Disclaimer: I don't own Big Valley or its characters and I'm not making any money off of this story.

Title: The Little Witnesses

Author: LittleRedhead

Rating: PG13

Jarrod and Nick quickly tied up their horses and set down their fishing poles. Their curiosity had gotten the better of the two boys. Jarrod and Nick cautiously crept along on their stomachs as they followed the angry voices. Both of the brothers had been taught how to silently stalk wild game by their father. It was a skill they were putting into place now.

Jarrod and Nick took cover in some bushes far enough away from the argument to not be seen or heard, but close enough to watch. The Barkley brothers could see two men arguing. One of the men was shorter and had salt and pepper hair. Jarrod and Nick recognized him as Jacob Mosley, a prominent businessman in Stockton. The other man was a tall dark-haired stranger.

The Barkley brothers had been warned not to eavesdrop but just couldn't resist the urge to find out what the argument was about. Both of the boys listened intently as the argument escalated.

"You would dare," Mr. Mosley replied.

The dark-haired stranger smirked. "Maybe I will and maybe I won't. You can't afford to take a chance Mosley."

"You're right. If the folks of Stockton and the rest of the Valley found out it would ruin me. I can't afford to have my reputation soiled," Mosley agreed.

"So, do we have a deal then?" the stranger asked.

"All right, you win," Mosley begrudgingly answered. The man looked like he could spit nails.

The stranger grinned like a Cheshire cat. He apparently didn't care that Mr. Mosley was still angry with him. "Good. Meet me back here tomorrow at the same time."

As the stranger turned to mount his horse Jacob Mosley picked up a fallen tree limb and struck the stranger on the back of the head. Jarrod and Nick watched in disbelief as the stranger fell to the ground unconscious. Jacob Mosley hit the stranger once more.

Jarrod and Nick watched exchanged worried looks. Jarrod motioned for Nick to head back the way they came. Both brothers were careful not to make any noise or attract Mr. Mosley's attention in any way.

When they got to their horses, the Barkley brothers picked up their fishing poles and led their horses away. When they got far enough away, the boys saddled their horses and started riding back to the Barkley house.

On the way back Jarrod made it a point to try to remember exactly what he had seen and heard. The boy knew had planned to tell what happened to his parents. Nick was silent until Jarrod turned to his younger brother.

"Are you scared Nick?' Jarrod asked.

Nick nodded his head. "Nope."

Jarrod knew better than that as he studied Nick's face. "It's okay Nick. I'm scared too."

"What are we going to do Jarrod?" Nick asked.

"We'll tell Father and Mother what we saw. They'll know what to do." Jarrod replied, trying to reassure his sibling.

Nick managed a small smile at the suggestion. "You always know the smart thing to do don't ya Jarrod?"

"Jarrod laughed at the remark. "No, but I try to remember what Mother and Father taught us. They always said to tell them when something bad happens."

"Okay, let's hurry then. I want to get away from Mr. Mosley," Nick suggested as he gave his horse a kick.

"Hey Nick, wait for me," Jarrod called after his younger brother. Jarrod urged his horse on and the brothers raced their horses the rest of the way back home.