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Learning to Improvise…
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An hour out from Four Corners, Vin spotted what they’d spent the last four days searching for, fresh sign. He held up a hand indicating he wanted Buck and Chris to stop. Vin got down from Peso, to inspect the tracks more closely."Seven of ‘em." It was nice to finally be able to confirm just how many. He knew they were the right group. Their first day out one of the ranchers had led them to the spot where his cattle had been stolen; it was there where Vin spotted tracks that had shown two horses with odd shoes. They reminded Vin of some to the shoes the Calvary used. The shoes were notched in places to identify which company the horse belonged to. Often times it worked better than a brand, because thieves rarely thought to have the animal reshod immediately, and it made for distinctive tracks.
"Looks like they came through here not too long ago. Movin’ slow. One o’ their horses is lame. And from the depth o’ the tracks, I’d say at least one is carrying double."
Chris frowned. "How long?"
Vin shrugged. "An hour, maybe less."
Chris nodded. He shared a look with Buck. "What do ya think?"
"I think we’re this close we might as well follow ‘em. Hell, we might just get lucky." The tall ladies man shrugged. "Don’t really want to spend another four days looking for ‘em again."
Chris pursed his lips. "Okay. Let’s follow ‘em. Took us this long ta find the bastards might just as well see where they’re going. Like to be able to find out where they been hiding."
Vin swung back in the saddle. He kept his eyes on the ground following where the tracks led. He knew Chris wasn’t planning on confronting seven rustlers with just the three of them. He also knew just how well plans went awry, so he kept an eye out for anything that might go wrong.
The tracks led toward a small box canyon. Vin stopped. He shared a look with Chris. "Bad place, Cowboy."
An ambush was a very real possibility. By now the rustlers had to know someone was after them. The ranchers had been trying to run them down for several days before they bothered to contact anyone in Four Corners. The canyon wasn’t a place Vin wanted to get trapped. It would be easy to get caught inside and killed in cross fire from either side. Tracks are fresh, and it ain’t too likely these boys jus’ all of a sudden got careless.
"Jus’ don’t feel right ‘bout this."
Chris nodded. "Can we get above them?"
Vin pointed toward a narrow trail that led up the west side. It was steep and looked ugly. Vin knew it was possible to get up it with a horse. Not easy, but possible.
Buck spat. "You’ve gotta be kiddin’." He shook his head. "A goat would have an easier time o’ getting up that."
"You wanna wait here?" Vin smirked ever so slightly. He already knew the answer, but waited for Buck to tell him anyway.
"Hell no. Somebody has to go along and make sure you two try not ta get yourselves killed."
Vin chuckled. He nudged Peso toward the trail. Peso snorted, but didn’t balk. He trusted Vin, and never failed to do what was asked of him. The black gelding surged up the side of the canyon as surefooted as the goat Buck had mentioned earlier. Vin kept is weight forward doing his best to help Peso balance on the unstable, steep trail.
Vin could hear Chris and Buck coming up behind him. Their horses slid and fought for every step. Small rocks fell behind them giving an almost musical tingle as they tumbled down the hillside. He heard Chris curse softly when his black gelding, Sable, lost his footing for just a moment, nearly falling. Sable scrambled quickly, regaining what he lost, moving forward at Chris’ urging.
Buck’s gray, Lady, didn’t like the trail either. Vin could hear Buck murmuring words of encouragement to his horse. Vin shook his head slightly, amused. Man says he can’t understand why Ezra spends so much talkin’ ta Chaucer when the horse can’t understand a word, and here he is talkin’ up a storm ta Lady.
With a final surge Peso cleared the rim. Vin moved him forward far enough for Chris and Buck to move in behind, and let him blow a little. He patted Peso’s neck. "Done good, boy. Ya done real good."
Chris joined him a moment later. Buck followed quickly after. Lady was shivering and sweaty from the exertion, and Vin knew the climb had been hard on the mare. She was a beautiful long legged horse built more for speed than for feats of strength and agility. She wasn’t nearly as surefooted as Peso, or Sable, but over open country she could easily leave them in the dust. Vin smiled at Buck.
"She done good."
Buck patted Lady’s neck affectionately. "That she did. That she did." He gave Vin a cocky grin. "Ain’t a female of any kind that wouldn’t do what ol’ Buck asked her ta do."
Chris smirked. "Except for maybe Inez."
"Now you know I’m wearin’ her down, Chris. Little more time, and she’ll be eatin’ outta my hand."
Chris shot an amused, knowing look toward Vin. He sobered quickly though. "Let’s go see what our little band of rustlers are up to."
Together they moved further up the rim of the canyon. Vin bit back a curse when he realized he hadn’t been the only one to spot the narrow trail that they had just ascended. There was sign someone else had been here recently, although from the looks of it, they had come on foot.
Damn. Canyon was a trap. He had been hoping that he might be wrong, but hadn’t really expected to be.
He pointed toward the tracks, letting Chris and Buck know they weren’t alone. Vin unholstered his sawed off Winchester. He wasn’t really a quick draw like Chris, and felt better having his weapon already in hand. He had a feeling he’d be needing it. Chris and Buck both pulled their own weapons.
Vin studied the tracks in front of him. "Ain’t all of ‘em, Chris."
It looked like three, maybe four. Vin figured that one man had taken at least some of the horses all the way into the canyon, while the other six had split up, putting some men on each rim of the canyon. Would have had them neatly boxed in had Vin simply followed the horses where they led.
Chris nodded. He motioned for Buck to move away slightly. It wouldn’t do for them to be caught too close together. Vin moved forward again, sharp eyes searching for what didn’t belong. It didn’t take him long to find it. He pointed out what he found.
He shared a quick grin with Chris. Three of their cattle thieves were hidden behind some rocks that no doubt afforded them great cover from the canyon below, but left them totally exposed from where Chris, Vin and Buck sat astride their horses behind them. Buck cocked his head to one side, an evil smile spreading across his face. He leveled his pistol at the men in front of him, cocking it slowly, letting the sound of it carry.
"Now, boys, it would be a good idea if y’all just put down your guns quiet like."
The sound of his weapon, and his voice, startled the three men into spinning around. They were totally surprised to find three men training weapons on them. One man raised his gun, but stopped when Buck shook his head.
"Ya don’t want to do that. We jus’ spent four very long days huntin’ yer sorry asses down. Would be easy ta jus’ kill you and let the buzzards get a good meal rather than drag y’all back with us. Don’t really wanna do that, but we will if ya make us. Understand?"
Despite the jovial tone, and friendly expression he wore, there was no mistaking Buck’s deadly intent. The three men slowly lowered their weapons. Vin couldn’t shake the feeling he was missing something. Ez says the villains in this part of the world don’t exactly tend toward intelligent. Jus’ seems too easy even if they was idiots. An’ I know they ain’t. Wouldn’t have led us around by the nose for four days if they were.
He kept scanning the area looking for what he was missing. A flash of sunlight off a gun caught his attention seconds before it fired. Vin lunged toward Chris, knocking him from Sable, just in time to avoid being hit. Together they managed to roll away from the flashing, steel shod hooves of Sable, and Peso, narrowly avoiding getting clipped in the head by both horses as they shied and danced away.
Buck was off Lady a second later, giving them covering fire, aiming for who ever had taken shots at them. The three rustlers they’d thought they had caught unaware had picked up their weapons. Vin fired, taking out the one closest with a shot to the chest. He didn’t have time to plan for anything less than a lethal shot. Vin switched his aim to take the second, but Chris had already gotten him. The third ran. Vin briefly considered shooting him in the back, but opted to let him go rather than compromise his own sense of right and honor.
Two down. Five ta go. Vin and Chris scrambled for cover. Buck joined them a second later. He pointed with his gun toward where the first shot had come from.
Buck looked at Vin, scowling slightly. "Thought you said they weren’t all up here?"
"Did say that." Vin shrugged one shoulder. "It ain’t all of ‘em, Buck. Only four. An’ we got two of them."
The man who’d run had moved up the rim of the canyon toward where the shot had come from. Vin figured there was only one other man up there. He’d only heard one gun from there, and it wouldn’t make sense for the rustlers to try and ambush them in the canyon to have men on only one wall.
There had to be others on the opposite side, or even at the bottom. The tracks had lead into the canyon, which meant at the very least their horses were inside, since no tracks came out. Vin knew this was a box canyon. The only trail up the side was the one they had just traversed. There was no other way out once they were inside.
"You got any bright ideas?" Buck directed that question to Chris. "We ain’t gonna be able to get outta here easy. Rest o’ them are bound ta have heard those shots."
Chris frowned. "I know." He studied the lay of the land. "We can’t stay here." Where they were was too exposed to stay there safely for long. The trail they had just ascended left them open to fire from behind. Assuming the other rustlers opted to try to help their companions from that direction. And Vin felt fairly certain that given time, they would do just that.
"Going back isn’t an option." Their horses hadn’t gone far, but retrieving them would put them in the open. There was no way they could descend the trail safely under fire. It was too tricky to try to navigate quickly, and trying to move too fast would just get someone killed.
"We got no choice but to go forward. If we can take out these two that leaves only three more ta take care of." Chris looked at Buck and then Vin. "Ready?"
Vin nodded. He had already figured that would be the plan. Buck grinned, looking ready, even eager to go. "Lead on, big dog."
Chris slithered forward, moving between the rocks, trying to stay under cover as much as possible. Vin followed, then Buck. The moved in concert, easily, without having to check the others. As one moved the other two were ready to provide covering fire if needed. Vin remembered doing similar things during the war. He briefly wondered if Chris and Buck had similar memories. Probably. Know they both fought together.
Vin ducked when a shot hit a boulder close to where he’d was hiding. The ricochet whined loudly. Vin waited for the next shot. He wasn’t disappointed. He felt rather than saw Chris take aim and return fire. There was a cry of pain that let them know Chris’ aim had been true.
"Nice shootin’, Chris." Buck congratulated him.
Chris cast a quick glance over his shoulder, and raised an eyebrow. "Still got one more. And we don’t know if the one I hit is dead. So don’t get cocky."
Vin rolled his eyes at the admonishment, but kept his head down just the same. Wouldn’t do to get careless now. Ezra will be pissed if I don’t come home in one piece.
They moved forward again, working through the cover nature had provided. If the rustlers they were after had any sense, they would leave before they could get close enough to actually finish the job. Somehow, Vin doubted they were really bright enough for that. Ez is right. Miscreants tend to be imbeciles.
Vin laughed silently to himself. He knew his lover would be so pleased with how well he remembered the words he used, and applied them, even if it was only in his thoughts. Vin refocused his attention to the task at hand. He was looking for an opening. He knew there would be one. There always was. He just had to be patient.
Vin settled himself, controlling his breathing, watching. He had cover from the men in front from where he crouched. For the moment he chose to ignore the fact that his position was otherwise exposed. This would be the best spot to take out his immediate target. The rest would have to wait.
A moment later he was reward by a flash of movement. He narrowed his vision to that spot and waited for another shot. C’mon. C’mon. A second later he got the shot he was waiting for.
Gotcha. Vin fired, taking out the man he wanted. The total collapse of his target let him know his shot had been lethal. What he didn’t know was if it was the man Chris had hit earlier or the other.
Unfortunately, while he was focused on what was going on in front of him, he missed what was happening elsewhere. He felt something powerful slam into his left leg, knocking it out from under him, leaving him stunned and breathless. Vin knew he’d been shot. It had to have been a rifle. Probably from the opposite ridge, since the men in front of him had been taken out of the game.
He scrambled for something else to hide behind, trying not to use his left leg since it didn’t seem to be responding to him anyway. Chris reached out and pulled him close. Chris’ position was more secure, but also nearly blind, with limited view of the surrounding area. Vin wasn’t completely sure where the shot had come from, and couldn’t get a good look from where he and Chris now sat.
Buck was further behind. He was also the only one of them armed with a true distance weapon. Vin and Chris’ rifles were still on their horses. Buck had managed to pull his rifle from his horse with him earlier, and Vin heard its distinctive report as Buck fired at someone Vin couldn’t see. There was silence a moment later.
Chris had pulled his bandana from around his neck. He wrapped it tightly around Vin’s thigh, making Vin wince and curse softly. "Christ! That smarts."
"I know, Cowboy." Chris said softly. "Sorry, but I gotta stop the bleeding."
Chris called out to Buck. "You get that bastard?"
"I got ‘im." Buck’s voice held a note of deadly competence. There was no doubt the man who’d shot Vin was as dead as Buck could make him from this distance.
Vin’s whole leg had gone from numb to feeling like it was on fire in a very short time. He counted himself lucky that it looked like the bullet had punched through cleanly, not hitting the bone, or any major blood vessels. During the war, he’d see men who’d been hit in the leg before bled to death in minutes, the blood spurting like a fountain. The steady flow of blood was oddly reassuring. He would live through this no matter how much it hurt at the moment.
"Five down?" Vin asked, his voice tight with pain.
"Don’t know. Least four so far for sure." Chris answered. He pulled Vin’s own bandana off and secured it as another bandage to Vin’s leg. Chris’ own bandana was already soaked through. "You just sit tight. We’ll see to the rest o’ them."
"An’ jus’ how do you plan ta do that?" Vin knew they weren’t exactly in the best position to take on anyone else. Even if they now had them outnumbered. Well, sort of. If ya don’t take into account that I ain’t gonna be movin’ too fast. And if we got the two o’ them in front o’ us.
"Don’t worry about it. Just stay put." Chris shot him a hard look. Vin sat back knowing that Chris would find a way to make sure he stayed where he was so he might as well just accept it for the moment. Buck cautiously joined them, wary of the spot where Vin had gotten hit. He positioned himself where he’d have good cover and still be able to view the surrounding area.
"Buck, stay with Vin and cover me. I’ll go see if the two on our side are dead."
Buck nodded. "Will do." He moved to a better spot so he could give Chris covering fire if needed. Chris moved carefully and quietly. Getting to where the two rustlers had been shouldn’t be a problem.
Buck casually put a hand on Vin’s chest, keeping him from moving. Buck gave him a sly glance before returning to keeping an eye out for Chris. "You heard the man, Vin. He’d have my hide if I let you go jumpin’ around and get ta bleedin’ all over the place."
"I can help." Vin growled. He wasn’t out of the game yet. It’s a flesh wound for crying out loud. He winced when he tried to move, and again Buck stopped him.
"I know you can help." Buck told him calmly. "Ya jus’ ain’t gonna right now."
Buck kept a sharp eye out for trouble, watching the opposite rim, and the spot where Chris was headed. He stood up suddenly and fired twice before ducking for cover. His quiet curse told Vin he’d missed his target. Buck had been aiming for someone on the opposite rim. Even if he hadn’t hit him, Buck had evidently kept him from shooting at Chris since there was no return fire.
Vin felt light headed. He glanced at his left leg and absently noted that his bandana was now dark red. The bleeding had slowed but it hadn’t stopped yet. Should stop soon. This kind o’ wound usually doesn’t bleed too long.
Vin could hear horses moving somewhere below their position. He raised an eyebrow. "Think they decided to leave?"
Buck shrugged. "Let ya know in a minute." Buck popped up again, and aimed down into the canyon. He fired once, and ducked down again. He grinned, a quick flash of white teeth that was more feral than friendly.
"Get him?"
Buck shook his head. "Jus’ winged ‘im. Knocked ‘im off his horse though. Doubt he’ll be getting up too soon."
"Only one?"
Buck shrugged one shoulder. "Only saw one. Coulda been more, but I don’t think so."
Chris was back, gliding silently like a tangible shadow, back into their small hideout. He startled Buck, but Vin wasn’t surprised. He could almost feel when Chris was around. "They dead, Cowboy?"
"Yep." Chris ran his thumb across his lower lip. He looked toward Buck for a moment. "Could only make out one man on the other rim."
Four on this side, two on the other, and one in the canyon. That ought ta be all of ‘em. Only one left ta deal with is on the other side. Vin nodded to himself, and swallowed hard. He was starting to feel a bit nauseous. It was a feeling he was familiar with since it happened nearly every time he got shot.
He didn’t miss the concerned glances both Chris and Buck were sending his way. Vin was pretty sure he must look very pale about now. Loosing his color was just another one of those things that happened whenever he got shot. It didn’t seem to matter how minor the wound, he always ended up pale and a bit shaky. Damn embarrassing.
"How you wanna play this, Chris?" Buck asked.
"Let’s see if we can draw him in to the open. Think you can hit him?"
Buck nodded. "No problem." He seemed totally confident in his ability. Vin knew Buck was a good shot. Almost as good as he was.
Vin opened his mouth to object. It wasn’t that he didn’t think Buck could do the job. He just didn’t want to see Chris use himself as bait. He knew the only reason Chris wasn’t willing to wait out the last man was because Vin was hurt. He’d seen Chris looking at his left leg and spreading bloodstain. Chris just gave him a hard look, silencing what he had been about to say.
Vin sighed. Won’t be talkin’ him outta this. "Don’t you get killed, Cowboy."
Chris nodded. "Hadn’t planned on it." He moved back toward where Vin had been hit, and into the open. Then made it seem like he was going for the horses. Buck carefully watched for their last rustler.
"C’mon, you idiot, jus’ pop up and let me kill you." Buck muttered. Vin shook his head wondering if Buck even knew what he was saying. Probably didn’t mean ta say that out loud.
Vin flinched when he heard shots fired. Shots that didn’t come from Buck’s rifle. Buck sighted in and fired once. Vin didn’t breath easy until he heard Chris give the all clear, letting them know he was all right at the same time. Vin moved to get up, but Buck’s hand on his shoulder stopped him. He glared at him. Buck looked back at him, unperturbed.
"Won’t hurt you ta sit there until Chris brings the horses around. Less ya have ta walk ‘round the better.""Ain’t that bad, Buck."
"Then there’s no reason ta make it worse, now is there?"
Chris was back in a minute. He handed a canteen to Vin. Vin hadn’t realized just how thirsty he was until then. He was careful to take only a swallow or two. He knew better than to drink too much too fast when his stomach was unsettled. He made that mistake once before and ended up puking it all back up again. Not only had it hurt like hell, it had been embarrassing too. No point in actin’ like a greenhorn.
Chris also had a bottle of whiskey with him. He gently shifted the bandanas, and liberally doused Vin’s leg, making sure to get a fair amount into the hole on either side of his thigh. Vin hissed, but didn’t complain. He knew it was necessary. Chris wrapped another strip of cloth around his leg, tying it tightly. The bleeding had almost stopped.
Chris looked toward Buck. "Think you can get down ta check on the one in the canyon?"
Buck pursed his lips, and then nodded. "I ‘spect I can."
Vin knew Buck would find a way to take care of his friends no matter what. It was just the way he was. So if getting down meant he had to go on his hands and knees, then that’s what he would do. He’d make sure the threat below had been neutralized.
Chris nodded. "Good. Don’t want any surprises on the way down." The former ranger swung smoothly up on Lady, and moved to head down the trail. Vin hoped he made it down easier than it had been to get up. He wasn’t so sure about his own trip down.
Chris held out a hand and helped Vin to his feet. Vin swayed slightly, his whole world spinning for just a moment. Chris steadied him, letting him find his balance. He was careful not to put any more weight than absolutely necessary on his left leg.
"You sure you wanna ride down?"
"You offerin’ ta…carry me?" Vin panted, smirking slightly.
Chris snorted. "No. Just thought we might find an easier way."
"I ‘preciate…the offer, Cowboy, but…I don’t think…there is an easier way."
With Chris’ help Vin was able to mount Peso. He hung on to the saddle horn, his grip white knuckled for a moment as he dealt with the pain and brief bout of nausea. I will not puke. I. Will. Not. Puke.
He knew going down would not help his leg. The ride up had been tricky enough, but he couldn’t see any other way around it. If there was another way, it would be the long way around, and he wasn’t sure he could ride that far. Not for at least a day or more, and he wanted to go home. It had been a long four days without Ezra, and he didn’t want to spend another day away from him.
Buck had already made it down and was moving up the canyon to check on their last rustler. Vin could just make out the gray mare at the bottom. If Buck got down, well then, I guess I can too. He nudged Peso forward, and let him pick his own way down.
Vin did his best to position his weight to help the horse find his footing easier. Peso snorted, and slid. It hurt like hell, but Vin tightened his grip with his legs, maintaining his seat. He could feel blood running down his leg and knew he was bleeding again. Can’t be helped.
Peso picked his way down carefully. The gelding tucked his hindquarters neatly under him, nearly sitting down in places to maintain his footing. Peso jumped the last few feet from the bottom, landing soundly on all four legs, and shaking himself vigorously, nearly unseating Vin in the process.
Vin just hung on for a bit, waiting for Chris. At the moment, moving just wasn’t an option. He could hear Sable make his way down the trail, but didn’t turn around to look. Sure hope Chris has something else ta work as a bandage cause I think I’m gonna need it. Vin closed his eyes and just focused on breathing, trying to center himself. He’d been hurt worse, and knew he could handle this.
Chris pulled up next to him, and laid a hand on his arm. "You doin’ okay?" Dark blues eyes took on a darker shade in their concern.
"Yeah." Vin sighed. He hadn’t meant to worry Chris. "Jus’ need a minute. It’s only a flesh wound, Cowboy, nothin’ serious."
Chris shook his head, a dark sort of humor coloring his features. "It’s only a flesh wound when it happens to someone else."
Vin chuckled dryly. "I’ll try ta remember that."
Chris offered him the canteen again, and Vin took a long swallow. His stomach was settling. It usually did after a bit. He handed the canteen back to Chris. They waited for Buck.
Lady came trotting down the canyon a few minutes later. Buck pulled up next to them. "Looks like our rustler broke his leg when I shot ‘im off his horse. That boy ain’t gonna be ridin’ anywhere. Weren’t anyone else in the canyon."
Chris nodded. "All right." He scanned the area for a moment. "He where there’s some shade?"
Buck nodded. "You plannin’ ta wait here?"
"Yep." Chris lifted his hat and wiped the sweat off his forehead. "Figured you could go back ta town. Fetch Nate and a wagon. Me and Vin can just sit tight here with our prisoner and wait for ya. While your at it, might as well tell the undertaker that we got some bodies for ‘im if he’s willing ta come get ‘em. Far as I’m concerned the bastards can get eaten by the coyotes and buzzards."
Vin thought about objecting. He could ride back to town. It was only an hour. But the look on Chris’ face stopped him cold. He knew better than to argue with Chris when he looked like that. Now, Ez would find a way ta say somethin’, and get his own way, but I ain’t got his gift for words.
Buck must have seen something in his face. He patted Vin’s shoulder as he moved to leave. "Don’t sweat it, Vin. Somebody has ta keep Chris from killin’ that feller. Might as well be you as me." Buck smiled at him. "And there ain’t no reason ta bled anymore than ya have to. Town will still be there when ya get there."
With that Buck rode off at a fast trot, heading for Four Corners. Lady would eat up the distance easily. Vin shifted slightly in the saddle trying to ease the throb coming from his leg. Chris looked at him, studying him. Vin couldn’t even hazard a guess at what he saw.
"Let’s go find this idiot, and get settled in to wait. I’ll find another bandage for that leg o’ yours too." He smiled slightly at the suffering look Vin sent his way. "No reason for Nate ta be upset with both of us."
+ + + + + + +
Buck kept Lady moving at a fast trot. He took care not to push her too hard. The mare went willingly and smoothly, enjoying the chance to move over open country. Buck had paid what had seemed like an exorbitant price for her when he bought her three years ago, but he hadn’t had cause to regret it. Lady had been a good investment. He patted her neck; grateful she had as much heart as she did. All he ever had to do was ask and she gave all she had.
He was riding into Four Corners in less than an hour. He headed immediately for the livery. Buck was out of the saddle, and calling for Yosemite. "Need ya to get a wagon ready, and take care of Lady for me. I’ll be back for it soon as I get Nate."
The big man nodded and asked no questions. He ordered his son to take care of Lady while he hitched up a wagon. Buck always liked that the man could be trusted to simply do what was asked of him without asking a lot of needless, time consuming questions. Probably already knows I don’t want ta answer ‘em anyway.
Buck bounded up the stairs to Nathan’s clinic. He was hoping to catch the healer there. He opened the door, calling out even before he had the door all the way open. "Nathan! Ya in here?"
The healer seldom locked the door. So it being open didn’t really guarantee he’d be present. Seeing the clinic was empty, Buck hissed in annoyance. He didn’t want to waste time trying to track the man down. He knew Vin’s injury wasn’t life threatening, but he didn’t like seeing anyone suffer, especially his friends.
Having been in the clinic many, many times before, Buck knew where everything was. He also knew what he needed. Buck had done some rough and ready medicine in his day. Most of them had at one time or another, since doctors were few and far between. And given the treatment available under certain circumstances, Buck preferred not to go to a doctor. He wanted to keep his limbs, and surgeons seemed far too quick with saw for Buck to ever feel completely comfortable under their care.
Buck knew all that Vin really needed was to keep the wound clean, and some rest. He was sure that as long as there was no infection, Vin would be fine. Mother Nature will take care o’ the rest. She always does.
He gathered up a bottle of laudanum, fresh bandages, and another bottle of whiskey Nathan kept on hand to clean wounds with. As an afterthought he snagged something that would work as a splint for their prisoner. He looked at the teakettle for just a moment. Don’t know what all goes inta those stinky teas. Jus’ as well. Vin don’t like them anyway. Hell, nobody likes ‘em. Even if they do help, I think I’d just as soon suffer. Laudanum should do the trick until Nate can brew up a batch o’ his stuff.
Buck turned around ready to leave. Ezra and JD were on the landing. It didn’t look like either one would let him pass without asking a few questions or getting some answers.
"Where are Chris and Vin? We didn’t see them ride in with you." JD piped up first. "Did ya find the rustlers? Somebody get hurt? That why you’re lookin’ for Nate? He’s not here. Went ta see Mrs. Cavanaugh. He won’t be back for awhile yet."
Buck held up a hand ending the barrage of questions, and information. Can’t figure out jus’ how it is that boy can say so much in so little time. Ezra had just watched him silently, sharp eyes assessing everything about him. It was weird to have the gambler size him up, like he could tell everything that had happened just by looking at him. Knowing Ez, he probably can.
"We found the rustlers. Were seven of ‘em. Ended up having ta shoot it out."
Buck was surprised to see a look of fear and anger on Ezra’s face. Normally he couldn’t read the gambler at all. The con man was a master of showing only what he wanted others to see. Buck was never sure just how much was genuine and just how much was what Ezra put on for show. That look was definitely for real.
Buck blinked and Ezra’s appeared calm, and unconcerned. It was only the look in his eyes spoiled the affect, and confirmed that Buck hadn’t been imagining the earlier expression. Those jade green eyes had taken on a hard, unforgiving aspect, revealing some of the violent man beneath the indifferent facade. Kind o’ reminds me of Chris.
"Who was injured? And how badly?" The questions were quiet, but Buck could tell the answer was very important to Ezra. He almost suspected Ezra might hurt him if he didn’t answer and quickly. Ezra would not be brushed off or ignored the way JD might. Buck shook off the feeling that the questions were as much a demand for information as they were a subtle threat.
"Vin got shot in the leg." Ezra’s jaw tightened slightly, and JD looked like someone had just kicked him in the gut. "Ain’t bad, just painful." Buck was quick to offer reassurances.
Even though Ezra’s expression hadn’t altered, there was something about his posture that made Buck want to make sure the gambler knew that Vin would be okay. Buck was aware that the gambler cared more about the others than he let on. Don’t know why he can’t just admit that we’re friends, and it’s all right ta worry ‘bout all o’ us. Ain’t like we don’t worry ‘bout him too.
"Had the bleeding under control, and got it cleaned up with some of Chris’ whiskey. He jus’ ain’t up ta riding back ta town." Buck smiled. "Not that Vin would agree with that. Ya know how he is."
"What about Chris?" JD asked.
"Chris is fine. But we got one rustler left, but he ain’t in any shape ta ride either. Figured I’d come back and get a wagon."
Ezra took a breath and there was a slight easing of the set of his shoulders. The understated air of menace, mingled with concern, that he’d worn only a minute earlier had disappeared, replaced with determination. "I’ll see to retrieving Mr. Jackson. Tell me where you left Vin and Mr. Larabee, and we will join you there."
Hunh. Must be a first. He called Vin by his first name, but not Chris. And the man usually has more ta say than that. Half the time I can’t understand him, but today, he ain’t said any more than anyone else would have. And what was with that look earlier? Somethin’ weird here.
Buck gave directions, figuring he could always ask about Ezra’s strange behavior later. Ezra recited them back to him, word for word. It had always amazed him just how quickly the gambler could relay information, not missing a trick, or altering a single detail. There was no doubt that Ezra knew where Chris and Vin were, and could lead Nathan there.
Ezra was down the steps using a swift, yet graceful, economy of motion that Buck absently admired even as he followed hard on his heels. JD was just a step behind. Buck sent a concerned glance toward JD.
"You gonna be okay in town by yerself, Kid?" Buck figured if Josiah had been in town he would have been on the landing too. He hadn’t seen any sign of the big ex-preacher since he rode into town.
JD rolled his eyes. "Yes, Buck." He waved a hand toward where Yosemite was almost done hitching the wagon. "You’ll be back before nightfall. I can handle things ‘til you get back."
Buck was surprised to see Ezra wasn’t saddling Chaucer. He’d selected a rental horse. A long-legged bay with great conformation, that Buck knew to be almost as temperamental as Chaucer. Despite his good looks, Dandy wasn’t a horse that got used much because of his some times difficult disposition.
"What’s wrong with Chaucer?"
"Nothing." Ezra answered, as he deftly smoothed his saddle blanket over the bay’s back, and neatly avoided the horse’s attempt to nip at him. "I have already ridden him several miles this morning. He has performed his duty today. It would not be prudent to overtax him."
Buck nodded. He knew Ezra would not overwork his horse. He babies that damn horse more than most people do their kids. Course I got no room ta talk. I don’t work Lady any harder than I have to either.
Ezra looked at Yosemite as he swung up in the saddle, calmly ignoring the way Dandy danced in place eager to move. "I shall make restitution when I return, Sir."
"No problem, Mr. Standish." Yosemite tipped his head. "Dandy needs some of the piss an’ vinegar worked outta him anyway."
Ezra raised two fingers to his hat. "Mr. Jackson and I shall meet up with you shortly, Mr. Wilmington."
He nodded toward JD. "Please explain to the children that I will be unable to continue their lessons today. I will apologize to them formally upon my return."
JD nodded. "I’ll take care of it, Ez. They’ll understand that something came up."
Ezra touched his heels to Dandy’s sides, and the horse took off at a ground-devouring lope. Buck shook his head. If he didn’t get going, Ezra might just beat him there. He hadn’t realized how fast Dandy was. Bet Ez knew. Probably one o’ the reasons he picked him. Dandy ain’t any worse behaved than Chaucer. Doubt he’ll be anything Ez can’t handle.
Buck put the bundle of supplies he’d taken from the clinic in the wagon. He threw an arm over JD’s shoulders, and pulled him into a loose brotherly hug. "You look after things ‘til we get back."
JD nodded. "No problem. I’ll be waitin’ for ya. And I’ll let Josiah know what happened when he gets back."
Buck slapped him on the back before leaping up into the wagon’s seat. "See ya soon, kid. We’ll be home ‘fore ya know it."
+ + + + + + +
Ezra forced himself to take a deep breath, and calm down. His fear and anxiety were being communicated to Dandy. The young gelding kept trying to break into a gallop, forcing Ezra to rein him in slightly. He was a young horse with had energy to burn, but they had some miles to go, and Ezra needed him to go the full distance. There was no way he could travel the whole way at a dead run.
Getting to Vin was of utmost importance, so pacing Dandy was necessary. Ezra needed to see for himself that Vin wasn’t seriously injured. Needed to confirm with his own eyes that he hadn’t just lost the person who gave his life meaning for the first time in years.
Buck said it wasn’t serious. A minor injury. He damn well better not have lied. Ezra promised himself there would be swift, and painful retribution, if Buck had been less than completely honest. The ladies man would come to know the full meaning of the word fury if he failed to tell Ezra the truth about Vin’s condition.
He tried to reassure himself that he would have been able to tell if Buck had been lying. He made a living out of being able to read people, and Buck was not good at hiding his thoughts or emotions. Under Ezra’s sharp gaze, the man was as open as a child. He didn’t seem panicked or overly concerned.
But Ezra knew his own strong emotions might have clouded his judgement. He wanted Vin to be okay, so he might well have been trying to read in Buck’s attitude and mannerisms that there was nothing to worry about. Hope and fear raged a constant battle inside him from the minute he saddled Dandy.
He and JD were just leaving the restaurant when Buck had come riding into town. Ezra had known immediately that something was wrong because Buck had come in alone. The others would have been with him if everything had been okay. Buck’s quick ascension to the clinic made him fear the worst.
It wasn’t dignified to race up the stairs after him, but Ezra didn’t care. He had run up the stairs, right along with JD. He needed to know what had happened and who was hurt. There would have been no need for Nathan if everything had gone smoothly. Ezra had come close to throttling Buck when the ladies man had been slow to answer JD’s questions.
When Buck mentioned they’d shot it out with seven outlaws, Ezra hadn’t been able to breathe. Seven to three were long odds. Not a gamble he would have agreed to take. With his own life, maybe, but not with Vin’s.
It was unthinkable that Vin was dead. It would have been like the sun failing to rise. For a moment he feared the worst, his heart bleeding at the thought of being alone again. It was too soon. He wasn’t ready to loose those bright blue eyes, that little smile, the poet and friend, the gentle morning kisses when he was barely awake, to never again run his fingers through those curling silky strands of hair…no. That was simply not an option.
Ezra had gotten a firm grip on himself. Buck would have told them immediately if either Chris or Vin were dead. He would have looked as devastated as Ezra felt. That meant injured, wounded, but alive. He could handle injured as long as Vin was alive. He would deal with punishing those who’d caused him harm in do course. It was more important to see to it that Vin was brought safely back to Four Corners.
Buck said there was only one rustler left, and he was also injured. Ezra felt a vicious satisfaction at hearing the others were dead, and the last was hurting. He would have liked for them all to suffer, but he would settle for knowing they were put down permanently, never to cause trouble to anyone important to him ever again.
He turned Dandy toward the Cavanaugh farm. Nathan should be there by now. Ezra hoped he’d managed to finish whatever he was doing, because Ezra was in no mood to wait. There was no one in this world who’s well being he valued more than Vin’s.
You better be all right when I get to you Vin Tanner. You had better be.
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