Forbidden love for a Barkley

Part Thirty Eight:

"Jarrod's Plan, pt. 6: Nullam et Mattis Ex"

Vincent Mangano entered the scene and likewise to his mother Andrea and his uncle Paulie, seems to have a change of heart/opinion in regards to Nick and the rest of the Barkleys, telling Carmine that he may have rushed to judgment and could be wrong & Stefania could be right. Carmine asked what he meant and Vincent explained that upon hearing the optimism in Paulie's voice in regards to Jarrod's plan and hearing Stefania sing Nick's praises, his mind was starting to be changed. All the while, Audra and Stefania continued to have their woman-to-woman talk which was eventually overheard by Nick who looked troubled at what he was hearing. Upon walking into the room, Heath saw Nick's troubled look and asked what was wrong to which the latter revealed that he overheard Audra and Stefania's conversation & what Stefania said troubled him to say the very least. The brothers got into a bit of a back and forth before Nick admitted he didn't understand why Stefania thought he was going to abandon her once she started showing signs of being expectant. This was when Audra walked in and explained the whole thing to Nick, even telling him something Stefania hadn't told him; seeing friends of hers back in Italy experience the same thing she did and being abandoned by their significant others, because of it. Before Nick had a chance to respond to that, Jarrod and Victoria returned from the late mother's day dinner the eldest Barkley son promised to the matriarch this past mother's day, but couldn't do it then due to leaving for a case in San Francisco. Seeing that Nick was out of bed despite doctor's orders, Victoria chided him by asking why he always did the opposite of what he was told only to be blown off by him declaring he had "more important things to deal with", going upstairs then coming back down in his usual outfit and riding off to find Stefania. Give or take three minutes, Nick managed to catch up to Stefania and the couple got to talking. Now, after letting her explain why she couldn't tell him what she told Audra & he conceded she was right on him not fully understanding everything before telling her that he wanted to put her fears to bed, Nick asked her why she cared about what other men thought. The questions that remain are as follows: Why does Stefania care what other men think?, Will Nick eventually manage to put her fears to bed and prove to her that he's different?, Will Carmine be convinced?, Who's Violet Pascucci?, What happened to Esther?, and most importantly, will Santo's story be told? Stay tuned and find out!

Author's Note: I do NOT own The Big Valley or its characters. I ONLY own this fic and the characters of: Stefania Mangano, Carmine Mangano Sr, Carmine's friends, Paulie Mangano, Italia Mangano, Emilio Mangano, Serafina Mangano, Chet and the men Heath rounded up, Jess and Mavis Chaney, the Animal Team, Leonard Barkley, Seth & his gang, and the Mangano family. Also too, as you can very well see, this is the sixth of however many parts to another multi part chapter saga. Full disclosure, I'm not a legal expert or lawyer by any means, so please, bear with me during the parts involving Jarrod putting on his lawyer hat.

Warning: There may be a slightly creepy moment or two in this chapter.

Shout Out: Before I forget and before we get to this chapter, a BIG, but late shout out to lainielou! Thank you so so much for the reviews and encouragement! I greatly appreciate it and I apologize for the late shout out, but better late than never, right? Anyways, many thanks! :D

(Flashback to part 37)

"She has this fear or notion that once she starts to show signs of being expectant, I will abandon her and think of her as fat, ugly, and unlovable. That I will leave her for a "prettier girl"." Nick made air quotes with his fingers and shook his head, "I don't understand why she thinks I would do such a thing."

"I do." Audra overheard Nick and walked in by herself.

"You d-Where's Stefania?" Nick looked around.

"She saw the sun was setting and high tailed it home. She said she'll be back tomorrow." Audra replied.

"What's the idea of high tailing it home?" Heath raised an eyebrow.

"Carmine told her it was dangerous during the black of the night and made a rule that everyone in his family was to return home by sundown." Nick told him before turning to Audra, "You said you understand why she said those things. What do you mean?"

"First off, I'm a woman and so is she." Audra started.

"Besides that." Nick facepalmed.

"Well, I know what it feels like to have a guy get fresh with me in a scary way. Remember Evan Miles?" Audra added.

Nick and Heath nodded.

"Not only do I know what that feels like, but as we talked, she told me about her first love, Pasquale and how he seemed to be the right one for her only for it to all backfire." Audra said.

"Audra, I know about Pasquale and I'm doing my best to prove that I am different from him. However, Evan didn't r*pe you, so how can you-" Nick was cut off.

"Nick, Evan didn't have to r*pe me in order for me to know what it is like having a guy get creepy with me or any other woman. I know Stefania's fears and feelings. Not to the extent of being r*ped, but to the extent of a guy getting creepy. Evan got creepy with me, McMahon and his buddies got creepy with Stefania. Unfortunately as we all know, her experience took a horrific turn, so naturally, her feelings and fears would be higher than usual, especially since she is facing the possibility of carrying Dodie Gunderson's child." Audra told him.

"Audra, you're not saying anything that we don't already know. With all due respect, get to the point!" Nick sternly told her.

"Besides all of what I just said, she also told me about how back in Italy, she had friends who went through a similar ordeal that she went through and upon finding out, their significant others skipped town and wanted nothing to do with them. In the eyes of their other halves, they were each classified as filthy and unlovable which, because of that and Pasquale breaking her heart, she fears there'll be a repeat with you, Nick." Audra explained.

Before Nick could say anything, the front door opened and in came Jarrod and Victoria.

"Nick, you're supposed to be staying off your leg. Why must you always do the opposite of what the doctor and I tell you?" Victoria put her hands on her hips.

"Not now, mother! I got more important things to attend to!" Nick limped up the stairs to his bedroom.

"What in the wor-" Victoria was cut off when not too long after he went upstairs, Nick came back down.

Nick was grumbling to himself as he put his gloves and boots on.

"Nick." Victoria said.

Nick continued grumbling to himself.

"Nick, where in the world do you think you're headed to at this hour?" Victoria asked.

"I gotta talk to Stefania and now!" Nick limped out the door and shut it.

"Nick, wait a minute. Nick." Victoria followed him.

"What's happened between Nick and Stefania?" Jarrod turned to Audra and Heath.

"Where were you and mother this whole time?" Heath asked.

*Outside with Nick and Victoria*

"Nick, wait a minute. Nick, what's happened?" Victoria followed her son to the barn.

"Mother, I just need to talk to Stefania. I really need to talk to her." Nick got mounted onto Coco.

"Nick, is my imagination running a little wild or have you and Stefania quarreled and you're now wanting to go find her and apologize?" Victoria asked.

"Mother, I gotta go." Nick said before lightly tapping Coco with the reins, "Giddyup, Coco."

Victoria watched as her son rode off and disappeared into the night. Sighing and shaking her head plus knowing there was no way she could stop him, she made her way to the front door and went inside.

*Back inside*

"Mother, where did-" Jarrod was cut off.

"He went to talk to Stefania. Whatever happened between, I hope they get it resolved." Victoria shut the door.

"I know what's happened." Audra spoke up.

"Oh?" Victoria and Jarrod said at the same time.

"But I think it is best to let them resolve it. I wouldn't feel right saying anything without their permission." Audra added.

"Now, where were you two this whole time?" Heath asked the still unanswered question, again.

"Heath, you're starting to repeat your questions." Jarrod mildly teased.

"I'll keep repeating them until Audra and I get a straight answer. After all, let's not forget that McMahon and his gang are still on the loose and if they attacked Stefania, any one of us could be next. Especially, females." Heath told him, "I wouldn't be joking about it if I were you, Jarrod."

"I treated mother to a late mother's day dinner out in town plus quality time." Jarrod hugged Victoria.

"Awww! How sweet of you, Jarrod." Audra said with a smile.

*Out where Nick was, approximately 3 minutes later*

Nick had been riding around for three good minutes, looking for Stefania. He was just about to head home when he spotted her. Tapping Coco with the reins, he managed to catch up to Stefania.

"Stefania, wait. Wait." Nick got in front of her.

"Nick, what are you doing out of b-" Stefania was cut off.

"Nevermind me." Nick got dismounted and limped toward her, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Why didn't I tell you what?" Stefania asked.

"I confess. I overheard you and Audra talking and I'm very distressed by it. She told me about how you saw your friends back in Italy get abandoned by their significant others after they went through a similar ordeal that you went through and you fear of a repeat between us. I want to know why you didn't tell me that." Nick quickly explained.

"Nick-" Stefania was cut off, again.

"Stefania, we promised to be honest with each other and tell each other everything. Fears and the likes are included in that." Nick put his hands on her shoulders.

"Nick, I couldn't tell you." Stefania shook her head.

"Why ever not?" Nick asked.

"I couldn't tell you in a way you'd understand. Plus, you probably wouldn't understand." Stefania replied.

"Stefania-" Nick was cut off.

"Nick, you're not a woman. You don't know what it is like to be a woman and endure what I endured or what your sister Audra endured from Evan. You're a man. You don't have the possibility of being disowned by your family, carrying the r*pist's child, and being looked at as filthy by men let alone facing the possibility of no man wanting you after you've been r*ped hanging over your head. I do. I have those possibilities looming over my head." Stefania told him, "I only told Audra, because she's a woman who understands in a way no man would."

Nick remained silent in order to let what Stefania said sink in. He had to admit that she was right, because no man knew what it felt like to face the aftermath of being r*ped. No man knew what it was like to face being scorned, disowned, and cast aside by one's own family, to face the possibility of carrying the r*pist's child, or to face being "damaged goods" in the eyes of the opposite sex. No man knew the full extent of those fears.

*Nick's POV*

'She's right. She's absolutely right. Neither I nor any other man know what it is like to have all of that hanging over our heads. We men don't. Well, I shouldn't say that, because men do get r*ped, but unless I am missing something, they don't suffer nearly to the degree that women do. Ah, that's something I'll delve into later. Maybe.'

I remember the part she said about "being looked at as filthy by other men" and get a weird look on my face.

'Why is she concerned about being looked at as filthy and considered damaged goods by other men?! Last I remember, we're in a slowly growing relationship and the only opinion that matters in this case is mine. The other men can go jump for all I care. What matters is that I care about her and will be by her side no matter what. At least, I think that matters.'

I nod.

'Yeah. That's all that should matter to her. What I think and say is what should matter to her. Not what other guys say or think.'

I take a deep breath.

'Okay, calm it down, Nick. Calm it down. Let's not get all mad or jealous or anything. It won't solve a thing and plus, her fears are at an all time high anyways, so let's try and calm them. Not exacerbate them.'

I think about her fears of me being like the other shallow guys and sigh.

'I hope I can prove to her that I am not like Pasquale or any of the shallow cold hearted guys who abandon their women for the first hussy that comes along. I'm not that way. I'm...not...that...way! When I'm in a relationship, I'm devoted, faithful, and committed. I don't have that wandering eye.'

I shake my head.

'I don't.'

*Outside of Nick's mind*

"Nick? Nick? Nick?" Stefania called his name three times.

"Huh? Oh, my apologies, Stefania. I must've slipped into my thoughts. However, that being said, you're right. I don't know what it's like to have all of that hanging over my head, but I do want to put your fears to bed once and for all." Nick looked her in the eyes.

"Oh?" Stefania replied.

"Yes, but before we get to that, I have one question for you." Nick told her.

"What is it?" Stefania asked.

"Why? Why do you care about what other men think?" Nick firmly asked.

(Now)

Stefania stood there in total silence and swallowed hard.

"Stefania?" Nick said.

Stefania still remained silent, this time looking at the ground.

"Stefania, please answer me." Nick took his hat off and held it over his chest.

Stefania mumbled something under her breath in response.

"Huh?" Nick asked.

"I said you may want to be with a rich prettier girl and if that's the case, I want others to look past what happened plus the fact that I may be carrying a child and like me for me." Stefania sighed.

"Oh, I see." Nick nodded before turning away, "You've already-You've already figured me out and upon doing that, you're preparing to push me off to another woman, I see. You have it all figured out, don't you?"

"Nick, you need to-" Stefania was cut off.

"I need to understand, is that it? I just need to understand and accept it, huh?" Nick's notorious temper was starting to show despite how hard he was trying to remain cool, calm, and collected.

"By the sound of your voice, you are angry with me. Are you not?" Stefania sensed the trifle anger in Nick's voice.

Nick still had his back to her and didn't say a word.

"I guess I will go home now. I have angered you." Stefania started to walk off.

"Stefania, wait a minute." Nick finally spoke up after a few minutes.

"Why? I don't need hostility, Nick and before you say anything, yes, I am sensing hostility. I don't need or want that. Besides, you may not want me anyways." Stefania stopped walking.

"That's not true and you know it." Nick turned around to face her before walking over to her.

"Don't play with me, Nick." Stefania said.

"I'm not playing with you, Stefania. I mean it with every fiber of my being." Nick put his hands on her shoulders, "Now, you listen to me...I've wanted to since the day we met to the day we decided to start our slow growing relationship to now. I want you and only you, Stefania. I don't want anybody else and for you to think for a second that I would be just like the shallow cold hearted men in the world really hurts, because I am not that way at all and I'll prove it to you. You just watch me."

"Nick-" Stefania was cut off, again.

"I'm not Pasquale or the cowards who did that to your friends back in Italy or the likes. I'm different and like I said, I'll prove it to you. The thing is...you need to let me prove it and not have that preconceived notion. Seeing what you've been through, I can understand why you have those notions and fears, but I promise you that I'll put all of that to bed for good. You'll see. That being said, you just need to give me that chance. Will you give me that chance?" Nick put his right hand on her left cheek and caressed it.

"If you promise-" Stefania was cut off for the third time.

"I do, Stefania. Believe me, I do." Nick told her, "You just need to give me that chance like I said and not to sound rude, but you're starting to sound like your father."

"Oh, lord! Just who I don't want to sound like!" Stefania did a brief facepalm before looking up at the sky, seeing the moon, and gasping.

"What's wrong?" Nick asked.

"The moon came out from behind the clouds which means it is already getting to be later in the night which means I better get home now or my papa will kill me!" Stefania's eyes were the size of plates.

"Don't worry, I'll take the heat from your papa. I do anyways whenever he sees me. However, I need to know whether or not you will give me that chance." Nick lightly chuckled.

"Yes, Nick. I will." Stefania nodded.

"Thank you, Stefania!" Nick gently hugged her, "I promise you that I'll be there no matter what. I promise."

"I hope so." Stefania held onto him very tightly, "I don't want to be alone."

"You won't be alone. I promise." Nick looked into Stefania's eyes once again.

Stefania looked into Nick's eyes before getting lip locked with him.

"I guess...we best get you home now." Nick gently pulled out of the embrace after a few minutes.

"I guess." Stefania said without moving a muscle.

"Your papa will be mad, won't he?" Nick asked while making no movement.

"Isn't he always?" Stefania gazed lovingly at him.

"Mmmhmmm." Nick nodded before pulling Stefania into another embrace.

*5 minutes later*

"Nick, I guess we should get going now as much as I do not want to." Stefania slowly pulled out of the embrace.

"I suppose." Nick nodded.

Stefania started to walk off yet again only to be stopped when Nick gently grabbed her wrist.

"What are you doing?" Nick asked.

"Walking home. Why did you stop me?" Stefania raised an eyebrow.

"You've done enough walking. Get mounted onto Coco and I'll do the rest." Nick told her.

"Oh, Nick, you don't ha-" Stefania was cut off yet again.

"No, no. I insist." Nick replied.

"Okay. If you don't mind." Stefania walked over to Coco and got herself mounted onto the horse.

Nick grabbed the reins and off they went.

*Meanwhile, back at Barkley Ranch*

While Heath and Victoria retired to bed, Jarrod was in the study and Audra was in the kitchen getting herself a quick snack. Just as she was leaving the kitchen, a sound came from outside which got her attention almost immediately. Setting her snack down on the nearest table, she walked towards a window and looked out of it.

Jarrod came out of the study and was just about to head upstairs for the night when he saw Audra looking out the window. Curious, he walked over to her and put his hand on her shoulder.

"Ahhhh!" Audra was startled.

"I'm sorry, Audra. I didn't mean to scare you. I saw you staring out the window and got curious." Jarrod told her.

"It's alright, Jarrod, but do not ever sneak up behind me. You know I get jumpy at times." Audra replied.

"Seems like everybody in our family gets the jumps. Anyways, what's got your curiosity piqued and do you know what time it is, young lady?" Jarrod asked in his "Pappy" tone.

"It's nine on the dot and to answer your other question, I heard a noise outside. I'm just looking around to see if I can find the source of the noise." Audra said while still looking out the window.

"Oh, the noise is probably nothing more than something falling like one of our saddles or an animal passing by. After all, we live in the valley and it is full of animals of every kind." Jarrod reminded her.

"I know, but-" Audra was cut off.

"Audra, it was probably an animal or something falling. You mustn't worry your pretty little head off over something trivial. Now, why don't we go off to bed or back to whatever it was we were doing, hmmmm?" Jarrod started to gently guide his sister away from the window.

"I guess." Audra went with her older brother.

"Atta girl." Jarrod replied as he and Audra walked away from the window.

"You're probably right, Jarrod. It was probably nothing to worry about and here I am getting scared like a child." Audra lightly laughed before walking over to the table, picking her snack up, and heading towards the kitchen.

Jarrod smirked and lightly shook his head before starting to make his way back to the study.

Just then, the sound of footsteps could be heard and once again, Audra stopped in her tracks.

"Jarrod." Audra called to her brother.

"Yes, Audra? I was about to go into the study." Jarrod stopped and turned to her.

"I heard footsteps just now." Audra told him.

"Oh, it's probably Heath or Eugene coming downstairs with a-" Jarrod paused when he saw Eugene coming down the stairs with a shot gun before walking over to his baby brother, "And just what are you doing, young man?"

"I heard a noise outside." Eugene replied.

"So I see and you're going to shoot whatever is out there if my inklings are correct, right?" Jarrod was starting to get into "Pappy" mode.

"No. I'm just going to fire a couple of warning shots." Eugene tightened his hold on the shot gun.

"I see and don't you realize that you are going to shoot bullets in the air?" Jarrod folded his arms.

"Gee, I didn't think of that, Jarrod. Silly me." Eugene answered very sarcastically before getting back to serious mode, "Look, I heard footsteps."

"The footsteps were probably yours, mine, and Audra's combined. Now, go put that shot gun away." Jarrod sounded firm.

"Really, Jarrod? If they were our footsteps combined, how come they're still walking?" Eugene tilted his head to the side.

"Eugene, like I told Audra, the noise was probably either an animal or something falling. Basically, nothing to worry about. Now, if I were you and Audra, I'd quit worrying over it and either go back to bed or whatever it was you two were doing. Hmmmm?" Jarrod tried to reassure him.

"Oh, alright. I guess you have a point." Eugene reluctantly relented.

"You know I do." Jarrod smirked.

"Don't push it." Eugene gave him a look before going back upstairs.

"I guess I should go finish this snack then retire for the night." Audra said before heading straight to the kitchen.

Jarrod, satisfied that he managed to seemingly take the edge off of Audra and Eugene, smiled and nodded as if to say to himself: "You did good, Jarrod. You did good." before going back into the study.

*25 minutes later, with Nick and Stefania*

Nick and Stefania had since arrived to the Mangano household. After getting dismounted off Coco, the couple were sitting on a nearby bench and enjoying both the night & their time together. In fact, it was safe to say that after their talk moments earlier, Stefania's fears were starting to slowly, but surely dissipate. She had to remind herself that she was with Nick and that he had been by her side so far plus that if he was the shallow type, he would've abandoned her already and since he hadn't done that, then it went to show that he was indeed different. On the same token, her fears were very understandable and as promised, Nick was going to do his best to put them to bed for good.

"Nick." Stefania spoke up.

"Hmmmm?" Nick asked.

"I'm sorry about...earlier. I should've known better." Stefania rested her head on his shoulder.

"Don't apologize, Stefania. You went through a horrible ordeal and suffer trauma from it. It's only natural that you have all of those fears. Hell, you're allowed to be afraid and think all sorts of things." Nick held her close.

"I know. I just feel bad now that I think about all of it and how it hurt you that I insinuated things." Stefania looked up at the sky.

"Ah, don't feel bad about that. I got tough skin and have had worse done to me. I'll live." Nick affirmed.

"You have a point, but-" Stefania paused when the sound of a door opening was heard.

"Stefania, eccoti. Stavamo iniziando a preoccuparci. (Stefania, there you are. We were starting to get worried.)" Paulie came out of the house and walked over to the bench.

"Ciao zio Paulie. Mi dispiace di essere in ritardo. (Hello, uncle Paulie. I'm sorry I'm late.)" Stefania stood up from the bench.

"Howdy, Paulie. It's my fault she's late. I'll take the heat." Nick also stood up.

"Hello, Nick. I see you couldn't rest for long." Paulie reverted to English and mildly teased.

"Stefania! Stefania!" Carmine came storming out of the house.

"Papà, ammetti che potresti sbagliarti. (Dad, admit that you may be wrong.)" Vincent followed his father then stopped in his tracks when he and Nick locked eyes.

"Hello, Vincent." Nick nodded to him.

"Stefania, you have-So, our paths cross again, Nick Barkley!" Carmine reverted to English and got a look of disdain the mere second he and Nick locked eyes, "I thought I saw the last of you at the damn cliff!"

"Well, as long as I'm with your daughter, you'll be seeing a lot of me, Carmine." Nick smirked, "Anyways, nice to see you too and before you give Stefania any hell, I'll take the heat. It's my fault she is late."

"Was that ever a question?!" Carmine snapped.

"No, because I take heat every time we are around each other. That being said, I just wanted to tell you ahead of time, so that way you wouldn't lecture Stefania." Nick replied.

"How very brave and noble of you!" Carmine said with biting sarcasm.

"Papa, must you always be rude? Let alone grouchy?" Stefania rolled her eyes.

"Stefania, get in the house and don't give me any lip!" Carmine pointed to the open door.

"Papa-" Stefania was cut off.

"In the house!" Carmine barked.

"You best do what your papa tells you before he gets madder." Nick whispered to Stefania.

"I guess, but I hate saying goodnight and goodbye." Stefania whispered to Nick.

"I know, but we'll see each other tomorrow. That's if you want to see me again." Nick whispered back.

"Was there ever any doubt?" Stefania smirked.

"Hey, wrap it up! Goodnight, goodbye, arrivederci, get in the house! Let's go!" Carmine commanded.

"Same time as today?" Nick said to Stefania.

"I'll be counting the hours." Stefania nodded before getting into an embrace with Nick.

"Awwww! Would ya look at that? My niece is in love!" Paulie held his hands over his heart and smiled.

"I must admit that I do like romantic moments." Vincent had a smile forming in the corner of his mouth.

"Do we need to see this?!" Carmine shook his head in disgust before snapping his fingers, "Alright! Alright! Break it up!"

"Oh, Carmine. Leave it alone." Andrea came outside and walked over to her husband, "Those kids are obviously in love."

"Woman, how can you-" Carmine was cut off.

"Shhhh." Andrea shushed him.

"Don't "Shhh" me." Carmine told her.

"Carmine, non rovinare il momento. Lascia che abbiano il loro momento. Per favore. (Carmine, don't spoil the moment. Let them have their moment. Please.)" Andrea whispered to her husband.

"Sì, Carm. Dopotutto, potresti dover affrontare alcuni fatti che potrebbero sembrare spiacevoli per te e belli per altri. (Yeah, Carm. After all, you might have to face some facts that may seem unpleasant to you and beautiful to others.)" Paulie whispered to his brother.

"Cosa intendi dire con questo?! (What do you mean by that?!)" Carmine glared at Paulie.

"Pensa a come tu e Andrea vi siete messi insieme e a quanto inizialmente si siano opposti papà, mamma, mamma e papà Dante. (Think about how you and Andrea got together plus how much dad, mom, and ma & pa Dante objected at first.)" Paulie playfully patted his brother's cheek three times before laughing and going back into the house.

"Ha ragione, Carmine. All'inizio mamma e papà non erano troppo pazzi di te e i tuoi genitori non erano troppo pazzi di me, ma alla fine hanno visto il nostro amore reciproco e il resto è storia. Potrebbe essere il caso di Stefania e Nick. (He's right, Carmine. Ma and Pa weren't too crazy about you at first and your parents weren't too crazy about me at first, but eventually, they saw our love for each other and the rest is history. That could be the case for Stefania and Nick.)" Andrea reminded him.

"Ma Nick è-(But Nick is-)" Carmine was cut off.

"Non è italiano. Lo so. In effetti, lo sappiamo tutti, perché hai fatto in modo di sottolinearlo molte, molte volte. È un uomo bianco, sì. La sua specie ci ha fatto del male, sì. Tuttavia, non tutti quelli della sua specie sono cattivi né sono responsabili delle azioni di poche mele marce. Nick e la sua famiglia non sono responsabili delle azioni atroci di coloro i cui nomi non ripeterò. Ciò che è successo a tuo padre, Santo, Serafina, Allegra e Stefania non è colpa di Nick o della sua famiglia. (He's not Italian. I know. In fact, we all know, because you have made sure to point it out many many times already. He's a white man, yes. His kind has wronged us, yes. However, not all of his kind are bad nor are they responsible for the acts of a few bad apples. Nick and his family are not responsible for the heinous acts of those whose names I won't repeat. What happened to your father, Santo, Serafina, Allegra, and Stefania is through no fault of Nick or his family's own.)" Andrea started.

"Aspetta un attimo, Andrea. Non...(Wait a minute, Andrea. Let's not-)" Carmine paused and winced when he put weight on his broken leg, "Ahi! (Ouch!)"

"Carmine, ti portiamo alla sedia più vicina. Meglio ancora, ti portiamo di nuovo dentro. Non dovresti essere qui fuori nelle tue condizioni. (Carmine, let's get you to the nearest chair. Better yet, let's get you back inside. You shouldn't be out here in your condition.)" Andrea gently grabbed her husband's arm and started to guide him to the door.

"Adesso, Andrea-(Now, Andrea-)" Carmine was cut off.

"No, no. Non combattere con me, Carmine Mangano. Torni a casa e torni a letto. Hai aggravato le tue ferite abbastanza a lungo e ora, il capo sono io come al solito quando sei malato o ferito. Vai a casa. (No, no. Don't fight me, Carmine Mangano. You are getting back into the house and back into bed. You have aggravated your injuries long enough and now, I am the boss as I usually am whenever you're sick or injured. Into the house you go.)" Andrea insisted as she continued to guide her husband into the house.

Carmine, clearly not wanting to rest, protested like mad.

"Carmine, sai che ho ragione e che è per il tuo bene che tu riposi. Ora, non voglio discutere o litigare. Non lo facciamo con i nostri figli o nipoti e non lo farò con te. (Carmine, you know I'm right and that it is for your own good that you rest. Now, I won't have any arguing or fighting. We don't have it with our children or grandchildren and I'm not having it with you.)" Andrea led her protesting husband inside and shut the door.

Nick couldn't help, but laugh at what just took place. Never did he ever think he would see the day that Carmine Mangano would be protesting like a kid. In a way, it reminded him of the times Victoria would take over when Tom was ill or injured and the latter kicked and screamed. Tom was one who always went down kicking and screaming whenever he had to let someone else take over for him. He was always the one who had to be in control/in charge and when he knew he wasn't up to the task, he would be in denial and work himself into the ground before eventually admitting it. Albeit, very reluctantly. This was one of the many traits that Nick inherited from his father besides the short temper and the tendency to shout & get into fights, mostly physical. Seeing Carmine protesting the way he did not only made Nick laugh, but it brought a smile to his face and made him hope to see more of this side of the Mangano patriarch & less of his usual side of being angry.

"That goes for you too, Nick." Stefania gave Nick a look.

"Now, Stefania-" Nick was cut off.

"Nope. You're going to get yourself mounted." Stefania led Nick to Coco and got him mounted, "There we are and you are going to go home. Then, once you're home, you will go up to your room and rest. Okay?"

Nick went to say something, but was cut off, again.

"Okay, good, okay. See you tomorrow and don't even think you're gonna fib to me by saying you rested when you didn't, because I will ask Audra." Stefania kissed his hand then tapped Coco, "Giddyup, Coco."

With that, Nick rode off into the night and Stefania went inside, but not before shooting a look at Vincent, who immediately darted into the house, clearly not wanting his sister to boss him around like how his mother did to his father and she did to Nick.

*The next morning*

While planning to see Fred and hopefully get him on board on combing through the sheriff's office for stuff Halloran may have left behind regarding the case of Emilio's murder, Jarrod stopped by his office and went inside.

Jarrod took his hat off and tossed it to the nearest hook, making it land just perfectly. This caught the attention of his secretary Violet.

"Mr. Barkley, where on Earth have you been? You're a little late." Violet said.

"I'm sorry, Violet. I didn't mean to cause you any worry. However, I don't plan on staying here for too long. I need to see Sheriff Madden about something. However, Mr. Barkley?" Jarrod replied.

"That's your name, isn't it?" Violet looked back down at the papers in front of her.

"Well, yes, but I think we-" Jarrod was cut off when there was a knock at the door, "Come in. It's open."

The door opened and in came Paulie.

"Well, well, Paulie. This is a pleasant surprise." Jarrod greeted with a smile.

"Good morning, Jarrod. I think I am ready to tell you...well, you know." Paulie had a solemn look on his face.

"As long as you're sure, Paulie." Jarrod told him.

"I'm sure. May I wait in your office?" Paulie asked.

"Good ahead. No need to ask." Jarrod nodded.

"Thank you or as my people say, grazie." Paulie made his way to Jarrod's office.

"Any time, Paulie. I just need to talk with my secretary for a moment." Jarrod said before turning his attention back to Violet and walking over to her, "Now, Violet-"

"Don't you mean Miss Pascucci?" Violet asked.

"No, I mean Violet, because we know each other well enough by now to be on a first name basis. Besides, Mr. Barkley was my father. Call me Jarrod." Jarrod got beside her desk and placed his hand onto it, "And like I said, I do apologize for worrying you."

"Apology accepted, Mr. Barkley and paws off the desk!" Violet grabbed a ruler and smacked Jarrod's hand with it.

"Ouch! Violet..." Jarrod, surprised at what she did, rubbed his hand for a brief moment before leaning against her chair, "What gives?"

"Me, Mr. Barkley." Violet started putting some papers into the nearby basket.

"Violet, call me Jarrod. Please." Jarrod insisted.

"Okay..." Violet looked up at him and grabbed his tie in a flirtatious-like manner, "Me, Jarrod. You know, you never ever take me out to dinner or for a ride around Stockton let alone show up for a picnic I have twice planned and twice ended up alone."

"Oh, Violet. Violet, Violet, Violet." Jarrod put his arm around her.

"Saying my name three times doesn't give me any sort of answer, Jarrod." Violet put her head against his chest while still holding onto his tie.

"Violet, I would take you to dinner and/or for a ride around Stockton & I would've shown up for the picnic either time, but-" Jarrod was cut off.

"But something came up, right?" Violet asked.

"Well, yes, but also too, it would be considered very improper for a boss and employee to have anything, but a professional relationship." Jarrod affirmed.

"I suppose." Violet sadly sighed.

"Violet, we can talk about this all day long, but I do have someone waiting for me, so business before pleasure or in this case, personal discussions." Jarrod replied.

"There's nothing more to talk about, Jarrod. However, could we go on a picnic sometime soon as friends, maybe?" Violet gently pulled away from him.

"Now, that I just may consider. Let me think about it and I'll let you know." Jarrod smiled.

"Okay." Violet smiled back and nodded.

Jarrod walked away from her desk and went inside his office.

*Inside Jarrod's private office*

Despite trying to be serious, Paulie couldn't help, but laugh at what all just took place. In fact, he was laughing so hard that not only did he have tears coming down his face, but he was also slapping his knee.

"What's funny, Paulie?" Jarrod chuckled a little after shutting the door.

"Two days in a row!" Paulie chortled.

"Huh?" Jarrod asked.

"Last night..." Paulie paused in order to catch his breath, eventually clearing his throat and composing himself, "After Nick brought Stefania home, Carmine went crazy as usual before getting a pain in his broken leg. Andrea, his wife, took control of the situation and bossed him around by leading him back into the house while he protested like a child. Afterwards, Stefania did the same thing to Nick, sending him off on his horse while he too protested and now, your secretary got a little sassy with you, even smacking your hand with a ruler. I never...I never thought I would see the moment where two days in a row, there was nullam et mattis ex."

"Nullam et Mattis Ex?" Jarrod asked.

"That's Latin for-" Paulie was cut off.

"It's Latin for noise and a lot of sass, but what do you mean?" Jarrod raised an eyebrow.

"Well, after Stefania sent Nick off and came inside, she and Allegra both heard a strange noise outside of our house. I told them it was simply a raccoon or probably a falling fence post. Stefania insisted she heard footsteps and grabbed Carmine's rifle. Of course, I got her to hand me the rifle after eventually convincing her that the noise was probably nothing." Paulie told him.

"Strange noise from outside, footsteps, and grabbing a shot gun or rifle?" Jarrod's eyes got big.

"Yeah. Why?" Paulie asked.

"My sister Audra heard a strange noise and my brother Eugene grabbed a shot gun after saying he heard footsteps!" Jarrod's expression remained the same.

"No fooling?" Paulie's eyes also got big.

"No fooling." Jarrod shook his head.

"Well, I'm pretty sure it was probably nothing to be overly worried about. What do you think?" Paulie scratched the back of his head.

"Yeah, it was most likely an animal." Jarrod nodded, "Anyways, you said you're ready to tell me. Are you absolutely positive?"

To Be Continued...

Author's Note 2.0: I modeled the moment where Eugene and Audra heard the noise from outside after a somewhat terrifying real life experience of my own and I am modeling the relationship between Jarrod & Violet after that of James Bond and Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond franchise & Marshal Matt Dillon and Kitty Russell in Gunsmoke. Full disclosure: James Bond, Gunsmoke, and the Big Valley plus their characters belong to their rightful owners.

Stefania: Nick, did you get rest like I told you?

Heath: Who's Violet and what happened to Esther?

Victoria: Wait for the next chapter.

Eugene: Huh?

Nick: R&R, people. R&R!