Guest: If you re-read Chapter Four, Vivian's past is disclosed in that chapter.
Chapter Eight
Nick, his wife-the former Mexican rebel Miranda, who had returned to California two years after she'd left-Heath and his wife, the brown haired Sharon, who had moved with her father and others onto land Nick had suggested they farm, and Jarrod sat on chairs that had been set along the edge of the grass. Thomas, his siblings-except for his three year old brother Jason, were all playing a game of horseshoes with Heath's twins along with Hope and "Miss Vivian" as the children called her. "I think she's the best help you've had for Hope. You should get her to work as your secretary as well. She's more than reliable." Nick turned his eyes away from the game and looked at Jarrod, who kept his eyes on the game.
Jarrod didn't answer for a moment and then went onto explain that he had offered her the job. He then leaned back in his chair and continued watching as Vivian interacted with the children. She was so good with them. He also explained why she'd refused. "I wish I could tell her no one from her past would show up and cause problems, only I can't. No one can predict what another person will do, though I did ask her the other day to please reconsider the offer. I mean, it's not like we haven't had people gossip about us before."
Heath gave Jarrod a small, sympathetic, lopsided grin. "Don't have to have made the wrong choices she did in order to get that kind of attitude from people. I should know."
"We've all seen it, for one reason or another. People in general sure do seem to like to find excuses to make life hard on someone else." Nick agreed as their wives nodded in silent agreement. "Miranda and I are just happy she accepted this job. At least we have four hours a week we don't have to wonder if Thomas is going to pull another one of his stunts." He paused as he enjoyed the laughter of the children. It was a sound he'd never grow tired of. "You know, it's been a month since she started watching Hope; maybe, you should ask her again. I mean, she's had time to really get to know all of us. Maybe she'll be able to see that gossipy people don't bother us." 'Much' was a word he said only to himself.
Jarrod watched as Vivian succeed in throwing the horseshoe over, and down on, the steel stakes that stood*ten apart. He couldn't help but smile when one of the children commented about how far apart the stakes were. If they thought that now, he wasn't going to tell them just how apart they really should be. He thought on the good friendship that was developing between him and Vivian. "Like I said, I've thought about it. Maybe I'll actually do it." He would have also admitted he was actually thinking to publicly court the woman, only Victoria, who had been to town, drove through the gate and he could tell there was a worried look upon her face. It might have concerned him less, only she had, upon climbing out of the surrey, remained in one spot looking directly at him. Excusing himself, he went to talk to his mother, who had started walking towards the front door the moment Jarrod stood up.
~oOo~
"What!" Jarrod stared at his mother, who remained looking as if she was more than concerned; he didn't like it.
Victoria, who had been standing near the fireplace, walked over to the couch and sat down. "Sheriff Madden pulled me aside after I walked out of the general mercantile. He said he had wanted to talk to you only you weren't in your office." She took a deep breath and proceeded to tell Jarrod that Cass Hyatt had committed suicide in the prison a few days ago.
While Jarrod was surprised, he was very much confused. The death of Cass Hyatt should be good news, not cause for worry. He stated as much and then asked as he sat down beside his mother, "What else is there?"
Victoria, who had been on edge ever since Fred had finished talking to her, replied, "One of the guards overheard Cass' brother talking to himself-well, talking to the corpse of his brother. He was blaming you and saying some quite unbelievable things. While the guard assured the law that Mr. Hyatt's brother was making it clear that he had no intention of killing you, the guard did state he fears that Mr. Hyatt means to seek revenge against you." Victoria paused as she fought the fear that had been her companion ever since she'd heard what Fred had to say and then said, "He said that due to some of the things he overheard, he thinks that perhaps Mr. Hyatt still means to harm you or someone you care deeply care about."
Jarrod felt his heart skip a beat as he thought on his family, especially on Hope as everyone knew how he felt about the young niece he was raising and then… surprisingly on Vivian. Though, he quickly dismissed the concern Vivian might be affected as no one even knew he was interested in her. However, Hope and the rest of the family was another story. "I can tell Heath and Nick what's happened only," Jarrod clasped his hands and looked straight ahead, "Would Mr. Hyatt really hurt a small child," he looked at his mother with questioning eyes.
"I don't know, but that's what has me so concerned. The guard was quoted as saying 'Mr. Hyatt's brother told the dead man that he wants you to live in pure agony." Victoria answered.
Jarrod stood up saying he needed to go warn Heath and Nick so they could take precautions with their families, and then assured his mother he would come up with a way to protect Hope as well.
A/N According to my internet source the stakes are actually forty feet apart. The Barkleys and I are taking pity on the children and Vivian though.
