I do NOT own The Big Valley, or any of the original Barkley Characters. Thanks to my Beta Reader, though all mistakes are still my own.

For The Sake of His Comrades

Chapter Four

Scene Seven

After untying Nick's arms and handing him his dinner, Dixie stepped back and looked at him. "Is there something you want?" He barked a bit louder than he meant too, only he was quite agitated at not being able to figure out a way to get away from these people.

Dixie hesitated for only a moment. "Yes, there is," she answered, lowering her voice, "My father in law, and my brothers in law, are stuck in the past just as bad as Macklin and his men are. The only difference is one group is louder than the other one. Mr. Little does not know this, but I know, and have proof, of all the Littles have done and what all his future plans are. I'm willing to find a way to get you away from them if," she paused and thought again on the things she'd been rolling around in her head from the moment her father in law had ridden into camp with Mr. Barkley, "you are willing to do two things. One, travel with me to talk to the nearest sheriff; I'll give him all the evidence I have. The evidence I've got, plus your statement, will put a stop to the Little's own personal war games."

That part sounded easy enough, but Nick had the strongest feeling the second part of the deal was going to be a bit more difficult. "What's the second thing?" he asked; then watched as she stood up and walked towards the stairs and stopped. She knew what had to be done; still, the time it would take was another story.

Dixie turned around and took a deep breath; not knowing it was only Macklin, Carter, and Donnelly still at large she answered, "Once we get to that sheriff, help me track down Macklin and all his men. The law has been looking for them for a good two years. They need to be stopped."

Shock waves ran through Nick. Hunting down men wanted by the law was not exactly his line of business, that is unless he was riding on a posse or the men were on the ranch causing problems. Dixie seemed to read his mind. "I've made connections in the past year my in-laws know nothing about, Mr. Barkley. Think on it, those friends can easily get us copies of the wanted posters and that's all we need to prove anything," she headed up the stairs.

Nick didn't see where he had a choice. It was either help her or live with the knowledge his former comrades had died by the hands of Macklin and his men. "Get me out of here and, for the sake of my comrades, I'll help you," he answered as he went back to eating the food she'd been kind enough to bring, irritation still in his voice. Dixie sighed, she did not blame the man for being unhappy, but she was desperate to get all the men involved stopped. Once he had finished she retied his arms, apologizing as she did so, "I'll get you out of here later tonight," Dixie said as she hurried up the stairs.

Scene Eight

Heath sat on the top of the corral fence; the sun had long since set, but he could not sleep. It had been another fruitless day when it came to finding his brother. He sure hoped Victoria was right, that Nick was alive and would either be found or return under his own power.

He couldn't help but chuckle as he remembered all the times they'd worked side by side on the ranch. There had been laughs and heartache both. Still, for someone he'd gone the rounds with on more than once occasions, there was a bond between them that distance could not break.

Jarrod walked up and stood next to the fence, "We'll either find him, or he'll be back. You just wait and see," Heath could tell 'Pappy' was doing his best to sound convincing; he appreciated it. Didn't help much, but he appreciated it.

"How are mother and Audra holding up?" Heath asked without turning his head.

"As good as can be expected, I suppose," Jarrod let his hands hang over the fence, "Mother doesn't let her tears show, but I know they're falling behind closed doors. Audra is doing her best to keep busy, even if it means spending hours in the bathtub or in the kitchen with Silas."

He thought on his missing brother. They'd had good times, and bad times, but no matter what they'd stuck together. Heath kicked himself; he'd come so close to freeing the general and his brother. Now, who knew where Nick was and what he was being put through. Jarrod must have read his mind because he looked at him and said in his 'Pappy' voice, "Don't go blaming yourself, Heath. You did what you could. We know it, and I guarantee you, Nick knows it."

Heath gave him a small lopsided grin, "I keep tellin' myself that only it ain't so easy listenin' to myself. I keep seeing Macklin and the others forcing us outside, forcing the general up on that horse then hanging him. Last night I woke up with a start; I'd dreamt it was Nick hanging from that rope."

Jarrod sighed, "I know. I've had my own dreams to battle. Keep on seeing that rider, and trying to figure out how I should know him, only," he sighed and shook his head, "it won't come. I'm sincerely doubting whether or not I ever will. We have to hold onto hope though, Heath. He hasn't been gone that long, we have to tell ourselves we'll find him, or someone else will, if nothing else for mother and Audra's sake. They can't see any doubt on our part. Now, come on, tomorrow's going to be another long day. You best do what you can to at least get a few minutes of sleep."

Heath sighed and hopped off the fence. Jarrod was right. They couldn't get any work done or look for Nick if they didn't get some rest along the way.