Never Alone
Chapter Five
Jarrod made his way across the street to the Sheriff's office. He was eager to discuss everything he had overhead at the saloon. However, his journey was delayed when he came across a young child who had fallen from a tree. So Jarrod found himself in the doctor's office rather than the sheriff's. The man sure knew how to talk up a storm. Of course, the way the boy was reacting, Jarrod figured the doctor was talking so much in order to help the child feel at ease. "You just sprained your ankle; you're lucky." Dr. Thomas wrapped the young man's foot and handed him a set of crutches. "You might want to stay off of it for a few days."
After the boy had left, Jarrod pulled out some money to pay the good man. "Keep your money."
"But, the boy told me his father was out of work." said Jarrod.
Dr. Thomas looked out the window and sighed. "That he is, but me helping that boy more than makes up for the day I've had and going to have again."
Jarrod didn't know what the man meant by again, but he could feel sympathy for the man. After all, he'd had some days "like that". "Bad one, huh?" Jarrod asked as he put the money back into his wallet and slipped it back into his pocket.
"You could say that." Dr. Thomas looked at him closely and then asked, "You don't happen to be related to that Heath fellow, the one who has been tryin' to help the sheriff find out who's behind the trouble we've been having or the fellow helping guard the McKinley place."
Jarrod was surprised and it showed in the startled look on his face as he answered, "Yes, I am. Their my brothers. Why? Is something wrong?" His heart jumped a little at the thought anything was wrong with any of his family.
Doctor Thomas quickly dispelled the sudden concern he saw on this good Samaritan's face. "No, no, nothing's wrong. You just bear a family resemblance is all. Now, if you don't mind, I have a patient showing up soon. Unless you know of a pleasant way to tell a young woman she's dying, I'd suggest you leave." The elderly doctor sat down behind his desk and rubbed his brow.
Jarrod felt his heart go out to the doctor and to the young woman whoever she was, but there was nothing he could do for either one of them and he needed to talk to the sheriff. He opened the door to leave and bumped into a dark haired young woman. By the looks of it, she was at least a half breed. "Excuse me, miss." Jarrod stepped out of her way and gazed upon her. For a split second he wondered if this was his niece. Only that idea was shattered when the doctor called her Miss Saunders instead of Miss Rivers. As he left he heard the young woman say, "I already know what you're going to tell me, Doctor. I just wish I could die feeling like I had accomplished something important in my life."
Jarrod shut the door and headed for the sheriff's office. The young girl's words ringing in his ears. He had to shake his head slightly; didn't everyone, to one degree or the other, have that desire in their hearts? After all, wasn't that why he and his brothers were here, to give help the ranchers in need, to feel like they too were doing something important? He shook the melancholy feeling off and started turning things over his head once more. He, his brothers, the sheriff and others had to find the evidence they needed against Mr. Anderson.
0000
"She's safe; we have her hiding in the McKinley's house." Heath, who had been somewhat surprised to see Jarrod in town sooner than expected, was leaning against the wall of the sheriff's office looking at the lawman and Jarrod, who were both sitting down. Heath repeated everything Whispering Pines had told him and Nick. "I would have brought her with me, but when I looked out the window Nick and I could see men off in the distance; we think they're keeping an eye the place. I don't know why they haven't attacked it again."
After what Jarrod had overheard, he had a pretty good idea of why and said as much; "I think they're trying to figure out where the evidence is hid. I don't' think they'll attack the McKinley farm until they figure that one out," he paused deciding that he would not reveal the fact this Whispering Pines may be his niece. He wanted to talk to her before that fact was revealed. He had an idea, and looked at the sheriff and Heath, then asked, "Is there anyone in this town who could wander around the Barnes without really drawing too much attention?"
The sheriff sighed. "There's only one person so well known for wandering all over the place with no real purpose; Isaac Bullock, an older gentleman whose wife passed away seven months ago. He hardly speaks to anyone anymore. Besides, I don't think it's a good idea to ask him to do it anyway."
Both Jarrod and Heath looked at the sheriff, the puzzlement they felt shown in their questioning eyes. Both men were curious to why the sheriff thought that, but it was Heath that asked the question that was on their minds. "Why not?"
Sheriff gave a sort of half heart laugh and gestured towards Jarrod. "His attention is too easily distracted. Most of the time he talks about how old he's getting and useless; mumbling about how he wishes he could just do something that would mean something and then join his wife. He used to be all right, but not anymore. Sorry folk's, I feel like I'm gettin' off track, its jist damn frustrating; all this business."
"That's all right Sherriff we want this whole mess over as much as you," said Heath.
The Sheriff nodded in appreciation. He could tell by the frustration on their faces Heath was speaking the truth.
Jarrod looked at the sheriff and asked, "Let me make sure I have this right. You know Mr. Anderson is behind the attacks and the murders of Mr. Barnes, Mr. Rivers and Mr. McKinley, but you can't prove it with reliable evidence and a reliable witness, which you admit this Whispering Pines is." He received an affirmative nod from the sheriff. He then looked at Heath and said, "Miss River's daughter, Whispering Pine, showed up and told you she saw the murders of her father and Mr. Barnes. She claims the two men hid evidence on the Barnes ranch because they knew too many of Anderson's men were watching the roads during the day. They intended to figure a way to get it into town without being seen, probably under the cover of dark, but were killed before they had a chance."
Heath leaned against the wall and answered with a smirk upon his face, "That's size of it. From what I can tell, like you just said, we have a reliable witness in this Whispering Pines girl, now all we need is the evidence." He didn't have to say that while getting Mr. Anderson stopped was a high priority, getting one very antsy Nick home to his wife and, as far as they knew, unborn child was also high on the list.
Jarrod tapped his finger against his chin and thought for a few moments and then looked at Heath and the deputy he came in with. "Tell Nick I'll be along as soon as I can." Heath didn't like the idea of Jarrod traveling out to the ranch by himself and said so.
"I'm sure the sheriff can find a reliable man to come out with me." Jarrod assured Heath as he looked at the sheriff. The sheriff said nothing, but did nod his head indicating he was sure he could. Heath still did not like it; however, there was no time to argue either. He had promised Nick he'd be back as soon as possible. He best get going. "All right, see ya there."