DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own the copyrights to The Big Valley. This is written for pure enjoyment. The name of Captain Robert Waterman is also borrowed from the episode 'Barbary Red'.

Thank you to those who reviewed Long Road Home (whether on the board over through email). I hope you enjoy this story as well.

Overdue Justice

Chapter Seven

Scene Twelve

"I think the salt water must have gotten into your brain and done some damage! Are you serious?" Gene was flabbergasted when Nick told the family what he'd come up with. What on earth was the man thinking!

Audra remembered all the nights she'd lain awake missing her brother. She also remembered how her mother had put up a brave front only to shed tears behind closed doors. "There has to be another way!"

Elizabeth feared for her brother in law's safety but held her peace; after all, she'd already spoken her piece to her husband in private adding 'no matter what I will stand by this family'.

While Jarrod and Heath too were concerned about the possibility of something going wrong they had to agree the plan had a pretty high chance of succeeding.

Thinking on the men they'd recently hired Heath spoke up, "We could talk to Jim. He spent most of his life on a ship; he only started workin' on ranches within the past five years. He is pretty good at actin' too; I saw him down at the church during their Christmas play. With the kind of money we'll have him pay Thatcher up front and what he'll promise him 'upon delivery' I am sure the man will fall for it."

Seeing the look of fear in his mother's eyes Nick walked over and put his hands on her shoulders, "We will be careful mother. If I honestly thought we could just go to the sheriff and have him arrest the man I wouldn't insist on doing this. I would never want to put my family through more hell than needs be. I hope you know that."

Victoria gave him a small smile and nodded, "I know. A mother can not help but be concerned for her children though and I just got you back." there was the faintest catch in her voice.

"You best hurry and go talk to Jim," Nick let go of his mother and turned to Heath, "we can't afford to waste time." He then hurried and left the room. Truth was if they were going to do it he had to wait elsewhere in the house. The look in his mother's eyes had almost changed his mind; would have changed it had he not gotten to know Thatcher's reputation so well.

Anna quietly slipped out of the room and followed Nick into the kitchen. "People usually eat in the dining room." she leaned against the sink.

Nick stood next to the door looking out, "You can stay here with mother and Audra," he paused and smiled slightly, "guess I best add in Elizabeth; going to have to get used to that."

Memories of running through the streets of Stockton looking for John ran through her mind; pictures of Issac being stabbed and falling also flashed before her eyes, "I will NOT!" Anna stood straight up and spoke louder than she meant to, "One; you and I are in this together! Two; I failed my brother once already. I will NOT fail him again!"

For a moment he hesitated. He knew how strong the desire to 'get that man' was in both of them; still..."You have done your part!" Nick planted his feet ten feet under the floor, "That shipping dock is no place for a lady to be in the evenings or at night!"

Remembering the remark he'd made when he first found out how she'd gotten most of the money to support her parents with, she shot back, "I thought ladies didn't break in horses!"

That stung. He'd said those words before he'd spent almost a solid three weeks with her. She was very much a lady and he hated the idea of anything happening to her. "You are every inch a lady! You don't know how hard it's been to keep my hands off of you! I do not need the distraction down there!" He opened the door and stormed off towards the barn.

Anna was left with her mouth laying on the floor. She couldn't believe what she'd just heard. No one had ever even come close to calling her a lady before. 'Tom boy' and 'strange' were the more commonly used words when it came to how people described her. "You better come back in one piece yourself, friend." She turned around and headed back for the other women.

Scene Thirteen

Jim opened the door of the saloon and stepped inside. He looked around the room relieved to see the only customers were total strangers to him. The smoke was so thick he was surprised he could see. He looked at the stairs that led up to the few room the second floor held. 'I hope you have your information right Mr. Barkley' he climbed the stairs and knocked on the last door.

"Come in!" A voice came through the wooden door. Jim opened it and stepped inside. The room couldn't be over ten by twelve feet and held only a filing cabinet, desk and two chairs. It too reeked of smoke.

A gentleman wearing a pin striped suit sat behind a desk looking through what he assumed to be a book with the man's business matters inside. The fellow's hat covered most of his hair but from what he could see it looked to be graying a bit. "My name is Captain Jim Myers. I was told by a Captain Robert Waterman you could help me."

Jack Thatcher sat straight up. He'd done business with the Captain many times. "Depends on what you need."

Jim pulled out the envelope Heath had given him and tossed it on the desk in front of him.

Mr. Thatcher picked the envelope slowly up and opened it. His eyes widened as he counted out two thousand dollars! "What do you need my friend."

Jim was glad he was such a good actor as the man, and what he did, made him sick to the stomach, "I need a full crew by tomorrow night; I lack one man."

Disbelief shown in Mr. Thatcher's eyes, "You are paying me two thousand dollars for one man?"

He found that hard to swallow.

"Not just any man," Jim's mouth turn up into an sly grin, "I want Nick Barkley. He's back in town and I have a score to settle with him...one that's better dealt with...let's say far out in the ocean. And I am not paying you two thousand. I am willing to pay another two thousand IF YOU bring him to me ALIVE and UNHURT."

Mr. Thatcher's jaw hit the floor. After what his man had told him and everything. Could it be? "I heard his widow was in town asking questions. What makes you think the man is alive?"

Jim nodded towards the window, "I heard that attorney brother of his talking to the doctor. It seems like Mrs. Nick Barkley had just traveled ahead of her husband. I didn't catch the whole conversation so don't ask me why. Like I said though, I have a score to settle with him. You in or do I take my four thousand dollars and go elsewhere?" He reached for the envelope in Mr. Thatcher's hand.

Knowing Nick would want revenge for what he'd done to him Mr. Thatcher put the money in his pocket; he didn't want the man around and if this man was willing to pay such a high price for him then fine. At least this time he'd have the satisfaction of knowing Nick Barkley would never be coming home again.

"No need for that," Mr. Thatcher open up his suit jacket and put the envelope into the inside pocket, "I will make sure my men get him."

"Remember," Jim turned to leave, "If you want the other two thousand dollars it is YOU who has to deliver him. Oh, just in case you get any ideas? I will have associates hidden and watching. If others bring Mr. Barkley to me or if I am hurt in anyway? They will shoot every one you send."

"You have a trusting nature," Mr. Thatcher grin spread across his face slowly-Jim was sure it had to move that way or it would break the man's face, "Come and do business with me anytime."

'In your dreams' Jim thought as he turned and left the room. Nick had been right... Mr. Thatcher was pure evil!