Chapter Thirty Nine

Victoria climbed the newly replace steps that led up to the doctor's office. She had just left the sheriff's office where the deputy had given her a brief report of what had happened and just what her sons had insisted on doing. She hadn't been thrilled to learn her boys had insisted on continuing the hunt by themselves; but they were grown men, and there was nothing she could do about their decisions. On the other hand, Victoria thought as she reached out and took a hold of the new brass door knob Dr. Merar had put on his office door, she could still check in on her only daughter, who had hurried to the doctor's office the moment she'd learned what had happened to Carl Wheeler.

"She's still in there." Dr. Merar looked up from his desk when he heard the door open and saw Victoria enter the building. He didn't have to ask who the Barkley Matriarch was looking for. He'd actually been looking for her to arrive at his office for quite some time.

"Has he improved any?" Victoria asked as she did her best not to think that one-or more-of her sons could find themselves in the same boat as Carl, if Kyle Jensen had his way.

Dr. Merar didn't answer for a moment. How he hated questions like that when he didn't really have anything he could guarantee. "His *brother gave him some more blood." He slowly leaned back in his chair and glanced towards the door. "He seems to have stabilized." He paused and the said cautiously, "I suggested that Audra go home and get some rest. She won't budge." The look in his eyes said 'I thought they were just friends'.

It was a statement that Victoria would leave unanswered for one fact... she had nothing to tell him. Like everyone else, she thought the relationship had ended a long time ago. "Thanks," Victoria turned and quickly walked to the door that stood diagonal from the doctor's desk and opened it up. She could see Audra sitting in a chair next to the bed; the young woman had placed the chair in such a manner as to allow her to rest her hand on Carl's arm. Victoria frowned ever so slightly, but said nothing as she made her way to the side of the bed.

Audra had heard the door open, heard the swishing of a skirt, and knew there was a high chance she knew who the visitor was. Only when Victoria stood next to the bed that Carl lay in, did Audra turn her face towards her mother. She saw the slight frown and concern on her mother's face. However, just as Victoria started to open her mouth, Audra began talking. "He didn't deserve this." She fought the tears that wanted to come. "Kyle's got to be stopped!"

"I agree; it's horrible what's happened. Doc says he's holding his own, though." Victoria looked with compassion on her daughter. "When it comes to Mr. Jensen," Victoria said, as she pulled the chair that sat against the wall over just enough to sit down on it, "your brothers will get him." Her eyes added 'Is there something you need to tell me?'

Audra heard the silent question loud and clear; she ran her fingers down Carl's arm and picked up his hand. When she spoke, Victoria could hear the hurt in her daughter's voice. "He didn't break it off between us; I did. I told him I was seriously considering looking into nursing and; maybe work in a hospital in some place like New York. I told him I didn't love him enough to give that dream up, and he shouldn't have to give up his ranch for anyone. I could see the hurt in his eyes even if he did do his best to cover it up."

Victoria let out a soft sigh and gave her daughter an understanding smile. "We all have dreams and, if one does not truly love another, there's nothing wrong with wanting to follow them."

"I was wrong." Audra turned her face back towards Carl. "Oh, not about wanting to look into nursing, but wrong about wanting to leave Stockton…wrong about not loving him enough." Her voice broke as tears started running down her cheeks. "The only things I want now are for my brothers to come home safely, and for Carl to wake up. I need to know if there's still a chance for us. Well, I want those things along with the knowledge that Kyle Jensen isn't a threat to anyone else." That would make her feel worse than she felt at the moment; Audra didn't want anyone else to suffer because of Mr. Jensen.

Victoria went to reply only to have shock waves go over her as Carl opened his eyes and smile at Audra. "With those three brothers of yours," he struggled to speak and keep his eyes open, "you don't have a thing to worry about."

"Carl!" Audra cried out as she lifted his hand to her chin. "You're awake!"

He smiled weakly. "Yes, and I heard everything. Don't worry; there's more than a chance for us." His eyes added 'You can count on it.'

Without thinking, Audra laid her head upon his chest.

"You don't pull out the shotgun." Carl glanced towards Victoria and winked as he closed his eyes, trying to lighten the mood he felt in the room, "Once I'm well, and those boys are back, I'll do my best to provide for her. I promise."

Victoria said nothing as Carl slipped back into what appeared a more restful sleep. While she was thrilled Carl was pulling through, and that it appeared as there would be a wedding in the future, only a partial smile appeared on her face. How could she do anything else with her minds on her sons?