Jarrod puffed his cigar and sipped his scotch savoring the taste of each one knowing it could be awhile before he enjoyed either of his favorite vices. He looked at his pocket watch and knew it was almost time to leave. Looking out at the view of the San Francisco office he tried to memorize every detail he saw before turning back to his desk and making sure everything was in order.

He knew once he left it would be a matter of time before his office would be searched extensively and he wanted to make sure he didn't leave anything behind. He had cleaned out his safe in case they were able to figure out the combination which he doubted. He had been working eighteen hour days to get all of his files caught up so his replacement could easily step in during his absence.

He sighed at the thought of his so called absence; it would be more like a disappearance. He looked at the envelopes on his desk and sighed when he saw the one addressed to his mother. He could not go into any detail surrounding his absence because he knew the first place they would look for him would be the ranch and he didn't want his family lying to the authorities so in this case he knew ignorance was bliss. Too many times in the past he had involved his family in his pursuit of justice and each time a member of his family had been hurt; but he saw to it that it would not happen this time.

He wished he could have gone back to the ranch one more time but that was not possible. He would have to let the last time he visited stay fresh in his mind although it had been several weeks. Jarrod planned on coming home for an extended stay but that was before this situation came up.

He sat back down in behind his desk and smiled sadly. His mother had decorated both of his offices in Stockton and here lavishly but after tonight he knew the possibility of returning to his law practices would be miniscule. He closed his eyes as he put his head in his hands.

Jarrod Barkley always knew he wanted to be an attorney for as long as he could remember. His father had been against his decision but eventually supported his eldest son once he saw him in action. All his life Jarrod always fought for what he believed was right and this was no different. He poured his heart and soul into his latest case and still lost. He knew before he took the case it would be difficult to win but with the damning evidence he had produced he felt he would be able to sway the judge.

Jarrod knew how the California law read in this instance but he hoped with all his heart that the judge would side with him and set a precedence but he didn't. Jarrod accused the judge of being bribed and he was fairly certain he was correct in his accusations when the judge did not slap the attorney with any contempt of court fines for his outburst. Jarrod sighed once again as he raised his head and ran his hands through his hair.

When Jarrod took this case he made two crucial errors; first he made a promise he wasn't sure he could keep and he had developed strong feelings for his client. But from the first moment he met her he knew he would do whatever it took to keep her safe.

The thought of Abby brought a smile to the attorney's face. She had big brown eyes that matched her brown curly hair. When she smiled it lit up the entire room. When Jarrod first met her she was shy and very wary of him because of her past. It took him almost two months to gain her trust but who could blame her after what she had been through. The memory of what she had told him made him shudder. How any man could do that do another human being was behind him.

Jarrod did not trust himself to confront Danny Wells with what he had done to his family. The attorney went to the dark side once when Beth had been killed and he knew he very well could do it again without a doubt. After the judge had rendered his verdict Danny approached Jarrod and it took three men to pull Jarrod off of him.

But because of his outburst it had bought him some time so they could disappear. He knew how powerful Danny Wells was but all that mattered to Jarrod was keeping Abby safe from him. He also knew he would be on his own but thanks to his shrewd investments Jarrod did not have to worry about money. He also knew a great many people who would help him and he was already getting assistance from the Sisters at St. Mary's Church.

It was Sister Catherine who introduced Jarrod to Abby and asked for his help. When Jarrod went to Sister Catherine with his back up plan she was hesitant at first but after much discussion and praying she decided if the judge did not rule in Abby's favor Sister Catherine would go along with Jarrod's plan.

As his clock chimed five o'clock Jarrod took one more long drag from his cigar and picked up the envelopes so he could mail them on the way to the church. He took one long last look around and felt his eyes get watery knowing once he left there would be no turning back. He locked his inner office door and placed one envelope down on his secretary's desk before walking out the door.

He mailed all but one of remaining envelopes and made his way to St. Mary's Church. He felt his heart pounding in his chest as he hoped and prayed Danny had not beaten him to the church to pick up Abby. When he entered the church he slowly made his way to Sister Catherine's office. He knocked lightly on the door and heard a muffled come in.

When Jarrod opened the door he let out a sigh of relief when he saw Abby and smiled.

When Abby saw Jarrod she went running into the attorney's outstretched arms and jumped with glee. Jarrod could not help but laugh at her excitement to see him.

"Mistah Jay we goin' now?"

Jarrod tweaked Abby's nose and said, "Yes we are. Are you ready?"

Abby jumped out of Jarrod's arms and ran to get her bag. She ran back to him dragging the large bag and said, "I weady!"

Jarrod smiled once again and bent down to pick up Abby and her bag. "My goodness what do you have in this bag?" Jarrod smiled mischievously at her.

Abby laughed and said, "My clothes and dolly you gave me."

Sister Catherine came to Jarrod and said, "I will be praying for you and Abby both Mr. Barkley."

Jarrod's smile disappeared as he put down Abby's bag and juggled the little girl from one arm to another and reached for the envelope to hand to the Sister. "Could you please see that my mother gets this?"

Sister Catherine took the envelope, "Of course Mr. Barkley." She took the envelope and asked, "Anything else?"

"Pray for us Sister."

"Always Mr. Barkley. Don't forget once you get there to go see Sister Margaret and she'll help you."

"Thank you Sister. Please take care of yourself and stay safe." Jarrod put Abby down and knelt on one knee to look her in the eyes and asked her, "You ready for the venture?"

Abby grinned widely at Jarrod and said, "Yes!"

Sister Catherine watched as Jarrod picked up Abby once more and then her bag and the two walked out of the church. She said another silent prayer for the attorney and the five year old little girl that had stolen the attorney's heart.