I do NOT own The Big Valley nor any of the original Barkley characters.
A/N I don't know if Fred the sheriff was supposed to be married or not. No matter what, he's married here.
Hold on Tight (Part Two of Against the Crooked Sky)
Chapter Nine
Jarrod sat behind his office desk doing his best to concentrate on the papers on his desk, not easy considering he'd just lost one of his biggest clients. James K. Myers, a prominent businessman from San Francisco, had had Jarrod handling all his legal affairs for the past ten years. However, upon learning from some "respectable" citizens that Mr. Barkley had married an Apache woman, the man had decided that Jarrod was no longer capable of making good decisions and found another attorney.
When the office door opened, he looked up to see nineteen year old Patrick Allen standing in the doorway. One look at the young man's troubled face and Jarrod shook his head slightly. He pretty well knew what was coming. Still, he could be polite to the boy. "Come on in, Patrick. I haven't started biting." He gave the young man a genuine smile.
Patrick walked slowly over to the desk and sat down. He was both embarrassed and uncomfortable. He admired Jarrod greatly and, as far as he was concerned, he thought it wonderful the man had found someone he loved enough to marry. In his eyes, it shouldn't matter what color the man's wife was. But, he wasn't in a position to pay for his education and his parents were. "I..I'm sorry, Mr. Barkley," He blurted out and fidgeted in his seat, "My father insisted on finding someone else to handle my legal affairs while I'm in school. Well, he said it was either that or lose his help when it comes to my college education. Please, forgive me." His eyes turned downward.
Jarrod felt his heart go out to the young man before him. It wasn't right when a body was put in a position where he had to choose like this. Though, he did have an idea. That is, one that might help someone else down the line. "There's nothing to forgive, Patrick. You need an education first and foremost. Though, I'd like to ask you one favor. That is, if you don't mind?" He kept his eye on Patrick.
"Sure!" The young man looked at Jarrod, and his eyes started beaming. He was very relieved to see Mr. Barkley wasn't mad at him. He would do anything, within reason, for the man.
"Promise me, when you're on your own and not dependant on anyone else, you won't repeat history. I mean, don't turn around and pull away from someone just because they're different than you or are with someone that is different." Jarrod figured that such a request wouldn't hurt anyone; it could only help them.
Patrick started beaming even more. He had no problem whatsoever with that request. "Yes, sir!" He continued grinning from ear to ear and held out his hand. Jarrod stood up and took a hold of it. "I promise, and it's a promise I'll be more than happy to keep!" Patrick then turned around and hurried out of the office. He had a train to catch.
Jarrod sat back down with a smile as wide as the Pacific Ocean. He may have lost another client, but at least this one had a valid reason for the choice he had made. By the time five o'clock rolled around, Jarrod had lost a number of other clients. It might not be so bad, but some of them were quite influential people. He looked at the list of his remaining clients, shook his head, put the book away and stood up. It was time to go home.
He locked up and headed down the street. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw him, Peter Langston. He would have said hello, but got the shock of his life when he heard the man yell. "Why don't you take that squaw back where you got her from? It's not like you're sharing any!" The man's somewhat slurred speech, and the fact that he was leaning on the side of the nearest building, told Jarrod the man had been drinking. His blood boiled and he whirled around, only to see Fred step in between him and Mr. Langston.
"This is the third time you've been harassing someone today, Mr. Langston!" Fred barked. He had very little use for this man or his kind. Now why don't you just get your horse and ride on out of Stockton? That or at least go sleep that liquor off somewhere!" The man muttered something inaudible and wandered off. Fred turned to Jarrod and shrugged his shoulders and gave him a small smile, unsure of what he should say.
Jarrod didn't have to hear Fred say anything. Just the fact that the lawman had stepped in spoke volumes; at least, it did in his book. "Thanks, Fred. Are you and Marie still coming out for dinner tomorrow night?" Fred and his wife had always been regulars out at the Barkley ranch.
Fred nodded as he chuckled. "Marie won't let me forget. She says in between Silas and Amelia she's in heaven when we over." The lawman started to turn away and then turned back. "Look Jarrod, I hear the talk around town. I know you're losing clients because of other people's arrogance and prejudices, but I know for a fact there are still plenty of people hoping you don't let it run you and your bride off."
Fred's statement helped lift Jarrod's spirit a bit. He waved his hand slightly through the air. "Don't worry about it, Fred. Sarah and I will be okay." Jarrod again headed for the stable and thought about what the lawman had just said. He knew it was the truth, yet he still wondered exactly what the future held. He felt a headache starting and hoped he would be able to get home, lie down and sleep it off.
