The rider tipped his hat back on his head as he squinted across the arroyo. He knew they were in there somewhere. He'd seen them yesterday and they wouldn't be traveling far this time of year. The mares were foaling and they needed water and grass. Both were plentiful here, no need to move farther away.
He had four magnificent animals back at his camp. Horses with good formation and lots of stamina. Horses that should fetch a substantial price once he'd trained them fully. If he could pick up a couple more he'd have enough money to support his mother and keep himself going until he either could catch some more wild stock, or maybe find another ranch whereon he could get hired. It just would have to be in another county … he'd been turned down at every place in the immediate area. He was too well known here and no one was going to hire him.
Movement off in the distance brought his thoughts back to the present. Just like he thought, there they were. He'd have to circle around and come at them from the other side. Stay downwind, and out of their field of sight. He laid his reins on his horse's neck and signaled with his knees that it was time to get to work.
If he was lucky he might be able to get a rope on a couple of mares with foals. Double his take. Might even consider hanging onto one of them. Couldn't imagine how he'd ever get together the money for his own place, but maybe he could still have his own horses. Horses he could breed, train, and sell.
Maybe build himself a reputation, enough so people would start looking for him rather than he having to look for buyers. Places still could be found where a man could make a permanent camp—plenty of good grazing. Wouldn't even have to stay here, he could head closer to Strawberry, closer to his mother.
A few hours later he had what he'd come for, and was settling the mares into the temporary enclosure he'd made next to the existing stock. He'd give them a bit of time to get acquainted before he put them together. He wanted to make sure the new mothers took good care of the little ones. They both looked promising.
"Well, Gal, I reckon you've earned yourself a good rest tonight."
He stripped off his gear and gave the dark mare a thorough grooming. Once again, he counted his blessings in having her. He knew he'd never be able to catch the wild horses without her speed and savvy. He also knew he'd never have spent the money for her, never have had her at all, if it weren't for Mama.
All those months and months he'd been gone. Gone. Thinking she'd be able to rest more, work less … use the money being sent to her. Instead, she mostly was saving it. Leastwise, saving enough of it, that when he did return, feeling worn beyond his years—maybe even beyond hers—she'd given him the one thing that gave him hope … desire … for the future. Between Mama and Gal he'd recovered and moved on.
He gave the little Modoc mare a final pat and turned her loose. He was as much a part of her, as she was of him. She'd not go far.
"Go on. Scrounge yourself some dinner, while I do the same.
Maybe some day we'll be fixed so we won't be havin' to live off the land—at least not completely. Maybe some day I'll be able to afford a feed of oats for you—maybe even for myself." He chuckled.
"No matter. As long as we can fill our bellies with something that keeps us going, don't reckon we've cause to complain. If I don't have any rabbits in those snares I set before we left, I'm pretty sure there'll be a fish or two in the creek. No need to go hungry this time of year."
Later that evening as he settled himself down for the night, he checked to be sure his rifle was within easy reach.
Don't expect anyone knows I'm camped out here, and not likely anyone will happen upon me. However, just because I've had myself a right tasty meal doesn't mean I want to become one for whatever might be passing through during the night. Don't intend to have those horses filling any bellies either.
He gazed at the stars, the same stars he'd gazed at for as long a time back as he could remember. Mama and Aunt Rachael had taught him the names. For the first time he thought to consider how they came to know all that … have to ask next time he saw them.
There was comfort in seeing those far away flickers, comfort in knowing Mama was seeing them too. Somehow it brought her closer … left him feeling happy … and sad … at the same time. Left him feeling both connected and lonely, too.
Another few months and I'll be able to get back for a visit. A visit, and a chance to restock her pantry, and give her money to tide her over until my next trip home. Home. Yup, it's still home. Maybe the only one I'll ever have. Well, Heath Thomson, you're luckier than many … you at least have that.
He closed his eyes and was asleep before he drew the next breath.
Jarrod's eyes popped open as he felt the train slow. Must be coming into Stockton.
God it'll be good to be home … even if for just a short while.
He thought back on the last week.
There were people in Sacramento who'd seemed glad to see him … pleased to be working with him. There were a few who appeared less welcoming. That was not a problem. He didn't need everyone on board, just enough to get the bill out of committee, onto the floor, and passed.
The week had seen significant progress with the first part. The committee had been receptive to his pleadings. He'd given them plenty of information—ammunition even—to move it along.
He, nonetheless, knew these things could not be rushed. The final bill would have to be drafted carefully, drafted in such a way as to reflect the sentiments of those who were not involved directly. It would be of little benefit to get it onto the floor if it failed to garner the necessary number of votes to be passed. Yes, there was still work to be done.
And, he hadn't forgotten the small box he'd stowed away carefully before leaving San Francisco. Its contents had been a year in the planning, and he was very sure it would be well received. He only hoped it would deliver the message he most dearly wanted delivered.
He roused himself and collected those items he'd need immediately, hoping that this time Nick had opted for the buggy instead of a horse. He didn't want to have to make another trip into town tomorrow to get what he couldn't carry on horseback, and he just wanted to sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip to the ranch. He was tired. It had been a long, exhausting, several months. Too long.
He seemed to be spending more and more time in San Francisco and less and less in Stockton. A part of him was delighted about that. He liked the city by the bay, enjoyed the amenities it had to offer—things not available in his home corner of California. Truth be told, he also appreciated the challenges offered from practicing law in a big city. The diversity and the difficulty of cases that came through his San Francisco office could not be matched in Stockton. It brought a welcome excitement to his life.
It also brought a measure of loneliness. Jarrod Barkley loved the law, of that there was no doubt. That he loved his family more, also was without doubt. He missed them.
True, they sometimes visited, especially if he'd had a protracted absence. Mother and Audra were the most likely visitors, although Nick occasionally made an appearance—especially if a cattle drive or other ranch business brought him close to the area.
Always, he was glad to see the ladies. Mother could be a valued sounding board, and his little sister brought brightness to the often fog-shrouded city. While the responsibility that had fallen upon him, with his father's death, to help raise the sometimes-rebellious young lady, could make him feel old, her actual presence did the opposite. She was joy personified, and sparked his imagination and enthusiasm whenever she stayed with him.
It was Nick, though, whom he really missed. That great, galumphing enigma that was his younger brother. Nick was brash and impetuous, easily angered, and almost as easily soothed. He was strong and determined, even willful. He also was soft and caring … traits seldom seen by those outside the family. It was maybe those qualities that Jarrod most missed. That caring, compassionate, young man … always there for his older brother.
They each had their responsibilities in keeping the Barkley empire thriving. At times those responsibilities could be overwhelming, and it was at those times they each depended on the other to help ease the load. Nick was no lawyer, and managing the intricacies of the Barkley empire's business and legal dealings was beyond his expertise, while Jarrod was far from capable of juggling the many complexities of running a successful ranch. However, just knowing each appreciated the other's unique talents and efforts, made the sometimes exhausting workload bearable.
Yes, he missed each of them, in different ways. He couldn't wait to spend some time, with all of them, in that place he still called home. Just being there, being with them, was as refreshing as time away from the daily burdens. Somehow, he expected they felt the same—they looked forward to him coming home as much as he looked forward to being there.
"JARROD, YOU IN THERE?"
Was I really just thinking I missed him? Well, now that all of Stockton knows I'm here, I'll just have to hope that no one is looking for immediate legal assistance.
Jarrod stepped out onto the platform and was lifted off his feet by the dark-haired rancher. "Ah ha, how you been, Boy?"
"Tired, and ready to be home for a bit. Any chance there's a buggy waiting to take me there?"
"You're in luck, Big Brother. Audra and Silas gave me a list, long as your arm, of things to pick up in town. Figured my horse could go lame packing all that home…."
Jarrod smiled. "Good to see you, Nick. I'm looking forward to a drink in front of the fire, maybe a game or two of pool … a chance to catch up on what's happening with you." Their eyes met—no more words were necessary.
As the buggy pulled off the Stockton Road and onto Barkley property Nick glanced at his brother, and then moved to ease the dark-haired head into the corner. Somewhere between listening to Nick and enjoying the familiar scenery Jarrod had fallen asleep.
Well, Counselor, I'm guessing you're a lot more tired than even you knew. You're home now and we'll make sure you get some well-deserved rest. Guess I won't make you break those mustangs after all.
He chuckled, quietly. He'd let the man get what rest he could before they reached the house. There was no doubt in his mind it was needed. It, and plenty more. Maybe he'd leave things for McColl, and they'd take a day and go fishing, just the two of them. Be like old times. They were overdue.
The business that needed tending, the concerns that were mounting, could just wait. A few days weren't going to make much difference.