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Be A Man	By : cowgirl65 Category: 1 through F > The Big Valley Views: 3052 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I in no way own The Big Valley. I make no money from writing this, just the personal satisfaction of (hopefully!) entertaining those who love the show as much as I do.

Chapter List
- 16
- 17
- 18
A/N: The next few chapters contain scenes taken straight out of the third season episode ‘Rimfire’, staring the incredible Van Williams alongside the even more incredible Richard Long. I haven’t written in all the scenes from the episode, but I hope you can follow even if you’re not familiar.

Jarrod watched the scenery speed past. It was only an eighteen-hour trip from Stockton to Rimfire, but the jostling of the stage was wearing. He didn’t really want to go back to that town, but he was the lawyer of the family and it was he who could make the best deal with Sidney Glover to merge their two mines. He resolutely turned his thoughts away from what had happened in Rimfire two years ago when he hunted down his wife’s killer. Instead, Jarrod thought back to the more recent past and had to smile.
He’d managed to find a sense of balance in his life since Beth’s murder. Heath’s unconditional support had given him an anchor and instead of dwelling on his failings, he’d concentrated on the blessings in his life. He hadn’t needed to go back to that nameless house or what Heath was willing to do for him as he slowly accepted that he was a man worthy of his family’s love and respect. Gradually, Jarrod regained the self-confidence that had made him strike out on his own in the first place and become one of the most respected attorneys in the state.
Jarrod had even found the opportunity for a few relationships. No long term attachments, but it felt good to be sought out by men who had an acquaintance with Jack or Liam, even if it was only for physical pleasure. It also wasn’t hard to find a partner with a fondness for ropes and leather and Jarrod was able to indulge his taste for being dominated without things going to far.
He’d come to a kind of peace with his desires and preferences and found himself willing, even eager, for a night or two of unrestrained passion. He was always circumspect in his dalliances, however, not wanting word of his attraction to men to get back to his family. The last had been a danseur from a touring Russian ballet troupe and Jarrod was still in awe over the slender man’s strength and flexibility. But he still had a deep regret that he’d never have the true love and bond of a family of his own.
Jarrod tensed when the stage pulled into Rimfire. He didn’t know if anyone would remember the last time he rode into town, gunning for the man who’d shot his wife. That ugliness was something he wished he’d never seen and was more ashamed of that part of himself than he’d ever been for loving men rather than women. But things had changed in Rimfire with the increase in the profitability of silver. The sleepy place he recalled was now a thriving boomtown and Jarrod was hopeful that one incident wouldn’t be remembered.
He hired a hack to take him to Glover House and rapped on the door with the large silver knocker, evidence of where Glover’s wealth had come from. It had been years since he’d been there, the last time to assure Sidney Glover that he was capable of taking over Tom Barkley’s business empire almost six years before.
“Welcome back to Glover House, Mr. Barkley,” the well-dressed black man greeted. Jarrod smiled as he remembered the respect with which Glover’s houseman had treated him in the past.
“Thank you, Charles.”
Charles took Jarrod’s suitcase and followed him into the foyer. “It’s good to see you looking so well. It’s been a long time.”
Jarrod nodded as he handed over his hat and breathed an inward sigh of relief. It didn’t seem as though Charles knew of the events with Hyatt. “Almost six years.” He smiled as he remembered his previous visit. “You know, the last time I came through that door, little Janice was sliding down that banister.”
“She’s quite a young lady now,” Charles commented.
“I bet she is.”
Both men turned as the doors to the library opened. “Jarrod, my boy,” the large grey-haired man greeted, giving Jarrod a warm handshake.
“Hello, Sidney.”
Glover continued shaking Jarrod’s hand vigorously. “How are you? It’s good to see you again.”
Jarrod managed to retrieve his hand from Glover’s clammy grasp. “It’s good to see you. I’ve been looking forward to it.”
Glover turned to his butler. “Charles, would you put Mr. Barkley’s things in the east wing, please?”
“Yes sir.” Charles did as he was bid and Glover clapped Jarrod companionably on the shoulder.
“Come inside, Jarrod,” he invited, leading the lawyer into the library, “I’ve got a bottle of champagne waiting.”
“Good.” Jarrod thought it was a little premature to celebrate, but the other man’s enthusiasm was promising.
“This merger calls for a celebration.” Glover shut the double doors to the library behind him.
“That it does,” Jarrod responded politely. He looked around the well-appointed room as Glover strode over.
“Family well?” Glover asked as he reached to pull the champagne out of the ice bucket.
“They’re fine, just fine, Sidney.”
“Merger papers all in order?”
Jarrod patted his black leather folder. “I’ve got them right in here and ready to be signed.” Jarrod tossed the folder on the table as Glover popped the cork on the champagne. Jarrod picked up a glass and held it out. Glover filled it and then poured one for himself.
“To the merger of Barkley-Glover Silver Mines,” the large man proposed.
“To the merger,” Jarrod echoed politely and both men drank.
A knock was heard on the library door. “Come in,” Glover called. Charles opened the door. “Yes, Charles, what is it?”
“Sheriff Barrett is here to see you, sir,” Charles announced. “He says it’s important.”
“The sheriff?” Glover turned back to Jarrod. “Do you mind, Jarrod?”
“No, no, not at all.” Jarrod was relieved that it was a different man in the office now, not Sheriff Fane who he’d encountered while seeking his revenge against Cass Hyatt.
“All right, Charles, have him come in.”
Yes, sir.” Charles left the room to fetch the sheriff.
“You have a sheriff here now,” Jarrod observed, acting as though he hadn’t been in Rimfire since he’d last stayed at the Glovers’. “Last time I was here, all you had was a miner’s court.”
“Yes,” Glover said, setting down his glass and the champagne bottle. “We hired the first one three years ago and then Sheriff Barrett last year when Zack Fane left. Town’s been growing so fast, we had to get some regular protection, especially for the property owners.”
Hearing footsteps, Jarrod looked to the doorway. He was glad Sidney Glover was turned away when he got his first look at Sheriff Barrett. The man was tall and lean, with dark hair and a confident walk and Jarrod felt his heartbeat quicken.
“Afternoon, Sheriff,” Glover greeted.
“Afternoon, Mr. Glover. Sorry to bother you.” He barely glanced in Jarrod’s direction and the lawyer wasn’t sure if he was glad of that or not. The handsome man’s inattention gave Jarrod the chance to give him a thorough appraisal. The sheriff probably didn’t share his predilections, but there was certainly no harm in looking. Sheriff Barrett was just his type, tall and ruggedly handsome with a sexy drawl that sent shivers down Jarrod’s spine. The lawyer had a sudden urge to run his hands under the other man’s shirt, strip him so they could rub their naked flesh together and suck him until he begged for mercy.
Shame on you, Jarrod, he chastised himself as he tried to control his rising heat.
“It’s all right,” Glover said affably. “Gives me a chance to thank you for catching those night riders last week. They’ve been getting away with a lot of ore.”
“No thanks necessary,” the sheriff said matter-of-factly.
Glover turned to Jarrod with a smile. “This is Mr. Barkley,” the big man introduced. “Jarrod, Dave Barrett.”
Jarrod kept an impersonal smile on his face as he extended a hand. “Nice to meet you, Sheriff.” He felt a jolt of electricity at the touch of the sheriff’s hand as they shook.
“Same here.” Jarrod couldn’t help but notice the deep blue of the other man’s eyes. “Barkley Mine?” the sheriff asked politely.
“That’s right,” Jarrod answered without betraying his attraction, but wondered if Dave Barrett had held his gaze for a little longer than necessary.
“Well, Sheriff, what can I do for you?” The sheriff looked to Glover at the man’s question and Jarrod experienced an acute feeling of loss.
“It’s about that old mine between your claim and the Barkley diggings,” Barrett said, all business.
“The one those Chinese are working?” At Barrett’s confirmation, Glover asked, “What about it?”
“Two of your men threatened them,” Barrett said, looking steadily at the other man, “told them to get off. They said they were acting under your orders.”
Jarrod saw the sheriff’s blue gaze turn to steel.
“Yes, that’s right,” Glover replied. “We need that old mine.” He turned to Jarrod as he explained and Jarrod suddenly got an uncomfortable feeling. “You see, the Barkleys and I are merging. We’re planning to extend those tunnels and to join our main shafts.”
“You can’t do that,” the sheriff argued hotly. “That mine was abandoned because the ore was low-grade, left open to scavengers.”
“Temporarily, yes,” Glover said confidently, “but now we need it again.”
Jarrod had known it was too early to celebrate.
“The mine belongs to Wong Lo.” This time, there was a hard edge to the soft drawl.
“This must be some kind of joke, Sheriff,” Glover scoffed. “What is the law on that point, Jarrod?”
Jarrod could see the merger dissolving. “Well, most mining laws state that temporarily means fourteen days,” he told his prospective business partner. “After that, the shaft is open to reclaiming by anyone.
Glover looked at him in disbelief. “But my crew dug that tunnel,” he protested.
“Unfortunately, Sidney, that doesn’t have any bearing.” The merger was important, but if what the sheriff said was true, so were the rights of this Wong Lo.
“Wong Lo and his wife have been working that mine for three years,” the sheriff broke in. “Their claim is on the town books. They’ve got a right to stay there.”
Sheriff Barrett’s unswerving defence of the Chinese couple’s claim gave Jarrod a great deal of respect for the lawman. Not many would defend the rights of what most miners thought of as scavengers and even less when the individuals in question were Chinese.
“A right?” Glover yelled. “There wouldn’t be any tunnel if I hadn’t opened it up! And there won’t be any town if those mines shut down!” A large vein started to pulse on Glover’s forehead.
Jarrod remained silent until the sheriff asked in concern, “What do you mean, shut down?”
“You see, Sheriff,” Jarrod explained, “our tunnels are getting so deep that we can’t work them any more without adding extra ventilation.” After Heath’s joining the family, his experiences in mines had spurred the Barkleys to make sure theirs were the safest in the country, a fact of which Jarrod was very proud. It meant less in the way of profits, but there was no profit greater than a man’s life. “We need that old mine for an air shaft so we can continue to use them.”
Sheriff Barrett obviously thought about what he’d been told, but that didn’t change his stance.
“Those diggings are the biggest in the lode.” Glover’s tone held a hint of desperation. “If they shut down, it’ll bankrupt hundreds of people. There won’t be any Rimfire, don’t you understand!”
“Of course I understand,” Barrett shot back, cutting off the other man. “But you’ll have to find some other way to keep them open. You just can’t take Wong Lo’s claim!”
“You mean you would let this town die for a scavenger?” Glover asked incredulously. “Whose side are you on, Sheriff?”
Barrett’s posture was unyielding. “When it’s night riders, I’m on your side,” he said. “When it’s claim jumping, I’m with Wong Lo.”
“Now wait a minute, Sheriff.” Jarrod didn’t want the darkly handsome lawman to think he would condone claim jumping. “We don’t have any intentions of breaking the law.” He turned to his irate host. “Look, Sidney, as long as this man has a legal claim, why don’t we simply make him an offer and buy him out?”
Glover glowered at the lawyer. “Jarrod, I’m not much for buying what already belongs to me.”
“I can understand that,” Jarrod said evenly, “but legally, there’s no choice.”
Glover continued to glare. “You sure of that?”
“Yes, I’m sure.” The only thing Jarrod wasn’t sure of was if the family needed to go into business with someone like Sidney Glover. As the sheriff had pointed out, there were other ways to get the needed ventilation, just not one as easy and inexpensive.
Glover looked from one man to the other. “All right,” he said with grudging consent, “if it’ll save trouble, go ahead, make him an offer. But if he won’t sell…”
“Well, maybe we won’t have to cross that bridge,” Jarrod said with a placating hand on Glover’s shoulder.
“I hope not, Mr. Barkley,” Barrett added, “ ‘cause if you do, I’ll be in the middle of it.” The sheriff didn’t look too pleased at that prospect as he turned and left the library. Jarrod experienced a fierce longing as he watched him go and wished he had met the dark-haired sheriff under better circumstances.
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Be A Man