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Learning to Improvise…
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Chris had watched Ezra and Nathan leave the restaurant with a bemused expression. That was the first time Ezra had ever given him a straight answer. Or sat still long enough to answer so many questions at one time. Chris was somewhat stunned. Twice now it has been as simple as just asking. He looked at Vin and saw the tracker’s blue eyes were bright with amusement. He knew what the tracker was thinking. Damn if he wasn’t right. All I had to do was ask.Josiah looked at him and chuckled. "Did you know he was teaching?" He directed his question to Vin.
"Nope."
Chris frowned. He got the distinct impression that Vin knew more than he was telling. The tracker had looked almost proud of the gambler. Not as surprised as the rest of them had been. He knew Josiah had gotten the same impression, which was why he directed the question toward Vin.
"He didn’t say if he was being paid for his services." Josiah mused.
Chris could almost feel Vin stiffen at that comment. He realized that it would be easy to take what the preacher said the wrong way. Given how quick Vin had been to defend Ezra the other day, Chris wouldn’t be surprised if Vin took that the wrong way.
Attempting to forestall any arguments, Chris asked Josiah, "Ya don’t think he deserves ta get paid? Town would have ta cough up some money for a regular teacher. Understand they don’t work for free."
Josiah blinked. "I was just making an observation, brother. It would be unlike Ezra to undertake such a task without seeking payment for his time. An’ Ezra is not a certified teacher, Chris. He’s a gambler."
"Man’s a peacekeeper too. Same as you." Vin raised an eyebrow. Chris noted his eyes had lost all trace of earlier amusement. "You think he’s not doin’ a good ‘nough job ta get paid for his time?"
Josiah sat back. "He is arguably the best educated man in town. There is little doubt about that. And he is good with children."
"But?" Vin waited.
"But showing them card tricks and playing games with them is not the same as teaching them to read and write."
Vin rolled his eyes, and pushed his chair away from the table. "Maybe ya should ask Mrs. Potter if she thinks he’s doin’ a decent job. Then ya can find out if he’s robbin’ her blind while yer at it." Vin’s voice was soft but his tone was totally disgusted.
"Vin…I didn’t mean—""Sure as hell sounded that way, preacher." Vin calmly cut him off as he stood to leave. "If ya got real concerns ya shoulda gone with Nate. Then the two o’ ya could a watched his every move."
As Vin walked away, Josiah shot a confused look at Chris. "What did I say?"
Chris shook his head. He wondered if he had been that clueless. No wonder Vin went off on me yesterday. Deciding he didn’t really have an answer for Josiah, Chris got up and followed Vin.
He met up with Vin on the boardwalk. Vin had stopped not too far away and was slouched against one of the support poles. Chris pulled out a cheroot, and lit it. He sat down on the nearby bench. One of the things he liked best about his friendship with Vin was that they could be silent with each other and not feel uncomfortable.
After a few minutes, Chris asked, "You okay?"
Vin smirked. "Me? I’m fine. Nobody questions why I do anythin’. Nobody second guesses me, or watches me ta see if I’m gonna slip up."
Chris sighed. Deserve that, I suppose. "Josiah didn’t mean anything by what he said. I think he was just surprised."
"Uh-hunh." Vin looked at him, his expression sarcastic. "Ya know he calls Ez son all the time, you’d think he’d have more faith in him than that."
Vin sighed heavily. "Can see why Ez don’t want him to call him son. I sure as hell hope his real daddy didn’t have so little faith in him."
Chris had never really given that much thought. They all knew about Ezra’s objection to being called ‘son’ by the big preacher. Chris had thought of it as nothing more than a term of affection the same way Buck called JD ‘kid’. Maybe Ezra doesn’t see it that way.
"Ez is a good teacher."
Chris raised an eyebrow at that. He could have sworn that Vin had told the truth when he said he didn’t know Ezra was teaching the children. "How do you know?"
"Cuz he taught me ta read."
That was said so quietly for a moment Chris wasn’t sure he’d heard Vin correctly. Chris had found out by accident that Vin couldn’t read or write when he’d walked in on one of Vin’s lessons with Mary. He’d understood the shy tracker’s wish to keep his lack of reading and writing skills a private affair. And he had respected the younger man’s desire to learn.
"I thought….I thought Mary was teaching you."
Vin shrugged one shoulder. "She’s busy with the newspaper, and her son. ‘Sides, Ez was better."
Well, that certainly explains how the two of you managed to become better friends. Wasn’t really an over night sort of thing. Wonder how I missed that. Chris considered for a moment if he should be upset that Vin hadn’t come to him. "You could have come to me. I would have helped."
Vin regarded him steadily. "No offense, Cowboy, but I don’t think ya’d have had the patience ta take me on."
Chris smiled slightly, and conceded that Vin might be right. Hard to argue that point. "Ezra was good?"
Vin nodded. "Real good. Man has a gift when it comes ta showin’ me things."
Chris’ curiosity was piqued when Vin smiled. It was a secretive little smile that hinted at more than just reading lessons. It made Chris wonder what. The sound of gun fire kept him from getting the chance to ask.
Vin immediately straightened up from his slouch, eyes moving up the street. "Came from the bank."
Oh…shit. Ezra. Nathan. The kids. Chris was on his feet sprinting after the already moving Texan.
Vin crouched down where he could get a clear view of the bank, and still be out of sight. Chris knelt next to him. The shades were drawn. Chris was quick to note that the side window had been broken, shards of glass glittered in the alley.
"Vin, get somewhere you can get a good view. We’ll need cover fire."
When Vin didn’t respond, Chris nudged him. The tension he could feel in the younger man surprised him. He’d never know the tracker to so much as blink about an upcoming gunfight.
"Vin?" No answer. Chris jostled his friend harder. "Vin?"
Vin shook himself all over like a wet dog. "Yeah, I hear ya." As he slipped silently away, Chris wondered about the brief flashes of devastation and then rage he caught a glimpse of in the normally serene blue eyes. JD and Josiah joined Chris a moment later forcing him to let it go for the time being.
"Any idea who it is?" JD asked.
Chris shook his head. "Not yet."
"Who would rob a bank in broad daylight?" JD asked, his tone clearly stating just how stupid he thought it was to do that.
Chris resisted the urge to knock off JD’s hat. I could have sworn I just said I didn’t know. "Better question is how many people are inside?"
Josiah paled slightly. "Ezra and the children might be in there."
"Yeah. Nate too." Chris sighed. He hated situations like this.
"Ezra’s in the bank?" JD looked confused. "He’s s’posed to be teachin’."
"You knew about that?" Josiah frowned. Chris shared his confusion. JD had already left the restaurant by the time Ezra got around to mentioning having an appointment.
"Well, yeah." JD looked at them clearly mystified as to why they were surprised that he knew about Ezra teaching. "Knew ‘bout that months ago. He spends a couple hours every day with the Potter kids, and a couple others. Well, ‘cept for Sunday. Don’t teach on that day."
Chris was beginning to wonder if he was the last one to know about everything. He made a mental note to ask JD about it later. "Doesn’t matter now. He said he was takin’ the kids to study some maps at the bank. They could be in there."
"Aw hell." JD cursed softly.
Sums it up nicely. "Vin ought to be in position. Let’s go see if we can talk to these idiots."
Together the three of them stepped out into the street. Chris noticed that it hadn’t taken the good citizens of Four Corners long to vanish. One shot an’ everybody scatters. Can’t quite decide if that’s a good thing or not.
Not all the citizens had totally vanished Chris noted. He could see Mrs. Potter waiting anxiously in the doorway of her store. He was glad she had the good sense not to run head long into danger. She watched the bank with frightened eyes, her hands fisted in her apron.
"You in the bank!" Chris shouted. "Come out now and no one has to get hurt." Just for good measure he added, "Don’t make me come in and get you!"
"Keep your eyes open." He quietly instructed Josiah and JD. Chris tensed when the door opened slightly. Not enough for a clear shot.
"You stay right where ya are." The man inside yelled out to them. "I got people in here, kids, and I’ll kill ‘em if you try anything. You hear me??!! Stay where ya are, or I will kill ‘em."
Guess we know for certain now about the children being in there. Damn. Damn. So much for hoping they hadn’t gotten there yet.
JD looked to Chris. "Now what?"
Chris’ mind worked furiously. They needed an opening of some kind. He wasn’t going to put the children at risk if he could help it. Problem was, he didn’t have any idea how to get them out of there.
Chris spotted Buck out of the corner of his eye covertly moving toward them from the livery. Good ol’ Buck. Didn’t think he’d gotten too far yet. He motioned to Buck discretely with one hand to head around the side of the bank. So far the men inside had only seen three of them, and Chris wanted to keep it that way.
Chris really didn’t want to engage in a long stand off if he could help it. Laying siege to the bank wasn’t exactly the best option, but at the moment it was the only choice. "For now, we wait."
Chris glared at the shuttered bank doors wishing he could see inside. For all he knew someone could already be dead or wounded. He chose not to think about that. It wouldn’t help.
He tensed, eyes narrowed, when the door opened again. He could just barely make out Nathan. It looked like his lower lip was swollen. Some one busted him one in the mouth.
"Man says ta tell you that he’s willin’ ta let the children leave as a sign of good faith." Nathan spoke loudly, and clearly. He didn’t seem scared, but Chris could tell the man was definitely uneasy.
"Says you are not to try anything or he’ll change is mind. He don’t want to hurt the children, but he will if you make him. Says he’s keepin’ the adults to make sure ya don’t do anythin’ stupid."
Chris motioned for JD and Josiah to fall back, and to the side. It put them closer to cover, and gave them a broader view of the action. He waited where he was, in plain sight. Chris hoped that the men inside were as good as their word. They hurt any of those children and I’ll skin ‘em alive.
The next time the door opened, Cecilia Potter slipped out. She hesitated for just a second before moving to the right. She waited until Jenny and Sarah had also slipped out before moving further down the boardwalk. Sammy was next, followed quickly by Danny and David. Josh was the last one to leave.
Chris was surprised to see them all move in a calm and orderly fashion. No panicked running, no screaming. Holding hands, they moved briskly away from the bank. The children all stopped when they were two buildings away.
"JD, keep an eye on the bank, and stay behind cover." With Buck, and Vin also watching the bank, Chris felt comfortable leaving the young sheriff on his own for a few minutes. "Josiah you come with me. Wanna talk to the kids and see what they can tell us."
Chris loped over to where the children waited. He knelt down in front of them. He complimented them on being so brave. Chris let them know he approved of their behavior. He was relieved that he hadn’t had to worry about them scattering pell-mell.
"Was jus’ doin’ what Mr. Ezra told us to." Josh said. He puffed up a bit hearing Chris’ praise. "I told CeCe that Mr. Ezra would make sure nothin’ bad happened ta us. He got the bad men ta let us go."
Chris pursed his lips. Wish I had the chance to hear that conversation. I’ll have to ask about that later. More pressing things to consider here. "I know you really want to go home, but I need to ask you some questions first. Okay?"
Small heads nodded. Chris smiled slightly. "Good. How many men are there inside?"
Josh answered him. "Four. Clem is the big one. He’s bigger’n Mr. Josiah."
"Otis is the mean one." Jenny asserted. "He tried ta shoot Mr. Nathan. But Mr. Ezra stopped him."
Josiah gasped. "Was anyone hurt?"
"No. Mr. Ezra shoved Mr. Nathan outta the way. Otis shot out the window."
Josiah breathed easier. Until David spoke up. "Otis hit Mr. Nathan when he took his gun."
"Did he hurt him bad?" Nathan hadn’t looked injured, but their view through the door had been limited.
"No. Only hit ‘im one time. Clem yelled at ‘im an’ didn’t let ‘im hit Mr. Nathan again."
Chris nodded. This Clem must be the one in charge. "They didn’t take Ezra’s gun?"
Sammy shook his head, dark eyes wide and solemn. "Mr. Ezra wasn’t wearin’ it. He don’t like to wear it ‘round us. Says it makes a bad impression."
Chris raised an eyebrow at that. Ezra never goes anywhere without that derringer o’ his. And I’m pretty sure I saw his colt this morning. Come ta think of it, he wasn’t wearin’ his gun belt. Still, I’d bet money he’s armed.
"What about the other two?"
"Cal…and…Jack. They watched us…and…the door."
Chris smiled. "Thank you David."
The little red-haired boy grinned. "I’m Danny."
Chris frowned. He thought it was Danny who stuttered. Mentally he shrugged. Maybe I got it wrong.
Josh spoke up again. "Clem said they just came for the money. Said we weren’t s’posed to be there. He thought the bank would be empty, ‘cept for Mr. Neville, and Mr. Lovitt."
On any other Wednesday it would have been. "I want all of you to head for the mercantile. You stay there until it’s all clear. Y’hear?"
"Yes, Mr. Chris." Seven voices answered in unison. The all rushed off down the boardwalk. Chris shook his head. It was nothing like their previous orderly exit from the bank. He wondered if Ezra had told them what to do. Knowing the conman’s attention for detail, it wouldn’t surprise Chris if he had. What did surprise him was that they had apparently followed his instructions. Vin was right. I’ll be he is a good teacher.
Mrs. Potter enfolded both her children in a fierce hug when they reached her. She hugged all the others as well. It reminded Chris of a mother hen they way she gathered them all under her arm, and quickly ushered them into the store.
Chris straightened, relieved that the children were safely out of harm’s way. He looked at Josiah. "So…four men, no wounded. Clem’s in charge. We got lucky they were willin’ ta let the children leave."
Josiah shook his head. "It wasn’t luck, brother. It sounds like Ezra worked his usual magic." He sounded decidedly proud of the gambler.
Chris nodded. "You’re right. Damn shame he’s not out here to work it." Chris sighed. "Let’s get back with JD and see if we can’t find some way of ending this.
+ + + + + + +
Vin kept his gun site focused on the bank, checking the windows he could see. Waiting with the natural in born patience of a hunter for an opening he could use. He took a deep breath, and let it out very slowly. He took another breath.
Control. It’s all about control. He figured if it worked for Ezra, it might work just as well for him. And he needed to make sure his head was clear. Otherwise he wouldn’t be able to seize the opportunity when it came.
His emotions had run wild when he realized that the earlier gunshot had come from the bank. Vin had no doubts that Ezra was inside. Somehow he knew there was just no way his lover could not be involved. If there was trouble brewing it just seemed to naturally find Ezra.
For a moment his fear had left him paralyzed. All he could think was that Ezra was dead. That thought had run through his head over and over like a litany of doom.
When Chris broke through, Vin’s next thought was that if Ezra was dead, he was sure as hell going to be in a position to make them regret the day they’d been born. Rage had nearly blinded him, but he ruthlessly controlled it. If he lost his head, he couldn’t make them pay. And they were definitely going to pay if Ezra was not okay.
Vin had stopped by his wagon long enough to retrieve the rifle he’d taken from the assassin months ago. It was a beautiful weapon, ideally suited to the task at hand. He cradled it, feeling the weight and balance of it.
From his vantage point, Vin had seen Buck coming from the livery. He’d seen Chris wave him to the side. When the door of the bank opened to let Nathan announce the children were to be released, Vin had focused on trying to see beyond him. He absently noted that the healer looked to be okay. As long as he was standing, Vin wasn’t too worried.
He was looking for a flash of red. Ezra had been wearing his favorite jacket that morning. Vin didn’t know if he should be relieved or frustrated that he couldn’t spot his lover through the narrow band of the open door. As each child slipped out, Vin continued to scan the room beyond.
There. YES!! He could just catch a glimpse of Ezra. The relief he felt made him close his eyes for just a moment. He sucked in a breath so hard it was almost a sob.
Tanner, hold yourself together. He ain’t outta danger yet. Vin shook slightly with the effort to control himself. He took a deep breath, and smiled tightly when he realized it worked. Have ta tell Ez.
He refocused his attention on the bank. The door had closed without ever giving him a clear shot at any one of the robbers. Vin wished fervently that he could see through the shades. He pursed his lips, wondering what Chris was going to do.
Damn shame it ain’t Ez out here. We caught six guys with some rope, a few well tossed rocks, and three sticks o’ dynamite. I’m sure he could come up with somethin’ that would work for this situation. Vin frowned. Bet he is thinkin’ of a way ta get outta there. Need to stay sharp so I can play my part.
Vin studied the bank again, paying special attention to angles. With the shades drawn there was no way to see through the front windows. Only way out is through the front. Vin shook his head. But that don’t mean the only shot is from the front.
Vin checked his position, and shifted so that he could see the west side of the bank. The shot out window might just give him a better view. He nodded his head, satisfied that he had as clean a field of fire was he was likely to get. He had seen Buck moving toward the east side, so he figured that the ladies man would have that position covered. Chris, Josiah and JD still had the front. There was no way anyone could leave the bank without making themselves a target.
With a sigh, Vin settled in to wait. He would be ready when Ezra made his move. Just because his lover appeared to be okay, didn’t mean Vin wasn’t prepared to vent the wrath of God on the ones who’d threatened him.
+ + + + + + +
After the children had left, Clem had ordered Ezra, Nathan, Lovitt and Neville to stand together, backs to the counter, facing the front. It made it easier for them to be watched, and freed up Cal, and Jack to continue keeping an eye out front. Nathan noted that Clem kept a watchful eye on Otis as well.
Nathan warily watched Otis’ every move. The man had begun pacing ever since the children had been allowed to leave. It reminded Nathan of a caged tiger he’d seen once. Otis’ wild eyes just added to the overall impression because they darted around the room with each pass he made. The shotgun he regularly pointed at them kept any of the hostages from relaxing. Man is just plain crazy. Hope that Clem can control ‘im.
Nathan looked toward Ezra. The enigmatic conman had already saved his life once today. He hadn’t expected that, but he was grateful. He was also very relieved that the man had managed to talk Clem into letting the children go. The last thing he wanted was for one of them to get hurt. Thought he’d do something stupid and piss the man off. Should a known Ezra had a plan. Sure hope he’s got a plan ta get us out o’ here.
Ezra cast a glance toward him. His expression carefully neutral, green eyes calm. Not for the first time did Nathan wonder how the man could seem so unfazed by every bizarre or dangerous situation they’d somehow found themselves in over the past year. Hell, the man even managed to look at home in a dress for God’s sake.
Ezra had remained quiet for the past few minutes. He didn’t offer any more suggestions, or advice to the robbers. Nathan got the distinct impression he was just biding his time, looking for an opening. Sure hope he finds one soon. Nathan was tired of watching Otis pace.
"Otis stop doin’ that." Clem ordered tersely from his position near the side window. "It’s getting on my nerves."
Otis paused in mid stride and then turned hostile eyes on Clem. "You shouldn’t a let them kids go, Clem. They never woulda rushed us with them here. We was safe with them kids in here."
Clem frowned. "An’ jus’ how did ya think we were gonna get outta here?"
"I don’t know!" Otis snarled. "But it don’t look like you got any ideas neither."
"Well I wouldn’t need any ideas if you hadn’t fired that damn shotgun. Now would I?" Clem hissed back in outrage. "But, no, you had to go an’ let everyone in town know we was in here."
"It weren’t my fault!" Otis waved his shotgun toward Nathan. "Was that uppity nigger."
Nathan frowned. That was the second time Otis had called him that. He couldn’t understand the animosity. Otis didn’t speak like someone from the south. If Nathan had to hazard a guess, he would have said the man hailed from somewhere in the mid-west. It was unlikely the man had ever owned slaves.
Otis growled, and made a threatening move toward the healer. Nathan was stunned when Ezra stepped forward and placed himself between Nathan and Otis. "Venting your anger and frustration on this man will not solve your problem."
Otis hesitated for a second, eyeing the gambler. "Well, Mister Fancy Pants, it might not solve the problem, but it sure as hell will make me feel better to put ‘im in his place."
Ezra raised an eyebrow. "And just what is his place?"
Otis glared at Ezra. "Where ever I tell him it is." Otis shoved the shotgun into Ezra’s chest. Ezra didn’t even blink. He just calmly raised a hand and pushed the barrel away.
"You will be telling him nothing." Ezra’s voice was soft, but there was no mistaking the deadly undertone.
Nathan tensed. Don’t push this man, Ezra. Don’t push this man. Neville, and Lovitt moved ever so slightly away. Nathan knew they were expecting trouble, and were going to do their best to avoid it. He wondered if they were smarter than he was.
Surprisingly, Otis stepped back. "He belong to you? That why you defending him?"
Ezra smiled tightly. "A war was fought that established rather firmly one man can not own another."
Otis cackled. "That war don’t mean a thing. Colored folk ain’t any better than horses or cows. Deserve ta be owned."
Nathan was furious. Don’t mean a thing!! People died by the thousands and he thinks it don’t mean a thing! Deserve to be owned! You rotten bastard.
"I am a free man." Nathan hissed. He would have lunged for Otis but a firm grip on his arm kept him where he was. Glancing down, he was surprised to find Ezra’s hand holding him in place. He hadn’t even noticed when Ezra grabbed him. The subtle shake of Ezra’s head was enough to calm him somewhat. Otis, still giggling, went back to pacing.
Ezra studied Nathan for a moment. When he spoke, Ezra’s voice was a soft whisper, just loud enough for Nathan to hear, but not loud enough to carry any further. "Mr. Jackson, I consider you an intelligent man. Surely, you were aware before this moment that not all Whites from the North view Negros with esteem or respect. Not all the boys who fought for the South were from the South."
Ezra’s green eyes were hard as ice, uncompromising and direct. "Loosing your temper here will serve no purpose but to get you killed. And possibly Mr. Neville and Mr. Lovitt right along with you."
As much as it galled Nathan to be taken to task like a small child, he had to admit Ezra was right. Nathan nodded. "It won’t happen again."
"See that it doesn’t."
The last was no louder than the rest, but the order was unmistakable. Nathan stiffened, angry that Ezra thought he could order him around. He glared at Ezra, but the southerner didn’t even bat an eye. Under that steady gaze, Nathan felt his anger dissipate.
He realized with a start that if Chris had said the same thing he wouldn’t have been even half as offended. He was honest enough with himself to admit that he didn’t have any right to be angry with Ezra when just a few minutes ago he was hoping Ezra was working on a plan to get them out of here. If I expect him ta have the answer, guess I shouldn’t be too upset when the man takes charge.
Cal and Jack had stayed by the doors, watching the street, but casting fleeting looks over their shoulders. Clem had watched the whole by play silently. He looked at Ezra, and Ezra returned the look with equal measure. Ezra’s eyes flicked toward Otis and then returned to Clem. He stepped forward slightly, and Clem moved away from the window closer to Ezra.
"He is a liability." Ezra’s voice was quiet, but still loud enough to carry. Otis didn’t seem to notice that he was being talked about. Nathan kept an eye on him just in case.
Clem shrugged. "I know." The large man sighed. "Family."
"Ah." Ezra pursed his lips, his expression turning sympathetic. "I am increasingly glad I have so little."
Clem’s lips turned up in a derisive expression. He looked at Otis. "I can see where ya might." Clem shrugged. "My uncle asked me ta look after him. Weren’t no one else."
"This doesn’t have to end badly." Ezra offered.
Clem smirked. "Jus’ turn ourselves in, that it?"
Ezra raised one shoulder. "It was worth suggesting."
Nathan wasn’t surprised when Clem shook his head no. "Bad idea. Ain’t goin’ ta prison, fancy pants."
"Prison is preferable to death." Ezra stated reasonably.
Nathan wasn’t sure what Ezra was trying to do. Doubt he’ll be able ta talk them into a peaceful solution. But then I knowin’ Ezra, he has ta try.
Ezra was never one to jump into a fight without looking for another alternative. As much as his fancy speeches and large vocabulary annoyed Nathan, he had to admit that Ezra’s ability with words had worked out in his favor more than once. Nathan silently wished him luck. Would be nice to get out o’ here without any bloodshed.
Nathan went on alert when Otis stopped pacing. Otis moved closer to Clem and Ezra. He sneered at Ezra. "Don’t you be tryin’ ta talk Clem inta no more dumb ideas. Heard enough outta you."
"It was not stupid to release the children."
It hadn’t sounded like an inflammatory remark, but Otis lashed out with surprising speed. He used the stock of his shotgun to hit Ezra hard in the solar plexus. Ezra gasped, and bent over in response to the force of the blow. Otis brought the barrel down against Ezra’s unprotected back, driving him to his knees. He reached out with one hand to grab Ezra’s by the throat and jerked his head so that he was looking up.
"It was a DUMB idea!" Otis roared in his face. "I know dumb when I see it, ya over dressed popinjay."
Nathan started to move forward, intent on saving Ezra from more abuse. He’d been caught off guard when Otis lashed out. He hadn’t expected him to do more than just yell. Nathan hesitated when Clem pointed his gun at him.
"Stay right where ya are, mister."
Ezra raised both hands in an effort to break Otis’ grip. Otis shook Ezra the way a terrier shakes a rat in its teeth, his long fingers tightening their grip on Ezra’s throat. The only noticeable affect of Ezra’s attempt to break free was a further tightening of Otis’ grip.
"I ain’t stupid. But Clem don’t listen ta me. He has to listen ta the likes o’ you. Never listens ta me!"
Nathan could see Ezra’s lips starting to turn blue. He moved forward again, unwilling to let Ezra die at Otis’ hands despite the gun still trained on him. Amazingly, he wasn’t the only one. Clem had grabbed Otis by the arm, and was trying to break his grip.
"Otis, let go! Let him go!" Clem shouted, jerking on his cousin with no success.
Nathan saw Ezra make a move with his right hand, releasing the hidden derringer. He brought the gun up, placed the barrel against Otis’ chest and fired twice. The shocked look on Otis’ face might have been comical if not for the deadly nature of their situation. As it was Nathan was just relieved when the man released Ezra and stumbled back falling to his knees slowly like a felled tree.
Ezra sucked in harsh breath, coughing as he did so, leaning forward so that he rested his weight on his hands and knees. Nathan was on his knees beside him. "Easy, Ezra. Jus’ take it easy. Don’t try to breath too deeply. Shallow breaths. That’s it." Nathan rubbed small circles on Ezra’s back trying to help the smaller man catch his breath. Dark bruises in the shape of fingers were already beginning to appear on his neck.
Clem was cradling his cousin. "Otis?…Otis…talk to me you crazy son of a bitch." Otis lay in Clem’s arms gasping. Listening to him, Nathan didn’t hold out much hope for his survival. Two shots, point blank range…ain’t too likely a man can live through that. He didn’t know if the sound of those shots carried beyond the room or not. Probably not. That little gun don’t make much noise.
Ezra coughed raggedly. He looked toward Otis and Clem and then toward Nathan. Nathan was surprised to see a trace of regret in his expression. "You didn’t have a choice, Ez."
Ezra shook his head. "Always a choice…Mr. Jackson." Ezra’s voice was hoarse. Nathan knew it had to hurt him to speak at all. "Was…last resort." Ezra sucked in another breath. "Didn’t want…to kill him."
Nathan patted his back. "Well, I’m glad you chose to live. Was him or you, Ez, and I’d pick you any day."
Ezra raised an eyebrow at that. Nathan moved to help Ezra get to his feet, but stopped when he heard the cocking of a gun. He looked toward Clem, and realized the man had released Otis. Clem had gotten to his feet.
Clem’s face was set. "You shouldn’t a done that."
Ezra gently laid his derringer on the floor. Nathan was amazed that the man hadn’t dropped the weapon despite his struggle to just breathe. Ezra held up both hands, palms out, still on his knees.
"Didn’t mean….for him…to die." Ezra’s voice sounded like metal wheels on gravel. It made Nathan wince to hear him.
"You had that pop gun on you the whole time?"
Ezra nodded. Clem scowled. He looked toward where Otis lay. "He wasn’t right in the head. Never was. Even when he was little. I was s’posed to look out for him. Was my job to take care of him."
Clem shifted. He moved so that he was squarely facing Ezra and Nathan, a move that incidentally positioned him so that he was framed by the shot out window. He raised his gun.
"Weren’t right what you did. You gotta pay for that."
Nathan moved to push Ezra out of the way, not wanting to see his friend hurt. His action proved to be unnecessary. A loud crack from a high-powered rifle echoed sharply for a moment. A shot, Nathan knew only Vin Tanner could have made, hit Clem in the chest. The force of it spun the large man around and dropped him like a marionette with its strings cut.
Nathan dove for the shotgun Otis had dropped when Ezra shot him. He snatched it up and pointed it toward the door where Cal and Jack were still standing. Ezra had pulled his Colt Remington from its shoulder holster. Now this is much better.
+ + + + + + +
Vin kept a careful watch on the bank. He pictured the lay out in his head, and tried to envision the position of the men inside. Vin knew there was at least on man stationed near the door. The shade still blocked most of the window, but it was pulled enough to one side to suggest a man was there watching the street. Besides it made sense that someone was keeping an eye on Josiah, JD and Chris.
From his vantage point, Vin could see the large man watching out the side window. All Vin saw was the side of his face, but enough to know for certain where he was. Vin would also catch glimpses of another. He’d lose sight of a tall, thin man at regular intervals, which let Vin know the man was pacing. That’s three.
Chris had let him know earlier, via hand signals, that there were four men. Vin wasn’t sure where the fourth man was. That worried him. He was fairly certain that the hostages must be lined up along the counter. He couldn’t be sure, but it made sense that would be where they would be. The fourth man could be watching them.
He noticed a break in the pacer’s pattern. Hmmm…man either stopped or moved away. Now where did he go? Vin kept a sharp eye out for the missing man. Mentally he counted off the seconds. He listened for any sound or movement that might give him a clue. Vin breathed easier when he saw him resume pacing.
A flash of red immediately got his attention. Ezra! Thank God.
The big man near the window had stepped away and headed for where Vin could just make out Ezra. Vin found it reassuring that his lover still looked to be all right. He was talking, and if Vin had to guess he was working on trying to get the big man to let them go. Vin hoped he’d be able to work his magic a second time in one day.
Despite his desire to stay focused on Ezra, Vin forced himself to keep his gun sight on the large man. The conversation seemed amiable. Vin smiled thinking he’d just used one of Ezra’s words.
The thin man approached. Vin couldn’t make out much of what happened next, but cursed when he lost sight of Ezra. He’d seen the thin man raise his shotgun and swing it toward where he’d last seen Ezra. He hadn’t fired it, but Vin knew that gun could make one hell of a club.
Vin frantically looked for a clear shot, but wasn’t willing to risk it until he knew for sure where Ezra was. The big man had his gun pointed toward where Vin suspected the hostages were, evidently keeping one or more of them in place. Then he seemed to be wrestling with the thin man.
Vin could just make out the sound of Ezra’s derringer. He’d heard it enough over the past year that the sound, no matter how muffled, was unmistakable. He was heartened by the sound knowing it meant Ezra was still in the game.
The thin man fell back, and his body language was enough to tell Vin he’d been shot. A man didn’t end up looking like he’d suddenly lost complete use of his limbs for any other reason. Most likely it was Ez’s little pop gun that got him. Good.
Vin kept a sharp eye out for Ezra. He hadn’t heard any more shots, but that didn’t mean Ezra was okay. Don’t mean he’s hurt, either. That little gun ain’t got but two bullets. Vin was still worried. He knew Ezra wouldn’t have risked using the derringer, possibly putting the others and himself, in danger, unless he absolutely had to.
The big man was back in view. It was the clearest shot Vin had gotten yet. He was talking, looked toward the floor and then toward where Vin had last seen Ezra. The man raised his gun. Vin took a breath, held it, and released it slowly, finger tightening on the trigger. There was no way in hell he was going to risk Ezra getting hurt by not taking this shot. He aimed carefully and took the shot.
He nodded in satisfaction when the big man went down. Two down, two ta go. No one tries ta take what’s mine, ya rat bastard. No one.
He breathed easier, tension draining from his shoulders, when Ezra stood in the window, clearly visible from where Vin was. Ezra raised a hand, and gave Vin his casual two-finger salute. Vin took a deep breath. Must have the other two covered. He knew his lover wouldn’t have risked exposing himself so openly if they weren’t.
Vin stood and tipped his hat to Ezra. Now ta get down from here. Gotta make sure he’s really okay. Vin sought out the quickest route to the ground, and headed down.
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