CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Heath Needs Help

The Barkleys and the Sampsons gathered in front of the church along with the other parishioners. Nick had heard the train arrive just a few minutes before. "Izzy," he said, pulling her next to him. "The train is here. I'm gonna run down and catch Jarrod. I'll meet you at the carriage."

"Okay," she answered, pulling Andy out of the way of a passing carriage.

Jarrod strolled down the street.

Nick ran up to meet him. "So what happened?"

Jarrod grinned. "Well, hello to you, too, Nick."

"Yeah, yeah. So what's going on with Heath?"

"Why don't you wait until I tell the whole family?"

"Jarrod! You know patience ain't one of my virtues!"

"Heath is fine. They dropped the charges."

Nick stopped walking and stared at Jarrod. "Dropped the charges?"

"Yep."

"Just like that?"

"Just like that," Jarrod answered, then added, "Kind of."

"What do you mean?"

"When Sweeny first came to, he said he was pressing charges and wanted to see Heath swing. I wanted to get his statement before he talked to his buddies to concoct a story, so I went to get the sheriff. By the time I got back, his buddies were with him, and he said he wanted to drop all charges."

"You pay him off?"

Jarrod threw his hands into the air. "Why does everyone think I paid him off?"

"Because he changed his tune real fast?" Nick suggested.

"Well, I didn't pay him off—and it bothers me that both you and Heath would think I'd do that."

Nick scowled. "Now, Jarrod, don't tell me you wouldn't bride him if it meant thirty years to Heath."

"Maybe," Jarrod conceded. "But I didn't. I'm a little partial to not being disbarred."

"Don't that kinda sound weird to you? That he would just change his mind like that?"

"Yes, it does, Brother Nick." Jarrod sighed. "Yes, it does."

They reached the rest of the family. "There should be room for you in Mother and Audra's carriage," Nick said.

"Thanks." Jarrod kissed his mother and Audra and waved to everyone else.

XXXXX

Sam's family joined the Barkley's for Sunday's after-church dinner. The five children were again at the children's table, and Nick kept a close eye on them. After the blessing was given and the food had been passed around, Victoria looked at Jarrod. "Is now a good time to tell us what happened in Sacramento?"

Nick glanced at Sam. "You wanna wait?"

Sam smiled his easy smile. "I already done told Jeannie everything I know, and I'd love to know what's goin' on with Heath."

"How about you, Nick?" Jarrod asked.

Nick's dimples appeared. "I admitted everything to Isabella."

"Then why don't you fill the ladies in on what happened before I got involved?"

"Sure." Nick told about the drinking at the holding area and even admitted arguing with Heath about it, then talked about going to the tavern and the fight with Sweeny and his friends, although he left off the bad language and simply said, "Sweeny threatened to harm Margaret." Then he related about Heath going after Sweeny and all of them getting arrested—and Gib stopping outside the window and Nick asking him to telegraph Jarrod and JR.

"Your turn," Nick said, nodding to Jarrod.

Jarrod went on to explain what happened after Nick and Sam were on the train and even told them he rode with Heath to JR's.

"Why'd you do that?" Nick asked.

Jarrod took a deep breath. "Heath was really upset, and I didn't have anything to do but go sit at the tavern, drink scotch, and play cards, so I just went along to keep him company."

"Thank you for doing that, Jarrod," Victoria said.

"You're welcome, Mother." Jarrod looked at his brother. "Also, Nick, before I forget, Heath asked if there was any way you could come and lend him a hand this week?"

Nick frowned. "I've been gone for a week, and there are a lot of things to catch up on."

"I know," Jarrod said. "And I'm sure Heath will understand that."

"What does he need help with, Jarrod?" Nick asked.

"He's scared to death to leave Margaret for even a minute. He doesn't think JR is taking the threat seriously, and Margaret has never shot a gun or done much of anything."

Nick nodded. He glanced at Sam.

Sam shrugged. "You know better 'n me what we have to do this week."

"I still ain't even shown you around the ranch. And McColl has worked like three weeks straight now. I gotta give him a few days off." Nick scratched his head. "But I know Heath, and I know his pride. There ain't no way he'd ask for help unless he was damned desperate." Nick grimaced. "Sorry, Mother, ladies."

"You're right, Nick," Jarrod stated. "I've never heard him ask for help." He raised an eyebrow. "Even when he should have."

"I'll do whatever you need me to do," Sam stated.

"My understanding is that he's in about the same position you are, Nick, as far as work goes. He needs to be there, and no one can take his place."

Nick nodded.

"And he needs someone he can trust to guard Margaret."

Nick nodded again. "Anyone we could send to do that?"

"I can go," Sam stated.

Nick's dimples threatened to appear. "Yep. I can see putting you and Heath in a stressful situation together and stirrin' the pot—without nobody there to separate the two of ya."

Sam scowled. "You know I can control myself."

"It ain't you I'm worried about," Nick stated.

"Why doesn't Heath bring Margaret here?" Victoria asked.

Jarrod raised an eyebrow and nodded. "That might be a good solution, Mother."

Nick breathed a sigh of relief.

Jarrod rubbed his chin. "You know, I only have a couple of appointments this week. Maybe I can get away in the morning and go to Roseville for a few days—or, until either Heath is calmed down, or until JR allows me to bring Margaret here."

"You sure you can do that, Pappy?"

"Yes. The trial I had for this week has been moved to next month. I'm already prepared for it, so I don't have a lot on my schedule this week."

The boys laughed. Loudly.

Nick glanced over. The boys had made beards and eyebrows and mustaches out of the mashed potatoes. Abby was mimicking them and putting some in her hair. He sighed. "Boys, would you like to show the rest of the family what you've done?"

"No, sir," James said quickly.

"I'm sorry, Papa," Levi added.

Nick lifted Abby, who immediately burst into tears at his touch. "Sam, you want her?"

Sam stood, and Nick passed Abby over the table to him. He carried her to the kitchen and washed her face and hair.

Nick shook his head. "You boys just don't like dessert, do you?"

"Our two are going upstairs with me," Isabella said firmly. "Victoria, may I borrow one of your wooden spoons?"

"Of course you may," Victoria answered. "You know where they are."

Nick started to argue. He glanced at Sam in the kitchen. Sam raised his eyebrow. Nick sighed. "Go on, boys," he said quietly. "Go with your mother."

Now only James and Jack were left. They stood by their plates, tears dripping off the mashed potatoes. "You two go with your father," Nick stated.

Sam brought Abby back to Jeannie, then led his boys out of the kitchen.

Nick dropped back into his chair.

"You okay, Nick?" Jarrod asked.

Nick glanced at him. "Yeah," he said softly, although it was obvious he wasn't happy.

"Oh, no." Jarrod leaned back in his chair, his eyes on Nick. "I'm sorry, Nick. I forgot. I have to be in court on Tuesday, and I can't get out of it. It's a custody hearing."

Nick nodded. "I'll go," he said, still speaking at a much lower volume than normal. "I can probably catch the late train out of here tonight."

"I can come on the late train Tuesday night," Jarrod said. "So you can catch the early train back here on Wednesday."

"Okay." Nick stood. "I'm gonna go talk to McColl." He glanced at Jeannie. "Want me to walk you over, or do you want to stay and visit?"

"Austin is going to be wanting dinner soon," she said. "So, if you don't mind carrying Abby, I can get Austin."

Nick nodded. He knelt down in front of the little girl with water dripping off her golden curls. "Abby, is it okay if I carry you home? Your ma is gonna go with us."

Abby looked at her mother, her big blue eyes shining. "I wanna walk," she said.

Nick glanced at Jeannie. "I can carry Austin and you can hold Abby's hand?"

"Thanks, Nick. I can manage just fine. It's not very far."

"You sure?"

"Absolutely. We make this walk at least twice a day."

"Okay. I'll get Coco and then I'll check on you to see if you need any help."

Jeannie smiled at him. "I'm really fine, Nick."

"She is, Nick," Victoria said from behind him.

"Hey, Nick," Jarrod hollered.

Nick stepped into the foyer. "Yeah?"

"I'll go ahead and run into town and get you a ticket on the seven-forty train for tonight and a return for the eight a.m. train out of Roseville. Is that okay?"

Nick could hear the boys crying from the foyer. He hurried toward the door. "Yeah. Thanks." He paused. "Can you send a telegram to Heath and let him know I'll be there at whatever time that train gets there tonight? I think it's close to eleven."

"Sure."

"Thanks." Nick strode out the door.

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