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Learning to Improvise…
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Vin pulled Peso to a halt in front of the sheriff’s office. He ignored the fear filled looks people shot toward them. It probably wasn’t every day two men rode in with two prisoners in tow, and four bodies draped over the horses they were ponying with them.It had taken some doing, but they managed to get all of the bodies loaded. Having put down one of the outlaws’ horses had forced them to load two bodies onto one of the remaining animals. Vin had thought it would be simpler to just leave them for the buzzards, but Ezra was adamant that they all be brought in.
"Since neither of our captives seems inclined to tell us who these men are, Mr. Tanner, the only way we will be able to determine their identities is to take them to Bitter Creek."
Personally, Vin didn’t care to know who they were, but came to the conclusion it would be pointless to argue with Ezra. The set look on the gambler’s face let him know it was an argument he couldn’t win. So he gave in, and helped load the bodies.
Vin swung out of the saddle. He glanced toward Ezra. He had expected him to join him on the boardwalk, but Ezra hadn’t moved other than to lean forward and rest his crossed arms on the pommel of his saddle.
"I shall wait with Mr. Hoskins and his companion, Mr. Tanner. It wouldn’t do for them to attempt to escape."
Hoskins scowled. He had stayed quiet the entire trip doing little more than sending dark looks toward Vin and Ezra. Vin smirked at him. "Yeah. Might just be a good idea. Be back in a minute."
The sheriff of Bitter Creek was a man about Chris Larabee’s age, but with Josiah’s build. Tom Wilton had been sheriff for five years, and was by all accounts good at it. He had a tough, weathered look, and a no-nonsense approach about his job that Vin appreciated.
Vin told him what had happened, leaving out only the part related to the bounty on his own head, and the outlaws’ intention to collect it. He didn’t think that little detail was really important. Vin hid a grin when he realized that he and Ezra might just have something in common. Didn’t lie, just didn’t volunteer more information.
Vin let Tom know what was waiting outside. Tom, and his deputy, Dale Willis, followed Vin when he headed back out. Tom shook his head when he saw Hoskins. "Hear you were dumb enough ta give these boy some trouble."
Hoskins spat at Tom, but didn’t say anything. Tom rolled his eyes. He studied the other prisoner. "Dan O’Brian. Never thought I’d see you ‘round here again. Shoulda been smart and kept ridin’."
O’ Brian shrugged, and looked away. Tom pursed his lips when he spotted the others. "Dale…take these two inside an’ lock ‘em up." The deputy pulled both men down, and shoved them toward the door.
"Mr. O’Brian has broken his arm." Ezra nonchalantly pointed out.
"Ya get it set?"
Vin nodded. "Yep."
"Town ain’t got a doctor, so that’ll have ta do." Tom shrugged one shoulder. He wasn’t too concerned about the prisoner’s health. It was his job to see to it the man made it to his trial more or less in one piece, any more than that didn’t fall within his job description.
The sheriff walked next to each horse, and lifted the head of each man, identifying one after another. "Sam Watkins….Earl Potocek….Greg Stamos…and Greg’s little brother, Martin. Watkins is wanted for murder. Potocek, and the two Stamos boys were there when Hoskins tried ta rob the bank. Guess we won’t need ta worry ‘bout the cost of a trial." Tom pulled on the horses’ reins. "I can take it from here, boys."
Ezra raised two fingers to the brim of his hat and saluted him. "We will leave them in your capable hands, Mr. Wilton."
"You headin’ back ta Four Corners?"
"Not tonight." Vin answered. He swung into his saddle. He knew Ezra would want a bath, and to be honest, he wanted one as well. Won’t hurt ta get a good nights sleep either.
"Might be a reward for Watkins. I’ll need ta check. Stop in ‘fore ya leave, and I’ll let ya know."
"Will do." Vin touched the brim of his hat, and followed Ezra toward the livery stable. Need ta send a wire ta Chris an’ let him know we made it okay. Can take care o’ that after we settle the horses.
Vin striped his tack off Peso, and gave him a thorough rub down. He looked up quickly when he heard a pain filled gasp and a soft curse coming from the stall where Ezra had put Chaucer. He moved over to check on the cardsharp.
Ezra had dropped his saddle, and was holding his right arm. The gambler had put his vest and jacket back on when they had headed for Bitter Creek. It wouldn’t do for a gentleman to be seen without adequate attire. Vin couldn’t tell if the wound was bleeding again or not. He moved toward Ezra wondering if he’d been wrong and his injury was something more serious.
"Ez?"
Ezra looked up, poker face fixed in place. It didn’t fool Vin for a second. He could read the discomfort in those clear green eyes.
"I’m fine. I simply forgot that I managed to damage my person in our earlier altercation."
Vin frowned. "You forgot ya were wounded?"
Ezra shrugged one shoulder. He smiled. It was the self-depreciating one that Vin hated. It somehow said that what had happened was Ezra’s fault and he deserved to suffer for it.
Vin shook his head, and deftly picked up Ezra’s saddle and placed it on the nearby rack. All he had ta do was ask me. Woulda helped him. Know what its like tryin’ ta do stuff with a wing outta whack.
"Thank you, Mr. Tanner."
Vin sighed. "Would it kill ya to call me Vin?"
"Excuse me?"
"My name. Ez, we’ve known each other for over a year. Don’t ya think it’s ‘bout time ya used my first name?"
Ezra raised one eyebrow. "I would not presume to be so forward."
"Ya called me Vin before."
In the dim light of the stable it was hard to tell for sure, but Vin was fairly certain Ezra blushed. "My apologies, Mr. Tanner. I forgot myself for a moment in my concern for you…this is to say, our situation. I should not have taken such liberties."
Vin tamped down on that warm feeling when Ezra said he was concerned for him. "Damn it, Ez. I just told ya I wanted ya to. Ain’t bein’ forward or taken liberities iffen I ask ya ta call me Vin. So jus’ do it. Please?"
Vin was rewarded with another of those warm, open smiles. Twice in one day. Despite everything that had happened, Vin was beginning to think it was his lucky day. Figured out how ta say the right thing twice, and got ta see that smile. It’s been a good day.
"Very well, Mr…Vin. Thank you."
Vin nodded in satisfaction. "Yer welcome."
Ezra ducked his head shyly, and turned to continue brushing down Chaucer. Vin knew Ezra would be awhile. He always spent an inordinate amount of time making sure his sorrel gelding was comfortable and well cared for.
"I’m gonna send a telegram ta the others an’ let ‘em know we made it okay."
Ezra nodded. "Please give them my regards."
"Wanna meet up in the saloon?" Vin tried not to sound to eager to have Ezra say yes.
"That will be fine…Vin." There was just the slightest hesitation over his name.
Vin grinned as he left the stable. It felt so good just to hear Ezra say his name. It sent a shiver up his back. Gonna have ta watch myself.
He sent a quick note back to Four Corners letting the rest of the boys know they’d made it safe and sound, and would be leaving sometime tomorrow. He waited several minutes to see if there would be a reply. When nothing came, Vin let the operator know where he’d be in case the others did send a message.
Vin stretched, and decided he’d get a bath before meeting up with Ezra. The dynamite they’d used earlier raised so much dust and dirt he could feel it all over his skin and under his clothes. Damn dust permeates everythin’. Vin chuckled realizing he’d used one of the words he’d picked up from Ezra.
He swung by the stable to get his saddlebags and a change of clothes before heading to the bathhouse. He didn’t make any noise as he stepped inside, moving silently being second nature to him. Vin was surprised to find the place all but empty. Only one other customer. Vin blinked when he realized the other man was Ezra.
Vin hid in the shadows, and tried to control his breathing. Oh my God. Ezra was just finishing his bath. He had stepped out of the water, and was drying off. His wet hair was a disordered array of curls, that Vin wanted to run his fingers through.
Vin let his eyes travel the length of the other man’s well muscled, compact frame. Ezra was the shortest of the seven, but he was by no means tiny. Fine boned perhaps, but not tiny. Vin noted that Ezra was indeed solid.
There wasn’t an ounce of extra flesh on him anywhere. His chest was well muscled, his stomach flat. Vin licked his suddenly dry lips as he noticed the nice muscle definition of Ezra’s thighs and calves. The faint ripple of muscle moving under smooth skin with every move Ezra made, left Vin’s fingers tingling and his whole body aching to touch.
Ezra bent over to dry his feet and legs. Vin swallowed hard. God. That man has got the most beautiful ass. Vin shivered. It was all he could do to stay still. He didn’t want the other man to know he was ogling him like Buck Wilmington did one of his many ladies.
That thought was like a bucket of ice water down his back. Vin wanted more than a quick role in the a hay with Ezra. He wanted the chance to get to know him, a chance to explore every square inch of him over and over. Instinctively, Vin knew Ezra wasn’t the sort to engage in meaningless sex. If he was, he could have any woman in town.
Ezra pulled on some silk underwear, and the smooth slide of that fabric over his skin made it hard for Vin to breathe. He could just imagine what that felt like. Ezra pulled on his pant, socks and boots. With less skin exposed, Vin breathed a bit easier.
He forced himself to think about shooting the horse, and seeing the bloody bubbles on the boy’s lips. It worked to bring his raging body firmly under control. He made himself ignore the fact that the whole room smelled faintly of flowers, musk, leather, and Ezra.
Sure that he had himself under control, Vin stepped out of the shadows and further into the room. He knew he’d been lucky that Ezra hadn’t noticed his presence before now. It was surprisingly difficult to sneak up on the wily cardsharp.
This was the first time Vin could remember Ezra not spotting him before he had the chance to deliberately make himself known. He purposely made enough noise to announce his presence. Ezra’s Remington came up and was leveled at his chest in less time than it took to blink.
"I’m sorry, Mr. Tanner. You surprised me." Ezra lowered the weapon. "I was not expecting company."
"No problem." Vin shook his head. He hadn’t realized the gambler was so fast. "And it’s Vin, remember?"
Ezra dipped his head slightly, a faint flush dusted his cheekbones. "Vin." He waved an elegant, long fingered hand toward the tubs. "You’ve come for your evening ablutions?"
Vin raised his eyebrows. "Ablution?"
"Take a bath." Ezra clarified with a grin and a wink.
Vin fought hard to retain his control. He cleared his throat. "Figured it would be a good idea ta wash off alla this dust."
"A very good idea indeed." Ezra ran fingers through his hair trying to order it somewhat. He then reached for a clean shirt he had left hanging on a nearby hook. Vin’s sharp eyes noticed the gash on his arm. It looked like it might have bled recently.
He stepped forward and halted Ezra’s reach. Vin had hoped there was a doctor in town to take a look at Ezra’s arm, but the sheriff’s casual comment about the town not having one dashed that hope. "You gonna wrap that?"
Ezra raised one eyebrow. "I had planned to, yes."
"It was bleedin’ again." Wonder if that happened in the stable. Damn fool shoulda asked me for help.
"Yes." Ezra looked down at his arm, his head cocked to one side as he considered it. "I decided to clean it again. I may have been a bit too rough in my fervor to prevent an infection."
Vin nodded. "Jus’ bein’ thorough?"
"Something like that."
Good. Don’t want ya getting’ sick. "You need help wrappin’ it up again?"
"If you would be so kind." Ezra held up a clean piece of cloth.
He dropped his saddlebags from his shoulder to the floor with a soft thud before taking the cloth from Ezra. Vin quickly wrapped the wound, careful not to cause any additional pain. When he was finished, he turned away before he said or did anything he might regret. Being so close to Ezra was making it difficult to maintain his hard won control.
Vin noticed several buckets of fresh water sat lined up along the wall. He tested the water temperature, pleased to find it still warm. He filled the other tub, more than ready to get out of his dirty clothes. Be nice ta be clean again.
Vin shrugged out of his buffalo coat, hung it up, and then hung his hat on the same hook. He placed his guns within easy reach of the tub before he striped out of the rest of his clothes. He heard a faint gasp behind him, and looked over his shoulder.
Ezra was staring at him, hands frozen in the act of buttoning his shirt. His expression reminded Vin of a child looking at the candy counter in Mrs. Potter’s store. It was a mixture of lust and hunger, longing, regret and resignation. The pupils of his eyes were so large the normal green was almost hidden by black.
"Ez?"
Ezra’s eyes were hidden for a moment behind closed lids, and just that quick the neutral, poker face was back. His eyes were green again, and there was no trace of the earlier emotions. The sudden transition left Vin to wonder if he had imagined it all. He knew Ezra had a tight reign on his emotions and facial expressions but he hadn’t realized to what degree.
"Yes, Vin?" Ezra responded to Vin with a voice totally dispassionate.
Vin frowned. He decided that asking what he really wanted to know would only embarrass Ezra. And he wasn’t entirely certain how to ask it anyway. Can’t jus’ ask the man if he was givin’ me the once over. He opted for a safer question. "Ya got any soap?"
"Certainly." Ezra handed over a bar of soap. Vin noted that it was Ezra who was careful to keep from touching him. Ezra’s fingers trembled ever so slightly. No one but Vin would have noticed it.
Vin brought the bar to his nose and sniffed. He couldn’t quite place the fragrance. This is what Ezra smells like. Kinda, not exactly the same, but close. "What is this?"
"Lavender and sandalwood." Ezra sighed. He looked faintly embarrassed and turned his face away. "If you don’t like it—"
"I like it." Vin was quick to reassure Ezra. "Jus’ wondered what it was. Never smelled it before."
"I have Mrs. Potter order it from San Francisco."
Vin took another sniff. "Nice."
Ezra smiled. "Please return it to me when you’re finished." Ezra took a breath, and backed away. "I’ll leave you to enjoy your bath." With that he was gone.
Vin shook his head, and stepped into the tub. It was the first time he’d ever wondered if Ezra might not feel something more for him than just friendship. Know what seein’ him naked did ta me. Wonder if seein’ me naked did that ta him? If that look I thought I saw really was there, an’ the way he high tailed it outta here…I’d have ta say yes.
Vin sighed. He wasn’t sure how to approach this. He had never had much luck when it came to romance. Most of the time he was shy of women. He didn’t know how to talk to them or what to say. They always seemed to want something from him he either couldn’t give or didn’t know how to give. Vin still considered Charlotte Richmond the best example of how poor his judgement concerning women was. And no man, before Ezra, had ever really held any appeal. He wished there was someone he could talk to.
Deciding to let the problem alone for a bit, Vin lathered up and set to getting rid of the layer of grime he’d accumulated. He was pleased to learn that Ezra’s soap even worked well in his hair. He rinsed off, and took a deep breath. Vin immediately regretted borrowing Ezra’s soap. The smell was so much like Ezra, Vin felt himself responding to it.
He had barely gotten himself under control before, but now, he couldn’t even begin to hold it together. Oh what the hell. I’m alone in here. Vin sighed, and closed his eyes. His mind readily conjured up the picture of Ezra naked. He relived all the details he noticed earlier.
With one hand, Vin began to stroke himself. He let his imagination run wild, pretending it was Ezra who touched him, that it was Ezra who pinched and teased his nipples. He could almost hear that smooth as honey drawl say his name over and over again.
Vin brought himself to completion in record time. He’d fantasized about Ezra before, but now he had so much more to work with. He’d actually gotten to see the object of his fantasy naked, gotten him to say his name, gotten to touch his skin however briefly, now knew his scent. Reality was so much better than anything he’d ever imagined. It hit him harder and faster, and left him feeling cheated because the fantasy was no longer what he wanted.
Vin shivered. The water had gone cold while he indulged himself. With a sigh, he got out of the tub, and reached for a towel. It had been enough to take the edge of, but it was far from enough.
Vin sighed and got dressed. He didn’t want to scare Ezra by moving too fast. Vin shook his head in bemusement. Hell, I went from thinkin’ I had ta hide how I feel, ta thinkin’ I might have a chance with him. This has definitely been a day for the record books.
Vin rubbed his face with both hands. Tanner pull yerself together. He got dressed, and carefully packed up his things. He regarded the bar of soap with wary eyes. Ezra had left a small tin for it, and Vin swiftly boxed it up trying hard not to breathe in the lingering fragrance. For a moment he was tempted to keep it, but Ezra had asked him to return it, so he reluctantly put in his pocket where it would be within easy reach when he met up with the gambler.
He stepped outside and took a breath. Then another. He tried to work out some kind of plan, some idea of how to approach the gambler. Vin shook his head, and grinned. Maybe I’ll just improvise. Worked pretty good the last time. He headed for the saloon to meet up with Ezra.
+ + + + + + +
Ezra sighed, and took a sip from the shot glass he held. Ezra P. Standish you are a fool. He liked Vin Tanner. It was one of the reasons he took great pains not to aggravate the man when they were on the trail together. If he wanted quiet, Ezra was quiet. If he wanted to be up with the sun, Ezra got up right along with him. It seemed a small price to pay to maintain a cordial relationship with Vin.
In truth, Ezra liked him a lot. More than liked really. In his rare moments of honest self-reflection he thought he might love the scruffy, long-haired tracker. But he knew that nothing would come of it.
Vin Tanner is an honorable, honest, upright man. He is not the sort who would want me. What use would he have for a conman? A cheat? He is far better off finding someone he can respect. Someone worthy of being loved by him.
Ezra took another sip of his whiskey. He was certain that if Vin were interested in men he would pursue a relationship with Chris. The dark clad gunslinger had far more in common with Vin than Ezra could ever hope to have. Half the time they didn’t even need words to communicate. That wasn’t something Ezra knew he could compete with.
Ezra snorted. Like there is a competition to honestly consider. For us to be engaged in competition some declaration would have to be made. And that is not going to happen.
He tried to convince himself that it was enough to know that Vin liked him. He wasn’t going to risk that friendship by pushing for more. There had been very few people in his life that had genuinely liked him. Less than a handful that he could count on to stick by him in time of need, who hadn’t regarded him as some kind of burden, or a tool to be used. It had surprised him to learn Vin was one of those rare few who seemed to care about him. That was far to valuable to be thrown away to satisfy his baser needs.
Ezra closed his eyes, and immediately the image of Vin disrobing in the bath house popped up. The man was gorgeous. All lean, rippling muscle and smooth sun bronzed skin. Long curly hair that just begged to have fingers run through it. Sky blue eyes sparkling with intelligence and humor. A beautiful face with strong, masculine features that any artist would kill to have as a model. Ezra had seen statues of Greek and Roman gods that fell short of the living, breathing unadorned beauty of Vin Tanner.
It had taken everything he had to rein in his raging desires. It simply wouldn’t do for Vin to see how he felt. Ezra had no doubt revealing his emotions would ruin everything. It was bad enough that he had already slipped several times today. Calling Vin by his first name, reaching out to touch him, confessing to be concerned for his safety….Ezra, you are slipping. And that will never do.
He opened his eyes with a snap, and quickly downed the remainder of his drink. Stop it. You know better. Dreaming about what will never be is a fools bet.
Ezra pulled a deck of cards from his jacket pocket. He shuffled, letting the familiar repetitive action quiet his mind. The card flew through his fingers, and he took comfort in his absolute control over them. There were so many other aspects of his life ruled by chance, luck and fate, but handling cards wasn’t one of those.
He deftly dealt out a hand of solitaire and played. Ezra focused on the cards, and let the simple game order his wayward thoughts. Even as he played, he sent out his senses to keep track of what went on around him. Without lifting his eyes from the table, he knew who was in the room, what they were doing and where.
It was a survival trick he’d mastered early on. Chris and the others wondered how he could seem so focused on his game and yet know who approached the table without looking up. He couldn’t really explain it, but Ezra took great pains to always be aware of what was going on around him. He wouldn’t have lived as long as he had if he’d let his attention to detail lapse or allowed his guard down for very long.
Having Vin surprise him in the bathhouse made him doubly wary. That could have been a costly mistake. It wouldn’t do for him to know I was daydreaming about him. That would be totally unacceptable.
Ezra’s radar tripped when he felt Vin entered the saloon. He froze for a second then took a breath and forced himself to relax. Without looking up he greeted Vin. "Hello, Vin."
Ezra hesitated just a fraction over the name. He regretted agreeing to use Vin’s first name. It had been so much easier to keep the man at a distance using his surname. He kept all of them at a distance that way. But Vin had asked him to use his name, and he couldn’t refuse the man anything.
"Hiya, Ez." Vin slid into a chair with a near boneless grace that Ezra couldn’t help but admire. Vin reached into his pocket and withdrew Ezra’s small soap case. He offered it to Ezra.
Ezra took it. He contained the shiver that ghosted over his skin when their fingers met. It had to be his imagination. There was no way that simple contact could generate a feeling of charged excitement.
He slipped the soap case into his pocket. "I hope you found it acceptable."
Vin half-smiled, his eyes lit up with some secret pleasure. "Oh, yeah. Liked it a lot. Was real nice o’ ya to loan it to me."
Ezra tipped his head in acknowledgement. He continued with the game he’d laid out. Vin signaled the bartender, and a waitress made her way toward their table.
"Ya want another, Ez?" Vin tipped his head toward Ezra’s now empty glass.
Ezra raised an eyebrow. He glanced toward the bar. He’d never really acquired a taste for bourbon, and didn’t want any more. His flask of scotch had run out yesterday. Surely something better than rotgut can be procured.
"Only if it comes from that bottle." Ezra pointed toward a very dusty bottle that currently resided on the top shelf. He had spotted it earlier, and was surprised to see it there.
Vin squinted as he looked toward it. "What is it?"
"Brandy. Apricot brandy to be precise." I haven’t had a good brandy in years. Far too long really. It would be worth the cost just to taste it again.
Vin frowned. "I ain’t never had brandy."
Ezra raised an eyebrow. "You might like it. Although, I must warn you, it does have a bite to it."
Vin grinned undaunted. "Okay."
Ezra asked the waitress to bring him the bottle of brandy. She glanced at him in surprise. "Ya sure, Mister? It costs more than whiskey." She quoted the price as though sure it would dissuade him.
Hearing the cost, Ezra understood why the bottle had languished on the shelf long enough to acquire so much dust. Still, it was brandy, and he wanted something good to drink. Ezra tossed a gold coin to the woman. "I’m sure. Bring the bottle, Darlin’. And two clean glasses if you please."
Vin frowned. He looked unsure. Not a usual expression for him by any means. "Kinda pricey, Ez. We coulda jus’ had whiskey."
Ezra studied his friend for a moment. Aw hell, I’ve offended or embarrassed him somehow. Better repair the damage.
"You’ve not had the opportunity to try brandy, and it is my pleasure to introduce you to it." Ezra flashed a quick grin at him. "If you like it, then by all means, feel free to attempt to procure the bottle from me."
Vin chuckled. "Ya gonna raise the price on me?"
"Well, it would only be good business acumen to do so. But I’m sure we can work out an equitable exchange."
The waitress returned with the bottle, and two glasses. Vin poured a shot for himself and one for Ezra. Ezra sipped his drink savoring the flavor. He could feel the liquor creating a pleasant warmth as it went down. God, but that is good.
Vin tipped his back and swallowed the entire shot. Ezra did his best not to smile when Vin’s eyes began to water, and his he sucked in a breath rapidly. "I believe I did warn you that it has a bite."
"A bite…Jesus, Ez." Vin coughed, and rubbed his eyes. "Stuff burns."
"I know." Ezra sipped his drink again. "It can be a great comfort on a cold day."
Vin eyed the bottle warily. He poured another glass, and sipped it cautiously, following Ezra’s example. "Nice flavor though, once ya get used ta it. Real smooth too. Better’n whiskey."
Ezra nodded. "Indeed."
"Apricots?"
Ezra smiled. "They are a fruit. Similar to peaches and nectarines." Ezra held up a hand indicating the size and shape.
"Don’t think I ever had one."
"They are delicious. But I doubt they would be able to grow in this arid climate. One can only guess at how such a treasure as this bottle managed to find its way to this backwater dusty little hamlet."
Ezra picked up the bottle and regarded it for several minutes. He tried to picture the circumstances as to how it could have ended up in Bitter Creek. With a shake of his head he set it back down on the table.
"Can I ask ya a question, Ez?"
"I believe you just did." Ezra tipped his head toward Vin. "But feel free to ask another."
Vin sighed. "Ya never did tell me how long ya were on that ship."
Ezra considered that. No. I guess I didn’t. "Three years."
"Years?" Vin looked startled.
Ezra nodded. He sipped his drink. He watched the play of light through the liquid remaining in his glass. Beautiful.
"When were ya on it?"
"I was thirteen when I first set foot on the Esmerelda." Ezra didn’t really pay attention as he answered. He was distracted by the refracted light dancing through the brandy in his glass.
"Why were you an’ Maude were on a ship so long?"
The image of his mother on the Esmerelda was so incongruous that Ezra burst out laughing. He couldn’t help it. There is no way his mother would have ever traveled on a ship like the Esmerelda. The Esmerelda was as far from being a pleasure cruise ship as Four Corners was from New York City. She was a workhorse, carrying cargo from one port to another, with little room for more than crew, cargo and cannons.
"My mother…on a ship…for three years. Oh good lord."
He laughed so hard his sides hurt. He just couldn’t picture Maude on a ship for any length of time. His laughter was so infectious that Vin had joined in even though he didn’t have a clue what was so funny.
Ezra struggled to control himself. He needed to explain. "Mother gets seasick. She pukes like a poisoned pup for days." He chuckled again, and wiped tears from his eyes. He hadn’t laughed so hard in years. "I would hazard a guess that she turns green at the very thought of traveling by water."
He suppressed another bout of laughter. It was unseemly to have lost control. "Not to mention, Esmerelda was a working vessel. There were no passengers. Just crew quarters, and cargo hold. Only the captain had a cabin."
"Jus’ crew? Thought you didn’t do manual labor."
Ezra sighed. He regretted making that comment. Not because it wasn’t true, but because had been so quickly misunderstood. "I said gentlemen do not engage in menial labor." Ezra stressed menial, emphasizing the distinction.
Vin frowned. "What’s the difference?"
"One is physical, manual. The other is demeaning and done by servants, menial."
"Oh." Vin nodded. He seemed to consider that for a moment. Ezra could almost see the sharp mind hidden by that unassuming, quiet exterior processing what he’d said and storing it up for use later.
They all assume that I don’t know the first thing about busting my ass. A gentleman indeed! Please. I learned the part, that doesn’t mean I belonged to it. It is shameful how easy the lot of them are misled. Say anything just the right way, and so many wrong assumptions are made it’s a wonder anyone knows what is true.
"So what’d ya do on that ship? And how did ya end up there when ya was just a kid?"
Ezra sighed. Such a sordid little tale. Perhaps it would be best to avoid retelling it. "Why do you wish to know?"
Vin shifted in his seat. "Ya said I didn’t know anythin’ ‘bout you." Vin shrugged. "Realized yer right. Reckon, I ain’t gonna know anythin’ if I don’t ask."
"Good point." Ezra nodded.
The man wants to know something about me. God, I can’t remember the last time anyone really wanted to know anything about me. Or the last time anyone asked just because they were interested. Or hadn’t already assumed they knew all their was to know just by looking at the way I dressed, what I did for a living, or how I spoke. It’s been years since someone showed an interest in me, Ezra Standish. Of course, once he hears the tale, I doubt he will be interested in hearing any more. Or getting to know the real me. The real Ezra hasn’t been of interest to anyone. Ever.
"Ya don’t have ta tell me if ya don’t wanna." Vin offered.
Ezra studied him realizing he’d been silent long enough to make Vin feel as if he’d trespassed in some way. "It was a valid question. And you were correct, the only way to know is to ask."
He downed the rest of his drink, and poured another. Ezra sat back in his chair and let his mind drift for a moment. "I suppose the best thing to do is to start at the beginning." He nodded to himself. He would tell this story and let the chips fall where they man. "Yes, always the best place to start."
He glanced at Vin, and was surprised to find him watching him closely. Such an attentive audience. Amazing. It had been years since anyone paid that much attention to him. He’d gotten used to people dismissing him, and what he had to say.
"When my mother visited our humble town, she did her best to create the impression that we spent a great deal of time together. That she was a dutiful and adoring mother. I must disabuse you of that illusion, for the truth is somewhat different."
"From the time I was old enough to walk, Mother, was passing me off to whatever relative she could find willing to take me in. I would spend a few months with one, and then a few months with another. Occasionally, when she had run out of willing relatives, I would spend a few months in her company. Consequently, I traveled a great deal from a very early age."
Ezra sipped his drink. He picked up the cards still laying in front of him, ordered them by suit, and began to shuffle. He organized his thoughts at the same time. Vin sat quietly, patiently waiting for him to continue speaking.
He stopped in mid-shuffle. "Funny, I just realized that next to my time on the Esmerelda, the longest I’ve stayed in one place has been in Four Corners." Curious. Perhaps it is time I moved on.
Ezra took a breath. It hurt to think of leaving. The others might not like him or trust him, but they were men he genuinely respected. People he’d come to rely on. And there was the matter of his unresolved feelings for Vin. Best not to go there.
He refocused his thoughts. "Forgive me, I digress. You asked me how I came to be working on a ship at the tender age of thirteen."
He shuffled the cards again. "It was one of those rare times that I was with Mother. We were in Baltimore. Lovely city really. Mother had a particularly bad run of luck, and she found herself in debt to a man named Gabriel St. John. Now, Mr. St. John was not the sort of man one left holding the bag. He was a formidable individual, and not one easily put off with empty promises, a woman’s wiles, or Mother’s usual tricks."
Ezra shook his head. "It’s been nearly a decade since I last laid eyes on the man but I can still remember the first time I met him as if it were yesterday."
He took a sip of his drink. "Gabriel St. John had an air about him. It’s hard to describe, but he was very charismatic."
"What’s that mean?"
Ezra’s lips quirked in a half smile. One of the things he enjoyed about Vin is that he asked for clarification. He wanted to understand, which also meant he was paying attention.
"It means he drew attention the same way a flame draws moths."
"Oh."
"At any rate, there was the matter of payment. Mother was without the financial resources to pay him, and Mr. St. John was not willing to wait. He was the captain of the Esmerelda, and she was due to sail the next day. So time was limited."
Ezra smiled tightly. "Mother was in a rather desperate situation. She offered him my services as restitution for her debt."
Vin frowned. "Yer services?"
Ezra forced himself to make eye contact and hold it. He wanted to be absolutely certain that Vin knew he wasn’t lying. "In the bluntest possible terms, my mother gave me to Gabriel St. John as payment for her debt."Vin sat back, clearly stunned. Ezra clucked his tongue, at once pleased he shocked his friend, and disappointed at the same time. "Oh please, Mr. Tanner, don’t tell me you thought it was only men of Mr. Jackson’s race that have been sold."
Vin reached out to grab Ezra’s wrist. His longer fingers neatly encircled Ezra’s finer boned joint. His hold was gentle, more of a caress than one intended to restrain. Ezra berated himself for not being man enough to pull away. He wanted Vin to touch him, so he let Vin’s hand remain.
Vin said something in a language Ezra didn’t recognize. He got the impression it was a curse of some kind. "Excuse me?"
"Kiowa." Vin waved his free hand in dismissal. His eyes narrowed dangerously. "You were a slave?"
"Not a slave, at least not the same way Mr. Jackson was. I was officially an indentured servant."
"Indentured servant?" Vin watched him closely. "That means what?"
"It was a common practice many, many years ago." Ezra sighed. "A young person went to work for an established tradesmen to learn a skill. As an apprentice, the young man would work for a specified number of years, learning what he would need to know to eventually establish himself in whatever his chosen profession happened to be. While he was an apprentice he did what he was told, when he was told, or was punished accordingly. He made no money from his labor, but depended upon his master to supply room and board, food and clothing. An apprenticeship or period of servitude typically lasted six to seven years."
"Once I got used to it, it really wasn’t a bad way to life. Mr. St. John, SinJin to his friends, was a rather old fashioned sort in many way. He took the responsibility of teaching me a trade seriously."
Ezra shrugged one shoulder. "I learned the fine art of navigation, and advanced mathematics from him. I learned to speak French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese so that I could barter in nearly every port we put in to. I learned how pack cargo for ocean transport, to handle a sword, read the wind, and rig a sail."
I also learned how to pleasure a man, and how to receive pleasure in return. SinJin didn’t need a cabin boy. He agreed to Mother’s proposal because he found my looks appealing, not because he had an empty berth on the Esmerelda. I was very lucky in that he was a gentle man when it came to his bed partners, willing to take his time, and interested in giving as well as getting pleasure. But I rather doubt you’d be interested in hearing that. So let us move on to other topics, shall we.
He flashed a quick grin at Vin hoping to lighten the dark mood that had appeared to envelope the tracker. "Learned my way around a rope, and a cannon as well."
"Wondered where ya learned ta fire one o’ those. Mighty damn good with ‘em as I recall." Vin grinned back a bit half hearted, but it was there.
"Yes, well, I only learned the basics on the Esmerelda. I didn’t have time for an in depth study of explosives in general until later."
"The war?" Vin’s question was soft. The tone let Ezra knew Vin had been there as well.
"Yes."
Such a simple answer managed to encompass a great deal more than one word should have the ability to do. Vin’s hand that encircled his wrist tightened briefly. Ezra found that touch to provide a surprising amount of comfort. Perhaps we have more in common than I thought.
Vin swallowed, and cleared his throat. "Ya said servitude was s’pposed ta last six or seven years. How come ya were only on the Esmerelda fer three years?"
Ezra felt his poker face actually slide into place, once again hiding his feelings. I can’t believe it is still painful to think about this after so many years. "In November of 1861, the Esmerelda went down in a severe storm off the coast of North Carolina."
Ezra took a shuddering breath, struggling to maintain a neutral facade. "According to reports made at the time…reports that were impossible to verify, all hands went down with her."
He raised his glass, and studied it. Silently, he toasted Captain Gabriel St. John. Thank you, SinJin, for saving my life. I owe you a debt I can never repay.
"You weren’t on her then?"
"I was never on her. Ezra Stanton was." He gently pulled his wrist away from the comfort Vin had offered. I need to make him let go now, or I will never be able to.
Vin seemed to let go reluctantly. "Ya went ta war after that." It was a statement, not a question, but Ezra gave an answer anyway.
"I joined an artillery battalion in the Army of Northern Virginia in January of 1862. There was a need for men who knew their way around a cannon."
"Men?" Vin snorted, and downed his brandy. Ezra absently noted that he was more prepared for the burn this time around. "We weren’t any more than boys."
Ezra raised an eyebrow. "How old were you?"
Vin sighed. "I didn’t join up until 1863. Was only fifteen, but nobody asked ‘bout my age. Put me ta work as a sharp shooter."
"That makes sense. They certainly made good use of your innate skill and likely honed them as well."
Ezra shuffled his cards once more before returning them to his pocket. "I believe, we have discussed enough history and morbid topics for one evening, Mr. Tanner."
"Vin, remember?"
"Vin." Ezra conceded with a smile, pleased in spite of himself, that Vin still wanted him to use his first name. "Perhaps we should consider getting dinner. While the brandy is excellent, I don’t think it qualifies as adequate sustenance."
"I could eat."
Ezra stood up. "Shall we find a restaurant that can provide a serviceable repast?"
"Ya askin’ if we’re gonna look for a place with good food?"
"Yes."
Vin chuckled. "Ya know ya coulda just said that."
"I did." Ezra grinned delighted with the verbal by play. He noticed when Vin suddenly froze. He was about to ask what was wrong when Vin shook himself free of whatever had gripped him. Ezra shrugged. Wonder what that was all about. He did that earlier after I untied us. Odd. Oh well, a mystery for another time.
He put the cork in the bottle, and slid it into his saddlebags. Ezra had come to the saloon directly from the bathhouse and hadn’t had time to rent a room to store his belongings. He returned the soap to its usual place as well. The brandy will be most welcome for the journey back to Four Corners.
He waved his hand before him inviting Vin to proceed him. "Shall we?"
Vin nodded. "We shall."
The best place for to eat, in fact the only place to eat, proved to be the restaurant at the hotel. Deciding to kill two birds with one stone, Ezra stopped in the lobby and rented a room as well. It was the last room left available.
Vin sighed. "Guess that means I’ll be sleepin’ in the hay loft."
Ezra shook his head. I can not believe I am about to do this. "The room has two beds, does it not?" He directed his question toward the proprietor, Mr. Addams, if the sign above the register was correct. Mr. Addams waited behind the small desk, his eyes all but hidden behind the spectacles he wore.
"Yes, Sir. Room’s a mite smaller than the others, but the missus thought families travelin’, with children an’ such, might want ta stay in one room. So she had me put in another bed."
Ezra nodded. "Vin, would it be acceptable to you if we were to share the room?"
"Ya sure? Know how ya like yer privacy."
Ezra knew he wasn’t going to refuse to share the room. Even though it went against his better judgement. You can barely control yourself around the man now, and you want to share a room with him!! Ezra, Mother must have dropped you on your head as a baby.
"I would be remise in my duties as a friend, and gentleman, if I allowed you to take your rest in a hayloft when I had means at my disposal to offer you a more comfortable place to slumber."
Vin nodded. "Long as ya let me pay for it." When Ezra would have objected, Vin stopped him. "Ya bought the brandy. Least I can do it pay for the room."
Ezra smiled. "A fair exchange then. A good nights sleep for a good libation."
He nodded toward Mr. Addams. "We will take the room."
Addams handed Ezra a key. "Room’s at the end o’ the hall. Last door on the right."
"Thank you."
Ezra and Vin made their way up the stairs to secure their bags before getting dinner. He wasn’t surprised when Vin took the one closest to the window. Or when he moved to open the window and let some fresh air. Ezra always picked the bed closest to the wall. It was safer to have his back to it.Vin paused for a moment to study the sky. He sniffed the air. "Gonna be a storm tonight."
Ezra looked out the window, and noted the darkening clouds in the distance. He had sensed the change in the weather on the way over from the saloon, but had suspected the storm wouldn’t hit until the following day. "Will it delay our return to Four Corners?"
Vin shook his head. "Nope. Should be clear come mornin’."
Ezra nodded. If Vin thought it would be over by then, it more than likely would be. Ezra was not quite as weather wise as Vin, and he trusted his judgement.
Vin’s stomach rumbled. Ezra chuckled. "I believe that was the dinner bell." It was a running joke among the seven that Vin didn’t need a watch to tell time, his stomach let him know the hour. Ezra turned and headed back down the stairs. He hoped the food here proved to be edible. He could do with a good meal. Would certainly make for a nice compliment to the brandy.
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