CHAPTER TWENTY

Surprises

Jarrod, Sheriff Joe Smithwood, and District Attorney Branson McCartney walked to Dr. Lefleur's office. "I hope no one has talked to him yet," Jarrod stated, but he knew that was highly unlikely.

"I had to leave to see an accident victim," the doctor said. "I can't guarantee anything."

Jarrod rolled his eyes. He had no doubt Sweeny, O'Connell, and Diego had compared stories. And they had. They separated the three and interviewed each one privately. They each mentioned that they'd been caught drinking "just a swallow" at the railroad holding area and that Heath had been furious with them.

"Did he fire you?" Jarrod asked.

And each of them told how Nick Barkley had interrupted, which made Heath angrier, and he hadn't fired them. Just told them they'd be fired for any infraction in the next six months.

Then they went to the bar, and Heath, Nick, and Sam were there. Heath had snarled at them when they came in. Sweeny had mentioned he thought JR's daughter was nice looking. He didn't know Heath was sweet on her, so he said some other things that were inappropriate. "I don't blame Heath for hittin' me," Sweeny said. "I had it comin'."

Jarrod was confused. His story had changed—and not in the way expected. Something wasn't right.

The final question was only for Sweeny: "Do you want to press charges?"

"No," Sweeny stated. "Not at all. I'd a-done the same as Mr. Barkley."

The DA turned to the sheriff. "I don't think we can prosecute. Go ahead and let Barkley pay his fines and release him."

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Something wasn't right. Jarrod took the long way to the jail, hoping to figure out why Sweeny had changed his story. Why he went from wanting to prosecute without mercy to wanting to drop all charges. It didn't make sense. Jarrod had the distinct feeling they were up to something, but what?

The sheriff was already at the jail when Jarrod returned. He glanced up at him. "Twenty-two dollars for disturbing the peace," he said, "And Willis submitted a bill for forty-six dollars and fifteen cents for damage to the bar."

Jarrod paid the fees in cash and waited for a receipt. Together, he and the sheriff went back to Heath's cell. Jarrod forced a smile while the sheriff told Heath he was free to go.

Jarrod silently guided Heath to a small café. "I suppose you want to get back to Roseville."

Heath nodded. "I need to. I've got a lot of explaining to do to JR. And Margaret."

The late train had already left, so Jarrod would spend the night and catch the early train in the morning.

"What happened? Why did they release me?" Heath asked.

"Sweeny said he didn't want to press charges and that he would've done the same thing you did. The DA said he didn't have enough to make a case."

"So I'm free and clear?"

"Yes."

Heath frowned. "Did you pay 'em off?"

Jarrod chuckled. "No."

"It just don't feel right."

Jarrod nodded. "I agree. I think those three are up to something, but I don't know what." They ate a sandwich. "Keep your eyes open," he advised.

"Oh, I will," Heath answered. "I don't want to leave Margaret alone at all." He turned toward his oldest brother. "Do they know they're fired now?"

Jarrod shrugged. "That was never mentioned. I guess you'll have to wait and see if they show up for work on Monday."

"I certainly don't want them on the property." Heath shook his head. "I just feel like they're trying to get me to put down my guard."

"Yep. Me too. Just be very careful. And keep a close eye on Margaret."

"Jarrod," Heath said quietly.

Jarrod stepped back and looked into Heath's worried eyes. "Yeah, Heath?"

"If—if Nick ain't too busy—if he can get away—can you see if he can come to JR's for a couple of days and protect Margaret while I work? There are several projects I need to supervise personally. I mean, I know JR will probably be there, but he'll be working in his office, and I want someone I can trust keeping a close eye on Margaret." Heath's concern was palpable.

Jarrod patted Heath's back. "I'll tell him."

"Just if he has time."

Jarrod smiled. "Got it."

And then Jarrod knew what he had to do. "I can't go home until the early train in the morning. I'll get a horse and ride with you to Roseville."

"You don't gotta do that."

"It gives me something to do tonight." Jarrod shrugged. "Otherwise, I'd have to sit in a tavern and drink scotch and play cards."

Heath chuckled. "I'd hate to see you have to do that."

Jarrod tossed down his napkin. "You still got stuff at the hotel?"

"Yes," Heath answered. "I also need to go pick up Margaret's dresses at the dressmaker."

"Okay. I'll send a telegram to Stockton so the family will know what's going on, and then I'll get a horse at the livery. I'll meet you there."

Heath smiled at his brother. "Thanks, Jarrod."

"You betcha!" Jarrod tossed down money for their meal.

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After picking up his saddle bags at the hotel, Heath stopped at the dressmakers. He was shocked she had all the dresses and the riding outfit finished. "My granddaughters and my niece help me," she said. "But don't you worry. They do a fine job. If there's anything your wife isn't happy with, you just bring it back and I'll make it right."

Heath tipped her generously. He was certainly glad Jarrod was traveling with him. It would be awkward if not impossible to take so many dresses on one horse. He manhandled them until he returned to the corner by the livery. He dismounted and separated the dresses, finding ways to attach them to the horse.

Jarrod led a horse over to Heath. "What's that?"

"Margaret's clothes." Heath struggled to hand some to Jarrod while holding onto the ones on his horse.

"You got string?" Jarrod asked.

"Rope."

Jarrod shook his head. He ran across the road to the livery, then returned with a ball of twine. He tied the packages to his saddle and saddle bags, then did the same with Heath's. "That should hold," he said.

Next, Jarrod checked his pistol, as did Heath. "Ready?"

Heath nodded.

They took the back paths and made good time. They only saw one other person the entire way, and that was an older lady sitting on a porch with a hound dog sleeping by her feet.

As soon as he approached the big house, JR stepped out on the porch, a rifle in his hand. He immediately put down the rifle when he recognized Heath.

Heath took his saddle bags and untied all of Margaret's packages, then turned the horse over to Rodriquez. "It's a remuda horse," Heath reminded.

"Yes, sir, Mr. Heath. I see that."

JR stepped out to take some of the packages. "I thought you were on a drive, not a shopping spree."

Heath chuckled. "I picked up Margaret's dresses that were ready in Sacramento—the ones we ordered when we were there for her birthday."

"I'm glad you helped her get decent dresses," JR said quietly.

"I have a sister her age," Heath answered and left it at that.

Margaret met them at the door. "I'll take these upstairs for you," Heath said, "and then I need to speak to JR privately."

Margaret picked up the packages JR held and followed Heath upstairs. As soon as they got to her room, he took her into his arms and kissed her. "I missed you."

"I missed you too," Margaret said. "A lot."

"Look, I have to talk to your daddy, and then I'll catch up with you, okay?"

Margaret nodded.

Heath kissed her again, holding her tight.

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