I do NOT own The Big Valley nor any of the original Barkley Characters.

Once In A Lifetime

Chapter Five

Scene Nine

Nick and Heath were standing in the living room talking when Jarrod walked in the front door. A frown was upon his face. "What is it, Jarrod?" Nick asked as Jarrod walked into the living room and poured himself a drink.

"Just received these," Jarrod held up some telegrams, "and talked to Fred. It seems our Roy Willard fits the description of a con artist, and major time thief, by the name of Jeffery Mills. The U.S. Marshal they're sending to Stockton doesn't want us to let him know we suspect anything nor does Fred. Guess, the city's still having problems with the Scott case. Henry Scott, a local businessman, had been misidentified and spent two weeks in jail. He was causing Fred and the rest of Stockton grief over the matter.

"So, we just let him run loose around here?" Nick bellowed only to have Jarrod hold up his hand.

"The Marshall is due in first thing in the morning. I'll meet him while you and Heath keep our friend busy." Jarrod noticed Heath's troubled look.

"What's wrong?" he looked at Heath, concern written on his face.

Heath looked towards the stairs; Cynthia had gone up to do some cleaning, "Just wondering how she knew."

Jarrod and Nick looked toward the stairs then back at Heath, "Are you worried she might have originally been hooked up with the man?"

Heath shook his head, "If she was, he'd have shown some sign of recognition. Mr. Willard's shown none at all. I just can't stop wondering though."

Truth be told, with all Jarrod knew he'd been wondering the same thing. One look at Nick told Jarrod the man had been occupied by the thought also, "Well, standing around here is not going to get anything done. I suggest we go about our business and not let on we know anything." Neither Nick nor Heath argued as they went about their business.

When the door shut Cynthia stepped out of the hallway that connected to the stairs. She'd heard every word and she was troubled. How had she known? It's not like she'd ever had any sixth sense or something. Still, she'd recognized the man from somewhere and she hadn't even been off the ranch! Sighing, she walked down the steps knowing she had other things to get done. Whatever the case was all she could do was hope the man, if guilty, would be taken away by the marshal.

Scene Ten

Cynthia stood in front of the house,; Peggy sat on her left while Audra stood on her right, both women had gone out of the way to befriend the young woman. In fact, Audra and she had just returned from a pleasant horse ride with Audra and one of her friends, though Cynthia had remained quiet during the ride leaving the conversation to be carried on by her companions.

The U.S. Marshal had handcuffed Mr. Mills. aka "Mr. Willard" and was taking him away. Cynthia saw the look Heath threw her way and it made her nervous. She just knew he'd want answers more than ever. What on earth was she going to tell him?

"Good thing you had that gut feeling and spoke up," Peggy looked up at her, "Heaven knows what the man might have tried to pull here."

Cynthia felt her pulse race and she had to grab onto one of the pillars as she could almost see, and hear, the Stockton historian. 'This here picture was taken outside the Stockton City courthouse' the man held the paper up 'Do you believe one man could cause such trouble for Stockton? They, meaning everyone, including the Barkleys, lost thousands of dollars thanks to that man all because no one knew he was a crook'. He hadn't elaborated on the matter and Cynthia, more interested in the Barkleys, had pushed the information to the back of her mind.

Seeing Cynthia go pale and grab onto something to hold herself up, Peggy and Audra both yelled, "Jarrod! Heath! Nick!" All three brothers turned; while they started running it was Heath who reached Cynthia first.

"You going to pass out again?" Heath took a hold of her shoulders.

She shook her head, "No, but I don't feel so well. Maybe, I'd best go inside." Heath helped her back inside the house while the others talked.

"Have you heard any more from the Pinkerton's?" Nick looked at Jarrod.

Jarrod wished he could say he had; only it wasn't the case. He shook his head, "No, but they're supposed to be contacting me within the week with another report. Let's just be glad she was still around to make it so you double checked Mr. Mills."

Nick was glad; he was, as they all were, still curious to just who Cynthia was and where she had come from. He shook his head and went back to work.

"You don't think they're going to find anything, do you?" Peggy looked at her husband.

Jarrod turned his hands up and looked at the house, "I don't know. I really don't know." While the two continued talking Heath was doing his best to get Cynthia to open up.

"Look, I'm not saying I think you're lying when you say you've never met Mr. Mills," Heath believed her on that part, "I just said you don't have to run from anything. There's no need for secrets here. I should know; all the Barkleys will help you anyway they can if you let them."

Cynthia had to bite her tongue as the reply 'They would if they could, but they don't know a thing about time travel' came into her mind.' "Mr. Barkley…" she began only to have Heath stop her.

"The name is Heath. I want to help you; we all do." his sincerity had her feeling a bit guilty but she knew of no way to tell him everything.

"I'm sorry, Heath, but I have work to do and, since I'm feeling much better, I best get it done." She stood up and walked out of the living room leaving Heath trying to think of a way to get 'that stubborn woman' to open up.