Hello, All! I know it has been a long time since I have been on the board. I haven't had time to read or reply. I have sneaked on a few times and as always
am impressed by the fantastic writing on the board. I was intrigued with this challenge so I finally got some time to work on this. I am not sure if this story
works for the role reversal but I hope it does. Thank-you especially to Catgirl, Adrianne, Linda and Lindabrit for their support over the last several months.
You are all the best and I am blessed by the friendship on this board. Thanks so much for being so great! This board rocks with writers and readers alike.
Thanks to Katlynn and the other Moderators and the donations which keep this board going. It is a true blessing. Now, on to the show. This story takes place
one year after the end of the civil war. If it is not self explanatory, please let me know. Christy
POG Role Reversal Challenge
Out of the Ruins
Chapter 1
"Boy Howdy," Heath Thomson whistled. Drawing his dark Modoc, Gal up in front of the Barkley mansion, the blond cowboy felt his heart thump at the sight of a black bow placed on the front door, announcing this was a house of mourning. Couldn't be, he thought to himself remembering the horrible events from yesterday. It couldn't be. No. It was just a coincidence. Taking out the small daguerreotype from his pocket he gazed down on the image of the woman who gave him life, the same woman who died in his arms during a bank robbery less than twenty-four hours before. While others tended her and her hysterical daughter, he slipped out of the bank, spending the night camping by the river. He didn't know the woman's name beyond the one on his birth certificate. This ranch was Nick's home. The girl who screamed for her mother after she died was undoubtedly Heath's little sister, but how was she related to ole Nick?
"Can I helps ya, Sir?" a voice inquired, interrupting the blond's thoughts. "Does ya need sumpthin?" With blue eyes focusing on the curious black man standing on the porch in a white jacket, with grayish white balding hair and a worried demeanor Heath hesitated for a minute not wanting to intrude, yet unable to contain his curiosity.
"I…I was looking for Nick. He…he invited me ta come ta the ranch any time I needed a job. We…well we served in the war together. If this is a bad time…" The black man cocked his head before answering.
"Dis is a bad time," he admitted. "Mistah Nick, he out in da barn. He mighty upset. Won't talk ta no one in da family. Maybe it a good thing ya come. Friend might be what he needs."
"I don't mean to intrude," Heath deferred again.
"Ya go on," the family servant decided. "Mistah Nick, he missing his mother. Missus Barkley she was killed yesterday." Heath grimaced. Victoria…Barkley. That was her last name, not Victoria Rose, the name on his birth certificate. There was no father on the paper… no father to give him a legitimate name. All his life he'd been a bastard. Who would ever have thought his brother was Nick Barkley, a man he respected, loved even. Nick…Nick…Nick.
"Thank-you…er…"
"Silas. I be Silas. I takes care a the Barkley's." Heath's lopsided grin appeared.
"I bet you do a good job," he complimented before turning towards the barn. Looking back he observed Silas watching him. Heath felt only a warm comfort in Silas' gaze. Walking into the barn, he was immediately put on the defense when a bucket came flying at him.
"I tole ya I didn't want ta talk ta anyone Duke!" Heath hit the ground with perfect agility coming up with a plea to his friend.
"Ya done throwing things at me, Nick? I got me enough scars from the war. Never thought I'd have ta duck em from you." Silence met Heath's remark. Slowly he lifted his head over the haystack he was hiding behind, heeding the spurs sounding with Nick's long footsteps.
"Boy Howdy, Nick. Ya aint changed. Yer still as ornery as a mule and twice as cantankerous." Nick came to a halt just a few feet away from the blond.
"Heath?" the big dark haired rancher wondered in disbelief. Heath managed a sad grin. "Heath…I never expected. Took ya long enough ta git here. Where the hell have ya been?"
"Been ta Strawberry, Nick. My mama died too." Nick's crestfallen face froze.
"No," he whispered. "Oh, Heath I am sorry."
"No more than I am for you. I remember ya telling me about yer mother," Heath assured the man. Without a word Nick pulled Heath into his bearlike hug, holding his friend for dear life. Heath returned the hug tenfold. Several seconds went by…two men who lost their mothers giving each other comfort and strength. Stepping back, Heath looked over to the falling bucket then back to Nick.
"Ya hiding out here?" he wondered. "Aint never known ya ta hide Lieutenant, not even in Carterson."
"Carterson was nothing compared to this hell," Nick ground out. Taking a seat on the hay, Heath waited with a compassionate heart. Memories of Nick's stories of his family floated through his mind. Nick was devoted to his parents, his sister and brothers. This had to be killing him. He put his own feelings on hold for his friend…his brother. Nick's fists were clenched, his face red with anger and grief.
"They killed her, Heath, shot her in the back. No one deserves ta die like that, certainly not my own mother."
"Is yer sister all right?" Heath asked before he thought. Oops, he thought. Now the cat was out of the bag. Nick's hazel eyes snapped to the blond.
"How'd ya know Audra was with her?"
"Umm…" Heath evaded. Nick pounced.
"Ya were there," he accused. "Ya were the man who saved Audra."
"Didn't save anyone. Just kept them no goods from hurting anyone else."
"Heath, those men could a killed Audra and everyone in the bank. You stopped them single-handed. Why the hell did ya run off?"
"Do ya gotta ask?" Heath returned. With eyes locked, the two men communicated as if they'd never been parted, Nick's understanding of Heath without question. Heath's modesty in tight situations was just Heath. The boy hated violence, yet wasn't afraid of it. At the same time in a situation like that, Heath would hate the attention people might give him. Nick nodded his acceptance of Heath's flight, his eyes now shining with unshed tears. Reaching over Heath placed a strong clasp on Nick's shoulder providing what comfort he could. He considered telling Nick the truth, only Nick wasn't exactly up to facing facts he figured, nor would Mr. Barkley or the rest of the family be. Heath didn't figure he'd ever be able to tell Nick the truth, not now, not when their mother was dead.
"Nick! Nick, are you in here?" a voice called out bringing the friends back to the moment.
"Here, Jarrod," the rancher answered. With curiosity motivating him, Heath stood just as Jarrod Barkley, the oldest Barkley son entered the barn, still talking.
"Nick, Father is looking for you. Pastor…" Jarrod halted in mid sentence. "I am sorry. I did not realize we had company. Nick, I thought we weren't accepting visitors right now."
"It's okay," Heath said. "Reckon I ought ta be on my way anyhow. I just came by…"
"Boy, ya aint going nowhere," Nick determined in his loud voice catching Jarrod off guard.
"If he has places to go, Brother Nick," Jarrod said.
"Pappy, this is my friend, Heath." Jarrod's protective countenance softened at once, returning him to the charming young lawyer he was.
"Heath? I see. Welcome, Heath." Taking the blond's hand, he shook the work calloused fingers with a firm shake along with expressive dark blues which gave him as delighted a welcome as Nick.
"Thanks," Heath grinned. "Nick what did you tell him about me?"
"Nuthin good," Nick teased before giving his attention to his big brother.
"I didn't mean to get mad at Father, Jarrod. I just…I don't think I know what I am doing. Did I upset Audra?"
"You lost your temper, Brother Nick. I think Audra is accustomed to your displays." Nick stiffened till Heath chuckled.
"Corporal!" Nick growled.
"Yeah, Lieutenant," came the daring answer. Despite his grief, Nick managed a small smile before giving into his worst nightmare.
"I can't do this, Pappy," he confessed with anguish. "I don't want to face the pastor. I don't want to make funeral arrangements and I sure as hell don't want to put our mother in the ground."
"Ya can do what ya have ta, Nick. For her," Heath said before Jarrod could reassure the distraught man. Nick's hazel eyes went from the blond to the lawyer, several seconds passing before he nodded.
"Guess you'd understand. I just can't…can't believe she…Heath…Heath, I gotta know. Did she suffer? No one else could say, and Audra…she's too upset."
"What do you know about this?" Jarrod interrupted. Heath squirmed uncomfortably. Nick did not hesitate to explain.
"Heath was the hero who saved Audra and the other customers in the bank," he informed his brother. "He was with Mother when…he was with her…" Nick trembled. Jarrod caught his brother with Heath's help. Together they helped Nick to sit until he'd collected himself. Jarrod sat next to him, slinging his arm around him while looking up at Heath expectantly.
"I think she died right away," Heath informed them. "I saw them no goods come inta the bank, right after…yer mother and sister. I came in fast as I could. She…she threw herself over yer sister when they pointed a gun at Audra. She was gone by the time I got ta her. I wish I had gotten ta them sooner. I am so sorry." Nick swore, moving from the haystack to pound his hand on the barn door.
"Damn them," he shouted. "Damn them, damn them. What'd they have ta go and kill her for? WHY? WHY?" Jarrod sat in stunned silence before gracing Heath with his forgiveness.
"It isn't your fault, Heath. We're eternally grateful to you for saving our sister. Nick's told us so many stories about you, we already feel like you are family. Come inside and meet my father. He will want to thank you."
"No," Heath refused. Nick turned around ready to argue. Heath shook his head.
"No, Nick. This is yer time with yer family. I…I been camping down by the river outside Stockton. I can come out tomorrow, meet yer father. If ya don't mind, I would like ta come ta the funeral pay my respects ta such a fine lady as yer mother." Nick and Jarrod exchanged glances. Nick's gruff handshake sealed the bargain.
"We'll expect ya tomorrow for lunch. It'll give us sumpthin ta look forward to." Jarrod gave his blessing as well.
"Don't forget, Heath. I think it will help, Father to meet you…"
"Maybe Audra too," Nick added. Together the three men exited the barn, Nick shutting it behind them. In front of the house, Heath grinned his goodbyes while mounting his horse.
"Heath, do me a favor," Nick pleaded. "Stay at the Stockton Hotel. Tell the clerk or the owner, Hank Fields ta bill me."
"I can pay my way, Nick," Heath protested bristling the least bit.
"As a favor ta me, Corporal," Nick pleaded, his voice trembling slightly. Only a man who really knew Nick would have picked up on the cracking tone. Heath's light blues rested on Jarrod for a minute, appreciating the lawyer's concern for Nick. Returning to Nick, Heath had no choice but to accept the generous offer.
"If ya need me then, ya know where ta find me," he affirmed. He knew Nick and Jarrod were watching him leave the ranch. What he didn't hear was Jarrod's approval mixed with a certain amount of confusion.
"You were right Brother Nick. He is a good man to have at your back." Nick was unusually quiet. Jarrod went on giving his brother food for thought. "There is something familiar about him. I can't put my finger on it, but I feel like I have known him all my life."
"Yeah," Nick sighed. "I am glad he's here, Pappy. I don't know why I am so glad, but I am. It's like he knows how we feel about Mother…about…" Jarrod's firm hand clasped the broad shoulder belonging to his little brother, the boy the counselor always considered his responsibility. His comforting voice helped calm the devastated rancher the least bit.
"I like him too, Brother Nick." The brothers finally entered the quiet house of mourning. When the door shut behind them, it shut out the rest of the world but not the friendship between a Lieutenant and his best friend, nor the bond between two men who were brothers in their souls…and for the blond cowboy, in fact, a fact that would keep him close to Stockton…even at his own peril.
POG Role Reversal Challenge
Out of the Ruins
Chapter 1
"Boy Howdy," Heath Thomson whistled. Drawing his dark Modoc, Gal up in front of the Barkley mansion, the blond cowboy felt his heart thump at the sight of a black bow placed on the front door, announcing this was a house of mourning. Couldn't be, he thought to himself remembering the horrible events from yesterday. It couldn't be. No. It was just a coincidence. Taking out the small daguerreotype from his pocket he gazed down on the image of the woman who gave him life, the same woman who died in his arms during a bank robbery less than twenty-four hours before. While others tended her and her hysterical daughter, he slipped out of the bank, spending the night camping by the river. He didn't know the woman's name beyond the one on his birth certificate. This ranch was Nick's home. The girl who screamed for her mother after she died was undoubtedly Heath's little sister, but how was she related to ole Nick?
"Can I helps ya, Sir?" a voice inquired, interrupting the blond's thoughts. "Does ya need sumpthin?" With blue eyes focusing on the curious black man standing on the porch in a white jacket, with grayish white balding hair and a worried demeanor Heath hesitated for a minute not wanting to intrude, yet unable to contain his curiosity.
"I…I was looking for Nick. He…he invited me ta come ta the ranch any time I needed a job. We…well we served in the war together. If this is a bad time…" The black man cocked his head before answering.
"Dis is a bad time," he admitted. "Mistah Nick, he out in da barn. He mighty upset. Won't talk ta no one in da family. Maybe it a good thing ya come. Friend might be what he needs."
"I don't mean to intrude," Heath deferred again.
"Ya go on," the family servant decided. "Mistah Nick, he missing his mother. Missus Barkley she was killed yesterday." Heath grimaced. Victoria…Barkley. That was her last name, not Victoria Rose, the name on his birth certificate. There was no father on the paper… no father to give him a legitimate name. All his life he'd been a bastard. Who would ever have thought his brother was Nick Barkley, a man he respected, loved even. Nick…Nick…Nick.
"Thank-you…er…"
"Silas. I be Silas. I takes care a the Barkley's." Heath's lopsided grin appeared.
"I bet you do a good job," he complimented before turning towards the barn. Looking back he observed Silas watching him. Heath felt only a warm comfort in Silas' gaze. Walking into the barn, he was immediately put on the defense when a bucket came flying at him.
"I tole ya I didn't want ta talk ta anyone Duke!" Heath hit the ground with perfect agility coming up with a plea to his friend.
"Ya done throwing things at me, Nick? I got me enough scars from the war. Never thought I'd have ta duck em from you." Silence met Heath's remark. Slowly he lifted his head over the haystack he was hiding behind, heeding the spurs sounding with Nick's long footsteps.
"Boy Howdy, Nick. Ya aint changed. Yer still as ornery as a mule and twice as cantankerous." Nick came to a halt just a few feet away from the blond.
"Heath?" the big dark haired rancher wondered in disbelief. Heath managed a sad grin. "Heath…I never expected. Took ya long enough ta git here. Where the hell have ya been?"
"Been ta Strawberry, Nick. My mama died too." Nick's crestfallen face froze.
"No," he whispered. "Oh, Heath I am sorry."
"No more than I am for you. I remember ya telling me about yer mother," Heath assured the man. Without a word Nick pulled Heath into his bearlike hug, holding his friend for dear life. Heath returned the hug tenfold. Several seconds went by…two men who lost their mothers giving each other comfort and strength. Stepping back, Heath looked over to the falling bucket then back to Nick.
"Ya hiding out here?" he wondered. "Aint never known ya ta hide Lieutenant, not even in Carterson."
"Carterson was nothing compared to this hell," Nick ground out. Taking a seat on the hay, Heath waited with a compassionate heart. Memories of Nick's stories of his family floated through his mind. Nick was devoted to his parents, his sister and brothers. This had to be killing him. He put his own feelings on hold for his friend…his brother. Nick's fists were clenched, his face red with anger and grief.
"They killed her, Heath, shot her in the back. No one deserves ta die like that, certainly not my own mother."
"Is yer sister all right?" Heath asked before he thought. Oops, he thought. Now the cat was out of the bag. Nick's hazel eyes snapped to the blond.
"How'd ya know Audra was with her?"
"Umm…" Heath evaded. Nick pounced.
"Ya were there," he accused. "Ya were the man who saved Audra."
"Didn't save anyone. Just kept them no goods from hurting anyone else."
"Heath, those men could a killed Audra and everyone in the bank. You stopped them single-handed. Why the hell did ya run off?"
"Do ya gotta ask?" Heath returned. With eyes locked, the two men communicated as if they'd never been parted, Nick's understanding of Heath without question. Heath's modesty in tight situations was just Heath. The boy hated violence, yet wasn't afraid of it. At the same time in a situation like that, Heath would hate the attention people might give him. Nick nodded his acceptance of Heath's flight, his eyes now shining with unshed tears. Reaching over Heath placed a strong clasp on Nick's shoulder providing what comfort he could. He considered telling Nick the truth, only Nick wasn't exactly up to facing facts he figured, nor would Mr. Barkley or the rest of the family be. Heath didn't figure he'd ever be able to tell Nick the truth, not now, not when their mother was dead.
"Nick! Nick, are you in here?" a voice called out bringing the friends back to the moment.
"Here, Jarrod," the rancher answered. With curiosity motivating him, Heath stood just as Jarrod Barkley, the oldest Barkley son entered the barn, still talking.
"Nick, Father is looking for you. Pastor…" Jarrod halted in mid sentence. "I am sorry. I did not realize we had company. Nick, I thought we weren't accepting visitors right now."
"It's okay," Heath said. "Reckon I ought ta be on my way anyhow. I just came by…"
"Boy, ya aint going nowhere," Nick determined in his loud voice catching Jarrod off guard.
"If he has places to go, Brother Nick," Jarrod said.
"Pappy, this is my friend, Heath." Jarrod's protective countenance softened at once, returning him to the charming young lawyer he was.
"Heath? I see. Welcome, Heath." Taking the blond's hand, he shook the work calloused fingers with a firm shake along with expressive dark blues which gave him as delighted a welcome as Nick.
"Thanks," Heath grinned. "Nick what did you tell him about me?"
"Nuthin good," Nick teased before giving his attention to his big brother.
"I didn't mean to get mad at Father, Jarrod. I just…I don't think I know what I am doing. Did I upset Audra?"
"You lost your temper, Brother Nick. I think Audra is accustomed to your displays." Nick stiffened till Heath chuckled.
"Corporal!" Nick growled.
"Yeah, Lieutenant," came the daring answer. Despite his grief, Nick managed a small smile before giving into his worst nightmare.
"I can't do this, Pappy," he confessed with anguish. "I don't want to face the pastor. I don't want to make funeral arrangements and I sure as hell don't want to put our mother in the ground."
"Ya can do what ya have ta, Nick. For her," Heath said before Jarrod could reassure the distraught man. Nick's hazel eyes went from the blond to the lawyer, several seconds passing before he nodded.
"Guess you'd understand. I just can't…can't believe she…Heath…Heath, I gotta know. Did she suffer? No one else could say, and Audra…she's too upset."
"What do you know about this?" Jarrod interrupted. Heath squirmed uncomfortably. Nick did not hesitate to explain.
"Heath was the hero who saved Audra and the other customers in the bank," he informed his brother. "He was with Mother when…he was with her…" Nick trembled. Jarrod caught his brother with Heath's help. Together they helped Nick to sit until he'd collected himself. Jarrod sat next to him, slinging his arm around him while looking up at Heath expectantly.
"I think she died right away," Heath informed them. "I saw them no goods come inta the bank, right after…yer mother and sister. I came in fast as I could. She…she threw herself over yer sister when they pointed a gun at Audra. She was gone by the time I got ta her. I wish I had gotten ta them sooner. I am so sorry." Nick swore, moving from the haystack to pound his hand on the barn door.
"Damn them," he shouted. "Damn them, damn them. What'd they have ta go and kill her for? WHY? WHY?" Jarrod sat in stunned silence before gracing Heath with his forgiveness.
"It isn't your fault, Heath. We're eternally grateful to you for saving our sister. Nick's told us so many stories about you, we already feel like you are family. Come inside and meet my father. He will want to thank you."
"No," Heath refused. Nick turned around ready to argue. Heath shook his head.
"No, Nick. This is yer time with yer family. I…I been camping down by the river outside Stockton. I can come out tomorrow, meet yer father. If ya don't mind, I would like ta come ta the funeral pay my respects ta such a fine lady as yer mother." Nick and Jarrod exchanged glances. Nick's gruff handshake sealed the bargain.
"We'll expect ya tomorrow for lunch. It'll give us sumpthin ta look forward to." Jarrod gave his blessing as well.
"Don't forget, Heath. I think it will help, Father to meet you…"
"Maybe Audra too," Nick added. Together the three men exited the barn, Nick shutting it behind them. In front of the house, Heath grinned his goodbyes while mounting his horse.
"Heath, do me a favor," Nick pleaded. "Stay at the Stockton Hotel. Tell the clerk or the owner, Hank Fields ta bill me."
"I can pay my way, Nick," Heath protested bristling the least bit.
"As a favor ta me, Corporal," Nick pleaded, his voice trembling slightly. Only a man who really knew Nick would have picked up on the cracking tone. Heath's light blues rested on Jarrod for a minute, appreciating the lawyer's concern for Nick. Returning to Nick, Heath had no choice but to accept the generous offer.
"If ya need me then, ya know where ta find me," he affirmed. He knew Nick and Jarrod were watching him leave the ranch. What he didn't hear was Jarrod's approval mixed with a certain amount of confusion.
"You were right Brother Nick. He is a good man to have at your back." Nick was unusually quiet. Jarrod went on giving his brother food for thought. "There is something familiar about him. I can't put my finger on it, but I feel like I have known him all my life."
"Yeah," Nick sighed. "I am glad he's here, Pappy. I don't know why I am so glad, but I am. It's like he knows how we feel about Mother…about…" Jarrod's firm hand clasped the broad shoulder belonging to his little brother, the boy the counselor always considered his responsibility. His comforting voice helped calm the devastated rancher the least bit.
"I like him too, Brother Nick." The brothers finally entered the quiet house of mourning. When the door shut behind them, it shut out the rest of the world but not the friendship between a Lieutenant and his best friend, nor the bond between two men who were brothers in their souls…and for the blond cowboy, in fact, a fact that would keep him close to Stockton…even at his own peril.
