Chapter Fifteen

Excerpt from Ch 14

"Well, we're leaving around seven. He says, barring any more storms, we should be on the path within the hour. After that, the road attached to that path is only two hours away. Hopefully it won't be too bad, and we'll be in Hayden by noon." He walked out of the kitchen just as Tabitha walked in. Within minutes the young woman had been told about the help Nick would be giving them.

While the sun's rays were once again hitting the snow-making it sparkle, at least there was no overly strong wind and the sky was clear as it could be. Phillip rode with Nick, Elizabeth and Tabitha-who was again riding double with Nick. The mountain man had insisted on giving them extra food to carry-which meant Nick's saddle bags were stuffed full. Mr. Jackson had also put his foot down and insisted on giving Nick a good pair of snow boots-his wife had done the same with Elizabeth. "They fit you, and it's better to be prepared and not have any need for them than to find yourself wishing you had such items," had been Elizabeth's friend's exact words.

Within the hour-after making a number of turns- the path came into view as Mr. Jackson said it would. "Once you get on the path, you'll ride for roughly three miles before the actual road comes into view. Once you're on it, turn to your left and it will lead you straight into town. That is, after you've gone another four miles. I don't think you'll need to worry about any more storms. That is, not while you're up here anyway, you should make good timing and be there by nightfall." Mr. Jackson was gesturing in the direction they were to go the whole time he was talking. However, he lowered his arm and leaned forward, resting his arms on the horn of his saddle once he was through giving them instructions. He looked at Tabitha, and then at her mother and Nick. "Once you get her into that special school, listen to an old man and go your separate ways."

While Nick knew the man's concerns were valid, he still found himself feeling more than irked. He sat tall in his saddle and, glancing towards Elizabeth, told Phillip Jackson not to worry. "We're both adults. What we decide to do, or not to do, is something we'll worry about."

"We do appreciate your concern." Elizabeth, who was leaning towards allowing Nick to court her, quickly spoke up-fearing a confrontation in front of Tabitha. "And we're seriously considering all options; I promise. You just keep your promise and keep an eye on Adam. Also, make use of the food in my root cellar. I won't be able to use it." A portion of her hated leaving Adam behind; the bear had been a part of her life for so long. Still, there was no way he'd survive down in the valley.

Knowing Elizabeth's word was as good as gold, Phillip did his best to relax. Though he wouldn't change his mind when it came to his opinion on any union between the two, he was grateful they were at least thinking things through….even if the trait of thinking things through had not been attached to Nick's name the times that Phillip had been in Stockton. "Don't worry about him. Marie and I will look after him." He then thanked her for permission to use the food. "God bless you." Phillip then turned his horse around and rode away.

After the gentleman had disappeared from view, Nick and Elizabeth pushed their horses in the direction Phillip Jackson had indication.

While Nick, Elizabeth and Tabitha started down the path, his brothers and Fred were standing in Hayden's sheriff office. Since Fred had known the lawman for years; the three of them thought it would be the best place to start asking questions. The room they were in was, roughly, twelve feet by fourteen feet. There was a desk, two chairs and a cot that was set against the south wall. They figured that was for the sheriff to use when he needed it. There was a door in the southwest corner. It led to four cells in which prisoners were kept-when there were any. From what they all knew about Hayden, it was a pretty small town with very little excitement.

Fred introduced Jarrod and Heath to Sheriff Miles Anderson a gentleman in his early fifties with pure white hair. His face was full of wrinkles and his skin pretty weather beaten-proof of all the hours he'd spent chasing one outlaw or another before picking up the sheriff badge the town of Hayden had offered him. The Stockton sheriff then explained why the three of them were in Hayden. "I don't suppose you've seen him?"

"I'm afraid I haven't. Though," Sheriff Anderson looked at his friend, "If the storm did change his plans, there's a good chance he's already back home. That or he's in town, and I just haven't seen him."

"He's not in Stockton." Jarrod surprised himself by speaking up with more conviction than he'd ever had…or had in a very long time. "Don't ask me how I know, only I do. I.." he started to speak only to be interrupted as a young blonde haired gentleman in his late thirties, wearing a deputy's badge, barged into the room.

"Gerome! You and Hank were supposed to be transporting Vince Hall and Brian Stillman to prison. What's wrong?" Even as he asked the question, every man in the room just knew what the deputy sheriff was going to say, and he did.

"We had to stop a few miles out of town to…" he paused and then hurried on, "to take care of some business. The men attacked Hank; Vince killed him and tried killing me! He ran off! My guess is he intends to go to the closest large city and disappear. When it comes to Brian Stillman, he took off on the road that leads up into the mountains."

Jarrod looked at Heath. Without saying a word, they both knew they'd had the same sinking feeling…Nick was in those mountains and would need help. "We can help you look for him." Jarrod spoke, after Heath gave him a slight nod in response to Jarrod's silent question 'should we join them?'

"I'd appreciate that." Then, not knowing about the feeling the two brothers had just gotten, Sheriff Anderson apologized. "I'll help you look for your missing brother once this is over. That is, if he hasn't made it home by then." He turned his attention to Fred. "Our towns are in the same county. You still have jurisdiction here. Would you go with the Barkleys and Gerome while I get men to go after Vince? Though, if by chance, you do cross county lines? Just don't flat out tell the man he's under arrest until you get back…or back enough to have the authority to actually put him behind bars."

Fred wasn't going to argue. He'd had past experiences with Brian Stillman and would consider it a privilege to put the man back behind bars. "You've got it, just let me wire my own deputy sheriff and let him know he's going to have to continue running the Stockton jail a while longer." The men then separated, agreeing to meet back at the jail once they made sure they had enough supplies to last a few days. For, while they hoped it would be a short chase, no one could guarantee anyone anything.