It didn't take much time to get the search warrants issued since the last time Abby was seen was with Jarrod. The Judge held off issuing a warrant for Jarrod's arrest until they had a chance to execute the search warrants. The Judge was hopeful that Jarrod merely wanted a little more time with the little girl and hadn't actually left with her although he doubted it. He knew Jarrod Barkley and he had a feeling the attorney had fled with Abby.
The search of Jarrod's law office and townhouse turned up nothing. Jarrod's secretary nor his housekeeper knew where Jarrod was or what his plans were. He simply left each of them an envelope filled with cash and a note stating he wasn't sure when he would be back.
Danny Wells exploded with rage as he could not believe no one knew where the attorney was or what his plans were. He knew someone had to know something and he was determined to find that person no matter the cost. The next stop would be Stockton as he was sure the stuffy attorney would make a mistake sooner rather than later.
Danny demanded no one was to breathe a word of Abby or Jarrod's disappearance as he wanted to surprise the Barkley's when they showed up in Stockton. James had checked with the railroad and Jarrod had not used his private rail car in almost two months and had not purchased any tickets either. James suggested they were still in San Francisco because traveling by stagecoach with a five year old would be next to impossible since they hadn't travelled by train.
"You keep forgetting about his family," Danny spat. "One of his family members could have purchased the ticket for him."
"I guess that is possible," James agreed.
Danny sighed in frustration at his attorney; he was not being very helpful right now. "What in the devil is wrong with you?"
James sighed as he looked at Danny, "Nothing Danny. The baby has colic and kept me and Missy up all night."
"Hmph, that's what you hire a nanny for."
"Missy doesn't want to hire a nanny and to be truthful I don't either. I'll be fine once I get a nap." James hoped Danny took the hint and would let him sleep on the way to Stockton.
He spat, "Fine. But you better be ready when we get to Stockton."
Nick now had a feeling his eldest brother was in some sort of trouble although he didn't know why. He had shrugged off his mother's concerns the last few weeks but the more Nick thought about it the more he thought his mother was right. He had made the decision if Jarrod had not returned home by the weekend he would be making a trip to San Francisco to see him. He knew Heath could handle the Ranch for a few days while he checked on Jarrod.
"Nicholas, are you not hungry?" Victoria questioned as Nick played with his food.
Audra answered, "Nick not hungry? Is he sick or in love again?" The entire family laughed except Nick.
He sneered at Audra briefly before turning to his mother. "I'm going to San Francisco if Jarrod doesn't come home this weekend."
Victoria looked at Nick and she knew he had the same feeling she had been having. She smiled and said, "I'll go with you."
Nick knew better than to argue with his mother and simply said, "As you wish Duchess."
Heath added in between bites, "Why don't we all go? Be like a small family reunion."
"It's kinda slow around here right now so I don't see why not," Nick said.
"Well then it looks like Jarrod will have a house full on Monday," Victoria said trying to fight the nagging feeling something was wrong. The family heard someone knock on the door but knew Silas would answer it.
The faithful servant reappeared and Victoria immediately noticed the worry and frown on his face.
"Mizz Barkley, Sheriff Madden is here with some other men who wants to see you."
Victoria got up as the family followed her to the foyer. Fred Madden was standing with three other men. Victoria knew one of the men and she could not stand him however she did not know the other two. Once again she was filled with dread.
Victoria greeted Fred, "Fred what can I do for you?"
Fred smiled at his friend and said, "Victoria I'm sorry to interrupt you but these men are from San Francisco and they have a search warrant to search the house." Fred handed Victoria the papers.
"What is this about?" Nick asked.
Danny Wells stepped out and said, "We're looking for your son Mrs. Barkley. He has taken my daughter and disappeared."
"And you think he's here?" Nick questioned loudly.
"He could be," Danny answered. He turned to face Sheriff Madden and the deputy from San Francisco and barked, "What are you waiting for?" He motioned to the house.
Fred sighed as he looked at Victoria, "I'm sorry Victoria but we have to look for Jarrod."
"He's not here and hasn't been in several weeks," Heath said.
"We don't have all day!" Danny spat.
Fred and the deputy looked at each other and back to Victoria. "Heath please escort Fred and the deputy to Jarrod's room and wherever else they would like to look."
"Yes mother," Heath turned to the men and said, "Follow me." The three men went up the stairs leaving Danny and James with the rest of the Barkley's in the foyer. Victoria was not going to offer him anything except the front door when he left.
Danny smirked at the matriarch and said, "I always heard how nice the Barkley's are but yet you haven't offered us a drink."
"And I will not," Victoria sneered.
"So you know who I am?" Danny asked.
Nick spat, "Everyone knows you Wells." Nick folded his arms across his chest.
"Well when they finish searching we will be out of your way." Danny spoke low, "But you can give your son a message from me. I will not stop searching for my daughter and once I find him he will sorry."
Victoria folded her arms on her chest and said, "Is that a threat?"
Danny laughed, "Of course not. It is merely a fact. I want my daughter back and I will not stop until I get her back and your son is behind bars."
James spoke up, "Danny please." He turned to Victoria, "If you know where your son is please get word to him we are looking for him and Abby both and will not quit until we find them."
"If and when I talk to my son I will relay your message."
Nick added, "And since the search warrant does not mention you have to be present you need to leave NOW!"
Danny laughed again, "Very well Mr. Barkley but you had better get used to seeing me because I will not stop until I find Abby." Danny and James left waiting outside for the search to be concluded.
Thirty minutes later Fred, Heath and the deputy reappeared.
"Victoria I'm sorry," Fred said.
"I know you're just doing your job."
Fred nodded his head and said, "We'll be on our way." Fred and the deputy left.
Nick said, "Looks like we're heading to San Francisco today."
Victoria mumbled, "What has Jarrod got himself into this time?" Victoria was very well aware of Danny Wells and his reputation and now fear gripped her.
Nick hugged his mother and said, "Don't worry mother, we'll find Jarrod and the little girl before Wells does."
"I certainly hope so."
"I'm going into the town and arrange for the Barkley private rail car to be hooked up," Heath said. "Nick pack me a few clothes and I'll wait for the family in town," Heath quickly exited to make arrangements for the family.
"I'm going to pack," Audra hurried up the stairs as well leaving Nick and Victoria.
He kissed his mother's head and said, "We will find him mother." And all the while Nick hoped they could his brother before Wells.