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Chris spooned a bite of cereal into Vin's mouth and waited patiently while he absently chewed and swallowed, sleepy blue eyes fixed at an unknown point over Chris' shoulder. Larabee smiled and chided him fondly,"You are gonna be so pissed when you find out I spoon fed you, Kid."The crunch of tires on gravel, and a noisy blast of horn heralded Buck's arrival. Glancing out the window, he saw the big man struggling out of his truck juggling an armload of grocery bags and bakery boxes.
Chuckling, Larabee set the bowl on the kitchen table and went to open the screen door. He propped the door open and relieved Buck of a stack of toppling boxes.
"Didn't mean for you to buy out Sue's, Buck," he quipped dryly, as Wilmington huffed with relief and dropped his load of culinary delights on the kitchen counter.
"Hell, Chris. I didn't have to buy it. I just went in for cupcakes! Sue made me take half of this stuff when she heard Vin was ailing. Said she knew there was a reason she hadn't seen them sweet blue eyes in weeks. Wanted to make sure that Junior got his treats." Buck gently ruffled Vin's hair, something he devoutly hoped he wouldn't be able to get away with for long. He turned to Chris and indicated a bag. "Better put that in the fridge, it's all ice cream."
Larabee grinned when he opened it and found not one, but three half gallons of homemade ice-cream and shook his blond head, as he wedged them into the freezer. As he moved around the kitchen, putting away Buck's haul, Wilmington took a seat next to Vin.
"Hey Junior, having breakfast? Let old Buck give you a hand..."
The big man reached for Vin's cereal bowl and spoon, then winced and swore when he saw the contents. He gulped hard. His hangover must be worse than he thought. The contents of Vin's bowl was a virulent shade of green, and appeared to be frothing. Buck's stomach gave a queasy lurch as the alien cereal crackled and popped spitefully at him. "What the hell is this shit, Chris? Looks like somebody already ate it first."
Chris snickered at the familiar, nauseated expression on Buck's face. "That's Green Slime cereal, Buck. It's popular with the kids now."
"Goddamn! What ever happened to Cheerios or Captain Crunch? Hell, even them Cocoa Puffs with that crazy bird has gotta be better than this!" Buck closed his eyes and shuddered theatrically. Larabee snickered at him. "It is a bit hard on a hangover, Big Dog. Believe me, I know! Vin likes it though."
Chris took the spoon and bowl and gently fed Tanner another mouthful. He crumpled up a paper napkin and wiped away a few stray drops of milk from Vin's chin. His handsome face was calm as he performed this most mundane of tasks, but Buck saw the shadowed eyes and the minute signs of stress.
"Why don't you go grab a nice long, hot shower, old pard. I'll help Vin finish his breakfast, then walk him out to the deck, while you eat yours. Bet the boy would like to soak up some rays."
Larabee hesitated a moment, then smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Buck. Appreciate it."
"No problem. Gimme that bowl." Gamely Buck accepted the suspect cereal bowl, while Larabee padded down the hall to the bathroom. He carefully guided a heaping spoonful towards Vin's mouth, frowning in consternation when Tanner clamped his teeth shut and refused it. "Ah, hell! Come on Junior, eat for ol' Buck..." he crooned softly.
He waved the spoon hopefully in front of Vin's eyes and made buzzing airplane noises.
"Here comes the plane...open up the hangar. Shit. I hope you don't shoot me for this later."
He vroom-vroomed gently, and was elated when Vin placidly accepted the bite. "Alright! Hell, son, I always knew you would eat anything put in front of you, but Goddamn, we gotta get you a box of something decent, like Corn Flakes, or Rice Crispies..."
He rambled on, talking nonsense, reporting the week's news, telling about the plans for the upcoming cookout, gently needling Vin about his ancient motorcycle's state of constant disrepair, hoping in vain to spark a response. All the while he fed his young friend as tenderly as any father would an ailing child. Raphael's remarks about Vin dying had both shocked and cut him to the quick. Although he knew Rafe had spoken only out of sheer frustration and anger, he liked to believe that he was a better man, a better friend than that. He didn't want Chris at the expense of the fragile soul seated before him.
Chris leaned against the shower wall and let the hot water sluice over his shoulders and down his back. The lean blond was more stressed than he cared to admit. It frightened him that Vin remained in this fugue state for the length of time he had. He had secretly nursed the hope that the return home would somehow jolt Tanner back to consciousness, but a week had passed with no discernable change. Would Vin remain lost in his own head indefinitely? Could Larabee live with that?
Chris Larabee was the first to admit that he was no saint. He was truly thankful to have Vin alive and safe at home. He was prepared to wait as long as necessary until Vin healed. What he hadn't counted on was pent up sexual frustration on top of everyday stress! Hell, it was already difficult to sleep with Vin's lean body snuggled close. He woke up diamond hard every morning, his first thought and desire to reach for and make love with his partner.
He didn't know how much longer he could remain celibate, and masturbation barely took the edge off. He had grown accustomed to frequent, lusty sex with his partner, and he craved it like the air he breathed. He resisted the urge to slide a hand down and stroke his cock. Would it be wrong to make love with Vin now? He sighed, and reached over to crank up the needle spray. Head tilted back in the hot stream, he remembered the first time he and Vin had made love.
It was late August, and hot as hell in the old, antiquated cellblock. The steel and concrete soaked up the relentless sun during the day and seemed to radiate heat at night. The air conditioning system was nearly nonexistent. In the upper tiers of cells, there was no air movement at all, and the air hung hot and thick enough to choke a man.Tempers had flared all week among both prisoners and guards, and there were a record number of fights and stabbings. Block D was locked down. Two men had died in a brawl in the yard over points in a basketball game. The weather forecast had predicted rain, but so far that promise of relief from the heat wave had only taken form as heat lightning flickering on the horizon.
It was full moon night, and Vin was restless as a cat on a griddle.
Stripped to boxers and wifebeater, he silently paced the eight foot cell. Tonight his claustrophobia was almost choking him. He gripped the steel bars at the front of the cell hard and tilted his head up to stare at the dirty, meshed windows. The full moon mocked him through the barred skylight and he could smell the approaching rain.
"Reckon you're gonna wear a hole in the floor with all that pacing."
The laconic voice from the top bunk behind him brought an involuntary smile to his lips.
"Thought you were asleep."
"Nah. All that prowling your're doin' is keeping me awake. Besides its too damned hot."
A man two levels down began to wail reedily. That was followed and amplified by curses and yells from men who had been asleep, or trying to sleep. A guard shouted for order. Someone cussed back and began to beat the bars of his cell, making a noisy, metallic clang.
"There goes Rooster again. Right on time."
"Worse than a damned alarm clock."
Vin was startled at how close Chris was. He hadn't heard him ghost up behind him. A second later, he jerked in reaction when long arms reached around him, and strong hands gently closed over his, where they were clenched on the bars. A warm breath huffed against the nape of his neck.
"Easy, Cowboy. Easy."Chris' voice was soft. He gently sqeezed the white knuckled hands to loosen their death grip on the bars, and waited for Vin to make the next move. He closed his eyes and breathed in the sweet, sweaty scent of Tanner's hair. When Vin didn't move, or protest, he nuzzled into the hair behind the smaller man's ear. He was careful to hold Vin loosely, and not crowd him against the bars.
"I can feel it, Chris."
"The rain?"
"Yeah...it's coming west, from the mountains. I can almost taste it..." The longing in Tanner's voice was undisguised. He tilted his head slightly, so that his cheek brushed Larabee's. Their fingers were still entwined on the steel, Larabee's lightly caressing the ones beneath his.They shared breath for a long moment. Both were waiting for an unspoken signal. It came with the lightning.
One moment their mouths were close, lips barely touching, the next their tongues were deep in each other's mouths as they kissed hungrily, both starved for human touch. Tanner turned with a groan into Larabee's arms. They embraced fiercely, each trying to sink into each other's hard body, sharing deep, wet, passionate kisses, uncaring if they were observed.
The rain came down with a vengeance, pounding the skylight, thunder rumbling and shaking the window panes, while the lightning cracked like the lash of heaven against the bone dry earth and concrete. It illuminated the dark cell and the two lean bodies there. They stood pressed tightly together in the center of the tiny cell, seeking to meld their bodies together, sweat gleaming on ivory and gold skin.
Larabee's big hands cradled Tanner's head, and Vin's hands clawed Chris' back and shoulders as they tasted each other and sought to climb into each other's skin. The sounds of the summer storm masked their passionate sighs and groans. Tanner didn't fight when Larabee slid both arms around the slighter man's waist and lifted him off his feet to manhandle him back onto the bottom bunk.
When the storm broke an hour later and was only a rumble of distant thunder,and the whisper of rain, the cool gray dawn light found them still in a tangled heap of limbs. Chris was naked , sprawled on his back, long legs spread wide, his torn boxers flung across the cell. Vin dozed on his chest,tousled head tucked under Larabee's chin, his ripped undershirt rucked up around his waist. Larabee's big, calloused hands were sleepily cupping and kneading the creamy skin of Vin's bare ass. They were still hot and sticky with more than sweat, but now they were together, taking comfort and peace from each other. Larabee's head was lolled back, his trademark smirk now a sated grin.
Larabee jolted back to himself with a gasp as he came hard, spurting white strands of cum against the glass of the shower door. Trembling he braced himself against the slick shower wall. Goddamn. All he had to do to orgasm was THINK about his lover. Shakily he turned into the needle spray and cranked it to cold. Something had to give soon. Hopefully, it wouldn't be him. He turned the spray off, and stepped out, reaching for a towel.
As he padded barefoot through the bedroom, he heard Buck's deep voice rumble outside on the deck. While he tugged a T-shirt on, he peered curiously out the back window. A fond smile curved his wide mouth as he watched the tall man guide Vin into the steel framed hammock on the back deck, and then fuss over him like a enormous hen with one chick. He could hear him rambling on about something as his big hands gently tucked Vin's limbs into the hammock and plumped cushions.
He watched as Buck stroked Vin's hair back out of his eyes, teasing him jovially about his new haircut,even as he carefully eased a pillow under Vin's bandaged ankle. He then tucked a light cotton afghan over the smaller man. Even in the summer warmth, Vin seemed to chill easily; he had lost quite a bit of weight. Like Larabee, Buck talked to Vin constantly, refusing to treat him as a non-entity.
Chris had noticed that some of the others were a bit awkward now in their dealings with Vin. Rain and Nathan took a professional, wait and see attitude. Josiah sat by him and read sections of poetry and spiritual books. Ezra brought gifts of delicacies that he knew Vin favored, while JD kept his distance. Inez and Lydia mothered and cooed. Raphael, for the most part was silent, taking his cues from Buck.
Chris frowned, eyes narrowed. Where was Raphael? He hadn't seen the man in days and he and Buck had been inseparable for weeks. Buck, who had shown up this morning with a hell of a hangover and shadowed, unhappy eyes. Something was off here, and Chris had been too caught up in his own worries to notice. Larabee padded down the hall to interrogate his right hand man.
+ + + + + + +
Buck sat down on the deck chair, one big hand automatically rocking the hammock. He caught himself, and shook his head. Hell, Vin wasn't a baby! Snorting ruefully, he took his hand away and leaned back. His need to nurture and protect the young man was almost as strong as that of Larabee. Sometimes he caught himself wondering about what would have been if Adam had lived. He had loved that little boy fiercely.
His dark blue eyes strayed to the big willow in the back yard. This was the tree Adam's swing had hung from. He had pushed the boy a thousand times in that swing, listening to childish confidences and grievances. The swing was gone now, the trunk of the old tree scarred from an axe blade. Chris had taken an axe to it one night in a drunken rage, trying to chop it down. Buck had wrestled the axe away from him, sat on him, and held him until he had raged and cried himself out, then had taken him to bed.
He glanced pensively at Vin. The younger man was curling up, blinking sleepily in the warm sunshine. Even as he watched, dark lashes fluttered closed, and his breathing evened out. Vin slept a great deal now, his battered body taking the time to heal. His little cat hopped up to join him, curling up in the curve of his body, bright golden eyes narrowed as she eyed Buck suspiciously.
Buck had been just as suspicious of Vin at first. When Chris had been sentenced to Yuma, he had been worried shitless. Larabee at the time was in a bad space in his mind, he didn't give a damn about anything. He didn't care if he lived or died. The guilt about Adam's death had damned near destroyed the man.
Buck and Ezra had worked furiously to get Chris' sentence reduced, by hook or crook. They had put the hurt on quite a few lawyers and judges. They had been convinced that if they didn't get the blond out soon, he would die there.
Buck had visited him religiously every visiting day, plopping his ass in that battered wooden chair, across the scarred table, trying to keep Larabee alive by sheer force of will. Chris had been laconic and indifferent, green eyes hooded and remote. Buck could feel him withdraw, and it had scared the big man to death. Larabee was his family, the focus of his life, and he was helpless to help him. He couldn't even touch him.
Then one day things had changed. When Larabee had appeared across the visitor's table, it was as though and electrical current had been switched on. He was alive again. His blond hair and goatee were neatly combed and trimmed, his green eyes clear and bright, his prison denims immaculate. He was also sporting bruised knuckles and a familiar, devilish, smirk. All because of one reason.
His name is Vin Tanner. He was set up by Will and Charlotte Richmond. They run their stop-and- rob operation out of Tucson. I want them found, and Vin cleared. Put the hurt on the bitch, and the man will break. Hell, kill her if you have to.After that it was Vin this, Vin that. Almost every other word out of Larabee's mouth had been Vin, Vin, Vin. Buck had been suspicious as hell. Who was this mysterious Vin, and what hold did he have over Chris? He and Ezra had been quick to check the man out. What they found had both appalled and impressed them.
The boy's family had been murdered when he was five. His father and grandfather had been Texas Rangers. He had been thrown to the mercy of the foster care system after that. A series of abusive homes followed, the last he had disappeared from at age eight, his guardian found dead with a slit throat. There was no record of him ever attending school. He surfaced briefly at age thirteen, in a juvenile care facility, which he promptly escaped from. He had turned up again in a hospital in Houston, beaten nearly to death, at age sixteen.
The next sparse records were from the Army. He had been a Ranger, and trained as a sniper. Most of his records there were classified. Then he had taken up bounty hunting, hunting down only the most dangerous, big money prey. The list of captures had made the hair on Buck's nape stand up.
The only thing Buck could glean with any certainty from the information he had, was that this Vin Tanner was a survivor, and damned dangerous. Worried, he had tried to warn Chris of this discovery, afraid Tanner was using him. Larabee had laughed so hard, he had nearly rolled off his chair. His green eyes were fond as he regarded Buck's indignant face.
"Hell, Buck. I KNOW he's dangerous. I found that out the first day I met him, and as for using me; well, you might say we use each other."Buck had decided to reserve judgment. Sure enough, they had found out that the boy had been set up. Will Richmond had been delighted to produce evidence to clear Tanner of armed robbery after watching Josiah and Nathan work on Charlotte for a half hour. Both Richmonds were now nicely bleaching bones in the Arizona desert.
Chris had been paroled early, after Ezra had spent a half hour in a certain Judge's chambers with a set of lurid photographs. It had taken several months for the rusty wheels of justice to release Vin. Wilmington had watched in amazement as Larabee had promptly started visiting the young man in prison, every chance he got.
Larabee had been damned sure that no one would lay a hand on Vin after Chris was released. He had made a point of leaving Cletus Phelp's broken- necked corpse as a reminder of just what would happen to anyone who even thought about touching his property. He had bribed, threatened, cajoled and blackmailed until Vin had more bodyguards in prison- both prisoner, and guard- than he had friends out.
Buck could still remember the excitement on Larabee's face the day they went to pick up Vin after his release. Chris had ordered all the boys to look sharp. So, with gleaming, polished bikes and oiled leathers the Dark Angels had rumbled en masse into the prison parking lot.
They had spent a few minutes revving their bikes, gleefully making the guards nervous while they waited for Vin to appear.
They had all been curious about this mysterious Tanner, whom Larabee had been so taken with from the start. Just who the hell was he? Buck was already resentful, and feeling vaguely threatened. He was prepared to hate Tanner at first sight. The slight young man in prison denims had come as a shock.
Sharp blue eyes set in a handsome, almost pretty, chiseled face regarded the bikers warily. His curly, light brown hair reached almost to his shoulders. He looked like a teenager,as he stood on the steps, clutching a small paper bag containing his few belongings. Yet he met their curious gazes coolly, a stubborn set to that square jaw that they would all rapidly become familiar with.
Larabee was grinning like a fool, his happiness infectious. He rolled his big Harley up to the foot of the concrete stairs, and arrogantly cocked his blond head to look up at Vin. "Hey, Kid, you ready to go home?"
A lopsided grin split Tanner's face at the sight of Larabee. "Hey Cowboy. Reckon you made it after all."
He moved easily down the steps to clasp wrists with Chris. Larabee gave a happy, throaty growl and yanked him into a hug, squeezing him tightly before releasing him. Vin emerged from the embrace, face scarlet with embarrassment. Chris had just grinned at him and introduced him around to the boys. When Buck's turn came, Tanner had tilted his head back and looked the taller Wilmington in the eye, his handshake firm. " Chris' right hand man."
"Yep."
And that had been that. Vin had never tried to step in, or interfere with Buck's position, or with the varied complicated business deals that the Dark Angels incurred. He simply backed them up as Larabee's silent shadow. He was a quiet man, shy in the manner of a wild creature which had never had much opportunity to interact with others socially. He trusted one man, and tolerated the others.
Buck had learned that night just where Tanner stood in Larabee's life. They had all convened at the Saloon to noisily celebrate Vin's release. Buck had made a point to introduce Vin to Nora, Emily, and Ruby, certain the boy would welcome some female company. He had watched covertly from the bar, sipping a beer, as Vin had politely excused himself from the ladies and slipped outside. Chris had followed moments later.
Buck had moseyed along after them a few minutes after that, worried that he had somehow offended the boy. He would never forget what he found. Chris and Vin were standing in the parking lot beside Blossom's, next to Larabee's bike. Tanner's back was to Buck, Chris' face clearly visible over his shoulder. He could hear Chris murmuring softly to Vin, his voice gentle.
Buck had watched, shocked, as Larabee embraced and tenderly kissed the younger man. Then Chris had deliberately lifted his head and sent Buck a familiar, challenging look. All the while he held Vin close and stroked the curly head resting on his shoulder. It was the same arrogant look he had once sent Buck at a dance, when he had met a curvy, auburn-haired beauty.
The message was the same. A clear warning. 'This is mine. Stay away.'
Swallowing hard, Buck had turned and walked away. He had lost out again and this time it was twice as painful because it was to another man.
+ + + + + + +
The sound of the sliding glass door being opened jolted Buck back to the present.
Larabee stepped out, barefoot and clad in a Harley-Davidson Tee and his customary black jeans. He held two bottles of Corona. He padded over to sit across the table from Buck. "You look like a man who could use a beer."
"Thanks, Chris."
"Doin' some heavy thinking there, Big Dog."
"Naw. Just remembering." Buck took a sip from his bottle.
Larabee was looking fondly into the hammock. Miss Lily blinked placidly back at him, nestled now under a sleeping Vin's chin. "He sleeps like a baby. I can't keep him awake. Rain says it's good for him, helps him heal."
Buck smiled, and compulsively reached out again to rock the hammock.
"Yep. And I keep rocking him, just like his mama."
They chuckled quietly together. It was a beautiful day. The sky clear and blue, with a nice breeze to offset the hot sun, whispering through the big trees. They could hear the horses whickering softly down at the corral.
"I was afraid I'd lost him, Buck. I'm still afraid..."
Larabee's voice was thick, and it shocked Wilmington out of his contemplative mood. He straightened and reached out a compassionate hand to grasp Chris', seeking to comfort, as always. Larabee gave him a weak smile in return, gave his hand a grateful squeeze, then released it. He dropped his eyes to Vin's face, reached out and lightly touched one of Vin's casted hands, rubbing the fingers tenderly.
"I never told him I love him, Buck, before this. I was too afraid. Now I tell him every day, and it don't make a damned bit of difference." He raised bright green eyes to Buck's face.
"I reckon I never told you that I always cared for you like a brother, Buck. I know you always wanted more from me, but I could never give it."
Wilmington swallowed hard."You can't give what you don't have Chris. That ain't the way it works."
They sat quietly together for a few minutes. Larabee cleared his throat, then spoke hesitantly.
"Raphael coming over later?"
"Naw. Gone to Mexico." Buck tried to keep the bleakness out of his tone, but had the suspicion he had failed miserably.
"He's a good man, Buck. I wouldn't give up on him, if I were you."
Buck tilted his head and gave Chris a bitter smile. "I reckon he's the one who's given up on me, Old Dog." He spoke gently and watched as Larabee flinched.
"Shit."
"Yeah. I just ain't used to keeping steady company."
Larabee stared out over his land, chest tight. He huffed, and pushed his blond hair back.
"You want to help me ice down the drinks, and fire up the grill? The others should be getting here soon."
Wilmington jumped up hastily, glad to change the subject. "Hell, yeah. I'm getting mighty hungry."
They moved into the house, careful to speak only of mundane matters. Emotions were too close on the surface for either man to deal with now. They missed the inquiring meow Miss Lily gave as Vin stirred beside her, sleepy blue eyes blinking open. He frowned, trying to make sense of his surroundings. He had been having the weirdest, goddamned dreams. Something about Bucklin and airplanes.
+ + + + + + +
Vin scowled as a strand of hair tickled his nose, and reached clumsily up to scratch it, bumping his nose in the process. Startled, he silently examined the casts on both his wrists. Miss Lily purred loudly at the movement, and he cautiously touched fingertips to her soft, warm fur, smiling in recognition when she happily rubbed her cheek against his hand. This wasn't another dream.
He could hear Chris and Buck talking in the house. They had come for him, as he had known they would. He was safe at home, lying on the deck in the warm sunshine, not buried alive in Ella's dark steel box. He knew he would never have to worry about her again. Crazy bitch. Probably planted somewhere.
Yawning, he took sleepy inventory of his various hurts, frowning at the twinge in his bandaged ankle as he cautiously wiggled his toes. His thoughts were cloudy, his head felt cottony, like when he took cold medicine. He felt stiff, his skin was itchy and tingly all over, and he suspected that he was going to be really hungry soon. Oh well, he would eat after he finished his nap. One hand stroking his little cat, he yawned sleepily and dozed off again.
+ + + + + + +
Peso was bored, bored, bored! He had played with his stolen bandanna until it was a shredded rag. He had frisked, bucked and run around the corral until he was dizzy. He had harassed his patient, long suffering mother until she had finally had enough and nipped his rump sharply. He missed Vin terribly, he had not seen him in weeks.
He nosed along the gate of the corral, watching curiously, with bright intelligent eyes, as the cars began to arrive up at the house. He raised his nose and sniffed the breeze, hoping to catch wind of Vin. Snorting with frustration, he nudged the sliding bar on the gate, vaguely remembering Francisco using it to open the corral this morning. To his surprise and gratification, the gate swung ajar. Squealing in triumph, he set out in search of adventure, trotting happily towards the house.
Buck had his back turned and was bent over, reaching into the depths of Rain's SUV to haul out the massive aluminum tub of potato salad as Peso trotted briskly past. JD, headphones in place, was fussing over his bike, bopping to the music as he checked the tires. He was sure he had hit a nail somewhere. Josiah, Rain and Nathan were huddled around the grill, backs to the house, confering on various sauces. The ribs weren't done, but Nathan wanted a hotdog NOW, he was starving.
Peso trotted up to the long, low redwood deck cautiously, slowing to carefully clop up the wide steps. He was delighted to discover Vin snoozing in the hammock and he happily snuffled the sleeping man's hair for a moment, before being distracted by a noise from inside the house. Miss Lily sat up and watched with interest as the colt clip-clopped over to the open sliding door and peeked curiously in. These human barns were different from his!
Sniffing cautiously, ears pricked, he entered the den, the thick, dark green carpet muffling his small hooves. He found a bowl of fruit on the coffee table in front of the sofa and helped himself to a juicy, ripe apple. In the kitchen, Ezra had just finished outfitting a heavy tray with chips, salsa, beer, sangria and margaritas. Carefully, he removed the apron protecting his pristine white linen shirt, and draped it over a chair. Down the hall, Larabee emerged from the bathroom, lazily scratching his lean belly.
Peso had just finished the apple and started on the grapes, when he stepped back and onto the TV remote lying on the floor. Larabee's big screen television blared to full, technicolor, surround-sound life, complete with ballgame and roaring, noisy crowd. Ezra Standish had the misfortune to emerge from the kitchen, heavily laden tray carefully balanced, just as the TV startled Peso into an equine conniption.
Whinnying in fright, he reared up in the astonished Southerner's face, causing the startled man to stumble backwards over the hall runner. Standish reeled wildly back into the kitchen, desperately trying to balance his tray.There was a resounding crash of furniture, glassware, and cursing Southerner. Larabee emerged from the hall, startled to find a live rodeo in his living room, as Peso squealed, sunfished, and bucked across the spacious room, wildly kicking up his heels.
The colt's back hooves connected squarely with the screen of Chris' expensive television, causing an impressive electronic boom, a bright flash and a colorful crackle of flying sparks. Whirling to run out the door, Peso sideswiped Larabee knocking him backwards over the ottoman. Charging full tilt out onto the deck, he was just in time to topple Buck and his tub of potato salad off the deck and into the bed of ornamental cacti that was planted beside the steps.
Buck's howl of outrage as his backside met the cactus spines, was muffled by the bowl of potato salad on his head. Josiah, big barbeque fork in hand, stood, mouth agape in astonishment at the sight. Nathan laughed so hard he choked on his hotdog and rolled backwards off the picnic table. Rain dove to the rescue, pounding his back. JD stared for a moment, doubled over with laughter, then pounded off in pursuit of the fleeing colt.
A cursing, salsa and sangria splattered Standish and a limping, scowling Larabee emerged from the house. Josiah chortled, then began to bray with laughter. His merriment was interrupted by a raucous CAW from directly overhead. That damned, dark-feathered imp of Satan was following him! Scowling, the big man looked up, just as his avian nemesis shat down. There was a warm splat between Sanchez' eyes, followed by a outraged bass bellow, as the big man lost his temper.
Charlie and Irene Truehorse emerged from their ancient 1937 Chevy truck in Larabee's drive, just as a brand new white Mercedes towncar pulled up beside them, dislodging Maude Standish Longbough Lowry Armaugh D'Poulinac Bellini. Startled, the two women regarded each other silently, automatically sizing each other up.
Maude was elegant and sleek in cool white linen, pearls and expensive Italian sandals, her pale hair coiled in a French twist. Irene wore her best traditional Navajo dress, a red satin blouse over a black velvet skirt, deerskin boots, and had her hair tied up with red cloth. She stood as solid as the earth. Charlie stood silently aside, knowing better than to step between two alpha females, facing off.
Maude smiled suddenly and politely extended her hand to Irene.
"You must be Mr. Tanner's mothah. How do you do, Ah am Maude Standish, Ezra's mothah."
Irene eyed her thoughtfully, then shook the manicured hand with her own calloused brown hand."Dineh-ba-whoa-blehi," she responded politely.
Charlie's lips twitched, as he fought hard and maintained his 'Stoic Injun' face. He doubted Ezra would appreciate Irene calling his mother a mantrap. He greeted the elegant Southern belle politely. As they started around the house they were all startled as Peso galloped past, JD Dunne in hot pursuit. The pair rounded the corner and disappeared from sight.
There was an outraged equine squeal, followed by a human yelp, and the pair reappeared. Peso was now in pursuit of JD, big teeth snapping at the fleeing youth's buttocks. He would teach him to grab his tail! JD scrambled frantically to climb into a nearby tree, while Peso whickered triumphantly and circled below. Charlie chuckled and limped over to rescue the boy.
Maude and Irene continued on around the house.
The two women were startled by the loud boom-boom-boom of a large caliber handgun being fired in the backyard. Exchanging grim looks, they both hefted their handbags and hurried around back. Their sons were back there, and possibly in danger. Rounding the corner, they saw an astonishing scene.
A bellowing, scarlet-faced Josiah Sanchez was shooting wildly up with his .357 Magnum at a large, madly flapping crow, that careened and circled above the house. Rain and Nathan were huddled under the picnic table, and Buck's long legs emerged from under the deck, where he had taken refuge when the shooting started. Ezra was sprawled flat on the deck, hands over his head, and Chris had scooped Vin out of the hammock and was curled over him protectively, sheltering him with his body.
The two women exchanged one exasperated look, then stepped briskly forward. Irene stalked up behind the raving Sanchez, wound up, and whacked him once smartly on the back of the head with her enormous black purse. He dropped painfully to his knees with a startled squeak, cut off in mid bellow and she neatly plucked the big gun out of his hand as she stepped back. Before he could react, a stream of freezing cold water caught him in the face, as Maude coolly turned the garden hose on jet stream to hose him down.
Josiah subsided in a wet, sputtering heap, and everyone began to cautiously emerge from their makeshift shelters. The crow circled overhead once more, gave a final mocking caw, then flew leisurely away. Charlie limped around the house leading a placid Peso, followed by a wary JD. There was a muffled snicker from under the picnic table. Nathan had laughed so hard, he could barely move, not to mention nearly choked to death. Rain patted him absently on the back, shaking her dark head in exasperation.
Josiah gawked up at the vision in white that had nearly drowned him. She was as beautiful as an angel!
Irene gave a disgusted snort, recognizing a twitterpated male when she saw one. 'Tkele-cho-g' She carefully checked the contents of her handbag to make sure she hadn't cracked the thunder egg geode she had picked up. The 32 oz. plastic bottle of homemade cedar soap she had brought for Vin was undamaged. Hmmm. She slanted a covert look at the swelling lump on the back of Josiah's head. She had forgotten about the roll of quarters and the .38 special.
Charlie patted Peso, and surrepticiously slipped him a handful of plump raisins.
"You are a very bad horse."
Peso whinnied softly in agreement.
A cursing, salad splattered, needle-impaled Buck crawled out from under the deck. Ezra sat up, loudly bemoaning the state of his designer sport clothing. His brand new Versace shirt was ruined! Chris was swearing viciously; not only was his TV destroyed, but he now had a set of bullet holes in the side of his house! Sometimes it felt like he was riding herd on a goddamned circus! Maybe he would just shoot Josiah as well as that damned colt, and be done with it. He became aware that Vin was shaking beneath him, and alarmed, cradled him close.
"Goddammit Chris! If you don't shoot that damned horse, I will!"
Buck crawled painfully up the deck steps, potato salad dripping down his ears, a scowl on his handsome face. He was sure he had a variety of cactus needles in his ass that would rival the collection at the botanical gardens.
Larabee was startled by the hoarse drawl from his arms as Vin stopped laughing, and struggled to sit up. "That's my horse, Bucklin! You leave him be, or I'll kick your ass six ways ta Sunday!"
There was a moment of shocked silence as everyone realized Tanner was not only conscious, but alert and pissed off as well. Buck's eyes widened, then crinkled with pleasure, and he joyfully hollered back."Hell, Junior, that ain't a horse, it's a rattler crossed with a hurricane! " he bellowed gleefully back at the irate Texan. "I'll be doing you a favor to put him down."
Vin snarled wordlessly and tried to squirm out of Chris' grasp, determined to crawl across the deck and punch Wilmington's lights out for insulting his beloved colt. Larabee grinned broadly as he held his partner back, and winked at Buck over the tousled head.
"Gonna kick your ass, Bucklin!"
"Hell, son, you do that, you'll just get your foot full of cactus spines!" Buck beamed at the younger man. They bickered back and forth loudly as everyone gathered happily around them.
Vin was flushed with anger, and he struggled weakly to escape Chris' determined grip.
At a worried gesture from Rain, Larabee stood, then bent and easily scooped his partner up and draped the cursing, struggling Texan over one shoulder and carried him into the house. Rain grabbed her medical bag and followed to check her patient over.
A swearing Vin shifted his attention from Buck to his lover."Gawdammit, Lar'bee, put me down! I ain't no danged baby!"
"Be still, Tanner, before I drop your scrawny ass!" Larabee snarled as he stalked down the hall to the master bedroom. He punctuated his command with a hard smack to the nearest buttock. An outraged Vin yelped, then vented a stream of profanity that questioned Chris' parentage back several generations.
Larabee's growl had masked the fierce happiness welling inside. Vin was awake and his usual ornery, stubborn self and that made Christopher Larabee a very happy man. Rain chuckled as Larabee unceremoniously dumped his lover on the big bed, then climbed on top of him when he immediately tried to pop right out again.
"Be still and let Rain check you out, you stubborn little shit! In case you haven't noticed yet, you were out of it for quite a while! The lights were on, but nobody was home!" Chris finally yanked the wiggling Texan firmly into his lap as Vin tried to roll off the side of the bed.
Vin scowled fiercely up at him, outraged at the manhandling."I'm gonna kick yer ass AND Bucklin's!"
"Fine. Let's wait until you get the bandage off that ankle first, and Irene plucks all those cactus needles out of Buck's ass." Larabee replied calmly. "Now just calm down before you have a damned relapse, or do you want me to call Irene in here to settle you down?"
Vin snarled at the threat, but sullenly submitted to Rain's exam. He was silent and cooperative as she quickly checked his vitals. "Hmmm. Heartbeat and respiration are a bit fast, but that's no surprize. Do you think you can stop brawling and rest long enough to recover, or should I check you back into the hospital?"
"He'll be good." Larabee stated firmly, ignoring the heated glare Tanner shot him.
Rain raised a doubtful brow. "Hmmph. We'll see. She tilted his head up and peered into his eyes. Any dizziness? Headache? No?" She skillfully manipulated his limbs, carefully checking the broken wrists, and bandaged ankle. She flexed his ankle gently. Vin yelped. "Just a twinge? Okay. Everything looks good. I want you to stay off that ankle as much as possible. If you have to walk, lean on Chris or use crutches."
She briskly snapped her medical bag shut. "I'll schedule you a follow-up exam at the hospital tomorrow. Chris, he needs to be calm and quiet to heal. Let him sleep and eat as much as he wants. I want him to put that weight back on he lost." She frowned down at Vin and shook a slim finger under his nose. "Behave! No kicking asses or shooting people for at least a month! Don't make me sedate you! I'll use the big needle if I have to!"
Tanner flushed and mumbled a chagrined, "Yes Ma'am."
Rain snorted, winked at Larabee and left the bedroom, pointedly closing the door behind her.
Larabee swiftly took advantage of the situation and smoothly rolled his partner over, pinning him easily into the middle of the bed. Now for some quality time!
"Hello." He purred throatily and smirked down into a flushed, indignant face.
Vin's dark blue eyes widened under that predatory gaze. A small smile quirked the corner of his mouth. " 'Lo."
"About damned time!" Larabee growled, as the soul deep connection they shared flared hotly to life between them. When Tanner opened his mouth to reply, Larabee dove deep, taking the soft lips in a fierce, hungry kiss. Vin moaned, reached up to wrap his casted arms up around Chris' neck clumsily and return the kiss. Larabee abruptly broke it off, to hold him tight in a fierce, loving embrace. "I missed you, Kid." His voice was hoarse, his eyes bright.
"I been gone?" Vin's voice was puzzled, and a bit alarmed.
"You might say that. You were hurt pretty bad, but everythings gonna be okay now. I promise." Larabee soothed him tenderly, as he peppered soft, loving kisses over Vin's face. He was profoundly grateful when they were eagerly returned.
+ + + + + + +
Later that evening, Chris and Vin swung lazily in the big mesh hammock under the twin oaks, watching the stars come out overhead. Chris had quietly caught Vin up on everything he had missed while he was comatose. Charlie and Irene had headed home, and Maude had left for Ezra's townhouse.
They could hear the others in the house, bickering amiably over the installment of the new TV set that Larabee had sent JD and Ezra into town to buy. He had even cheerfully reimbursed Ez for the loss of his new shirt, not to mention slipped down to the now padlocked corral to feed Peso more treats than were good for the little black devil.
Rain and Irene had spent a good half hour plucking cactus needles from Bucklin's ass with tweezers, as he sprawled glumly face down on a blanket on the deck, fortified with a glass of bourbon for anesthesia. It was quite a collection, ranging from tiny, hair thin needles, to impressive inch-long spines.
Tucked firmly into the hammock, Vin had watched the process with great satisfaction, happily devouring a heaping plate of food and smirking at every muffled ouch.
Buck had forcefully exacted a promise from Chris that he would put Josiah to work removing the cacti bed, and replace it with something less dangerous to a man's dignity. A penitent Sanchez had eagerly volunteered to landscape the area with roses. Larabee had graciously deigned not to shoot him.
Chris buried his nose in Vin's soft hair and breathed deep, more content than he could remember being in years. He planted a soft kiss on Tanner's cheek.
"Love you Kid."
"You getting mushy on me, Cowboy?" A full- bellied Vin sleepily rested his head on Chris' broad chest, content to listen to the strong thud of his heart.
Larabee smiled against Vin's hair."Could be." He allowed.
"Must be gettin' old."Vin's voice was contemplative, and held a note of laughter.
"I'll show you old, boy!"
Vin squeaked, and flailed at the sudden ticklish assault on his person, and the big hammock swayed wildly for several minutes before Larabee became distracted by other things, and his hands began to roam.
"C-Chris!"
"What's the matter, Tanner you never swung both ways before?"
The Saloon, Four Corners
Inez Recillos carefully adjusted the hang of the oversized photo over the bar. For years a painting of a smirking Mexican senorita wearing only a rose and carmine lipstick had hung there. Inez had decided it was time for something new. Ezra had been happy to help. She stepped back, head tilted, to survey her handiwork.Carmelita and the band of rowdy women from the Harley Biker's club, there for Ladie's Night clapped, whistled and catcalled their approval. Ella's nude portrait of a youthful Chris Larabee had found a new home.
Janos, Mexico, Paulo Alvarez' Compound
Casey Wells logged off from the computer with a satisfied smirk. She turned to the man lounging lazily on the big, leather sofa with a bright smile. "He says it won't be long now. He has the combination to the safe and Larabee just stashed a lot of money there.""That's my good girl. Come here."
Paulo Alvarez patted his knee invitingly, and smiled as a giggling Casey slid happily onto his lap. He slid a hand under the hem of her black lace chemise, between her legs and fondled her lazily, while she gasped and moaned. Stupid little puta. Give her enough drugs, promise her the moon, and she was foolish enough to believe he was in love with her. She would find out different after he had Larabee's cash in hand.
She was young and fresh-faced, with an all-American look popular on this side of the border. He was already taking bids on her lily white ass. He had been fortunate to find her turning tricks at the resort hotel. Either way, he was looking at a profit.
Rivera Ranch, Red Rock Butte
Jorge Rivera sat contemplatively in his rocker on the small patio overlooking the side garden, carved cane in hand. He was a thankful and happy man to have his beloved family home back. The evil woman who had stolen it from him was gone. He had been careful not to question Senor Larabee about her whereabouts. He had a suspicion it was in Hell.From where he sat, he could smell the roses, and honeysuckle that entwined the gazebo. He remembered his mother planting them. The happy sounds of his grandchildren at play upstairs drifted down to the terrace. He tipped his head back, breathing deeply.
Ah, yes, the new lilac bushes were blooming beside the greenhouse. Lovely. It was a perfectly lovely night.
FINI
Notes: Navajo Vocabulary: shiye-son
biligaana-white
tsiishchi'ili-curly haired
tkele-cho-g-jackass
dineh-ba-whoa-blehi-mantrap
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