Chapter 21

At his exclamation, Nick pushed him aside to look through the crack. Inside, thanks to the faint amount of sunlight filtering through the gaps in the roof, he could see her; chained to the walls in the corner like a wild animal. No wonder Jarrod had said what he had... Taking a step back he unleashed his rage on the door and kicked it with everything he had. The door never stood a chance; the board the chain had been threaded through broke and the door swung back against the wall with a crash. Nick hurried in. "Millie! Oh Millie-"

His words were abruptly cut off as a blood curdling scream came from the young woman, the girl cowering in fear against the corner. "D-d-don't. D-don't h-hurt me. P-please. Please." She begged, her arms wrapped tightly around her knees with her head bowed as she tried to make herself as small and as inconspicuous as possible from this new threat. Cade was back. He had come back and he was angry. "I-I'll be-be good. I-I promise. I-I w-won't run…" She whimpered, her small body shaking. "I wont... R-run away again. J-j-ust please… Please, please... d-don't whip me a-again."

Nick had stopped in his tracks at her scream, Jarrod joining him a moment later. In front of them, Millie hyperventilating as she tucked herself tighter into the corner to get away from them. "Millie, it's alright sweetheart." He tried to reassure her, his voice cracking. "It's me... It's Nick, lil one." He tried to move closer but as he did so, she became more frantic and he stopped again, bile rising in his throat. God Millie… You poor thing. He was dumbstruck, horrified to find her in this state. He'd seen a lot in his years on the earth but this... This was breaking his heart. Oh, they'd expected to find things bad but neither of them were prepared for it to be like this. Someone had left her chained here in the dirt, a metal collar around her neck and shackles around her wrists. "Millie-"

She screamed again, louder.

"Nick..." Jarrod rested his hand on his brother's shoulder. "Give me a chance to get her calmed down. I know you mean well, but let me have a try, alright?" He questioned softly. "The way you came crashing in, you've frightened her."

Swallowing hard as he got over his initial surprise, that being quickly replaced by intense anger, Nick nodded as he barely was able to restrain his temper. "God Jarrod… Look at her… Look what that monster did to her." He was so angry he was lost for words, his hands clenched into fists as he kept looking down at Millie. How anyone could treat someone like this, he didn't know. What he did know however, was Cade was about to realize just who he had messed with by kidnapping Millie from under their noses. It didn't matter if she did turn out to be Heath's half-sister or not, the way he was feeling, by the time he finished with Cade, the man would regret being born. "Our Millie… Look what he's done to our Millie."

"I know. I know Nick." Jarrod replied calmly, ever the voice of reason though it was taking everything he had also not to loose his temper at the sight they were a witness too. "And we will take care of him. Believe me. But right now, you're going to have to control that temper of yours." He looked back over at Millie, hardly believing that this poor quivering, terrified girl had only a couple weeks ago been the bright, bubbly young lady who he'd danced with at the Spring Social. "Believe me, he'll get what's coming to him." He hissed fiercely and had to take a couple deep breaths to calm down before he tried to approach her. After a moment, he slowly started closer to her. "Millie… Millie, it's me." He spoke softly, crouching down to her level. As he neared her, the girl screamed louder, shaking in fright. "Millie, it's okay. It's Jarrod. Don't be scared, I'm not going to hurt you honey."

Millie was too frightened, too out of her mind to even register that it wasn't Cade who was coming towards her.

"Oh Millie…" Jarrod held back as she both cried and screamed at the same time. What did he do to you? He went to reach out to touch her but she only screamed again, louder and not wanting to cause her further distress, he slowly retreated backwards a few feet. Turning back to his brother, he looked up at him in defeat. It was going to take quite some time for Millie to settle down given her current state... And Nick, Nick was furious. He could see it in his eyes, in his tense jaw. His younger brother was staring at Millie while he opened and closed his hands into fists and Jarrod knew the only thing holding his brother's temper back was Millie's fragile state. Nick looked fit to kill someone with his bare hands and Jarrod had a feeling that if he ever crossed paths with the snake that had done this to Millie, Nick was going to give him the hiding of his life. "Nick... I've got to get her calmed down." Jarrod finally spoke, drawing Nick's attention to himself. "We've got to get her out of here. Give us some space for now, go keep a lookout in case Alton comes back."

"If he comes back, so help me-"

"Nick, just give us some space for a moment. Please." He interrupted firmly as he came closer, casting a shadow over the girl. Millie screamed louder, horrid wretched screams that Jarrod had never heard another human being utter. "Nick, you're scaring her."

Realizing his brother was right, he withdrew a couple paces, his heart breaking. "I... I just want to help, Jarrod." He replied, his voice cracking as he forced back the lump in his throat again. To see Millie like this... He just wanted to take her in his arms, to tell her everything would be alright now that they had found her but he couldn't even get close to her. "Please? I-I've got to do something."

"Just give me a chance with her first, she trusts me. Alright? Once I've gotten her settled down and she knows who we are, then you'll be able to come and help. There's nothing you can do for her right now."

After a moment, Nick nodded and retreated to the doorway to stand guard.

Jarrod turned back to Millie after he had gone. "Millie. Millie sweetheart." He spoke softly as he lowered himself to the dirt a couple feet from her. "Millie. It's okay. Just calm down sweetheart. It's alright. I won't hurt you." He repeated, over and over as the minutes began to tick slowly by. Ever patient and gentle, Jarrod held back, only moving closer to her as she slowly grew less frantic. He struggled to keep his voice calm and even, emotion threatening to take over him but for her sake, he was able to force it back. He had to keep himself together to help his little girl.

Slowly, after what felt like an eternity, Millie began to calm down.

"That's a girl. You're alright. You're alright sweetheart." He assured her gently, his tone soft and soothing, the same tone he'd used in the past to calm a frightened horse. "Look at me..." He requested when she'd calmed enough to understand what he was saying to her. "Look at me." He paused, waiting for her to respond and slowly, she lifted her head. Upon seeing her bruised face, Jarrod had to take a deep breath. My darlin... Oh my girl. One eye was swollen completely shut, her face an array of blacks and purples. Her other eye was bruised also but not to the same extent; she could see out of it a little and he could see she was trying to figure out who he was. "That's my girl... That's my Millie. You remember me? Right? It's me, sweetheart. Jarrod Barkley. It's okay, my darling. Everything will be alright now. We've found you."

"J-Jarrod?" She stuttered, a touch of hope in her voice.

She recognized him. He smiled a little. "That's right honey. It's me." He assured her, moving a little closer again to her. He could touch her now if he wanted but he held back. He didn't want to undo the hard work he'd done in getting her calmed to this point. "Nick and I've found you at last."

"No... No-no..." She broke down sobbing as she cowered again, tucking herself against the wall. "No..."

Oh sweetheart... Jarrod felt his heart break a little more.

"You-you... aren't real."

"I am. It's me." He tried to reassure her. "Jarrod Barkley."

She shook her head. "It-it can't... can't be. I-I'm just... just dreaming again." Millie whispered to herself between sobs as her whole body shook again. "N-no... J-just... Dreamin'... No one's... no one's coming... for me. He's not real. Not real. Not real…"

"Millie, it's not your imagination. I'm here. Nick and I have been looking for you everywhere. We finally found you sweetheart."

"No-"

Cautiously, he extended his hand towards her. "Come on honey, take my hand. You'll see I'm real."

It... It couldn't hurt. There was only one way to know if she was really dreaming or not and after a moment, she looked back at the figure and reached out towards it. A hand met hers, a hand that felt warm and with a strong grip on hers. She began to tremble. Maybe it wasn't her imagination... "J-Jarrod...?" She forced her vision to try and focus on the blurred figure in-front of her and as it cleared, she recognized the kind face she saw. "Jarrod... You... You came... for me."

"I came sweetheart, I came." He soothed gently as she began to sob softly again. "It's over honey, it's over. We've found you. Everything will be alright now." He edged closer to her, still holding onto her hand. "I'm here now sweetheart. Alton's never going to hurt you again. I promise. I promise honey."

Fresh tears began to slide down her cheeks. "I-I'd given… I'd given up hope. H-how did you find me?"

"We'll talk about that later. Okay?" Stroking the back of her hand gently with his thumb, he forced back his own tears. "Millie, honey... Do you want a hug?"

"P-Please..."

Before he could take her into his arms, Millie collapsed against him in his lap as she cried. Oh my girl... Tears of his own came to his eyes as she held onto the front of his vest for dear life. My sweet little one... I'm sorry... I'm sorry... "It's okay, it's okay darling." He assured her as he placed his arm around her and she cried out in pain, flinching away but not moving further.

"H-h-hurts."

Looking down, he saw her torn back. Oh God... She'd been whipped. Brutally. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry Millie. I didn't realize." He apologized as he removed his arm and tenderly placed his hand behind her neck instead. No wonder she'd cried out; her back was nothing but a torn, bloodied horrendous mess. What was left of her clothing was encrusted with dried blood and dirt, sticking to her wounds. She'd been here for quite some time by appearances. Oh my girl... I'm sorry. I'm sorry for letting you down honey.

"It's over now. It's over. We found you." He told her after he'd managed to gain hold of his composure as he swallowed again the lump in his throat. "It's okay. You'll be okay. Nick and I are going to get you out of here. Alright?"

Millie nodded. Having used up what little strength was left in her body, she had nothing left and her whole body sagged in his hold. Adrenaline had kept her fighting but now, knowing help was finally here, she was spent. She lay in his arms, her head resting on his shoulder as her body relaxed.

She was safe.

She was home.

With the girl calm in his hold, Jarrod was able to further take stock of her condition. It was evident she was in a bad way; not only had her back been torn from being whipped but he could take a guess she'd been beaten severely too. Given the appearance of her face he could only imagine what was hidden by her clothing. Not only that, but because of the irons that held her prisoner here, her neck and wrists had been torn up severely also. She'd fought, it was apparent from her injuries but there was no way she was escaping from this place on her own. Cade had made certain of that. The irons were padlocked and their chains secured to the corner post and it dawned on him that this all had been set up specifically for this purpose. My god Millie... He swallowed hard again as her faint sobs faded away to nothing and she lay limp in his hold. You poor thing.

How could anyone be sick enough to treat another human being like this, let alone a mear child?

After a time, still holding her against his chest on his lap, Jarrod broke the silence with a question. "I'm going to need some help to get you out of here, honey. Will it be alright if I call Nick in? I'm here, you can trust me. Nick won't hurt you."

"It-it really is Nick?" She questioned weakly.

"It's Nick. I promise."

She thought about it for a moment then gave a single, tired nod.

"Nick." Jarrod called and after a moment, Nick entered. "Take it slow, don't raise your voice. I've just gotten her calmed down." He cautioned as his brother came over. "Crouch down so she can see it's you."

Following his brother's request, he sat down in front of them. "Hey, hey lil one." Hearing his voice, she looked up at him. Oh God... He swallowed. The poor girl's face looked as if it'd been used as a punching bag. "O-ol Nick's here now, sweetheart." His voice broke a little. "We've been lookin' all over for ya, my lil cowgal."

"Nick… You came too…"

"Of course I did, lil one. You don't think I was gonna let Jarrod look for ya on his own? No way. Now don't you worry none darlin, we're here. We're gonna take care of you." He was struggling to keep his voice even as he saw up close just how badly she'd been treated. Seeing her back, her face quickly became the last of his concerns. Locking eyes with his brother, neither of them needed to exchange words to know exactly what the other was thinking.

If they didn't take care of her soon, she'd be worse off than she already was.

"We need to find a way to get these chains off her." Jarrod broke the silence, glancing down at Millie. "Do you know where the keys are?"

Mustering up a little strength she was able to motion towards the door. "I think… I think he keeps them over there."

"Alright. I'll see if I can find them." Nick rose and after searching for a moment, found the keys lying in the dirt. "Here we are."

"Gently now." Jarrod cautioned as he returned, his brother attempting to remove the one around her neck first. Millie whimpered a little, pressing tighter against him. "Be careful Nick." He hissed as she began to sob once again.

"I'm tryin' to be. I'm sorry Mille gal." He apologized, trying to unlock the padlock as carefully as he could. Though he was trying to be as gentle as he could be, Millie still cried out in pain. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry darlin'."' Finally he had it undone and opened the iron collar, her neck completely red-raw and bruised from where it had rubbed against her skin and the wounds started to bleed again. He tossed it aside and turned back to her. "I was tryin' to be gentle."

"I know." She tried to smile a little. "It's not… Not your fault."

"I'll give you a moment then we'll get the other off, okay?" She nodded again and after hesitating for a moment, he placed his hand on top of her shoulder where it appeared she didn't have some kind of injury. "You'll be alright darlin'."

Millie tried to smile again at him and Nick had to get up, had to move away to get control of himself. His temper was liable to get the best of him for much less then this but for Millie's sake, he had to contain it. She didn't need him taking his anger out on her, even if it wasn't directed at her. If earlier was anything to go by, her mental state was already fragile; both he and Jarrod nodded to tread carefully with her. She needed him calm and gentle, she needed him to treat her no differently then he would have before. She'd once told him she felt safe with him; he needed to be that safe place for her now. Once they had taken care of her and gotten her someplace safe with Jarrod, then he could hunt down that son of a b**** who had done this to her and even God wouldn't be able to help him when he caught up with him...

One thing that was deadlier then a raging Nick was a quiet, calculating Nick.

And that was exactly what Nick was in that moment.

Quiet, calculating with eyes as cold as a winters storm.

"Nick, let's get the other ones off now. We need to get her out of here."

"Right." Nick cleared his throat, his brother's words interrupting his thoughts of a painful demise for the man who dared treat his little friend so wrongly. "Right." Returning to the task at hand, he set to work on the shackle on her left wrist. Millie whimpered softly and his heart again went out to her. "It's alright, lil one. You're bein' so brave, my gal. Almost there. Almost done, lil one." It came away and again, she was left bleeding as he went to work on the finale shackle. A few moments and a couple more whimpers later and she was finally freed. "There ya go. All done." He gently cupped the side of her jaw where she wasn't bruised for a moment.

Their eyes met.

A faint smile appeared on Millie's lips.

Nick smiled back at her though his heart was breaking. Gently he brushed his thumb over her cheek, careful to not touch her bruises. "How's 'bout we get ya inside now? Think we're gonna need to attend to those wounds."

"B-but I can't... can't walk."

"I'll carry you honey." Jarrod assured her. "Nick, can you give me a hand?" Between the two brothers, Millie was soon picked up and placed back in Jarrod's arms, the girl whimpering in pain but there wasn't anything he could do about it. "I know it hurts, I'm sorry. We've got to move you though Millie."

"I-I know."

Starting forward, Jarrod carried her out of the shed and into the light. Millie scrunched her eyes shut against the brightness, burying her face in his shoulder. After being in almost complete darkness for so long, the light was just too painful for her. Nick hurried on ahead, opening the front door for him and they headed through, Jarrod starting with her towards the stairs leading up to the bedrooms. "Nick, could you bring in my bedroll? Might be a mite cleaner then what's here."

Nick left and Jarrod carried Matilda into the room across from where he'd found her hair ribbon. A few moments later he could hear his younger brother taking the stairs two at a time and Nick reappeared with the bedroll and a canteen slung over his shoulder. As Jarrod stood back, Nick stripped the filthy covered off the bed then laid out the bedroll over the thin mattress. "There you go my lil one. A bed fit for a princess." Millie tried to smile a little bit at his attempt to cheer her up as Jarrod gently set her down on the bed, the girl whimpering softly in pain as she was set down. "Brought the canteen for you too darlin'." He pulled it off his shoulder and uncorked it, sitting down beside her. "Here. Steady now." Her hands shook as she took hold of the canteen and he helped her bring it to her lips, the girl drinking greedily before he drew it away. "Steady Millie, you'll make yourself sick guzzlin' like that."

Millie dropped her eyes to the ground in shame at Nick's chastisement. "I-I'm sorry. Sorry Nick... I-I'm just... So thirsty."

The two brothers exchanged another look and Jarrod crouched down in-front of her. "How long were you in there sweetheart?'

She thought over his question for a moment. "Two… N-no, three days." She bit her lip as she tried to figure out an answer to his question. How long had she been in there? She wasn't sure. It had just been a blur for her. "He- I-I… What's today?"

"Thursday."

"He left Monday night. I-I haven't-" Her stomach heaved and she managed to turn herself away from him just in time that Jarrod didn't get covered in her vomit. After going without for so long, her stomach didn't take kindly to the large volume she'd just drank and she threw up till there was nothing left. "I-I... I'm s-sorry." She apologized weakly once she'd finished, fully expecting them to get upset with her for making the mess she just had. She began to tremble, fully expecting them to get angry with her. "I-I didn't... Didn't mean to get sick. I-I'm sorry."

"Told ya you'd make yourself sick guzzlin' water like that, Millie gal." Nick rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. "Guess I was right."

"I-I'm sorry."

"Millie, it's alright sweetheart. It was an accident. It wasn't you're fault. We'll clean it up." Jarrod assured her gently. "How are you feeling?"

"Not... not too good." She finally answered. "I-I... I don't feel good, Jarrod."

"You just lie down then and try to get some rest, alright? We'll look after you."

Millie nodded. Lying down did sound like a good idea and since Nick was already beside her, helping to keep her sitting up, he carefully helped her lie down on her right side so she didn't have to lie on her torn back.

"I'll leave the water with Jarrod." Nick told her softly, gently rubbing her arm as he stood. "Just rest darlin'. Everything's gonna be alright."

She managed a little smile. 'Thanks Nick…'

He smiled back at her, lingering with her for a moment longer before going over to join his brother across the room. Jarrod stood, resting his palms against the top of the wooden dresser with his head bowed. Nick placed his hand on his brother's shoulder.

They stood in silence for a moment, Jarrod finally turning to him once he'd regained his composure. He started speaking in a whisper so Millie couldn't overhear the conversation. "Those wounds are infected... I'd say she's severely dehydrated too. We'd best try getting a doctor out here."

"Might be one in Alder."

"Let's hope so. We need the Sheriff to come see what's happened too. Let him see first hand just what kind of man Cade Alton really is. Sooner or later he's bound to turn back up."

At the mention of that man's name, Nick stiffened. "He'd better not." He growled. "If he does, I'm goin' to give him a little justice, Barkley style."

"I know how you feel about what he's done to Audra and Millie but we have to let the law handle him, Nick."

"Well the law did Millie a lick of good now, didn't it?" He hissed angrily, looking back over at Millie. "So help me Jarrod, I'll kill him with my bare hands if I have to. He's never touchin' either of them again."

"Nick. You're angry."

"Damn right I'm angry. You should be too, Jarrod! I can't believe how calm you are about all this! That poor kid's been through hell and-"

"Nick." Jarrod interrupted. "Getting angry won't help Millie. We have to keep our focus on her. She's relying on us. She needs a doctor and we need the Sheriff. We will deal with Alton if and when we need to." He paused, looking at his brother. "Can I count on you to keep your head to help Millie?"

"Of course Jarrod." He took a deep breath. "What do you want me to do?"

"Go back to Alder, see if they have a doctor. If they don't, we're going to need medical supplies to tend to her ourselves. And bring the sheriff back with you."

"Alright. I'll be back just as soon as I can. Be careful Jarrod. If Alton comes back-"

"I know Nick. I'll be ready for him if he does."

Taking one last look over at Millie, Nick handed Jarrod the canteen. He was loath to leave her but he knew Jarrod was right; She needed a doctor and Jarrod was better fit to take care of her anyway, seeing as he'd been the one able to calm her earlier. "Look after her." He requested. "Millie... I-I guess she's worked her charm on me too."

He smiled a little at that. "I know what you mean, brother Nick. I'll look after her. Just hurry back, please."

With a nod Nick headed out the door and Jarrod lingered for a moment before taking care of cleaning up the mess that Millie had made earlier. When everything was cleaned up he returned, bringing an empty basin with him in the event she get sick again. Hearing him return, she opened her eyes, her swollen eye closing again. "How are you feeling now sweetheart?" He asked gently. "Anything I can do?"

"Not good... Could... Could you sit... with me?"

He smiled and after placing the basin down nearby, sat down beside her. She smiled back a little as he tucked a lock of matted hair back behind her ear. "You'll be alright now honey, Nick's gone to get the doctor."

Millie nodded weakly and after a moment, she requested to another drink. Helping her to sit up again, Jarrod helped her to drink from the canteen. "Just a couple sips now, let your stomach settle."

Not wanting to upset her stomach again, she did as he requested. Holding the water in her mouth she let it trickle slowly down her throat. Never had water tasted as good as it did to her now. She felt like she'd never be able to quench her thirst but she knew Jarrod was right. After not having been able to eat or drink for the past few days, her stomach needed time to get used to the idea. After she had swallowed another mouthful, Jarrod took the canteen away again and gently laid her back down. "Is… Is Audra alright?"

"Audra's just fine, sweetheart. She's been worried about you though, she'll be glad to have you home."

"I-it's all my fault." She said, her voice soft. "I-I'm sorry. If I'd just told you about Cade… If I told you I knew someone was following me-'

"No, Millie." He interrupted her gently as tears started to slide down her cheeks. "No sweetheart. It wasn't your fault." Gently he wiped them away, the girl flinching a little at his touch. "You aren't to blame for what happened to Audra. It's not your fault at all."

Swallowing, Millie nodded a little as Jarrod started stroking her hair.

"What happened Millie?" He questioned after a time. "Do you think you're up to telling me what happened?"

"I-I tried... to run away." Came her weak reply. "He set me up. He let me get away... Then he followed me. It was just a game… Just a game to him. He whipped me for running away then…"

"It's alright." He assured her as she began to cry again. "I think I know what happened next. You were left in the shed after that."

Millie nodded.

"We'll talk about it later then, alright?" Jarrod could see her weakening and placed the back of his hand against her forehead, confirming what he'd already suspected. The girl was feverish and that was no surprise given the condition of her back. Pulling a handkerchief from his pocket he wet it from the canteen and draped it gently across her forehead. "You just take it easy now sweetheart, get some rest before the doctor arrives."

"Y-you'll keep watch? What if Cade comes back? He-I don't want you to get hurt."

"Millie, it's alright. I can take care of myself. You don't need to worry."

"H-he'll never... never let you take me. I mean too much to him."

Though he wondered what she meant by that, he decided he would leave it for now. Millie was too weak, she needed to save what little strength she had left. "If he comes back, he will be dealing with me. I won't let him harm you again. That is a promise I fully intended to keep, regardless of what I have to do to keep it. Alright?"

She searched his face, trying to determine if he was telling the truth before giving in. "Alright."

"Now get some rest. I'll be right here."

"You won't leave me?"

"I won't leave you."

Reassured that she wouldn't be on her own, Millie settled down and by appearances, soon seemed fast asleep in the reassurance that she was safe. Everything was going to be alright now. Jarrod was watching over her. Jarrod would keep her safe.

Stroking her hair gently, when she'd fallen asleep, he sat back and wearily ran his hands over his face. Millie was bad off, there was no denying that and it made him sick to his stomach to see her having been treated this way. Given past history, he'd fully expected and prepared himself for her to have been subjected to some kind of abuse while being in Cade's care but nothing could have prepared him for this. Nothing at all could have prepared him to witness such outright cruelty.

No wonder she'd been so terrified of the thought of Cade finding her.

If only she'd told him.

He could have done something. Anything. He'd have done everything he could have to protect her and prevent her from ending up in this exact situation. He'd have moved heaven and earth to keep her safe. The words he'd spoken to Sheriff Madden the day that she had been taken were as true then as they were now; he loved her. He'd come to think of her as a daughter.

And now, it had come to this.

They'd finally found her at last.

But maybe, they would end up still having been too late.

Only time would tell.

Please Millie… Jarrod desperately begged in his thoughts as he watched over her while she slept, anguish filling his heart. Please sweetheart, please... You've got to be alright.