Chapter Thirty Eight
Jarrod opened the back door of his office and worked at his desk for two hours; he wanted time alone and never turned on a light to alert folks he was in. When he remodeled, his office went to the back so his clients and guests would not be seen from the street. His secretary Esther's desk was also to the side of the windows. A gallery of paintings was all that a passerby could see. The waiting room was behind the painting wall.
The storefront next door became his bedroom, kitchenette, spare bedroom and water closet. The front space was still empty with heavy velvet drapes.
Esther wouldn't be in today; he had left her some transcriptions to work on at home. He headed back out the back door and dropped off some checks at the bank, posted mail from the ranch, checked for telegrams and stopped at the cafe for a cup of coffee.
He rolled his eyes at the bunches of sage on several doorposts on the street.
"Ignorant fools." He spat.
He was trying to solidify his thoughts about Davina. He was still committed to making it work but they had to come to an understanding before he would propose. And every time, he would come to a decision about how he would handle her and her father—-the square of purple satin would bring his mind back to Modesto and the hotel deal.
He decided he could not put it off any longer—-he crossed the street and walked two blocks to the large gated mansion of the Franklin's. He was immediately greeted by the butler and Davina came down immediately.
"Oh Jarrod,'I have missed you so much. Father had to go back to San Francisco about an emergency continuance or something like that for a case. You being a lawyer know so much more than a silly girl like me."
He kept himself from rolling his eyes at her obvious ploy..
She took his hand and led him to the sofa, "Would you like some coffee?"
""No. just had some at the cafe."
"Lunch? I am sure cook can round us up some food."
"No. We need to talk first—-about the wedding—-about us."
"I know Jarrod. I was torn but my Father asked me not to attend. To protect my reputation. You don't know the terrible things people are saying about sweet little baker Grete. But I did what you asked and have not repeated a word of gossip to anyone."
He hesitated, "First of all, thank you for not carrying tales. Second," he said with a deep sigh—
The butler ran into the room, "Mista Barkley. There is an injured boy outside. They's been looking for you all over town."
Jarrod and Davina rushed outside. A ranch hand of the Morton's was holding Henry, with one hand on his horse and the other holding the boy.
"Uncle Jarrod—they took us all. Train, uh—-" and the wheezing began again in earnest.
Jarrod reached up for Henry and he went willingly into his arms, "Helpppppppp, uh mother all of them"
"Davina, get some hot water or tea. Let's get him in the house." Jarrod barked.
Davina ran into the house to do ask he asked.
Jarrod looked at the rider, "Thank you for finding me. Can you come in and tell me what you know?"
"Yes sir," and he gave the reins to Davina's houseman.
"I was riding fence looking for strays. Along that stretch of railroad between our properties. Found the boy walking to town. Told me his mother, Heath's wife, someone named Anna and his best friend were kidnapped. Thought the kid was daft until he asked for you. Said he thought—-uh, Nick was dead."
Jarrod steadied himself willing himself not to collapse or let his pain show. He felt his heart tighten in his chest.
"I stopped by my crew and sent word to them to start searching. Said the stream and pasture several miles out from your house. Hopefully they found them all safe. Wanted to get the boy to you."
"Thank you," he barely whispered.
"Will you stop by and let my Mother know? And send our all men searching we can. Leave one to guard my Mother and sister."
"Sure will. I am gonna go back and search too."
Jarrod leaned up against the foyer wall and wiped the tears from his eyes. He soaked the handkerchief and put it in his pocket.
He quietly walked back again to find Davina getting hot tea down Henry. His breathing improved.
"I had to get here. You gotta save my Mother."
"I will do my best. Do you feel like walking to my office? I need to get my gun before we head out." with a steely voice.
"I will go with you, Henry." Davina offered.
"Can you tell me what you know—-from the beginning?"
"I was lining up all the facts as I was walking the tracks. I knew I would get to Stockton or someone find me there. I remember the railroad maps in your office."
"Good thinking."
Henry told the whole story…same place they always went…heard gunshot…four men appeared…mother whispered Modesto to Anna…said they had Chinese stuff…used it to knock everyone out…they punched all the ladies…and tied us all up…didn't give me Chinese stuff said it would kill me, breathing and all…mentioned my father…put us with guard in potato freight car…took horses to drover car…described all the horse colors and breeds…said they left Nick for dead bleeding…he wasn't with us…
"What happened to the guard?"
"He was in on it. Slapped Grete real hard, too."
Rage cursed through Jarrod's body—-only one other time had he felt the loss of reason. His vision blurred and he couldn't see straight for the fury. He felt like he would lost his mind at any minute.
He schooled himself fo calm, "Too many people are counting on me."
"Davina, send someone to Sheriff Madden office to meet me at mine." he hissed through his teeth.
"Let's go Henry." he put his hand on the boy's shoulder.
He held out hope Nick was alive somewhere. He felt he would know if he weren't—-like before. That thought kept his sane enough to function.
They walked across the streets slowly. Davina held Henry's hand as Jarrod fumed, making a plan in his head. He unlocked the front door and let them walk in first.
Davina saw the note and picked it up. She muffled a scream.
"Jarrod!"
He swirled around, read the note and cursed loudly. Fred walked in the door. She cowered at his words and tone.
"What in the tarnation is going on?" The sheriff asked.
Jarrod handed him the note as Henry began to tell him the detailed story. Jarrod loaded his weapons and packed up his saddlebag. He took his power of attorney and the hotel contract home in case he needed them.
Davina kept asking him questions and telling him not to go.
"Let the sheriff handle it. Please Jarrod." she whimpered.
He ignored her pleas and questions.
"I will ride with ya. I will put on an overcoat and take off the badge." Fred spoke up.
"Thank you." Jarrod finally responded.
"We have to keep this quiet. We tell no one. I can't risk it." he squeezed Davina's arm painfully.
The sheriff and Davina shook their heads. Her eyes were filled with tears and fear.
"One more thing, Davina, send a telegram to Macklin at this address. Tell him it's an emergency. " he growled at her.
"Of course." she simpered.
And they walked out of the office with little Henry. Davina went on her errand and send one to her father too.
"I don't know what to do. I need my daddy. Jarrod frightened me."