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Learning to Improvise…
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Josiah rode into town, saddle sore and weary. Spending long hours in the saddle was no longer as easy as it once was, but it was a task that needed doing. Someone had to check on the outlying ranches, and make sure the good people who lived there were safe and sound. He considered it part of his responsibility as a peacekeeper, and as a man of God, to undertake the duties assigned to him, and do them to the best of his ability. Josiah philosophically regarded it as penance. This was a task that he offered up to God as a means of making restitution for his past transgressions.Still, Josiah was relieved to be back in town. He was hoping the others were back. He worried about them being out on their own. He knew that Buck, Chris and Vin were all grown men, but he just felt more comfortable, confident, when all of the seven were in one place. And he would really be glad to get back to his usual routine of working on the church more and riding less. He missed the simple joy of working with his hands.
Josiah headed for the livery. He planned to take care of Prophet first, and then check in with JD at the jail as he’d done every day for the past four. If there was news, JD would be one of the first to know, and he was without a doubt the easiest to track down.
Josiah had made a point of checking up on the young sheriff just to be sure he was all right. He suspected that JD was a bit lonely without Buck in town. They were usually together and it had to be hard on the younger man to not have his best friend around. Those two could be brothers the way they act.
Josiah caught a flash of red out of the corner of his eye as he rode past the saloon. That’s odd. Ezra’s not normally awake yet this time o’ day. Wonder if his session with the little ones ran long.
Ezra was another reason Josiah would be glad to have the others back. Josiah hadn’t seen much of the gambler the last few days, and that bothered him. He wasn’t sure if Ezra’s absence was due to the recent work schedule or if the cardsharp was avoiding him. Josiah suspected it might be the latter, but for the life of him he couldn’t figure out what he might have done to offend the man. He’d hoped to have a chance to sit down and talk to him once the others got back.
Josiah feared waiting too long to fix whatever was wrong. It had been his experience that things left alone too long were likely to never truly be mended. Maybe I’ll be able to catch Ezra alone tonight, and see if I can find out what it was I did to upset him. Then I’ll know what it is I need to apologize for.
Josiah stepped out of the saddle with a sigh, one hand moving to rub at his lower back trying to ease the dull ache there. He led Prophet inside, and smiled when he saw Lady, Sable and Peso all munching away on hay in their usual stalls. Thank you, Lord. They are home!
Yosemite’s son, Matthew, came forward from where he was cleaning stalls in the back. He smiled up at Josiah. "Hello, Mr. Sanchez."
"Good afternoon, Matt." Josiah handed the reins off the teenager. "When did the others get back?" Josiah tipped his head toward the three horses that’d been absent the past few days.
"Not too long ago, Sir. Less than an hour."
"They have any trouble?" Josiah asked, wanting to know immediately if everyone was okay.
Matt nodded seriously. "Mr. Wilmington come back earlier ta get a wagon jus’ after lunch time. Mr. Standish went ta get Mr. Jackson since he was out at the Cavanaugh place. Said it would be easier ta bring him ta where Mr. Wilmington left Mr. Tanner and Mr. Larabee."
Josiah took a breath. Oh please don’t let anyone be dead, dear Lord. Please. "Who was hurt?"
"Mr. Tanner got shot in the leg. Can’t o’ been too bad though cuz Mr. Jackson didn’t take him ta the clinic."
Josiah breathed a bit easier. If it had been life threatening he was certain Nathan would have ensconced Vin in the clinic. If Vin wasn’t so seriously injured he had to stay in the clinic, then he would have insisted on riding home. "Why did they need the wagon then?
Matt shrugged one shoulder. "Brought back a prisoner with ‘em. Busted his leg is what I heard. Guess he weren’t in any shape ta ride."
Josiah nodded. "No, Son, I don’t imagine he would be." A broken leg isn’t something I’d want to ride with. Probably would be best to find one of the others and get the full story.
He smiled at the boy. "You’ll take good care of Prophet for me then?"
Matt grinned. "Sure thing, Mr. Sanchez."
"Thank you." Josiah headed for the jail. He considered the saloon, but decided against it. Someone would have stayed with the prisoner, and this way I’ll be able to get the story without interruptions or distractions. He never thought of checking the clinic, expecting to find Nathan in the jail treating the wounded prisoner.
Josiah entered the jail, smiling slightly as he heard an ongoing argument between JD and Buck. Kind o’ weird to think all is right with the world when you hear two people arguing, but I guess that’s just the way life goes. He wasn’t sure what they were arguing about this time, but it sounded as if Buck wanted to know the real reason behind something JD had done.
Josiah loudly cleared his throat, to get their attention. "Boys."
"Josiah!" JD greeted him with his usual youthful exuberance, argument with Buck apparently forgotten just that quickly. "When did you get back?"
"Just a little while ago." He nodded toward Buck. "I see you made it back."
"Yeah, just got in a little while ago myself."
"Matt tells me you had some trouble?"
Buck nodded. "Found our rustlers. Seven of ‘em."
Josiah shook his head sadly. Will they never learn? "And you thought it would be better to take them on yourselves rather than wait for the rest of us?"
Buck chuckled. "Nah. Wasn’t s’posed to work out that way." He shrugged, grinning widely. "But ya know how things jus’ don’t seem ta go accordin’ ta plan."
"Heard Vin got shot." Josiah put the slightest reprimand in his voice when he said that. He liked the jovial ladies men a lot, but there was nothing funny or easily dismissed about one of their own being hurt.
Buck nodded, his expression more serious than it had been. "Wasn’t bad, Josiah. Passed right through his thigh. Painful, but it ought to heal jus’ fine. Nate’s taking care o’ him now."
Josiah frowned. "Matt said Vin wasn’t in the clinic."
"Oh he ain’t." JD stated. "He didn’t want ta be there. Can’t says I blame him. Getting up those stairs woulda been tough with a bum leg. Not ta mention the way Nathan nags."
JD shuddered. "And those teas o’ his. You’d think he’d have found a way ta make it so they don’t taste so bad. I mean, it shouldn’t be that hard. Add some sugar or something. Honey, maybe."
"So where is he then?" Josiah interrupted quickly, trying to keep JD focused on the issue at hand. The young sheriff never failed to amaze him with how quickly he could jump from one thought to another.
"Chris’ room at the boarding house."
Josiah nodded. If anyone could keep Vin in line it would be Chris. Probably the only one who could. "Chris is okay, then?"
"Oh yeah, he’s fine." Buck’s casual response reassured Josiah the way nothing else would have.
"And our prisoner?"
Buck jerked a thumb over his shoulder casually pointing to the man in a cell. The man was lying quietly on the cot. "Winged him, and he fell off his horse. Busted his leg in the process. Nate saw ta him ‘fore we brought ‘im back. Though, I reckon, ol’ Nate will be in here when he finishes givin’ Vin a stern talkin’ to about restin’ and stayin’ put."
Buck slapped his forehead. "Aw hell, I forgot ta tell the undertaker we left some bodies lying out there." He grabbed JD’s arm. "C’mon, Kid, ya can come with me, and then we’ll go check on Vin."
"Don’t somebody need ta stay and watch this guy?" JD asked, pointing toward the occupied cell.
"It ain’t like he’s gonna go anywhere, Kid. Man can’t walk, and the cell is locked." Buck pointed out reasonably.
Josiah nodded. "Buck’s right, JD. I think we can safely leave him here, alone, for the time being."
He really wanted to check on Vin as well, and couldn’t honestly see the need for any of them to stay behind. It would be good for all of them to be together again, even if only for a moment. He’d missed having the others around. Josiah felt like this was the first time in days he could finally relax and quit worrying about the missing members of their little group.
"Okay." JD shrugged. "Ain’t like he’ll be here alone for long anyway. I’ll be back jus’ as soon as I know Vin’s doin’ all right."
Together the three of them headed toward the boarding house. They stopped just long enough to let the undertaker know about the six dead rustlers, and where the bodies could be found. Josiah shook his head sadly listening to the tale of lives lost. He was pragmatic enough to feel that if lives had to be lost it was better to be the rustlers and not one of his friends, but he still regretted the need for such violence. They could have chosen other paths. A shame that they didn’t.
Josiah let Buck rap his knuckles loudly against the door to the room Chris usually used. He wasn’t surprised to find Chris opening the door a moment later. The dark clad gunslinger greeted them with a small nod, and motioned them to enter with a wave of his hand. Man never was one to waste words.
Josiah blinked mildly startled to see that it wasn’t just Chris, Vin and Nathan in the room as he had expected. Ezra was also present. He was helping Nathan clean and bind the wound readily visible on Vin’s left thigh.
Could have sworn I just saw Ezra entering the saloon. Course, that was a good twenty minutes ago. Maybe be more. Guess he just got here a head of us.
Josiah wasn’t really surprised that Ezra would be there. They all tended to gravitate toward each other whenever one was wounded. He had just assumed the gambler had either already been there, or had planned to be by later.
Josiah knew that Ezra had worked last night and this morning. Matt said Ezra rode out to the Cavanaugh place to get Nathan, and then met up with Buck, Chris and Vin. Boy has already put in a full day, and he’s got to be as tired as I am, if not more so.
He knew that Ezra had made it a habit, over the last few days, to take a nap when he finished with teaching the children, and before he took the late shift. He was also aware of the fact that those few hours might well be all the more sleep the gambler got. Working double shifts while trying to maintain his normal schedule had undoubtedly left Ezra with fewer free hours in his day.
Josiah frowned thinking it was entirely possible that Ezra hadn’t been to bed yet. He wasn’t at all pleased by that prospect. Despite Ezra’s repeated efforts to convince them he was an uncaring, self-centered bastard, Josiah knew that wasn’t the case. My boy cares a bit more than is good for him. Working double shifts, and he still found time ta teach the children. And instead of resting before his next shift, he’s in here helping take care of Vin.
The large man frowned, not quite sure what to make of the gambler playing nursemaid. It wasn’t a task he’d ever seen the cardsharp do before, and one he’d have expected Chris to be performing, not Ezra. Ezra was surprisingly good at assisting Nathan. Those graceful, agile fingers that manipulated a deck of cards so effortlessly seemed to be equally adapt at handling the task they were currently being applied to. Wonder where he learned to do that? Boy has an amazing array of talents.
"Hey, Vin. You doin’ all right?" Buck was the first to speak.
Vin rolled his eyes before shooting a disgusted look at the ladies man. "I’m the same as the last time ya saw me, Buck. Ain’t nothin’ changed in half an hour."
Buck laughed. "Oh, I don’t know about that." Buck pointed toward the short pants Vin was currently wearing. "Looks like some things have changed."
Josiah noted that the pants were a light, smooth fabric, a pale blue in color. They seemed to fit Vin a bit snuggly, but still gave easy access to the wound on his leg. The easy access, Josiah surmised, was the reason for them, but they were not at all something he would have expected the tracker to own, much less wear.
Oddly, Vin didn’t seem the least bit embarrassed by his attire, or lack there off. That was something a bit unusual for the normally very shy tracker. Vin was notorious for his insistence on remaining fully clothed. Josiah had witnessed a number of rounds between Vin and Nathan over whether or not Vin needed to disrobe to have a wound treated. Vin rarely gave in gracefully.
Wonder how Nate got him to agree to this much. Probably wouldn’t take much razzing to make Vin self-conscious. And that certainly won’t help Nathan to take care of him. Would be best to keep Buck from saying too much more.
Before Josiah could say anything to Buck, Nathan had already sent a stern look toward the grinning ladies man, one that was seconded by Chris. "Buck, shut up. I had enough trouble with him today already pitching a fit about going to the clinic."
The black man shook a finger at Buck as a further reprimand. "Ain’t no call for you to make it worse."
JD lightly slapped Buck on the arm, adding his two cents. "Yeah." The sheriff neatly dodged Buck’s attempt to knock off his hat. "And quit doin’ that, too."
Buck just laughed lightly. "Now, JD, that’s the first time in days I made fun o’ your sissy hat."
"It is the first time in days you’ve been present to do so, Mr. Wilmington." Ezra pointed out with a sly smile, not looking up from where he was helping Nathan finish securing the bandage to Vin’s leg. "I have my doubts about self-restraint being something you can lay a genuine claim to in this particular situation."
Buck sent a wry look in Ezra’s direction, the good humor in his eyes undiminished. "All right. All right. I can take a hint."
Ezra glanced up at him with one eyebrow raised, a ghost of a smile played about his lips. "I haven’t observed subtly worked well with you in the past…unless of course it was applied with a sledge hammer."
It was rare that any one ever got the better of Ezra when it came to words, so the best Buck could respond with was a universal hand gesture. It was meant to be an insult, but Ezra just raised one finger to his mouth, wet it, and made a motion like he was marking a score on an invisible tally sheet. "I believe you proved my point nicely, Mr. Wilmington."
Josiah hid his grin at that, and he noticed the slightest dip of Vin’s head as he did the same. He’d missed this sort of by play over the past few days. It is good to have the family all together again.
Nathan pulled the blankets up and smoothed them over Vin’s legs. He gave Vin a stern look. "You stay in this bed. Ya hear?"
Vin shot a rebellious look at Nathan. "How long I gotta stay?"Chris spoke up before Nathan had the chance. "Until he tells you otherwise." Chris was clearly not in a mood to be argued with, but Josiah noted with a silent sigh that Vin seldom paid any attention to that.
"Ya got ta be kiddin’."
"Don’t think he is, Vin." JD offered quietly, his tone clearly commiserating with Vin’s predicament. Josiah thought of all of them, JD’s youthful exuberance probably lent him the best chance of understanding Vin’s reluctance to stay put. They all knew how Vin felt about being shut up indoors. The tracker chaffed under confinement of any kind.
Josiah was surprised when Ezra moved to open the window about half way. Nathan shot a quizzical look at him. The gambler leaned against the wall, and then shrugged one shoulder. "A little air movement lends the illusion that one isn’t quite so confined."
"And a little fresh air never hurt anyone." Ezra grin flashed briefly as he looked toward Vin, "or so I’ve been told."
Vin grinned back. "Thanks, Ez. Like it better with the window open."
Josiah nodded, pleased that Ezra had thought to find a way to make Vin more comfortable. "Good thinking, Son."
Ezra flinched at his use of ‘son’, just barely, but it was enough Josiah saw it. "Mr. Sanchez, for the last time, we are not related. Please desist in attaching such an unwelcome moniker to my person."
Josiah frowned when he noticed there was just a bit more ice and steel in Ezra’s voice than there had ever been before. The look on Chris’ and Buck’s faces told Josiah he wasn’t the only one who’d noticed. The two old friends traded a look, but didn’t speak. JD and Nathan both seemed oblivious to the undercurrent of tension in the room. Or maybe they are just trying to look as though they are.
Vin glanced toward Ezra. There was just a trace of concern evident in his face that told Josiah, Vin hadn’t missed Ezra’s reaction either. Something passed between the gambler and the tracker in that brief glance. Something Josiah didn’t quite catch or fully understand. But when Vin looked at Josiah, the preacher was somewhat surprised to see the warning look being sent his way. He didn’t know why, but Vin was most definitely telling him to watch his step.
Josiah knew Ezra didn’t care to be called son, but he honestly didn’t think about it. It was a simple gesture of affection to him, and he had been sure that eventually Ezra would come to understand that. Might be a good idea for us to talk, and soon. Like tonight, so I can find out what is bothering him, and I can apologize. I’ve missed him as much as I’ve missed the others. Don’t like us being at odds. ‘Specially when I don’t even know why we are.
Nathan held out a cup of tea to Vin. The tracker eyed it suspiciously. "This the usual stuff?"
Nathan rolled his eyes. "Yes."
Vin made a face. "Can’t I just skip it?"
"It’s this, or laudanum. Choice is yours." Nathan’s tone made it clear those were Vin’s only choices.
Vin sighed and reluctantly took the cup. When he would have handed it back after taking just a sip, Nathan shook his head. "Drink all of it."
Vin sighed again, but drank it all. He shuddered, and handed the empty cup back. "That stuff tastes awful, Nate."
JD piped up from where he had moved to rest against the foot of the bed. "There’s gotta be a way ta make that stuff taste better, Nate. I mean it doesn’t have ta taste that bad. Some sugar or something wouldn’t hurt."
"It’s medicine." Nathan answered, his voice very matter-of-fact. "It’s not supposed to taste good."
JD snorted. "Still think you could—"
Buck shoved JD playfully from behind. "He ain’t gonna take your advice, Kid."
JD shoved him back. "I’m just saying—"
Chris cleared his throat, effectively cutting JD off before their argument could get too loud or involved. "I think it might be best for you boys ta let Vin get some rest. You can finish that discussion in the saloon over a drink."
Josiah smiled slightly thinking the first suggestion was something more in line with what Nathan usually said. The second though, was definitely all Chris. Josiah caught sight of Chris slyly winking at Vin.
Chris always looks out for Vin. He knows our brother can only handle all of us in one room for so long. Truth is, he’s not the only one. None of them bore up well under the constant attention of their well-meaning friends.
Nathan shook his head as he gathered up his things. "Need ta check on our prisoner first. Gotta make sure his leg stayed set on the ride home."
"I’ll go with ya, Nate." JD grinned as he made that offer. "My shift anyway."
Buck frowned slightly as he looked toward Ezra. "Yeah, and you’ll be there all night."
Josiah didn’t understand the last bit. No, JD is just scheduled until midnight. Ezra will relieve him then. Or at least that WAS the plan. Obviously something has changed since this morning.
The gambler hadn’t moved from where he still leaned against the wall near the window. He raised an eyebrow at Buck’s look, but didn’t comment. JD rolled his eyes, and slapped Buck’s arm. "Lay off. I’m a big boy, Buck. Ain’t like I can’t handle working two shifts back to back."
JD waved a hand toward Ezra. "Ez has been doin’ it all this week so far. One night ain’t that bad."
Buck sent a quizzical look toward the cardsharp, clearly asking if that were true. Ezra smiled slightly and shrugged. "Someone had to Mr. Wilmington. We were short handed with the three of you absent."
Buck scowled, and sent a hard look toward Chris. "All week? You didn’t think ta plan a better schedule than that?"
"Well, it was kind of short notice, Buck." Chris answered mildly, his tone very dry.
Buck snorted, clearly disappointed in his old friend’s answer. He smiled slightly when he looked back toward Ezra. His whole posture had shifted from faintly aggressive to apologetic. "Sorry, Ez."
"For what, Mr. Wilmington?" There was no mistaking the honest surprise in Ezra’s voice.
"Thought ya conned the kid inta takin’ yer shift."
Buck’s protective nature where JD was concerned seemed to be as habitual for him as breathing. Josiah now better understood the half heard argument he’d walked in on in the jail earlier. Buck would naturally be upset on JD’s behalf if he thought someone had taken advantage of his protégé’s good nature.
Josiah felt a stirring of anger that Buck had thought so little of Ezra as to jump to the conclusion that he’d take advantage of JD. That just isn’t right. Ezra would never do that, and Buck should know better than that by now. But to be fair, he did call Chris on how he’d set up our schedule. Buck has just as stong a sense o’ fair play as JD. Might be where JD learned that.
Josiah noted that Vin’s blue eyes could have doubled for chips of ice as they raked the ladies man from head to toe. If looks could kill, Buck would be nothing but ashes. Guess I’m not the only one angry with him for what he thought. And it don’t look like Vin is going to let him off that easy over it.
Ezra’s didn’t seem the least bit surprised or offended by what Buck thought, only by his apology for thinking it. His green eyes were lit with an inner amusement. He smirked at JD.
"I believe it was I who was conned in this instance." Ezra clucked his tongue and pointed an accusing finger at JD. "Altruism, Mr. Dunne?"
JD blushed slightly. "Yeah, well…C’mon, Nate we got a prisoner ta see to."
Ezra chuckled softly at JD eagerness to depart. He moved to take the seat next to the bed that Nathan had just vacated. Josiah noticed that the gambler seemed to be preparing to settle in. Odd. Know he and Vin are friends. Pretty good friends, but I would have thought he be eager to sit in on a poker game since he’s got the night off. Would have expected him to be ready to leave by now.
JD stopped in the doorway when Nathan did. The healer looked back at Vin. "I’ll be back in a few hours ta check on ya."
Vin nodded. "Bring me somethin’ ta eat when ya do?"Nathan hesitated a moment, looking a bit concerned. "You hungry now?"
Vin shook his head. "No. Will be by then, I reckon."
"Okay." Nathan and JD left, closing the door quietly behind them. The room suddenly seemed a bit larger with two less people in it. Definitely quieter anyway.
Josiah noticed that Ezra had slumped in the chair. Ezra didn’t normally slouch. He realized his earlier assessment was in error. Ezra hadn’t settled in as much as he’d simply seemed to run out of the energy to stand. His earlier movements seemed to lack Ezra’s usual grace and coordination.
Boy looks about done in. Knew he was pushing himself hard, but I didn’t realize he pushed that hard. Have to remember to thank JD for taking Ezra’s shift. Was a nice thing he did.
Ezra had closed his eyes, and by all rights, if left alone, he looked as if he might just fall asleep where he was. Josiah shook his head thinking Ezra might already be dozing. Boy has about as much color as a sheet. He needs a good nights sleep. He won’t get that by sleeping in a chair.
Vin shot a concerned glance toward Ezra, evidently not liking what he saw any more than Josiah did. Vin and Chris shared a look. Josiah had long since given up trying to figure out what sort of communication passed between those two. They would tell him if it was something he needed to know.
Well, if Ezra is going to sleep in his own bed, better get him up and moving. Too much longer, and it will take an act of God to get the boy out of that chair. Chris or Buck will likely hang around ta keep Vin company. They’ll probably want that chair.
Josiah stepped forward, intent on getting Ezra up and to his own room. He leaned down, and gently placed a hand on Ezra’s shoulder. "Son, I think you should come with—"
Josiah never got a chance to finish. He jerked back, startled when Ezra launched himself out of the chair, tipping it over to crash loudly against the floor. The gambler had triggered the derringer mechanism and was pointing the little gun at Josiah, even as he stepped back. Ezra put his back against the wall, green eyes darted wildly around the room in a panic, but the small gun never wavered in its focus on Josiah.
It wasn’t uncommon for Ezra to react to being startled by making his derringer suddenly appear. But this was different. Josiah raised his hands palm out, not entirely sure what to make of the situation. Ezra was more than startled. He looked almost feral.
Josiah took a step forward. "Son, I—"
"Stay away from me." Ezra ordered, his words forceful, green eyes icy. Josiah got the impression that Ezra wasn’t seeing him. He wasn’t sure who the gambler was seeing though. Whoever it was, Ezra definitely didn’t feel kindly towards him.
"Not this time." Ezra’s voice was soft, but it’s lack of volume did nothing to disguise the conviction in his tone. No flowery words, no complicated sentences. That worried Josiah.
"This time it is my choice. I decide. Never again. Never. You hear me?"
"I hear you, Ezra." Josiah kept his voice calm not wanting to further upset the agitated man. From the corner of his eye, Josiah could see Chris and Buck shifting to cover both him and Ezra. He was somewhat reassured to note that neither man had drawn his gun yet. He didn’t want this to end in bloodshed, and he knew, absolutely knew, it would if the others drew their weapons.
"I decide. My life is my own now." Ezra stated again, his voice shaky. Josiah could see faint tremors running through him. Despite the shakes, Ezra managed to hold his gun steady. "My choice, and I don’t choose you. Don’t belong to you anymore."
Josiah didn’t know what to make of those statements. He kept his hands up, palms out, trying not to do anything that might be perceived as a threat. He waited, hoping the others had some idea of what to do because he didn’t.
Maybe I startled him more than I thought. Known people to do stuff like this coming out of nightmares. Done it myself once or twice, waking up not knowing where I was or what was real. Not quite the same, but close.
Vin moved closer to the edge of the bed. The tracker looked very worried. Of all of them, he was the closest to Ezra, but he didn’t make a move to reach out and touch the man. It had been a mistake to touch him earlier, Josiah realized. Somehow touching Ezra had been construed as a threat. Josiah was grateful Vin had better sense than he had.
"Careful, Vin." Chris whispered a warning. The gunslinger must have realized the same thing Josiah had. Touching Ezra was not a good idea, and there was no way to predict how he would react in his current state.
The tracker nodded, letting Chris now he’d heard his warning. "Don’t think he’ll hurt me, Cowboy."
Chris looked skeptical of that, but he stayed where he was, ready to intervene if it proved necessary. Buck kept quiet, but warily watched both Ezra, and Chris. Josiah realized that the ladies man might have the best understanding of all of them of what was going on. Man’s probably faced off with Chris in situations similar to this one. Chris has had his share of waking nightmares, and I’m sure Buck’s been there for more than one.
Vin called out softly, like he was trying to calm a skittish horse. "It’s okay, Ez. Talk to me. Tell me what’s wrong." His voice was soft, barely loud enough to be heard.
"Ez?" Vin called out again when the gambler didn’t respond. The tracker had sat upright and was on the edge of the bed. Vin held out his hand, offering it to the gambler, close enough to touch, but careful not to.
"It’s okay, Ez. Honest." Vin’s voice was almost a croon. "It’s okay. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to." Vin smiled gently. "Give ya my word. It’s okay."
Green eyes met blue. Josiah would swear he could almost see a physical connection between them. The set of Ezra’s shoulders relaxed slightly, and he lowered the gun.
Ezra blinked. "Vin?" His voice was so hesitant and shaky. It was so unlike Ezra’s normally self-assured, smooth tenor, that if Josiah hadn’t known it was Ezra, he’d have never guessed from the sound of his voice.
"Yeah, Ez. I’m here." Vin waited a beat. "You with me now?"
Ezra took a deep breath, and then another. He nodded slowly and seemed to settle into himself. Ezra was still pale, and a little shaky, but definitely back in the present. Where ever he had been, and who ever he’d been seeing in Josiah’s place, the gambler seemed to be back with them now.
Josiah stepped forward. Ezra’s attention snapped back to him, green eyes blazing with a rekindled fury. Josiah didn’t understand. He thought the crisis was over, but that little gun once again pointed at him. For all the wild emotion in his eyes, when Ezra spoke his voice was precise, so controlled it was almost clipped instead of his usual drawl.
"No. You. Will. Not. Touch. Me. No more ‘son’. " The last was a hiss of outrage and anger. "I will not tell you again. Understand?"
When Josiah didn’t respond immediately, Ezra’s finger tightened on the trigger. "Tell me you understand." There was no mistaking the command in Ezra’s quietly icy tone, or his deadly intent.
For a moment, Josiah was stunned by the realization Ezra might very well shoot him. The amiable conman he thought he knew, and harbored paternal feelings toward, would never have pulled a gun on him with the intention of using it. He felt like he was staring at a stranger. Chris had tensed, and looked ready to go for his gun. Buck stopped him with a hand on his arm, and a small shake of his head. Bless you, brother. One more gun we don’t need.
Josiah nodded slowly, deciding that it would be best to give Ezra what he asked for. "I understand, Ezra."
"Tell me." Ezra ordered him again.
The big man frowned not sure what he was supposed to say. Ezra’s eyes narrowed. "Tell me what it is you understand." Ezra’s voice was soft, but the threat was still there. "I don’t want you to simply humor me, Mr. Sanchez. That would negate the whole point of this little exercise. The point being, I never want to have this conversation ever again. This will be the last time, I assure you, one way or another, this will be the very last time. So tell me, what is it you understand."
Josiah winced. Guess he isn’t going to get used to me calling him son like I thought he would. "I’m not to call you son. I am not to touch you."
Josiah found that very difficult to say. He never thought Ezra was his son. He had never suffered from that particular self-delusion. But in a lot of ways the gambler was the closest to having a son that Josiah was likely to come. He felt as though he was verbally cutting the tentative tie between them. And however faint it had been, what he just did something irrevocable. Josiah didn’t like it, but he had no choice, not if he wanted to live.
Ezra nodded, apparently satisfied, and sighed. He flexed his left hand, and for the first time Josiah realized Ezra had clenched that hand into a fist so tightly the knuckles bleached white. Very slowly, Ezra lowered his gun. He warily watched Buck and Chris, as he carefully offered the derringer to Vin. Neither man had moved, but it was painfully obvious that Chris wanted to. It was only Buck’s restraining hand on Chris’ arm that kept him in place.
The tracker carefully curled the fingers of his right hand around Ezra’s wrist. Vin took the little gun with his left hand, and laid it on the bedside table, never letting go of the wrist he held. Josiah was surprised that Ezra allowed Vin to not just touch him, but to also maintain his hold. Ezra took a hesitant step close to the bed.
Ezra closed his eyes. "I’m sorry." The apology was directed toward Vin. Josiah frowned. He couldn’t understand why Ezra was apologizing to the Texan. Was me he pointed a gun at.
"It’s okay." Vin smiled gently. "Honest. No harm done."
Ezra shook his head. "About that I am not so certain." Ezra’s expression turned remorseful. His eyes were incredibly sad, shoulders slumped with both defeat and exhaustion, as he turned to look at Josiah again.
"It should not have come to this. All you had to do was honor my request. A simple thing really." Ezra studied Josiah for a moment. Josiah felt like those green eyes were measuring him, and he’d been found wanting.
"You take so much on faith, Mr. Sanchez. But from me you must have reasons and elucidation. Is it because I didn’t offer excuses or explanations that you found it so easy to ignore my stated preferences? Is that why you continued to overlook my abhorrence to being addressed as ‘son’? Or was it because you think so little of me, disregard me so quickly as unimportant, as to not care what I want?"
Josiah swallowed hard. It had never occurred to him that Ezra might see things this way. He never thought of Ezra as unimportant, ever. Ezra’s well being was more important to him than his own.
I just thought he was being stubborn, or pernickety. Didn’t think it hurt him, and he never said why….aw hell, I do act as though he should explain himself. I owe him an apology. Josiah hung his head, contrite. "I’m sorry, Ezra, I didn’t mean—"
"I know you didn’t mean." Ezra arched an eyebrow, and smiled sadly. "No one ever does. Do they?" The last came out sounding not so much cynical, as resigned. Josiah recognized the question as being rhetorical, and wondered about the history it suggested.
Ezra sighed tiredly. He glanced toward Buck and Chris. Ezra squared his shoulders, and straightened his spine. Ezra’s expression once again neutral, the poker face all of them knew far too well. His whole stance reminded Josiah of a soldier coming to attention. The little tremors running up and down his frame were mute testimony to just how difficult doing that was for Ezra. Boy has just about run out of rope.
Josiah expected him to shake off Vin’s hold, but he didn’t. Pitches a fit when I touch him, but doesn’t object to Vin. Josiah clamped down on the feeling of envy that reared up inside him. Thinking it over, he realized to his shame, that Vin had waited for Ezra to come to him, not thoughtlessly invaded the man’s personal space the way Josiah had done. Vin had let Ezra make the choice, something Josiah had consistently failed to do.
The preacher sighed silently. What I can’t figure out why Vin hasn’t let go. Ezra’s calm now. Don’t think we need to worry about him hurting anyone at the moment.
Ezra’s tongue nervously darted out to lick his lower lip, and he cleared his throat. He tipped his head slightly toward Buck and Chris. "My apologies, gentlemen. I fear I have disgraced myself, and caused you undo anxiety. I have no excuse to offer for my momentary lapse of reason."
Buck snorted. "Don’t need an excuse, Ez. Jus’ need ta know that you’re okay." The concern was easy to read in the ladies man’s voice and his face.
Ezra shot him a vaguely startled look. That was obviously not the reaction he was expecting. "I’m fine, Mr. Wilmington."
"You sure ‘bout that?" Chris asked quietly. "Cause, I gotta tell ya Ezra, ya don’t look okay."
Josiah had to agree with Chris’ assessment. Ezra swallowed, and chuckled dryly. "Touché, Mr. Larabee."
Vin tugged gently on the wrist his hand still encircled. The tracker still looked concerned. "You need ta sit down, Ez." It was not a suggestion.
Ezra reached for the chair, but Vin shook his head. He slid over on the bed, tugging Ezra with him. That made Josiah raise his eyebrows, but he held his tongue. Lost the right to question anything when I started this whole mess.
Ezra sat gingerly on the edge of the bed. The tremors seemed to be lessening. His color was gradually improving, but he still looked wrung out.
Chris stepped forward, and righted the chair. He sat down, and leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees. Something about his posture and expression greatly lessened the dark aura of violence, and intimidation, that Chris seemed to wear like a cloak about him. He seemed approachable, something that Josiah had never associated with Chris before.
Chris made eye contact with Ezra, and held it. "After you get a chance to get some rest, I’m gonna want to know what all this was about." Chris didn’t sound harsh or demanding. There was a wealth of empathy in his voice. It was obvious that Chris could relate to what had just happened, even if he didn’t know why it had happened.
Ezra’s lips curled into a wan smile, and he raised a hand to massage his temple. "Do I have a choice in the matter?"
Chris smiled gently. "Not really."
Ezra sighed tiredly. "I did not think so." He took a breath. "The whole story?"
Chris hesitated a moment, sending a quick glance toward Vin. Ezra tensed. Vin tightened his hold on Ezra’s wrist, and just barely shook his head at Chris. Ezra opened his mouth, but Chris interrupted him before he could say anything. "At the very least, I need to know enough to make sure this doesn’t happen again. I’ll leave it up to you just how much that has to be."
Ezra relaxed slightly. Chris patted his leg. "And I don’t need to know right now, Ezra. Like I said before, after you get some rest. I can wait."
Ezra nodded, looking faintly relieved, like a man granted a stay of execution. "As you wish, Mr. Larabee."
Josiah was surprised that Chris was willing to give Ezra the time he so obviously needed. Sort of expected him to just demand an answer. Man isn’t exactly known for his patience. I would kind of like to an answer myself. Sooner the better.
Josiah realized that he might have misinterpreted Buck’s restraining Chris earlier. Given his current behavior, it was possible that the gunslinger had not been planning to react to this crisis with violence. Since the only person Ezra had responded to was Vin, Buck might have understood that Chris’ interference would do more harm than good, and acted to keep him from making the situation worse despite good intentions.
Chris looked at Vin again. Their eyes locked for a moment. "You gonna look after him?"
Josiah blinked at that. Vin look after Ezra? Hell, Vin needs looking after too.
Vin smirked slightly. He wore an expression similar to the one Buck routinely gave JD when he thought JD had asked a stupid question. "You can count on it, Cowboy."
Chris nodded. He stood up, and traded a look with Buck. Buck shrugged one shoulder, and tipped his head. Josiah wasn’t sure just what it was Buck was answering to, but it was obvious that the rangy cowboy had agreed to something. He was letting Chris call the shots.
Chris motioned toward the door with his hand, more or less shooing them out of the room. Josiah frowned. "Chris?"
"Yeah?"
"Thought you wanted Ezra to get some rest?" Josiah was confused. Chris seems to plan on leaving Ezra here with Vin. I realize that Vin was the one to connect with Ezra just a few minutes ago, but he got shot today. Don’t really think he’s up to taking care of someone else.
Chris just raised an eyebrow in response to Josiah’s question. Josiah sighed. "Well…shouldn’t he be doing that in his own room? In his own bed?"
Chris pinned him with a hard look. "He’ll rest better here." The tone made it clear that more questions would not be welcome.
Josiah ignored it. "What about Vin?"
"What about him?"
Josiah opened his mouth, and then closed it again, not sure what to say. Buck patted him on the arm, and pointed toward the door. "Think it would be best, Josiah, ta just leave it alone. Have a little faith."
Josiah managed not to wince when Buck said the last bit, reminded of Ezra’s earlier accusation. He realized he really didn’t have a choice, and reluctantly headed for the door. Buck followed him. Chris came last. The gunslinger quietly closed the door, and Josiah could hear the lock click as it slid into place.
Buck turned to look at Chris. "Buy me a drink?"
Chris half-smiled. "Sure." He patted Josiah on the arm. "I’ll even buy you one."
"I’d rather have an explanation."
Chris pursed his lips, his hand curling around Josiah’s bicep. That grip was gentle but firm, and encouraged him to move down the hall. "Well, that is just gonna have to wait. Might as well come have a drink in the mean time."
Josiah hadn’t lived this long without being able to recognize a lost cause. He nodded, resigned to the fact that he would simply have to be patient. He offered up a quick prayer to God that he would be ready when the time came.
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