Chapter 10

"Of all the stubborn, pigheaded…will you let me help you boy." Frank growled as he watched Heath try unsuccessfully to sit on the edge of the bed and dress himself.

"I don't need your help Frank," Heath grumbled, fumbling with the buttons on the shirt Frank had retrieved from his wagon. "Thanks for getting me the change of clothes Frank."

Frank nodded his head, now wasn't the time to tell the boy that it was actually Victoria Barkley who had given him the clothes earlier that morning. That piece of information could keep for later.

Heath sighed in frustration, "Well don't just stand there Frank," Heath looked expectantly at the older man, "you offered to help, so help. You know I can't do it on my own."

"Finally some sense," Frank muttered as he deftly buttoned the shirt and then carefully slipped the injured arm into the sling hanging around Heath's neck. Not waiting to be asked this time Frank slipped the tan pants over Heath's feet, pulling them up to his thighs, "I'll help you stand if you hold your pants up for me."

Heath took a deep breath, unconsciously holding it as Frank lifted him to his feet, the firm grip holding him steady as his body swayed at the sudden change in elevation. Letting out the breath slowly until he felt his equilibrium return, he nodded to Frank that he was alright and could let go now.

"I know I'm not going to change your mind, but just for the record, I think this is a plumb fool notion you have boy. How long do you think you'll last in the saddle in the heat out there? Passing out or killing yourself isn't going to help any of us find Essie and Leah." Frank said as he pulled the pants up onto the narrow hips and buttoned the fly.

"I'll last long enough to find them," Heath retorted hotly as he sat back down with a small groan so that Frank could pull his boots on for him.

A knock on the door interrupted the rest of the warming conversation, giving both Heath and Frank a chance to cool their emotions. Jarrod stopped in the doorway and eyed both men speculatively. "Am I interrupting something?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

Heath sighed and Frank shook his head. "No Jarrod, nothing important," Frank replied. "Stubborn is as stubborn does," he muttered under his breath but just loud enough for both men to hear.

Jarrod took a moment to study Heath; there was a fine line of sweat beading on his brow and his features were tight and drawn indicating that he was in some considerable pain. Yet the expressive blue eyes and the set jaw told Jarrod not to dare suggest he stay behind. Jarrod sighed, he had no doubt that Heath would be going out to search today, with or without help from Frank and himself. With that thought in mind, Jarrod elected not to enter the argument he had undoubtedly interrupted regarding Heath's current physical condition. Instead he opted for a conciliatory reply. "Riley has the horses ready and is waiting out the front. I'll meet you gentleman downstairs unless you need my help negotiating the stairs Heath."

"Thanks Jarrod, but Frank'll see that I don't fall." Heath replied with a smirk and glint in his eye, daring Frank to make a smart comment.

Frank for his part just rolled his eyes and continued pulling on the boy's boots. "We'll meet you out front in a couple of minutes Jarrod."

Jarrod nodded to no-one in particular and left the two friends to finish dressing Heath, wondering how they ever managed to work together for two years. There must certainly be some stories there that would be worth listening too. Perhaps when this was all over and Esmeralda and Leah were safe there would be time for some story telling around the camp fire, so to speak.

Victoria, Audra and Tommy were waiting at the foot of the stairs when Jarrod descended. Victoria handed him a bag of supplies, which he accepted with a raised eyebrow. "Bandages, laudanum, some sandwiches, just in case." She looked up the staircase to the closed door of the guestroom. "Everything alright up there Jarrod," she asked worriedly, yet again wondering if her stance to allow Heath to go was the right one.

Jarrod turned to look up as well before turning back to Victoria. "Stubborn is as stubborn does Mother," he replied with a smile. "That young man up there could almost be a Barkley," he continued casually. "I think he's just as stubborn and hot headed as Brother Nick. It should be an interesting day when those to get together." Jarrod looked at Victoria's pale face. "Mother, are you feeling alright, you look a little pale."

"Mother, come and sit down," Audra started pulling her mother towards the parlour.

"I'm fine Audra, don't fuss, just a little tired is all." Victoria smiled reassuringly at her daughter resisting Audra's attempts to move her to the parlour.

"Papa's coming, Papa's coming," Tommy yelled excitedly as he watched his father making a slow, careful descent down the wide sweeping staircase, Frank hovering anxiously beside him.

Audra giggled, "He sounds just like Nick."

Victoria closed her eyes for a moment…Nick's loud voice…her husband's blue eyes and name…the stubborn Barkley pride…could nobody else see it?

"Stop with the scowl Frank," Heath ordered without turning around to look at his friends face.

"I wasn't scowling," Frank grumbled under his breath.

Heath snickered, "I know you Frank, of course you were scowling and Tommy, what have I told you about yelling in people's homes." Heath asked turning loving blue eyes on his son.

Tommy bit his lip, "I'm sorry Mrs Victoria, I didn't mean to yell…but Papa you're going to bring Mama and Leah home now. I can't wait to see them again."

Heath gingerly lowered himself to one knee so that he was level with Tommy. "I'm going to do everything I can to bring them home to you Tomašis, I promise but…" Heath trailed off not sure what to say.

Tommy carefully hugged his father, "the bad men have them and they…they might of hurt them Papa…"

Heath wrapped his good arm around his son, pulling him close to his chest. Looking up at the compassionate faces around him, he replied fervently "I hope not son." Heath released Tommy after another heartfelt hug and nodded gratefully to Jarrod and Frank when they helped ease him back to his feet. He turned to look at Victoria and Audra, wondering for just a moment at the recognition and guilt he could see in Victoria's eyes. Now wasn't the time to address those sneaking suspicions that kept pricking the back of his mind that perhaps…she knew who he was. Refocusing his thoughts on what needed to be done; he allowed a small smile to turn up the corner of his mouth, "I appreciate you looking after Tommy and Gyorgy for me while I'm gone."

"It's our pleasure Heath," Victoria replied with a heartfelt smile, wanting to ensure the young man that his family…her family would be well taken care of in his absence.

Drawing in a deep breath he looked at Jarrod and Frank. "I'd like a moment with Gyorgy before I leave," he said solemnly.

"Of course Heath," Jarrod replied. We'll be waiting just outside for you.

Frank walked Heath to the guestroom door, realizing that this was the first time that he will have seen his father-in-law since the shooting. "Do you want me to come in with you Heath?" he asked quietly, squeezing the boy's arm in support.

Heath took another deep breath and shook his head, "No I need to do this alone, thanks Frank. I'll see you in a couple of minutes."

BV

"Audra dear, why don't you take Tommy outside with Jarrod, I'll join you in a minute."

"Alright Mother, come on Tommy, we'll wait outside so you can wave to your Papa."

Victoria waited until Audra and Tommy had gone before she moved silently across the floor, coming to a halt beside Frank who was leaning against the doorframe of the guestroom. "You were wrong Frank…" Victoria spoke softly so that her voice wouldn't carry into the room.

Frank looked up in confusion at Victoria.

"Last night, when you said I had two choices. You were wrong; there is a third choice…" Frank straightened and moved away from the door, in no doubt that Victoria would follow him. "I just need to be strong enough to choose it."

Frank placed a comforting hand on Victoria's arm. "I'm sure you will make the right choice Victoria. I have faith in you."

Victoria placed her hand on top of Frank's and patted it lightly. "More than I have in myself." Hearing the door handle turn, she moved away from Frank and crossed the foyer to the open front door.

BV

Heath opened the door and stepped into the semi-darkened room, the lamp on the bedside tables throwing a soft glow over the bed. He could hear the stilted soft breaths of his father-in-law as he neared the bed. Reaching down he grasped the cold hand, disappointed when the old man didn't respond to his touch, but knowing he really hadn't expected anything different. Leaning over with a slight grunt of pain Heath whispered in Gyorgy's ear. "I'm going to find them Gyorgy, I promise, just hold on a bit longer and you'll see them soon. Essie's strong; she won't let anything happen to her or your grandchildren." Heath gave the cold hand another squeeze before he moved around the bed to the coffin resting on the other bed. Placing his hand on the top, he let the tears fall. "I'm sorry Rosetta." Heath stumbled over the words, "I'll bring our girls home and then Gyorgy will be free to join you." Wiping away the tears he walked slowly to the door, turning to take one last look at the two people that had become his Mother and Father.

Heath stepped out of the room, looked at Frank and sighed. "Let's get going, we're not going to find Essie and Leah standing here."

"Are you alright son, Gyorgy…?"

"Still holding on Frank, still holding on." Heath walked across the foyer and stepped out onto the verandah. Jarrod was already mounted along with another man, he didn't recognize.

Seeing Heath looking at Riley, Jarrod made the introductions. "This is Riley, Heath. He will take us out to where Nick is waiting."

"Pleased to meet you and thank you for your help." Heath nodded at the cowhand.

"Glad to be of help Mr Thomson. We all are." Riley replied. "Nick and Sheriff Madden are waiting for us where we lost the trail last night." Riley study the drawn features of the man before him, wondering just how long it would be before he fell out of the saddle, that is if he ever got in the saddle.

Heath tousled Tommy's hair in passing and stepped off the verandah, catching up the reins of his stallion. Giving the horse a caress on the neck, he clicked and tugged lightly at the reins as the watching family gasped in surprise when the big bay dropped his head and lowered his forehand to a kneeling position. Heath smirked at their surprise, stepping over the horse's shoulders and settled in the saddle. Grasping the saddle horn with his good hand, he gently tapped the stallion's sides and waited as the horse rose back to his feet.

"Glad he remembered that trick boy." Frank said with a grin. "I was wondering how I was going to get you into the saddle."

Heath raised an eyebrow but chose not to comment. "You be good for Mrs Barkley and Audra, Tommy." Heath ordered as he wheeled the big horse around and pushed it into a lope across the yard, closely followed by Frank and Riley.

"He'll be the perfect little angel Heath, don't worry," Audra called out to the departing back of the blond while holding tightly to Tommy's hand.

Jarrod held back for a minute, "Don't worry Mother, between Frank, Nick and myself we'll look after Heath as if he was one of our own, and we'll bring Essie and Leah home safe and sound too." He promised before turning to follow the other three men at a gallop.

Victoria gripped the verandah railing tightly in her hands as she watched the men ride away…the tall straight back…easy movement in the saddle…it was like watching Tom all over again only…only it wasn't her Tom this time…riding away to confront some danger out on the range…it was… his son.

BV

"Riders coming Nick," Clem called out from where he was busy saddling his horse.

Nick threw the dregs of his coffee onto the fire and handed the tin cup to Joe to pack away with the rest of the breakfast utensils. With Duke and Fred beside him, the three men walked out of the camp to greet the riders. Nick cursed when he recognized the big bay stallion and its rider. "What in blue blazes…?"

"Well Nick, looks like you got your wish," Fred commented dryly as he watched the four men riding towards him. "Well I'll be…" Fred said in surprised. "That's Frank Sawyer riding with Jarrod and Thomson. I wonder how he got here so fast. I only sent the telegram yesterday morning."

Jarrod, Heath and Frank pulled up in front of the three waiting men while Riley rode on to join the rest of the group standing back at the camp site.

"What the hell do you think you're doing boy?" Nick demanded as he glared at the hunched over form on the big bay.

"Going to find my family," Heath retorted hotly, blue eyes flashing dangerously as he returned Nick's glare.

"Oh no you're not boy. You can barely sit in that saddle now. How long do you think you're going to last out here? Duke have one of the men escort Mr Thomson back to the ranch." Nick ordered without taking his eyes off Heath.

"I ain't your boy and I'm not going back,"

"Now listen here…"

"Nick, that will be enough," Jarrod ordered. "Heath is here and he's staying. I'd like you to meet Marshall Frank Sawyer," Jarrod continued before Nick could speak again. "Frank, my brother Nick, our ranch foreman Duke McColl and Sheriff Fred Madden, whom I believe you have met before."

"Mr Barkley, Duke," Frank acknowledged with a nod of his head. "Sheriff, it was what about two and half years ago I believe. You picked up a prisoner from us."

"That's right; it was just before that failed bank robbery."

"Now that all the introductions are over can we get on with the search," Heath interrupted. "Perhaps somebody would like to show me where you lost the trail."

"It's this way Mr Thomson," Duke replied, heading towards their night camp. "I made sure to keep everyone well away from the area so they didn't mess up the sign."

Heath allowed the big bay to amble slowly behind Duke, nodding in acknowledgement to the greetings called from the cowhands as he and Frank passed through the camp. "Thanks Duke, appreciate that, makes my job easier and the name's Heath."

Nick grabbed the reins of Jarrod's horse as he was about to follow behind the others. "Just what the hell is going on Jarrod? He's in no condition to be out here. Does Mother even know he is out of bed?" Nick demanded angrily. "We don't have time to be playing nurse maid. We need to find that missing woman and child."

"His wife and daughter Nick, and yes Mother does know he is here, in fact she gave him her blessing to ride out here this morning."

"She what? I don't believe it. Why would she do something like that?"

"I don't know Nick; I didn't have time to ask her. But I intend to find out when we return to the ranch. In the meantime, we have a woman and child to find." Jarrod kicked his horse into motion again and with Nick walking beside they followed the other four men.

Heath dismounted carefully, using the saddle horn and the strong neck of his horse to steady his shaking body. Taking a moment to catch his breath, he rested his head against the stallion's neck, before straightening up and accepting the canteen handed to him by Frank. Nodding his thanks to Frank, he turned to the task at hand and followed Duke to where the sign of the kidnappers had disappeared. Heath searched around the area, slowly moving forward, noting an overturned stone here, a strike mark from a shoe there, flattened salt grass or broken off twigs from the low lying bushes and a single print of the v notched shoe that…his brother… had been following. Heath saw it all. Staring out across the miles of open range, Barkley and Thomson range, dotted with small stands of tall Oaks and Pines, Heath studied the horizon where the deep blue of the cloudless sky met a sea of green. He turned slightly to speak to Nick and Jarrod, whom he had heard coming up behind him. "What's on the other side of the range?"

"Well," Nick studied the range before him to get his bearings and then closed his eyes for a moment picturing the land in his mind from the maps in the study at the ranch. "The stream that forms the boundary between our properties and where you camped runs roughly through the middle of this section, out where those stands of trees are."

Heath nodded, "that sparse stand to the left of that dense stand is the back boundary of my place."

"Yeah, your place is a bit like a triangle, narrow at the back and then widening out towards the front." Nick agreed. "Ben McMasters owns the place the other side of you and backs onto the stream as well but a couple miles further up past that dense stand. You can't see his boundary from here, then the Barkley range crosses the stream and borders his place and…" Nick groaned, "Damn it to hell, why didn't I think of that?"

"Think of what?" Heath asked eyeing Nick as he started pacing around the area.

Nick pushed his hat to the back of his head, then took it off completely, slapped it against his leg and ran his free hand through his thick black hair. He stopped pacing and looked at the expectant blue eyes watching him and sighed. "I'm sorry. I've wasted so much time following this trail. I should have stopped and thought. As soon as Sam mentioned the hoof print that I found was the same as the one he found after the first cattle rustling." Nick started pacing again. "Hell I should have thought of it after that first rustling myself."

Jarrod could see the confusion and frustration in Heath's eyes as Nick continued to berate himself. Stepping in front of his brother, he grabbed the broad shoulders and gave them a shake. "Nick, stop. Just tell us what you're thinking. This is wasting time too."

Nick drew in a deep breath through his nose and then huffed it out. "The Barkley and McMasters spreads don't share a complete boundary."

"No I know that Nick," Jarrod agreed, allowing his own frustration to tinge his voice. "There is a mile long canyon…" Jarrod's blue eyes widened and met the hazel of his brother's as the implications of what he had just said were realized.

"What canyon?" Heath demanded, "Where is it. And what rustlers?" Heath stepped forward into Nick's personal space, shrugging off Frank's controlling hand on his arm. "Somebody had better start explaining."