Chapter 1

The train headed East, and Jarrod Barkley was eager to get to his destination. Once he arrived in Carson City, he'd rent a horse and travel to the town where Jaq lived. He estimated he could make it the small town by that evening.

Jarrod thought about his family's reaction to him leaving and was grateful for their support. They all liked Jaq and although her testimony had hurt the case with Beth's family, neither Jarrod nor his family blamed her. She had been just as blindsided by the questioning and even if she had been prepared for the question about their shared kiss, Jarrod didn't think the outcome of the case would have been any different. Beth would still have been sent back East to live with her father and sister.

Jarrod sighed. He'd made the decision before he left Stockton to hire Pinkerton's to keep him informed of what was happening with Beth. He asked them to be incredibly discreet and he had every confidence that they would be. Technically, he was violating the judge's order by hiring Pinkerton's but at this point he didn't care. He just needed to know that Beth was safe. The marriage was officially dissolved, Jarrod having signed the papers before he left. He was grateful for the long train ride to help distract him from the hurt he felt.

Daniel Mannis, his lawyer, had been jailed for three days on his contempt charge after the trial. Jarrod felt badly but Daniel said he truly didn't mind. He still couldn't believe the judge had ruled the way he had, and Daniel wanted to look into an appeal. Normally, Jarrod would have supported that action but as it was, he thought perhaps things should just stay as they were. He knew he still cared for Beth, but he also began to wonder what their life would have been like had Cass Hyatt not taken that shot. They'd barely known one another. He felt guilty that she was in her current condition and it was because of him. He knew he'd loved Beth when he first met her, but would he have still felt that way later?

Again, Jarrod sighed. His thoughts were going to a dangerous place and he didn't want to dwell there. He'd spent too much time over the last couple of years living in a state of sadness. He was ready to start working on putting his past behind him. He had no desire to seek another relationship and figured he'd just throw himself into his work and find his happiness there and with his mother and siblings. Between his clients and the ranch, he'd have plenty to keep him busy.

His thoughts drifted to Jaq and he couldn't help but wonder what kind of legal issues she was having. He knew they had to be serious because she wouldn't have called him out to see her if they weren't. Before he left Stockton, he contacted the seller of the land Jaq was wanting to purchase on the outskirts of town. Mr. Abbott was eager to get things moving again and Jarrod was glad he could deliver some good news to Jaq. In his briefcase, he had the papers for her to sign that would close the sale.

The train pulled into the station and Jarrod gathered his valise and briefcase. He'd just stepped down from the train when he heard his name being called. He looked over to see Jaq standing down the way, waving. Jarrod began making his way toward her.

Jaq was careful to school her features when she saw him. She remembered their conversation about him not wanting to be looked at with pity or sadness and she would still grant that to him. She'd shed many tears over what had happened in the courtroom and her heart still ached over the fact she felt responsible for Jarrod losing his case and Beth being sent away to live back East with her family. She was also still feeling anger toward the Randall's for the hell they'd put Jarrod and his family through.

"Jaq," Jarrod said by way of greeting. He had braced himself for the solemn "how are you" or other looks of compassion or sympathy, but she was the same old Jaq. She smiled slightly and reached out her hand to shake his.

"Thank you for coming, Jarrod. I do apologize for the cryptic wire and not going into detail. And if you don't mind, I'd rather wait until we are back at my ranch to talk?"

Jarrod agreed but couldn't help but be concerned. He had gotten to know Jaq fairly well and she wasn't one to exaggerate or be dramatic. Jaq led them through the crowd of people and to a small carriage. They placed Jarrod's bags in the back and then Jaq called out to the horses to move.

They kept the conversation light as they drove. Jarrod enjoyed the scenery. It was Jaq's turn to give him a history of the area much as he had done when he was showing her around Stockton. He enjoyed listening to her and laughed at some of the stories she'd told.

They arrived at Jaq's and Jarrod's eyes widened. He'd been under the impression that Jaq lived in a small ranch home but the house before him was grand. Not as grand as the Barkley mansion but Jarrod was impressed none the less. The outbuildings were well maintained and there was a small corral with a few horses. A young man came to greet them, and Jaq instructed him to put away the carriage and care for the horse.

"Thanks, Tobin," Jaq said as the young man led the horse away.

Jaq led them inside and Jarrod removed his hat when they entered. He looked around at the small foyer and over to the left was a parlor. There was a staircase to his right that led to what Jarrod assumed were bedrooms, and straight ahead was a hallway leading to the back of the house.

"You can set you things down here," Jaq said motioning to a small bench. They then made their way to the parlor and Jaq sat down on the settee, Jarrod joining her.

"I know you're probably tired and hungry after your trip but before I get you settled, I wanted to tell you why I asked you here," Jaq began. Jarrod noticed she was wringing her hands slightly.

"What's going on, Jaq?"

Jaq took a deep breath. "I told you my parents moved from Texas to here?"

Jarrod nodded.

"My father purchased this land over 20 years ago. He built this house and the outbuildings. It's not the largest ranch in the area but it is a decent size."

Again, Jarrod nodded. Jaq stood and walked over to a small desk in the corner of the room retrieving a piece of paper.

"I received this a few weeks ago."

Jaq handed Jarrod a piece of paper. He read it and then brought his eyes to Jaq's.

"They're claiming my father never owned this land and are saying I have to vacate by the end of the month. Jarrod, if I lose this place...I don't know what I'll do. When my parents died, they left me a rather large inheritance in addition to this land. I want to sell and move to Stockton, but it isn't about the money. I believe his reputation is being slandered. I know my father purchased this land. And I know he did it legally."

"Is there a deed? Bill of sale?"

"My father kept meticulous records but about a year ago someone broke in and tore the place apart. A few things were stolen but nothing big. I told the sheriff about it, but he seemed to think it was just a drifter and said I should be thankful I wasn't here when it happened."

Jarrod's eyes narrowed. "So, there was no further investigation?"

"None," Jaq said, averting her gaze for a moment. Jarrod could tell she was trying to calm herself down. "There's been a few other things that have happened as well. Horses being run off and a small fire was started in one of the fields. I don't employ a lot of people, but most have left. They've all said it was to seek employment elsewhere, but I think they're scared. The only ones left are Bill and his son, Tobin. Bill is leaving tomorrow though. He lost his wife in the same flu epidemic that took my parents and he can't risk something happening to him or Tobin."

Jarrod felt badly that Jaq was having to deal with all of this.

"Do you think whoever broke in last year might have stolen the deed?"

"Maybe. I didn't think much about anything being taken with regards to papers."

"Where did your father keep all his important papers?"

"Mostly in the office. It's this way."

Jaq led Jarrod around the corner, through the spacious kitchen to a good-sized room with a large desk and a wall full of books. Jarrod took a moment to appreciate the room before turning his attention to the task before him of looking through files. Jaq was correct in that her father kept a lot of records. Jarrod noticed that the name on the files were signed Simon Baker. He questioned Jaq.

"Baker is my maiden name," she said. It was then Jarrod remembered Daniel Mannis and his mother briefly discussing Jaq being called "Mrs." during the trial. He honestly hadn't thought anymore about it.

"I see. And your husband…"

"Paul passed away the year before my parents," was all Jaq said. Jarrod schooled his features and would not allow himself to look at Jaq with any kind of pity. She'd given him a gift when she never treated him differently after finding out about Beth's condition. He would hope he could do the same for her.

"Give me some time to look through all of this and I'll see what I come up with," Jarrod said.

"Would you like to get settled in first? There's a small cottage out back that I thought you'd find comfortable. You could stay in the hotel in town if you prefer," Jaq said.

"The cottage will be perfect. I'll take my things over and then come back to get started. Is it alright with you if I use the desk?"

"Of course."

Jarrod retrieved his bag and briefcase and followed Jaq out to the back of the house. The "cottage" was a small one story home that had two bedrooms, a small parlor, and a kitchen. On the wall was a small portrait of Jaq and a man Jarrod assumed was Paul. It was taken on their wedding day and Jaq looked incredibly happy in it. He noticed Jaq didn't enter the cottage but stayed at the door. Jarrod realized this was Jaq's home with her husband and there were probably many memories for her.

After setting his things down, Jarrod walked back toward the house with Jaq. The area was quite beautiful and there was a grove of trees that led to a forest to the South. The weather wasn't too hot given the time of year.

Jarrod made his way back to the study and Jaq left him alone after bringing him some food and coffee. She hoped he'd be able to help her sort through everything soon.