss.

Sighing, Natalie shook her head. "I'm afraid I haven't seen Ryan either," she admitted, concern in her eyes. "I was hoping I would find him here. You see, he didn't come home last night and I'm beginning to worry about him."

Frowning, Gene glanced around the room. It was hard to make out anyone specific. "I can ask around. See if there's anyone who's seen him at all," he admitted. He came to a quick decision. "And I can help you check around if you want. Two pairs of eyes should be better than one, right? Do you know where he was going yesterday?"

"Oh, I don't want to be a bother. Stay and enjoy yourself. I know everyone has been looking forward to this the whole school year."

"I have all the time in the world until I head home in a couple of days," Gene told her honestly. He guided her towards the closest door. The silence of the garden outside was welcome after the din of the party. "It would be my pleasure to help you, Miss Ward. Just where do you think he might have gone?"

"You can just call me Natalie. You are friends with my brother after all," the young woman responded, her voice soft. She shook her head. "I really don't know where he would have gotten to this time. He-he goes through spells like this, and of course he doesn't tell his sister where he goes."

"He just leaves? Without a word?"

When he glanced over, the black haired woman was hesitating. "I'm not sure if you know this or not, Gene, but Ryan fought in the war," she finally said. She wrapped her arms around her waist. "Whenever he thinks about it, and he tries so hard not to, he becomes...oh, I don't know how to describe it. He's not the brother I know so well. He drinks more than he should to forget what he's remembered."

Thoughtfully, Gene nodded. "Its not the first time I've heard of it happening, though I never would have guessed that Ryan had any trouble with it," he answered. He took a moment to think it through. "Maybe it would be best if I dropped you off at your home while I go looking alone. I don't think where your brother will be found is any place for a lady."

"It wouldn't be the first time I've had to drag him out of some tiny tavern in a dirty alley," Natalie confessed, her voice dropping even more. Then, she raised her chin and determination sparked in her eyes. "I'm not afraid of where I will find him, Gene. I just hope that I will find him in one piece."

Deciding there was no arguing with her, Gene held out his arm, like any proper gentleman would, and they made their way to the sidewalk. There was just a hint of daylight left. "He'll make a good doctor, when he finishes at Berkeley," Gene said, trying to steer the conversation into a more optimistic tone. "All of our professors go on about how smart he is. Almost makes the rest of us jealous."

That brought an amused smile to Natalie's face. "Almost?" she repeated. "I don't think that there is an 'almost' about it. My brother has told me about all the pranks you boys have been pulling on him all semester!"

"Now, I've had no part in any of that!"

The young woman laughed, a soft musical sound that Gene couldn't help but smile at. "Oh, really? I think you're just trying to get on my good side," Natalie teased.

"What if I am?" Gene asked, unable to keep the serious note that came to his voice. He glanced over at his pretty companion. Ryan Ward had made it clear to anyone he ever introduced his sister to, that none of them were to even think about Natalie Ward in a romantic way. But, only a blind man would have been able to ignore her.

Natalie shook his head, as if warning him not to tease her. "What are your big plans while you are free from your professors clutches, Gene?" she asked, changing the subject. "I've heard many wild plots and plans these past few weeks from all the students that I almost want to hide away until common sense returns."

"I don't have anything wild at all planned. I'm going home to my family," Gene answered, as they turned away from the nicer street. He couldn't keep the fond smile off his face as he thought of the summer ahead of him. "We'll go camping and I'll help my brothers on the ranch. I'm sure they'll be anxious to see the last of me come fall, or at least, that's what my sister will tell me as soon as she's sick of the sight of me."

"Yes, that sounds like exactly like something siblings would say to one another," Natalie said, a wistful note in her voice. "That sounds like a wonderful plan, Gene."

"Will you and Ward be visiting your family?" Gene asked curiously. "Back east?"

Sighing, the woman shook her head again. "Ryan and I are all that's left of our family, and we have no reason to go back to Boston," she informed him honestly. "So, we'll be staying here in San Francisco and stare at only buildings and streets all day long."

Her tone was wistful. "You know, I have an idea. Why don't you and Ryan come out to Stockton with me for a few weeks?" Gene found himself suggesting. The more he thought about it, the more enthusiastic he became about it. "Its not that far away. There's plenty of room on our ranch, and my mother loves company. It has to be better than staying here in the city."

"Oh, I really didn't mean to complain. There's many benefits and amusements in the city, but thank you for the generous invitation," Natalie responded, quickly. Her cheeks flushed bright red. Before Gene could make a response to that, she sprang forward, letting go of his arm. "Ryan!"

Only a few yards ahead of them, leaning against the corner of a building, was a tall man. His clothes were rumpled and wrinkled. His ink black hair was ruffled and hanging in his face. He was resting his hand against his head, covering his eyes as if the dim light was somehow too much for him to take. He had his head leaned back against the brick.

"Ryan!" Natalie exclaimed, running up to him. As Gene drew closer, he recognized the signs of a man who had been in a fight: bruises, scrapes, and a stiff stance from pain. And it was clear Natalie saw it as well because her hands almost touched the man but didn't. "Ryan, who did this to you? What happened? Are you hurt?"

"Nat, lower your voice," her brother begged, waving his hand as if to shoo her away. "I'm fine. We just have to leave-."

Glancing over her shoulder, Natalie shook her head. "Ryan, you're not making sense," she said, not lowering her voice at all. Ryan dropped his hand and looked past her to where Gene was. Her manner gentle, Natalie took her brother's arm. "All right. Let's get you home, where we can see just how bad you are. Come on."